What can I say about Melaka; it is loud, full of tourists, very like Siem Reap, busy and very enjoyable. Yesterday on my way to the airport the taxi driver said, “You will love Melaka, it gives you the history of Malaysia.” He was right the reason this place is full of tourists etc etc is that there is so much to see - very like Siem Reap.

Started the day by getting up early to walk to the floating mosque, it has been built on an island that is being developed to be the new tourist attraction!! I walked through beautiful new complexes that were completely or very nearly empty. Chinese money and only Chinese businesses so far. Mosque was lovely but closed. Unlike the rest of SE Asia Malaysia doesn’t wake up early most things open at 10am - including cafes and I hadn’t had breakfast!!

Came into town and had breakfast and then walked and walked - two museums, 3 temples (Hindu, Chinese and Buddhist) 2 mosques, 1 palace and a garden.

I now have a very basic understanding of the history of Malaysia and the one fact I will share is: the first person to sail around the world and return to his native country was Malaysian from Melaka(according to Malaysian history). Back in 15..... he was captured by the Portuguese and sold as a slave to Ferdinand Magellan. Now as we all know he sailed around the world - or at least his ship did, Magellan died en route but his slave didn’t. He was granted his freedom at the end of the journey and returned to Malaysia - not many people know that!!

The other thing I love about this town is the street art, it is everywhere.