I am utterly surprised when a friend in Butterworth extends an invitation for high tea at the Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City in celebration of National Day.
Eager to check out the first globally recognised hospitality marque on mainland Penang, I set off at the crack of dawn in high spirits.
Arriving at Jalan Bagan Luar earlier than expected, as the trip does not involve crossing the Penang Bridge or negotiating the usual rush hour traffic there, I decide to explore the nearby Taman Selat Flea Market first.
PICTURING HISTORY
Traders are already out in force by the time I reach the popular shopping destination renowned for its reasonably priced preloved items and collectibles.
The interior of this sprawling covered complex is reserved for permanent stalls while the open-air periphery are tenanted by part-timers, who set up shop on Saturdays and Sundays to capitalise on the significantly larger weekend crowd.
Bargaining is allowed and sellers usually agree to a reduced offer as long as it is reasonable.
Among the popular items are relatively new used clothes and antiques. While purchasing the former is rather straightforward, seeking out good bargains for the latter requires a bit of knowledge and experience.
I get this notion after coming across an interesting photograph in a pile of black and white images.
My heart skips a beat looking at the photo that depicts the large crowds welcoming a jubilant Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj as his convoy makes its way from Ayer Keroh to Bandar Hilir on Feb 20, 1956.
After "securing" that historic image, another pleasant surprise awaits.
Amid several vintage badges at another stall nearby, I chance upon a plastic bag filled with First Day Covers.
While most appear to be common issues, an attractive envelope turns out to be the much-sought-after Merdeka First Day Cover sold on Independence day on Aug 31, 1957.
REMINDERS OF THE PAST
Heading back to Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City, I count my blessings for getting lucky not once, but twice. My friend and I proceed to tuck in to the delectable culinary selections specially prepared for the National Day high tea, while marvelling at my opportune purchases.
After having our fill of mouthwatering desserts and Malay 'kuih', we decide to explore the area surrounding the hotel where local culinary institutions and traditional craftsmen take up the many pre-war shophouses.
The Dataran Pemuda Merdeka gives us the opportunity to draw parallels with Padang Merdeka in Bandar Hilir Melaka.
While the latter served as the venue where Tunku Abdul Rahman, upon his return from London in 1956, announced that the nation would gain Independence, the former was where Butterworth residents gathered to witness the lowering of the Union Jack at the stroke of midnight on Aug 30, 1957.
ARTISTIC ATTRACTIONS
A mural installation at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka sets the mood for a visit to Butterworth's renowned Art Walk.
The interesting paintings along quiet side streets provide sufficient proof that mainland Penang holds its share of artistic creativity, if not more than George Town's globally recognised street art.
Products of vibrant imagination aimed at sparking interest and imparting knowledge, the murals and installations weave a spellbinding tale of Butterworth's rich history and colourful past.
Starting off in the early days as a small fishing village called Bagan, the settlement adopted its current name after mid-19th century Straits Settlements governor William John Butterworth.
A series of murals at an alley along Jalan Bagan Luar are especially popular among visitors keen to create cannot-be-missed social media posts.
Collectively, the images paint a vivid picture of Butterworth's past as a thriving agricultural economy known for its export of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as transhipment of wild elephants caught in neighbouring Kedah.
A quick drive around Butterworth before my departure reveals that things have slowed down in recent times, especially after most government offices were relocated to Kepala Batas.
Although some businesses have shuttered, it is heartening to know that new urban regeneration programmes such as the mixed development Straits City will surely transform Butterworth into a vibrant hub that rivals George Town.