FB: 10/08/23 Georgetown UNESCO Heritage Site. Penang Island, Malaysia.

 

Georgetown UNESCO Heritage Site. Penang Island, Malaysia.

Please know that by visiting us here you have agreed to exhaustion, and we aim to please.

You may feel the need to speak up and say something, but the one-legged guy next to you will give you the LOOK...you know the one. It's that look that says without words, "Poor baby, your TWO legs are tired and hurt? It must be so rough for you..."    SO HERE WE GO!

We've already toured the amazing mansions in Georgetown, so now a day of wandering the narrow, picturesque streets of this world heritage site is our plan. To start the day, we wake up early (no sleep for you!) and we watch the sun rise over the Malacca Strait, just taking it all in from a local rock jetty that's not on any tourist map.  

That is followed by heading into Georgetown and zipping up the tallest building on the island, the Komtar Tower. The 86th floor view is breathtaking in all directions, and the glass floored walk area is terrifying. Our daughter in law (aka the GIRL), is not a fan of heights, so I nudge her gently (i.e., push) her toward the edge, just to make her feel ALIVE. I fondly smile at her as she glares back at me with hate. Quality family time!

Then it's off to a visit of the Chowrasta Morning Market and its surrounding warren of streets. 

Stopping in later at the Dim Sum Valet to snack on a basket of goodies to refuel and relax. 

 

More street exploration after as we headed toward our next experience of the Penang Tri-Shaw rides. These Tri-Shaws are known here as the Kings of the Road. Why you ask? Because they don't seem to adhere to any rules, or laws that we could see. One way road? No problem, they go right down it the wrong way. In Malaysia cars drive on the left side of the road, but Tri-Shaws use either side, in either direction. When they slow the traffic around them it's all good to them. Red Light? The crosswalk looks good. The Kings of the Road they truly are. We were informed that we Americans are too big to double up in the seats, so we each had our own ride (I think it was just a way to increase their revenue, but it WAS comfy being all alone). It was fun, except for The Girl. Whose driver sped away, far ahead of the pack and out of sight. She became 'concerned' realizing this and knowing her driver didn't speak English and that she didn't know where she was going didn't help. 

But in the end, we all ended up where we were supposed to be, at our favorite hole in the wall Thai restaurant, Chang Noi. A fantastic little eatery, very simple, no air conditioning, but fans galore and food to die for!

The day ended as we dragged ourselves back to our apartment. Happy with our experiences of this day, and eagerly anticipating and at the same time dreading tomorrows plans.

 

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