The Beauty of Traditional Chinese Culture

One of the joys of taking the slow-travel time to immerse in Mandarin in tropical Asia, is being able to experience the traditional Chinese culture in deeper ways. I love the aesthetics of it, even the writing that Mozart does every day with her homework from her Mandarin school.

One of the advantages of living in this UNESCO World Heritage, Georgetown, is the rich history and beautiful Chinese temples.



Malaysia, has three cultures and we have friends in all three, but because kidlet is going to a Mandarin school we spend more time with the Chinese Malaysians. Also the Chinese Malaysians and Indian Malaysians tend to have the best English, so that helps also with our connections.

I love this picturesque little area of old Chinese houses along the road where we go to the best organic restaurant in Penang..Reflections. It's off Burma Road on Jalan Phuah Hin Leong and run by a lovely Chinese group who do a lot to support Cancer patients. I will write a review of the restaurant soon.

In the big Chinese New Year Celebrations, Acupuncture hospital,rickshaws,, herb rooms, temples, markets, cemeteries and more, one gets a real sense of strong traditional Chinese culture and a 200 year history here.

Comments

[Steph / TravelShark]

So jealous you're in Penang. My mother is a native Penangite and I can tell (from first hand experience) how proud they are of their culture and how hard they try to preserve it. On a side note: It can get pretty hot and dry though during the off peak monsoon season so drink lots of water! Enjoy the rich history and friendly locals :)

[Jesse]

I have this weird belief that Chinese might have invented all sort of Red stuff. I don't know why. Maybe because it's one of the popular color in their culture.

[Catherine Kolodin]

I hope to visit this culturally rich country. Your photos are breathtaking. How long do you intend to stay? My daughter would like to meet your daughter so if you travel our way, let us know. (outside Shanghai)

[Jeanne @soultravelers3]

So cool Steph that your Mom is a Penangite! They say May is the warmest month here, but it's not as hot as Thailand or some parts of SE Asia, neither have we ever gotten much rain in rainy season. Haven't even needed AC yet in our homes...but we are near the sea on a high floor..so that helps. ;)

[Jeanne @soultravelers3]

They do love red Jessie...I think it is considered a lucky color that brings abundance! ;)

[Jeanne @soultravelers3]

Thanks Catherine! We'd love to meet up with you when we go to China! We plan to be here this year for her Mandarin, but may also do a long stay in China when we leave here...hopefully in a more rural area where they only speak Mandarin.