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We arrive in Melaka which has a totally different feel from kuala lumpur. Just 2 hour bus ride away. We are staying in china town area which is crazy right now because of the Chinese new year. So we feel like we're back in china pretty much.
As the sweat pours down our face just stepping outside of our room we venture around the town which is mostly closed due to the Chinese new year but still full of restaurants and boutique shops.
What's interesting about malaysia is because it's a Muslim country they play the prayer over speakers throughout the city about 5 times a day. At this time people do their prayers so you will see people gather at mosques etc.
The Melaka straight is right next to us so we have been able to enjoy walking along near the ocean and having meals right beside the water. Very pretty.
Since its chinese new year we have also seen many Dragon dances which is pretty cool they play drums and wear really colorful dragon costumes (I'm sure you've seen it on TV before or something ). They do this all day long and everywhere. I guess you can pay 200 ringit ($65) and they will come do it at your house as well it's for good luck. It is the year of the dragon which is why there is such a strong presence of dragon dancing. Happy Chinese new year!!
Tomorrow we are renting bikes and are going to bike to the busy beach area which will take about an hour bike ride but it is all along the ocean so should be very nice minus the heat that is ! We're excited for the adventure.
So we managed to find some bikes that were sort of big enough for us -- was not a comfortable 32km bike ride ! But we made it! Slathered on sun cream and biked through the insane heat it's about 35 plus humidity here as we're so close to the equator.
When we arrived at the public beach it wasn't anything too exciting. Quite different going to a beach in a Muslim country as well. I think a dog would be showing more skin than the people swimming at the beach !! Michelle was not allowed to wear her bikini and had to make sure she had shorts and a t-shirt on. Guys can wear pretty much whatever but the women are completely covered up. Adds to the experience of traveling to other countries though.
As we biked along the road on our oh so comfortable squeaky bikes we hear many hellos and waves like usual. Definitely very friendly in Malaysia as well. I think from everywhere we have been the most friendly have been cambodia, Thailand and malaysians. Except in Malaysia there is a large Indian population and with them not so friendly -- more dominating personalities.
Tomorrow we head back to kuala to catch our flight to Banda aceh. We're excited to end our trip relaxing on a beautiful resort. Michelle's a bit chicken to swim in the indian ocean though as they have huge whale sharks especially this time of year.
Talk soon
T&M
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