The remainder of our time in Malaysia was split equally between Kuala Lumpar and Melaka, both of which I will summarise briefly. Similar to many other South East Asian cities, KL is an interesting mix of old and new, where ancient religious buildings and colonial architecture sit alongside towering skyscrapers, sleek shopping malls and expensive restaurants. Following one rainy afternoon spent browsing the same shops that one would find in Glasgow, I found myself feeling quite depressed. Maybe the reason is that our budget can’t stretch to cover such luxuries, and, even if it could, my backpack wouldn’t have the space to accommodate any form of wardrobe extension. If anything, after three and half months in textile heaven, it’s time for a clothing cull. Or maybe, while we are on this journey, material things become of so little value that we cease to desire them, for what wealth could they possibly add to our experience of seeing this incredible world? Of course, as I have said previously, I am full of longing for the unique, artisan-made handicrafts that fill the colourful markets all over South East Asia. However, such items of beauty that have been created by the hands of the people who live here, I think, are as much a part of the blood that runs through the veins of these cultures as the food or the history or the landscape, and seeing, feeling and appreciating them is one of the ways in which you can experience that culture more fully.
Melaka is a gem of a place that feels less like a city and more like a delightful town. The central part boasts beautiful buildings that are both reminiscent of the city’s past Dutch presence as well as reflecting the influence of its current Chinese residents, who, it seems, have a “town” everywhere. This unexpected mixture is quite charming, and reminds me of Hoi An, Vietnam, which remains one of my favourite places in South East Asia, and in which I wish we had stayed longer. For four days we enjoyed Melaka's enchanting streets, quirky shops and delicious cuisine, before heading to our final Asian destination of Singapore.
As we had no intention of shopping, Singapore didn’t really hold a great deal of interest for us, however, whilst here we enjoyed a couple of free music concerts and, following an encounter with a shop devoted entirely to ukuleles, now find ourselves in possession of one of these happy little instruments, which we have christened “Gooch”. On our final night, having decided that we had to have one, we toasted our time in Asia with extraordinarily expensive Singapore Slings; but how often are we in Singapore after all?
A reflection
It astounds me that the first part of our adventure is over, but, of course, am filled with excitement for the next. We feel ready to move on, for though our time in Asia has been wonderful, after three and half months of living the life of nomads, we are looking forward to settling somewhere for a little longer to charge our near-empty batteries. To quote Ecclesiastes, “there is a time for everything under heaven”, and now is our time to rest. Open sewers, language barriers and uncertainty over what meat you might be eating are a few of the things that I will certainly not miss about Asia, however, there are many things that I will miss - the wonderful markets, deliciously diverse cuisine and abundance of beautiful craft shops in particular. Asia is a continent brimming with treasures, of which I feel we have experienced just a few.
It is hard to take a trip like this and not have it change you. This time has been one of new experiences, and learning, and of healing. Though nothing hurts, I feel that time takes its toll, no matter ones circumstances, and it has on both of us. Over the past few years our bodies and our hearts have suffered multiple trauma; painful, unstoppable and often self-inflicted. Here, we are encountering such a wealth of new things that take up permanent occupation in our minds, forcing any previous hardships into what feels, now, like a past life. Experiencing them together is allowing us to begin building the most incredible and unusual foundations for our marriage, which we hope, God willing, will be long and full of our own treasure (both of the earthly and heavenly kind). Here we have been learning about beauty and simplicity, humanity and our place within it.
A trip like this seems, to some, indulgent, expensive and a youthful escape from real responsibility. And maybe it was slightly irresponsible to quit our jobs in the middle of a recession when one counts them self lucky just to have a job, but I would do it again without a moments’ hesitation. For the truth is, that though we may come home and have nothing but the clothes in our backpacks and an eclectic assortment of engagements presents, no amount of money can buy the consequences of this kind of adventure.
A book I read whilst in Thailand quoted Saint Augustine and I, in turn, will do the same.
“Our whole business therefore in this life is to restore to health the eye of the heart whereby God may be seen.”
This earth is God’s masterpiece, and He deserves to have it enjoyed by the ones He loves the most. In seeing the beauty that it encompasses I see God. By seeing the treasures of His creating, I am overwhelmed by His power and glory and majesty, and question, without the intention to offend, how anyone could really believe that it all came about by chance. Standing amongst it, I can feel His presence, and that is what heals the soul. Though physically drained to the point of exhaustion, I have never felt so alive, and am so full of anticipation for all the experiences that await us; the wonders we have yet to see. And in each wonder, the still, small voice and a little glimpse of glory, to which nothing else could ever possibly compare.
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