A Sad Day – Dampener for Holiday Enjoyment

It was a sad day indeed. A Saturday and we had just left the apartment to go into the city by using the metro. Metro was crowded. I had my wallet picked from my pocket on exiting the metro train. I realized that the wallet was gone as I got out of the crowded train. I was sure I still had it with me while standing amongst the crowd in the train. I shouted “my wallet” several times and some people were pointing towards the train and speaking in Spanish which I do not understand. Fahrul and I rushed forward to see…… what? I wasn’t sure what to look for in the crisis of the moment but I tried to observe the behaviors of the people walking out and none showed any signs of guilt or awkwardness.
Several thoughts ran in my mind then. My wallet was definitely gone. My credit cards, identification card, driving license, etc., police report but how? I do not speak Spanish. Then Fahrul and I started looking into the rubbish bins around the station to see if it had been discarded, hoping to recover at least the wallet and documents. Gone, the wallet was gone……

We got directions to go to the police station to report the crime. Meanwhile Sita helped to call the credit card and bank numbers to stop charges on the cards. At the police station I was given a queue number and asked to call a certain number on one of the phones provided where I can report my case in English. The person on the other end of the line was very helpful and patient, prompting me with questions on what happened while at the same time I could hear him typing away on his keyboard, apparently typing my report. At the end of it he gave me a reference number to jot down and asked me to wait for my queue.

There were many people in the waiting room, all with the same predicament, victims of pick pockets. One lady from Ireland lost everything, passport, money, identification cards, credit cards, and she was scheduled to leave Madrid the next day, back to work. Another was luckier as she only lost a wallet containing only money she had ‘rationed’ for the day. All her cards, passport and other documents were kept separately. Sita asked why bother to report if only it was money she lost, she said that she wants to add to the statistics. How civic minded this lady from Belgium was. My queue number was 100 and after me more were coming in to make reports. It was then 2.30 pm, so this petty crime seems to be a daily occurrence in Madrid and the number of cases seems to be large!! And they say in the travel brochures that Spain is one of the safest countries in the world……. phhttttt…!!

One officer came and called out my number. I followed him into another room where there were several cubicles available for report making and confirmation. This officer took my report reference number, checked it out on his computer, printed it out and had an interpreter to read the report, written in Spanish, to me. I was allowed to make corrections of the facts but I only needed to correct the spellings. He then produced several copies of the report, asked me to sign each of them and he countersigned them as well and put the official chop on. He gave me a copy of the report and I was on my way out then. If they find my wallet they will contact me at the address given and on the telephone number given, he said. I do not put much hope in that.

It was reflection time for me while waiting for my queue number to be called. One of the safest countries in the world! hmmm indeed. Admitted, I was careless and I should have known better, having traveled extensively around the globe. I was too complacent. I was initially feeling annoyed with myself, peeved at having made the mistake but when I saw the big crowd of people with the same predicament as mine, some losing a lot more, one crying incessantly too, the negative feeling slowly went away. So, I lost my credit cards, my documents and some money, so what? It is not the end of things. Life goes on and I am on holiday. This misadventure should not dampen my holiday enjoyment. We were scheduled to move on to Marrakech the next day and I should leave the incident today behind me. Yes, I will have a lot of things to do when I return home, to obtain replacement id cards, driving license and all, but that’s part of life. For now, I look forward to Marrakech……






We had late lunch at one crowded vegetarian outlet and spent the rest of the day going round the city. Took some more pictures and observed the crowd as we went along. There was a large crowd everywhere we went. Perhaps being a Saturday and good weather at that the crowd chose to come out, just like us. After a while, Ram and I, feeling a little tired, went back to the apartment on our own while Fahrul, Sita and Najla continued going around the city.



No prize for guessing who this dancer is!!




MKI Ramblings Unlimited,
Old Town Apartments,
Madrid, España

Cordoba: Moving Around

We took our time going around the Mesquita. I was slow, not because I wanted to see the internal of the building in great detail but more out of necessity to rest my leg often. If only I had my walking stick with me!! All the walking had started to take its toll on my leg. We spent about three hours in the complex at the end of which was time for us to find a place to perform our daily obligations to the Almighty. I was informed that there is such a place within a park at Plaza Colon. We took a cab there. There was such a place indeed but a far cry from the grand Mesquita that used to be. Anyway, we performed what was necessary and after obtaining directions went to an area called Plaza de la Corredera. We walked slowly admiring the architecture of the buildings and interesting sights along the way. We also passed the Roman ruins and had an opportunity to look it over as compared to the once through view by bus earlier in the day.


Plaza Corredera was actually a square of flats, typical of the housing flats or apartments around the city of Spain, with various shops and restaurants occupying the ground floor. In the centre of the square was a large stage and there were musical equipments placed on it. Perhaps there would be some kind of partying later in the evening or night. We found a suitable pizza/kebab outlet, operated by a young Moroccan at one corner of the plaza, ordered what we wanted with some fizzy drinks and sat at one of the tables placed in front, joining other diners in the open space. The atmosphere was relaxed and although it was past 8.00pm it was still light and children were still running around, playing ball games and other children activities. We had a leisurely dinner and by 9.00 pm we started walking back to Plaza Colon, back to the place where we can perform our evening and after dusk obligations to the Almighty.


We had no more intention of seeing other attractions as it was getting rather quiet by the time we performed all our obligations and was ready to head back to the Estacion de Autobus for our return journey to Madrid. We caught a city bus from Plaza Colon to go to the Estacion de Autobus. Our bus was at 1.00am and it was full. We slept all the way back to Madrid. Not much to see anyway as it was dark then. However I was annoyed at one of the passengers two seats in front who had poor manners, talking on his cell phone, with his girlfriend I assume, for more than an hour. I could detect the annoyance of others around me as well. Anyway, being too tired, I could not be bothered and slept almost all the way to Madrid.





We arrived in Madrid Estacion de Autobus at just before 6.00 am and joined the office and other workers in the Metro to return to our apartment. After breakfast it was time to continue our rest and sleep before planning for other activities in this historical city…….

Fahrul arrived in the late evening to join us for the rest of our holiday. Najla was very excited when Fahrul arrived and had him to do everything for her and refused Sita to intervene, even to get her ready to go to sleep......

MKI Ramblings Unlimited,
Old Town Apartment
Madrid, España.

Cordoba: The Mezquita – Magnifico

Having got brief directions to go to the Mezquita, we took city bus No 3 that went through the city. We observed a Roman ruin along the way and hope to revisit it later, if there was an opportunity. We stopped at one part of the town, by the river and walked along it, based on the directions given to us, and also followed the directions given at street corners to the Mezquita. Along the way we saw the bridge built across the river in the 7th Century but have since been refurbished several times over, the original design of which could still be seen underneath the new structure. The river however was heavily silted up. We went on towards the Medina Azzahara but noticed it closed and appeared not to have been opened for public entry. We went on towards the Mezquita and stopped at the Tourist Information Centre, within the complex and open, where we obtained a map of the city, how to get about, and other places of interests, not that we have much time for other attractions, but good to know what our options were.



The very high external walls of the Mezquita showed how huge and old the building was and had the Islamic designs of the early caliphate era. On entering the vast, open and pebbled courtyard, planted with palm trees and orange trees, we noticed the crowd of tourists in their groups all over the place. Amongst all I noticed the group of Japanese, I identified them by their language spoken, were the most disciplined, all having their own cameras and never stop taking photos. Entry into the covered cathedral was ticketed at €8.00 each and Najla entered free.

Inside were available brochures and description of the history of the Mesquita and what was available to see inside. Original Islamic calligraphic inscriptions, preserved over the times, could clearly be seen on parts of the wall, so also the Mehrab and the front arches meant for the Imam when leading prayers. The pillars all over the huge building area supporting the roof had arches that were alternated with concrete and brick, their colors alternating cream and pink, while the arches appeared like upturned hands with fingers holding upwards. It was a magnificent site to behold. Each pillar was symmetrically designed with concrete carvings at the top supporting the tall concrete arches. Part of the Mesquita is now utilized as a church and I noticed several of them inside, perhaps meant for different groups. However it was clear that the whole complex was for tourists attracting tourist money. I also found out that entry, especially on Sundays and while there are church services going on, or at other special festival times, is free. Lucky for those who happen to visit during those times.







Just outside the complex were several souvenir shops true to the touristy nature of the complex, all out to squeeze the tourist dollar or was it euro!! No different from any other touristy locations around the world. Ram and Sita spent a while browsing through but decided that we should move on……

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Old Town Apartments,
Madrid, España.

A Day Trip To Cordoba

It was a Thursday and a fine day, temperatures in Madrid ranging between 18 and 22o F, and the sun shining bright. We were booked on the 9.00am bus to Cordoba with return from Cordoba at 1.00am. The journey was expected to take 5 hours, hence we have only about 10 or 11 hours in Cordoba. It does not matter though as all along, and for many years, I had the intention to visit that big mosque that had been turned into a cathedral. That was all I wanted to see in Spain and all other visits and places of interests are just side visits in conjunction.

We left the apartment early to take the metro to the Estacion de Autobus as we expected a large office crowd during this morning peak period. True enough, the metro was crowded but we managed to arrive at the estacion on time. I did my usual past time while waiting, people watching and observed behaviors. As temperatures were warmer this morning the dresses got thinner lesser areas covered. The theme seems to be “more exposure is better”. I try not to ‘ogle’ but observe I did, trying not to be obvious at the same time. It appears as though the fairer creatures love to flaunt especially those who are well endowed in assets, ha ha. Main exposures for display seem to be the top and mid-reef assets, the bigger the bulge the lesser the coverage, phew…..

There were many like us, patiently waiting, and many others in a hurry. When they are in hurry and walking fast you can imagine how they walk….! There were announcements, but even if there were we would not have understood it. Just as it is in the apartment, we have the TV on but do not understand the dialog nor follow what goes on. The schedule and directional displays on large electronic boards for the busses and their destinations etc., were clear even if it was all in Espianol. Hence we had no difficulty locating our bus when the time came. We were lucky to have made reservations as the bus we took was full both directions.

The bus we took was very comfortable and spacious with a lot of leg room. The bus driver was disciplined, well dressed and formal, and stick to the rules and regulations. En route we noticed that the passengers were just as disciplined. I did not see anyone eating in the bus but most would have something to eat when the bus stopped at the rest area. I also noticed that the bus driver purchased his food and drink just like his passengers at the restaurant in the rest area, not like at home where bus drivers are catered for by the restaurants!!

The journey itself was a pleasant experience. We would have to pay four times more if we had taken the express train to Cordoba and would not have much opportunity to check out the sights along the way as the train would go very fast. By bus we could enjoy the scenery, especially when the bus negotiated through the mountain roads. The sight was beautiful. The wide expanse of farmland and vineyards along the way, the quaint little villages, the nicely designed haciendas, were all nice to view along the way. Typical Spanish designed homes were very obvious as we passed through these green fields and farmlands.

I was truly undecided on the type of transport to use to go to Cordoba whether to spend the money and go by train or save and go by bus but endure the long journey to and fro. In the end I think it was a decision well made as although the journey was long the end benefit in terms of food for sight was immense, and saved some money too.

On arrival at Cordoba station at 2.00pm we tried to get a map of the city and how to go to the Mezquita-Cathedral, the main attraction I was looking forward to visit. I was directed to the tourist information booth but found it closed between 2.00pm to 4.30pm. I had no choice but to ask around using my hands more than word of mouth but managed to get some directions. So off to the Mezquita we went……

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Old City Apartments,
Madrid, España.

Second Day In Madrid.

The journey and the evening walk around the area of the apartment made us sleep a little too well in the night that we got ourselves ready to venture into Madrid city a little too late in the morning. Najla was especially difficult to wake up. She did not walk the previous evening but was pushed around in her stroller and yet……

I want my hot choc, Mummy

We checked out various places in Madrid. We continued in the old city part and then moved on to the Plaza Mayor area and the Opera area and took some photos. We thought of trying the tourist bus, the one with the open top, but decided against it as it was already late in the afternoon by then. We would take it another day, perhaps when Fahrul comes over to join us later in the week.

Plaza Mayor is apparently a touristy place. Almost everyone or group were taking pictures and posing for photos, and I assume these people are tourists like us. The shopping outlets too indicate that they are for tourists! Their prices gave them away ha ha! The open square, with a statue of a horseman in the centre, a very large area equivalent to about four football fields were thronged with people mostly toting cameras of all types and sizes. The weather was good, cool and sunny most part of the day except for one short stint of clouds and a very slight drizzle that did not bother anybody, some unfazed even. There were engravings on the sidewalks and on the statues but they were all in Spanish and I could not make out what was written. I noticed the year written as 1593 and at another place as 1624 and other dates at other locations just as old. So, this place must be over 500 years old or maybe older.

In Front Of Opera

Similarly with the Opera area and through the pedestrian mall that stretched from Opera to Sol. There were tourists everywhere. I hear many languages being spoken and there were indeed very few speaking English!!



We managed to get to the Estacion de Autobus, which is the outstation Bus Station, to enquire about a trip to Cordoba, the place and the reason why I wanted so much to go to Spain. So, off we will go to Cordoba the next day. We will be making a day trip, a long journey, and with me still ‘under the weather and coughing too’ I hope I will survive………



MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Old City Apartment
Madrid, España.

Madrid España.b

We had planned a trip to Madrid and Marrakech from UK. Early reservations were made on-line for the trip. We got reasonably cheap tickets on EasyJet Budget Airlines and also more than reasonable rates for accommodations in Madrid and Marrakech, all done on-line.

We left late afternoon on Monday for London and stayed overnight in a hotel in Gatwick as our flight to Madrid was early morning from Gatwick airport. Fahrul had arranged for a long term parking of the car at one of the enterprise catering for such parking while providing shuttle service to the airport from the car park location. We got up very early on Tuesday morning and headed for the parking location. No hassle here. It was a very professionally organized system and everything happened orderly. The car was taken care of and our luggage were transferred into the shuttle bus and later taken off systematically. Checking in for the flight was also a breeze and boarding process went very well. We had some time to spare before the actual flight and rested at the general lounge with me doing my favorite past time, people watching. I am apprehensive for this journey though as I inadvertently left my walking stick in the car. The stick would certainly have been useful for me as I expect to do a lot of walking where I am going. I hope I will not be none the worse for it!!

I was still a little under the weather for this travel and I managed to catch some sleep on the flight. It was a 2½ hours flight and I slept all the way into Madrid airport. Going through Madrid immigration and customs was also a breeze. However it was a long walk from the aircraft to the exit point of the airport, including walking up three flights of stairs and down three flights, which was a bit too hard on my knees.

Najla, Playful As usual

A quick check with the information centre showed certain choices we have in going into the city and also the need to change currency into Euro as evidently Spain and all others of Europe would only accept Euro as the currency. I also found out that English is not widely spoken and I can expect some language difficulties.

We decided to take the Metro into the city and to the apartment. The first language difficulty came soon enough, that was when I wanted to purchase the metro ticket. The instructions on the ticket vending machines were in Spanish and the lady at the ticket counter could not speak English. Even sign language was difficult since there were many categories of tickets and it took the lady and me quite sometime to understand each other. I got the correct tickets and off we went to collect the keys to the apartment and then to the apartment. It was not difficult, even with the luggage we had with us, to go by metro, but I had to be vigilant at noticing the station names and the changes of train to make to reach our destination. That went without a hitch. Along the way there were many helping hands in assisting us to carry our luggage especially up staircases.

Somewhere Close To The Apartment

It was a nice apartment that we got with full facilities and comfortable. It is located in the old city or the older part of Madrid but the apartment, although in an old building, appear to have been refurbished and modernized. Within the vicinity are many shops and outlets for us to get any supplies we need. So, we quickly got ourselves settled, walked around the area and noted the grocery stores, restaurants and other shopping outlets that are available. Dinner was Doner Kebab that we bought from an Iranian outlet very close to the apartment. We look forward to checking out more of Madrid in the days to come and hope to be able to include a trip to Cordoba as well. Ah well! Let us see how the day progress……

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Old City Apartment, Madrid
España.

A Quiet Weekend

After the midlands in the UK we spent a quiet weekend in Tenby. We had surprise visitors from the home country on Saturday. He and family, wife and three young children, are now in Sheffield where he is on study leave doing his masters programme. He was, at the time he went on study leave, holding the position I held when I first started work in Bintulu. He was also at one time staying in the house opposite Mum’s house in JB. So it was a pleasant surprise to have him visit us, and a surprise too to have met his wife and three little kids. I only remember him as a young schoolboy staying opposite Mum’s house although I had met him for brief moments when he started work with the same employer as mine, he as a young entrant and I as one getting ready to retire. Sita set up a simple dinner for all.

We visited the nearby towns in Pembrokeshire and stopover at one of the hypermarkets to replenish groceries. Ram and I were also not feeling ‘up and about’ preferring to just relax at home. I guess the travel and drive into the midlands had its downside for us. I guess we should not rush and bunch up all outstation travels at one go and I refuse to believe that age is the factor heh heh. It is just that we need to space up our outstation movements. We have the next long distance outing coming up very soon and hope we will be ready and up to it come Monday…..

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Tenby, Pembrokeshire