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Published: January 28th 2007
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Emily and I left the little island of Singapore on Saturday and headed into Malaysia. We learned to find out EXACTLY when the buses run, because by the time we made it to the bus terminal we had to wait a little over two hours for the next bus to Melaka. And of course, it started pouring, which seemed to be a theme for us in Sinapore. We were told the bus was about three hours...six hours later we arrived in Melaka. (Never trust the time they tell you - usually add a couple of hours to it and you'll be fine!) We had to get off the bus to go through immigration to get out of Singapore - then five mintues later when we had crossed
"no man's land" - the stretch of water between the island of Singapore and Malaysia - and had to get off the bus again to go through immigration there. They made us carry our bags through immigration as well (instead of just keeping them stowed on the bus), but nobody looked at them or anything. We were a little nervous when we saw a British couple being escorted away into this little office, but
thankfully nothing happened to us!
We didn't have a place to stay when we first arrived in Melaka, but luckily someone from a hostel that was in Emily's guidebook was at the bus station so we just decided to stay there. It's called Sunny's Inn...honestly, when we got there i really just wanted to go home - we were totally lucky to have a really nice place in Singapore, and this was waaaayyyy different. I'm used to it now, but the shower and the bathrooms made me a little queasy. PLUS i have now had my first experience with bed bugs! Thankfully i don't have any bite marks on me or anything (Emily unfortunately does) but i woke up and my nice silk sleep sheet was covered in these weird black smudges. We didn't figure out until later that it was bed bugs (after noticing Emily's bites and then inspecting our mattresses!) so we're going to move to a different room later on. Also, my bag will be on a hot bus for a few hours tomorrow so that should kill the remainder of the bugs in case any got on my stuff. I was NOT happy!!!!
But
anyways, life goes on. Today was about 29 degrees, but it was a bit cloudy so we didn't really get the full effects of the heat. We did quite a bit of exploring around Chinatown, checked out a few temples and mosques, old churches, etc. What really strikes me as strange here is that on one street you have buildings and stuff that are really worn down, in need of repair and the like - then on the next street you get this totally ultra modern mall and these really nice stores. It's just weird. Also, almost everything is in English (signs and stuff) although when you try to talk to some local people, they have no idea what you are saying!
The food here is pretty interesting - we're trying to stay away from Western food (at least for the time being, until i get a craving or something!) I'm definitely not used to eating spicy food or noodles for breakfast. Today we found a place that had waffles, so that was a nice change. I think the combination of heat, sometimes suspect water/ice, and the different (but mostly yummy) food is definitely taking some getting used to.
Don't worry, i am being careful!!!
Another note - i had my first experience with a squat toilet today!! i haven't taken a picture of one yet, but i will, because they're definitely NOT something that you see in North America. It's basically just this porcelin hole in the ground, and you just squat over it and do your thing. It's a bit harder than it looks! It might take me a while to perfect the technique 😊 Some of the restrooms here you have to pay to get in (like 20 cents). That sucks! I definitely miss free toilets at home!
Tonight we're probably going to head down to the night market in Chinatown - i need myself a watch! For whatever reason i didn't bring one from home. That is definitely one thing that i should have brought - i've been ok with everything else so far. Tomorrow Emily and I are heading off in separate ways for a few days - i'm heading to Kuala Lumpur for three nights, and then i'll meet her at Pulau Pangkor (island beaches, yay!). Can't wait to visit the Batu Cave and the Patronas Towers!!
Love Linds 😊
ps i can't seem to get photos on at this place, so i'll try and get them on as soon as i can!
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Aloha Joe
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Squat Toilets
Hey Lindsay The first experience with those STs is always cause for a photo! Just remember no bare feet and you'll be fine! Travel Safe ... Aloha Joe B