Thus far Malaysia really reminds me of Mexico. There are several reasons for that. One is that everything shuts down during the heat of the day. Second, the day gets started very late, most places around here--and it's about 930am right now--don't open until 10 or 11. Third, the architecture of the homes out in the jungle, mind you, I am talking about Peninsular Malaysia, not Borneo, remind me of homesteads one sees in southern Mexico. Flat roofed houses made mostly of concrete with bright pastel colors, chickens and goats rambling about the yards, all a bit messy, dirty and disorganized. Such a nice change from super clean Singapore. Perhaps its the lingering Portuguese influence? But that was so long ago.

Also, the people, the Malays, not the Chinese or the Indians, are very laid back about life. To them life seems more about living than working. I like that attitude.

All very superficial observations, no doubt, but the people here are splendid, helpful, no too curious, but curious enough to lead into an interesting conversation.

Funny story. This morning I stopped at a small store to buy a lighter. "How much," I asked?

"One ringgitt," he replied, adding, "where you from?"

"America," I said. "Oh, then two ringgitt! What state?"

"Texas," I said. He shot back, "oh, now three ringgitt," with a smile. Then an interesting conversation about George Bush ensued. I explained Bush was not born in Texas, in Connecticut actually, and was only a make-believe 'cowboy.'

"Well, in that case," he said, "for you only one ringgitt. Next time I meet someone from Connecticut I will charge them ten ringgitt!"

I smiled and waved good-bye. Pleased to have disabused at least one Muslim in the world that Texans aren't the bad guys. Just Bush.

But the heat and humidity? Wow! even more so than Singapore. Then again, I am right on the water--the Straits of Malacca, where all the oil from the Middle East is transshipped to Japan and China.

Fascinating place and worth a visit if you ever come this way.