hey,

We took the train yesterday up from KL to a place called Butterworth on the West Coast of Malaysia. the train only cost a few quid and we got beds for the 9 hour over night journey. The train was pretty comfy but a yelling child ruined any chance of a nights sleep, plus I was paranoid we'd miss our stop so stayed awake.

When we arrived at Butterworth we got a ferry straight out from the mainland to the island of Penang. We were recommended a hostel but when we turned up we viewed a room and swiftly got the hell out-the toilets were absolutely disgusting, I don't mind a bit of roughing it but that was out of the question,blurgh.

We walked a few streets and found a much more Alice kind of place and parked ourselves in the Hotel. Where we're staying is in georgetown, right in the centre of Chinatown district. We went exploring only to find ourselves a bit culture shocked, the streets smell pretty bad and there were food sellers and market stalls everywhere, its all very run-down and looks to be a real poor area but it does feel very safe and has a lot of culture and atmosphere which I actually like a lot.

There is lots of pretty buildings amongst the crap ones although none of the food, mainly fish head soup really appealed for breakfast so we went to the supermarket instead where we bought lots of things that just don't taste quite right.

Now out in the main town and looking around yet more shops. Going to try some more local cuisine tonight which is either Northern Indian food or more noodles.

Tomorrow we're looking to go to the North of Penang for a bit of beach and to escape the towns, and hopefully escape that gutter smell.