Christmas in Malaysia

We cannot believe we have been in Malaysia for 6 months. The time has flown by. It seems like only yesterday that we had this crazy idea. On the other hand it seems like we have lived here for a long time. When we return from a trip here we are happy to be "home". It is still very strange to call this condo "home". Although we have not put a lot of money into decorating the condo, it is cozy enough for us to be very comfortable and happy. We are looking forward to our second term of teaching. We have a few more travel plans for the spring. The end of our year here will be fast upon us.

We tried very hard to get into the Christmas “spirit”. Although the malls have splendid displays and the Masses during Advent at Assumption Church were very much like home we missed being with our friends and family very much. Our new friends in Malaysia are wonderful and we had many visits and meals with them. We really did enjoy ourselves. It does not replace family though. It is so difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when the temperature is 25 to 30 degrees everyday. But, the malls have the most amazing decorations that we have ever seen. People go to the malls just to view & photograph the Christmas displays. A little while ago Bill & I were at the Mid Valley Megamall (yes they call it a megamall - because it is so huge) & the Centre Court Christmas display was breathtakingly beautiful. The theme was carried throughout the mall to the smaller North South East & West courts & each was more beautiful than the next. They have been piping Christmas carols throughout the malls since mid November. Each department store has a small Christmas section with a few tree decorations. However, I am finding it very difficult to find Christmas decorations for the home, kitchen or table. I found some Christmas cake, pudding & napkins at Marks & Spencer. That's it!! But I was able to find a couple of small decorated table top Christmas trees & a few tacky decorations to make our condo a little more festive. It will do!!

Our New Year celebration was also a lot of fun. We organized a BBQ at our Condo complex and 17 of the Canadian staff came. We had a great BBQ dinner and then everyone came up to our condo for drinks & chatter. At 11:50 we all made our way down to the pool and we watched as the hotels nearby heralded in the New Year with amazing fireworks displays.

We wish all of you a wonderful New Year filled with happiness and prosperity.