Adventures in Malaysia

Just arrived back from my week and a half of pure joy in Malaysia. Visited family. Ate fresh fruit. Drank fresh coconut water everyday. Hiking. Seafood. Beach time. Even some dead-skin-eating piranhas. As I said before, pure joy and perfection.

Hong Kong Airport for my layover... 3 HOURS UNTIL MALAYSIA!

A patriotic view of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sabah Tea Farm, as organic as it gets.

They named it Tom YUMMMM for a reason.

The world's most perfect pina colada. And some good company.

Fish market!

Gorgeous colors on that sting ray.

"I SAID.. GET.. GET ME OUT OF THIS FISH MARKET"

Chinese New Years dragon!

Just a normal day at the fish market with my pink heart sunglass-rocking daschund.

Oh, yes. Bring on the papayas.

This is a stream NATURALLY populated with fish who feast on dead human skin. Yep.

Hungry fish awaiting some friends.

Nom nom.

Pa and I testing out this fish "massage."

Feast, my friends!

Nice little hike in the rain forest.

Sun bathing.

Complete tranquility.

Our waterfall discovery!

A delicious post-hike snack: Fluffy pancake with curry (Roti Canai), rice and preserve fish wrapped in banana leaf (Nasi Lemak), fresh squeezed carrot juice (Carrot Juice).

Coconut is a "bigger is better" kind of thing.

To send to Glamour Magazine: "HEY! IT'S OK..." to be vegetarian, except at dim sum.

Dragon fruit, in the flesh

I will miss you....

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

 

   

What are your new year's resolutions?

Official welcome to 2009! Much has happened and is happening that I will have to comment on. First of all, our first black president just took office (yes, we can!). My sorority just added forty-five new pledges - our biggest turnout for rush... Classes have started; mine are looking over-the-top business-y. I will be going to Montreal this weekend for a Model UN conference. I just finished my applications to study abroad in Paris next fall! And I am now working on some designs for our department's end-of-the-semester fashion show (25th anniversary so it will be a major alumni-networking event). Pheuf. Can I take a break now? Definitely not. Before I forget about my winter break, here are some of the pictures:

My family started the vacation off with a (very expensive) Christmas dinner at Atmosphere. The restaurant is in the shape of a tower with a rotating top. So you get a 360 degree view of the city while you eat. Pretty incredible. 

Then, I went from drinking red wine to drinking TONS of mineral water. Yep. Spent the next three days in the rainforest on a camping trip. I look so thrilled in this picture. 

Took some beautiful pictures of the sunsets.

Hung out with old friends.

On New Years Day, we went over to Sutera Harbour resort to people watch and relax allll dayy in the pooool. I'm aware that I'm now in below freezing temperatures. 

Out for New Year's night: my introduction to house music (or "I feel like I'm in a German techno club.")

Artsy fartsy people always have such cool cameras. 

Looking tanned yet?

Donuts are a delicacy?

We actually woke up early one day to visit the islands! 

Packed a picnic: tuna sandwiches, melon, chicken wings, drool. 

More artsy cameras. 

It's normal to be swimming with a school of tropical fish. 

Lazy bum. 

Finally, finished with a birthday dinner with a zillion cousins! 

So, I apologize I have not been able to update since Malaysia but my New Year's resolution this year was actually to write more and be as up-to-date on interesting thoughts/opinions as possible. So, I will try my extra best. Right now, I feel the whirlwind of activity and personal goals schmoals coming along. January is perhaps the busiest month of the year; everyone is trying to accomplish as much as possible and get the year started (hopefully) on a good note. No worries, it won't be long before the studying, working out, dieting, saving the world one third-world country at a time attitude slows down. Overachieve much? Anyway, what are some of your new year's resolutions? 

Pumped for Malaysia

So, it's confirmed: I'm going to Malaysia for winter break! CAN'T WAIT. I haven't been back in almost a year - last summer... one that legitimately changed my life. I'm so looking forward to seeing some of my relatives, my fabulous photographer friend (featured many times in this blog), meeting ex-pats, drinks at the Atmosphere revolving restaurant, Rumba clubs, island hopping, and yummy roti canai. I was getting a bit of a traveler's itch... I'll keep you updated on this evolving trip planning!

New York

*Copied from my notebook, Original Date is Aug 12

New York City
110th Street, Broadway

We arrived in New York around 10am. After long lines, a struggle with finding our luggage and a very interesting convo with another American traveller, I knew we were finally home.

Why I like being American:
-the grocery stores are open 24 hours
-strangers always seem to have time for a chat with just about anyone
-even fastfood bathrooms are clean
-the diversity

Why I dislike being American:
-everyone talks at the top of their lungs
-this conversation:

Scene: JFK International Airport, Airplane aisle, Passengers await for gate to open.

Man on Airplane: [looks at my Cornell sweatshirt] So, you go to school in the states?
Me: Yeah... but I just returned from vacation abroad, actually!
MoA: Oh, cool- where?
Me: Singapore and Malaysia.
MoA: Nice! Yeah, that's like in China, right?
Me: ...
Rosa: They are totally different countries.
MoA: Really! Oh, okay. Guess I got it confused. So, it's like Hong Kong, then.
Me: Actually, Hong Kong is part of China.
MoA: Ah.. Sorry, I have really bad geography. All I know is China and... oh hm.. Taiwan. Taiwan is like part of Japan, right?
Me: um, no.
MoA: Wait, that's a whole other country?? Wow, so sorry. Did I offend you?
Me: Oh, no problem... I'm American!
MoA: No way! Where you from?
MoA, Me, Rosa: [begins to talk about upstate New York].

End Scene.

I am such a city girl, though. As soon as we got out of the airport and found a taxi, I was feeling so at peace. The weater was perfect, cool, dry, fresh. I accidentally jumped into the driver's seat of the taxi, though! So used to the left side driving, now haha.

We stayed the night in the city apartment. A new grocery store opened across the street... very nice, 24 hours too! Anyway, excited to go home to Poughkeepsie and the lovely Hudson valley. For now, about to visit the public library and maybe eat near Columbia U.

The Conclusion

*Copied from my notebook, Original Date is Aug 11

Current location: Frankfurt, Germany (International Airport)

Current mood: hungry, inspired

Current craving: pancakes and strawberries, jasmine tea

Current time: 6ish am in Frankfurt... 12ish pm in New York... 12ish am in Singapore

Current attire: sweats, sneaks, tank, college sweatshirt, glasses, ipod

Current thoughts:

I haven't touched my blog, not to mention, opened my notebook in forever, seems like. Okay, maybe a few days. So now, I'm at the Frankfurt airport, waiting for my connecting flight to New York... and I finally acknowledged the least favorite part about travelling- I'm admitting that it's all over, I'm writing the conclusion, composing the finale, finishing the race... in plain words- it's the end!

To be honest, I think I purposely avoided all internet access and writing for the last week or so... obviously in denial that my vacation is ended. And then, very soon, I must begin a whole new lifestyle and confront my perpetual status of not-knowing.

My To-Do list is growing endlessly. I feel so frenzied for some reason that one night in KK, I sat straight up in my bed - middle of the night - and wrote a huge list of life goals... panicking that I will become a boring person who will only get a degree, work, work, retire, die... oh yeah, throw some kids and menopause in there somewhere. So, I have this long list which will eventually become more post-its stuck to my bedroom wall.

Despite all that, I'm feeling the happiest I've been in a long time. Can you believe it? I mean, I feel great... almost hyper. This whole year has been extremely stressful- full of college applications, the school paper, odd jobs, graduation, prom, my mysterious future, and just stupid high school drama... It's all over, hopefully. I've been able to get away during my time in Asia and I honestly feel as though I've taken advantage of each day and moment. It's been a full, fulfilling, satisfying journey.

Going to Singapore during the National day (country just turned 42...) was the perfect cooldown to the long stay in Malaysia. We ran into a number of traveling problems in Singapore, though- airline cancellations, hotel switching, etc. Yet, I was hardly moved. It was to be expected (wow, so many "to be" verbs... Mrs. Tremblay would kill me).

I read my horoscope: "You will feel great about your life- use this energy to get yourself going. Opportunities are opening up for you. This is a year of great changes and definitely a time to integrate into your life all that you have learned. Must do: Get a reality check." Usually, I don't bother with superstition but I think that was incredibly right on. Especially the part about the reality check.

I've learned a lot from this trip- grown up a lot and absolutely cannot wait to plan the next one. I think I'm ready for something drastic. They say, "Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it'd be easy; they just promised it'd be worth it." But can you possibly believe that everything EVERYTHING happens for a reason? And the part about taking a chance... easier said than done. But I guess cliches are cliches for a reason!

And now, I've succeeded in writing a very sickeningly opptimistic and happy journal entry haha. Don't know why I feel so enthusiastic at the moment... better use the energy while I can. Okay, boarding time!

Some Pictures of Malaysia

Trustworthy, Singapore Airlines... my parents won't fly with any other company.


Rosa, eating Durian at the night vendors.


Michele and I, at Rumba!



Newlyweds at the Opening Day of Harry Potter.


Lots of writing.


Michele with International Rugby players, Semi and Colin.


Sunset from the balconey...

Pictures from Mount Kinabalu to follow soon...

Random Thoughts

I officially have three days left in Malaysia... Three days! My five-week trip is coming to a close... and I can hardly believe how fast it's passed by. Upon reflecting, this experience has been nothing like what I had imagined back in the US. It's been a hundred times better and I'm leaving this place with so much more than I had expected. While here I've...

-Grown quite used to lizards crawling up and down the walls.
-Relearned how to use squatting toilets.
-Gotten over fear of taxis.
-Written practically a novel.
-Visited an island.
-Climbed a mountain.
-Gained new friends.
-Played with my cousins.
-Improved my Chinese... a little.
-Gotten shockingly darker.
-Had my fill of ice kachang, soybean milk, roti canai, and watermelon juice.
-Improved my technique of ignoring flirty locals.
-Wasted a lot of money.
-Assisted in a fashion photo shoot!
-Some more stuff I can't think of now....

I had more I wanted to say but I left my notebook at home. Shall bring it with me next time... So, what am I up to the next few days? Tonight, the extended family is coming over again for swimming and dinner. Maybe some time I'll write an entry introducing them to you... My cousins, Pui Pui, Sim Yee, Bong Bong, San San, Wun Wun, Siew Yee, Eva, Aimee, Ida, Ivy, pheuf... I think that's all of them. Yes, very interesting names. Then, out tonight for drinks with friends... sleeping over Mich's and I don't know what else! Flight early morning on Wednesday to Singapore... Few days at Sentosa Resort, then Friday evening... flight back to the States! Five more days... then college!

So Sore

Enough said.

There and Back Again

It's August! What better way to begin a new month than with a little mountain climbing?

Now that I'm back from my trip, I have to say that Mt. Kinabalu is a pretty formidable monster of nature. Yesterday (seemed like such a long time ago...), Rosa and I departed for the mountain at 7:30am. When we finally arrived, they realized that the guide was late- couldn't begin the ascent until around noon time... still without a guide (he never showed up until we arrived at the cabin). But, I think it was okay. We started off, sure as always, overestimating our endurance. We ignored the first five rest stops and even ate lunch while trekking (sandwich in one hand, walking stick in the other). It was an intense climb for me... Rosa, flying though. However, after a few hours, we stopped mid-step.

R: I'm tired.
C: Me too.
R: I'm bored.
C: Me too.
C: ... let's... chill...

So, we stopped and took a few pictures. Pretended we were climbing Mount Doom, escaping over the Alps, in a Final Fantasy video game... singing very badly. Climbing can become tiresome... so you have to figure out a way to make it fun.

I feel like there are two types of mountain climbers. The first is one who practically paves his or her own trail. Rushing, racing against time and fellow climbers. They want to reach the top asap. I have to say... they are pretty intimidating. The other kind is one who carries a huge, heavy duty artsy camera. They take time to examine every pebble and blade of grass... taking pictures, dawdling, taking in the view.

I think we started off as rushers but turned into more dawdlers. Fun until you realize how far behind you can get! Next time, I think we should find a medium... somehow.

We both underestimated the coldness. After reaching the cabin (about 6km up... the whole trail is 8.5), the cold just settled into our bones. I had some coffee and soup... still chilly! Passed time, meeting and chatting with other climbers. We met a whole group of students from Cambridge, England. Played cards and shamelessly abused the buffet table by sneaking food to others.

Around 7pm, we hiked to our hut- place we would be staying for the night (another 200m...) It was pitch dark, raining, and cold... our guide abandoned us somewhere... Finally, met our roomates. They were two Australians, both named Katie. After more chatting and unpacking, we went to bed at around 8pm.

Maybe it was the cold or high altitude but I had the worst sleep ever... I had a lot of trouble breathing and also had many headaches. I kept waking up in the night until finally, 2am came and we set off with our guide, Jay (found him, again) for the summit.

Both of us have climbed Mt. K before and I remembered how I hated the summit climb... but this was nothing compared to the last time. It was so windy and raining. By the time, we had reached the rock wall, it was pouring. Climbing up this face of the mountain seemed impossible. The one rope was drenched, the wind and rain were really picking up... and our flashlights died. We saw the first group ahead of us turn around. Their guide waved his arms and yelled, "You cannot cross the water!" like some rip off from Lord of the Rings. The group silently went back down even though my sister and I were screaming at the top of the lungs, "What's wrong??" The wind was too loud, I guess. Everything was soaked, even the "waterproof" stuff. Don't know how that happened...

We asked our guide what to do and he seemed thrown off by the question. After a while of more standing in the rain on the side of this rock wall, we decided to keep going. There were a few streams running off the rock's side but nothing too intense. Some more climbers followed us and together we reached the summit gate... it was locked. By that time, I stopped caring. We started to climb back down and realized that our path had turned into a fricken waterfall! Water was falling down my shoulders and over my backpack. I could see nothing.. felt my way down through the water. Finally, we jumped off the wall after what seemed to be hours of climbing and realized that our trail to the huts... had turned into a river! We were jumping down stepping stones.

On the drive back, I still couldn't imagine us doing that at 2 in the morning today. We were looking at the peak in the clouds and realized that we were just up there. Such a strange thought...

Climbing down, we had decided not to stop at all and just ran. Soreness in knees and toes, but worth it! I'm still a little upset we couldn't reach the summit... so.. close, though. But I think we definitely pushed our limits all the same.

I always wonder what makes us go through all this madness. My sister and I have always been adventurous... loved nature. But still, risking hypothermia in an attempt to conquer nature? Beats me. Despite that, I think the reason we are addicted to these things is the learning process during the journey. It does seems that we learned a few things... First, nature really doesn't give a damn about if you're cold, hungry, tired, aching, about to die, etc. But okay, on a more serious note... I kept wondering, why didn't we just turn around when we had the chance on the rock wall. What kind of psychological nonsense does that mean...

In all, an interesting trip.

Last Minute Preps

So tomorrow is the big day... aka climbing the highest peak in Southeast Asia! Am I ready? Will I make it? Is it going to rain? Too bad the only answer I know is to the latter question... Yesterday, my sister and I "trained." We packed a backpack, put on the mountain boots, and walked all over KK... drawing some strange looks. I've given up on the 'Are you Japanese?' question. I just say yes and continue on my way. We also stopped at a huge farmer's market and bought some souvenirs for friends. I was looking at some picture frames and straw bags but then succumbed to exhaustion- too many things to look at, mental overload. We stopped at Upperstar for dinner and trekked home. Michele, Rosa, and I have already planned to go the spa after the mountain climb... pretty excited for that. As for today, I'll need to go get stuff for the trip, maybe start on some school work (eh...), blog/email, bookstore, enjoy the last week of Malaysia... then, off to Singapore, again :)

PS. I finished Harry Potter... J.K. Rowling is a genius.

Confessions of a Blogger

Sorry, I haven't been able to update that much, lately! I usually drag this big bulky notebook around with me and scribble away every two seconds. But I've actually been really busy! Even too busy to write articles in my journal to post on this webpage. I know, I cheat. I don't actually compose all of this, on the spot. I mean, internet cafes aren't cheap and you pay by time! I also forget a lot of points and ideas that I would like to mention... so, I do rough drafts and then, add alll the random, spontaneous things I think about. Anyway, apologies for that. Not too much happening recently except spending time with a lot of new friends, old friends, relatives, and of course, my parents and sister. So, wow- this will be the fourth week in Malaysia! And I'm getting really adapted to this place (or, maybe just not doing any work). I have to keep in mind that I still have that essay to write for Cornell... but a little more procrastination never hurt anyone! Haha, famous last words. More updates to come on other stuffs, observations, opinions, training for the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and etc...

4095 Meters of Exhilaration

It's storming so insanely right now. But I have exciting news!! I will be able to climb Mount Kinabalu!!!! At first, we thought we wouldn't be able to climb it. This time around you have to make reservations because this particular scale is getting pretty popular. I don't think there are enough accommodations at the midpoint. It's usually a 2-day climb. But my parents checked out some tour groups and a few dropped out- which means, (ta-da!) there are open spots for my sister and I! I'm SO excited! I brought a number of mountaineering things, expecting to climb the mountain and I was so disappointed when I found out I couldn't! But now, I have to get back in shape otherwise I will die of exhaustion. The last time I scaled Low's Peak was three years ago. I was fifteen and probably in way better shape than I am now. No worries, I will be fit in no time. If only I can lose this addiction for food... and laziness.

Girls Just Wanna Shop

I finally found an internet cafe that I like- after some testing out of different ones. So, I'm back to my reporting. I love using this job as an excuse to use the internet. "Where are you going, Chrysan?" Umm... "I have to go update my blog for the Poughkeepsie Journal!" Haha. It's like getting paid to shop.

Speaking of shopping- I bought a brand new bag from Charles and Keith. And after lunch at the Revolving Restaurant with my family, I discovered a blue stain all along the sides of the bag. I was so mad. No more white bags, for me. It's brand new. I should've bought the velvet black clutch but of course, I went for the bigger bag. I have this habit of taking my life's belongings wherever I go. Oh well, I still have some more shopping to do before I go to college. I'm starting to go for more expensive brands now. It's so annoying when you buy something moderately priced but then they have such easy wear and tear. You have to replace them so often. I don't know- would you rather buy expensive- but higher-quality- stuff or cheaper- but low-quality- stuff?

Aside from clothes and bags, I've noticed that one expensive thing to buy here is... books! Since they all usually come from out of the country, the currency exchange can be brutal. One hardcover book (USD 30) can be about RM100+ here. Last Saturday, I went to the bookstore to buy what else, but the new Harry Potter book! I looked at the price and decided that I would rather buy one back at home. That means, I'll have to wait until mid-August to find out what happens in this series. Not the case for other Harry Potter fanatics. While, I was at the bookstore I saw cameras flashing and a nice car waiting outside. A newly wed, bride and groom, had stopped in (on their wedding day!) to purchase the novel. So, that's what their doing tonight, huh?

Anyway, I'm going for now. Going to Rumba, later tonight with friends. It's the Latin dance club and lounge at the Meridien Hotel! I have pictures from meeting the rugby players from the international team, Asian Barbarians. I didn't know they were so famous, actually... It's annoying that the internet connections at these cafes are so slow. That's the reason I haven't been able to post pictures that easily.

Are You Japanese?

It's the beginning of the third week of Malaysia. Time is really flying! I'm starting to miss home a little. I had a random craving for French fries while passing McDonald's the other day. Eeks.

Whenever I travel anywhere, I always get the, "Where are you from?" I have everyone guessing, "Korea? China? Japan?" Actually, a lot of people think I'm a Eurasian mix even though I do not think I look white at all. It's funny when I'm finally like, "The United States!" Wha... ?

I expected the same sort of deal when I came to KK. But as soon as I got here, I don't get the "Where are you from?" The question has now metamorphosed into "Are you Japanese?" I think at least five people have asked me that since I've been here-random people, too! The first person to comment was a cosmetics salesperson. She said I looked Japanese and my sister looked Korean. A day ago, a random person came up to me and asked, "Are you Japanese?" And before I could answer, she just said, "Say yes. Because I have a bet with that person." Looked over at a bunch of these tourists. So, I just said yes.

I would love to visit Japan. I wonder if real Japanese people would think I looked Japanese. I just watched Tokyo Drift the other day. I wonder what Japanese people think of that movie! Haha.

A South Carolina Pastor in Malaysia

Every Sunday, my cousin and her friend take me to a different church. Today’s was an English speaking one at Sutera Resort (Yes!). It was very friendly and… rich. When the guest speaker went up to preach, we found out that he was an ex-pat hailing from South Carolina! Well, this should be interesting…

Oh, it was very interesting alright. He spoke really slowly, really loudly, and overly-dramatized. I exchanged looks with my friends over some of the random comments he would insert in his sermon.

Interesting comment #1: “We didn’t come from monkeys!”

Interesting comment #2: “For over 30 years, my dear brother was addicted to (“Drugs? Money? Gambling?” I thought)... homosexuality!”

Interesting comment #3: “All of you Indians and Chinese- Quit complaining about the affirmative action in Malaysia!”

Interesting comment #4: “I spent a lot of time counseling drug addicts, rapists, criminals, and homosexuals in my career…”

Since when were gay people put in the same category as drug addicts, rapists, and other criminals? I’m completely straight… but I never quite understood the disapproval for gays... especially in religion.

It reminded me a lot of another lecturer I heard at a Christian youth convention this past January. Her name is Carrie Abbott from somewhere in the south. She also painted this perfect, idealistic picture of “God’s people.” Her main message: “Men should act like men. Girls should act like girls.” I felt like she stereotyped these roles a lot, though. Is it “unnatural” for a girl to want to play with trucks and climb trees, etc. as a child?

I had a big of a debate with her after the seminar. Maybe, I was a little outspoken but I just couldn’t understand the close-mindedness of some of her opinions. Her most interesting comment: “Homosexuals are a deviation from what God intended.”

Excuse me? Someone was quite the judge. Eh, I'm being kind of rude. I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m a pretty liberal Christian and I like challenging these ideas, too much. Sometimes, these church services seem so showy and fake. The intentions of the congregation are pure but it’s easy to be influenced. I’m too careful of my beliefs (good or bad thing, again.) Or, I think I’m just paranoid of BRAINWASHING. Muahaha.

I still don’t understand how others can judge people so harshly and be narrowminded. I’m tired of hardcore atheist, scientists who are like, “Haha, how can you believe the world was created in seven days?” And then the really conservative Christians make comments like, “Pua humans didn’t come from chimps!” I’m sure creation is a lot more complicated than the simple human mind can comprehend… so… shut up about the monkeys!!

Besides, that’s not what evolutionists are saying!

I hate it when people don’t do their research…

Overall, a nice service, though...

Apologies, if this entry has offended you.

Asian Barbarians... in Sabah?

Guess who I met Saturday night? International rugby players from New Zealand!

I decided to go swimming; the sunset over Marina Court was amazing, once again. But as soon as I went in the water, I felt my ears and realized one of my earrings was missing. Thankfully, I brought my goggles so I spent a good ten minutes scouring the bottom of the pool like a treasure hunter. A man (Japanese, I found out later) saw me diving and came over to help. He turned out to be the manager of the International rugby team- Asian Barbarians. Suddenly all these guys swam over from somewhere and tried to help me find my earring. It was a strange/funny sight. Finally, found it, though. The Japanese guy stepped on it!

We talked to a few players and it turned out to be their last night in KK. Apparently, the team consists of players from all over Asia- these players were originally from New Zealand (they call themselves Kiwi? That made me think of the fruit) but now live in and play for Hong Kong. Others were from Singapore, China, India, Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka. 30 players in all- no wonder it was so hard to get a room at Marina Court.

I met up with Michelle later to walk Waterfront. Guess who we ran into at The Aussie? The Kiwis! Haha. It must be exciting to travel all the time; they go to Japan sometime soon to play the team there. Read it here:

http://sundaytimes.lk/070408/Sports/sp212.html

http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=166&Itemid=2

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/9949

But then again, you never get to settle down… “Shouldn’t you be married?” Haha. I wonder what I’ll be doing at that age… Hmm.

The National Fruit and Company

We were at the durian stall at nine o’clock at night. So much sticky humidity layering my neck, arms, and forehead. But still, the durian addicts come out. Why? It smells so bad. It's hot and humid and shady and kind of tiring to trek all that way here to this durian stall. What’s durian, anyway? Why, the national Malaysian fruit, of course!

Durian stalls like these are purely meant for immediate consumption. At night, they use florescent lights that make this futuristic glow-y feel. It’s a simple set-up. There are plastic chairs and tables around a pick-up truck. The back is converted into a vendor with stacks of durian dumped on top. All around are sounds of traffic, lights of neon street signs. Feels busy, smells like gasoline, sounds like Malay jargon. I feel so… local and national geographical.

The strange thing about this fruit is not only its structure (big, spiky, green… sounds like the hulk) but also the ability to smell so bad but taste so good. Well, it didn’t always taste so good. When I was little, I hated the smell and taste. I couldn’t understand the Malaysian obsession with it. But I guess after growing up in a durian-eating family, I “acquired” the taste, as Michelle would put it. Like sushi, bloody Mary’s, and curry- durian is definitely an acquired taste.

Lots of other fresh, tropical fruit here- not only watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey-dew: the standards. But also, papaya, jackfruit, guava, lychee, pineapple, pomegranate- all fresh and available. It’s heaven to me. I love fruit. I’m definitely taking advantage of it because back in the US, it’s so expensive, rare and above all… not as fresh!

Political Venting on the Malaysian System

I spent the day at San Francisco café. I did some thinking.

In America (or, maybe it’s just the West), you always clean up after yourself at cafes, fast-food restaurants, etc. You go up to get your own drinks and food. But here, they always, always serve you. I was standing, waiting for the cashier to make my Americano coffee and I got the weirdest looks. Afterwards, I took my trash to throw out. And, there were no garbage bins. Anywhere.

I wonder why it was like that. Then, that got me to thinking about other things.

My father likes history a lot. I do, too. So, we started talking about the “Malay Way.” I guess, a term we coined. He told me that Malaysia was a pretty peaceful country for being an Islamic one (Oh, I forgot the term used that means the government is run by its religion).

I learned from my friends that it’s hard for non-Malays to go to the public universities here. That’s why all the Chinese and Indian (and some white) citizens must go overseas to private colleges and universities.

A tangent: the schooling system has always been kind of confusing to me. They follow the British way. High school (secondary school) is form 2 through 5 (actually, I’m not quite sure about that). But for the highest form (grade), many choose not to study in secondary school but go to “college”; it’s considered senior year. I guess it makes sense since most of the classes I took as a senior were AP courses. After finishing college, then they go to “university,” which is considered our “college.” I know… confusing.

The only difference is that non-Malays cannot go to public universities as easily as true Malays. True Malay people are of Indonesian, south-pacific origin. Any American would say, “That’s racial discrimination. It’s like saying… only white people can go to state schools.” But here, it’s a way of keeping the peace. It’s the way things are. In private ownership, 30% must also go to Malays.

My Western upbringing wants to say that it’s unfair. Many Malays are poor and uneducated. Most Chinese families have at least one Malay housekeeper because it’s cheap and gives them jobs. But still, why do they get so many advantages if the Chinese and Indian families worked so hard to make Malaysia a better country? Malaysia could’ve been as poor as Indonesia (country right below us) but it’s a lot better. Just look at Singapore- it broke away from Malaysia and it’s a mainly Chinese population. Now, Singapore is so far ahead. The exchange rate is almost equal to the dollar.

I guess the idea is similar to the affirmative action debate in the U.S. I have to consider the other side. Malaysia is very peaceful for a Muslim country. Not so much terrorist activity because the Malays are content with the laws. The 50^th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence from Britain is actually coming up. This country is young- during my father’s childhood, Britain still controlled it.

I’ve been reading a few English Malay newspapers- they’re written very entertainingly. I saw this article, “Emulate KL’s approach.” KL is Kuala Lumper, Malaysia’s capital. In it, National University of Singapore’s associate professor said that Malaysian leaders focused very well on taking care of the needs and grievances of the people and their practical approach in handling terrorism threats was very sensible.

But, she also said Malaysia should speak out more on issues.

I guess Malays must feel like the Chinese population is taking over their country. Still, the Hakka (my origin, a tribe from China, “wanderers”) have come to Malaysia a long time ago.

I saw another article on Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan. I guess he recently praised Malaysia for being “a relatively peaceful country despite its cultural differences and different faiths.”

“It has managed the ethnic mix better than any other society that I can think of. The Malaysia society, which celebrates both unity and diversity, is a message that should be shared with the rest of the world.”

But, he also said that he wished the majority would speak up. “I think Malaysia has a voice and should use it more often.”

I think sometimes Malaysia likes peace and unchanging ways a little too much, though. Is it an advantage or disadvantage? It’s harmonious over here. But I also see so many negative aspects. For one... the BATHROOMS! You have to pay money to use a bathroom that is so smelly, and wet, and dirty (Muslims don't believe in toilet paper. They use water to wash themselves after each bathroom visit.) And there's a lot of crime- especially murders and rape. Well, that’s another entry.

So, sorry for this political rant. What do I know? I’m just a teenager in this foreign nation. Not a diplomat or international affairs major. I read this other interesting article… I’ll save it for later, though! Too much thinking for one day.

The weekend is coming up- more stuffs to experience!

Pink Sunsets

The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. They’re so pink. Everything’s bathed in a pink flood of color. Just look at the pictures- it’s so pretty. The only other ones comparable are the ones I saw in the Alps of France, two summers ago. I wish they didn’t disappear so fast. I look like a madwoman whenever I race outside to take a picture, around this time. Digital cameras just don’t do them justice, though.