Malaysia's Greatest Hits: Part 1

My grant is more than halfway done, and I feel like it's time for me to reflect on what I really love about this place. It's easy to get bogged down and frustrated, but there is a lot to appreciate here, so it's about time that I present to you "Malaysia's Greatest Hits: Part 1."

The Night Market (Pasar Malam) in Kuala Berang

Every Tuesday, I get a ride over to Ezra's school

 in Kuala Berang, and meet up with him for his improv class. After class, we ride over to the Pasar Malam for dinner. We get the usual; chicken satay with peanut sauce, roti canai, naan, seasoned garbanzo beans, vegetable porridge, kuey teow noodles (like chow fun), and another roti canai for dessert. We take a seat at the market-side cafe and order drinks. It is the best part of my week, as I get to spend time with Ez, eat food I like and gain a little bit of my weight back.

My friend Umi

On our way to the Pasar Malam on Tuesdays, we always stop off at our favorite little fabric

 store to visit my friend Umi. I met her buying pants at the store in February.  She was immediately my best friend, and I look forward to chatting with her every week. Something I really love about her is that she is not afraid of physical contact. Most Malays here avoid touching me other than shaking hands, and any time I've ever tried to hug anyone it is SUPER awkward. Not Umi. She hugs me tightly every time we see each other, and holds my hand the entire time we talk. I feel at home with her, and it is nice to have a home here. This is Umi (in the middle) sewing up my shirt when it ripped.

Riding the Moto

Living in such a rural area, 

I sometimes feel isolated, as it can be 2 or 3 days

 before I ever leave my school grounds. So, when I hop on the back of Ez's moto and leave the school, I feel free. There is nothing like feeling the breeze as you pass fields of palm trees and green hills. Ez taught me to drive the moto myself, but I haven't taken it out on the road. I'm not sure that will happen. Ez is a great driver, and I like being the passenger in this case. 

Laughter and Singing

Students at my school are absolutely obsessed with music. 

Therefore, every chance they get they ask me to play songs for them, and print out the lyrics for them to sing along. I've spent many a recess sitting in the library with a group of 10 kids singing along to songs ranging from "You are My Sunshine" to "My Humps." Recently, I seem to have formed a Latin American music club, where 5 or so kids who love Spanish soap operas have asked me to play Juanes songs for them. We sing along in Spanish and I translate for them. Now, every so often I am greeted with "Buenos días" and "Como estás?" which makes me feel right at home.

Also, laughter is a huge part of my experience here. Sometimes I am sure my students are laughing at me, but a lot of the time I am making them laugh, which is a fabulous experience. There is nothing like standing in front of a classroom of 30 kids and making a really corny joke, and then hearing them laugh for a good 3 minutes.

Ikman

This is Ikman. He is a Form 1 student (age 13) and is undoubtedly the best English student in the class. He is also the most adorable; the smallest in the class by a large

 margin, Ikman is always the most enthusiastic of anyone. Most teachers are always 5-10 minutes late for class, a habit which I have picked up as well. But, Ikman does not tolerate my tardiness. Every Wednesday without fail, as I am sitting at my desk and gathering up my teaching materials to take with me to my Form 1 class, in walks Ikman asking where I have been.

"Ms. Sarah, it's time for class!"

"Ok, Ikman, I'm coming!"

Then he walks me to the classroom smiling the whole way. 

It's good to have things to count on here. Whether its the night market or Ikman poking his head through the office door, it keeps me sane and happy.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in August...

(Also- see photo section for new pictures!)