A Hideaway in Penang.

This is all about our three week stay in an authentic and beautifully restored shophouse in Penang. The shophouse was located near the centre of Georgetown and was very convenient for lots of shops, restaurants and transport services in Penang.

The internals had been gutted and all tiled with modern services installed. As a couple we had tons of room for storage etc. The small kitchen was adequate for cooking with a microwave and double electric hob.
A small toilet was adjacent to the kitchen which was good for washing hands.

A dining area in the kitchen had table and 4 chairs.

The main bedroom upstairs was very comfortable with tv facilities , aircon and ceiling fan. A small second bedroom and bathroom with shower facilities was also available. A small utility area was outfitted with a clothes washer.

The main entrance to the house was at the rear for normal everyday use. The front door of the house really had to be opened from the inside through a system of locks and bolts. This was left this way to maintain the authentic feel and appearance to the house. We only used this door for our initial entry and final departure. At all other times during our three week stay we used the kitchen rear entrance. Had to remember to put on the rear light when going out during the evening.



Lorong Popus ( You can see the position of the green coloured shophouse on the left). The lane access to Transfer Road is straight ahead

The Tuaran Pagoda

With nothing much planned for the day we thought just to have a drive out of KK towards Tuaran. Not too far to go and not one of the places we could think we had visited.

After a quick run round the place we spotted this rather impressive looking pagoda and decided to investigate further. We were allowed to climb the stairs to the top of the structure at the expense of a small entry fee. The view from the top was good and as it was reasonably clear towards Mount Kinabalu we were afforded a good view.

The building itself had some wonderful Chinese tiling . The birds however were messing the place up a bit in their usual fashion so you had to watch your step.

This prominent feature in Tuaran is well worth a visit . Kota kinabalu is just over 30 kilometres away so it is a nice drive.

If you fancy a nice lunch then the Rasa Ria Resort is nearby. It is signposted but not always in the best positions to see clearly the directions so go carefully.

Lossie at it's Best

Lossie at it's Best

A few weeks back, with the promise of a fine day, my wife & I set off to visit Lossiemouth. This idea was initiated by the news that RAF Lossiemouth was the base for NATO excercises over the next couple of weeks.

We had a great drive up to Lossiemouth via Rhynie, Cabrach ,Dufftown, Rothes and Elgin. What a strange route you may say??. However the route gives great scenery and a quiet road. We were unlucky and met 6 cars and one lorry between Ryhnie and Rothes.

At Lossiemouth we ate lunch at the harbour cafe. In fact the weather was so good people were eating outdoors. Fully refreshed after the excellent food it was off to the main event.

RAF Lossiemouth (Lossie to the locals) is the home to 5 squadrons

• 12(B) Sqn
• 14 Sqn
• XV(R) Sqn
• 617 Sqn
• 202 (D Flt) Sqn

617 Squadron is of course the famous "Dambusters"

We arrived at the airfield in time for a few noisy departures of Tornado GR4's. With full reheat and two aircraft departing on the runway the noise and vibration was fantastic.

There were many aircraft movements during our three hours there. A couple of Dominie flights , a couple of Hawk flights , a Gazelle and of course many Tornado aircraft.

We came home very pleased with our day out. The weather was great considering it is October. We also met many equally enthusiastic aircraft watchers who enjoyed sharing their memories of Lossie now and in the past. I can remember Lossie in the days of the Scimitar, Sea Vixen and Buccaneer aircraft. How time flies when you are enjoying yourself.