Merdeka Malaysia

2007 was the 50th Anniversary of Independence for Malaysia and celebrations were planned all over the country. But Penang was our preferred port.
On August 31, 1957, Malaya's first Prime Minister, Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman proudly declared the independence of Malaya (now Malaysia) by shouting out 'Merdeka' seven times at the Merdeka Stadium. The Federation of Malaysia, comprising Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on 31 August 1963. Singapore became an independent country in 1965.
Keith and I feel an affinity with Malaysia as both our fathers had military service in this country (and I spent time at Butterworth as a child).
Geoff from Pussyfoot caught the ferry from Langkawi and spent a couple of days on board waiting for his Thailand visa.
It was time to dress ship as we had prime position alongside the walkways.

Flags in celebration

Apart from food, celebrations and enjoying the colour and festivities, we managed to fit in some boat work. Remember the head (bathroom to non-boaties) we didn't complete in the last refit? Well it time to get rid of old brown cork tiles (again)and retro 'Bali' pictures.

Old tiles and pictures going

We started with small shelves which weren't exactly what we wanted...

Geoff supervises shelf building

then had them finished back in Australia...

Finally finished

The foot pump in the galley was replaced and after speaking with Marc at PCA about our HF not working, he suggested a possible lightning strike had taken it out. We will replace on the next trip to Singapore.
This was our first visit to the Penang Adventist Hospital recommended for dentistry.The prices are excellent, the service outstanding and it became a regular stopover for us.

Penang by night

Penang by day

The nightly markets were abuzz with tourists and locals and also added to the flair of being tourists again in Penang.
Great news! Team Australia won the Merdeka trophy at the first Malaysia International Fireworks Competition! They presented a showcase themed 'Aurora Australie'. 

With the festivities finished, the teeth finished and the boat work finished,(ah, hold that thought) it was time to head back to Langkawi for peace and quiet.

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!