Escape to Penang, Tuesday.

Sunset and the new filter does manage to take out that damaging light
from around the sun to accentuate the sky.

We were lucky enough to have an extra day in our weekend and we decided it was time for another escape. Penang, courtesy of Firefly's RM 0.00 seats ,only pay taxes promotion, was the chosen destination. Monday evening found us relaxing at The Lone Pine  resort, on Batu Ferringhi. Because we had saved on airfares we treated ourselves to a deluxe room with a bath tub on the balcony. Once again on a special deal through Agoda. I would say it was totally worth it, this place on the beach was amazing with great service.

Golden sunsets, a great way to celebrate the end of another day and the ideal time to plane for the next one.

We have just purchased new ND Grad filter arrangements for our cameras so, besides relaxing, we planned to get out and play with the filters. Relaxing, in the bath tub on the balcony, we hatched our plan for the next couple of days.

Tuesday after breakfast and a dip in the pool we would catch the 101 bus outside the hotel and take it all the way to the Ferry landing. Then we would meander through Georgetown looking for the interesting murals we had been hearing about. Of course we would take advantage of any photo opportunities that presented themselves.  We do enjoy Georgetown, which is really undergoing loads of renovation and still keeping its heritage site status.  It is laid back and fun, with lots of fun things to see along, with a number of interesting shops and restaurants.

We were entertained by a film crew during the late afternoon,
This lucky guy got to mind the balloons.

Tuesday arrived and it went to plan....

These work horses are seen throughout Malaysia they are built for work.
They often have a Mercedes nose with a wooden cab,
 this one has a wooden cab, even the drivers seat is basic.
Mr Chen tells me they carry up to about 35 tons but they only meant to carry  about 15 -17 tons.

VW Heaven! We stumbled on this workshop in George Town,
We recognised these from the good old days.
Inside there was a 1958 Austin A35 .
An old uncle ,who was blown away by the fact that we dropped by.

We happened to look up and see this yard with a number of VWs lined up outside. Being naturally curious, we wandered over to have a closer look at some of the beetles. Beyond the roadside and locked behind a gate was treasure trove of  VW cars and parts. An old uncle popped his head out to check up on us.  We ended up spending a bit time chatting with him. He did not have much English  but he told he was the mechanic who looks after these cars and the ones on the roadside belonged to his clients, not for sale!! He had every part you could think of and an obvious passion for these cars. Apparently a number of them drive down from Thailand and find their way to him. He hinted that Thailand was a good place to find old VWs. So the love of the beetle lives on in Malaysia. 

Ruth searching for the murals we had been reading about.
This street looked right ,but it could have been any of the streets in Georgetown.
BY the way the guy on the bicycle was doing his rounds, collecting cardboard for recycling.

Mural number one stumbled on to by accident.
The motorbike is real, the guy sitting on it happens to be the mural.
Can you spot where he is in the photo above?
We nearly didn't.

Photo mural number 2,  found !
Ruth needed to give these two kids
a helping hand.

Take a queue number please!
I stepped back to get  a laugh out of these people.

We see shop houses all through Asia.
A few years ago I was fascinated by them.
Lately I have been less excited,
In George town each one seems to tell its own story.
There are lots to get excited about with them.

This mosque in Georgetown is stunningly refreshing.
It is clean and white  set alongside the aging buildings and narrow streets. 

This is, Eng Chuan Tong Tan Kongsi, the site of the oldest Chinese Clan  building in Penang.
The temple is surrounded by some quaint Chinese houses and this is very the centre of this Clan community.

We ended our day in Georgetown with a very late lunch at the  Swiss Eidelweis Cafe.
Sepia function gives this great little cafe the right atmosphere ,it is like stepping back in time.

It was hot and Ruth was starting to get a little short, with me being somewhat snappy in reply. We have learned this is a sure sign that it is time to chill out in a cafe. We happened to find a delightful cafe, the Swiss Eidelweis Cafe. It is in a shophouse, from the street one can never be sure what they will discover on the inside of these places. We were seeking cool and refreshing, so in we went. Remember these places are all one room wide and often go back a long way. This cafe has an enormous Swiss clock that dominates the front of the shop area, the photo shows Ruth sitting front of it, as a reflection in the mirror. There was lots of wood grain finish and a delightful counter bar area, to one side, in the centre of the ground floor. Beyond the counter was a courtyard garden area, these Chinese buildings often include such areas. Then more cafe, followed by clean toilets. There were a number of photos and points of interest throughout. On the bar area were three photos,  Debbie Turner,  who was in the Sound of Music, Bob Hope American comedian popular with allied troops during WW2 and Marlin Brando. A touch of nostalgia to encourage discussion over some very nicely presented food.

It was two revived tourists who made their way back The Lone Pine after what had been an interesting day spent exploring Georgetown. Each time we have come into this area of Penang we have explored different lanes and found many interesting places. We will go back because it is a place that has captured our imagination. 

Wednesday's plan? Well that is another story!