I haven't been writing on this space for the longest time, and to be honest I do miss writing here quite a bit. Having a space to write about things I care about, and feelings I cannot help but feel, sharing it with like-minded individuals and people I would like to think care. That is a nice idea, isn't it? A midst the chaos in this selfish, merciless world. Anyway, sad things apart, I went to Malacca for a short getaway with a group of friends during the weekend and it was really fun and great. I had a wonderful experience and saw things that I could never have in Singapore. Malacca is not exactly one of the "poorest" countries in Asia, neither is it one of those countries that are in dire need. But the difference it has with Singapore is obvious enough. I stayed in a 4/5-star hotel, or equivalent one out of the generosity of Heather's mother, and despite it's majestic exterior, the view was not at all picturesque or anything. This brings out one of the biggest problem in the world, poverty. On either side of this hotel, there were shop houses, tents, motor cycles, bicycles, worn out cars, old schools and malls, which only tourists like us frequented. The shops in the malls where I considered definitely affordable were empty and quiet. The environment in these malls were non-existent and the silence was deafening. On further probing I understood that it was because of the cost of living there, that shopping in these what I previewed as normal day-to-day shopping places were a priviledge that less than half the population could afford.
However, the crowd at the night market was a whole different story. The night market was bustling with presence despite the rain that night which only made the environment much more nostalgic and to long for. The cool weather also prevented me from perspiring, making the experience even more pleasant. The shopping and fashion in Malacca was really disappointing, though, But the food was one of a kind- definitely one that you cannot find in Singapore. Walking down the roads of Jonker street, you are greeted with the smell of an amalgamation of flavours; fried, boiled, grilled, steamed. I loved it! The food there were really affordable as well, ranging from RM 2 to RM 20; which is like $0.50 to $10. Defo worth it! There was also a nice Peranakan food place near the hotel which the driver drove us to first which was really nice as well. The Otah there were great and the aroma from the food also drove me crazy. The chefs were obviously not saving up on the spices and ingredients.
The hotel was great too, with pleasant service, though I would choose the street snacks over the breakfast buffet. Went tanning after breakfast and the sun wasn't really cooperating. The tanning facilities were also not superb or anything, though, but it was no surprise because tanning in bikinis etc weren't exactly a common sight in Malaysia as a whole. Swam for a bit before changing up and checking out after that. My friends wanted to do a pedicure after that which cost RM 25 only, it is the "artsy" type, mind you. The price was brilliant! Unfortunate but a booking has to be made prior, which was why they did not get it.
All in all, this was a pleasant and much-needed getaway which I am so glad I took. Hopefully, I would be going to Hong Kong at the end of the month/this year! I really miss that place!
P.S Pardon the style of this post; I am highly aware it is unlike me. But I am trying to explore with various writing styles and tones, trying to improve my language sensitivity in the process as well! :p
However, the crowd at the night market was a whole different story. The night market was bustling with presence despite the rain that night which only made the environment much more nostalgic and to long for. The cool weather also prevented me from perspiring, making the experience even more pleasant. The shopping and fashion in Malacca was really disappointing, though, But the food was one of a kind- definitely one that you cannot find in Singapore. Walking down the roads of Jonker street, you are greeted with the smell of an amalgamation of flavours; fried, boiled, grilled, steamed. I loved it! The food there were really affordable as well, ranging from RM 2 to RM 20; which is like $0.50 to $10. Defo worth it! There was also a nice Peranakan food place near the hotel which the driver drove us to first which was really nice as well. The Otah there were great and the aroma from the food also drove me crazy. The chefs were obviously not saving up on the spices and ingredients.
The hotel was great too, with pleasant service, though I would choose the street snacks over the breakfast buffet. Went tanning after breakfast and the sun wasn't really cooperating. The tanning facilities were also not superb or anything, though, but it was no surprise because tanning in bikinis etc weren't exactly a common sight in Malaysia as a whole. Swam for a bit before changing up and checking out after that. My friends wanted to do a pedicure after that which cost RM 25 only, it is the "artsy" type, mind you. The price was brilliant! Unfortunate but a booking has to be made prior, which was why they did not get it.
All in all, this was a pleasant and much-needed getaway which I am so glad I took. Hopefully, I would be going to Hong Kong at the end of the month/this year! I really miss that place!
P.S Pardon the style of this post; I am highly aware it is unlike me. But I am trying to explore with various writing styles and tones, trying to improve my language sensitivity in the process as well! :p
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