I am grateful that UK is where I am posted-to as compared to other European counties since this is one of the well-educated communities with high level of courtesy (theoretically though). Moreover, I have always been impressed and deeply attracted to the medieval architecture and mysterious past of the west and this is definitely one of the greatest opportunities for me to be here witnessing the magnificent archaeological ruin from the ancient time and some of the wonders of the world.
Living abroad alone for more than a year now and I am slowly getting use to the climate, transportation, culture and etc. The weather here is in fact not as rainy and gloomy as described but conversely the working culture is not as relaxing as many thought it would be in Europe.
Knowing that the grass is not always greener on the other side, here are some of the cons observed:
- Cooking almost everything with limited ingredients is a challenge but I have at least grasped some ideas on certain Chinese cuisines which has never been associated with my cooking style previously.
- 10 minutes’ train ride + 25 minutes’ walk is compulsory should I crave for a Japanese meal.
- The small towns usually turn to be deadly silent after 6.00pm hence there are not much activities unlike the Asian lifestyle in the cities that never sleeps.
- Born as an Asian in the heaven of foods is certainly a privilege and I definitely miss all those street foods that are conveniently available back in Malaysia. The common foodstuffs (to name a few: nasi lemak, teh tarik or mee goreng) is unquestionably scarce in this western region.
The challenge that I have laid on myself a year ago is now victoriously overcome. Yet there is still so much to see, so much to do and so much to learn in appreciating this wonderful continent. I will have to rapidly accomplish what I should in order to move on to the next step. Cheers to myself for progressing this far in life~
