28^th June – 1^st July 2016

Malacca, often see “Maleka” too though I’m not sure what that refers to(?), was off to a strange start. I had arranged to stay with a couch surfer host which always makes me slightly anxious. As Edwin showed me, there’s usually nothing to worry about and it’s generally filled with lovely, trustworthy people. There’s always the nervousness that it only takes one to spoil the experience for the rest of your life though.

When I received an email from Couchsurfing.com saying his account had been deactivated I started to worry. Then he messaged me and smoothed it over, said there had been a problem. Having been pleasantly surprised by everyone I had met so far I decided to give him a chance.

## PING

Another email. This time Couchsurfing.com when I read the email I notice that it specifically said not to stay with this user. I messaged him. I started to panic. I explained that it was probably best for me not to go against their advice.

Already on my way to Malacca and with it getting dark but now with nowhere to stay for the night. Today’s just one panic after the other. I should have stayed in KL! Flicking through Hostel World in hyperdrive trying to get somewhere for the night. I find one and immediately book it for a few nights.

I get there in one piece, jaded from all the panic and tired from another long bus journey. This quickly evaporates on the warm, loving reception I receive at the hostel. There’s a lot of other guests by the front and the owner delightfully welcomes me. I jokingly explain my days’ events and the group ever so kindly invited me out for the meal they’re having. This is the first time I meet to Anne.

It’s only a negligible feeling at first. That “I would get along with that person” feeling. I barely noticed it. Then we end up chatting along the way and the feeling grows. Just a bit. Then our flow is interrupted when the two available seats at the restaurant are quite apart. I let it go and quickly slip into some delightful conversation with the others.

On the way back I rekindle the conversation and it’s an easy walk back. We all end up watching some TV and heading to bed.

The next morning, I float around on the hope I might bump into Anne. I don’t. That’s fine. Today’s my only full day here after I found out I left my (very nice) boots in Kuala Lumpur and I really should go exploring.

So, exploring is what I do.

Before long I’m lost, which is always a good thing when you’re travelling. Why?

That’s why. Instead of being where you planned to go, that is the historical walk route, you end up in an abandoned fort which isn’t on the map. The views were glorious. It feels like the middle of nowhere and no one is around aside from some local foraging the local grounds and gnarling roughly at me when I come near.

Eventually, I do make it to the city centre and the historical trail.

It’s been a hot day and the air con of the hostel is much needed, so it is then that I return. Watched some more TV and headed to bed.

In the morning, I was tempting fate once again, hanging around and going in and out around lunch on the hope mine and Anne’s paths might cross.

They do.

I ask her whether she would like to come to lunch with me.

She’s already eaten.

Maybe it just isn’t meant to be.

Then she says she wouldn’t mind coming along and joining me for lunch anyway.

Maybe it will work out after all.

Within moments I’m agreeing that I should message Edwin in KL and stay another night in Malacca. Anne’s quickly become a friend and I can’t stand the idea of not seeing her for a year as will be the case, at least, once we depart I’m sure.

When I try to go to the place which has been recommended to me I find it’s closed for lunch. This is the beauty of the unplanned. When we couldn’t get in we go around the corner and head to a local Indian. It was brilliant. For pennies I enjoyed a marvellous curry served on a massive leaf. So authentic. So tasty. So unplanned.

Then Anne suggested we go over to Jonker street. There’s a “dope” hat I promised I would buy if I went back in. I didn’t actually think I would be going back in.

The shops here are totally awesome. A blend of traditional retailing with the prices and authenticity of the street markets. We ended up getting a pretty revamped wardrobe.

As we continued to walk, I see an interesting stall that seems to be selling watermelon juice.

Out of an actual watermelon! There’s so much juice in one watermelon it is unbelievable, I was bloated for hours to come.

On the walk back it was Anne’s turn to spot an amazing hidden gem.

With a few hours to kill in the hostel the TV is back on. When Anne comes in I suggest we can share the bean bag. I cheerfully say “hey pal” and mock-playfully put my arm around her. I laugh and then remove my arm.

It’s then that I realise how much I feel like I’m both attracted to and connecting with Anne both for her bright personality and stunning looks. Moments later I say “actually, that was far more comfortable” and go to put my arm back around her. My heart starts to race and those butterflies I’ve not had, even when I’m physically with someone, maybe for a year or so come back. Anne slides closer in. This makes me feel more comfortable that this is what she wanted too. Yet more nervous by the fact that she’s closer to hearing or feeling how quick my heart is racing. It’s a funny position to be in. Calmed and unnerved by the same action.

Although no one else seems enthusiastic to join us we decide to go explore the local Portuguese settlement festival.

We danced like fools. The locals joined us. We had a blast.

Who’s that?

He looks familiar. Oh my god. It’s the guy from Couch Surfing who I ran away from. Time to man up.

I walk over to him and ask him if he is indeed who I think he is. He is. He confirms I’m James. I am. This is awkward. We exchange pleasantries and my guts tell me this is a genuine bloke. I don’t think he would cause any harm. Anne shares the same thoughts.

Before long we tire ourselves out before deciding it’s time to retire for the night. I bid farewell to AJ and we start on our journey back.

We say goodnight and head to our separate dorms.

The following morning, we get the same bus to KL before saying our goodbyes at the train station. After a quick farewell, for I’m in a desperate rush, I pray we get another chance to meet up and say goodbye properly.