The ferry from Langkawi to Penang takes three hours, and costs MYR 70 per person. Aside from the minor inconvenience of the Arctic temperature, it was a very comfortable trip.


Unfortunately, we arrived in George Town at the same time as a whacking great cruise ship, so the terminal was a seething cauldron of activity.

In general, in fact, the city has seemed a bit frenetic (and pedestrian-intolerant) after laid-back Kuching. (Definitely don't get me started on the pedestrian traffic lights at the Jalan Magazine junction...)

We've also had a number of practicalities to see to, which have all done their bit to create a hassly kind of ambiance.

Nevertheless, it's been nice to be back, for the first time since our several-week visit last year.

We have lounged (at a couple of new cafes).



We have lunched (standouts were nasi kandar from Kassim and rice bowls from Munchies).



We have strolled.






We have watched Namewee's rollicking Banglasia 2.0.


And we have discovered the Hin Bus Depot, which is a really interesting art space just a stone's throw from our hotel.

The current exhibition, by Ajim Juxta, is called Tugu | Ugut. It's about entrapment. We are constrained, explains the curator, by "the tangibles of money, materials, buildings, and the intangibles of acceptance, recognition and egos, which guide our daily choices and the acceptance of those around us". He's right... Constraints everywhere...



The rest of the premises have a range of atmospheric pieces too. Well worth a look.





Later today, we head back to Kuching.

"Today". How quickly a day changes. The gruesome acts of terrorism in New Zealand have haunted the second half. Lives senselessly cut short. Families scarred for ever. A loathsome ideology on full display. It's a sad, sad day.