Penang, the Jewel of Malaysia.

 I first came to Malaysia as part of a team competing in the Asian cities championship in either 1981 or 1982, I don't remember. Since then a lot of things have changed including the bridge linking the mainland to the island, to be precise two bridges.

One links Butterworth with Georgetown, the other one, which is much longer Links the mainland to Queensbay, which is the IT capital of Malaysia. This is the newer, longer one.

This is or was the longest bridge in the world at some stage to the best of my recollection. Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.

This is also the one to the airport.

My hotel also has a rooftop bar on the 5th floor with a bar a spa bath and a great view over the town with Penang Hill in the distance.

The promenade near the harbour reminds me a lot of the Malecon in Havanna. Headcoverings are not as popular in Cuba nor is the food as good but the young people sit on the concrete fence and socialise the same.

This is the Victoria clock tower close to the harbour and Fort Cornwallis

The next day I was treated to a Starbucks coffee and a blitz session against one of Malaysia's young talents, Jieyi Goh. I did not escape unscathed.

Later in the afternoon I couldn't resist a visit to the Chocolate and Coffee museum. One is greeted by smiles and samples followed by a small but concise exibit of the history of Coffee and Chocolate.

☺

The raw ingredients.

Cacao on the hoof.

Mosques, churches and various temples adorn the streets, co-existing side by side. They are a testament to Malaysia's multiculteral society.

Love lane is just around the corner from my Hotel. Unsurprisingly it is lined with bars and massage shops.

This episode was brought to you by my new toy, a Galaxy tablet which I aquired at the local mall. I didn't bring my laptop with me because I want to see if I can blog and prepare for chess games with a tablet. 

It seems blogging is possible if a little more awkward and time will tell if prep is possible. I have downloaded "Scid on the go" which is far less functional compared to the PC version. If anyone knows of good chess apps for android please let me know ☺

Stay tuned for the next episode from the Commonwealth Championship from New Delhi.