Penang...

Selamat datang (welcome)

Penang is an island west of Malaysia and just south of the Thai border. We arrived by bus from Cameron Highlands (which we were sad to leave), and this bus ride also had its dramas. We stopped for about half an hour as it appeared as though they had sold too many tickets, but, in the end a couple of locals were trying to scam a free ride. Buses don't run on time, nor do they stop at proper bus stops. We got let off in the middle of a lane, walked to the ferry, and crossed the straights over to Penang.

It was hot but after a short walk across the town we found our recommended hostel, 75 Travellers Lodge. Its a good location and the rooms are only $5NZ a night which is really good. Staying in the middle of Chinatown seems to be the best location wherever we are. Its so busy, and there are always interesting things going on. We went to the local shopping mall yesterday and its sooo big! All the shopaholics would love it! We went to our first movie - 'Fast and Furious 4' (in English but with Malay and Chinese subtitles) for $4NZ but right outside there are about 20 shops selling the same movie for cheaper than that. Its crazy - its a case of if you want it you can find it.

On Friday night i woke up at midnight with a pain in my stomach. We ended up catching a taxi to the local hospital (once he understood that thats where we wanted to go). It was an interesting process - you pay and then collect a tcket and wait to be called up. I was called up and seen and was diagnosed. It turns out that i haven't been drinking enough fluids and have something like a kidney stone. I was given a whole lot of drugs (including a needle) and told to drink lots. The condition is apparently comparable to giving birth - and boy i hope it goes and doesn't ruin the trip. All part of the experience as i would say.

They have some wonderful cuisine in this part of the world. Last night for tea we had a bread loaf with chicken curry wrapped up in tinfoil inside. Yummy! Today Dave had a sausage donut - like a sizzler wrapped in a sweet donut - crazy! Walking the streets is particularly interesting. Every step you take there is a different food stall - and - the health inspectors back at home would have a field day! you just have to close your eyes and point at something (and hope that youll like it) and do as the locals do. Dave loves the stalls and the way of eating over here (little and often) whereas im still getting use to it. We just had to try burger king last week in Kuala Lumpur :).

Well on Tuesday we are catching a mini bus over the border to Hat Yai. From there we will go to Phuket Island. Hopefully we can make it across the border as when we arrived in Malaysia we didn't get our passport stamped....so please cross your fingers for us on Tuesday night (your time).

Well thats all for now. Please send through your thoughts on the blog and what you're up to!

Terima Kasih (thank you)