Keranamu Malaysia!

Georgetown, Malaysia

I've finally arrived in Malaysia, crossing the border from Thailand at Sadao/Bukit Kayu Hitam. It was raining (and still is now) but for some reason I was (and still am) so happy to be here again. It was something, I realise, that I've been looking forward to for all this trip: to get back to Malaysia. I entered countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, places I had never been to completely cool. But last night, after completing the border formalities and seeing signs of "Selamat datang ke Malaysia" (Malay: Welcome to Malaysia) I was almost giddily happy. Later, in Georgetown, things went wrong, it was now pouring down and my bank card was rejected and I had to find a money changer late at night. Still, I was excited like a little child (almost embarrassing myself in front of the Chilean friend who joined me for dinner) but I couldn't help myself. At a food court I ordered Hokkien Mee, Satay and Teh Tarik and the world was somehow good. Listening to a lady singing old Chinese songs (月亮代表我的心!!!) and watching some middle aged people dance I was in the mood for singing, as well. I'm here for the third time but this is what Malaysia does to me. It may have it's short comings but I still love it.
Keranamu Malaysia!