It's 6:09AM Melbourne time, the usual time that I wake up everyday. Only difference is I'm currently in Penang, Malaysia where the local time is 3:10AM. Still struggling to adjust to the weather and time here after arriving here for almost 1 week already. There is noise everywhere even now in the early morning, I can still hear traffic 27 floors below me on the streets in Pulau Tikus and Gurney Drive.
The skyline at Gurney Drive has changed quite drastically since I was here 3 years ago. The tallest hotel is currently under construction and has already topped out dwarfing all the other towers which were previously the giants along Persiaran Gurney. Gurney Wharf has been fully reclaimed and construction is currently underway in full capacity to catch up with lost time due to Covid-19. The landscape has certainly changed.
Besides changes to the physical appearance of the place, I noticed that there is another change which is more substantial in terms of its impact to people's lives. Prices for dining out have increased unreasonably, double at some places. A plate of Char Koay Teow is now RM10! This is something unforeseen just 5 years ago. Inflation has affected the whole world and Malaysia is no exception.
So far, my first week has been quite pleasant, get to eat most of the food on my list (my very own Michelin list, not the official one).
I'm looking forward for another 5 weeks of eventful holiday in Malaysia. Today is Christmas Eve, tomorrow is a special day for all Christians. Merry Christmas!
