A trip to remember

It's funny, for my whole life, as a Malaysian, it's hard to believe that I haven't been to a lot of local places. Some to name are Kuantan, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, and Penang. Finally, I had a chance to go to Penang, and it was an experience. Not only that, it was like a soul retreat for me. A place where I can finally find peace.
The night before, I stayed up late till 1am watching some shows I downloaded from the net, without knowing that I had to wake up at 6am next morning. I woke up groggily, somewhat blur, and started packing my already set-aside clothes into a travel bag I borrowed from my sister. Then off we go. First stop: my grandma's house, to pick up my uncle, and to leave some stuff over in her place.

For the first time, when we got to Penang, I got to see the famous Penang bridge. It was weird to NOT see thing-a-ma-bobs hanging over the bridge (like those which you usually see on other bridges), but not until the middle of the bridge, which was kinda a turn off. People say how long the bridge is, but it isn't majestic at all. That's what I mean by a turn off.

Throughout the trip around Penang, I was surprised at the places I was taken to see. Guess what? almost 80% of the time, we're in temples, CHINESE temples. We were led around by one of my uncle's colleague (don't ask me what my uncle does, neither do I know), in his 50's, on a motorcycle.

For someone like me, I have no faith in any religion, although I believe in God (that's why they call us free-thinkers). I used to pray in front of altars, everytime when I go back to my mom's hometown, and according to what I hear from my relatives, they say I pray everyday, for some reason that only I know of (but obviously forgotten). For a while then, I haven't been in any religion, thus saving, not spending, time on religion and prayers. Not that I'm complaining, but it's personal preference. Anyway, it was on the 1st day there. When I entered a part of a temple, coincidentally, a monk and a nun were chanting along to the mantras (I think), and knocking on the (thingy) on a constant beat. I found that relaxing and peaceful, suddenly feeling the wonders of God and the serenity of life. Calms the mind and soothes the soul.

Anyway, next few places were temples, so no point talking about them, but the famous ones are the Kuan Yin temple, and the Snake temple. Quite special.. Oooo... I remember. The Kuan Yin temple was still under construction, and that is to finish building the shed for the Kuan Yin Statue. They were selling roof tiles to be written with the person's name and a "zhu fu". My mom donated some money, and had my family's names written on it. I guess it means we will be blessed by Her, since we are giving her shade. Don't trust me on this though... Haha..

Well, for once, I can finally say, "I've been to Penang!" now. It was worth the visit, and the memories.