The start of each new school semester means the arrival of the latest group of new Canadian teachers.  With nine “newbies” pretty much settled into their new country, homes and teaching routines we finally had an opportunity to actually socialize with them.  There is one retired couple, one younger couple and five single guys so a very nice mix of people.

Amy and Michelle started the weekend by inviting the group over for an evening of poker, and there are some serious poker players in the group. I enjoyed the evening just watching the game and chatting although I have to admit to being totally lost with poker terminology and to not having any real desire to learn it.

The following day we got an early start, somewhat delayed by a major hiccup with the school van.  After coffee at the local Old Town Coffee, the group headed out to visit Putra Jaya, the new administrative center with its man made lake and many beautiful bridges, buildings and of the course the national mosque.  From there it was back into the city center for a very quick tour of  the Twin Towers and its gardens, Aquarium, Bukit Bintang, Chinatown and Central Market.  The tour is not meant to be an exhaustive look at any of these places but really just an orientation to the city, the transit system and a taste of the life here.

Through an inevitable downpour and very heavy traffic we made our way north of the city to Batu Caves where we were able to not only climb up to the caves but also to witness a Hindu ceremony and have a very authentic thosai with lovely dahl and relishes.  I think that everyone will be adding this to their Malaysian favourites.

On the way back to Subang Jaya we made one final stop for supper at “The Curve” which is a huge mall with IKEA and an outdoor garden area with plenty of patio type restaurants.  It was a very long day with some challenges along the way but all in all a great way to welcome new folk to our adopted home.