Day 32 of 102

We arrived at Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, after six sea days from Muscat, Oman.  It is hard to believe I am so far from home, with northern Australia now appearing on the maps shown on the stateroom T.V. 

It was suggested that I should take a taxi to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, and then book a cab to where my friends from Buxton were on holiday. The E&O is a fabulous hotel that backs onto the seafront.

I had offered to take John and Pauline (from Buxton) out to lunch during my brief stay in Penang. Pauline replied, “There will be four of us!.” “I’d better get some Malaysian Ringgits,” I mused to myself.   Although I was originally to be met at the cruise terminal, I thought that it might be a better idea for me to make my way to their hotel where I would be welcomed warmly, and my taxi fare taken care of. John was waiting for me at their hotel entrance. I was shown their room, home for, I think, five weeks. Views from their third floor accommodation were spectacular and beautiful.

After a few moments, John Pauline and I would adjourn to extensive grounds where an umbrella covered round table with sunloungers and garden chairs was one of many for hotel guests. We would soon⁹ be joined by friends Jim and Rhona, and lunch ordered. For the first time, I had iced tea with lemon and no sugar. This proved most refreshing. For lunch, we chose what we wished from the menu, putting much of the food in the middle for all to share. The hotel is one of only a few, having just about come through the pandemic. Covid-19 has put paid to many local businesses, and it will take many years before any appreciable recovery.

All too soon, it was time to prepare for my journey back to the ship via an ATM machine. I now have plenty of local currency should I need it tomorrow. On the way, we would call in at an apartment to which our friends had authorised access. The apartment set high in the hills enjoyed heavenly views

Now, it really was time to head to the cruise terminal. 16.30 hrs was the revised time for all to be aboard. I think I walked up the gangplank at just after 4 pm.

We would soon. Be on our way to Port Kelang (for Kuala Lumpur). I owe it to myself to go to Kuala Lumpur, but I think the plan will just be to take the shuttle bus into the main part of the port town. We’ll see.

It’s 1 am! Thanks for reading, David, about to fall asleep!