Sunday, December 23, 2007

MALACCA - THE HISTORICAL STATE

21/12/2007 - 22/12/2007


I just came back from Malacca, in Malay - Melaka, two days ago. It was a two days, one night trip. It wasn't a family holiday, it was a trip to my sister's friend's hometown which is - Malacca.


I did not know that my sister and her friends have planned the trip. I only came to know about it when my sister told me she was going off to Malacca on the 21st. But how did I end up in Malacca?? haha..=)

My mum asked me whether I wanted to go since I was free and the last time I visited Malacca was when I was in my mum's womb. haha..=) So I agreed because I know that Malacca is a 'very' Historical State and there must be numerous beautiful 'ruins' and buildings that I can capture in pictures!!



The not-so-nice-journey to Malacca



We took a KTM train down to KL, from there my sister met her friend, and we took the LRT to Pudu raya to take the bus down to Malacca. I absolutely did not like the walk from the LRT station to Puduraya, worst still when the day was a sunny one. I - to be more specific - all of us, my sister's friend, my sister, and I were all sweating because of the heat and at Puduraya everybody seemed to be puffing smoke everywhere.

Thank God it was a 1 and a half hours drive to Malacca. I would have definitely vaporized if the trip was the same as Cameron Highlands!


Man or woMAN, let me tell you this, Malacca is just the place where you can actually stuff yourself with food, yummy yummy food. For me it was simply fabulous cause I love EATING!!! haha..=D

What could be better than EATING and SHOPPING?? for me it is EATING, SHOPPING, and taking pictures all the way in Malacca.hehehe..

Our schedule was SUPER PACK! We had so many places to visit and so much famous, delicious, must-not-miss Malaccan food to eat! The whole day we were just out eating and sight-seeing the historical buildings.


These were the places we visited (in the following order):




- the all -time famous Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball - this style of chicken rice is fantastic. If you have not tried, please do go and taste it!

- A' Famosa - I am pretty sure all of you know this historical site. Many of you have learned about it in your history books about the Portuguese settlements. I do not need to explain further.


- the Church of Saint Paul - This is another prominent historical site in Malacca. The place was terribly rundown. In it laid the gravestones that lined the walls of the church. Besides that, in the heart of this church laid the body of St. Francis Xavier. Outside the church stood a statue of St. Paul.


- Istana Kesultanan Melaka - In this palace were replicas of all the famous sultans and legendary warriors of Malacca, the clothes worn by the kings and queens in those days, the weapons used, and prominent stories that occurred during the Sultanate.

- the Forbidden Garden - This is a beautiful place. The grass is fresh green and so clean, so much so, my sister's friend laid down on the grass to rest.Just like in Hollywood and Bollywood!! haha..=) It was green, green green everywhere.. All kinds of flowers and trees grow in the Forbidden Garden.

- Cendol Shop - durian cendol! You must go for this when you are in Malacca. (Yes, Joel, my brother, I know you don't agreeeeee. Hehehe=)

- Stadhuys Square - one of the unusual characteristics of the buildings is: the buildings here are all red...actually more of maroon in color. Here is situated the Church of Christ Melaka and the Clock Tower. The buildings in this place actually reflected the Dutch architecture.

- the Chuch of Christ Melaka - the interior of this church is beautiful. The chairs are woven rattan, on the floor are placed long stretches of cushion which are meant to be knelt on while praying. are No pictures of the inside of the church can be taken because cameras are strictly not allowed in. =(

- Jonker Walk/ Street - this is the place where we spent most of our time walking and looking at the antique goods. There are so many stuffs sold along the streets. There are all kinds of stuffs: key chains, earrings, FOOD!!, clothings, shoes.. you just name it. It is like a pasar malam..packed!! Though it was awfully tiring this place is really great for a shutterbug like me!


- Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall - bought our movie tickets in this shopping mall.After we bought our tickets, we immediately rushed home to wash up and get changed. For us, time was precious. We could not afford to waste time. As soon as we had done we went for dinner!!! Eat again!!! hahaha..=)


- I am so sorry, I forgot the name of the shop..forgive me..=) - I just love the "O jian" the dish with the oyster, egg, and flour. It was cheap and the portion was big. Now when I am writing this, my mouth is watering. The "O jian" was real good!

- Movie Time: National Treasure - two thumbs up for the movie. It is really exciting. The show is funny, thrilling, and romantic. Nicolas Cage is one hilarious homo sapien. I like the way the secret codes and clues are hidden especially on Queen Victoria's table. Have you watched the movie? Hope you did!


- Our last destination of the day: Restoran Capitol Satay - Ohhh..the satay celup was FANTASTIC!!! Joel and his family told me that when I go to Malacca, I must go to this Restoran that sells Satay Celup. Best Satay I have eaten so far, and very different from Klang's satay!! Very different. Instead of beef, ayam, and kambing, this satay celup in Malacca consists of prawns, abalone, squid, fishball and other seafood! Ahh..I absolutely feel like eating again. Now I know why they said that Satay Celup is a must-try 'cuisine'. Because it is a MUST!! haha


We were so exhausted when we reached home at 2:00 AM!

I shall stop here! That's all. This was our first-fun-filled-packed-day! We left Malacca at 9 something the next morning. I am glad to be back but I sure want to go to Malacca again!


I took some nice shots for you to see. Enjoy yourselves!



the Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball






Proclamation of Independence Hall




A typical well-decked trishaw
the


A'Famosa - the well-known Portuguese fort








side view of the A'Famosa






interior of the church


gravestones lined the walls of the church






statue of St. Paul outside the St. Paul's Church






the wall of the church has become so corroded over the centuries





a relic of 1511



Istana Kesultanan Melaka






- the next few pictures were taken in the Forbidden Garden. -












Church of St. Francis Xavier


Durian cendol on a sunny, hot day!!



Christ Church of Melaka











Jonker Street / Walk







a complicated tree






I call this place: the Haunted Street! But actually the red lights are the Christmas lights. This is the place where all the buldings are red in color.


a night club - don't worry none of us set foot into it..=D


the all - famous Satay Celup Restaurant


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That is all for the Malacca Trip! Before I end this post I would want to take this opportunity to say a SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:


Grace Gan! She is the one who took us around Malacca. She is our sweet "tour guide". Without her, we would have got lost in Malacca. A great blessing you have been to all of us! Hope to you see again! God bless!


Secondly, I want to thank my elder sister. You might be thinking why am I thanking her..well simply because she was willing to take me along with her. Not many sisters would do that. Am I right?? Sisters normally prefer to go out with their friends and would not really like the brothers to tag alonnggg. Eventhough she kept asking me, You want to come meh? Don't go la! Stay at home! But I know deep down in my dear sister's heart she wanted me to go along. So I went. ahahaha..jk jk. Thank You Jie Jie!!


And thirdly, Wee Kiat. Alright just a abit of intro. He is Grace's and my sister's class rep. He is the one who bought the bus tickets for us. He is just simply so BLUR. I kept laughing when he started acting blur. That guy always smiles and gets bullied by Grace and my sister. Nice knowing you, man!




- the Great Triangle -
from left: Yi Wen, Grace, and Wee Kiat


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I'M LOVING MY HOLIDAYS!!!!



Thank you Lord for a safe and wonderful trip!

That is all..Christmas is tomorrow!! Wuhoo! I am so excited! God bless..a good day to you!

Before I forget:


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!
I know it is kinda early, but I better wish you all, just in case I forget!



Sincerely: dpyc

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- Every good gifts comes from the Father -

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