We celebrated Ouest’s 15th birthday in Melaka. It was one of those birthdays where we weren’t really sure where we would be ahead of time, so it was nice that we were at least in an interesting town.
The day started out with unwinding the snubber line from the anchor chain. The boat had swung in so many circles with the crazy currents that the line had twisted into a tight knot around the chain. I didn’t realize it beforehand, but afterwards if you had asked me what the odds of losing a finger in that operation were, I’d have said 50/50. Nice sweaty hot way to start the morning, but I still had all my digits afterwards and the boat was free to spin again.
Lunch at the Baboon House. No baboons here, but it was a beautifully decorated place with some great food, and a really nice Key Lime cheesecake. Some quiet Happy Birthday singing under our breath was allowed, but alerting the staff was not.
Every so often there’s a random hint that Christmas is around the corner.
He looks like he stopped to pose for a picture, but he was really just pedaling past.
The Christ Church of 1753 is a reminder that Melaka was a strategic port for hundreds of years, going from Portuguese, to Dutch, to British rule. Even Japan snuck in there for a few years during WWII. These buildings, and much of the interesting architecture around town are survivors of the Dutch era.
The church wasn’t all that interesting inside, but I did appreciate sitting in a church pew that wasn’t just a solid wood bench.
Rickshaws are everywhere in town, all sporting Instagram worthy decorations.
It’s probably totally unneccessary in a small town like this, but hey, why not go up and get a bird’s eye view?
Swimming and diving competitions are on hold, from the looks of things.
Bumfuzzle is smack dab in the middle of this picture, anchored out front of a huge land reclamation project. A couple of square miles worth of land right in front of us is all new. Probably a bit of a bummer for those who once had waterfront property.
I’m guessing these are compliments of the Dutch era as well.
Coconut shake’s are ridiculously good.
Piously fell asleep to the Lord.
The Melaka Sultanate Museum.
In case you were tempted… Again, a 14 foot croc was pulled out of here a few days after we left. They were hunting for him while we were there.
Anyway, it was a quiet birthday for Ouest, but a nice day spent wandering around town as a family. Happy Birthday, Ouest!
14 Comments on “Melaka Birthday”
Happy Birthday, Ouest!
Happy birthday Ouest!
Happy birthday Ouest!! My wife and I were fortunate enough to meetup and hang out with you and your folks in Mexico at a taco stand when you were only a month or two old. At that time we had been following their journeys for so long, for us, it was like meeting celebrities (and not just because your dad looks like Nicholas Cage). Your parents were (and I’m sure still are) the best.
I haven’t checked to see how you were all doing for some time. Glad to see you are still traveling and it’s amazing to see how big you and your brother is now.
Continue to explore the world and enjoy living life!
Happy birthday Ouest! 🙂
Happy birthday, Ouest!
My request for a significant birthday while cruising was to go to Melaka for a few days. We caught the air-conditioned intercity bus from Johor Baru where we left the boat at Puteri Harbour. We stayed at one of the old mansion hotels, like the Baboon House, with a beautiful courtyard garden and restaurant. It certainly was a very interesting and memorable place to visit. Happy Birthday, Ouest.
Happy Birthday, Ouest! It’s been such fun to watch you grow up. What a wonderful 15 years you’ve had….with many, many more adventures to come! Enjoy!
belated Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Ouest! Looks like you had a great time! I love the old buildings w/ various shades of peeling paint. The Baboon House is amazing looking!
I’ve been following since you were a baby, Ouest. You are so grown now. 🎉 Happy Birthday 🎉
In the photo after Ouest and Lowe about to eat dessert, there is a picture of a wooden table, sitting on a wooden platform. On the end of the table, there is a rectangular object hanging on the end of a chain. What is it?
Glad Ouest had a special day.
I remember when she was born. Looks like she is becoming a lovely young woman. Best wishes for the year ahead and more adventures. I feel fortunate to have been following you all these years. The cruise I am on now stopped in San Juan ,Puerto Rico yesterday. I thought of your covid stay there.
Along with so many in the comments, I have watched Ouest grow up since she was born. Such a beautiful baby and now old enough to be embarrassed by her family singing Happy Birthday in public! Some things remain the same no matter where they were raised, who raised them or how well. Happy 15th birthday, Ouest! I hope to follow your adventures for many more years. Well, at least a few. Adulthood looms.
Happy Birthday, Ouest! You’ve grown into a lovely young lady and you make your parents proud every day. When did Lowe grow taller than you?
Fantastic pics as always, Ali and Pat.