Happy Lehbit* Year

*"rabbit": way of pronunciation for some lazy tongues of Malaysian Chinese

Sunday Morning in Penang

We actually wanted to go hiking, up Muka Head and ending at the Lighthouse. But rain started *drizzling* when we were in Tanjung Bungah so we decided to spend it more laid-back.

Having dim sum at 9 in the morning, our driver Zhi Ming.

With nothing in mind we text Chien Gay to see if he's home. He is! So we headed to Chew Jetty. Parked our car at Lebuh Acheh to admire all the pre-war houses there.

When terrain suddenly change from land to timber and water, you're unmistakably in one of Penang's most famous sites - the Clan Jetties. Chew is the most well-maintained of all the jetties.

Chean Gay's house so happened to be in a scene of a recent Malaysian production "Ice Kacang Puppy Love". We went inside for some chit-chat and 2 hours just flew past.
Land in Penang is getting so expensive I'd buy myself a wooden house on seawater when I grow up!

Nearing lunch time, we left Chean Gay's house to hunt for food. Mr. Kuat suggested Amelie beside Cheah Kongsi, which we visited and was full.

So next we went to Prangin Mall (any mall is the most convenient place for food). We discovered excellent views up on the 6th floor parking space. All 5 of us stood there for a well 15 minutes taking photographs.

After lots of food and talking we went home. I went to my babysitter's house for another round of feasting later the evening. A weekend of food and fun.

Penang: Chinese New Year

Though I may be biased in this statement, I generally think Malaysia has the best Chinese New Year atmosphere. While Penang holds the largest Chinese population, the heat, the congested roads before and after the festive period all contributes to the joie de vivre only found during this period adorned with red.

Traditional folks usually begin preparation as early as the second last day of the old year, where the wife of the family cooks up a feast befitting for a village - praying to the ancestors - partly thanksgiving for the old year and a splash of luxury for the new. The feast would reflect one's family tradition, roots of ancestry and of course the wife's cooking skills.

Roast chicken.

White chicken.

Stir-fry mixed vegetables.

Salted pickles with duck (kiam-cai ak in Hokkien).

And my favorite - pork stomach soup (tu tor th'ng).

Then families would prepare for the prayers to all the gods at home on the first day of Chinese New Year.

Nian gao (or, surprisingly kuih bakul in Malay).

Of course, unmarried people like me would profit from the little windfall of ang pau money - usually given by married (or working with an income) elders as a blessing for the new year.

One of the fun things (beside peeking the amount of money inside) is to criticize or appreciate the design of ang pau packets, usually distributed free of charge by banks and financial institutions in Malaysia.

The next fun thing is to read cards written by young children.

It's amazing how children have unwavering attention for a television screen.

Families who has lots of guests will prepare a goodies tray in the living room. This is why everybody gains weight during Chinese New Year!

And with everybody fatten up, it's time for photo shoots!

That would be the last of my Penang triad this winter. I will return to Taiwan tomorrow and begin my new semester on Monday - time really does fly - what seemed like a one-month holiday feels like only yesterday. However, let me say that I really cherish the time spent together with friends and family. You guys are the ones that make every holiday season meaningful!

Penang: Places

The swimming pool at USM, where I lost my T-shirt and have to drive home topless.

USM calls themselves 'the university in a garden'. The campus is naturally scenic with plenty of greens, and promises many sights if one visits during dawn or dusk.

Another of Penang's little delights are all the little markets tucked away in the old colonial part of Georgetown. Pictured here Campbell Street market on a Sunday two weeks before Chinese New Year.

English teacher asks "what is the noun for 'a person who sells fish'?"

Spice hawker. I'm never a fan of such things but you need them for your nasi lemak sambal and curries.

As mentioned previously, shopping and eating are two activities Malaysians enjoy regardless of color or creed.

English teacher asks "any noun for 'a person who sells everything related to soy beans'?" None that I can think of - perhaps bean curd / taugeh (bean sprouts) seller?

Another fishmonger, indoors.

Penang's rustic charm takes some time getting used to, and falling in love with.

Spend an evening at Lorong Baru (New Lane) to enjoy all the delicacies Penang is famous for. Penangnites go to New Lane; only foreigners go to the very hyped Gurney Drive.

Upon entering Chowrasta Market, one would be greeted by the skillful spring roll skin maker. His act is a sight to behold.

The very busy Chowrasta Market on the last weekend before Chinese New Year.

Of course, school gatherings and friends reunion is one of the highlights of any holiday season.