So, my exchange program had ended by January. I finished my exams and I planned for my return to Indonesia My stay in Malaysia had been lovely although I injured myself twice and due to adaptation, I fell sick numerous times. There were few reasons that made me feel heavy to leave Kuala Lumpur. On top of the list was the security. I have lived in Indonesia the whole of my life and cat-calling is everyday occurrence. I have also lived in Jakarta approximately four years as well and cat-calling never stops. It doesn’t matter what clothes I am wearing. I would go out with friends most of the time and if I go out alone, I would make sure to return to my boarding house before 9PM (with Grab!). However, in Malaysia, I could safely go and return at night without feeling threatened or uneasy with public transportation such as bus and train. I went to a cosplay event in December at KLCC and the trip was quite far from my dormitory. I could depart early in the morning and return at night around 10PM safely in shorts. Comparing to how I almost got cat-called every time I put on makeup and costume in Indonesia, Malaysia gave me what I deserved as a human being. It is as if men in Indonesia have never seen a pair of legs (Of course, not all men are like this. My friends are very gentlemen and they protect me.) The second reason why it was a bit hard for me to leave KL would be the hygiene! It is not just the place but also food and weather! The weather tends to be dry in Kuala Lumpur and my oily skin was happy that it did not have to produce excessive oil to moisture my face. I did not even need skincare to keep my face clean and clear! The air was clean, no pollution (at least not as bad as Jakarta!) The food, although bland to my Indonesian tongue, was definitely cleaner, fresher and healthier! It is not exclusive information that the pollution and fine dust are dire in Jakarta plus, Jakarta is a humid city which worsens the whole situation! In Jakarta, my skin would not stop producing oil due to the exposure of dust and dirt every day, acnes would often appear even if I do skincare routine or even go to dermatologist. In Indonesia, we do not really have standard hygiene for food unless it is in malls or restaurants. It is very normal to get upset stomach after a street meal. Of course, Indonesians have grown accustomed to it and our body will not get sick from eating street food but what about exchange students that got accustomed to cleaner food in other country? Most exchange students would suffer food poisoning or typhus whenever they return to Indonesia. Fortunate me, I returned back to my hometown first to meet my parents and relatives as well as to get proper food! So, I did not get sick upon my return. In the mean time I also went around asking friends for boarding house in Jakarta as my semester started in February, I had a month to look for boarding house. These were few photos that I took with cosplayers in Malaysia! The last but not least, the reason why I loved staying in Malaysia was the people! Throughout approximately five months in Malaysia, I had not met anyone who was annoying or rude. People did not judge me from how I dressed and they treated me with smile! I went to the cosplay event and everyone was friendly! I returned to Indonesia to finish my thesis and graduation and I have stayed for three months in Jakarta. All problems just come at me like a truck. Acne raided my face, people-problem also rises, and the politic tension makes everything worse. I could not relax like how I was when I was in Malaysia. I really do miss Malaysia for the hygiene, security and warm people. I did not suffer bad culture shock at all! Rather, I felt welcomed! Thank you, Malaysia! Thank you, friends! I hope to visit again after graduation! Photos taken during Comifuro February 2019 in Jakarta!
Kashuu Kiyomitsu - Nike Amemura Ramuda - Sho
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorThis page will serve as information. It includes articles, travel journals and academic paper work. Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|