Melaka (World Heritage Site)

It seems to be that time where I update you with what ive been getting up to...I am sat on a step leading into St Pauls Hill church?! It is so hot and I have just eaten an ice cream of spectacular colours, but alas this didn't make it taste as wonderful as it looked

I arrived on Tuesday 14th sept with Milo and Fay. We were met off the bus by a guy who owns a hostel, which is of course where we ended up staying; Sunnys Guesthouse (this is no different to a hostel except perhaps catering towards couples more?) which is basic but for 10.80 ringitt (£2) I can't complain ESP because there is hot water and movies for free at ten O'Clock! The management, a very nice couple with a cute young son and a sweet grandad (I think) look after me

Tuesday was spent exploring the city, going to the main square where you can rent a driver to cycle you around, like a rickshaw but they play music and decorate them elaboratley, very fun to watch!

Then onto China Town for a cup of tea, made in a ritualistic manner. then curry for dinner.

Food wise malaysia is quite spicy. Malaysia has a lot of dishes that it's famous for I think the main one being, certainly in Melaka, chicken rice (Nazi Ayam). When I ate in China town thefood was similar to China, but being a Muslim nation predominantley, they put squid in alot of dishes without you ordering it, instead of pork. I ate on the outskirts of little India and had a medley of food on a banana leaf- so so so tasty, my fave meal yet!

Culturally Malaysia has three influences; Indian, Chinese and Malay. All three are classed as Malaysia but dependant upon origin the segregation occurs. Malaysian government are trying to bring everyone together - it was Malaysia day yesterday but nothing much happened - but I'm not so sure how well it's working. I noticed this seperation in Singapore too...

Wednesday was spent exploring more, visiting the maritime museum which is actually a ship!

Then climbing the hill to St Pauls Hill church:

Thursday
It is so tempting to stay here longer but since I had a lazy day yesterday, catching up on sleep, lunch then Internet (blog, research etc) then I think today would be similar and I don't want to waste my time here...I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. I found it hard getting to sleep last night since the fan was so noisy and my mind was active. Even listening to my iPod didn't really help. In the end I got a few winks and felt reasonably ok this morning, if somewhat sleepy. Got my waterproof coat so I should survive the trip to the bus stop down the road and from there it's all buses so hopefully my bags won't get drowned.

Friday I am off to the cameron highlands, a village called tamah rata. It's the place to go to see tea plantations, strawberry fields and do lots of walking. Climate a bit colder I think so if it keeps raining like it is here I may well think I'm in the UK! Anyway, time to gather my things and head for the bus stop (it's still raining)...