The past two evenings I was supposed to go out. To various places - dancing and concerts and stuff. In true Malaysian style, that did not work out. People (including myself) got tired and lazy and did not feel like moving much. So we ended up having Egyptian food cooked by one of the guys here (that was yesterday evening) and doing a make-up workshop (no worries, I was not the one holding the workshop!) for the girls in the boarding school here. After which we ate again.
These were two relaxed evenings, which turned out nicer than expected because I met some really nice people. You know when you meet someone with whom you click instantly, the conversation is open and honest and non-pretentious? I had that with Tuba, a German girl of Turkish origin who made my last night much much nicer! And this evening I had the same type of feeling with a Dutch girl I knew for a while, also of Turkish origin, with whom I got to talk more with. And I realised something. I have never had Muslim friends. Never. I met Muslim people, but never actually had close friends. I am not saying that these girls are my friends but there is definitely potential. Plus, they are so open about everything, about living in such open societies and keeping to their religion, about challenges they've had (because they wear the scarf so it is way more noticeable that they are Muslim than it would be for a man), about how they think about things and how they view their life and the world. These are strong independent women! And it is highly refreshing to be able to ask all the questions in the world and be answered in such a natural way!
My point is: I am very happy I did not go out for the last two evening! :)