Change of plans

We had planned to stay at Batu Ferringhi for two nights but decided to depart early and spend our last night in Penang at the E&O. 

Hard Rock art

I don't like giving poor reviews but the Hard Rock certainly doesn't deserve any great ones. 

After a morning swim we checked out and headed back to the E&O. Our room wasn't ready yet so we set off to explore the town in foot. 

Penang really is old school Asia. The footpaths are called 5 Foot Ways. They're uneven, often in disrepair, but then often paved with beautifully patterned tiles. Shop fronts, houses, and workshops in all states of repair reside side by side under the awnings. 

Penang laksa

It was a very hot day, so we made a couple of rest stops. One, to drink coffee, Malaysian style. Hot, strong and very sweet, made with sweetened condensed milk. So good. 

For lunch we tried the Char kway teow at a local eatery. The vendors usually ask if we like it spicy, which is nice. It was very tasty, and worked well with the icy cold Carlsbergs! 

We came across the famed Penang street art - paintings inter meshed with sculpture. Excellent. 

Back to the hotel for a swim, and to watch the afternoon storms build. 

We're leaving tomorrow to drive to KL, and fly out the following day. This is a significant change to our original plans, but the best use of our time to meet our requirement to go home early. 

Luckily changing flights with Emirates only cost $100 per person, which is very cheap for international travel.