Penang, Malaysia brought the 1st rain of my trip. Sure wish I could have sent it north to Myanmar but our guide was thrilled it had come here. No rain in 2 weeks. I did a Georgetown highlights tour which concluded with tea at the E & O Hotel. (Built by the same bros as Raffles in Singapore). Beautiful old building with the obligatory bar. It had a wonderful gift shop so naturally retail therapy was in order. Georgetown is another interesting town that combines Indian, Chinese, Malaya and British cultures. Took a walk down a "street" of Jetty Town - where the Chinese have built their homes on stilts over the water. If you live there you pay no taxes. Although interesting and full of culture, I think I would opt to pay the tax man. Naturally several temples were involved in this tour - but many of us are already "templed" out. And the cruise has barely begun! Also a stop at the Peranakan Museum of Penang. Very interesting and colorful. The Peranakans are the people of mixed race (Chinese men marrying Malaysian women) - one of those historical facts I did not know. Their homes, clothing and furnishings are beyond elegant. I enjoyed it very much.
Tonight is dinner with Peggy, Jerry and the Regent HR woman. Looking forward to that also. Then tomorrow........Elephants!