Wow, what a first week!
First off, I get lost whenever I go out. Sidewalks here just run out all of a sudden every few blocks. Plus, street signs are clearly some insidious eastern plot to drive westerners crazy from going in circles (which they seem to point you in on purpose). There doesn't seem to be a price on a lot of things. For example going out to eat I cross my fingers every time that the bill isn't triple what I expect. When grabbing from the ala-cart it seems they just make up a price when you stop eating. Even when I go to a pub or restaurant with a menu and prices listed I still have to be careful of the old bait and switch tactics usually reserved only for electronics and car salesman back in the states. I nearly lost it though the other day when I went to purchase a beer at a pub called the Library. The menu listed some choices I pointed to the beer I desired and the cheapest price next to it. FYI Malaysia isn't cheap and beer especially is stupid. My order was a 1664, half pint 26MYR (about 8.70USD). Told ya! The shit aint cheap! Anyway, I get the bill (the bar back is also bringing me another beer) and it's 38MYR (you do math) all I know is it equaled me being PISSED! I nearly reached over and chocked the little fucker out. It wasn't until I calmed down and realized that while I had spent 50% more I actually got 200% more for the buck. So, Don't get me wrong deals can be found but it's work. I realized it pays now to double check by having them repeat back to me what they understand it is that I actually want. Dealing with street vendors to haggle a good price over any of their cheap knock off shit is also work and another can of worms all together. I'm staying away from them. There seems to be no good deals to be had. If I truly want something than I'll just have to surrender to paying US prices for it, but only if there is something out of this world is there reason to bother, and that's just not likely from the street vendors. Taxis are another mystery. Every one has a sign on the car saying metered (metered cabs have set and cheaper rates). None of them actually are metered, and talking to the cabbie you find they want about tripple the price for a ride off the meter. Needless to say I've done a lot of walking! Taking the monorail seems okay, but at night it's down right depressing to look at some of the people on there. I don't know if it's that they are poor it's just that they are disgusting with their hygiene. Come on already if you can afford a token for the rail you can afford a little self dignity and put on some clean clothes over a showered body, just my opinion. Poverty is not an excuse to be gross. Otherwise stay home.
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest... I know I've left out a bunch but that's fine. Who reads this shit anyway? I'm happy to say my confidence is building. My learning curve is solid. Also, my attitude is improving. "Always look at the lighter side of your life".
What's next? I wonder!
