The old town, at first sight limited and unappealing, is in fact an intricate composition of different cultures and styles. A number of historic houses and temples are unveiled to the keen eye: they talk about a past of commerce, prosperity, colonialism and cultural tolerance but also conflicting families and hardship. The Khoo Kongsi Clan Complex includes a couple of temples (the main one is a jewel of elaborate decorations) and numerous houses built by an important Chinese family which settled in Penang (as in many other places of southeast Asia). The Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Hainan and Teochew Temples, the Indian Mahamariamman Temple, and the Kapitan Keling Mosque are also very interesting and a symbol of the religious tolerance which has always characterized the island. The Pinang Peranakan and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansions, although sometimes eclectic, are fascinating and allow you to appreciate many different facets of the past, in particular how the Chinese settlers within the straits lived. Finally, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, one in front of the other, are joyful places where to appreciate different facets of Buddhism.

Southwest of Goergetown, the Kek Lok Si temple raises from one of the hills that overlook the city. It’s the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and an elaborate ensemble of buildings and gardens connected by stairs going up and down the hill. The visit is pleasant (in spite of the many tourists that fill the temple from early morning) and allows you to have a deep look into the key elements of the Buddhist religion. Just outside the temple, the market of Air Itam is very interesting and colorful and you can appreciate the local life in one of the most populous neighborhoods of the island.

If you want to move away from mainstream attractions, head south the the two fishermen villages of Batu Maung and Teluk Kumbar. They are still a great example of the old kampung (villages) that once covered the island and where life went by sleepy and quiet. To experience a bit more the life of the local Penangites, apart from the market in Air Itam, try visiting Bukit Jambul or Sunshine Square shopping centers: once shiny and high-end, after the opening of huge centers such as Queensbay they are now the preferred buying place for low and middle class locals. Batu Maung also has a very nice night market on Friday evenings frequented only by locals.

However, the best way to really understand Penang and its people is to try the incredible variety of local food. Food is available everywhere and anytime in Penang. A number of culinary cultures from all parts of Asia mix playfully in a cornucopia of spices, flavors and cooking techniques. The topic is so vast and interesting that deserves a full post in the near future only for it. In the meanwhile enjoy this small gallery…

The most popular Christmas markets in central Europe can be found in northeastern France, northeastern Italy, all around Austria and in southern Germany. My favorites are the ones located in Salzburg (Austria), Innsbruck (Austria), Merano (Italy), Bolzano (Italy), Strasbourg (France) and Colmar (France). The ones in Austria and France have more ambience with neatly decorated stands and town settings which more than anywhere else are well suited for the occasion. The ones in Italy and France are the best in terms of gastronomy, eating and drinking.

Of all the Christmas markets, the ones in French Alsace are those I would recommend the most. I’ve visited them twice and on both occasions have spent a great weekend. The markets are concentrated in the region between Strasbourg and Colmar which features a nice scenary of low hills and forests, pleasant rural villages and historic buildings. Moreover, the area is well known for the typical cuisine (mixing French and German influences) and very good wines (featured in the famous Route des Vins).

My suggestion is to dedicate from two to three full days. Start in Strasbourg and spend most of the day exploring the big market but also the historical center. In the afternoon move to the south to Obernai, a small and extremely nice village where you can visit the tiny market (specialized in food and wine), have dinner in one of the many good restaurants and spend the night (my personal suggestion is La Diligence in the central square). The next day move further to the south and, following the Route des Vins and depending on the time you have, stop whenever you feel and discover the small villages with their local markets or visit the hills to the west (the heart of the Vosges region). Whatever you do, don’t miss Ribeauvillé and Kayserberg which have probably the best settings and feature extremely nice markets. Finally, move to Colmar where you can find a pretty extensive market although with much less atmosphere.