Malaysian holiday day 9 Penang cheekyricho

The place was chockers. Breakfast was packed. Everyone wore red shirts even the babies. A photographer running around taking photos and videos. Trolley after trolley filled with gift baskets and hampers, some guy running around with a megaphone, really loud announcements in foreign languages. A big speaker set up and kids everywhere. We left them to it and took off to Kellies Castle near Ipoh

This beautiful building was built in late 1800's with hand made and imported materials by a Scottish Painter. It was never finished, never lived in, filled with secret passageways and stone, carved timber, wooden floors. Up until about 20 years ago it was full of monkeys and jungle the government took over its care and now you can visit it for 10 ringgits . It was incredibly hot and humid. Perspiration runs in your eyes and makes your clothes stick to you. I really enjoyed the visit and felt very sad the man who built it never saw it finished. Dying of pneumonia in Portugal on his way to pick up an elevator for it in England. It was to be the first lift in Malaysia. His son became a pilot and was killed in world war 11. 

The heat was overwhelming so we headed up to the Cameron Highlands to cooler weather. The road was unbelievable, tour buses negotiate blind tight curves using the whole road. There were land slips everywhere hungry dogs and cats all over the road. Green lush jungle flanking over 100 kms of 

hairpin bends. They grow tea, vegetables, flowers and herbs there. Huge towns filled with skyscraper hotels, markets, pubs, hawkers, street food of every type . A couple of these satellite towns exist. 

It was a huge day we didn't return to our hotel til after midnight. A hot shower and a sleep in was definitely called for.