We left Thailand on Wednesday and after a quick and easy border crossing we were in Malaysia and heading to the island of Penang. Georgetown was where we were staying and as soon as we drove down the little streets I knew I would be happy for a few days here. The colonial architecture mixed with elaborate temples meant I would be snap happy walking around for a few days. Our very basic accommodation (check out the pictures) was right in the heart of Chinatown and within easy walking distance of the main sites.
Once we had checked in and showered, it is amazing how sweaty you can get from being sat on an ac bus all day, we headed out to explore and obviously get some dinner, as it was now about 7pm. We walked past the chocolate boutique, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and headed to the amazing Eastern & Oriental. One of Pete's friends had recommended it; let's just say it was not really a backpacker's budget place, more a five star hotel (which is normally more me than a hostel). Anyway we found out they did afternoon tea and decided the following day to treat ourselves, as we missed out in Hong Kong. When Pete had finally dragged me, kicking and screaming away from the luxury hotel we headed to the Maharaj restaurant, a brightly decorated Indian restaurant where you eat off banana leaves. The food was delicious and after deciding to stay a few days longer in Georgetown, we would definitely be going back for another meal.
Yesterday we got up a bit later than expected (10am) we checked out some other accommodation and went and had some breakfast, before heading towards the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Before we got there the skies opened and torrential rain poured down, we got under some shelter before we were soaked and waited while the rain continued to fall and the drain levels got higher and higher. Before long the drains had flooded and there were waves lapping the kerbs. When the rain had finally stopped and we waded through the water, we realised it had only flooded the road we were on, typical.
We made it to the stunning mansion, built in the late 19th century and was given a tour of the stunning house which had been rennovated in 2000 and dressed with the current owners substantial antique collection. It was a really mix of east meets west, with British building tecniques mixed with chinese carving and a blend of both styles of furniture and design.
We carried on our tour and headed for Fort Cornwallis the original landing site of Franics Lightfoot, who would become Viceroy of Penang. It had cannons, flagstaffs and lots on the history of the island. By now it was coming up to 3o'clock, which of course meant afternoon tea time at the E&O, we were slightly worried about the smart casual and no flip-flops sign outside the door, but luckily they let our scruffy selves in. It was delicious we had lovely sandwiches (no crusts), mini pastries, scones with cream and jam and mini cakes. Of course we had our tea, Pete opted for Darjeeling while I had Jasmine, they even had a tea menu, it was fantastically British.
After so much food we were stuffed, but walked passed the chocolate boutique and couldn't not go in. Unfortunately they literally force you to eat chocolate so we were even more stuffed and ready for a lie down by the time we left.

Today we checked out of the Star Lodge and went to the Old Penang Guesthouse, it is in a lovely old colonial building and the rooms are very nice and clean, we have the only double with a private bathroom (I am not sure I am ready for the shared bathroom business yet). We caught the public bus to Penang Hill, only it didn't drop us near and pointed us in the wrong direction. We did get to see a lovely temple though and then walked for what seemed like ages in boilling heat to the bottom of the hill. It was a cool cable ride up to the top, it was incredibly steep with stunning landscape as we passed. The views were amazing from the top even though it was quite hazy, but you could still see all of Georgetown and even the mainland. We had lunch at the restaurant an old colonial building with gorgeous gardens where we sat enjoying the sunshine.
Because we started out late we didn't get back to our area until 5ish, so we grabbed a nice cold beer and sat out enjoying the sunshine.