New Beginnings

This time round, the phrase “New Year, New Beginnings” has taken on a whole new dimension.

I used to tell people that I study in Kuala Lumpur (and avoid naming my college, because NO ONE can remember a name like IPGM Kampus Pendidikan Teknik, anyway). Now, I have to lower down the coolness a notch and tell people I study in Nilai, not without screwing up my face for the intended effect. This is further elaborated by terms/phrases like “remote”, “ulu”, “in the middle of nowhere”, “scenic view of oil palm plantations” and the like.

I know, I’m such a joy to behold.

I even got lost on the way to the new campus, so at least I was being honest about how remote it is. =P

So here I am, starting off the new year with a new roommate, new room, new facilities (and the very obvious lack thereof), new specs *ahem*, new environment and new village roads to familiarize myself with, new everything – except new baju kurungs. I feel so left out among my coursemates who are all donning new and pretty baju kurungs. But that aside, the new room’s wonderful – my closet has a mirror attached (wow), my bed has little roller ‘drawers’ underneath for additional storage space, the desk has a smooth surface (am I starting to sound like a jungle girl?)…and everything is so clean, thanks to my roommate Rachel who cleaned even my side of the room. xD

And Deborah made a very wonderful observation from our cafe - we have a resort-like view. Miles and miles of greenery. And fresh air, too, I might add. I like to think the water from the tap is mountain water because it's cold and clean. =P

My homeroom is a leisurely 10-minute walk away from my hostel room, so that's really not too bad. The bad thing is we don't have electricity just yet (apparently because they're trying to fix the air-conditioning?) and we basically have nothing to go by but the normal chalk and talk or printed notes. Ah, back to the good ol' days without fancy technology or animated Powerpoint presentations. =P Let's just hope things take a turn for the better in ...a week or so. 

Internet is another problem to deal with (that's why you don't see too many statuses hailing from Kompleks Pendidikan Nilai), and I hope they'll provide a stable connection soon. I'm so glad I took the risk to get my Digi broadband because it's a lifesaver. Seriously. 

Also, the Maxis signal isn't very strong here so be prepared for one minute's worth of "hello"s and "are you there"s if you do happen to miss my voice so much that you just HAVE to call me. =P

Otherwise, I'm coping fine and am loving the new, somewhat clean toilets which have sinks that are fully functional without wetting everything else when you turn the taps on. <3

I hope that gives you a decent picture of the life I lead and how little things like that can really make you happy when you've been living in a 50-year-old building for the past 3 years. Heehee.