Two days in Malaysia
Malaccan moment The perfect ‘Discovery’ moment arrived soon after I landed in Melaka. The beautiful little, post-colonial city dotted with Churches, museum, an old city street with temples of all kind and Mosques, is a real delight. Having just few hours in hand to go around and explore the city, I found the cycle rickshaws, with a cover, floral decoration and even a Bhaja (music system) an ideal way to get my orientation. It is a bit steep at MR 40 for an hour – but I was lured in by the offer to play Hindi songs. From ‘kuch kuch hota hai’ to ‘sapney’ I did get a taste of Indian music and the rickshaw puller’s love of Bollywood and his favourite star Shah Rukh Khan. There I go on the streets of Melaka humming ‘vennilave vennilave…’. The Portuguese fort, l’amosa stands in ruins, amidst well manicured lawns and witnessing the retail revolution spring up in front – the local store of global chain Carrefour stands tall in front of the amosa. A few furlongs away from amosa stands...