attempt at a bit of Penang atmosphere

view from our hotel

view from a temple

quick descent down from Penang Hill

M & O at the famous blue mansion ( due to restrictive entry times I was back at the grand old hotel with napping twins)

behind closed doors at Vincent with (Air Cond)

poolside at our hotel, for a g&t in Georgetown

Sorry, can't come up with more descriptions - it is small, undeniably rundown and once oriented, very charming. The older part, which is really all we saw, reminded me of Havana. But I realize that may not be the most helpful of comparisons. Like Havana it seems to have a unique relationship with time while still marching on. I did get the feeling, as I did in Havana, this can't last. This delicate balance that makes it feel so... real. Shop houses will be torn down or fixed up like Disney land. It is by no means new on the map but surely tourists will begin to flock more ? ( The town has apparently just been given UNESCO world heritage designation) Regardless I felt privileged & very happy to wander the streets ( as much as we could with three in tow) as they are now.