This will be my last post for a month, the 25 day Classic Course approaching at an incredible speed i.e. it starts tomorrow and I still haven't packed. To be fair, my clothes are all currently on the washing line, and my fortune holds - despite being forced awake multiple times last night due to an intense thunderstorm, the sun is shining. Giving us a farewell I presume - we only just moved in, and now we are moving out again - from instructors' quarters to participant dorms, the amount of stairs I will be forced to climb will grow substantially - especially if I'm placed in Kinabalu. Yes, the dorms are named after Malaysian mountains. Guess why. It's not hard.
Despite the fact that I'm the one who was stung by a jellyfish, I am also apparently the 'fearless one', considering Geordam's refusal to go off the boat. And by go off the boat, I mean go off the roof of the boat in a kayak. Yes, I capsized in water filled with jellyfish. Do I care?
No, because it was AWESOME.
So yeah, after the course, so doing it again. That was pretty much the most excitement I've had the past few days, as we've spent the rest of time getting ready for the course - we finally met the official Executive Director today, who seems nice enough, but encourages us to separate and chat to the other instructors. Not hard on my part, considering I spend a lot of my time without Geordam anyway, but I'm thinking it might break their hearts if they're forced to spend time without each other.
Ah well, the 25 day course is approaching, and it looks like we won't be the only international participants - a Canadian lady is joining us. As it is, we're lacking participants - the standard is around 15 and apparently we have about six. Until it starts, I can't tell if this is a good thing or not, but we'll have to wait and see. It can't be helped that I will soon be in mourning - no outside contact with the world aside, books and music are off the list of approved items. And I'm not going to be like the 12-year-old girl who tried to insist that Twilight was a religious book to her. That's just sad.
I should depart - I need to finish off the chocolate since it's not allowed on course. A hardship indeed, but it must be done.
Emily
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Failed Artists
After a relaxing few days spent mosying around the staff mess, yesterday provided an excellent source of amusement. Timetables do not appear to be a set process around here - especially in regard to white foreigners. Despite a previous mention of First Aid training with Karl, Geordam and I headed out to an OB campsite, to help the technical team clear it up in time for the kayaking squad.
By clean up, I mean they did pretty much everything, while I looked official with a clipboard as Matthew and I walked around noting Risks and What To Do. Not exactly the hard going work we expected, but considering the violent storm that emerged around 11, we weren't about to complain. If anyone wants to know a way of making me gigglier than a hyena without resorting to a high intake of sugar, it involves being soaked through while collecting clams on the beach, as a man trapped in the sand teaches you random Malay words.
Eventually, t
he rain cleared. Blue sky, golden sun, green trees - it was a beautiful day. With jellyfish. Who I sincerely believe have attitude problems, or are just really bad artists, considering the not so stunning pattern currently covering my calf. Fear not - a bit of cream and a shower, plus Adam's constant sexist remarks making me want to hit him, meant I was in a kayak by four. To make the kayaking more interesting, Karl joined us, and thus we went on a 1 and a 1/2 hour journey around the Marina, leading to us interrupting wedding photos, noting the presence of otters, and capsizing in succession, as a gust of wind and waves first tipped me over, with George following shortly after, once my kayak and I had become one again.
Dinner was spent out with David and Karl at a Chinese, which, creating an apparent 'Opium Den' feeling, burn egg boxes to create smoke. It's remarkably effective at stopping the nyamuk. We entered into the shopping mall once more, stocking up in supplies (read: chocolate) before departing home to rest before the early morning trek.
The peak we ventured to is about 331m high, and it took us about 35 minutes to reach it. Word to the wise? Eat food before you trek. As it is, Karl carries Snicker bars because he is a genius (more on that later). Thus, the trek was pretty enjoyable, if hard work. The way down was...well, it cemented my belief that I got lucky with my placement. Karl, Safety Officer Man, and David, Instructor Dude, are both comic book fans. This had been established yesterday at dinner, exciting an intense discussion regarding the Justice League and beyond. But today, as I threw myself down the hill, repressing the urge to roll, I discovered this: The Flash (Wally West), Supernatural, Doctor Who, Glee - Karl is a fan of all. It brought a slight tear to my eye (actually, that was sweat) as I realised that I found a kindred soul.
And now I must venture off to do grown up things, like washing my clothes. Adios!
Emily
By clean up, I mean they did pretty much everything, while I looked official with a clipboard as Matthew and I walked around noting Risks and What To Do. Not exactly the hard going work we expected, but considering the violent storm that emerged around 11, we weren't about to complain. If anyone wants to know a way of making me gigglier than a hyena without resorting to a high intake of sugar, it involves being soaked through while collecting clams on the beach, as a man trapped in the sand teaches you random Malay words.
Eventually, t
he rain cleared. Blue sky, golden sun, green trees - it was a beautiful day. With jellyfish. Who I sincerely believe have attitude problems, or are just really bad artists, considering the not so stunning pattern currently covering my calf. Fear not - a bit of cream and a shower, plus Adam's constant sexist remarks making me want to hit him, meant I was in a kayak by four. To make the kayaking more interesting, Karl joined us, and thus we went on a 1 and a 1/2 hour journey around the Marina, leading to us interrupting wedding photos, noting the presence of otters, and capsizing in succession, as a gust of wind and waves first tipped me over, with George following shortly after, once my kayak and I had become one again.Dinner was spent out with David and Karl at a Chinese, which, creating an apparent 'Opium Den' feeling, burn egg boxes to create smoke. It's remarkably effective at stopping the nyamuk. We entered into the shopping mall once more, stocking up in supplies (read: chocolate) before departing home to rest before the early morning trek.
The peak we ventured to is about 331m high, and it took us about 35 minutes to reach it. Word to the wise? Eat food before you trek. As it is, Karl carries Snicker bars because he is a genius (more on that later). Thus, the trek was pretty enjoyable, if hard work. The way down was...well, it cemented my belief that I got lucky with my placement. Karl, Safety Officer Man, and David, Instructor Dude, are both comic book fans. This had been established yesterday at dinner, exciting an intense discussion regarding the Justice League and beyond. But today, as I threw myself down the hill, repressing the urge to roll, I discovered this: The Flash (Wally West), Supernatural, Doctor Who, Glee - Karl is a fan of all. It brought a slight tear to my eye (actually, that was sweat) as I realised that I found a kindred soul.
And now I must venture off to do grown up things, like washing my clothes. Adios!
Emily
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Attack of the Nyamuk
I am apparently a free of charge, all-you-can-eat buffet, if the amount of mosquito bites is anything to go by. Really, I blame myself. Not only do I forget to put on suncream (no burns yet thankfully), but I also forget to put on insect repellent. It should be a requirement. If you're going trekking in the middle of the jungle, wear insect repellent, or be prepared to face the crazed swarm of the dreaded nyamuk.
As it is, it's been an interesting couple of days with David giving us an orientation course. The run on Wednesday was...well, it could have been worse. It certainly wakes you up in the morning, though I reckon a longer amount of sleep would also result in the whole 'I'm not tired' phase. The current instructors-in-training (IiT) are required to do morning exercise every day, so poor them. Geordam and I sat through a session on what OB actually is, the motto 'To serve, to strive and not to yield' being a variation from Tennyson's 'Ulysses'. In the afternoon, a session on knots was in order - the bowline, the clove hitch, the reef knot, the fisherman's knot, the anchor line, the figure of eight, the sheep bend - all important in their own way, to ensure that death and destruction does not fall upon us. Adam had a few...issues with the fisherman's knot, resulting in David lending him ropes to practise with. Not that he did. David then took us out for dinner at Restoran Biriyani, and we delved into the shopping centre for essentials. For me, toilet paper. Which isn't really used here. There's a hose if you want it. But, not as fun as it sounds.
Due to the drizzle, Thursday's morning exercise was in the gym - resulting in push-ups, runs and various other torture methods. There was also an odd 'stepping stone' idea, where we had two chairs each and had to get to the finish line without touching the floor. It's harder than you'd think, especially in the heat. Kayaking was the main agenda of the morning though, with a proper introduction to the boat house, as well as various strokes and techniques mentioned. We joined with the IiT who were being assessed, and capsized various times. On purpose. I do have some skill in a kayak. The afternoon was devoted to map and compass skills (which we already possessed, more fool them) and a trek in the jungle - insects, spikes and the use of ropes in order to climb up the hill were all part of that lovely experience. No, it was actually quite nice. Hard work, resulting in a tomato face and a loooong shower needed, but the view was beautiful.
I'm not really allowed in the men's quarters, for obvious reasons. But Khaliq invited us all to Dede's house for dinner, and since Geordam weren't responding to their phones, I trekked up to their room. This was fine. I'd been told to go there anyway, in order for us to be taken to Dede's in the first place. I, however, had not remembered that this was Hari Raya month, and thus any 'dinner' we are invited to, would be to do with Hari Raya. Meaning board shorts? Well, lets just say that while I don't know Malay, I'm pretty sure there was a general inclination towards me being of 'loose' character. Or something to that effect. It was fine otherwise. The female IiT's taught me some more Malay, the food was good, and George spent some time hitting Adam's pecs in an attempt to keep them in a 'constant state of firmness'. Sure boys, whatever you say.
Once again, ropes. We got a lie in i.e. lapan, or eight, and then rope practise, this time including square lashings (thank you Guides!). Due to it being Friday, lunch started early and finished late, to allow for Jumu'ah, the congregational prayer Muslim's hold every Friday. It was strange, because the staff mess was totally empty, something I haven't seen before. Belaying technique, which rock climbing has forced into my brain, was again demonstrated by the IiT, before we ventured up ourselves. After Geordam 'taxed out' (whatever that means) I rang Nazri to ask for permission to go kayaking. I then began to scare the hell out of Adam (joy of joys) as apparently jellyfish don't care if it isn't jellyfish season. And Adam? He reeeeeally doesn't like jellyfish.
I don't think they really know what to do with us. Until we go on the 25 day course, starting the 21st, they can't start putting us to work. So far, we've had it easy - Geordam live in their room watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, or are here playing Guitar Hero, while I spend time listening to my iPod, watching the TV with the instructors, or writing this blog. All that will change soon. Our 'back to basics' 25 day course allows no electrical objects (except cameras), no money and no leaving the compound without express say so. Woop woop.
I'll leave off now - the new course participants will be appearing soon, and I (in the proper dress code) must go observe. Ah, the joys of learning!
Ciao!
Emily
P.S. Geordam also have a blog, though it's actually a 'video diary'. They currently have our first day up, and are in the process of the first day of Hari Raya. It's kind of epic actually, and can be found at: dangertwin--boats-n-hoes--extreeme.blogspot.com. Enjoy!
As it is, it's been an interesting couple of days with David giving us an orientation course. The run on Wednesday was...well, it could have been worse. It certainly wakes you up in the morning, though I reckon a longer amount of sleep would also result in the whole 'I'm not tired' phase. The current instructors-in-training (IiT) are required to do morning exercise every day, so poor them. Geordam and I sat through a session on what OB actually is, the motto 'To serve, to strive and not to yield' being a variation from Tennyson's 'Ulysses'. In the afternoon, a session on knots was in order - the bowline, the clove hitch, the reef knot, the fisherman's knot, the anchor line, the figure of eight, the sheep bend - all important in their own way, to ensure that death and destruction does not fall upon us. Adam had a few...issues with the fisherman's knot, resulting in David lending him ropes to practise with. Not that he did. David then took us out for dinner at Restoran Biriyani, and we delved into the shopping centre for essentials. For me, toilet paper. Which isn't really used here. There's a hose if you want it. But, not as fun as it sounds.
Due to the drizzle, Thursday's morning exercise was in the gym - resulting in push-ups, runs and various other torture methods. There was also an odd 'stepping stone' idea, where we had two chairs each and had to get to the finish line without touching the floor. It's harder than you'd think, especially in the heat. Kayaking was the main agenda of the morning though, with a proper introduction to the boat house, as well as various strokes and techniques mentioned. We joined with the IiT who were being assessed, and capsized various times. On purpose. I do have some skill in a kayak. The afternoon was devoted to map and compass skills (which we already possessed, more fool them) and a trek in the jungle - insects, spikes and the use of ropes in order to climb up the hill were all part of that lovely experience. No, it was actually quite nice. Hard work, resulting in a tomato face and a loooong shower needed, but the view was beautiful.
I'm not really allowed in the men's quarters, for obvious reasons. But Khaliq invited us all to Dede's house for dinner, and since Geordam weren't responding to their phones, I trekked up to their room. This was fine. I'd been told to go there anyway, in order for us to be taken to Dede's in the first place. I, however, had not remembered that this was Hari Raya month, and thus any 'dinner' we are invited to, would be to do with Hari Raya. Meaning board shorts? Well, lets just say that while I don't know Malay, I'm pretty sure there was a general inclination towards me being of 'loose' character. Or something to that effect. It was fine otherwise. The female IiT's taught me some more Malay, the food was good, and George spent some time hitting Adam's pecs in an attempt to keep them in a 'constant state of firmness'. Sure boys, whatever you say.
Once again, ropes. We got a lie in i.e. lapan, or eight, and then rope practise, this time including square lashings (thank you Guides!). Due to it being Friday, lunch started early and finished late, to allow for Jumu'ah, the congregational prayer Muslim's hold every Friday. It was strange, because the staff mess was totally empty, something I haven't seen before. Belaying technique, which rock climbing has forced into my brain, was again demonstrated by the IiT, before we ventured up ourselves. After Geordam 'taxed out' (whatever that means) I rang Nazri to ask for permission to go kayaking. I then began to scare the hell out of Adam (joy of joys) as apparently jellyfish don't care if it isn't jellyfish season. And Adam? He reeeeeally doesn't like jellyfish.
I don't think they really know what to do with us. Until we go on the 25 day course, starting the 21st, they can't start putting us to work. So far, we've had it easy - Geordam live in their room watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, or are here playing Guitar Hero, while I spend time listening to my iPod, watching the TV with the instructors, or writing this blog. All that will change soon. Our 'back to basics' 25 day course allows no electrical objects (except cameras), no money and no leaving the compound without express say so. Woop woop.
I'll leave off now - the new course participants will be appearing soon, and I (in the proper dress code) must go observe. Ah, the joys of learning!
Ciao!
Emily
P.S. Geordam also have a blog, though it's actually a 'video diary'. They currently have our first day up, and are in the process of the first day of Hari Raya. It's kind of epic actually, and can be found at: dangertwin--boats-n-hoes--extreeme.blogspot.com. Enjoy!
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Final Destination: Lumut
Well, after two seven hour flights, eight days in Seremban and an eight hour journey by bus, we have finally arrived in Lumut! Saturday night was fun, if a tad jumbled - I'm still not sure if the owner kicked us out or not, though why he would I have no idea - and Lisa swears he was closing up. Ah well, it wasn't too bad - a huge fit of the giggles and Tom being carried home, but nothing was broken, and the owner appreciated the three beer buckets a strange Malay bought us.
The next day wasn't quite as interesting. A late start, and then a trip to the Royal Ujong Club (the Colonial Club mentioned earlier) for lunch and a swim. I decided to follow the traditional Malay route, and considering we were eating 'Banana Leaf' (not literally, everything just placed prettily upon it), it seemed apt. By that, I mean I ate with my hands. Rice and vegetables covered in sauce - and not a drop passed my knuckles. Impressed, no? It is way more refined than the customary 'cram it in your mouth' style you're probably thinking about.
A quick swim, ending in Max smacking his head due to a 'Death Dive' gone wrong, and we departed to the hotel. I was able to get my packing done easily - Mya and Lisa had gone to visit their possible homes - and then we headed out for dinner and a final send off. Which got steadily more depressing as bouts of home-sickness (or something like that) took hold, sending some of our group into hiding. Mya, Geordam and I ended up in the Mamak, where roti chanai was consumed at around three in the morning.
The sad times were necessary I feel - after spending a week together, we've split up to make our way in the world. Tom and Max were seen off before Geordam and I departed to the bus station, only to discover all buses to Lumut were fully booked. Thus began an eight hour journey, requiring five hours to Ipoh, a half hour attempt at finding where to get a bus to Lumut, another bus journey to the Central Terminal, and then a two hour journey in a non air-conditioned bus. (to put this into perspective, the Lumut bus was a five hour, air-conditioned bus, and the man at the station lied to us, a confident 'Ipoh is 15 minutes from Lumut, ye?' proved false, the situation exacerbated by the worrying issue that I had eaten no breakfast or lunch).
I suppose the important point is, we have arrived. Atan picked us up for the fifteen minute journey to Outward Bound Malaysia Lumut (OBML) and showed us to our rooms, before supplying us with dinner. I have my own room in the women's quarters, the bathroom right next to me and the dining room literally next door. About an hour was spent blue-tacking things to my wall (including all my The Flash comics) before a shower and finally bed.
This morning, we met Nazri, the Executive Director, who helped set up bank accounts for us, as well as taking us to the Doctor for check-ups. If anyone's interested, they're going to have to wait for the urine sample to come back to know whether I'm fully normal. This week is basic administration, and appears to have a lot of hanging around the Staff Mess ('no access to participants', I so did enjoy passing that sign!) as we aren't allowed to leave the area without express permission from Nazri, due to health and safety risks. We were also told that we couldn't go swimming in the sea this week, again due to 'elf and safety, but all was well, as a Project Trust volunteer from India (nope, didn't know PT was there either) supervised us while we went kayaking.
Now? I've spent about an hour playing Guitar Hero (I'm bad, it must be said) and talking to Aliff who has promised to help me with Malay in exchange for English lessons. So hopefully, you will soon see a vast improvement in my Malay skills. As it is, my bed is calling to me - I have to be up for a run at seven. Pity me children (then again, I'm by the sea).
Selemat Malam,
Emily
The next day wasn't quite as interesting. A late start, and then a trip to the Royal Ujong Club (the Colonial Club mentioned earlier) for lunch and a swim. I decided to follow the traditional Malay route, and considering we were eating 'Banana Leaf' (not literally, everything just placed prettily upon it), it seemed apt. By that, I mean I ate with my hands. Rice and vegetables covered in sauce - and not a drop passed my knuckles. Impressed, no? It is way more refined than the customary 'cram it in your mouth' style you're probably thinking about.
A quick swim, ending in Max smacking his head due to a 'Death Dive' gone wrong, and we departed to the hotel. I was able to get my packing done easily - Mya and Lisa had gone to visit their possible homes - and then we headed out for dinner and a final send off. Which got steadily more depressing as bouts of home-sickness (or something like that) took hold, sending some of our group into hiding. Mya, Geordam and I ended up in the Mamak, where roti chanai was consumed at around three in the morning.
The sad times were necessary I feel - after spending a week together, we've split up to make our way in the world. Tom and Max were seen off before Geordam and I departed to the bus station, only to discover all buses to Lumut were fully booked. Thus began an eight hour journey, requiring five hours to Ipoh, a half hour attempt at finding where to get a bus to Lumut, another bus journey to the Central Terminal, and then a two hour journey in a non air-conditioned bus. (to put this into perspective, the Lumut bus was a five hour, air-conditioned bus, and the man at the station lied to us, a confident 'Ipoh is 15 minutes from Lumut, ye?' proved false, the situation exacerbated by the worrying issue that I had eaten no breakfast or lunch).
I suppose the important point is, we have arrived. Atan picked us up for the fifteen minute journey to Outward Bound Malaysia Lumut (OBML) and showed us to our rooms, before supplying us with dinner. I have my own room in the women's quarters, the bathroom right next to me and the dining room literally next door. About an hour was spent blue-tacking things to my wall (including all my The Flash comics) before a shower and finally bed.
This morning, we met Nazri, the Executive Director, who helped set up bank accounts for us, as well as taking us to the Doctor for check-ups. If anyone's interested, they're going to have to wait for the urine sample to come back to know whether I'm fully normal. This week is basic administration, and appears to have a lot of hanging around the Staff Mess ('no access to participants', I so did enjoy passing that sign!) as we aren't allowed to leave the area without express permission from Nazri, due to health and safety risks. We were also told that we couldn't go swimming in the sea this week, again due to 'elf and safety, but all was well, as a Project Trust volunteer from India (nope, didn't know PT was there either) supervised us while we went kayaking.
Now? I've spent about an hour playing Guitar Hero (I'm bad, it must be said) and talking to Aliff who has promised to help me with Malay in exchange for English lessons. So hopefully, you will soon see a vast improvement in my Malay skills. As it is, my bed is calling to me - I have to be up for a run at seven. Pity me children (then again, I'm by the sea).
Selemat Malam,
Emily
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Seremban draws to a close.
One week and counting - I'm adjusting to the heat (slowly but surely) and getting fat off the delicious food (as well as the not so healthy Oreo's, which live a few shops down). Tomorrow is my last day here in Seremban, but I feel like we've packed a year's worth of visiting and travel into a ridiculously short time span.
Following the traditional tourist route, we've been to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and seen the Petronas Towers, as well as various mosques. What sticks out most was the sudden rush of people - Malaysia's 54th Independence Day saw everyone out on the streets, and 'the white people' were cause for amusement and wonder. Really, we should have started charging them - Mya literally got mobbed, with various people groping her at will, and Geordam standing in the corner laughing.
We've also been to Batu Caves, where following my tradition, I managed to lose my group and ended up wondering around the temples, happy as a clam with no shoes, while the others searched for me. True to form, I didn't have my phone with me either. The elephant sanctuary has probably been the best part of the week - we were allowed to feed, ride and help wash them, and ended up taking a few showers of our own when they decided they'd had enough! Crazily, elephant's in captivity need 100-150 litres of water because of their diet, although I wouldn't want to drink the water we were swimming in.
Yesterday was pretty relaxed - all of us girls bought Baju Kurung's, traditional Malay oufits, as we had (finally) been informed that we were heading to a wedding the next day (actually an engagement). I headed out to a Hash Run with the guys, where we promptly got lost, as the man who had laid the track had failed to inform anyone that it was in a figure of 9, and thus we should return the way we came. Everyone ended up getting pick up off the highway, including 3 Canadian children, aged 10, 7 and 6. Unfortunately, they were probably fitter than all of us Outward Bound lot combined. Then again, I claim a reprieve - a vicious tree attacked me, leaving me reeling from the blow, and blood streaming from my head (I exaggerate).
Today was certainly our most official day. Dressed up, make-up done, hair straightened, we headed to the Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan's Open House Hari Raya, where we were treated to the silver service, Chris being an in-law. The King of Negeri Sembilan also came, proceeding stately as the paparazzi flooded the area. 'Foreigners!' He cried as he passed us by. 'American?' Shocked as I was by the prescence of royalty, I still had enough in me to correct him. While he didn't seem to mind that, I forgot the important point as we were leaving - don't turn your back on the King.
For those of you worried, it was fine. I may have simply confirmed the point of ignorant foreigners, but I gave them a laugh at least! Anyhow, we later attended Chris' work colleague's daughter's engagement party. No, we didn't know her. We brought nothing, ate their food, and took pictures. Strangely, they seemed pretty happy with this. Seriously, Malay people must be some of the nicest in the world - we've been fed so many times over the last week, and welcomed warmly, despite never having met them before.
Considering the time, I should probably venture forth into the world. We're eating dinner soon enough, and then...well, to the bar I suppose. I still don't like beer. And unfortunately, the quest of the year appears to be to get me drunk. This can not end well.
Jumpa Lagi!
Emily
Following the traditional tourist route, we've been to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and seen the Petronas Towers, as well as various mosques. What sticks out most was the sudden rush of people - Malaysia's 54th Independence Day saw everyone out on the streets, and 'the white people' were cause for amusement and wonder. Really, we should have started charging them - Mya literally got mobbed, with various people groping her at will, and Geordam standing in the corner laughing.
We've also been to Batu Caves, where following my tradition, I managed to lose my group and ended up wondering around the temples, happy as a clam with no shoes, while the others searched for me. True to form, I didn't have my phone with me either. The elephant sanctuary has probably been the best part of the week - we were allowed to feed, ride and help wash them, and ended up taking a few showers of our own when they decided they'd had enough! Crazily, elephant's in captivity need 100-150 litres of water because of their diet, although I wouldn't want to drink the water we were swimming in.
Yesterday was pretty relaxed - all of us girls bought Baju Kurung's, traditional Malay oufits, as we had (finally) been informed that we were heading to a wedding the next day (actually an engagement). I headed out to a Hash Run with the guys, where we promptly got lost, as the man who had laid the track had failed to inform anyone that it was in a figure of 9, and thus we should return the way we came. Everyone ended up getting pick up off the highway, including 3 Canadian children, aged 10, 7 and 6. Unfortunately, they were probably fitter than all of us Outward Bound lot combined. Then again, I claim a reprieve - a vicious tree attacked me, leaving me reeling from the blow, and blood streaming from my head (I exaggerate).
Today was certainly our most official day. Dressed up, make-up done, hair straightened, we headed to the Chief Minister of Negeri Sembilan's Open House Hari Raya, where we were treated to the silver service, Chris being an in-law. The King of Negeri Sembilan also came, proceeding stately as the paparazzi flooded the area. 'Foreigners!' He cried as he passed us by. 'American?' Shocked as I was by the prescence of royalty, I still had enough in me to correct him. While he didn't seem to mind that, I forgot the important point as we were leaving - don't turn your back on the King.
For those of you worried, it was fine. I may have simply confirmed the point of ignorant foreigners, but I gave them a laugh at least! Anyhow, we later attended Chris' work colleague's daughter's engagement party. No, we didn't know her. We brought nothing, ate their food, and took pictures. Strangely, they seemed pretty happy with this. Seriously, Malay people must be some of the nicest in the world - we've been fed so many times over the last week, and welcomed warmly, despite never having met them before.
Considering the time, I should probably venture forth into the world. We're eating dinner soon enough, and then...well, to the bar I suppose. I still don't like beer. And unfortunately, the quest of the year appears to be to get me drunk. This can not end well.
Jumpa Lagi!
Emily
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