Ghost Rider.

My parents and I have been talking about my transportation problem. We are concerned with the fact that after living in Penang Island for almost 6 months I am still very much unfamiliar with the roads and places. So after much discussing and bodek-ing they decided to bring my old bike to the island.

Facts you should know about this bike:

1) It is almost of the same age with me. [Rumours have it that it is older. :S]

2) Mechanics have asked my dad not to sell it away because of its excellent engine and whatnot. Salutation goes to the Japs.

3) It is not something desirable, hence rate of being stolen is reduced.

4) I have been riding it since form4 and form5; she's my babe. :D

The terminal for motorists.

Niel

The ferry is not much of a stranger to me. But this was the first time I am bringing my babe bike there.

And of course I was a lil' bit nervous. What'd you think? ;)

The usual wait for the ferry gave me a chance to look and feel around. Just across us motorists were the cars. There is a difference going to the ferry with car and bike: with a car the ferry is cool; but with a bike it's touching reality. These people here probably can't afford cars and so here they were. You get all kinds of people here: youngsters, mostly Malays, some working middle-class with their briefcases, old uncles, and ahh, romantic couples. Some of them were looking around, some reading newspapers, some busy with their handphones or talking to their partners.

The yellow ferry's nearing prompted most to ignite their engines. I followed suit. The roar of at least a hundred engines being fired up at once was really cool! Next was a blur of motions: my fellow motorists wiggled slowly towards the opening, their left legs thrown out to balance themselves. It was quite fun to watch a dozen legs moving up and down, paddling and doing their job.

Getting up to the ferry was another empty wait. Some left their bikes and went off somewhere else, others merely dozed in front of their control boards and those couplings were chatting.

The engines roared again when the ferry kissed the port. Soon everyone was moving towards the exit. I was excited. Riding in downtown Penang was something that I have never envisioned myself doing. And here am I! It's like those music MTVs. Hehe.

The roads were loose, and I was careful to not be horned at during my first ride here. One thing about bikes, you get to zigzag among those stationary cars and wait at the front for the green.

So now, I have finally a mean of transport in Penang. That means less exercise and I am also more mobile. Odd. -___________-

Ironic title, this post has.

P/S: Had my first coffee yesterday. Taste ain't sweet. -___-