Completed Painting: 'Tourist View 2'

 

'Tourist View 2', Acrylics & Paper Collage, 400 mm x 800 mm, 2023

Early morning hours are usually the best time to visit as there are fewer people. It’s still busy with numerous tours meandering about, and not once did they raise their heads to acknowledge us. Note that the police will scan you and your luggage at the entrance - just as at the airport. The staff are behind large plastic screens, in a very small foyer that is neither warm nor inviting. Safe access to the facilities is ensured, which is is kind of to be expected - but it leads to long queues, especially during peak hours. With that also comes a ticket-bonanza that I didn't understand. First it is a regular paper ticket, and then an electronic ticket that is scanned with this QR code. They don't seem to give you the same access to things, even though they cost the same. A more elaborate ceremony takes place around noon and is worth seeing (if very uncomfortable). We, a group of 8, stayed for 2 weeks. We sat in the same booth every morning, and it concerned me that my daughter would drop her muffin under the table on the first morning.

Our room had a view of the roof and the bin store. We spent a good hour inside there. The city is very impressive. There is so much to see and so much history to experience. It is said you can stroll through the picturesque stoned streets, or have a coffee, or shop for souvenirs. There are many small shops selling wooden carvings or books or magnets etc. The room was clearly not cleaned properly as even the soap looked used. The shower was okay, but rather weak. The TV is huge and our couch turned into a bed. Our kids were too tired to sit down when we needed them in their pyjamas. That’s unacceptable! We complained to the staff and they said they would sort it out before we left. It is such a shame that the toilet was not cleaned because the breakfast the next morning was very good, and the restaurant staff were very helpful. We saw a young boy going around wiping the tables without moving the cutlery, condiments or napkins. He found only skid marks.

I was told that there is no washing machine or ironing facilities at Reception. I think it requires a paper ticket - you can't make a separate payment just for them.  Laundry service was available the next day, but no maid service - we had to go and buy our own softener, refreshments and souvenirs. On the second day, the washing was interrupted by a thunderstorm. During all these 3 days I spoke to 3 different people at Reception. I felt it was enough to stand at the back, where you can see many flowers and peacocks among them - and to pick up some owls. I would recommend buying the audio guide as well, otherwise half the site remains a mystery. The AC in the room turns on automatically at night and my Dell laptop has the same problem. The room has, as you would expect, an expensive coffee maker and an iron and ironing board. Wi-Fi is very, very bad, even in the restaurant or lobby - and forget about it in the room. Take the tram if walking is a problem.