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Published: April 11th 2009
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Something not to be missed in Malaysia is a trip to the Hawker Centres. Though this may sound a bit dodgy, it actually isn’t, unless of course you think Asian singers are dodgy. Well actually some are very dodgy!! Okay forget about the Asian singers for a moment. A Hawker Centre is a brilliant place where there are many stalls serving all sorts of delightful dishes. There are a great many tables and benches in the middle of all the stalls, and each table is numbered. You pick a table, take note of your number, and then head off and follow the smells wafting from each of the friendly stalls. Make sure and have a good look around and then choose something from a menu. Order, and they will ask you for your table number. Go to another stall, follow the same routine, and then sit down at your table. Order a drink from the floor staff. Then as if by magic your meals will arrive and you pay at your seat. The beauty is that it is very cheap, and you get to sample food from different stalls/restaurants without actually having to choose one or the other. It’s a must
see and must do in Malaysia.
The atmosphere at these Hawker Centres is incredible, it is fascinating to sit with the locals, trying to feel part of something that sadly you can never really be a part of. It is as they say a taste. Young children working at their parents stalls, cut their way through all the benches with steaming bowls and plates of food, old wise men sit together and laugh with childish eyes, chefs wipe sweat from their brows, and the Asian music plays on. It’s a wonderful experience, and one I’d recommend to all, especially if you like Asian food.
We had a very enjoyable time there. Thai Fish cakes, Chicken Rice, Tiger Beer, more Chicken Rice, some Asian Singing, more chicken rice, more Tiger Beer…… time for bed!!!
We stayed for 2 nights at the Bayview Hotel in Penang. Much to my excitement we were given a Bayview room ironically!! This offers me the opportunity to partake in one of my more unusual hobbies, Ship Spotting. I have loved ships for many years, so am always keen to spy on them from hotel rooms, and other suitable vantage points. The Bayview Hotel
All that glitters isn't gold!
The ornate gold leaf murals of the Khoo Kongsi Temple offered prime Ship Spotting for the enthusiast. I don’t think Gina was as enthused as I was though.
After a nice breakfast of pretty much cold everything, we stood at the front of the hotel as warm air clung to us, and beams of sun cooked us slowly. We met our guide Eddie, who had arranged for us to do a walking tour with him. He lives in Penang itself, so is the perfect candidate to show us the hidden gems of this city. He brings us along the streets and points out listed heritage buildings. His knowledge of the area brings the city to life. He points out many Temples. Temples are everywhere in Penang, and they seem to be lovingly adored by the local community. We enter a Taoist Temple, it is full of worshippers carrying incense sticks, and reciting prayers. Smoke rises in great plumes, and the light in the courtyards, attracts the smoke to the heavens. You soon notice that unlike Christian faiths at home, the Taoist temple is full of people of all ages, very reverent, very respectful. It is a faith which seems appealing when you view it in this way. I got
terribly distracted, and lost in this temple. It was quiet yet loud, brash but gentle, and peaceful but crazy. When I left the temple to rejoin the group, I realised they had probably been waiting for about 10 minutes for me!! Oops!
We also visited the Khoo Kongsi Temple, which we had to pay to see. Something annoys me about having to pay to see or visit a religious site. It is a clan temple for the Khoo clan. The temple is adorned with Gold Leaf murals, busts, and a coin can be found by the lucky on the hand rail leading to the temple. The temple itself, though pretty lacked the character, and atmosphere of the Taoist Temple we had visited before.
When we left the temple, Four Trishaws were laid on to bring us on a merry trip of the city. Four old men stood beside four lavishly decorated Trishaws. The 3 wheeled bicycles were covered in flowers, multicoloured windmills, stereo systems, and many other ornaments. We crammed in, and when I say cram I mean cram. Gavin had one to himself, and looked like the Lord of the manor, commanding his chariot of multicolouredness around
Always Coca Cola
Great times at the Hawker Centre the streets!! Ben Hur eat your heart out!! Gina sat down first, and I proceeded to dislocate my hip to fit in the remaining space. Romance, is not a possibility on this ride my friends, unless you both happen to be anorexic! Seat belts were not required, there is not the slightest possibility that even at a speed of 60 mph would we have been dislodged from our twister style positions in the trishaw. We smiled on anyway. The Trishaws of Penang are called “Kings of the Road”, and to get a true understanding of the implications and perks that this title bestows, you must hop on board one. They skilfully take to the streets in one big cavalcade, and we dart between trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. You sit close to the ground in the trishaw, and the traffic is all round you. Cars bear down on you, but the thick necks of the trishaw pilots have us winning each game of chicken. Our pilot points out various sites as we travel along, speaking in broken English. We don’t understand but we smile politely and he appreciates it. I hope I’m as fit and happy when I am his
age.
As it is our last night in Malaysia we carefully spend our last remaining ringgits, on a meal between us, and a drink each. It was quite satisfying to work our budget for Malaysia right down to the last ringgit!! We retire to bed, pockets empty, and bellies half full, memories of Malaysia in abundance.
Penang itself, as a city was actually a little disappointing. I think my expectation was that it was going to be a very western style city, with clean streets, brand name stores, and western people shopping, but it is very much not like this. Two days here was enough as a city break, and we were ready to be heading on again.
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