Heritage House?

The Pahang Road house in Penang had formally changed ownership as of last month. It felt kind of weird not be able to visit the house this Raya. It seemed to be our usual congregation point.

One of my cousins alerted me that the house was being renovated and would be changed into some sort of heritage house. I had to go and check it out if that was for real. And it was.

The old verandahStill, I was not really sure about what the new owner had in mind. But they seemed to be putting a lot of effort and money into the project. And the signs on the wall - quite literally on the wall - was pretty interesting. The sign said "Rumah Kampung Mohamed Hj Md Ariff", which was my late Grandfather.

Should be interesting to find out what would come out of this ....

All Good Things ...

After four nights, it was finally time to - reluctantly - say goodbye to Penang and this genuinely superb hotel. The boys were already making noise about extending for another day, but unfortunately I have clinic tomorrow.

The helped with the packing this morning, after we had breakfast. It was enough time still for me for a brief walk after Subuh. While walking around Love Lane - about 10 minutes away - I stumbled across a camera crew shooting a scene. We had to stay quiet for a couple of moments before allowed to cross. When I did, I noticed that one of the lady behind the camera was an old acquaintance.

Breakfast before setting off ...Can't really argue when they carry all three sports channelsA brief chat then, she had to go back to work. While I had to walk to the hotel to join Anita and the boys for breakfast. The weather was certainly very nice this morning, as if not letting us go .....

Goodbye Penang. Goodbye Eastern & Oriental ...

Padang Kota

A trip to Penang for me won't be complete without a stop at Padang Kota for laksa, sotong kangkung (squid and spinach) or sotong bakar (grilled squid). But most of the time it would be all three - like today.

After an afternoon nap, we set off for a ten minutes drive up the street to Padang Kota. Still early, we managed to get a spot to park without much hassle. Sat down, ordered the stuff and enjoyed the food. The boys only stared at us at the beginning although later Irfan joined us for laksa.

We tended to order from the same stall every time we came here. It was located at a corner, away from the sea front where most of the customers usually sat. It was good again today, although the squid was rather overcooked. The laksa was still the bomb though.

Sotong kangkungSome proper laksaOf course, some sotong bakarNext came the walk along the beach front. There were many vendors selling toys, and my boys went for the bubble guns. Before long, it was mayhem!

It was still an overcast day, with not much wind, making the weather rather muggy. A strong breeze would have been better. Once the bubbles dried up, we took a drive towards Batu Feringghi. It was almost Maghrib when we reached there, and Anita decided against getting off. There was a night market near the main intersection and the traffic was already starting to build up.

Time to head back to the hotel then ...

First Impression

When it comes to hotels, first impression could mean everything. It could be the maker or the breaker. So, we were expecting great things from Eastern & Oriental when we landed there yesterday, and we were not disappointed. In fact, for Puan Anita, she was impressed the moment she first set foot. As for me, I needed some warming up. The reception lady looked at me with a certain look when I arrived, and I got the distinct feeling that she was sizing me up. Especially when I booked for four nights ....

We booked at the Heritage Wing, the older and more exclusive site. Not exactly the most expensive room, but all the rooms at that particular wing didn't come cheap. They were all suites, and the key word when I opened the room door - no, I did not open the door, the butler did - was opulence.

Where we sat at whil being checked into our roomThe grand old staircaseAnita exploring the room of course. Before things get messy!Everything screamed antiques and quality. The butler took time to explain the workings of the rooms and the services provided.

We then went for a late lunch at one of the cafe - named after the Armenian brothers who built the hotel - Sarkies. Idlan went straight for the sirloin and scones. My God, it was gorgeous. Me? I had some laksa .... Old school ....

Time for a late lunch at SarkiesIdlan in his elements after ordering his steakSnap courtesy of IrfanThen came the photography session. I had to compete with a couple of Chinese couples doing their wedding photography there. There was a small patch of grass where my boys duly ran on. We went combed through the hotel looking at all the decorations and and services.

There were a couple wings at the hotel, the traditional one which we stayed at - called The Heritage Wing - and a more recently built Victory Wing, six floors with a car park.

Time to explore the rest of the hotelMaking our way across the compoundAlong the marbled corridorAt our wing, we had our private pool on the ground floor. I sampled it yesterday evening while waiting for dinner - it was room service. Nice relaxing laps while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of crashing waves.

We left the windows opened during sunset to listen to the waves. Unfortunately the hotel faces the north part of the island. One had to venture outside to see the sunset. But we did face the sunrise this morning. So, GoPro to the ready tomorrow morning .....

Holiday was Sorted

For the after EId break this year, we would be going back to Penang. But this time, rather than staying with the relatives, we decided to lay low and stay at a hotel in town. We decided to spend most of the time indoors - if there such a thing.

The initial plan was to get a room at Batu Feringghi, at one of the beach resorts. But while browsing, Anita discovered a converted old Colonial mansion which was now a hotel. No arguments. We did the booking this afternoon ....

If would be smack in the middle of Georgetown. I have never been to this hotel before, so hopefully the hype were true .... Fingers crossed!