Orang Putih

Sorry about the lack of updates I have been having horrendous issues with my laptop's internet connection and working long days, I have been busy! I joined the gym attempting to get in shape I don't want to die when I climb that mountain!
I'm beginning to settle in and feel like a local and learning a little bit of Malay. I can even order a coffee now and I can hear when people talk about the orang putih (white person) I know that's me! Slowly getting used to the eastern mentality things run a little slower, less organized and more relaxed  in general. For example, I know I mentioned catching the bus in my last blog well the buses don't have a schedule ie the bus leaves at 7, 7:15 ect they leave when the buses are full. So I get to the bus station early and get to the office any time between 730 to 8ish. Or joining the gym they wanted me to wait a week to process my paperwork and then I could pay and use the gym then. The ex-pats here call these examples Sabahisms and all you can do is laugh, slow life down and relax.
 
You all know how much I love my food and so far the food here has been amazing and so cheap! Kota Kinabalu is a melting pot of food, cultures and religions. Malaysians are a mixture of Chinese, Indian and many local indigenous cultures such as Dusun and Kadazan are the main ethnic groups. There are 60 different ethnic groups throughout the Malaysian side of Borneo.  Unlike the rest of the Muslim dominated Malaysia, only about 50% of the island is Muslim and the rest is a mixture of religion but mainly Christianity. The Muslim presence is still felt most of the restaurants are halal free and pork products are hard to find but most of the Chinese restaurants serve pork. This doesn't bother me I'm not a big pork eater to begin with but it would be hard for all you bacon lovers!
 

Because Perth is fairly multi cultural  and trips to Bali some of the dishes are  familiar such as Laksa, Nasi/Mee goreng and satay. But unlike Bali there is more variety and the dishes have more of an Indian or Chinese twist. The food is cheap the "western" restaurants are really good and have quite a high standard too I have tried some amazing pizza, pasta, burgers and the seafood! Usually I go out for lunch at various at local restaurants around the office and either eat what the girls have or what looks good on the menu. I went out for Indian and ate off a banana leaf and with my hands, above is the picture!
Well I'm off to get a facial but I will try and update more soon!