A Taste of Malaysia

Recently, I had the joy of taking a Malaysian cooking class http://www.malaysia-klcookingclass.com/ with my new friends, Meredith and Elizabeth. What a treat it was! We cooked from 10:00 - 2:00 and learned so much...not just about cooking, but also about the colorful multicultural history of Malaysia. I'm convinced that there's no better way to experience a country than to spend a day in the kitchen with local cooks willing to share not only their family recipes, but also themselves. Our menu was - Otak-Otak (marinated fish in banana leaves), Char Koay Teow (Malaysian fried noodles), Kari Ayam (chicken curry), and Roti Jala (lacy pancake).

First, each dish was demonstrated. Next, we had the treat of sampling it. After that, we went to our individual cooking stations and cooked the recipe ourselves. Finally, as this picture shows, we feasted on a full serving of our creations. Yummy!

A picture of my Otak-otak...first time for me to use banana leaves in preparing a meal. The origin of this dish was interesting. Our instructor shared that otak means brain and that the recipe was developed as a way to use old fish, including its head or brain. The ingredients for otak-otak are: "fresh" fish, egg, fish curry powder, coconut milk, tamarind paste, kafir lime leaf, kaduk leaves, salt. sugar, banana leaves and spice paste( lemongrass, red chilies, onions).

This dish was so much fun to make. The Roti Jala or "lacy pancakes" had the texture and taste of a chewy crepe. The ingredients for Roti Jala are: flour, salt, tumeric powder, egg, coconut milk, water, oil. After being cooked on one side only, the pancakes are folded and then rolled before being served with curry.

A picture of one of my favorite dishes, Char Koay Teow! This is a national "comfort" food. I'm guessing our equivalent might be homemade macaroni and cheese. The ingredients are:oil, garlic, chili paste, fish cake, prawns, flat rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, chives, light soya sauce, thick soya sauce, water and salt.

The beautiful cooks who shared their talents and heritage

Figuratively speaking, there's more than one way to "taste" a country and just like in sampling any cuisine, there are going to be dishes that you love and others you'd prefer not to have again.

In closing this posting, I'd like to say that the cooking class at Lazat is an experience I truly look forward to having again and again. However, the attempted motorcycle mugging that took place yesterday, I'd prefer never to sample again! Fortunately, I am sitting in the safety of my apartment typing about it and counting my blessings rather than in a hospital room recovering from what "could" have happened. I'll be the first to admit that being jerked onto my hands and knees by a tug on my purse strap by a passing motorcycle mugger into a street full of rushing traffic really took the wind out of my sails, but I'm not going to let it stop me from continuing to explore this beautiful country that I've been blessed to spend a bit of time in. I'm a little scraped up and sore, but thanks to the experience, a whole lot wiser. Cheers!

Recent Road Trips

The following entries are a small sampling of our recent road trips. We're so fortunate and thankful to have a car and driver which makes it possible to leave the city for these short little jaunts.

March 21, 2009

2 hours to the north... Fraser Hill

Sam and I ventured out of KL once again. This time we headed 2 hours north and explored the wonderfully weird little highland town of Fraser Hill. We not only enjoyed hiking jungle trails, but also savored the cool mountain air while having coffee and shortbread on the veranda of a beautiful English cottage all the while listening to the sweet sounds of the town's over 250 recorded species of birds and the call to prayer from a local mosque! After several hours of trekking around the jungle and town, we finished the day by dining with the locals at a quaint Chinese restaurant just off the main square.

The center of town...By the way, to get to Fraser Hill, we traveled on the only road into town, The Gap, a one lane former mule train road that is open on odd hours for going up and even hours for coming down.

Ye Old Smokehouse- built in 1924 by the English Red cross as a gift to surviving dependents of soldiers who had lost their lives in WWI. Today, the Tudor style house is a hotel and restaurant. It was a photographer's dream...and it's my dream to be a photographer!

Having coffee at the Smokehouse with our new friends, Elizabeth and Auden. They recently moved to KL from Washington D.C.

Looking into one of the Smokehouse guest rooms..wish these windows could talk!

Wild beauty spotted along one of the jungle trails we hiked.

March 14, 2009
2 hours to the south...Melaka

Our first major road trip was to Melaka. Melaka was once a thriving port...had an important role in the spice trade which prompted the Portuguese, Dutch, and British to successively colonize it. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first protestant church in Malaysia. It was constructed by the Dutch using the bricks that had been used as ballast in the ships that sailed from Europe.

St Paul's Church...the first Christian church in Malaysia. It was built by the Portuguese in 1521.

Jalan Hang Jebat, formerly known as Jonkers Street...a colorful shopping street in Chinatown just across the square from Christ Church.

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. It was built in 1646.

Lunch! Chicken rice balls..a specialty of Melaka :)

My next goal will be to post complete albums of all of our snapshots on Shutterfly. With any luck and a little determination, I'll have that done before we take our next road trip. "Selemat jalan" for now!

How to season a wok and other tidbits from Chinatown

It's always nice to meet new friends, learn interesting tidbits of history, taste different foods, and acquire new talents...all of which I got to do today! I toured KL's Chinatown along with about 15 others as part of a field trip organized by the American Association of Malaysia.

Of course, meeting new friends is the best! I met ladies from Whales, France, Canada, various states within the United States, and even a lady from Katy, Texas. That makes 2 women from Katy in 2 weeks. Can you believe it?

The most interesting food that I was served was actually a special drink. It was iced nutmeg tea. The owner of a Chinese restaurant located in KL's historical Central Market explained that it takes over five hours to brew as it requires a double boiling process. It was quite flavorful..sort of had a peppery taste and is claimed to have positive medicinal qualities.

As far as history, I learned things like KL was originally a tin mining town, and that the founder of the city, Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, has a very small street in Chinatown named after him in addition to an altar of honor at See Ya, the oldest temple in KL. I also learned about the three largest ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese, and Indian, and how their cultures, religions, and viewpoints on life contribute to a diverse experience for all.

However, the most unique lesson of the day was learned in a Chinese shophouse that sold anything and everything for the kitchen. One of my new friends and I returned to this shop after our tour was completed in order to purchase woks. I would've gladly paid twice what we paid just for the experience! Not only did we leave the store with cast iron woks, but also with very through animated instructions on how to season them given to us simultaneously by both the Chinese shopkeeper and an elderly Indian "auntie" who was also shopping at the store.

The instructions are as follows:
1. Wash the wok with soap and water.
2. Get a fresh coconut from the market and have the grocer mash the coconut.
3. Rub the mashed coconut flesh all over the wok
4. Boil water in the wok and add Chinese tea...allow to simmer.
5. Drain the tea and fry a chicken egg.
6. Throw the cooked egg away.

After completing these steps, the wok should now be seasoned and ready to use. According to many sites that showed up on a Google search, I could simply use vegetable oil, but how fun would that be? Tomorrow, I'm planning to shop for mashed coconut and Chinese tea. With any luck, the wok will be successfully seasoned, and Sam will have fried rice for dinner!

Hiking Malaysia... a Sensory Smorgasbord of Green!

32 years ago we hiked the hills of Malibu Canyon ... Today, it's our joy being together hiking and exploring a whole new world .... How thankful we are for the friendship we share and for those of you who've lovingly encouraged us and have journeyed with us over the years!

So many shapes and shades of green...

This picture fails to capture the awe we felt as we hiked up this mountain bike trail to the canopy walk...but it's the best we could do with Sam's cell phone camera :) Next time, we'll take a movie!

I guess this is why it's called a rain forest!

I've been in Malaysia 2 weeks now, so I figured it was time to sit down and record some thoughts...share some pictures, especially for my readers who may not have Facebook, my favorite mode of communication these days.

First of all, let me assure everyone that all is well. It's amazing how quickly that I've made the transition. In fact, in less than a week after arriving, Sam and I had already entertained visiting co workers in our apartment twice. There's no way I could have done that my first week in Bangkok, but I guess the move to Malaysia is more like picking up where we left off.

Our field trips so far have included markets (both big and small), restaurants (mostly neighborhood), and parks. I saved the best for last in that list. If I were to choose one word to describe Malaysia so far, it would be "green". However, the color is just the beginning. Walking....hiking through the parks is much more like trying to sample everything possible at a sensory smorgasbord...the earthy smells, cool rain drizzling or pouring down, birds or maybe monkeys taunting, thunder rumbling, cascading waterfalls...it's a feast for sure, and Sam and I are "pigging out" as often as possible!

Oops! "Pigging out" was probably not the best choice of words in an Islamic country. In order to purchase pig products (bacon, ham...), one must go to a separate section of the store. So much to learn!

Happy Birthday!

Make a Wish!

Riley Lynn dressed in her mommy's 1st birthday dress

I should be packing (or sleeping since it's 1:27 AM... 3:27 PM Malaysian time) , but instead I find myself playing on the computer...reliving the precious moments we spent celebrating Riley's 1st birthday. Just wanted to share!

Letting Go...

Riley Lynn...almost a year old

This morning I treated myself to a surf side quiet time. The plan had been to watch the sun come up, but instead I was blessed with one of the best night's sleep I had had in a long time and didn't wake up until 8:00. Even though I'd missed my favorite morning moment, I knew that God still had blessings he wanted to share with me on the seashore, so I hopped up, threw on my jeans, and grabbed a hoody.

I've developed some special traditions since moving to Corpus, one of which is morning devos on the beach. My first stop is always McDonalds where I grab a large coffee, 4 creams, and a bacon egg and cheese biscuit before heading over the bridge to the island. This morning I even splurged and added a few apple pies to my order! Next, I drive along the beach until I find a quiet place to park. Then I pray, eat, read, walk, sing, pray, listen, pray.... You get the idea! It's my time to commune with my Heavenly Dad. I don't know what it is about the beach...seems like the static of life disappears with the soft roar of the waves and I can finally focus and hear what he wants to share.

This morning as I sat staring at the turbulent sea, my thoughts began with a question from The Sound of Music- "How do you catch a wave and pin it down?" The simple answer is you don't! My personal application of this obvious truth is that somewhere along the journey of parenthood, parents must acknowledge the ever changing limits of their influence and control over their child's life. When a child is young, the task can be daunting as I've recently been reminded of by caring for Riley. Children simply don't have the life experience to recognize dangers like hot stoves, deep water, and moving cars, so a parent must vigilantly try to stay one step ahead of them in order to navigate a safe passage through each day.

However, at some point, well it's not really a point....more like a series of points, the role of navigating life becomes the child's and parents must let go. It's not just the letting go of physical control....that's the easy part. It's the letting go of hopes and dreams that can be challenging. God has blessed each of us with a free will. No adult has the right to control another...to do so would assume that they were God-like in their knowledge and abilities which is ridiculous. Only God has the power to catch a wave and pin it down. Only God can control our every thought and action, but he doesn't. He knows all too well that to intervene in this way would rob him of the beautiful opportunity for the loving relationship with us that he so desires. He loves us enough to let go of his control and allows us to choose our own path...our own relationships.

These thoughts bring me to my own "letting go" and "loving" update. I'll be returning to Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 21. Vanessa has chosen to return to Trey and will be attending school at HCC in Houston. It is what it is...just another step as we all prayerfully try our best to live life. Thanks for joining us on the journey. How blessed we are!

Merry Christmas!

From Malaysia...

and Texas...

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

May your holidays be filled with precious blessings,

savored by hearts overflowing with love and gratitude

for the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

and joyfully shared with family and friends.

Our love and best wishes always,

Sam, Tracey, Vanessa, and Riley

Home Sweet "Malaysian" Home

Capsquare Residence ...20th floor

Our view

Our neighborhood...notice the Starbucks!

I've been back in Texas now for a little over week, but leave again tomorrow. Before I head out with our girls to celebrate Christmas with our family in Oregon, I wanted to post a few pictures of our new home in Kuala Lumpur. Sam and I were blessed to actually find and move into a furnished apartment over my Thanksgiving visit. Speaking of my visit, it was wonderful though way too short! Sam is doing well and sends his love. Of course, he's glad I can be with the girls during this time of transition, but is also looking forward to my return.

Beeee...autiful Blessings!

...just wanted to share a few pictures from Halloween. What a blessing it was to be with my girls to share yet another "first!" I'm convinced that there is no greater joy than experiencing the thrill of childhood once again, only this time through the eyes of Vanessa as she celebrates life with Riley.

Precious moments with Grandmommy's Honey Bee!


Posing for pictures before visiting friends

My Beeee...autiful Bees. Riley was a "busy" bee, Vanessa was the "queen" bee, and I joyfully chose to be the drone!

Trick or Treat!

Since I haven't blogged in over a month, I'm treating myself to time on the computer while my girlies are occupied.... Riley with napping and Vanessa with studying.

As far as an update... Sam and I are moving to Malaysia on November 1st. Nope! This is not a trick. Actually, Sam broke the news to me about a month ago on my birthday. It's been almost 2 years ago since we accepted the Thailand position. At that time, we thought we'd be there for a minimum of 3 years and were really hoping for 5. Unfortunately, the company had different plans. Such is the life of an expat!

Actually, now that we've adjusted to the idea, we're looking forward to the adventure of living in and exploring yet another country, though we'll miss our life and friends in Thailand greatly. The current plan is for Sam to stay in the company's guest housing until we're able to select an apartment which we'll do over the Thanksgiving holiday. I'll be travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 20th of November to join Sam until Dec.4. Then, I'll return to Katy and continue helping Vanessa with Riley until she finishes her semester at HCC. In January, we'll move the girls to our home in Corpus Christi where Vanessa will continue pursuing her dream to become a nurse. Once she feels confident and we have care for Riley, I'll move to Malaysia and will begin making a home for us there.

Until all that comes to pass, I'm enjoying the treat of sharing in Vanessa's joy as she cares for her precious Riley. So far, I've been blessed to see this little fairy princess grow hair...enough for a clip-on bow, sprout 2 pearly teeth, stand solo in the sand on the beach, and take her first steps. My jack-o-lantern is truly full and overflowing with magical moments!

Tracey in Two Worlds

I'm seriously considering renaming this blog as Thailand is truly only part of my life's adventure. I haven't really done the math, but if I did, I think that I'd discover that the time I've spent in Texas since Sam relocated is about equal to the time I've spent in Thailand. It's neither good nor bad...just is what it is.

As far as an update, the storms, both weather related and personal, have passed and with each day the future seems a bit brighter. As of today, the plan is for me to stay with Vanessa in Katy and be Riley's grand"nanny" until her semester at HCC is complete. In December, we'll relocate our girls to our town home in Corpus Christi and Vanessa will complete her education at either Del Mar Community College or Texas A&M. Once we have a support system in place, I'll return to Sam and begin counting the days until we're with our girls once again :)

You know, the more I think about it, I really do want to change this blog's title. How blessed I am to live in 2 worlds! Does anybody in my blogging world know about title changes?

Stormy Weather in Texas

Hurricane Gustav is reeking havoc as it heads for the gulf coast, but the storm I'm writing about is one of the heart. Just a brief blog to let you all know that I'm heading for Texas in order to be with Vanessa and Riley as they rebuild their lives in the wake of Trey's departure. Funny, how in the last blog I posted the picture of the double rainbow. To be sure, there are rough waters ahead, but I know that we won't be facing the "storm" alone.

Singin' the Bangkok Blues...

Recently, Sam and I've both been singin' the Bangkok blues. We're really not quite sure why. Probably, it's just a lot of little things....all together called life! Fortunately, our concert is over and quite dramatically we were once again reminded that no matter how down we may get, God is faithful to keep His promises.

This picture was taken from our living room balcony. I wish I could have captured the whole double rainbow with my camera. I guess what's important is that it's etched in my heart.

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made." Psalm 145:13

A "Prophetic" Party Hat

Today, August 12, all of Thailand is celebrating their beloved queen's birthday. On this special national holiday, not only is the queen celebrated, but also mothers are honored as it's Thai tradition that Father's Day and Mother's Day are celebrated on the birthdays of the king and queen.Since today is such an auspicious day, I thought that I'd to seize the opportunity to share this snapshot of one of my students in his "party" hat. Do you remember in my last blog that I mentioned that we made hats the day President Bush visited Klong Toey? Well, imagine my surprise as I folded this little guy's hat! Honestly, I can think of little more to write as the headline profoundly says it all..."The future of history is here." I do believe that Thailand's royal family and our president would most certainly agree.

Hope you have a happy Mother's Day!

Just Another Day....NOT!

Today wasn't an ordinary day in the Klong Toey slum. In fact, for days things haven't been business as usual. The sidewalks had been swept...or should I say scrubbed? Street hawkers were notified that they were to remain closed on Thursday, decaying building awnings were removed, even incinerators along the street were wrapped in brown paper to mask any unsightliness from our President's view. I can't help but wonder if President Bush is aware of the extraordinary lengths to which this community went to prepare for his visit today.
Of course, he didn't just randomly choose this poorest of the poor Bangkok neighborhood. President Bush came to visit and honor a very special American, Father Joe Maier, a Redemptorist priest who came to Thailand in 1967 as a missionary. Father Joe founded the Human Development Foundation and has lived in and served the Klong Toey community for over 40 years. His Mercy Centre, a shelter for street kids and a home for mothers and children with HIV/AIDS is directly behind the school I teach at.
Speaking of teaching, I did actually teach today or at least tried to! The children were certainly aware that it was a different day... after all, it's not every day that their playground gets turned into a parking lot for police trucks! Anyway, after our routine lessons, reviewing the letter "H", and making newspaper "hats" (check my next blog), I headed out onto to the street to see what I could see...kind of felt like Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree! One of the first sights I saw was a string of secret service agents and their assorted vehicles. The picture above is of an agent I befriended because he was in need of locating the "facilities". I really enjoyed chatting with him and his partner. This was their first trip to Thailand. With the exception of suffering from major jet lag, they were having a nice time...looking forward to a Thai foot massage this evening:) To show their gratitude for my help, they gave me some secret service pins for Riley. Now that's a souvenir I never expected to collect in Thailand!
I also never expected to be interviewed by an AP reporter, but as you can see from the picture above, I was. Talk about nervous! The tape will probably never be aired, but just in case you'd like to hear what I had to say, you might want to tune into CNN. And if you'd like to know more about Father Joe's ministry, I highly recommend his book, Welcome to the Bangkok Slaughterhouse, or you can check out the Mercy Centre website. http://www.mercycentre.org/ My Shutterfly page will have a new album shortly containing all my snapshots from this most un-ordinary day.