Happy 50th Birthday Malaysia!

It's hard to watch TV, read the newspaper, or drive around the city without seeing some sort of reminder that 2007 is the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence from the British (we feel you Malaysia - it's been 231 years for us and we still celebrate the 4th of July). For the 50th anniversary, the government officially declared 2007 to be Visit Malaysia Year. The tourism board came up with an elaborate advertising campaign using the catchy slogan of Visit Malaysia 2007 (the ever so addictive Malaysia, Truly Asia advertising campaign already noted in a previous blog post is also part of this effort). They have really gone all out promoting the best that Malaysia has to offer. There's a pamphlet we found at the airport detailing a different celebration happening somewhere in Malaysia each week of 2007. Unfortunately none of the celebrations in Terengganu are happening while we are here. While we won't be here for the actual independence day (called Hari Merdeka) on August 31st, we still feel like we are part of the celebration just by being here in 2007.

While 50 years of nationhood is great, there is a far more important (okay maybe that is an exaggeration) anniversary this year. 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of McDonald's arrival into Malaysia. So let's celebrate the 7 red stripes, 7 white stripes, the yellow crescent moon and 14-pointed star by picking up a Shrek 3 action figure, available only at McDonalds. Badabadada ... I'm Lovin' It, Malaysia.

So if you are looking for a vacation spot for 2007 we highly recommend Malaysia!