Welcome to Penang!!

(By Annie)

After two consecutive train rides, two bus trips, and one border crossing we finally after 40 hours of traveling reached the lovely island of Penang and the city of Georgetown. All I have to say is - what an introduction to Malaysia. Our last bus was thankfully our best trip. It was only a three hours ride and 5 people comfortably sat in the 10-seat mini-van. The border crossing was our easiest yet and ironically the only time we have been asked to give money. Mind you it was by the driver and not the immigration officer.

Joining us on our travels were two very well spoken chaps who because of Bangkok airport problems were forced to go overland. They filled us in on all the ins and outs of Malaysia and even helped us with directions when we arrived. The minivan dropped us off right in the heart of backpacker central, so we grabbed a hotel room and a hot shower, the mandatory beer and literally crashed. Rachael’s poor ankles were the size of watermelons and I left sweat stains in the room by just walking in.

Twelve hours later we motivated and changed hotels to a cheaper one across the street. We then walked to the ferry to buy train tickets for the rest of our Malaysian adventure. I just can tell you enough how interesting Penang and Georgetown were to these two now seasoned travelers. It is a colonial town and a melting pot of MANY different cultures. The museum, which cost only a quarter, highlighted this so well, describing the Indian, Chinese, and Malay influences and how intermarriage and immigration truly made this city and island what it is today.

After the museum we headed back to the hotel and did some internet administrative duties. We then headed to the strait side and had some cheap beers and amazing Malay food. We were winding down our evening when this lovely man approached our table – there is a free concert at the fort tonight – he said simply. Another indication of the warmth of the people we have met, he didn’t have to do that, he did it because so far Malaysia rocks!

The concert was wonderful. The event was to celebrate Panang diversity and LG was even the corporate sponsor. The MC was hilarious the opening acts superb and then came the royal send off – the Alleycats. One of the most famous Malaysian bands ever. They surprised us by even playing a better than Guitar Hero version of “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. Although we didn’t win a mug, a rice cooker, an LG phone, or even the 32’’ plasma TV it was a night to remember.

The next two days in Georgetown were down days. We tried to go up to the famous hill, but the gondola like train was under construction. Instead we had a lovely Sunday stroll in the park and then read under a tree while watching kids blow bubbles and fly kites.

A night train and a $5 dollar train ticket were the perfect end to our first Malaysian city. You see you get two for the price of one – a hotel room and transportation. Rachael was like a giddy school girl the seats were awesome and reclined with cushions to match. I finished my book and of course couldn’t fall asleep to save my life. Oh well, Kuala Lumpur here we come.