Penang

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After almost a month of beach-life on Koh Samui, we finally moved our backsides and flew out of Samui to Penang at the beginning of this week. Principally because we had to leave Thailand or face hefty charges for overstaying our visa, otherwise we'd have stayed.

But a change is as good as a rest, and we've spent almost a week here in Penang, staying at 'G Hotel' in George Town, the main city of Penang. The hotel's quite a designer statement in Penang, with its minimalist style; a bit too minimalist perhaps, with its cavernous reception-cum-lounge area, white walls and black furniture. We're enjoying our room however, with all its mod-cons. And room-service breakfast is a treat!

There's a huge shopping mall right next to the hotel, with umpteen eateries, cafes and shops. So we've spent most of our days stuffing our faces and window shopping. We've taken a taxi into the China Town and Little India areas of George Town a couple of times, for a look-see. Quite an experience, with shops competing against each other as to who can play the loudest music, and the wafts of incense, food and drains. The tandoori set we tried was very tasty.

It took us 3 days and 3 taxi trips to the Thai Embassy to get our visas sorted. On the first trip we were told quite plainly by the very official clerk to come back in the morning, as that's when they accept visa applications. So we returned the next morning with our completed visa forms, passport, photos and 110 RM each to be told we needed to provide photocopies of our passport. Would they photocopy them for us? I should cocoa! So off we went in the taxi to find a copy shop... returning to the Embassy finally to complete our applications. We collected our passports complete with visas the next afternoon.

It seems there are quite a few companies that facilitate 'visa runs' for those looking to get new Thai visas. We watched a chap at the Embassy counter having about 20 odd passports returned to him by the clerk. How it works I'm not quite sure, but there must be money to be made no doubt. And the notice on the visa office window, stating that by June 2009 nobody will be allowed to enter the Embassy grounds wearing flip-flops, vest tops, or shorts, suggests they're somewhat fed up of the endless stream of westerners not respecting their officialdom.

So, we return to Samui tomorrow evening, complete with visas which should get us a 60 day stamp. That'll be ample time as our return flight to yUK (aarg! the end of our trip!) from Bangkok is the end of July. Back to Samui for some more R&R!

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Photos

Departing From Samui Airport
... yes, that's free drinks and snacks courtesy of Bangkok Airways!

View From Our Room at G Hotel
... mainland Malaysia is across the sea.

Gurney Place
... next to G Hotel.

Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall
... next to G Hotel.

Kim Gary Restaurant, Gurney Plaza
... green tea jelly with beans??! Interesting....

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
A 19th centuary Chinese courtyard house, converted into a homestay.