Cycling Down

Everyday Sights - Aug 2010

There is a humid haziness to the sky and a heaviness in the atmosphere that have been particularly familiar these past few days. Technically speaking the temperature is about the same today as it was in March and in December, but something 'feels' different - perhaps there is a seasonality to the timelessness of the tropics after all.

Banners have begun appearing on streetlight poles all around PJ New Town - red, white and blue with a star and stripes and a crescent moon. Joining the banners are Malaysian flags hung up in the window at Starbucks, just outside the 99 Speedmart Convenience store, and elsewhere around the square. These too are jogging my memory of a time when the streets were unfamiliar; the LRT station seemed far away from the bungalow; and Limpy, Blondie, and the Mean One were three nameless dogs in the yard.

Once again the phrase 'Selamat Datang Ramadhan' [Welcome/Happy Ramadan] is strung up over the street in front of the MBPJ complex. This time, however, the year reads 1431h instead of 1430. 

Has a full year passed already?

In the streets of KL and PJ, and within the congregation of Luther House as well, the patterns and rhythms of life continue. The Ramadhan greetings will, in time, be replaced with Deepavali, Christmas, New Year 2011, and Chinese New Year after that. Plans are again in the works for Mooncake Festival celebrations at Joy Haven, Cultural Celebrations with the Orang Asli, and another Medical Mission to the Cameron Highlands. The cycle of life continues on here . . . even as I'm in the midst of cycling out.

That is one of the tough things about a one year internship; just as you have half-a-clue about what is going on, your overstuffed bags are packed and you are nearly out the door. Having been through it all once, I'm ready to give it all another go-round . . . in spirit, then, if not in physical form.