Day 18: 12/6/23 - Georgetown:
Georgetown isn't the most...accessible location we've stayed at. Dense streets, intense sun, minimal shade, sidewalks that were few and far between (and when they did exist were often motorbike parking), and difficult road crossings made pedestrian life anything but pedestrian. After braving what felt like a 2 mile walk (it was less than a fourth of that), we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Pinxin Vegan Cuisine, a vegan take on local Malaysian cuisine. We overstayed our welcome to avoid the walk ahead of us, and, slightly disheartened, returned to the hotel. In the AC we regrouped, did some more research on what to do in Georgetown, and worked a little on this blog.
Motorbikes parked in what we expected to be sidewalks
Another frustrating sidewalk, which we now realize is actually the residents' front yards/garages.
After the sun had abated a bit, we walked the Chew Clan Jetty (part of what makes Georgetown one of Malaysia's 4 UNESCO world heritage sites!), enjoyed the sights and smells of little India (including a beautiful temple), and did dinner at a vegan sushi spot right by our hotel (SUPE).
Now it may have been that I was hungry and thirsty and tired, and the day had started less than ideally, but this meal almost brought me to tears. An amazing sushi sampler platter, wonderful ramen, and delicious tea made me already excited to go back.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in Penang State.
Some light(?) fumigation at the entrance to the Lee Jetty (we went to the Chew Clan Jetty instead)
View of the Malaysian mainland from Chew Clan Jetty