Hello From Malaysia
(The XX - Intro)

So whenever I tell people I'm going to such and such, they're always like, "I'm so jealous!" or "I want your job!" I really have to remind people that work travel != vacation travel. The equation looks a little more like this work travel = working in a building that's located in another city. Sure you're a few steps from enjoying an exotic country but that's like working in an office with a great view of a sunny summer day you can't enjoy. It's one big cock tease. My job is basically learning to cope with blue balls.

Anyhow, I've been in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) since last week for work. I also visited some friends in Singapore this past weekend. Haven't seen much while I've been in either countries but I have enjoyed the food and people here. Some of the things I've eaten...durian mochis, chilli crab, laksa (spicy soup), Singaporean chicken rice and bak kut teh (pork soup).

The general population for both countries is about average looking. The only reason I mention this is because I found Hong Kong surprisingly below average. It's almost like they banished all the ugly people to Hong Kong island. Wait...maybe that's why my work sent me there! Damn them! All kidding aside, after a few weeks in HK, I barely noticed this. When I got back to Toronto though, everyone looked like supermodels.

Back to KL and Singapore -- they love their shopping. There are a ton of huge malls here. All with very couture brands like Chanel, Burberry, Versace, etc. Prices are comparable to N. America with no significant discounts even with the great exchange rate.

So I hear the new George Clooney movie "Up In The Air" is a good representation of my last year of travel. I think I'll have to see this next week when I'm back in Toronto again. I should be grounded for the next few months. It'll be nice to get back to a normal local routine again.

Missing everyone in TO. See you all soon.