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MALAYSIAN DIPLOMATS: OUR STORIES

exhibitions to promote what Malaysia had to of er. Each of these events
would always be received with much welcomed positivity and genuine
interest. I would always remember those events for the good cooperation and
assistance that I received. I can safely say that working with the Romanians,
we had the same spirit. T ere was always a yearning for collaboration that
was respectful and understanding. It was only in time that these positive
feelings would pass over into my personal life there.

Perhaps, it would be interesting if I could elaborate on my personal experience
in the country. It is a rule of thumb that when you are stationed in another
country, local friends are indispensable. Ask any diplomat in the service, and
they will always explain that having local friends are always good as they
could help you and get you used to your new surroundings. But for me,
the friends that I had made there were such open, supportive, and caring
people that they did not just get me used to the country, but rather, they
made the country grow on me. T ere were dif erences in our cultures, but I
would always remember the exuberant and, at times, vibrant and energetic
conversations we had, exchanging anecdotes and facts of both sides. Some of
these conversations even extended into late nights. Dif erences aside, I was
always greeted with open arms by these new friends, who were eager to show
me what their lives were like.

I learned how important Easter Day was for them, and the strict and
meticulous preparations they carried to honour it. Houses were cleaned and
food was beautifully prepared to perfection to welcome guests that came
adorned with new clothes. I was also given the honour of making decorated
eggs for the occasion. I jumped at the opportunity to paint eggs, smiling
and enjoying the custom and practice. However, these eggs were not just
for show. Guests and hosts would meet, and in tradition, they would knock
their decorated eggs with each other to signify the religious occasion. But
not knowing how to do it properly, more often than not, my egg would be
crushed.

During my service in Romania, I was also given the honour of celebrating
Christmas, or “Craciun” in Romanian, with local families in their hometown.
I was welcomed with open arms into their homes, and instantly sat in front
of a table lined with Romanian delicacies. Amongst them was the sarmale,

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