South By East
When I was a youngster in Boy Scouts I developed a love for map and compass. Later while serving in the US Army these skills served me well. My commanders were impressed by the internal compass that guided me well. Lately, I’ve been looking at things and I have come to the conclusion that my inner compas tends to lead me southeast.
Why do I think this? I live in Southeast Texas along the Coastal plain. Most people think of Texas as a desert, but I assure you I live on the edge of a swamp. And honestly there is no where else in Texas I would care to be. I’m fond of my warmth and humidity.
When I lived in Europe I always sought to go to the southeast. Whether it was Southeast Germany in Bavaria to ski the Alps. Or offloading from the ferry in the shadow of the cliffs of Dover, England. My best times in Europe had this southeast connection.
In the States most of my vacations seem to take me to Florida in the southeast. Whether I am going for a beach vacation or tweaking Mickey Mouse’s nose I find my self travelling this direction.
My favorite part of Canada is Toronto. Isn’t that southeast also? I think so and I long to return so I can eat some good Chinese and Greek food. And going to Pacific Mall is the closest to Hong Kong I have ever been (From a shopping standpoint). It has similar shops according to the missus.
My brother and I used to plan on sailing to Australia and New Zealand. Isn’t that the southeastern part of the world? Now that he has departed, I think I could settle for flying there. Pet some koalas. Punch some kangaroos. Search for Hobbits.
But the southeasternest of all southeasterns where I wanna be is Southeast Asia. Ever since I found Wabbit’s blog I have been educated about this land. First I explored Singapore. Then I peeked into Bangkok. Next I visited the city with the twin towers, Kuala Lumpur. Previews of Indonesian and the Phillipino Islands quickly followed.
This blog hopping opened memories of the Malaysian-Singaporean Student Union from University of Houston returned. I remembered the dances, particularly a Chinese gal from Penang that I took to the rodeo and later to watch a Japanese film called Ran. I recall now that some of those students spoke English better than me, with that funny Brit accent. It never entered my mind that they would use English so much in daily life.
So how could an Asianeophile not fall in love with this part of the world. People he can talk to without a dictionary. Pretty women. Interesting chaps. Beautiful sceneries. Wonderful history. Scrumptious food. My compass now points to where I need to go. Yes I said need, not want. And the sooner I go the better. Even if it is just for a short while. Or until the end of days.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Chupping Chup Chup! *dance dance*
SA: Blue Ribbon Dances in fact.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Ok, how heavy is the piggybank now? Enough for 4 tickets yet???? When you step on the ‘pearl of the orient’ your meals of ‘fried koay teow, assam laksa, rojak, Hokkien Mee, pasembur’ will be all paid for…. good deal?
SA: Piggybank still needs more ka-ching ka-ching. Looking forward to all of that food. Whoa! Sounds like a great deal. *hugs*
April 12th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Glad and proud to know that the Southeast Asia has attracted your liking. I hope you would soon win a trip here with your family one day.
SA: Your writings has helped to build that interest PY. I don’t know if I can ever win a trip there, but I am sure I can save the money to go. And I am saving for it.
Red Ribbon hugs for you.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
May be later after work, I will have to find out more about this south east thingy. Now I know your Pres is a north east person. Iraq is in north east if you draw an imaginary line of four quadrants. Good thing or else…( cough cough ). Is it because of this that you upload an old photo; may be looking for lost friends ? But many American marines know only Japan, Philippines and Singapore. May be that’s where their aircraft carrier always bring them.
SA: The southeast thingie is presented in this post. Just a thought that came to me the night before while I am in the shower. Northeast is not the topic nor does is attract my attention. The old photograph has been used since it was part of a post on June 22nd, 2006. The 30th anniversary of my joining the US Army. Know little about Marines and air craft carriers having served with/on neither.
White Ribbon for you.
April 12th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
oi! when u do go to SEA let me know so i can go meet u in kl oso!
SA: Roger that. Will definitely let you know.
April 12th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Catch you there in SEA one day then, eh? Bring tupperware..
SA: Will definitiely coordinate for summer excursion with ya. Tupperware? I’m thinking trunks. hehehe There will be so much I wanna bring back with me.
April 12th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
when u coming to europe????
SA: This is where the missus wants to go. It might happen in the next couple of years. She has such a big influence, since she out earms me so much.
April 12th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
So what are you waiting for?? *counting the days off the calendar until SA and family show up*
SA: I ask that same question everytime I see picture of Malaysian beaches, jungles, and KLCC. I wish I could blurt out a day that I would step on Malaysain soil. Some day I shall be able to.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Yo yo yo!!! I’m still waiting for you at the airport! Haha…
*waits to be Hugged*
SA: haha You making friends there? Get to know the customs folks so I can enter quickly. haha
First hug in KL is for you.
April 12th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
come south east asia soon okies!!!
heheh
SA: Sure want to. Soonest is bestest.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
and you’re still coming to visit next Summer, yea? come come! Australia’s part of Asia as well… or at least, I’d like to think it is, because I’m here… LOL!
SA: Well my girl is definitely heading that way. Why should I allow her to have all of the fun. Australia is definitely more special with you there.
April 12th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
AHEM
did i hear “PRETTY WOMEN”
*beams*
SA: So you are pretty? You keep hiding from the drone so I don’t know. keke
April 12th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
*stands with angel waiting at the airport*
*checks diary* Yup, year 2008 is Visit South East Asia Simple American Tour Year…
*grin*
SA: Updating my calendar with Rinnah’s note. Looks like she will get the second hug in KL.
*hugs*
April 12th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
it is definitely a journey to be remembered ..
SA: Hey!!!!!!!!! How are you busy lady!
A journey that must be made.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:09 am
yeah ,when you are here in malaysia…pls let me know..though i don’t have a lot of time to spare , i will definitely try to make it..at least say hi..
SA: Aw thanks Eve. Will do my best to fit your schedule too.
Even if it is a peek and the clinic for a quick howdy. Though I hope we can makan makan.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:44 am
*salutes*
You write so well of our southeast asian region. It’s in the books that you are destined to come here someday. I just know it.
SA: I feel it is my destiny now. I wonder what awaits me there. Sometimes I feel that God is pointing me southeast and I had better go or else.
April 13th, 2007 at 2:28 am
“How terribly sweet of you!” beams a pretty woman from SEA LOL!!! Life is short, just do it. *end cliches*
SA: Sweet but honest. You’re so right. I need to just do it.
April 13th, 2007 at 4:37 am
i suppose be the fourth person to comment but don’t know why this morning the page kept loading like no tomorrow….:)
As a Asian, i think most of us want to go to your side, just opposite. LOL!
Come to Sabah (i’m Sabahan), i bet you will thrill when you see those “Pulau” (Island)..maybe..those in your site are much more nicer than those in Sabah..
SA: Sorry you had difficulties posting. This net can be so uncooperative at times. I had some problems with blogpost sites yesterday.
Yep. The grass is always greener. I hope that when my friends hop the lake (Pacific) they will go further than just Hawaii or California. You’re from Pearl Islands? Those are beautiful. And has some neat places like the lake with jelly fish that do not sting. I remember it from one season of Survivor TV show.
Sabah? I new word for me. Is that the name of an island or is that an ethnicity? Would be interested to explore it.
April 13th, 2007 at 6:54 am
I think it’ll be great when you do go visit SEA. You have such love and respect for the cultures found there that it will be a great trip for you!
SA: I look forward to the day I can go. Feel sorry for my kids though. They will have to suffer from my need to peek into every museum I spot. haha
April 13th, 2007 at 7:42 am
here here !!! dont forget us when dropping by lil dot in yr southeast asia world tour. would love to see some pic of a swarmpy texas.
SA: I’m not leaving Singapre until you and I sit down for chili crabs. Swampy pics. I should take some. Especially with gators in it. I have only spotted one so far this year, but it is still early.
April 13th, 2007 at 8:26 am
SO when is your trip to Australia?? i know where you can pat koalas and kangaroos…:D but yeh trust me SEA is so much more worth it..cheap, good food and way lots more things to do!!
SA: My daughter is going with the Girl Scouts next year. My missus suggested we should follow her. I will not argue with her. hehe I cannot wait to go to SEA though. So many nice people I want to meet. But same is true of Oz. Have new blog mates there as well.
April 13th, 2007 at 10:14 am
no definite date yet when you are coming to malaysia? don’t forget to come to the land of good food - penang!
SA: No date is set yet. I could get hurt if I don’t go to Penang.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:07 am
South East has gotten u all the memories huh?
But I would love to head West… I mean to Europe!!!
SA: Everyone has a different direction ya? Europe is cool. I lived there six years so it does not hold a strong attraction. Though I do need to go there some day.
April 13th, 2007 at 11:17 am
boy, you have been to many places alrite…
SA: Yep. I have traveled a bit. Hope to travel summore.
April 13th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
an ASIANEOPHILE is the funniest word ever! there’s a name for everything isn’t there?
lol…you’re so cute and you’re not that fucking old, age is relative, I think of you as 25. so there.
SA: It’s a real word Mitz. I’m not so clever like Webster. haha
Me cute! Let me tell my missus. LOL! I wish I felt 25, though I am capable of thinking like a 25 year old.
April 13th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Your comment that since wifey out earns you, she has more influence to decide where to go. But going visiting south east asia won’t burn a hole in your pocket because of the currency exchange
SA: Thats true about the currency. And I am lucky that she wants to go back to Malaysia too. She visitied SEA as a graduation present from her Dad years ago.
April 14th, 2007 at 12:58 am
woot… South-east Asia is the place! Do not stop, do not pass GO, do not collect tour brochures…. plunge right onto the homelands of your Asian bloggers! We will take care of you. Well, at least in Singapore, you can count on me. 24/7. I can do that!
SA: Thank you ECL. It is so nice of you to say. Definitely look forward to going that way. And who needs tour brochures when they can read blogs hor?
*hugs*
April 14th, 2007 at 6:02 am
Pssst! Is that where the pecker’s pointing too? South-east?
Hehehehehehe!!!
SA: I tot only birds had peckers? Enlighten me.
April 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Unker Cocka! Where are you pointing to?
*innocent looks*
SA: *Looks at Unker Cocka* *Looks at Plinksan (much more enjoyable lah)*
*hugs Plinksan*
April 14th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
WOW!! YOUR PLACE IS NICE AND TIDDY! even you’ve seperated blogs by countries, vely good!!!
just dropping in to spread some hugs and leaving you 2 kisses all the way from Spain!!!! :-*
SA: You know I just remembered you are in southeast Spain Cara. How coincidental. jeje
*hugs hugs*
April 14th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
South East Asia, South East Asia
SEA SEA
waiting for u
i dun like to read maps leh..
but if i go to a new place, then no choice but to read maps loh
SA: I don’t wanna make you wait long.
I love maps. One of my favorite things since I was a boy is looking at maps. I just enjoy them.
April 15th, 2007 at 4:07 am
come to asiaaaaa. you will love asiaaaaa. and you will eat and eat and eat non-stop. hahahahaa
see Chen’s blog, more food food food!!!
SA: I want to go to asiaaa, I oledi lurve asiaaaa, and I cannot wait to eat, eat, and eat summore.
And then I hug you, hug you, hug you!!!
April 15th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Yes, I know what you mean. I fell in love with Asia and I can’t get it out of my head.
SA: It never gets out of your head now. An addiction worse than heroin, but much more healthy.
April 15th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
OMG OMG OMG!!
squeals.
If you & Kracker come here, I will never let you leave. Na-ah. Not this time.
SA: It would not be that hard to kidnap me. hehe
April 15th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
lol! we didn’t manage to tie Kunstemaecker up that time. maybe we can succeed with …. you!!! haahahahaa! come come .. kakakaakaka!
hug hug hug you. you will have to container load your hugs back when you leave asiaaaaa!
SA: I bet I’m a lot slower and thus easier to catch. And you know I’ll struggle. wakakakaa!
Good thing Houston is a containter port.
April 16th, 2007 at 4:15 am
busy lady still busy .. work work work *zombie*
SA: Totally understand. This is the zombie time of year.
April 16th, 2007 at 4:21 am
I would be honoured to travel with my brother in arms (’arms’ being ‘blogging’).
Seriously, we should look into that.
SA: I would love to coordinate travel. Earliest I can probably get there is next year though.
April 16th, 2007 at 10:04 am
u love maps?
o.O
Don’t u feel giddy looking at maps??
LOL
SA: I look at maps and think I wanna go there, there and there!!! And there too!
April 16th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
You like warmth and humidity? Yup, you’ll feel right at home here!
*waits with angel at airport with another car for SA’s extra suitcases*
SA: Sounds like South Texas to me. keke You know my daughter is coming. hahaha She cannot travel light.
April 16th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I hardly knows how to use a compass.
And trust me, I have no sense of directions at all.
SA: As long as you can show me to a good restaurant that is okay. I can show you the campus. haha
April 16th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
sounds like the movie ‘Number 23′… so everything is about southeastern for you…
SA: Really? Isn’t that supposed to be scawey? *shivers* It seems southeastern wroks for me. Ooh. Singapore on the southeastern tip of the Malaysian penisula?
April 18th, 2007 at 5:14 am
Aigh.. if only the check you wrote to pay your taxes need not go there.. thn you can use it to buy tix to come over!
SA: The check I wrote could buy two tickets to Kay El. Ouch!