Penang, Malaysia

Our last stop in Malaysia took us to the Island of Penang. We were greeted on arrival by colorfully dressed entertainers, as we were in most ports. Today each of us received New Years bags of a shirt and souvenirs. With a population of 1.6 million people, Penang is connected to the mainland via a 5 mile long bridge (with a newer one under construction farther south from Georgetown, the capital – it will be 15 miles long at completion). We hopped into a taxi and the driver took us first to the vernacular tram – an hour journey up the side of the mountain. (Our young driver told us he was married to his wife, who he didn't know prior to their wedding. The groom at the wedding didn't show and he was asked if he would be the groom to save her the embarrassment!) The vernacular was jam packed because of the Chinese New Year – filled with families, young and old. The trip up was half an hour, with a wait half way up for the continuation of the trip. We were so hot (and crammed), we decided to just cross over the track and take the train back down the mountain again. Pretty spectacular view. Our driver also told us the main industries were now an Intel and Dell plant on the other side of the island and an Apple plant across the bridge. Our next stop was the 150 year old temple of Kek Lok Si, the Monastery of Supreme Bliss. The giant Buddhist goddess towered over us, and we had another wonderful view of the city below. After lunch we ventured out again with a tour of the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. It was the former opulent and ornate home of a Chinese businessman some 100 years ago. (Although, a couple of Chinese girls wanted their picture taken with us, and we later found out they were descendants of the rich owner!). From there we wandered through Little India to China town. There were massive street festivities celebrating CNW- as people poured in and out of a temple with lit incense sticks, torches and lots of smoke. Large cauldrons of fire and smoke sticks provided an ethereal mystical event. The 100 plus temps finally had us finish our full day back at the port nearby - exhausted!