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-- A BRIEF HISTORY of MELAKA / MALACCA --
Malacca was founded by a Hindu prince, Parameswara who had fled from Sumatra in 14th century. As the Melaka Sultanate flourished, it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. In 1511 the Portuguese conquered Malacca and remained in power for more than 120 years until the Dutch took over in 1641. In 1811 the British siezed control of Malacca and made it one of the Straits Settlements. The state finally gained independence as part of Malaya in 1957. Today, one will find many remnants of the glorious past dating back more than 600 years
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The first thing we did when we reached the destination was to fill our stomach with food. Our first stop was the famous Chicken Rice Ball at Jonker's street. The business of this chicken rice shop is so good that it opens a another branch just a few steps away and the interior deco of the new shop is stunting - trying to emulate the grandeur or luxury of an ancient Chinese Palace / Strait Chinese noble house. Guess the way the shop is decorated has to do with Chinese Feng Shui
The air-well of the restaurant
Beautiful stairs case
The restaurant even has a throne replica 
Wooden door 
A glimpse of the wall paper used in the restaurant
Some restaurant workers were taking a break after the peak lunch hours
We sneaked up to the second floor of the shop - it is going to be filled with tables and chairs once the deco is complete
Trishaw, anyone? The Pakcik-pakcik (trishaw cyclists) must have trouble when ferrying big size tourists like the Caucasians... 为了两餐，顶硬上 (means "to earn a living, no choice")
These flowers were too colorful to be missed. So I took their picture 
A fat guy posing in front of the Christ Church of Melaka - built by the Dutch in 1753. Beside the Christ Church is the building of Stadthuys (1650), which was once the Dutch Governor's residence. The Dutch ruled Malacca for a longer period than any other colonial power, 180 years from 1641 - 1824.
One of the merchandises of the road-side stalls at Stadthuy. I took this picture because of its colors.
There was public notices saying that "No Photograph is allowed" were posted on the stalls beside the Stadthuys. I really wonder why. Anyway, I still took the picture. The merchandises in this picture were tinted in red, due to the red canvas roof used by these stalls - so that the red roof blend in with the red colored Dutch architecture.
The "A Famosa" - the only remaining portion of the once Portugese Fortress in Melaka. The fortress were severely damaged during The Dutch invasion.
Typical patterns of Malay cultural motive. Picture taken at the Musium Istana Kesultanan Melaka or Museum of the Sultanate of Malacca. This museum is a wooden replica of the 16th century Sultan's palace. It houses the Malacca Cultural Museum
The once St.Paul Church.
Overlooking the Melaka city from St. Paul's Hill. The tower like structure is the latest tourist attraction - an observation deck.
Slabs of tombstone leaning against the wall of the ruin of St. Paul church
He is probably a descendant of the Melaka Portuguese
A private mansion at Jonker's Street.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, Jonker's street will turned into a night market place - a must visit location every time when I am there at Melaka. It is a food heaven and there are so much to see and experience.
One of the interesting things at Jonker's street is the activities organised in the Chinese community centres, where the local Chinese either sings Karaoke or having ballroom dancing practises. Visitors to Jonker's street must go and see and experience the still strong Chinese community bonding in Melaka
The locals practising their ballroom dance steps in the community centre. Visitors are feel free to join. The atmosphere is fun, very opened and welcoming.
There was a Karaoke competition and an elderly Uncle (wearing the yellow t-shirt) was dancing in front of the stage. Ha Ha.
Rick, my friend from Muar and Mark, my friend from Labuan coincidently (or surprisingly) happened to be there at Melaka. Four of us went to a food stall beside the Melaka Straits for supper.
Ok, Ok. We all know that the water of the Strait of Melaka ain't clear but polluted.
(to be continued)
