Twin Towers

I just enjoyed one of life's greatest luxuries, catching a movie spontaneously. And, on top of that, catching a great chick flick, "Sex in the City 2". I am sure my husband will be relieved to learn that he will not now need to see it with me. I really enjoyed it, in all it's cheeziness and decadence. And sitting there by myself in a Kuala Lumpur theatre, I was surrounded by women mostly wearing head coverings. I couldn't help, but thinking that here we all were from such very different lives laughing and tearing up together over a very American phenomenon.

I have spent the day surrounded by Americana and the western world. I spent the day inside of the KLCC or the Petronas Towers or, as my taxi driver said, the Twin Towers. That place, for me, is something etched inextricably into Americans' memories, a place we will never see the likes of again. For practical purposes, though, that is what this place is and, in some aspects, represents the same ideals. And, because of the association I make to the fallen NYC World Trade Center, I can't help, but feel a bit shaken up here, a bit on edge. I have wondered more than a few times today if it is safe to be in such an icon of the western world and a gathering place of so many people. I tell myself the thought is nonsense and it quickly floats away, but it has come back a few times.

I am sitting inside the towers now, well, the shopping center part of them at the base anyways, enjoying a chicken pesto sandwich and a latte before I head to the airport to go back to Bali tonight. Today feels like a vacation within a vacation. I went to The Gap and bought another of their sundresses I like so much. I spent the rest of my time just meandering through the mall's many levels soaking in the labels, designer and name brand, and all the baubles, those ridiculously expensive and those relatively not so, but still out of so many's reach. It has been a very nice day, but I will be happy to be back in Ubud and back at yoga class tomorrow.

The taxi driver dropped me off this morning at one of the entrances to the Towers, formally called the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), at the front doors to a branch of the bank I used to work for. Seeing the blue and white sign gave me an almost physical jolt. It almost felt like deja vu, another lifetime coming back to haunt me, simultaneously so long ago, but also so fresh in my mind and emotions. I left that job for many reasons. Today's reaction made me realize that I am still coming to terms with both the incredibly good and bad experiences I had while working there. The memories of which still seem to snap me into a confusion of emotions as if I am suddenly forced against my will onto a roller coaster where the last five years are played before me. I remind myself, though, that this means progress. That jolt I felt means I have been able to gain some distance, both physically and mentally.

Enjoy your weekends, everybody!