Malaysia > Meeting on the plane

“Do you travel often?” asks Alvin, the man sitting next to me on the plane. Alvin is from Malaysia. I estimate him to be in his late thirties. He has already told me that he lives in Kuala Lumpur. He has been to Denmark for work and is flying home via Amsterdam.

Malaysia - Golden Beach on Pulau Tiga

“Yes,” I reply, modestly mentioning the Asian countries I have visited. That already seems to make an impression. Alvin enthusiastically tells me about Kuching, my first destination—a beautiful city in western Borneo. He also explains that in northern Borneo, there are more influences from migrants from the Philippines and Indonesia. The south of Borneo is more Islamic, he continues. In the north, the faith is more mixed. It’s enjoyable to talk with him about Malaysia like this. However, the flight lasts thirteen hours. Although it is just past noon, I close my eyes and quickly fall asleep.