Let's see, last time we saw the Swindles they were enjoying fireside chats in the Cameron Highlands. From there, we drove toward the east coast where my state, Terengganu, is located. We stopped over in a town called Kota Bharu for one night to recharge and also to visit Kota Bharu's famous night market, known especially for its traditional Malay food choices. I had been to the market once before with my roommate Gwynne, and was excited to revisit it with my family. Highlights of the night included bargaining for Manchester United t-shirts, teaching Dad to eat nasi ayam (chicken rice) with his hand, and jamming to "Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart" in a taxi, which our driver played especially for us.
After Kota Bharu, it was time to hit the islands! The east coast of Malaysia is known for its gorgeous array of tropical paradises, including Pulau (Island) Perhentian, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tioman, and Pulau Redang. Our family decided to try Pulau Redang, and (even though our drive was stressful and there was a huge moment of silence in the car when we thought we'd miss our boat) we made it to the jetty with plenty of time to spare. Pulau Redang was beautiful and peaceful and definitely tropical, and our resort took good care of us. All we had to do was lounge in beach chairs, go on organized snorkeling trips in the South China Sea, and eat, eat, and eat some more at the buffet-style meals. Luckily, we handled the intense schedule pretty well. I suppose I was especially relaxed because I neglected to take a single picture on the island, except this one of me with Uno cards stuck to my forehead.
Then it was Terengganu time...my Malaysian turf. I was excited for my family to see where I'd been living and working since January, and having them in my apartment was incredibly surreal. They were great sports, and we were all squeezed into the non-air conditioned, cold water only, buggy place. Maybe the highlight of the whole trip was having my family come to school with me. Susan wore one of my Malay baju kurongs, my parents came bearing gifts, and everyone was a huge hit (no surprise there). My wonderful mentor, Anis, connected so well with my mother that she started crying within minutes of meeting her. Seriously. And Hayati, my foster sister who I am pretty sure doesn't care much for me, told my mother three times that she wanted to be just like her and that she loved the way she talked. I think they wanted to trade me in! (I would pick Dorothy Swindle any day, too.) My school was great and had a delicious chicken satay breakfast and special Malay lunch prepared for everyone. My family got to help me teach a couple of classes as well, and we had so much fun teaching the kids a song and a rhyming activity together. Here is "Miss Susan" with one of my Form 5 classes.
Sadly, the trip was quickly coming to an end, and so it was time to make our way back to KL. We drove our Proton rental the six hours to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday night in order to have an entire day Friday together. It was so special! We celebrated Father's Day a couple of days early at a great Indian restaurant and also experienced a fish spa together. I had done this with George twice in Korea, but it was a new thing for everyone else. Basically, it's this foot treatment that began in Turkey, and you put your feet in water with special fish that nibble the dead skin off your feet. It feels WEIRD at first, and then, strangely, you get used to the sensation and even begin to like it. I was able to capture Dad's face as he first put his feet in, and it was pretty priceless.
The past 18 days had been magical, and it felt like I should have been getting on the plane with Mom, Dad, and Susan on Friday night. Sadly, though, I had to let them go and then wander through KL International Airport sobbing, trying to make my way back to the hotel. I am still basking in the warmth my family brought when they came, and the fact that they were willing to come visit me all the way over here means the world. Malaysia has been such a distinctly different part of my life, and because they were able to see it firsthand I was able to better share my experience here. Thanks Mom, Dad, and Susan! I love you all so much!
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