再见小娘惹

娘惹糕

We started our simple trip again - 4 days kinda of trip which was manageable & fun. Our luggage were hand carried one way and check-in the way back.

This time round, we selected Penang - a place that most of us will just transit when going to Thailand or down to KL. I have been to Penang for several times, mostly by bus and once by plane. Penang to me was more like a makan place with open air hawker and Penang is good for laksa and chendol. The last round I went was with my parents during CNY.

This round, we went on "makan" mission, engaging local contact to drive us around trying local delicacies. Frankly, though I knew Penang as one of the former straits settlements, I didn't connect it to Nonya and Baba culture. It amazes us for the rich culture it has. 

We also wanted to catch fireflies as part of the trip. However, it was raining and thunderstorm lurking around and I made the decision to forgo the trip for safety and assurance. I felt that the bugs won't be flying or appearing under the bad weather and hence no point to continue feeding the mozzy in the waters.  I didn't know kerbaya was a delight for my wife and we should plan it in our itinerary to avoid any disappointment. We chanced upon a local "antique" shop near Chulia Street and there was a real Nonya granny sharing with us her family photos and history, Her rich and okay-maintained kerbaya were colorful though I usually dun prefer to buy old stuff like old clothing.  As can be deciphered from the family biz that kerbaya was only a secondary biz among other antiques sold. This culture may soon diminish if we do not value or treasure it I guess. This might be the reason why the Nonya granny found joy and pride in sharing her stories with us.

Penang was real hot this time - making us reluctant going far or staying out long. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed a fair bit of outdoor excursion to Si Lek Si Temple and Khoo Kongsi mansion and went to Gurney Mall and very far Ferringhi.  One thing strikes me was the friendliness of the bus drivers and they really provided good customer service and patience to every passenger. Bus tickets are still a norm and we have to ask the driver the fare before paying. We took buses most of the time and Komtar was one of the "interchange" station for us to change and connect buses to other areas.  Like what my wife said, Komtar was not as interesting and she didn't plan it in the itinerary as she told herself she won't go there after her last trip in Penang LPC. But me as usual who remember Komtar as a "In" place wanted to go there to take a look and rekindle fond memories. Frankly, I am one that likes to take a look at places that I have been to so as to see if there are any more changes. Recollecting memories is a fun way of revisit a place and sharing old stories with my loved ones.