Sights and smells of Penang

I was in Penang last weekend for the launch of Kechara Soup Kitchen there. It was a relatively low key event but we were still graced by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Lim Guan Eng. He seemed rather down to earth, attending the event with his wife and son. It was nice, fair-weathered day, with downcast sky and the event was soon over and we took a walk around town. 

From left to right: Mr Ng Wei Aik (Penang State Assemblyman for Komtar), Datuk Dr Victor Wee (Patron of Kechara Soup Kitchen and Chairman of Malaysian Tourism Board), Penang’s Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng, Ms Betty Chew (wife of Penang Chief Minister), Dato’ Ruby the President of Kechara Soup Kitchen, Ms Patsy Lim (Branch Director of Kechara Soup Kitchen Penang). Congratulations KSK! Kechara is going nationwide! 

No trip to Penang is complete without savouring its rich and vibrant street food. Here in this picture is James Won, Paul and Iryne (not pictured here) tasting the yummy Cendol on Lebuh Keng Kwee. We went to numerous places and tried lots of stuff. Clearly, I overate. There goes my diet regiment!

I just love the old-world charm of these old colonial buildings. However, not all of them are restored beautifully. Now, this dentist looks a little too paranormal. Would you want to get you teeth checked in here?

Most of downtown Georgetown, Penang is best spent walking on the streets. If you were like me, you would be snapping away. Unfortunately, I am not photographer so many of them didn’t come out beautifully as they looked in real life. 

In Penang, I met James Ooi, (pictured above with me) and he turned out to be a Penang fan of mine. He read my book, There’s No Way But Up and has turned more towards spirituality and has even taken on H.E. Tsem Tulku Rinpoche as his spiritual guide. Good for him! Thank god we have Patsy who nurtures him in Penang. He does frequently sms back and forth with me as well. It’s really nice to know that people appreciate my book.