The Sharp Shock Of Returning Home

You Wave Hello To people Everywhere You Go, And They Give You A Puzzled Face.

After 2 years in Australia, you can’t wait to go home. While landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you say hi with a big smile on your face to the customs officer. The officer throws a blank stare at you. In Malaysia, people rarely say hi to strangers like the airport crew, waiters in restaurants or sale promoters in shopping malls. That is very different from what it is like in Australia.

You Ask Silly Questions Like, “How will we get groceries if it’s 6pm?”

Your Australian timetable is now a well-oiled machine, so running to the grocery store at night is blowing your mind and upping your productivity.

Malaysian Slangs Puzzle You

You find yourself perplexed with the local jargon when you run about the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The lingo now expands to more than just the iconic terms “lah”, “leh” and “hor”. It soon becomes apparent to you that your “outdated Manglish” is not enough to fully converse on local topics. [Read: 28 Funny Confessions From Malaysian Students]

You Wait Religiously For The Green Light To Blink Before Crossing The Road

You try to find a pedestrian crossing but to your dismay, you can’t find one. You are bewildered to see everyone else walking through the traffic like a pro. You find it impossible to take a step forward when the green man isn’t around without the fear of being mowed down by a rogue taxi.

How are you adjusting to life in your home country after time abroad? Any good stories to share? Hit us up on [email protected] and we may feature your story in our next issue!