We started our day with coffee at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel - Penang's Raffles Hotel. In fact established by the same people - The Sarkies Brothers - over 100 years ago. I loved the doormen, dressed as if heading off on a tiger safari, with long white socks and pith helmets. We sat in the garden, on the edge of the sea-wall, and watched the people promenading. Something black and furry skittered at our feet. Rat, kitten, monkey.
We walked through Chinatown, littered equally with temples and mosques, Chinese and Indian restaurants. The cauldrons of curries being sold on the street made me wish I was remotely hungry. Their fragrance was mouth-watering. It's Sunday so most shops were closed. Lots of traffic though, and it was tricky getting Dad across the streets where pedestrian crossings didn't exist, even at traffic lights, and open drains were the norm. The old bugger did pretty well though. We walked in 33C heat for 3 hours. I rewarded him with a trishaw ride once we popped out at the harbour-front. For the grand total of N$5 we got to risk our lives with the manic traffic as we travelled the short distance to Fort Cornwallis. This is the 300 year old fort at the entrance to the harbour. Pretty much a ruin now, but with dozens of old cannons lining the wall and a tired but informative museum telling the history of this old relic. By the time we got back to the ship we were completely drained and exhausted. Had my first afternoon nap in years. These old people ways are catching.
We spend the next 3 days at sea before arriving in the Maldives. We have paid a little extra to have a private balcony with pool and reserved lounger at the rear of the ship, off the spa. We share it with about 20 others but it's worth it to know we'll always have a lounger available and it's pretty much where I'll be for the next 3 days. Next update at the Maldives.
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