Distance: 72.79 km
Ridetime: 02:50:27
Average: 25.6 km/h
Total distance: 10217 km
I knew my arrival in Melaka was expected because my amateur radio friends there had been asking what day I would come. But, not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the welcome I was going to receive.
The day started quiet enough with a breakfast at the club house in Port Dickson where I had been staying for the night. Rabin, my host, and a few other guys wanted to follow me in a car the first 20 km to the state border with Melaka. There we were met by what I learned was the cortege that would follow me all the way to Melaka.
After saying goodbye and thanks to Rabin and the guys from Port Dickson we started to move. The cortege now consisted of several motorbikes and scooters, a couple of cars with lights and serenes, a number of photographers, and in the center of it all, me. For a guy who is used to cycle alone it was a crazy experience!
Enjoy the ride!
Once in Melaka we made a tour around the city – of course with my escort sounding their sirenes and flashing their lights to stop all other traffic. Usually I’m the small guy in the traffic. Today I was the king of the road.
The last stop was the Dutch square were even more people waited. First we had a chendol, a local desert made of shaved ice and coconut milk.
Then it was time for an interview with the local newspaper and even more photos. The guys had even made a banner with my name on it. I almost couldn’t believe it.
And how it looked from my side.
Next a man who turned out to be the tourist director of Melaka came over to say hello. This is also when I started to get presents. Many presents. So many that I think I have to go to the post office tomorrow to ship some of them back to Denmark. Unfortunately there is no more space in my bicycle bags.
While being the center of attention like this for the whole day can be tiring, there are advantages: Nice girls coming over to ask if they can add you on facebook and take a photo 🙂
And finally a group photo of everyone present.
To all my friends in Melaka. Thank you so much. I was never in doubt that I would receive a nice welcome in your city, but what you did was truly amazing. I honestly don’t think I will forget this day for the rest of my life. Terima kasih!
The different between country, religions and races are push a side,,,
in the name of Radio Amateur,,,
whats a true Hams Spirit shown here,,,
All The Best My Friend,,,
Det var da helt fantastisk….
I’m sitting here smiling from one ear to the other. It’s so cool that you know all these people through amateur radio.
br Magnus
Great to see some photos of you while riding. Hard to take those when you are by yourself.
Exactly, and some very talented photographers among the hams in Melaka!
I am speechless… So much joy and affection.
Makes me think of John Lennon’s song “Imagine”.
“You may say that I’m a dreamer
but I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
and the world will live as one.”
I am going to show this entry the next time I hear people tell me that the Muslim world is a dangerous place. The hospitality looks the same as the Middle East. It’s too bad people stick to old prejudices.
Wow this is the real royalty treatment. I remember the Malay people being very friendly when I visited many years ago. They certainly fulfil the idea of being truly Asia with their hospitality.
[…] I had special experience in Malaysia. When I arrived in the country I only knew one guy. I met him for dinner one night, and he introduced me to his friends in the next city. That night we were 10 for dinner, and I wasn’t allowed to pay for the food or for my hotel room. The next day things went crazy. My new friends had arranged for two police officers on motor bikes to escort me. Apart from the police, there were also several other bikes and cars that followed me the whole day. Amazingly enough the police stopped the traffic so on red lights I could just continue through. When we stopped in towns I was shaking hands with mayors and tourist directors, and even signing autographs and giving interviews. It was my 15 minutes, or actually 5 days of fame. Now I think I know how it is to be a VIP. After crossing the border to Singapore I was just a normal guy on a bike again. […]