That Walk

Finding time in between a busy travel schedule to take a walk is crucial in my clock. No matter where I travel, I always block off about half an hour to explore a place and uncover hidden treasures. When I was in Santubong (Sarawak) for the Rainforest World Music Festival, I squeezed in much-needed minutes to take a walk in the hilly trails and pebble-covered paths to find a hidden, secluded beach I have heard off from my British roommate.

It was a quick, brisk walk. Along the way, I bumped to friendly locales who asked me that one question I have always been familiar: "Chinese or Malay?" It was amusing, in retrospect, that I was miles away from home but the people here in Sarawak are as curious about my origins as their counterparts in the main peninsular.

Like I always do, I flash that smile and say, "Chinese." They flash me that confused but I-think-I-understand smile and spoke no more. I bid them  farewell and was on my way.

But all in all, it was a great walk. Breezy and cool, with many tall, tall trees as a shade. When I finally found the beach, it was empty as it could be at 10am in the morning. The only sound I could hear was the crashing of the waves on the beach, and the loud calls of birds overhead. I stood there, with the wind flapping my tie-dyed orange skirt, and watched that calm scene, allowing my thoughts to drain away and flitter away like the whirling leaves in the sand.