Flora de la Mar

It threathened to rain when we reached the next stop. It was a replica ship at a dry dock. An old Portuguese vessel, four stories high.

And in the gut of the ship was a museum, the Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum. Some really nice items inside and you could rent an audio device which gave you commentary on the items on show.

Many tales, many stories ...And using a headphone and an mp3 player, you can listen to the backstoriesAnd Irfan listened to all the chaptersAnd he would ask us if he didn't understandGood thing it was raining when we were inside and shelteredIt was still cloudy, but at least it wasn't raining anymoreBy the time we reached the second floor, it poured outside. And that gave us ample time to look things through, much to the delight of the boys. They enjoyed it. Just make sure that you hire the audio units, as it would interest the children to explore. I paid an extra buck for the units.

More stories from the Melaka trip here.

Muzium Kesultanan Melaka

Out first outing this afternoon was off a beca, heading towards A Famosa. But with the number if stairs to negotiate up the hill, Anita took the easier option. Right next door to the fort entrance was a replica of an old Istana Melaka, turned into a museum. And a slick one at that.

Entrance was nominal especially occupy carry a MyKad. The whole museum was built of wood but the interior was comfortable enough, complete with air conditioning.

Shoes off please ...There were three level of exhibits, two which were opened to the public. The exhibits basically was a good introduction to life in the Melaka Sultanate of the 15th Century.

Puan Anita doing a bit of exploring

Intricate wall carvingsThere were also exhibits on attire from each of the Peninsular states. And the centerpiece of the museum was a replica of an old Balai Rong Seri.

Things were nearly laid out, and the exhibits were marked in clear English, not those off Google Translate.

The boys doing exploring on their ownOne word sprung to mind when I saw this ..... MATRIX!I spent the whole visit explaining to my boys who Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat were. And they both agreed that Tuah should not have killed Jebat just because the Sultan told him to. After all, the Sultan had made a prior decision to banish Tuah in the first place. His judgement hence were flawed. And the Sultan is not Allah. Sound logic in that. Certain things should never be argued about I guessed.

More blog posts from this trip here.

Settling In

Was to tired to blog last night when we arrived at Melaka. The drive in was really smooth, leaving KL just after 6.30, making it to the hotel by 9. Check-in was also pretty straight forward before we head straight for dinner. I was starving then.

Nice comfortable suite Anita booked and settling into the room took a long time as usual with the boys jumping around excitedly. Real havoc and it was way past midnight before they finally settled.

I had a bath instead of the a shower while enjoying the boys bickering. And I was already asleep when they finally settled down.

The hotel we stayed was right in the middle urge town, built in the 90s and was more of a business hotel than for tourist. But the location was excellent. And they had a swimming pool, which was a prerequisite.

I had just finished my breakfast while Anita was having hers downstairs. The boys were still asleep and I was tasked to plan today's excursions. My parents-in-law was around as well, so we couldn't plan anything too taxing. They came here to relax. But a beca ride or two may do them good. Will probably do that after lunch.

More on the rest of the trip here.

Let's Putt at Mini Putt

Another busy day at the office this being Saturday. And for the afternoon, I joined Anita at nearby Citta Mall as the boys joined their classmates from school for a spot of miniature golf.

The venue was on the first floor of the complex, in a cute little establishment called Mini Putt.

Julia trying out her luckThis hole may turn out to be my favouriteIt has 18 holes complete with the obligatory obstacles. Some cute ones, some pretty basic. All in good fun. Prize was rather steep though. RM 10 for children and double that for adults.

They have all you need there, the balls and putter of course of various sizes. The children really enjoyed it. Maybe one could organise a birthday party there. Hmmm! That's an idea...

Settling In

In the end, it took a couple of carful of luggage to complete the move to the apartment. Unpacked and finally settled unfit the night, with a quick trip to the ward to boot.

Dinner was done and now I was sitting in front of the TV watching United away at Villa. The boys had got their toys organised in their rooms and it looked like it would be a long evening. They often get overexcited on the first evening at the apartment, going to bed late and got up even later the next morning. Sure looked like the trend going to continue this time around.

Not sure what Anita got planned for tomorrow. At least she has a car with her should she wanted to go out with the kids. I have my schedule were tied up with clinic at Park City in the morning.