A New Year is upon us and we hope that Mr. S.Claus was kind to you! The mince pie and carrot for Rudolph were mysteriously eaten at the Lamb household so Colin sends thanks to the elves assembling his iPhone 4.

However, there are always checks and balances and the gaining hasn’t just been in the gadget collection – The Lambs have increased in the waistline department too. So, onto New Year resolutions, to get fit after the marathon of turkey eating and numerous celebrations (we hope those who attended the pub quiz at Finnegans on 27 December enjoyed it).

Denise and I like the quote “People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas” so one of our resolutions it to exercise more so we can be fighting fit for the onslaught next Christmas time!

What activities are there for the average Penang resident to do to shed a few pounds or kg? Here are our thoughts and suggestions. It’s a constant surprise why people wish to take their exercise in freezing air-conditioning when Penang has such fantastic weather. The Lambs don’t see the attraction of pounding the treadmill whilst watching Astro re-runs on TV screens. Also, Mr. Lamb would get a slap if he gazed too much at the scantily clad ladies.

The Hash: This is the quintessential expat activity, especially if one wishes to carry on drinking after the New Year; after all it is not called “the drinking club with a running problem” for nothing. So what is hashing, you may be asking? Well it was started in Malaysia back in 1938 and made its way to Penang in1965. In Penang, and especially with the Penang International Hash Hounds club it’s a great place to meet fellow expats along with a number of locals and run up and down the hills, appreciate the great views and socialise at the end of the run with beers or softies. Just be careful not to ask for some ice with your drink as you may well end up sitting on a block of the stuff! We are both founding members of Penang International Hash Hounds and will always have a soft spot for them although our running could now be called “irregular”. If you’re interested their details are included in the list of Penang Associations shown after this article. Maybe

Mr. Lamb will write an article on hashing from a Penang perspective later in the year. A little less strenuous than Hashing but still in the pleasant outdoor surroundings is a walk or jog in the Botanical Gardens (at the end of Jalan Kebun Bungah), Youth Park (also along the same road) or maybe even Air Itam Dam. From the dam, which is reached by driving past the Kek Lok Si Temple, there are great views of George Town. To add an Asian feel to exercising you can always join one of the many Tai Chi groups (Botanical Gardens has one) that can be seen bright and early in the morning – don’t be alarmed if you see them wielding swords at times though.

Those of you who would like to get onto two wheels can check out the G Club (www.gclub.com.my), a friendly bunch of cyclists who arrange a number of activities, including a monthly ride from Gurney Drive to Teluk Bahang.

An article on fitness would not be complete without amention of the national sport of Malaysia, and no we don’t mean eating! We’re taking about badminton. You could say that this is Denise’s favourite exercise and she is a regular player on the YMCA courts – Lee Chong Wei better watch out!

Looking ahead into January, what events are there to look forward to? Well for starters the roads will be busier as the local schools will be open – so watch out for double, triple and quadruple parking at drop off and pick up times! January will also see Colin wearing black, don’t worry no one’s died, it’s because he will be stage/lighting/sound manager for the next Penang Players performance at the Hotel Royal on 21/22 January. The performances will be a French Farce Feast. Check out www.penangplayers.org for more info. On the local festival front, January sees the Hindu community celebrating Thaipusam from 19 – 21, the celebration of good over evil. Google this celebration and you’ll see it’s full of colour, noise, smells and coconuts. The International Women’s Association normally arranges a Thaipusam tour and it’s a great way of learning about the history of this festival and seeing the devotees making their way from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill at Waterfall Road (Jalan Kubun Bungah).

So till next month, see you around town and have a great 2011.

Source: The Expat magazine January 2011, article by Denise and Colin Lamb
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This article has been edited for Expat Go Malaysia.com