This week has seriously sucked... Not only did I kill my laptop with a mere spoonful of spilt coffee, but also my throat problem is back... For the second time in three weeks, I find myself unable to speak.

The mood of the population continues to be pretty dire, as well. There's not a lot of optimism around at the moment, whether on economics or politics.

I still love it here, though.

The bauhinia is blooming.



The lions are dancing. (This is one that Nigel saw at Quill. Our UNMC-bound lions turned up late -- hope that's not inauspicious.)

Ola Bola is reminding everyone of a more ethnically entwined past.

Students are graduating -- bright stars (we hope) in the firmament of the future.



And the Malaysians are still cranking out wonderful food:

Like Taste Better's durian puffs. These are sensational. Chill them, so the durian custard is cool and smooth and creamy. And, although they're supposed to be "one-bite", you're better off pulling them apart, to lengthen the savour.



Like simple rice with lamb curry and dhal, just across the road from the Loke Mansion:



Or like nasi ulam from Serai, which came with ayam bakar, a tangy salad, kerupuk, and tempe.



Life is good. Life is good.