|
|
Toward the center of the island sits Penang Hill, once the favorite retreat of the elite, British colonialists who enjoyed the splendid views, delightful breezes, and the much cooler temperatures of this hill station that sat roughly 2500 feet above the hot city below. At the base of Penang Hill is the Kek Lo Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. for now, we will spare you the primer on Buddhism, saving that for Thailand or Tibet.
Kelly in one of the entrances to the Ban Po Thar, or Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, at Kek Lok Si.
4 of the 10,000 Buddhas.
The great prayer hall at the Temple was a beautiful space, whose walls were covered with murals depicting the life of Buddha. Here Buddha preaches to his followers.
The great prayer hall once more, withits gilded, ornate temples, and beautiful marble floors.
Buddha is depicted in a variety of ways. Here he is looking rather jolly, aint he?
Rich seeks karma on the path to self-discovery.
We were lucky enough to be invited to spend a day in the Fernhill Bungalow atop Penang Hill. Once a weekend home for British aristocracy, the spacious bungalow had an absolutely gorgeous view (this picture taken from the front veranda) of the city and water below. The temperature on the Hill was also wonderfully cool, a welcomed relief from the swelter of the city.
While at the Fernhill bungalow, we tried The "King of the Fruits", the durian. Also known as the "Stinky Fruit", it is absolutely adored by Malaysians who are rather fanatic about it. As westerners, we have a hard time understanding why. The principal impediment to enjoying this fruit is its absolutely foul, and disgustingly strong, smell (described by some as smelling like a sewer). But when in Rome......
The prickly durian is cut open revealing many large seeds (resembling avocado seeds) covered with a slimy fruit with a rather curious consistency, not unlike custard. But the smell!!! While Rich somewhat enjoyed his brush with the King of Fruits, Kelly was less enamored with this stinky fruit, as clearly seen here.
Ruth, Kelly, Colin, Winnie and Rich in the foyer of the Fernhill bungalow. Learn more about our new Singaporean friends in Pleased 2 Meet You.
|
|
2 Go Maps / 2 Go Actual Itinerary / 2 Go Photos / 2 Go Home Page
PLEASE E-MAIL US. . . WE WOULD LOVE 2 HEAR FROM YOU!
©1999-2001 Kelly and Rich Willis. All rights reserved. |
