OUR KAMPUNG HOUSE

May 22, 2008

Here is the video:

Here are some musings from my notebook.

Yesterday I moved, not just into a new house in a new place, but into a new culture. The surface differences are obvious and expected. It's the subtleties that I'm worried about, the problem with subtleties though is that they are so subtle - too subtle for a personality like mine. I am aware enough to realize that I am probably making or about to make both insignificant and massive cultural faux paus but I am not intuitive enough to know exactly when or what mistakes I am making. I'll leave that to the Anthropologist. I do know that if I remain flexible, willing, and curious and step outside my norms I will get to experience a whole new way of life. I also know that if I am friendly, appreciative, non-judgemental, and patient all of my cultural blunders will be forgiven - that of course is the challenge, remaining patient and ever friendly when I am exhausted both mentally and physically. I could fill pages with the details of the last 48 hours - just the move from KL to the present has been ripe with experience -I should keep pen and paper handy least I lose the flavor of this experience. Details are too cumbersome right now - I'll stick to themes. Such generosity: a furnished house, food, rides to the store, people sharing their time and limited resources, strangers buying me coffee - not even saying hello, just buying my coffee and leaving without saying a word, without even a nod. Friendliness: granted, I feel a bit like a toy at show and tell on occasion but that is just my projection. Rahimi and Saadia are just proud and excited and want to make us feel welcome and accepted. Everyone though, without exception is friendly, friendly like we've known each other for years. I don't know what it is, a lack of pretension, a lack of expectation, an unmatched acceptance, naivety? but people here embrace you and welcome you like family. Confusion: This will probably be a common theme throughout the next 2 months. I understand about 60% of the conversation. I understand even less of what is expected in social interactions. Fortunately after 1.5 years in Malaysia I am ok with that level of confusion. It's not that I don't care but I just don't care to care. It simply isn't important. I'm confused and that's ok. The other person is probably confused too. With Malaysians though that level of confusion is comfortable. They don't care to care either so we all get along just fine. I am a little concerned about reciprocity however. I don't have anything to offer except myself. My friendliness, curiosity, and immersion will only get me so far - eventually I'm going to have to contribute. Basic gifts of food and possibly teaching some English will pale in comparison to the embrace we have already received. Sensory Overload: There have been many occasions over the past 2 days when I just needed to stop, stand still, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of this place are all new, many startling.....