It's All The Same When You Close Your Eyes

by Zakirah White (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find USA

At sixteen years old when I stepped out of the airport into Kuala Lumpur to experience six days enriched with food, culture, history, and volunteering in beautiful Malaysia, I was filled with nerves. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate that this experience would have such a meaningful impact on my life. This chance to travel and explore different cultures exposed me to many diverse perspectives, and opened my world up to so many new and exciting possibilities. The most valuable memories I hold from my time spent in Malaysia both in the city and the countryside, is my time spent with the region’s locals. On one of my favorite days there as part of the My World global citizenship program, We woke at dawn and rode into the rocky mountains to visit with the Orang Asli; the country’s indigenous people. Once in the mountains, we were led down a precarious, mud-covered pathway to visit some of the hottest springs in the world. We climbed over a concrete barrier to reach the steam-filled springs that bubbled under the heat pressure. I watched as our guide, Izin and his son boiled eggs over the water as the rest of us boiled instead, under the heat of the sun and the humidity from the water. Next, we all piled into the back of an orange cargo truck, everyone gripping as much of the shaky railing as they could. We rode up the bumpy dirt roads, the wind in our faces, and the sight of the mountains catching our breath. Although we were moving very fast, it seemed as though for a moment, everything was completely still. Finally we reached a village full of hand built, clay houses. There were dogs running around in breeds I’d never seen before, clotheslines full of wet clothes hanging up to dry, and many curious barefooted children. We climbed out of the truck and spread out a blanket full of games and coloring books as they crowded around us. The children were pros at coloring and busily got to work. We played with them for hours, making pictures and clay figurines. Soon after, some of the young village men taught us how they make traps for small animals, and helped us take turns trying out blowpipes that they used for hunting. Later that day we went to have lunch with a host family in the countryside. Children and chickens ran around, and a light breeze floated into their living room where a beautiful spread was laid out with an array of flavorful traditional meals. We said a blessing and used our fingers to feast on the wholesome and freshly made dishes. After dessert, an elderly woman belonging to the household taught us how to make a commonly consumed Malaysian snack that consisted of gluttonous rice and a coconut mixture, rolled into a banana leaf and grilled. She told us that these snacks are often eaten for lunch or in the late evenings and afternoons. It was interesting to see how people lived in the more rural areas of the country. I found it inspiring the way they are able to live such a sustainable and fulfilling life without having many possessions. The next morning we got on a train and went to visit Batu Caves, a limestone hill that holds a series of caverns and temples. Named after the stone river which flows beyond the hill, it’s home to the most popular Hindu shrines outside of India. Climbing up the steep, roughly two-hundred steps, monkeys, munching on fruit and stopping to gawk at all the tourists, surrounded us. As we walked down the pathway of the darkest cave, we heard the sounds of a million bats flapping around over our heads. About a mile in, we were instructed to turn off our flashlights and to close our eyes. Upon opening them, I was met with complete and utter darkness. In the pitch black cave, I stood in silence for a moment and took it all in. I found comfort in knowing that no matter where I am in the world, It’s all the same when you close your eyes.