Fun Activities Around Penang

Wow, we’ve been having so much fun in Penang! The island is full of entertaining and free activities right now, from jazz and orchid festivals to horse shows and dragon boat races. Most kids are out of school this month, which is why there’s more going on than usual. But even without all the extra activities, there’s a lot to do in Penang, and we’ve been keeping ourselves busy doing it, often with friends we’ve met since we arrived. Botanic gardens, unique temples and mosques, national parks, huge shopping malls, Chinese classes, a community children’s choir, and more restaurants than I could eat at in a year, are just some of the fun things we’ve been up to the past month.

Each of these activities deserves its own post, but because I’d rather be out doing more fun things instead of writing blog posts, I’m summarizing them all into one video, which you can watch below.

Also, if you’re looking for a good cause to donate to this holiday season, please consider contributing to our Charity: Water fundraiser project. We’re trying to raise $5,000 by December 31 in order to provide clean and safe water to 250 people in developing countries. Please click here to learn more about why we’re doing this or click here to contribute to improving someone’s life who has very little. Every little bit helps.

Interestingly, even though Malaysia is a Muslim country, Christmas is still widely celebrated. The shopping malls contain elaborate displays for Santa to come visit the children, Christmas carols are played in stores and restaurants, and “Merry Christmas” (not “Happy Holidays”) is written on marketing material. Likewise, some restaurants have private booths so Muslim women wearing burkas don’t have to keep their faces covered while eating. And many restaurants advertise that they don’t serve pork (which Muslims aren’t allowed to eat). It’s great to see such religious diversity and respect here.

Anyway, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all my readers.

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