JYSim for jobless-yokel Sim

2 weeks back home. Apart from doing some very expensive shopping and sticking myself to a stringent but uneffective Biochemistry study plan, I met several old friends to ‘relive the moments’. Whether or not I had had a milder semester at Taiwan or a quarter of my mind is preoccupied with Biochemistry, this summer is filled with the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality for me.
From people asking me to call them right after I landed (Kai Yan), which I forgot, naturally, to Seong Ling asking me out spontaneously and myself getting a reply in less than 30 seconds after I sent out an invitation SMS, I was thoroughly amazed by how hospitable and together my friends could be. In fact, it was until the news about Malaysia Airlines being awarded the World’s Best Cabin Staff that I finally realised this - Malaysians are hospitable and warm in nature. It’s in us. MAS had been having the World’s Best Cabin Staff for 2001, 02, 03, 04 and 07. It’s something already second nature to us.
It’s rather different in Taiwan, as I observed. Nevertheless, observations by an individual alone may be biased or subjective. And gradually, I lose my warmth and friendliness dealing with other people - especially when I’m busy. Slowly getting used to the ’self-service’ way of life in Taiwan, I feel so pampered as a guest back home - Kee Wai making sure I got on the right KTM Komuter terminal heading for Puchong, Soon Khen asking me along to his AIESC meeting, though I wished to go shopping that evening, and Seong Ling offering me a lift home even though I can walk home. Things don’t usually go that way in my secular country.
I guess being together and being friendly is a nature brought up in every Malaysian through living and receiving an education in Malaysia. In fact, I don’t feel lonely back home, as I quite often do back in Taiwan. But then again, the simple fact that I’m a ‘guest’ and not a ‘long-term burden’ will bias me on my judgement. However, just allow me to say that the amount of warmth exhibited by everyone I’ve met is just overwhelming.
Nevertheless, soon everyone will be off on their own chosen pathways and calling on a gathering would not be as simple as it is today. In fact, this might be my first and perhaps last summer spent in Malaysia with all of you guys - one year from now everyone will spread to every corner on the globe and Malaysia (which sadly have different seasons for holidays), and till then I think it would be worthless to spend summer back home alone (to Mum and Dad - ‘alone’ doesn’t imply without you guys, you are still greatly welcomed in my life). Without you guys, Big Thumb (or Just Cafe will simply be an ordinary cafe serving ordinary drinks with amature singers mimicking the stars. Without you guys, e-Gate and Tesco would just be a place to shop for groceries and have dinner. Without you guys, MidValley would just be another option on the shopping list to shop for a sling bag.
It’s always hard to imagine a total transformation of life when you’re so comfortable with yours now. It’s always easier to grip and enjoy what you have right now and not anticipate tomorrow, but reality will always strike the ones least prepared.
So, to everybody back home who really made my summer meaningful and worth the almost-two-thousand-ringgit air fare (not that I had any extravaganza awaiting for me in Taiwan), thank you so much for the care and warmth you showered Jun Yi when he meets you with a blank face. He really does enjoy meeting old friends and reliving every and any moment in his 18 years of life, and he thanks all of those who can show up, again and again. And even though he might not have contacted you, please do find the opportunity to whack him when you see him strolling in Gurney or Queensbay (which I haven’t gone to yet), or nudging him on MSN and make his computer hang. If it’s not for preparing to serve Lord Biochemistry, he would’ve visited each and every one of you guys at home.

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