Melaka, Singapore, an odd situation, and finally…there and back again

After a seven hour train journey, we found ourselves back in Melaka, a wonderful place that we have visited before.

The train arrived later than expected and we ended up in the only taxi available, a rather clapped-out vehicle that didn’t look terribly road worthy.

Given the heat, and the fact this car had no air con, the driver had the windows down for the duration of the journey which resulted in the mosquitoes eating me alive. The car seemed to be crawling with the things. I kid you not, I ended up with about thirty bites, which when added to the other forty I was sporting….still, we were grateful to arrive in one piece.

It was so relaxing hanging out in Melaka, as there was no pressure to do anything much, so we mainly played-out around the river. So many homes and eateries here sport the most marvelous murals.

If you ever visit, Jonker street is the place to go if you’re looking for antiques. Some of these shops are basically flea markets, filled with treasure, while others have priceless items with equally fancy price tags.

The mix of Churches, Temples and Shrines is interesting.

 

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple-Green Cloud Temple

This is the oldest functioning Temple in Malaysia, dedicated to Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy. It’s devoted equally to the three doctrines, Taoism, Confucianism and Chinese-Buddhism.

There is an entire area filled with the most beautiful Shrines and Temples. All are invited to enter.

Our hotel is in the background of this photo.

Each morning we were awoken by street karaoke. A couple of guys played a melodic song repeatedly, it was fabulous seeing how many people gave it a whirl! That song is still running on a loop in my head! I deeply regret not giving the karaoke a go, don’t have the language, but could have winged it…ooohs…and aaahs!

After Melaka, we jumped a bus to Singapore, this took longer than expected, but that was entirely our fault.

While at the bus station, a young Danish girl, travelling alone, asked me if I would keep an eye on her luggage while she bought something to eat. I had no idea at the time how long I would have to look after that luggage.

 Sculpture, Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator, Singapore

The bus tootled off and after a rest stop, came to a halt at a bus station. The Danish girl hopped off, along with lots of other people. All her belongings were dotted around her seat. To our astonishment, the driver suddenly revved up and drove off. Hubs approached the driver, telling him he had left the Danish girl behind with all her worldly goods still on the bus, and he grunted so hubs assumed he was aware of the problem.

Nothing happened though, he just kept on driving! I was getting seriously worried so began packing the girl’s possessions. Her purse and passport were in her bag so I had her name, and phone number, as that was on her luggage.

Anyway, long story short, given we were now approaching the Malaysian and Singapore borders, the situation was fast becoming ridiculous so I had to take a rather stident approach with the driver by refusing to get off the bus at customs unless he resolved the problem.

Throughout the bus trip, hubs and I, who where seated at the back of the bus, along with the Danish girl, heard a relentless snoring coming from a drawn curtain behind us.

We presumed that this was the back-up driver, so we started hollering at the curtain, until, eventually, a more mature guy emerged with more English than the driver.

Pigeons paying their respects at a tomb during a thunderstorm.

Driver no 2 lent me his phone, and I called the girl, but it went to voicemail. Thankfully, the bus finally stopped and both drivers disappeared for a few hours, then off we went again, this time knowing the girl was sorted.

Once through customs, a highly efficient lady arrived on the bus to collect the girl’s luggage, she also asked us if any was in the hold, and given we’d been guardians of it, initially, way back when the Danish girl first asked me to keep an eye on it, we knew exactly what her enormous rucksack looked like…so that, and all the rest of her kit was sent back to her as she was catching the next bus through immigration.

Oh these trees, branches that become roots….astonishing…

That was a relief….aint life odd eh? How strange that the three of us ended up sitting together at the back of the bus, if she had been sitting elsewhere on the bus we would never have known she was left behind. Life is so full of odd coincidences!

We were only in a park in Singapore!

And Finally…..

Many miles have been traveled and walked, many sights seen, copious amounts of beer drunk, even more copious amounts of noodles eaten, even by my standards, in every which way!

Eyes have been opened, risks have been taken, and comfort zones have been cast asunder, albeit sometimes kicking and screaming!

Coming home is wonderful, home always is, however grim, grey and COLD

Thank you, dear readers, for reading and commenting on my little travel journal, I would have forgotten half of it by the time I got home, as I always do, as this is the third year we’ve done this, so this time it will be good to look back on. There were a lot of posts and I really didn’t expect so many of you to take the time and trouble to read them and be kind enough to leave a comment. How lovely!

Hoping to catch up with you all soon. xxx

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40 Comments

  1. Well, I finally got to this very important post. Thank you for some wonderful vicarious traveling… wouldn’t want it any other way at this time of my life. But it is good to latch on to folks who really know how to do it.

    • Why thank you Shimon, it was a grand adventure, it’s good seeing how people live in other parts of the world and good for me to get out of my comfort zone at times. I do have some wonderful memories.xxxx

  2. Thanks Anne, I’m so glad I managed to post while travelling, I never get around to it once home, life takes over again and so many things are forgotten. It was a marvelous trip, much to dwell on for a while, I keep having the most astonishing vivid dreams of the places we visited, odd given I didn’t dream while travelling. So glad that poor girl was sorted, it was worrying at the time! xxx

  3. I’ve been reading your wonderful travelogue in my email, but until now haven’t had a moment to comment! I’m glad you decided to post as you went along rather than all at the end. And I’m very very glad you made it home safely with your head and heart full of good memories.

    So fortunate for Danish girl to have two kind travelers help her out! No telling what would’ve happened without your interventions.

  4. I have just been catching up with you as somehow I missed a few of your last posts when they were published. What an amazing trip you have had with so many memories stored up. I have enjoyed reading about your adventures and seeing the fabulous photos. I am glad you are safely home now.

    • Glad you enjoyed the trip Chloris, it was good to record some of it as I have far too many senior moments and forget so much by the time I get home! It did feel like a grand adventure, and now I’m home, wrapped in a blanket with a large glass of white reminiscing! It’s always good to be home, however COLD!!!xxx

  5. You are such a good and kind person Dina,
    the world is a better place with you in it.

    Those mosquito bites frightened me, I am allergic and went into a state of panic just reading that. Hope they are less troublesome now.

    Beautiful photographs…..lovely to see other places through your eyes.
    Love those markets.

    • Thanks Cheryl, you are far too kind and sweet, we only did what anyone else would do.
      Oh…mozzies…the bane of my life, although this time the rash and bleeding bites were worse. I don’t think I’m allergic to mozzies, my bites just swell up and itch for a week or so, poor you if you have a worse reaction than that! It was marvelous being able to visit such fascinating places, it’s one world, but oh, so, different.xxx

  6. As the others said,how lucky for her she sat next to you.I hope the bites are better,They can be hell.I had to take piriton after walking round a lake here!What great photos.It’#s been interesting seeing where you have been and wise to go while you still have the energy

    • Thanks Kath, it was a relief to know that poor girl was sorted. Mozzie bites are a nightmare, no repellents work for me but I’m getting more used to them. I am always amazed to see how many older people are also travelling, what’s good for the gap year kids is good for the oldies too, I’ll travel until I drop dead, even if I have to crawl around. The world is such a fascinating place! xxx

  7. Oh dear! How it’s changed in the last 20 years (some of Singapore’s buildings and skyscraper…)
    I guess even Melaka and Kuala Lumpur aren’t anymore the same. I miss the Far East very much, I’m always thinking to go back there for a long journey, but still, I have to wait until I’m retired (then I’ll have a lot of time).
    Hugs and love
    :-)claudine

    • Every time we visit Singapore another skyscraper or three is flying up, KL and Melaka are constantly changing too, I suppose most places are evolving, although not always in a good way. I love the Far East too, revisiting is always lovely as you get to explore the nooks and crannies more. I hope you get to go back, I can understand why you miss it, these countries get into your blood somehow. Lots of love and hugs to you all.xxx

  8. Welcome Home to both of you….I’ll bet your bed feels good 🙂 The Danish girl was so fortunate to have you sitting next to her….otherwise who knows what might have happened to her luggage. Moral to the story….never ever leave your passport on a bus!!!
    I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip and been amazed at the sites you have seen. Will look forward to sitting down with you and a glass or two of wine hearing much more.
    Janet xxx

    • There is nothing like your own bed! I must say I came across some of the most comfortable pillows in the world though, note to self, buy some good ones! I’m with you re the passport thing, I’ll have it on me at all times from now on. Hubs and I were nervous of getting back on that bus after going through Malaysian and Singapore customs, thankfully all went well.
      Can’t wait to get together….until then, hugs my friend.xxx

  9. lowcarbdiabeticJan

    The Danish girl was very lucky that you were looking out for her … glad it all got sorted out.

    I think you’ve done so well documenting your travels and sharing your photographs – I’ve certainly enjoyed reading and seeing your posts.

    Welcome home to the UK … not too sure what the weather and temperatures will be though!

    All the best Jan

    • Thanks Jan, I was glad to see her sorted! Good to hear you enjoyed the post, we did visit some fascinating places so I’m pleased I’ve recorded this holiday.
      Oh…it’s freezing here, awful it is, but being home is lovely!xxx

  10. Good for you helping the Danish girl, who could have been left with nothing, in a far off land. I think many young travellers need a helping hand, I don’t think I had much common sense when travelling at that age….so lovely that you and hubs were there for her….and good karma too.
    I liked the way a few different religions shared a temple, I wonder if that would ever happen in other parts of the world.
    Thanks for an interesting tour of Vietnam Dina…..Malaka looked interesting, and, (as Jason also said) more restful than other parts of Vietnam.
    Enjoy being back home, there is no place like home!

    • I agree Gerrie, some kids seem to go off on a wing and a prayer, travel is so easy these days, but getting into trouble is easier. I’m so glad that girl was sorted, what a horrible situation to find yourself in.
      It is lovely to be home again, but it sure is cold. Roll on spring, hope you have a lovely autumn!xxx

  11. What a peculiar travel experience. The Danish girl was very lucky you were right there! Malaka looks like a fun and relaxing place to visit after some of the bigger, more manic cities of Vietnam.

    • Yes, it was strange, a little communication would have gone a long way! We love Malaka, such a pleasant place to relax in after a rather hectic schedule. I must say though, VN was memorable, I would certainly go back. Thanks Jason.xxx

  12. You mean that this is the last travelogue post we’ll be reading for a bit :(. I was really getting into the stride of it. It has been a super journey.

    Out of comfort zones, breaking boundaries, those are the traits of real explorers and you are up there with the most adventurous in my humble opinion.

    The Danish girl was lucky to have you as co-passengers. I dread to think what could have happened if you had not been such kind and conscientious warm-hearted guardians. (In that neck of the woods Karma means a lot).

    In the last twenty years or so, someconsecrated places of worship in the UK have shared their buildings with other Christian denominations. There’s a whole host of economic and social reasons for it, but I for one, was interested to hear of it and how it was arranged, especially on Sundays and high holy days. I guess the shared temple you visited may have similar considerations, unless, it was originally built to cater for the three strands of Aseatic faiths.

    The glorious colours of life and nature you have shown have been a treat. Your last stop, your rest, before returning, looked so serene.

    Thank you for sharing your exploration of another part of the world with us. Xxxxx

    • Thanks for such a lovely comment Menhir. Travelling is so easy these days, I often wonder how we organised anything travel-wise pre internet, these days travel agents must be losing a fortune as everyone sorts their own trips. It was a wonderful adventure, I have wanted to visit VN and the Meekong for a long time now so it’s fab to fulfill those dreams. I’m a firm believer in stepping out of comfort zones, a little shake up now and then works wonders.
      Hubs and I only did what we could, we were really concerned for that poor girl, travelling alone, I can’t imagine how worried she must have felt.
      How interesting reading your comments re UK places of worship, that’s certainly a step in the right direction.
      I got the feeling that this temple had always been devoted to those three doctrines. Thanks for reading.xxx

  13. I’m so glad you’re back safely, and my goodness — what a tale to tell, of that Danish girl! I’ve really enjoyed these posts, and I can imagine what a swirl of memories you have. I suspect these posts will help you hang on to some of them in much more detail than you otherwise would!

    • Thanks Linda, it’s good to be back after such a grand adventure. It always wonderful being able to explore a little of this big wide world of ours but even better to be home again.xxx

  14. That poor girl – obviously had no idea when the bus was due to leave? What an odd story but she was blessed to have the two of you looking out for her!

    Welcome home to what we all devoutly hope will at last be the Blighty spring xxx

    • The driver wasn’t communicating very well, earlier we had a rest stop, I think she thought this was one too, despite it being a bus stop.Thank goodness the problem was sorted, I was becoming quite frantic, goodness knows how she felt.
      Oh….roll on spring, it’s absolutely freezing here and the garden is still sleeping….sighs….thanks Gill.xxx

  15. Awesome update thank you for sharing and blessing to you and your family

  16. The Danish girl was so lucky to have met you.

  17. Wow, you saved the day for her, that’s for sure! Oh, Dina, what adventures you’ve had.

    My goodness, no stone of possible intrigue unturned by you two, and in such exotic locales. I’d still be foraging for treasures in Jonker St. or hanging out with Kwan Yin. :).

    Glad you’re safely home and I bet there are several 4-legged who are in heaven.

    Thanks for all the fun!

    • I was so happy seeing that poor girl sorted, she must have been in a right state. Tell you what, if I’d have had any room in my case I would have bought half of Jonker St!! They had some fabulously interesting things there. I don’t know who was the happiest, the dogs or me! How I missed them. Sighs….Thanks Kitty, hope all is well in your wonderful world.xxx

  18. How lucky was that Danish girl to be sitting next to you!? She would have been in a right mess if her luggage (and passport!) went through border control without her! Wow, what an adventure you’ve had but it must be so good to be back in your own little nest now, and with your animals. Glad to read that you’re safely back, and hopefully spring won’t be long now so you’ve missed the worst of the weather! Caro x

    • I often think you only need your passport and a credit card to survive, I’ll never get off a bus abroad again without both! I can imagine how panicky she must have felt. It was a grand adventure, shook me out of my comfort zone at times though which isn’t a bad thing.
      It’s lovely being home with all the critters, I do miss them, they were over the moon to see us again. I hear the weather has been truly shocking, I’m finding it cold at the moment so goodness knows how bad it got! Thanks Caro.xxx

  19. Another enjoyable, and interesting read and lovely pictures.
    I bet that the weather back here was rather a shock, but I’m sure that the dogs were pleased to see you. xx

    • Thanks Flighty, oh my, the weather certainly was a shock to the system, despite people saying it’s mild now. The dogs were thrilled to see us and us them, I do miss them when away.xxx

  20. The Danish girl was very lucky that you were looking out for her, many wouldn’t have batted an eyelid at her being left behind whilst her possessions were still on the bus. I’m glad it all got sorted out. I’ve enjoyed reading about your travels and I’m glad you had such a good time. Welcome home.

    • I was relieved she was sorted too, the poor girl, what a pickle to find yourself in, no money or passport…. Thanks Jo, it’s lovely to be home.xxx

  21. veggiemummy

    You lucky, lucky lady. You’ve had such wonderful adventures and I’ve loved reading all about them. That antique shop looks fantastic – I’d love to see what souvenirs you bought on your travels. Lucky for the Danish girl that she had you to sort out her luggage. Welcome home! xx

    • Thanks Veggiemummy, or should that be Veganmummy these days? It was a marvelous adventure, a few hiccups here and there, but that’s life I suppose. I was relieved seeing the Danish girl sorted, I can imagine how panicky she felt, what a horrible situation to find yourself in.xxx

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