Malaysians have a burning question for our GSE team, and the answer to that question is: "Ya, says suka makanan pedal!" (Yes, I like spicy food!) Whether our utensils are forks, spoons, chopsticks, or our own fingers, we marvel at being in a country where people can have nasi lemak for breakfast, curry mee for lunch, and tandoori for dinner...or second dinner...or third dinner! Rotarians have introduced us to many of the Malaysian delicacies, such as bak kuh teh, durian (king of fruits), laksa, steamboat, and of course, the unofficial national dish....
"What we appreciate about our Malaysian GSE Experience #3: Learning it's a Small World"
Despite being thousands of kilometers away from home, Oregon has managed to find us all the way here in Malaysia. During a layover in Hong Kong, we struck up a conversation with a Malaysian-born, American-adopted student who attends Oregon State University, while at the Batu Caves, we spotted European tourists sporting an Oregon t-shirt.
During one vocational visit, our GSE coordinator arranged to have us visit the Damai Center for people with physical disabilities. The organization was founded by an activist with a disability who had traveled to Oregon about 20 years ago to participate in an exchange program through Mobility International USA, my employer! It truly is a small world.
"What we appreciate about our Malaysian GSE Experience #2: The Generosity of Rotarians"
From Penang to Taiping, from Ipoh to Klang to Temerloh, from Seremban to KL, Rotarians have opened their hearts and homes to the GSE team. The host clubs and host families went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and we appreciate all of the time, money, coordination, and care that our hosts expended to ensure that our stay would be enriching and enjoyable. They went to great lengths to arrange meaningful vocational visits so that we may further our professional development and they showed us sites that have cultural and historical significance to give our trip context. Some of our hosts even saw parts of their own city for the first time! They challenged us to try new flavors, dance moves, and points of view. They also succeeded in proving that Rotarians in Malaysia know how to have fun!
Up until this point, we've covered the top nine things we appreciate most about our GSE experience in Malaysia. That only leaves number one, lah! Any guesses as to what it could be? You'll have to wait until tomorrow, lah!
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