Unable to Breathe

So in true Malaysian fashion it rained last night – night swim plans were of course cancelled.  So instead, I headed to the mall.  I mean what else is a Malaysian to do at night? The mall was packed. 

On the way home, I decided to take a cab. Now I am the first person to admit that I totally over-hyped the risks posed by swimming near bats.  However this cab posed an actual risk to my life: the cab driver must have been a chain smoker and the entire cab reeked of tobacco.   For reference, my cab ride is less than 4 minutes.  But in that short amount of time my eyes started burning, my nose became clogged, I started to get dizzy, and I contemplated opening the door and rolling out of the cab as he drove down the street (like they do in movies) – although yes, I could also have asked him to just stop the car… maybe that would be more realistic.  So what did I do – what would any rational person do – I rolled down the window.   I just couldn’t take it anymore.  Of course I thought the driver would be appreciative – I mean shouldn’t he be thankful for some fresh air? But no, instead he gave me such a mean look through the rear view mirror. 

Honestly I just don’t get it.  A note to the smokers of the world – yes, we are all aware that you smoke, and yes, we can smell your smoke stench even after you are gone (especially in elevators).  Please be considerate.  Just chew Nicorette J