pearl of the orient

been twenty-five years since our last visit, we think. plus ca change etc.

• penang hill, in the distance, looks the same. benignantly maternal and immanent
• the old zinc roofs and shophouses continue uncensored and firmly in the last two centuries
• although the mid-century-style chinese schools now sport LED welcome billboards
• georgetown gentrification looks shabby chic by now. they need a new wave soon
• our palate is no longer as intrepid as it was. or perhaps our eyes miss less

but penang remains a magical place to visit, i tell HOM:

• the people are friendly and unassuming and speak the dialect of my childhood
• the place is messy the traffic is 'orrible but it all works anyway
• there are surprisingly few smokers out loose
• the food is good and the exchange rate is favorable
• the peranakan museum was gorgeous. with english-speaking guides! yesss