Penang - Morning and Evening of the First Day

Morning:
Penang, Malaysia, is an island, reached in our case by a six hour train ride from Kuala Lumpur and !/2 hour taxi over a long bridge and highway.

First class car was good, but scenery was not outstanding.

 It is bigger in area than Singapore. The new section is supposedly a booming technology center. We chose to stay in the old section, a UNESCO Word Heritage site. But, as we have learned in other places, such as Colonia, Uruguay, this is no guarantee of beautiful preservation of old structures. At the moment, it appears to be a bigger version of Malacca, without the charm of a winding river running down the center.

This is as charming as it gets.

Add 95 degree heat and high humidity.

Watch your step.

However, this judgment may be premature because we haven't yet been to its waterfront, its beaches, or its interior natural wonders. I can however, warn you about the overrated and boring Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion or Blue Mansion. You have to join a one-hour tour to see it. And it's third-rate in my opinion.

Mansion of Wealthy Man Now A Hotel and Tourist Trap

More Than You Want to Know About This Money Man

The finest work in the house.

A bored tourist tries to do an endless regression photo.

There were some small noteworthy things:

Jackfruits being weighed by deliveryman. This one about 12 kilos.

Savvy tourists learn how to take breaks in air-conditioned hotel lobbies as they move through town.

Giant fish heads were not our lunch at the Line Clear South Indian restaurant. We had big plate of chicken, rice, okra, cabbage and green beans, both of us for $7.

The only interesting design object I've seen so far was this bamboo cane

Pink buns are attractive.

 Evening: The waterfront failed to change my opinion: We walked for kilometers without being able to get real water access. Just a few docks for ferries and cruise boats and general dilapidation. Finally an esplanade along the water, a food court and coconut  redeemed the evening. That and some quirky street art were the only small pleasures.

Ugly water view.

Bruce Lee depiction.

Mixed media

Wrought iron, not paint.

Finally, a food court.

A coconut drink relieves the misery.

 Keep in mind that all moments of delight are separated by long periods of hot suffering.