It was hard to finally leave our friends behind in Kuala Lumpur. They showed us such hospitality that it would take pages to describe. With all the interviews, speeches, and signings I’m starting to feel pretty famous! I guess it sort of rubs off once you’re around Jin Fei Bao enough!


It took us two days to cycle to Melaka, a very historically important city as it controls the Straits of Melaka, as does Singapore. Melaka's beauty lies in it's architecture, in its old streets, in it's mix of cultures, and in especially in it's people. We spent a day walking around the old town, both the colonial sections and the Chinese, both having there own distinct uniqueness. Only in Melaka will you find a mosque with Hindu influences, a Hindu temple with Chinese influences, or a Church with Malay influences. 


On the second day we were escorted by three police officers on motorcycles about 10 kilometers outside of the city to the City Hall, where the Mayor, Zainal Abu, had organized a stunning welcoming. Over 30 officials and government staff welcomed us to an elaborate breakfast, and both the Mayor and Jin Fei Bao addressed everyone. After the ceremony, the Mayor tried out one of our bikes out and then set us off on our way. The rest of our time was spent enjoying the historical scenery and the delicious specialty foods, and chatting with our very friendly hosts at the Lyza Inn.

Continuing south down the coast we were constantly surprised by the the welcomings we received. After cycling 100 kilometers we arrived at Batu Pahat, where we were met on arrival by head of the board of Hua Ren High School (华仁中学), who led us to his school. Waiting for us was a very special welcoming ceremony complete with bass drumming, dancing, and Chinese yo-yo tossing. Though exhausted from the day of riding, it was such a wonderful feeling to be welcomed in such a way. We stayed that night on the school’s campus, and gave a presentation to the students, who overwhelmed us with questions and more requests for signatures.



On the road again we were surprised by a similar experience. Our friends at Hua Ren High School said they had arranged someone to meet us at the town 60 kilometers down the road to show us a great place to eat. Just before we arrived at Pontian Kechil, somebody flagged us down on the side of the road. It was the principal of another school who invited us in to a couple hundred students eating lunch. We joined them and shared a meal, as well as our experiences, and signed a few T-shirts!

We will now enter Singapore, completing our 6000+ kilometer, 70 day journey through 7 countries. A journey that has not only promoted friendship between countries and individuals alike, but has also showed me that the hospital nature of the people of Southeast Asia is one of the strongest in the world. Let's see what Singapore has to offer! 



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