I.
Our Man in Hanoi
Has been caught up in the fever that is the Sea
Games (South East Asian Games, kind of like an Olympics
for smaller people). I don't know how things are going down
in Saigon but in Hanoi people are having it large. The sense
of patriotism is huge and the streets chaotic before, after
and during events. Driving anywhere near the stadium is
to enter a throng of leaping, whooping, yelling fans and
anywhere central is packed with people, young and old, waving
Vietnamese flags, sporting headbands, whistling screaming
and honking there horns. Even though I was a little pissed
of that the sandwich shop wouldn't deliver because of the
unnavigatable streets, the enthusiasm is infectious and
its hard not to get caught up in it all. I'm secretly a
Thailand fan, and of course my wife is rooting for the Philippines,
but nevertheless I've found myself getting behind the boys
(and girls) of Vietnam.
Even the opening ceremony, which I'm sure most of you will
agree is usually the most mind bogglingly tedious affair
at any games, the stadium was packed and hoards of people
flooded the streets. Shops shut and security guards seemed
more interested in the black and white portable they had
hidden under the table than in the cd player I strolled
off with. Any attempt to sacrilegiously claim that any part
of the games is less than 100% enthralling is met with looks
of disbelief and bewilderment tinged with no little pity.
It's a shame that the 9 ball tournament is being held in
Saigon as I'd have loved the chance to watch Efren 'Bata'
Reyes play. A Filipino, this guy is a true legend of the
game who's won everything there is to win and is a joy to
watch. Nicknamed the magician, he pulls off shots others
only dream of and so relaxed is he that at times it's hard
to see if he's awake or not. To top it all he seems like
a thoroughly nice guy as well. I'd hate him if I could but
I can't. Although in the twilight of his career he is still
a formidable opponent and better than most .
The football is definitely the main attraction and Vietnam,
although in 'The group of Death' (there always has to be
one doesn't there) are doing nicely. A draw against Thailand
and a 1:0 win against Indonesia means that they stand a
very good chance of proceeding to the next round and, who
knows, winning the whole thing. If they do then I think
some people I've come across recently might actually explode
from the combination of pride and excitement.
Sandwich aside, I'm all for it. Its livened up the city,
given people something to talk about and warmed the hearts
of all in what has been a cold month. (it promises to get
colder too. As a complete aside, what a hassle I had trying
to explain to people in England that Hanoi does actually
get cold.)
For the record, Vietnam currently head the medals' table
with 26 golds. Malaysia are some way behind with just seven.
And unsurprisingly, East Timor and Laos are rooted to the
bottom with not a single medal between them. There's a long
way to go yet though…..
II. This Month in Review
Beach
Vacations :
Sea
- Sun - Sand - the perfect combination for your beach holidays!
We have a range of beach holidays for you, from private bungalows
in Samui to gorgeous Vietnam beaches. We can also arrange
all your hotel reservations in advance so you have nothing
to worry about except working on your tan!
Death
Penalty in the Philippines Resumes
President Gloria Arroyo has lifted a stay on the Death Penalty.
This means that executions are due to resume in January.
Her decision to lift the freeze on executions seems to have
been prompted by a number of high profile kidnappings recently
with members of the Chinese community being particularly
targeted.
Stop
Eating So Much Porky!
A giant Python has died in Malaysia after eating itself
to death. Not actually eating itself but eating so much
it died. Villagers from the Cameroon highlands caught the
snake after it broke into a pen and ate not one but two
whole goats. A local Taxi driver managed to rescue the snake
before angry villagers had their vengeance but too late.
It seems that the snake got its just rewards and was announced
DOA by wildlife rangers. News courtesy of the BBC
Electricity
Low in Shanghai
The Chinese city of Shanghai is suffering severe power shortages
with the Xinhua news agency putting it down to seasonal
drought and a lack of coal. Whatever the reason, residents
are having to do without electricity for one day out of
every four and many smaller factories have been shut. Bummer
(Yet
another) Earthquake In China
The mountainous region of Xinjiang was struck by earthquake
this month killing at least 10 and collapsing hundreds of
homes. The 6.1 magnitude quake injured around 34 and leveled
around 700 homes reports Xinhua News Agency
Sorry,
Sorry. How Could We Have Been So Rude?
Toyota have been eating humble pie recently as they apologize
to the Chinese for two magazine advertisements. The highly
insensitive, cruel and malicious adds showed.
a)
a Toyota vehicle towing a truck resembling a Chinese military
vehicle.
and
b)
a stone lion - a traditional Chinese symbol of authority
- saluting a Toyota truck.
The foreign barbarian scum. How dare they!
III.
Feature Destination : Penang, Malaysia
 Hotel
Equatorial Penang : 50%
Off
Strategically located on the southeastern part of
the island amidst a refreshing setting of lush tropical
greenery. 500 feet above sea level on Bukit Jambul.
The resort commands a breathtaking view of the island's
coastline and the spectacular Penang Bridge.
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Penang
of the coast of Malaysia is the oldest British settlement
in Malaysia and is often used by those wanting to extend
their stay in Thailand as a place to renew their visas.
However it has many attractions of its own, not least the
atmosphere which particularly in the capital Georgetown
feels almost 100% Chinese. Not really surprising when you
consider that over 5O% of the island's population is of
Chinese. From the town's feel, I imagine most of them live
and work in Georgetown along with Malays, Indians, and Bangladeshis
who make up the 400,000 population.
You don't find many more pleasant towns and the numerous
temples (actually clan houses that operate partly as temples
and partly as meeting halls for Chinese of the same clan
or surname) and shop houses that line the narrow roads and
streets merely add to the distinctly Chinese flavour. The
shaded sidewalks make for pleasant strolling, as long as
you manage to dodge the many parked mopeds and vendors who
have set up shop here. The people too are friendly and welcoming
and it's easy to strike up conversation in some of the many
bars that line the main tourist street, Chulia. Accommodation
is no problem with cheap and not so cheap places to stay
on the same street. If you're a bit of a skinflint like
me try the Swiss Hotel.
However, nice and picturesque as the capital may be, if
you're on the island for more than a couple of days then
you'll want to strike out a bit further afield.
As far as beaches go then there's nothing here really to
rival beaches you'll find elsewhere in Malaysia or Thailand
although Batu Feringghi (named after a foreigner who once
owned it? Still does? ) can be alright for a day's sunbathing.
The water however is choppy and its cleanliness dubious.
The botanical gardens as well make for a nice day trip:
trees from all over Asia and huge expanses of green grass.
To be honest though what I found most interesting about
the place were the huge monitor lizards hanging around the
entrance. They were just basking in the sun but didn't half
give me a fright when I head them crashing around in the
undergrowth. HUGE monsters.
Also interesting is a stroll up Penang hill, or if you choose,
take the funicular railway. It offers nice views of, well
sea mainly but you can also make out the mainland of Malaysia
just a few miles away and George Town far below-not a bad
view. In addition, its a welcome respite from the heat of
the town and is certainly worth the small effort to get
to the top. On my last visit, I had the dubious bonus of
seeing a small green snake hanging from a tree just feet
away from me. I was assured by a local not to worry as the
bite would only hurt for a couple of days and cause no long
term damage. I stepped back.
For me the biggest attraction of the island, apart from
its laidback atmosphere, has always been the food. Malaysian,
Chinese and Indian dishes are to be had in abundance and
the coffee is excellent. There is also a surplus of food
halls where for a dollar or two you can stuff yourself with
an eclectic mix of dishes. A favorite place of mine for
breakfast is the Indian restaurant right at the top of Chulia
street which serves up simple yet delicious fare. The huge
tables where you can spread out your copy of the New Straits
Times are an added attraction.
All in all, Penang and particularly Georgetown are thoroughly
nice places to visit. but I wouldn't plan to stay more than
a few days as you might rapidly run out of things to do.
To get there just hop on a ferry from Butterworth, Malaysia.
VII.
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