Chew Jetty

Hard to choose a blip today after a full on day. Although we'd not have had any day if L hadn't woken us up at 9am, when we were both dead to the world. Unfortunately, we both had a long period of sleeplessness during the night, hence the difficulty in waking this morning.

It had rained during the night and was still doing so quite heavily during breakfast. However, it had eased more or less by the time we set off from the hotel, although we took an umbrella, more or less as a precaution. We set off on foot, through the local mall, and managed to locate the free shuttle bus which we took to the bus station. That was all fine, but after that, we decided we'd had enough of public transport, so all the subsequent trips around the town (which has more or less no pavements, making it a bit tricky for pedestrians, especially not fully mobile ones) were made by taxi. We took in Chew Jetty, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (where we were guided by the excellent Stanley whose favourite phrase (much used) was "very unique"), the Khoo Kongsi and finally the Sun Yat Sen Museum. Much learning took place. For example, I had no idea that Sun Yat Sen had any connection to Malaysia.

We interperlated lunch at the excellent Cafe Mews, and an afternoon drink on the terrace of the East and Oriental Hotel (where L stayed the last time he was here). Dinner is not yet finally settled, but I'm sure it will be delicious - lunch certainly was. Back at the hotel, L and I floated around in the pool for a while and shared a quiet beer by the poolside.

All in all an excellent day.