My apologies for the lack of posting. Last week I was traveling through Malaysia with my very wonderful friend Somaiah, and this week we have been chillaxing in Songkhla. It's not that I forget about posting - I think of about 10 things every day to post on, and then I can't decide which things to say, or I forget them all. So here are some highlights of the travel:
Malaysia is a joy to travel through. Almost everyone knows a bit of English (which is a big treat!) and Malay is written using English (?roman?) characters so at least you can puzzle out how to say some words. It is a really interesting country because there are 3 very distinct population subgroups: Malay, Chinese Malay, and Indian Malay. The tv commercials call it - Malaysia, Truly Asia - since it really represents everyone. We still managed to get some confused looks though - a very white woman, and a hejaby muslim woman travelling together is still an oddity I guess. We were asked about 10 times a day where we were from. When I said 'Canada' they would promptly turn to Somaiah and say - and you? hahah...still Canada! and LOTS of people asked her if she was Muslim...which is odd....cause I would think that wearing the head scarf made it fairly obvious. I mean, most women don't wear long pants, long shirt, and a scarf in the blazing heat just for fashion's sake!!!
Coming back to Thailand was a big culture shock after being in tourist cities for a week. I forget how very little English there is in this town. And with all the signs being in Thai characters - you do feel quite lost. Also, since it is not a tourist area, the...hmmm...let's say - ambiance and architecture....are not the same - so it seemed a bit like coming home to the slum :P
We have happily eaten our way through all the great restaurants here. Challenged Somaiah to some extra spicy stuff (but she won cause she never gave up on any of it!) and this weekend we are off to Bangkok for the amazing Chatuchak market. I'm pretty sure we'll have to buy Somaiah an extra suitcase so she can get all her purchases home safely :) Next week I am traveling to Indonesia with some of the good friends I have made here in Songkhla. It is SUCH a blessing to meet like minded people everywhere you go, to share life stories and experiences, and then make some new memories together.
Pics to come soon!
Lots of love
Pamela
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