|
|
|
“It is the last remaining Portuguese town left in Asia and I instantly fell in love with it.” |
Journal Entry 7, 15/16 September 2006 - Malacca's for Everyone
So here we were standing at Putrajaya Bus Station, the central hub for most buses leaving and entering KL. Tina and I were waiting for a bus which belongs to, and I kid you not, Dilema Bus Company. I know its not the exact spelling but use your word play skills peoples. Obviously they had a dilemma in coming up with the company name, drum roll thank you. So anyway, here I was standing at the station minding my own business, when a man with no arms past his elbows strolls up to me. Obviously he wanted money and I think he had a good valid reason to ask for it. However before I got the chance to reach for my ringgit, SMACK he slaps me with his arms and moans at me for money. Now I've seen many weird things through my travels in Asia but this had to be one of the most bizarre experiences. This wasn't just a friendly tap or love bite, this was give me all your money or I'll moan you to death. I gave him a few ringgit and watched him toddle of too another westerner and give them the one two treatment.
The bus trip lasted about 2 hours and we arrived into the coastal town of Malacca. It is the last remaining Portuguese town left in Asia and I instantly fell in love with it. This watermelon pink buildings, the architecture and obviously the people. Christina and I grab some lunch and few cold ones of course, sat down in a cafe opposite the central square and enjoyed the total atmosphere. The snake charmers, shop vendors, crazy rickshaw drivers and fantastic weather was intoxicating. As soon as Christina suggested that we should stay the night, I instantly agreed. After a little walking we hopped into a Rickshaw and asked him to suggest a few guest hotels to stay at. We ended up finding a small guest house within walking distance to the Centre Square. Checked in for 75 ringgit a night and headed off to discover the museums. The museums were amazing and the history of Malacca was explored in depth. From Portuguese settlement to the eventual British settlements, Malacca has had a vibrant past and it was easy to imagine the old spice traders sailing into port in their old sailing ships and stopping for a pint of rum or 2 or 3.
We then headed up to the remains of St Francis Xavier church, a beautiful church overlooking the whole settlement. It is also the burial place for many British and Portuguese settlers. After this late afternoon stroll we strolled over to the night markets and enjoyed a good night out with great food and fantastic people. You could buy almost anything you wanted here however predominantly arts and craft items. We spent the remaining of the night strolling the various streets and then headed back for a good sleep as tomorrow we would be heading back early to KL. The Twin Towers awaited us.
To be continued....
previous travel blog entry
Skaize says:
Next step???? come on get to it!!!!!!!!!! lol Hope you're having a great time mate missing ya soooo sooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hows Paris? take care mate xxoo