FB: What to expect when visiting us in Malaysia!

 

What to expect when visiting us in Malaysia.

We were thrilled to have our oldest son Rain & Lindsey (aka The Girl), come visit us in Penang. It's very possible we would have prefered that they had just sent over our two little funny granddaughters instead, but alas, no such luck. So we put on our brave faces and determined to act like we were at least having fun with them here.

When you arrive you will be beaten down from 30+ hours traveling around the world. We know you're exhausted and want to sleep. We understand this. WE DON'T CARE. You're here now and it's time to GO GO GO! So it's off to our home where you will first play Santa Claus and bring us all the things we miss from the USA. Like powder drink Mixes, antacids, ibuprofen, anti perspirant. You know, all those lame presents you seem to get when you get old and just don't seem to care anymore. BTW, it was a fantastic early Christmas.

You are so tired you will attempt to lie down for a LONG nap. We are not heartless people. So you will have ten whole minutes to close your eyes and recharge. Off we go! Time to explore close to home and pick up some slippers (aka Flip Flops to you USA mainlanders), and then eat at our local food court. Afterwards we stroll around and try every available ice cream cone nearby, because nothing says Southeast Asia like ICE CREAM.

We end the day on our balcony, watching cruise ships pass by as the sun sets. Just enjoying being together in this faraway land we now call home.

P.S. Get some real sleep, tomorrow will be non-stop...and more ice cream

FB: Mansions! Mansions! Mansions!

 Sept 8, 2023

Mansions! Mansions! Mansions! 

The island of Penang has a rich history and many grand mansions,  a few of which have been restored and are open to the public. We had the touristy opportunity to visit three amazing mansions in the historical Georgetown area. We visited the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (aka The Blue Mansion), Pinang Peranakan Mansion, and the Georgetown Mansion. All are unique, huge, and are filled with incredible history, displays and stories. I can't do justice with words to convey what each location offers, so I'll try to show you through pictures.

A really cool thing is that here in Malaysia, unlike in the USA, visitors are allowed (even encouraged) to sit at tables, on antique chairs, sofas, etc and even handle some items. They even bullied my sons (Rain and Riot) to sit in the vintage automobile located at the entrance of the Penang Mansion for pictures! Never would happen in the states! They invited me to sit in that vintage auto but my prosthetic leg was too long to fit (one legger problems).

Fans of the movie 'Crazy Rich Asians' will be excited to know the famous Mahjong scene near the end of the movie was filmed in the Blue Mansion. The opening hotel scene was filmed a few blocks away as well (FYI, much of that movie was filmed in Malaysia).