Different place, different pace

October 1, 1949 is the day the People's Republic of China was founded. So the Chinese celebrate this day by granting the entire week off for its citizens. Me and the wife took advantage of this period by returning to her hometown of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It just so coincides with the wedding of her brother.

As I am writing this entry in Malaysia, I am struck by how different the pace is between China and Malaysia. Malaysia is a tropical country near the equator where the population is primarily made up of 3 ethnicities - indigenous Malays, Chinese, and Indians.

During my travels, I have discovered that people who live in tropical areas tend to be more laid back about life than most. This is definitely the case here in Malaysia. This is really the first time that I have gone directly to Malaysia from China and I can feel the difference immediately. It is most evident when one is just doing normal everyday things like walking on the streets, shopping or eating out.

In Shanghai it is a controlled chaos. When you are out and about there are constant challenges facing you. After I have lived there for 1.5 years I am use to it, and it takes going to a place like Malaysia to remind you how tired you are of a place like Shanghai. There are no hordes of bicycles whizzing by you from all directions as you walk on the streets. There is no pesky salesperson following your every move when you enter a store. There isn't a sense where you are being rushed to do anything like there is in China with nearly everything that you do. This aspect is quite possibly the most annoying thing about living in China. For instance, when you are on queue paying for something in a store you can either be cut in line by some impatient soul who was not on line to begin with, or you could be cut by the person behind you if you are slow to present you items for payment when it is your turn. This is the case in all aspects of life in China. They take the saying "You snooze, you lose" to an exaggerated level. This mentality creates tension in nearly every thing that you do in China.

Well, I am going to enjoy my remaining 4 days relaxing over here before going back to the chaos that is Shanghai.