Blog # 18 - Malacca, Malaysia
Homes built on poles have three advantages: Protection against floods, dangerous animals and (with about 200 men), the house can be lifted off the poles and moved to a different area.
We were entertained by these women playing Malay instruments
There were examples of shadow puppet entertainment 
Albeit Malaysia is a moderate religious country, still it was clear we are visiting a Moslem country
Tricycle taxis decorated in the most outlandish ways. Each "taxi" has a boom box that blares out loud famous American hits
Many of the buildings have a "Dutch architectural influence."
Dutch government house from the 1600's-1700's
Canals run through the town much like Europe. In the past, the waterway was used to transfer goods.
Strong Chinese influence in Malaysia. The town is getting ready for Chinese New Year
Red signifies good luck
Like Christmas, there are plenty of cute ornaments used for the Chinese New Year
Cute bus design
We had an opportunity to visit a home originally lived in by a very wealthy Chinese/Moslem family. Recently, the family turned their house into a museum.
The home is filled with period furniture and other items owned by the family
He fell in love with a Moslem woman, converted from Buddhism/Confucianism and got into the "Rubber" business
This is his family
The next generation inter-married with locals
The house is huge - perhaps 10,000 sq feet?
Most of the furniture was made in China
Family heirlooms
For the "wedding night," there would be a small bed next to this one. The small bed was for the mother or mother-in-law that would instruct the young couple what to do. (X-rated movies did not exist in those days).
Plenty of old decorations and clothes from a past era
There was a hole in the second-story floor overlooking the home's entrance. If there was some sort of disturbance below, it would be easy to look down and see what was going on.
Years ago, homes did not have addresses. Home owners would hang a decorated lantern that would describe what the person did for a living which, in turn, would tell people who lived in the home
A woman is preparing food in her home that will be sold as street food
Many buildings have unique decorations
Mosque entrance
Non-Moslems were not allowed to go inside the Mosque
Chinese use a "Pineapple" to signify "prosperity"
Chinese temple
The ornateness of a Chinese temple is fascinating to see
To get some refreshments, we had to walk a lengthy distance, climb a lot of irregular and steep stairs, cross the bridge and return.
A fun day - a great day...a very hot and humid day!
This is a UNESCO Heritage town
Visiting these older homes provided an idea as to how Malays lived
We definitely got the feeling what it's like living in a tropical jungle environment
The old and the new ways of living
Replica of a Dutch ship
Many "modern" buildings have a Malaysian architectural design
The tri-cycle taxi is being manually pushed up a hill because the driver is an "old man" and doesn't have the strength to pedal
Canals run through the town much like Europe. In the past, the waterway was used to transfer goods.
These containers contain a fermented lemon concoction
Blue plate settings are used for sad occasions
These plates are used for happy occasions
The patriarch of the family came to Malacca in the early 1900's. He brought with him 20,000 Chinese to protect the town from the invading Thailand army.
Beautiful workmanship
Part of the staircase
Family heirlooms
All the streets are decorated for the New Year's celebration
Yes, our faces are "red" - it's hot and humid
Plenty of ornate symbolisms
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