Couple descend using ladder
The Star, Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011
It was meant to be a gentle little trip on the brand new monorail in Melaka, the one that runs alongside the river, the river that we had just walked next to to see a traditional Malay village built on stilts, another UNESCO site.
As we waited in the station for the monorail to leave at 12 pm a teacher, accompanying a school trip of about 25 9 and 10 year olds, came to check the price. She decided that, at 10RM (£2) it was too expensive and left us to be the only passengers on this quiet Tuesday.
We got into the first carriage of the brand spanking new, shiny 3 carriage vehicle and the driver, a young lad of about 17, settled himself into the driver's seat. The door hissed shut and we were off - very slowly. We hadn't moved more than 100m when we stuttered to a standstill. Ha, ha we thought, very funny and continued discussing the lovely little wooden houses.
Gradually we became aware that some minutes had passed and we still hadn't moved another inch. Then the door opened again, and shut, opened and shut. Still we didn't move. The driver, looking a little worried, got out of his seat and tried to close the door with a bigger slam, to no effect.
It was beginning to get quite hot.
We peered out of the door, looking about 30 feet down to the ground - a bit too far to jump then, we decided. Unfortunately, unlike Bear Gryhlls, we didn't have any rope, wire or even bag ties in our backpack. Members of staff, all quite young, gathered around on the ground looking up at us. It was quite clear that no-one quite knew what to do.
All I could think was, God bless that teacher!
The our intrepid driver reached up onto the roof through the open door and released a rope ladder.
I thought we were going to go down the ladder but then realisation dawned, we were too high, it was twisting and the kids at the bottom didn't know to keep it rigid. Two of them tried to climb it, and failed. They then tied 3 bottles of water to it and we hauled them up. 45 minutes had gone past, but we were ok, we had a bottle of water!
We kept our sense of humour.....
Eventually, in my best teacher voice, I suggested they ring the fire brigade (bomba) Jim was becoming hysterical at this point, laughing so much, he was in danger of flooding our little prison cell with his tears. At just after 1pm the fire brigade arrived, they were real action heroes, they put an extending ladder up then, before we could go down, two of them came up complete with a harness and belay ropes.
Jim went first, and practically landed on top of the guiding fireman, he was going so fast! Then I went down, really conscious of the poor fireman who was going down the ladder before me, looking up at my bum!!
When we reached the ground we were greeted by several photographers and two reporters from the local press. The manager of the monorail was so apologetic, she kept trying to hug me. I left my husband happily chatting to the reporters and I went to get our refund, plus complimentary tickets to the revolving tourist viewing tower. (I don't think so!)
We managed to get away, leaving the fire brigade and monorail company to agree who was paying for what. We set off back to walk along the river path on the other side, we were given a standing ovation, applause and cheers, by the staff on all the river cruise boats.
All the way back we kept giggling.
This morning, at 7.20, we were woken up by reception in our hotel. A package and letter had been delivered from the Chief Executive Officer of the monorail and viewing tower company. We were given 2 postcards, 2 baseball caps and a jigsaw, all with images of the revolving viewing tower.
As we were checking out the concierge brought us a copy of The Star newspaper and a Chinese daily paper, both were carrying the story with dramatic pictures! We kindly donated our gifts to an anonymous child who may or may not be coming to stay at the hotel!
Fame comes in many forms....
Finally, we loved Melaka, it is so laid back, bohemian and pretty.
We've spent today on a coach from Melaka to Singapore and have settled into the smallest hotel room you have ever seen in your life. Can't wait to see what the next few days have to bring!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Lavender/Kellang, Singapore
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