A Whirlwind 

A view from the waterfront of Kuching, Sarawak

Every time someone asks how my experience in Malaysia is going, my first response is "an absolute whirlwind." There is so much happening nonstop, that it's difficult to grab hold of anything!

Don't stop moving

After two weeks in Kuala Lumpur, the 15 of us placed in Sarawak boarded a plane headed for Kuching, Sarawak where we met our mentors for 5 more days of fruitful orientation! Shortly after, we said our temporary goodbyes as we were off to our schools!  

The Sarawak team upon completing our orientation!

​Although I've only known these goons a few short weeks, they've been absolute pillars of support, and I'm really looking forward to growing with them over the next 9 months and seeing all the amazing things we can accomplish as a team. 

---

Bau Boys, Bau Boys, Watchya gon' do?

Home, sweet Bau! Myself and My roommate Cole finally made it to our home for the next 9 months. It's nothing special, but it has all the necessities. Some people prefer to see the Gecko's scampering around as pests, but I prefer to see them as pets we've inherited! So cute..... so in my bath towel... but still cute! 

Side note: "Bau" means 'smell' in the Bahasa Malaysia, the national language. 'But why would you named a town smell?' one might wonder. But you don't worry your little head, I did the research for you!

Here's the explanation on the Sarawak Tourism website:
"History-wise, Bau had witnessed many conflicts. On May 1, 1837, the Skrang Ibans invaded the Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh settlement on top of Bratak Peak, killing over 2,000 Jagoi-Bratak Bidayuh men and taking 1,000 women captive....it is said that [the name] was derived from  the fact that the place reeked of odour after the many deaths that the place had witnessed from the conflict."

Despite the countless tourist shops that proudly display "Headhunter" tshirts, we're plenty safe from both the head hunting, and the stench.

At least it didn't seem to bother Cole and me when we got the keys to our house! 

---

The view from the center of 'Smelly Town'

Quiet neighborhood

1st Week of School

Somewhere in all this craziness, every Fulbright ETA had their first week of school. The kids are energetic, but shy. They're intelligent, but doubtful. They're angsty, but accomplished. Ya know... kids! No different than anywhere else in the world. 
- They think I look like Charlie Puth (Woah.)
- They think I'm handsome (so flattering)
- They think white people are rich (Ha. If they only knew...) 
- They don't laugh at my jokes (They'll learn...) 
- They LOVE selfies... 

Home is not forgotten

Home matters. Family matters. Friends matter. 

I've only been here for one month. I have 9 more to go. I can't say that I'm feeling homesick (yet...), but I CAN say that I've already been relying on my supports back home for a lot, and I feel grateful to have such a close circle. 

I'm a homebody. I love my family and friends and I love routine, and this adjustment has been all the adventure that I knew it would be. Everyone experiences emotions and change in different ways, and this is new for me.
​More to come on this emotional mix... TBD. 

And now, pictures:

Siniawan night market. Awesome place for some late night eats.

A man pulling a cart by the fresh piercings on his back as part of Thaipusam, a hindu festival to honor the god, Murugan. You should REALLY google this for a full understanding of what's happening. Incredible

The ride across the river to get to Siniawan. Watch for crocs!

After a long hike through Gombak, we were met with this beautiful waterfall for a brief swim on our last day of full orientation in KL.