2. The journey
We arrived around 9.50 at kelana jaya. This is a special check-in terminal that only caters hajj pilgrims during the hajj season to avoid conjestion at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
There were tents set up as it is quite normal that hajj goers get so many well wishers sending them off. As for me there were three vehicles accompanied us to kelana jaya, to send me off. One Serena, one rexton and a nissan van.
Upon registering, we were asked to collect gifts sponsored by Malaysian companies, like bags, vitamins, and other, light blankets, mineral water and snacks, etc.
By 11.30 we started to check into one of the buildings, we were given boarding passes, and waited at a hall.
Once inside, all wellwishers went home. So did my children. My youngest daughter was crying when we slowly moved into the building. So I tried not to look back.
We were then given briefing again. By the time it was complete it was already 2.00 pm.
All the ten bus load of pilgrims were then transported to the airport, escorted by siren police vehicles, KT 45, meaning 45 planes had proceded prior to us, since early december for hajj.
Upon reaching the aiport, we passed throug immigression, and borded the plane, a saudi airline, b747.
The flight was smooth and we reach
Medina after eight and a half hours.
Passing through Madinah airport was suprisingly very smooth. We were told that we need not bother with the luggage as they would be delivered to our respective rooms.
The bus was already waiting and soon we were on the way towards hotel anwar al madinah movenpick.
The hotel is very close to the prophet's mosque and it is a brand new hotel.
The package I chose had four beds in it my wife were on the same floor but in different rooms.
Soon, I got to know the other roomates, a retired government servant, an officer at the central bank and an officer from putrajaya holdings.
My wife's roomates were related to one another and had been here for the umrah, or the small hajj.
After putting the luggage we all met at the 1st floor for breakfast.
2 comments:
Obmar,
That's fantastic. They must have treated you royally while you were there. How special can it get when you're told at the airport, "Don't worry, your luggage will be awaiting you in your room at your hotel"?
That must have made you feel like a king.
Yes, the tag holder they gave also carries VIP inscription on it and I was not too sure what that means.
;)
But the package uses a Saudi Air for pilgrimage so that could also be one of the reasons....
If we had flown using Malaysia Airlines, we would not be treated such.
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