2022 represents the Dins’ first visit to Malaysia in nearly two decades. The time was right for us to return: after all, we now have a Malaysian Din (Jay Hong!) and a community of Dins friends who were invaluable in showing us around the country. Our first day in Kuala Lumpur, we met up with Karen—a longstanding friend of the group whose family runs a soup kitchen in the city. Our first event was at a fundraiser for this organization; it was so meaningful to perform for a cause and meet all of the charity’s supporters and associates. Karen was incredibly kind to invite us to her home that evening, where we enjoyed traditional Malaysian food and great conversation.
One salient topic of conversation: “durian,” a Southeast Asian fruit which is apparently quite polarizing. Many Malaysians love the fruit, but to the unadjusted palate it is a difficult thing to enjoy. Jay Hong led us on a durian expedition—we went to an outdoor market, observed as Jay Hong haggled over the price of a fruit, and then tried the fabled food for ourselves. It was not my thing, but Sam and Jay Hong seemed to love it.
The next day, we performed at a girls’ high school in the suburbs of the city. It was great to meet kids almost our age and to share our music with them. That afternoon we headed to a rainforest lodge about an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur; Sam and I had a peaceful evening hike in the woods. The natural beauty is impressive, and nothing like Cambridge, Mass.
Back in Kuala Lumpur, the highlight of our visit was the opportunity to perform for a Sultan. The University of Malaya hosted us for a sellout performance in their main auditorium, and we were preceded by a youth choir and an exceptional Malay dance troupe. The Sultan of Perak Province was in attendance, and it was such a fascinating cultural exchange opportunity to learn about royal etiquette. (See the attached photos for a shot of the Dins with the Sultan himself).
