Penang Penang!

I just arrived today in Georgetown, on the island of Penang, Malaysia. Every bit of travel weary disallusionment I have been suffering from is gone - after only a few hours this place has completely revived the sense of awe that compels me to travel in the first place. It is absolutely fascinating. The culture is a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian, so it's like being in three countries at once. The crumbling colonial architecture makes it a photographers dream as well. It's a brilliant place, so full of energy and like nothing I have even seen before.

Right now my camera and I are hiding from the rain, but I have to return to my hotel soon (The Oasis Guesthouse on Love Lane, how cute is that?) Georgetown is also a little on the seedy side, and not the kind of place a single lady should be out late on her own. Figures, one of the rare times I am actually alone! I will see what I can do about that tomorrow. I guess I've been spoiled by traveling so long in places that are almost 100% safe, so it's a serious readjustment being here. People are really friendly though, and everyone wants to talk to me, which is great, but I've got to walk that fine line between being friendly and safe. I wish I had a guarenteed "safely radar" that told me what a persons intentions are when they stop me in the street to chit chat. I guess I'll have to rely on the old gut instinct.