Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Welcome to Malaysia!

Our first stop in Malaysia is Georgetown, Penang Island.  Tim was here 40+ years ago on R&R from Vietnam and has very fond memories of it, especially the food.  Georgetown is the historic part of Penang and in 2012 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The buildings here, known as shophouses, date back over 200 years and reflect the culture and economy then which involved living over the shop where you conducted business.  Not unlike what we used to see in the US in most large cities.

This is a tourist and backpacker haven.  Loads of hostels, guesthouses and small hotels.  I've booked us into the Chula Mansion on the main drag (Lebuh Chulia) through Georgetown, and it is delightful.  The owner, Maureen, is a Malay and seems to be everywhere at once; nothing escapes her watchful eye.  Our room is a bit small but well-equipped and the facilities are outstanding.  Breakfast is overwhelming, coffee, tea and ice-cream are available 24 hrs a day and 2 free drinks available at the rooftop bar every night.  And we get a free tour with our stay which we promptly book for our second day.  We do a walk-about of Georgetown, sample some delicious Indian food, and learn how to negotiate the crowded streets.

Tomorrow the tour!





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