malaysia

tara and i flew from dhaka to kuala lumpur, the capital of malaysia. malaysia has a high level of ethnic diversity, including malays, chinese, indians, and other indigenous peoples. (in the twentieth century, this diversity has been intertwined with economic and political conflicts). an officially muslim country, there are also large communities of buddhists, christians, and hindus. after a few days in KL, we traveled to the perhentian islands, a beautiful and quiet set of islands off the northeastern coast of peninsular malaysia.

from there we went to georgetown, penang, an early center of british colonial activity in malaysia. georgetown is the home of fort cornwallis - named after a general whom americans will remember as a first-class surrenderer. georgetown is also home to many interesting and well-preserved buildings, and the architecture of the city blends malay, chinese, and european elements. at china house, we ate in one of the most well-designed and lovely restaurant spaces i have ever visited.

a river otter. hotel pet on the perhentians.