The mystery as to why all the hotel rooms were booked solid in Penang, has been clarified for me. On the mini-van trip down to Malaysia, I sat next to a 47 year old Philippine, who told me that she was running in the Penang International Marathon, along with 9,999 others. This lady was remarkable--she only began running a couple of years ago and just last weekend also completed the Bangkok marathon.
The crossing point at the Malay-Thai border which is used for those coming from the Hat Yai, Thailand direction appeared to be nothing short of chaotic---- literally hundreds of heavy trucks, passenger vans plus private cars and motor cycles, all mixed in together. Both Malay and Thai customs agents appeared lethargic in the extreme, to all the hundred of travellers packed into the customs shed---how only 3 or 4 of about 20 positions could be manned at such a busy travel time, beggars the imagination!
So it's farewell to Thailand and on into Malaysia. Must express some disappointment with the eastern Thailand coast leading to the southern provinces and the cities that spread down along the coastal strip. Busy and prosperous--- yes. Obviously the city planners have decided that the future is other than in tourism. Now on my run down to my journey destination of Singapore---but still 17 days left to 'discover' Malaysia. Apparently Penang is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and is an eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial cultures. Hopefully the 10,000 runners will have run away after tomorrow and I can site-see in peace!
The crossing point at the Malay-Thai border which is used for those coming from the Hat Yai, Thailand direction appeared to be nothing short of chaotic---- literally hundreds of heavy trucks, passenger vans plus private cars and motor cycles, all mixed in together. Both Malay and Thai customs agents appeared lethargic in the extreme, to all the hundred of travellers packed into the customs shed---how only 3 or 4 of about 20 positions could be manned at such a busy travel time, beggars the imagination!
So it's farewell to Thailand and on into Malaysia. Must express some disappointment with the eastern Thailand coast leading to the southern provinces and the cities that spread down along the coastal strip. Busy and prosperous--- yes. Obviously the city planners have decided that the future is other than in tourism. Now on my run down to my journey destination of Singapore---but still 17 days left to 'discover' Malaysia. Apparently Penang is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and is an eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial cultures. Hopefully the 10,000 runners will have run away after tomorrow and I can site-see in peace!
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