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Malacca was first discovered by a prince from Java in the 13th century.  He ruled this area until 1511 when the Portuguese took it over.   The Portuguese held onto Malacca with its access to trading via the Malacca Straits until 17th century.   There is a church still standing which dates back to the Portuguese time.  After nearly 300 years the Dutch invaded Malacca in 1597 and they held onto Malacca until 1797, when they handed it over peacefully to the British.  There are a number of Dutch and British buildings still standing in Malacca.   The British time of rule in Malacca and the rest of Malaya is on the whole looked on favourably as they introduced rubber plantations, palm tree oil and tea as well as tin mining which still add a lot to the economy even today.  Malacca is a very pleasant place to visit full of history and n ow protected as a historical place.  Sadly the Malacca Straits have moved further away from the historical centre through land reclamation.  So the view from the Officers

Club is no more.  We enjoyed it very much here, the people are warm and live quite simple lives.  Salaries are not high but they are very welcoming.  We really liked it.

Quite an adventuress trip today to Malacca which is famous for its trade in spices.  This area has been run by various powers since the 1600s.  First the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British.

The train journey was like going back in time,    Very slow, one line and it chugged along for 5 hours from Singapore.  I thought it would never end.  Halfway through a sweet lady came around with a cardboard box giving all customers in Firat Class some banana cake and water.  Very nteresting countryside, with a lot less development than Singapore.   People are very friendly.  We strolled out and had a nice Chinese meal at a bistro which was quite modern with a lovely lady singing some of Shamia Twain’s songs very well indeed.  It was very atmospheric and relaxing.  This is a huge culture change from Singapore, and reminds me of Changi 40 (or more) years ago!!!   Our meal with dessert and 3 beers cost the equivalen of £20.  Amazing.  Off to bed now as up sine 5.30 this morning. xx

Had a great couple of days here.   Suffered from a bit of jet lag but 13 hrs sleep last night has helped!  Botanic gardens were stunning.  Especially the orchids.  Only 5 dollars to see them  (£2.50).  Rest is free.  Then after a short break in pool it was off to the a Raffles hotel for a Gin Sling.  I wasn’t crazy about long bar, bit steamy and smelly for my liking.  I enjoyed mine in the lovely bar downstairs and it was freshly made.    Dinner at the Quays.  Today we went to China town which I loved.  Amazing bargains.  £5 for beach dress. Pretty hair slide – £1.50.  I have paid £12 for same in UK.  Tonight lovely dinner in the Marina Bay Sands, really looking forward to that.  Early start tomorrow going to Malacca by train.  X

What a lovely vibrant city.  We are just beside Clarke quay which is very near to where Raffles is reputed to have landed in 1819. We walked all along the quay tonight and stopped in a little bar over looking the river and sipped a Margharita!  We enjoyed the buzz and bustle of the river taxis going by.  Had a Chinese dinner at a nice river front restaurant where I took some photos.  Just off to bed now at just after 11pm here but only 3pm in UK. Very strange.  Chat more tomorrow. Photo of our hotel and the Quay xxx

I have discovered a really great author:  Ann Rule, I have been listening to Dead by Sunset and I did not realise at first that it was based on a True Crime.  It is so full of detail and the story is riveting.  I am really thrilled that I have found this excellent author.  I used Audible and it was narrated Richard Ferrone who is one of my favourite narrators.  Would highly recommend this book.

Today, lots of packing to do, I am using luggage bags purchased from Lakeland.  We will need these as we are travelling about quite a lot and this will keep the clothes organised and clean!  I have just discovered that the electrical plugs used in Singapore and Malaysia are the same as the UK ones so that is very good news.