We have now been in Malaysia for 8 weeks, which means we are one third of the way done with our trip! We've really enjoyed our time here so far, but I definitely got struck with a bit of homesickness this past week. I don't know if it's because Laura and I have explored most of the main tourist attractions on the island, or if I miss the beaches of Thailand, or if it's the hot weather (what can I say, I need my change in seasons). We treated ourselves to a few dinners at TGIF, McDonalds, and KFC and that made me feel a little better. Another one of Glenn's coworkers is coming over in a few weeks and has promised to bring some Kraft Mac 'n Cheese (one of the few items I can't find in the grocery stores here) for us. I have a feeling everything will be back to 'normal' once Evie and I get to enjoy one of our favorite lunches again.
Apparently we arrived at a very busy time for local festivities. So far, we have been able to witness Muslims observing Ramadan, the Malaysian Independence Day, and Chinese Ghost Month celebrations. Last week was the conclusion to the Chinese Mooncake Festival, also known as the Harvest Moon Festival. Both Glenn and Zach (Laura's husband) had coworkers telling them that on the last day of the Mooncake Festival, children would parade around the local parks with these really intricate hand-made lanterns. So we bought each kid a lantern and decided to join in the festivities. Not sure what happened, but I'm pretty sure we were the only people with lanterns at the park. Needless to say, we lit the candles and proudly watched Evelyn and the boys (okay, Glenn and Zach) walk around with their lanterns. A few people walking in the park paused to watch our mini-procession, but no one joined in. Who knows, maybe we started a new tradition - watching white people make fools of themselves (at least the kids were cute)!
On Saturday we decided to head up to the North part of the island to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe and partake in some more shopping at the night market. The hamburgers were amazing and afterward I had to stop by the gift shop and buy a HRC-Penang t-shirt. I now have HRC shirts from four continents, only Australia, Africa, and Antarctica to go! We didn't get too much at the night markets. Evelyn found some sunglasses and a bubble gun, and I got some more DVDs (Season 1 of Glee and Season 6 of The Office). Glenn spent a lot of time looking at some toy ships, but the smallest one he wanted was 18" long and 12" tall and I don't know where he'd put it (okay, I know where he would want to put it, but I don't want it in my house). This won't be the last time we go to the night markets, so I know it won't be the last time I hear about these ships.
The Gopher football team is 1-3 and unfortunately Glenn has been able to watch every game. He's been taking it much better than I would expect, but it would be nice if they won more games so he can stop moping around the apartment. Maybe they'll fire Brewster and that will really make him happy.
Not that anyone is counting or anything, but only 130 days until we fly home!
Hi Katie! You are a wonderful writer. I really enjoy reading your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteThe handmade lantern Evelyn is holding looks amazing. It's so cool you found those lanterns and had some fun with them.
You are doing everything right- getting out- having fun- and just being together. It is especially hard to be away from home when the weather is different and you don't experience a certain season change. The mac and cheese was just what you needed! What are other things/foods you can't find in malaysia?
Luke just moved to Saint Cloud and I went up to see him last night. He looks great and I think he likes his work as a law clerk.
Can't wait to hear more stories about the market...and maybe a ship?!:)
Love you all!
Meg