Name: Polly Szantor
Home Country: UK
Marital Status: Single
Other Countries you have lived: Canada
What brought you to Malaysia?
I came here to work as a speech therapist at an international school and liked Malaysia so much that I decided to retire here.
What were your impressions of Malaysia before you came?
I spent two weeks in Malaysia back in 1998 and I didn’t find people in the city very friendly. Since living here, however, I’ve come to realise that if I make the first move, people are very eager to chat. In general, Malaysians are extremely generous and hospitable.
How easily did you adapt to living in a new country?
The first six months were challenging. There were plenty of frustrations like learning the banking system, queuing for ages at the post office, or spending hours at the phone office. It was particularly difficult because I found myself in a much more high-powered environment at work than I expected. Things gradually settled into place, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying living in such an exotic part of the world.
Do you frequent any restaurants serving food of your homeland?
Well, I haven’t found any British food that really takes my fancy in KL, but I was in Langkawi recently and can recommend Scarborough Fish and Chips, up on the north coast near The Four Seasons Resort. I had the Cream of Dory, the best quality dory I was told, and it was absolutely delicious.
Do you own property here?
I own my flat in a condo in Ampang, which I bought a few years ago. The buying process was very drawn-out, but worth it in the end.
What is your favourite Malaysian food?
Oh, it’s so hard to choose just one! I do enjoy a really good curry laksa.
What one memory will you always treasure when/if you come to leave Malaysia?
I will always treasure memories of Bario, up in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak. I’ve been there five times now, and it’s a place where I can touch the earth and become grounded in things that are truly real. I made friends with four ladies there, all in their 70s, and I always visit them at the longhouse in Pa’ Umor.
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