Those colorful foods with beautiful people

I was surprised that most of my friends had a long list of food to eat when in Penang.  Mine was on a different agenda.  It was simply to maintain a vegetarian diet while I was there.  That literally meant  15 meals…

How did I survive?  The photos would show.  

brekky vegetarian meal

rothi canai at old town

non vegetarian meal

laksa -non vege

eat-all- you can veggie lunch

Indian lunch

 Where are the wonderful people?

after a long walk, it was a feast of spirits and junk foods

breakfast meal

drinks for the wi-fi

Disclaimer:  I took photos of non-veg meals for the sake of art.  I didn't order it.  Those were included in the long list of craved-for foods by these wonderful people...

A vegetarian in Penang

First vegetarian Lunch in Penang

Apparently, we spent our first lunch at the wrong place.  One of my friends entered into a place that spelt a total vegetarian atmosphere.  I the enthusiast who followed him inside was in all awe and wonders.  The local was a bit disappointed.  He wanted us to get into the best banana leaf place.

accidental but lovely mistake

last lunch with a deacon

we finished out meals

We ordered an authentic vegetarian lunch to share.  

 It was a food with the word ‘ulam’ on it… Over-all, I liked the ambiance of the restaurant.  The staff were very gentle and accommodating.  We enjoyed taking photos there.

More tips:

1.  Vegetarian food is cheaper than meat.

2.  If you are unsure, ask.

3.  Honestly declare that you are vegetarian.  There is no harm in letting the kitchen know that you mean business.

Surviving the food capital on veggie food

It was a major test.  Will I finally succumb to meat in Penang?  The food list is endless.  Will I get to enjoy the place when this time, my food list will be limited to a plant-based diet?  Here are some tips and signs.

1.  Travel with broad-minded friends who respect your individuality.  Some of them don't mind sharing veggie meals with you.

tolerant non-veg friends on our first lunch together

2.Go heavy on fruit juices.  It is mostly fresh and very cheap.  The other 'unspirited' drinks are also very cheap.

honeyed lime juice

iced coffee

cooling sugar cane juice (I had mine without sugar)

power juice for lunch

         

3.  The world conspires with you.  It will send a guide...  Mine is Rory.  She just popped into our place on the second day.  It turned out she knows well about vegetarianism and knows a lot of cool places to eat.

Rory and her non-veg brekky

Walk-about Georgetown with Rory as the cheerful guide

More tips to follow.

Backpacking 101 for veggies and lone travellers

How did I spend in my 6-day trip to Penang?  I didn't splurge.  I lived.

Here are some helpful discovery learned in my latest travel:

Am always amazed by graffitti

Wishing Ribbons.  Yeah, wishes are too colorful and free...

The Hindu Temple by Penang Hills

The caption looked too healthy but clearly, it is not.  hahaha

1.  Pack lightly.
2.  Plan your luggage well.  Don't forget the laundry soap.
3.  NAIA 3's best food shop for vegetarians is 7-11.  They sell fresh fruits.  I spent P56 pesos for a hearty lunch. 
4. Arriving at LCCT,  do not grab the first fruit, salad or veggie stall.  Take time to go around.  I settled for the rojak store.  A local helped me in finding the right mix.  8 RM.  Fruit juice for 4.5 RM.  A popular juice stand before the entrance of the terminal sells juice for 11 RM...
5. The Emporium shop sells cheaper food and drinks inside the pre-departure area.  A water bottle is for 2 RM  In some shops, it is for 5 RM...
6. I caught up with sleep on the plane.  I anticipated for delayed arrivals and late pick up.
7. The vegetarian restaurant at LCCT serves Indian food.  Be decisive on what to order and then smile...
8. Don't expect to get a good internet connection in airport terminals.  Stock on e-books or take time to edit.
9. Take more photos.  It is free...
10. Connect with friends.  (And then being alone is truly relative)

Visiting places where climate change is so real

CHILDREN EVERYWHERE  (our official welcome party)

ADAPTABILITY since water could be just everywhere, even the pigs are secured.  They stay with humans sometimes...

I went to a densely populated isle...  Where climate change is lived and where the people normalized this occurrence. 

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.  But this is nothing when the waters come rushing in.  The king of the island is simply the tides.

THE WATERS...  At least, the waters were not murky.  The ocean tides closed in.

NORMALIZED.  The kids welcome the water with glee (and all other creatures living and non-living). The microbiologists say otherwise.

ANOTHER ORDINARY DAY.  The lady washing her clothes beside the house pig while another kept them company.

WAITING.  Mother and child looking at the water...