Far East - Day 7 & 8, "Local Food"

Tuesday 27th November: Again, another great sunrise over Butterworth. However the day would soon turn and the heavy rain and thunderstorms would be overhead again.

Evergreen containership Uni-Premier slowly approaches the port through the main channel.

Lunchtime, I ended up sampling some of the local food.... the chop sticks were soon replaced by a fork and spoon (I didn't want to go hungry).

For some, the sun was too strong for the walk back to the office!

Wednesday 28th November: I left the hotel early, and went up to the heritage area which has now got UNESCO status. First stop the Lighthouse/Signal post at Fort Cornwallis.

Around the groups I spotted these birds.

 Then up to the port, where the Butterworth - Georgetown ferries were seen.

Just outside the port, this clock tower built to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

A few other examples of the local architecture.

 Then the walk back to the office, in the heat of the morning. Something I later regretted when arriving at the office, dripping in sweat.

More chance to sample local food, this time at the famous 'Line Clear'. This food I really enjoyed, though I was caught eating with my fingers!!

One of the local specialities, Fish Head Curry - I didn't indulge!

The evening was spent in the local shopping mall, the Gurney Plaza, doing a little light shopping.

Then a nice dinner accompanied by a beer! 

...and another beer!

all copyright Krispen Atkinson

@Krispen_ships

Far East - Day 6, "Back to Work"

Monday 26th November: Waking in Penang for the first day of work. Was up before sunrise, and observed the casino ship Amusement World passing Straits Quay on it's way in to port. I would end up seeing this ship at least twice a day as she operated from the port on short runs.

The sun rose above the mountains on the mainland, silhouetting the container terminal over at Butterworth.

...and giving lovely light on the buildings to the west.

After a long day in the office, it was time for a chill out drink with an old friend from Redhill.... The Tiger beers were going down well!

With the tropical storm, heavy rain and thunder storms cleared, it was time to return to my hotel. I opted to take the 20 minute walk back to the along the seafront.

One of the many eateries which I passed....

Loved the caption! 

all copyright Krispen Atkinson

@Krispen_ships

Far East - Day 5, "Bye Bye Singapore, Hello Penang"

Sunday 25th November: My stay in Singapore was coming to an end. By mid morning I had already checked out, and was in the cab to the airport.

Bags checked in, and boarding card in my hand I had an hour to spare. After a pleasant 'local' lunch, courtesy of Ned who had come to see me off. It had to be done, a final curry puff.....

Now at the departure lounge, outside it could only be described as wet. Thunderstorm crashing and banging overhead, and then the announcement we all dread to hear on the PA system 'we regret to inform you that the flight is delayed because of the weather conditions'.

Boarding final happened, an hour late, and then further delay taking off - because of congestion caused by the storm. 

Arriving in Penang an hour and a half later, it took an hour to get from airport to the hotel. On arrival, I got to my room dropped my bags and looked at the view!

The Star Cruises' Superstar Libra leaves Georgetown on one of her short trips.

A short walk was taken up Gurney Persiaran. Some of the wildlife was seen.

...and the fishing fleet moored off the beach

The view to the east, and towards the mainland at Butterworth

 Some of the buildings along Gurney Persiaran

 As I was going to bed, it was still chaos out on the sea front....

all copyright Krispen Atkinson

@Krispen_Ships

Far East - Day 4, "Out to the Islands"

Saturday 24th November: My free day! Decided to head down to Marina South Pier and take the boat out to the Southern Islands. Once finding the correct kiosk, discovered the first ferry sailed at 9am and paid the S$15 for the return trip. Bought my water and some crisps to keep me going...and then boarded the ferry "I. Marlin", operated by Island Cruise (http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/).

The scene as left the harbour...

Marina South is a construction site, behind the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and SkyPark

First stop was St. John's Island

A ten minute stop over, allowed for some pictures of the ships passing close by.

Qatari LNG tanker Umm Al Amad

Capesize bulk carrier Mineral Haiku

Then onto Kusu Island, passing the Sister's Island and the Western anchorage

Approaching Kusu Island

For a couple of hours this island was shared by myself, a local fisherman and a small family - it was like my own personal paradise!

......away from the hussle and bussle of the city, only a few miles across the water

Site of the Da Bogong Temple

The Island is home to a Turtle Sanctuary

Poser?....

.From the southern tip of the island, all the shipping in the Singapore Straits was photographed.

...and some of the wildlife

After 6 hours and extremely sunburnt it was time to leave the island....

...and approached the mainland

Cruiseships 'Celebrity Silhouette' and 'Costa Serena', with Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer behind.

Once back, it was time for food again.....

Then a walk.....where I spotted this street - soon regretted the meal I had just had!

all copyright Krispen Atkinson

@Krispen_ships