Recently there were very contentious elections held in Malaysia and as a precaution I set up an account with the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to be notified of any emergency situation. There was speculation that foreigners might be advised to leave if certain events unfolded, but fortunately no violence erupted. However I am now on their mailing list and got the above email this week.
Since my knowledge of the geography of this part of the world was very limited a few years ago and maybe yours is also, let me give you a little information. Malaysia is a peninsula which extends from Thailand in the north and ends in Singapore, just a short distance from the equator. The island nation of Indonesia encloses the peninsula on three sides and now is the burning season for the farmers all over Indonesia. The horrid smoke from the crop fires gently wafts its way and has invaded Malaysia. Everyone is encouraged to refrain from outdoor activities so my hiking and swimming have come to a halt. I am very unhappy about that, although the first couple of days seemed like a school holiday. Now I am ready to get back to it and there is no relief in sight from the smog.
I have recently become aware that my life here in Malaysia is becoming quite routine. I go to the same places to eat, shop, drink, and it feels so natural. I still experience thrills several times a week when I discover something new to see, eat, drink, learn. I am glad to report that I am still amused.
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