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!

Kedah ~ Perlis ~ Pulau Langkawi ~ Penang

I traveled to four states in Northern Malaysia in four days alone.

Whew.

My hosts are exhausted and resting at their respective places at this moment as expected. One has a bad headache and the other one simply exhausted from driving me across Malaysia in two months alone. Malaysia is not a tiny spot on the map and it could take us approximately 8 hours to reach our destinations because of winding roads, mountainous terrains, traffic, etc. Yet, I am grateful for them because this research will not be a success without them.

I am now in between of my laundry, coffee break and working on this entry at my apartment in Puchong, which is only minutes walk from my worksite. This apartment has a kitchen, washing machine, living room, three bedrooms, and two full bathrooms owned by the MFD for their guests/interns/visiting workers/MFD affiliate board members/etc.

Yes, I am very exhausted and relieved that I have plenty of coffee to keep me going – in fact, I forgot to mention that Malaysia has the best instant coffee around! I just could not get enough of it. The aroma and taste is simply what one could call perfection. Note to self: buy several bags of Nescafe Rich 3 in 1 coffee.

I only have 6 working days ahead of me. It’s off to Sabah tomorrow for three days to meet teachers of the deaf, and deaf people before I return to Puchong to wrap everything up before I head for Cambodia (a graduation gift from my parents) with my partner.

Rue @ Work!

Mindfulness

When I was younger, I always say, “I go wherever the wind takes me” and it had been proven true to date – and I remember a teacher/friend who asked me a rhetorical question in response to my above statement, “What if your sail dropped its anchor, and what would you do with yourself?” Well, after approximately ten years, I still do not have an answer to this question and do not think I would ever come up with one (don’t question my ability to think rationally and logically). There are places we never pictured ourselves in, yet, we find ourselves in these places as time passes by.

I would like to quote Buddha:

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

Faith & Trust in People

I hauled a cab after an interview in Kuala Lumpur with a couple of people from the Dharma of the Deaf. I could have taken a bus with someone from the DD but I had my luggage with me at the time. Anyway, while in the cab heading towards Bandar Puchong Jaya (where my apt is located in), it became apparent that the driver did not know how to reach my address, and he asked me to give him directions. Given that people from the MFD usually drive me everywhere, I am unable to give him exact directions. It was pouring outside – the driver constantly gestured (pointing his hand towards the sky) for God’s help (I figure its because of our communication barrier and the rain) – he then asked me to sit in the front (I was in the back at the time) and gestured for me to give him directions. To my best ability and judgment, I decided to move to the front, offered him a cigarette, and after several roundabouts, traffic, flooding, etc., we eventually arrived at my address. The faith and trust we have in people! I am even more surprised by the fact he had his faith in a deaf person (and a tourist!) to guide him especially when attitudes and approaches towards deaf people here is not exactly transformative like elsewhere.

Teluk Chempedak

While in Kuatan (Pahang State) for the ten-year anniversary banquet, deaf people frequently sign, “Let’s meet at TC!” “TC!” and “Let’s talk more in TC!” This beach obviously is a hot spot where both locals and tourists gather to relax, chat, steal a bite, or play on the beach. After my interview in TC (of course!), I decided to look around and took some photos of the China Sea – all by myself! Rarely goes by a minute that I spend some time alone. Generally, people frequent in collective groups here, and hospitality is very important to Malaysians so if I am left behind (by request), other people will ask my hosts where I am and why they left me alone at such places.

Kuala Terengganu and Books

I am in Kuala Terengganu currently because there was a grand opening of a communication center at the POPT (Terengganu Association of the Deaf) yesterday. People from different DPOs and NGOs were invited to this event along with other representatives from the Department of Welfare. It was a simple and beautifully decorated affair. PUSKOM (communication center) now has several locations in Malaysia serving the deaf communities run by deaf people. Interpreting services, career development services for the deaf (more of accessibility) and awareness are three of several features at the PUSKOM. After the opening, we were invited to hang out with the deaf Terengganu community for a barbecue dinner. Fish, prawns, squids, and… chicken (for me) were cooked under a couple pits of fire – overall, it was a nice night. POPT is located maybe 3-5 minutes walk from the beach – so you could feel the cool breeze during nighttime if you are able to ignore the flies/mosquitoes that would pester you.

Books! I've read more books here than I ever did in the last two years. In the last two years, I had the time to read maybe one or two book(s) of my choice every now and then. Strangely, I find more time to read while traveling – given that I am on the go constantly here. Maybe it is because I don’t watch TV here. Paulo Coelho, famous for his book called the Alchemist, is simply a fantastic author.

10th Year Anniversary Banquet

I traveled approximately 260 km west of the Selangor area to attend an anniversary banquet hosted by the Pahang Association of the Deaf. To my surprise, around 450 people attended the banquet from different states of Malaysia. There were two attendees from Singapore as well. Exceptional food was served (omitting the err…fish but I’m more than certain it was exceptional anyway) along with delicious selections of dessert. Naturally, I especially enjoyed the chocolate cake.

Throughout the dinner, presentations were given by the president of the MFD and Pahang Association of the Deaf along with several other “important” people, and numerous door prizes were given out. In all, the best thing about this event was meeting people and of course, hilarious beauty contests that included both male and female contests.

This and That

KFC: I went to the world’s first KFC run by deaf people in the Kuala Lumpur area! Be sure to stop by at this establishment and support local deaf workers.

Research in Melaka: I went to Melaka, also known as Malacca, with Sazali and Zu to present on my research and recruit participants. Having said that, I was able to reach six participants – all women! Most of deaf people were out and about because there were other scheduled events/meetings out of the state, and it was great to learn from these participants who were able to attend my presentation – their needs were completely different from other participants I met to date. After meeting them, I am more enthusiastic about my further research activities in other states, and especially when I analyze the data.

Central Melaka: Starting in the 16^th century, Melaka faced a series of external takeovers; yet, it flourished into a charming town -- colorful tuk-tuks were decorated with roses and parked around the centre, locals selling different items (mostly souvenirs), stalls selling cold juice and light meals, Malays in traditional costumes danced to the music, and a canal snaked its way through the town. You will also find an abundance of flowers and trees while driving towards the town center and that won me over.

Durio Zibethinus: an oval and spiny tropical fruit, native to Malaysia.

Andrew Zimmerman, the host of Bizarre Foods, could literally eat anything! I watch his shows with admiration because there are numerous of food I could not be able to try – usually meat or these little critters. Yet, I set an objective to taste a durian because it is native to Malaysia, and secretly, I wanted to outdo Zimmerman by being able to eat durians and I did! Truth be told, I was worried about my OWN reaction once I am given the chance to taste a durian because I did not want to offend anyone with a bleeeecccchhhh-like expression and it was nothing like that. The stench was not that foul like described elsewhere, and it was creamy and somewhat sweet.

Be sure to try it.

BIM Dictionary - 2nd Ed.

An article from the Globe and Mail

In Angola, health does not follow wealth

Research & Working with Coco

To conduct a research of a good quality in a place unfamiliar to the researcher, it is indeed important for him/her to spend a certain amount of time in that area/country/region to become familiar with the localities, language, culture, and political climate if he/she is to work independently. Since I will remain in Malaysia for a short time, I am fortunate to find a facilitator to work with me to go past the language barrier, and I am able to inquire him/her about the political climate/culture/trends unfamiliar to me. I can communicate using basic BIM, but it is difficult to communicate with some people because some people use a mix of KTM (proportional to SEE) and BIM in some regions. With that being said, I have reached 32 participants for my research to date, and will continue to reach other participants from other states. Also, my research activities will be able to move forward more efficiently from now and on because the Ministry of Education (Malaysia) sent a letter of approval for my research and gave me the permission to interview teachers of the deaf among other participants.

Most importantly, I am more than grateful for the MFD’s extensive [and reliable!] network with the schools, communities, etc.

Other than the research activities I have had done to date, being an intervenor/interpreter of the deaf-blind is indeed a remarkable experience – I’ve known Coco since I was little, but I never had the opportunity to work alongside her for a whole week and half. Truth be told, it was mentally exhausting, but it gave me the chance to gain knowledge and skills if I am ever to work with one in the near future.

Coco is now in Nepal studying Buddhism and taking a breather before she continues her journey in India.

Retreat

After a hectic week, we decided to go to a farm managed by Sazali’s family just outside of the city. It was GOOD to be back in the nature - time stood still for the first time since I arrived Malaysia. Coco and I sat under a gazebo made by tin and wood. Plants and trees surrounded us, kids swam in a man-made pool (a portable dam allowed the stream to raise its levels periodically), and men fished at a pond just across the stream. Coffee, fresh fish, noodles and noodle soup were served for lunch. Naturally, I avoided fish, but the hosts were kind enough to prepare yummy and fish-free noodles for me.