Sunday, September 25 – Kuala Lumpur to Melaka

Kuala Lumpur to Melaka.  We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before boarding our bus for the drive to Melaka (Malacca). The tropical scenery is becoming very familiar so there was little new along the way, but Rithzuan entertained us with stories about golfing and higher education. His first job was as a caddy and he did well at that and got into the tour guide business as a result of his contacts. His eldest brother went to U of Texas at El Paso on a scholarship and didn’t come back to Malaysia for about 20 years. Meanwhile he travelled all over North America. He also explained to us that the arrows on our hotel ceilings are nothing to do with emergency exits – they point to Mecca.
When we arrived in Melaka we left the bus and walked through the busy crowded streets admiring the crafts, stopped at a Chinese Temple and went to a café for lunch and a beer. A bit of shopping went on. Then on up the hill to the St. Paul Church ruins from Portuguese times (16th century) and back to the bus. We checked into the Renaissance Hotel and headed for the pool. We are all always hot and sweaty and so welcome a dip in cool water.
Dinner at a nearby restaurant (Flavours – Nyonya Style) was very good. Lots of interesting dishes and a really interesting local dessert.
Afterward a group went in search of the night market, but found nothing to attract our attention. Frankly, it didn’t feel too safe out there and Larry and I got separated from the rest, so it was a great relief to get back to the hotel. 

Photos 25 Sep