Malaysia- the unexpected visit

[images to be added at a later date when we can find higher speed internet]

Hello again!

Bong (how I refer to sean in Cambodian-respectful way of saying husband) and I apologize for not posting soon... we have been beyond busy, have had no sleep, and no internet access....although, I must admit even with internet access I would have been way to busy to write.

So, I write from E Roth's home with internet Sean mysteriously found... (a little luck from Bong's Budah purchase)

A little catch up---> Malaysia.... Korean Air was very kind to us and put us up in a VERY nice hotel in Malaysia (Pan Pacific)... I even ate American food for dinner (wasn't feeling the adventure with only 2 hours of sleep) Anyway, Bong and I did not want our trip to Malaysia to go wasted. We tried to take a train into the city to see the 2 largest buildings in the world and sight see around, but unfortunately the train stopped running at 1am and this would force us to take a cab back to the hotel, risky and expensive.

We decide at 2:30 am (after our forever long dinner because time is NOT of the essence in Malaysia) to head to bed and awake at 5am to catch the first train (Kalia Express). Why so early you may wonder? Well, our flight was scheduled for 11am and for us, time was of the essence!

Bong and I hop aboard our train where only one other woman sits. Bong, being the talker he is, quickly makes friends with Delilah. She was born and raised in Malaysia, but received her MBA from Ohio State University. Conversation made our half hour train ride seem like all of 5 minutes.

Our new Muslim friend was more of an inspiration than anything to me and Bong. You see, Delilah is a cancer survivor. She received medication that many of us take for granted... a type of drug therapy that I work with on a day to day basis.... a drug therapy that is not readily available to those who reside outside of the US.

Delilah receives chemotherapy.... a therapy regimen that she had to be interviewed and chosen to receive. Chemotherapy agents in Malaysia are brought in from the US. They are given to only those who "pass" this interview. In other words, if you don't fit the criteria, you die.

Delilah is nothing short of a strong woman. She also has one of the kindest hearts. She was not scheduled to work until 9am and decided to take us on a tour of Malaysia. She brought us from train to subway (which is not underground) and also funded half our way! You see, in Malaysia the ATM machines don't actually start working until the bank begins operating... to us, this seemed unusual.

Our tour was sweet, informational, and heart touching. This is something I wish for our family to experience.

As we arrive back to the airport, we are of course late for our check in (supposed to be 2 hours prior to departure)...oh, but no worries! Our flight is delayed once again :)

So, don't think I didn't leave Malaysia without trying true Malaysian food... I did. This food also followed me to Cambodia... Yes, without further explanation, I am positive you can imagine my discomfort. Poor Bong.

See you from Cambodia!!


Fun Fact: Interesting to note, Delilah loves American Football (Ohio State, that is).