KL American - February 2013

A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia

PP 43

53/0

5/20

13 (0

3326

9)

February 2013 americanKL

1KL American February 2013

Contents

14

13

22

9

Cover Photo: Lion DancePhoto by Rachell Gautz

2 Director’s Corner

3 Editorial

4 Membership

5 AAM Messages

6 Community Service

7 Annual General Meeting Call for Nominations

8 Weekly Events

9 What’s On at the AAM

12 Special Events

14 Digital Shoebox

16 Chinese New Year by Latisha Merican

17 Building Blocks

18 We’ve {Bliss}fully found our Teak{ia} haven!! by Kimbra Naber

20 New Year’s Resolution by Kim Starr

22 Memories

27 AAM Privilege Program Directory

28 AAM Calendar

AAM February 2013 Advertisers IndexAdvertisers (A-Z) Page

p.25

p.24

Back Cover

p.26

p.28

p.26

Inside Front Cover

Inside Back Cover

p.19

p.26

p.26

p.20

p.5

p.21

A Cut Above

Allied Pickfords

Asian Tigers Transpo

C3 one stop homeservice

C3 Events, Catering, Party

City Motors

Crown Relocations

Eastern Carpets

Foodpanda

IBU

Malacca Wwood

Samira by Asian Terrace

The Expat

Tropicana Medical Centre

2 KL American February 2013

Director’s Corner

Presidential

EagleAMCHAM Asian Tigers Transpo Halliburton Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Santa Fe Relocation Services Talisman Malaysia Limited

Murphy - Pantone 654C, C100 M64 K38 Star - Pantone 193C , M100 Y66 K13

Corporate Partners For 2012

Liberty

Can you believe that we are already in a new year?! I hope that the year has already started off treating everyone well!

I have now started my second year in my home away from home and I still look forward to all of the possibilities that it offers. I encourage all of you to join us in upcoming events that we have scheduled. Many of them are cultural learning experiences that can enrich our time here. We have some regional trips coming up that look very promising and

extremely fun!! And, of course, our annual ball is scheduled for February 23rd. We will be celebrating the artistry that is the Oscars. Make your plans now to join us for this fun-filled night!!

As I start 2013, I am looking ahead to another end and subsequent beginning. Our Annual General Meeting will be held in March. This is the time of year when AAM Board elections are held. While I have enjoyed being the President for the past year, I am now looking forward to concentrating my efforts in other areas of my life while here. I want to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful ladies that I have had the honor of working with over that last year! They are truly one of the gifts I received by volunteering my time to the Association. I have made some true friends while serving in this position. I strongly encourage participation from all of our members . . . all positions are open for voting!

2013 will be a year of growth and prosperity for our Association. Please come be an integral part of it!!

This is not good-bye . . . just see you later!

Jennifer GuthriePresident

Board of DirectorsPresident Jennifer Guthrie [email protected]

1st Vice President Diane Tenney [email protected]

2nd Vice President Lauryn Mock [email protected]

Secretary Vacant [email protected]

Treasurer Doreen Hollenbach [email protected]

Publications Director Rachell Gautz [email protected]

Major Events Director Vacant [email protected]

Membership Director Vacant [email protected]

Community Service Director Claire Hines [email protected]

Corporate Relations Director Vacant

Bazaar Directors Lovie Alptunaer Mary Mantei

Liaison DirectorsAmerican Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Yvonne Miranda

ISKL Hilda Alposilva

MKIS Linda Seaver

US Embassy Jessica SchneppleJo Ann Sernovitz

General Manager Ann Tan


Editorial

KLAmericanMagazine Team

Unit G-3A, Villa Seavoy7, Lorong Titiwangsa 8Taman Titiwangsa53200 Kuala Lumpur

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tuesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.Closed from 1-2 p.m. every work day for lunchClosed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Tel: (03) 4021-4367/8Fax: (03) 4021-4371E-mail: [email protected]: www.klamerican.com

Editor Rachell Gautz

Photo Editors Judy Pescio

Kim Starr

Contributors Randee Duncan

Rachell GautzJennifer GuthrieLatisha MericanKimbra Naber

Kim Starr

Webmaster Bess Anne Corwith

Proofreaders Randee DuncanStacy Rushton

Ann Tan

Editorial Support Ann Tan

Designer Yap Wai Kuan

Advertising Sales Ann Tan

Tel: (603) 4021-4367/8

Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process

33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: 8941-7603

Publisher American Association of Malaysia

The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least 6 weeks prior to publication which is the 1st of the month.

Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a space-available basis. The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially.

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.

Gong xi fa cai! Of all of Malaysia’s many holi-days, Chinese New Year is one of my favorites. Even if you’re not Chinese, there’s plenty to take in: the mall decor, the CNY bazaars, and of course, the lion dances. Last year I saw three lion dances in one mall alone. For me, the highlight is the ac-robatic lion dance, where the “lion” (operated by a team of nimble performers) leaps between columns and climbs lad-ders. If you’ve never seen an acrobatic lion dance, I highly rec-ommend going to one; almost all of the malls will feature at least a few performances, and of course, it’s free.

Another highlight for me, as someone who loves food, is yee sang, a uniquely Malaysian dish of auspicious seafood, veg-etables, and fruit. Tossing the yee sang is supposed to bring good luck for the coming year, so be sure to hare this dish at least once during the Spring Festival.

Wishing you a prosperous Year of the Snake,

Rachell GautzPublication Director

GPS Coordinates:N3° 11.035’, E101° 42.278’


Membership

“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our New Members for November/December

Minh Phuong Paula and Ngoc Vu Bui

Monika and Paul Cadena

Lana and Richard Cicalo

Julie and Greg Doliszny

Eileen and Ken Fredricks

Jaminka and Ivica Grgas

Irena and Kevin Jackson

Rebecca and Arthur Klink

Looking for a fun way to become involved with the AAM? Sign up as a Membership Director! The position offers a chance to meet new people and introduce them to KL. The Membership Director organizes the monthly First Friday lunches and Coffee Mornings. For more information, contact Jennifer Guthrie at [email protected].

Emily and Andrew Leahy

Gienda and Roger McGuire

Laura and Bruce Miller

Susan Pike

C.Yuan and Eric David Rainton

Jenny and Chad Rasmussen

Ursula Rother

Layla and James Trude

Phui Yu and Chun Tee Khoo


AAM Messages

Reservation & Payment PolicyReservations can be made via fax, email or in person.

The AAM Office will send confirmation of •receipt if the reservation is made by fax or email. Reservations not cancelled five (5) •working days before the event must be paid in full.When minimum attendance is not •achieved, the event may be cancelled or rescheduled.Pay online via IPAY88 or in person by •cash or check.

AAMTel: (03) 4201-4367/4368Fax: (03) 4021-4371e-mail: [email protected] Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops

that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a line in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email [email protected]

Membership Renewal To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be included with the magazine two months before expiration. Dues can be paid at the office by cash or check or via IPAY.

AAM hopes you are enjoying the convenience of our online payment service. With this convenient and secure portal you can pay for events, classes, workshops, dues and Building Blocks tuition from your home computer. Simply contact the AAM office to make your reservation and request an online invoice. Then check your email inbox for further instructions – it’s that easy! Note:

Any MasterCard or Visa credit card •accepted regardless of issuing bank/country.Multiple events can be paid for in •one transaction.Service charge:•

RM 50-250 - RM 5 charge RM 251-500 - RM 10 charge RM 501 and over – 3% charge For additional details, contact the AAM office or visit http://www.klamerican.com/policies.htm.

IPAY88Please respond within 48 hours of receiving the ipay invoice.

Your $0.02

AAM Online Communities

Solicitation PolicySolicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office.

Our Yahoo! Group remains active as a useful forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members who have not received an email invitation to join can contact [email protected]. Enter “Need AAM Yahoo Invitation” in the subject line, and include full name and AAM membership number in the body of the email. An invitation will be sent via email and you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information go to www.klamerican.com/policies.htm.

The AAM is now on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities!


Community Service

Hello and a Very Happy and Healthy 2013 to all!

Our Christmas giving project was to benefit the children at Rumah Hope. Rumah Hope was started in 1994 as a social ministry of Good Hope Lutheran Church in aid of needy children and as a sanctuary for abused, neglected, and underprivileged children between the ages of five to 17. Presently the home has 51 residents with the average age being pre-teen and above. Although the home has been granted the tax exemption status by the Ministry of Finance, it operates solely on public funding and donations corporations, societies, and individuals. Taking into account the subsidized medical and transport costs, the cost of supporting one child is about RM400 per month. They continue to appeal to corporate and public bodies for financial assistance to support

these children.

Rumah Hope’s objectives are to provide a suitable social setting with physical and emotional care to children who have been deprived of these necessities in life:

Health care, shelter, education, and social interaction to physically, emotionally and psychologically scarred •children.

Security and comfort to the children who have never experienced such•

The opportunity to reconcile parent and child through counseling and therapy•

The chance of wholesome education in government schools •

I am sorry to report we did not meet these kids’ needs for Christmas with the shoebox collections. Thank you to all that made an effort; however, we only received 21 boxes. After the inventory, I called the Lady Superior and asked for wish lists from the children. She did send such, a few days before Christmas, with their names and wishes. Most of the teenagers wanted a digital watch, or a pair of jeans, or a T-shirt. Three of the seven-year-old girls wanted a new dress or sandals. The few young boys wanted motorized cars. I shopped for all of these 51 kids and came within a frugal budget. The AAM President, Jennifer Guthrie, I, and the office staff made sure each bag had the child’s name and present desired. We used your shoebox gift items as supplements to the various age-appropriate bags. As you might imagine, the kids were beside themselves with their presents. I thank you for your donations and apologize for the misinformation you received beforehand. In the end, it all worked out beautifully as you may see in their faces. They were all so polite and gave genuine handshakes of smiling thanks. Rumah Hope thanks you ladies of AAM.

God Bless,

Claire Hines Community Service Director


It’s that time of year! Join the 2013 Board of Directors of the American Association of Malaysia! We will be voting in the new board at the Annual General Meeting on 21st March.

Want to join this fabulous team, or know someone perfect for the job? Contact Jennifer Guthrie at [email protected]!

Executive Committee (Elected Positions)President — VACANT

This is the gal or guy in charge. She or he runs the meetings and supervises the whole gang.

First Vice President — VACANT

In the event that the President cannot fulfill his or her duties, 1st VP takes charge. He or she is also responsible for administration of the AAM Villa, employees, contracts, etc.

Second Vice President — VACANT

Are you good at party planning? This is your kind of job! Plan events such as the Shrimp Boil, Thanksgiving Dinner and group trips around SE Asia. This is the Fun Director!

Secretary — Bess Anne Corwith (Nominee)

Archives our meetings for posterity!

Treasurer — VACANT

Keeps us under budget and writes the checks.

Other open positions:

2013 Board of Directors

Call for Nominations

Community Service Director Bazaar Director Corporate Relations Director Publications Director


Weekly Activities

All activities are at the AAM Villa unless otherwise noted.

MONDAYMahjong1:00 – 3:00 p.m.Members: free. Non-members: RM10Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of Mahjong. We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’ and enjoy the afternoon. Please email Randee Duncan, Mahjong Coordinator, at [email protected], to confirm.

WEDNESDAYBeginners Bahasa Malaysia – Level 1 (NEW CLASSES)9:30 – 11:30 a.m.Wednesdays , 6 February - 22 May (15 sessions)Members: RM675. Non-members: RM775. Materials fee: RM50Minimum: 8, Maximum: 10.Now is the time to start learning the language of your host country. This series of classes is led by Puan Mas from Applied Language Systems who will not only teach you the language but also share knowledge that will make your time in KL richer. RSVP by Thursday, 2 February 2012, to the AAM office to start this learning experience.

Quilting10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Members: free. Non-members: RM10New quilters and seasoned quilters work together to share their love of quilting. We meet at the AAM Villa. Please contact coordinator Irene Solomalai at the AAM office ([email protected]) for details. Please be sure to put “Quilting Group” in the subject line.

SATURDAYKL RoadrunnersAre you a runner? Are you looking for running friends? Come join the KL Roadrunners. We run on all different levels and newbies are welcome. Contact coordinator Irma Ritchie at [email protected] for meeting place and time.


What’s On in . . . February

Bingo with Little Sisters of the PoorEvery first Tuesday of the month, join our bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners.

The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents. Please e-mail [email protected] if you can join us.

Fridays, 1 FebruaryNoonTGIFriday’s, Pavilion Mall, Level 6

First FridaysThis monthly social activity is especially for newly arrived expats and provides an opportunity to ask questions, gather information and to meet and relax with new friends over lunch. There will be a reservation under “American Association.” There is no fee to attend, but guests are responsible for their orders. Please pass the invitation to new neighbors and friends! Members old and new are welcome. Please RSVP to [email protected].

Tuesday, 5 FebruaryTuesday10 a.m. – 11 a.m.St. Francis Xavier Home for the ElderlyTaman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima CherasTel: (03) 9131-1464

Chinatown Walking TourJoin Angie Ng of Heritage Travel for a walking tour of Chinatown. Learn the history of the early Chinese and the famous Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the founder of Kuala Lumpur. The tour includes a visit to the See Ya Temple, the oldest temple in Kuala Lumpur, and stops at the traditional stores and wet markets of Chinatown. We’ll conclude with lunch (non-halal) at an old-fashioned Chinese restaurant where the food is still cooked in cast-iron cast woks over charcoal (included in the tour price).

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy walking shoes, and bring a hat and plenty of water. RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, 30th January.

Thursday, 7 February 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Chinatown (Meet at main entrance of Central MarketCost: RM75 Members, RM90 Non-MembersMinimum 10 participants

6 February - 22 May (15 sessions)9:30 - 11:30 a.m.AAM VillaCost: RM675 Members, RM775 Non-Members, plus RM50 material fee

Beginners’ Bahasa Malaysia, Level 1Now is the time to start learning the language of your adopted country! This series of classes is led by Puan Mas from Applied Language Systems who will not only teach you the language but also share knowledge that will enrich your time in KL. Register early to start this learning experience.RSVP: Email [email protected]



21 February10 a.m.AAM VillaSponsored by:

Coffee Morning, All-Things-KL FairGet answers to questions you didn't even know you had and mingle with like-minded expats at this not-to-be missed coffee morning. We will have vendors with tables, ready to answer questions and offer pamphlets and cards to take home, or even samples and vouchers for every kind of product or service we can imagine - grocery delivery, schools, medical facilities, social organizations, volunteer opportunities, spas, home décor, salons, real estate, travel agents, and much, much more. This information fair can be a godsend to new expats, and even for those who've been here for a while there's always something new to explore.

Thursday, 28 FebruaryNoonRomanza, Le Restaurant214B Lorong Nibong, Off Jalan Ampang(Behind Hock Choon)Cost: Individual

Those of you joining us for lunch this month will be surprised at the creativity of the French Mediterranean inspired dishes with a hint of South African flavors prepared with great attention to detail by Chef Steven Kruger and his team. Combine that with a head waiter who is very knowledgeable about the preparation of the food and you will have a dining experience. RSVP: Email [email protected] by 26 February.

Romanza, Le Restaurant

Tuesday, 26 February10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.AAM VillaCost: RM70 (members) and RM85 (non-members)

Hawkers’ Delight with Chef Judy LohMalaysia is a country with many different cultures, religions . . . and food. Many have come to visit this beautiful country and enjoyed the food in restaurants and side streets known as Hawkers’ Delight. Judy will show you some of the popular food that you can prepare with minimum effort in your own home. Featured dishes: Hainanese chicken rice, char siew (BBQ pork), Ipoh beansprouts with oyster sauce, fried prawns and chicken wonton, longan with jelly.

Fridays starting 15th February (4 sessions)10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.AAM VillaCost: RM320 Members, RM380 Non-MembersMinimum 5 Registrants

Beginner’s Mandarin Course, Level 1Join James Phua for this introduction to spoken and written Mandarin. This fun and easy class will include a “short cut” way to speaking Mandarin, interactive conversations, and introduction to Chinese calligraphy and characters. Notebook and exercise book will be provided. Register at [email protected] by Friday, 8th February.



What’s On in . . . March

Sunday, 10 March (to be confirmed)8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.Carey Island Cost: RM160 Adults, RM85 Children 6-11

Hari Moyang Celebration on Carey IslandJoin Angie Ng of Heritage Travel to take part in the Hari Moyang (New Year) celebrations of the Mah Meri people on Carey Island. Highlights include the traditional Tarian Sewang dance, using hand-carved ceremonial masks. Please bring along some food (halal), snacks and sweets to share with the locals, as well as colored paper, crayons, balloons and toys for the children. If you wish, you can also donate reading glasses, clothings, shoes or household items. The tour price includes round-trip transfer by bus and lunch at a seafood restaurant. We will meet at the Hotel InterContinental on Jalan Ampang. Please inform at booking of any dietary restrictions. RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, 1 March.

Thursday, 14 March 201310 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.AAM VillaMembers: RM35, Non-Members: RM50Minimum: 10 participants

Cooking Workshop: Rising to the OccasionThis class will give you the information you “knead” to make bread without the use of a bread machine, as well as learning how to make a pizza base, hamburger buns and cinnamon rolls. Tips will be given on how recipes can be modified to meet your dietary needs, such as no eggs or no fat. There will also be opportunities to sample what comes out of the oven. RSVP to aam_kl05@streamyx by Wednesday, 6th March.

Gong Xi Fa CaiChinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a joyous and colorful celebration that is steeped in tradition. It is the period when families gather and celebrate together.

Come dressed in your Chinese New Year clothes and join Sam and Ann Tan in celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Snake. Sam Tan will give an eye-opening talk on how they celebrate the 15 days of Chinese New Year, the customs, beliefs and taboos. After the talk, enjoy a Reunion buffet lunch and a special Lion Dance performance. RSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday, 5 February.

Tuesday, 12 February11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.AAM VillaMembers Only: Adult RM68, Children (age 2 – 12 years) RM38Strictly limited to 30 participants

Program11:30 a.m. Cultural Talk by Sam Tan

Usher in a prosperous new year with “Yee Sang”•Enjoy Chinese New Year delicacies•Ang Pau or Red packets giveaways •12:30 p.m. Buffet lunch (hosted by Landlord)•

2 p.m. Lion Dance Troupe Performance


Special Events

FAMILY FUN AND ADVENTURE IN LAOSSaturday, 23 March – Saturday, 30 March, 2013(8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS TRIP)Come with the AAM this Spring Break to discover the wonder of Laos. Nestled between Vietnam and Thailand, Laos offers intact cultures, ancient Buddhist temples and beautiful countryside comprising untamed rivers and misty mountains. AAM, with the assistance of Angie Ng of Heritage Travel, is organizing a tour to this exotic, tranquil country where life is refreshingly simple. The itinerary has been designed to provide maximum appeal to single travelers and couples traveling with or without children.

We begin our journey with a flight to the capital city of Vientiane followed by some sightseeing. The next day, we take a 4 hour drive to Vang Vieng. En route, sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery of karst hills, caves and the scenic Nam Song River.

On the 4th day, a 6 hour drive on a mountainous scenic road will bring us to Luang Prabang which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Luang Prabang will charm you with its laidback way of life and its French colonial architecture. The famous hill tribe night market promises to be a highlight for those interested in local handicrafts and embroideries.

Join any or all of the exciting Optional tours on 3 free days. All tours will include lunch. Take a Cooking Class

Ride the Jungle fox, whooshing from tree to tree on zip lines, and kayaking on the Nam Lik River; Explore interesting caves, take a swim or try tubing, followed by a trek to a Hmong village;

Take a full day rock climbing course;Go for a full day guided trek to Kuang Xi waterfall;

Go for a day of mountain biking with stops at different ethnic minorities villages;Experience an elephant ride combined with mountain biking or trekking.

**Participants are responsible for booking their own flights: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Vientiane (VTE)

via Air Asia. Travel dates are 23 March (KULVTE) and 30 March (VTEKUL). Participants are also responsible for their own visa application. We recommend you to purchase travel insurance.Member, per person on twin sharing basis MYR 3,600.00 Extra bed for child age 5 to 11 years MYR 2,330.00 (sharing room with 2 adults) Non-member, per person on twin sharing basis MYR 3,650.00Extra bed for child age 5 to 11 years MYR 2,360.00 (sharing room with 2 adults) Member, for Single supplement MYR 4,950.00 Non-member, Single supplement MYR 5,000.00**Note: Trip may not be suitable for very young children due to long road trips. PRICE INCLUDES:Accommodation (2 nights in Vientiane, 2 nights in Vang Vieng, 3 nights in Luang Prabang). Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. A fully guided tour inclusive of entrance fees. Overland transfers and 1 way domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

Registration deadline 28th February, 2013 For more information, kindly contact Ms Angie Ng from Heritage Travel

Email : [email protected] or Tel : 03 41 4747 88

TERMS AND CONDITIONSA non-refundable deposit of 50 %.Balance of payment due on 28th February, 2013 prior to departure.50.00 MYR Amendment Fee for any changes made after deposit paid.No refund for cancellations within 30 days of tour departure.


Digital Shoebox

Where America Starts Its YearText by Kim Starr, photos by David TerenzioMy husband David and I enjoy ringing in the New Year in unique and festive places—Naples, Niagara Falls, Puerto Rico and now Guam! Yes Guam, “Where America Starts its Day” is where we said goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013.

Two flights and 7 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, Guam is like a little piece of displaced North America complete with Denny’s, Taco Bell and all the guilty pleasures from home. The beer on tap is domestic, with even some good US microbrews, and the football on TV is of the NCAA bowl game variety.

But Guam is not just warm breezes and white sandy beaches, it has a compelling history and several significant sites to see from the indigenous Chamorro peoples, the Spanish colonial period, and of course WWII. A visit to the War in the Pacific National Historic Park made the trip worthwhile in and of itself. It certainly made me want to relearn all my forgotten high school history and visit more Pacific war sites while I am living in this Hemisphere! Kim at the War in the Pacific National Historic Park.

Asan Bay, site of the battle to liberate Guam in July 1944.

Another view of Asan Bay, hard to imagine the amphibeous landing by U.S. Troops!

Caves used by the Japanese. Don’t think I’II be doing any snorkeling! “Piti Guns” used by the Japanese.


Digital Shoebox

Santa deserves a holiday too!

Tumon Bay beach is a popular tourist destination especially for the Japanese (Japan is four hours away).

Pre-colonial Chamorro “Lattes.”

Isolated beach on the Pacific side of the island.

The Spanish colonial era “Plaza de Espana.”

Sunset at Tumon Bay.

Site of 1981 Papal visit.

NYE fireworks at Tumon Bay.

Tourist strip on Tumon Bay decked out for the holidays. Island style Christmas Tree.


Perspectives

Chinese New YearStory and photo by Latisha Merican

When I married Michael, who is half Chinese, 11 years ago, I started celebrating Chinese New Year with his family. At that time we lived in Singapore, so a few days before each lunar new year we’d join the queue of cars across the SecondLink to travel back to Kuala Lumpur where his parents live.

As I’m Malay Muslim, Chinese New Year used to mean visiting friends and perhaps watching a lion dance, and not much else. Although I knew a few dos and don’ts, such as being careful not to sweep the floor on the first day (as all the luck would be swept away), it would be the first time I would be actively participating in the celebration. Initially I made many mistakes and misunderstood many things, much to my mother-in-law’s chagrin.

Preparations start several days before with a thorough housecleaning to sweep away the bad luck. On the eve of the lunar new year, an evening meal called the “reunion dinner” is traditionally held at home and all male sons and their families and single daughters would return for the meal. Married daughters would go to their in-laws’, where they would be until the end of the first day, unless some prior agreement had been arranged. For example: my mother-in-law has only two children, my husband and his sister Michelle, who married an Indian Muslim. In her case, she gets both her children for the reunion dinner, as Michelle’s husband’s family doesn’t celebrate Chinese New Year.

My husband and I missed our very first reunion dinner as I was heavily pregnant with our first child and was advised by my gynecologist not to travel. Missing the reunion dinner was a big no-no; however, there was no way around it and my mother-in-law was understanding.

I tried to make it up the following year by coming back earlier and helping to prepare for the meal. Shark’s fin soup and yee sang, which consists of strips of raw fish, julienned vegetables, and condiments, are prominent features of the menu. Yee sang is mixed together with chopsticks by everyone, then tossed in the air as high as possible, to encourage long life and abundance. Thinking this an important meal, I had dressed myself in something nice, and wondered why everyone else was wearing mainly T-shirts. Michael explained later that it was not necessary to dress up for the meal, which puzzled me.

However, it goes without saying that when we have the dinner at a restaurant, shorts are out. Chinese restaurants usually have a special set menu of perhaps three options of various prices. Each option consists of about ten dishes, from a starter to dessert, and usually sharks’ fin soup is a must as it’s a symbol of prosperity. As dining out is getting increasingly common, restaurants are booked way in advance and a deposit must be paid to secure a table.

If the restaurant were a popular one, there would be two seatings – the first around 6 p.m., and a second around 8 or 9 p.m. My first thought was that it resembles a Chinese wedding, as almost every table would be served the same thing, at the same time. When the highlight of the day is over, everyone retires and prepares for the next day.

On Chinese New Year day, red is the favored color to wear. Black or white are no-nos as they are associated with death. My three sons would be clad in traditional outfits of either blue, red or gold. After all these years, I still take care to dress in either my wedding qi pao – the long traditional Chinese dress – or lately, a shorter version worn with pants, and am still surprised to find that I, the non-Chinese, would be about the only adult wearing it.

Next, mandarin oranges and ang paos (money packets) are exchanged. The oranges symbolize good luck and fortune and are given in pairs. You would go up to the receiver with two clasped in the hands along with the red ang pao, say “Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “Happy New Year” and give your gifts, and then hold out your hands to receive your oranges and ang paos. Nowadays it is also acceptable to give bags of gifts which include oranges, ang paos and cookies or chocolates.

There is a hierarchy when visiting relatives. The paternal grandparents are visited first, then the maternal grandparents. After that it goes from the oldest uncle and aunt to the youngest. Even though Michael comes from a mixed parentage, he is still traditional when it comes to customs and he takes care to adhere to them. The evening of the first day, though, would be reserved for his best friend’s mother’s house where either mahjong or gambling would be in progress late into the night.

Unlike the Muslim Eid celebrations, the Chinese don’t usually prepare elaborate dishes. Guests are treated to traditional Chinese Malaysian snacks such as love letters, nuts, various traditional cookies, and packet drinks.

Superstitions abound during Chinese New Year. Apart from the no-sweeping-on-the-first-day rule, I have also been told that fishing is frowned upon. Sometime during the first day, firecrackers are set off. The noise is believed to ward off evil spirits and the debris is left until the next day.

Chinese New Year lasts for fifteen days, and ends with a celebration called Chap Goh Mei. In Penang, single ladies looking for marriage partners would write their contact numbers on mandarin oranges and toss them into the sea for lucky single men to collect and eat them. Apparently the sweetness of the orange will indicate the kind of love they will have!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!


For further information, please call the AAM at (603) 4021-4367 / 4021-4368

Welcome back to Building Blocks to all the children who were

with us in 2012. For those children who have just joined us when the se-

mester started, I am confident they will find their stay with us a wonderful

learning experience.

The first weeks of every new school year is normally a challenging time for

both the staff and the children of Building Blocks.

Immediately after the Chinese New Year holidays, we will be commencing

the Reading program, initially with the Visual Sequential Memory Exer-

cises. The exercises are designed to develop certain basic abilities which

contribute to the students ability to learn from and adapt to his environment.

The ability to process sequential information is basic to understanding and

to solving everyday problems. The student’s ability to process general in-

formation – to perceive it, to commit it to memory, and to reproduce it in

original or another form – is necessary for all learning.

As in all of our programs, each child will be introduced to and progress

with the program according to his or her readiness to receive it.

From time to time, parents may find the need to be brought up to date on the

progress of their child at the school. Please feel free to meet with me.

Rose Ee


Diversions

We’ve {Bliss}fully found our Teak{ia} haven!!By Kimbra Naber

Making a house into a home is hard work, no matter what city or country you find yourself living in. Walking through your own front door for the first time after weeks and months of hard work making everything just so, and realizing you’re “home,” is a feeling unlike any other.

The desire for us to find a house here in Kuala Lumpur and make it a “home” was of the utmost importance, especially when the distance from our old home in Indianapolis to our new home in Kuala Lumpur is 9,432 miles (12,179.33 km)! That is a LONG way from anything and everything familiar to us. I no longer have my trusty USA time-sucking and decadent home furnishings and knickknack stores to wander through or peruse online. For a girl who prides herself in making a house a home, it’s a dilemma, let me tell you!

All of the above is not to say that making a house into a home is impossible in Malaysia . . . it just takes some creativity, some patience, some thinking wayyyyy outside the box, and some compromise! The beauty and fun of creating a home overseas is the fusing of cultures and histories, and today I want to invite you into our experience of shopping with Teakia and Bliss, two very important additions to our Kuala Lumpur home.

Teakia was found by coincidence and is unique in that they are both the manufacturer as well as the retail business, so there is no middleman. Do you know what that means? It means CHEAPER. A husband-and-wife team runs the business and they are very close-knit with all their workers. They have a showroom in Shah Alam and their manufacturing plant is in Indonesia. Upon entering their humble showroom, they not only show you around, but also will sit down with you and scroll through hundreds of pictures on their laptop of previous work. In fact, over 50% of their business comes from custom-made pieces alone!

We wanted to purchase a new bedroom set as well as a new dining room set and were looking for something casual, yet could be dressed up. We definitely needed a California King bed due to my husband’s height. We also loved the idea of an eight-seat square dining table, where everyone could easily see and talk with one another. Asma, the owner, sat down with me and sketched out the dimensions we were looking for, both for the bedroom as well as the dining room. Between pictures I brought and previous custom pieces ordered, we were able to customize the height, width, edges, bases, chairs, even the color of the stain. We chose reclaimed teak and as you can see from the pictures, our pieces came out to perfection! We included two nightstands, one tall and one long dresser, and a dressing table. They turned out fantastic, and the detail showcased the grains in the reclaimed teak perfectly!

Last, but certainly not least, I want to share with you our experience at Bliss beds. We found an absolute gem at Bliss Beds. Located in Solaris Dumatas, Bliss is a small showroom (two locations total in KL) and upon entry, we were pretty much sold. Their showroom was clean, well laid out, and the salesman, Loges, was kind, not pushy, extremely knowledgeable, and had the perfect “sales” balance. We liked him immediately. Searching for the perfect mattress is hard work. You have to take your time lying down and tossing and turning on each one to decipher which will suit you best for the six to eight hours you spend in it every night but once we lay down on the Serta Grand Lagoon, we were done. We both made a production of exhaling loudly, and I just about asked Loges to turn down the lights so I could go to bed right then and there! When we asked about California King sizes, he said it would not be a problem and he gave us the mattress at the Super King price and threw in custom sheets to boot. It took about six weeks for manufacturing (here in Malaysia) and delivery, and was well worth it.


So, you now know where we eat and sleep every day! I do have a couple final points—both Asma at Teakia and Loges at Bliss were phenomenal. They had superb customer service and were friendly and professional. Due to tons of research and shopping around, we also feel that the prices we bought all these pieces at were the most competitive around town, given the fact that they were the highest quality and all custom requests.

I wouldn’t be doing my job as a writer, though, if I didn’t tell you though about two hiccups we had, one at each shop. With Bliss, when the mattress was delivered, the delivery guys broke our hallway light fixture. The manager of Bliss was very apologetic and not only replaced the light fixture with something similar, but also replaced one in another hallway so that they matched. Nice touch, and something that could happen to anyone. At Teakia, when I ordered the dressing table after delivery to match the rest of the set, the order was lost, so it took an additional ten weeks to arrive on top of the six to eight weeks scheduled. (Asma was out of town on a family emergency). Although I was naturally quite upset at the time, given the fact that they already had my money, I also understand that things happen and issues arise. In the end, everything turned out great. Asma was extremely apologetic and I wouldn’t hesitate giving them more of my business in the future as well as recommending them to everyone I know.

Happy Home Shopping…Globally!

For more tips on expat life, travel advice and more please visit my website: www.internationalnabers.com, “follow” me on twitter: @intlnabers and “like” me on Facebook: internationalnabers.

Diversions


New Year’s ResolutionBy Kim StarrWith my one year anniversary of being a KL expat fast approaching, I’ve come to the realization that in my eagerness to travel and see all those amazing sites in Southeast Asia, I’ve neglected the attractions closer to home. In fact, I already find myself in a rut whenever I’m in KL between trips – all that planning, photo-organizing, packing/unpacking and laundry can be quite time consuming! This year I vow to get out on the town more and experience KL’s cultural offerings. Fortunately Santa and I were on the same page and I happily found a pair of theater tickets under the tree!

The Actor’s Studio Seni Teater Rakyat’s presentation of “Philadelphia Here I Come” at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center was a great introduction to Malaysian theater. Billed as the “Malaysian take” on the 1964 play by Brian Friel, and adapted and directed by Actor’s Studio and KLPAC co-founder Joe Hasham OAM, it was fun to learn about Malaysian middle class life and the lure of chasing the American dream through the prism of the angst ridden and striving young protagonist on the eve of his move to the States. It was a treat as well to see two of Malaysia’s top actors, Dato’ Faridah Merican, the other co-founder of the Actor’s Studio and KLPAC, and Patrick Teoh, often referred to as “the voice of Malaysia.”

The KLPAC venue was worth a trip in itself. The building is an impressive reuse of an old railway warehouse situated in the pretty Sentul West park. The facility contains two theaters in addition to performing arts education spaces, and there are two restaurants for pre-theater dining. I am already looking forward to my next KLPAC outing!

For a full listing of upcoming shows at KLPAC, visit www.klpac.org.

Diversions


It was 4am and Bob, not his real name, was awakened by a severe pain in the centre of his chest. He started sweating and became

short of breath. He had never experienced anything like it before. The pain only started to abate after two hours.

He went to a local doctor in the morning as the chest pain was still there albeit much less. He was subsequently referred to a nearby hospital. He was brought to the attention of a Specialist who diagnosed him as having a bad case of heartburn and sent home with some antacids.

Two days passed and the chest pain kept coming back, although on a lesser scale. The antacid had no effect whatsoever. Not happy with his condition, Bob went to a different hospital. He was also seen by a Specialist but this time a different diagnosis was made. Bob had suffered from an acute myocardial infac-tion, otherwise better known as heart attack. It happened that early morning two days pre-viously. And Bob was only 29.

Heartburn is frequently mistaken for a heart attack. Even medical specialists with many years’ experience can get it wrong. This is partly due to their similar site of pain which is behind the sternum (breast bone). Most peo-ple think that the heart is situated on the left side of the chest which is wrong. The heart actually sits right smack in the middle. There-fore, any pain from the heart usually arises also from the middle of the chest. However, pain related to heart attack sometimes radi-ates up to the neck and jaw and also to the left arm. Cold sweats and breathlessness are common accompanying symptoms, just like what Bob was experiencing.

Heartburn is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, in short. It occurs when acid, which normally sits within the protected lining of the stomach, escapes up into the oesophagus due to a problem with the sphincter or valve that connects the oe-sophagus and the stomach. Because there is no protective coating in the oesophagus, the acid from the stomach irritates and damages the lining of the oesophagus.

Those with heartburn find some relief by sit-ting up to prevent acid reflux and avoiding

eating a big meal especially before bedtime. Other useful measures are avoiding tight clothing around the abdomen and refrain-ing from eating certain foods that stimulate excess acid secretion or relax the sphincter such as acid fruit or juice, fatty foods, coffee, tea, onions, peppermint, chocolate, or hot and spicy foods.

Unlike heartburn, heart attack pain is usually not brought on or affected by body position or food intake. It occurs quite commonly in the wee hours of the morning. It can occur after a strenuous game of badminton or whilst relaxing having a drink.

It is worth knowing what can cause heart attacks as prevention is always better than cure. The well known risk factors for coronary heart disease include smoking, hyperten-sion, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hereditary and old age.

Therefore, total abstinence from tobacco smoking, as well as regular exercise, losing and maintaining a normal body weight, liv-ing a relatively stress-free life and eating healthy diet low in saturated fat, salt and sugar, will not only go a long way towards ensuring a life free from the dreaded coro-nary heart disease, but also other serious dis-eases. Make sure you visit your family doctor regularly for medical checkups. Remember that hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels are silent killers.

Bob was very young when he had the heart attack. Incidentally, in the same month, I treated two other patients in their twen-ties—25 and 28—who had heart attacks. Neither of them has any close family mem-bers with heart disease. In this day and age where healthy lifestyle takes a backseat, be-ing young does not necessarily protect you from heart attack. For these three patients of mine, the common denominators were smoking, being overweight, and lack of ex-ercise.

So the next time you get a pain in the chest bad enough for you to ask yourself if it is a heart attack or not, it may well be one and I suggest that you seek medical attention im-mediately.

Dr. Haizal Haron KamarMBBS (Newcastle upon Tyne), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Edin), FACC (USA), FSCAI, FAPSIC (Asia Pacific), FNHAM, AM (MAL)Consultant CardiologistTropicana Medical Centre

TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE11, Jalan Teknologi,

PJU 5, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.T: +603-6287 1111

W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.comFB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre

E: [email protected]

“Am I Having A

Heart Attack, Doctor?”


Memories

Secret Santa, 6th December


Memories

Coffee Morning: RC Deaf Mission Art Show, 17th January

Know Your Veggies Cooking Class, 15th January

Community Services Director, Claire Hines with representatives from RC Deaf Missions

President Jennifer Guthrie makes

announcementsDisplay of artwork by RC Deaf MissionCoffee Morning Guests

RC Deaf display table

AAM Member gives donation to RC Deaf


American Association Privilege Program Directory

The Belfry SalonAAM Discount: Complimentary Argan Oil (Moroccan oil) hair treatment with any color service (NP: RM100). Please mention during booking.Lot G-03A, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCCTel: 03-2168-8802Website: www.thebelfrysalon.com

Bmic Nail Spa SalonAAM Discount: 10% off nail care treatments, waxing, eyelash extensions, and Elife Wellness Therapy treatmentsS18, Pamper Floor Starhill GalleryTel: 03-2148-1818Pavilion Level 7Tel: 03-2141-1326Website: www.bmic.com.my

Energy Day SpaAAM Discount: 15% off any ala carte spa, facial, or massage treatmentSpecial Offer for 1st Visit: Triple Action Exfoliation treatment for RM250 (Normal price: RM398)Energy Day Spa AmpangLot 4, Level 4, Great Eastern MallTel: 03-4256-8833Website: www.energymindbodyspirit.com

Faceworks ClinicAAM Discount: 15% off treatments. 10% off all products. Get a free facial during your birthday month! Sign a friend up for a package and receive a mystery gift. S16, Pamper Floor, Starhill GalleryTel: 03-2144-0080Website: www.faceworksclinic.com

IPL Skin Care CliniqueAAM Discount: 15% off all facial treatment services and products. Special Offer for 1st Visit: Intensive Detoxying facial plus eye treatment including hot stone shoulder massage for RM120 (Normal price: RM255)S2, Pamper Floor, Starhill GalleryTel: 03-2141-4277 or 03-2141-4280Website: www.iplskincare.com

The London OrchidAAM Discount: 15% discount on treatments to all members of the AAM, including the only spray tan service in KL! 67M Plaza Damansara, Bukit DamansaraTel: 03-2095-6009Website: www.thelondonorchid.com

EuroChef MalaysiaAAM Discount: 15% (Excludes machinery, Frilich items, Flavor Shaker, cookbooks, and promotional items) Unit P-1-21, Block P, Plaza DamasTel: 6201-8863Website: www.eurochefasia.com

Royal SelangorAAM Discount: 10%Available at all KL stores Website: www.royalselangor.com

Crown RelocationsAAM Discount: 15% off local moves within Malaysia. Complimentary 2-hour handyman services for moves more than RM5,000. 15% discount for one-day orientation service and 10% discount ony immigration services. Complimentary Home Search for rentals above RM5,000.Tel: 03-5637-9166 Website: www.crownrelo.com

Three Sixty Computer ServicesAAM Discount: 10% off service chargesTel: 012-377-3522 (Clement Tan) Email: [email protected]

TGIFriday’sReceive a free 3 mini dessert platter from TGIFriday’s Pavilion, Hartamas Shopping Centre or Menara Hap Seng, when you present your membership card. Applicable for one card per party. Valid at Pavilion, Hartamas Shopping Centre, and Menara Hap Seng locations only. Website: fridays.com.my

BEAUTY DINING

HOUSEHOLD/GIFTS

SERVICES


2

6 7 8 93 4 5

13 14 15

22

16

23

10 11 12

17 18 19

26

KLFebruary 2013

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

american association of malaysia

24

20

27

21

25

1 - 3 p.m.Mahjong

10 - 11 a.m.Bingo @ Little Sisters of thePoor

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Beginner’s Watercolor

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Beginner’s Watercolor

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Bahasa Malaysia

10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting

1 - 3 p.m.Mahjong

1 - 3 p.m.Mahjong

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Cooking: Hawkers’ Delight

7 a.m. KL Roadrunners

12 - 2 p.m. First Fridays @TGIF, Pavilion




7 p.m. - 1 a.m.30th Annual BallStarry NightA Salute to the Oscars

AAM Closed

City Day



10 a.m. Coffee Morning



11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Gong Xi Fa Cai Lunch

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Beginner’s Mandarin

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Beginner’s Mandarin

9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Chinatown Walking Tour



12 p.m. Lunch Bunch @Romanza, Le Restaurant

1VENUE KEY

AAMOff Site

28

AAM OfficeTel : (03) 4021 4368

email:[email protected]

AAM Closed AAM Closed

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year

KL American - February 2013

Documents

Transcript of KL American - February 2013