Melaka

Meleka was okay, but maybe not the best place for us to start. Not a huge amount to do, though the hostel was good with a lovely roof garden for relaxing in the evenings.

Managed a river trip which will be nice in a few years time when all the work is done, but at the moment parts of it are a bit like a building site. They are extending the river walkway all along the centre of Melaka and though it looks like it will be lovely you can't help but wonder where the people who are living in the 'illegal extensions' of the shack houses along the river bank will go to.

Also went to the Museum of Enduring Beauty which looks at what various cultures 'endure' to be 'beautiful'. From scarification and the hill-tribe women who extend their necks by wearning bronze rings, to corsets and cosmetic surgery.

On leaving Melaka we had an all singing taxi driver - Albert - who, during the course of the 10 minute journey to the bus station managed to sing, do impressions (crying like a baby, laughing like a baby, impressions of different nationalities) and tell us jokes. He is, apparently, the Christmas and New Year Eve entertainment at Traveller's lodge hostel where we were
staying. A big character, but glad we hadn't booked him all the way to KL.