The Expat Meme

I saw this meme from my sis’ blog Simply888here, and it fits the bill.  I have been in the States for 10+ years and I have no regrets leaving my birth country to my adopted country.

The Expat Meme

1) What is the best thing that you have been told by a native of the country where you live ?

Since the day I stepped foot onto this country, every one I met said I speak good English for a foreigner.   I have to thank my parents for sending me to a school where most teachers were educated during the good old colonial days.   Moreover, my siblings and I speak to our dad in English.  I still remember how much he emphasized the importance of the English language to the three of us.  Till this day, we still speak to him in English.

My first job at Seagate in Normandale, the Asians in the cleanroom flocked to my station and started talking to me in Vietnamese.  When I opened my mouth and told them I don’t understand what they are saying, they then spoke to me in English.  They thought I am Vietnamese, and some thought I’m Cambodian or Thai.  It must be my forever tan complexion that fooled them.  

But I have to say my written English is better than my oral English.  I know so because when I have to speak in front of the class for a presentation, not many folks understand the words that are coming out from my mouth.  Must be the Malaysian accent I will have with me, that are straining these American students’ ears.  

2) How do you generally get along with the people in your neighborhood?

I generally get along fine with the folks in my neighborhood.  I don’t talk much to them, just a “Hi, how are you doing?” thing.   I will chat with my neighbors directly next to us only if they initiate the conversation first.  The rest of the neighbors, just a nod or a wave.  I mind my own business most of the time, unless there is something big  happened, then I will step out to investigate but still not say much.  Maybe they might think I’m a snob.  I don’t know.  I’m the only Asian in that neighborhood.  Initially, I felt a little uncomfortable, but I got used to it after I saw a few inter-racial families in the neighborhood. 

3) How “in” or “out” do you feel when it comes to Malaysian politics?

Na-dah.  I have never been interested in politics.  To be honest, I didn’t even know Malaysia had a new Prime Minister till my dad told me who the current PM is and that was last December.  All along I thought it was Dr. Mahatir or some other Datuk/Tan Sri.   I have to say it is my fault, too, for not keeping up with all the happenings in Malaysia.  I am more familiar with the elections here than back in Malaysia.  

 4) How would you promote your second country to someone who wants to travel and may stop over?

Come on over.  US is such a big country, plenty of interesting places to visit, great burgers, ribs and steaks, and if you are a small eater, beware, the portions are huge.  IN Minnesota, there are about 18 casinos in this state alone, a racetrack, a mega mall, which I think it lost its title to the mall in Edmonton.  There are a variety of ethnic food to check out; Caribou coffee, which to my taste buds beats Starbucks. 

If you like outdoors, there are 66 state parks in Minnesota for hiking, camping, horseback riding, or just visiting.  Anyone into fowl or deer hunting, this state has a lot of them for you to practice your target, but gotta come on the right season!  As this is the state of 10,000 lakes, there are bass, walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, large and small mouth bass, crappies, sunfish, and northern pike (I think) for you to fish.  That’s all the fishes I can think of, of hand.

A word of caution, Minnesota winter can be very harsh with temperatures dipped down to -30ishF with the sun shinning and blue skies.  Rather deceiving.

5) Could you change your nationality or be a dual citizen?

If Malaysia allows dual citizen, I would do it, but since Malaysia says NO to dual citizenship, I will remain a citizen to the country I was born and raised.  Being a permanent resident in the States is not a big deal.  The PR card expires every 10 years.  As long as I remember to renew it, I’ll be fine with the Department of Homeland Security (DOHS), used to be INS.  They won’t bug me.  The government is not pressing me to change my citizenship either.  The only thing I can’t do is vote, but I have my other half to vote for me!  Moreover, I am doing all the other citizens are doing – pay and file taxes, get the same medical benefits, same co-pays, insurance, dental and vision.

Another reason why I like the way it is now is when I travel home to Malaysia, I can still stand on line where it says Warganegara/Citizen, and back in the States, I hop over to the lane for Residents and no interrogations from the immigration officers.  Unlike before I received my PR status, I have to stand on line in the Visitors lane, and twice I was pulled aside for mini interrogations.