After the end of the 100-day mourning period for Aric's father, we decided it was time to make a short holiday trip to Melaka. We have visited Melaka numerous times, usually we stay in the Baba House. This time, for a change, we booked a room in the Puri hotel, also in the Heerenstraat. Slightly more expensive. Nice interior.
It has become a tradition too have lunch in the popular Jonker 88 restaurant, famous for its laksa melaka and cendol. In the late afternoon we walked around the town. It is still a nice place to visit, but many of the old shops have been renovated and changed into galleries or restaurants , often loosing their character. The Melaka river has been cleaned, the river cruise is a popular attraction now, but the monitor lizards have disappeared. The Jonker street night market has become very touristy. But I like the activities going on as usual, like the line dancing and the karaoke.
We had dinner at a seafood stall.
The next morning, after a substantial breakfast at Puri, we walked around the town again. We were surprised to find a statue of Datuk Wira Dr. Gan Boon Leong, Mr. Universe, Mr. Asia, Mr. Malaysia, Mr. Melaka, the father of bodybuilders in Malaysia. Apparently now a prominent local politician, LOL.
We also found signs for pedestrian crossings, and the heritage part of Melaka has been declared a smoke-free zone. Good!
Another of our traditions is to have lunch in the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice shop of Chung Wah, but we arrived there too late (meaning after 11:30 am!), there was a huge queue already. So we decided for simple but very good noodles in a small stall. Nice that these places still exist in Melaka!
