Penang, Malaysia

After yesterday's complete non-stop downpours, today dawned a bit lighter and brighter.  Off to explore this outpost of 200 years of multicultural history.  It became a British trading post in 1786 (at a spot named Fort Cornwallis --yes for that Cornwallis!).  Shortly thereafter other Europeans, Chinese traders, Indian traders (mostly Tamil Muslims), and Armenians arrived to share the island with  the Malays.

I visited the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to learn more about the Peranakan culture:  the Chinese who moved to Penang (also Singapore, Melaka, and Phuket) and acted as middlemen in the trade world.  They were exceedingly rich -- in part due to the opium trade.

The streets are filled with religious buildings (churches, temples, mosques), clan houses,  traditional trades, and all manner of everyday living.

Famous 3-D Street Art 

It Almost Looks Real from a distance....

Cendol:  The Cooling Snack of Penang.  The green strands are sweetened pea flour -- and along with
sweetened beans are layered on a base of crushed ice with palm sugar and coconut milk.  STUNNING!