Feeling a little more rested we decided to make our way further North to Penang Island and it's Capital George Town. This is an old colonial town which was the first place the English took as a vital part of their plan to dominate the spice routes. We have got to say we had'nt yet fully recovered from our exsertions of 4 days ago, but we had no choice if we were going to stick to our route and timings.

Now we thought we had found a bit of a bargain for accomodation at just over 3 quid a night, however that was until our first night when mozzies attacked us like no where else we have been. It was relentless that night and neither of us got much sleep. Poor Gemma got the worst of it I'm afraid with 71 bites to her name over 2 nights and we know it is a bit sad having counted them, but it is true!

We spent the first day finding our feet in a new town, (this was before we knew what is in store at bedtime, because we were going to spend 3 nights here originally). We looked at 3 temples and got bus timetables etc. to plan ahead. In the evening we found a big food court with every type of food stall. We always find it really hard in these types of places because there is literally so many things to choose from and the owners obviousley put a bit of pressure on aswell. So it takes us a good 20 minutes to decide as we take it in turns to look around and not lose our table. This also seems a place where most families come on a Saturday night as a good alternative we think to other fast food places that will remain nameless.

The following day still tired and trying to forget what happened with the dam mozzies (sorry to go on but they were little you knows!) we went up to Penang hill, no we took the fenicular raliway this time rather than a bit more climbing. We managed to catch th local bus there after some messing about trying to get change and then found that the driver accepted notes anyway, thanks 101 driver for this advise. Matthew found the guy collecting rubbish with a fag stuck up his nose, lit very funny, but we thought he might not like me taking a photo, so we left that opportunity.

Penang hill was a retreat for the well privileged during the warmer season as it is cooler, we found some great views along with alot of houses and gardens that would'nt look out of place in a little English village.

1500m around the hill was a Canopy walk. Now anyone knowing Gemma will know she is'nt exactly fond of heights and in usual circumstances would avoid this like the plague. With a little persuassion she gave it ago and made it to the end even though she could'nt tell you what was there as she was looking ahead the whole time and managed to half turn once for a photo, check the pained expression out in the slideshow ( we also did this in flipo's).I then got blamed for turning our 12 month trip into an outdoor pursuits course for conquering fears! At least we can use this one as a warm up for things to come! watch this space.

Not looking forward to another night in Mozzie land we decided to have a slap up at the Indian which was the most expensive meal we have had in Malaysia so far(was worth it though). It did'nt change our moods for long, back in mozzie land we decided we'd had enough and made plans to move on early from George town, but hey there is still better places to come, so lets get by the beach again. Langkawi here we come!