tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27816030964019886972024-02-02T21:18:17.121+11:00Malaysia And CambodiaBlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-680229248256993952012-12-03T12:05:00.002+11:002012-12-03T12:05:55.754+11:00120. Going HomeReturning from taking photos of the dawn, I had toast and tea (breakfast doesn't start until 8.00 and I would be gone before then). The pre-ordered taxi came just a few minutes late - I was almost hyper ventilating at the thought if the taxi missed the bus, I'd miss my plane! Well it didn't happen I did catch the bus and I <i>did</i> catch the plane.<br />
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There are people who say it's cheaper to get the bus to Melaka Sentral, but me? If I had to scrimp and scrimp to save a few ringgit it'd be a pretty deplorable situation. No - I'd rather travel in comfort and go by taxi. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlucTy6-eYg42FaYTDNiuxnkgC5sI8JU103aw_dDs0nSQdsDX-d2ls_h86hR2iL8lzS97Z68i110j8zSBuQmLvrwEPTVd0BtGqOjrjKiWi5hfBbIQBzjwJ7pNYMaEo3KQdWDKsxFVY6m4P/s1600/DSCN3364.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlucTy6-eYg42FaYTDNiuxnkgC5sI8JU103aw_dDs0nSQdsDX-d2ls_h86hR2iL8lzS97Z68i110j8zSBuQmLvrwEPTVd0BtGqOjrjKiWi5hfBbIQBzjwJ7pNYMaEo3KQdWDKsxFVY6m4P/s400/DSCN3364.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Melaka Sentral</i><br />
The taxi arrived here and for all my worrying, the bus didn't leave on time anyway! The bus terminal is quite large with good facilities - banking, food stalls, clothing and a host of other items - it is in fact a small shopping mall and inside a bus station! How neat is that eh? <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4BucSbmQyTRyoi3gtgYaCYcv1j0yeGewp07PEkC0kFaOR1X4kl2Pzan1B-1kDJNr8EabKSw6oJi_kL5t7bsy6TKdzPHZRDCxdERBnz2A5HMwVEZIMyqnoE6B84YGlyJGh0ejtmJcOEY/s1600/DSCN3374.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX4BucSbmQyTRyoi3gtgYaCYcv1j0yeGewp07PEkC0kFaOR1X4kl2Pzan1B-1kDJNr8EabKSw6oJi_kL5t7bsy6TKdzPHZRDCxdERBnz2A5HMwVEZIMyqnoE6B84YGlyJGh0ejtmJcOEY/s400/DSCN3374.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Plaza Toll</i><br />
One of the toll booths that are prevalent on Malaysian roads. As you can see, there are many lanes. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNS9ME4lv1vdwZHm1WDgFLWS8u4zXhEiTh7C0wntP73zxtQKr4bw15SAUQb2iY4J_5UdLe2fiL7JCKy9qviBhfagkndgu8aA5T4GTUyfS6ZoPfkK4lMZp2I2ZM7gQbnqMBRji5yv6MnSi/s1600/DSCN3379.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNS9ME4lv1vdwZHm1WDgFLWS8u4zXhEiTh7C0wntP73zxtQKr4bw15SAUQb2iY4J_5UdLe2fiL7JCKy9qviBhfagkndgu8aA5T4GTUyfS6ZoPfkK4lMZp2I2ZM7gQbnqMBRji5yv6MnSi/s400/DSCN3379.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>KL Airport</i><br />
On the way we passed an army truck complete with soldiers and weaponry, but the photos all came out very blurry so I haven't put them up. After around two hours, we arrived at KL LCCT airport. I like this airport - it's my favourite. I like the way you can just step outside, go for a gander, there's greenery outside, to the left is a very large eatery and the Air Asia kiosk has some good souvenir items. <br />
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I like too, Marrybrown's - their fish is really good. (I am <i>not</i> a McDonald's person - yuk, dreadful stuff).<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdNsqSLglTY3g95-Fd_UxWpL1Ygpkr8SoOoS6yTniQOMAEFZjO7BN_Ay_o9sLSWW7s7gE-83FWbnAtOQjGzLlsmoTQgEq-I4QJWJTMFNgERYh1fz4ini4LmAWWcgeX-LuTn5lkn4evtaB/s1600/DSCN3380.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdNsqSLglTY3g95-Fd_UxWpL1Ygpkr8SoOoS6yTniQOMAEFZjO7BN_Ay_o9sLSWW7s7gE-83FWbnAtOQjGzLlsmoTQgEq-I4QJWJTMFNgERYh1fz4ini4LmAWWcgeX-LuTn5lkn4evtaB/s400/DSCN3380.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>T 18 - Waiting for the flight home waiting for Flight D7 2722</i><br />
Well now, here we are - waiting for our flight in the departure lounge. People were going up to the counter to go through, but were told not yet. And every time an Air Asia person came along, up would jump several people.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw-z0Z-yXW_MlbAHC6v7DY2Ly7wVGLNitVxSstrJ0m50xuRi0UTUKiPhhliv13U6kksXs-gbGIAiGKXu-B5C4YeDGdfWoRQSQFabzP13QgVXkAAc2vPa-VKk1Ys-X7NR7DZxiNWOPnllW/s1600/DSCN3382.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw-z0Z-yXW_MlbAHC6v7DY2Ly7wVGLNitVxSstrJ0m50xuRi0UTUKiPhhliv13U6kksXs-gbGIAiGKXu-B5C4YeDGdfWoRQSQFabzP13QgVXkAAc2vPa-VKk1Ys-X7NR7DZxiNWOPnllW/s400/DSCN3382.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>No, the door is still locked!</i><br />
This lady tried to open the door. It was still locked! <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSYp-Akp5wV1utd9Um7-UP0fEQQvt9jUHVT-cBPiU3qjH857LsS93Hj_CLHQWppLEn_ttuc3FhY0_oriX15_NJNoqCsA6K_aKDr5Zwa0f5Rl70T6hFjysUsSfUHQA515TpOC6y4NEoObm/s1600/DSCN3385.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSYp-Akp5wV1utd9Um7-UP0fEQQvt9jUHVT-cBPiU3qjH857LsS93Hj_CLHQWppLEn_ttuc3FhY0_oriX15_NJNoqCsA6K_aKDr5Zwa0f5Rl70T6hFjysUsSfUHQA515TpOC6y4NEoObm/s400/DSCN3385.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Our plane - 30 minutes later!</i><br />
Finally, the doors opened, and we are walking on the tarmac. The time was around 12.30pm and the weather was very hot. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgs8ACkmP68UiRtVSJBwfKihNDlA0q5GJ6GK8xHk3wWf56D_450B1zG5IjaerWnC9mEq9e6vKFdryDX0lzDy_jC-PBJbLbdZAmC90oNZoaRODKWgvMFJWV7OTQxTXO3m4hrVOc0r4M0X2/s1600/DSCN3391.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgs8ACkmP68UiRtVSJBwfKihNDlA0q5GJ6GK8xHk3wWf56D_450B1zG5IjaerWnC9mEq9e6vKFdryDX0lzDy_jC-PBJbLbdZAmC90oNZoaRODKWgvMFJWV7OTQxTXO3m4hrVOc0r4M0X2/s400/DSCN3391.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Watching movies - MASH</i><br />
As this was a daytime flight, I paid the $10 to watch movies for the flight. Watching the re-run of M*A*S*H. Soon it was meal time - eating always helps pass the time doesn't it? It breaks up the journey. I fell asleep later to find it was dark outside - night had fallen. Remember, Melbourne is two hours ahead of Malaysia, but being daylight saving time, it's three hours ahead.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRN4S9hK3563HNX9cHmE4ur6J5D6mSnHU_2uIXC3StKIr5hOB7QQfpNWx9yjZ407-O5zOXvXXN8tCe7lEFUkaBVAWabgdPQNuehnaK2G1MDbjswX-H6cXEbE0w4FPR7W881Qv-nUxmqlb/s1600/DSCN1330.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRN4S9hK3563HNX9cHmE4ur6J5D6mSnHU_2uIXC3StKIr5hOB7QQfpNWx9yjZ407-O5zOXvXXN8tCe7lEFUkaBVAWabgdPQNuehnaK2G1MDbjswX-H6cXEbE0w4FPR7W881Qv-nUxmqlb/s400/DSCN1330.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tullamarine Airport </i><br />
Back home, and it's 12.15am (9.15pm in Malaysia). I walked outside, lit up a smoke and shivered in the cool air. Had to ring my son who was supposed to be here to pick me up. I had to catch a taxi. <br />
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I came back with wonderful memories of my time in both Cambodia and Malaysia. This was my first overseas trip to Asia and it was a wonderful experience. Since then, I have been back to Kuala Lumpur, but the memory of this first trip stands out in my memory. <br />
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Below are two poems, one is a Khmer poem called "Angkor Wat II" written by Dan Haag which was inspired by Vikram Prakash's 4-15-03 Angkor Wat lecture. The second is a Malaysian poem called "Fairytale" by Malaysian poet Xin jo Ng. <br />
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<center><b>ANGKOR WAT II</b></center><center>by Jan Haag</center><i></i><br />
<center><i>No matter how you succeed<br />
in pushing back time and oblivion<br />
No matter what new knowledge<br />
you may find circulating about the universe<br />
No matter what exquisite perfections<br />
the architecture of your civilizations may obtain<br />
The jungle lush and green stealing carbon<br />
pumping oxygen comes back for Angkor Wat's splendor<br />
Until the sun in her omnivorous beneficence and warmth,<br />
in her perpetual greed for growth, for incineration swallows up the earth.<br />
</i></center><br />
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<center><b>FAIRYTALE</b></center><center>by Xin jo Ng</center><br />
<center><i>Turn around and walk away<br />
It’s nothing but a dream far away<br />
The laughter and the tears and the memories<br />
The truths and the lies and the fantasies<br />
When all mistakes were done and made<br />
Loosen your grip and let it fade<br />
What was never yours will never be<br />
Open your eyes wide and see<br />
There is no beginning there is no end<br />
Only a fairytale woven by hand</i></center><br />
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<center>finis</center>BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-83532286638114515852012-12-01T20:31:00.001+11:002012-12-01T20:31:51.512+11:00119. Sunrise in Melaka It is my last day, I rose early to catch a last glimpse of the city I had come to love. As the dawn was starting to come, I waited silently in the early morning watching the sky gradually lighten and the sun rise heralding the start of a new day. Below are some of the photos - I have tried to choose ones which show the differing light from first to last. <br />
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<i>Pagi tidak Sunrise sahaja, tetapi satu keajaiban yang indah alam yang kekalahan kegelapan dan merebak Cahaya</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwf59GB20bu5TOSTzX0alZ5VQph6C8ivds1KK_DSO2LBhPJ1nkCo2YPaW4DR84gEjBmd8ZtvCBrzgIFf4z2qiSQf0LiuxqZe7UCtBj0q2uBpDa0Qq0IJ_1DxH7NUH5-oDcL4DgUmaqzef/s1600/DSCN3332.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwf59GB20bu5TOSTzX0alZ5VQph6C8ivds1KK_DSO2LBhPJ1nkCo2YPaW4DR84gEjBmd8ZtvCBrzgIFf4z2qiSQf0LiuxqZe7UCtBj0q2uBpDa0Qq0IJ_1DxH7NUH5-oDcL4DgUmaqzef/s400/DSCN3332.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqbLhmRb6PqeotZxDgH7u2hKYmGi6ddJEm9qt8etjHSFU_TAH6ZfxjUbE9hsfmRYdEjt_wNqUqcIHmWZRIsYV3dmgd6dKqLrd1koVnwf4-ffYM4xk2mT8RK4Y5KkwOOXaqXhzScIfW4iD/s1600/DSCN3335.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqbLhmRb6PqeotZxDgH7u2hKYmGi6ddJEm9qt8etjHSFU_TAH6ZfxjUbE9hsfmRYdEjt_wNqUqcIHmWZRIsYV3dmgd6dKqLrd1koVnwf4-ffYM4xk2mT8RK4Y5KkwOOXaqXhzScIfW4iD/s400/DSCN3335.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOAni592jG9MC0TBfmTqVfcYkGJPHuhSMI8XQCazyYcwouOhElwGpLUOFWRHcikkPwKE2nhvdxkCUVi4dV6fE3IIAZmUxBrT0PV2szeAQ1q-pCzS3SsDtzFxvdAkWtxaVzr97wGz9r2dG/s1600/DSCN3345.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOAni592jG9MC0TBfmTqVfcYkGJPHuhSMI8XQCazyYcwouOhElwGpLUOFWRHcikkPwKE2nhvdxkCUVi4dV6fE3IIAZmUxBrT0PV2szeAQ1q-pCzS3SsDtzFxvdAkWtxaVzr97wGz9r2dG/s400/DSCN3345.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefILdv_SJEJqq-BgpdBViCHxGwC_g_e3CSFO0gUfzXmKixPRhnXBiGpXufilWI6sbBK6qNuAOFIFGBbKQc29ggtli2seh5bdvQbnxPPeWn7cJ9ioS9FwO3LQV4wNVG481HCFQssfWkCCG/s1600/DSCN3340.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefILdv_SJEJqq-BgpdBViCHxGwC_g_e3CSFO0gUfzXmKixPRhnXBiGpXufilWI6sbBK6qNuAOFIFGBbKQc29ggtli2seh5bdvQbnxPPeWn7cJ9ioS9FwO3LQV4wNVG481HCFQssfWkCCG/s400/DSCN3340.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWh8FfkrbF4cs_UIZ0zpzO8a-aDW7dpX2EZ1_PzXKHfAFd7R9mPLIcOlrUSGbtI9UyfknezH7ljpPtaq-8iTxjv95EsMZZZexGJUvNpNEd0AdrXQLHt3qy6WSwlz3tRpjhyphenhyphenjWZXQbJOsO/s1600/DSCN3346.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWh8FfkrbF4cs_UIZ0zpzO8a-aDW7dpX2EZ1_PzXKHfAFd7R9mPLIcOlrUSGbtI9UyfknezH7ljpPtaq-8iTxjv95EsMZZZexGJUvNpNEd0AdrXQLHt3qy6WSwlz3tRpjhyphenhyphenjWZXQbJOsO/s400/DSCN3346.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jDPDT7qqCaHgkV7mXx_VZXUPEJStWbgBiiViQFCFlGS7uzRCjXK0OPGHFyjM3hmFpEd1vWIgF9R0nOqhjg0zO1DdnCZpiS2u4EDgSkVkGawOqa-PoWyQRhlbUUKie5olPv1Ov6t5krhr/s1600/DSCN3347.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jDPDT7qqCaHgkV7mXx_VZXUPEJStWbgBiiViQFCFlGS7uzRCjXK0OPGHFyjM3hmFpEd1vWIgF9R0nOqhjg0zO1DdnCZpiS2u4EDgSkVkGawOqa-PoWyQRhlbUUKie5olPv1Ov6t5krhr/s400/DSCN3347.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nqY-ofp20xPrlqvbVQnAKqR1MSqtAy48mei6QqkVTL1MDzUJZRoXmVdkwE57EFyD7dTSfHJ7tUKQNYRfeN6Lzpm2LI66lso863VzbreWI2VZ4yn_bAy5erFMNhDob3zo96TlwYAb5gYZ/s1600/DSCN3351.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nqY-ofp20xPrlqvbVQnAKqR1MSqtAy48mei6QqkVTL1MDzUJZRoXmVdkwE57EFyD7dTSfHJ7tUKQNYRfeN6Lzpm2LI66lso863VzbreWI2VZ4yn_bAy5erFMNhDob3zo96TlwYAb5gYZ/s400/DSCN3351.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM_MiSX0Aoxue1SPt5PJ_X2j66tg1VDDdZ3FRn0StuN_A8vJ1O6NeBDFQYucLFEe31BarkBidrQoCGMLXeMznawP3JEKOfy6SI_2oxAvGVWbAjMC5B3dUml3wjnTsSLmpQOYDxNo_T46s/s1600/DSCN3356.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM_MiSX0Aoxue1SPt5PJ_X2j66tg1VDDdZ3FRn0StuN_A8vJ1O6NeBDFQYucLFEe31BarkBidrQoCGMLXeMznawP3JEKOfy6SI_2oxAvGVWbAjMC5B3dUml3wjnTsSLmpQOYDxNo_T46s/s400/DSCN3356.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgQLz3wiAm_Jh7BeaLuG7TksdK1kwKlvCBdKTXgbYZx7oEBIVrlY14IAGyG2tGde4zeGWMcImLm_cXHj9E4vdBW4BnEAtqNWIpJ2vESX4D9wUGMyWO0WEDxpCjKKzE3wsoxAR6zk1J3Sf/s1600/DSCN3359.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgQLz3wiAm_Jh7BeaLuG7TksdK1kwKlvCBdKTXgbYZx7oEBIVrlY14IAGyG2tGde4zeGWMcImLm_cXHj9E4vdBW4BnEAtqNWIpJ2vESX4D9wUGMyWO0WEDxpCjKKzE3wsoxAR6zk1J3Sf/s400/DSCN3359.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy9JNy7wqorMYNMBtz8P0CRFjBmha5eNHmL8Cmqp4zkqGe0G-bpeHq8ZzyE4gSjT_oJj9Q52vYqSPgFX1gHtaZyqP_1J9qMW0xC7vDz7Rxf2BMjK26ZkN7jv5Y3qbOKfycWzx7nWauh3J/s1600/DSCN3358.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy9JNy7wqorMYNMBtz8P0CRFjBmha5eNHmL8Cmqp4zkqGe0G-bpeHq8ZzyE4gSjT_oJj9Q52vYqSPgFX1gHtaZyqP_1J9qMW0xC7vDz7Rxf2BMjK26ZkN7jv5Y3qbOKfycWzx7nWauh3J/s400/DSCN3358.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><br />
<i>Morning is not only Sunrise, but a beautiful miracle of nature that defeats darkness and spreads Light</i><br />
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BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia2.1929749040196622 102.246816158294682.1909914040196621 102.24434865829468 2.1949584040196624 102.24928365829467tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-89265481087505201592012-12-01T19:52:00.001+11:002012-12-02T08:29:45.430+11:00118. Last Night in MelakaWEll It's my last night in Malacca and my last night in Malaysia and I am a little sad - I wish it could go on forever. I wish it was three weeks ago and my time was just about to begin and I could relive it all over again. But of course that doesn't happen, except in fairy tales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrHCmWIS01paM9D9ZVT7FqhbYkxI6fBXU-clz4dNhTJwokZolP58XQnlz6bMwFWQG99e12_XiZ6YcLqcjGFCu_wTj7uIygj-ZTtaGyvliUd-PPBjtxTV1vhXZQ1FmumsD2TQZNd1wOYE-/s1600/DSCN3323.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrHCmWIS01paM9D9ZVT7FqhbYkxI6fBXU-clz4dNhTJwokZolP58XQnlz6bMwFWQG99e12_XiZ6YcLqcjGFCu_wTj7uIygj-ZTtaGyvliUd-PPBjtxTV1vhXZQ1FmumsD2TQZNd1wOYE-/s400/DSCN3323.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Jonker Walk</i><br />
This is my last photo of Jonker Street and I walked along thinking of all I had seen and experienced. I found a little hole in the wall operation somewhere on the left hand side and went in to order a meal. I chose the chicken and rice. There was an old grandmother, her iron grey hair tied in a bun, coming down in wisps about her face, holding this huge ladle as she stirred the large pot. A young girl (her granddaughter?) stood to her right helping with other foods. There was a fridge on the wall opposite with round tables and stools. It wasn't a pretentious place, just a very ordinary little eating house. <br />
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All the other customers kept staring at me and I wondered if there was something wrong with my appearance. Did I have dirt on my nose? Am I doing something wrong? Then the penny dropped - I was the only westerner there - everyone else was a local. I'd found one of the places where the locals go to eat not the tourists. I must say it was rather pleasant sitting there, no loud mouthed tourists, no flashy looking foreigners, just me. And the locals. (Not by a long shot is there anything flashy about me at all - some tourists even look down their elegant noses a little!), just my usual clothes and hiking sandals. And no, I didn't think to take a photo. Wish I had. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwNbOEURgqEri7tn18IW9g3QmpgWbNXLxceLP8oud3uAwboeEYwOOu8nII8cLadqvHVGOFJB5wTWxBo-uJuK1kPnaiaSmzMYTNh5J_JLZk-Rpz7UR9WlV7XBsKl2Fp-Zwv9pwfGNDJMQY/s1600/DSCN3325.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwNbOEURgqEri7tn18IW9g3QmpgWbNXLxceLP8oud3uAwboeEYwOOu8nII8cLadqvHVGOFJB5wTWxBo-uJuK1kPnaiaSmzMYTNh5J_JLZk-Rpz7UR9WlV7XBsKl2Fp-Zwv9pwfGNDJMQY/s400/DSCN3325.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Lagenda Antik</i><br />
This building caught my eye - the startling white decorated with red, yellow and green. Red roses, leafy foliage and yellow urns. The three colours are repeated at the top of the columns. There are also some salmon pink designs as well - on the upper right hand side is a pink lion, on the left what looks like a flamingo. <br />
Lagenda Antik is an antique shop in Jonker Street and is decorated in the style of a Straits Chinese house. Behind the hall is an inner courtyard and a collection of knick-knacks, porcelains and furniture of the era. <br />
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<b>Over the River</b><br />
It is time to cross over the river again and do something I promised myself I was going to do - ride in one of those colourful trishaws.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-XC4pHpxR-MjUt_bViZcZABhZv1xQzqtmoy25hwDpbrkZqV-_DfZwTknVYqazIcd3DBfMqCuaGNCidMJemvzV5OAN3g_YNwO4iuPMg1_Xv8fxKq1PamIF2ElzM7KuLPtz8GaAB4FUKz5/s1600/DSCN3326.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-XC4pHpxR-MjUt_bViZcZABhZv1xQzqtmoy25hwDpbrkZqV-_DfZwTknVYqazIcd3DBfMqCuaGNCidMJemvzV5OAN3g_YNwO4iuPMg1_Xv8fxKq1PamIF2ElzM7KuLPtz8GaAB4FUKz5/s400/DSCN3326.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Clocktower at night</i><br />
Here I passed the clock tower again. For this photo, I turned the dial to dusk or sunset and this is the result - a warm orange glow, the colours are warm. The only downside is the photos come out a little blurry. I have included it to show the difference in camera setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qSb-RpcaiX2XjtwZnUPWgCMV66zMCpq-Xzt0Ku8zOpdDuv0AvE4FjiWAEKWc-wqVrPFdUwD4ddOe7MMNsSYUxPtRJt8sjwL83kGQeYrZxDrdAfDmsg99Sk5JKX-PLnHl5AKALlG38GLY/s1600/DSCN3327.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qSb-RpcaiX2XjtwZnUPWgCMV66zMCpq-Xzt0Ku8zOpdDuv0AvE4FjiWAEKWc-wqVrPFdUwD4ddOe7MMNsSYUxPtRJt8sjwL83kGQeYrZxDrdAfDmsg99Sk5JKX-PLnHl5AKALlG38GLY/s400/DSCN3327.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>7.30PM</i><br />
Same subject, same time, but in this photo, I had the camera set at the normal setting. You can see the difference between this photo and the previous one - here the colours are darker and are cool colours and the photo does not have the blurriness - it is sharper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWVn6_veMdRrOyt7dBvg3Vs2gh9DKJPPfrNjCDDbvzXAOJQlE2T1FBKToL3GyFOgWSzvjefi8r09vtFlfGoDOarQFh9BhK7qnhpSf2c5oNKSIm8ZGENmHd67mX43d2AjM0LTcKdV1vWdq/s1600/DSCN3329.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWVn6_veMdRrOyt7dBvg3Vs2gh9DKJPPfrNjCDDbvzXAOJQlE2T1FBKToL3GyFOgWSzvjefi8r09vtFlfGoDOarQFh9BhK7qnhpSf2c5oNKSIm8ZGENmHd67mX43d2AjM0LTcKdV1vWdq/s400/DSCN3329.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Trishaw ride</i><br />
And now - it is rickshaw time! Which one shall I choose? That one there with the blue and yellow? Or that one over there decorated in blues and greens? Hmmm...so many to choose from. ...I think ..... this one. I like the glorious pinks and reds. Yes, I'll choose this one. The trishaw driver and I discussed price - 40 myr for an hour, but due to the lateness of the evening, I wanted only half an hour. So that was settled and off we went. I wish I had done this in the daytime and been taken around - I'd have stayed for the whole hour. And it is such a pleasant way to travel. I could have save myself a lot of hot huffing and puffing and walking in the heat. Then again, I would have missed a lot - some of the best things are just walking around getting lost and finding yourself seeing things you otherwise wouldn't have. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUcifw3M92FVLTEEEYTxIxFqFKCLDIR_FjHO4RQsRfyyydYT5ZxUFLsQiqWGZvR9d5quvssLu9rNY_HGkV8D-HFWzA_slqErfFCJiFr_ounfOWbdQ0iNdOkCe-BDnpFrsCaNx5T2WGiYf/s1600/DSCN3328.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUcifw3M92FVLTEEEYTxIxFqFKCLDIR_FjHO4RQsRfyyydYT5ZxUFLsQiqWGZvR9d5quvssLu9rNY_HGkV8D-HFWzA_slqErfFCJiFr_ounfOWbdQ0iNdOkCe-BDnpFrsCaNx5T2WGiYf/s400/DSCN3328.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>My trishaw has the best flowers</i><br />
This is the full view picture - check out the other trishaws towards the right - none of them can hold a candle to "my" trishaw. <br />
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<b>About Trishaws</b><br />
In the old days, trishaw was one of the main methods of transportation in Malacca, but today with modern vehicles, the trishaw is a thing of the past. Fortunately they are still seen and used today - as a tourist attraction. They are beautifully decorated with flowers and an audio player with popular songs being played out loud. <br />
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There are only two states with tourist trishaws - Penang and Malacca. I rode in both and enjoyed them, but the trishaws of Malacca are the best looking and best decorated. Sitting behind the plethora of (artifical) flowers, a wonderfully padded seat with silver floral design, I truly felt like royalty. <br />
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<b>Back across the river again</b><br />
All too soon, it was time to go home - by home I mean my accommodation place. It's funny, but when I'm travelling, I always refer to where I stay as "home". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoTCAb_zoAinokbSH9XY06A-1ySH7yGcqITo3EGzQ0L-ApJp47OB1H5nbmZDRAltp3VHrnzm16Fi07rkX6QstnWQ2fN7ezkwTVjKtHuKLI0gnrIF1o9MFyZntLL5BhIBBFmobDpcwYywn/s1600/DSCN3331.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoTCAb_zoAinokbSH9XY06A-1ySH7yGcqITo3EGzQ0L-ApJp47OB1H5nbmZDRAltp3VHrnzm16Fi07rkX6QstnWQ2fN7ezkwTVjKtHuKLI0gnrIF1o9MFyZntLL5BhIBBFmobDpcwYywn/s400/DSCN3331.JPG" width="298" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Nighttime on the river</i><br />
Here I am, back near Heeren House and one last look at the river. Photos don't do it justice - the river flowing quietly, water lapping gently alongside, a myriad of light reflected in the water showing ripples of gold. <br />
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<b>Next:</b> Sunrise in Malacca<br />
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<br />BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-23108728044058996452012-12-01T17:42:00.000+11:002014-04-17T16:24:33.316+10:00117. Chinese Funeral As I was walking here, I saw a Chinese funeral. It was the music which alerted me and I headed over. I took some photos, but not wishing to be disrespectful, didn't go too close and zoomed the lens. I found it wasn't easy finding information about Chinese funeral processions and what some of the symbols are - e.g. two large paper lanterns carried on long poles. What do they mean, what is the significance? At the head of the procession, a man carries something that looks like the shape of a fancy bird cage with white, pink and red ribbons/bows on it but that too, I have not found what it is. If anyone reading this can answer this, I would welcome comments so I may increase my knowledge. (Thank you)<br />
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<b>Chinese funeral procession is pictured here.</b><br />
Traditionally, the procession starts from the house of the deceased to the cemetery. According to custom, the route follows the normal route the deceased used to take in his or her life. For example, where he/she used to go to the market, shopping, to work or to visit friends. It is the last farewell to this life.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE9eDdLh9UF0xH7E44QGQftI7HWZr5lks4OiEjx4eeN_YARosgLl_TNry7_jUu3fR0EQ7a2zqVl9rDb7f_LJzm_qv8ylUjvTKfHWwimPTN45n-O8Yjk2VIB0FeVMSThEcvjvJ9EbVUvuR/s1600/DSCN3247.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE9eDdLh9UF0xH7E44QGQftI7HWZr5lks4OiEjx4eeN_YARosgLl_TNry7_jUu3fR0EQ7a2zqVl9rDb7f_LJzm_qv8ylUjvTKfHWwimPTN45n-O8Yjk2VIB0FeVMSThEcvjvJ9EbVUvuR/s400/DSCN3247.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Drummer and musicians</i><br />
The procession is accompanied by live (or recorded) music, sometimes the tune is lively and upbeat but in some cases it is sad. From my research, the time for this procession is usually done either at around 10.30 a.m. or 2.30 pm. It was around 2.30pm when I was here. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUvTWoWu_axUyF54eG7WTK8SZZvHpTp8WzusG-k0th_fHB2HCEXgw57Ev7Rm3ERoXWW2VVWHnxjTc7rvwb5znFiH0-7xJL4iRRGIXO8BH5VHbgxG7FkU9_jzZ-hNcZBjwVBXTi-cPrV3j/s1600/DSCN3248.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUvTWoWu_axUyF54eG7WTK8SZZvHpTp8WzusG-k0th_fHB2HCEXgw57Ev7Rm3ERoXWW2VVWHnxjTc7rvwb5znFiH0-7xJL4iRRGIXO8BH5VHbgxG7FkU9_jzZ-hNcZBjwVBXTi-cPrV3j/s400/DSCN3248.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Undertaker's vehicle</i><br />
Sin Hock Siew Undertaker<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcOEiEqJqz753I37T6ehFIL5nYm2Ow7i-pAZ5it1tWsT_MrbIWcfE2ifj0gVR3WD0K-cDEQu0CwFa9WpiSW3mB65yxmje14poeKB0N2DFxNpmn5qr0hPyv1fwFT4o_wjH9tpGFf-ilLH1/s1600/DSCN3254.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcOEiEqJqz753I37T6ehFIL5nYm2Ow7i-pAZ5it1tWsT_MrbIWcfE2ifj0gVR3WD0K-cDEQu0CwFa9WpiSW3mB65yxmje14poeKB0N2DFxNpmn5qr0hPyv1fwFT4o_wjH9tpGFf-ilLH1/s400/DSCN3254.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Family Photo</i><br />
Chinese traditionally wore white clothes at funerals. Grandchildren wear blue clothes and great grandchildren, if there are any, wear light blue clothes. Two of the men wear red sashes and three are holding sticks with red handkerchiefs. I have yet to find the reason for this. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlqJPcgYCaC-Bekh7lIFEtVkaFhBq8m3RwsQviYUGhWa5qiK0E8yOblwkOupi468frCDsf3vSK8UPCeoLhIqHyVW9u0bRFdsynKSSTQccc-F49WSu9yVdzmTk7W8Ts3a9-xhFnPiEZJh1/s1600/DSCN3251-001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlqJPcgYCaC-Bekh7lIFEtVkaFhBq8m3RwsQviYUGhWa5qiK0E8yOblwkOupi468frCDsf3vSK8UPCeoLhIqHyVW9u0bRFdsynKSSTQccc-F49WSu9yVdzmTk7W8Ts3a9-xhFnPiEZJh1/s320/DSCN3251-001.JPG" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Photo</i><br />
A photo of the deceased is placed at the front of the hearse. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoVYPl44vwR42sQ3KOrtKRaq6rgc0Y0BAADsC1oksmZh6ClVbC9cFLLNXZs4jJowrARsTpe2pLwRccCKB6LSNRVmO9yuI5Y5SaM8qdX3bUSqgQUkV271X7aBV2xw7DIPv7_i9MJ-zz6DF/s1600/DSCN3256.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoVYPl44vwR42sQ3KOrtKRaq6rgc0Y0BAADsC1oksmZh6ClVbC9cFLLNXZs4jJowrARsTpe2pLwRccCKB6LSNRVmO9yuI5Y5SaM8qdX3bUSqgQUkV271X7aBV2xw7DIPv7_i9MJ-zz6DF/s400/DSCN3256.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Inside the undertaker's truck</i><br />
Musicians stand behind the undertaker's truck in which can be seen yellow and white floral wreaths and a mock sedan chair. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7hZe34MJ7Tg6k42RtkOyBFNcAGIzm_h2F9M-R9sNWLeXx0AyMpKfl-rJ89Jlr0kSW93itb8r3Tp1QP3xbQkkxZNYsM-xvRf6h8-mK4nQ35wxzOC-hSu285GnKA0jeP0tC1Mpmd8Gfx3M/s1600/DSCN3257.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7hZe34MJ7Tg6k42RtkOyBFNcAGIzm_h2F9M-R9sNWLeXx0AyMpKfl-rJ89Jlr0kSW93itb8r3Tp1QP3xbQkkxZNYsM-xvRf6h8-mK4nQ35wxzOC-hSu285GnKA0jeP0tC1Mpmd8Gfx3M/s400/DSCN3257.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Chinese funeral</i><br />
Occasionally paper models of objects such as cars, statues ships etc. are carried with the procession symbolising the wealth of the deceased's family. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYoUwyqbLdDI955dXVGGOOnA0mpiBtSvcfOk_xG4N3pcX8XB2UNKfyqBJSeeTNVTCoD4sVgC8CX-kbjuqH-s-YzHfqGOoeZP2IDgTW4D5JFIEbwS4TIexbjP6CyQhgn6GllMK8Gcm854C/s1600/DSCN3259.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYoUwyqbLdDI955dXVGGOOnA0mpiBtSvcfOk_xG4N3pcX8XB2UNKfyqBJSeeTNVTCoD4sVgC8CX-kbjuqH-s-YzHfqGOoeZP2IDgTW4D5JFIEbwS4TIexbjP6CyQhgn6GllMK8Gcm854C/s400/DSCN3259.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Procession</i><br />
Vertical banner bearer in the front. This banner is known as "Teik". Normally the color of the banner is white, but since the man died after reaching 80 years old, the colour is red. It bears the eulogy of the deceased man.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfyymSajG73PKx481Yo0j_u2J8h97abUzIpcShCzR8qwudvBAcmKiiiefMx5YsvkfTmJDlAcdaUzU_DHXJ0HyuU8x4OwyiWGbZhVFF9JtaCbeP2Sn2_803E-JhKflXGGDjyUe1ZNSdCxN/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfyymSajG73PKx481Yo0j_u2J8h97abUzIpcShCzR8qwudvBAcmKiiiefMx5YsvkfTmJDlAcdaUzU_DHXJ0HyuU8x4OwyiWGbZhVFF9JtaCbeP2Sn2_803E-JhKflXGGDjyUe1ZNSdCxN/s400/DSCN3260.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Drummer</i><br />
Musicians follow. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_eoKWBkhF3Hc9Qo9Oc8AkmyvHJZG_CfByQSizmD9AilI_0yABF2l0tWSVW_fEW7b-_Q5MM7JAU7Neh0XeA93kFDcql2x35GlGxzuviuLegSaMlzMt7wFfcajoc9_n1Q12nnKgOw-K_OO/s1600/DSCN3261.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_eoKWBkhF3Hc9Qo9Oc8AkmyvHJZG_CfByQSizmD9AilI_0yABF2l0tWSVW_fEW7b-_Q5MM7JAU7Neh0XeA93kFDcql2x35GlGxzuviuLegSaMlzMt7wFfcajoc9_n1Q12nnKgOw-K_OO/s400/DSCN3261.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Funeral procession</i><br />
Next come men carrying large Chinese paper lanterns.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzyjfdaZaqiDbpfT_Gxo2GV5PqrQnmUrMR9Gw5HOGIzjvwiHGMtiijpp673EuxwK96KWrOxdK4iSdjYskrIazd0dGjB1n-kc50hZZsagomauBh15N9SeDPK8JbBy73tmgN3306fQlDmKD/s1600/DSCN3262.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzyjfdaZaqiDbpfT_Gxo2GV5PqrQnmUrMR9Gw5HOGIzjvwiHGMtiijpp673EuxwK96KWrOxdK4iSdjYskrIazd0dGjB1n-kc50hZZsagomauBh15N9SeDPK8JbBy73tmgN3306fQlDmKD/s400/DSCN3262.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Funeral procession</i><br />
Two of the men are holding what looks like a tambourine, the man on the left beats his with a stick. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbYVpGvrprqJOqe_KcRnodKWwgGuMoMG7uWJtB4DOhGE_vi1Na8AYzspBrvwmgg64AO9bYOp5y1FxsZNE03GKHj1rN9FMrWRYfavbsZg9DMLTw_VCtfroYDPA67Zkw5Yhw3Jy4dFzLFqQ/s1600/DSCN3264.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbYVpGvrprqJOqe_KcRnodKWwgGuMoMG7uWJtB4DOhGE_vi1Na8AYzspBrvwmgg64AO9bYOp5y1FxsZNE03GKHj1rN9FMrWRYfavbsZg9DMLTw_VCtfroYDPA67Zkw5Yhw3Jy4dFzLFqQ/s400/DSCN3264.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Hearse </i><br />
Mourners follow the hearse. Yellow and white “holy” paper is placed on coffin to protect the body from dangerous spirits. A yellow cloth is draped over the coffin.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcHln0hFlkiDwBVwHoBwLg8MVeoj9SxFQuGCcKvt6sWEL57kgFQhyphenhyphen1WYV3ArwIDpaoKjciIBNdRE_tTTZEReD86R2u6cQV3DqckHFuXvLBSyoPzCiA6skKzBR2DqaBBMvtTzYqVd7XoU/s1600/DSCN3265.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPcHln0hFlkiDwBVwHoBwLg8MVeoj9SxFQuGCcKvt6sWEL57kgFQhyphenhyphen1WYV3ArwIDpaoKjciIBNdRE_tTTZEReD86R2u6cQV3DqckHFuXvLBSyoPzCiA6skKzBR2DqaBBMvtTzYqVd7XoU/s400/DSCN3265.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Procession</i><br />
Mourners place a cloth over their heads. Some have a cloth draped over their shoulders.<br />
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<b> Ancestor Worship</b><br />
A funeral is not the end of the journey. The deceased will always be remembered, especially during the Qing Ming festival (Tomb Sweeping Day). It is the old custom of the Chinese people to honour their ancestors. They believe that the spirits of their ancestors will look after them in this life, take an interest in the affairs of the world, and possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living. Therefore, offering of joss sticks, sometimes food like fruits or cakes are always present on the main altar in their houses, accompanied by daily prayers. <br />
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<b>Next:</b> Last night in MalaccaBlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-16424857845385953302012-11-30T13:16:00.000+11:002012-12-01T19:32:54.321+11:00116. Chinatown After leaving the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum. I made my way further into Chinatown with the intention of seeing several "sites". I do find Chinatown(s) fascinating, no matter where they are. Home here in Melbourne, we have a wonderful Chinatown right in the middle of the city in the Little Bourke Street area from Swanston Street all the way up to Spring Street. It's the oldest Chinatown in Australia (1851).<br />
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As I wandered around I was immersed in the sights and sounds and gaiety and hubub. I was so enjoying myself, that I did have to retrace my steps not a few times and the many tombs etc I had intended to see and photograph went unseen. I did however, manage to see a few. <br />
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<b>Masjid Kampung Kling</b><br />
This is one of the oldest mosques in the country with Sumatran architectural features. It has a three-tiered pyramid-shape rood and a pagoda like minaret, portraying a mixture of East-West architectural influences. It is the site of the Mandi safar or bathing festival celebrated by Indian moslems during the moslem month of safar. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, safar changes throughout the seasons. (From tourist brochure)<br />
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The mosque is in Goldsmith Road (Malay, Jalan Tukang Emas) and is also known as "Harmony Street" because it's near the Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. With so many religious buildings it's no wonder the street is nicknamed "Harmony" Street. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78w-17uMW4ZPlZMelpWEs7F50PB0dn6HqK_amnsdwVseHIicUGct0mqunChwjSdhO0v2ydUQZRqyH9kHVWUtWWzvF31IP-73P_15rBG-Xaxor23C9FyqNmuA94FF462NC3S4hnBRI9sr/s1600/DSCN3211.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb78w-17uMW4ZPlZMelpWEs7F50PB0dn6HqK_amnsdwVseHIicUGct0mqunChwjSdhO0v2ydUQZRqyH9kHVWUtWWzvF31IP-73P_15rBG-Xaxor23C9FyqNmuA94FF462NC3S4hnBRI9sr/s400/DSCN3211.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Masjid Kampung Kling mosque</i><br />
I quite liked the roof architecture, the pyramidal type roof has white sculptured joinery and blue and white lacework around the rooflines is decorative and pleasing to the eye. As far as photos go, this was the best I could do - trying to capture the roofline in one section. I'd have liked to be able to get a shot of the roof plus the pagoda (minaret) but it wasn't possible. Now if we could just get all the people milling about with their cameras and other paraphernalia out of the way I might have stood a better chance. But alas, as often happens, it was not to be. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJllM48ryLTNHVwuVqKCEyVg2z0OH-uMH85fyDkewC9oMjgUwhKuP7SJh7ETma0ODU4yUW5JHl5jEbqGsk4t0aq00NZmYhf9byP_NMG-gpj5rCkk5V8XHLusjoYi0nrypafs5Mzzhsg9Ax/s1600/DSCN3217.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJllM48ryLTNHVwuVqKCEyVg2z0OH-uMH85fyDkewC9oMjgUwhKuP7SJh7ETma0ODU4yUW5JHl5jEbqGsk4t0aq00NZmYhf9byP_NMG-gpj5rCkk5V8XHLusjoYi0nrypafs5Mzzhsg9Ax/s400/DSCN3217.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Entrance detail</i><br />
The entrance arch which is quite unique, was built at the same time as the main building.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNADfj_AJwSesazQFeq7_0h-o6AqqHhG2OXEBwuXpuPezvxcp1c10bDbbQQTtjdl7esknLZ6Kxln-IPbV0D5zPirZHq69jyD4zG-tUJyf3Zf7_0xY1omrQeWPq71NR0WDHPobqANNtyYp/s1600/DSCN3212.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNADfj_AJwSesazQFeq7_0h-o6AqqHhG2OXEBwuXpuPezvxcp1c10bDbbQQTtjdl7esknLZ6Kxln-IPbV0D5zPirZHq69jyD4zG-tUJyf3Zf7_0xY1omrQeWPq71NR0WDHPobqANNtyYp/s400/DSCN3212.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Kampung Kling Mosque</i><br />
It is a minaret but resembles a pagoda. This too, has a matching green roof which I couldn't get in the shot. There are a couple of loud speakers up high in the top windows. Minarets are used for the call to prayer and provide a visual focal point. I liked the smooth straight lines of this - quite plain with unfussy detail it is the simplicity which draws the eye. At least in my opinion. There is a place for fancy artwork and carving and there is a place for understated simplicity. <br />
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<b>Cheng Hoon Teng Temple</b><br />
This beautiful old temple is at 25 Temple street (Jalan Tokong) and is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia, being built in 1645 and was was founded by the Kapitan China Tay Kie Ki aka Tay Hong Yong. It is also the most venerable of Malaysia's temples. Known too as "Temple of Clear Clouds", the main shrine hall has no nails whatsoever - nails are unlucky in Chinese culture - which makes the stateliness and dignity of Cheng Hoon Teng's structure even more impressive. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Y-eIBMmPqfx-saH6QWPsKawtPukEtD0l_ulF1RCccsvUhVLe2f30gU_S9D-QTuwW_DNyTkkP8Ol38hyphenhyphenkhRJNPMwdvbURxfDl91UNKrxnyb3vwtCU5cfDxIsK3QH1xhxeHLBnWoS6a23/s1600/DSCN3222.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Y-eIBMmPqfx-saH6QWPsKawtPukEtD0l_ulF1RCccsvUhVLe2f30gU_S9D-QTuwW_DNyTkkP8Ol38hyphenhyphenkhRJNPMwdvbURxfDl91UNKrxnyb3vwtCU5cfDxIsK3QH1xhxeHLBnWoS6a23/s400/DSCN3222.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Cheng Hoon Teng Temple Gates</i><br />
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Yin and was constructed by skilled workers from China - master craftsmen, artisans and carpenters and with its curved roof ridge, chien nien decoration, and gable design, reflects the architectural style and craftmanship of Southern China, mainly from the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong.<br />
The roof of the temple, in Chinese tradition, has beautiful carvings. All the building materials were imported from China. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLREdmHZPR9kIR8X3Uu-ORanTQt6MilcqHTdvopJYp-_HOLOWdtKPZU1M3PNrXUXHCtmmG4O9GCllpm6if2U2W2C9pvjM9rIXIDFxYwRPHhrxqzxmmfGCVNu36TELItrU2WF2F-umsIM6n/s1600/DSCN3224.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLREdmHZPR9kIR8X3Uu-ORanTQt6MilcqHTdvopJYp-_HOLOWdtKPZU1M3PNrXUXHCtmmG4O9GCllpm6if2U2W2C9pvjM9rIXIDFxYwRPHhrxqzxmmfGCVNu36TELItrU2WF2F-umsIM6n/s400/DSCN3224.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Chien Nien ~ decorative sculptures</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNowpJBwhcOp6EMor2glV_uSvEnuTzJASD9uznaCGRoHPM7DlfWKUFH9HVrQApwp5ET1LYzncNyv2In6eLkIkCH1ZIrXrmvzFzZjUCJC-xFGCpN5GIUGZVoIGFllM6UkTocLlb6l-7owu/s1600/DSCN3225.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNowpJBwhcOp6EMor2glV_uSvEnuTzJASD9uznaCGRoHPM7DlfWKUFH9HVrQApwp5ET1LYzncNyv2In6eLkIkCH1ZIrXrmvzFzZjUCJC-xFGCpN5GIUGZVoIGFllM6UkTocLlb6l-7owu/s400/DSCN3225.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Chien Nien</i><br />
The term Chien Nien literally means "cut and glue," and is a centuries old art which is one of the most outstanding visual characteristics of Chinese temples. It is the art of turning ceramic bowls and pieces of glass into artistic figures that come alive with colour and symbolism and your eye is drawn to the decoratvie visual. Traditionally, Chien Nien turned waste into art, because the artisans used broken ceramic and porcelain bowls to construct the figures. <br />
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<b>Did you know?</b><br />
The building of Cheng Hoon Teng Temple conforms strictly to the feng shui principles, incorporating the fundamental belief that every aspect of life is closely related to attaining perfect harmony with nature. The temple was carefully laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGhazAQqn_5YfxIM4BmjXVUpMPXQ0d_m81jTY-UNx0GJgZ61Kyz7EIVX8MgNxKP7RXM65-ZgaDylRMdWBZlnyqnrZS0SaUJoRWUCnqJ-dbSymeQWAtC7gYMsiUynBwiDpgOOSIMr9bV3M/s1600/DSCN3221-001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGhazAQqn_5YfxIM4BmjXVUpMPXQ0d_m81jTY-UNx0GJgZ61Kyz7EIVX8MgNxKP7RXM65-ZgaDylRMdWBZlnyqnrZS0SaUJoRWUCnqJ-dbSymeQWAtC7gYMsiUynBwiDpgOOSIMr9bV3M/s400/DSCN3221-001.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Round window</i><br />
This is the elaborate design on the left side of the temple gate.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMkJOwSGtBCeBAJjmm2Upcp4oHKuWseXWX_udu9QtArr7v5jP27o_65ACHVCYoGySK16fDvUutNI43ybz2gA3jSiEn3cjfvAcDxViOt0agD_-S3AsOcYF-kx0YsIRsQZEC5yISWH9VUX_/s1600/Malaysia+20101-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMkJOwSGtBCeBAJjmm2Upcp4oHKuWseXWX_udu9QtArr7v5jP27o_65ACHVCYoGySK16fDvUutNI43ybz2gA3jSiEn3cjfvAcDxViOt0agD_-S3AsOcYF-kx0YsIRsQZEC5yISWH9VUX_/s400/Malaysia+20101-001.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Cheng Hoon Teng Temple doors</i><br />
Chinese characters on the doors<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqCeA6JO8RX_tguAgpSoUpf-mdcLFkTiHeZSfaHd-JS_N6V-NkvjJSG5RESz8X9vObdaMw4h8wTyIuC8ueX4Ae_7Y2Xk9IB2xtjl00NGYvZtZO5JR1L-4IotYYsE2k5_nCHqf38gIMAWe/s1600/DSCN3226.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqCeA6JO8RX_tguAgpSoUpf-mdcLFkTiHeZSfaHd-JS_N6V-NkvjJSG5RESz8X9vObdaMw4h8wTyIuC8ueX4Ae_7Y2Xk9IB2xtjl00NGYvZtZO5JR1L-4IotYYsE2k5_nCHqf38gIMAWe/s400/DSCN3226.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>At prayer</i><br />
Inside the Cheng Hoon Teng temple. The central altar is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. To her left (in the worshippers' direction) is Ma Choe Poh, guardian of fishermen, sailors and sea travellers. Next to her is the goddess of birth. On the far end is Kuan Kong. The diety with the gold face is Pau Sen Ta Tek, the god of welding.<br />
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Welding? <b>There's a god of welding?</b> I mean most of us know there's a god of fishermen, and a god of war, or a god of thunder - but welding? Well, chalk that up in your memory under <b>"Bits of Useless Trivia"</b> - Just think, next time you're at a party, or a gathering and some smartarse know-it-all brags about his knowledge, you can bring out this little gem - bet there wouldn't be too many who know that there's a god of welding, much less the name of that god!! <br />
There was a women's sanitary product some years ago which had bits of useless trivia on the wrapping. One that sticks in my mind is "Sausages were legal tender in East Germany until 1990" - see what I mean by <i>Bits of Useless Trivia?</i>☻ <br />
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<b>Hang Kasturi's Mausoleum</b><br />
Hang Kasturi was one of the five famous Malay warriors during the time of the Malacca Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah (1456-1477), the other four being Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekiu and Hang Lekir. As young men, they studied the martial art of silat under the same silat master.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTzObXFVYg2fTAptTsAJ9rx-yL42aDoSGmWNX2SRc48QkJC9T_X_TMtE2weDUZA_7xyglEwVPjHXVSmKOmco5SHlvlBtzlEU5cZVeMtwQWyFQnIVDz7PM5q42meUu0rWsMDhVXjX9yLof/s1600/DSCN3236.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTzObXFVYg2fTAptTsAJ9rx-yL42aDoSGmWNX2SRc48QkJC9T_X_TMtE2weDUZA_7xyglEwVPjHXVSmKOmco5SHlvlBtzlEU5cZVeMtwQWyFQnIVDz7PM5q42meUu0rWsMDhVXjX9yLof/s400/DSCN3236.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The mausoleum is surrounded by high, white walls.</i><br />
Do yon know, one thing I've never really understood is why are there always high walls around a cemetery or mausoleum? I mean it's not like those on the outside want to be in there and those on the inside aren't going to get out. Hmmm ...<br />
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<b>What is Silat?</b><br />
Silat is the word for indigenous martial arts that originates from Malaysia. Silat is one of the sports included in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asian_Games">South East Asia Games</a>. The best way to describe this (Silat) in my own words would be it is a collection of different styles of fighting combined together.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyBEhtSSJ82_Y64k_S3a5Pj2PwirpYXs8UppasXK7enNkp7XxP0-zjhr7b7_iY1TTPWKhsh_GIKd9LDzvGflXM9G9aiZH1ggEwEPMk7leMnpCXAnWGSLKAfLBXBxnUHVrMvaBdG1IwUzc/s1600/DSCN3233.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyBEhtSSJ82_Y64k_S3a5Pj2PwirpYXs8UppasXK7enNkp7XxP0-zjhr7b7_iY1TTPWKhsh_GIKd9LDzvGflXM9G9aiZH1ggEwEPMk7leMnpCXAnWGSLKAfLBXBxnUHVrMvaBdG1IwUzc/s400/DSCN3233.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Hang Kasturi's tomb</i><br />
Hang Kasturi's tomb has strong Hindu influences in its structures, typically there are the triangular holes for putting oil lamps. (So says the brochure). Me? I thought the uprights had a Moorish look to them and the triangular cutouts were for decoration. <br />
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<b>Who was Hang Kasturi?</b><br />
There's obviously been very little written about him because if there was, I would have found it by now. I've searched that many websites (even translated from Malay to English) to no avail. The bare minimum is all that comes up and by the bare minimum I do mean the <i>bare minimum</i> - it's not enough to fill a postage stamp.<br />
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Now, I've read through the stories and rather than do the stilted version, I'll just write it in my own words .....<br />
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<b>ONCE UPON A TIME</b> there lived a fellow called Hang Kasturi who hung out with his four best mates - Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu and Hang Tuah. Kasturi and his mates had learned the Malaysian martial arts since they were knee high to a grasshopper and by the time they reached adulthood were the very best warriors around. <br />
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Word of their great fighting skill reached the Sultan's ears and he picked them to be his personal guards. Sultan Mansur Shah was pretty pleased with them for they fought his wars, helped him conquer enemies and gained him greater power.<br />
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But (there's always a but) it seems that some people at the Royal Court suffered with the green eyed monster and got pretty pissed off and plotted and planned ways to get rid of them. Word got around that one of them (Hang Tuah) was having it off with one of the Sultan's fancy women. Now - a Sultan may be thankful indeed to these blokes for all they had done for him but come near any of his women and you're up you know what creek without a paddle. So what is a Sultan to do? "Off with his head" - Sultan ordered the bloke killed, in other words, shoot first, ask questions later. <br />
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The chap charged with getting rid of Hang Tuah thought it was a crock and hid him in the jungle. <br />
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Now, when Kasturi heard about his friend, he was so angry he rose against the Sultan who later found out that Hang Tuah was innocent, wasn't dead, gave him a pardon and ordered him to kill Kasturi. Turns out both of these blokes were good and honest and hadn't been dallying around - it was Hang Jebat who had been having it off with one of the Sultan's women. But ... with the annals of time it really doesn't seem all that important today. I like to think that Jebat fell in love and the lady returned his love and they were a pair of star-crossed lovers. In another place, another time, things may have been different. <br />
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I don't really think much of this Sultan, this Mansur Shah to be honest. He couldn't be bothered to investigate whether the claim against Hang Tuah was true or not, he acted in haste and made a bad judgement. One wonders whether it was his heart that was hurt or just his pride. Understandably, a man wouldn't much like the idea of being a cuckold but he should still have asked questions. Because of his pride people were killed. They were pretty ruthless and blood-thirsty in them days weren't they? <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfuOEVUGzgsrsiuzlGRHNAhxD7uxkvb8YMN6qAtqhI1Smp9XEnLnzOn21D0q62DOixc0UW9lRntLuqmnX9a7izgcIAsGBIoY3-zksi2hQAhAZ_5CbYNvXxCcXr97503OVA_cNXRG365NJ/s1600/DSCN3230.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfuOEVUGzgsrsiuzlGRHNAhxD7uxkvb8YMN6qAtqhI1Smp9XEnLnzOn21D0q62DOixc0UW9lRntLuqmnX9a7izgcIAsGBIoY3-zksi2hQAhAZ_5CbYNvXxCcXr97503OVA_cNXRG365NJ/s400/DSCN3230.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tomb of Hang Kasturi information board</i><br />
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<b>Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy temple</b><br />
Moving on from Hang Kasturi's resting place, we come to this colourful little beauty - the Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy temple. Bit of a mouthful that. Built in 1781 by the HIndu community, the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple (sometimes referred to as simply Sri Poyyatha Temple) is said to be the oldest Hindu Temple in Malaysia. The temple is dedicated to the deity Vinayagar, aka Ganesha, the elephant deity.<br />
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Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is the main focal point for the Hindu community in Malacca as it links all the other Hindu temples in Malacca. <br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv6rlCDz-HpB9OAktPfPzrW1oYdFWlcyVH6k-KsJSKQVR7UFgYSd_FMnjv31vf_FBj-HqV919W8lMrm-iw-THSET7NVP0GWY3PD2sv4V1dOCIHxLJwS57Fq8HGec2-rtlOAR23veiC7Wr/s1600/DSCN3242.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv6rlCDz-HpB9OAktPfPzrW1oYdFWlcyVH6k-KsJSKQVR7UFgYSd_FMnjv31vf_FBj-HqV919W8lMrm-iw-THSET7NVP0GWY3PD2sv4V1dOCIHxLJwS57Fq8HGec2-rtlOAR23veiC7Wr/s400/DSCN3242.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The gopuram of the temple</i><br />
I couldn't get a decent photo of this place - the lower section was all locked and had bars in front of it. It looked rather old and forlorn and not very happy. So I've cropped the picture and just showing the gopuram and a section of roofline. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavMkMYfVgcGgxvqJhfRDUrrDidJ1WDUsZs4S5NdbP-SVlmHA1fgtocvHPLLuZ0k2Xm1_aO70XxGNnTRzBh-iE-2_9OPdW3174sc4_maJs6WHkvmSG_dqPGsT3jrw-c0Ql0qvXxtpUMdio/s1600/DSCN3243.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavMkMYfVgcGgxvqJhfRDUrrDidJ1WDUsZs4S5NdbP-SVlmHA1fgtocvHPLLuZ0k2Xm1_aO70XxGNnTRzBh-iE-2_9OPdW3174sc4_maJs6WHkvmSG_dqPGsT3jrw-c0Ql0qvXxtpUMdio/s400/DSCN3243.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy temple</i><br />
This is what the inside looks like, I pushed the camera lens through the bars to take this photo. From what I've been able to find out, it's mostly used for celebrations now. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3AOS9UFmSK8b5SUMhpyUmcj_5vtHjzMlbNxuEHce4MKuLj7zzYAFF830UeK_mnyUCE6uSrqNCm7VtU0TE4DA-kqh9takkOoISxpoZ4F1ZY_FMkMwZfMg5ODTlLM_GIAVUt-buaXCpcU6/s1600/DSCN3219.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3AOS9UFmSK8b5SUMhpyUmcj_5vtHjzMlbNxuEHce4MKuLj7zzYAFF830UeK_mnyUCE6uSrqNCm7VtU0TE4DA-kqh9takkOoISxpoZ4F1ZY_FMkMwZfMg5ODTlLM_GIAVUt-buaXCpcU6/s400/DSCN3219.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Chinese temple</i><br />
A Chinese temple I found. No idea which street it's in or what it's called. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg9H19xglLDCGqF2SMXsU0A7J1em86Bm2waXXUIziDpXCzQpn0vZEq6l4m8K-OIRuTxMJzygFQm63wtjQ6Ve8dDivoroYNE1017RMj0_KwSkVZ6SczHGso3XBRnHEGee-TVhwUPiKxgTT/s1600/DSCN3238.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg9H19xglLDCGqF2SMXsU0A7J1em86Bm2waXXUIziDpXCzQpn0vZEq6l4m8K-OIRuTxMJzygFQm63wtjQ6Ve8dDivoroYNE1017RMj0_KwSkVZ6SczHGso3XBRnHEGee-TVhwUPiKxgTT/s400/DSCN3238.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Shopping</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHleJk2UMSEqe_wEdQoQcshYUSrAl7mIKZf_C7LxjnrOgZK3QXm8s7esUy-hgMqQCU3lWJYqvq9D_pEb_KL1Bv5e4HWvCBkBf_hrNZT2JAiExbuKWwadDDpEB4Zq1c8cXbBpy_UBTaMA1d/s1600/DSCN3204.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHleJk2UMSEqe_wEdQoQcshYUSrAl7mIKZf_C7LxjnrOgZK3QXm8s7esUy-hgMqQCU3lWJYqvq9D_pEb_KL1Bv5e4HWvCBkBf_hrNZT2JAiExbuKWwadDDpEB4Zq1c8cXbBpy_UBTaMA1d/s400/DSCN3204.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Orang Belanda Art Café</i><br />
The Orang Belanda Art Café (or Dutchman's Art Café) is in Heeren Street near where I was staying. They do French, Dutch and Scandinavian cuisine. <br />
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An Orang Belanda also refers to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proboscis_monkey">Proboscis monkey</a><br />
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<b>Next:</b> A Chinese funeral.<br />
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BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-7844620334230044012012-11-21T23:20:00.000+11:002012-11-22T12:54:29.821+11:00115.The Baba Nyonya Heritage MuseumThe Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum here is a must see. There are two ladies who do guided tours (the slimmer lady was really fun) and tours run for about 30-40 minutes. The museum is right in the middle of Chinatown and runs parallel to Jonker Street<br />
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<b>About the Baba Nyonya Museum</b><br />
The house was built in 1896, and was the family home of the Baba Chan family known as Rumah Abu. Chan Kim Lay, aged 83, is the fourth generation of his family. <br />
It is in a well-preserved traditional Peranakan town house, built in 1896 by millionaire rubber planter Chan Cheng Siew. Today it is owned by William Chan and his family, who conduct tours of their ancestral home. The interior is that of a typical 19th-century residence and all the rooms are still as they would have been 100 years ago. The house contains family heirlooms and antiques, including Nyonyaware porcelain and blackwood furniture with marble or mother-of-pearl inlay, and silverware. There is also a collection of traditional wedding costumes, photographs and kitchen utensils. The kitchen sink has the name of William Chan's great grandfather carved on it. The information-packed tours are run regularly throughout the day.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88zA-mcheV7jgMBYrRRuzQNXwyRJypFaLfzUq92s6lkQCGsGrjEUoRNB3y_fRFNSND6PDA3DMPpuhyeKcg11i4VLnU13IhA-Rsz3RGy82M8FwK70hWdYk6_SceBtMYFCrLnk-rhTirpNZ/s1600/DSCN3208-002.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88zA-mcheV7jgMBYrRRuzQNXwyRJypFaLfzUq92s6lkQCGsGrjEUoRNB3y_fRFNSND6PDA3DMPpuhyeKcg11i4VLnU13IhA-Rsz3RGy82M8FwK70hWdYk6_SceBtMYFCrLnk-rhTirpNZ/s320/DSCN3208-002.JPG" width="239" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Baba and Nyonya</i><br />
This cut out is to the left of the entrance door. You can see here the beautiful clothes that were worn at the time. <br />
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<b>Sunday 21st March</b><br />
Today's "sightseeing" was on the Chinatown side of the Malacca River. I asked Liz (part owner of Heeren House) the best route to take to avoid backtracking and the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum was first on my "list" seeing as it was in Heeren Street, only just up the road from where I was staying. The metal security door was locked and you had to press the bell. A lady came, asked did I want to do a tour, the next one was starting in about 15 minutes and let me in. Price was a few ringitts. She said no photos were allowed inside the museum (you can take as many pics as you like of the outside though) This (she said) was because people came, took photos and made copies of the furnishings. At the end of the tour you can buy souvenirs. (I bought postcards and took photos of the postcards.) <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdln19ahJoT_vxnNPCreRtObxgLBRCuDwDkQpSUMKSoNn_n3CDxbf5vXPrNNinVCf0oVpEuOziEfaTCcDbThqte9OfHjm_CB6IDAY6KaZVOdPCI2MOtuJSr1IlXXcovppfKpqpxHd5m3B/s1600/DSCN3206.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdln19ahJoT_vxnNPCreRtObxgLBRCuDwDkQpSUMKSoNn_n3CDxbf5vXPrNNinVCf0oVpEuOziEfaTCcDbThqte9OfHjm_CB6IDAY6KaZVOdPCI2MOtuJSr1IlXXcovppfKpqpxHd5m3B/s400/DSCN3206.JPG" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i> Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum</i><br />
We learnt the fascinating history of the Baba Nyonyas who are descendants of the Chinese who came to Malaysia and married Malays. The offspring were the Baba (male) Nyonya (female). They are also known as ‘Straits-born Chinese’ or ‘Peranakans’. The Straits Chinese were of noble descent and adopted much of the Malay culture as their own. Elderly Chinese ladies were very conservative and would peek through the holes in the fancy carved timber to see who was in the room where the master of the house conducted his business affairs. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWzVGLNlh67xHRFuRzXFxo84_DR-mQOUNaLA874CJxUbq834kbxLbpG-R38L0_22eWn5hhf8HA0Rja0JHvP0EXilCd1BK-7G26pl0l5Xf4XlZvAGnupYtDZrq38Y0GOIRwXAG5JvRa045/s1600/DSCN3207-001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWzVGLNlh67xHRFuRzXFxo84_DR-mQOUNaLA874CJxUbq834kbxLbpG-R38L0_22eWn5hhf8HA0Rja0JHvP0EXilCd1BK-7G26pl0l5Xf4XlZvAGnupYtDZrq38Y0GOIRwXAG5JvRa045/s400/DSCN3207-001.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Jee Ho</i><br />
The Chinese signboard above the main door way is called a Jee Ho.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6EaqXoNxLVJ903-RNSqUHGbPwr35cs1qt3cHzVK67cnIMAM-wc5XvXqakxL359uvWGHfIwh4fdpFkKWEdRp3w4OO6u2Yi-7fWiP7mjoxDSyOglExxcNd8XDF41V1-dE5rZ20F3xn7cxU/s1600/DSCN3207.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6EaqXoNxLVJ903-RNSqUHGbPwr35cs1qt3cHzVK67cnIMAM-wc5XvXqakxL359uvWGHfIwh4fdpFkKWEdRp3w4OO6u2Yi-7fWiP7mjoxDSyOglExxcNd8XDF41V1-dE5rZ20F3xn7cxU/s400/DSCN3207.JPG" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Baba Nyonya Entrance</i><br />
As we walked through the middle door (see in photo above), we learnt that the present owner who is the grandson (or the great grandson?) of the original owner had turned his family home into a museum some years ago and was about 70 or 80 years old, and though he might be "old" his brain is as sharp as a tack. The Chinese man who originally bought the house, bought one house first, then the second then the third and turned them into one house. Originally the entrance was the door of the house to the right but that has now been locked and the middle house has the entrance. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPF_xtoRl5mYOxQ7x_4z3zx5qzV5bCQJjr7h3uYsrQkucfN6hIgSpVoUf8P1xqHAPyV4bmCsAfKlqGcI-PjrGQSVR9RXh2kTnzVMsxHdLuqxwe11ZHWED42uY8DM5rGhSWgPWf5bZ6ufY/s1600/DSCN3309.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPF_xtoRl5mYOxQ7x_4z3zx5qzV5bCQJjr7h3uYsrQkucfN6hIgSpVoUf8P1xqHAPyV4bmCsAfKlqGcI-PjrGQSVR9RXh2kTnzVMsxHdLuqxwe11ZHWED42uY8DM5rGhSWgPWf5bZ6ufY/s400/DSCN3309.JPG" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The First Lady of the House</i><br />
After walking in, we moved to the room on the right which is where business was conducted. Chinese ladies never took part in this and the wives of the business men sat in another room and played card games. The table had drink holders which could be pulled out from the table to hold cups/glasses. They must have been very bored playing cards and eating sweetmeats. A far different lifestyle than today.<br />
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Moving back into the centre and walking towards the back is a very large area with a sunken tiled area. There is no roof - houses were very narrow, had windows at the front only, so natural light was needed and was therefore necessary to have this area for when it rained, otherwise the house would have been flooded. Another interesting fact - the only door is at the front - there are no back doors. So bad guys had no way of entering the house. That is also the reason windows are at the front of the house only. <br />
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Moving toward the front of the house, just in front of the atrium is a beautiful staircase with carpet on the upper level. We were told to remove our shoes. The first part is circular and at the top on the right is a long hallway with sideboards displaying antiques. One of these held very, very old bottles of brandy and cognac. We were instructed <i>not</i> to sample them. Asking the tour guide if the taste would be better now due to age, she laughed and said she wasn't sure but nobody was game enough to try!<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnZFIF2WBR8fR7gvobR522nO8cTGaehAVKVsLsurZr9G4mTTwrOfmj1r_0pCaQ3YSDdCYJ6geggCBda8SblJI6mTgj3ZhoIPTGJ4ug_2urHNYw7JQ7J1ykVVjxtQ3jU11W4YElRYYyYUh/s1600/baba+nyonya+museum+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnZFIF2WBR8fR7gvobR522nO8cTGaehAVKVsLsurZr9G4mTTwrOfmj1r_0pCaQ3YSDdCYJ6geggCBda8SblJI6mTgj3ZhoIPTGJ4ug_2urHNYw7JQ7J1ykVVjxtQ3jU11W4YElRYYyYUh/s400/baba+nyonya+museum+2.jpg" width="321" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Baba Nyonya carved furniture</i><br />
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<b>CCTV</b><br />
We may think we invented CCTV, but those Chinese invented it first! They were very smart - after climbing up the stairs, we were led to the area in the middle of the house near the front and instructed to look down. There was a small square about 6" (15 cms), our guide pulled something and lifted it off and there we had a view of the entrance door below. She explained this was how the master of the house determined who he would allow to come into his home - if he didn't like the look of you, a bowl of water would be tipped out over you, so always hold an umbrella over your head!<br />
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<b>Bridal Chamber</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwGtWVaJf2qCz-Mkk9sQWEGSrP3mHz3byD9uK1ZcT3QhBN2IPMT2OPwS0aB5UDsRUFBGirnxdf2djZ_bNO8jaXH31_kUn3RbzQMgt5ttRsdy2XGIM2x8UuF4bpbKHZkISSwOVb5CIF4zJ/s1600/Malaysia+2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwGtWVaJf2qCz-Mkk9sQWEGSrP3mHz3byD9uK1ZcT3QhBN2IPMT2OPwS0aB5UDsRUFBGirnxdf2djZ_bNO8jaXH31_kUn3RbzQMgt5ttRsdy2XGIM2x8UuF4bpbKHZkISSwOVb5CIF4zJ/s400/Malaysia+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Bridal Chamber</i><br />
The bridal chamber which you see above is a most magnificant bed with rich tapestries and furnishings. This is where the master of the house and his bride slept. There is a ceremony held first before they jump into bed. As marriages were arranged, the bride had only seen her bridegroom's face through the peephole before the wedding, the groom hadn't seen the bride at all and they needed to get to know each other first. Such a sensible idea really. <br />
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There was a large mirror a few feet from the bed, the bride sat on a chair near the bed and the groom would look in the mnirror to see the face of his bride. This way he was prepared should he be unlucky enough to have married an ugly lady! (As I mentioned, such a sensible idea don't you think?) After this, they would then sit at a table and partake of drinks and foods while they became comfortable with each other. The bed is quite small by today's standards as people were quite a bit shorter and smaller back in those days.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCOjLLyuBTieRmMaZrX6ZCmQkm7WFw_PCRtDPkgMFz7x1LsF9I_H3oZXnUUolENjJkKigqnTOD2OmBFp6SWyYeMTHCYEV0I4SxVzaWZvaU5zbC8pUeH_B3coXZN1ttZLrxrcTBzNEEnf4/s1600/CHRISTMAS+NEW+STUFF5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCOjLLyuBTieRmMaZrX6ZCmQkm7WFw_PCRtDPkgMFz7x1LsF9I_H3oZXnUUolENjJkKigqnTOD2OmBFp6SWyYeMTHCYEV0I4SxVzaWZvaU5zbC8pUeH_B3coXZN1ttZLrxrcTBzNEEnf4/s400/CHRISTMAS+NEW+STUFF5.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Inside the museum</i><br />
Coming out from the bridal chamber we moved to the left along a passageway to the children's rooms. This passage had windows which faced the front and we could see the courtyard below. There was a staircase off to the right and for safety and security there was a folding door which opened at the top staircase area and unfolded to seal off access. Very good if the husband had had a night on the town and wanted to sneak in. Also very useful if the lady of the house was annoyed with him - all she had to door was seal this off and the poor old husband had to spend the night outdoors!☺<br />
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Coming back down the stairs, putting our shoes back on we were led to the kitchens. Those poor servants had no modern day conveniences of today and must have been a very healthy bunch indeed. The master and his family ate at one table - there was another table (not nearly as glorious) where the servants ate. Beautiful china was arrayed and the more intricate the design, the wealthier the family. Blue and white china is used for funerals only. You can see in the above collage, top left hand photo, the pink floral china which was in use. <br />
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The owner of the house had had installed modern toilets near here which we could use, and souvenirs were in a smallish alcove. It was a most instructive tour and should I find myself in Malacca again, I'd definitely do the tour again.<br />
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<b>Next:</b> ChinatownBlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-55879298416641249032012-11-21T06:21:00.000+11:002012-11-21T06:22:41.515+11:00114. Water Wheels and Bandir Hilir <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwHl_e-TM7Vst6K1x7YUkG2gE-Z7N0wIykZOBAFam2jJTYGLrMv3it_-T2XdmtKnGRDzZihy6HZNGcBDyY7P5xAeRSrSBk5N2TjfFNifVa49YEVH0PsOni4MPjQ2B-NIR5qW7PJ0tjeUS/s1600/DSCN3187.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwHl_e-TM7Vst6K1x7YUkG2gE-Z7N0wIykZOBAFam2jJTYGLrMv3it_-T2XdmtKnGRDzZihy6HZNGcBDyY7P5xAeRSrSBk5N2TjfFNifVa49YEVH0PsOni4MPjQ2B-NIR5qW7PJ0tjeUS/s400/DSCN3187.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Palm</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjkCdChhi_DlTTE4iD6CLGieAUWEuYzuovXFM3tdPYZhV2aMnm5JTxDQzI8i3TKm_cRS9NloomKEBflXov9MTodC69dFRNSJ77tI8lDCVs7mEVrQLoMSbGFDAvjtj1bUOVPkWXexdllxh/s1600/Malaysia+2010-005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjkCdChhi_DlTTE4iD6CLGieAUWEuYzuovXFM3tdPYZhV2aMnm5JTxDQzI8i3TKm_cRS9NloomKEBflXov9MTodC69dFRNSJ77tI8lDCVs7mEVrQLoMSbGFDAvjtj1bUOVPkWXexdllxh/s640/Malaysia+2010-005.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>People's Museum Triptych</i><br />
Quite a handsome building - yes? I smiled when I saw it was the People's Museum and also the Museum of Enduring Beauty. Museum of Enduring Beauty? Now what, I wondered. could that be? Beautiful ladies with smiling faces of incredible beauty dressed in soft silks, their dark hair flowing loosely? Or make-up and hair products? This, I decided, needed some investigation. So - to work. <br />
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<b>The Museum of Enduring Beauty</b><br />
The Museum of Enduring Beauty which was opened in 1996, is to create awareness of the different viewpoints held by different cultures and different periods of time on what constitutes "beauty". It is also to display exhibits to show how different cultures worldwide interpret "beauty". <br />
The exhibition ranges from very early periods in human history to the modern era. The pictures and other exhibits reveal the differing concepts of "beauty" as practised by different cultures. Some of the exhibits reveal the pain and agony some people would have to endure to achieve the concept of beauty as visualised by their community and culture.<br />
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Among the different concepts of beauty exhibited are skin tattooing, stretching lips by the insertion of round discs, moulding heads into oval shapes and restricting the growth of feet. Ouch! Sounds painful. Tattoos, yes well, people get tattooed today, and bound feet I know was practised in China until not all that long ago. (How those poor women ever walked with their little stubs of feet I'll never know) But ladies with brass rings around their necks to elongate them and stretched ear lobes with plates.<br />
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You know something? When I look in the mirror, I don't think I look to bad after all. <br />
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<b>Melaka Water Wheel</b><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uUglm3LRdHsD7N8OL0evGZS0PjiCREhtVG01waH9v1e2FL_oRTLBlCkad6csHnHbXDMEUlS_BnqdMS6d2CvI4YiDrv344OU-yw_oVSPTYQHTCX_9ibWLfLHQIlwlYa4SCAsbK2r5672X/s1600/DSCN3195.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uUglm3LRdHsD7N8OL0evGZS0PjiCREhtVG01waH9v1e2FL_oRTLBlCkad6csHnHbXDMEUlS_BnqdMS6d2CvI4YiDrv344OU-yw_oVSPTYQHTCX_9ibWLfLHQIlwlYa4SCAsbK2r5672X/s400/DSCN3195.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Water Wheel</i><br />
The Malacca River is the site that witnessed the birth of the Malacca port during the Malacca Sultanate. It serves as an international port for both the East and the West including South East Asia, China, India and Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.<br />
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It was recorded that as many as 84 languages and dialects were spoken in Malacca with four harbourmasters responsible for the welfare of the foreign traders. AT its peak, some 2,000 trading ships docked at the ancient port. <br />
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Traders from the lands of Arab, Persia, India, China Ryukyu, Philippines and Thailand gathered at the port owing to its natural strategic location. The port was located at the narrowest point of the Straits of Malacca, which was meeting point for the changing monsoon trade winds while offering protection from the typhoons from Sumatra. <br />
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The Malacca River once again witnesses history being created with the construction of the 13 metre tall water wheel of the Malacca Sultanate. The water wheel usually located in fast moving waters, was used to channel water for the large number of traders. Such water wheel technology can be found in Hama, Syria, China, India and Europe. <br />
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The construction of the replica Water Wheel of the Malacca Sultanate represents the greatness of Malacca and its technological feat for tourists to view up close. The turning of the water wheel symbolises the wheel of life and evolution of man's civilisation. Its continuous revolution represents the quest for discovery of knowledge with history to be viewed as a guide and lesson for all times. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh3RF6bSO87t56ki4sxIV_UpC67-LoP9dONJkbaqJ-pdhvuXnyCJA7IixkTguuh39L5rEfsoISFP-4vX0BtGPgjKrLaUusir7fw8MPX7ZQKo_cGN4PmkunbEXPk09GznjGCqVkZWEOWnx/s1600/DSCN3199.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh3RF6bSO87t56ki4sxIV_UpC67-LoP9dONJkbaqJ-pdhvuXnyCJA7IixkTguuh39L5rEfsoISFP-4vX0BtGPgjKrLaUusir7fw8MPX7ZQKo_cGN4PmkunbEXPk09GznjGCqVkZWEOWnx/s400/DSCN3199.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Water Wheel info</i><br />
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<b>The Malacca Fort</b><br />
The Malacca Fort, built in the 15th century, was a prominent landmark during the Malacca Sultanate. This was where the administrative complex and royal residences were located. The complex, guarded by armed warriors, also housed the palace, mosque and sentry towers. Laterite red stone was the main material available then and used to build and integrate the buildings in the complex. The bulk of the building material was sourced from Pulau Lupeh, Pulau Melaka, Tanjung Kling, Sebatu and Bukit Piatu.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrC3HSI_sTEHpsEH0g6YS0cp8fG2yQk73I-4XxspB11SRdlmZ6Z8em-8iBi5JqRv0boqyvG1wCi4KgGgExrRuaagrCfGLKKv3nkunFqLu47gRBae8m0bD0RjAWJjlRXjxMG7fM1rr4U0y/s1600/DSCN3200.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrC3HSI_sTEHpsEH0g6YS0cp8fG2yQk73I-4XxspB11SRdlmZ6Z8em-8iBi5JqRv0boqyvG1wCi4KgGgExrRuaagrCfGLKKv3nkunFqLu47gRBae8m0bD0RjAWJjlRXjxMG7fM1rr4U0y/s400/DSCN3200.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca Fort</i><br />
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Malacca was subject to change with each successive colonial power that came to control it. In 1511, the Portuguese captured Malacca and heedlessly destroyed the Malay fortification. In 1512, the Portuguese replaced the old Malacca Center with another fort named Fortaleza de Malacca, which largely resembled the other Portuguese forts built in other parts of Asia and Africa. The Portuguese fort, completed in 1588, covered an area of 1.4 kms. On this site were located the administration building, governor's residence, hospital, quarters for employees, a church, and barracks for the army. The fort was equipped with eight bulwarks.<br />
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When the Dutch captured Malacca in 1641, they renamed the eight bulwarks: Victoria (St. Domingo), Emelia (Madre de Deus), Henriette Louyse (Onze Mille Virgines), Wilhelmus (Santiago), Mauritius (Hospital dos Pobres), Frederick Hendrik (Courassa), Ernst Casimir (Mora) and Amsterdam (Hospital Del Rey).<br />
In 1660 and 1678, the Dutch reinforced this complex of defensive walls by building another bulwark called Middleburg, making a total of nine bulwarks.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWThLGGhgnlYi6I0XPLyXtTJQ9LEakBWBWoEUANcbd4A2ITDH1CB8d7WFV9fptQ5KybyFwwM7DktHZUsqj9C8UIYBFiFop2-acN_0q1mZ39NMegsaEqNMaYdfRSjR6mu-1Pqy8znn44F2H/s1600/DSCN3201.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWThLGGhgnlYi6I0XPLyXtTJQ9LEakBWBWoEUANcbd4A2ITDH1CB8d7WFV9fptQ5KybyFwwM7DktHZUsqj9C8UIYBFiFop2-acN_0q1mZ39NMegsaEqNMaYdfRSjR6mu-1Pqy8znn44F2H/s400/DSCN3201.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>St. John Fort info</i><br />
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Malacca declined when the British ruled from 1795 to 1818. The Fort of Malacca that strongly attracted trading groups and commerce was destroyed in 1807, influencing residents and traders to move to Penang. The move to develop a new trading post in Penang proved a failure as it could hardly compete with the well established Malacca and its long standing trade links and flourishing reputation. While the British design was less than successful, the Fort of Malacca was soon destroyed. Only the Porta de Santiago was left intact. <br />
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Archeological excavations conducted by the Department of National Heritage in 2006 discovered the site of the Malacca Fort. Following this, the structure of the fort was revealed, making it open in 2008. The Middleburg was then reconstructed, based on archeological research and excavations, written documents, reports and discussions among local and foreign experts in the field of archeology, history, architecture and geology. <br />
(Department of National Heritage)<br />
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<b>Next:</b> The Baba Nyonya Museum BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-59021793299261138832012-11-11T11:33:00.000+11:002012-11-12T13:50:45.320+11:00113. The Forbidden Garden of the Palace of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka<b>About the Forbidden Garden</b><br />
The Palace of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka was constructed together with a botanical garden known as the Forbidden Garden. The Forbidden Garden has the same concept of the play area of the royal princesses during the era of the Malacca Sultanate. Although, it has never been clearly recorded that the garden actually existed at the palace, by comparison with other palaces of the Malay world, it can be visualised that such a garden did exist in Malacca too.<br />
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As was related by a Chinese traveller, there were various types of trees that grew luxuriantly. In the said garden various types of vegetation are grown, including flowering plants such as jasmine, frangipani, "Kenanga", (fragrant greenish yellow flower), as well as herbal plants such as lemon grass 'Tongkat Ali' and others.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_vSKK3iJ6Z9wKHXRAoTvzJ00dDLHRvPKvnGmGYXqczvFWGgWvxZX0oG9sQhfZHR6rbDW9QD3hkd3OR80X89gmdLUT05viK7F1x8DVseR0q9IP0xGU6lS0Z6ZnD5WHms4fyU6BILUYmt1/s1600/Malaysia+2010-009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_vSKK3iJ6Z9wKHXRAoTvzJ00dDLHRvPKvnGmGYXqczvFWGgWvxZX0oG9sQhfZHR6rbDW9QD3hkd3OR80X89gmdLUT05viK7F1x8DVseR0q9IP0xGU6lS0Z6ZnD5WHms4fyU6BILUYmt1/s400/Malaysia+2010-009.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i><i>Garden collage</i></i><br />
There were waterfalls and little bridges and it was a delightful place to linger. Below are some of the photos I took. I hope you enjoy their simple, yet well planned beauty.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAAU9OXBX85NemB9L6N9rvk6zVSZCKN-dQ9QU-qy_0jGGK9DhHYINawo7vgIcYie76mOcdY_DaKk4DAe8EbH8RP7EiUHAiH7D0lLmOCI8-kFGnx67eh2CvBn_M3Th3yHcvVWezzPFHkoz/s1600/DSCN3176.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAAU9OXBX85NemB9L6N9rvk6zVSZCKN-dQ9QU-qy_0jGGK9DhHYINawo7vgIcYie76mOcdY_DaKk4DAe8EbH8RP7EiUHAiH7D0lLmOCI8-kFGnx67eh2CvBn_M3Th3yHcvVWezzPFHkoz/s400/DSCN3176.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Facing the Palace</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTpXQrU_MASZfsfRrCDPgBavU5ndwIU_GnbiJOy9OOJyfWvJE_ByELrLiJ6UmhTR32xWgkDC3hNXS2bwn685sHFbZCQPCEdsR3bWj4_G7jxjgNXgm5xVvK0dhayvBPJE4ltToQILmzWCz/s1600/DSCN3177.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTpXQrU_MASZfsfRrCDPgBavU5ndwIU_GnbiJOy9OOJyfWvJE_ByELrLiJ6UmhTR32xWgkDC3hNXS2bwn685sHFbZCQPCEdsR3bWj4_G7jxjgNXgm5xVvK0dhayvBPJE4ltToQILmzWCz/s400/DSCN3177.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>A worker cleans the pathway</i><br />
Not a leaf out of place - everywhere is beautifully maintained. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhhNNzbvkTNsQdWI2mK3WGL-UA4uLrjfFJVK1RbQDfZ7psHYQN9wYYTM8gWtpUiFxocBXNFgL3Yzhut2hqJolHQAWXsmYxE-XrbyuO1n6p0gWsX6f9Bl8_2ctUxZEeMtYpcnysxYe3Lh3/s1600/DSCN3180.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhhNNzbvkTNsQdWI2mK3WGL-UA4uLrjfFJVK1RbQDfZ7psHYQN9wYYTM8gWtpUiFxocBXNFgL3Yzhut2hqJolHQAWXsmYxE-XrbyuO1n6p0gWsX6f9Bl8_2ctUxZEeMtYpcnysxYe3Lh3/s400/DSCN3180.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Facing away from the Palace</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2Y2W8A7hFAWriqHc5JNfbp9g5izY1AAG7YOfSRpRG2iwh25A0czyVmSSJ8vNXoOyDNzlJqzBssXEgQOrfnCIoXRvVW0Oy_k0J97IoNvK9R-Vua8OoQdNCuzlP8U1uLrnaCdRbwh-KnRP/s1600/DSCN3184.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2Y2W8A7hFAWriqHc5JNfbp9g5izY1AAG7YOfSRpRG2iwh25A0czyVmSSJ8vNXoOyDNzlJqzBssXEgQOrfnCIoXRvVW0Oy_k0J97IoNvK9R-Vua8OoQdNCuzlP8U1uLrnaCdRbwh-KnRP/s400/DSCN3184.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The "Avenue"</i><br />
This I have called the "Avenue" because of the long(ish) walk along the stoned path to the monument at the end. There is a commemorative design at the beginning of the walk. (See last photograph)<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeaGwsBA9aDWbQ65bnvjpC970tEx3zPZmNmoWUtsuSWUwS6ge-BiEO0YZk94Izfci6a90Q44ccIIV-VfyQrEz_4RHs3nHdrOP-A0ZumiAsF5zJv_uPg1JU7ynjayBS3zFrRh2YcVgKHQH/s1600/DSCN3179.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeaGwsBA9aDWbQ65bnvjpC970tEx3zPZmNmoWUtsuSWUwS6ge-BiEO0YZk94Izfci6a90Q44ccIIV-VfyQrEz_4RHs3nHdrOP-A0ZumiAsF5zJv_uPg1JU7ynjayBS3zFrRh2YcVgKHQH/s400/DSCN3179.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Hidden corner</i><br />
I really liked the semi-circular shape and sat on the wooden seat there. It was quiet and I remember inhaling the aroma of the flowering plants. Bougainvillea in the front - there's a variegated one on the left, with Juniperus Chinensis Pyramidalis behind (I have two of these in pots at home, they're prickly) - they are a lovely blue/green colour and smell fragrant on a cool day, Cypress to the left, and a pine in the background. Pines, junipers and cypress all had colour and fragrance. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuADZUmhrG1VWTW7MHK8qbkE3CpWgN5m4lh6Gnb3bN4beAogcNeW3eUQ7X506eo_9kw1ea4wYW9tJbQUORiVN1J1n2i3E9TtTXmwnc_ZX94zfoQP6vYuDqda5mP6PIXdJVJKFazp9o_ov/s1600/DSCN3183.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuADZUmhrG1VWTW7MHK8qbkE3CpWgN5m4lh6Gnb3bN4beAogcNeW3eUQ7X506eo_9kw1ea4wYW9tJbQUORiVN1J1n2i3E9TtTXmwnc_ZX94zfoQP6vYuDqda5mP6PIXdJVJKFazp9o_ov/s640/DSCN3183.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Dated 15th April 1989</i><br />
On here is written Melaka Bandaraya Bersayarah which translated is English is Malacca City Berseyarah. This commemorative design is at the beginning of the "Avenue". BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-40729466767560939662012-11-10T11:24:00.000+11:002012-11-11T19:56:58.618+11:00112. Palace of the Malay Sultanate of MelakaThe Palace was something I really, really wanted to see. Silly me, I thought it was the actual palace where the sultans lived. It wasn't till I got here that I found out it's a replica. A brilliantly done replica too. <br />
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<b>About</b><br />
Okay now, it was built in 1984 and is a wooden replica of Sultan Mansur Shah's palace, he's the Sultan who ruled Melaka from 1456 to 1477. This building is built of only two types of hardwood, 'chengal' and 'rasak', and the roof is made of 'belian' wood. And ... no nails were used in the construction of the building, only wooden pegs. That's amazing. To think that they built this huge palace and only used wooden pegs. Wow! Bet there wouldn't be too many able to do that! <br />
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The museum cost the Malaccan government RM2.5million to build and was officially opened to the public on 17th July, 1986 by Malaysia's Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. There's over 1,350 items including prints, photographs, drawings, and artefacts representing the history and cultural heritage of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca and the various communities who came to settle here during that period.<br />
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The palace has a ground floor (well obviously) and two upper floors and is divided into eight chambers and three galleries including chambers of the Royal band, weaponry, decorative arts, emissaries and gifts, a recreation hall, an audience hall and an Islamic hall. <br />
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IN some of the galleries, you learn about the famous clash between the legendary warriors Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, there's these beautiful traditional costumes and the pièce de résistance - the royal bedchamber! There are a lot of exhibits - prints and photographs of the Malacca Sultanate, a model of the Sultan Mansur Shah Palace (I took a photo of that), Malay weapons, Malay traditional wedding dress, jewellery and brass ware. I remember reading about those warriors and there were models of them but my camera isn't all that good when I take indoor shots and the light is poor, so I restricted myself to taking just a few photos which I knew would come out alright. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3_XWxhgmDFtrilupNesMYbO0zlNX5sRTordJ2FRQwRGYVZ-vKTSTD6qPmRjOPTKugWfPJMvdKp1rHjCFndamGVjIVrz0pAY-CGboBL69t3nfCKcbLNfYLU054A5fKa2Sn-gETItba5GL/s1600/DSCN3186.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3_XWxhgmDFtrilupNesMYbO0zlNX5sRTordJ2FRQwRGYVZ-vKTSTD6qPmRjOPTKugWfPJMvdKp1rHjCFndamGVjIVrz0pAY-CGboBL69t3nfCKcbLNfYLU054A5fKa2Sn-gETItba5GL/s400/DSCN3186.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Entrance gate</i><br />
You walk through this gate, the entrance fee is 2 ringgit and you get given a plastic bag for your shoes. You aren't allowed to wear shoes when you go inside (the building). I can understand that, because if you have hundreds of people all going through, the floor would get damaged. From here it's just a short walk to the palace itself.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMEkr-WCeuKN3S8yNAzBxZLu838do91ab7Z03wPfBN3nQDCIgt41NtVhUfYT-JLvRv-ls1OGBqMfPk3NmIi7HL8MvRCScgkZBfmS14K80uO5tJOi8UqhWBP1sD83etsN-cWgBwBJX33Zr/s1600/DSCN3143.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMEkr-WCeuKN3S8yNAzBxZLu838do91ab7Z03wPfBN3nQDCIgt41NtVhUfYT-JLvRv-ls1OGBqMfPk3NmIi7HL8MvRCScgkZBfmS14K80uO5tJOi8UqhWBP1sD83etsN-cWgBwBJX33Zr/s400/DSCN3143.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i> Palace of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca</i><br />
I just adore the steep roof and gables - not only are they appealing to look at, the steepness aids in deflecting heat and helps in keeping the indoors cool.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAZa_391rC7wCc_yatXlFV5V9PBOQgHp9orU5y1dnQUL1ZIxthogiZ0lZOhcBkJMtOSL3fgkEkJPc8j84q_6ctSDjpSowwricCEBw5XkH-_9XrNmvSwrGIH0N9VN-7JiJ4ytHwPMSeMfN/s1600/DSCN3149.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAZa_391rC7wCc_yatXlFV5V9PBOQgHp9orU5y1dnQUL1ZIxthogiZ0lZOhcBkJMtOSL3fgkEkJPc8j84q_6ctSDjpSowwricCEBw5XkH-_9XrNmvSwrGIH0N9VN-7JiJ4ytHwPMSeMfN/s400/DSCN3149.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Front entrance</i><br />
At the top of the stairs is a wooden verandah and these two fearsome warriors standing guard. I wouldn't like to upset them - those spears look awfully sharp! <br />
You can see the beautiful detail surrounding the doorway - hand crafted designs, fancy gold leaf surround the entrance. It truly is a work of at. I wonder how many hours and how many artisans it took to create this? <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_CJNnrwzFYU_Y7YyYPsS9z2WOmzOnBBBJvYMOu1k03VIFb_yp4UU5AfASINpLvm65NmeIwOREfv0Xrkd54yYkLhWQ2VoJ78qy4Y1BEQa_rC5R91cE6hRUgg5JXid4opXxTZc_XV88_00/s1600/DSCN3150.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_CJNnrwzFYU_Y7YyYPsS9z2WOmzOnBBBJvYMOu1k03VIFb_yp4UU5AfASINpLvm65NmeIwOREfv0Xrkd54yYkLhWQ2VoJ78qy4Y1BEQa_rC5R91cE6hRUgg5JXid4opXxTZc_XV88_00/s640/DSCN3150.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Scale model</i><br />
For this photo, I have cropped it and chosen a wide width to better show the model. There is a sign in front with information, but unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of it.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEO6NfZbqYM58SzddO9j8SExufXrfcXm2mwZhpv_TAk-p4cBp6gJJCzODdrrcPS-ev-93VOU6QjV5j8YVLOplli0Nb1m5LxRgbUVWgLgBOPpd_OlqQ-Gk6SEPo_lVRSwDpsQClnZf-8_z/s1600/DSCN3152.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEO6NfZbqYM58SzddO9j8SExufXrfcXm2mwZhpv_TAk-p4cBp6gJJCzODdrrcPS-ev-93VOU6QjV5j8YVLOplli0Nb1m5LxRgbUVWgLgBOPpd_OlqQ-Gk6SEPo_lVRSwDpsQClnZf-8_z/s400/DSCN3152.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Boardgame</i><br />
These two young lasses are playing a game, the name of which I do not know. It obviously isn't draughts, don't think it's chess (not that I know how to play chess). If any of you reading this know the name of the game, could you please leave a comment and let me know? It'd be really good to find out what it's called and much appreciated. (Thanks)<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7A_KD3-enVd_Wf31r0p4SmsdWM31nDtmh0-FgZl7I_NBO6NaDPAHdMkznENylqhS_d45mJ8u6neAJJGJa-6Tsq3A9ExB1l06ixhT_eCXMP-BD2Lp6i0CjbXlmTh2UGBHCdEzjUnfeQlb/s1600/DSCN3154.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7A_KD3-enVd_Wf31r0p4SmsdWM31nDtmh0-FgZl7I_NBO6NaDPAHdMkznENylqhS_d45mJ8u6neAJJGJa-6Tsq3A9ExB1l06ixhT_eCXMP-BD2Lp6i0CjbXlmTh2UGBHCdEzjUnfeQlb/s400/DSCN3154.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Audience Hall</i><br />
This is what is known as a diorama which is a three-dimensional full-size or miniature model. It shows the audience hall of the Sultan. In Malay, this hall is called Balairong Ser.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGVPDMbp_ur-n0nT_anJmI2x31XQR3xxomO1ltO5Rf9m8LKz-H23mSFsYHByqVswoG8JvoCbxQhetsEWKHPbbfYvg7TlxeGyIVf2kbXlFhLGZniPR1z5lF17YIm8Epg1z3pC4nh4kEuQC/s1600/DSCN3156.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGVPDMbp_ur-n0nT_anJmI2x31XQR3xxomO1ltO5Rf9m8LKz-H23mSFsYHByqVswoG8JvoCbxQhetsEWKHPbbfYvg7TlxeGyIVf2kbXlFhLGZniPR1z5lF17YIm8Epg1z3pC4nh4kEuQC/s640/DSCN3156.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Explanation of hall</i><br />
As you can see, I've taken a photo of the information board which explains who the people are. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can read the writing. The left page is in Malay, the right side of the page is in English. Whilst I or you, might not know who the figures are, there can be no doubt as to which one is the Sultan! He's the chap at the very end in gold. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF0I7l43RKmdtaxSCFSAIiYInejYtNhOCYBVLhlCFB4msjGtm_64elvMV7JtE0pFAdxZYmerzCZItv5XeYHFr0deFSavDvEOgv_V6Eq6jlFxTYxoEy0k7dNrmcD5vMAX1E6BFHUej9RFy/s1600/DSCN3162.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF0I7l43RKmdtaxSCFSAIiYInejYtNhOCYBVLhlCFB4msjGtm_64elvMV7JtE0pFAdxZYmerzCZItv5XeYHFr0deFSavDvEOgv_V6Eq6jlFxTYxoEy0k7dNrmcD5vMAX1E6BFHUej9RFy/s400/DSCN3162.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Kris (dagger)</i><br />
This is one of the daggers on display. I've translated from the information card -<br />
"The kris or dagger, is from the Upper Peninsula and has been in use for over 600 years. The kris originated in Java."<br />
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With the introduction of firearms in the 16th century by European powers, the kris started losing popularity as a battle weapon. Today it is seen as a ceremonial piece. <br />
Wicked looking thing isn't it? Could do a lot of damage that.☺<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMojHpLjm8dgDWK6WM_Nh_IuWLOaXJLedF9anG4sDF_pFA7vUai6_wGry1Nz1Ps2Qd_YrFe7uboQ-AJqgBnBMB6N6uJgXpdqdIaXAlA8FtMQudsdyXkhwLMduzNdf-NlqmLiV2YtqCVrh/s1600/DSCN3163.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMojHpLjm8dgDWK6WM_Nh_IuWLOaXJLedF9anG4sDF_pFA7vUai6_wGry1Nz1Ps2Qd_YrFe7uboQ-AJqgBnBMB6N6uJgXpdqdIaXAlA8FtMQudsdyXkhwLMduzNdf-NlqmLiV2YtqCVrh/s400/DSCN3163.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Royal bedchamber</i><br />
The pièce de résistance - the Royal Bedchamber. Ooh La La - imagine sleeping in this. Isn't it magnificent? I love the colours. And a four poster too. It ticks all the boxes! <br />
In Malay, it is known as Balai Beradu.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV1BIwAkgfB8ehDpWzQEhH_lqhuKOh0r6FuyuypeVEouyhA3wkfCwP2UhtTZ2h8TSfU8iIgxrRMVb_Mq6D51rjZ1NrSCiiPnQYM4QZve0xAXRpNwpkt-D6LdHaDvqzHf9vSO1uf-eXIMS/s1600/DSCN3165.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV1BIwAkgfB8ehDpWzQEhH_lqhuKOh0r6FuyuypeVEouyhA3wkfCwP2UhtTZ2h8TSfU8iIgxrRMVb_Mq6D51rjZ1NrSCiiPnQYM4QZve0xAXRpNwpkt-D6LdHaDvqzHf9vSO1uf-eXIMS/s400/DSCN3165.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sultan Mansur Syah's tombstone </i><br />
There was a plaque with information about this tombstone and it reads -<br />
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The tombstone of Sultan Mansur Syah of Malacca who reigned from 1456 until his death in 1477. This tombstone was probably moved from its original place by the Portuguese in 1511 and was found on St. Paul's hill, Malacca in 1918. It was later kept in the Raffles museum Singapore and was returned to the National Museum in 1954.<br />
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<center>This has been translated as:-</center>"This is the consecrated the holy grave the brilliant illuminated tomb of the just Sultan, the magnanimous ruler Sultan Mansur Shah. He removed from his mortal abode on the Wednesday of rejab in the year 882 after hijrah of the prophet, the chosen one."<br />
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<center>This has been translated as:-<br />
The world is but transistory; the world has no permanence;;<br />
The world is like a house made by a spider......</center><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24q4K5c7ZQRW814z-HdOEClSM-GMvqKBv5svGdK9pe8kqgRhyphenhyphen433iLQVBncR5J5ULQA-uFRUGM5Z4RSx7p2KhVkhtz-YW1vRSPb3GehoQK4kRRinMcled3ZC2zTW7kmFfDsXoN686WHeT/s1600/DSCN3167.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24q4K5c7ZQRW814z-HdOEClSM-GMvqKBv5svGdK9pe8kqgRhyphenhyphen433iLQVBncR5J5ULQA-uFRUGM5Z4RSx7p2KhVkhtz-YW1vRSPb3GehoQK4kRRinMcled3ZC2zTW7kmFfDsXoN686WHeT/s400/DSCN3167.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tun Teja's tombstone</i><br />
There's a tombstone of a Malay princess near the Sultan's and I've copied the information -<br />
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Tun Teja was the daughter of Seri Amar Diraja, the Bendahara of Pahang who later became the Queen of Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488 - 1511). This tombstone is only a replica of the actual gravestone which is located at Pengkalan Samak, Merlimau about 24 km from the town of Malacca.<br />
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I couldn't help thinking about the poor Princess, no big, grand words for her even though she was a Royal, just a few simple lines. But I bet if she'd been a <i>Prince</i> she'd have had a far more detailed eulogy. <br />
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<b>A Bit of Trivia</b><br />
The Malacca Cultural Museum was first inaugurated in March 1954 by the then Resident Commissioner of Melaka, G.E.C. Wisdom, C.M.G., in a Dutch house built around 1660. The Cultural Museum was later moved to the Stadhuys in 1982 before it was finally moved into the Melaka Sultanate Palace. <br />
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<b>Next:</b> The Forbidden Garden Of The Palace Of The Malay Sultanate Of Melaka.BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-58650793082562318622012-11-09T03:33:00.000+11:002014-04-17T16:22:46.303+10:00111. Dataran Pahlawan Heroes Square Dataran Pahlawan Mega Mall is in the Bandar Hilir area, facing Jalan Merdeka (South Gate) at the front and Jalan Kota at the back (North Gate). <br />
Dataran is the bahasa word for square and Pahlawan means heroes, therefore the name translates as Heroes Square.<br />
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It's built on the actual battle ground of the war-time days and was then turned into a field in front of the A'Famosa fort. There's an interesting "time-capsule" corner with a fountain and wall sculptures depicting Malacca's history. <br />
I read somewhere that it's the biggest mall in Southern Malaysia.<br />
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I didn't come here to shop, it was a matter of life or death - literally. It was a race against time to find the ladies loo. Well, what do you expect, after drinking all that water. That's the only downside to keeping one's fluids up - what goes in must come out! (It's worse sitting in a tuk-tuk travelling over a bumpy road full of potholes. Believe me I know what I'm talking about)☺<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNhsunpdGbpa74rhnQ1fYkU98LFxr9_fLJp6vGg5_Ptl5thGgrh8sL2Fd6WSLBpiRx5uFLVwcx73mFtF5a9JlybW2sS2UIgICWpbihBkZ4gVyGof_YGd0CSI8O9pZ7n6Eqytq9IghsNiz/s1600/DSCN3125.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNhsunpdGbpa74rhnQ1fYkU98LFxr9_fLJp6vGg5_Ptl5thGgrh8sL2Fd6WSLBpiRx5uFLVwcx73mFtF5a9JlybW2sS2UIgICWpbihBkZ4gVyGof_YGd0CSI8O9pZ7n6Eqytq9IghsNiz/s400/DSCN3125.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Former bullock wagon</i><br />
This cute wagon was outside and to the right of where I entered Dataran Pahlawan - you can see the steps I went up to the left of the wagon.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvmatb7GAVZLXR5pRqsYM-UUZbrTlTHaJwOuQOUa88SByn_2GhHJVLlg-80ufWHukJw1RzRGKaZobM-qEVyFUNhyphenhyphenk6SkXxs_L8y_twygiWrGlVopjAWFJ2h5SuOUVGS0wkdqmStmb4G_3/s1600/Malaysia+2010-004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvmatb7GAVZLXR5pRqsYM-UUZbrTlTHaJwOuQOUa88SByn_2GhHJVLlg-80ufWHukJw1RzRGKaZobM-qEVyFUNhyphenhyphenk6SkXxs_L8y_twygiWrGlVopjAWFJ2h5SuOUVGS0wkdqmStmb4G_3/s400/Malaysia+2010-004.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Mosaic steps</i><br />
I was really taken with these steps. The design was great and the colours bright and cheerful. Looks like a great deal of work has gone into creating this mosaic by some very talented people. Alas, I haven't been able to find out any information about them. I'd love to know whose idea it was and who created them. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LUy9yZwE71iHDD5DIZLQ3-S3lw23ulHsjb7cDfVsTQ1QNVdtiLMYH4NQTHdopwlY6u_sjFbeBUxVEGC5slLrDOfj-i632TYOQRYPyFNGAex-Z57BKM9U_QefXKGi45mMUkcAM9Cx2Gnz/s1600/DSCN3128.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LUy9yZwE71iHDD5DIZLQ3-S3lw23ulHsjb7cDfVsTQ1QNVdtiLMYH4NQTHdopwlY6u_sjFbeBUxVEGC5slLrDOfj-i632TYOQRYPyFNGAex-Z57BKM9U_QefXKGi45mMUkcAM9Cx2Gnz/s400/DSCN3128.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Dataran Pahlawan - Dome and Sculpture Wall</i><br />
Sculpture wall at the fountain. The Fountain Wall and Sculpture tell Malacca's history from the time of Parameswara to Tunku Abdul Rahman. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmVWh2DuQI_tXE6Hy9ez5avcZFhnPf6PxSu0L58RJxXVRW6z7407XPr20_CDoVq4QO2CBJn5q5U69gj9uuCIl8GmM4t7oHPvfp0-zGEkgnWqi1O3kiJf7t5OcZfYWm1vgkfMl9ImsETlQ/s1600/DSCN3131.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmVWh2DuQI_tXE6Hy9ez5avcZFhnPf6PxSu0L58RJxXVRW6z7407XPr20_CDoVq4QO2CBJn5q5U69gj9uuCIl8GmM4t7oHPvfp0-zGEkgnWqi1O3kiJf7t5OcZfYWm1vgkfMl9ImsETlQ/s400/DSCN3131.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Fountain</i><br />
Relaxing at the fountain - it's a great place to cool down.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ui0U5UDoPaCj0NNMrx4px7tW1e_B-9HqE-PhiOA-Np4ssisLELHLDDllAB0r9TuLAdZfymNSGSNtvwCRN-YB8yQQepsVAV5nGr1fzxb_TLiee5MRZUFA804DIRVkKi-WQ_XkFUcF75K/s1600/DSCN3129.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3ui0U5UDoPaCj0NNMrx4px7tW1e_B-9HqE-PhiOA-Np4ssisLELHLDDllAB0r9TuLAdZfymNSGSNtvwCRN-YB8yQQepsVAV5nGr1fzxb_TLiee5MRZUFA804DIRVkKi-WQ_XkFUcF75K/s400/DSCN3129.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Dome</i><br />
The red section looks like an upturned Lotus flower and if you enlarge the picture, you can see the detail - it isn't just red, it has a raised pattern with little bits of black and red. Each "petal" is fluted with three wavy lines running down. Atop this are nine metal curved supports holding a light. It's quite a brilliant design. <br />
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Next I went and had lunch, but for the sake of continuity, I've put the two outdoor photos of the history wall which were taken after lunch, here. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhN6doULsGE1o2EkLiBrC8mUswuhNaIUTjnccSJRBraY2RMvJeFdyI2uPD1X_KaGZnJAgGh96L8HDhyphenhyphenAAY7qEI04mupGlLT2DJJUQp4MJV4fN8NKUqFqyVLb641qucl4mDS67N0hJATeG/s1600/DSCN3135.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhN6doULsGE1o2EkLiBrC8mUswuhNaIUTjnccSJRBraY2RMvJeFdyI2uPD1X_KaGZnJAgGh96L8HDhyphenhyphenAAY7qEI04mupGlLT2DJJUQp4MJV4fN8NKUqFqyVLb641qucl4mDS67N0hJATeG/s400/DSCN3135.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>History wall</i><br />
In this section, you can see the Melaka River (there are several boats on the river), surrounded by buildings. There is a palm to the left of the river. The lower frontispiece shows a bridge spanning the width with people crossing over. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-9EsytTrpEu_CQDSRN7Sb52pWTP3_bKgOWFtlPcs7-0siSwEuUClZm91l6NdPMXmni7p0Ofm3fLsF6mOmtah8FiJii3PqqV0FxXr_oSGqZnRnFr2iqsDu8FNSV2MFVj6MtQUx1cYURXr/s1600/DSCN3134.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-9EsytTrpEu_CQDSRN7Sb52pWTP3_bKgOWFtlPcs7-0siSwEuUClZm91l6NdPMXmni7p0Ofm3fLsF6mOmtah8FiJii3PqqV0FxXr_oSGqZnRnFr2iqsDu8FNSV2MFVj6MtQUx1cYURXr/s400/DSCN3134.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>History wall - Independence Ceremony at Merdeka Stadium, August 31, 1957 </i><br />
There are nine seated and two standing gents. The other men standing are perhaps servants - they are holding large umbrellas over the heads of those seated. The seated gentleman fifth from the right is in army uniform and has a sword - the Queen’s representative, the Duke of Gloucester. The figure to his left (Or right when looking at the picture) sports a safari helmet. The other chaps are in traditional costume. The main standing figure has his right hand raised and wears glasses. I'm guessing he is Tunku Abdul Rahman. The rest of the sculpture is filled with hundreds of people watching the proceedings. <br />
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<b>Always check your work</b><br />
I wanted to make sure that what I had written was correct, so did a bit of searching on the computer and found the above history wall was depicting what I thought it was - a re-creation of Independence Day, 1957. Below is the photograph I found confirming this. As a result, I have tweaked a bit of the above. (Because I know the answers now).<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuOy0QIGHSKI56IXPuDokgODKKTiRFBoH2xLGzJLoWhJsepGPn5pGWYBGJZHk_6RGK4vcxhanxFRP5NbIQk1n3qk9ZFxQB0RepJIdLIpX2J5b-L6jw5DwNUJTLZWH0ss0f2aHvWFgzwBN/s1600/malacca+independence+day+1957.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuOy0QIGHSKI56IXPuDokgODKKTiRFBoH2xLGzJLoWhJsepGPn5pGWYBGJZHk_6RGK4vcxhanxFRP5NbIQk1n3qk9ZFxQB0RepJIdLIpX2J5b-L6jw5DwNUJTLZWH0ss0f2aHvWFgzwBN/s400/malacca+independence+day+1957.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tunku Abdul Rahmam chanted "Merdeka" (Independence) August 31,1957</i><br />
As you can see, the artwork of the sculpture work is an identical likeness of the photo that bears witness. <br />
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<b>See it on Youtube</b><br />
For those who are interested - I did a search on Youtube and found a video of the actual Independence Day 1957 ceremony. <br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/40Tf0SiDf64?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center><center><b>Independence Day Ceremony, 31 August 1957</b></center><br />
It wasn't until I was writing this post - it was actually when I was writing about the sculpture wall, the one depicting Malaysia's Independence that I realised just how significant and important this was. After almost 450 years of foreign rule, to finally gain independence and have your country given back and be ruled by your own people, must have been a day of great happiness. Coming from a country such as Australia, we haven't lived this situation. I'm grateful at having the good fortune to travel because it opens your eyes to new things and I have the opportunity to learn.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFauuagn8i6e0cz4bCZgLE6zb4_dI0hHcaXetT2XiZp9bbi5dzwp-zvgqLCou_2KoFp2pwRT1A9Ti8nXiqgGE2Ys7XIhPeKeCJ2hFQN_kyh_wxMRQP72ojHGpvuKo1l1wdS7_yiOxQhaz/s1600/DSCN3133.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFauuagn8i6e0cz4bCZgLE6zb4_dI0hHcaXetT2XiZp9bbi5dzwp-zvgqLCou_2KoFp2pwRT1A9Ti8nXiqgGE2Ys7XIhPeKeCJ2hFQN_kyh_wxMRQP72ojHGpvuKo1l1wdS7_yiOxQhaz/s400/DSCN3133.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Food court</i><br />
By this stage I was pretty hungry and found my way to the food court. I forgot to write down the name of the place where I ate, but it was in this area here. The colours were bright and cheerful and the place was blessedly cool. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4JKOQZCJEv5UDXAyjP-uNSbd-vRsBqGlrbOVdjHLRXy0uB3F8AKa8fk9tGyblbRyg7U68fRL1ySqMvWP7M2xsGZiEeSYDeOxQUwFu8XeOMn435AeshzJmgbvwaZArzzrI_FdePxJTWbw/s1600/DSCN3132.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4JKOQZCJEv5UDXAyjP-uNSbd-vRsBqGlrbOVdjHLRXy0uB3F8AKa8fk9tGyblbRyg7U68fRL1ySqMvWP7M2xsGZiEeSYDeOxQUwFu8XeOMn435AeshzJmgbvwaZArzzrI_FdePxJTWbw/s400/DSCN3132.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Hainanese chicken rice</i><br />
Lunch - I practically live on this dish throughout most of my time in Malaysia. Well, I did eat other foods but this was my favourite. This was one of the cheapest, it only cost 5 ringgit here. S'funny isn't it how the same meal can cost so much more depending on where you eat. <br />
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After leaving the mall, I still had two more things on my "list". I found them both quite by accident. The first was the independence monument. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZN357H4AZ08QCWUONuUg2mZbndNDQkRRwC4ifBfxoAVY9FlWIs1Tr4M7XKGOXT6hVkVhH-PVMItAyJk85aA0TUnaLwtt_pRMQ8lI0RxT4faJ0-4zU4j2UhyUlUgQ_q3ZBzCw0HcVkjhX/s1600/DSCN3136.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZN357H4AZ08QCWUONuUg2mZbndNDQkRRwC4ifBfxoAVY9FlWIs1Tr4M7XKGOXT6hVkVhH-PVMItAyJk85aA0TUnaLwtt_pRMQ8lI0RxT4faJ0-4zU4j2UhyUlUgQ_q3ZBzCw0HcVkjhX/s400/DSCN3136.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Proclamation of Independence Memorial 31st August 1957 </i><br />
The Proclamation of Independence Memorial is an important monument - this is where Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first Prime Minister first declared the date for the independent of Malaysia in 1956, a year before 31 August 1957. The place where the monument stands is in a corner of Pahlawan Square. <br />
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There's a sign that reads: <br />
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<i>"The following ceremonies were performed on this site on the 31st day of August, 1957.<br />
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(i) The handing over of the instrument of independence by the Hon'ble Resident Commissioner (Mr. H. G. Hammett, M.C.S.O. to his Excellency the Governor of Malacca (Mr. Leong Yew Koh).<br />
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(ii) The reading of the Proclamation of Independence by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Malacca, Dato'Kurnia Jasa Osman Bin Talib.<br />
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(iii) The raising of the Malacca state flag."</i> <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zFObMD7iJPouvDyjv2qv6uv7_hpdsLT7IJ0J6BDUooTkfLrnHlEGRJPI-r7J3y1DtHB3oXnQo-qnMPXjofIvsapxRQYvL10eyTLvGH9K81rAmk_PnzdrjdcuAFg3N0VcLin9amPYrcd/s1600/DSCN3139.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44zFObMD7iJPouvDyjv2qv6uv7_hpdsLT7IJ0J6BDUooTkfLrnHlEGRJPI-r7J3y1DtHB3oXnQo-qnMPXjofIvsapxRQYvL10eyTLvGH9K81rAmk_PnzdrjdcuAFg3N0VcLin9amPYrcd/s400/DSCN3139.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i> Dataran Pahlawan</i><br />
The monument in front of the mall.<br />
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<b>Next:</b> Off to find the Cultural Museum - the Malacca Sultanate Palace.<br />
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BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia2.1907234968564691 102.250099182128912.189731996856469 102.24886518212891 2.1917149968564691 102.2513331821289tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-57395153665164194182012-11-06T18:12:00.003+11:002012-11-22T20:07:27.330+11:00110. Bandar Hilir Walk<b>Saturday 20th March</b><br />
Woke up at 5AM went back to sleep, then woke at 7 (AM). Had breakfast at 8.00AM - scrambled egg, sausage which was a chicken hot dog, small in size, (had I realised how tasty they were, I'd have had them when I was in Georgetown!), half a hash brown, baked beans, sliced tomato and 2 pieces of toast with butter and jam. Tea and coffee.<br />
Tried to start a conversation with other guests but not much happened on that front. People (the guests) seemed rather stuffy - like they had a poker up their Khyber Pass! Hmmm. Nuf said. <br />
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Anyway, sitting at the table, I wrote a list in order of things to see. Dutch cemetery, Cultural Museum (Melaka Sultanate Palace), Port De Santiago (A'Formosa), the People's Museum and the Proclamation of Independence. I managed to find them all, but not in that order. I was so close and hadn't realised it - went the long way round, up, up, up all those ruddy steps to St. Paul's. <br />
Found the Memorial by accident. Shopping complex - Dataran Pahlawan, Digital Domain North West. Went to loo (urgent) then had lunch. So readeth my diary. <br />
Anyway......<br />
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<b>Bandar Hilir (Lower City)</b><br />
I set out, camera at hand and bottle of water in tow. Even though it was still earlyish, it was on the humid side so drinking plenty of water is necessary. I came across this lovely park.<br />
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The park was originally named Taman Merdeka and was officiated by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia after the Declaration of Independence Date of Malaya on his return from London on 20th February, 1956. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMv0CewNQ88Q408d9cYwW9J3tXFiEFXXocYKOcdgjJ6ydYa4to4-2gnxfP78J4hOOF3vOINOQ0fuIjqkUk1g62_o4dV2S356bdB_0jwboHebqyUIBKktPbH96zwRuRZh1S-FFw2UEpyY1/s1600/DSCN3098.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMv0CewNQ88Q408d9cYwW9J3tXFiEFXXocYKOcdgjJ6ydYa4to4-2gnxfP78J4hOOF3vOINOQ0fuIjqkUk1g62_o4dV2S356bdB_0jwboHebqyUIBKktPbH96zwRuRZh1S-FFw2UEpyY1/s400/DSCN3098.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Bullock cart</b><br />
In the early 20th century, bullocks carts were a common site in Malaysian streets - before the advent of the motor car, people used them for travel and for transporting goods. The driver and passengers sat in the front section of the two-wheeled vehicle and goods were placed in the back. These carts had a woven attap roof, and it's thought they were introduced by Indian traders during the Melaka Sultanate.<br />
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In Malacca, tourists can have a ride in a traditional bullock cart (kereta lembu)for RM10 and covers a distance of one kilometre. The carts hold up to five people. I think it'd be rather fun riding in one of these - it's something that isn't around anymore and being able to experience something of the past is always fun, although it probably wasn't considered "fun" in the old days. What is it about things that are no longer used or around that we love to see them, sit on it, ride in it, dress up in it, walk around it? There's something wistful about it all.<br />
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<i>Note:</i> The cart is real, the bullock are not! ☺<br />
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<b>Taman Bunga Merdeka Bandaraya Melaka</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-SmjuhbzjrH3cPlwYS7HBuMrmiKpJ-XRm7A0CbLu2NQcmhyphenhyphenPmRGilLa-d9E880FqkCqtoylMZNDN3UnOPqXlFebWW6lKTZ_gttMIcoqgaXLuoapuuEo-JPus22ILdo8r7lOaf7EdOkzt/s1600/Malaysia+2010-003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-SmjuhbzjrH3cPlwYS7HBuMrmiKpJ-XRm7A0CbLu2NQcmhyphenhyphenPmRGilLa-d9E880FqkCqtoylMZNDN3UnOPqXlFebWW6lKTZ_gttMIcoqgaXLuoapuuEo-JPus22ILdo8r7lOaf7EdOkzt/s400/Malaysia+2010-003.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Independence Park (Taman Bunga Merdeka Bandaraya Melaka)</i><br />
After a bit of hunting around, I find it is called Independence Park in English. I liked the way it was set out and it was a nice find to see the greenery and plants in a city area. Sitting under the trees was restful and being in the shade you feel a little cooler. Out comes the water bottle, I close my eyes and inhale the smell of nature on the breeze. I could sit here forever, it's just so peaceful and relaxing. But - time waits for no man and I, well I am on a schedule, a mission, to see all the things Malacca has to offer, so off I go, strength renewed. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ac-y4Rd27Natm07DP7OJU_wPpvEWqdrQA8Ifbj2zv3_nZVICGYvX_wSGMHhD97bzgYCuesn2c7OD-PKW5gNtUnaN-cTD_FoDu_XXmrf089KM1tf4uD20uTQj0cCc5ETkLAvwKcyNTJZ5/s1600/DSCN3099.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ac-y4Rd27Natm07DP7OJU_wPpvEWqdrQA8Ifbj2zv3_nZVICGYvX_wSGMHhD97bzgYCuesn2c7OD-PKW5gNtUnaN-cTD_FoDu_XXmrf089KM1tf4uD20uTQj0cCc5ETkLAvwKcyNTJZ5/s400/DSCN3099.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Trees</i><br />
I think the topiary is quite stunning, don't you? I like the way they fit in with their surroundings. Topiary is the art of trimming and shaping trees into an interesting array of shapes and sizes to add an artistic touch. The tops of the trees look a bit like an umbrella. I like them. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ICzs3Pp_p0rCVeij9sJSk9244eod7eYC3Y2X9c2hKeQJ6GkEleul-GvCbqma3kwOYLd3Kfeww8iirVHxgaOfKfR5LrV3_KGL7voL4tKyRCgRraAayFZ6g2BsgbAV9sVfjlZYRw_kmuRH/s1600/DSCN3100.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ICzs3Pp_p0rCVeij9sJSk9244eod7eYC3Y2X9c2hKeQJ6GkEleul-GvCbqma3kwOYLd3Kfeww8iirVHxgaOfKfR5LrV3_KGL7voL4tKyRCgRraAayFZ6g2BsgbAV9sVfjlZYRw_kmuRH/s400/DSCN3100.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Red and gold pillars</i><br />
These look like an entrance to a different section of the gardens. If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you'll be able to see how it is laid out and get a more detailed view of the different plantings. <br />
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I shall pause here for a moment - there was this monk, a <b>fake</b> monk who had been pestering me the day before for money. Joanne said he had asked her and several others for money, had tapped her on the arm and was selling things. I told her real monks don't touch women and they don't sell things. Anyway, here he was again, he had come up to me just before I entered the park, and here he is again - not a half hour later - bowl in one hand and waving these Buddhas with red tassels. I'm afraid I did the unforgivable - the thing one should <i>never,</i> do - I raised my voice telling him he had already asked me before and I told you no then. And I told him to bugger off. (That's Aussie slang for get lost). Oh. Then I remembered. You don't raise your voice. My eyes glanced around and I could see everybody looking at me, then quickly turn away. Oh, I should have known better. Don't raise your voice and get angry - people lose face. I sighed. But - I can tell you that was the only time, I never repeated the same mistake. Anyway.. moving on ...<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRRCJ8HczXZediGIHFZYQeWHwHi8oNRgc4X2T4u6tHnxZgEb2aMNyjHocHcRy-HvDyD6tEg7D4SA2XZ17IBoSvUeS5pOnUwyU5x6vcYSzX4D52vaIgb4RVwQV3NU9dO3nB3m4JGMcuxed/s1600/DSCN3101.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRRCJ8HczXZediGIHFZYQeWHwHi8oNRgc4X2T4u6tHnxZgEb2aMNyjHocHcRy-HvDyD6tEg7D4SA2XZ17IBoSvUeS5pOnUwyU5x6vcYSzX4D52vaIgb4RVwQV3NU9dO3nB3m4JGMcuxed/s400/DSCN3101.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Commemorative marker</i><br />
After walking through the red/gold pillars, I came across this marker which was on the right-hand side. The marker reads:<br />
<i>The launch was officiated in conjunction Gotong-Royong Melaka by Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohod Bin Mohod Ali Sustam Chief Menteru Malacca On Sunday 4th January, 2004. (I have translated from Malay to English).<br />
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Taman ini pada asalnya dinamakan Taman Merdeka dan telah dirasmikan oleh <br />
Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Perdana Menteri Malaysia yang pertama sempena Pengisytiharan Tarikh Kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu (Malaya) di Melaka sekembalinya dari London pada 20 Februari 1956)</i><br />
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<b>NOTE:</b> <b>Gotong-/Royong</b> means lots people working together in co-operation with one another. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGWLi75BYTPLx9JaiRzepf7S38BZfoMB04xaYPg5UmWMoQuid1Ff4pOxklTPZqAxJYq9byYDo-Ug-SnmWwCks3LX3PDEwzr0fTxhtyspTzyXwUMq6bZQVX6Qtu80mD45m846KLdtq8HnW/s1600/DSCN3103.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGWLi75BYTPLx9JaiRzepf7S38BZfoMB04xaYPg5UmWMoQuid1Ff4pOxklTPZqAxJYq9byYDo-Ug-SnmWwCks3LX3PDEwzr0fTxhtyspTzyXwUMq6bZQVX6Qtu80mD45m846KLdtq8HnW/s400/DSCN3103.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Reindeer</i><br />
Reindeer? In Malaysia? Well not real ones obviously - they couldn't stand the heat!☺ These artistic reindeer have rope lights on them which would look very pretty when turned on. We associate reindeer with Christmas - you know, those cute little animals that pull <a href="http://www.ilgiglio.org/index_file/altro/Natale/2010/natale2010_file/salotto/gallerie/segreti/medium/0002.jpg">Santa's Sleigh.</a> <br />
I actually had the good fortune to see a <i>real</i> reindeer when I was in New Zealand, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLigO93UqB1FVGshfvRleBWnBn7j9f7DSnXC6soN6QNxhyphenhyphenb-q3rGpRpX4J9mQfQqdWQ3fdhXhp9NxHItJ4rTu1sdVMM5yeUO2TBTykwzh9nOBHbIfo-k2XQYyHrarT7cl-7kisxjc10aw/s640/DSCN2064.JPG">this is the photo</a> I took. <br />
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I found a poem called "We are a team of Reindeer" written by a Malaysian lady named Jacinta Ramayah so I'm including it in this post as I do think it appropriate.<br />
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<center><b>We Are A Team Of Reindeer</b></center><center><i>We've been Santa's favorite pets for a long while now<br />
no dogs nor cats for him, no goats nor cows.<br />
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Eight of us in a mob, no-one knew we each had a name<br />
then came a red-nosed mate who gave us some fame.<br />
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As the leader I, Dasher, was the first to speed ahead,<br />
I was his captain that was what Santa usually said.<br />
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Dancer is the lightest who could land neatly on a roof<br />
he would brake at the edge with his tiny little hoof.<br />
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Skidding and bumping, that would be good old Prancer<br />
he is the frisky one and Santa's jolly young deer.<br />
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The wily one is Vixen, from wolves he could get away<br />
that hid in the snow hoping we would go astray.<br />
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At the speed of a bullet, that's how Comet could fly<br />
to make sure children slept he'd bleat a lullaby.<br />
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Cupid has the prettiest eye-lashes you ever did see<br />
On Santa he batted them, who'd never stay angry.<br />
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An ear-splitting “Stop!” is what Donder could crack<br />
his thunderous voice helped get us back on track.<br />
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With his keen sense of direction Blitzen knew where to go<br />
he would take us safely through storm and snow.<br />
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Santa asked Rudolph for help and on that occasion he rose<br />
tho' we did laugh at him, we are grateful for his nose.<br />
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There are nine of us with Santa, if you see us passing by<br />
don't be afraid, we're a team of deer bringing you joy.</i></center><br />
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<b>Malacca Transport Museum ~ A Plane in the Park</b> <br />
Imagine my surprise when I saw a plane there in the park. I didn't know then that it was part of the Malacca Transport Museum, but I wish I had because I've since found there a many exhibits from long ago to the not too distant past and I would have greatly enjoyed looking at them.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBO0sLMRrZoTb6J8Ex40A6J7EqwwmHkgu1NnnlH-xJuCKIwTPVyFL35wi_qMnu5o5LJRMi1OtmyvUXl94U69GiKpFA8sRMQAd4XAx6uIIxRoakI0_h_9mV7ecnZ5LhrdrOGdCW-ZDgWTf/s1600/DSCN3104.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBO0sLMRrZoTb6J8Ex40A6J7EqwwmHkgu1NnnlH-xJuCKIwTPVyFL35wi_qMnu5o5LJRMi1OtmyvUXl94U69GiKpFA8sRMQAd4XAx6uIIxRoakI0_h_9mV7ecnZ5LhrdrOGdCW-ZDgWTf/s400/DSCN3104.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer FM1064</i><br />
To my way of thinking, it's important to find out about things or places I've photographed and this plane was no exception. It did present quite a challenge let me tell you and it took me many hours of googling and research but eventually I did find what I was looking for.<br />
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The plane is a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, Registration FM1064. The FM-1064 (cn 583) is an Ex-RMAF aircraft and was donated by the Royal Malaysian Airforce to the Malacca Transport Museum (Muzium Pengangkutan Melaka).<br />
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The Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer was a British <b>STOL (short takeoff and landing)</b> transport aircraft built by Scottish Aviation Limited at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, during the 1950s. It was designed for both civil and military operators <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLPEMlLYFTbtnnYzWhH1-nhlj1wPTGu4ZSKZvC3TDKBblYN0A8_-2AsckN0LQIT5fPzmNGbgvqmUNcZNbLZNSE2PUoC41bzTW6QbNrziIk9G3FW-f1Q6-qcv9LyDMCFf77bKr1iDgZn4H/s1600/DSCN3105.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLPEMlLYFTbtnnYzWhH1-nhlj1wPTGu4ZSKZvC3TDKBblYN0A8_-2AsckN0LQIT5fPzmNGbgvqmUNcZNbLZNSE2PUoC41bzTW6QbNrziIk9G3FW-f1Q6-qcv9LyDMCFf77bKr1iDgZn4H/s400/DSCN3105.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Front view</i><br />
The Twin Pioneer is also powered by Alvis radials and features a high wing, but is much larger, capable of seating up to 16 passengers in the main cabin. Designed for both civil and military applications, the Twin Pioneer was also one of the few postwar aircraft to feature a high wing and tail wheel undercarriage.<br />
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The military version could carry external stores such as bombs under the stub wings. One aircraft became the first aircraft for the newly formed Royal Malaysian Air Force. FM1062 c/n580 and FM c/n581 were delivered to the Malaysian Air Force 16 January 1962 and FM1064 c/n 583 FM1065 c/n 584 were delivered two days later. The first two aircraft were taken "on charge" by No 1 Squadron Royal Malaysian Air Force. The type served with the air force for 12 years. <br />
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<b>Royal Malaysian Air Force</b><br />
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia in Malay), was formed on 2 June 1958 as the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force and its roots can be traced back to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the British Royal Air Force in colonial British Malaya. <br />
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After the withdrawal of British military forces from Malaysia and Singapore at the end of 1971, a five-nation agreement between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom was concluded to ensure defence against external aggression. The Royal Australian Air Force maintained two Mirage IIIO squadrons at the Butterworth Air Base as part of its commitment to the Five Power Defence Agreement. These squadrons were withdrawn in 1986, although occasional deployments of RAAF aircraft continue. From a one aircraft airforce in 1958 and a crew of 14 men, the RMAF has grown to a force it is today, with MiG-29s, F-18s and SU-30s.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UylOlTwKJSnx33i7gvekLjyZs4l8z5z4jUzQlfnfUN70KnZw94INfSCvfLEdlypzXzOz0pYOzxyDKXg75mMfX8KJK8VswyV8ZxueD6gmdttq6gAz4TZMsa44yayuIF36IhAOG_c42JgK/s1600/malacca+royal+malaysian+air+force+crest.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UylOlTwKJSnx33i7gvekLjyZs4l8z5z4jUzQlfnfUN70KnZw94INfSCvfLEdlypzXzOz0pYOzxyDKXg75mMfX8KJK8VswyV8ZxueD6gmdttq6gAz4TZMsa44yayuIF36IhAOG_c42JgK/s200/malacca+royal+malaysian+air+force+crest.jpg" width="192" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Royal Malaysian Air Force Crest</i> <br />
It was created in 1936 as Malayan Auxiliary Air Force, disbanded after World War II, reactivated in 1950. The passing of Air Force Ordinance by the Parliament on 2 June 1958 saw the creation of Royal Malayan Air Force. The first adviser was seconded from the Royal Air Force(RAF), Air Commodore A.V.R Johnstsone who became the first Chief of the Royal Malayan Air Force (RMAF). The proud few who formed the RMAF were Flying Officer Lim Heng Lip, Sergeant Subramanian, Corporal Othman Mohd Ismail, Corporal Wan Said, Corporal JD Parsley, Corporal Mahadeven, Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Surindam, SAC Md Noor, SAC Zainal, SAC Mohd Hussain and Junior Technician (JT) Ismail Ariffin.<br />
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The motto of the RMAF is "Sentiasa di angkasa raya" (English: "Always in the Airspace").<br />
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<b>Governor's mansion </b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC5SrE4pxT1rbKzq5t9RSEAm3jlnugQIz7UywI6RV14Hkj6OVK6KA_GpFGoB0X9nG2g-wTqLLzgx9a5ycaYiP4TyAqNik9pkq_cCeiQeYN3u02rboYP751-nZ4SjrCvDyhOVEEEvUgBfH/s1600/DSCN3106.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC5SrE4pxT1rbKzq5t9RSEAm3jlnugQIz7UywI6RV14Hkj6OVK6KA_GpFGoB0X9nG2g-wTqLLzgx9a5ycaYiP4TyAqNik9pkq_cCeiQeYN3u02rboYP751-nZ4SjrCvDyhOVEEEvUgBfH/s400/DSCN3106.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Governor's mansion - built 17th century</i><br />
This stately mansion was built by the Dutch and was the official residence and office of the Dutch Governor of Malacca and later the British governor under British rule. The place has a fabulous view being located on top of St. Paul's Hill. <br />
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This was also the site of the palace of Melaka Sultanate before the Portuguese. According to the Munshi Abdullah this building was known as Raja’s House. On 31st August 1957, the name was changed to Seri Melaka, as title of the Governor was also changed to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri.<br />
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After independence in 1957, the building remained the governor's residence until September 1996. (A new, bigger place was built in Ayer Keroh). Today, it is a museum and has been gazetted as a heritage building by the State Government.<br />
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This house is the stuff that dreams are made of and reminds me of "Gone With The Wind" - you can imagine Scarlett O'Hara running out, crinoline held off the ground with both hands running to her beau, calling, "Ashley, Ashley"! <br />
I bags the room up the top on the left hand side. Think of the view - two sides, looking ahead plus looking out over the township of Malacca. And on a balmy summer evening, walking down the steps from the first floor to sit on the balcony sipping a cool drink watching the sunset, catching the breeze on the wind and seeing the stars come out at night.<br />
Aren't dreams wonderful? (It helps having a good imagination!)<br />
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<b>Malacca Islamic museum</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkqLGy0Mr50vrkclLYgR_y8WMlwdXQQeaonrgyd8hxyCXYjldLx3Ru5WdaHrDDyIvYXv9W5fI5dY99AmNhXkDfowhmyUZiAHVKP1tJGRoMjpK_dTI-iVCn4hbNTeutFkiTgXMm1Ftiv_k/s1600/DSCN3096.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkqLGy0Mr50vrkclLYgR_y8WMlwdXQQeaonrgyd8hxyCXYjldLx3Ru5WdaHrDDyIvYXv9W5fI5dY99AmNhXkDfowhmyUZiAHVKP1tJGRoMjpK_dTI-iVCn4hbNTeutFkiTgXMm1Ftiv_k/s400/DSCN3096.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca Islamic museum</i><br />
The museum is only a hop, skip and a jump from Dutch Square and is opposite the Police State Contingent Headquarters. It was built in the 1850s to record the advent and development of Islam in the Peninsular and the South East Asian region. The building has been gazetted as an antiquity under the Antiquities Act 1976.<br />
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<b>Police HQ</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gek6p6yW-H57lPRKxxyX0NlLxwsBiASug30rcAzNK1qSHhqaUWqw3XXvyPWzDyWu77HAVSEBsiInkqA-Mu9pu1U84ZOV5C3fssT9D4uYcR2FYf9FFBwveq9nXDk_X41QM5BfppzKVLgF/s1600/DSCN3095.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gek6p6yW-H57lPRKxxyX0NlLxwsBiASug30rcAzNK1qSHhqaUWqw3XXvyPWzDyWu77HAVSEBsiInkqA-Mu9pu1U84ZOV5C3fssT9D4uYcR2FYf9FFBwveq9nXDk_X41QM5BfppzKVLgF/s400/DSCN3095.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The local cop shop</i><br />
Ibu Pejabat Daerah Melaka Tengah - Police Headquarters Central Melaka District. I'm afraid I couldn't find any information about this building - what can I say? It's a lovely old white building with a blue tin roof. The middle section is double storey with detailed architectural design. The window awnings, trimmings and entrance door frame is painted a matching blue and the windows have colonial panes. <br />
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<b>Dutch Cemetery</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNny2mTxT6e1ORKVgymvSvZqFKI-6smU39hD5udX9shr6Xl-rBl9tUKE-SRlWm-B1TkqI4HIOoOF42IKEapSTxzBCkJsNMyszXaShASb3_ecp7tDfkOFT83gyLAsXsXCOYyi0ZmYFSWlY6/s1600/DSCN3107.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNny2mTxT6e1ORKVgymvSvZqFKI-6smU39hD5udX9shr6Xl-rBl9tUKE-SRlWm-B1TkqI4HIOoOF42IKEapSTxzBCkJsNMyszXaShASb3_ecp7tDfkOFT83gyLAsXsXCOYyi0ZmYFSWlY6/s400/DSCN3107.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Dutch Cemetery</i><br />
The Dutch Graveyard is a small cemetery in Malacca first used in the last quarter of the 17th century. Despite its name, only five Dutch graves remain there today, and 33 belonging to British officers and their wives. The cemetery was used first by the Dutch between 1670-1682, and later by the British between 1818-1838.<br />
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<b>St. Paul's Hill</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj8L5bXTyoABPAgGKt4S4DMEKBXqcPOlSNnyMjC8_V8R5Qw-kKJyU8T3ffk1_p3C0OYZNbM0Imcws3JDCuhY3uMMtGtb7pmSwzRaTC7YhJOHALVBrJtsWdhv-9Sx3NBrQOm69FPbx0NF5/s1600/DSCN3108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj8L5bXTyoABPAgGKt4S4DMEKBXqcPOlSNnyMjC8_V8R5Qw-kKJyU8T3ffk1_p3C0OYZNbM0Imcws3JDCuhY3uMMtGtb7pmSwzRaTC7YhJOHALVBrJtsWdhv-9Sx3NBrQOm69FPbx0NF5/s400/DSCN3108.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>View from St. Paul's Hill</i><br />
As the Dutch graveyard is at the foot of the St Paul's Hill, I climbed up the hill to get a daytime view and was rewarded with this pleasing vista. Apart from the green garden, you can see the Proclomation of Independence Memorial and Porta De Santiago (A' Famosa). The palm to the left of A'Formosa looks rather like a ferris wheel. <br />
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<b>Porta De Santiago</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPgy5YF3G6pLnUlScRYGeOOzH5qc9bood8ZZw_QdFwClblbrcyVVeNN2F7SnGIYxvByptle_zkyGnS4AYiubQJlqLT-wjsolARgckKdZcG-QBSTXBC5AKg-hwbapcjKxf0g1cUyLkl6NZ/s1600/DSCN3109.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPgy5YF3G6pLnUlScRYGeOOzH5qc9bood8ZZw_QdFwClblbrcyVVeNN2F7SnGIYxvByptle_zkyGnS4AYiubQJlqLT-wjsolARgckKdZcG-QBSTXBC5AKg-hwbapcjKxf0g1cUyLkl6NZ/s400/DSCN3109.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Porta De Santiago (A' Famosa) built 1512</i><br />
The Portuguese admiral, Alfonso D’Albuquerque, built Porta de Santiago or A’Famosa in 1511. It was badly damaged during the Dutch invasion in 1641. The English were didn't really want to of maintain the fortification and ordered its destruction. It was demolished on British orders on August 10, 1807 (except for a small gate house). In 1808, Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official who had a passion for history, saved what remains of A’Famosa today. This famous landmark is located near St. Paul’s Church.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEgeIa35KcegcvVLilRxDrSY4_NRLb1BUDy8_XwnEHxQHIj1P_dMYbYJuDBK_vG0JyA6rP32hL8sYCq24ijOsFZKTqmUHCVjmV7fC9c82wzS_TYiAWIBl3_yWQuFaoGdwze1EUrjfjyZY/s1600/DSCN3111.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEgeIa35KcegcvVLilRxDrSY4_NRLb1BUDy8_XwnEHxQHIj1P_dMYbYJuDBK_vG0JyA6rP32hL8sYCq24ijOsFZKTqmUHCVjmV7fC9c82wzS_TYiAWIBl3_yWQuFaoGdwze1EUrjfjyZY/s400/DSCN3111.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Porta De Santiago canon</i><br />
It's among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The fortress had four towers, or bastions, and 2.4 metre thick walls. The towers were called Baluarte San Pedro, Baluerte de las Virgenes, Baluerte Madre de Dios, Baluerte Santo Domingo, and Baluerte de Santiago. <br />
The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwlbG5PBHbZzBnvxbiMm0wDp2FmNZfalit7A2W0eaq0xVHNToFqXW0T2kLaZ6hm9kdaITto7il7TX9KRGiMZ493S6uYcM8YWzvWEBQJXQRoiefBAnWCYp-o6dW4uuZ_Qh2-GbEvD0IbxL/s1600/DSCN3110.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwlbG5PBHbZzBnvxbiMm0wDp2FmNZfalit7A2W0eaq0xVHNToFqXW0T2kLaZ6hm9kdaITto7il7TX9KRGiMZ493S6uYcM8YWzvWEBQJXQRoiefBAnWCYp-o6dW4uuZ_Qh2-GbEvD0IbxL/s400/DSCN3110.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Gate arch</i><br />
The fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch drove the Portuguese out of Malacca. The Dutch renovated the gate in 1670 and had the logo "ANNO 1670" inscribed on the gate's arch. Above the arch is a bas-relief logo of the Dutch East India Company.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQjZWLUAyGAoHZkHiRoLMbcchiRmuzUXVok5Sj7EAz1itHhz_ZVUAviQprgufRuEmxK41Ckwxrv3KA-j9XB9gltytY2OlthHyMB9lUP6EJbzKX1y4Y79hdZDWLl1kdKbuQlX_t8rRI9or/s1600/DSCN3141.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQjZWLUAyGAoHZkHiRoLMbcchiRmuzUXVok5Sj7EAz1itHhz_ZVUAviQprgufRuEmxK41Ckwxrv3KA-j9XB9gltytY2OlthHyMB9lUP6EJbzKX1y4Y79hdZDWLl1kdKbuQlX_t8rRI9or/s400/DSCN3141.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Porta De Santiago (Gate of St. James)</i><br />
Porta De Santiago, or the Gate of St. James, is the sole remaining legacy of Portuguese architecture. From my research of Porta De Santiago, it seems it is erroneously called A'Formosa. A'Formosa was the name of the fortress behind this gate, not the gate itself. A'Formosa translated from the Portuguese is "The Famous". Therefore, this quite rightly should be described as the surviving gate of the A Famosa Portuguese fort in Malacca.<br />
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The Porta De Santiago was gazetted as an old building and historical site under the Antiquities Act no. 168/19776 on the 12th May, 1977. <br />
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<b>The Proclamation of Independence Memorial </b><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXVOFSdL_HZiTI35qxqCxf5ANtrKsU04XFV5A1HeJchy7EpnU7Hj4tjgUYLHB0UModE9Wh-p6GIGdasEW67ea39xhhd7ZXCqICgDsj8tcp2qBm7_xwNIZbLlq0QLWinijWoAF-0Lv-usO/s1600/DSCN3115.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXVOFSdL_HZiTI35qxqCxf5ANtrKsU04XFV5A1HeJchy7EpnU7Hj4tjgUYLHB0UModE9Wh-p6GIGdasEW67ea39xhhd7ZXCqICgDsj8tcp2qBm7_xwNIZbLlq0QLWinijWoAF-0Lv-usO/s400/DSCN3115.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Proclamation of Independence Memorial - Year Built: 1911/1912</i><br />
This beautiful, ornate building with twin golden domes was originally built as the headquarters of the Malacca Club, where the British ruling class slugged gin slings, gathered for tiffin, danced an elegant waltz and played cricket. It was a bastion of British colonialism and only the best sort of people were members! There was a large field front for playing cricket or polo - both "gentlemen's" games where the ladies with large hats and gloved hands would sit under shady parasols and watch to the sounds of, "Oh I say, great shot, what". Today the field is the site of the Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall.<br />
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This lovely old building today is a Memorial to Democracy where Malaysia's first prime minister announced the country's forthcoming independence on February 20, 1956. On August 31st 1985, the Proclamation of Independence Memorial was officially open to the public. The Management and administration of the Memorial has been entrusted to National Archives of Malaysia. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l-N5S_gvnY7JW2_66Hmv25oGhLBYbkANCSJpH7sc5XBTSusHXU-Y4f1ILytcJc4B8tTDRe1hyexh2N4UvfNHo899dkDJc-B7fANUY0AcHJzPCf02qQy62PFLhJZQiarQoOrwm1aOL9kE/s1600/DSCN3118.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l-N5S_gvnY7JW2_66Hmv25oGhLBYbkANCSJpH7sc5XBTSusHXU-Y4f1ILytcJc4B8tTDRe1hyexh2N4UvfNHo899dkDJc-B7fANUY0AcHJzPCf02qQy62PFLhJZQiarQoOrwm1aOL9kE/s400/DSCN3118.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Window detail</i><br />
Much of Malacca's charm lies in its colonial architectural heritage as is evidenced by this wonderful window detail. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfl8stKu35tYA663m2UH8kH0osyd-WgZaHTT1aZvIL6ZSzarXl0g_HE35-TRdywWSNcqHMkATyI8bX0fCX_YCS-45Wi1hyphenhyphen01I0bmtz30HXLOvwsd-wPD4u72S235Mso-fJ-RQsDxQ_C4r/s1600/DSCN3119.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfl8stKu35tYA663m2UH8kH0osyd-WgZaHTT1aZvIL6ZSzarXl0g_HE35-TRdywWSNcqHMkATyI8bX0fCX_YCS-45Wi1hyphenhyphen01I0bmtz30HXLOvwsd-wPD4u72S235Mso-fJ-RQsDxQ_C4r/s400/DSCN3119.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Abdul Rahman's 1957 Chevy</i><br />
In the courtyard is this gorgeous old chevy. Must have been great to have been able to ride around in them, they're such a great looking car and I just love the white trim on the tyres. The '57 Chevies are an auto icon and often restored to their original condition and sometimes modified. I was checking out the price online - do you know how much people are asking for them? From around $55,000!!! The highest price I saw was $75,000. Gee whiz, I could think of a lot better things to spend 50 thousand bucks on - think how often I could travel overseas, how many holidays I could have in Malaysia, how many other countries I could visit. <br />
I did see one for $18,500 but that was a 2 door in "original" condition - read full of rust, parts missing, ready for the junk heap. I suppose there will be someone who will buy it and spend hours and hours and thousands of dollars to restore the old bomb. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhrBgZ0U1Hpi6JxRhvbz0HdEuY7JkWbAc-mPsvmc7kF6SwLsDQE8362Ri2k6pAGB-UcJ5uPrVrM7QfREf_MSdrrFZQ48mBzmtwfaay8Ykw9SOoM0kHlxpb6PgWNaEVUgvX_ApCTWI6uVf/s1600/DSCN3121.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhrBgZ0U1Hpi6JxRhvbz0HdEuY7JkWbAc-mPsvmc7kF6SwLsDQE8362Ri2k6pAGB-UcJ5uPrVrM7QfREf_MSdrrFZQ48mBzmtwfaay8Ykw9SOoM0kHlxpb6PgWNaEVUgvX_ApCTWI6uVf/s400/DSCN3121.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Abdul Rahman's 1957 Chevy</i><br />
The chevy was bought in 1957 and was originally used as one of the many limousines provided by the government to ferry VIP's arriving at Sungai Besi airport, Kuala Lumpur to their respective hotels and rest houses. These VIP's were representatives of their countries during the independence celebration in Kuala Lumpur. The original paintwork of this car was white. <br />
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During the 1959 general elections, this car was used personally by YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman to travel the whole country in order to carry out his political campaigns. <br />
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And now we come to the last building before I crossed the road and had lunch. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh9lL8pWOUik3P5fNqF3xpr82eMrZ_lpm5YP5CzWCdTvag_aV3JLriUN6Jjn9N9SEh79E7yRgZ_097yG_ZrgrIyWKqTU-mvalDXAQYb9z-88p9PukjOl5yMH2BMLmIs_Y86_RQM1a18kP/s1600/DSCN3123.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgh9lL8pWOUik3P5fNqF3xpr82eMrZ_lpm5YP5CzWCdTvag_aV3JLriUN6Jjn9N9SEh79E7yRgZ_097yG_ZrgrIyWKqTU-mvalDXAQYb9z-88p9PukjOl5yMH2BMLmIs_Y86_RQM1a18kP/s400/DSCN3123.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Bastion House - Torture Museum </i><br />
Bastion House is a brick building that was built in 1910 by the British-owned company, Dunlop Rubber Company and was used solely as a business house until 1986 when it was rented out to a bank. The steep, sloping roof shows the influence of English architecture.<br />
It's now the Malay and Islamic World Museum and houses the Museum of Torture on the ground floor. <br />
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<i>NOTE:</i> When researching information on this old building, one site said 'the building was named Bastion House because it is located very close to the bastions of Fortaleza de Malaca' and another site said it "might" be. I have no way of verifying this so have not included it in the above, but have mentioned it here as a possibility. <br />
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And now - it's off to lunch. BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-25335353199937948832012-10-29T19:57:00.004+11:002012-11-07T23:58:19.530+11:00109. Heeren House <b>Accommodation in the Old Quarter</b><br />
Heeren House which is where I stayed, is a quaint building overlooking the river in an excellent location. The room was very clean, bathroom basic but clean and wonderful atmosphere and the rooms are furnished with colonial and Peranakan furniture. I think it was a bit overpriced and the cooked breakfast was not very generous - 1 egg, 2 slices of cooked tomato, 1 small sausage (hot dog) and half a hash brown. Serving half a hash brown (you could see it had been cut in half) was incredibly stingy and considering the price per night, the meal could have been a lot larger. Downstairs room 5 was MYR119 per night but MYR139 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They shouldn't charge a higher rate, it's high enough already. <br />
There are some fine old Dutch houses of 17th century along Heeren Street and Heeren House is about 300 years old and was once an old warehouse, since then it has been a typical Chinese coffee shop, a family home and now a guesthouse. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f49SGuKmd2RoIrRpDBV9UmSXKz3W1ogRKX4aZRdmf6HzhrK86deepirktJozXVchB4wU3FmDWpXY0GcLY8iAHcI1GKfFqo94AKBytqiEkIeygCTrMux5G-Zz1g6wrHcb8dUDPnHX-OKP/s1600/DSCN3267.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f49SGuKmd2RoIrRpDBV9UmSXKz3W1ogRKX4aZRdmf6HzhrK86deepirktJozXVchB4wU3FmDWpXY0GcLY8iAHcI1GKfFqo94AKBytqiEkIeygCTrMux5G-Zz1g6wrHcb8dUDPnHX-OKP/s400/DSCN3267.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Heeren House </i><br />
Heeren House is at the beginnin of well-known Heeren Street, once called "Millionaire's Row" or Gentlemen’s Street. This is where the rich families and notables of Malacca lived, and today stands along a street of traditional shop houses whose architectural features are unique to Malacca. Today, like Jonker Street, Heeren Street has also had its named changed - it's now called Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock - although most people still call it Heeren Street. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGo9bFHzy0BTtgpOyvskamkRIQBHZzRJpT02e-PonXk8nYBKbU8MH8a3BM54ilA-UKx9vi-X6qyT30K4HJPaMNaETPt-ImRxKzfObsAUiuehkpmxYdn6PGtZt3voxOQVc-r1tb0tYOLZe/s1600/Malaysia+2010-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGo9bFHzy0BTtgpOyvskamkRIQBHZzRJpT02e-PonXk8nYBKbU8MH8a3BM54ilA-UKx9vi-X6qyT30K4HJPaMNaETPt-ImRxKzfObsAUiuehkpmxYdn6PGtZt3voxOQVc-r1tb0tYOLZe/s400/Malaysia+2010-001.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Heeren House gift shop</i><br />
When you walk in the front door, there's a lovely gift shop area with many beautiful items and hand crafts from Malaysia and other countries in the region - Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and India. Most of the stuff is made from natural materials like wood, coconut shell, bamboo and rattan and there are hand woven textile products such as shawls, scarves, table dressings and ethnic wall hangings. They also have some jewellery, silver rings, bracelets from Bali and pearls from Sabah. <br />
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I longed to buy some of the things on sale but they were outside my price range. That's the problem with travelling on a shoestring - you have to make wise decisions. Ah well, better to forgo stuff you don't really need which will probably just end up sitting in your drawer or wardrobe at home anyway and have the ability to be able to go away on more trips. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsla64yD4i2dt1zauV4BfOuSM7Xjz_6ceMTtVy1aFHNH6lWJimupSKNlNMDudGYfR4BlJTG-shTNGlmpvMJelZ8lZPOCeYDEi20_KDwT8nhWQ9djyEH9OpGhpwdZCQQHiHXApA_X902al/s1600/DSCN3271.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsla64yD4i2dt1zauV4BfOuSM7Xjz_6ceMTtVy1aFHNH6lWJimupSKNlNMDudGYfR4BlJTG-shTNGlmpvMJelZ8lZPOCeYDEi20_KDwT8nhWQ9djyEH9OpGhpwdZCQQHiHXApA_X902al/s400/DSCN3271.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Dining room</i><br />
This is where breakfast is served. The chiffonier holds cups and saucers and is where the tea and coffee was each morning. Although you were only given one glass of juice, tea and coffee were refillable. It's a nice, airy place to sit while having the first meal of the day. One of the most noticeable things was the absence of fun and laughter. I usually stay in hostels (dorm room) or small guesthouse/hotel where the other guests are the sort who'll sit and have a chat. You know what I mean - a different kind of tourist/traveller. Here there were either families or older people with a staid, conservative mien. They weren't any fun. (Sigh) Now had I stayed at the Discovery Cafe across the river further up, there'd have been plenty of fun and life!<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cKp8wHk7sv5crmGXr6IYNiCt6exsE7xHvTYCYQ9Ao-1QZOy-v9ynOZYJNr7mEsCP_lBe6WCAO57Z2rLXvT6diTSNdxxSqiZPEOfQn2SSlnKFLvj52iyF3w1gCgitOl8WdBa08bVx1shA/s1600/DSCN3284.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cKp8wHk7sv5crmGXr6IYNiCt6exsE7xHvTYCYQ9Ao-1QZOy-v9ynOZYJNr7mEsCP_lBe6WCAO57Z2rLXvT6diTSNdxxSqiZPEOfQn2SSlnKFLvj52iyF3w1gCgitOl8WdBa08bVx1shA/s400/DSCN3284.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sideboard menu</i><br />
This was the menu with "house specials" - they had "Hi tea and dessert" although really it's just tea and cake (high tea consists of tea or coffee and a selection of sandwiches, scones, petite fours, and small cakes) - <a href="http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&cp=15&gs_id=7g&xhr=t&q=what+is+high+tea&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bpcl=35466521&biw=1331&bih=610&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=CTiOULTnMMOgigf0zYGgCA">This is High Tea.</a><br />
Everything was 7 ringgit - one scone with jam and cream, chocolate brownie and cream, apple crumble and custard, carrot cake, assorted fresh fruits. The fancy coffees were between 5 and 6.50 ringgit. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6ZrSjlb9kc5i2ZtnTp_b5YsT3xFZcB4X4i6TB2p_z4jgMbTHFbwljUye9LOcWHRYDkDfnIc1ls69mLrvU-4YmAeZUTk5ajatbtmhMCY0TqoyT-56czh79tl_QnVumZgqKT1UtMNdEvZC/s1600/DSCN3286.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6ZrSjlb9kc5i2ZtnTp_b5YsT3xFZcB4X4i6TB2p_z4jgMbTHFbwljUye9LOcWHRYDkDfnIc1ls69mLrvU-4YmAeZUTk5ajatbtmhMCY0TqoyT-56czh79tl_QnVumZgqKT1UtMNdEvZC/s400/DSCN3286.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Stairwell and Office area</i><br />
This is the section behind the chiffonier. See the desk in the bottom right hand corner at the front? That's the desk where Bernard or Liz sat. Bernard Tan is a Malaysian chap who married an Englishwoman, Liz and they have run this place for many years. Liz confided to me she prefers to come in early, do any shopping before the sun is too high then stay indoors in the heat of the day. It must have changed hands because I recently read somewhere that in October or November 2011, the owners were Marcia and Henry. <br />
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Anyway, back to my story, the staircase leads to the bedrooms upstairs and see that hallway on the right hand side going back? Well that's where the kitchen is, followed by another bedroom - the one I had, and then a store room of some kind. <br />
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<b>My Room</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GZiaB3OMqEjCxXu2WoQ4akwSp-v1INS5W-ddYXk7LPLc0W4o1YBf6A61g1NA_UNeHn5lpPYDlXHIn5kMlpykEIANwxzUJbwroqs_o_xQFOBiSukMOtezBD9GlSdC6ONBCYEODjxaUGiX/s1600/DSCN3084.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GZiaB3OMqEjCxXu2WoQ4akwSp-v1INS5W-ddYXk7LPLc0W4o1YBf6A61g1NA_UNeHn5lpPYDlXHIn5kMlpykEIANwxzUJbwroqs_o_xQFOBiSukMOtezBD9GlSdC6ONBCYEODjxaUGiX/s400/DSCN3084.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Room No 5 - Hang Lekir</i><br />
This was my room, there are six rooms (bedrooms) in total. As it was downstairs, it was a little cheaper than the ones upstairs and had what is described as a "partial river view." If I stood up, opened the shutters and looked over to the left, I could see a bit of the river. It didn't really bother me, the only downside was there are NO insect screens so if I opened the window, a swarm of mossies and insects came in! Bernard said I could smoke in the room provided I opened the window, which was nice of him. Personally, I don't smoke inside and would much have preferred to be able to go outside and smoke, but there wasn't anywhere at night time to do this. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdy5O1F0UItDwrFaU-ET0CNh9YGI5l7xxySpW5qo9bYLCUbZJcgWrYBUI2HZi-aDxAw7sYqHZTWD0zV1wN7j4Sg36xjKT1H1feguHt2NUicyt2FS8roJ5dhOSOBrBzTzR3QiHj_Q6Q9c2/s1600/DSCN3085.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdy5O1F0UItDwrFaU-ET0CNh9YGI5l7xxySpW5qo9bYLCUbZJcgWrYBUI2HZi-aDxAw7sYqHZTWD0zV1wN7j4Sg36xjKT1H1feguHt2NUicyt2FS8roJ5dhOSOBrBzTzR3QiHj_Q6Q9c2/s400/DSCN3085.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Bedroom furniture</i><br />
As you can see, there is a small wardrobe and a chest of drawers. My Grandma had a chest of drawers like this and the timber as taken on that lovely old timbre that only very old wooden furniture can. I used the hanging rail to dry my clothes and towels. To the right of the drawers I can see some of my stuff - the bag at the back I bought in Siem Reap and the hat is a sunhat from home which I bought especially for this trip. I took that hat to Thailand and Laos last year but it has now disappeared. Wish I could find the thing, it's good for when you are travelling and sits on the head at the position. I hope I didn't throw it out when I was doing "spring cleaning" (YOU know - when you start to tidy up the big mess you've create because you've been lazy and you start to "declutter" and throw stuff out!)☺<br />
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To the left is a small coffee table with electric jug etc on it. All the rooms have an individual air conditioner, local telly and tea/coffee making facilities. Oh, plus a bathroom of course. It was a pretty room and exuded a sense of calm - you felt like you had stepped back in time to the 19th century. With the sprigged print bedspread, co-ordinating cushions and lamps, it really is a most delightful room. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfMw7ZuOl4_ZCpwJjOkz849aRCQPOXqH26d110TacGo4Vys2KuMkxqrS9uru7zlbrYhuX938HQZihK6Sb-tBRW7Zqs8G9KpcTKMoKBpbVeIn2xUUYHYifU4NndzHmno0UyH3Gjp4Sbk6E/s1600/DSCN3287.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfMw7ZuOl4_ZCpwJjOkz849aRCQPOXqH26d110TacGo4Vys2KuMkxqrS9uru7zlbrYhuX938HQZihK6Sb-tBRW7Zqs8G9KpcTKMoKBpbVeIn2xUUYHYifU4NndzHmno0UyH3Gjp4Sbk6E/s400/DSCN3287.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Side doors</i><br />
In the evening after Anne and Bernard had gone home, there was a night watchman who came on duty and stayed until Bernard came back the next morning. These are the doors which you used to enter and exit after the front door had been locked. While I can't recall the night watchman's name, I remember him as being a nice old chap with a smile. <br />
The double doors open onto the side street Jonker Lane which is adjacent to Heeren Street and faces the river. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJPkPWPfIOkwpk6lqhpB4ekP15KvFhPOCaofYu_Qnt3a-4CzvE6v6Tb5jf9zlc9ij4AKtsiBVlFx3UmFCs-wUA7wFnxyShlP-lRFg-nL5HdFjl9zrxo9UGlvxVo96xSthG5v78Gol9SPN/s1600/DSCN3270.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJPkPWPfIOkwpk6lqhpB4ekP15KvFhPOCaofYu_Qnt3a-4CzvE6v6Tb5jf9zlc9ij4AKtsiBVlFx3UmFCs-wUA7wFnxyShlP-lRFg-nL5HdFjl9zrxo9UGlvxVo96xSthG5v78Gol9SPN/s400/DSCN3270.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Front verandah</i><br />
I would sit on this stool on the front verandah to have a smoke and perhaps a cuppa tea and watch the world go by. It was very relaxing under the verandah and I had a bit of privacy with there being a couple of largish pot plants in front. That's the ash tray I was using too. Well how about that eh? Strange how it all keeps coming back. I had a good time here. BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-74488584080079727432012-10-25T02:33:00.000+11:002012-11-20T21:32:34.475+11:00108. Jonker Street <b>New Found Friends</b><br />
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When I was at St. Paul's I met an English lady called Joanne and she said she was travelling with two people whom she'd met. We arranged to meet in half an hour and she brought her friends, Isa who was 22 from Hong Kong and Andanna who was Spanish and 30. We all went to the night market in Jonker Street and that first night in Malacca was a night of magic, fun and friendship. <br />
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I remember we went to this bar in a street off Jonker Street (can't remember the name and my camera doesn't take good photos at night. Unless I can rest it on something like a table or carry a tripod - one of those ones that are 4 foot tall and weigh a ton - most of my night photos come out terribly blurry and very dark. Editing doesn't help - all it does is lighten it and have coloured dots/spots everywhere.)<br />
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<b>The residential heart of Old Malacca</b><br />
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Is Jonker Street - once famous for its antique shops, now is filled with clothing shops, craft shops, eating places, antiques and quirky little spots. But its real charm is at night - the Jonker Street nightmarket is famous and anyone who visits Malacca, simply must come here. For at night, the street comes alive with the sound of music and a hubbub of contained excitement. <br />
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Stalls line the street - the street vendors selling their homemade goodies, Portuguese tarts - a little like the English egg custard tarts, only better. Joanne bought 6 of them and they were oh so scrumdiddlyumptious. I fell in love with them and just writing about them brings back the aroma and taste - I can almost taste them on my tongue. Mmm mmm. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSM59McirenkKXTt_38sTq5dARVheBgSj9q100c3Ow4F36pyBwy6Sd6Jmxay9cP7raL6hAwjUG-IhnmGRMFGBy9WvN1LvPp2KNJEwmzBberFM2wXDrYeGmfr52qpPj1IzmcFqMF1SVKz0/s1600/DSCN3209.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSM59McirenkKXTt_38sTq5dARVheBgSj9q100c3Ow4F36pyBwy6Sd6Jmxay9cP7raL6hAwjUG-IhnmGRMFGBy9WvN1LvPp2KNJEwmzBberFM2wXDrYeGmfr52qpPj1IzmcFqMF1SVKz0/s400/DSCN3209.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Jonker Walk</i><br />
Jonker Street, or Jonker Walk - photo taken during daylight hours. Today, Jonker Street has been renamed Jalan Hang Jebat, but people still refer to it as Jonker Street. I should imagine there'd be an outcry if the government took down this (and other) famous signs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgtkfBHMqSuj3F1gTAs5wBJIYarm5JBSDm5vSEqS5wi45c660_9kBfCikyWmCEnH1UNhxKcuiscaJwBKGTiT13v9DnLI8780id5JeHAd0zN3sQWCvZKWb2UxDFMRMfHEvzvAwZyfSG9-S/s1600/DSCN3210.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgtkfBHMqSuj3F1gTAs5wBJIYarm5JBSDm5vSEqS5wi45c660_9kBfCikyWmCEnH1UNhxKcuiscaJwBKGTiT13v9DnLI8780id5JeHAd0zN3sQWCvZKWb2UxDFMRMfHEvzvAwZyfSG9-S/s400/DSCN3210.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Local street between Jonker & Heeren Streets</i><br />
You can see an old Chinese building at the end of the street (Jonker is after all in Chinatown), there's Nancy's Kitchen (I wonder who Nancy was?), Sorvana Spa (just the place for a relaxing massage), the Karabau Rock Bar, stall holders setting up their wares and there's even a satellite dish perched precariously to the red brick wall!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWTq7FVMSjHsQG1nNv6Z3LgKbwys_2S0lmMOCoBculs40WmpZThfQH9heOHqKEHbSCirMZn6X8n5DWOKkYo84UxyZU6OI2t2CG5uAZpS8jHGyJTqW0XJr1tmrwmrAL3RyAA_4xxgurrVc/s1600/DSCN3240.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWTq7FVMSjHsQG1nNv6Z3LgKbwys_2S0lmMOCoBculs40WmpZThfQH9heOHqKEHbSCirMZn6X8n5DWOKkYo84UxyZU6OI2t2CG5uAZpS8jHGyJTqW0XJr1tmrwmrAL3RyAA_4xxgurrVc/s400/DSCN3240.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>D'Arts Cafe</i><br />
Ah - D'Arts Cafe while I didn't go in here, I thought their sign was excellent - <i>Save water! Drink Beer.</i><br />
Eminently suitable advice if there's a drought!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9uiFq8tntIvTYfNas0BgJTHzycD-BXGPZKTtSVsfs4Le516139H88rNLjkH1AePxJWa7hI5-5_Vw7ee-JaTWcTN8J5IhFMn3oFFyEZhDfZOLUtTCoNgG7Qyk0Ry6AUt6P12LJ5B60aow/s1600/DSCN3074.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9uiFq8tntIvTYfNas0BgJTHzycD-BXGPZKTtSVsfs4Le516139H88rNLjkH1AePxJWa7hI5-5_Vw7ee-JaTWcTN8J5IhFMn3oFFyEZhDfZOLUtTCoNgG7Qyk0Ry6AUt6P12LJ5B60aow/s400/DSCN3074.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Jonker Street night market</i><br />
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Here is where the fun begins - Joanne, Isa, Andanna and I worked our way through the crowds, stopping here to look at this, and there to look at that. And ay look - over there, those cute little thingies; so many things to see, so much to experience. We finished off the Portuguese tarts and decided to go for a drink. Remember that bar I spoke of? Yes, well we turned up a street on the left hand side and found this rather cute place. I remember I had sour plum and lime juice (3.50MYR) and coffee (disgusting) 4.00MYR. There was ice in the drink Andanna ordered the same sans ice (we swapped). Asked for an ashtray - it came with ice in it. We all laughed our heads off. We just couldn't get over an ashtray "with ice"!!!<br />
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OH we did have fun - we sat and talked about our adventures, where we'd been, where we were going next. Alas my friends were leaving the next day. Andanna told me here was flying to Australia (Perth the capital city of WA) and he had no money, no WHV (working holiday visa) because he couldn't get one, but intended to work "cash in hand." <br />
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<b>The moon is made of green cheese</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYWvZqsW-NT-GeA447idItwVRHbu5Llj8-tLaHAfEOhfnmqm61qgYRnroU90Xq9aUDibb-SUY9nZsBjCeVZkwf2iET-yWbtUs90BTeT1a64tRJaFqT-_bMHH4LJoyv56ILc43VNtbhzi5/s1600/DSCN3075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYWvZqsW-NT-GeA447idItwVRHbu5Llj8-tLaHAfEOhfnmqm61qgYRnroU90Xq9aUDibb-SUY9nZsBjCeVZkwf2iET-yWbtUs90BTeT1a64tRJaFqT-_bMHH4LJoyv56ILc43VNtbhzi5/s400/DSCN3075.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Smile!</i><br />
See that little round green ball in the sky? Well - that's the moon. The saying "The moon is made of green cheese" comes to mind. (The Proverbs of John Heywood 1546)<br />
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<b>Jonker Street and the Red Lanterns</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q4dqFT0m-6XOuaKaaLmxqNNhDqsmOHudprrNU27Du4SGpwRyCdgwUCN0enY067ekfqpRZKijDeVKDaycoOn_GbuodLPvG_lHipr-_5dg4_Lzw-ilt2XUzGEgflfY7TjZWyKkB53X2iIY/s1600/DSCN3076.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q4dqFT0m-6XOuaKaaLmxqNNhDqsmOHudprrNU27Du4SGpwRyCdgwUCN0enY067ekfqpRZKijDeVKDaycoOn_GbuodLPvG_lHipr-_5dg4_Lzw-ilt2XUzGEgflfY7TjZWyKkB53X2iIY/s400/DSCN3076.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Red Lanterns</i><br />
During the day, Jonker Street is open to cars and vehicles. But come Friday night as the sun goes down and weekends - the place is transformed. The street is closed to traffic, red lanters light up the road and people throng the place looking at the many stalls and objects for sale. Saturday night especially is most busy - sometimes you can hardly move for the number of people milling around looking, stopping at one of the trinket stalls or the place selling whizz bang toys. The place is crowded with people - locals and tourists alike. Young lovers hold hands walking slowly as they gaze into each other's eyes, old uncles amble along on a night out, quietly puffing away, parents try to keep their energetic children in tow to cries of, "Please mum, can I have this?" and everywhere is a happy place. <br />
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And the food! The glorious food stalls! The famous rice balls are truly delicious, so many foods, so many tantalising aromas as they waft through the air filling your nostrils with the delicious smells of home cooking. Your mouth is salivating, your tongue moves, you lick your lips and only a plate of those noodles or bag of tarts will do the trick. You stop, you buy, and then you eat. It is a most heady feeling and rewarding experience - a veritable feast, a gastronomic delight. I was in Melaka for three nights and every night I went to Jonker Street.<br />
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On the Saturday I found this place - a rather small, ordinary looking shop of undistinguished appearance and went in and asked for Hainanese Chicken Rice. Behind the cooking was this little old Grandmother with iron grey hair, her skinny arms stirring a large pot with a big ladle, the daughter or granddaughter doing something with green vegetables and furious activity going on. I went and sat down. The tables were round with Chinese stools. I lit a cigarette and looked around and noticed everyone there was looking at me. Is there something wrong? Do I have dirt on my nose? Why are they all staring at me? Then it dawned on me - I was the only "European" there, the place was filled with locals. I felt a bit self-conscious and it was sort of like ehm. Remember, this was my first time in Asia - I was a complete novice! Since then I've been back to SEA more than once and were I back there in that shop, there would be no feeling of self-consciousness, I'd look at them and smile and say hello and have a chat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPEclTK2QChYmFjnoT7H6KU63D2j4MApzwrzJgyi0Vxpxy2lGq-nk-uMcQJgMQ1hyphenhyphene8wXb2KPwBpC_2aRX5VAfOM18EJ4-kRudSxmM4EiVcEvtijZuoYmo7X_PutnMoigdnjhmvQpEsz5/s1600/DSCN3077.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPEclTK2QChYmFjnoT7H6KU63D2j4MApzwrzJgyi0Vxpxy2lGq-nk-uMcQJgMQ1hyphenhyphene8wXb2KPwBpC_2aRX5VAfOM18EJ4-kRudSxmM4EiVcEvtijZuoYmo7X_PutnMoigdnjhmvQpEsz5/s400/DSCN3077.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Puppy photo</i><br />
Anyway, back to the Friday night with my mates - we spotted these puppies. Aren't they cute? They look like little balls of fluff. None of us had our photo taken with them, instead we took photos <i>of</i> them. Not because we were too stingy to spend 2 ringgit but because what the heck can you do with a fluff ball so small? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgbOV_-JY_fwqg7UIJz5dE2MWaiKqPv-ISQyhmOnw1IG2czPB5tmKYI4ZClZU-Kt5OwR0DTmD9hhyphenhyphenFqGwRhl2fHhcoMb-RaOsf2bgqVGSEl3VVdu-hm6l40Yn6odmJ3yCTT8G60cveqK0/s1600/DSCN3081.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgbOV_-JY_fwqg7UIJz5dE2MWaiKqPv-ISQyhmOnw1IG2czPB5tmKYI4ZClZU-Kt5OwR0DTmD9hhyphenhyphenFqGwRhl2fHhcoMb-RaOsf2bgqVGSEl3VVdu-hm6l40Yn6odmJ3yCTT8G60cveqK0/s400/DSCN3081.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Help! Clowning around</i><br />
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I came back just after midnight. The others walked me "home". Got there at 12.15AM. Had a great time and a wonderful night. Joanne flies to Oz on Sunday, Andanna goes to Perth for work, but has no WHV. Isa told me of her travels and parent problems. <br />
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Here are my friends. Andy is falling into the river being "saved" by the two girls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKK8wnlcPC7fgkQnRHIHVipacskFAPAak7Y9O1owcuj6XMggVNmKJRxL40KclCTBVjF2krsobku-z7i_SPk_FQAEhdiPMHBzzM3MYCXuwX7a40OqlDuwotRoO2Q02SeakpyxklvxA7loJ/s1600/DSCN3082.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKK8wnlcPC7fgkQnRHIHVipacskFAPAak7Y9O1owcuj6XMggVNmKJRxL40KclCTBVjF2krsobku-z7i_SPk_FQAEhdiPMHBzzM3MYCXuwX7a40OqlDuwotRoO2Q02SeakpyxklvxA7loJ/s400/DSCN3082.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Friends</i><br />
The last photo of me with my friends (Joanne took the photo) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCE2OOQCl418ylWljKosrt0ivdFimZ-K2zE-SDH1I9G_4U_2j69I3zJagyy9XCoD-HTcFNsLDNrm0_goKdceBAf3nLQxD3ilaJ_It_6cqjWopfjmwEzhh-8HiqRRs97JNFChEk9OrrakB/s1600/DSCN3083.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCE2OOQCl418ylWljKosrt0ivdFimZ-K2zE-SDH1I9G_4U_2j69I3zJagyy9XCoD-HTcFNsLDNrm0_goKdceBAf3nLQxD3ilaJ_It_6cqjWopfjmwEzhh-8HiqRRs97JNFChEk9OrrakB/s400/DSCN3083.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Melaka River at night</i><br />
After my friends left and went back to their hostel, I strolled along here just looking at the river flowing quietly, thinking on all that had happened that day. I arrived in Malacca, met three wonderful people who took me under their wing and extended the hand of friendship, ate and drank with them and had the most fantastic night. The memory of that night will stay with me even when I'm old and grey. <br />
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And the river? Well, the river will go on forever long after we have gone. BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia2.196770125567133 102.246537208557132.1928031255671332 102.24160170855713 2.2007371255671329 102.25147270855713tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-46239390077773102932012-10-23T04:11:00.002+11:002012-10-23T04:11:31.575+11:00107. Sunset over MalaccaI love watching the sunset and each one is more beautiful than the last. It brings with it a calmness and serenity that cannot be equaled.<br />
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The best place to see the sunset is at the top of St. Paul's Hill. You get a magnificent view and the colours are just superb.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQv0aMGPSQI7T6zxg1mma31I11kY9lCaDxBcaNenB4vCN_kpW2-NusQGYs_6jFQAKyhten3IPZ8jKQGOOTkdSimOQl_hymEyyubtyRHmUw5VJ1QoqBDdXhaCAu1B6wMGhQRpMO_LJuNK3/s1600/DSCN3056.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQv0aMGPSQI7T6zxg1mma31I11kY9lCaDxBcaNenB4vCN_kpW2-NusQGYs_6jFQAKyhten3IPZ8jKQGOOTkdSimOQl_hymEyyubtyRHmUw5VJ1QoqBDdXhaCAu1B6wMGhQRpMO_LJuNK3/s400/DSCN3056.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYpGchRdntZL01sg9EmttY3H12i_pH2e6mxFNBFn8xYOzjnjwfN1GmFBdRI9LltvVyqx-sGoBm_2I0BapC1e7StqaS6zJPmW1EV0t_ZZobr_oR-wLq-q08d7kAcowUP5qVCGcTJcKYuzr/s1600/DSCN3057.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYpGchRdntZL01sg9EmttY3H12i_pH2e6mxFNBFn8xYOzjnjwfN1GmFBdRI9LltvVyqx-sGoBm_2I0BapC1e7StqaS6zJPmW1EV0t_ZZobr_oR-wLq-q08d7kAcowUP5qVCGcTJcKYuzr/s400/DSCN3057.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJiYDbXxipD7qYqhsnMlmfw5rtMYDKdG_kz01WKcnGPdxeg2MqXyCDaxYLkD8-5S6ZusUj-2lrkKWTnPxGkoPyQyc8PK0R0UPWj7yw27_nyPNzX2vXrciHpcuE_2ZF4gB2lxH3ZPiMaRl/s1600/DSCN3058.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJiYDbXxipD7qYqhsnMlmfw5rtMYDKdG_kz01WKcnGPdxeg2MqXyCDaxYLkD8-5S6ZusUj-2lrkKWTnPxGkoPyQyc8PK0R0UPWj7yw27_nyPNzX2vXrciHpcuE_2ZF4gB2lxH3ZPiMaRl/s400/DSCN3058.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKSDXoMDLBm6X4j7lVzAOJ5w0rlBe4mUxTeORcIWRQrJo_8g8k9ZXrThKQlcV6Yih0bLnxtvsdDb3BmDhF3beBuXPVgs8UUvI-1l_23elaUTfikVHgYFW9tQHR6Rjtn7jLIybGj7oA0hv/s1600/DSCN3064.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKSDXoMDLBm6X4j7lVzAOJ5w0rlBe4mUxTeORcIWRQrJo_8g8k9ZXrThKQlcV6Yih0bLnxtvsdDb3BmDhF3beBuXPVgs8UUvI-1l_23elaUTfikVHgYFW9tQHR6Rjtn7jLIybGj7oA0hv/s400/DSCN3064.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzvRDcHBwvyOIsB3Nm-Fen1g0DLpQ3XDTOp4RDqNopD_pshBAwjON3np-YsL_p5faNOD3mohe2_WK_zoN4UJAJ0zgdYBrkV1pR9NzI9FwuZCGxbtn8UW23VeiT-3_6ITiUkxaEI8_qT5q/s1600/DSCN3066.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzvRDcHBwvyOIsB3Nm-Fen1g0DLpQ3XDTOp4RDqNopD_pshBAwjON3np-YsL_p5faNOD3mohe2_WK_zoN4UJAJ0zgdYBrkV1pR9NzI9FwuZCGxbtn8UW23VeiT-3_6ITiUkxaEI8_qT5q/s400/DSCN3066.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><br />
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<i>Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if we were looking through the gates of Heaven.</i> ~ John LubbockBlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-74444278773467814632012-10-22T17:00:00.000+11:002012-10-23T04:31:45.759+11:00106. Malacca Walking Map and Town Map <div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-g67dFwEj5GDPXQEm97X5gHDTICm9_P4DBu-1jJh_sVQX6W_rsTbMms_BHHLT94Es4m-t8D3wAeFcM9x1Jm5tz25tiEKah7zpWW3f83GRJh96FsgqNvowSEVZBqgfKaFuZhKQvtrScyJ/s1600/Malacca+town+map+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-g67dFwEj5GDPXQEm97X5gHDTICm9_P4DBu-1jJh_sVQX6W_rsTbMms_BHHLT94Es4m-t8D3wAeFcM9x1Jm5tz25tiEKah7zpWW3f83GRJh96FsgqNvowSEVZBqgfKaFuZhKQvtrScyJ/s640/Malacca+town+map+2.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca Walking Map</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxl9LfcXo2i9-XikkOW5hkOSKs-tmEfjDI5xPIUnKDOWVT6ip1USjWrm8IMPenkIVIcK0Ave2av27jdJXB72fEM3s_kBXssEM0tvp-c55_Qxiq9FhxsH71AA6PgVW6R1iAtLFaPebuZDi/s1600/malacca+town+map.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxl9LfcXo2i9-XikkOW5hkOSKs-tmEfjDI5xPIUnKDOWVT6ip1USjWrm8IMPenkIVIcK0Ave2av27jdJXB72fEM3s_kBXssEM0tvp-c55_Qxiq9FhxsH71AA6PgVW6R1iAtLFaPebuZDi/s640/malacca+town+map.jpg" width="626" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca Town Map</i><br />
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PLACES OF INTEREST<br />
1. Stadthuys, 2. Christ Church, 3. St. Francis Xavier's Church, 4. St. Paul's Church<br />
5. A'Famosa, 6. Malacca Sultanate Palace, 7. Dutch Graveyard, 8. Independece Memorial<br />
9. Jonker Street, 10. Nyona & Baba Heritage, 11. Hang Kasturi Mausoleum<br />
12. Kampung Hulu Mosque, 13. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 14. Kampung Kling Mosque<br />
15. Sri Poyatha Temple, 16. Hang Jebat Mausoleum, 17. Hang Li Poh's well<br />
18. Sam Poh Kong Temple, 19. Bukit China Hill, 20. St. Peter's Church<br />
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IMPORTANT PLACES<br />
A. State Development Corp., B. Toursit Information Centre, C. Immigration Department<br />
D. Central Police Station, E. Express Bus Terminal, F. Bus Terminal<br />
G. Malacca Government office, H. Public Library, I. Telecoms Department<br />
J. Customs Department, K. Tourist Police Station, L. Mahkota Parade<br />
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<br />BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-61598001331382444552012-10-22T16:49:00.000+11:002012-11-06T19:22:44.410+11:00105. Melaka Walking Tour <b>How Long and What To See</b><br />
I stayed here for three nights. The "best" time to stay in Malacca is Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the Jonker Street night markets are held then and are still going on until midnight or so. The market closes earlier on a Sunday night. <br />
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I tend to disagree with going to Malacca for a day trip. When I was planning my itinerary, I'd originally planned on doing a day trip (public buses) or a day tour. Several people had advised me if you see Penang you don't really need to go to Malacca as they're pretty much the same. They were wrong. <br />
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I found that Malacca was nothing like Penang - it was completely different. A friend stayed there recently and said two nights would be best. (I had three nights, it was the end of my trip and caught the bus straight to LCCT on the Monday morning). I arrived there around 4.30pm, Friday, went to Christ Church, Stadthuys, and the area around there. If you go to St. Paul's Church you get a magnificant view of the sunset (I found this out by accident - it's the best place to watch the sunset)<br />
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Next day saw me seeing the other "sights" on that side - the Malacca Sultanate Palace (cultural museum) is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah's palace, the famous Sultan who ruled Malacca from 1456 -1477 and is awesome - you need at least an hour there. Cost is MYR2 and they give you a plastic bag for your shoes. Most of the next day was spent in Chinatown and seeing the "attractions" there.<br />
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<b>My Walking Tour</b><br />
Armed with a map, lots of scribbled notes which I couldn't read (I'm a shocking writer - I'd never win a prize for Penmanship!) and a bottle of water, I set out on my tour to discover the delights of old Malacca. From my accommodation (Heeren House in Heeren Street), I started out with Jonker Walk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKJrJMEs0cQlsG7cyiZU5G_hVtS6NRHOhGfkNJyGihZoeHmyrwe02NAk5YC15SceG8vDTDB-ykJGt5IbuY2lEAMy5cj5kWSwvYbejDhIYT08JsJs41iTw-zB0qibrtlorcokEVZWaW8Mu/s1600/DSCN2993.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKJrJMEs0cQlsG7cyiZU5G_hVtS6NRHOhGfkNJyGihZoeHmyrwe02NAk5YC15SceG8vDTDB-ykJGt5IbuY2lEAMy5cj5kWSwvYbejDhIYT08JsJs41iTw-zB0qibrtlorcokEVZWaW8Mu/s400/DSCN2993.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Jonker Walk</i><br />
If you enlarge the photo, you can see Heeren House at the end - it has a red and white striped roof. Luckily for me, the street was pretty empty at this time so I was able to get a clear, unimpeded view. Located in the heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, Jonker Street comes alive at night. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7jvm8aHOpBtf0xT4LLt_6AC4xMIfj2uo_S6_yJ-Foy5GC2GwRTp-n-M-Ak757He8ZvjCsn3JCegrTmLTwqXHfB1adxcSGwpLyTakL8p6JhkOo5rKbyDPAH3LJfU4JE22_gvp5OJUI_uO/s1600/DSCN2995.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7jvm8aHOpBtf0xT4LLt_6AC4xMIfj2uo_S6_yJ-Foy5GC2GwRTp-n-M-Ak757He8ZvjCsn3JCegrTmLTwqXHfB1adxcSGwpLyTakL8p6JhkOo5rKbyDPAH3LJfU4JE22_gvp5OJUI_uO/s400/DSCN2995.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca River Cruise</i><br />
It is necessary to cross over the river and as I crossed, this river boat cruise went past. <br />
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<b>Dutch Square</b><br />
I was so excited to actually be here - I've seen many photos of this area and was like a big kid in a toy shop! It was so thrilling to see these beautiful old buildings with their red brickwork and there were people everywhere milling about. Sometimes it was difficult to take a photo without everybody and his maiden aunt in the picture. But perseverance is the name of the game and the results are below. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJgUMpTUOd1sFYV3ZaMoW2sU1_FdeHSinZVPiT866P0EEAD-ScO_xSFXwgrg7d2z30FcsNuLmVRdwt-IAS5YZZF-znSu88toqxXA69UrVfBomfN2QOJ_7ElboOEONRmLOh79xh3Jp1r4t/s1600/DSCN2996.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJgUMpTUOd1sFYV3ZaMoW2sU1_FdeHSinZVPiT866P0EEAD-ScO_xSFXwgrg7d2z30FcsNuLmVRdwt-IAS5YZZF-znSu88toqxXA69UrVfBomfN2QOJ_7ElboOEONRmLOh79xh3Jp1r4t/s400/DSCN2996.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Dutch Square</i><br />
Whoever is Lord in Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice. (Duarte Barbosa, 16th century writer and trader). <br />
Malacca's famous Dutch Square is in the centre of the city. Having a wonderful display of many unique Dutch mansonry and architectural skills, Dutch Square is famous for its red-painted buildings and is also known as the "Red Square."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivSG_DTNnyA7fHlWDH3IFOhPLp9IWA4pdWveFZwSXsv_MwKzbqumqKypKjOwRdbVNTdIHa6MPBPUMaEKzNPgcbiTlzdyjNglpb3oOD7bQoZLwtfdZWmpelGsp2yVH5HBO1Gz293gQrX_r/s1600/DSCN2997.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivSG_DTNnyA7fHlWDH3IFOhPLp9IWA4pdWveFZwSXsv_MwKzbqumqKypKjOwRdbVNTdIHa6MPBPUMaEKzNPgcbiTlzdyjNglpb3oOD7bQoZLwtfdZWmpelGsp2yVH5HBO1Gz293gQrX_r/s400/DSCN2997.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Dutch Square</i><br />
Major structures in / surrounding the Dutch Sqaure include Christ Church Melaka, Studhuys, and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower. This is a close up of an animal sculpture - rather pretty don't you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN6wrssp6ZO4M1-3GyoF3l1gij0TUxhZ9jJVEh4GBQafIsNRB14jvPq4kyC1jqQGfP2WHbn90E0jwpUzvfNH2iiCfPZpq3ojD5z-APWvWHSFaKTw8GQ93N_SZnqHEcUunfY7ScdEF_p4k/s1600/DSCN2998.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwN6wrssp6ZO4M1-3GyoF3l1gij0TUxhZ9jJVEh4GBQafIsNRB14jvPq4kyC1jqQGfP2WHbn90E0jwpUzvfNH2iiCfPZpq3ojD5z-APWvWHSFaKTw8GQ93N_SZnqHEcUunfY7ScdEF_p4k/s400/DSCN2998.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower</i><br />
The Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower outside the Stadthuys was given to the people of Malacca in 1886 by Mr Tan Jiak Kim to fulfil the wishes of his father, Tan Beng Swee, who was a third generation of a Chinese philantrophic millionaire family. Tan Beng Swee, was the son of Tan Kim Seng who donated both the bridge adjacent to the clocktower and land for the Chinese cemetery. The original clock was imported from England. When the clock was replaced by one from Seiko in 1982, it caused an uproar among the senior citizens of Malacca who still recall the harsh treatment they suffered during Japan occupation. This Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower looks Dutch, but it is not. (Source Melaka Tourism)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cfB6t6thsYRYbHl6y-lvwh32xZB0bm9NF6FRt-1PgVoZ2SWptQDX0ML-BAjFr_RuA3z-I9NRu_bLw9QS16F-uEK4qhoqdJPaUgxt8CIGWaMqLmuX7VgjLxhehJ73sEBU-dg3U3ryycNj/s1600/DSCN2999.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cfB6t6thsYRYbHl6y-lvwh32xZB0bm9NF6FRt-1PgVoZ2SWptQDX0ML-BAjFr_RuA3z-I9NRu_bLw9QS16F-uEK4qhoqdJPaUgxt8CIGWaMqLmuX7VgjLxhehJ73sEBU-dg3U3ryycNj/s400/DSCN2999.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Christ Church</i><br />
The church was built in 1753 and was originally the Dutch Reformed Church of Malacca, but today Christ Church is now an Anglican Church.<br />
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The pink bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands and plastered with local red laterite and is the oldest surviving Dutch church building found outside the Netherlands. It's the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. There are Dutch tombstones on the floor and the sacramental silverware on the altar still bears the Dutch coat of arms.<br />
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Out of all the buildings here, I think Christ Church must be the most famous - certainly the most photographed. Every webpage of information about Malacca shows this church. It's my favourite building, not sure why but it just is. There is something timeless about a church - especially old churches. They seem to represent something solid and lasting. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e_yJICxYZhGoa0qCtK3NkDtnI22n43ydWLmSPlHGLsoMYA8OommSGJiCIMrbXKkCyPCbL_FYm4LIyVCAB1dwkza7QljM1NL2v2wRYoT7m9x6pSbtprtPDiDZa-EQGaBA6oLEEm0bECB0/s1600/DSCN3000.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e_yJICxYZhGoa0qCtK3NkDtnI22n43ydWLmSPlHGLsoMYA8OommSGJiCIMrbXKkCyPCbL_FYm4LIyVCAB1dwkza7QljM1NL2v2wRYoT7m9x6pSbtprtPDiDZa-EQGaBA6oLEEm0bECB0/s400/DSCN3000.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Queen Victoria's Fountain</i><br />
The Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fountain was erected in 1904 by the people of Malacca to commemorate Her Majesty's 60th anniversary on the British throne<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_wANNpXzbKINbo-0gNUUL1mtVHmUo7u5ui8RVYq7F7EGLZL8mcktK0mKnb1lVoBv5ZODfRMv_LgWKFFO45uMAAkZxYC4GP_ochnmYACwfnCeqMz-qRi_2_uc1-vUb8Qf9i3mX35PzjGJ/s1600/DSCN3007.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_wANNpXzbKINbo-0gNUUL1mtVHmUo7u5ui8RVYq7F7EGLZL8mcktK0mKnb1lVoBv5ZODfRMv_LgWKFFO45uMAAkZxYC4GP_ochnmYACwfnCeqMz-qRi_2_uc1-vUb8Qf9i3mX35PzjGJ/s400/DSCN3007.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Melaka Art Gallery</i><br />
Next to Christ Church is the Melaka Art Gallery. It was built in 1784 and was the Dutch Administrative Complex. In 1826, it was turned into a school (Malacca Free School). In the 1920s, the building was renovated to a double-storey building and was later used as a post office before being converted into the museum we see today.<br />
The art gallery is also known as the PERZIM Art Gallery and has various artworks of local and foreign artists on display including Wan Hui-Jyu, Jehan Chan, Gerard Van Den Oetelaar, Rahmat Ramli, Rafie Abd Rahman and Rafie Abd Ghani.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSbDMfr260zOGPJC2xGH4KutqC6clgGy2pQmHpdbnswDUAXSVpxryaNXAD8IDA3hNMHAVOBx66v-VeTW9-5Ql8jBNBXr1S4CIq5GfN5ko9n1UeyduV6RYt0uhhWQ9sk3xoeSMmytPuVHX/s1600/DSCN3008.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSbDMfr260zOGPJC2xGH4KutqC6clgGy2pQmHpdbnswDUAXSVpxryaNXAD8IDA3hNMHAVOBx66v-VeTW9-5Ql8jBNBXr1S4CIq5GfN5ko9n1UeyduV6RYt0uhhWQ9sk3xoeSMmytPuVHX/s400/DSCN3008.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Trishaws</i><br />
Ah trishaws - one of the most colourful and delicious confections, they are a sight for sore eyes. Beautifully decorated with flowers and whizz bang things they look gorgeous all lined up sitting in a row. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9SD25x3ESDCbeTfUTxWxdOZDe8-XTtnjl2Y85EOalw-bWz-k6SnSyNo7uzUmq19xWCwzdWyzl99bhJY0D1RAoC9Yq-2-5DRvOelexs0Bv1BWwyIleSxZEKvdmJVFTczIEvpuwpXKiPTq/s1600/DSCN3009.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9SD25x3ESDCbeTfUTxWxdOZDe8-XTtnjl2Y85EOalw-bWz-k6SnSyNo7uzUmq19xWCwzdWyzl99bhJY0D1RAoC9Yq-2-5DRvOelexs0Bv1BWwyIleSxZEKvdmJVFTczIEvpuwpXKiPTq/s400/DSCN3009.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Trishaws in the Square</i><br />
More trishaws. No visit to Malacca is complete without a ride in one of these delightful little conveyances - everybody does it. It's something you <i>just have</i> to do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX52DkpWvRsGoYcXEbXDZiInyLtv0vevMagbhemoOJeWBOMFdVx8v21RKOLoxkwN3EFd1WQv6N-T2cqQYsU5hBxVyo9lF8ddBKdSncEW9H6RMf1uS7wrSZopcpol25byuBKPQa_u3oYAk/s1600/DSCN3013.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX52DkpWvRsGoYcXEbXDZiInyLtv0vevMagbhemoOJeWBOMFdVx8v21RKOLoxkwN3EFd1WQv6N-T2cqQYsU5hBxVyo9lF8ddBKdSncEW9H6RMf1uS7wrSZopcpol25byuBKPQa_u3oYAk/s400/DSCN3013.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Malaysia Youth Museum</i><br />
The museum is part of the Melaka Art Gallery and is dedicated to the contribution made by the youth in the economic and social well-being of the country. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfHtIiMpK2VQPI0QCjKXePGH1BLTDsAeCL8o3eif5xCdnf7W0yeQyWca1N8Q6IaxLuRIr3cFQp8h-nJIlugNFymnvNLAOCctDW1kZGoIz1KbMW4f6MyHVlq3VW2L4prWAzyk-Hjw4K8C7/s1600/DSCN3015.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfHtIiMpK2VQPI0QCjKXePGH1BLTDsAeCL8o3eif5xCdnf7W0yeQyWca1N8Q6IaxLuRIr3cFQp8h-nJIlugNFymnvNLAOCctDW1kZGoIz1KbMW4f6MyHVlq3VW2L4prWAzyk-Hjw4K8C7/s400/DSCN3015.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Melaka Tourist Police</i><br />
If tourists have any problems, if you've had your bag stolen or your camera nicked this is the place to go. The tourist coppers are the ones to see - they're used to handling complaints and stuff from tourists. Fortunately I've never had the need of their services.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872RS5Sy7gdusKs7PYIqs5kwU23Nm7NlMw8z3G-JnGYjKuzept_lfPhQwpBL4wGO_mbLnSDA_Aqzn2ECVkqoq_-MSeLQ7BMIbb_uo5TS6I-bf-ISsGWOBVfTZwmxvM5FKnvKr5KAkzVEy/s1600/DSCN3030.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj872RS5Sy7gdusKs7PYIqs5kwU23Nm7NlMw8z3G-JnGYjKuzept_lfPhQwpBL4wGO_mbLnSDA_Aqzn2ECVkqoq_-MSeLQ7BMIbb_uo5TS6I-bf-ISsGWOBVfTZwmxvM5FKnvKr5KAkzVEy/s400/DSCN3030.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Policewoman</i><br />
This local copper kindly agreed to let me take her photo. (Copper is Aussie slang for a policeman/policewoman).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzBCqdVJQ8tObDf0_9pHk5XT1LQcI7F2PQQXmRaZ4l302zDfIRsS3kVHmyW5tPPTZf9asNx0-_Pt_MIVRsu608Y6nV1aENd7tRhzm3si5IV3OIOpyUlAMOgnLp6cuhsfMfco0iFN9wiF7/s1600/DSCN3016.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzBCqdVJQ8tObDf0_9pHk5XT1LQcI7F2PQQXmRaZ4l302zDfIRsS3kVHmyW5tPPTZf9asNx0-_Pt_MIVRsu608Y6nV1aENd7tRhzm3si5IV3OIOpyUlAMOgnLp6cuhsfMfco0iFN9wiF7/s400/DSCN3016.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Melaka River</i><br />
Doesn't the riverside promenade look charming with its brick texture along the shop house row? And there's that river cruise boat again!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs5Jt_Es1D8TbBoWf5Q3AIoq32VxN9NKKArsf4xpW3zIHDK4lSJVn4knmSifw-MfB0sDdCGQhUecslTu0TpuKApA_j5ETHT1yFqS8S3BcYL80tgm5Iooa_A734ecRxx1RVlQCVW8KgNIb/s1600/DSCN3020.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs5Jt_Es1D8TbBoWf5Q3AIoq32VxN9NKKArsf4xpW3zIHDK4lSJVn4knmSifw-MfB0sDdCGQhUecslTu0TpuKApA_j5ETHT1yFqS8S3BcYL80tgm5Iooa_A734ecRxx1RVlQCVW8KgNIb/s400/DSCN3020.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Church of St. Francis Xavier - 1849</i><br />
Father Farve, a Frenchman, built this Church in 1849. The Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier who is well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia in the 16th Century.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyS9MsMQrpsdgoncmLty9NYZ9yXZYnlv4fZfoKv-BhRe94bxgbITBACXdIuEZjluCUAb1S6blsGDDIl5A9yhObIadXve0xf8OxMm2jml1TyJRc0L0RZhpRpXaOVOl9n2No-e117MpWj0w/s1600/DSCN3023.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyS9MsMQrpsdgoncmLty9NYZ9yXZYnlv4fZfoKv-BhRe94bxgbITBACXdIuEZjluCUAb1S6blsGDDIl5A9yhObIadXve0xf8OxMm2jml1TyJRc0L0RZhpRpXaOVOl9n2No-e117MpWj0w/s400/DSCN3023.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>UNESCO</i><br />
I came across this building on my walk and thought it deserved a quick snap of the camera. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kRInJzMn2aSTip1zZ3cdojI-EptishwK8DI122jbVyJcHDgrxCP0qr4Vo6hf8qkRHc5Yf7QdHcjEhqmeiLI4WaBelapgHQAHRWxcdfXmoYalpdYDiPPl0dji5_7c8One7oiqf7dwSoQd/s1600/DSCN3027.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kRInJzMn2aSTip1zZ3cdojI-EptishwK8DI122jbVyJcHDgrxCP0qr4Vo6hf8qkRHc5Yf7QdHcjEhqmeiLI4WaBelapgHQAHRWxcdfXmoYalpdYDiPPl0dji5_7c8One7oiqf7dwSoQd/s400/DSCN3027.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Malacca River - Jambatan Chan Koon Cheng</i><br />
Another of the foot bridges crossing the Melaka River. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9a33lbjZTdvgI1epHgwvAtVxsVD4k4AKUmh_pxS_cUjXcl0ZsQ5OfzqYh4_w5GuTG8d_LK_xcFfyNpvofxn1ln-4JlbCR7qhg14gZMOuUFgsmlYBcggsezZPaRhq7F56DAU24P81GUI/s1600/DSCN3029.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9a33lbjZTdvgI1epHgwvAtVxsVD4k4AKUmh_pxS_cUjXcl0ZsQ5OfzqYh4_w5GuTG8d_LK_xcFfyNpvofxn1ln-4JlbCR7qhg14gZMOuUFgsmlYBcggsezZPaRhq7F56DAU24P81GUI/s400/DSCN3029.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Discovery Cafe</i><br />
This is where I ended up - the Discovery Cafe where you can book bus tickets. I booked my onward bus ticket Malacca to LCCT for the following Monday morning. The place also has accommodation upstairs, and the downstairs was fair booming with life. Had I not been staying at Heeren House, this would have been a good place to stay if you like plenty of noise and life. The only downfall in my eyes is its location in nowhere near as convenient. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMllzt9tHSrBW0Hxkgll-qxlvPMPFqHpi9O24WaCZpYIHj8dTBLrXxpIkivjnY7gWPIGvrg1ky26Xr8Vh8c3FdQ40i9Jj1D7KPEtq0QmL8o5QCY4XOh0FBXtTBCrckOvsVfSuvUtLM1GAB/s1600/DSCN3031.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMllzt9tHSrBW0Hxkgll-qxlvPMPFqHpi9O24WaCZpYIHj8dTBLrXxpIkivjnY7gWPIGvrg1ky26Xr8Vh8c3FdQ40i9Jj1D7KPEtq0QmL8o5QCY4XOh0FBXtTBCrckOvsVfSuvUtLM1GAB/s400/DSCN3031.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Visitor Information Centre</i><br />
Walking back, I am now back to Dutch Square. The building is quite handsome with a tiled roof complete with cupola and white balustrading at the front. We call them milk bottles" 'cos that's exactly what they look like! There's even a little balcony with seating and potted plants. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPLrICFo0nUOzkkLSlTuH2WAVfbBm157u_jfj0AyaP0_LgqSVRF_VjPoJ3QTHkRrCN_moz4QkR4-2jNiXsqtrEanUNZToBbWZ4Y5wzwY1xuSYjSE54_4BSoPKHPkfupiehekLJACgon3d/s1600/DSCN3032.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPLrICFo0nUOzkkLSlTuH2WAVfbBm157u_jfj0AyaP0_LgqSVRF_VjPoJ3QTHkRrCN_moz4QkR4-2jNiXsqtrEanUNZToBbWZ4Y5wzwY1xuSYjSE54_4BSoPKHPkfupiehekLJACgon3d/s400/DSCN3032.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Stadhuys</i><br />
The largest building of all is the Stadhuys which literally means town hall in Dutch and is pronounced "stat-highs" It was built in 1650 as the office and residence of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor. Today, the Stadthuys is now the History and Enthnography Museum<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWiGTQxxO3nxy6FLEtvt7XXraobYtJcOF9BS_ULpt6OBnpiuzNfAHB13m6ob-fZP9Nxl9QBH8Fcg5OvptOYJfo6ZI98B8HzoZ0gEU7IBpxV_vf6R87-wGl1k18sKl9DsQWaP-HO0s_ege/s1600/DSCN3036.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWiGTQxxO3nxy6FLEtvt7XXraobYtJcOF9BS_ULpt6OBnpiuzNfAHB13m6ob-fZP9Nxl9QBH8Fcg5OvptOYJfo6ZI98B8HzoZ0gEU7IBpxV_vf6R87-wGl1k18sKl9DsQWaP-HO0s_ege/s400/DSCN3036.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Stadhuys - side view</i><br />
I took this photo looking down and was able to get the whole of the building in, It really is magnificent, there's a lot of workmanship and craftmanship went into the building of it. What a pity they don't build like this anymore. Which is why I do love the old buildings with their architecture and such attention to detail. <br />
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<b>St. Paul's</b><br />
Finally I came to the last "sight" on my agenda - St. Paul's Church. Given the already long length of this post, I was considering finishing here and writing about St. Paul's in a separate post but thought that would be silly as this post <i>is</i> titled "Melaka Walking Tour" and the church was the end of that tour, so here it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouYLEwZIqhF5D3xq5P5zi4WGGRgSJmQ6mE7FC8YlyNrQ6A1VNmAAgaqe2TyDQcaDvltWgHFex4JecYN53Ia2sPjUgtDT6rEh2QkaHbBGcDvhS-J3wPSdZxaoNqHgJ81pE8FYjGRD4VREE/s1600/DSCN3038.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouYLEwZIqhF5D3xq5P5zi4WGGRgSJmQ6mE7FC8YlyNrQ6A1VNmAAgaqe2TyDQcaDvltWgHFex4JecYN53Ia2sPjUgtDT6rEh2QkaHbBGcDvhS-J3wPSdZxaoNqHgJ81pE8FYjGRD4VREE/s400/DSCN3038.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>St. Paul's Church</i><br />
This church was built by a Portuguese Captain Duarte Coelho in 1521. It was a smallish chapel called Nosa Senhora - Our Lady of the Hill. The chapel was handed over to the Jesuits in 1548 and enlarged in 1556 with the addition of a second storey renamed "Annunciation".<br />
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When the Dutch took over Melaka from the Portuguese, they changed the name to St. Paul's Church - the Portuguese were Roman Catholic as are the Jesuits so the Church was therefore a Catholic Church and the Dutch being Protestants couldn't have that. Hence the name change - and used it for 112 years until their own church (Christ Church was built). The old church was then subsequently deconsecrated and the nave was used as a burial ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseY1J2CCBx5V478WBUEB0HFC035WAOij3cl7dblCBWgGclClX_4ANvrEF7e4rH9NPfZpb28idBM0G3TTfYcZ7g4WEqqDVcNnTyO5A7UDtKhymVzXz8YnyF1NTRBfqsmJ_ONNpKs0PtXuc/s1600/DSCN3040.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseY1J2CCBx5V478WBUEB0HFC035WAOij3cl7dblCBWgGclClX_4ANvrEF7e4rH9NPfZpb28idBM0G3TTfYcZ7g4WEqqDVcNnTyO5A7UDtKhymVzXz8YnyF1NTRBfqsmJ_ONNpKs0PtXuc/s400/DSCN3040.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>A closer look</i><br />
St. Paul's Church lost its tower when the British took over but had one new feature added to it - the lighthouse at the front. Not a very religious lot, the British - they didn't use the church to worship and pray - they used it to store gunpowder. They also erected a tall flagpole and renamed the hill on which the church stands to Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera), but the name however didn't last. The flagpole was taken down and the church abandoned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRhppozqGlHA9Jtb_bMksJZQAM6v5tfxCDjU90xlHy-mDIX1HXgRj65XUI25IMR4dbYQGdJow-VahyphenhyphenDG1MIs-ccL-YSBostO5cOY7oMNd2c8S19Q3V2C3rAhDglb6AVz7tE5Ilu_XZgjW/s1600/DSCN3041.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRhppozqGlHA9Jtb_bMksJZQAM6v5tfxCDjU90xlHy-mDIX1HXgRj65XUI25IMR4dbYQGdJow-VahyphenhyphenDG1MIs-ccL-YSBostO5cOY7oMNd2c8S19Q3V2C3rAhDglb6AVz7tE5Ilu_XZgjW/s400/DSCN3041.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Statue of St. Francis Xavier</i><br />
St. Francis Xavier was born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552) in Navarre (now Spain) and was a pioneering Roman Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He led an extensive mission into Asia, and brought Christianity and Catholicism to the area. He is known as the Apostle of the East. <br />
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He died in China in 1553 and his body was sent back to Malacca, where it was interred there for nine months. When the body was transferred to Goa, the exhumation was quite surprising - even though he had been buried for nine months, his body showed little sign of decay. The right forearm, which Xavier used to bless and baptise his converts, was detached by Pr. Gen. Claudio Acquaviva in 1614 and sent to Rome at the Pope's request. Blood was said to have gushed out of the arm even though he had been dead for 62 years. Francis Xavier was cannonised a Saint in 1622 and what remained of his right arm in Rome was merely skeleton, but the body in Goa remained incorrupt minus the right arm.<br />
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In 1952 the Bishop of Macau decided to put a statue of St. Francis Xavier in front of St Paul's Church. A carars marble statue was ordered from Italy and was sculptured by the famous Italian sculpture, G.Toni and was ready for the forth centenary celebrations on the 22 March 1953. One night a huge tree fell, burying the statue. On clearing the branches, the statue was found to be intact except for the right arm which had broken off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEmtk10pZ3lLBJFCfO0lfX7ApeRqZP0U2UoPANHsDHsZhdMyO_Y8II5Et32-5wgTH3L9VAlpeheAZ8Om7CsGOlZzGjx25epNTqt_mLzUErGMfZuGmjdiPkPzrrrHNCstsDFBQRsOarLm7/s1600/DSCN3042.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEmtk10pZ3lLBJFCfO0lfX7ApeRqZP0U2UoPANHsDHsZhdMyO_Y8II5Et32-5wgTH3L9VAlpeheAZ8Om7CsGOlZzGjx25epNTqt_mLzUErGMfZuGmjdiPkPzrrrHNCstsDFBQRsOarLm7/s400/DSCN3042.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Closeup of the arch</i><br />
Old tombstones line the sides of the ruins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2pO6T86KMnwm-lSTYW9B5g3VXYEfRviKGjYmtajPGamwVOvE6lsMRtsXLpTKm0xQ_-IQO-9lrlBFW1x-DmJtHrfzP5Hw4oAoWbtEsbK8KAPG506mSSteE_0kiwRh-_lWs5SrXk4aHab2/s1600/DSCN3051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2pO6T86KMnwm-lSTYW9B5g3VXYEfRviKGjYmtajPGamwVOvE6lsMRtsXLpTKm0xQ_-IQO-9lrlBFW1x-DmJtHrfzP5Hw4oAoWbtEsbK8KAPG506mSSteE_0kiwRh-_lWs5SrXk4aHab2/s400/DSCN3051.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Dutch tombstone</i><br />
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The tombstone reads, <br />
<center>
<i><br />
HIERLEY T BEGRAVEN HENDRIK<br />
SCHENKENBERGH INSYNLEVEN<br />
OPPER-COOPMAN EN TWEEDE<br />
PERSOON DERSTADEN FORTRESSE<br />
MALACCA OVERLEDEN DEN<br />
29 IUNY 1671</i></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimGvLl2XH5NgawVFV_1R_v9s5dPZnAKQj_tR4o1ml1rCKjVguy7rQyF8VNHeeouM6Z-NEi6N6b5JUEuVVaiZrRT0hEixbv58eruodWA895QC-dw70Rn3J66_hUgT4h7FrnPFi9C8ZpGwX/s1600/DSCN3052.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimGvLl2XH5NgawVFV_1R_v9s5dPZnAKQj_tR4o1ml1rCKjVguy7rQyF8VNHeeouM6Z-NEi6N6b5JUEuVVaiZrRT0hEixbv58eruodWA895QC-dw70Rn3J66_hUgT4h7FrnPFi9C8ZpGwX/s400/DSCN3052.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>St. Francis Xavier's former burial place</i><br />
The famous Spanish-born Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor to the church from 1545 to 1552 and when he died his body was interred here for nine months before being exhumed and taken to his final resting place in Goa, India. A statue of St. Francis was built in 1952 to commemorate his passing and internment here.<br />
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The St. Paul's church ruins were gazetted as an old monument and historical site under the Antiquities Act No. 168/1976 on May 12, 1977.<br />
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<br />BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-30613477473708458532012-10-21T22:07:00.002+11:002012-10-21T22:07:18.762+11:00104. Malacca<b>Arrival in Malacca</b><br />
Having left the town of Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands early in the morning, we arrived in Kuala Lumpur around 1.00PM - it was hot, humid and smelly. (All those buses emitting exdaust fumes). A far cry from the Highlands. The bus to Melaka left at 1.30PM and arrived at 4.00PM. I caught a taxi from Melaka Sentral for the final leg. After checking into my accommodation, I did a "walking tour."<br />
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<b>About Malacca</b><br />
Like Georgetown in Penang, Malacca is also included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites under the category “Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.” (Malacca city centre was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008.) Some five hundred years ago, both Georgetown and Malacca were major trading ports which linked the east with the west and the multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and European influences still survives to this day - you can see this in the beautiful colonial buildings and architecture. <br />
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While Georgetown symbolises the British-colonial era from the late 18th century, Malacca represents the characteristics of the Dutch and Portuguese eras from the 15th-century Malay Sultanate. Known for its historical prominence and cultural appeal, Malacca of the 16th century was the foremost maritime trading centre in the region and was so desirously sought after by the European powers that is was successively ruled by the Portuguese (1511 - 1641), the Dutch (1641 - 1824), and British until the Federation of Malaysia was formed on 31st August, 1957 when it gained independence.<br />
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<b>What's In a Name ~ Malacca or Melaka?</b><br />
Malacca is the name I have always known (the city is commonly known as Malacca in English) - Melaka is the Malay name, and was known as Malaqua to the Europeans in the 1500's. An English woman married to a Malaysian man for many years whom I met in Malacca, to my question, "Which is correct - Malacca or Melaka?", replied that when she first came to live there it was known as Malacca and the Malaysian government changed it to Melaka because "it sounded more Malaysian" but she disagrees with this and still spells it Malacca. <br />
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When researching online, I have found that the place is spelled as "Malacca" more often than as "Melaka" - even in Wikipedia it is referred to as "Malacca." Which is correct or more correct? I should think it would depend on your point of view wouldn't it? There will be those who will always refer to this place as Malacca just as there are no doubt those who refer to it as Melaka. To satisfy both camps, under "labels" in the sidebar, I have listed it as Malacca/Melaka.<br />
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BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-764653789086034992012-10-20T08:36:00.001+11:002012-10-20T08:42:59.810+11:00103. Goodbye to the Cameron Highlands We arrived back in Tanah Rata after visiting the tea plantation and I went straight into town to ask (again) for a refund. <br />
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<b>Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!</b><br />
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You may recall the trouble I had in getting a refund, I wrote about it <a href="http://malaysiaandcambodia.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/95-kang-travellers-lodge-warning.html">here (post 96)</a>. Well, the so called boss "Karen" still wasn't there (why am I not surprised?) and some rude bloke - stupid git, lied. He said, "According to the International Law for tourists when you have paid there is no refund." What a load of bulltish - the idiot even argued there was such a law. Had he said he spoke with his boss, but they don't refund, it would have at least been honest. <br />
The giving of refunds is up to the owner/boss - were they concerned about the quality and good name they'd refund as a good PR policy.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFbKNsOc_kIhb3QdnMgx9_ghLzgTerXB8lnOj-SR_7vvc89O1-ag_4m7zGyRTnbAWnTLeSfwLE-lXNA_Q63QUcCNOhcTr9fEwDz2yYRpZ29fxQYWgF9g2sQSuMa96gnklLXYGRHmdvNya/s1600/kang+traveller+hotel+malaysia.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFbKNsOc_kIhb3QdnMgx9_ghLzgTerXB8lnOj-SR_7vvc89O1-ag_4m7zGyRTnbAWnTLeSfwLE-lXNA_Q63QUcCNOhcTr9fEwDz2yYRpZ29fxQYWgF9g2sQSuMa96gnklLXYGRHmdvNya/s400/kang+traveller+hotel+malaysia.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Kangs Hotel</i><br />
My advice - stay away from them. If I'm lucky enough to return to Malaysia, I wouldn't stay with Kangs - I wouldn't trust them with a ten foot barge pole. They have two places - the hotel which is in the main street and the lodge which is in a side street. There are a lot nicer places to stay which are clean. <br />
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<b>Time for Coffee</b><br />
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I fortified myself with a cappuccino from Starbucks (personally I loathe Starbucks and don't buy my coffee from them back home ever, but here in Malaysia, it's the only place you can get a cappuccino) and sat outside sipping it. At 10 MYR it's not really cheap - about the same price as back home, but hey! I'm not complaining.<br />
After this I walked back to the Inn and had tea. Sitting outside at the outdoor tables and chairs, I met a very interesting fellow called Greg, a Canadian who collects (and works with) butterflies. He did have lots of interesting tales about the CIA ("Central Idiots Agency"), Bush, 911 etc. <br />
Ordered tea at 8.00 - I <i>still</i> haven't had a shower, meant to have one about 5 while it was still warm. Must have one after dinner and pack my suitcase. Dinner was fried noodles with egg and vegetables. And "French fries". The noodles looked and tasted like 2 minute noodles - disappointing really - the "French fries" were frozen crinkle cut chips. I wished I hadn't ordered either - should have gone for the rice. Total cost 9.50 MYR. Ganesh, the owner said go to Room 7 to order (the two girls working sleep there) - they didn't look too pleased - one was in pj's, the other just had a towel wrapped around her. But the menu list says 1PM to 9PM. Perhaps they couldn't tell the time or their watches were fast. It's funny what comes back to you when you start reading what you'd written two years ago isn't it? If I hadn't written all this down, I never would have been making this post like this that's for sure. So the moral is - <i>Write it Down! Write it Down!</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvA3sFCRkU0umLQXEnAqbILARuOsKHAYSzab8FsHwEGDtGIXKNeZamD0vcOkxjToG5XNgzQpFjScVF1ZcT4ewgUpPH2yQ9fSF9wyme6xItQh3N43772c8UVAmMq3ILaxAR_FWgmYSXNuw/s1600/DSCN2977.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvA3sFCRkU0umLQXEnAqbILARuOsKHAYSzab8FsHwEGDtGIXKNeZamD0vcOkxjToG5XNgzQpFjScVF1ZcT4ewgUpPH2yQ9fSF9wyme6xItQh3N43772c8UVAmMq3ILaxAR_FWgmYSXNuw/s400/DSCN2977.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Datura - Angels Trumpet</i><br />
I took this photo that evening while sitting outside my room. They are a most beautiful flower with velvety looking petals and large, shiny dark green leaves but beware - for all their beauty, they are deadly. Along with Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake and Henbane, Datura belongs to the classic "witches' weeds." Most parts of the plants contain toxic hallucinogens, and datura has a long history of use for causing delirious states and death. It was well known as an essential ingredient of love potions and witches' brews!<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVLnprdojX5eaxmq06a0Xj3uhDwpSita6QWjV_aH4vPTHQe1gG6kp-lnLmDtFLCeIhe5FSLFb7ARxkVLQLRjz3BElXWB6oEZcvZOlFXjYKXhkKefPEpHLx5Jpljj3cl3_fbiuuEgE3s5/s1600/DSCN2985.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeVLnprdojX5eaxmq06a0Xj3uhDwpSita6QWjV_aH4vPTHQe1gG6kp-lnLmDtFLCeIhe5FSLFb7ARxkVLQLRjz3BElXWB6oEZcvZOlFXjYKXhkKefPEpHLx5Jpljj3cl3_fbiuuEgE3s5/s400/DSCN2985.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>One very big mossie!</i><br />
And there was this humungous mosquito - she looks like a bomber getting ready for attack! I remember when I saw it, thinking of the Australian song "Little Aussie Mossie" - we have songs about just about anything and this one is one of my favourites. (The song, not the mossie)<br />
<center><i>There's a little Ausse mossie in her little Ausse cossie,<br />
And she's lookin' for a possie on your unprotected skin,<br />
When she's finished her inspection<br />
She will give you an injection<br />
You'll have an itch to show you where the Aussie mossie's been.<br />
There's a great proliferation of the mossie population<br />
It's a constant irritation to as all<br />
Yes it's hard to feel affection<br />
When she heads in your direction<br />
For the little Aussie mossie is out to get us all.<br />
</i></center><br />
It wouldn't matter whether it's an Aussie mossie or a Malaysian mossie - they're all the same.<br />
I uploaded it to YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyMWAJLcs-I">You can listen to the song here.</a><br />
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<b>Time to Leave</b><br />
It's Friday the 19th and all too soon it was time to leave. After having toast for breaky - cost 160.90 MYR, I said my goodbyes and headed off to the bus stop. The bus was on time and a very comfortable VIP coach. Instead if having two rows of seats either side with a middle aisle, there is only one row of seats down the left side and two on the other side. This meant the seats were spacious and there was plenty of leg room - you can see this in the photo below. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yQIkpLEFR8FFvtvLuRuhRj_U8RJLF3mYMd-Ap10W4gMKy1wMpTj0H_O53k8CxCcd1adI0az52-8iNUJbQ9jVF6Jk5BuocKT3Igg6czM71JE7cweiPHk6Wi__DltRK3YycWGK1lryqOSz/s1600/DSCN2989.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yQIkpLEFR8FFvtvLuRuhRj_U8RJLF3mYMd-Ap10W4gMKy1wMpTj0H_O53k8CxCcd1adI0az52-8iNUJbQ9jVF6Jk5BuocKT3Igg6czM71JE7cweiPHk6Wi__DltRK3YycWGK1lryqOSz/s400/DSCN2989.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>VIP Bus</i><br />
I had the front seat on the left side of the bus (in the photo it's on the right). We had these lovely curtains with bobbles and tails too - a vehicle fit for royalty. There were two stuck-up Americans next door (seats to my right) from Florida who were so far up themselves that I'm sure they'd get a stiff neck! <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyJtBtja6gvDcso6Rkcg6wOARf9QzJwsMR7ceI-T4Ec0DSep8Te18I4ACKJdgS00PKvzybSyu6N6feoFKtmL3EIuSx5sVAfwVuAG1dnbHdi56dzo99zfrt4N7Tf51UFjOwKGr-MsRZDYQ/s1600/DSCN2988.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyJtBtja6gvDcso6Rkcg6wOARf9QzJwsMR7ceI-T4Ec0DSep8Te18I4ACKJdgS00PKvzybSyu6N6feoFKtmL3EIuSx5sVAfwVuAG1dnbHdi56dzo99zfrt4N7Tf51UFjOwKGr-MsRZDYQ/s400/DSCN2988.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Touch'n'Go</i><br />
One of the Touch'n'Gos along the highways - you have to pay to use the roads. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mzdy1YskPsTqjryuh6MOyE4ZMcNeTsgJORq4J0f36K5Tx3-hCwcKNf8cTpwx2gf4DriqLveSBQoY990YvR3s807OkqrcJR3XDqIvKt9AvoLVTfWdTMWYliilqycPFA7gTXuJon4BJweo/s1600/DSCN2990.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mzdy1YskPsTqjryuh6MOyE4ZMcNeTsgJORq4J0f36K5Tx3-hCwcKNf8cTpwx2gf4DriqLveSBQoY990YvR3s807OkqrcJR3XDqIvKt9AvoLVTfWdTMWYliilqycPFA7gTXuJon4BJweo/s400/DSCN2990.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Last photo of the Cameron Highlands</i><br />
This is the last photo and last look at the Cameron Highlands - a nice interlude where the weather is pleasant, no humidity, green hills and lots of fresh air. <br />
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BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-26250331952582795432011-04-30T00:31:00.001+10:002012-10-18T17:56:15.456+11:00102. Sungei Palas Tea Plantation<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy8mAR7lf9oQE076YalIprY3mrMWONlsXYzHTM0jVB5nmlG5CVhEBorvwZvwwPf5IafpU-SCDoLdpAfF9xecn3rvSizMOXIMxs-Lgw0bqlXzXoXweREBGkXbHP4jV2sdvDtH_wt9AcBxI/s1600/DSCN2926.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizy8mAR7lf9oQE076YalIprY3mrMWONlsXYzHTM0jVB5nmlG5CVhEBorvwZvwwPf5IafpU-SCDoLdpAfF9xecn3rvSizMOXIMxs-Lgw0bqlXzXoXweREBGkXbHP4jV2sdvDtH_wt9AcBxI/s400/DSCN2926.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Billy Goat</i><br /><br />
We passed a few goats on the way to our next stop. This fellow was munching away on the grass on a hill.<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkviwCpKMYqKnhui684NtK5Fp6ADAKI8yufV9WEv4eeF_sy9TyZUN975GwzKpXtRKc02bfS8jjs9GegYCHWX-kHW9x-fejkM_h7gG1142VSBn1VMS7Ql8R9ETPRAkqg6CW1kS30DoyCnbJ/s1600/DSCN2928.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkviwCpKMYqKnhui684NtK5Fp6ADAKI8yufV9WEv4eeF_sy9TyZUN975GwzKpXtRKc02bfS8jjs9GegYCHWX-kHW9x-fejkM_h7gG1142VSBn1VMS7Ql8R9ETPRAkqg6CW1kS30DoyCnbJ/s400/DSCN2928.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Three Billy Goats Gruff</i><br /><br />
A little further on were these kids. The same family perhaps?<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB_gexYSnLGjKWFG4oHYDJLKH7wYv3dtAsZuTTrYw8HwMi41f7Y_3bX0XTYTk2TyOyYBNf0C6MObt5-0vvillP4GhdJFVNxVFxuIU7p0Yg2pt0o6M1IaDaplvDbhNLmIqk4Ziozf5qRbX/s1600/DSCN2937.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB_gexYSnLGjKWFG4oHYDJLKH7wYv3dtAsZuTTrYw8HwMi41f7Y_3bX0XTYTk2TyOyYBNf0C6MObt5-0vvillP4GhdJFVNxVFxuIU7p0Yg2pt0o6M1IaDaplvDbhNLmIqk4Ziozf5qRbX/s400/DSCN2937.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Information</i><br /><br />
At an altitude of 1500 metres above sea-level and covering around 235 hectares, the Sungei Palas tea factory is one of the most popular attractions with tourists and visitors. The air is clean and fresh and the grounds extensive.<br /><br />
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<b>Did you know?</b><br /><br />
Tea used to be plucked by hand as the workers move laboriously through the long rows of low tea bushes. <br /><br />
Today, the most common plucking method used is the two-man hand-held machine which is assisted by winches. These machines can harvest up to 300 kgs of green leaf per man per day, 10 times more than traditional hand plucking.<br /><br />
On the steepest slopes where access is limited, shears are used and can bring in about 120kgs per man per day. <br /><br />
After the harvest day is over, the leaf is first checked for quality, packed into sacks and weighed before being transported to the factory for processing.<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bewDRFpj8P6pz6zWI-voABnOrSPHXoN360LBs2JugEbuUTaO8anur-17nNfsp1oOvWVhtq0AKmClL95i5w9ZPb3_9kocJKqkeO41wY5aJXx-MHAFjUNi1cXl_EJ2fVcT6L_FUP4r6Si3/s1600/teaborder.gif.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bewDRFpj8P6pz6zWI-voABnOrSPHXoN360LBs2JugEbuUTaO8anur-17nNfsp1oOvWVhtq0AKmClL95i5w9ZPb3_9kocJKqkeO41wY5aJXx-MHAFjUNi1cXl_EJ2fVcT6L_FUP4r6Si3/s1600/teaborder.gif.jpg" /></a> </div><b>The Manufacturing Process of Tea</b><br /><br />
We were taken on a tour of the factory and our guide explained the fascinating details of tea - from plant to packed in boxes for sale. <br /><br />
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<b><i>Harvesting</i></b><br /><br />
Tea bushes are harvested approximately every three weeks. The leaves are picked in the morning and immediately transported to the factory. Tea leaves are plucked only after two years from planting. Once the plant is mature, tea is plucked approximately every three weeks. The plucked leaves are checked for quality and are then transferred to the factory where they go through five main processing stages. Each stage brings out the distinctive fragrance and aroma from the tea leaves.<br /><br />
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<b><i>Withering</i></b><br /><br />
During this first step, the green leaf is withered to reduce moisture and allow natural chemical reactions to take place by putting them in troughs or bins with warm dry air running through them for about 12 to 20 hours. This is usually done overnight.<br /><br />
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<b><i>Rolling</i></b><br /><br />
The withered leaves are rolled to crush the leaf cells and process them into smaller particles. It also exposes the cells to oxygen. The rollers used at the factory date back to 1935.<br /><br />
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<b><i>Fermentation</i></b><br /><br />
Also known as oxidation, fermentation is the natural chemical process in which enzymes in the leaf are exposed to oxygen. This is the stage that determines the flavour, aroma and colour of the tea. The leaves are spread onto trays and the humidity, temperature and timing are carefully controlled. After fermentation, the tea leaves change from green to copper. This process takes from two to three hours.<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj81Uq92wHEPpaUkubhXH6gbg5wbpQJoIo3GafETC-jLpw_81vkYQINrDzt44mHIVSxSw9cxCa0NUItPumO66-UHkjyNoPfouUP9a8FC4RGW2xazKYl-rmzdDChUEijEpJ_PAkI23O1ijv/s1600/DSCN2940.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj81Uq92wHEPpaUkubhXH6gbg5wbpQJoIo3GafETC-jLpw_81vkYQINrDzt44mHIVSxSw9cxCa0NUItPumO66-UHkjyNoPfouUP9a8FC4RGW2xazKYl-rmzdDChUEijEpJ_PAkI23O1ijv/s400/DSCN2940.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Drying the leaves</i> <br /><br />
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<b><i>Drying</i></b><br /><br />
Drying stops the fermentation process and reduces the moisture in the leaf to 3%. The fermented leaf is fed into machines through which blasts of hot air heated to almost 120º Celsius is passed through the leaves. <br /><br />
The tea leaf then emerges into the familiar crisp black curled form we see and is known as "made tea." The process is completed in around 10 - 20 minutes. The furnace uses wood from the rubber trees to produce the hot air. <br /><br />
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<b><i>Sorting</i></b><br /><br />
After drying, the "made tea" is graded according to size. This is done by passing the leaves through several sieves known as vibroscreens. The fibres, stalks and off-grades are removed during this stage and each grade of tea has its own flavour, characteristics and density. <br /><br />
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<b><i>Tea Tasting</i></b><br /><br />
Tea tasting is a vital and essential part of the tea making process and is very specialised and requires years of training - like a wine taster. The taster examines each sample of dry tea leaves for texture, colour, amount of twist and evenness of grade. The infused leaves are then examined for colour, brightness and uniformity. Next, he or she tastes the tea for taste, flavour and aroma. <br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnTBGb4hkKEuejLU9Pg1EThL31O1UIk7nAlt4kpXk5N4JE38PWYb91WduLiPN37L8sLP69NdVyM9e2mipalY-BRWOtYFx02N5mAsovyYneASNuDGPMUZJJuAwGR7vehDA04Qs05pA6y5p/s1600/Cup+of+tea.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnTBGb4hkKEuejLU9Pg1EThL31O1UIk7nAlt4kpXk5N4JE38PWYb91WduLiPN37L8sLP69NdVyM9e2mipalY-BRWOtYFx02N5mAsovyYneASNuDGPMUZJJuAwGR7vehDA04Qs05pA6y5p/s320/Cup+of+tea.jpg" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>A nice hot cup of tea</i><br /><br />
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<b><i>Storage</i></b><br /><br />
The tea is then stored in dry conditions to mature and mellow further before packing. It is important that to ensure there is no moisture as this would ruin the tea.<br /><br />
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<b><i>Packaging</i></b><br /><br />
The tea leaves are packaged into boxes and other containers and are now ready for the market.<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYAViExFkVqOHL7vYHPC0SttgIGFoxcbcfuCfRM4fmuccA08a2vC4kukwlJoSUqBWjgJdN7Dxf1RByPG51qxILWcAPw2DfMH5SsImzwDDNfdlUe6hMZXJJN5ec212Kv74Evhd9ynPWNYb/s1600/Malaysia+201017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYAViExFkVqOHL7vYHPC0SttgIGFoxcbcfuCfRM4fmuccA08a2vC4kukwlJoSUqBWjgJdN7Dxf1RByPG51qxILWcAPw2DfMH5SsImzwDDNfdlUe6hMZXJJN5ec212Kv74Evhd9ynPWNYb/s400/Malaysia+201017.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>The five stages</i><br /><br />
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The factory produces 600,000 kg of tea a year and has a variety of different brews - Pekoe, Cheeding, Palas Supreme, Cinnamon-flavoured. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Admission to the factory is free and tours are conducted every 30 minutes.<br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKO3kkU_W0CtFpKRWUE4WMJN2FU-RJYNR9f5mkiu9KqhYT14BSWJEe0aU7iVy78PVEdHvE9aB4-nVnASSIvhUT6qFrHZK65oZ5LvJswgWXuoQsQoNZEQyi3hcGSugUzs8qlCxwgT5MfmH/s1600/DSCN2943.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKO3kkU_W0CtFpKRWUE4WMJN2FU-RJYNR9f5mkiu9KqhYT14BSWJEe0aU7iVy78PVEdHvE9aB4-nVnASSIvhUT6qFrHZK65oZ5LvJswgWXuoQsQoNZEQyi3hcGSugUzs8qlCxwgT5MfmH/s400/DSCN2943.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Welcome sign</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aRCrYBlz9_bNgz-U4exZILT4aN4__IP6cdeHtRn2UjkLTHYpRyRSmXvvUwQ65qZuarNygY5pTiRtOpBZD2hj8bgGv0sqgBij_nPREZk7n9N8HeLH05ILkwen7_A21Aj6v8BRYmpmLMpr/s1600/Malaysia+201018.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2aRCrYBlz9_bNgz-U4exZILT4aN4__IP6cdeHtRn2UjkLTHYpRyRSmXvvUwQ65qZuarNygY5pTiRtOpBZD2hj8bgGv0sqgBij_nPREZk7n9N8HeLH05ILkwen7_A21Aj6v8BRYmpmLMpr/s400/Malaysia+201018.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sungei Palas Tea Centre</i><br /><br />
The Sungei Palas Tea Centre is an airy and spacious complex housing a visitor gallery, tea shop, a cafe and museum. <br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGFbnxJmKItso9_mNH7OfnUVmDtJPOXGTXaoeH-QC76G67IcNZI5HjAi2hdCxjFSf6YhDh36L6SCUl26GClw6QtCHqXegjViUofuWPVxgcE9ZvhtS4mqnA37QeOCN-qiP1UzojjBYNH5N/s1600/teaborder+2+flipped.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGFbnxJmKItso9_mNH7OfnUVmDtJPOXGTXaoeH-QC76G67IcNZI5HjAi2hdCxjFSf6YhDh36L6SCUl26GClw6QtCHqXegjViUofuWPVxgcE9ZvhtS4mqnA37QeOCN-qiP1UzojjBYNH5N/s320/teaborder+2+flipped.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br />
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<b>History</b><br /><br />
During the British colonial ear in Malays, a Mr. J. Russel, a British businessman, started the BOH Plantations in 1929. Due to huge demands for tea coupled with the climate of the Cameron Highlands, he saw the potential and economic value and was granted a concession of land for his first tea garden in Habu. <br /><br />
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Today, BOH Plantations has three tea gardens - Habu, (the first one), Fairlie and Sungei Palas Tea Garden. A packaging factory was set up neat the main garden - this ensured the freshness of their products. BOH tea products are distributed not only to the domestic market but also internationally.<br /><br />
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<b>Scenic Tea Gardens</b><br /><br />
Below are some shots I took of the beautiful gardens with their manicured rows <br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb_CeYXWQputSaL-HNkUlvVw2FZ6AlIILnXc4kiZD_0JRvovwWSMgQcsXOJpjdDv7xFRFNEBLBdKgjn7BQWigGrpj8hr7LP2v3zGcug2SpPbDjG_1VxWajXXW8hALYnXClT9boag_OjDj/s1600/DSCN2946.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb_CeYXWQputSaL-HNkUlvVw2FZ6AlIILnXc4kiZD_0JRvovwWSMgQcsXOJpjdDv7xFRFNEBLBdKgjn7BQWigGrpj8hr7LP2v3zGcug2SpPbDjG_1VxWajXXW8hALYnXClT9boag_OjDj/s400/DSCN2946.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>BOH Tea</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy58gXeCEV-N4eFF5bOu0ciqCBdTxDzBlhvARDj-ErclLilYgLt-GEnsaKkVVdAP2MGL3oOR0B1Jj3pH1GUdC3QesXFqGDBqueqGYFYcA4ZpCwLakftBNZk_rS9LJt0p8_goyQ67JpORAB/s1600/DSCN2947.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy58gXeCEV-N4eFF5bOu0ciqCBdTxDzBlhvARDj-ErclLilYgLt-GEnsaKkVVdAP2MGL3oOR0B1Jj3pH1GUdC3QesXFqGDBqueqGYFYcA4ZpCwLakftBNZk_rS9LJt0p8_goyQ67JpORAB/s400/DSCN2947.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sungei Palas Gardens</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZLW3Bnf9NKMfnMSTZUxqhAPOqUXuUdg7d-5gujLj-gLj7icQUrtPUS9TeHoiKVCkUuuqgSasgsHPesh5OWIUZaAJFQYyMXJU6XV4l47twpcPuSKsAraJF8BJkUMm8xzMAyjNR2juRVIF/s1600/DSCN2932.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZLW3Bnf9NKMfnMSTZUxqhAPOqUXuUdg7d-5gujLj-gLj7icQUrtPUS9TeHoiKVCkUuuqgSasgsHPesh5OWIUZaAJFQYyMXJU6XV4l47twpcPuSKsAraJF8BJkUMm8xzMAyjNR2juRVIF/s400/DSCN2932.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>BOH Tea Plantation</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZHeDeySK8dxKmmN5_ul8YxuUit0DqTgeLJ-mBM2T-RZdmC73u-NBDQwmPHWbZKdLVdh_Lrzb-dQQr4H5SzGOfzKU2MSkjDP4YVObQXkHkOU7nHpfYe9X3JQxwb7_oC1NG9Ko6JvGqYu6/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZHeDeySK8dxKmmN5_ul8YxuUit0DqTgeLJ-mBM2T-RZdmC73u-NBDQwmPHWbZKdLVdh_Lrzb-dQQr4H5SzGOfzKU2MSkjDP4YVObQXkHkOU7nHpfYe9X3JQxwb7_oC1NG9Ko6JvGqYu6/s400/DSCN2931.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tea plantation with coffee trees</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqin5E15YyPYgFWxWw77XuMavMY6vDRvO5XJBMUA-Fd_P4zGnJIPNWVC6TUXBnM_gXXj6FZ2nl7hl5KYo8lx2ZSPsza25faOVrxS8fiFPH1Fxy1v02VaNYQqeCh8toX-22A2FawTcL03R/s1600/DSCN2951.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqin5E15YyPYgFWxWw77XuMavMY6vDRvO5XJBMUA-Fd_P4zGnJIPNWVC6TUXBnM_gXXj6FZ2nl7hl5KYo8lx2ZSPsza25faOVrxS8fiFPH1Fxy1v02VaNYQqeCh8toX-22A2FawTcL03R/s400/DSCN2951.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sungei Palas Tea Plantation</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKDREOyPTPAbgYaFb-bfc91UbkWsQ4lQH5ucB3U-PKfVawxRkqLnbIxoeg6MnFIYd0aiAup8BCDFQ71ZFjVvfxKL7TVg5ct4hUl3aemhgvnraVDGPmKEWadqfqdyrJtEoLkautV8Ig4tR/s1600/DSCN2953.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKDREOyPTPAbgYaFb-bfc91UbkWsQ4lQH5ucB3U-PKfVawxRkqLnbIxoeg6MnFIYd0aiAup8BCDFQ71ZFjVvfxKL7TVg5ct4hUl3aemhgvnraVDGPmKEWadqfqdyrJtEoLkautV8Ig4tR/s400/DSCN2953.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Restaurant exterior</i><br /><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5ELyabLnZbASNRF-kAP1LBrQrIwjxPyw_SLaX8iRMUxcRLC0BFfzZpPkQhF9VE19H7A28TxfOhJ_gboTynGR7KRpWlt66x8oCRzlrvFmWn3TtsOEGTOjg23vuHuk6X_3sfeCyYIY4yIf/s1600/DSCN2944.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5ELyabLnZbASNRF-kAP1LBrQrIwjxPyw_SLaX8iRMUxcRLC0BFfzZpPkQhF9VE19H7A28TxfOhJ_gboTynGR7KRpWlt66x8oCRzlrvFmWn3TtsOEGTOjg23vuHuk6X_3sfeCyYIY4yIf/s400/DSCN2944.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Friends</i><br /><br />
Sitting in the cafe drinking tea, the young man and his family were sitting next to me. We got to chatting - he taught me a few Malay phrases, and I told him a few Aussie slang words. His little sister was (I think) about eight or nine. <br /><br />
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It was a lovely day and visiting the tea plantation was a real eye-opener - whoever would have thought there would be that much intensity involved in producing tea?BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-80295450666031220102011-04-24T02:32:00.000+10:002012-10-19T12:21:21.455+11:00101. Mossy Forest<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna_Y-zYF0_wG3GqGpX-CtURh-FzRPEQzoOr45-MvefdNDpBKfo2rYr2svEUUJXuM3LfcvERHxYpTfU08-ADJ95usvycrOZTzd4Bb1wpB4cw3fkluO4ZKxYPth__04jbOlv7iOI0eBO92c/s1600/DSCN2895.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna_Y-zYF0_wG3GqGpX-CtURh-FzRPEQzoOr45-MvefdNDpBKfo2rYr2svEUUJXuM3LfcvERHxYpTfU08-ADJ95usvycrOZTzd4Bb1wpB4cw3fkluO4ZKxYPth__04jbOlv7iOI0eBO92c/s400/DSCN2895.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Ginger plant</i><br />
After seeing Mt. Brinchang, we walked a short way down the hill and entered the mossy forest on the left which is approx. 2,000 metres above sea level. This little ginger plant <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVY0wzJjqH3aWu424fS6bXIxb2k-J_eNTcI6SkGoiw9BUdhCHmpe5KxIBGCAjFprFJe_R_8oGivQHzKj2jJZZSVifTW9qj664OxlL1Noc1AyjR0TTJx7KzCKd7mCl0ZUjxa-TvHFLP5_9/s1600/DSCN2897.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVY0wzJjqH3aWu424fS6bXIxb2k-J_eNTcI6SkGoiw9BUdhCHmpe5KxIBGCAjFprFJe_R_8oGivQHzKj2jJZZSVifTW9qj664OxlL1Noc1AyjR0TTJx7KzCKd7mCl0ZUjxa-TvHFLP5_9/s400/DSCN2897.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Nick, our guide</i><br />
Nick was very good at showing us leaves and plants and explaining what their use was. Alas, I misremember the name of many, including this one, other than it is some sort of palm. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZSptvOZ4nJ1JBqDzXsTs7_a-27qS_DrjCqezPSLTwghSu32y7s-_WslkA89UMKrTSe-EPOaqksWQOQCUInXVdb13SyeViAeY78EpyaousX409UUQvOnAbELvyhHbrnK-hpcWFM0JZ6xO/s1600/DSCN2902.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZSptvOZ4nJ1JBqDzXsTs7_a-27qS_DrjCqezPSLTwghSu32y7s-_WslkA89UMKrTSe-EPOaqksWQOQCUInXVdb13SyeViAeY78EpyaousX409UUQvOnAbELvyhHbrnK-hpcWFM0JZ6xO/s400/DSCN2902.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Pitcher plant (Nepenthes alba)</i><br />
One of the many pitcher plants. These plants live off insects in the forest attracting them in with a sweet nectar. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZp6PttfxkHFYEXFW-N7HekgXKxQBnc2jDf9DVuvDx9aHHhYCn3JS_o9iDlraXeLdowFshEhOqtdDRu18L9HOSuGk-CTzdEC2cwrQySTLS6LOjyzhpOIS8dTIDAnCPpizFjn86K3X23nL/s1600/DSCN2905.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZp6PttfxkHFYEXFW-N7HekgXKxQBnc2jDf9DVuvDx9aHHhYCn3JS_o9iDlraXeLdowFshEhOqtdDRu18L9HOSuGk-CTzdEC2cwrQySTLS6LOjyzhpOIS8dTIDAnCPpizFjn86K3X23nL/s400/DSCN2905.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Pitcher plant (Tolong Jangan Sentuh)</i><br />
Once the insect is trapped then it's Kbang! - the lid (trap) closes shut and its prey is caught. More information about these plants <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nepenthes_species_by_distribution#Peninsular_Malaysia">can be found here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdF1AkXY7AE1jHm-ssxHTwKpvPlrLhu-pekjUBPx6g-KnrX0aiEAsVhPYi_UzRmLIfde7Hs9dX82c-D6oG6UKFijaUSaQg570iQLaRuzQdD4GqU2QU9EkQRITjmP2Ga6SNoe0cvNsmgOo/s1600/DSCN2917.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdF1AkXY7AE1jHm-ssxHTwKpvPlrLhu-pekjUBPx6g-KnrX0aiEAsVhPYi_UzRmLIfde7Hs9dX82c-D6oG6UKFijaUSaQg570iQLaRuzQdD4GqU2QU9EkQRITjmP2Ga6SNoe0cvNsmgOo/s400/DSCN2917.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Fatimah's plant - (Labisia Pumila)</i><br />
In Malaysia, Labisia pumila is popularly known locally as Selusuh Fatimah <br />
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Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), popularly known as "Kacip Fatimah", has been used by many generation of the Malay women to induce and facilitate childbirth as well as a post-partum medicine <br />
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Kacip Fatimah has been traditionally used by the Malay women for many generations in childbirth in inducing and eases delivery, as a post partum medication to help contract the birth channel, to regain body strength, regulate menstrual cycle and avoid painful or difficult menstration, and to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The plant is traditionally boiled and the water extraction is taken as a drink. Other traditional uses include treating dysentery, rheumatism, and gennoehoea. It is also used as antiflatulence by helping to drive away and prevent the formation of gas. The plant will also help to firm and tone the abdominal muscles. Scientific studies have established that the medicinal properties and biological activities of Kacip Fatimah are due to the presence of phyto-estrogen (plant estrogen) that is naturally found in the plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwHp-r2Nd49RQvWWTNfGqqYDfySimndoXW6mGG8F_OfnMOzs_3yJhKOfB1dXDPCt7eTQCVb1aoP6vfTbazJ-HV8knr1vJfoc6Rs66jBqiOxAhhXPEL2aCNP3xweh8bdfCfg9Yz1QSNlw0/s1600/DSCN2912.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwHp-r2Nd49RQvWWTNfGqqYDfySimndoXW6mGG8F_OfnMOzs_3yJhKOfB1dXDPCt7eTQCVb1aoP6vfTbazJ-HV8knr1vJfoc6Rs66jBqiOxAhhXPEL2aCNP3xweh8bdfCfg9Yz1QSNlw0/s400/DSCN2912.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<b>Above:</b> <i>Boundary marker Pahang/Perak</i><br />
It was fun to stand here with a foot on both sides of the border. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdx8CHGYJUg-npL6dlbPNJr2rf19CcMCu6FBuswQsjQvx8ay0WTFVTW1drILO8oOLiN1xH9RfuNYBh35xoHfz_Gfk06hqxFXoxUw0NvHDp3Oe3TUv0EwandiSryNZbqoHUGNs93GsoV2Q/s1600/DSCN2924.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdx8CHGYJUg-npL6dlbPNJr2rf19CcMCu6FBuswQsjQvx8ay0WTFVTW1drILO8oOLiN1xH9RfuNYBh35xoHfz_Gfk06hqxFXoxUw0NvHDp3Oe3TUv0EwandiSryNZbqoHUGNs93GsoV2Q/s400/DSCN2924.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b>Above:</b> <i>Gazebo?</i><br />
This charming little gazebo was down the hill a bit after we exited the forest.BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-78903026753343987682011-03-15T21:56:00.000+11:002011-03-15T21:56:48.224+11:00100. Mt. BrinchangI had booked a tour the night before and had wanted to do a full day tour which incorporated a tea plantation, Mt. Brinchang, forest walk and an Orang Asli village. Cameronian Inn book tours so I spoke with Ganesh (the owner) saying I'd like to book the full day tour with Cameron Secrets. He informed me that the full day tours weren't running because it was school holidays and said to book a half day tour instead, so I did, making it clear which tour company I wanted. <br />
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<b>A tour by any other name?</b><br />
Anyway, the next morning, waiting outside for the CS van, another van pulled up, the driver went inside and came out with a couple of peoiple. I was surprised to see he was still looking for someone. He spoke with me and I told him I was waiting for the Cameron Secrets people. Time marched on and it turned out that Ganesh had booked me with <i>this</i> tour company. I was not best pleased and was rather annoyed - turned out they were kind of friends. And I found out later that the full day tour going to the Orang Asli Village <i>was</i> running because I met some people who were doing that. I still enjoyed the tour anyway but the point was it wasn't the one I had asked for. My advice - if booking a tour through your accommodation, make sure it is the one you want.<br />
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Below is a map showing the places we went to.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmo76XGxMjrrkF-7e7OHm-TL7Cb6XEwjYVzlo7qq-A2umtsCwgLBzvx-585XSWWve0eIY-tuLUjrMPyS5yLgm9PZt8YigDjiQyxvqHtApZ3U-bvlQW8jCVvbNjEtS1qSRqSrwWA7NZd5yG/s1600/Cameron_Highlands_Map.png.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmo76XGxMjrrkF-7e7OHm-TL7Cb6XEwjYVzlo7qq-A2umtsCwgLBzvx-585XSWWve0eIY-tuLUjrMPyS5yLgm9PZt8YigDjiQyxvqHtApZ3U-bvlQW8jCVvbNjEtS1qSRqSrwWA7NZd5yG/s400/Cameron_Highlands_Map.png.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Map of where we went</i><br />
We started out, picked up a few more people and from memory there was around 10 or 12 of us all told. Nick, our tour guide said we would be going to Mt. Brinchang but as we drove along, he said we'd go to the insect farm first instead of last as the day was a little cloudy still and you get a much better view from the summit when it's sunny.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrlUL2y1YDW6rY9_2H7F-PgQv7koX0euADJ6LoW6zpDyKZANC4VfmpdVkIzudKVbIcRaLtkoE9KbDrrLxawxoXTHwE2DUx-C88UZFmEhV936JS5c-4qswV3CkTelrabaFsjwMLeK0Anrc/s1600/Collages114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrlUL2y1YDW6rY9_2H7F-PgQv7koX0euADJ6LoW6zpDyKZANC4VfmpdVkIzudKVbIcRaLtkoE9KbDrrLxawxoXTHwE2DUx-C88UZFmEhV936JS5c-4qswV3CkTelrabaFsjwMLeK0Anrc/s400/Collages114.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Brinchang Nursery</i><br />
The entry fee for the insect farm was not included and I had no intention of paying to see a bunch of bugs and insects. Yewk! Definitely not my scene - animals and birds alright but creepy crawlies - no. So I took myself off for a look around. There weren't really that many shops but I espied a nursery across the road with some lovely plants and flowers.<br />
They also had a strawberry farm attached - pick your own. This was happiness indeed. I just love fresh strawberries and spent a very pleasant time pottering around. Came out with strawberries and three small packets of lollies to give to the kiddies back home.<br />
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I tried to buy a cup of coffee from the place next to the insect farm and after over-coming the language barrier we did alright. Coffee wasn't bad either.☺<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6_old7P_8bJ2nWkZKF_bPhxFkcElOFY8tGBqwpgyahCwHFM105-MNk7QqkA6S5ZPVh_QBrqgZFD3yDbB3Xell_5vsgILAOWaz6gz4V63kAVLkpeVsbxhOeYQ1D8YOT9sEewF0Y73uTSg/s1600/DSCN2870.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6_old7P_8bJ2nWkZKF_bPhxFkcElOFY8tGBqwpgyahCwHFM105-MNk7QqkA6S5ZPVh_QBrqgZFD3yDbB3Xell_5vsgILAOWaz6gz4V63kAVLkpeVsbxhOeYQ1D8YOT9sEewF0Y73uTSg/s400/DSCN2870.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Tea plantations</i><br />
The others came back and we piled into the van once more and were off. As we climbed higher round and round a very winding road, the rolling hills were covered with tea plants - it seemed everywhere you looked were tea plantations. <br />
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<b>Mt. Brinchang</b><br />
Mt. Brinchang (Gunung Brinchang in Malay), 2032 metres above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Cameron Highlands and is on the Perak-Pahang border. The road leading to the summit of this mountain is also the highest road in Peninsular Malaysia. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6bmlQ7HYhmQg2uLQVnOQ_Nb2ktCulxNy5AQ2rfRhKsVx0T55jQK-ucm294VxxKIOKjwGhZ_MU6OkFzLc-8MgUF8ecgW5P3iMu48-oQpwmsW25I55lRaySCrmw4_6vcJuUjNPWYOGgFTu/s1600/DSCN2894.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6bmlQ7HYhmQg2uLQVnOQ_Nb2ktCulxNy5AQ2rfRhKsVx0T55jQK-ucm294VxxKIOKjwGhZ_MU6OkFzLc-8MgUF8ecgW5P3iMu48-oQpwmsW25I55lRaySCrmw4_6vcJuUjNPWYOGgFTu/s400/DSCN2894.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Lookout Tower Mt. Brinchang</i><br />
The lookout tower which is 15 metres high, offers breathtaking views of the Titiwangsa Ranges from the summit. We all took turns climbing up the steps (carefully) to the top and our hair blew in all directions - it was very windy and a bit cool. Climbing up them there steps - they're quite steep, so watch your knees! - there wasn't room for everyone at the same time, and those standing at the top were buffeted by the wind. Great views though.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_tHRxvmi3ImzCtmGmRoaQqiXM8YNFSnoyrhKDT3gMgM-3lFDbTLYT-z6JdO_ryAuV5LWQ5_KKqZ1qegvDCuyv70jHitVdFAa_0eDPMJ709445sgPK_JrxTiPUD2ZGCum-KPQaopoW2b8/s1600/DSCN2883.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_tHRxvmi3ImzCtmGmRoaQqiXM8YNFSnoyrhKDT3gMgM-3lFDbTLYT-z6JdO_ryAuV5LWQ5_KKqZ1qegvDCuyv70jHitVdFAa_0eDPMJ709445sgPK_JrxTiPUD2ZGCum-KPQaopoW2b8/s400/DSCN2883.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>From the Lookout Tower</i><br />
A panoramic view of the peak of Mt. Brinchang. It's said that on a clear day you can actually see the town of Ipoh from the top of the lookout tower. Although we had some blue skies there were a number of clouds so it wasn't all that clear in all directions. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFmPGfIAC1xIKeXcyjXOzQT1e541S3wmjYLi30tfHQY1SwUpW0sNd9vyGwuxyBIuBsjECD5-dfPd70duNNnVi5c1sGQzFqhE-xJ3dxLYHucMu9Z1qLTGXOtAWomrmlL82_D96T4NIXQO/s1600/DSCN2892.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wFmPGfIAC1xIKeXcyjXOzQT1e541S3wmjYLi30tfHQY1SwUpW0sNd9vyGwuxyBIuBsjECD5-dfPd70duNNnVi5c1sGQzFqhE-xJ3dxLYHucMu9Z1qLTGXOtAWomrmlL82_D96T4NIXQO/s400/DSCN2892.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Telecommunication Towers</i><br />
The communication towers stationed on top of the mountain are actually visible from quite a long way off and can be seen from some of the hotels in Brinchang. <br />
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<b>Views from Mt. Brinchang lookout tower</b><br />
Since my trip, I've since learnt the best time to take photos here is either early in the morning to catch the sunrise or late afternoon when the mist starts clearing for that brilliant shot. If the day is clear, best time to go is in the early afternoon when there's the right amount of sunlight and very little mist. You do get long-distance views of the Titiwangsa Mountains whatever time you come up here.<br />
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<b>Titiwangsa Mountains</b> <br />
The Titiwangsa Mountains ( Banjaran Titiwangsa in Malay) is the mountain range that forms the backbone of the Malay Peninsula and starts in the north as a continuation of the Phuket mountain range in Southern Thailand. Running approx. southeast and ending in the south near Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, the highest elevation is the 2,183 metres at Gunung Korbu. Called "Banjaran Titiwangsa" or "Banjaran Besar" (Main Range) by the locals, the ranges divide Peninsular Malaysia into East and West Coast regions and is about 480 km from north to south. There are a number of popular tourist destinations located on the range - Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands. <br />
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Below are some of the shots of the ranges that I took from the lookout tower.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0OopCrpgvk4ku2FcOwdx0p5Aff21ubXYjw_ZOZO7nE-v3NWYHc0lmxBKhyphenhyphenAC6njzU8NvI5PTxmJ73UHvUm5DHK_0_X0qImqnJBJI4rUtxivsw8HJ56yqbmmM8lgRGzbd-14gMxWHsFrd/s1600/DSCN2876.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0OopCrpgvk4ku2FcOwdx0p5Aff21ubXYjw_ZOZO7nE-v3NWYHc0lmxBKhyphenhyphenAC6njzU8NvI5PTxmJ73UHvUm5DHK_0_X0qImqnJBJI4rUtxivsw8HJ56yqbmmM8lgRGzbd-14gMxWHsFrd/s400/DSCN2876.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Landscape at Titiwangsa Mountain Range</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOIY2EuwJApd-jpPwaKdMYUFOYwDHY8ux5isDjcNLC8MeVbFJ6avMvEjTNtlJOoUAgUxLHjaP31WjDxqmI4F1VzxCK7Uq2LV2WcUX-2bPJYObVcEv_ZbMJbWdWe05fgIm4Oua6cGTIJWf/s1600/DSCN2877.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOIY2EuwJApd-jpPwaKdMYUFOYwDHY8ux5isDjcNLC8MeVbFJ6avMvEjTNtlJOoUAgUxLHjaP31WjDxqmI4F1VzxCK7Uq2LV2WcUX-2bPJYObVcEv_ZbMJbWdWe05fgIm4Oua6cGTIJWf/s400/DSCN2877.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Titiwangsa Mountains</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjVyBXqpoA6kuU_JzmDouex6qhgmXim0DEaanGQJQpHguFE5WKKAIB-fJvkJ9DMLAg4pP59DhBObZeV6xa8myS7wXjf4JREB5BCghLO2bINs_TcsPnADEU-Fil4mtHth9VaXVZyX4gMtG/s1600/DSCN2878.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjVyBXqpoA6kuU_JzmDouex6qhgmXim0DEaanGQJQpHguFE5WKKAIB-fJvkJ9DMLAg4pP59DhBObZeV6xa8myS7wXjf4JREB5BCghLO2bINs_TcsPnADEU-Fil4mtHth9VaXVZyX4gMtG/s400/DSCN2878.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Titiwangsa Mountain Range</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP1sHA47pa7cAHz6BdEAsAczEhfQO6Os-qNd5Haotwd5X0_o1bLZBccNmwklkHLOl-4JBqPD_3manpzAJEfEdp_q6E928GQj8F9tfoj2gyOoHclLiFa2kfJQTKdGS1FSK8sVYHjDQ9_GC/s1600/DSCN2882.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP1sHA47pa7cAHz6BdEAsAczEhfQO6Os-qNd5Haotwd5X0_o1bLZBccNmwklkHLOl-4JBqPD_3manpzAJEfEdp_q6E928GQj8F9tfoj2gyOoHclLiFa2kfJQTKdGS1FSK8sVYHjDQ9_GC/s400/DSCN2882.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Titiwangsa Mountains - Misty view from the Lookout tower</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKT_q601rR140wcsNH88D-dm97PxQsC79iYrzV5eLplq6pVB5J0LTI3itFTDVCsk6dPBs-7G0De9bVZWBs_9PlZ0ohdATtVj_XzFzK9v0i8wHQCKKyXGVx1D3I5-i4DDfrr7iXGxvnnH_/s1600/DSCN2886.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKT_q601rR140wcsNH88D-dm97PxQsC79iYrzV5eLplq6pVB5J0LTI3itFTDVCsk6dPBs-7G0De9bVZWBs_9PlZ0ohdATtVj_XzFzK9v0i8wHQCKKyXGVx1D3I5-i4DDfrr7iXGxvnnH_/s400/DSCN2886.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>View from lookout tower</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-ApyyvwDfMRDQs5i6jdOqSlIpra7L2wyQ4ijpbXvuwn3RlidV_nsKrCFvvIHgvq1FSw3xq_zKRW5OcrJmkj8CqrC78UaX5BXaWNKYAFZGp9iMQHgW0k1kHDRHCSUt7aTMVf_NsTOYeNL/s1600/DSCN2888.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-ApyyvwDfMRDQs5i6jdOqSlIpra7L2wyQ4ijpbXvuwn3RlidV_nsKrCFvvIHgvq1FSw3xq_zKRW5OcrJmkj8CqrC78UaX5BXaWNKYAFZGp9iMQHgW0k1kHDRHCSUt7aTMVf_NsTOYeNL/s400/DSCN2888.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Atop Mt. Brinchang</i><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybLpZP1KfQA-FW4HT3ulR4UYj0VZsQb8W2N0jy6-RWP9BIwCbyf0_7r3pG1WIGD3s6kBDsrOPG1EU1GjrBvNjVuScG3WVtB8oZi8T3yl6mscs_NRmLqc0GL2bAMHWbMwjlyAlPzw8IgCA/s1600/DSCN2889.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybLpZP1KfQA-FW4HT3ulR4UYj0VZsQb8W2N0jy6-RWP9BIwCbyf0_7r3pG1WIGD3s6kBDsrOPG1EU1GjrBvNjVuScG3WVtB8oZi8T3yl6mscs_NRmLqc0GL2bAMHWbMwjlyAlPzw8IgCA/s400/DSCN2889.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Police</i><br />
This pretty little blue and white building is especially equipped with an air conditional unit and also doubles as a police station.BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-52136515081532272812011-03-05T00:41:00.001+11:002011-03-14T09:13:03.137+11:0099. Hiking ChartThere are a number of walks and hikes to do around Tanah Rata. Below is a map showing the different trails.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLcVrdnNPhi7n5dg6kjHllWpjE-6MGxc69VJTwGzB-tyqShClte4xvOVeexq3hoLGbGE3BTy6dssenkSzIo8vCCFoeDKNbWLzAaZvcGag3VShalI_o1DpNS5Qtc7IuR86oWlN-zINLHDX/s1600-h/trekking_map+Cameron+HIghlands.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLcVrdnNPhi7n5dg6kjHllWpjE-6MGxc69VJTwGzB-tyqShClte4xvOVeexq3hoLGbGE3BTy6dssenkSzIo8vCCFoeDKNbWLzAaZvcGag3VShalI_o1DpNS5Qtc7IuR86oWlN-zINLHDX/s640/trekking_map+Cameron+HIghlands.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Walks & Hikes Map</i>BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-54703907156143580552011-01-28T02:51:00.005+11:002011-01-28T17:34:02.258+11:0098. Tanah Rata Walk<b>About Tanah Rata</b><br />
Tanah Rata is the major town in the Cameron Highlands, with Brinchang to the north and Ringlet to the south. It is a lovely town for strolling around down the main street with quaint shops on either side and lots of lively action filled with tourists and locals alike. The best thing about this place is the cool mountain air - I felt just like I was back in Melbourne! The air is fresh and clear and there's no humidity like the rest of Malaysia. There are still old buildings around which haven't yet been torn down by the Malaysian government in the name of progress.<br />
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<b>Out and about</b><br />
As the bus arrived around noon and given the kerfuffle of before (see #96 Kang Traveller's Lodge - Warning) it was well past my lunch time and with rumbling tummy I set off to investigate the town and find somewhere to eat.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfbgK4TZIdwA2wjmI7gDAcJIBzm5OUypd4O-Ak3d1a5luUCYTFcfWR2iXfdSTiNnl_bk63qLAKpVuooYR_B5NmbrKBDGdysypLQKN-wIi93pCv8BVmjHcLSRGwr0Ik8tK79N_n7QTKKGF/s1600/DSCN2777.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfbgK4TZIdwA2wjmI7gDAcJIBzm5OUypd4O-Ak3d1a5luUCYTFcfWR2iXfdSTiNnl_bk63qLAKpVuooYR_B5NmbrKBDGdysypLQKN-wIi93pCv8BVmjHcLSRGwr0Ik8tK79N_n7QTKKGF/s400/DSCN2777.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Butterfly</i><br />
Spotted this poor butterfly on the ground. As you can see, its right wing is damaged and it was having difficulty flying so I gently picked it up and palced it on the grass.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwahdr_T-iFZR95hCjHdcx6oQZciPy1cS5vIUOjL-GlgudJbYixSdy2xBvLiQN9DtaapHVhp3prr_FfWSX6-nNMtJwHHz3ymx-cJryXUwulWDoWeO8SicJ8LRQJ_LAAzTeg3EKy6sM609/s1600/DSCN2783.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwahdr_T-iFZR95hCjHdcx6oQZciPy1cS5vIUOjL-GlgudJbYixSdy2xBvLiQN9DtaapHVhp3prr_FfWSX6-nNMtJwHHz3ymx-cJryXUwulWDoWeO8SicJ8LRQJ_LAAzTeg3EKy6sM609/s400/DSCN2783.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The Dreaded Durian</i><br />
Ah here at last were the durians I had heard so much about. And no, I wasn't game to try one.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqZ0WJRA-GNE2vrbajStkXc07OC0KnQQC3ruI2tNt2Jt1GBK3kfLyc9S31GbAWm6SdlQ3y9WVgoxKL8bFI8aU20OA6mO5P0nnUAmJg2SJQKrjkLNU0H18hgGii3IIUJhgT8KGK3p9elX-/s1600/DSCN2785.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqZ0WJRA-GNE2vrbajStkXc07OC0KnQQC3ruI2tNt2Jt1GBK3kfLyc9S31GbAWm6SdlQ3y9WVgoxKL8bFI8aU20OA6mO5P0nnUAmJg2SJQKrjkLNU0H18hgGii3IIUJhgT8KGK3p9elX-/s400/DSCN2785.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Street Cafes</i><br />
Walking further down the street, this is the high side btw - the steps are raised and as I walked along it was up, walk, down, walk, up, walk etc. The whole side is raised it really was quite pretty. The other side of the street is the "low" side.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjieIXBH8vK-bZXfV_gOA8nmJ5gCDWH_uay5T4u1JQ75rM5e3Q0qgaT87lJy9sfwyjgCxLCx3UuZS_oWOOwtdpaUgPrd7KqZAyraShHRfTtf3gxMD9acS_HrvPrrTFYv6Lymle_yrC_fk/s1600/DSCN2784.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjieIXBH8vK-bZXfV_gOA8nmJ5gCDWH_uay5T4u1JQ75rM5e3Q0qgaT87lJy9sfwyjgCxLCx3UuZS_oWOOwtdpaUgPrd7KqZAyraShHRfTtf3gxMD9acS_HrvPrrTFYv6Lymle_yrC_fk/s400/DSCN2784.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>The "low" side of the street</i><br />
For some reason I didn't find this side as interesting as the high side. Perhaps it had something to do with light and dark - the high side was light filled.<br />
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I had lunch (not in the main street) at a place called Nonga Fern, or it could be Nonga Ferm (can't read my own writing), the meal was so-so, coffee awful and the cup very dirty with a big chip. This is from my notes of that day. I ate ouside the cafe/restaurant at their tables and chairs and spent a very pleasant half hour or so writing in my travel diary. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD29-uS62gJ_QFXKlT7Jtu3vx0LwI28GCePJrn9Boc_G5mxLgQtttFYlG1IRixcuvuZVD1kMMI2bYawadZ6t_zwh4H3MX-OC1Uub1ViaHDgshCnj8TTaOjoPg9c-jsSGG0TWYHrw6wHFZ0/s1600/DSCN2986.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD29-uS62gJ_QFXKlT7Jtu3vx0LwI28GCePJrn9Boc_G5mxLgQtttFYlG1IRixcuvuZVD1kMMI2bYawadZ6t_zwh4H3MX-OC1Uub1ViaHDgshCnj8TTaOjoPg9c-jsSGG0TWYHrw6wHFZ0/s400/DSCN2986.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above: </b> <i>Food stalls</i><br />
Going back up the way I had come there are many food and market type stalls here. I also noticed quite a number of white plastic tables and chairs and a lot of people were eating - there were several families gathered around and plenty of cooking going on too.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbh90XOx1hW_hN5kcXqweto4i8SvxUX2CCWXgtFyyHihg933FfrSddgPkg-385veWIBe4L_BaYBgH2SwNjTfY0JfJsocC9CJvTIHnNjoBhZX-OYgczdvKS3k76wmORg7Z3A7Z8gLoPlQO/s1600/DSCN2987.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbh90XOx1hW_hN5kcXqweto4i8SvxUX2CCWXgtFyyHihg933FfrSddgPkg-385veWIBe4L_BaYBgH2SwNjTfY0JfJsocC9CJvTIHnNjoBhZX-OYgczdvKS3k76wmORg7Z3A7Z8gLoPlQO/s400/DSCN2987.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>S K Convent Primary School</i><br />
This beautiful old building was built in the 1930's and is sited on a hillside overlooking the township of Tanah Rata. The Convent Primary School, (or Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent (SK Convent) is one of the oldest buildings in Tanah Rata and has lovely elegant lines. It was once used as a British hospital (as were a number of the old buildings here) as this was where people came to escape the heat and for those who were recovering from malaria. It became a fully-fledged Roman Catholic school in 1971. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvwPix4VVlgqM4f2d05KHc2VgjG7xc2ufMzcUyS2TEoESu0Cvhls9Om4CyAxD36-D0yAQUq8amXuVwVAhEOu_sd6BchVXCrhUWQxbIElqtaXFtnhmCFItjj5BOKw6bUDF1O5NNRlssNRK/s1600/DSCN2779.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvwPix4VVlgqM4f2d05KHc2VgjG7xc2ufMzcUyS2TEoESu0Cvhls9Om4CyAxD36-D0yAQUq8amXuVwVAhEOu_sd6BchVXCrhUWQxbIElqtaXFtnhmCFItjj5BOKw6bUDF1O5NNRlssNRK/s400/DSCN2779.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Funky fone</i><br />
I thought the public telephones here were cute - much nicer than ours back home.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-kl9L1nseNZGkpLwDMbrkxe3DmPephs8veIg2tn0YRG2OdP1suKJPUOU0VTQLWKFRTtlhFBJsekwMK7VSvnPx3i2qEcXfRCQOX-fX75u1GNtXRMipgwSpR03hEK3cwlrraoWZ3_ZHLNf/s1600/DSCN2814.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-kl9L1nseNZGkpLwDMbrkxe3DmPephs8veIg2tn0YRG2OdP1suKJPUOU0VTQLWKFRTtlhFBJsekwMK7VSvnPx3i2qEcXfRCQOX-fX75u1GNtXRMipgwSpR03hEK3cwlrraoWZ3_ZHLNf/s400/DSCN2814.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Town Clock</i><br />
Further down (think it was south but can't be sure as one's sense of direction gets a little hay wire) is the town clock which is situated in the Botanic Gardens which are on the right hand side of the main street. I've not been able to find any information about the clock so don't know when it was built. The time on the clock is wrong btw.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapd_-VNnkxELK7_r0ewCAQsJaJ3lOdGNXwNsAh-zw368Zj0HFGVu7cpBSlqZQWNQCiChkhdcYso7gmH1t8opgCXWH9yaYGGuJ0V143k2AwpI_n_ckMO4keWzmCxkRHzBEUGPtRuhNyuE0/s1600/Collages110.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapd_-VNnkxELK7_r0ewCAQsJaJ3lOdGNXwNsAh-zw368Zj0HFGVu7cpBSlqZQWNQCiChkhdcYso7gmH1t8opgCXWH9yaYGGuJ0V143k2AwpI_n_ckMO4keWzmCxkRHzBEUGPtRuhNyuE0/s400/Collages110.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Botanic Gardens, Tanah Rata</i><br />
The gardens were were a lovely surprise and the flowers! Beautiful, bold, bright colours and the layout was well thought out. I spotted several seats where you could sit in the shade and the paths were clean and well kept. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVTj9MuwdkqcV-zJX-w4emXE8_-nDnvMLQ6uItYjT_L5QUOASirI52lEp6DLynVv429qi1mpLQORnNjjlolodrNOBXj3UReXSe_v_3jJrZ9w9yE9zbre62YSwLVcaYNfgUpOUzPSZLN-k/s1600/DSCN2826.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVTj9MuwdkqcV-zJX-w4emXE8_-nDnvMLQ6uItYjT_L5QUOASirI52lEp6DLynVv429qi1mpLQORnNjjlolodrNOBXj3UReXSe_v_3jJrZ9w9yE9zbre62YSwLVcaYNfgUpOUzPSZLN-k/s400/DSCN2826.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Bridge</i><br />
This adorable little bridge is down the side from the side street. It had a look of a Dutch feel to it, although why that should be I don't know. It was sort of olde worldly. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQJ3_iESGkKd0RzEyC_myGTB-Bib-oKpVZRnM226nW2otQk6bcAgwdwwN6J3N5HzFlxwNH5yKfQpnwGwWSjYRO0of_hrKLbyer-1tn8rzDX6GPebLieDNIdiUPLXZAsBR4slWG6iBWB0z/s1600/DSCN2830.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQJ3_iESGkKd0RzEyC_myGTB-Bib-oKpVZRnM226nW2otQk6bcAgwdwwN6J3N5HzFlxwNH5yKfQpnwGwWSjYRO0of_hrKLbyer-1tn8rzDX6GPebLieDNIdiUPLXZAsBR4slWG6iBWB0z/s400/DSCN2830.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Botanic Gardens</i><br />
This metal arch is in keeping with the rest of the design - again that olde worlde look.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj921ZeAGjfhFPez-GUDM25CkoZgfuD4HW2nNcHtEVOTajSYGFghoMiL1NYgcwgRSgOHIH8o0ETudH_Xq-AQh-MYXR1x2dUWpdxUPXoC34UwcSImaOAp1TmORRnojazwQ2N62dMmtuEcuAO/s1600/DSCN2831.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj921ZeAGjfhFPez-GUDM25CkoZgfuD4HW2nNcHtEVOTajSYGFghoMiL1NYgcwgRSgOHIH8o0ETudH_Xq-AQh-MYXR1x2dUWpdxUPXoC34UwcSImaOAp1TmORRnojazwQ2N62dMmtuEcuAO/s400/DSCN2831.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Cameron Highlands</i><br />
Walking back along the main road, this very large structure stands out from across the street - this is on the "low" side. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvNWadxTLvrNDseYcHQ2MFEw2Z3RaPpy_EAR0NTArSw8toni47MiEiLseZBZXhRTdoephh8czanPcA74pdAncthlOubjdKpeDTCVaOBQEV3dIEO55TRQcr38j9ORvKEtIsXKjeSaRlzVH/s1600/DSCN2833.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvNWadxTLvrNDseYcHQ2MFEw2Z3RaPpy_EAR0NTArSw8toni47MiEiLseZBZXhRTdoephh8czanPcA74pdAncthlOubjdKpeDTCVaOBQEV3dIEO55TRQcr38j9ORvKEtIsXKjeSaRlzVH/s400/DSCN2833.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Marrybrown</i><br />
Back on the high side again, is Marrybrown's - Malaysia's answer to McDonalds. By this time it was late in the day, the weather had turned quite cool and it had started to rain a little so I stopped here and had tea - chicken and rice from memory. The food was delicious. I should add that I don't patronise McDondal's, Hungry Jack's or KFC. But I <i>did</i> eat at this "junk food" place. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhF0BGMmzdEOYMYohwNnQxbUTPrcVMzr8r74pYc6l3zk8uLHzo36OKHS8PMw5yyZSwEmw-lGfQoK2yUivR8j8J6uGwco0ivxxT8C94N_FsNAPWeYeekVdUvgXbfh9iaIGcH8bY9cwIEU/s1600/DSCN2840.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhF0BGMmzdEOYMYohwNnQxbUTPrcVMzr8r74pYc6l3zk8uLHzo36OKHS8PMw5yyZSwEmw-lGfQoK2yUivR8j8J6uGwco0ivxxT8C94N_FsNAPWeYeekVdUvgXbfh9iaIGcH8bY9cwIEU/s400/DSCN2840.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Coloured Tree</i><br />
I really love this tree and wondered how there could possibly such a tree in existence with the different colours. Closer inspection showed me that it was not actually a (living) tree at all - hence the different colours. If you enlarge the picture, you can see the Botanic Gardens in the backdrop on the left side. Further to the right, the number "one" sports part of the Malaysian flag, <br />
This was back towards the "low" side of the main road near the bus/taxi terminal - a cream brick place. The public loos were closed. Building was going on and hadn't been completed when I was here. As you can see from this photo, it is raining and fairly consistent too. I had left my brolly in my suitcase, wasn't wearing long sleeves so caught a taxi back. Didn't take long going by car. <br />
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I had a lovely walk around the town and thouroughly enjoyed the day. Back at the Cameronian Inn it was cups of hot tea sitting around the tables at the front entrance with Ganesh and three or four of the other guests. We just sat and talked and a good time was had by all.<br />
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So ended the first day in the Cameron Highlands.BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-76977149059442612452011-01-16T17:20:00.003+11:002011-06-14T01:35:02.234+10:0097. Cameronian InnWe arrived back at Cameronian Inn which didn't take very long at all.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqjCMSOE6I0bBxY3npgMDhjmx55udJcn-mQdrdxuO3HFnQ5NL9RL48iWsEOYj8BfPYiQBdTyI7MCFCgTJ741QAyXorLfDnKPlje_DmXV6hQj1Lxh-syIIN-g7WEOhtC2kKC3J51TOuIMV/s1600/DSCN2961.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqjCMSOE6I0bBxY3npgMDhjmx55udJcn-mQdrdxuO3HFnQ5NL9RL48iWsEOYj8BfPYiQBdTyI7MCFCgTJ741QAyXorLfDnKPlje_DmXV6hQj1Lxh-syIIN-g7WEOhtC2kKC3J51TOuIMV/s400/DSCN2961.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Cameronian Inn</i><br />
The Inn is in Mentigi Utama Street/Road and to get into the township, you just turn right, walk down a few minutes and turn left at Camelia Street and you come to the main road. The Tourist Info/Bus Station is sort of in the centre of the road.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN2BrPWXln0rYOU52YCqxqWoCMfUpC4OqcfAYfdc-mDRWtTR8UBO4JMpk_QqNcmAUJ0-8UEgWvO3x4IjYimpTaGrVis4ccrzXLMu4OK4-tAMvHXZ7PBckq-OCB_19YykRrU3A3ane4jN3/s1600/DSCN2857.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN2BrPWXln0rYOU52YCqxqWoCMfUpC4OqcfAYfdc-mDRWtTR8UBO4JMpk_QqNcmAUJ0-8UEgWvO3x4IjYimpTaGrVis4ccrzXLMu4OK4-tAMvHXZ7PBckq-OCB_19YykRrU3A3ane4jN3/s400/DSCN2857.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Front entrance</i><br />
When you walk through the front door, the dining area is to your right. There is self service tea and coffee available - but it's not free. Tea is 1.20 ringgit and coffee 1.60. They do have fresh milk which is good. You can also order a cup of tea or coffee but the price is higher. They work on the honour system here - you make your tea/coffee and write it on a piece of paper - name, room no, date, item and price and but it in the basket. There were also some delicious looking home made shortbread as well.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCOHrsrwnhpGRIOeDOkHzg4I7TJOQUAnI3wPSNapJhIl9JCRUgFRh7IU-qXhXDfoUZltU2aciReN8-cg5RTWf6K_telurVQFVVAucrVsSEGdNIG1J2v6_Zhr67vxFHuEDHeSHsDkZjhI/s1600/Malaysia+201015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERCOHrsrwnhpGRIOeDOkHzg4I7TJOQUAnI3wPSNapJhIl9JCRUgFRh7IU-qXhXDfoUZltU2aciReN8-cg5RTWf6K_telurVQFVVAucrVsSEGdNIG1J2v6_Zhr67vxFHuEDHeSHsDkZjhI/s400/Malaysia+201015.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Room 21</i><br />
This was my room, as I said it was very basic but is was also clean. It was quiet here and when you went out the door there was a huge undercover area with pot plants and other paraphernalia lying around and you just went in the back door to enter in. The shower had a good supply of hot water and there were fresh towels on the bed. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwX8g5X61p3Wg1Z4H2q9Uy97M2cMFD6LuIOphEc4b592Zuow1EDsLkEd3XRjZF0MdKzrw07j-CXYNajbpbR3SVVCl5DotRVykCJm8bOjch6ut20fAMfF3r-h94X-zsxNKWC4oXED8Wyl2/s1600/DSCN2856.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwX8g5X61p3Wg1Z4H2q9Uy97M2cMFD6LuIOphEc4b592Zuow1EDsLkEd3XRjZF0MdKzrw07j-CXYNajbpbR3SVVCl5DotRVykCJm8bOjch6ut20fAMfF3r-h94X-zsxNKWC4oXED8Wyl2/s400/DSCN2856.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Sitting room</i><br />
This was the sitting room which I only discovered not long before I left. Don't know how often it gets used. <br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-3FuxtQxwk9nATA6TYdA-9bKqiIOgrnaVWgGveaWEvXDXIvkgsqxy6B2oH7rQk1DcwBd23Yx-txLZOUa8b6iK86kUBc0qr56ho6WTWgxQotQwWDVGdDSfdoQIe7OHyQwU3z6cjIIqPJN/s1600/DSCN2855.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-3FuxtQxwk9nATA6TYdA-9bKqiIOgrnaVWgGveaWEvXDXIvkgsqxy6B2oH7rQk1DcwBd23Yx-txLZOUa8b6iK86kUBc0qr56ho6WTWgxQotQwWDVGdDSfdoQIe7OHyQwU3z6cjIIqPJN/s400/DSCN2855.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><b>Above:</b> <i>Cameronian Inn gardens</i><br />
This section is at right angles from the front door and there was a family with three or four children staying here.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK8Dl8wzHoPUaRRdehFqn1ms-mzF7qhoPxAkEu7wTyyf16-zJGzTQvHhwBYgEKiE5jajY9koLfEOVHoncnK2POhDxYex9lTYJjs4aLCLW04_mR8O41gOSQ3kpGtn1pUyKQk_Y34Raak0v/s1600/DSCN2960.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixK8Dl8wzHoPUaRRdehFqn1ms-mzF7qhoPxAkEu7wTyyf16-zJGzTQvHhwBYgEKiE5jajY9koLfEOVHoncnK2POhDxYex9lTYJjs4aLCLW04_mR8O41gOSQ3kpGtn1pUyKQk_Y34Raak0v/s400/DSCN2960.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
</a></div><b>Above:</b> <i>Alfresco</i><br />
This is in the "front yard" of the place.BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2781603096401988697.post-17407641327602140202011-01-14T20:02:00.003+11:002011-01-29T14:26:07.934+11:0096. Kang Traveller's Lodge - WarningI had pre-booked two nights accommodation at Kang Traveller's Lodge (formerly Daniel's Lodge). The bus dropped me off in the main street, I asked directions and walked up the hilly slope. From the street, the outside looks like an old house with an overgrown garden. On entering, I was shocked to meet the man in charge - he was naked except for a pair of jeans - bare chested and bare foot. I should have realised then and turned tail. Alas, stupidly I didn't. (Yes, we all know things with hindsight don't we?)<br />
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<b>Dirty and disgusting</b><br />
The room which was "reserved" - there were two he said, had no bathroom facilities. Walking through the place there were open drains/sewers for the water and the whole place looked (and smelt) disgusting. The toilets were dirty and disgusting - a hole in the ground, a bucket and not much else. Plenty of water all over the floors though. <br />
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The first room he showed me was terrible, never in my life had I seen such a hovel. I told him no, was there anything else? He took me outside and we turned right (from the street, the room is on the left) there were a couple of rooms made of flimsy panelboard. He opened the door and my heart sank - the room stank, the window didn't close properly, there was a one inch gap under the door, there was barely enough room to walk around the bed and there was no power point. As this was all there was and not having been in a situation like this before, I took it. <br />
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<b>Mildew on the bedding</b><br />
I handed over my credit card and he said no credit card, cash only. Now, had I been smart, I should have said I didn't have any cash on me and would need to go to a bank. Then gone and looked for alternative accommodation. Foolishly I handed over 25 MYR. I went back to the room to unpack and discovered the bedding and mattress were mouldy and had mildew on them.<br />
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This was worse than I thought. I went and found the tourist information counter (It's where the buses pick you up) and explained what had happened and asked the lady could she recommend a place. She said "We never recommend Kang to anybody, it is very dirty and disgusting." They were her words. She suggested Cameronian Inn - 40 MYR for single room with share toilet, 65 MYR for single room with private toilet/shower. I chose the private one. <br />
I was given Room 21, you have to go outside out the back door which is all under cover, the room was on the right. Very basic, but clean. Ran my fingers along the bedside table - no dust. The owner Ganesh had his driver come and drive me back to Kangs to get my suitcase.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3ZNshrOBmk7tjLdJS2uxzYpUefkozU3VEhdCOrestsdDtcRvsXmgjKUhpTZn-ZVs-FCy9lkQPmGQrQGMn7cN8eeCKf3_ZWX-GCImhbo8ocHayJYPsHDRC1Dl0uUBKxgYWCJpxHzPD-T/s1600/Collages112.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3ZNshrOBmk7tjLdJS2uxzYpUefkozU3VEhdCOrestsdDtcRvsXmgjKUhpTZn-ZVs-FCy9lkQPmGQrQGMn7cN8eeCKf3_ZWX-GCImhbo8ocHayJYPsHDRC1Dl0uUBKxgYWCJpxHzPD-T/s400/Collages112.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br />
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<b>No refund</b><br />
The bare chested fellow looked at me and I apologised and said I wasn't going to be staying here, the bed had mildew etc. Never have I seen a face change so quickly. I wondered later if this had happened before. Anyway, we collected my suitcase and I asked politely for my money back. No he snarled, no refund. Why asks I? Because it has already gone through. I knew he was lying - there was no computer, just a piece of paper. Look I reasoned, my suitcase was only here for less than half and hour etc. but no salada. Nothing doing. You want refund - you go see boss. <br />
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I did try the "boss" who is at their hotel in the main street. The fellow there was even ruder and the "boss lady" was always conveniently "in Ipoh."BlossomFlowerGirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00771668346318423898noreply@blogger.com0