Malaysia: a harmonious brew

This is such a fascinating and unique island!  I consider myself lucky to be here in Penang and get to experience various cultures, peoples, and religions firsthand.  Diversity is everywhere, yet here, people live together harmoniously and appreciate and learn from each other's differences.

Living the "island lifestyle" has been quite nice!  The backdrop of beautiful hills and an abundance of flowers and animals make it quite the tropical paradise.  I enjoy watching cruise ships and cargo ships go by each day, jet-skiers playing on the water, and local fishing boats coming in around sunrise with their catch to be sold that morning. I enjoy the sound of ocean waves hitting the shore, and the loud bartering and busy hawkers shouting their wares at the wet markets.  Smells of fish, produce, and spices mix together in a not unpleasant way; even the smell of durian does not disturb me. In this friendly city, people watch out for each other (like the woman gently telling my son to climb down from the railing), and Rachel with her blonde hair is very popular!  I love how our building guards address me respectfully, saying "Hallo, Madam", and even called me to let me know that the inner lights were on in my car.  To quote Annie, "I think I'm gonna like it here."  =)

There seems to be alot going on here, and the Penang events link keeps me "in the know".  When we had been here only a week, we attended a Japanese festival on the esplanade, and tonight, I'm going to see a puppet show related to the Hungry Ghost festival.  (During the seventh lunar month according to tradition, Chinese opera and puppet shows are staged to entertain gods and ghosts that come out roaming in search of food.  The burning of joss sticks and various forms of entertainment are "offered".)  Next week, I plan to attend the world's largest floating book fair, a huge book store on a docked cruise boat, whose proceeds go to the charity Logo's Hope.

Of course, the most widely practiced event on the island right now, being an Islamic country, is the celebration of Ramadan.  During the month of August, devout Muslims fast from all food and drink between sunrise and sunset for the purposes of self-discipline and to focus on prayer and seeking Allah. To witness such devotion humbles me and causes me to ponder how I could put more effort into seeking God.  My knowledge of Islam is very limited, but as I live here for an extended period, I hope to gain a greater understanding of Muslim culture and daily life. 

I can certainly appreciate the beauty in design and architecture of the mosques. The beautiful colors and often elaborate details speak of countless hours of difficult labor by expert craftsmen. Where America is dotted with Christian churches on every corner, here beautiful mosques and temples far outnumber buildings for other religions. I have also enjoyed the soothing sounds of the call to prayer five times a day, heard widely via amplification from various mosques throughout the city.

I am reading an enlightening book right now called Travel as a Political Act by Rick Steves.  I would highly reccommend this book to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of various people groups and the advantages of world travel!  Be brave, step out of your comfort zone, and if you know me, come and visit!!