Selamat Tinngal, Malaysia!

I had Thosai Masla – one of my favorite Indian dishes, it’s something I order nearly every time I go to an Indian eatry along with coconut curry and dhal. I’d make sure I have one or two heapings of Thosai Masla before I leave for the states on the 24^th. I also had this fantastic cheesecake at secret recipe, a Malaysian chain restaurant.

I’m in the middle of my laundry (once again), and cleaning while I’m writing this blog, preparing for my trip to Cambodia in two days.

Overall, my internship in Malaysia was great. I was able to exceed my expectations of reaching 75 participants in two months alone. Most interviews were done in focus groups, which from my experience here is better than one-on-one interviews because it allows people to think liberally and share experiences with one other. This also allows them to discuss certain themes and come up with solutions that they believe would work. Indeed, it is time consuming, but worthwhile.

Highlight: Monsopiad Cultural Village

The Monspoiad Cultural Village is founded in memory of the Kadazan headhunter Monspoiad (The Rough Guide to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, 2009) who was killed by his friends. This village is a must stop if you are in the Kuala Kinabalu area, the capital of Sabah state. The entrance fee is a tad pricey for foreigners (65 RM) but worthwhile – the cultural information shared by its knowledgeable guide is valuable and interesting.

I asked the guide how the Kadazans view people with disabilities and how they labeled them. I was given a simple response – there are no labels for a person with disabilities among the Kadazans, and PWD are simply accepted by them. I would say that it is indeed a very difficult concept elsewhere – I wish I would be able to ask more questions, but I didn’t want to keep my group waiting for hours as it was hot and humid outside.

Sabah

I spent two days in Sabah to meet with parents of the deaf, teachers of the deaf and deaf people. I reached 15 participants in only two days – much appreciation goes to the people who recruited them for me (think: snowball sampling). Other than my work in Sabah, I had the chance to dine out at several places – the chili is AWESOME and a must try! Note to self: blend a handful of chilies (the small ones) with onions, five cloves of garlic, and add vinegar and lime to taste.

Since my stay in Sabah was very brief – I was unable to see the real side of Sabah and I will be sure to make time to return one day. It has one of the best diving sites in the world, great hiking trails, beaches and snorkeling sites.

Rich World Hypocrisy

Cartoon by Polyp (January, 2010)

http://www.newint.org/columns/bbw/2010/01/01/429-rich-world-hypocrisy/

Penang

After viewing Adi’s (the well-known deaf batik artist) work at the Westin Resort (he is also employed at the Westin as a head graphic designer), we headed for Penang so I would be able to do some research-related work. Back to Adi, his work is fantastic. Batik art is difficult and time consuming, especially because of the waxing procedure.

We spent three-four hours on road to reach Georgetown to meet deaf people. We had some Indian food (roti canai and dhal) upon our arrival in Georgetown, and met with deaf people to go over some stuff before we left for Selangor area.

It is off to Sabah, a state south of Malaysia on the Boreno Island tomorrow. Mind-boggling, isn’t it.

Perlis/Langkawi

We stopped by at Kuala Perlis to catch a ferry to Langkawi after visiting a deaf association/restaurant run by deaf/hearing people in the area. At the deaf association, we enjoyed bottles of local soda while the presidents (Perlis/MFD) went over their businesses. The office is situated next to several other outlets for OKU (people with disabilities). The heat is extreme – and very humid. I forgot to mention this – Perlis is a small state in the Northwestern tip of Malaysia, bordering with Thailand.

Langkawi is a well-known island in Malaysia, usually overflown with tourists like err.. me. Boats, both traditional and modern ones were everywhere, the sea reef-blue, lush greenery and white-sanded beaches are visible from afar, mass availability of fresh seafood (err…) and fruits were obvious to one’s eye, and shops/markets remain open till wee hours. You would say this is a tourist-haven. What else would a tourist want? I would rather to be resting in front of a rice-paddy or atop of a mountain but being in Langkawi with locals made it an exceptional experience. Fresh seafood was served, and I am embarrassed to share this: I did not give in. Well, I did only for a tiny bite of a local fish. It was moist and I could imagine delicious for many. We also went on a sunset boat ride and toured the coasts of Langkawi. For the second time in my life, I watched the sun set, the first one being in Santorini, Greece with two other lovebirds, and the second one here in on the waters. I wonder if I would be able to find the time to watch the sun set back in the states.

Kedah

We went to Kedah to observe newly trained people from the MFD headquarters’ presentation on motivation at a school of the deaf in Kedah. They hosted a daylong workshop to motivate students – mostly related to their education. I stepped in the presentation and shared that I am a university student, and that deaf people are able to attain higher education.

During my stay in Kedah, I stayed with a family (friends of Sazali’s wife) in one of the villages of Kedah. We dined “village-style”, slept “village-style”, and bathed “village-style” in middle of a rubber farm. I learned how people process rubber and that rubber actually come from trees. That I never knew. One of the hosts we stayed with is a well-known deaf batik artist in Malaysia. He invited us to go to Langkawi to see his work – and the paintings he did at Westin resort, one of the upscale resorts on the island. Off we went to Perlis/Langkawi then!