SE Asia

As a hub of the world for international shipping, the main harbor was packed bumper-to-bumper with more than 80 cargo and container ships - these were the visible ones! Hundreds more lay anchored in the distance, shrouded in thick smoke from the Indonesian fires, lighted to clear fields for coco palm oil plantations. Try weaving your way around these babies at dawn under sail!

We stayed in a glitzy marina to reprovision, relishing the smooth efficiency of this ultra-modern country. The best was sampling the fantastic range of Asian dishes. The cultures of the Chinese, Malays and Indians all combined for our unique SE Asian experience.

Malaysia was an assault on our senses with the infusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous tribes from Borneo (who we mostly saw at sea involved in the fishing trade). When the fishermen flew by us in their colorful dhows, their tiny, but very noisy Chinese engines blasted our ears, as the helmsman waved warmhearted hellos. Often they came close, curious of the 'newcomers' to their waters.

A captain from the East India Company established this island - the oldest British settlement in Thailand. It grew into a popular mecca for dreamers, artists, and whatever colorful characters you can imagine - just our kind of place!

The area possesses an Indian influence, so browsing their shops was a delightful experience. Just try deciding which of these bracelets to buy - there were a few thousand choices! Strolling down Little India was like walking in India itself. Incense was burned in front of shops to honor their Hindu religious customs, as beautiful Indian girls shopped for silky gowns and jewelry.

Melaka City was once a wealthy trade center, rich with history created from vibrant images of dramatic sultans, Hindu princes and Malay fishermen. It became the preferred port for re-supplying the giant trading dhows during the hot, sticky monsoon season. Traders from India called here, bringing Islam, which soon became the state religion. Today, it is still a major cosmopolitan center with Portuguese colonial architecture a historical remnant of their brief past ruled by colonists.

We especially enjoyed walking the ancient narrow alleyways, crowded with rustic shops and hawkers. We rented the flowered rickshaws to journey into the historical district and tour the museum. Young Muslim girls, donned in flowing tunics giggled when I asked to take their picture.