Mrs Picklebalm

Sorry everyone , have not blogged as the Internet connection is very slow , and it has taken too long ,

Well finally we had the permission from Ben’s surgeon that he could fly and make this wonderful holiday to out Favourite Island, at the last moment we upgraded our seats to Business Class as Ben had been so poorly, mind you he nearly had a relapse when he found out “ HOW MUCH”!!

Oh well you cannot take it with you can you.

The flight was fabulous actually we just both slept all the way no champagne all the extra goodies nothing at all and did not watch any films, just slept extremely comfortable indeed.

When we arrived in Penang we were greeted by the driver from the Eastern & Oriental ( E & O ) Hotel and taken to meet with Michael & Beatrice Saxon and her family Mike is the Manager there although he has just been promoted so this will be his last Christmas here , we had a couple of Wines chatted a while then we retrieved our Luggage which we have stored there every year which has grown to a bloody great big trunk and what with the luggage we brought with us this time OMG so much
on the 1st dec they had the most wonderful tree lighting celebrations with about 200 people all food and drink complimentary Lovely jubbly .. see pic 1.

For the first time ever we where driven to our rented penthouse apartment (recommended by great friends of ours) it is in the Tanjong Bungah area which is right in the middle between George Town where the E & O Hotel is and Batu Ferringhi Beach

This is a wonderful Place we are on the 17th Floor, it actually has 6 bedrooms including the maids room, 2 single balconies and 1 very large balcony which runs all along the main sitting rooms

4 bathrooms and the living area are extremely large also laundry room ( wet room ) and an excellent fully stock kitchen . We were delighted with the kitchen as it was stocked with all the normal dry good so we have not had to go and buy things like washing up liquids and Persil sugar etc etc jus our fresh food. Also it has a rather nicely stock Bar .

This complex is gated with great security it also has a Gym 2 swimming pools library stocked with all the latest novels ands magazine and also DVDs and videos and also cds.

What is also great is that we know people that live in our Block so they have been very welcoming

I have taken photos but they look dark

We have been here for 2 weeks and a bit and I must say I am so disappoint ed in the weather we have only sat around the pool twice and that was for about 1 hour each time, Yes I understand it has been the worse weather in the UK for 100 years ,,one day I stayed inside and put my costume on just for the sake of it , it is hot here though in the 80s.
moan moan moan I Know I Know.
but sorry guys that does not lift my spirits ,

We have visited the Straits Quay this is a brand new complex ( E & O properties) and it was like being in the USA , amazing I cannot begin to tell you, it almost feel that you are not in Penang at all it is almost a small Town with many small terrace houses then they get bigger and bigger with pools and gardens plus there are going to be 2/3 Tower block with studio . 2/3/4/5 beds apartments all finished to the highest standard we have looked at the show place a few times it is so tempting to by one. As we do spend 4/5 months here every year.

In centre of this complex there is a dome this Is a covered area of huge proportions at the present time it has the biggest Christmas tree which is about the height of a house with a counter levered balcony all around then also there was a 3 piece orchestra playing music of all types carols classic and even manged to get the on lookers singing it was amazing , also around this area inside and out there are fabulous trendy restaurants Italian and Chinese plus many more just in the throws of opening it is exciting to be here well this new place is just coming alive

. 2 days ago our youngest daughter arrived with her 2 boys she is staying at the Lone Pine the E & O sister Hotel at the Beach this Hotel has just had a huge renovation it is fan bloody tastic a true Boutique Hotel and I shall be staying there perhaps next vist I shall switch between the 2 ,
and Yes we were around the pool in glorious sunshine until around 3 then the heavens opened .
Today we are not sure what we are planning except that it is our last full day at this apartment and I ave a big Chicken in the freezer so and cooking the family a Roast Chicken dinner