Malacca

The chaotic visit to this World Heritage city convinced Diva that she will never feel comfortable in the third world. The tour schedule was unachievable in the time allotted and there was a vote part way through the tour as to what activities would be carried out and which would be omitted. The reasons for the overrun given by the charming guide was the rain ( which caused the group to omit the free time in the very attractive traditional Dutch square), the need for explanations in the museum (which is what Diva thought guides are for) and the visit to the toilet by some of the guests. Diva expects North European efficiency at all times and gets very stressed when it does not happen.

The most interesting part of the tour was the beautiful Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum. There was also an outside visit to a mosque. The local trickshaws were the most heavily decorated which TSH and Diva had ever seen but in view of the high level of traffic, they were glad not have a ride in them.

The guide told the guests that his great ambition was to visit Graceland, which is likely to prove difficult as he has a serious flying phobia. In lieu, he performed the Elvis song ‘Can’t help falling in love’.