As Malaysians, we know how is it like to celebrate Aidilfitri in our own motherland but do you know how does it feel on other side of the world?

Being an experience amateur traveler,*cause I still can't leave my lotion behind*, celebrating Syawal in a foreign land could mean, celebrating only with your spouse or family members. The number of Malaysians who stay abroad can be counted by fingers *although the numbers are increasing*, so expect less guest coming over to your place.

Countries like Australia, Europe don't celebrate Aidilfitri except the minority, therefore you rarely see people clad in their baju kurung or baju melayu walking around the town after visiting their relatives. It's odd and mat saleh may find it interesting. There are no public holiday for Syawal, it's either you go to work or you take your leave day.

One thing for sure, when celebrating Syawal in oversea is you make new friends. People with the same nationality as you whom you have not met. Places like Malaysia Hall will host Aidilfitri celebration every year and all Malaysians within that particular area will come together.

However, as for myself, having a mum as a Singaporean could be slightly different. Celebrating Syawal in Singapore is merrier compared to Malaysia. We start the day in the afternoon and visit relatives until the wee morning. I was a rich kid back then and with the currency exchange, I could buy the whole Trump Tower *ok kidding*. 

Aidilfitri is celebrated for a month in Singapore. You can still see people in their traditional wear even after the holidays are over. They still go for house visit after working hours. That semangat, I tell you.

When I was small, I had an uncle who worked as a trailer driver. He would pick us up in his 16 wheel trailer (if i'm not mistaken) and we'll go to relative houses until the next Subuh. Imagine that. By the time we got home, we were flat out but we still continue again that evening.

Things were a bit different in the old days but as time goes by, Syawal is celebrated according to trend but the spirit still remain the same. But, one thing for sure, no matter what, I'm still #proudtobemalaysian

(Wearing semi instant shawl Sara from By Alexa Blue)