Welcome to George Town.

We left Kuala Lumpur for George Town, Penang; a spot long on my list of dream food destinations.

George Town has a very small community feel to it but they manage to cram more variety, zip and spiffy surprises into a few square miles than we've seen almost anywhere.

The city is a pousse-café of Indian, Chinese, Muslim, European, and Malay with little touches of travelers from every corner of the globe thrown in.

In just a few blocks you can see a Hindu temple, a Buddist shrine, a stately mosque,

pick up a sari, down some char kway teow, be impressed by killer street art,

and lose at mah jong.

It's pretty great.

The city is easily walkable but if you need a lift there's never a shortage of brightly colored trishaws to truck you around.

If you're lucky you may even score a ride with this guy. They don't just give out the title of "master" for nothing you know.

There are several fun markets to visit.

Lots of good people watching,

and days could be spent just wandering around and admiring the dilapidated but stunning architectural detailing.

The place has charisma.

For all you fashonistas, Jimmy Choo got his start here.

Nutmeg art celebrating one of their much loved crops.

George Town also has a waterfront for good strolling and much needed breezes.

If you're like us, a raven will spot you and creepily stalk you all the way back to your hostel. Not that it was spooky or anything.

(Note: Totally fucking spooky.)

We've got a few more more posts coming up where we'll attempt to lay out the amazing food scene and get you acquainted (or reacquainted) with a few of the specialties.

And you can also meet cool ladies like this! Check out those arm warmers!

But in the meantime I just wanted to set the stage for the incredible energy of this place. Anywhere I can visit and see these two things on the same block most definitely gets my full stamp of approval.

Love it!

Comments

[Ling]

I <3 Penang deep deep...