Some thoughts on the people

The people in Malaysia seem very good-natured and friendly - and not only "buy-my-stuff" friendly; they're genuinely happy and interested to talk to you or just have a smiling exchange. The restaurant owners sometimes hassle you a bit and try to smile you into choosing their fried mee hoon over the fried mee hoon at any of the next four places, but if you smile and shake your head they send you on your way with another, genuine smile. (Granted, maybe that's because they know you're more likely to come back and choose them tomorrow, but I still get the sense that they are wishing you well.) The cab drivers range from quiet-friendly to funny-friendly. The hostel staff are eager to chat, help, show your around, or help you with your Malay. And everyone always wants to know, "How do you like Malaysia?", "What have you seen in Malaysia?", "Where are you going?"... There doesn't seem to be any resentment towards tourists or the demands of the tourist-system (if there is, there isn't a lot and it's well-hidden) - Malaysians seem genuinedly interested in us being there, or at least interested in us. The children are definitely intrigued. The older kids smile and wave, the younger ones smile and giggle (or moon us like one boy today on the river!), and the littlest ones just stare.

I was expecting to go pretty much unnoticed, one tourist among the throngs of others here, but I'm still waved at, called to, and smiled at, everywhere I go. I get the idea we're the biggest sightseeing attraction of all, to Malaysians. And I'm happy to provide that entertainment to such a friendly lot.

-alyss.