New Year's Eve

 Not too bad to be on an island (well, Penang) enjoying fresh coconut juice for New Year's Eve.  So much to be thankful for as we wrap up a strange year - and get ready for 2022!

Careful what you wish for

 Hmmm. . . .

Penang Street Art

 

We had a wonderful afternoon in Georgetown enjoying some of the Penang Street art and seeing some of the cool installations in the town. 

Even some fun art along the water.

The well-known "I want bao" street art :)

Not sure who is doing the bicycle action better.  We also filmed a bit of footage which Gabi might use for her Brown University application video.

Chinese Restaurant

 There was a recommended, simple Chinese restaurant across the street where we went and enjoyed a quiet evening dinner.  There were some fireworks that were starting to off (a night early) and a chance to enjoy more good food while together on holiday. 

At the Pool

 We enjoyed much of the late afternoon and early evening having much of the pool to ourselves.  There were a few photos (well, maybe one), and some fun stop-motion videos.  See if we can upload the videos at some point :) 

Parasailing

 Both Gabi and Rania decided to do some parasailing - not sure it was the best deal - though fun for them to get to go in the boat and get hoisted up in the sky.  Pretty fun!

At The Beach

 

We enjoyed a wonderful Thursday at the beach and the pool - the girls started at the beach and we certainly enjoyed getting to have access to both beach and pool so easily from our Airbnb. 

Hard Rock Cafe

 Not too far from our place - a short walk, in fact, we had made reservations at the Hard Rock Cafe - Penang (though officiallly Batu Ferringhi) and enjoyed a delicious - and a bit pricier - meal together in the final days of the year. 

Penang Hill Summit

 There is definitely more of a sense of accomplishment for making it to the summit by hiking rather than via the cable car!  

Some pictures (and a nice lunch) at the top was a welcome stop and rest before heading down. 

Not sure the Titanic pose works with three people, but nevertheless :)

The family picture for us - enjoyable to make it to the top of the mountain - and a spectacular day to enjoy some great views.

The big hike up!

We decided that we would enjoy a bit of nature - and rather than taking the cable car, we made our way up the famous Penang Hill - a major attraction on the island so we could enjoy some hiking.  At the midway point, we were sure gifted by a guardian angel who provided some tickets (so kind!) for the way down - something that was a welcome relief as it was a bit more of a climb than some of us anticipated.

Some views from part way up the mountain!

Getting some family pictures.

 Some enjoyed the many, many stairs and steep climb more than others :)

Enjoying the Holiday

Going a bit into town (via Grab) allowed for a short walk on the boardwalk, some new sights, and some grocery shopping.

We walked down the beach a bit to a restaurant that was right on the beach - nice place for an evening meal - and seemed pretty popular.

 

Our Place in Batu Ferringhi

 We made it to the Airbnb that we are using in Batu Ferringhi. Right on the beach - nice view from the balcony - simple and pretty fine. 

The parasailing that we can see from our balcony sure is enticing.  Nice to have walking access to the beach - and a pretty good location.

Penang Arrival

 Rather than driving, we went with the super short flight from KLIA to Penang - and landed to get some Grab trips to our AirBnb.  Welcome to the holidays!

Yayoi after Church

 After church on Sunday, we went to Yayoi, our typical, favorite Japanese restaurant - with many of the same orders as each week - just this time a bigger group with Reeve joining us. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Brunch

 Yummy to have Christmas brunch after all the presents.  Thanks to all who helped prepare yet another delicious meal. 

The Big One

 The big surprise was at the end, when Rania went into our back room, and there behind the curtain was a keyboard!  She has wanted to start to learn to play the piano - so exciting to have a keyboard where she can begin to practice and learn some new skills. 

Stockings

 Fun to get to open stockings and celebrate the vast amount of presents that have appeared under the tree. 

Merry Christmas!

Including pictures of each of us with the stockings.

Lots of presents - so blessed and grateful for having family together - and the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.