Don't Mess With Melaka
- Lester Martin
As mentioned at the beginning of Seoul Long Layover #1: Temples, I headed to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with almost zero notice, but I had an INCREDIBLE time teaching to a project team made up of brilliant folks from government, CyberSecurity Malaysia, and academia, UTM.
I was also blessed with one gentleman, Khairol Faisal, being so generous to offer up an entire day from his very busy schedule to take me to Melaka!
Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park Melaka
Our first stop of the day was the Malaysian Cultural Park.
As Khairol is pointing out, a big focus of the cultural center is the different types of homes that were traditionally found in each of the states. Here are a couple of these beautiful structures. I was lucky to experience first-hand some traditional food and games from a few of the states.
I even learned to perform some of the traditional work!!
I especially liked the performances and getting to meet these awesome folks.
I’m leaving out all the video of my on-stage “participation”, but I really enjoyed getting to use the blowgun!! I sure hope Khairol deleted those movies like he promised he would!!
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Melaka is honored by being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at the center of it all is a large complex of historic building & monuments plus multiple museums devoted to the history of Malaysia. Of course, not all you will see in Melaka is “historic”…
The museum complex entrance is down by the river, but quickly climbs the hills of the city.
I learned a lot about the historic hand-weapons of Malaysia. These are very deadly instruments indeed and every nook & cranny have a purpose (all focus on injuring or killing an opponent).
The museum complex continues to rise up in the hills and offers even more beautiful views.
Eventually the highest point is reached and you are treated with St Paul’s Church.
From on top of this hill you can see the A’Fomosa Fort below.
And, of course, you can take the stairs down to see this fort from the 1500’s up close and personal.
Once at the bottom of the hill, the logical next stop is the Sultanate Palace and the beautiful grounds around it.
Jonker Street
We then strolled down Jonker Street where we saw many interesting sights; and a couple of weird ones!
The Dreaded Durian!!
At the end of Jonker Street, Khairol found what he was looking for – and what I was avoiding. Yes, the “interesting” fruit called a durian.
Yes, I decided to be a grateful guest and give this… thing… a try!
As I reported rather quickly to Khairol; it was not terrible, but I did not like it.
I did have a little fun when a small tour group walked by and their guide pointed out the durian on our table. I decided to have a second piece and profess how yummy it was. Their tour guide laughing stated that none of them were willing to give it a try, so I made them all freak out when I started announcing it was “finger licking good” and I, in fact, licked my fingers clean. It did taste a bit better when I wasn’t thinking about it, but I stand by my original “not like” comment.
Putra Square
We drove the two hours back to Kuala Lumpur and reached the Putra Square area just at dusk where we are able to see the Prime Minister’s residence and the Putra Mosque and adjacent lake.
We finished the very long, but incredibly educational and fun, day sharing a meal overlooking the lake.
Khairol, and for that matter the entire class I was fortunate enough to teach, is an incredible ambassador for Malaysia and I can’t wait to return he favor when he visits Atlanta!