First Impressions

Today is our last day in KL...we leave in a couple of hours for Kuala Terengganu, the capital of the state of Terengganu, where we will be teaching. We will have a 2.5 week orientation there led by the Terengganu state government, including Malay (Bahasa Melayu) lessons, ESL training, and culture training. Everyone in KL is a bit prejudiced against Terengganu because it is a conservative state, and a rural state. I would liken the feelings to those an East Coaster or West Coaster might have for the South. There probably is some truth to the stereotypes, but I'm sure it is also very different than urban KLers imagine. I'll find out for myself soon enough.

The past few days here have been a wonderful whirlwind of sightseeing, briefings, and bonding with the group. The ETA group is wonderful, I literally like every single person-- and I'm not just saying that because this is the internet. Everyone is different, well-traveled, interesting, fun, etc. Ez and I are having a ball getting to know our new friends. The first day here, only half the group had arrived, so the 6 of us went tripping around the city to Chinatown, the Colonial District, and of course, the incredible shopping malls. My first observation of the city was the unique multicultural community that Malaysians have formed. Although they are all considered Malaysians and have, for the most part, equal rights under the constitution, Malaysians are categorized by the government into three "races," (I know, I hate that word, but thats what they use): Chinese Malaysians, Indian Malaysians, and Malays. The Malays are considered the native Malaysians, and therefore have a few economic privileges the others do not. Also, interestingly enough, under the constitution, there is religious freedom for everyone BUT the Malays; since Malaysia is a Muslim country, by law, a Malay MUST be Muslim and cannot convert. So, as you can see, I am living in a very different place! Also, for perspective, KL is only about 50% Malay, and where we're going today is 90% Malay. That is why our experience is about to change so much.

In KL though, the multicultural aspect is truly incredible. There are three different types of food of course, but they all work together beautifully sharing spices, textures, etc. Everyone is integrated and friendly and, as far as I can see right now, respectful of each other. Also, not everyone speaks Malay. The Malays do of course, but the Chinese speak Mandarin or Cantonese, and Indians speak primarily Tamil. Everyone in KL speaks a little Malay, and a lot of English. As in many 'developing' countries these, people are connected strongly through technology here as well. My favorite scene was walking onto the monorail where the speakers were blasting Backstreet Boys, and seeing a young Malay woman, headscarf and all, rocking out and singing along.

The past 2 days have been slightly less eventful, but very informative. We had a briefing at the U.S. embassy where they told us about the political, economic, media, and security situations in Malaysia. Then we sat and chatted with the ambassador for half an hour about all of the above. Everyone at the embassy was fabulous. They are all laid back, interesting, and and just cool people in general. We learned that Malaysia is a very safe place, but of course a repressed place in many respects. Oh, and for the parents and relatives: during our security briefing by the Director of Security at the U.S. Embassy, we learned that violence and unrest in Malaysia consists of one violent protest in 1969, and purse-snatching. Also, he remarked that you are 2 times more likely to be a victim of violent crime in the U.S. than you are in Malaysia, and 7 times more likely in New York than Malaysia. 

I can understand why this is already pretty well. The culture here is very mellow, spiritual and harmonious. People are more than happy to help tourists, and do so with enthusiasm and patience. No one I have been in contact with seems rushed or into his/her own life more than the lives of others. People have a sense of harmony, balance and generosity that is unlike anywhere else I've been...and I've only been here 3 full days! For example, one thing that I think is absolutely beautiful and symbolizes the attitude people have towards others here is the "Salaam." When Malays shake hands upon meeting someone, they don't just shake hands and move on. After shaking, they bring their hands to their hearts to show that they have taken that person into their heart. I love this....can we introduce it to the U.S. please? I think just the act of doing it makes you a better person.

Yesterday we had a cultural lesson. I won't say much about this because I'm not sure how accurate it was, but they did teach us how to wear traditional Malay sarongs.

I have posted pictures from KL in the photos section, please enjoy!!

Terengganu time.

Ps- Here is a video I took of a man in KL making delicious roti chennai. It was our favorite breakfast bread for the last 3 days!