Penang Malaysia

After spending numerous days lazing on the beach, living the hard life, I traveled over to Penang for a visa run. Penang is known for its diverse culture and rich cuisine and it is just that. The main attraction in Penang is Georgetown which is where all the action is. Georgetown combines China town and little India which cater to the towns cultural diverseness. The variety of cultures is not only reflected in the cuisine but as well in the different buildings of worship. 

There are Chinese temples 

Hindu temples 

 And Muslim temples 

Aside from the temples there are also churchs. 

After a short forty minute flight from Phuket to Penang I got the privilege of trying to book a ticket back to Bangkok.  The clerk kept trying to convince me that I needed to buy a two way ticket since I might not be let back into Thailand. After thirty minutes of trying to convince them I only needed a one way ticket I told them I would book online.

The start of my flight was interesting as well. Just as we were about to take off a guy ran to the back of the plane. He was causing a lot of chaos with the flight attendants and the plane was stopped. It turned out the man was afraid of flying and wanted to be let out. So we had to wait for the airport officers to escort him back inside the airport and for his luggage to be taken off the plane.

Once I had arrived at the airport in Penang I waited for the bus that would take me to my hostel.  As I was waiting for the bus I noticed a girl around my age doing the same.  I asked her what bus number she was waiting for which turned out to be the same one as me.  We started to talk and found out both of our hostels were called Red Inn and only a block apart.  My new friend was Anna and she came from London.  Before Penang she had been in Bangkok which she absolutely hated.  I wouldn't call her the travelling type since she isn't very adventurous and likes to play it safe but it was nice to have some company.

I stayed in a room which could accomodate four but found myself alone the first night.  There however was someones belongings on one of the bunk beds but no one came to claim them the two nights I stayed there.  On the second night I got a room mate by the name of Thian Wee.  He was actually from another part of Malaysia and made Penang a regular destination for a vacation.  I invited him to have dinner with Anna and I and thats how we met Kirsten.  While in Anna's hostel talking with an older couple who lived in Alaska, it was mentioned that I lived in BC.  Kirsten who was sitting on the computer at the time came over and introduced herself stating that she came from BC as well.  After talking among the six of us for half an hour or so Kirsten, Anna, Thian Wee, and I went out for dinner.

The rest of the time in Penang was spent exploring.  I went to Penang Hill with Anna.  Walked around Little India and Chinatown.  Indulged in street vending food and embraced the cultural diversity.  I really enjoyed Penang and wished I had more time to explore.  Who knows maybe I will find myself back there one day.  

So I'm going to end my blog with an ironic moment.  I flew back to Bangkok with the airline Air Asia which holds the motto "Now everyone can fly."  I agree the plane ticket is fairly cheap but onboard service isn't.  Unlike most airlines drinks are not free which I didn't realize until I had ordered one.  The cost for one coke in a can came out to $3 Canadian.  I could have bought three meals with that money, let alone three cokes.  No wonder why their prices are so low.  They get you back when you are on the plane.