**What is the most interesting thing you’ve done as a Local Guide?
Let me tell you a story, from a nation in South East Asia.
A celebratory gathering in Malaysia.
Year 2018 - May
It was almost time for me to leave my country and go abroad! The days before I left home were peaceful as usual, in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Unless, for the first time in my country’s history, we had a change of government.
It was a weird experience. Every neighbor, every cousin, everyone in front of a TV in their homes were surprised. The morning after the news, I was the first to wake up and take a stroll around my neighborhood. I greeted the grannies that were on their daily walks, but it was a little different as our conservative rulers are now a liberal party. Do we wear brighter colors now? Can we speak English to government officials now? Even the newspaper companies did not know what to print as the headlines.
The following months were implementations of some policies and rules, nothing too crazy.
Then, I left home, to study in America.
And, one year later, I came back.
Nasi Lemak (the breakfast of the people, $0.30) Mee Jawa (a noodle dish suitable for vegetarians, $1.50)
I returned home to a different place.
On the way back from the airport, the toll booths of freeways had changed. Instead of paying by cash, people had an app on their phones as payment. On the radio, there were advertisements that were telling us to be kind to each other. I kept hearing the words “new Malaysia”. It made the hairs on my skin stand. I wasn’t sure how to react. Am I in a foreign country?
As my dad drove into my home town of Puchong, I saw new roads, new signages and new cars by the domestic car brand. 
My little sister said to me : “Big bro, you need to see the shops by my school.”
“What’s so special about some shops?” I asked myself.
Photo credits: Zero Waste Malaysia Facebook
Oh my goodness. Those aren’t just any ordinary shops, they are tea drink shops.
A street of once stationery shops and florists turned into flashy boba tea cafes.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done as a Local Guide?
Answer: Visiting my home town, as a tourist.
Growing up in Malaysia, it has always been a magical place. In my town of Puchong, I’d known just about every little spot in each nook and cranny.
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