Name: John Gullidge
Home Country: United Kingdom
Other countries you have lived in: USA, Mexico
Industry/Job: Director of attractions for Sudden Impact Entertainment
What brought you to Malaysia?
I work for a company that specialises in creating live “scare attractions” around the world. We opened “Lynton V Harris Scream Park” at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park back in 2008 and I have been here on and off since 2009 running the attraction. I’m lucky that my job takes me around the world, but for the last couple of years I have been based at Sunway Lagoon.
What do you like and dislike about living here?
I dislike bad drivers, taxi drivers who rip you off, “Malaysian time,” people who text and talk in the cinema (although in fairness that applies to anywhere) and the annoying habit some people have here of dragging their feet when they walk!
Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
As Sunway Lagoon is open all year, I actually work most weekends; but it doesn’t alter the fact that the highlight of my weekend is sitting in front of the telly watching the EPL games. I love that Malaysians enjoy Premier League football as much as we Brits do (if not more). I can watch more games than I could at home for a fraction of the price and it’s all the more enjoyable now that some so-called “football pundits” are no longer on air! The highlight of the close-season is getting to watch the teams on tour over here. This summer I managed to see my beloved Chelsea in action in both KL and Jakarta.
What is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia or in the region? Why?
I don’t get much time off but when I have managed to get away, I really enjoyed Pangkor Island and the Banjaran Hot springs resort is a little slice of heaven. Back in 1999 I spent a year backpacking around Southeast Asia and loved Kuching (probably because I’m very much a cat person).
Describe a memorial eating experience you have had here.
You’re asking the wrong person really! I’ve never been a big foodie and I’m an incredibly fussy eater. That said, I have a sweet tooth, and some of the cakes you can pick up in the malls are to die for. I’m also hooked on sweet corn in a cup which I have daily in the theme park for lunch.
What do you miss most about your home country?
I definitely miss the autumn and winter seasons. I also love Halloween and really miss that feeling you get in the air around September that autumn’s on the way. This year I was in charge of a big Halloween event at Sunway Lagoon (“Nights of Fright”) so thankfully the park was decorated with huge pumpkins throughout October but it still doesn’t feel quite right in this heat. Likewise, Christmas isn’t the same without real snow. I also really miss going to see my favourite bands live, although I’ve just found out that Rob Zombie is coming to Singapore next year so I’ll definitely travel for that.
What advice do you have for newly arrived expats?
Watch out when you’re crossing the roads! The nearest I’ve come to death was coming within inches of being hit by a motorbike running a red light in KL. So, be wary in general.
Do you own property here? If so, where?
I’m lucky that my job comes with a lovely apartment just a 15-minute walk from work, so no need for me to purchase anything.
How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia? Where would you like to go next, and why?
My work visa lasts until 2015 but it’s always been my dream to live and work in the United States. I’ve still got a lot of friends there who I really miss.
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