Penangites and adopted Penangites captured on film prove the point that everyone has a story… we just need to stop and listen.
Kindly reproduced from Penang Portraits by Francine Linssen and Jennifer Heal, published by Penang Passion, isbn 978-983-42360-5-2. For the full stories about the people featured in the book, information about sales outlets in Penang and internet orders, visit www.penangportraits.wordpress.com
U Pannya Vamsa - Chief Monk of the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
The Venerable U Pannya Vamsa arrived in Penang in 1970, and after experiencing difficulties renewing his resident's permit, he travelled around the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region establishing mew temples. Penang is now his home, thanks to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
Thajudeen - Third Generation Spice Trader
Thajudeen's grandfather came from India and opened the family's first spice shop on Market Street in the heart of "Little India". He remains very hands-on and imports his spices from India, Australia, Iran, Syria and Pakistan. According to Thajudeen, the average Malaysian family uses close to 1kg of curry powder each month!
Mary and Raja - Owners of the Miami Beach Cafe
Mary and Raja's experience during the 2004 Tsunami made global headlines when their youngest daughter was swept out to sea on a mattress. Baby Thulaasi slept through the ordeal and swept back to shore completely unharmed and dry.
