Georgetown, the capital of Penang Island, is known primarily for 3 things: multiculturalism, food, and street art. I’ve only been here for two and a bit days but I feel that I have managed to experience all three. It’s been a very enjoyable place to regroup and rest.
In particular, I’ve really enjoyed wondering around spotting exhibits from the “Marking George Town” sculpture project. This simple but effective idea consists of steel rod characatures dotted around the streets in significant locations around the historic streets, depicting a (usually humourous) scene connected to the history or culture of that street or district, with a short explanation next to it. For example one read: “A cannon shot fired during the 1867 Penang Riots made a large hole in this area, hence the name “Cannon street.” Another read: “Much of the traffic of pilgrims to and from the Muslim holy land for the Haj went through Acheen Street, where tickets for the trip were sold.” Another one read: “This is the place where the famous shoe designer Jimmy Choo started his apprenticeship.”
There are 52 scluptures all together – I don’t think I saw them all, but I saw lots. In any case walking around trying to spot them (armed with a map with their locations marked) is a really fun way to see the town, and you also get to learn lots of little interesting nuggets of information at the same time! There are also lots of other bits of cool street art dotted around, as well as quirky streets and interesting buildings. I definitely had fun exploring, and ate lots of nice food along the way!
Tomorrow, I am setting out on what will be the final section of my cycling journey, including another two rest days when I get to the mountains. I now only have 5 days of cycling left, and 7 total days (including rest days) until I arrive in Kuala Lumpar, my final destination for cycling. From there I will take the bus to Singapore and the plane to New Zealand. Not long left in Asia now at all!
My final few days of cycling do include a fair bit more climbing than my recent pancake-like costal cycling. It’s what you get for trying to visit pretty mountain scenary, but in any case I’m going to be rounding my trip off with a bang in terms of effortful cycling! Luckily I have taken the opportunity these last two rest days to stock up on lots of snacks to take with me to fuel me up the hills! Wish me luck!
Dancing in the Dawn 