Unwinding on Penang

April 28, 2018 to May 1, 2018

I am planning to commute between Germany and New Zealand over the next few years with multiple months cycling stop-overs in South East Asia on the way. Penang is pretty much the ideal base for this intent: Easy access by bicycle and plane; Faizal´s great Dreamwerkz shop (Tel.: +60-19 571 2866) where I can service and store my bikes; probably the best choice of food in this part of the world and Georgetown itself being a very attractive city with its colonial heritage. I hope my photos can convey some of the fascinating atmosphere.....

Probably the most famous of the Penang murals, featured on fridge magnets, bags and T-shirts. Unfortunately....

...the original is fading as every second tourist rubs the wall to be in that picture

The most famous of the Penang Nasi Kandars: Line Clear. Always long queues at the main meal times

Komtar Tower - No image editing software used!

The driver of this car may well have been in a hammock drinking beer too beforehand

Same as above - it´s just the spectacular way the full moon appeared through the clouds

Farewell dinner with Coleen, Chris and Andrew. Had to be on pink chairs.....

That´s what it looks like when Faizal puts his hands on your bike (literally!) for a "service". Completely stripped and exhaustively cleaned - take that NZ Quarantine!

The very last shot from South East Asia for this trip: My boxed bike on the way to the Air Asia plane at Penang International Airport

That´s it! Thank you for showing interest in my activities over the last five months and offering so much useful advice. I am off to New Zealand for 3 months now but this will be more about fishing and hiking as it´s winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Bruce LellmanThank you so much Frank. Now what are Andrea and I going to do? We've been watching and waiting for your every post and devouring each one. What a great trip you've had. Thank you for teaching us new things and taking us to amazing places to meet nice people. We'll be waiting for your return to cycling in S.E. Asia.
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5 years ago

Chris WeeCongratulations Frank. What an epic trip. Two more sequels, later this year and another next year, with different bikes I heard. Do enjoy your R n R in NZ, though I bet lazing around won't be happening much 😊
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5 years ago

Andrea BrownWell, this was a great journal, Frankie, and we're going to miss our daily "Where is Frankie today?" dose. Thanks for taking us along with you.
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5 years ago

Frank RoettgenTo Bruce LellmanDear Andrea, dear Bruce, I guess I am the one who has to say Thank You! Sticking with me all the way through those 5 months and at the same time supporting me with such an abundance of wealthy information has definitely helped making it the great experience it turned out to be
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5 years ago

Frank RoettgenTo Chris WeeThank you very much, Chris! Mind you, Coleen and you were an essential part of this undertaking
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5 years ago

Bruce LellmanFrank,
I don't feel as though Andrea and I helped you much. You have done these trips more than we have and you are always well prepared to deal with anything you run up against. I do know it's nice knowing a handful of friends are closely following you and will help in any way they can. I know that's a good feeling even if they are half a world away. Can't wait for your return to the road but have a great time in New Zealand in the meantime.
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5 years ago