Gurney drive
A fun, if slightly exhausting two days in Penang. Two things stand out. First, the food is excellent and generally much cheaper than Thailand; which was something of a shock. Our multi-roti breakfasts for example, with curry sauce and cups of tea, cost about 35 baht each. Secondly, the people were very friendly and extra-helpful. English is widely spoken, so Malaysians have less worry than the Thais about starting up a conversation. Whenever we appeared lost, there would be someone at our side offering to give us directions. People in restaurants would provide advice on food; the hotel staff were desperate to help in any way they could.
Best of all was an encounter I had at a bus stop. I was standing behind the stop in the shade when I was approached by an interesting character. He was dressed like an Islamic scholar, he seemed a little shy and awkward and his English was not so good; but he was determined to communicate.
“You, bus?” he enquired “Yes, I am waiting for the bus.” “Cannot.”
This was not enough information. Cannot stand here? Cannot get a bus even though I am next to a bus stop. Cannot expect a bus to come this week? I looked nonplussed.
“Cannot”, he said again, and gestured towards the five ringgit note in my hand.
I maintained my nonplussed expression and suspected I may be in the company of a deranged man.
He then rummaged around in his pockets and extracted five one ringgit notes and held them out to me. Finally I understood; the bus driver would not accept five ringgit notes and this man was determined to ensure I was adequately equipped with change.
I took his notes, gave him my single note and thanked him. He smiled and shuffled off down the street. In how many countries would that happen?
Thanks Malaysia, we had a very good time.
Comments 🔗
2011-06-28| Mike says" Finally I understood; the bus driver would not accept five baht notes "
Uhmm.. why am I not surprised at that ? LOL. But I get what you meant.
2011-06-28| Spike saysOops! Thanks; now corrected.
2011-06-28| genuinej says“advice on food”? Advise, surely, Shirley.
2011-06-28| Spike saysI believe “advice” is correct. Or at least, it is now. Thanks for advising me with your advice.
2011-07-02| Billy the Brush saysLovely, neart waqrming story …. now, back to reality :-(
2011-07-02| Billy the Brush sayserm, heart warming?