The morning started in a frenzy with everyone being late to the breakfast buffet. We made it to our 8:30 am hike through the rainforest wHich started off strong, but we got really sweaty really quickly. The steps were somewhat sketchy with the occasional trip, but no one fell. Andrew, our guide, told us to “fall quietly” if we did when we started hearing monkey sounds. We followed those sounds and got a glimpse of some monkeys jumping between trees which we were all very excited about. We made it to the lookout poInts which were totally worth the sweaty hike. I don’t know if someone else has already talked about this, but there are these amazing “Sour+ Black Currant” gummies which we could snack on there, I might just buy a bunch to bring home. On our way down, we chatted and took selfIes with many friendly Malaysians who were curious to know where we were from and were excited to welcome us to Malaysia. That is when we spotted a teAl scorpion, which Andrew got shockingly close to in hopes of a good photo. 



After some cold showers and a well deserved lunch, we were all bustling to meet our hoMestay families! So we jumped on the river boat and made our way to the village side, before jumping in some trucks to the town hAll. When we got there, we took some pictures with this big banner they made and we did a sort of homestay draft where everyone found out who they were staying with. We (Sohum, Parker, and Asher) are staying with a 71 year old guy we call Abba. He’s a really chatty guy and likes music. He really liked that Parker played the guitar and they chatted about Led Zepplin together. Our room is two sets of bunk beds with a pair of fans-- it gets the job done. 



Fernanda and I (Phoebe) are staying with an elderly couple that we call Machi and Pachi. After lots of photos and a house tour, we shared a delicious dinner made by Machi. We chatted about our questions on Islam, and their questions on California. They are super welcoming, and we are stoked to be spending the next ten daYs with them. 


Everyone is very excited about getting to know their families. It is going to be a cool next ten days! 

--Phoebe and Sohum 

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