Nostalgic Penang - Day 1

(This post was published 3 1/2 years late)

It has been 13 long years since we went our separate ways after graduating from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang. The reunion was planned in December 2007 and in March 2008, we finally met up in Georgetown, Penang. Chong and Eng came over from Sg. Petani, Kedah and Quick and his family came all the way from Kota Baru, Kelantan. I flew in from Sibu, Sarawak with a friend.

Though our primary purpose was to meet again after these long years, I have other objectives - visit our alma mater and our old haunts, see how Penang has changed, revisit the tourist spots, walk the streets of Georgetown (which I never did before) and makan my favourite Penang food (which I greatly missed).

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

Airasia Flight AK5921 was scheduled to leave Sibu at 11:55 a.m. However, it was delayed. Subsequently, Flight AK 5951 from Kuching to Penang which was scheduled to leave at 15:10 p.m. was also delayed.

We touched down at Bayan Lepas Airport at about 7 p.m. in a drizzle. Chong was there waiting for us. He still looked the same after 13 years. It was great meeting him.

Soon, we were on our way for our dinner at Queensbay Mall, which Chong said had just opened and was the largest mall in Penang. We ate at a foodcourt but the food was not that great.

After dinner, we went searching for our budget accommodation. I have planned to stay at Hutton Lodge, which had a favorable review. However, the price for two persons did not fit into our budget. Furthermore, Ling wanted an en-suite room. After exploring for a while, we managed to secure a room at Continental Hotel, and it was only available for two nights. Nevertheless we decided to take it since it was already late at night. It was located at the far end of Penang Road.

After checking in, we were on our way to Gurney Drive for supper. It was 10:30 p.m. already. There, both Ling and I ordered Yong Tau Foo, costing RM17 for two bowls. I have never had Yong Tau Foo before. Chong ordered Asam Laksa, also known as Penang Laksa. Later, he ordered Or Chien for the three of us.

After supper, we walked around for a while before deciding to return to our hotel at past mid-night. Chong had to drive back to Sg. Petani, and we did not want to hold him any longer.