We arrived in Penang last Wednesday evening ,late,and we are now ensconced in our apartment thoroughly enjoying the warm weather and wonderful lifestyle.We will be here for 6 weeks.Throughout this period we will take the train to Kuala Lumpur and perhaps take the ferry to Langkawi for a few days.

Ramadan finished yesterday and today is the first day of Hari Raya .
Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Aidilfitri today.Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the month long fast,with two days of joyful celebration.This is a major holiday of the Muslim calendar and it is always busy here.
It is very busy here today with families celebrating together and the traffic is challenging.
Children are on holidays this week so it will be busy.
It was very quiet when we arrived and the hotels in Batu Ferringhi seem to be light on as far as occupancy levels go.
The central eating area has been very busy but that is because the locals choose to eat there.
We were very pleased to sample the famous spring rolls and Char Kuay Teow as well as he banana roti and a good spicy Tom Yum soup.
The area has been very smokey and hazy with the smoke from Indonesia really making visibility difficult.The burning of the rain forests to make way for oil palm plantations is a contentious issue and discussion is featured in the local newspapers regularly.
There was a comprehensive article in the Star Newspaper yesterday endeavouring to debunk some of the common myths about Palm Oil. I have to say I am yet to be convinced!
Tomorrow is Bernie's birthday and it is a public holiday so we will play it by ear!