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Thursday, 3 October 2019

Malacca Trip 2018 - Day 1

Singapore-Johor Causeway (Woodlands)
Casa del Rio Melaka
Jonker Walk
Wedding Dinner


Malacca...… My memories of this historical city were from my secondary school badminton team as an incentive trip after winning some award. That was like at least 25 years ago! Among the group of friends who went for the trip was my beloved other half who was my badminton senior at that time. Although he vehemently denied attending that school trip, the photos taken during that time would not lie!
I remembered the red church building, the A.Formosa which you need to climb up the steps and the durian chendol. The rest of the memories remained fuzzy. I'm pretty sure this city has changed a lot over the years.

After so many years, destiny has brought us back to this UNESCO city now to attend a wedding dinner of Daddy's friend and this time, we even have the fortune to bring along our little creation.


Time to set off!
I was down with a cold, thus wearing a mask
to protect myself and the rest.


We were told by our friends that crossing the causeway will be a major nightmare due to the heavy traffic. So, we set off from home at 7am and thought we were on schedule when we reached the Woodlands checkpoint before 8am.



Cars.... Cars.... And more cars!
Things we do while stuck in traffic jam
1. Play
2. Eat
3. Sticker Book

That was where our nightmare began!!!! We were stuck in traffic in a record-breaking time of more than 4 hours!! By the time we crossed the Malaysian immigration and customs, it was close to 1pm and we were starving! After a quick lunch at one of the stopover, we made our way to Malacca quickly.



On the way to Malacca after lunch



After what seemed like ages, we finally reached Malacca close to 4pm. For this trip, Daddy booked us at Casa del Rio Hotel.
Located along the Melaka river, this luxury boutique hotel featuring Mediterranean architecture will definitely wow you the moment you set foot in the hotel.
Upon arrival, you will be ushered from the reception to one of the cabanas which surrounds the lovely courtyard fountain while the friendly staff attends to your check-in paperwork. Just when you are still admiring the view, the staff will serve you a scoop of the welcome ice cream. Totally thoughtful considering the scorching weather in Malacca.


Gloomy skies
We've finally arrived at the hotel!

Welcome ice cream treat
She certainly wasted no time in this!
Beautiful porcelain cup
Mummy... seriously.... can't you leave me alone?
I just want my ice cream....


Unfortunately, our room was not ready yet even though we arrived later than the supposedly check-in time. In a bid to make us feel more comfortable, the staff suggested waiting in the air-conditioned Library which was just next to the lobby.
While waiting, I took the chance to go around the hotel premises to take some photos. Back in the Library, we had some coffee, played some games and chilled...…






Chilling out.....
The play instructions were too complicated
for us to understand
I think Daddy dozed off...….
Focused



After 30 minutes of waiting, we were finally shown to our room.
Booked on the Studio Lago King room, the day bed can be converted to a full bed in the evening during the turndown service which was ideal for our princess.
The moment you entered the room, you will be greeted by the majestic bathroom which had the princess smiling in glee as it had a bathtub!
The room was spacious and kept rather clean. At the end of the room was the balcony where one can relax in the evening while soaking in the view.
But the highlight for me was the welcome gift from the hotel - ondeh ondeh! One of my favourite snack!


Walkway to the room
Huge closet and luggage space


The window with wooden finishing open up to
reveal the bathtub

Can't wait to jump into the bathtub!
Basic toiletries


Balcony - the pool is just opposite our room
Ondeh-ondeh in the room as a snack
Super old school notebook found!

 After freshening up, we hurried out for late lunch/early dinner as we were starving! So, we headed to one of the famous chicken rice balls shop - Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Balls - which was a mere 5 minutes walk from the hotel and to our surprise, there was no queue! Perhaps due to the odd timing when we were there (around 4pm).
Upon entering the shop premises, it felt like being transported back to the 70s. The décor and furniture were so nostalgic that it reminded me of my childhood days living in the village kampong.
Ordering was a breeze as we were there for the chicken only and the service was prompt too.


We passed by this tranquil-looking café.
Hopefully we have the chance to go back for
a meal someday
Traditional shophouse setting


Even the table and chairs were so retro!
This is what we came here for

Let's eat!
It ain't chicken rice without chilli


We took a quick tour around the area after our meal as we need to hurry back to the hotel to prepare for the wedding dinner.


The vendors preparing to set up their stalls for the
Night Market






The iconic Red Square.

Hello Kitty ride, anyone?

Just outside our hotel - she wanted a photo with the various
vases in the background


We were running a little behind schedule due to the earlier traffic condition. So it was a mad rush to get ready for the wedding dinner which was held at one of the country club restaurant. It was my first time attending a wedding in Malaysia and though we didn't know any of the newlyweds guests, we were still grateful to be part of their joyous occasion.

All decked out in pretty dresses
On the way to the wedding venue
A rare occasion to see me wearing makeup. Hehe



Our happy family!




Waaaaaaa…. Very old school way of serving drinks
Enjoying herself at the wedding

Twirling time!

 

We left the wedding dinner earlier as we didn't want to stay out too late in Malaysia. As Daddy went out to Jonker Street to buy supper, the princess just couldn't wait to jump right into the bathtub for a good soak.

 


Supper time!




                                                                                               Malacca Trip 2018 - Day 2  ---->




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