KL Hazing

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KL Hazing

Words: By Yours Truly, Adam Jeffery

Photos: By Malaysia's "Sam Francis," Mark Tan (I helped too, of course~!)

Too Hazy To Pick It Up

Too Hazy To Pick It Up

The Haze Is Bringing Me Down (The Stairs)

The Haze Is Bringing Me Down (The Stairs)

Being Lazy and Hazy

Being Lazy and Hazy

While I have not faced a “hazing” at a collegiate level (thankfully) I have faced earthquakes and typhoons in Japan; a heat wave in France; sandstorms in Qatar; and the worst blizzard America has ever seen during my time in Boston (2015). I thought that the worst I would have to face coming back to Malaysia was humidity high enough to make my wavy hair as curly as ramen noodles but instead I am greeted with the worst haze I’ve ever seen. Imagine, if you will, of a scenic landscape (it could be a glorious city or a serene countryside or the pristine forest or what have you) enhanced by a cool fog slowly settling in and elevating that scenery with much mystery and enchantment. Beautiful, right? Now…you journey into that scenery and what do you find hidden in that thick blanket of fog? People. Yes, people strewn on the floors in pain as their sinuses are aggravated, their skin turning red with rash, while others, with tears in their eyes, have a sneezing fit so fierce that the malls would reverberate with the sound of a thousand sneezes…the signal to all others that the “Indonesian Haze Is Coming! The Indonesian Haze Is Coming!” That sneezing man, Malaysia’s Paul Revere, is me.

Sky as White and Clean as Haze (It's White but Dirty!)

Sky as White and Clean as Haze (It's White but Dirty!)

Being Hazed

Being Hazed

The Haze is caused by the slash & burn tactics utilized by our dear neighbours, the Indonesians. Economically speaking, there is nothing wrong in what they’re doing if it provides greater economic growth (well, in the short term at least). However, this Indonesian situation exemplifies this misalignment between economic growth & development and social well-being. Is the greater good for society the success of its economy or the happiness of its people? Do you want to know what I think? In my opinion, I think that — and that’s all the time we have to discuss such dreary socio-economic topics… on a life+style blog at least anyway (let me know if you really want to find out my opinions on the matter below).

Bent Out of Shape

Bent Out of Shape

I'm So Hazed Right Now...

I'm So Hazed Right Now...

What I’m mostly crossed with, in terms of this hazy situation, is the negative effect it has on my motivation and inspiration! It’s hard enough to go out (outside of the malls) and about in this country without having to sneeze my brains out or scratch my skin away. How can I pose sexily if I have to itch my nose every two seconds and my expression becomes disfigured as my face feels heavier due to sinusitis?! So, here I am, all lethargic and stuffy…all the colours drained from my core…leaving nothing behind but a moody center with a Cotton:On monochromatic shell as homage to the Haze in all its poisonous glory!

Hold Your Breath...or Sneeze Out Loud

Hold Your Breath...or Sneeze Out Loud

Too Hazy To Function

Too Hazy To Function

Shirt: Long Sleeve Stripe Crew by Cotton:On ; Jeans: Tapered Carrot Jeans by Cotton:On; Shoes: Ankle Boot by Louis Vuitton; Shades: SEE 5346 by SEE Eyewear; Bag: Canvas Tote Bag by Louis Vuitton