Georgetown, Penang

We are enjoying Malaysia.

As we’ve mentioned, it is Ramadan, so we get to hear the muezzin go on long extensive riffs in the evenings. The other night he went on for over 30 minutes. That takes some serious effort.

We flew to Kota Kinabalu yesterday, and I’ve finally got internet, so we’d talk about our time in Georgetown, Penang.

We stayed at the Bayview Hotel on the 15th floor. I showed you a picture in the last post from at night. Here it is again compared to the daytime.

Yesterday morning we awoke to the sound of a school PA. Looking out the window, I noticed two things: 1) there was a school session and all of the students were sitting on the ground, and, 2) it was really early for such a session, and the sun was coming up.

Little India –

There is an ethnic Indian enclave located within the downtown core of George Town. We spent time walking around. At the northern end is Armenian Street, where they are famous for the public murals.

We had the best Southern Indian lunch that I’ve had since being in India, served on a banana leaf. Ginger, cucumber salad, cabbage, sweet potato, and rice on the banana leaf, chicken and lamb curries on the side. All of the flavors meshed perfectly.

China Town –

Malaysia has a huge number of ethnic Chinese. This means, of course, that there is a Chinatown in Georgetown. Back in the 19th century when the big migrations were happening, each clan from China would build a “clan house” to welcome new people, and help them get on their feet. Almost all the businesses are Chinese.

Hawker Stalls –

One night we went to “New World Park,” that has a food court wit over 50 stalls. I had two different things, but can’t remember what they’re called. The next night we went to a corner near the hotel that had stalls.

Penang Hill –

The first hill station the British built in Malaysia was on Penang Hill. They would build summer places at elevation where it would be cooler. Now it is ultra-exclusive property. Many of the “cottages” are privately held, though the government owns some, in case their people need a break.

We went there and took a funicular to the top.