Blacksburg now and then

no, no, none of the immigration officers pushed me this time, and no one called me ‘colored’. (A slang called by some anti-foreigner in America on people other than the whites). It was scary  then. The naive me was in my early 20s when I left home to continue my study to Indiana , Terre Haute somewhere in 1984.That was my first trip out of Malaysia. It has changed me socially, psychologically and physically too, eversince.

Since then I’ve made a few trips to The States and knew my way to avoid complication throughout my journey. ‘Follow the rules’ and keep away from troubles.As simple as that.

This time around, I met many friendly and helpful people. Either I’ve matured and confident or many people had opened up their mind to visitors. I think the availability of the internet has partly contributed to the paradigm shift.

I was there to attend management meeting at my head quarter’s. Meeting my BIG BOSS.

My business partner and I flew from Singapore then supposed to be transit in Hong Kong somehow detoured to Narita, Tokyo,which flight took about 6 hours, then to Chicago that took 11.5 hours, then to Roanoke which took another 1.5 hours and at last, to Blacksburg by car which took only 45 minutes with a speed limit of 60-65mile/hour. We reached The Inn at Virginia Tech at around 6pm on Monday. It was a long trip, but I didn't want my 48 hours journey to turn stressful. Relax was the concept I chose. As always, I had trouble sleeping on a sitting position. So I spent the time watching movies and working on my travel journal.

 

From the busy metropolitan, Kuala Lumpur, it was a peace of mind being in a small and peaceful place like Blacksburg. The people were so friendly. I couldn't believe that it was there, where I was once called ‘colored’ by one of them. I guess I was just unlucky then, and I’ve forgiven the guy long ago. Tim, was the first friendly guy I met in Roanoke. He picked us up at the airport on the company’s vehicle.

“Hi Tim”

Blacksburg is a small town down south of highway 64. It was supposed to be warm, but the weather decided to let me experience a chilling wind and wet condition.

Luckily I brought a jacket with me , just in case. It was a little too cold for me, but I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the beautiful green scenery and the refreshing breeze.

 

I met many of our clients from Sweden, Poland, Canada and Barcelona, among others. I could have just kept to myself at one corner if it was 10 years ago, but not this time. I’ve learned the skill of breaking the eyes. I could crack a jokes and I could laugh to theirs. I’m glad I’ve improved on many ways. My understanding of English in many slangs from many parts of America and other countries. vice-versa, many could catch and able to understand my  Manglish(Malaysian English). People changed, so does the environment.

       

 

      

Blacksburg has transformed to a bigger and neater place. The hotel I stayed was non-existent during my previous trip about 5-6 years ago. The Inn At Virginia Tech provides a cozy room and soothing view.

 

After 5 days of getting to know each other, going thru hot and cool discussions and management meeting after meeting and standing cocktails, lunches and dinners, it was time to go. How about shopping????…

Oh..!! I bumped onto problem…..NO SHOPPING MALL..!!!

Most of my after-meeting time spent in the room on the internet and thinking of what to eat at the cold weather. I’m glad I did my grocery right on the first day. Asparagus, mushroom,cucumber, shrimp cocktail, instant noodles, bun. I stuffed them all in the fridge, as I thought I would have much time to eat, which I didn't. It was a full board gathering. As I couldn’t take non-halal food, I made do with salads, bagel, fruits and yogurt. No problemo!

I’m tired and lack of sleep, but still very much alive.

At the point of working on this post, I’m right here waiting at Chicago O’Hare Airport. I still have 4 hours to roam around the boarding area while waiting for my flight to Hong Kong.

‘Bon voyage’

 

My 6am flight from Roanoke landed at 6:45am. The Roanoke taxi driver was such a friendly guy. Who could have guessed?..he had been to Malaysia…!!!. He was happy to have met me and my partner. Donny. Nice guy.

I could not wait to see my family. Wait for me dearest all..!!!