Malaysia - George Town / Penang (31.01.2014)

George Town (UNESCO World Heritage) is the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia and is located on the north-east of Penang Island.

It was an old British colony and the town kept a lot of evidence of the English occupation.
In fact, it's a mix between ancient and modern.

It's also a city of art. There are many art galleries and artworks on the walls.

What we notice first, it's the ethnic diversity: Muslims, Indians, Malaysians, Chinese, ..
And everyone lives in peace, tolerance and harmony.

I walked a lot around the streets and I visited Fort Cornwallis.
I also stumbled upon a water monitor ("Varanus Salvator") who was swimming in the sea.

I was fed up of Asian food. 
So, I ate every day in Hindu restaurants (Cheese naan & Tandoori chicken).

I met a guy from La Pampa in Argentina who is working in Majorka (Spain).
He rent a scooter and I went with him to explore the surrounding of George Town (Penang National Park, Penang Hill, ...).
We should meet us again in Kuala Lumpur to go to Sepang International Circuit to watch the MotoGP Pre-season Testing.

Thailand - Punch Line (29.01.2014)

HERE IS THE SUMMARY OF MY SPENDING IN THAILAND

HERE IS THE SUMMARY OF MY BOAT, BUS AND TRAIN TRAVEL IN THAILAND

From Chiang Mai to George Town / Penang (Malaysia).

FEW THAI WORDS

- Hello: Sawat dii
- My name is Olivier: Pŏm chêu Olivier
- I come from France: Pŏm maa djaak Farangset
- How are you: Sabai dee mai?
- I am fine thanks: Sabai dee
- I am fine, I am fine: Sabai Sabai
- Thank you: Khob khun
- Bye: Lah korn

I LIKED

- Thai people are always smiling
- "Anchoïade", Chocolates, , "Foie gras", "Nougat", "Tapenade" sent by my mom
- My stay in Chiang Mai with Isabelle who was my personnal tour guide for one week :)
- The day spent with PI 3,14 to learn how to cook thai food
- My stay in Bangkok with my cousin (Dominique), his wife (Maria) and their sons (Etienne & Sébastien)
- The few evenings spent with the charming french girl (Solange) in Koh Lanta
- Food (mokata, green curry, papaya salad, pad thai, …)

I DIDN'T LIKE

- Thai massage by blind people in Chiang Mai but it was efficient
- Bus transportation from Bangkok to Koh Lanta (not comfortable and close to the happy room)
- To not be able to get my PADI Open Water Diver in Koh Lanta

Thailand - Koh Lanta / Koh Lipe (27.01.2014)

After Bangkok, I went to Koh Lanta by bus and minivan (about 18 hours).
You know, the island where took place the first Koh Lanta TV show.
It's beautiful, quiet and very touristic but it's not yet the paradise. 

I should pass my PADI Open Water Diver in 3 days (scuba diving certification).
But after two days I quit because of my sinuses.
I was really frustrated. The fish and the seabed looked wonderful. 

Otherwise, I rested.

I also met a charming french girl (Solange) who was travelling for 5 months.
We spent a few evenings together.
We admired the sunset and had dinner on the beach.
Unfortunately for me, it was the end of her trip and she went back to France :(

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Then I went to Koh Lipe (by minivan and speed boat).

A small island close to the Malaysian border (just above Langkawi island).
And there, it looks a lot more to paradise (emerald blue sea and white sand beach).

In order to forget the frustration of my PADI Open Water Diver, I booked a snorkeling day around Koh Lipe.
It was amazing. The fish and the seabed are really beautiful.
During this day, I met a Italian couple (Alex and Deborah) and another one from Malaysia.