February 4, 2010 Penang, Malaysia
The exchange rate $1 equals 3.40 RM
Advance our clocks 1 hour again
The pin we got today, of course has a story. In checking the map of Penang, the Hard Rock appeared to be too far and hard to get to on foot. Once off the ship, we worked our way through the offers of taxis. They really did not want a short trip just to the café and back, so we took up a nice English speaking driver to see some sites and be out about three hours. The driver was an excellent tour guide as he guided us through several Buddhist Temples, including the largest relining Buddha. We also went to a park where we saw up close monkeys; one with a baby. There was also an eagle circling around. There was also a beautiful orchard's greenhouse. Our last stop before the Hard Rock was a Batik silk painting company. It was awesome to see the process and how much is done free hand. So on to the Hard Rock; it was a nice drive along the coast with many very expensive condos and hotels along the way. Once there, the first thing we saw was a large statue of Michael Jackson. The next was the manager welcoming us. He followed us into the rock shop and asked if we were the people who collect pins. We did not recognize him, but he had met us last year in Bangkok. The Hard Rock in Penang had just opened in November and he was transferred to open the new café. He offered us drinks and proceeded to give us a tour of the restaurant and hotel. It has rooms that you have the swimming pool off of your patio. It is a beautiful location on the beach with at least 6 or 7 interconnecting pools. He said to come back and to let him know when we reach 100 pins. He also gave us a Hard Rock lanyard; even better than the one we got at Yankee Stadium. We had lunch on the ship and then took the free shuttle to the shopping mall (not the most desirable place, but we got in some steps). Later we enjoyed the pianist, singer, and comedian. One of the best we’ve seen on cruises. We finished the night in the Golden Lion pub playing Liars Club.