Johor is a relatively new city (c.1855) growing out of a small fishing village very well placed for international trade. Now overshadowed by Singapore (which separated from Malaya in 1965) in trading terms, Johor relies on supplying services, manufacturing (metals), and agriculture. A strong Chinese presence, initially attracted by the fishing and subsequently developing the gambier and pepper industries.
Johor old town
Confidently predicting no need to haggle…
Delicious banana bread bakery
Fish and chips for brunch at the lovely Replacement cafe
Plus some tropical tea
Visited the Chinese Heritage Museum which extolled the virtues, skills and general beneficence of the Chinese in Malaysia. No doubt the Chinese played a big part in building up Southern Malaya after the Portuguese were ousted with the production of gambier (a tannin containing plant used in dyes) and pepper
Pepper
Mrs M found a kindred artist, painting with acrylics a scene that to the ordinary eye looked….ordinary. She was able to while away a good 20 minutes…
As is the way in these parts, the sky darkened and several rolls of thunder led our seasoned locals to advise a rapid retreat to the car, as experience had taught them that a downpour could last up to an hour and is impossible to walk around in without getting completely soaked.
Back at the apartment, and having witnessed some spectacular lightning flashes, but no rain, we lowered the yardarm to a point at which the sun was over it, and supped our G&T’s
Tonight is street food night, and after a 20 minute Grab ride we arrived at “Restaurant Hong Kong Boy”, which marked the start of a side street sensory assault that needed at least two laps of the individual stalls (approx 40) to understand what was on offer. Basically, anything you wanted to eat. Garlic pork and rice for me, stir fried pak choi and cabbage plus a seaweed wrap for Mrs M.
After watching the fish stall for 10 minutes, we worked out that:- 1. Point at fish. 2. Weigh fish. 3. Slice and dice fish. 4. Cook in chosen sauce. 5. Deliver to table.
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