Old Melaka

Today I joined a walking tour of Old Melaka.  We ambled through the historic part of this old city -- Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, Chinese, English -- each have left a mark here.  Only the Japanese occupation seems to be erased from the place.

Compared to Penang (a co-Unesco  World Heritage City), Melaka seems more dynamic & alive.  And I guess they are more dependent on tourism so are working to do renovations and preservation.

The City is divided by the river.  Old treasures are still found here & just off shore.

Fountain in Queen Victoria's memory

New version of the Malay Sultans palaces.

Only remaining section of Portuguese wall built to protect the city in early 1400s

Artisan creating the stone tablets to adorn businesses.
Most have converted to wood, but he maintains the trade.

Oldest Mosque in Malaysia.  Built in a Chinese style -- no dome.
Close enough for me to hear the call to worship!

In case you don't get to the mosque earlier enough to be inside....
here is the arrow pointing to Mecca.

Roof detail from oldest Chinese temple.

One shop still hand makes these "historic" shoes.
They were TINY!!!

Lovely buildings line the river and there is walkway on both sides.  Boats ply the river.

Empty buildings backing to the river have all been used for paintings & murals.  Nice touch.