Last Day in Malacca

Finally, our holiday in the historic town is ending. This holiday went by fast. Although the price of food and most things are low, we spent quite a bit of Ringitt and contribute much to the local economy. B1, B2 and B3 all have their allowance to spend and B3 is the most spendthrift and used up all his allowance as well as the monies his grandma gave him. B1 and B2 have learned the saving habits and spent only part of their allowance.

There are a lot of interesting stories we get to heard from the taxi drivers. One driver told us there is a spirit guarding the cementeries. Three Mayors who approved and signed the papers for removal of cementeries so that the land can be developed for other more productive use did not complete their terms. So the cemeteries remained until today. I told him in Singapore, this will not happen. Government of Singapore removed many cementeris and made them in Housing Estates. He laughed and said in Singapore the stamp is very powerful. The moment the stamp is on the papers, all the spirits run away! The best part is we get to ride in an antique Mercedes Benz that is 30 years old. The vehicle has been on the road since 1979.

It is with mixed feeling that we leave. I enjoyed the holiday and my boys get to experience authentic Peranakan food and life in a small town where history is still alive. The roadside stalls, pasar malam, kampong and even making of loveletters. Signs of progress are also abundant. There is a Megamall today, Courts Megastore and a new about to open huge bright and shiny department store, Justco. Hopefully the new do not overwhelm the old charms and we can always return to experience the slow and easy life of a kampong/village.