My Trip to Malaysia (Sept 22 - 29, 2011) - 2

In may way to Malaysia, I took with me a book my son, Anas, recommended to me. Its title is "You're Speaking but are you connecting." I had the book since January 2011 but I didn't read it. So, I decided to take it with me. Crossing the Pacific Ocean all the way to Taipei was a 13-hr flight. I found it an opportunity to read the book. Initially I did a quick tour throughout the book then I realized it is worth reading; I started from the beginning. Indeed, the book is enlightening and informative. I kept reading the book till its end! Then I slept for a few hours before we landed in Taipei. The connecting time was short. So, barely I made it to my connecting flight. The trip from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur was slightly above 4 hrs.

Kuala Lumpur from the plane was so exciting! Green everywhere! Interestingly, all signs at the airport have three languages; English, Malaya, and Arabic! It's been a while since I have seen Arabic signs! Apparently, many Arabs from Saudi Arabia and its neighboring countries frequent visit Malaysia. The airport seems civilized like the ones you experience in Canada. The customs officer was nice and fast.

a representative from the training company that hired me was waiting for me at the airport with a big smile and a rose! Nice! Interestingly, all the other four trainers on the program arrived almost at the same time. We met at the airport and together we headed to the hotel. Upon arriving to the hotel, surprisingly most of the participants at the course seemed to have arrived at the same time. The receptionists were overwhelmed and even stressed! You can see it in their faces especially when dealing with a large number of clients who do not speak English at the same time who are hasty and demanding. Understandably, all of them seemed tired from the long 9 hr trip coming from Saudi Arabia. I found it an opportunity to connect by offering help as I speak both English and Arabic. I facilitated the communication between the hotel receptionists and the Saudi clients who were mine as well (those were the same clients coming for the training I were about to participate in delivering)

Interestingly, the receptionists were almost stuck as if their processors were slowing down with the overwhelming load. Apparently, their way of life is to do things slowly with no rush. Arabs are on the other extent f the spectrum; hasty and high-tempered! Therefore, one of the receptionists was almost to have a clash with one of the clients. Partly, I was helping each side to understand the counter party. It was fun! Throughout the week I made a connection with the hotel management because of this role I played and continued to play through my stay.

As for me, although I had a longer trip coming all the way from Vancouver, I was feeling good as I got some sleep (actually a lot of sleep) and I was enjoying to help. In three hrs or so I got my room and without any further delay I slept! I am good at sleeping! I love it!

The following morning, I woke up energized longing to meet my fellow trainees ... what happened next; ... to be continued!