I’ve been meaning to set up this blog for a long time now. Enough excuses now, George Town needs to be documented. I’ve begun to realize that all my photos of breathtaking beaches, cool cities and phenomenal food sampling (and there is a lot of that!) are all swiftly sent to social media sites, with no real explanation of the beauty and feelings associated with taking the photos. And who knows what will happen to these photos in years to come? Here, I simply want to look back at the memories one day, with a little bit more than just an emoji attached to the album!
So, George Town..
3 nights was perfect. Enough time to explore the exciting and creative aspect, touring the streets to find another bold image, plastered largely against the ruined side of buildings and walls, yet also finding the time to take a seat, and enjoy the tranquility that surrounds the streets.
Coffee is my best friend in the morning and with out it, it’s just not worth talking to me. Luckily, George Town has adopted a coffee shop on every corner, in fact, every other door will serve a freshly-brewed coffee. We found a few cool spots, Mugshot cafe, served a deliciously, frothy cappuccino and the adjoining bakery serves up freshly baked croissants and pastries too. Sitting on the small wooden chairs, on the street outside, found a perfect balance of being a tourist but capturing the life of locals too. Wheelers Coffee on Love Lane would also be at the top of the list, especially for the vegan sandwich- fresh, tasty and huge!
Love Lane.. How can you not fall in love with it?
Staying at 23 Love Lane was dreamy- decorated with carefully chosen restored furniture and beautifully selected mirrors and wall hangings; all adding to that ‘shabby-chic’ sense which surrounds the town. Instantly this hotel made me feel lifted and I knew it was going to be the perfect escape for a long weekend.
A Cake lovers dream @ China house was fun (and filling!) China House seems to dominate George Town and we didn’t need to walk very far without reading a sign for it from one of it’s partner shops. It houses an array of artistic delights along with a fantastic restaurant, quirky coffee shop and later for the evening, a bouncing bar hosting live music. Claiming to be the longest cafe come bar, I’m glad we succumbed to this obvious choice of eatery. You really do need to experience China House in all it’s glory. We visited for cake and the decision was a tough one.. they all looked heavenly. Then again, one evening we returned for the restaurant, BTB, for a taste of Malaysian delights with a twist and then walked through the chilled courtyard, which is beautiful in the evening, to the bar- unusually named- The Canteen. Faultless for an evening of drinks, music and fun times.
Being a tourist means we had to do a trip somewhere on the list from Trip Advisor..so a very interesting train journey ride up to Penang Hill we went, and I can’t believe I was ever doubting the decision to not. The views up there are stunning. Finding the time to stop and really look at a view can be so powerful. A definite must do for anybody traveling to Penang. We also took a walk around The Habitat ,which takes you on an exotic trail through the rainforest, as well as learning snippets of the history which helped form George Town into the exceptional, one of a kind place, which should be high up on any jet-setter’s list.
