the dead are remembered in a Chinese temple
Chinatown rooftopsAhhh, today was an easy day! I woke up at the crack of dawn to cool temperatures and ocean breezes and a sign that said 96 kilometers to Melaca. The day before, I spoke to a bike mechanic in Port Dickson and he informed me that it was a straight shot southeastwards to Melaca, with many signs to lead the way.
The terrain was flat, traffic was light (well, lighter than a four-lane freeway) and my mental state was calm (it's amazing what listening to four lanes of cars at 100 km/h does to the mind). In fact, the day got better as the map that I have helped me out. This map, purchased in Thailand, was utterly useless during my stay in KL. It showed the major roads, but did not label them. It failed to name any of the towns bordering KL for a 40km radius. But this time, it helped me out by saving me 12 kilometers on a shortcut that the signs did not mention.
Triumphantly, I rolled into Melaca before noon with a head of steam and a smile on my face.
Melaca has its roots in the early age of exploration as a trading route between Europe and Asia. Portugese and Dutch influence can be found in the architecture and food. Plus there is the Chinese, Indian and Malaysian influences to be felt.
84 kilometers, 4 hours
