Away we go!!

At last the family trip to Penang was well on its way on the 29th of May.The first stop was the Istana Hotel where we stayed for the night as we had to pick Haireen from her hostel at about 2pm.The hotel was beautiful especially the foyer.It had very tall pillars and an exceptionally high ceiling.I like high ceiling for it makes a room spanky and posh.The cushions were of course brocade and the scent that pervaded our noses through the air-con was spicy and easy on the nose.However the food at the coffee house was nothing to shout about and so very expensive.Well,you're on holiday so no complaints that way!!
We left for Sg Petani to pick up two impatient grandchildren early in the morning.We left for Penang straight away so it was a trip down again and then across the Penang Bridge.The sea was at its best especially the colour of the water..so blue almost azure.Leisure Cove was where we stayed.It is a time sharing unit and the rooms were comfortable and clean.We could do our own cooking which we did on the last night of our stay.
Penang is still as dirty as the last time I visited.Looks like there's no town planner in the city for you can see little houses nestled between high-rise buildings.It is such an ugly sight!The food court at Fort Cornwallis is the dirtiest place I've come across!Dirty plates and cups were stacked on the floor and mangy furless cats roamed the area.The hawkers were making a bundle each night as the food was expensive.One ordinary glass of teh-tarik cost Rm2.50!I vowed never to eat there anymore if I visited again.Lim Guan Eng should do something about this city instead of whining and crying!!! However,as a consolation,the most beautiful view of Penang was the beach with its crystal blue waters and its sandy beach.It was a sight to behold as we drove towards Telok Bahang on the way to the fruit farm.It made me stop to think how those calm waters could suddenly become tumultous giant waves like they did during the tsunami.The other beautiful view was the one from Queensbay Mall overlooking Pulau Jerejak.If anyone did not know,he would have thought he was in Hawaii.
The fruit farm was ordinary and we did not take the trip to see the fruits because it was expensive.We had fresh fruit juice and of course durians from the farm.The butterfly farm was interesting especially for the children.
We did visit the night market along Batu Ferringhi and all I bought was a glass locket as a souvenier.The Penang Hill was given a miss as we had to wait hours before we could get on it.
Unique is what you'd describe the toy museum.There were so many miniature toys and life-sized ones of movie heroes and villains.The place was small and dingy but it was an enjoyable tour.If ever I visit Penang again this is the place I'd like to revisit..and also the beach.I would want to summon up all my strength to go paragliding!!
The chidren spent much of their time swimming in the pool on the roof-top pool.It was altogether a very enjoyable trip and made even more enjoyable when we stayed the night at The Crowne Plaza Mutiara before leaving for JB the next day.Its a good hotel to stay in and you'll be sure it will be on my good hotels list.
Next destination??Still mulling over it