Monday, July 31, 2017

Day 4: Snake Temple, Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple, Street Food

We spent our last day in Penang taking in a few more sights and enjoying the food scene.  Penang is a large island and includes the city of Georgetown where we stayed.  Penang has a mixture of Muslim and Buddhist influence, but Georgetown remains rich in colonial heritage from the days of British rule (lots of old buildings with European style architecture).  This is also why most people speak a fair amount of English here. 

The Snake Temple
A boa and a defanged pit viper (I'm assuming). 😬
Snakes chilling out.

Malayan pit viper (similar to the North American "copperhead").
Mangrove pit viper.
Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple.  Our Uber driver's car barely made it up the steep hill to get here. 
Jungle behind Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple.
Kek Lok Si Temple.
Jan-Michael and his Dragon.
Me and my Ox.
Overlooking Penang.
Kek Lok Si Temple grounds.  Right after a brief rain.

Massive statue at the temple.  Way bigger than it appears in this photo.
We donated a new roof tile to the temple in our family name.

Earning Buddha's favor.
One of many gorgeous gardens at the Temple.
The famous Restoran Kimberly Kway Chap Food Stall.
The famous Restoran Kimberly Kway Chap Food Stall.
Duck Kway Chap.  Duck meat with pig ear, tongue, and innards.  I swear the lady said something about coagulated blood too.  Also a braised whole egg and flour noodles in broth.  Surprisingly delicious!


Sunday, July 30, 2017

Day 3: Penang, Malaysia.

The Beach at Batu Ferringhi, Upside Down Museum, Georgetown Street Art
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi Beach.  Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country.  Note the woman (second from last rider) sporting a swim burqa.
In the waiting room to get into the Upside Down Museum.

Upside Down Museum.
Upside Down Museum.
Upside Down Museum.
Georgetown streets.  On a hunt for the street art. 
3D street art made from iron rods.
3D street art and a Minion. 
Georgetown street art.
Success!  A very popular 3D street art piece. 
More Georgetown street art.
Posing on the street.
Food stalls.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Day 2 continued: Arrival in Penang


Four flights, one taxi transfer between airports in New York, one train transfer in Kuala Lumpur, multiple security checkpoints, and an Uber to the hotel.  We made it and so did our stuff!

From boarding the plane in St. Louis to arrival at our hotel in Penang, Malaysia. Just under 37 hours!

Relief!!!  

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Day 1-2: St. Louis, USA to Penang, Malaysia



For the first time ever I have set "out of office" notices on my email accounts.  It feels so good to completely push aside all worry and work.  Here's to life!  To seeing the world and new experiences!  But, first I must endure a little bit more...over thirty-six hours in transit to be exact.  Malaysia here we come!

Departing STL.

JFK to Taipei, Taiwan.  Expected flight duration 15 hrs and 55 minutes.  ðŸ˜¬
Free Booties!
Meal #1
China Airlines VIP lounge Taipei International Airport.
Enjoying the VIP lounge during the layover in Taipei.
No premium economy section on this flight so we got the automatic upgrade to Business class.
Champagne toast to a successful journey so far!
One more flight after this!