An Expatriate's Diary A monthly column from a Malaysian expatriate in San Francisco

CURRENT ENTRIES This column intends to preserve and present a moment in time of an Asian expatriate's view of life in the United States of America. There are a multitude of reviews and discussions related to the business environment of expatriates but few venture into the personal and emotional sides. Our spiritual well being is the foundation of all great achievements but unfortunately it is also the last to receive nourishment as too often we realized failed expatriate assignments were due to personal issues rather than business settings. With this column, and through a story telling style, the author tries to bring forth the joy and challenges faced by expatriates all over the world, on a daily basis. What you are about to experience is intimate and personal; yet, with a touch of humor and sarcasm, but by no means will it represent the entire expatriate experience. Please feel free to share your own views and experiences by sending your confidential comments to the author. yenchong@aol.com For previous entries, please go to our Expatriate's Diary Archive OPC's Tips for Managing Expatriate's Asia Pacific Management Forum Orient Pacific Century Asian Strategic & Market Research

Due to pressure of work, Yen has been unable to update his column and has resigned as columnist with the APMF. His enormously appreciated previous columns will always be available here. If you wish to fill Yen's shoes send us an email. Other columnists you can check for ideas are Boye Lafayette de Mente, Clarence Henderson, Kriengsak Niratappanasi, Paul Temporal and the Chao Phraya River Rat. The first day of September ... Eleven o'clock in the evening ... Have mercy, the air condition finally did what it is supposed to do; I am cool, calm and collected. It has been a scorching few days in the southern California area and brush fires are everywhere. It is the time of the year again. Sweltering heat and record breaking temperature igniting wild fires in the canyon, dry land and brushy parts of town. I just pray that no one gets hurt. September 1998 It is really hot tonight. Even with the air-conditioning blasting away. The heat waves devastated the Southland of the US last month and now it is here, in California. The heat and humidity bring me back to my trip to Malaysia.. August 1998 A typical southern California afternoon. The sun is bright, skies are blue, ocean waves pounding and a gentle breeze caressing me from the Southeast. I should have and could have been a successful weather personnel you know. July 1998 Ten past two... A bright and sunny Saturday in the Southland... Yeah right, I wished!!! Mr. El Nino is still having a firm grip on California... June 1998 Saturday morning... Cold, dark and so sleepy... El Nino is still pounding away like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum trying to get attention... February 1998 Five to two in the morning... a thunder storm is brewing outside, I guess the infamous El Nino is finally descending upon us... it's about time, I am just sick and tired of hearing about it. Ever feel like you are in a picture and time freezes for that faithful second?... January 1998