Ok as you can see I have finally made my way down to Singapore and it is the end of the road for Asia, but before I start getting all reminiscent here is a sumary of the last few days.

I managed to get a bus from KL to Melaka as planned on Wednesday afternoon, and upon arrival at my guesthouse, I decided to take a stroll around town to get my bearings. Something I always do with any new place. On the second day I decided to hit a few museums, as Melaka is a very historical and cultural city, there certainly were no shortage of museums to choose from. I started off at the Maritime Museum, as it is located on a big replica ship, it had a certain novelty appeal. The museum was fairly interesting, however after an hour and a half wondering around, I felt that I almost had museum overload! So instead of jumping straight to the next museum, I opted instead for a stroll around Chinatown. After a quick bite to eat and a coffee later, I decided that I could probably squeeze in one more museum. So I had a choice, do I go to the touristy and popular history museum or something a bit different. I went for the later, and ended up in all places a 'beauty museum', which was surprisingly very interesting. After this I then went to have a delicious fish and chips! After so much Asian food, it was superb!

Anyway on the next day (Friday) I had an early start and caught a bus down to Singapore. Wasting no time, I quickly checked into my hostel and made my way to the underground station and took the tube (just like London) to the Harbour front. I decided to take a stroll up the very scenic Mt Faber Park which had fantastic views of both the harbour and the Singapore skyline. However, on the way down I decided to take a different route. This turned out to be a big mistake, as I ended up getting totally lost, walking around for about 2 hours, trying to find my way back. No the logical thing I am sure you are thinking is why did I not just walk back the way I came or hop on a bus.... well I can be a stubborn b****** when I want to be, something I certainly get from my dear old Dad. However, after 2 hours, I eventurally hoped on a bus back to the station. When will I ever learn? I have found myself lost more times than I care to remember in the past few months. I might as well face facts, I have a very poor sense of direction.

So anyway, once again I find myself rambling. After this very long and tiring walk I took the underground to Clarke Quay, a very attractive, redeveloped area full of funky bars and restaurants overlooking the river, surprise surpise! So after a quick pint here I made my way onto Little India for yet another uninspiring curry. Don't get me wrong I adore Indian food, but I am yet to enjoy one indian in Asia. Maybe, this is the true Indian food and the food we get back home, modified for us English. Still, I would love a decent Masala, Rogan Josh or a Dansank.

Anyway, on the next day I decided to do a walking tour of Little India. I think the idea is that you are supposed to stop at the various points of interest, however as these were predominantly temples I kept walking. After this I walked to Orchard Rd, which is the main shopping street and I decided to do a spot of window shopping in the fancy designer stores. It was quite amusing, there's me in my typical traveller uniform of tatty combat shorts, baggy mass produced, market bought t-shirt, sun-bleached cap and a five o'clock shadow, wandering around stores such as Prada and Ralph Lauren, eyeing up t-shirts that exceeded $400! I obviously stuck out like a saw thumb, and in most cases the shop assistants ignored me, to them they probably had more chance of getting a sale out of Ebineeza Scrooge himself! Still I found the power struggle highly entertaining!!!!! After this I went to Chinatown for a drink which of course is always followed by a few more. I found myself back in Little India looking for a cheap place and I ended up in this weird, backstreet place which was celebrating a surprise bithday party. It was completely surreal, there I was sitting at the bar, sipping my Tiger, and I am surrounded by about 40 or 50 singing, dancing Indians! What a way to spend my last night in Asia.

Ok so here I am on my final day in Asia. I have spent 3 months in this region now and it is fair to say i have loved every minute of it. I have seen so much, experienced and learnt so much. I have laughed until it hurts, smiled until my jaw ached, sampled a wide variety of food to varying degrees of success, and tasted every kind of beer possible - Beer Laos is still the best! It is fair to say that as I am getting all nostalgic, there is part of me that will be sad to leave Asia. However there is another side to me that is excited about Australia. I can not wait to dive again, to learn to surf (something I fear that I will be embarrasingly bad at), to reunite with old friends and to chill out on the great beaches! I have met so many Australians here in Asia, that I feel I already have a head start. So bring it on!!!!!!

OK, before I started this journal I honestly thought this would not be a long one! How wrong can I be? Tonight, as I am sure you get from my rambling I am flying to Cairns.

So once again, I hope everyone reading this essay is well!

Take Care

Jon