Little Wandering Wren …. chats!

Penang people like to think of themselves as different. They live on an island and are happy with the separation from mainland Malaysia. They have an opposition state government and like it that way - "more open and less corruption". They will resist all attempts to make Penang into the city life of Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. They are extremely multi cultural and everyone lives harmoniously... "We are ok with eachother, in Penang everyone lives altogether, side by side." This diversity and rich cultural heritage, gives the visitor much to see, experience and enjoy... City buildings in downtown Georgetown So we are excited to go and explore Georgetown, Penang - the Pearl of the Orient with Michael from Ocean Jupiter tours . There can be no better combination than a foodie, ex-monk, turned DJ to show us around Penang...He had the kids attention when he talked about his dream to attend the Tomorrowland pop concert in Belgium, and when he promised ...

Long regarded as the food capital of Asia, Penang has much to rave about in regard to it's F and B offerings... But it is perhaps the drinks that will form part of our lasting memories of this holiday... Firstly, there are the Happy Hours which in some hotels in Malaysia (Royale Chulan in KL) extend to all day... Secondly, much to the delight of some in our group there is no legal minimum drinking age here....argh these kids are growing up. Then there was the chance to try out the world's most expensive coffee... Ok coming from Melbourne's coffee culture, I am spoilt for coffee choice, and can be critical of coffee in places that we stay at...as my Trip Adviser comments will attest to... I go through phases with my coffee... At the moment I am back on my regular - a decaf skinny cap - or a decaffeinated cappuccino coffee with skimmed milk, if you want it translated into the Queen's English. "What's the point"? My friends ask... I HATE it when my cappucc...

Happy Easter to you, for those who are celebrating! We are currently in Penang, Malaysia on a weeks family holiday. We had some Malaysia Airlines airmiles due to expire, and so took the opportunity for a quick trip to Kuala Lumpur.... With two kids now at University, we really enjoy these last family holidays altogether... especially having only just regrouped back in Australia after having kids studying last year in India and the UK. It seems like only yesterday that they were all very little and our Easter would always include lots of chocolate and of course the Easter Bunny and a massive Easter Egg hunt... It is about this time of year that we recall one Easter in 2006 spent with family friends in China. We were in Yangshou, Guangxi Province, China and took a stroll after breakfast around the wet market that had appeared outside our hotel. The market was alive with all sorts of weird and wonderful fruits and veggies as well as chickens and rabbits. We had an unfortunate experience w...