Island Life

Coming off of the mountains, we soon were on the ferry over to Penang Island, home of George Town and its superior Malaysian cuisine. A mixture of Indian, Malay and Chinese influences, the food is delicious. The problem is eating it in the 90-100 heat, since most of the best, authentic food is on the street in the hawker areas. Did I mention it was hot here? Well, it is. So one can go to the malls where they have moved some of the hawker stalls and eat in air-conditioned bliss (but not as good), or suffer the heat. Occasionally there is a somewhat cool undercover eating place. But not many.

Here are a few pictures of life around our hotel. More to come as soon as I un-stick myself from the pavement.

 Nice breeze as we ferry over to Penang.

Cars go on first, then people willy-nilly let on until they have enough. Cost about 30 cents for foot passengers. For two of us. Round trip. Seriously.

 Old cart outside of our hotel. The vendor sold fried bread for .50 sens, about 12 cents.

 Redone shop house. Living space above, shop below.

 Tiles on the ground of the shophouse above.

Tiles on the wall of the shophouse above.

 Unfortunately, most of the houses resemble the next few pictures. George Town is an old man gone to seed.

 Having breakfast.

Tripe J Motor is the place to get your scooter fixed. There are little canals next to the sidewalks that flow with any and all sorts of liquids and garbage. Including motor oil and assorted greasy bits. Have been for centuries no doubt.

 This is for Manono in Hawaii!

 We went to Kwan here for some delicious fried rice and jawa mee (noodles). She was out of my favorite, nasa lemak (coconut rice).

Jawa mee $1 and fried rice .75 cents.

 Getting ready to fry!

Quick as you like!

Peace my friends!