Hello from Penang, Malaysia

We have been here for 4 1/2 days now, the longest we have been anywhere. We had a great time at some Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday. These were just a stroll from where we are staying. It was such fun wandering around Penang's china town in the evening. I loved the lion dances which just happened along the street, like two gangs of people meeting and having a short, sharp word with each other. The temples were also lit up with lots of Chinese lanterns, they looked so pretty. We also had the best spring rolls I have ever tasted!! A truly wonderful evening.

Yesterday we walked up Penang hill too see the views of the Island. As we are British, we decided to go up in the mid day sun!! Anyone who knows me knows I'm not one for long walks! Although it was only about a 5 Km walk it was up 830meters (Linda worked out that it was a similar height to Skafell). To say it was hard was an understatement!! It was very, very steep, we had to stop every 20 meters for a drink and a breather! Funnily enough there weren't many others walking up, just the odd jogger (!!) and an elderly Malaysian couple who were only going up 1/2 way. They delighted in telling us that we must take it easy as people die walking up this hill!!! There were a few cars and motor bike going up and down, some smiled (probably thinking mad westerners!), some said Hello and one guy offered me a lift (which I didn't accept-although very, very tempted)!! Thankfully we made it too the top alive, but quite dishevelled and very tired!! There were lots of people at the top who had taken the cable car, looking all pristine and clean. Nice views from the top, but the best bit was the achievement of getting up there, we were very pleased with ourselves and rewarded our hard work with an ice cream!! Thank you to Linda for her ongoing encouragement, shes fab!!

Needless to say we have had a quiet day today, just hanging out at the beach and looking around a very pretty tropical garden. Two more nights in Penang and then onto The Cameron Highlands-apparently a great place for homesick travellers!!

Love Penny