My Ramadan 1440 Hijrah Trip: Part II

Sunday, 19 May 2019

Today, I planned to do some culture things i.e., visit the Art Gallery of South Australia and some museums. I left quite late as I wanted to check in for my flight back home (it sucked that you had to check in for the flight back when you’d only arrived barely 24 hours before). I took the tram to Rundle Mall tram stop and walked along Rundle Mall before crossing over to the Art Gallery. I spent about an hour there. I don’t usually visit art galleries, preferring museums over them. An hour was just nice enough to spend there.

After the Art Gallery, I went to visit the University of Adelaide very briefly before heading across to the South Australian Museum. It was interesting to note that the locals loved spending weekends with their families and significant others at galleries and museums. I spent another hour in the museum. The weather was dismal anyway and was drizzling on and off.

I went to check out the National War Memorial but didn’t linger long as it was starting to drizzle again. I walked back to the State Library and on to the Migration Museum behind. It started pouring very heavily then and I was glad I was walking beneath some shelter then. I waited out the rain and when it petered out, I hurried over to the Migration Museum. A man at the front desk greeted me cheerfully.

The Migration Museum was a compact museum on the settlement of the city and the story of the aboriginal people. It took me less than an hour to finish the museum.

The weather had not improved but at least it had stopped raining then. I crossed over to David Jones and walked through the Food Court. There was one stall selling halal food; unfortunately, the Food Court and the departmental store closed at 17:00 on Sundays and Maghrib was at 17:20 then.

I rested for a bit before venturing around Rumble Mall. I decided to buy some confectionery and even a bottle of fish oil (it was so dang cheap over there!). As it was getting late (the overcast dreary weather didn’t help), I rode the tram and walked back to the Airbnb. It was about half an hour to Maghrib when I arrived at the Airbnb.

I spent the rest of the evening resting.

Monday, 20 May 2019

I left after 09:30 and took the tram to Rundle Mall. I walked over to Art Gallery tram stop and rode the tram to Botanic Gardens. Today is nature appreciation day, heh. I spent a while here, admiring the landscape and enjoying the autumn weather.

I then took the tram to Exhibition Centre before returning to Rumble Mall and changing trams for Victoria Square. I returned to Adelaide Central Market and Chinatown. The market was supposed to close today but some stalls were opened. Nothing much caught my fancy so I took the tram back to South Terrace and walked back.

I didn’t have that much to pack so after that was done, I made further progress on my novel.

Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Well, it was time to head home already. I got up for pre-dawn meal and after my meal, I had a quick shower before performing prayers. I left at 06:40 and as I missed the earlier tram by a few seconds, I had to wait about ten minutes for the next one. This also meant I also missed the 07:16 bus to the Airport. I took the 07:32 bus and had to ask fellow passengers for small change for my note.

We reached the airport at 07:58 and I joined to bag drop queue. Just like at KLIA, it was a long slow process. I then went through security check and then browsed the duty-free shops. I had to go through another security check and clear passport control before getting to my gate (of course the officer had to remark on my LV bag, what a jerk). We boarded and took off on time.

I spent the time up in the air alternately dozing off and reading. I also performed prayers on board as I didn’t want to rush when I landed.

We landed at 16:10 and my left half of FitFlops decided to tear off so I had to shuffle along awkwardly all the way to the aerotrain, passport control, bag carousel and the KLIA Transit platform. I rode the KLIA Transit to Bandar Tasik Selatan and changed for the LRT.

I arrived in Ampang about 18:30 and it was drizzling. Dad was waiting for me and drove me back home.

So that was my short trip to Adelaide. It’s a small city and my duration was just perfect. Anything longer and I’d be yawning for the rest of my stay.

Oh, and guess what? I didn’t see a single cat during my trip. Not even a whisker.

My Ramadan 1440 Hijrah Trip: Part I

I had noticed the one working day squeezed in between two public holidays this month earlier in the year and after thinking long and hard, decided to visit Adelaide. I’d never been to Adelaide or anywhere in South Australia and I wanted to go somewhere where it wouldn’t be too tiring to fast. Any destinations north of the Equator would not only be too hard but also meant longer fasting hours. So I bought my ticket using Expedia and waited. I only applied for the visa a day before departure. You could apply for it online but it would cost AUD20 or so. You could apply for it at KLIA itself at the Ticketing Desk at the departure terminal and it would cost around RM30+. I managed to get the travel agent we use regularly to apply for it for me and the agent charged me only RM15. Alhamdulillah.

I had also managed to get my sister’s and my munchkin nephew’s agreement for him to come look after dad while I was away. I promised to pay him for his help. Well, I would have to pay for a nurse anyway and a nurse would cost more than double what I’d be paying my nephew. He received some pocket money while I paid less for the service that I otherwise would have to pay. So it was a win-win situation for us all.

Friday, 17 May 2019

Munchkin nephew sent me to the bus stop in the morning and I boarded the bus to work. I brought my suitcase along as I’d be heading to the airport directly from work.

I left the office just before 17:00 and took the 17:30 bus to KLIA. We hit the Ramadan peak hour though and only reached the airport at 19:15, 45 minutes late! I had something light to eat after freshening up and went to drop off my bag. Unfortunately, only a few counters were opened so we had to queue a bit. It took about 30 minutes before I managed to drop off my bag. I then cleared passport control and security check before taking the aerotrain to the departure terminal.

I had some noodles which I bought from the office café and it was extremely salty and just about barely edible. I threw half of it away; starving seemed a better option than taking all that sodium. I dropped by Hermès and came out poorer. Yikes.

It was time to head for the gate then so I made my way to C17. There were a lot of passengers but I was lucky to get the seat by the window and an empty seat next to me. Sure, it was at row 3x but at least I didn’t have to step over my neighbour to go to the washroom what with my wounded knees and all. Oh by the way, I had to wear my FitFlops for the trip. It was either that or Birkenstock as there was a wound on my foot next to my left big toe (from the incident on Tuesday) and I couldn’t wear covered shoes.

We took off on time and were shortly served supper. I chose pasta and almost regretted it. I then tried to sleep but you know me and sleeping in planes don’t go together. It also didn’t help that some passengers were noisy and restless, in particular the four women sitting across the aisle from me.

Saturday, 18 May 2019

We were served some sandwich and drinks about 90 minutes before landing. Oh boy, that wasn’t going to be enough for a pre-dawn meal surely.

We landed at 06:15, 45 minutes earlier than scheduled. However, the passport control took ages. There were only two counters opened to process us all and half an hour later, Singapore Airlines passengers joined the queue. After having my passport checked, I went to the carousel and was surprised to find only one carousel (at least I only saw one!) and that my bag had yet to appear after all that time. Thankfully, it appeared just a few minutes later.

I had declared that I brought in some medicines (more like my vitamins and supplements) and fruits (dates) and had to join a long queue to declare my food. The process was very slow too. I didn’t recall Sydney Airport being this bad.

I finally cleared the check and went out into the arrival level. After freshening up, I caught up with social media before making my way to the bus stop for the bus to the city. The bus came about ten minutes later and I paid the driver AUD5.50 for the ticket. It took about 25 minutes to get to the bus stop at Grenfell Street. I got down and walked down to Pirie Street tram stop for the tram. I had read that there is a free tram service within the CBD so I availed of this service and rode the tram for four stops to South Terrace (you need a ticket beyond this stop). I got down and walked one km to the Airbnb that I’d booked. It was an overcast start to Saturday morning and autumn was very much in the air.

I arrived at the Airbnb 15 minutes later and let myself in. The gate was unlocked and I took the keys from an empty flowerpot to open the front door. Check-in was later but the host had agreed that I could come and leave my bag in the living room. I wandered around the kitchen, used the bathroom and checked the bathroom up the steep spiral stairs (my room was at the basement and for that I would have to descend down steep spiral stairs and let’s hope I wouldn’t break my neck while doing that!). I even met Alice, the host, explained to her that I was dropping off my bags and then left.

I walked back to South Terrace tram stop but decided to walk on to the next tram stop. I walked on and on and before I knew it, I had reached Victoria Square Tarntanyangga. I crossed the road to take pictures of the fountain, met an elder Filipino lady who attempted to take pictures of me (she was the one who offered and insisted) and finally I told her it was OK just to put her out of her misery. I followed Gouger Street to Adelaide Central Market and was glad I did that when I discovered the market was closed on Sundays and Mondays. Say what? I would’ve thought people would want to do their marketing on Sundays too unless the locals are a pious lot and want to go to churches then.

I probably spent at least an hour there. Chinatown is just next door and I even visited two Asian supermarkets and bought some Chinese vegetables. I also went to Coles but decided to purchase my groceries later as I didn’t want to be lug them around. I also spent some time looking for honey to bring home for dad. Who knew there were so many types of honey?? In the end, I bought a bottle of honey from Kangaroo Island.

I walked on further until I reached Grenfell Street, turned right into the street then followed an alley that led to Rumble Mall, a wide pedestrianised street which is home to many stores. I walked into Myer Centre and wandered around. I didn’t want to enter the departmental store but browsed Chemist Warehouse. Then I spotted some benches and went to rest. I was already tired and sleepy by then from lack of sleep and even nodded off for some microsleep O.O

I got up and went to Woolworths and Coles to get some groceries. I wasn’t planning to cook much so I bought a long loaf of wholemeal bread, a two-litre bottle of milk, a box of cereal and a can of mushroom soup. Those are heavy enough and I already had a jar of honey but there aren’t any nearby supermarkets near the Airbnb unless you count the convenience store at the petrol station about 450 metres away.

I walked to Rundle Mall tram stop and waited for the tram back to South Terrace. I sat next to a Malay Singaporean student on the tram and chatted briefly with her.

Back at the Airbnb, I decided to fight sleep for a bit because I didn’t want to get up in the middle of night and not be able to sleep again. I made progress on my novel before finally succumbing to sleep.

To be continued

Shaken, Not Stirred

I left home for work earlier than usual last Tuesday morning, 14 May 2019, and as I walked my usual route, I thought it would be great if I could arrive early and leave early so that I could water the poor plants. I hadn’t managed to do that on Monday evening, no thanks to the horrendous traffic. As usual, I recited the usual prayers while walking.

I had walked about 400 metres when a motorcycle passed by me. There were two helmeted men on the bike and as they approached a T-junction, they debated whether to turn left or right before finally turning right. It occurred to me that they were not from the area as they didn’t seem sure of where to go. I turned right too and when I walked around the corner, I saw the men heading back my way. I had started getting a bad feeling when one of the men jumped out of the bike and advanced towards me, brandishing a stick. He shouted something to me.

For some reason, I felt like I was watching a real-life drama unfolding and of course, that was what it was: a real-life drama of terror with me in the midst of it. Not to be outdone, I raised my brolly but before I knew it, I had fallen onto the road (not again! You bugger!). I don’t know if he pushed me or if I lost my balance or both. My bags were flung out off my shoulders and the two thugs left just as quickly. It all probably took all of 30 seconds. I yelled out in anger and someone in the house nearby asked what happened. I replied that I’d been robbed.

I blindly made my way back home. I called out to dad and after grabbing a RM20 note, my driving licence, a book and a small bag, dad sent me to Ampang Point from where I caught the bus to the city.

I had my handbag snatched about 200 metres away from home and also on my way to work many years ago. What I did then was lodging a police report at Dang Wangi Police Station before applying for a new Identity Card at JPN at Pertama Complex (there was a JPN office there way back when). I also went to a private clinic (a panel clinic of my employer) and also the nearest private hospital. So I decided to do the same thing.

I arrived at the office and rang up Maybank to report the loss of my cards before heading out to Dang Wangi Police Station. I was calm then but when I sat down to give my statement, I was overcome by a sudden sadness that it took some time for me to calm down before I could relate the incident.

After taking my statement, the officer typed in the report before asking me to read it. I read and suggested some minor amendments. The officer then consulted her colleagues before making a phone call to IPD Ampang Jaya. She then told me I had to go to IPD Ampang Jaya as the Investigating Officer wanted to meet me. She also filled up a yellow form and told me that I had to go for medical check-up at Hospital Ampang. I protested and informed that I’d rather go to a panel clinic. She said I could do that but I would still need to go to a government hospital as I had sustained injuries and in the event the perpetrators were caught, the police would need the doctor’s assessment of me. I don’t know why private clinics or hospitals aren’t good enough but I decided that if that was what the procedure was, I would only visit the government hospital. And had I known, I would have just gone to IPD Ampang Jaya in the first place.

So off I went to IPD Ampang Jaya. I had my statement taken again and the IO prepared her own report for her file. She then asked me to read it and sign it. I was then told to wait. It seemed that she wanted to get hold of a photographer and a car and driver to get to the crime scene. I must admit I didn’t expect them to take my case seriously.

It was a rather long wait and I asked where the bathroom was. I went to use the squat toilet and oh my, it hurt like hell. My injuries were starting to hurt alright.

The photographer finally showed up and took photos of my wounds, I suppose for the IO’s file. We waited a bit more before going down. So finally the IO managed to get hold of a car and driver. We returned to the crime scene and I gave directions. I then had to point where the incident happened and was photographed at the crime scene. The premises nearby had a CCTV; unfortunately, it was directed to the compound and not to the road and the premises owner confirmed that the CCTV wouldn’t have captured anything. So we left.

I asked the police to drop me off at the bus stop before they turned into IPD Ampang Jaya and waited for the bus to Hospital Ampang. I arrived at the Hospital at 12:35 and had to play the waiting game. When my name was first called, I went into a small room where the doctor took my blood pressure and temperature. When I came out, I saw my friend who was there to give some support. Then I had to wait again to see another doctor for a proper examination. The doctor checked my injuries and gave me three days’ medical leave as she said the wounds would hurt even more the following day. I had wounds on both knees, on my left toe (next to the big toe), a scar n my forehead, some scratches on my palms and on my head. I left almost two hours after I arrived after getting the medicine and pain killers and paying RM1 for the service.

We then went to UTC Keramat Mall so that I could apply for a new MyKad. I had to make a copy of the police report and fill up a form before the front desk issued me a number. There were five people ahead of me and my name was called after about 15 minutes. My application was processed and then I had to wait for my picture to be taken and yes, like it or not, I had to take a new picture. Ughhhh. I hate taking pictures of myself! And what more, I was sporting a scar on my forehead too! I had to don another scarf on top of my scarf as my scarf was light-coloured. I was told to wait exactly thirty minutes before getting a new number for the new MyKad collection.

True enough, I had my new MyKad about forty minutes later and yes, I looked horrible as expected. Well, no time for vanity. We continued on to join the Ramadan crazy traffic and headed for Avenue K as that was the nearest DiGi centre that could issue a new SIM card for me (I had called earlier to report of my stolen phone and SIM). I paid RM10 for the new SIM card and off we went to re-join the post-rain Ramadan traffic of Jalan Ampang.

I spent the following day recovering from my ordeal. Words can’t describe the pain and agony I suffered every time I shower and it was all I could do to stop myself from crying out loud because it was then that the wounds hurt the most. I had never eaten so much paracetamol in my life within a few days as I did last week too. And though some may advise me against reliving the experience, I couldn’t help remembering the horrors and fantasising and acting out how I would react next time (mind you, I do hope there won’t be a next time) but really, what chances do a barely 44-kg me have against not one but two able-bodied men. Oh I’m not saying it’s impossible but it’d be tough and I’d probably suffer even more injuries if I had really fought back.

I’d been pick-pocketed, snatched, had my house burgled, attacked from behind as some scum tried to rid myself of the necklaces I was wearing while working outside the house gate and now robbed. So enough is enough is enough already.

Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, remember to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times and yes, this is a reminder to myself too. Know the procedures you have to follow following an attack like the one I endured.

Perhaps it’s time for me to start learning some self-defence moves. I did invest in pepper spray and a whistle but everything happened too quickly for me to do anything. I should just wear a whistle around my neck for good from now on so I can blow on it and draw attention. But like I said before, I do hope this would be the last time ever I would encounter such evil act.