From our quaint homestay guesthouse,

We wander the charming port town of Melaka.

Tall brick walls and open windows

encase Nosa Senhora da Annunciada

And its tall, carved tombstones.

Originally a 16th century

Portuguese Catholic Church

Converted to Dutch Protestant

Then a fortification,

And British ammunitions depot.

Too many Europeans meddling in Malaysia.

Sultanate's Palace Museum:

A replica of a 15th-century marvel

Features seven stretching tiers,

And nail-free construction.

We're surprised by

Tales of bartering for wives,

And death sentences reversed on the accuser

Over petty crimes

Heat, exhaustion, and headaches

Prevent us from exploring

The never-ending supply of museums.