Culture Shock

Yesterday morning was my last day after 3 months in Indonesia. This morning I officially checked into Malaysia, a process that took 15 minutes vs all day in Debut, Indonesia. It is about 5 miles from the Indonesian border to Purteri Harbor. It feels like a trip from the Moon to Earth.

A first step in any new country is to get a sim card for internet access. I traveled to AEON Shopping Center, Jalan, Indah. I felt like I was back in the USA. Clothing, computers, household goods, restaurants with global menus (but no pork.) Malaysia is a primarily Muslim country and there are head scarfs in evidence. But most peoples' clothing would fit in any U.S. or European (or Australian or New Zealand) shopping mall. There is certainly an Asian bias in products with Japan being a major source. But the product lines are international.

I was reminded of Dr. Francis Fukuyama's comment on the study of adjoining countries with different economic outcomes. It appears that Indonesia and Malaysia would be a good research set.

Tomorrow off to Singapore. That too should be interesting.

Fair winds and following seas :)