Melaka --aka Malacca. How do you say that again?

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When I was planning the trip, I decided that I'd like to visit this town with two names soon after we left Singapore. Logan determined it was somewhere between 3-10 hours by bus, but it didn't look too far on the map. I read good reviews and quickly added it to must visit list determining we would figure out the details of how we would get there a little later. I booked the hotel based on reviews and few google images and hoped for the best.

Since I determined I would like to come to Melaka, I've been trying to figure out how to say it. Actually, it's a bit less intimidating than most of the other cities in Malaysia, but for some reason I was having a hard time "getting it". I keep wanting to make it a long e, but it's a short e, long a - adding a silent c- like "loc", hard ca-like caw. I get nervous each time I attempt to say it, for some strange reason. Maybe because the Malay people all smile really big and then I see them decide if they should correct me or not. Some do, most give it to me, until I laugh back with a tickling tummy and ask for help. I repeat it correctly, then promptly forget the next time around. It's silly the things that freak us out. Like I am perfectly comfortable pointing and grunting and asking for something in a hawker stall (more on this later), but I have a panic attack when I have to say "Melaka." I think it might be the thing I remember most from this trip. Logan of course "got" it perfect right away. I think he is tired of teaching me. I'm getting it better now.



We arranged a early bus not really knowing what to expect. We have traveled on every nature of bus throughout our travels, but this bus was very comfortable. It said, "snoozer seat" on the side of it and we knew we would be fine. It was leaking water (lots of rain yesterday) the middle of bus, but we were in the back, so no worries. It was a bit of an adventure moving out of Singapore customs, into Mayaysia immigration on the road, but all in all very easy. We just followed the locals and acted like pros. The rest stops on Malaysian roads are something else. Sales people set us little booths and sale things and people seem to just hang out there. The bath rooms are much like the ones in rural Italy, with a little whole in the floor to squat over and require 20 cents for use sometimes. No T.P. provided, but a little hose to clean up with.



(excerpt via Logan)

Booking the bus ride I was only able to arrange a drop off at a hotel near the Majestic Malacca. It was only through trial and error and google maps that I was able to determine that maybe we would get close. The bus stopped on a main road with traffic speeding by within 2 feet of the open bus door and undercarriage luggage storage. Jamie was off first, and was greeted by the traffic moving only inches from her feet. We both grabbed bags and moved quickly off the road between the bus and sidewalk with the bus pulling away and only 18" to walk . Toes in tact, we walking into a nearby hotel and asked the location of the Majestic. We were happy to find out that it was within sight and a stones throw away. Once back outside with wheely bag in tow we quickly realized that we were not in the USA like protected culture of Singapore. Navigating to the hotel included dodging cars scooters and 2 foot deep leg breaking open gutters (see picture of Jamie) and drainage holes along every sidewalk. Looking around it seemed as though we could not possibly be near the hotel we booked which received such great reviews. The buildings were without windows or in some cases walls missing. Trash was all around. Jamie was saying "this does not look right".



But let me tell you, this Hotel is something else. We walked through the door unsure of what to expect, but the welcome we recieved was something else. They gave us cold towels (we needed them as we were wet from the short walk over- the humidity is crazy), they wanted us to sit and they brought the paperwork over to us. The staff, including Ben the hotel manager, chatted with us like we were their long lost relatives and brought us drinks, arranged our day when we mentioned what we would like to see and proceeded with a two hour history lesson on the people of Malaysia and the Hotel Building- which is actually a 90 year old residence and really beautiful. At the end of the two hours we were on a first name basis with them and they have continued to address us by "Miss Jamie, Mr. Logan" since. We were blown away when they upgraded us to their best suite (Tranquil Suite, no upcharge. They escorted us to our rooms an served us tea there after a two hour welcome in the lobby. If you are planning a trip to Melaka definately check out http://http://www.majesticmalacca.com/. We are loving every minute of it.



We spent the afternoon walking the river and checking out the oldest traditional Maylay village in Malaysia. It's called Kampung Martin. There are 22 memeber of one family all living in this little area and you can actually go into their houses and check it out. We will do that part today after a historical walking tour - a free perk from the awesome hotel.



This has been a wonderful little stop along our journey. We are so pleased we came to Melaka--no matter how you say it.

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Photos

Bus 1
Getting on Bus

inside Bus
Snoozer Seats

Majestic Hotel
View of Hotel

Open Gutter
Jamie going into open gutter

Kampung Martin House
The Kampung Martin House in Melaka

Kampong Martin Entrance
Overhead entrance to Kampong

Suite So Sweet
Jamie trying out the tub