Melaka or Malacca in mainland Malaysia is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Portuguese and Anglo architecture, tradition and cultures. I remember when I was in grade school and high school, Malacca is always mentioned as part of Filipino and Asian history, but mostly underscoring it’s importance as a spice capital and trading post. When I found myself actually in Melaka, there was barely any evidence left of it being the choice port of call among galleon traders. What remains, however, is a beautiful and rich mixture of multi-cultural influence from its former leaders and/or colonizers — Malay food, Chinese temples, Portuguese and Dutch churches, imposing forts, and cobbled stone streets. Not to mention the arts (several art shops and paint-on-the-spot street artists), crafts and cuisine that can be seen and had while going through street after street of historical buildings and establishments. A mere 2 hours south on a private car (thanks to Rajie for bringing me and my two friends traveling at the time), perhaps 2.5 hours when riding tour buses) from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Melaka can be a quick and easy side trip to include in your vacay travel itinerary.;