Do You Like Bush?

Ruin's of St. Paul Church
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Happy Valentine's Day!

Ironic that an American celebration such as Valentine's Day is very much a big deal in a Muslim country!  It took my tour group over 4 hours to get back to the hotel this evening (normally 2 hours). It seemed like every artery leading back into the city center was clogged with cars and celebrants.  Even at 11 pm, the evening was just getting started.  I've noticed in Asian countries, the days are very long, and food/midnite snacks are readily available at every corner. 

Oldest church first built by The Dutch
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My day started fairly early. Had every intention to work out beforehand, however, I was weak, and decide to take in another hour of sleep instead!  I booked a day tour to visit the city of Melaka, 2 hours north of KL.  From 9am - 8 pm, I was a history geek.

This is the city where Malaysia was founded in the 1400's.  Rather than bore you with all the details, it was quite interesting to hear the history nonetheless. Colonized 7 times over 600 years (Portugese, Chinese, Dutch, British, Japanese) Malaysia was finally liberated in 1957. So it's a fairly young country, that is really beginning to emerge beyond the image of a 3rd world country.  The tour was great, since our driver was pretty cool guy named Mohammed and spoke English.  Their was an Italian family, where the daughter was the only one that spoke English. So, she became the groups interpreter. Her parents were cool too, and seemed really chill.  Obvious they were a close family.  Her mom said about her daughter, "Mi Amore!"  Did I not get weepy??? I was so touched.  So, I learned a few Italian words - Mange!, Prego!, Ching Ching! ( wait a minute, I think that one is Chinese).

Bound, no more
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And then there was the other couple.  An American, middle-aged coupe, whom has done a lot of travelling, and had plenty of stories to tell! Oy, the husband, Morry, was way loud and had an opinion for everything.  Somehow, they started talking about politics and how much they disliked Bush. Then turned to me inquired my feelings about the president.  I did not want to get into it, as it seemed like they would be people whom would have a field day with it!  As best I could, I detracted, and said, look, I support Bush because he's our president, I don't agree with all his policies, but I know he's trying to protect our country. Then they went off on me, and blah, blah, blah. You get my drift. So then I asked what would be the solution to all the problems they just listed, and of course, there is dead silence.  I think I proved my point, so many people can complain, but no one has answers.  In any case, they were actually a very nice couple, and gave a few pointers for Thailand. We had a smaller tour group, so it welcomed conversations and just getting to know other people.

Melaka was damn hot!  I have to say, the heat in Malaysia is piercing.  We are so close to the equator, that I saw Sunblock #130 being sold at the drug store!  I should have put some on. At the end of the day, my arms got sunburned even though we were only outside for 15 minutes at a time. Thankful for A/C in the car.  Had really bad Chinese food in Melaka, what's up with the Lemon Chicken?  That should be outlawed since it's not even a Chinese dish. It was created by Westerners. Visited a few churches, a chinese temple, a portugese settlement, met the last feet-binding shoemaker in all of Malaysia, and had a popsicle to cool off!

Made it back for one final dinner with Max and her friend,Alex.  Such a nice guy and gracious host. Made sure I received the full Malaysia Food Experience - traditional dark soy chow fun, soup, grilled chicken wings, satay skewers, ice cacheng, ice chendol ( crushed ice with yummy syrup!), and teh-tarik (tea with milk).  Everything was sooooooo good, and inexpensive...all items listed $60 ringgits = $16 US!!!

Next stop, Singapore!

p.s. - lost my pillow!  I'm so bummed. I forgot it at my other room, and with all the activity happening, I didn't realize it until 3 days later!  Yes, I loved that pillow! sigh...