The guesthouse we are staying at for the collaborative residency of WrICE 2014, in Georgetown, Penang, is a beautifully restored building in the Little India area. The building had been, since 1885 until 2009, the home of the biggest Chinese medicine wholesaler in South East Asia: the Yin Oi Tong Company. The new owners have kept many of the treasures left behind and have them on display for visitors. It seems appropriate that we are a group of writers in a house of healing and magical elixirs to suit all needs and tastes: Cherry Cough Syrup with Ephedrine, Pinkettes, Rose and Butterfly Brand Gripe Mixture, Coughing Tablets, Ladies Remedy and Masculine Pills.

– David