Malaysian Chinese History Museum, KL Botanical Gardens, Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, and fancy drinks
“Out of hunger and war, the Chinese were looking for a better life overseas”The trip was not easy and the living in Malaysia was not either. There have been migrants and traders for centuries, but it really picked up with famine at home coinciding with the tin mining picking up here in the early 1880’s.And they sent money back home when they could.Many became addicted to opium to handle the pain and keep them going. And many survived to create a particular culture of Chinese immigrants. Some not as wonderful practices came with them too. Examples of the shoes made taller for the shorter feet. There was a concerted effort at propaganda prior to WWII that the Japanese could provide help in throwing of the European rule and be one Asia. And then right at the same time as Pearl Harbor, Japan invaded Malaysia from the north. They used bicycles to get past some of the defenses the British had installed. It’s kind of a brilliant strategy to be quick and maneuverable. Chinese immigrants had been sending money not just to their families but to pro communist and anti Japanese causes for years. The Japanese did not take this lightly during the occupation. They had men report to checking stations and killed many of them whether they had been anti Japanese or not. It is estimated that “The Purge” took tens of thousands of lives. They also took primarily Chinese women to make “comfort houses” for their soldiers. It was a very dark time for everyone in the occupation , but it seems the Chinese may have had it worst. There were Chinese freedom fighters. There were terrible camps where Chinese were taken. It was all really awful. And then the war ended. And prosperity for some. Making lanterns…Having coffee shops. Then there was the fight for independence which the different groups of Malay and Chinese and Indian all had their groups working for and eventually were able to come together to the agreement in 1957. And their culture remains strong today within Malaysian society. it was a fascinating museum, very well done. For Ramadan, the ice cream place at the mall made special ice cream replicas of other foods. They were so well done, we asked a kid who had some and she said they were also quite delicious. There were So so many crows in the trees at sunset. It was like home when the murder gets together before they fly to their roost for the night. This was kind of a magical morning. Have I mentioned how much I love chocolate croissants? Then we went to get a coconut water or something at the little market in the park and found Aiza and her band. They were singing in Arabic or Malay and a couple old American standards. She was such a whole hearted singer I imagined she was singing about Ramadan as this was the first full day. As we were about to move on, Zarah went to put money in the busking box and she next played Zombie by the Cranberries! She was so pleased we were dancing in the market that it kept going for 3-4 more songs. It was so fun and she asked our names and talked a little. She had such a beautiful smile and was so present in the moments we had. I felt it was a great gift. Then we went on to the botanical gardens. Hibiscus is the national flower of Malasia. So you get two. Neat bamboo structure to have little picnics or kids to playI love this shade structure. And there were two small kids having a lot of fun riding their bikes. Beautiful place. The next day we went to the Masjid WilayahIt is just gorgeous. It was built in the last ten years so not old, but so much detail.We had the best tour guide, Jaslina. She clearly genuinely loves volunteering and talking about her love of God and her religion. They have their special rugs (initials of the mosque in the center). This way they can replace aa needed. In the back courtyard. I was so impressed with Zarah. She asked Jaslina about how gay and trans issues are discussed or handled in Islam. And she answered that some congregations actively denounce, but most just don’t talk about it. Then, she was open enough to answer that her daughter is dating a woman, that their friends are ok, but some of the family doesn’t know. She said her daughter has never been happier and still practices fully in her prayers etc. Not the answer or discussion we expected. But reassuring that progress comes (slowly, but it comes).Old and new together. Remembering Islam does not like human or animal figures in the art, especially at the mosque, so there is so much beauty found in the intricacies of pattern and calligraphy These are all semi precious stones inlaid. As are all of these.Then the call to prayer happened. Which Jaslina invited us to observe- the importance of worship shoulder to shoulder despite more space available. And so noticeable how far removed the women are. She did point out that with the movements that happen in prayer it might not be that comfortable for a woman to be in close quarters. Rows are packed tightly front to back as well as side to side, and I can see that. But still, NOT ok to me. The PT in me can’t help but wonder how much longer in life people stay agile and strong with five times a day getting up and down in prayer 3-5 or more times. They had chairs and seats for the floor as options if it was hard for you. My knees hurt just looking at the sitting on the heels. I miss being able to do that. It was gorgeous and moving and we learned a lot and I felt so much warmth from Jaslina. But it is time to take off these scarves and be free again. We decided it was time for the happy hour on the 51st floor that we had read about. Feeling more myself and impressed at our fanciness.The lower drink has a “durian membrane”. Half of this was my first and I kinda hope my last taste of durian. I liked the texture, but the flavor was not for me and it lingers. So lovely to see the mountains. We can’t see them most of the time. Very homey, I feel a bit adrift if there aren’t mountains. It got closer to dark and we decided on one more drink and some fries so we could be up there and see the lights. This one was with rosemary smoke I think.Such a cool space. They have three different areas, we were in the bar, but this is the outdoor part of where there are DJs at night, and then a restaurant. And our friendly Merdeka Tower is there to orient us. The KL Tower and the Patronas are quite lovely at night it was cool being near them. Fancy girls put on the town.
Actually, we have not been out late very often. Drinking seems terrible in this heat and we need a shower and rest in the afternoon, then staying home sounds nice.
So many selfies, but it was a great space for them. Even the elevator lobby to go back down was fancy. It was such a pleasant evening.
Hi- I had not heard of this Chinese migration and then Japanese occupation before… History, unfortunately, repeats itself throughout the world… Love, Marilee
Jessica Wandering 
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