good book type of trouble

There is a reason why I do not read novels when I am busy with studies or work. 
I find good books addictive. 
It is just impossible for me to stop reading once I start. 
I do not sleep at nights, I do not talk to people, I lose track of time... My life stops, nothing that the world has to offer is interesting to me... The only thing that matters is to get to know the story.

And I have fallen into the trap again!
I have stumbled upon Jannifer Crusie name after I have finished "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes and I was searching for more romance stories that could just stand on my bookshelf and wait for me to grab it. I quickly looked through her books and found one that took place in Ohio! 
Not that I think life in Ohio is so exciting that I really want to read about it, but I lived there for two years and a little piece of my heart belongs to that state. One could say I have now a bit of midwest girl in me. Anyway...

"Welcome to Temptation" is a funny love story with a lot sex and a crazy crime plot. It is all about human 'temptations' - greed and lust especially (btw. it is not a book for prude ones). Two sisters Amy and Sophie come to this little town of two thousand inhabitants called Temptation to make a movie. They are not making any movie, it will be a ”vanilla porn" starring people from the town. In such a small community this becomes a big deal and because of a civic duty mayor Phin and police chief Wes get very involved. 
Lots of love and lots of laughter. 
Great book!

I have finished this novel and I am now fighting a huge temptation to reach for another Jannifer Crusie book ;)

Pakistani culture in Malaysia

Working with Pakistani boys in Malaysia gave me an opportunity to learn a bit about their culture. I am very grateful for that.

Very  quickly Biryani became my favorite dinner dish.
Biryani is a rise with ginger sauce and red chicken baked on fire!
Mniam!
(there are many versions of Biryani but generally its rise is fried or cooked separately from a thick sauce)

In one of cafeterias around the Universiti Teknologi Petronas one can get very nice Pakistani breakfast. It is very filling, and oily, but I like it a lot.

Cafeteria.

As a change to Malaysian Nasi Lamak I got to like also Pakistani food for breakfast.

Breakfast.

I got a present from a friend from Karachi, Pakistan. A modern version of traditional Pakistani outfit Kurti made by Sheep.

I have worn my Kurti to university, because after hours we planned to eat Raya dinner together with other students and professors from my department (Raya at university).

I have used my friend's scarf as dupatta, I wear it across shoulders which is a typical way of wearing it. One can easily wear Kurti as a shirt over jeans - and that is what I did.

A useful tip (that is probably only new to me) how to wash clothes like cotton Kurti. First of all hand wash, second of all if after washing you realize some unevenness in coloring then add a bit of vinegar to the next washing.

Malay wedding

I have attended first Malay wedding. It was organized at home.

It is typical to have an available karaoke for guests.

It was a lunch-time wedding reception.

Typical souvenir for guests traditionally contain an egg.

I had an honor to serve just married couple for a bit.

This is used when parents bless the couple.

One more souvenir and one more egg. Btw. those orange chips are really good!

Raya at University

Our department organized Raya for us. 

We were served chicken rendang and chicken satay with peanut sauce with sticky rice. Both dishes are sweat in taste, of course spicy but very very good! Those two I am gonna miss for sure when I am back in Europe.

Night Market

Just before Aidilfitri (the Malaysian name for holiday after fasting - Ramadan) I went with a friend for a night market in Ipoh. There is a lot of scarves and traditional Malaysian clothes for reasonable and negotiable price. One can get there also foot massage, shoes, accessories and more.

I've got in my opinion very beautiful scarf for just 15 MYR (5 USD).

It was the last day of Ramadan so me and my friend went also to mamak stall (The Malaysian Mamak are Tamil Muslims of malaysian nationality, the word 'Mamak' is from Tamil term for maternal uncle, but in malaysia is also used for auntie). I got a cup of teh (tea) and roti tissue - crispy pancake with melted sugar inside and poured with condensed milk - MNIAM!

hair style fitting Baju Kurung

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri :)

One of my good Malay friends has lent me Baju Kurung (traditional Malaysian outfit). 

I didn't want to cover my hair with beautiful scarf since I haven't been doing it any other days.

However, I really wanted to look special during Eid ul-Fitr (or Malaysian Aidilfitri).

I was visiting my friend's whole family house by house and I wanted to pay my respect as much as I could.

I have decided on some special hairstyle and here are some photos how my wish was becoming true in a hairdresser salon - since I am not the best in styling my hair.

Seems like this shade of yellow makes my eyes appear to be blue, but they're not.

Lets get started.

Getting two buns.

Refreshing curls and I am ready.

I've never thought that yellow will fit me so well. I am now on a quest to get something in this sunshine color, because it makes my eyes look blue.
At least people were all the time commenting on my blue eyes.
Well, my eyes are weird color not really blue, not really green, and not really gray...
But apparently yellow dress makes them pretty, and that is all I need to justify another shopping trip ;)

On a road.

I think they should always test make-up in Malaysia or countries with similar climate. 

If you really do not get shiny skin, and your make-up do not decay after few hours in conditions of that sort then it is really worth your money. 

I mean anything works with always cool Denmark ;)

Anyway, my cheap Maybelline foundation didn't embarrassed me but my nose was quite shiny all the time ;)

Mango-Apple Tree.

A traditional Malaysian house.

It was a fun-filled day.

After family time, I changed and went to see a movie "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters". It is ok movie, but not even near to get onto a "must see list".

When I got to bed I slept like a baby... it was a great day!

Eid Mubarak!

Happy Raya Days (EID MUBARAK)

... I am driving from house to house... 

I have a pleasure to attend a Raya Family Marathon with my Malay friend. 

A lot of nice people, great food, just FuN fUn fuN :) 

 Wish you All happy Raya! Eid Mubarak!

Haze

The first time I heard sirens at my dormitory in Malaysia, I thought its a fire. I went out and it was really a lot of smoke and it smelled like a fire but I couldn't tell where it comes from... I went back to my room and pack all my documents, some snacks and electronic equippment.

I was ready to evacuate myself, but I asked a totally not alarmed girl on her way out from our building, what is really happening?

"It is haze, go to your room it is not good for you to be out, especially until sirens are on."

...

Well haze comes to Malaysia quite often.

It is not always so bad, and not as toxic as in some other parts of Asia, but it demands having on a mask.

Mask will decrease side effects like feeling very tired and sleepy.

Haze also can affect lungs in a long run, so a mask is a must.

Haze in Malaysia is due to burning palm plantations in Malaysia or in Indonesia.

Anyone with asthma is in trouble during haze days. I would recommend to be double careful if you have any respiratory problems.

Also doing sport outside is a very bad idea, or long walk to work.

Generally, if one can then the best idea is to stay inside the buildings with a good ventilation system preferably equipped with air filters and litmit time outside to neccessary minimum.

At University Teknologi Petronas. (top - express, cardigan - top secret, cap - forever 21)

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur.

Brooch

Brooches are not as popular in Europe (for sure in Poland or Denmark) or in US as they are in Malaysia. 
Here women cover their hair with beautiful scarves and fix them with brooches.

I really like them and I got a set of them from my Malay friend.

  I use those brooches to decorate my cardigans or as an extra button to my shirts that have too deep cut.

When there is 35 degrees Celsius and 80% of humidity tight clothes on stressful day may bring only extra worry, so I picked natural fabrics and loose fit for an official presentation of my project at the university.

Petronas Towers

I am not the most ambitious sightseer.
If I visit a city only for one day I try to experience one thing and take my time to enjoy it.
I wander around to get impression of architecture, people and vibe of the place.

I have decided that my must see is Petronas Towers at KLCC, since I study at Petronas University.

I was lucky to meet new friends, and one of them occurred to be very patient photographer.

                  

I finished my trip to KL by doing some shopping and having dinner at Pavilion in Bukit Bintang.