tracking down our roots.

Hey guys, I’ve been away for awhile hence the lack of updates. I actually got back from China on the 6th but went on another trip to Penang on the 8th. And when I came back on the 9th, the internet decided to go bonkers. –.- But now that it’s fixed, here I am! :D

So, I’ll blog about my short trip to Penang first then I’ll fill you guys in on China!

After the loooooong 4 hour drive to Penang, the first thing we decided to do was to get food [toilet break doesn’t count :p]! But dad wanted to show us around Penang first especially since Penang was where he grew up. So he brought us all the way to Sg. Tiram and showed us his primary school and everything. And then, we went to this stall that sells Tua Pan Kuey Teow. Surprisingly, the man whose dad owns the stall still remembers my dad! He used to be a teen back in those days and now he’s the one manning the stall!

Dad says the noodles still taste the same from back then! :D

After we’ve refilled our stomachs, we went to the Snake Temple [as it was on the way as well]. I’m not a real big fan of snakes so I wasn’t that keen on visiting the place. :S

Doesn’t it just give you goosebumps?! *shudders*

But… something good came out form the visit to the Snake Temple! I got this super cute beach hat for rm10!!! *steal* I always wanted one! :)

Then off we went to Air Itam for more food! There we had the famous Assam Laksa. Even my younger brother finished a bowl all to himself [trust me, it’s a rare sight seeing how he loves Western food so much!]. We also had a taste of the Char Kuey Teow there. As if that wasn’t enough to fill us up, we tapao-ed Muachi to eat in the car! >.<

     

    Let me introduce my brother, Dominic to you. Can be crazy annoying but also super adorable when he wants to be. :) And he’s growing up so fastttt! He’s gonna be taller than me soon! And he’s like 12. –.-

So after all that food, we decided to check into the hotel, Gurney Hotel. It reminded me so much of when my college friends and I had a 3 day trip to Penang cause that was where we stayed too! I miss college. :,)

Remember this, guys?! [If you guys are still reading my blog. >.< ]

After washing up and resting for abit, we walked to Gurney Drive for more food.

And that was basically it for day 1.

Got up real early the next day for the breakfast! SO much more variety compared to China where all they serve is porridge! And occasionally some bacon and sausages. –.- The advantages of staying in Malaysia. They cater the food to the diverse ethnicity in our country! :)

Then off we went to carry out our mission. The real reason why we drove all the way to Penang. To look for Khoo Kongsi! It’s kinda like a Khoo clan. Dad had always wanted to register us as members and seeing how we were all on our holidays, we could make time to come all the way up to Penang. :)

 

Okay, this man over here without a shirt was hilarious, I tell ya! Dad was simply asking the way to Khoo Kongsi and his explanations were so detailed, it was funny! He even had to explain to us the charging rate for parking our car! And the thing was, we were walking there! >.< We were all suppressing our laughter so bad that after we walked away, we burst out laughing! Such a nice man, we found our way thanks to him. :)

After walking past many old looking buildings like these, we found it!

 

  Cool huh! I’m in a clan!! :D

They even have rules.. o.O

 

That’s the Khoo clan-house. They also put up gold coloured plates with names of Khoos all around Malaysia who have achieved something in their life! I saw my dad’s name there! I’m gonna be up there one day! You’ll see! *beams with pride* :p

 

These are records of my great great grandparents! I’m the 21st generation of Khoo!

 

 

Then we went to visit the museum. This really nice man, Mr. Khoo [go figure! ] showed us around and explained more bout our heritage.

  

This is the book of genealogy I think. It’s updated every now and then. Names of Khoo’s from all generations are written down!

 

 

A lantern with the Khoo name written in Chinese! So cool!

 

 

       

After the visit, we decided to take a trishaw back to where we left our car. I loved how the wind gets to your face and blows your hair back! hehe

 

And how can we possibly leave Penang without a taste of the Cendol! Hmm but somehow, I find the Cendol in Taiping better tasting.

That concludes my short trip to Penang! [I swear I’ve put on more weight from this 2 day trip in Penang compared to my 8 day stay in China. –.- ]

p.s all pics credits to my sis! :)