I am currently at home in Beijing, but I thought I would just update you on the end of my travels. The last stop was the town of Melaka, Malaysia.

This is a city steeped in history. It origionally started as a small fishing port with local Malays living and working there. Then it was occupied by the Portugeese for over 100 years, then the Dutch for 150 years, finally the Brits for 100 years - before the whole of Malaysia was finally given back to the Malaysian people in 1947.

Because of this interference from Europe, Melaka (like a fair few other parts of Malaysia) has soo much European influence. I went to see the old buildings and marvelled at the beautiful river which in some parts could have been in Amterdam and in some parts Venice. Was odd to see so far from home!

Multi cultural society: As previously mentioned Malaysia has a huge chinese population. I enjoyed looking at the traditional chinese buildings alongside very European buildings. I was obviously missing China more than I realised because I went to the cinema to see a chinese movie (for only 1.20 - at a cinema not dissimilar from our Vue cinemas back home). It was called Alls Well, Ends Well - and after a few minutes I realised I recognised few words, so I decided that it must be in Cantonese (as my chinese understanding is not all that bad.. lol). I then worked out it was a film about 4 Hong Kong couples (therefore, it was in Cantonese, not Mandarin). phew!!! It was funny, very very cheesy and smultschy.. very corny romance. haha

Thats is really... I made sure that I topped up on cheap prescription drugs. I thought China was easy to get drugs over the counter, but Malaysia is even easier. I met people in hostels that were just buying bags full of valium etc.. lol.

I am now back in Beijing, I have been for 4 days! Done not alot really.. just chilling with the boyfriend, and occassionally going outside (braving the polar winds) to go to the gym or supermarket etc. It really is a huge shock for my body. I will update you laterz.

Love Love

Emma x