SHIRAZ : April 2020

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Andalus 2020 - part 3

Salam everything. We are currently in the blessed month of Ramadhan, alhamdulillah. It is definitely different this time round, but there's so many things are yet to be explored. So, here's to a wonderful and istiqamah journey throughout Ramadhan, insyaAllah.

1/2/2020 (Spain-Morocco)

This was my first time on a ferry with a large garage for cargo and a large area for foot passengers. It is also used to transport vehicles, and of course I was pleasantly astonished. What more when we definitely looked like we're lost most of the time, but the ferry crew were very helpful despite having to deal with so many things. Most importantly, from what I've observed, the ferry crew ensured that our safety is their utmost priority.
For your information, this ferry was equipped with prayer area, cafeteria and a few shops. And as a person who is always sceptical of my surroundings, I ensured that I am awake whenever we are on any mode of transport, be it the train, bus, ferry or car. I would always keep my eyes open, even when my mind is probably asleep, huhu. Thus, the whole time I was on the ferry, was filled with strolling around the deck for foot passengers. Upon reaching Morocco ferry port, to my surprise, the announcements of arrival were relayed in 4 different languages; Spanish, Arabic, French and English. Luckily for me, I can only understand English haha.

Little did we know, our arrival in Morocco was actually the beginning of a series of novel challenges :( We were welcomed by an insincere cab driver, who asked for an unbelievable amount of fare to get us to the bus station. We were surprised by such manner and were not sure of what to do next since by any means, we have to go to the bus station to get to the train station. Alhamdulillah for the fact that there is still a few respectable Moroccan, even when I was definitely judging each and everyone I met after the incident. I don't actually believe what people wrote about Moroccans, but throughout my stay in Morocco, I couldn't agree more. We can never actually enjoy the beauty of Morocco without the help of tour guide huhu, so, my advice is to travel in Morocco with someone who's familiar with the people, the culture and the language, okay?

tempat duduk passenger kat tingkat 4 kalau tak salah

ni seats kat dlm ferry tu, menarik, tapi tak open la space ni, tempat ni sejuk, perjalanan pun tgh mlm

bortingkek-tingkek

tu crew2 yg baik hati, tenang hati saya lihat huhu

ni keto2 yg dlm ferry

langit indah bumi morocco mungkin untuk memujuk hatiku yang panas dibakar sikap manusia dan syaitan huhu

tunggu bas pun satu hal, morocco tak se-efisien spain, dan maklumatnya kurang lengkap

train station

ni je mode of transport in morocco, sbb daerah2 dia besar

mcm bahagia kan anak2 ni haha

muka penat layan masyarakat tempatan

sampai dah kat Fes, kota dalm kubu

the blue gate, dan kita tidur je haritu, jauh kan perjalanan

2/2/2020 (Fes)

My #6 tip : Always be aware of your surrounding, especially when you are travelling solo or in a women-only group. Better safe than sorry, so do put your backpacks in front of you, there's definitely a lot of people spying to pickpocket you anytime and anywhere in the city. If you're not careful enough, things could go wrong huhu. And never allow anyone to be too close to you, okay?

Places we visit : Fes el Bali (the tanneries with main entrance of Bab Boujloud; the blue gate)

nasib tak beli puzzle ni

pokcik baik

masjid yg xde rzeki nak masuk

the tannery, seronok tgok je lah, tapi byk working hazards ni

bandar fes dari atas

order air mineral, rupanya tak reti bahasa dia, dapat air gas uhuk

first time makan makanan Morocco, last time lah jadinya ahah

hi fwen

tandas pun nak amik gambor

bargaining

ya Ahmad, si pengukir ayat suci al-Quran, ramai pengukir kat sini cantikkk

kucari semula donatnya yg lembut, ternyata hanya dibuka pagi huwaaa

Gare de Fes

tetiba alin hilang bakat amik gambar lol

tapi sue amik cantik, tq sue,,,

tu daun mint, dia bagi sebelum masuk tannery, sbb bau dia masyaAllah

I can't believe that it has to be separated into so many different parts; the Andalus 2020 story. But thanks to you, readers, I am now able to write as freely as I am talking to those I cherish and trust. Till our next post, adios!

Monday, April 20, 2020

Andalus 2020 - part 2

I need a very, very, very good distraction right now. Hence, I'm here. Though, half of me am not very sure whether this is the best distraction or what is. There's not much options available as of now.

Cordoba (30/1/2020)

After strolling around Barcelona, Lisbon and Seville, I was back on duty for the city of Cordoba. The plan was a success, initially, until I was too caught up with my another small mistakes and all the exhaustion and the lack of sleep and the reduced appetite haha, so I actually cried on the bus to Medina Az Zahra. Thanks to my supportive twin who gave her 200% trust and basically was there by my side, you know who you are :)

Before I forget, there's this one event that's very interesting to be shared, imo. With the overwhelming emotions, I could not hide my swollen eyes. I was known for being such a calm and strong person, but in such times, I am as normal as everyone could see. With those swollen eyes, we were asked to declare our backpacks' content before entering the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, and one of the security officers, asked me about the content of my big pouch. Well, obviously, with eczematic skin condition for almost 24/7, I'd have to bring along my moisturiser, sunscreen, and all other essentials as we were always on the go.

Somehow, the first word that came to my mind was 'makeup items' just because I wouldn't want to relay such a long list to him. And guess what he did after I answered his question? He actually stared at my face for a sec, with a confusing facial expression, that I was not sure whether he agree to disagree that I wasn't wearing any makeup on to have such a big pouch with me LOL. I was so embarrassed and entered the mosque (only a museum now), without looking back. To my surprise, I started crying again, LOL. And the mentioned security officer actually came by my side and pat me on my shoulder, just to say that " You are beautiful, don't cry" hahahaha before he walked away, feeling guilty I guess. He must be confused that a woman can cry because of that simple thing, poor you haha.

My #4 tip : Always bring your own pre-cooked meal as they are handy and would definitely help you fill in those empty stomachs without having to enquire about the halal status. Do bring your own small rice cooker to avoid 'syubhah' issues and you're good to go!
Places we visit : Medina Az Zahra & Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

sweet gila hos Airbnb ni huhu

husna jual makanan

sue suruh tenung

Granada (31/1/2020)

After all the struggles with my inner self, we've finally moved on to our next destination and I was so relieved. I was finally free from any responsibility hehe. Except for capturing pictures and enjoying the moments.

Travelling in Europe was kinda easy, because even if you missed a bus/train, you can surely catch up the next bus/train in just a few minutes. In addition, the signage and labels are very helpful compared to our next destination. You just need to have mobile data and full-charged power bank. The only minus point is that, you'll have to do your no 1 & 2 business in toilets without water, and of course performing wudu' would be an adventurous sport too. But, that's fine right? You're just visiting the country, not staying there forever right?

My #5 tip : Always bring along small bottle of tap water for your 'private businesses'. It would be more preferable to have a spray bottle, so that you do not have to undergo such an extreme sport while performing ablution. And do bring a separate bottle from your drinking ones, for hygiene purposes, okay?
Places we visit : Alhambra Palace