Tag Archives: Penang

All of Our Travels, Cambodia, Croatia, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Slovenia

2014 in Review – Part 2

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Our experiences in 2014 have been rewarding beyond our dreams. Taking the time to look back over all of our blog posts, Facebook posts, and photos has made it all seem even more unbelievable. It’s hard to believe all that we’ve done and the amazing places that we’ve visited. We are truly grateful to have spent the year exploring and learning together, living abroad, and making friends.

There was so much to cover in our year-end review, that we felt that our recollections needed to be broken up into two parts for easier reading. If you haven’t read Part 1, which covers January – June, then you can find it here. Otherwise, read on as we cover our adventures from July – December. Continue reading 2014 in Review – Part 2 →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Urban Sketchers Penang

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We discovered Urban Sketchers when we were planning a trip to Penang, Malaysia. During the three months that we’ve spent in George Town, we’ve participated in their Sketching George Town event and two of their weekly scheduled sketchwalks.

Here is a video consisting of short video clips and photos taken during the recent sketchwalks we attended.

 

If you find yourself in Penang, be sure to look up Urban Sketchers Penang. You’ll be welcomed by a friendly and talented group of passionate sketchers.

 

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Tua Pek Kong Festival

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There always seems to be a celebration or festival happening in George Town, Penang.

Earlier this month, the Poh Hock Seah Temple on George Town’s famous Armenian Street hosted the 3-day birthday celebration of the Taoist God of Prosperity, Tua Pek Kong.

We went to check it out and took some video while we were there. Here’s the result.

 

Other events were scattered around the city and included a lighting ceremony of the festival archway and lanterns and a nighttime parade with colorfully lit floats.

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Chinese Temples in Penang

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There are many beautiful Chinese temples in Penang. They tend to be a mix of both Taoist and Buddhist religions. As such it is not surprising to see images of Taoist deities alongside the Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism, all within the same temple. Many temples were erected and are maintained by Chinese family clans that immigrated to Penang.

They are beautiful to look at and we love to slip in for a quick visit as we are passing by. Here are a few that we enjoyed. Continue reading Chinese Temples in Penang →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Islamic Calligraphy in Penang

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We arrived in Penang, Malaysia just in time for the George Town Heritage Celebration, which is geared toward honoring the unique multicultural charms of this heritage rich city. This years event was themed “Living Legacies”. A number of events, open houses, displays, and markets were set up to showcase traditional cuisine and crafts that have been lovingly practiced and passed down through generations.

Malaysia being a Muslim country and us not having much familiarity with that rich tradition, we decided to attend an open house at the Lebuh Acheh Interpretation Center to view a gallery and a demonstration devoted to Islamic Calligraphy. Continue reading Islamic Calligraphy in Penang →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Malaysian Batik in Penang

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Batik is a textile art and craft with ancient origins. Designs are created on cloth by first applying wax and then fabric dyes. There is some debate about the exact origins of batik, but it can be traced back at least 1,500 years to Egypt and the Middle East. Samples have also been found in Turkey, India, China, Japan and West Africa from past centuries. Some of the most well-known batik traditions are to be found in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Malaysians are very proud of their batik heritage and it is considered a national symbol. It’s also one of the most popular souvenirs for travelers visiting Malaysia.

During our 3 month stay in George Town, Penang we took a batik class and visited the Batik Painting Museum Penang. Continue reading Malaysian Batik in Penang →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Kapitan Keling Mosque

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Each morning, just before dawn, I hear the day’s first Adhan calling George Town’s Muslims to prayer. It’s coming from the nearby Kapitan Keling Mosque, the oldest in Penang. As I’m waking, the lyrical and hauntingly beautiful sound reminds me  that I’m in Malaysia, where Islam is the official religion. Not being Muslim or from a place where the call to prayer is commonly heard, it seems equally exotic and comforting. It’s easy to be enchanted by it. Continue reading Kapitan Keling Mosque →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Graffiti In Progress

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Some call Graffiti vandalism others call it avant-guard or street art. Whatever your personal opinion, it’s hard to deny that this art form can be provocative, entertaining, and beautiful if seen with an open mind.

GraffitiInProgress_2 Continue reading Graffiti In Progress →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

Sketching George Town

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“I sometimes think there is nothing so delightful as drawing.” – Vincent van Gogh

The ability to draw is a powerful gift. It’s a means of communicating, daydreaming, developing and clarifying ideas, inventing, sharpening your observation skills, expressing your creativity, even meditating. Most children love to draw, but as we become adults, many of us find ourselves wondering when and why we quit. Perhaps not surprisingly, our son loves to draw. Also, not surprisingly, we think he’s pretty talented for his age. It’s a goal of ours to help nurture his interest, whenever and wherever possible.

Sketching-George-Town-II_PosterAs we travel from place-to-place, we enjoy finding fun art-related activities. In the process of researching our trip to Penang, Malaysia, we discovered that there was an Urban Sketchers Penang group and that they were organizing an event that would take place during our visit. The more that we read about the Sketching George Town II event, the more excited we got. The 3-day event would include workshops, talks, sketchwalks, and social activities. Over 170 avid sketchers from at least 10 countries in the region were registered to take part. This was PERFECT! Continue reading Sketching George Town →

All of Our Travels, Malaysia

George Town Shophouses

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George Town is the capital of the island and state of Penang, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. One of the most charming features of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is its well-preserved colonial core that boasts many restored shophouses dating from as early as the 19th century.

These lovely, often colorful, old buildings line most streets, creating a wonderful Old World character to the city. You will definitely find a mix of old and new, refurbished and diamonds in the rough. Here are a few of our favorites.

GeorgeTownOldHouse_14 Continue reading George Town Shophouses →