Peter and I are both back after our holiday away in Penang. Although we had been there before it had changed a little.
The dichotomy between the tourist driven lifestyle and the poverty of some of the local residents was more pronounced than last we went, and we noticed many once beautiful Georgian and Victorian houses fallen into complete disrepair. I can understand why people who have known it for a long time, such as Columnist, must be saddened by what it has become.
Still, we made the most of our trip. I was sad not to see as many monkeys as before. According to a local we talked to the industrialization and construction work is fast whittling away at their natural habitat. Little fellows, such as this one up a tree, are becoming a rarer sight.
A Chinese Temple...
A Hindu Temple..
Examples of the crumbling edifices of yesteryear, this one just across the road from the E&O....
Another old house abandoned...
Above photo copyright of Donkey and The Mule
Not all the old houses have gone to rack and ruin...
Above photo copyright Noogy Cruz
There were many local tailors who were able to make suits there very reasonably, with a 3 day turnaround. We had several jackets, suits, shirts and ties made while we were there, so one night we decided to try them on and dress for cocktails just for fun..
The hotel had cocktail hour between 5 and 7 every day and a small canape buffet, up on the 6th floor. There was an indoor lounge and bar, and an outdoor terrace complete with an infinity pool overlooking the Strait of Malacca in which the island sits...
So, now back to the reality of work again in Dubbo for me, and Hamilton for Peter. He arrived home to find that the rain has finally started to fall, which should break the back of the drought at Willowbrook; and it looks as if the manor house foundations will start next month (I'll believe it once the first sod has been turned!)
looks like a great vacation!!
ReplyDelete