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An impromptu visit to Malacca, Malaysia from 6 – 8 Jan 2012 with David and Jackson. Mainly a photography trip, we set out with the intention to grab as many ‘moments’ as we can.

Day 1, 6 Jan 2012
Leaving Singapore at 1330hr, our bus travelled to two other pick up locations in Singapore for the 3-4 hour journey. Soon, we cleared both Customs Checkpoint (Tuas Checkpoint) and Malaysia Customs. Both were extremely quick, and chatting on camera gear quickened the pace. A nap ensued.

Arriving at 1730hr Meleka Sentral, I was amazed at the bus depot. We should have one of these centres for bus trips in Singapore. This made us look trivial.

A RM$20 taxi ride to our hotel was all it took to kick start this journey of possible cheats. The driver claimed it was a ‘standard rate’ for the 5-7km trip to the hotel. I bet he was pulling a fast one. That’s S$10 for a short journey. I knew it was a con. But what could we do? There were no other viable options in sight.

The hotel. Hallmark Hotel. Horrid.

Room was extremely warm and small. Especially for three fully grown men who aimed to pack the entire camera gear into Malaysia. Ha!

This was the first shot fired, and I shall try to keep this as chonological as possible for fun reference :)

A group of passengers awaiting their transport at Melaka Sentral, Malacca.

We didnt really know how to get to our hotel near Jonker Street (although it could be very near, which was about 5-7km). We had to find a taxi….

The first offer came at RM$20. Not wanting to get conned, we drove a bargain at RM$15. He refused. He asked another passing taxi, who also offered RM$20. So we said to ourselves, what the heck, lets go and shoot!

Motorcyclist alongside our taxi towards Hallmark Hotel

Second shot fired for Day One. Taken with my M2 coupled with the impeccable Zeiss 25/2.8 M- Mount. This is one of my favourite lens. Although  I admit I bought this out of impluse, it has found its way into my lens bag almost every time. This trip its paired with my Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5 M-Mount and Leica M3. I would find out later during this trip that this could well be my best pairing for a ‘light’ setup.
I seldom travel ‘light’ (in terms of camera gear), but I seem to be able to carry very little clothing/toiletries to balance the load. This trip was no different.
My Billingham Hadley Large was the choice of weapon. Good choice.

David concussed during the 3-4 hour coach ride to Melaka Sentral

Well, this was another ‘first shot fired’ during the trip to be exact. But I was not exactly in Melaka’s soil…yet. Again, this is with the Leica M2 & Zeiss 25/2.8 combo. Coupled with Fomapan 100 (@200) with DDX, this turns out to be a film with a nice ‘glow’ I like. Hooya!

Fried Kway Teow (noodles)...the first meal

Cheap and good, this noodle was a good ‘perk me up’ after a 4 hour bus ride. This was shot in Jonker Street, about a 5min stroll from our Hallmark Hotel. Apologies for not having shots of the hotel room, for I would need a fisheye lens or at least my Nikon AFS 14-24mm to get part of the room in the frame. Yes its that small. Back to the food please. We dont have much time.

Home-fixingAs we devoured out dinner, the stall owners were busy preparing for the usual Thursday - Sunday Night Bazzar held in Jonker Street. I should have thought to photographing the full shop after it was prepared. Dang.Travelling buddies for Melaka, David (left), Jackson (right)Its about time I introduced my travelling company. We are all into the Rangefinder system, using the M-Mount by Leica. Hanging on David's neck is the Leitz Wetlzar M6 Classic (black) with a Summarit 35mm. This was shot at the main entrance junction into Jonker Street. Customers waiting for their Carrot Cake to be freshly madeDavid was too full to have a plate of this on the first day (dinner). So just after the bend we had dinner at, David was paying off a street vendor for his Fish Ball soaked in Curry Sauce. He can eat!Trishawman at rest, Jonker Street, Malacca

Right in the middle of the junction, was this trishawman having a good nap. Oblivious to traffic and people around, I could not resist a shot with the 25ZM. This could be Ilford’s Delta 100 or Fomapan 100. The Fomapan is excellent value for money, and I’d reccomend it to anyone going to practice their film cameras in the initial stages of photography.

Street vendor, preparing for the evening's Bazzaar

They don't push for sales, and are rather calm in business

'Bing Tang' Seller, also known as Rock Candy, (I think)

I had to pull a good fake one for this shot, squatting innocently in front of a well weathered man selling Rock Candy. The Zeiss 25mm performs extremely well even at close range, giving me a nice depth and perception of space. I dont know much in detail about distortion, but to me this is as good as it gets. I like how it pulls the other elements into the frame, unlike a 35mm for such a shot.Home baked tarts and handmade snacks are their specialty. They do it, and they do it well.

BBQ squid, local favourite!