The first destination in Malaysia was Kangar. It's not a tourist town at all, but it was here that our first hosts were waiting for us.
Our arrival in Malaysia
It is by train-berth since Surathani that we arrived in Malaysia, in Padang Besar precisely. The crossing of the border went very well and was easy. You first pass the Thai border indicating on your passport the date of exit from the territory. Then you pass the Malaysian customs which adds another stamp on your ID showing the date of entry of the country and the length of your stay in the country. We had to take a bus later to the Kangar terminal where our host picked us up.
Meeting with the family
Madi welcomed us to his home. He introduced us to our room and his entire house. We had at our disposal the kitchen, the fridge, the living room and we had our own bathroom.
We then got to know our host. We have learned that he has hosted many travelers since he was registered on couchsurfing. We asked him if he himself had discovered other countries. His answer was: "I do not need it, I travel all over the world thanks to my guests." Why not. After all, there is no good or bad way to travel. His seems to me very commendable especially as he welcomes foreigners free of charge at his place.
During the afternoon, we met the members of his family with:
- Mazlisa, his wife, a bit of character is the princess of the house
- her daughter and her husband and their 1 year old
- his two sons, one of whom is currently in Australia (we got him by phone)
All were very attentive to us.
Madi told us a little about the history of Malaysia, especially that of the people of the country.
You must know that Malaysia is made up of Malays, Chinese, and Hindus. In his neighborhood, Madi is the only true Malay, the rest of the residents are mostly Chinese. The houses are very easily recognizable because red lanterns are hanging at their entrance. It is of course the Malaysian who is employed in Malaysia. However, for the three communities to communicate with each other, English is used. Thus in families, they speak their own language but outside it is very often English that we hear.
Some activities or not
Madi asked us what we would like to do as an activity, what we told her about hiking, seeing waterfalls, everything related to nature. He then proposed a walk to do near his house and a visit to a cave. We totally agreed with this program. Mazlisa also suggested that we go after dinner and do some karaoke. Of course Ezekiel could not help but specify that I sang too. So Mazlisa was happy.
For dinner, the couple wanted to take us to one of their usual place run by a friend of theirs. We are left to guide and for the choice of dishes we just said that I did not eat spicy unlike Ezekiel. We feasted! As agreed, after dinner, direction karaoke. It is an outdoor bar and restaurant on the side of the road where people can eat, have a drink or sing at will.
As soon as we arrived, all eyes were on Mazlisa and us. How can you tell us that we were not really comfortable ... She explained that very rarely foreigners come to this place, to cross a girl with hair of different colors is even more rare. We sit in a corner and order drinks. Hear there, tea, coffee or syrup. Then comes my turn to sing. I ask Mazlisa to translate what his friends in the animation ask me, and here you go in a long speech in Malay in front of everyone. Do you speak Malay yourself? Well, me neither. I will never know what has been said. Once the microphone in my hands, go for Shania Twain.
The next day we get up for 9am, breakfast time. Mazlisa is in the kitchen and prepares different dishes. We settle in the living room and Ezekiel and I understand that here the breakfast is salty! These are plain dishes with rice, fish and chicken. How to say ... When you're not used to it, it's funny to eat chicken and rice right out of bed. It was very good but between us, our sandwiches were a little missed, especially for Ezekiel.
Once the stomachs filled, we were waiting to leave either to visit the cave or to go for a short hike. Finally we did not do that, the family felt it was way too hot to go out. We were a little disappointed. So, change program, Ezekiel left on a basketball court where he could make a few games and I stayed at home to work the site.
French-Malaysian dinner
In the evening, with Mazlisa, his daughter and I, we prepared a Franco-Malaysian meal. On their side, they prepared several Malaysian dishes ranging from fish, squid to chicken. For my part, I prepared a Lorraine quiche and an apple crumble that was very successful. It was a good time to share.
The next day we left for Langkawi. Before that the couple offered us a hearty salty breakfast! They even took the time to take us to the port of Kualas Perlis to take our boat. Our very first coaching experience and and a success. We had only one idea of the header ... Start again!
Et maintenant...
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