Ais Kacang

Penang is respected throughout Asia as a culinary hotspot, probably because there are many ethnicities each with their own regional specialties all living on this relatively small island.  I have mentioned Indian,  Chinese, Thai and Malay food frequently but one treat I have neglected is ais kacang.   In a hot climate cold refreshments are always appreciated so this dessert has a base of shaved ice which is ladled with various fruit syrups, lychees, pineapple, mango, surprisingly red beans and sweet corn kernels, and a scoop of ice cream.  All over the island hawkers sell ais kacang and it is always tempting to stop for a cool bowl of crushed ice with a little sweet thrown in for a quick sugar rush.

I know some of you wonder what I do when I have medical problems so far away from the USA.  I am fortunate that there are many excellent medical facilities in this modern city and today I am going for a follow up visit t a gastrointerologist at Penang Adventist Hospital.  One month ago I started feeling concerned that my stomach always felt a little inflamed and it persisted long enough that I felt I should seek medical attention.  I arrived without an appointment at 10 AM (The hospital does not schedule appointments for new patients for some reason.), saw the doctor, had an xray, a gastroscopy, got results and medications before 3 PM all for less than $400.  The doctor advised me to avoid coffee, orange juice, spicy food and alcohol.  Well, I have cut down on the orange juice at least.