​The lockdown worldwide has seen many of us being confined to our homes with limited movement outside these parameters. 
 
Albeit difficult to be cooped up at home, one has the luxury still to move around from one room to another. But imagine being confined to a room for 14 days… 35 square-metres of space. This is what I’m currently in as everyone entering Malaysia, will have to go through a mandatory quarantine to lower the risk of a second wave via imported cases.

​Still this is a luxury as I’m in a comfortable hotel in Kuala Lumpur with all the essential amenities provided, meals included, wi-fi and my gadgets to keep me connected to the outside world. And I don’t have to pay for this – it’s covered by the government (technically my tax money too). 
 
The first 48 hours was somewhat erratic. 

When I left to Sumba in Indonesia, little did I know that I would be some-what stranded there indefinitely. I was due to fly home in early April but within the first week of my arrival, my flight was cancelled and Malaysia commenced the Movement Control Order (MCO) on the 18th of March. 
 
At first, I didn’t think much of it as the MCO was to last 2 weeks and I would be back home just after the MCO lifts – so I thought. I couldn’t get through to the airlines at first. Panic was slowly creeping in as it’s been 2 days and I am not able to get through to Malindo Air. Almost a week later I received an email letting me know about my options and from the news, I got to know that the airlines have grounded all their flights till further notice – so I asked for a travel credit refund.

Just before the junction of Leith Street and Muntri Street, lies an old white mansion with a dragon featured water fountain in the front. From the outside, it may seem like a modest home to a wealthy merchant but in fact it’s the newest addition to George Town’s growing boutique hotel list - The Edison.

Built in 1906, this mansion has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Designed by British architect David Nathaniel, the original plasterwork, cast iron work, right down to the floor tiles have been carefully restored, that it gives the Edison hotel its charm and character. 

Living in Penang during the month-long George Town Festival made all my weekends in August, packed with activities. Don’t think one weekend would ever be enough as there was just too much to do and see. As I’ve mentioned in my earlier post, George Town Festival is a yearly event that brings artist around Asia, if not the globe, together to showcase their work and crafts. 

As George Town Festival (GTF) closes its curtain for the year, it went out with a bang. Come every weekend, during the festival, Dewan Sri Penang would put on a play, dance or music show. Among the list of acts this year, the closing show Triptyque by Canadian-based Les 7 doigts de la main, was by far one of the best performances I’ve seen so far. A three-part act that has drama, areal-acrobatics and spectacle all rolled into one. 

George Town Festival – a festival I’ve heard very little about when I lived in Kuala Lumpur apart from the fact that if you’re into the arts scene then this would be a festival you don’t want to miss. Since moving to Penang, almost a year ago, this year I’ve decided to submerse myself in the festivities and take in as much as I can.