Hello to all,

We have now arrived in Penang, having left a day late from Langkawi due to a rather large storm (tried getting a photo of it, but the rain was moving to quickly to capture).

Had quite a long journey, which was fun. Saved ourselves RM60, and saw lots more countryside.. rice paddies for miles and miles, with the occasional palm plantation dotted in between... all very beautiful! Started by getting a taxi from the beach (Pantai Cenang) to the Ferry, then the Ferry from Langkawi to the mainland at Alor Setar. Then, after waiting for half an hour and being told by taxi drivers that the bus would not come for 2 and a half hours, we got two buses to the main bus terminal. On the first of the two, we met a local who also happened to be going to Butterworth (Crossing point for Penang).. coincedence or what???? He told us to follow him, and helped us along the way. Very helpful and friendly =)

We then changed onto another posh bus (with A/C) for the long stretch to Butterworth. Eventually got there, and hopped on another ferry, which took us to Penang. Took us most of the day to get from one to t'other, but it was much more fun and a bit of an adventure... was almost to easy to just hop on a ferry for two hours direct from Langkawi to Penang. =)

Once we arrived, we went on the hunt for a guesthouse, and found a lovely place called 'Star Lodge' down a little street called 'Lebuh Muntri'.. we are in the heart of Chinatown (although Penang itself may as well be called Chinatown), and are a five minute walk from Little India. Love it!!!! Our room is a lot more simple than in Langkawi, but very clean and its nice to get back to basics.

Have found loads of amazing food since we've been here, Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia, and its all soooo cheap! Found a tiny square just around the corner. It is all open aired with tables everywhere and about 20 little restaurants serving everything you could imagine from fried oysters to fish head soup and duck and pork!! mmm pork!! Ate pork cooked 3 ways for the first time in 2 weeks! lol. Then we had waffles and ice cream for desert seeing as the meal was so cheap.

Had a lovely day today, been to about 5 different temples/kongsi's. Kongsi's are clan houses, which were established as a result of Chinese mass immigration to Penang in the late 1700's-early 1800's... the original buildings and societies still exist, providing support to date. All very interesting and super beautiful. Then went to a mosque (Masjid) and I (nina) had to cover up in a long coat and shawl to cover my entire body! Was quite fun and I looked quite funny hehe.

Also went down to little India and had samosa's and onion bahji's and other bits n bobs for lunch. Was incredibly cheap and proper Indian food. So yummy.

Have not updated photo's as this computer does not have virus protection. Already had 5 viruses so dont want any more! Going to go and have some more lovely food tonight... best part of being here really, all amazing.. I wish you could send smells and tastes online! Imagine the best takeaway in England, then times it by ten =)

The town itself is very pretty too. Lots of old shop houses and different colonial styled, coloured building with little shutters and carved wooden doors. Alot of it is quite run down but it adds to the character of it all. Saw a place a few doors down to where we are staying for sale.. asking price RM351,000 (75,000GBP), bit run down but beautiful and MASSIVE! If any one is interested lol....

Also a traditional Chinese clinic on our street, practicing acupuncture and reflexology. Acupuncture clinics, and reflexology is everywhere... pretty much every street. The one a few doors down from us is a particularly beautiful one though.. will upload pics next time we get the chance!

Anyway, stomach are a rumbling, so going to be off now. Look forward to hearing from you all =)

Lots of love

x x x x x x x x x x