When you have lived in a region for as long as I have, you can get to the point where you just assume you’ve seen it all. However, I was in for some delightful surprises on my recent trip to Penang, Malaysia.

Although Malaysia is close to my home in Manila, Philippines, this was my first trip to see it for myself. I was immediately struck by the seamless blending of so many different ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions.

Nowhere was this more observed or appreciated than on our evening visit to a local Hawker Centre, better known as a food court. There, my husband and I feasted on Indian Chicken Tikka and Nan, fried oysters and chicken satay with peanut sauce. All for an amazingly low price…I was sold, for sure!!!

The next day we were off to explore the art of downtown, Georgetown.

…in 2012 Penang’s municipal council hired London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic and charged him with breathing new life into some of the atmospheric Chinese shop-houses around the inner city. An effort to spawn awareness of the rich history of the streets, the project was a success with Zacharevic turning certain areas into thriving tourist destinations that also became the much-talked about object of attention among locals.

Penang Attractions

A local friend expertly weaved her trusty mini-van through the maze of small city streets. With each new stop, she would point the way and we’d set off to find the next painted treasure awaiting us around the corner.

I was particularly glad I chose to wear black and white for my artistic experience as it fit in so well against the creatively painted back drops. Of course, if you’ve followed me for any length of time, then you know this is always one of my favorite color combinations.

This was undoubtedly a day to remember! And I realize I only scratched the surface of things to do in this exciting city.

Now, here’s a little tidbit for all the shoe lovers out there. I doubt I’ll ever actually own a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, but I do know who he is. Jimmy got his start as an apprentice in his family’s shoe store in Penang.

What is now a major fashion line all started in a small shop in Penang!

Are you like me? Do you sometimes get to the point that you no longer expect to see or learn anything new? You never know what God’s has waiting for you just around the corner.

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11