Living Abroad

Two days back, I bumped into a friend and we were talking about life in Malaysia. Our conversation then ended around the fact that she wished to migrate and start a new life in a better place. It is really quite sad that alot of us want to forget the place we come from.

Living abroad for two years in Hawaii made me understand why alot of us tends to feel that there is someplace else we would rather be. But Malaysia is our country and that will and always will be your home at heart. Whatever that I've experience elsewhere, I just hope I can bring it along with me in my memory. And Hawaii is one great example of a place that is special to me.

With what that began with some Universtiy application 4 years ago, I didn't realize that a new life experience is unfolding.



Then, Hawaii is just an island that appeared only fictional, a place they called paradise or so they say in the tv.



But the things I remember about Hawaii is not only about its beauty. It is the people I met there, the vibe and the experience of living far away from home. Before that, I've never get to meet so many people from all around the world. And Hawaii Pacific University is one great place to do just that cos they have such diverse nationalities studying there.



This is the place where I get to witness how different everyone really are despite only our personalities but the place that we are from... and how we carry that in us so obviously. From the way we talk, the things we wear, the things we eat and the way we want to share apart of our country with the rest.


Jiin is my Korean sexy friend that I got to know in Hawaii


I still remember how we use to gather outside Bishop street (where the University is) after classes just to chill and talk about the day. The air is always light and breezy over there. Can't really do that in Malaysia... unless you wanna get barbequed alive.



And everyday we took the bus to get around. It is here where I get to see the real everyday livelihood of Honolulu, from the working class, the tourist, the students, the handicapped and also the homeless. Most of the time you get friendly people in the public bus, but there are times that you get to meet some idiots who doesn't understand common courtesy. I've seen a couple of dramas in the bus itself but most of the time I get to meet new friends.... and get to hear their stories about home and life in Hawaii.



There is one conversation that I didn't forget til now, and it was when I was talking to my kwai lou friend. He always share brag about his weekend flings with me.

Him: Hey vic, last weekend was amazing man. *dreamy face*
Me: What? Another Japanese girl? I heard that before. What so special this time?
Him: This time was different man. You know what happened after we had sex? We were naked right? ... and suddenly she just bow down on the bed kneeling and said 'Arigato gozaimazu' to me!
Me: OMG! Okei~~ that is amazing! *LOL*

Like I said, I get to witness different cultures blending. Or should I say coming together?

It is also in Hawaii that I get to see how an 'open' culture is. We were allowed to speak up, allowed the freedom for free expression... something that I still feel that Malaysia is lacking of. Over here, alot of things we tend to hold back or whisper to only friendly ears.



In Hawaii, nobody give a flying 'fk' whether you're rich, poor, man or monkey. LOL.



But one of the best thing about living abroad is your own personal freedom. I really really do miss the house parties we use to have at our apartments.





I still remember this one time my Taiwanese friend puked so bad out of the balcony that it dirtied someone's car. Me and some of my other friends went for rescue and rushed down with a big pail of water to clean the car up. But I slipped from the stairs, broke the pail in two and ended up bathing myself... -__-"



And of course, I did share a lot of my culture with my friends by showing them how to get drunk Malaysian style.



I don't really celebrate Christmas but for the first time I felt the spirit of Christmas there. All these while, I thought Christmas was a time to party and time for terbabas-ness.

Check out pretty John with the white hat

I miss cooking and buying groceries can you believe it? Yes.... I don't only know how to drink. I've alot of hidden talents. =P



And last but not least, Hawaii is indeed a paradise. I've never felt our Earth more alive than there. The wind is strong, the sky is blue, the trees are green, and the girls humans there are beautiful.



Hawaii will be one place that I don't think I'll forget for the rest of my life. And I'm glad I took that part of me back to where I come from =)



And so should everyone of you out there.