Penang and KL

Checking out of our hotel we received the cashback as promised due to Mark not being happy with the room and the original price associated. The ferry trip back to Penang flew by due to both of us chatting to an Australian family about almost everything.

Arriving in Penang we were met by Stuart shouting amongst the 'other' taxi drivers for our business. Clara was waiting in the car and after packing our bags into the boot we headed for a quick drink before going to a gallery opening of one of their friends. We looked quite scruffy compared to all the other guests but they didn't mind! We stayed for a while and then went for some food in 'Batu Ferringo' along the coast from Georgetown. We met up with more friends of Stu and Clara's and spent the rest of the evening catching up. It was fantastic to see them and as ever with Stu on the way home we popped into the local for one (several) for the road. The bar was called 'Daya' and Stu told us a story of how this bar used to be just a fridge and some lights when he first stumbled upon it. Since then and obvious support (buying drink) from Stu it now had tables and chairs out the front. In typical Stu style he told that story several times before realising he'd already told us!

The following day we woke up at their Penang pad and chilled for the rest of day in the town and by the pool in their complex. Well, it wasn't very chilled by the pool as Stu was asked to leave due to his shorts being to long and not the correct attire despite them being swimming trunks! He told the security officer in no uncertain terms 'if you want my shorts then you'll have to get in the pool and physically remove them!' - Very entertaining!

We travelled back to KL on the Sunday, kindly driven back by Dave and Sukhvin, the friends we met a couple of nights before - thanks guys. Straight away we started the chore of the washing our clothes. That evening Stu had hockey training so after dropping him off we went grocery shopping with Clara and Alex. After picking Stu up from hockey we went to the local food hall for dinner.

Yesterday we went into KL centre and spent the day walking around the various districts (Golden triangle, Chinatown & Little India) and using the MRT/LRT. After spending the last week or so chilling on beaches it was great to explore again and feel like travellers rather than holiday makers. We met up wth Stu, Clara and Alex for an evening meal at a local German restaurant and Mark had proper sausages! Thanks to having internet on tap we also booked some tent pitches for Austalia and booked our bus ride to Singapore this Friday. Its been great to stay with the Balfour clan in KL and much appreciated. Alex has kept us entertained throughout our stay with her cheeky smile and chatter!

Hope all is well at home and you are all getting into the Christmas spirit!

Love

Mark & Rach. xxx