Georgetown
Yesterday we got up early to visit Georgetown. I am glad we did, as a result it was less crowded, and fewer stores were open. By the time we arrived we were still able to find a parking spot, and had some cooler weather to stroll around in. In actuality Georgetown was quite empty due to the Chinese New Year. We had hoped coming at this time would allow us to experience some of the New Year festivities. Instead we have found that it is probably the only time that the majority of the stores are fully closed for several days running, and that none of the Chinese restaurants are open. So much for wanting to experience the Chinese aspects of Penang.
However, we were able to see some of the Buddhist traditions of burning incense for the beginning of the new year. Every temple we stopped by was full of people burning incense, the heat of the stoves burning the remainder of the incense stick. and above all the sense that centuries old traditions are being continued. Quite the unique opportunity.
The rest of Georgetown is filled with character because of its varied architecture. It keeps the Malaysian architectural style with the top floors seeming to be the living space and the lower areas are used either for stores or storage. This is throughout Little India and China town, and other areas.
Penang used to be controlled by several clans. They used to own junks along the piers and had their own floating city. Since that time the junks have disappeared to be replaced by a floating community along the jetties. The boys and I enjoyed the walk through this area.
Here you can see how the houses are balanced on cement stilts in the water.
Below you can see what the communities look like from a distance. Another group of homes stretching out into the water.
However, we were able to see some of the Buddhist traditions of burning incense for the beginning of the new year. Every temple we stopped by was full of people burning incense, the heat of the stoves burning the remainder of the incense stick. and above all the sense that centuries old traditions are being continued. Quite the unique opportunity.
The rest of Georgetown is filled with character because of its varied architecture. It keeps the Malaysian architectural style with the top floors seeming to be the living space and the lower areas are used either for stores or storage. This is throughout Little India and China town, and other areas.
Penang used to be controlled by several clans. They used to own junks along the piers and had their own floating city. Since that time the junks have disappeared to be replaced by a floating community along the jetties. The boys and I enjoyed the walk through this area.
Here you can see how the houses are balanced on cement stilts in the water.
Below you can see what the communities look like from a distance. Another group of homes stretching out into the water.
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