On Monday, we began our adventure in downtown Georgetown with breakfast at China House, a restored shophouse with art galleries, restaurants, and a bakery. Afterwards, we visited the Pinang Peranakan mansion, where we browsed antiques and learned about Straits Chinese immigrants. We then hopped on a tri-shaw and enjoyed a city tour of historic buildings, temples, mosques, and churches. We rested back home for lunch and played with Rachel, then later had dinner at Bali Hai, where their slogan claims, "If it swims, we have it!". Susan was amazed by the large tanks of giant spider crabs and prawns the size of lobsters, and we all enjoyed the yummy fresh seafood!
On Tuesday, we went hiking at the Penang National Park on the northern tip of the island. We doused ourselves with bug spray and headed off under branches and over bridges to Monkey Beach, then on up LOTS of steps to Muka Head lighthouse, where we enjoyed the scenic views and soaring eagles. So beautiful! Later, we got the kids from school and cooled off with a treat from Tutti Fruiti. The kids went home to rest while Susan and I visited Kek Lok Si temple and rode the funicular tram up to the top of Penang Hill. We enjoyed the sound of light rain on the roof at the Bellevue Restaurant, as we ate samosas and fresh juice overlooking the island. We completed the night at the lively Red Garden hawker centre, where we jammed to 80s music and Susan tried and fell in love with char kway teow, a favorite Malaysian dish.
Wednesday began with breakfast of nasi lemak and steamed bread with kaya at Old Town White Coffee. After, we visited two Buddhist temples on Burma road, then I took her on a wet market tour where we bought ingredients to make dinner. Rest time at home in the afternoon was welcome by all, and we enjoyed our dinner of yellow fish and potato curry, mushrooms with cilantro, and bok choi.
On Thursday, I also got to enjoy a new experience in Penang. My sister and I took a tour and cooking class at the Tropical Spice Garden. After wandering through the lovely gardens on an informative guided tour, we enjoyed the hands-on experience of making claypot chicken rice, taught by 5th generation Nyonya Pearly Kee. What a treat! Afterwards, I took my sister to see the Hard Rock and Rasa Sayang resort hotels and later enjoyed pre-dinner cosmos on our patio. That night, we went to our favorite local place to "makan", namely the Tek Sen Cafe. This Chinese restaurant on Carnavon street in historic Georgetown oozes authenticity and charm, is always packed to the brim, and consistently churns out wonderful food!
No visit to Malaysia would be complete without trying roti canai, so on Friday, we ate roti pisang at the Indian restaurant across from the school. Joined by some of my friends, I got to introduce my sister, then four of us headed to Kenko fish spa for a little pampering. The giggles were priceless as I watched my friends experience this unique Asian spa treatment for the first time. (For those unfamiliar, you put your feet in a tank filled with a certain variety of fish that "exfoliate" your feet while you laugh!) That night, we wandered through Little India (browsing sari shops, hearing Bollywood music blasting, smelling the spices and incense) and ate at Kapitan's, our favorite spot for Indian cuisine. Afterwards, we bought some light flyers and watched the kids run chasing them on the grass at the esplanade.
Our kids were glad when Saturday arrived, because they had all day with their aunt and no school! We enjoyed sharing a breakfast of dim sum together, followed by a visit to the botanical gardens to see the flowers and the monkeys (despite protests by my younger two kids who are still somewhat terrified of monkeys!) We enjoyed some refreshing juice from my favorite juice stand, then drove to the Penang Butterfly Farm. My kids had a great time there showing Aunt Susie around and seeing the many creative insect varieties! Afterwards, we came home for a siesta and special playtime before heading out for an upscale dinner at 32 at the Mansion where we toasted our week together.
Cheers to Susan for making the long and unfamiliar trek from afar, and special thanks to Bo, whose service in watching the boys for the week made this trip possible! We gladly welcome more friends and family to come visit us. Though we've only been here for 8 months, I love showing people around "my island"!
Sally, that is SO special that you got to have such a lovely and special time with your sister! May you enjoy many more visitors :).
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