KL and the 2nd of July

It seems like this is Houston and it's early July.Decorations hang everywhere. Lights are stung from buildings and trees. Banners announce the big event. Little plastic flag holders are wedged between window and sills on cars (witnessed also in Orlando).Malaysian Independence Day is at the end of August and they are excited about it. It will celebrate 45 or so years which seems short even by USA standards but they are nonetheless proud. But then most countries I visit are.That reminds me of a question I would ask when I was teaching English to the German Post Office in the early 90s; "Are you proud to be German?". Deafly silence would always fall upon the room. These were the early days of German reunification and even 40+ years since the war this was not something they were comfortable answering in public. I didn't understand it then but have gained a sensitivity for it since. Gosh, they must have wanted to crawl under the table when I asked that.But not here. Boy they are excited. Even in this crazy multicultural society they live in they still identify themselves as Malaysians. Or at least it is my impression. Something ties them together. At times I have the feeling it is still 1860 in New York. Lots of opportunity everywhere. Gold digger feeling. Be proud, be a part of it. Who knows, maybe I am wrong. It is a short impression I have here I'll be the first to admit that. Shame I won't be here for the party. I will have traveled a few more countries by then but will try to catch up through the web. Like each year I see a few of the happenings on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. Should be a good show.