Blogger trouble, falling behind again...So here we are in Penang - the hills are magnificent.
Friday we paid a visit to the Peranakan Mansion, a magnificent 'rich merchant' house of which there are some wonderful examples in Penang. The women were not allowed out much so perfected the arts of embroidery and beading, including making shoes for themselves. The framed crescents are shoe tops.
While walking around, we came across an old cemetery which looked like a film set - all mossy and overgrown.
On Saturday, we had a great lunch at New World Park food court , including my favourite dessert, chandol.
Loved the sign on the back of the loo ( a mass produced sticker...).
Then a visit to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, another fabulous example of Penang architecture. Apparently this place has been certified perfect by Feng Shui masters. It was also the location for some of the scenes of the film Indochine.
We also visited Fort Cornwallis, the base of the East India Company and the British presence in Penang. One of the cannons was a work of art.
Then we checked out the night markets at Batu Ferrengi, which is about 12km from George Town.
We had a fabulous meal at Lebanon Restaurant, and wondered if there were any Arabs anywhere else in the world but in Penang. The main tourist markets were disappointing - but on the way home on the bike we came across a local market which was much more interesting.
Today's entertainments included a trip to the Botanic Gardens, which were lovely. We particularly liked the juxtaposition of relaxing in nature with a rifle range, which was next door.
We stood around these orange blossoms for ages, watching about 6 different kinds of butterflies flittering around.
