After leaving the cool of the Cameron Highlands we set off to visit Cameron and Alex (I worked with Cameron in Melbourne) in Penang.

Although Cam and Alex were away for a few days they had gerenously offered us the use of their apartment so we set off on a local bus from Georgetown to try and find it. The bus driver obviously did not have any idea where it was and dropped us off at the wrong stop.

We tried to ask some locals where the address was but were viciously attacked by two dogs (ok Shane, two dogs barked at us and I got scared - well they might of attacked us if we didn't run away!). Finally we found Leader Garden (the apartments where Cam an Alex live) and were stoked to discover that their apartment was on the 16th floor, with sea views and that we had our own bedroom and (clean, inside) bathroom! Such luxury for two dirty and tired backpackers!

We spent a few days generally relaxing and doing some minor exploring of Penang before Cam and Alex returned home on Tuesday.

During the week that followed Cam and Alex showed us unrivalled generosity and hospitality (and no guys, we are not just saying this because you let us come to the Rasa-Sayang...!).

Speaking of the Rasa-Sayang, this is a 5 Star Hotel where Cam and Alex have a Health Club membership which has the most amazing pool right on the beach front. We had actually walked along the beach previously and admired this resort (as you are unable to swim at the beach in Penang if you value your health at all) however the staff do not look too keenly upon backpackers, with a Lonely Planet in hand, staring longingly at their pool and deck chairs. Step one foot onto that perfectly manicured grass without the right coloured towel and who knows what could happen to you!

Anyway, as Cam and Alex are members, we were able to spend a few days using the facilities there. The pool was probably one of the best that I have ever seen, including a mini waterslide. Cam, Alex and I were daring Shane to go down the waterslide backwards and head first but he wouldn't do it (scared probably..hee hee!)Then another hotel guest joined in and said to Shane, "if my two year old can do it, you can". We all laughed thinking that this was a joke, however the next thing we knew this little two year old, complete with yellow floaties on each arm, came down the waterslide backwards. By this time we were all in stitches and Shane was left with no choice but to take up the dare, so he did, head first on his back, almost coming off the edge of the slide as he came down. Well, you can't be beaten by a two year old, can you?

Swimming was usually followed by snoozing in the deck chairs (and just a little bit of gloating to the other backpackers staring longingly from the beach!) and Malaysian cuisine in one of the many hawker stalls along the beach area. Banana Roti (pancakes) with ice-cream became a regular occurrence.

Other sites that we saw whilst in Penang were, Penang Hill, Georgetown (including a very interesting Little India, Chinatown and trishaw ride), Batu Ferrengi (resort area) and the Eastern Oriental Hotel (mental note - probably not a good idea to play in the foyer of an exclusive hotel in hiking boots and a backpack, even if the dome on the foyer roof does do the best echo that you have ever heard...).

All up we stayed in Penang for nine days - much longer than anticipated, but it was worth every minute.

Cam and Alex, we had an absolutely fantastic time staying with you. All the laughing, jokes, food and luxury made us feel really at home and it was hard to leave and get back on the road again. Thank-you both, very much.

(Whilst in Penang we borrowed Cam and Alex's digital camera for a day so are planning to post some photos to this site soon, so keep watching!)