Off to Malaysia, part 4

George Town, cooking classes and the rush of the last days

Third week in Malaysia, and I am starting to feel that the time is running out, I would like to do a lot of stuff so I have to organize better the time I have left. At the time I'm writing this, I have only 4 days left wich I will spend out of Kuala Lumpur so I will not have much time for all the things I wanted to do here.

But let's talk about what happened last week. At Sarang Cookery we had three cooking classes and one big dinner, also I went to the north of Malaysia, to George Town.

About the cooking classes, on Sunday we had Naho from Japan who, as I said in the previous post, decided to celebrate her birthday doing a cooking class, on Wednesday we had a couple from Canada, Angela and Richard, but with Indonesian origins and on Friday a German couple, Vita and Johannes, with their daughter and Emy from Malaysia.

I was taking pictures and videos during the classes and I loved to do it, I liked to see how passionate is Lili when she leads the classes and the joyful atmosphere during them, the situation was very relaxed and people were having fun.

Even if I wasn't actively participating in the classes I was able to follow and learn not only the recipes themselves but also the history and the background of them. In her cooking class, Lili is not only teaching you a recipe but she brings you on a trip through Malaysian culinary history and tradition.

On my free days, Monday and Tuesday, I went to George Town. Malacca and George Town are the two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malaysia for their well-preserved colonial buildings, traditional shophouses, and diverse cultural influences. Reflecting the influence of British colonial rule, these houses are characterized by a distinctive blend of architectural styles that evolved over the 18th and 19th centuries.

Walking through the streets of George Town, you can see rows of well-preserved colonial houses, often adorned with pastel colours, ornate facades, and intricate details. The architecture reflects a fusion of European, Asian, and local influences, showcasing features such as arched doorways, shuttered windows, and charming balconies.

Many of these colonial houses have been repurposed into boutique hotels, cafes, art galleries, and private residences, adding to the city's dynamic cultural scene.

My idea was to have a two-day trip to George Town which is 5 hours by bus from Kuala Lumpur, and a day trip to Malacca which is only 2 hours away, unfortunately, it didn’t work that way so I will have to visit Malacca next time.

George Town is the capital city of the state of Penang, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. One of the key attractions is its street art, with murals adorning the walls of buildings across the city. These murals, created by both local and international artists, contribute to the city's unique and artistic atmosphere. The street art in George Town gained prominence through the "Marking George Town" project initiated in 2009, which aimed to revitalize the historical core of the city. The Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic played a significant role by creating a series of interactive murals that engage viewers and often incorporate elements of the local culture and history. The themes of the murals range from historical events and cultural traditions to everyday life, offering a visual storytelling experience that captivates those exploring the city's streets.

I explored the city without the intent of finding all the murals, I just paid attention while walking and took a picture when I saw one, there are a lot around the city, some older others newer. Even though most aren't in the best shape, I like them, they're beautiful. Another important thing to explore in George Town is the street food scene, it offers a delightful array of local dishes and culinary delights, from Indian to Chinese food to the fusion of them, the so-called Nyonya, from restaurants to simple street food stands, you can find for sure something that you like.

In the narrow lanes of the old town, it is easy to discover temples, mosques, and churches that reflect the city's multicultural identity. The city's landmarks include the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and St. George's Church, each contributing to the city's diverse architectural and religious landscape.

Armenian Street is one of the most iconic and historically significant streets in the city, lined with well-preserved heritage buildings, the street offers visitors a glimpse into the city's colonial past. The street is flanked by traditional shophouses adorned with colourful facades and intricate detailing, showcasing the architectural influences of the Straits Chinese and European settlers.

One of the murals that I mentioned before is here in Armenian Street, which is also home to the Kuan Yin Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang, and the Yap Kongsi Clan House.

I wanted to visit the seaside in George Town, first I just walked to the nearest place with water and I went to Chew Jetty after I planned to go to the Esplanade.

Chew Jetty is a historic waterfront settlement in George Town, known for its unique character and cultural significance. Chew Jetty, in particular, is associated with the Chew Clan, one of the prominent Chinese clans in Penang's history.

What sets Chew Jetty apart is its traditional wooden stilt houses, which extend out over the water. The jetty was established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants, mainly from the Chew Clan, who built their homes on stilts along the water's edge for easy access to transportation and trade. Today, these houses still stand as a testament to the historical roots of the Chinese community in Penang.

The Esplanade is a picturesque waterfront promenade with views of the Penang Strait. Walking around it you can see the Fort Cornwallis and the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

The sea wasn’t very nice there, probably because both are harbour areas and there weren’t any beaches, with more time I could have planned to go to a better area to enjoy the sea.

I liked George Town, the architecture, the vibes, the colours, and the people are so welcoming and gentle, it's like Kuala Lumpur but without the skyscrapers. Exploring the streets lined with colonial houses offers a captivating journey into the past, providing a tangible connection to the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this city into what it is today. I think that a big privilege of George Town is that you can enjoy the cultural diversity and the culinary treasure without the frenetic of Kuala Lumpur. I very much suggest visiting it if you are or will be in Malaysia.

As I said before I have a few days left on the trip, this means that next week there will be the last update about it and I will write it from home, don’t miss it.

See you soon

Flavio