Melaka Encounter

08.15.2007 34 °C

Aug 13th

(Rob)

The most amazing thing happened today. We were sitting having lunch at a food court near the colonial area of Melaka, and a woman came over, another tourist, and asked if my lunch was good and where I got it. When I replied, her friend said, "Is your name Rob?" "Yes," then, looking at her, I said, "Of my God! Jen! Jen Miyagi!" It was another Head of History from my school board! Her friends were also teachers in Markham. None of us could believe we'd run into each other in Melaka, Malaysia. We talked about our travels; Jen already knew about our RTW trip. We even got pictures together, especially for the amazement of our mutual friend Natalie.

The rest of our final full day in Melaka was very good, but again, hot and humid. A local artist said it's too hot for even them to walk, and yes, we've seen how packed the air-conditioned malls are. We get a "contact high" as we enter, a/c addicts that we are.

A landmark in the historic area, and characteristic of the red buildings

We saw the replica ship of what the Portuguese used to sail here, and toured the naval museum, where Anica delighted in climbing all over the gunboats. Then we walked up the steps to the highest point in old Melaka, the ruins of St. John's Church. Built in 1511, the British destroyed it in 1795. It also has tombstones from the Dutch settlers, a wishing well where Anica threw coins, and a great view of the Straits of Melaka (also sp. Malacca, btw).

Another interesting site was the Sultan's Palace. The Sultanate reached its peak in the 15th century, and this palace was re-created using the same materials. It's all smoothed, dark wood, and no nails used (a motif we're finding in Asia). Inside were dioramas telling stories of the traders and heroes of that time. The gardens were lovely to stroll -- as long as we kept to the shade.

Exterior of the Sultan's Palace

Later, we enjoyed our lovely-on-the-inside Traveller's Lodge, including a few last moments on the rooftop perch, and a few glimpses of our little gecko friends.

Don't judge this book by its cover