Just me and the Germans. . .

I made quite a few European friends on the trip to the Perhentian Islands. . . 
and whenever I meet German backpackers, 
I usually end up laughing so hard I cry.

"There are too many women on this boat."

"I swear, it was just up to the knees 
the last time we crossed."

------

One night, 
after coming back from dinner 
and airing out my room, I hear:

voice
Dere's ein bat in your vroom."

me 

"What??"

voice

 "Dere's ein bat in your vroom!"

me

(too tired to ask again)

 Ha ha. 

Goodnight, see you in the morning!

I shut the door and a black thing 

swoops right at my head.

-------

one guy, half of a couple who'd been backpacking in Southeast Asia for 8 months, waiting for another girl to finish taking photos 
so we could all go to dinner:

"I hate sunsets. I've had enough."

--------

And, as always, Malaysians are super friendly and always talkative. Half the time I'm in Malaysia, I feel like I'm in a tropical Portland--- 
where random strangers treat you like old friends.

On the Perhentians, there were quite a few Malaysians on holiday as well. One day, I had brought my painting things with me and found a super secluded spot to read and paint.

alone at last

Mid-painting, I hear shuffling behind me, and turn to find an entire group of young guys peering over my shoulder at my painting.

"Oh, very nice!"

"Can I take a photo of your painting?"

"How old are you?"

"Umm, too old. But, thank you! 
And I'm not an artist."

They were already snapping away. 

We proceeded with the 
obligatory group selfie.

And 
on my last night. . . 

Waiter:

Where you from?

Me: 

Well, I live in Singapore at the moment.

Waiter:

Oh, so you're Singaporean.

Me: 

Uh, no, I'm from the US. 

Waiter:

(Excited) 

Oh, UAE! So, you speak Arabic.

Me: 

No, no, not UAE, USA. 

Waiter:

Yes, right. 

(Long pause) 

So... 

How do you say thank you in Arabic?

Me:

(Sigh) 

Shukran.