2010

Ever wanted to travel to Southeast Asia? Join students and faculty from SSU as they study and travel.

A Fresh Perspective.

November 29, 2010 – 12:18 pm
By arielscheer | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

I am already dreading that simple, expected question that I know will seem to haunt every conversation upon my return: “So, how was your trip?”

Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that yet. Its not a simple yes or no answer. It requires thought, a processing of some sort, and being in a state of reflection that I am just not ready for. Eleven days ago I wished to go home. I longed to walk the familiar hallways of my house, to reach into the fridge and eat real cheese, to turn on the t.v. and disappear into the monotony of daily routine. Eleven days ago I was ready to leave Asia, I was ready to end the adventure and return to ‘reality’. However it will not be more than six days before I am home, and only now am I realizing all the stuff I wanted to do, the things I wanted to see, the pictures I wanted to take. Living in the moment has been a growing theme for me during these past months, and I feel that with these last few days I am finally realizing both the challenge and the reward. My hope is that in these last few days I will take in my surroundings without analysis (that comes later when I am writing my paper for Frank), but instead with a sense of newness. A fresh perspective.

Ariel

Beautiful Luck

November 29, 2010 – 11:58 am
By JenObokata | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

If I believed in luck or thought that it was something that I could accumulate I’d be full of it right now…Luck that is. Who knew it would be so beautiful to gather either? I’m in the thick of the Loi Krathong festival which means that there are fire crackers and fireworks going off at any hour of the day or night and that there are paper lanterns strung up everywhere. Another thing that you can do to celebrate is go to a tropical paradise near a waterfall that is fed by a mystical spring of seven colours. This is where I got my first bi of good fortune by sprinkling my face and hands then playing in the waterfall of course. Then you can eat all day and night and live sabai style – “free-style” until its dark and time to launch homemade krathong (….) constructed of the trunk and leaves of the banana tree and flowers. I’m getting luckier. The last and by far the most beautiful thing that would have insured my eternal luck or rather the release of my bad luck, if I believed in such things,  is letting a miniature hot air balloon or …… go into the air and sail away . I can say this for fortune I have been fortunate to have these experiences.

Jen

Loi Kra Thong

November 29, 2010 – 5:52 am
By hannahnewson | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

One word to describe Thailand: Breathtaking. We spent our time here in Thailand during the Loi Kra Thong festival. Everywhere you look there are rows upon rows of lanterns. Floating on river are these massive balloon like characters of dragons, flowers, and many other creatures. Almost bringing to life a fantasy world. Between the broken down old walls there are stages with dancers and musicians, surrounded by colourful elephants made out of cloth and lights. After going downtown and wandering through the parade, street stalls, and masses of people we came back to our hotel.  Relaxing in my room for a while and attempting to go to sleep, suddenly I had a burst of energy. Knowing there was no way I would be able to sleep once I was hyper I pulled on a shirt and wandered to the balcony. This was at around two in the morning, little did I know of the spectacle that awaited me. The stars were replaced with little fires and every once in a while there would be a burst of vibrant colours from the fireworks. Besides the occasional bangs of fireworks it was completely silent. It was peaceful and surreal. As each lantern burned up the air became lighter because as they burned up they took all the bad things of that year with them.

Hospitality At It’s Finest

November 29, 2010 – 5:26 am
By rosiesperling | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

(I have been rooming with Moriah, a very gracious partner)

We met our “mother” in the afternoon, she was shy and kept apologizing for her poor English. It wasn’t the best, but we didn’t care; we were not there to speak English, we were there to learn Thai, and Thai culture! We went home and met our “family”. Her son and daughter came out to meet us, they are 7 and 5, her mother was living there as well, and her husband came home from work later. Everyone was shy – but not for long! The next day when we came home from school, the kids ran out of the house and couldn’t wait until we were out of the car so they could wrap their arms around us, “Pi MoMO! Pi LoSIE!” they cried! We colored together, we played badminton, we let them play computer games on our computer, they fell asleep on us when they were tired, they taught us Thai, they lit firecrackers for us, we swam together, and they even ate the food off our plates. We made the most of our time with our little “brother” and “sister”; they in turn soaked up every minute they had with us, really, almost every minute. It was not only our mother and father welcoming us in to their lives, it was truly a family affair! On the weekends we would go out from dawn until dusk, seeing temples, animals, family rallies (you can ask, but I still don’t understand…) attending parties and celebrating festivals!

To have people let me into their small home, make and buy food for me for every meal, to trust me with their children, to bring me out and about to see the beauty and attractions of Chiang Mai, while still taking time to help me understand what life is like for them on a daily basis, was simply humbling.

From the bottom of my heart, thank-you Pi Nan and Pi Poy, Toon and Katen!

So an elephant walks into a bar…

November 29, 2010 – 4:51 am
By Julia Roebbelen | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

…fireworks are set off with old Thai men, we climb the highest mountain in the country, we sit on elephant’s heads. We get tattoos, we get spun around by mustached men in pumpkin costumes. All these things and experiences mean so much to me – but the real thing about Thailand – about this trip – is communication. I have been so frustrated by the miscommunication – or the altogether lack thereof – on this trip. Museums turn into restaurants with no warning, Robert rants about sci-fi literary devices, our homestay sister drops us off and leaves us in random places and locations, and no matter what, most of the time I have no idea what’s going on. But when I do, there is this epiphany of clarity that comes over me, and I can turn to my Thai friend Pi, and we can say, “We understand one another, we GET each other”, and it is inextricably beautiful. This miscommunication happens worldwide – even in North America – but when we gain this clarity and understanding it means so much more to us. We take communication for granted, and when we are thrown into a world where you have to use more than words to get the point across, there is an incredible learning curve, riddled with grace and forgiveness, which is extremely humbling. I hope that more people in our world today can experience this uncomfortable miscommunication, but learn to understand that this is part of the growing process, and once growth is attained and understanding is achieved, words and actions mean that much more to everyone involved.

A Poem

November 29, 2010 – 3:50 am
By kellyzuidema | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

A girl finds a piece of road

in the middle of the market

crushed amongst the rush

of people purposely searching.

The cup in front of her

hopes for coins of silver;

people push past, wandering

in oblivion’s encompassing cloud.

She folds her hands and sways, speaking Thai

people of the market hurriedly walk by

shopping bags their bracelets, they do not try to divert their eyes

from the fruit on each booth, which deafens her cry…

for justice.

I wanted to ask the girl her name,

but I was afraid

so I kept walking too…

Kelly

Candles, Lanterns and Gunpowder

November 28, 2010 – 1:56 pm
By Selina Mullin | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

My little brother turned eighteen on the 3rd. Dad and I were talking about it a couple weeks ago when I had a chance to finally phone home. He mentioned, with glee, that he had given my brother the chance to acquire his pyrotechnicians license as a present. Once you’re eighteen you can take this safety and technical course for your pyrotechnics ticket in Nova Scotia; something a gunpowder hungry teen-aged boy would just love.

This juxtaposed my weekend of the 21st. It was Loi Katom (one way of spelling the Thai Festival of Lights) and my homestay family took me out to celebrate. This animist/Buddhist celebration is best known for floating candles and flowers down rivers, snakes of flame winding down into the pinnacle of night. It is also famous for the large tunnel like lanterns which float like sodium-light stars into the night. In brevity there’s a lot of fire during this weekend, and a lot of firecrackers too.

I was horrified by the uncontrolled sale and use of minor explosives by adults and minors. Seeing young boys shoot small fireworks at tourists’ legs. Watching pedestrians walking into misaimed crackers or the kind of sparklers you spin around like a whip.

The lights in their colorful brilliance outshone the full-moon, and reared from my throat more yelps and squeals of terror than a bucket of frogs in my bed. Yet, the vigor with which I saw the Thai people celebrate the water and the sky and the good things nature gave them, like light, was astounding. They VERY literally like to do things with a bang.

I said to my roommate in the midst of utter chaos and brilliance, we aren’t in Canada anymore!

there’s community and then there’s COMMUNITY.

November 28, 2010 – 5:44 am
By emilybaker | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

We are asleep. The sun is not yet up. It is 3 am and the rooster begins to crow. To us this is foreign and annoying. Who would ever want to keep theirroosters under where they sleep when the only thing in between you and that rooster is a sole wooden board? Let’s just say our morning began earlier than we thought. As we awake, we step out of our wooden house and see the hills and the trees. We are in a Karen village. They live so simply, but they sure know how to live. They live in a community.  A true community, a place where they share everything and help one another out. Together they work and play and help one another survive. Without one another, they might not make it. We could learn a lot from this community.

Emily

Monk Friend

November 28, 2010 – 4:34 am
By danbeaudoin | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

One Friday on our trip we were all brought to a temple to teach English to a group of Buddhist monks. The interaction was a little awkward at first while we tried to feel out their level of English and figure out what we should be teaching them.  After a while we got comfortable with one another and started to have some fun with it.  Once we were done,  it was time for the monks to go have lunch.  As we were walking back to our songthaew (these little red pickup trucks that we always drive around in) a monk (who was also a teacher) struck up a conversation with me.  By the time we had arrived back at the vehicles I had been invited by him to show me around the temple area, which was also an elementary/high school for monks.  Everyone else loaded into the trucks, but I stayed behind and visited with my new friend.  After a while we walked to his room where we had some lunch and watched a movie.  While I was sitting there, I was blown away by just how lucky I am.  There I was sitting in the room of a Buddhist monk at a temple eating instant noodles and watching some Jaws knock off.  I had never in a million years thought that I would find myself in a situation anywhere close to this.  A great part of this is just how comfortable I felt.  With some religions I find them very hard to grasp and even creepy or dark.  But with this Buddhist I felt almost at home.  We share so many morals in common,  yet we have very different reasons for having them.  I also have a great deal of respect for this guy.  He is trying to live at a high moral standard.  Isn’t this what all Christians are trying to do?  Or at least say they are trying to do?  Although I believe that he is missing some key elements such as God, Jesus, and the very important concept of grace, he is trying to do just that, which is a lot more than a lot of “Christians” can say.

Dan

A Brief Look Into The Tangled Mess In My Head

November 28, 2010 – 3:57 am
By momo. | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

What I’m listening to: Sufjan Stevens – Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Live)

Consumerism, materialism, money, experience, indulgence, moderation, contemplation, religion, faith, devotion, dedication, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, truth, respect, honour, humility, strength.

These things among many others have been on my mind quite heavily over the past few weeks. There’s so much going on here; you could drown in the thoughts that start swimming around in your head. You can see the consumerism and materialism in the marketplace, the discipline and devotion in the lives of the monks, and the opportunity for beauty and pain in our interactions with the people around us. There is so much happening everywhere I go, trying to take it all in feels like my mind is a tape playing so fast that it is all getting tangled together.

I think what I am learning most in Thailand is that there is so much to learn here. I am overwhelmed with thoughts and ideas and concepts. Being here for a longer period of time has provided more opportunities to step back and attempt to look at everything that’s going on, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up.

The challenge is trying to keep your head above the surface while still seeing what’s in the water.

Thailand is beautiful. The people are amazing. I am so glad to be here, but I’m also looking forward to the familiar faces of home. I will see you all soon!

With all my love,

Moriah

Malaysia and Beyond!

November 22, 2010 – 5:13 pm
By Shelley Kadatz | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

We were located at the YMCA in downtown Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia in the midst of what was recently named “Little India”.  This meant that we were surrounded by loud Indian Techno music, very busy traffic, Indian market stands, and crowds of people. We called it the city that never sleeps (although that could be applied to most places we have been). “Little India” was preparing for the Hindu celebration of Deepavali  (“Festival of Lights”) which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.  It involved a lot of selling of goods and wares from saris to fireworks/crackers at all hours of the night, concerts, and almost eardrum bursting music.  Staying together at the YMCA definitely made for a different experience from the Philippines, but it was nice to be together as a group. Highlights of our time spent in KL would include many visits to the Central Market, the exquisite architecture and the city tourist sites (Twin Towers, China Town, Large Malls, and Museums including the Islamic Arts Museum). The eight lectures from some of the leading academics in Malaysia, all from the University of Malaya, were excellent.

On one of our day trips, we went to the city of Malacca where we walked through museums and learned about the significance of Malacca to Malaysia and the rest of the trading world.  Some of our group explored the ancient city via a Trishaw ride where they were bicycled around the town to see different Mosques, Chinese Temples and shops.

We were also blessed to be reunited with Clarice, a former student of SSU, originally from Malaysia and afterher time at SSU moved to KL.  Clarice was a big part of organizing our time in Malaysia alongside John. We were able to celebrate her 30th birthday with her as well as enjoy some of the sites of KL from her perspective. Clarice was a good source for any questions about life in Malaysia and we are very grateful to have had this time with her.

One aspect of the trip that we feel played a significant role in the student’s perspectives while journeying through SE Asia were the devotional times. Debbie and April led a Celtic service that focused on communion and students read passages from the bible as well as quotes from Joel Mason’s booklet “People on the Move”.  During these devotional times, students were reminded of the difference between being on a pilgrimage versus being a tourist.  This was an encouragement to all, especially because we were in a very tourist city.  Later on that week, Debbie and April took the time to have a discussion about group dynamics which seemed to bring a more cohesive feel to the group. Overall, we have learnt a lot while being in Malaysia.

We are now currently in Thailand adapting to another new culture and are being exposed to Buddhism, Buddhist temples, Thai food, and markets galore!!   Also, Walter Thiessen, an SSU professor has joined us for the later half of the trip.  It has been great having him here.

The Asia Leadership Team

Life as we know it

November 22, 2010 – 12:15 pm
By Sara C. | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

The temple gong rings once.  It is 5:00 am.  This first blow to the gong wakes every dog in the neighbourhood and they all begin to howl in unison.  The gong sounds another thirty to forty times.  This occurs only on special days of the Buddhist calendar.  It is a wake-up call both for the monks and for the people of the neighbourhood; the people are thus encouraged to arise to prepare food, visit the temple, donate some food to the monks and money to the temple.

As we approach the day of the Loi Krathong Festival, the gong goes off about every second morning.  At other times of the year the gong would wake the neighbourhood about once every seven days.  Our homestay father arises at 5:00 am each day whether the gong sounds or not.  He goes for a run and proceeds to meditate before breakfast.  I am impressed by his dedication.

This is just a brief picture of life as we know it these days.

A Prayer for our Traveling Community

November 18, 2010 – 12:15 pm
By nadyapohran | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

As we near the end of our journey, I think most of us find ourselves acting differently than we anticipated being, and perhaps differently than we would like to be. Some are more easily irritable than we’d be under different circumstances; some miss our home in Canada or America; some of us find tears filling our eyes without explanation; some fight unceasingly against being overridden by anxiety or depression; some want to escape to the security of our bedroom and some of us want to escape to the adventure of the unknown. And yet we aim to exist as a community (not merely as a group of individuals) who walk alongside God in the midst of our present circumstance, no matter the circumstance.

So, with this knowledge in mind, I would  invite you to join me in my prayer for our community:

Our Father, as we continue to make our way through Your world, may You illumine our path, keep us from danger, and make smooth our every step.
You calm the raging wind and settle the waters: be a calming presence in our lives.
You hold Your hands out to us, inviting us to walk onward: be continually prompting and asking us to move closer to Your arms.
When we are weak, You are still strong.

Though we are at times irritable, easily-angered, anxious, and saddened, You offer grace and peace that surpasses understanding: be our source, Lord God. Be our well-spring; our ever-lasting fountain.You know the state of our hearts: the burdens we carry; the grief we attempt to hide; our incomplete joy.
We do not hide any of this from You, though we may try.
Align our hearts with Your will, make our desires one with Yours.

Your will, not ours be done.
Amen.

Sawadii kha,
Nadya

Why Wai?

November 17, 2010 – 4:20 am
By juliaroberts | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

“Wai: The Thai greeting referred to as the wai consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion.”

The wai is a huge thing in Thailand.  You do it to elders, people who are richer than you, who have better (higher status) jobs than you, to people you want to honour.  You do it when you are introduced, say goodbye, or meet randomly in an elevator. You do it when you receive a gift, to the teacher at the start of a class, to the shopkeeper you are about to barter with. You always do it to monks.  As I said, the wai is a big thing in Thailand.

I am for the most part a fan of the wai. I notice a difference when I go into a store and honor the old shopkeeper by waiing her; all of a sudden I move from an ignorant tourist to someone who is making some sort of effort to meet the people in their culture and traditions, I make a connection.  There is now an air of familiarity between us despite the language barrier and everything else that comes in between, all because of this simple gesture.  It is because of this that I love the wai.

But the wai is also one of the things that keeps Thailand as a hierarchical focused country, it is a source of division.  The minute you meet someone you are instantly judging them, trying to figure out who should wai first, you or them.  I have learned that besides age, the main factor that comes into this decision is wealth; how rich you are in comparison to the other person determines your social status.  And the thing is, if you make a mistake and do not wai someone who is “above” you, you lose face.  So while there is this wonderful tradition here of honouring and respecting your elders, there  is also the belief that those who are richer than  you command greater respect, which I feel causes a greater division between the rich and poor social classes.

How can this be reconciled? How can the tension I feel about this defining action of Thailand be resolved? Can it? So much to think about.

Julia

Family Ties

November 17, 2010 – 3:34 am
By chelseadickey | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Despite many cultural differences in the countries we have traveled in, there is something about the sense of family which makes these differences disappear for a moment. I hear a father fondly refer to his two young daughters as his “little princesses” and it doesn’t seem like I am across the world at all. Rather, quite the contrary, I feel right at home.

Living within such an extended family here has many new challenges, but most of all I appreciate its vibrant atmosphere. As an only child, having people around all the time has a special new energy and adventure about it. There are sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, and a grandmother.

One of the ways I have seen the family’s strong ties is through respect. The daughters do as the mother says, out of respect and love. Love makes it so that respecting the mother is natural, rather than an obligation. The same goes with everyone’s respect toward the eldest member of the family, the grandmother.

This family built on love, respect and sharing the value of one another’s unique talents on a daily basis is a refreshing jolt of togetherness and cohesive spirit which is lovely to observe and participate in.

Student Connection

November 9, 2010 – 12:45 pm
By danbeaudoin | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

It seems that no matter where you go in the world, students everywhere share something very special in common.  We are all seeking to learn more about the world around us through our fields of study.  Some of us do better with sciences, and others with the arts, but either way we all share this common goal.  It was one particular situation in which I found myself that provided me with this revelation.  I had agreed to go shopping with two of the girls on our trip (big mistake), meaning I had agreed to stand around waiting for a few hours.  While waiting a friendly Iranian man named Rizal struck up a conversation with me.  The conversation started off very generically with the typical “Where are you from?” and “What brings you to Malaysia?”.  As soon as Rizal found out that I was here for education he brightened right up and the conversation took off.  He began to explain to me that he had just finished his Masters in Engineering and was about to go study at one of the top five engineering schools in the world in the UK.  I was also fortunate enough to get a run down of some of the major problems facing Iran.  Although this little conversation had very little to do with South East Asia, it had everything to do with what this travel experience is all about: learning.  These situations, although never the same and sometimes awkward, happen all the time if you are open to them.  I have learned to appreciate and look forward to them because they are great sources of learning.

Being Uncomfortable is a good thing

November 9, 2010 – 12:15 pm
By hannahnewson | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Randomness and Novelty seem to be the core essence of the Asia trip. We are thrown randomly into novel situations. Everything is new. There are bright colours, strong smells, new faces, and loud noises everywhere. This is in great contrast to our somewhat dull and methodical lives in Canada. We go from greys and blues to yellows and oranges, from silence to constant noise. In this environment we cannot help but be somewhat random. We hang out with people we don’t normally hang out with and cannot help but try new things. Making everything we do seem random and foreign (pun not intended). For those of us like myself who like organization, the lack of pattern is terrifying. There has been more than one occasion when I have asked myself what I am doing going so against my norm? I came to the realization that I do this because we grow in unfamiliar situations. It is in this completely unfamiliar, random, and novel situation that I have reached out to people I wouldn’t normally for the sheer fact that they are the most familiar. In doing this I have formed friendships and relationships that I never knew were possible. The other day Debbie said something that I think it is very important to emphasize and remember ‘every moment is a gem.’ We should push aside our discomforts and remember this fact that there is a gem in every moment and we should strive to find it.

A Whole New World

November 9, 2010 – 12:15 pm
By Genevieve | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Oh Malaysia, it’s a very different place in comparison to the Philippines… or anywhere else I’ve ever been.  Every night I go to sleep to the sounds of low booming drums and Hindi music right outside my hotel window.  As I explore the city, be it in a mall or on the street, incense and curry are the two most common scents that fill the air.  I have only seen two churches while here, the rest of the religious buildings consist of Mosques, Hindu temples and Chinese temples.

Mosques are very quiet and peaceful, the Chinese temple I went to was busy and confusing and Hindu temples make me feel a little bit uncomfortable.  It’s a discomfort that derives from not being able to find comprehension about what the people in the temple are worshiping.  I understand that those who believe in praying to their ancestors or to various gods have very strong feelings about it and take it very seriously.  However, the tension for me lies in the emptiness that I feel in these places (Mosques exempted) and the knowledge in me that the belief system I have is truth.  But, I know this is how others feel about their faith and I don’t want to impose my faith onto theirs because they very well could believe that mine is not the right way either.

It’s strange being a minority to other religions rather than just a secular point of view as I’m more used to in the west.  It’s a confusing thought process that I don’t expect to figure out soon.

“see you on facebook”

November 9, 2010 – 11:59 am
By rosiesperling | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

The other day I was in a mall (no big deal, they are everywhere here, and they’re huge) and I saw a group of people who were deaf; they were selling arts and crafts that they made.
Because I took sign language for 4 years in school, and learned quite a bit about deaf culture, I wanted to somehow start a conversation with one of them. I inched my way closer to the table and started looking at the different crafts they had made. A man said hello; I replied and somehow I managed to start a conversation with him, telling him how I knew a bit of sign but forgot a lot of it over the past 5 years of not using it. We chatted and he told me that the sign language I use (ASL) is different from their sign language (BIM), but it was similar enough to talk. Another girl came up to me and we began to chat. She was delighted to know I was a hearing person who had learned sign language; she never stopped smiling. The fact that we were deaf and hearing, or Malaysian and Canadian didn’t affect the connection we were making. We talked with choppy signs, sign alphabet, and a paper and pen for the next forty-five minutes. It was the longest connection I had had with a Malaysian yet (besides our beloved Zi Yun, a former SSU student). It didn’t necessarily go very deep, we talked about what to do and what I have seen already. I told her I had gone to church that morning and I was going to a party later. She shared with me that she has been going to a Baptist church, but she has not yet become a Christian. She comes from a Buddhist family and they do not approve of her going to church. She respects them and is going to wait before she makes a decision. I simply said that I understood.
This is a huge part of what I want this trip to be about for me; I not only want to learn the history and the culture of a place, I want to make connections. I thank God for this connection and pray that somehow, some way, Jesus was displayed through me to this girl who had obviously found something worth searching for in Him.
We parted with, “See you on Facebook.”

Lots to see, nothing to say

November 9, 2010 – 11:41 am
By JenObokata | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Kuala Lumpur is giving me writer’s block. It could be that my creative juices aren’t flowing because I’m dehydrated. This city is hot; hot from the swarms of people on their way to or from somewhere, hot from all the traffic moving those same people, hot because of its proximity to the equator and therefore the scorching sun. Maybe I’m having a hard time finding words because I’m tired; this city never sleeps. Instead of the roaring wind, crashing waves, or the night time song of small creatures I fall asleep to the lullaby of trains and traffic and the techno beats of nearby street vendors. Every morning I wake up to the same symphony renewed with added honks and voices. Maybe words are slow to come because I’m in a country that makes communication confusing. Everywhere I go I hear English, Chinese, Malay and a variety of Indian dialects. When I asked someone how to predict which language to speak when talking to someone they replied, “look at their face” but everyone speaks a little of everyone else’s language too. In the end I think that my writer’s block comes from the understanding that my words will never be able to capture the essence or heart of this city in all of its complexity, diversity, and contradiction. When roaming around this city I feel unaffected by it (and its penchant for shopping malls) but I have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t be until after I leave KL that I will realize how affected I have been by it…and that will be when the words will come.

Typical mall in KL

Typical mall in KL

I Love The Little Moments…

November 9, 2010 – 11:35 am
By momo. | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

The word ‘tourist’ has always had this certain repellent effect for me. I generally try to avoid anything touristy, because I would rather see a place in it’s natural state, in its actuality, in its day-to-day flow. As much as I like subtlety, travelling in an obnoxiously large group of 30 oblivious Canadians has been a little less than subtle, and the fact that we’re going to a lot of tourist-targeted things hasn’t really helped me to feel like we’re blending in. When I think of tourists, I immediately picture old people in Hawaiian shirts, fisherman’s hats and fanny packs, or pretentious young backpackers who look like they haven’t showered since they left their homeland. I’ve striven to have nothing to do with either of these types, but much to my chagrin I see again and again just how similar we are. I can not deny that I am a tourist; paying way too much for clothing and being fascinated by the museums and attractions that are targeted at people just like me. I was struggling with this idea of being a tourist for a few days, and even wrote most of my blog about it, and then Nygel, Genevieve, and Rosie did their devotions on the concept of pilgrimage being different than tourism, and I think it helped me to see our travels in a bit of a different light.

Part of why I’m enjoying Malaysia so much is that it has offered us so much more freedom and mobility than a typical tourist would have; we are able to walk around the streets and just see people doing their daily routine. There’s a certain feel of anonymity that I adore. I like to disappear (as much as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl white girl can) into the background of people’s lives, so being able to walk around in twos and threes has been a godsend. Exploring Little India and China-town has been overwhelming and exciting, and it’s been great to talk to the few people we’ve met about Malaysia and what’s going on here. Some of my favourite moments here have been going for meals in random hole-in-the-wall restaurants and markets, trying to figure out how to order, debating how to eat what you didn’t realize you ordered, and trying to decide whether things in your food are there by accident or on purpose. I especially love these times because they usually come with a ‘moment’; that moment of connection you can have with someone where you’re completely on the same page. It’s where you and the waiter, or the laundress, or the receptionist, share that look of understanding, and you know you’re both thinking the exact same thing. It’s usually over something funny, and I love so much how just a look and a smile can connect people to each other, language and customs aside. There’s no division between foreigner and local; you’re just human beings. I really hope you understand what I mean, because it’s the best feeling, and it’s really been making Malaysia fantastic for me.

This is kind of a choppy ending, but I’ve got some more Malaysia to see! Time is ticking out.

Love you all,

Mo

Philippines

November 7, 2010 – 8:38 pm
By mirandayoung | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

My home that is how I felt when I stepped off the bus in the Philippines. The air was hot and smelled like heat. For the first time I truly felt warm. Then I saw it a pure white flower, little did I know it was about to become a metaphor for the Filipino people. They where that flower pure white goodness. The hospitality and kindness that was displayed was unlike anything I have ever seen before. They take you in and treat you as one of their own before you know it you feel like a Filipino person. I have found a home in the Philippines and I can’t wait to go back.

We’re in Malaysia….so where are the Malay’s?

November 7, 2010 – 8:01 am
By gregrickard | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Malaysia, and more specifically Kuala Lumpur, has presented a playground of history and culture. To be honest, the experience of living within little India has been a baptism of fire pertaining to Indian-Malaysian culture. Especially the food, after taking mere steps one can find ten different eateries all serving the classics of Indian staple foods. As well, from a particularly cheap and delicious restaurant, you can enjoy your meal while only steps from four local brothels. Indeed, Kuala Lumpur is a city that hosts everyone and is prepared to meet his or her needs.
Without breaking your wallet, you can easily enjoy Arabian tea for breakfast, Chinese delicacies for lunch, and conclude with excellent Indian dishes for dinner; all within walking distance of each other. These options are merely waiting for us to come and find them. Kuala Lumpur is a well spring of opportunities to expand one’s own personal boundaries whilst being within a single city.
To lean towards a historical point of view, in which to look upon my time in Malaysia, no point has been so significant as the day trip to Malacca. Through scorching heat I climbed the steps from the lower streets to the heights of St. Paul’s Church. Upon reaching the top my eyes were bestowed with a view that has been shared by many. Shared with people from ages past and empires long gone. Though they still viewed the same waters and the same winds cooled their flesh as it did mine that day. As I stared out onto the Straits of Malacca I was overcome with a sense of being within history. That view, that water, and that wind; that is history.
Kuala Lumpur is: Roti canai, Mango juice, G n’ T, Brickfields, Sahara Tent, impromptu dance parties, exploration, “Next stop…Imbi?”, sign language laundry, your fingers are your utensils, finding new friends you never thought you’d meet.

Loud Music and Colourful Rice

November 7, 2010 – 7:44 am
By Cara T. | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

As I attempt to write this blog, an odd combination of Indian and pop music is blaring outside my window as it has since we arrived, and competing with the music is the repetitive banging of drums; the sounds of Little India located just out our door. A true benefit of staying in Little India is the food! Many evenings and lunch breaks have been spent trying out new Indian cuisine. Sweet lassi’s (a delicious yogurt drink) and naan bread (which according to Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat Pray Love is the Indian equivalent to the best Italian pizza, and I completely agree) have become staples. There are moments when I feel as though I am experiencing Indian culture more then Malaysian. But as we study the history and society of Malaysia I am reminded how significant this Indian culture is to Malaysia. Even though it has become apparent that tension occurs between the varying ethnicity’s here you would not be led to believe that as you go through the city and see all sorts of decoration including colourful, intricate rice designs on the floors of malls, shops and restaurants to celebrate the upcoming Indian Deepavali festival. As a few of us attended a free speech event on one of our first nights here in Kuala Lumpur we noticed that many people here do not feel as though there is enough freedom of religion here in Malaysia. I am sure that in many ways this is true, however, as I see these rice designs on the floors of the busiest malls, Punjabi suits and sari’s for sale in store after store and hear the music blare night after night I also find evidence towards the opposite. I will leave my random thought at that as I head off to enjoy a refreshing sweet lassi before bed.

** benefit of staying in Little India #2: as I was sitting on the stairs where I could access the internet to send off this post and trying to come up with the perfect witty title,  a large fireworks show began going off less then a block away in celebration of Deepavali! This was the second time this week.

Peace Amidst Strangers

November 7, 2010 – 6:37 am
By kellyzuidema | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

“…insofar as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men…” Romans 12:18

An inspiring aspect of this city is being able to see all these different faiths and cultures living with each other in peace. Here in Kuala Lumpur  there are Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians all living and working amidst each other. Everyone of these religions encourages cultivating peacefulness; it is also interesting that each who practice these various religions speak of a similar ‘fullness of God’ with in his or her self.  In a devotional last week we discussed interconnectedness and I feel that KL is one of the prime places  to witness peaceable, interconnected living. This cultural richness is something I am not privileged to see at home and it is amazing. I know this word tends to be over used; but it is truly amazing. I am loving simply basking in and amongst the people here; there is something strangely familiar here that I didn’t feel in the Philippines.

Even though KL is extremely busy with never ceasing crowds, ear drum destroying music, and a little bit smelly it has it own beauty to it and there is an ambiance of peace here. One can feel it through the smallest interaction: sharing a smile with a cashier, a random conversation at the market or on the street, racing a young school boy up the spiraling staircase of the museum.  It is these types of moments that create a memorable trip.

I feel it is worth mentioning that in the market last week a man strode in front of me with his son on his shoulders, the child excited and safe. This served as a gentle reminder that I am on my Daddy’s shoulder’s too, completely at peace and seeing things I never imagined fathomable.

Peace,

Kelly

koala lamp.

November 7, 2010 – 6:17 am
By Julia Roebbelen | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

My first look at Malaysia was one of intense Indian culture – as our hostel was in the middle of the newly named “Little India”. In our small area we took our cultural anthropology observations seriously, and noticed at least four brothels on either side of the restaurant at which we were having dinner. This got me researching more and more the sex trade of Malaysia, and it’s rampant, just like any country. But what really struck me was the blatant obvious nature of it all, and how a police officer could be seen eating dinner just down the street from such a place. The political corruption runs deep in this country, but I am happy to say that things seem to be cleaning up and looking better, even in the news reports just last month. Malaysia is a powerful country with great potential due to its multicultural charge, and I hope to see it rise to its full potential in the near future.

What I am still amazed at is the power and influence that I, we, hold as Caucasians in an Asian country. Just yesterday we were at dinner, and an Australian couple caught my eye as they browsed the market outside. After they saw me through the window, they realized it was a restaurant, and then looked at the menu, and proceeded to sit down. They eyed our meals before ordering.

This past weekend, through a series of events, I ended up dancing on a half-wall in a very fancy restaurant/bar, which separated the inside from the patio. Many white tourists that were walking the streets came and sat down as I danced, and when Greg, Dan and I started a real dance party in the middle of the restaurant, the customer influx was incredible. Other tourists seem to get more comfortable when they see other white people being comfortable and having fun. To be comfortable in an uncomfortable land is a blessing, and as a well-traveled and comfortable individual I am happy to be here, causing spontaneous dance parties and easing the minds of other travelers around me.

Country Girl gone city????

November 7, 2010 – 5:26 am
By Janell | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

As I sit outside in the central area of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur (KL) of Malaysia I am surrounded by the sounds of city life. I am settled at the corner of the YMCA facing the crazy traffic filled streets. I’ve been trying to imagine the noise of passing vehicles, honking horns, squeaking breaks, chattering people, and crowing crows to be the calming sounds of the rapids of  St.Croix river at Dover Hill. The wind here is the fresh breeze of nature, the ledge I am sitting upon is that of the rocky edge of the river, the constant flow of traffic and passing people could be the river right? No, this is not my peaceful, calming and beautiful spot at Dover Hill, this is KL.

The breeze is hot, muggy, polluted and smells bad. The ledge is dirt with  garbage, chewed gum and who knows what else. And those loud passing vehicles simply add to the noise, pollution and craziness of city life. This is no peaceful river, this is city.

It is a city where I see people of all kinds – Muslims, monks;  Chinese, Indians, Europeans, Australians, North Americans; Men, women and children walk the streets. Those that are deaf, blind and mute are seen living independent lives. Colourful dress, multiple languages, and diverse cultures are seen all over. The streets are lined with markets, coffee shops, convenience stores, restaurants and  roadside stalls. There is something or someone on every corner. The noise and business doesn’t stop – lights don’t go out and stars are scarcely found. This is city, this is KL (in a nut shell).

It’s been quite the fun and adventurous experience for me living in the bustle of city. I’ve never spent more than 4 days in a city. This has almost been a wholly new experience for me – city and Malaysia life. There is always something to do, somewhere to go. It’s been a learning experience, of city and Malaysian culture. I’ve enjoyed our stay here. But I am a country girl and could never really get used to or enjoy city life.  But I appreciate this experience.

Janell

One Malaysia

November 7, 2010 – 5:01 am
By graceturner | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Incense.

percussion of Indian drums.

and the not so melodic chants from market vendors

fills the foreground of my mind.

We have arrived in Bricksfield KL, Malaysia. Bricksfield has just been labelled “Little India” and we have arrived just in time for its grand opening. I note the mixture of Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Black and White citizens, as people run across streets on their way to their destinations. A woman stands outside an Indian restaurant advertising their food. I note that this place seems to be the metropolis of Little India, the patio is full of men drinking the local beer Jaz and smoking cloves and cigarettes. As I smile at the woman, she ushers me to a table inside. I ask her if there are any vegetarian choices, she smiles and directs me to the back of the menu where a plethora of vegetarian dishes are listed. I am slightly amused, as my stay in the Philippines wholly rested on my ability to eat meat breakfast, lunch and dinner. As I browse the menu I order a milk tea. My eyes begin to wander and I recognize the role religion plays in Malaysian culture.  Malaysia is not only a country diverse in race, but also in religion. Most restaurants have the option of pork free meals, for Muslims, and beef free dishes for Hindus. As I have learned throughout my stay here in Malaysia, the concept of ONE MALAYSIA is a statement integrating into society. The Malaysian government has established housing for all Malaysians, where there is no distinguishing between rich owners and poor ones, Indian owners or Christian owners. I do not know if the government has succeed in creating ONE MALAYSIA, but they are on the right path. Although Malaysia is an Islamic country, they do allow for religious freedom.

As I walk the streets of Malaysia I see women in hijab’s, men in Armani suits, children in uniforms, and others with the bindi on their foreheads. Today I see ONE MALAYSIA.

Meaning of Words

November 7, 2010 – 3:08 am
By mirandayoung | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

There are many things I have learned being here in Malaysia but one of my biggest lesson is that things are not always as they seem. The biggest example I can think of is the word Buddhist Monk. Us Westerns think of some holy chanting ignoring most worldly things type of person. In Malaysia monks are like everyone else going to Starbucks, buying a hello magazine and smoking a cigarette. Another thing I have learned is the importance of facts versus intention.  Intention is an important factor in many things but at the end of the day sometimes cold hard facts weigh out over intention. That also brings up the question of how do you decide which holds more weight. I have come to the conclusion that intention really can’t outweigh facts because human beings are amazing actors and can fool even the most astute of people. That being said Malaysia is a place of learning and of cultures coming together as one.

Cultural Malaysia

November 6, 2010 – 6:33 pm
By Joel S. | Posted in 2010 Comments (0)

Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I shifted mental gears to approach the different modes of cultural diversity revealed to me. I am now in a different place than I was before, apart from the fond and cherished memory of the Philippines. The citizens of the Philippines, as a people, seemed to share more similar distinctions. I noticed that there was a certain distinction within the flavors of ethnic history that brought them together (the Spanish influence seemed especially evident on their appearance, for example). Most people I encountered there seemed to also follow either a Protestant or Catholic tradition.

Our home-stay experience gave us a specific perspective on Philippine culture, for which the location of our hotel being in ‘Little India’ also gives us a unique perspective on the culture here in Malaysia. However, here it seems there is an even greater mix of people and perspective.

A basic example of this is when I was waiting in line for Burger King (at this point, I was admittedly craving Western Food). Behind me, two completely different people – an Arab and a Chinese Malay – were communicating in badly spoken, substandard English. I quickly realized that English was not their primary language. They were evidently speaking in English because they could not, in fact, speak each others first language. This is an interesting account of people who have chosen to overcome social, ethnic, or otherwise communicative barriers in a very culturally mixed nation so that they can unite (the pair, though speaking badly, were speaking with enthusiasm).

I am at a place where there is an undeniable influence of many things, whether it be the ever pervasive Western Influence, along with the Muslim, Arab, Indian, and Chinese aspects, among others – including religious distinctions. From my point of view, I could not actually tell you or bring a clear picture as to what a stereotypical Malaysian citizen actually is. In any case, it is undeniable that I benefiting greatly from experiencing a great multitude of influences. I look forward to what other mysteries lie ahead in Thailand! Again I will enter as the minority, this Canadian-German. Out.