Places Across the World: Heritage City

Melaka city was colonized by Portuguese, Chinise, Dutch and English. You know, it was a major port of spice-route and it was growing to a world wide trade center.

When Melaka was conquered by Portuguese, They build a fort named '' A Famosa'', which literally translates to "The Famous". Inside this fortress, there was a meeting room for the Portuguese council, few churches and a castle. Almost every thing ''disappeared'', the only thing time left behind was the ''Porta de Santiago ''. "Porta de Santiago" it's Famosa's gate. This monument is under protection of UNESCO.
( Sorry guys! I was unable to take nice pictures these days due to the rainy days and I didn't want to ruin the camera! )

On the top of the hill, the Portuguese Capitan build a chapel. The first name was '' Our Lady of the Hill'', but when the Dutch came to Melaka they started burying their noble dead on this chapel. Consequently, they changed the name to '' St. Paul' Church''. I think the following quote defines the place very well: ''It's built by the Portuguese, Dutch are buried in it, and named by the English! '' - (http://www.malaysiasite.nl/malaccaeng.htm)

After visiting the European side of the heritage city, it was time to checkout some Asian culture. I walked through Jonker Walk street which is the main street of Melaka's Chinatown. My mom and I also stayed over a Chinese hotel the hosts were friendly and the place was comfortable, nothing fancy. We were there to explore and not to sleep all day anyways! We had breakfast at the Geographer's Bar.

In the neighborhood there was a diverse range of chinise, muslim and hindu temples. Since Chinese new year was just around the corner, the whole Chinatown was decorated.