Location: Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Our first activity was to check out a sailboat that was built in traditional Malay fashion. The project was headed by a German man named Chris. He has spent years trying to revive this old way of boat building, which has fallen by the wayside for most of the local community. The boats are built without plans and constructed by eye. We were joined at the exhibition by the German ambassador in Malaysia and the local press. We then took some time in town to use the internet and grab some lunch, served by an Indian man who sang Elvis Presley songs for us. That afternoon, we joined Chris and the ambassador again for a tour of a traditional-style Malaysian home owned by a member of the royal family. We were also treated to traditional music and martial arts demonstrations. All in all, it was an enlightening day of unique opportunities.