Crazy about Durian

Three month ago I wrote the following text for the yearbook of my exchange organization.

Inside the lush green of a fruit plantation we walk around searching for the tastiest fruit I know: The king of all fruits, the Durian. We, that are my “siblings” Danial (8), Yasmin (6), Sophia (4), my “parents” Sarodin and Aliza and some relatives and friends. Once again they’ve surprised me with an interesting weekend trip. After some month I covered with them almost entire Malaysia, which is full of fascinating secrets. Everywhere Malaysians like to talk with me, and that is probably, what I like most here. My parents are very sociable and curious which is why I feel very comfortable with them. We learn from each other about all kinds of topics. In that way we constantly learn about the culture of one another. And I am fluently in the Malay Language now.

My host father teaches me how to open the thorny shell of the durian-fruit and immediately the air is saturated with the intensive smell. Many people don’t like the smell and thus Durians aren’t allowed in hotels or trains. Anyway, I love the smell and the taste as well. With pleasure I gorge several lumps of the creamy, yellowish fruit flesh. Awesome!

Every day I look forward to the various foods in this multicultural country, that I am given at home or on the way. Of some of the Indian and Malay dishes I can’t get enough whereas I am not so fond in the Chinese cuisine.

But eating is only one part of my everyday life here in one of Shah Alam’s suburbs. I also find pleasure in other things such as going to school. It is very bustling and amusing there so that I quickly forget about the stressful examinations. I have so many friends, who like to chatter with me. In the afternoon I play soccer with them. I also participate in the co-curriculum activities, e.g. the traditional Malay martial arts Silat and the Indian language Tamil. In the afternoon I help my siblings with their homework and teach them some basic German. They can already converse and sing some songs in German.

On organized AFS trips I can exchange experiences with other students, but anyway the most important exchange is that with my Family, with whom I live together for one whole year. I am happy to live together with such a cordial and open minded family.

In my future life, I’ll always love to “balik kampung” (back to home). My “kampung” is Bukit Jelutong in Shah Alam. Saya Anak Malaysia (I’m Malay).

After the picnic we take home the remaining Durians. Unfortunately there are no Durian trees in Germany! Even thou: thanks to AFS and my parents for this marvelous experience.