Asia & Australia : Georgetown on the island of Penang

B is "testing" the bed out at The Noordin Street Hotel

After leaving KL our train journey continued north to Butterworth. We disembarked from the train and caught the ferry to Penang island. We took a taxi to our hotel, The Noordin Street Hotel. This is a boutique hotel that was converted from an old house - a bit more like a b&b in US. The staff are terrific and we even got an upgraded room. However this involves a long flight of stairs, so we try not to go up and down too many times...lol Our room is delightful and the bed even has a canopy - wasn't sure I liked it as much when she mentioned it was mosquito netting...lol!
Here is Jessie and Sandra - notice she is wearing a Redskins t-shirt! lol!

And here is one with me and Sandra. They were both so friendly and eager to help. Jessie English was excellent, but Sandra said she wanted to come to US and visit...

This is Nelson - he is adorable, agreeable and strong. I have encouraged him to come to America to be my pool boy - B is agreeable as long as he gets to pick out Thai lady masseuse also...so we may be adding to our household...lol!

typical train ticket

B is sad he does not have a phone while waiting for the ferry

his hands are empty and he still owns a "beam mu Scotty" flip phone which is at home...lol

the ferry with Penang in background

We asked about a nearby massage, and her response, "oh you want massage - she comes here to your room. 1 hour, 20 dollar" So that's what B did while I blogged away.

He chose Chinese food for dinner and Jessie, the manager, recommended a place 2 blocks away. It was very good and we shared a plate of sweet & sour chicken with fried rice. They prepare chicken here in Malaysia by just butchering it and cooking it on the bone. It is strange to get in noodle and rice dishes, but usually is succulent and juicy. On our walk we discovered another eatery and I like this idea. We could take Iota and eat while she plays...

Today's adventure (I can't believe I am caught up on the blog! Hurray!) was another ho-ho bus. Georgetown is a much more interesting city and the bus only took 2 hours to go around. We always ride on the top outside of the double decker buses - after about 4 stops today, we picked up a gang of passengers from the cruise port off a Princess ship. I shifted over to sit with B, and they all trooped in, taking all the seats. A lady was standng while her husband was sitting, and this offended the very British man in the next seat. He said the French man should get up and give his seat to his wife & he refused. It got into a pushing/shoving match that looked like it was going to evolve into fisticuffs. Later the French man was rude to me & I really wanted to show him my new manicure with the teal nailed middle finger, but I restrained myself - just barely... They finally got off and everyone breathed easier. It was fun to chat with folks about their cruise and tell them about our trip. After doing the city loop around we got off in the local market & bought a few t-shirts. Just for me and Brian - as I know most of you don't wear t-shirts...LOL! For you Emily...
We finished our shopping and began the trek back to the hotel. Guess what? It took us through another mall! LOL! It was lunchtime, but I was craving something homey, so we ate at Subway...lol
Enjoyed the pool at our hotel and now B is taking his daily afternoon nap - yep that's right folks, he got old... and I am finishing up this blog. Enjoy the pictures from Butterworth's city tour. Tomorrow we will take the other ho-ho line that tours the island and goes out to the beach. Have a great day today and a better one tomorrow. Okay, we took a break for an forgettable