It is uncanny how two months have past since February and not yet close to completing year 2008 that my cousin i.e. Melissa and I started planning for Chinese New Year (CNY) 2009. Admittedly, I am addicted to the exciting moments I had with my cousins when I was home; so readily addicted that I have been having withdrawal symptoms ever since returning to the United States (US). Some of my counterparts believed me to be playing a prank when I expressed how I almost needed a therapist because of my addiction. The factors alleviating my problem are constant gym workouts, tube entertainment and work related ‘pressures’.
Melissa like me must be pining too much for these fun occasions that I received an instant message from her written all in capitals as I logged into MSN Messenger one morning. She wrote, ‘SKFY, WE ARE SO GOING TO LANGKAWI FOR CNY NEXT YEAR!’
Really, I maybe having withdrawal symptoms but this girl was desperate and plagued by boredom. At two in the afternoon Eastern Time and hers in the wee hours of the morning, we started planning for the trip. The excitement was fueling her like caffeine for I would have been dead tired at that time.
Relating this incident to J, he foresee that she and I are going to have a tough 2008 until we see light at the end of the tunnel which literally translates to the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 (by the way, CNY 2009 falls on January 26th 2009). While J could relate to our excitement, bouts of desperation and withdrawal symptoms, many in my family were wondering which wires in our heads were gravely messed up.
To begin with, it was the fun we had at the waterfall (write up previously posted in OA & OA Part 1). Next, were the fire crackers that we fired off ‘burning’ our hard earned money in the process. Although not fully described in any of my write ups, it happened at night on the eve of CNY 2008. Also, I would like to reiterate that it was exhilarating.
Last but not least, our short escapade to Penang. Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca. The state is geographically divided into two sections i.e. Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) and Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai).
Melissa like me must be pining too much for these fun occasions that I received an instant message from her written all in capitals as I logged into MSN Messenger one morning. She wrote, ‘SKFY, WE ARE SO GOING TO LANGKAWI FOR CNY NEXT YEAR!’
Really, I maybe having withdrawal symptoms but this girl was desperate and plagued by boredom. At two in the afternoon Eastern Time and hers in the wee hours of the morning, we started planning for the trip. The excitement was fueling her like caffeine for I would have been dead tired at that time.
Relating this incident to J, he foresee that she and I are going to have a tough 2008 until we see light at the end of the tunnel which literally translates to the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 (by the way, CNY 2009 falls on January 26th 2009). While J could relate to our excitement, bouts of desperation and withdrawal symptoms, many in my family were wondering which wires in our heads were gravely messed up.
To begin with, it was the fun we had at the waterfall (write up previously posted in OA & OA Part 1). Next, were the fire crackers that we fired off ‘burning’ our hard earned money in the process. Although not fully described in any of my write ups, it happened at night on the eve of CNY 2008. Also, I would like to reiterate that it was exhilarating.
Last but not least, our short escapade to Penang. Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca. The state is geographically divided into two sections i.e. Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) and Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai).
Map of Penang
Instead of using the infamous Penang Bridge to traverse to Penang Island, we decided to take the ferry for old time’s sake. Cross-channel ferry services that connect Penang Island and Province Wellesley were the only link between the island and mainland until the bridge was completed in 1985.
A family in two cars headed towards Butterworth, Province Wellesley and waited for our turn to board the ferry. As there were so many traveling during the festive season, it was a lengthy wait at the jetty. Bored as can be, those in the first car alighted to investigate the surroundings. It was after all a while since anyone of us used a ferry as a means of transportation. The slightly older folks in the second car were not as keen to disembark and remained in the vehicle.
A family in two cars headed towards Butterworth, Province Wellesley and waited for our turn to board the ferry. As there were so many traveling during the festive season, it was a lengthy wait at the jetty. Bored as can be, those in the first car alighted to investigate the surroundings. It was after all a while since anyone of us used a ferry as a means of transportation. The slightly older folks in the second car were not as keen to disembark and remained in the vehicle.
Vehicle 1: Me, Kelvin, Michelle, J and Melissa at the jetty
Vehicle 2: Third aunt, Rachael, Cousin Mei Ling, Aunt Anne, Maternal grandma
Kelvin, Me and Melissa
The mind is a peculiar entity. It reacts in countless ways when one is bored. Mine gravitates towards being inquisitive and mischievous. I beckoned my cousins to hush and had Melissa take photos as evidence while I execute the following ever so carefully.
I was however unsuccessful on my second attempt to complete my quest on the other nostril. J woke up (I am not going to divulge what happened thereafter).
We finally made it to the island. Unfortunately, family members in car number two did not make it as the car acted up. It would not start up due to over heating. By the time the car started to act right, my aunt decided not to complete the trip and headed home (Taiping) with the rest of the family.
Disappointed they could not join those who successfully endured, we continued our escapade by driving around the overcrowded island and stopped at Gurney Drive for a bite. Gurney Drive used to be known for its scrumptious hawker food. Though selection was plentiful, it is no longer as flavorful. Better eating places can be found at McAlister road, Penang Road or Air Itam. Nonetheless, the food though not the best definitely outdoes Malaysian food served at chain restaurants in the US (The flavor is nowhere near authentic and I mean you ‘Penang Restaurant' located in most metropolitan areas in the US).
After filling up on food under the scorching heat, we headed to Batu Ferringhi located adjacent to Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah. Batu Ferringhi consists of strip of beaches on the northern coast of Penang. Days when I was younger, the beaches were almost untouched. Presently, there are numerous large hotels, restaurants and souvenir stores. Not helpful to the environment I must add.
We finally made it to the island. Unfortunately, family members in car number two did not make it as the car acted up. It would not start up due to over heating. By the time the car started to act right, my aunt decided not to complete the trip and headed home (Taiping) with the rest of the family.
Disappointed they could not join those who successfully endured, we continued our escapade by driving around the overcrowded island and stopped at Gurney Drive for a bite. Gurney Drive used to be known for its scrumptious hawker food. Though selection was plentiful, it is no longer as flavorful. Better eating places can be found at McAlister road, Penang Road or Air Itam. Nonetheless, the food though not the best definitely outdoes Malaysian food served at chain restaurants in the US (The flavor is nowhere near authentic and I mean you ‘Penang Restaurant' located in most metropolitan areas in the US).
After filling up on food under the scorching heat, we headed to Batu Ferringhi located adjacent to Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah. Batu Ferringhi consists of strip of beaches on the northern coast of Penang. Days when I was younger, the beaches were almost untouched. Presently, there are numerous large hotels, restaurants and souvenir stores. Not helpful to the environment I must add.
Walking towards a favorable spot on the beach
At the beach, all but J touched the water. Let us just say J was being a wimp. Apparently, his feet coming in contact with the sea water could exacerbate his oncoming flu (roll eyes). We were there for approximately three hours. Imagine what we can do in three hours especially when we have one of our youngest cousins with us. To put it mildly, playing tricks on Michelle is an activity Melissa, Kelvin and I love doing.
Kelvin, Melissa and Me in borrowed swimming trunks
Piling sand on Michelle
Buried Michelle (we told her it was a photo shoot before leaving her there)
Group photo.....J asleep somewhere
Summing it all up, I had a fantastic time so did everyone on the trip. As Melissa and I plan for CNY 2009 which the entire family will celebrate with a bang, our industrious minds will definitely be pondering on CNY 2010.
Pssstt…..in case you did not know, CNY 2010 falls on February 14th 2010 ;)
Pssstt…..in case you did not know, CNY 2010 falls on February 14th 2010 ;)
For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/13/Penang_2008_A_Day_Trip
