Penang

I have been rather internet deprived the last few days. We have been racing around seeing the sights of Penang. Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si temple (http://asiaforvisitors.com/malaysia/peninsula/penang/kekloksi/) - which was amazing, Snake temple and Feringhi beach.

But the local experiences are way more interesting than any of the tourist sites. When we were on our way to the bus the other day we went past a small shop, with an old lady deep frying stick of dough. We asked her what she was cooking and she gave us a brochure telling the story behind her business.

The story goes - There once was a great warrior - who was noble and brave and loved by the people. The wife of a govt official became jealous of the warrior and with her husband conspired to have him killed. The falsely accused him of a crime and he was convicted and executed.

The local people were outraged and saddened. They got together and decided to create two dough sticks - stuck together - to symbolise the couple. They deep fried the dough and called the food Su Kuih which means "Deep fry the evil couple"

We bought a couple of the Su Kuih and the boys delighted in " eating the evil couple". The experience even made it into Lukes journal.

Penang is much cooler than KL - temperature wise. We have been walking everywhere, and taking the local buses. much cheaper and much nicer than the taxi's.

We walked down a local alley today and almost got chased by a couple of dogs. A chinese man warned us just in time for us to turn back, just before the dogs noticed us and came charging after us barking. We have had our rabies shots - but i still dont fancy being bitten by a disease infested dog.

We had a black-out in our hostel a couple of nights ago. It was pretty scary. OUr room has no windows and i woke up in the pitch black, burning up, as the air conditioner was not working and we were in our own little sweat box.

I tried to find the door and when i couldnt i woke David. We finally found the door but then couldnt get it open. I started to panic. I thought the door must have been electronically locked. All i could think of was "what if there is a fire out there" - I started crying and freaking out. David was calm as always and rushed to get the torches. I decided to jump in the shower to cool down but then i was just panicking too much and just wanted to get that door open.

I started yanking at the handle and turning with all my might. David came over with the torch and then noticed that he had bolted the top latch before we went to bed. We opened the door and i rushed out into the stair well where there was a window. I breathed in great gasps of air. I couldnt stop crying.

The boys woke up an couldnt see what all the fuss was about.

In the morning we contemplated changing hotels but in the end decided that it was just a once off occurence and wouldnt happen again - and we wouldnt latch the bolt again.

Well last night went well, and we are on our way to Bangkok today - a 22 hour train ride that will get us there in the morning.

Penang has been fun. The chinese are so friendly, and helpful.

Looking forward to Thailand