I didn't know what to expect when I landed in Malaysia at the beginning of January, but I am so happy and lucky to now call this place home. I'm fortunate to spend a year in this amazing, diverse, young nation and to explore the rest of the country as well as neighboring destinations. Kuala Lumpur is a bustling, active, exciting city, and I loved the comfort of skyscrapers and busy intersections after living in New York City. Penang is a stunning island with phenomenal sunsets, thrilling water sports, festive Chinese New Year celebrations and lively nightlife. Malacca downtown is peaceful, walkable, welcoming and energetic with a mix of street food, riverboat cruises and museums. My small town (30-minute drive outside downtown) is perfect: a fun night market on Saturday nights, strong schools, delicious restaurants, access to a nearby beach and a fun town center.
I hope that these descriptions from my first six weeks in Malaysia show you just how diverse this country is. Like the U.S., Malaysia boasts all types of geographies and people from all over the world. I have found everyone hospitable, generous, friendly, interested in learning about the U.S. and eager to practice speaking English. I have seen stunning beaches, jungles, and cities, so I hope that my photos have passed these along to you.
