“Penang Street Art is causing a stir in George Town” said Alan, my guide.

Restored buildings, construction sites, tourists wondering the streets, live music, streets crowded with people! George Town is so different from my last visit in 2012. What has happened?

Tourists walking purposefully in the mid day sun with a smart phone in one hand and a check list on the other. They stand looking carefully at the buildings and recognise something. Tick the box and move on.

Groups on walking tours follow their guides. They stop frequently. The guide explains, photographs and selfies taken and they move on.

Families are cycling in a convoy, weaving through the crowds in the narrow lanes