I tried durian
- Peter Hansen
- Jan 20, 2019
- 3 min read
It was gross. And I’m pretty sure I paid the foreigner price for it. Durian, considered the “king” of fruits in Malaysia, is banned from the hotel I am currently staying in, along with most other indoor public spaces due to the smell. I honestly don’t mind the smell, I just can’t get past its taste or texture. I am still puzzled that once upon a time a person found a durian fruit on a tree, cracked it open, smelled it, tried a bite, and decided to go back for seconds…But I guess the same can be said for americans when someone decided it would be a good idea to fry butter. (And that’s cultural exchange! You’re welcome, Fulbright.)
Thankfully, the rest of the food in Kuala Lumpur has been very tasty. From Nasi Lemak Ayam to Pork Ball Soup to Roti Canai, the streets of KL has a lot to offer. The best part about it is it doesn't break the bank. A filling dinner with some Calamansi Juice should cost you around 10 RM ($2.50). This makes me feel a lot less guilty when I decide to spend 40RM on some Cold Stone down the street. I stayed clear of the durian flavored ice cream because that might ruin ice cream for me forever, or it might just make me love durian. It isn't worth it though, the risk is too high!
Apart from the food, the best part of KL has been my fellow fulbrighters. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been so surprised given the type of people this program would attract. Everyone here has been so open to trying new experiences and it has been a pleasure to explore KL with my new friends. Highlights include Brickfields (Little India), Petaling Street (Chinatown), and rooftop bars. These new found friends should be a helpful support group through my year ahead!
I won’t be in KL the entire year. A week ago, I found out that I will be staying in Jerteh, Terranganu, which is on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. My knowledge of the area is limited to a google search, which garnered these results: 95+% Malay, 95+% Muslim, lots of seafood, and a ferry ride away from the Perhentian Islands (in case you need an excuse to visit me). I will be teaching in SMK Bukit Payong, a public secondary school about a 20 min ride from my house. I am anxious to get started and learn more about my new community, but before Terranganu, I have a “pit-stop” in Kuantan, Pahang for regional orientation.
I was excited to leave KL in order to experience Malaysia outside of the big city. I was not sure what to expect, but I have not been disappointed. Within the first 24 hours of arriving in Kuantan, I crashed a Terranganu vs. Pahang state football match, went on a sunrise hike, and spent the day at a local beach. Thank you, US Taxpayers! This should be an interesting year…
It was suggested that we create separate instagram accounts to interact with our students on social media. If you are interested, please feel free to follow along @cikgu_peter
cikgu=teacher in Bahasa Malay
I will try to be more consistent with my posting in order to stop my mom from nagging me about when my next blog post will be.
As someone paying real taxes now, I'm glad I could help support this adventure!
That stuff is so gnarly! Enjoy!
Whaddaya mean? Your mother never nags you!