On Sunday, MJ and I went on a walkabout around Walsh Bay so I could put my new camera to use.
I found this water feature/fountain that wasn’t in use and to my delight it was a map. Coincidentally we were talking about traveling and I was just thinking out loud about how much I miss KL.
Though, in this picture it seems like I am pointing at the Malaysia-Thailand border instead. Geography fail :(
Geography fail
I met a cab driver last weekend and he asked me where I was originally from. “Everyone’s from somewhere, originally,” he says. He’s been here for 24 years.
No matter where I end up in the future, or if I stay here, I will always see KL as my first home. I’m hardly the most patriotic of people but I love that I grew up in a place I am proud to call home. If there is one thing I have noticed living out of Malaysia is that I often come across Malaysians that say living overseas is so much better than living in KL and how shit KL is etc. (some more than others) and I think it is hard to make that comparison. For some it may be a matter of circumstance – I get that. But hearing these comments from people who have had happy lives prior to living abroad irk me. It’s great that we can be part of a different community and be where we are today; KL may not be the best of places but is there a need to really slam it that badly? Is living abroad for a few years is all it takes to forget where you come from? There’s nothing wrong with calling two places home.
Just wanted to get that off my chest. It has been bugging me for a while. My background is an intrinsic part of me and it’s something I’m proud of. Maybe I am also pig-headed and cannot understand how one goes down the other path.
On that note, I am glad that there are a group of Malaysians here that I enjoy hanging out with. It is nice to be around people that share the same background (and love of food – we have Malaysian-themed cookouts haha). Am making it a point go back as often as I can (without jeopardising my travel budget of course). Unless I can find a way to move KL here.. HMM!
[Post title refers to an Malay saying, bagai kacang lupakan kulit. Directly translated it means "like a nut that has forgotten it's shell" where kacang = nut and kulit = shell/skin and used to describe people who have forgotten where they come from.]
{ 5 comments }
I concur! :)
I completely “get” this post.
It’s always good to remember your roots and where you came from. And I think it’s lucky to be able to consider 2 places your home. I hate when people try and define you.
My family background is Malaysian/Chinese, but I was born and grew up in Australia, and for the last few years I’ve been living in NY. I consider myself a hybrid :)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this spot where the pic is taken. And can I just say you look hawt? Wish I had legs like that…
im a singaporean but i bloody love KL. And I feel more at home there.
Lynn – Demi negara.. yang tercinta.. Haha :)
Stella, I agree no one should define you except yourself.. as long as you don’t forget where you come from! I love reading your adventures in the big apple :)
Leanne it’s near Darling Harbour and is actually part of a block of apartments there, we jumped the fence to check out the garden one arvo! Thx for the lovely compliment! xo