Prompt #11: Tell us about a time you did something, something you knew you probably shouldn’t do, while traveling.
In SPM examinations in Malaysia (kind of an exam in between O- and A-Levels), non-Muslim students have to sit for a subject called “Moral Education” (Pendidikan Moral).
It doesn’t actually test how moral you are but how good you are at memorizing exact phrases. I’m telling you this because I scored a “C5” for this subject. (A1 is the best anyone can score and F9 is “Fail”.)
Based on my results, you might judge me as being an immoral person: someone who steals candy from babies and stick “Kick Me” signs on old ladies.
Well, I like to believe that I’m a moral person and that I’m moral at home and overseas.
So I won’t be sharing any scandalous stories about myself because I’m practically scandal-free.
Instead, the thing that I would do overseas but not at home is dressing like a tourist.
I love the idea of wearing hats. But to actually wear a hat in Singapore or Malaysia, I probably won’t do it unless I’m at a fancy picnic party where 5 other people are wearing hats.
That’s why I only wear hats when I travel. I already look different from the locals, why not milk it all the way.
“I already look different from the locals, why not milk it all the way.”
I love that statement! I do the same thing when I’m in a completely foreign place where I already look different from everyone else – particularly wearing things I would never wear at home (like a sleeveless shirt that frankly makes me look ridiculous).
Great stuff – thanks so much for sharing this story and so many others during our project. We really appreciate it and love reading them!
Adam
Thanks for dropping by, Adam.