Welcome to the Land of the Crescent Moon!- Georgetown

I'm in Malaysia today and came on the 47th anniversary of the nation's independence and I was completely unaware of it. Fireworks, flags and slogans everywhere! And at first I just thought I had happened upon the most jingoistic place on earth. Alor Star was a very subdued northern capital where few travelers go, but it was a very welcoming place to enjoy the festivities.

I have been received with the highest degree of hospitality I have ever experienced. My initial fears of Islam are all but dispelled and I am looking forward to learning what I can about this new culture. Just when I thought I had the world under my belt, a totally new experience comes with all new surprises.

Today I am in Georgetown on Pualu Pinang Island with about 400k between me and Kuala Lumpur. Georgetown is an old colonial outpost turned backpacker ghetto. I am staying in Chinatown today but there is not much to see or do here so I won't be staying long.

Also, I am completely amazed at how developed Malaysia is. It is by far the most modern country I have been in since I left with all of the conveniences of the Western world. The roadways are new and modern which actually makes bicycling difficult because there are actually more cars than motorbikes and bicycles now. Businesses are airconditioned, everything is clean, and there is a drastic jump in fat people/capita meaning that most are well (over) fed. Malaysia is charging hard to become a fully industrialized nation by 2020, but I think they will have that title in half the time. Oh yea, everyone speaks English too!

I'm doing great and enjoying the spices, sounds and smiles of Malaysia.