I am in an old hotel in George Town, Malaysia - a two-storey building consisting of two wings with a veranda-shaped bridge between them. That veranda serves as a common space where I am sitting now, typing this post. Feel almost like at home -- already 2 weeks here.
The hotel has high ceilings, like 4 meters or so. A pompous chandelier the size of a human is in veranda, hanging over a wide staircase that descends to the ground floor.
At this veranda, I am daily until 5 in the morning (ideally not later). The temperature at night is +25°C, the air is additionally moved by a fan, and there are no mosquitoes here. So comfortable! And so calm in the middle of the night, when I am here alone. Sometimes, I feel so reluctant to break by mug-by-mug hot black tea ceremony and go for a sleep.
I spend the daylight hours sleeping and then online, and around 8 in the evening, I often go out for a photo walk. Below, sharing some night shots from the streets of old George Town.
Many streets of the city have turned into rows of restaurants and bars - usually with great taste, without ruining the old town vibes. But I’m more drawn to photographing something more decaying and atmospheric. And there’s plenty of that in George Town.
Walks alone, in an empty city, in the darkness lit by dim, flickering lights — it feels like a journey into memories. Night is always like that. No wonder all those songs have been written about it.
An extra flavor comes from the fact that I’ve actually been to Penang before a couple of times - in 2011 and 2015 when I was actively traveling.
Some things I remember clearly but some memories need help to float to the surface - details I see here and there in the streets sometimes awaken them.
But no, I have nothing to miss in this city - so, no bursts of nostalgia.
George Town always was just a beautiful backdrop without a play for me, and it’s the same this time.
And I don’t see a problem with it.
Being free of strong emotions from the past means I can focus on the present with a clear mind to enjoy the details like
like cats, my loyal companions whom I meet in each city.
Textures and signs
Cover the walls
To combine into abstracts.
Looks like
I've found a street intersection
To come back many times
As it brings inspiration.
Searching for food in the livelier streets
Prices are double compared to Thailand
But you finally find something cheaper and better
Like Indian food
In some places
Away from the bustle,
You need just two dollars
For a wonderful portion.
Not shabbiness only
Have plenty of places
In perfect conditions
Like the present palaces.
George Town is sweet.
And I love it much better
While having a ticket
To the next destination:
On Julee the 9th,
I am leaving for Neepal.
That makes me intensely enjoy
Being here,
In old and amazing
George Town on island
That once was a home
For dense jungles and pirates
Unless, by the British,
Became peaceful haven
And tradesmen were welcomed
To enter the city.
Ending the story
By writing these lyrics
Don't ask what's the reason
I have no idea.
All photos were taken with a Nikkor 50mm on a full-frame DSLR Nikon D750 by the author in June in 2025 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia