For the love of reading. . . . . . .

A favorite historic novel of mine, read a few years ago, is The Garden of Evening Mists

by Penang born author Tan Twan Eng. A gift from my friend Ruth in England, 

it was signed by him when they met in Bath at Mr. B's Bookshop for a book reading.

Not visible in this photo of books, some yet to be read, others-re-read, I assure

 you it's there on the shelf of special books I'll always keep, read again, and enjoy

 over and over.

His first book, The Gift of Rain, also signed and gifted to me by Ruth, is tucked

away on this same shelf of favorites.

The Garden of Evening Mists has now been adapted into an HBO movie. 

Filming is completed, it will be released later this year. . . . . . exciting news 

for me. 
I've just enjoyed an excellent interview with Mr. Twan Eng filmed in

 Penang, Malaysia, a place I enjoyed visiting in 2012.

He's an interesting gentleman, a retired lawyer who divides his time 

between Cape Town, South Africa and Kuala Lumpur, and he is

now busy writing his third book.

What's in your stack of books for winter reading? 

Penang - a warm welcome.........

ANOTHER EARLY MORNING ARRIVAL..........as most are when your ship docks at a new place of interest. Going ashore at Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia's capital, we took a whirlwind coach tour, circling the island as the temperature climbed to 91ºF.

 The architecture was interesting ranging from the usual Asian style of house over shop, to the ornate Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple.

 Once out of the city and into the countryside, a stop at a tranquil village know locally as a Kampung, gave us a chance to see how people live a simple life.........growing fruit for sale......

.......from their colorful painted homes.

 Caged doves hanging from the eaves.

Driving on up into the hills, the scent of nutmeg and clove was strong. Stopping at a local roadside fruit and spice stall...................

.....where the resident soon-to-be-a-mama cat slept soundly despite a bus load of noisy tourists gaping at her.........

....the brilliant fruits were ripe for picking and eating. 

More from Penang next time...........the beautiful butterflies, a temple with another amazing reclining Buddha, and the bluest house ever!

Peek from Penang, Malaysia

Arriving in Penang.

House with caged doves.

Standing Buddha.

Butterfly Farm.

OK dear readers................India may be where the computer people are smart but the reception for Internet on board the ship is lousy! Today, Sunday here, We are headed from Cochin to Mumbai, a long day at sea when I hoped to show you a lot of what we've experienced over the past week. Unfortunately loading pics is most frustrating so you just get another glimpse right now until I get a better connection later. Take my word that we've visited some amazing places, have some good images, and I will share them with you another time.


Missing catching up with everyone - but thinking of you all and hope life is good wherever you are.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia........

...........in Singapore our ship was waiting.

Port Kelang arrival early yesterday morning at sunrise.  Breakfast in the suite before heading to the bus to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur...................which was astounding.  Will share more another time.


I've purchased some Internet time but it's slow......more later!  We're just docking now at Penang this morning.....then off to see the many interesting places here.