• Lisa Williams lived in Penang, Malaysia, in the '60s, late '80s, and early '90s. • When retiring, her affinity for the country and the availability of visa options made returning an easy choice. • Now 65, she says Penang's food, warmth, and community make it a great place to live.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lisa Williams, a 65-year-old Australian retiree living in Penang, Malaysia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I first came to Penang, Malaysia, in 1968, when I was 8. My father was in the Australian Air Force and was stationed at the Butterworth base on the mainland for three years. My family loved it.

For many in the Air Force, it was considered a dream posting. The food, the warmth of the people, and the blend of cultures made it unlike any

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