Next we went to a place called Khoo Kongsi. A Kongsi is a Chineese clan house. As the Chinese immigrated to Malaysia, they would set up houses for members of an extended family could come and stay as they get started in the new country, and later as a place to meet with family. So this is the house for the Khoo family, and is the most elaborate and highly decorated of them all in Penang.
Some amazing stone stone carving on the building.
These brids were carved out of some kind of stone:
Famous Khoos:
Stone carving of a tiger:
An escape tunnel, in the original building.
There were several other Kongsi near by. We went to Kong Kongsi next:
This one room had an old phone and typewriter (to the left) a book binding press (a thing to the right with the handle on top), a roll-top desk, and of course a portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
In Chinatown a common way (for tourists at least) to get around is via trishaw.
Nearby was this very large mosque:
Yet another Khongsi:
A nearby very old church:
The state courthouse, if I remember correctly. Georgetown is the capital city of the state of Penang.
We were waiting for the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion to open (11am and 3pm tours, only), and so we stopped at the Penang State Museum (admission, RM1). Picture taking generally not allowed!
In case you hadn't noticed, English is not a problem. Since there are people from so many cultures/nationalities who have come to live here, they all choose to speak english so they can communicate with one another.
Here is the original funicular rail car from Penang Hill, as promised in that post.
And an old Rolls Royce (middle) and Cadillac (to the right).
Their explanation of Kongsi:
This little guy was trying to hitch a ride on the side of Beng Wah's car:
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