Penang, Malaysia

I think we could have spent a full week there in Singapore, but alas, our flights were already booked and it was time to go. We're in Penang now, effectively the antithesis of Singapore, and more of the Southeast Asia I had expected.

I think someone is looking out for us... On our way out of Singapore, we expected to redeem our surplus subway funds for a refund back on our card. We were miffed that it was a cash redemption, and we had no opportunity to spend it before our departure (this was the first of 27 flights where we were speed walking through the terminal, and doing the pee-pee dance with our watches standing in the various check in and security lines). We landed in Penang with $40 in Singaporean money that we exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit. We've grown callus to the fact that everywhere in the world accepts credit cards and we rarely visit an ATM. Well, we quickly discovered that Penang hasn't fully embraced the concept of credit cards, and after dinner and a sundries stop at 7-11, we had, no joke, exactly 5 cents left of our redemption cash. Thanks Singapore MRT.  Just goes to show us that what might seem like a nuisance sometimes becomes a blessing. (the following morning I ran to the nearest ATM, a little less than a mile away)

We're reasonably living large here in Georgetown on the island of Penang. Our apartment is a modern two story thing in a high rise right on the coast. The cost of living is most attractive to us Americans and the average cost of a hearty family meal is around $25. Singapore, on the other hand, made you work for it to get a good deal. We are again car-less and relying on Uber to get around, but with a 15min ride only costing us $1.50, it's not much of a burden. We hit surge pricing last night and had to shell out a whole $2.25 for a 20 min ride.

"They" say Penang is all about the food, and "they" were right. We haven't had a bad meal yet, and the Indian lunch yesterday was heavenly. My pores were cleansed in the process as well. Even the kids seem to be more open to consumption here.

Look at that greasy goodness in the upper right pic. It's no wonder it tastes sooooo goooooood. There's sweat pouring out of my eyelids.

Yesterday was spent wandering around the World Heritage listed central downtown of Georgetown. It's kind of like many of the Singapore burrows but without the shine and polish of a first world city. The highlight of the walk is the scavenger hunt for the quirky street art that incorporates 3D elements. Most were quite clever and it sort of makes me wonder why we don't see more of this in other cities around the world.

This sort of captures the essence of Penang - Old buildings being taken down by nature and the elements. 

It's no wonder the food here tastes so good. They have barrels of spices in their standard convenience stores.

Mopeds and pedal bikes... the common mode of transport.

Collaborating on the perfect shot.

Similar to Singaporean storefronts.

Just after we shot this wall art, we happened upon a dog that could have been the artist's muse.

I think this was my favorite

Our downtown stroll terminated at a cat cafe called Purrfect. What is a cat cafe you ask? It's more or less exactly what it sounds like. A cafe that serves coffee, drinks, and light snacks, but with added feline patrons. Frankly it wasn't my cup of tea, but the rest of the family thought it was purr-fect. Granted, it was a place to stay dry and cool with a wee bit of internet, so success all around. That night we stumbled our way thru a do-it-yourself Korean BBQ joint next to our apartment. We must have been pathetic enough looking that one of the young staff members ended up being our personal table side chef.

No cats were harmed in the making of this blog

The Korean BBQ aftermath. 

I have not taken up smoking. Some dude gave me some of his afternoon snack, liquid nitrogen frozen cuttlefish balls. This is what happens when you put the snack balls in your mouth, just before you realize you're snacking on something kind of nasty.

Cheers!