We arrived in Penang this afternoon, via NYC-Dubai-Singapore for me and NYC-Frankfurt-Singapore for Lesia. Once we checked in, we needed to stay awake (12 hours ahead of NYC!) and get a lay of the and. We got our feet wet in the Indian Ocean/Straits of Malacca and then took a stroll around the neighborhood. We are in the Tanjung Bunga section of Penang. It's mostly residential with several beach hotels scattered here and there (ours being one). There are a few restaurants and a hawker center down the way. To get to more commercial areas we'll need to hop on the 101 Rapid Penang (public) bus or take a teksi (taxi). Some observations so far:
- As a former British colony, people drive on the left side (this means you need to look right not left). It also means you need to walk on the left side of the sidewalk and left going up and down stairs. Difficult!!
- Everyone here is obsessed with LiteFM, particularly Phil Collins and Celine Dion. We hear the same 20 songs everywhere we go! And the hotel plays each song twice in succession before moving on. Even our cab driver was singing along to Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins. We would welcome some punk or hip hop.
- Swallowtail moths are everywhere. A recent infestation due to warm, rainy weather. Giant Moths Creating a Stir Across Malaysia
- A religiously diverse place!: Masjids, Buddhist Temples, Hindu Temples, and Churches!
- Many people speak English and are quite friendly and helpful!
- Lots of infrastructure: well made roads, highways, sidewalks, etc.
- The water is potable (AND delicious)!
- This is peak durian season, so durian and its pungent smell are ubiquitous!
 |
| Mural |
 |
| Egg shells?? |
 |
| Another crazy use of placentas. |
 |
| Rambutan |
 |
| Stray Kitty (one of many). |
 |
| Swallowtail moth. The size of a small hand. |
 |
| "No Durian" sign in hotel. |
 |
| Putting my feet up after the long walk. :) |
No comments:
Post a Comment