Why Melaka? Why alone?
Who would care to go to Melaka? Every place has its own historical significance, but none struck me as much as Melaka probably because of the reiteration of its importance during pre-colonial and colonial Malaysian peninsula in history texts and popular media. History is always a reconstruct and even much more so when reconstructed for the whims of some tourists. Thus, we cannot really take it too seriously when we stare at the rock that is said to be a 16th Century "Portugese Fort", which could also very much had been a 16th Century "Portugese Toilet". I guess the whole idea of my historical pilgrammage to Melaka was more of a "been there" kinda thing, looking at how the people conduct their lives, about the kind of food they eat(yea, tho all can find in Singapore, it was all prepared differently, eg. they add sugar INTO the prata), the kind of transport they took, they kind of culture they have. It is difficult to imagine how the place was once a much sought-after trading facility and political control of the straits depended on it. I was pretty much a happy man having been able to take a picture of the Melaka Straits(doesn't matter if it looks like it could be a beach anywhere else!)
Who would care to go to Melaka? Every place has its own historical significance, but none struck me as much as Melaka probably because of the reiteration of its importance during pre-colonial and colonial Malaysian peninsula in history texts and popular media. History is always a reconstruct and even much more so when reconstructed for the whims of some tourists. Thus, we cannot really take it too seriously when we stare at the rock that is said to be a 16th Century "Portugese Fort", which could also very much had been a 16th Century "Portugese Toilet". I guess the whole idea of my historical pilgrammage to Melaka was more of a "been there" kinda thing, looking at how the people conduct their lives, about the kind of food they eat(yea, tho all can find in Singapore, it was all prepared differently, eg. they add sugar INTO the prata), the kind of transport they took, they kind of culture they have. It is difficult to imagine how the place was once a much sought-after trading facility and political control of the straits depended on it. I was pretty much a happy man having been able to take a picture of the Melaka Straits(doesn't matter if it looks like it could be a beach anywhere else!)
The shophouses and narrow alley-ways look not much different from Chinatown or some other parts in Singapore, yet there are some things that makes it feel all so different. I actually found a blacksmith!
The road signs are also different.
"Coffee Pilgrammage" for Aik Cheong coffee
I thought it was really polite that the practice was to eat first before paying. Compare Singapore, everything also money first. Part of the reason why my stay had been enjoyable was also because of the friends i made. When i reach Tampin station, I met Sharifah and Shima from Segamat, Johor, who were really kind to give me directions to Melaka. I was also lucky to have met them again at Makhota Parade(a shopping arcade) and exchanged contacts before I return. Ironic, cause when they got off the bus on the first day we met, Sharifah actually said "See you"! I also enjoyed the hospitality at Eastern Heritage. Mr Mohamed was very kind and patient with providing me with whatever I need to know. For RM$18, i thought my lodgings were very much well-worth it.
This is the mama-shop where i bought my mineral water and made my phonecalls. The Indian woman speaks fluent Mandarin. And I spend my evenings lazing around with Gina, the house-cat, who get to stay at the inn for free.
hmm... where next?
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