Last day in Asia

Planning on seeing a bit of the city I set off walking. The idea was to walk as far as a hotel I had thought of staying at. The Hatten. Maybe I will have lunch there. 

It wasn’t far from home but it was hot and I darted into a shopping mall to keep cool and find a coffee. An hour later and without stepping foot outside I was in the Hatten Hotel having come all this way in Malls which join themselves onto the next one. 

Hatten Hotel I have arrived. Glad I am not staying here. Huge, shiny, impersonal and home to coach tours. Neither of the restaurants serve A la Carte and neither has proper coffee. Well that was a waste so I venture outside and over the road. 

That’s where I am now. Enjoying a Thai Chicken and Prawn dish that was bought to me by a robot with a very annoying voice. The food is delicious but the chicken seems to have flown away or morphed onto the shape and taste of mushrooms. The lemon grass drink is just so cooling and refreshing. Interesting that other than the tourist places along the river I haven’t found any place that sells booze. Its given me a chance to try all these delicious cold drinks. 

And I have coffee. Bought to me with a wee container of alphabet biscuits and a wee refreshing drink which turned out to be camomile tea. Yuk. But that coffee. Wow it whacked me in the face. It was soooo good. 

Next step check out the Islamic Museum, St Peter’s Church, A’Fortuna, The Palace. All within a three minute walk from where I am.  Easy walk except that they are closed. It’s Monday. Bumm. 

Finding THAT mall that would lead to the next, that would lead to the next didn’t happen so I walked in the sun. Feet screeching, sweat dripping I did the only thing I could and stopped along the river for a beer. This place chosen because it had a seat under a fan. My Tiger beer tasted like Nectar and the fan cooled me and dried the perspiration dripping from my face. 

I did a bit of a wander on the way to dinner. The tourist masses have gone and Jonker Street is just a street with no stalls. So much nicer. 

I passed a Madrassa and tried to get in. Madrassa’s are where Muslim holy people do their training. Sorry no visitors. 

I need red meat and find myself back at the waterside place I was the other day. Steak, parmesan fries and onion rings ordered. I couldn’t face another meal where I left feeling hungry. My Albariño will help me digest and tastes so well. 

People watching is my absolute favourite thing to do and watching arrogant people always makes me shake my head and want to slap them. Here is a packed restaurant and at the best table overlooking the river is a “shit I’m cool” Italian wearing his shades, refusing to order anything because he is busy talking loudly on his phone and using his laptop, no doubt with the free wifi. I know he is Italian as he talks so loud he drowns out everything, the music, the other diners. I guess he must be very important.   OMG he’s sending kisses to his phone and taking photos of his bared chest. What a dick. 

I said I wanted beef and I wanted something to fill me. I think this will. Tastes as good as it looks. 

For the first time since I’ve been here I have heard the call to prayer. The hairs on my arm quiver. The moment is spoiled by the dick sitting in front of me taking selfies. But looking at the sunset makes that annoyance go away. Its stunning. Prayer mats are sold everywhere but I haven’t once seen anyone stop to pray nor are there a multitude of Mosques here. If it wasn’t for the fact that most women wear head coverings you wouldn’t know you were in a Muslim country. Oh that’s right bacon is made from chicken here. No Pork. 

Last night of this adventure. Now to plan the next one.