A couple of observations and photos before we leave Penang. The food . . . there is probably no other place in the world that has the incredible variety of ethnic foods - all safe and cheap. We've eaten two dinners at the local Red Garden which is Penang's version of a food court. But this is unlike any of our food courts. It' open air, sells beer, and is incredibly diverse . . . you can get Syrian, Chinese, Indian (south and north), Malay, and Korean food - then some inventive foods like . . .
The food court before things start to get really lively . . .
And I can't leave without mentioning the dreaded duran. We kept seeing signs on busses 'No Duran' and below that was an icon that looked like a bomb. What the heck is a duran?
Turns out it's a fruit surrounded by a really nasty looking hull/shell/outer core and that's what smells, no, stinks to the proverbial high heaven. No one could describe the smell but all I could think of was skunk - utterly distinct and almost impossible to get rid of.
The duran with its outer shell.
I never saw someone order one of these, never witnessed the peeling and preparation (plating??), but the people I asked assured me the 'fruit' was delicious. It must be masquerading under another name by the time it makes it to menus . . . one of those mysteries like Buddha's earlobes.
Tomorrow we're off to the Cameron Highlands, a 4-hour bus ride to the mid-center of this part of Malaysia. It's high (6,000'), jungly, and promoted as beautiful and unique. We've thoroughly enjoyed Penang and are looking forward to some rural time.
The food court before things start to get really lively . . .
And I can't leave without mentioning the dreaded duran. We kept seeing signs on busses 'No Duran' and below that was an icon that looked like a bomb. What the heck is a duran?
Turns out it's a fruit surrounded by a really nasty looking hull/shell/outer core and that's what smells, no, stinks to the proverbial high heaven. No one could describe the smell but all I could think of was skunk - utterly distinct and almost impossible to get rid of.
The duran with its outer shell.
I never saw someone order one of these, never witnessed the peeling and preparation (plating??), but the people I asked assured me the 'fruit' was delicious. It must be masquerading under another name by the time it makes it to menus . . . one of those mysteries like Buddha's earlobes.
Tomorrow we're off to the Cameron Highlands, a 4-hour bus ride to the mid-center of this part of Malaysia. It's high (6,000'), jungly, and promoted as beautiful and unique. We've thoroughly enjoyed Penang and are looking forward to some rural time.
