Malaysia is a really interesting blend of eastern and western culture. In many ways, it seems to be the melting pot of Asia with a very big Chinese and Indian population in addition to the indigenous Malays. So much yummy Chinese and Indian food is found here! There are some strong British undertones that date back to the time Malaysia was a British-occupied colony, perhaps the most evident being that English seems to be pretty widely known and spoken. Most of the restaurants we've visited will have menus written in 3 or 4 different languages. The university that is near our church here has a very big Chinese population, so most of our readers are Chinese.
Earlier this week we went to the island of Penang and had some wonderful group bonding time. Brad got us lost for a while in a Malaysian jungle, which was very un-funny at the time, but now that everyone is unlost and okay, is becoming slightly funny. (Actually Brad would like to put in a correction: He was not lost. He simply took a very interesting-looking detour on the hiking trail and it didn't end up going where he thought it would.) Last night we rode back to Kuala Lumpur on a sleeper train. What is a sleeper train you ask? Well, think about crawling into the overhead storage compartment of an airplane (only on a train) and spending the night there and you'll get the right idea.
Here's an update on the team: Loraine is keeping herself busy laughing at Brad and Eric's antics and eating lots of yummy Indian food. Many in Malaysia seem to be attracted to her, most notably the Malaysian mosquitos. She has received over 50 mosquito bites since arriving here, earning her the title of yummiest team member. Eric is busy taking many pictures that he will post as soon as get our technology in order. He enjoyed the sleeper train so much that he has decided to have his next birthday party on a sleeper train. You're all invited!Brad has forgotten that he is an American and has taken on an Asian identity (but what's new.) He says: "Hello to all my friends! I is in Malaysia and I is sooooooooo happy! But I miss all my friends so they should come to seeing me in Malaysia and bring me a pop tart." Mer is having the time of her life soaking in the culture. Presently the team is debating whether to nickname her Butterscotch, Wheels, or Fireball. Don't ask.
There you have it! We love all of you and are so grateful for your support. We are looking forward to starting the LST work soon!
posted by crittermer @ 9:57 AM
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