A New Perspective

After 3 weeks with us, Tony went back home.  We have missed him but are so grateful that he came to help.  While he was here, he gave daily updates to the fam back in Australia.  I always like hearing his point of view on things, so here is some of those views.  With his permission, I am publishing emails to the family.  Remember, he is an Aussie and they spell things differently as well as talk weird! LOL Love you Tony!

Hello all


Still busy here in KL. The kids are getting a bit apartment crazy now; we try to get out at least twice a day. In the morning after breakfast, Vikki, kids and I usually head for the big children’s park below us right in the city centre (KLCC). It is usually very hot and humid and so an hour in the park has us feeling like getting inside and we head for the Petronus Towers shopping area. We have visited the wonderful aquarium under the shopping area and know most of the place inside out now.


Tuesday was my big test with Zoe and Nic all day. Davo and Vikki left at 0630, but the kids didn’t wake till about 0800 – great start. We had breakfast in our room (we have a small kitchen and had cereals and toast). Then we headed for the park and played on the great array of equipment for an hour or so. After that we headed into the Petronus mall and found some chicken nuggets and fries for lunch. We ate out in the park under a shelter which was quite pleasant. It is always warm here and of course humid but it is pleasant if one is not under strong exertion; I would not like to be building Bob & Gail’s house in these conditions – Kiwi would melt away to nothing!! After we returned to the apartment, the kids slept for about 1.5 hours – this is always a good time of the day when one can read the newspaper and a book. Some TV children’s movie time was followed by our almost daily visit to the swimming pool (provided there is not rain and lightning). We spent an hour or so there and returned for bath and shower. We watched the rest of a movie and spent time until it was tea time for the kids. Davo & Vikki arrived home about 1830; both passed all the training and will get Malaysian licences, and David will get his company car in the next couple of weeks.


After breakfast on Wednesday morning Vikki had to go to Halliburton for a security briefing; about 2 hours. After lunch and kids sleep we spent a little time in the giant book show in the exhibition centre (alongside the park and connected to the Petronus centre). I bought a copy of Anna Karenina ($12)and a book light ($4) and we bought some children’s books; prices quite low. Then David joined us and we had dinner in a Vietnamese restaurant in the Petronus centre; excellent food and we will go there again.


On every other day or so we seem to get great lightening, thunder and rain storms, usually in the afternoon. It is near end of dry season and so kids have some wetter times still to look forward to. Being on the 29th floor it is quite spectacular when the clouds come right alongside and the thunder and lightning are simultaneous.


Today, Thursday, the real estate agent retained by Halliburton to help find accommodation called to get near finalising the contract for the rental house. David and Vikki have requested a few more things be installed like more curtains, and they have offered to share the cost of a dishwasher with the carrot that it will be left at the end of the rental period. The owner had agreed to put in a water filter (whole house job which seems needed for westerners at least) in exchange for not putting in a dishwasher, hence the try for a bit more bargaining. They should have it all tied up early next week; a Muslim lady owns the place and so nothing will be done over the Raya weekend.


The air freight arrived this afternoon; three boxes; and so now the kids have plenty of their favourite toys and much more to occupy them in the confines of the apartment. We retained one of the big boxes as a cubby house that is getting plenty of use already. This evening we walked back yet again to the Petronus Galeri and went to a Thai restaurant for a very nice dinner. Now we are back and the children are getting ready for bed. Tomorrow, also a holiday, we may go to visit friends and see the proposed house from the outside, and Davo and I may get a game of golf in over the next three days with colleagues.


The end of Ramadan approaches and Malaysia has 3-4 days holiday. Many people go home for ‘Raya’ and the roads have been chaos. The front page of the newspaper today showed motorcycle gridlock where a whole section of highway looked like an MCG crowd had all got on motorbikes and just ground to a stop- you could only see people shoulder to shoulder with the motorbikes submerged beneath; another photo showed a train filled to bursting, but then you could not see the roof as that too was covered with people. It is quite nice in KL as so many have left for the country.


Yesterday morning (Saturday) we all rose in good time, had breakfast and walked down the street and boarded the hop-on-hop-off bus for a round tour of the city. It was interesting and we saw a number of the main attractions that we had thought of visiting later. It is hard to fit things in between when Nic needs a sleep and kids eating (Nic can go ballistic when he is hungry and tired). Zoe has been having a mid-day sleep too but then stays up late, or at least stays awake in bed till late and so Vikki decided to dispense with Zoe’s day sleep, starting yesterday. It worked well and she went to bed earlier, slept straight away and didn’t wake till after 0800. So with a new routine we only have to fit Nic’s sleep time and Zoe’s quiet time. If we tire Nic early he will sleep early and give us a longer afternoon to do outside visits. We will go swimming earlier in the morning and then get Nic to bed, have lunch and go out. We want to visit a couple of shopping malls we haven’t been to yet, and also a wonderful Bird Park.






Yesterday, after the first round on the Hop on & off bus (stayed on for one loop, about 2 hours), David and I went back to the Chinese District to see whether other visits might be appropriate. It is busy, smelly, and dirty. Masses of small retailers along the roads trying to sell stuff; lots of dodgy watches, t-shirts and other clothing, food, eye wear, etc. Not a place I want to visit again or buy anything – too risky although can be cheap with bargaining. However, there did seem to be some opportunities for copy label children’s clothes and Vikki might take a look without the kids in tow. We also visited the Central railway station where I might depart from as it is fairly easy to get to, there is Malaysia Airlines luggage check in, and a fast train to the airport (28 mins vs 1 hour by cab). We took a train from there back to our station which was fast, cheap and good and so I can get there in reverse on leaving. However, taxis are cheap and that is also a possibility straight from the apartment on Saturday evening.


MONDAY 13 SEP 2010


Sunday was quite busy again. After breakfast and a swim we got Nic to have an early sleep and by 1200 we had caught a Taxi (Tekse) to Plaza Damas to meet James and two children for lunch. Rachel was at home with Archie who she had had to the doctor with a fever. After lunch we went back to James & Rachel’s house, nearby, and by now Archie was feeling better. We had a pleasant afternoon including swimming, kids playing and adults socialising. Rachel had had a hectic week with all three children to the doctor at various times. (flash forward to Monday morning and when we meet Rachel we find that she had again been to the doctor to find that two children have ear infections and so more antibiotics). On Sunday evening after returning to the apartment we had a light dinner downstairs in the restaurant where we have breakfast every day – there is an up market restaurant on the top (39th) floor that we haven’t visited for dinner yet as it had all sorts of special arrangements for Ramadan.


It has rained probably all night, but is fining up first thing. David has gone to work early (still only a 4 day week as 16th is yet another holiday (17 public holidays a year and they call Australia the land of the long weekend???) – David won’t work a full 5 day week until after I leave. Vikki, kids and I had breakfast and then caught a Tekse to Plaza Damas where MANZA (Malaysia, Australia, NZ Association) was having a Mums (and puppas) and kids play group at a Toys-R-Us playground. They do this each Monday at various places, on about a six week rotation, so it is good for Vikki to make contacts and for the kids to mix. It was enjoyed by all; Vikki and I took turns on duty and I had a walk around the plaza and then Vikki had coffee with Rachel who had come over without her sick kids (maid looking after) to introduce Vikki around.


Following the play group we did some shopping when Vikki was able to find a cooling pad/dock for her computer which tends to overheat, and also a wireless router which David will be able to set up here this evening and later use in their home. I also bought a small car garage for Nic from Toys-R-Us as he had so enjoyed the one at home (Goolwa) and one at Rachel’s place; I also bought a Buzz Lightyear for Zoe and so was able to redress a little of the toy giving for birthdays that has been much more difficult for our remote grandchildren. After lunch we caught another Tekis home and Nic went down for a well earned sleep.


The Tekse taking this morning proved to be a cost effectiveness test run. We know that Blue tekses are better but considerably more expensive than the red tekses. We got a blue from the hotel and it cost us RM35 to the plaza and a red one back cost us RM13. There is another hazard that many red tekses in particular try to ask for a fixed price and not switch on their meters; many say their meters are not working. We had been alerted to this and insist on the meter being used and if they refuse, or are particularly reticent or grumpy we just tell them we will get another tekse; this happened at the plaza and we despatched one red and got the next one who had no hesitation to use his meter and help us with the pusher – hence he got a tip of RM2 for being honest and helpful. The expats already here had told us to insist on meters, that reds are OK if they comply and of course about half the price of the up market blues. However, even the blues are much cheaper than in OZ or the US, or indeed most of the rest of the world. Most Tekses have a sign on the side saying that haggling is prohibited, but some still try anyway. For those in OZ who said we should haggle and think they get the price down are wanking and it is always best to get the meter used. There is our lesson for today and at least we know the deal next time we visit.


TUESDAY 14


After breakfast Vikki, kids and I were picked up by Manjeet, the real estate agent retained by Halliburton, and driven out to where the house is that D & V have been negotiating over. At the moment they are in a stalemate with the owners who want them to pay RM500 per month over their allowance and will not pay even half of a dishwasher. We had a look at that place again this morning as there were workers there installing lights and air conditioning. It is certainly a big place on three levels. However, while we were there we came across a colleague of Manjeets who showed us another option (only from the outside as the estate office is still on holidays). This house looks like almost the same design as the other, but not quite the views, however the owners sound much more agreeable and will install water filters and dishwasher and other good internal furnishings like curtains all within David’s allowance. They will look at this place tomorrow morning and if OK will sign up for it.


In the meantime, Vikki has found that Zoe may be able to get straight into Kindergarten at the British International School nearby and so she is proceeding with that. The application is made and interviews will follow. This is a good option as Halliburton will pay the fees for this whereas they have to pay themselves for pre-school or day-care outside the formal school environment covering kindy to year 12.

Hope you all enjoy his view as much as I do!

Red Cab or Blue Cab?

At first glance, this is a very simple choice. I picked blue! What’s the difference you ask? Blue cabs are newer and cleaner. They always use the meter and they are readily available at most of the hotels nearby. So what is the problem if the answer is so incredibly clear? They charge double the normal rate. You are paying for the cleanliness. Not a huge deal if you don’t use them often, but without a vehicle, we have used a cab a couple times a day. Thankfully we have friends here to help us understand the customs and when we are getting ripped off. So the red cabs became far more appealing. The problem is they are shady! Half the time they tell you the meter isn’t working and give you a price instead. You try to tell them no you want the meter, but they just argue with you. It is usually an inflated rate and they are pocketing it since it is not an official cab ride. Oh yeah, and they STINK! When your 4 year old is asking you what stinks as you are trying to get this cab driver to be honest and put the meter on…well it is a fun time for sure! The other day, Tony and I went out to a shopping center via cab. We took a blue cab from the hotel and it cost us $30RM. To get back, we waited in line at the taxi stand and the guard for the shopping center hailed a cab for us. The first cab was a red one and told us the meter was broke. He said he would get us back for $30RM because the traffic was backed up. I said no and he told me ok, he would use the meter plus $5RM. I said no again and the guard shut the door for me and hailed the next cab. He was a red cab too and was honest. Put the meter on and helped Tony get the stroller in the back. I tried to tip the guard since he was so helpful and nice, but he refused to take it. Our cab ride back cost us $10.50RM and the cab didn’t smell bad!
Moral of this story, pick the red cabs, but be prepared to check a couple cabs before you find one that you will actually get into for a ride.

Me v. iPhone

Wow! Can you say difficult? AT&T has a monopoly locked down on those things! I was warned about jail breaking my phone. If you do that you void your warranty, so can’t do that. Oh, but wait, your warranty is void if you leave the country so who cares! Now if you don’t know what I am talking about here it is. To use your iphone on a new cell network, outside the US, you have to both jailbreak it and then unlock the SIM card. Sounds very complicated, but after a little time surfing hacking sites on the net, I found it to be a simple process. Another expat here gave me the name of a guy who could do it all for me for $150RM. Not too expensive, but those who know who I married understand any money is a lot. Which is why I chose to try to figure it out myself. I am not terribly technologically advanced, but I can figure out the simple stuff. My biggest problem was finding a wifi spot that I could hook into to get the downloads complete. Tony and I spent some time over in the coffee shops doing that. Again not hard, unless you have two children who love to climb and jump on you when you are doing important hacking! It took me two weeks to get enough time online to get the phone ready for a SIM card over here. Another week after that to figure out what carrier to use and how to get a number. I had to decide whether I wanted pre-paid or post-paid and then what plan I needed. Unfortunately, the plan I want requires you to already have a number. So I have a number and in a month I will change my plan to include data as well as a telephone. I am back in this century, a little! I have a phone and I can text people, but I still can’t use my iphone completely until I have a data plan too. Can you see how complicated this has become? Moving internationally has so many different dynamics to think of and deal with. Dang I just wanted a freaking phone people!
Oh and just for the record, they don’t have the iphone 4 here yet. Should be later this month, but it will cost over $1000US. Again, you know who I married! I will be selling my services on jail breaking and unlocking for any expats in the future. My new business venture to help pay for my shopping trips.

A little kindness goes a long way...

We arrived on Saturday, David started work on Monday and there was a public holiday on Tuesday. September has many holidays we have now been told, as well as January and February. This country is looking better every day in my book!
A coworker of David’s was kind enough to ask us over for lunch. They live in the neighborhood we had heard so much about and were wanting to live in. Their names are James and Rachel and they have 3 sons…JimJo(7), Archie(4), and Francis(3). I was a little apprehensive about it, but I was also looking forward to knowing someone here and having some kids that Zoe and AJ could play with.
They are both from New Zealand and they have lived in Norway for the past few years. They just relocated here 6 months ago. Rachel and I hit it off right away and she was able to give me some invaluable advice. The kids ate lunch first and then we had ours…which made it nearly dinner time before the adults ate. That was a bit strange for me. If you know me very well at all, you know I was starving to death by that point and ready to chew on my own arm! Fat people don’t like to wait more than a couple hours between food. Alas, I did survive and the kids had a great time. Zoe was exactly like she always is around new people. They asked her if she wanted to go upstairs to play and we didn’t see her again until it was time to eat. Rachel was worried about her at first, I guess her boys are normal boys. Of course I was more worried Zoe would try to bully her boys. Needless to say, we both had nothing to fear. Zoe held her own with those boys and those boys learned they couldn’t push her around. Zoe has developed a bit of a crush on the oldest, JimJo…I believe the feeling may be mutual. AJ loves visiting them because he gets a break from his sister and they have cars for him to play with all by himself. That poor kid has to deal with his sister on top of him all day everyday! He just wants a little peace. So lunch was good and we have made new friends. I can’t express how much it helped me feel more comfortable about being here. Remember that when you have the opportunity to do the same for someone else. A little kindness and hospitality goes a long way!

Sick Day For Mommy

Got sick?  I did!  All those mommies out there, you know we don't get sick days when you stay home.  If you work outside the home you are blessed enough to at least get 8 hours of peace which counts as your "break" to rest and recover.  That is one of the few things I actually miss about working, maybe the only thing other than the extra money. 

So, let's recap...relocated to a new country, living in a serviced apartment with very little personal items, have two children under the age of 4 and now I am sick!  This is why there have been very few posts this week.  I have a word document with about 4 or 5 partial blog postings but have not had the opportunity to finish them.  Because, as you all know, even when we are sick, life still goes on...like it or not!  I was getting sick the day we arrived, but I was able to deal with it for a few days.  I finally got so bad I went to the doctor.  Not sleeping and coughing so much I wake the other people in the room is not good when your toddler is sleeping in the same room. 

Turns out I had an upper respiratory infection which is fairly easy to cure.  Just a few antibiotics and in two days I was back.  Luckily, at my absolute worst, David was home(Sunday), so I was able to sleep a lot.  I went to the doctor on Monday and had defensive driving on Tuesday.  It was not the best day of my life, as I was not feeling my best and trying to drive on the other side of the road.  But I did pass, which is great!  And I am now getting my feet on the ground here. 

Off to other things before bed now.  More posts to come this week as I finish off some of the more interesting experiences of late.  Just a teaser for you to look forward to...Zoe met her first hooker(yes you read correctly), I ran a stop sign during my driving course, and I spent 30 minutes in the shower crying a couple days ago.  It has been a roller coaster time here!  Stay tuned!!!

Finding a Place to Live

Every time we have moved I have been super stressed and extremely anal about finding a place to live.  There is always the new and usually much higher prices to deal with and of course figuring out which area doesn't just look nice but actually is nice to live.  In Denver, without having kids, the area was not as important as just locating ourselves between where we both worked and easy access to the mountains.  Pricing up there nearly made me stroke out, but I learned to calm down and we found a suitable place to live in a nice enough neighborhood.  Houston was a little different since we just had Zoe and were beginning to think about the schools and areas with playgrounds.  The actual house prices were the same but you got more house for the money.  However, we now had to think about the taxes and HOA dues and traffic into the office.  Ugh!  It just was one stress on top of another.

When we found out we were moving to KL, I began to start looking for places online (this is the OCD coming out) and figuring out how much it would cost us here.  Of course, another stroke was looming in my future before I realized I was looking at Ringgits instead of Dollars.  I found some places online that were nice and in our budget and then we spoke to David's boss who told us to check out their neighborhood.  Luckily, it happened to be in the same suburb I had looked at so that was a plus.  But if I have learned anything from our previous moves it is this, the pictures online are LIES!  They never look the same and you truly cannot find a home from those listings. 

With all that said, we gave the agent an idea of what size and type of community we were looking for and let them do the rest (that is what they get paid for anyway).  The past two days, David and I went out house hunting with our agent Manjit (woman).  Tony (my manny) and the kids just hung out here at the apartment so that we could concentrate and get through this quickly.  Side note: it was a good thing they did not go with us, it is freaking hot!  They don't typically have the a/c on in these places since they are empty so the sweat just rolls...and they were all 3-story places!  Not posting the attractive pictures of the sweaty mess I was, just use your imagination.

We looked at 3 different communities all in the same suburb called Mont Kiara. All these places would cost us the same amount so we basically just pick what suits us as a family and what will fit our furniture. 

•  Duta Tropika is a gated community that is a little older, but has a lot of advantages.  David's boss as well as another co-worker lives there and we all get along wonderfully.  The place is just a very friendly community of expats and has a great safe feel. 
• Serene Kiara is also a gated community that is very new and only about 50% full at the moment.  It does not have as much community green space and the pool and playground are a bit smaller, but the houses are all separate and you have an amazing view of the city from the hill it sits on.  You also have  a small yard for the kids to play and a gate to keep them in the yard (knowing my kids, this is a plus!)
• MK10 is a condominium tower that is brand new and absolutely stunning.  We would have an entire floor with a private lobby.  They have two huge pools, a large playground, indoor driving range and a putting green.  If you know my husband, then you know those last two items completely got his attention.  We can only afford the 8th floor, but the view is still breathtaking.  

Yes, I am so incredibly blessed.  I don't know how or why God chose me to pour out these blessing to but I will take them and praise Him for them all.  And yet, even with these blessings, we still do not have a place to live.  We finally decided today to go with Serene Kiara since the layouts fit our furniture and our lifestyle the best.  There is another coworker of David's who lives there and they can carpool.  It is closer to the school that the kids will hopefully get into and only about a 10 minute drive over to our friends at Duta.  An offer was made for the place we liked the most today, but there was also another offer made for that same one.  After the owners countered, we chose to not go with it just because we wanted it so much.  In the end, we still want a good deal and we need to be able to be comfortable with what we are paying and getting.  So we turned that one down and have inquired about another place in that same community with the same floor plan just a little further up the road. 

My prayer is that we have something finalized by the end of the day tomorrow.  It will take about 3 weeks for the place to be ready to move in and then we still have to wait for our stuff to arrive from America.  I am ready to be settled in a house instead of this apartment.  As nice as it is to have everything done for you, I still like getting into a normal routine with the kids.  This seems too much like being on vacation.  I am ready for play dates and friends coming over for dinner!