In a previous post I voiced my opinions about Swatow Lane and how the entire street of hawkers was moved from the street into a modern food court.

The corner where we used to enjoy hot mee goreng and ice cold ais kacang.	Swatow Lane street sign

Of the 5 things I planned to do while in Malaysia, the only one that wasn't possible was drinking teh ais on a corner in little India. This is because the cafe right in the center of little india had closed. A minor inconvenience because there are plenty of places to get teh ais, but none with such a prime location. On the positive side though, the other 4 activities were completed.

Since today is the last day of Ramadan, it seems fitting that I right about the Ramadan Market. For anyone who hasn't had a chance to visit a country with a large Muslim population during Ramadan, the basic ritual is rather simple, Muslims don't eat or drink from dawn until dusk. The times that they stop and start eating are marked by the morning prayer and late evening prayer.

As you might imagine when fasting, life doesn't generally continue as usual. This is partly because the body must make it through an entire day on whatever was eaten in the morning, and also because many Muslims use their time during Ramadan to reflect on life, engage in prayer and visit family and friends.

Malaysia is one of my favorite places to visit, especially Penang where I am very blessed because I have in-laws in there. This not only gives me an excuse to visit regularly, but an insiders perspective into the best that Malaysia and Penang have to offer. My father in-law especially makes my visits all the more entertaining both with his antics and his choice of the best Penang eateries.

Before each visit to Penang I always anticipate visiting my favourite places, which like most activities in Malaysia, usually involves eating. Here is a list of what I am anticipating for my trip next week.

1. Eating Ais Kacang at New World Food Court on Swatow Lane.
2. Nasi Dalcha at Ghaffour in Sungai Pinang.
3. Relaxing with Teh Tarik on streetside tables in Little India.
4. Walking the streets and touring the heritage houses.
5. Browsing the food stalls at the Ramadan bazaar.

What do you think should be the first thing I write about? Let me know in your comments and I will make sure to write a good post with photos about the experience.

Over the past 9 years I have grown to love many things about Malaysia. After each visit I find myself longing for the things that make the country so distinct. I miss the sound of rain tapping on the leaves of the palm trees, the aroma of blended spices which forms the base of nasi kandar, the refreshing taste of teh ais or freshly squeezed mango juice on a hot, humid day, a drive through the rainforest or a walk through the bustling narrow lanes courtesy of its colonial heritage.

When I visited Malaysia in 2007 I anticipated that things would be even more spectacular than in the past since the government had hyped up 2007 as visit Malaysia year. Unfortunately, I was left frustrated, bewildered and even angry, perhaps for reasons some of you may not expect.