In the following weeks, I would be helping eHomemakers with their website and with the basketweavers in Ipoh that they work with. I had the chance to see some of the intricate basketry created by the Ipoh women and some other goods produced by other eHomemaker members, such as soaps and pre-packaged gift baskets. We were going to work together to figure out an efficient way to get these baskets to market.

Close-up of the intricate pattern of the Salaam Wanita baskets

Before I was to begin my official work with eHomemakers, I was given the option to go with the family to a retreat in the mountains for a couple of days, which I gladly accepted. And so, early in the morning, we were bound for the mountains over 3,000+ feet above sea level. During the holidays, this is what some Malaysians chose to do to escape the heat of KL. It was also my chance to recover from jet lag, to learn more about the composition and interaction of families in Malaysia, and to see some of the country’s natural beauty.

Complex in mid-construction after more than 7 years

As we drove through KL, I saw that this city was fairly modern with numerous houses and businesses along the roadside. However, among the built houses, I also noticed half-constructed buildings that seemed to await completion, white walls graying in the humidity through the years. On the sides of the road we passed by vendors who sold white rice roasted in bamboo shells accompanied by a spicy curry – my introduction to spicy food. We picked some of this up and settled into our place in the mountains.