I’m in Bali and have been for four days. I’ve seen healers, eaten great food, walked a lot and never gotten my camera out. That will come later.
I’ve wanted to give you a greater glimpse of Melakka. For years, I’ve wanted to visit there but never had it work out smoothly! This time, I took a couple days to bus over and have that experience.
Learning! I am now much more comfortable with the bus system in Kuala Lumpur and how to get to the bus via LRT or metro. Awesome! I also learned that while Melaka is nice, it’s also a very busy and touristy city. I liked the history but not the hustle and bustle! It’s also spelled Melacca.
I mentioned Ipoh to someone and they love it there. It’s a bit up North but was described to me as Melaka without the tourist. Hopefully, as this trip evolves, I can make it up there!
Bus fare was $22 MYR or $7 US, round trip. The hostel was nice above a restaurant. It felt like a hostel attached to a business rather than a business of running a hostel and taking care of guest. It was comfortable and close to everything. Two nights lodging there at “Relish The Moment” was under $14. And right smack on the river!
I was up early and walking each morning! Things don’t get moving early in this part of the world. Hostel’s generally don’t start serving breakfast until 8:00. My first morning walk, I came off a bridge and saw an Indian restaurant open! I had murtabak with egg and Indian coffee! And had the same my last morning before heading off to catch a bus.
I timed it perfectly to be there for night market on Friday! What an experience! I walked it three or four times! At first, the afternoon rains were just ending and stalls weren’t set up, people hadn’t come out. A couple hours later, it was difficult to move.
Grazing my way through I sampled everything on a stick including fruit dipped in chocolate sauce! What a treat!
Here’s a gallery of some images from that experience. Notice the power drill creatively used for the potato’s!
Morning was my special time! That normally happens for me when traveling! It’s peaceful, quiet, cool and there aren’t many people out. The ones who are were really friendly! Awesome!
Yes, I did find some very good coffee shops there! And it was a very insightful experience exploring! I saw a shop out of the corner of my eye while walking down the street. It looked tiny but I could see a full size VW Van portable coffee shop inside. The sign on the door read, “Serious Coffee Drinkers Only”. That might be nice.
The barista was doing a pour over when I walked in so I stopped to watch. My attempt to talk to him were ignored. I watched him make a pour over and over pour his coffee. I asked him how many grounds he uses? That’s a clue that I am serious about coffee! “17.5” he grunted. I asked what coffee he was using. “Depends” was his answer. He might know coffee but he has no clue about people!!! Coffee shop itself was cold and uninviting and, by the way, empty!
Back on the street I saw a large sign for “Backlane Coffee”. I walked in through a shop to the door for Backlane. It had something I wanted: air conditioning. One of those hot afternoons where I simply wanted a cool break. The door had a great sign on it, not your average “open” sign. The words were nearly the same but read: “We Are Awesome”! Well….YES, I’d love to come in here!
The people were amazingly friendly and helpful! The coffee was a bit weak for my taste but not bitter. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, welcoming and relaxing. Yes, I would come back here again.
Choice: technically talented barista with no people skills or warm friendly people and environment with very decent product. My choice is clear!
I’ve read and had it confirmed by others in the medical profession. The most common reason doctors get sued is not because of technical treatment flubs, it’s the lack of bed side manner that upsets people so!
Customer service: if you are doing to offer it, be amazing!
Sign on the backside of the door as I exited…
Finally, I found “Stolen Cup Coffee” one night when I wanted a spot for tea and some reading. Really friendly people, great coffee, great environment. I would certainly be back and recommend it if you are ever in the area!
A few signs on the walk caught my attention!
Next up, I’m going to put together an experience of planning. I saw a photo several years ago and was drawn right in. Spectacular color radiating peace and quiet. The first thing I had to do was google it so I knew where it is?!
It’s remote, difficult to get to and challenging to plan for. Once upon a time, it was only accessible via live aboard dive boats. Now, they have home stays.
Putting this together has been challenging so I thought it’s be a good demonstration of what is involved for me with putting this type of trip together.
Stay tuned!