Putting Fun In Funicular

The Penang Hill Railway has a funicular train that runs up Penang Hill outside of George Town in the village of Air Itam. It's an old line that has just been rehabbed this year and has been fitted with brand new trains. The railway dates from 1923 and currently makes a 10-minute ride up the hill. It's quite a tourist attraction and the upper station area offers a lovely view of George Town, Penang Island and mainland Malaysia.

The station at the bottom of the hill. Sarah, looking like she just entered a train car Dr Seuss might have drawn.

Up the train goes. There's a little area for some historical artifacts and curiosities.

Once at the hilltop, time for soaking in the view. Throw a Ringgit in the view master and take a look.

Yawn, I'm so bored by the view, what else can we do? Right, of course, I'm in the mood to get my picture taken with a REALLY BIG SNAKE. Ahh, tourism.

My Parents Went To Penang And...

....all I got were the ugliest T-shirts known to Man (and Woman. And Children). OK, maybe it's been awhile since we were in a good ol' American Mall (about six months), so the shirts in the following photos might be all the rage. But we can only guess that it's parental rage at seeing their daughters wear such dreck.

We, on the other hand, have a great time running across such oddities in our travels and have no qualms foisting said "treasures" on the world. Buyer beware!

And are you supposed to just "forget" to wear shorts or a skirt with these shirts? Bottoms up.