La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
I had an appointment this morning with the National Police to renew my national identity card. I left the preparation for the last minute. I had a new photo taken yesterday afternoon. It’s slightly better than my previous ones. First thing this morning I had to make a run to the bank to pay the fee per the online form I had completed and printed. From there, I arrived at my appointment with 1 minute to spare. I took a number and as I walked to the waiting room I peeked inside the office to see three police officers at the desks, and they did not include the horrific, abusive person I met with last time (click here). I breathed a sigh of relief.
The officer I met with was pleasant and efficient. My card has been renewed and will be available for pick-up the 31st of July. I thanked him for being so kind. The process online can be so confusing and I was astounded I had managed to get it all right. But, following a map around Hotel Las Rampas in Fuengirola is even more confusing.
We studied the emergency exit map, above, but never did figure out where we were supposed to go in an emergency. I’ve circled reception and our room in bright yellow. Don’t miss the video of my walk to our room from hotel reception. Unfortunately, I didn’t start recording until I was already a minute away from the front desk, but you get the idea.
When we checked in, I was given a map with our own route marked in ink. It turned out to be easier to simply follow the signs on the walls.
THE ENTIRE TIME WE were in Fuengirola, people kept asking when we were going to the fair here in Córdoba which opened Saturday. I planned to go last night just to get pictures of it all lit up. But then Merchi told me they were running a special discount on the rides yesterday (she was taking her son) and it would therefore be mobbed. So, I plan to go tonight. The noise, crowds, rides, and drinking are of no interest to me. It’s 3 km (nearly 2 miles away) and I can’t decide if I’ll walk it all or taxi one way. Since I want to go before dinner, I think I’ll walk there and taxi back. I don’t know why you’d even care about that. Take a walk with me.
Esta mañana tenía cita con la Policía Nacional para renovar mi documento nacional de identidad. Dejé los preparativos para el último momento. Ayer por la tarde me hicieron una foto nueva. Es un poco mejor que las anteriores. Lo primero que tuve que hacer esta mañana fue ir al banco a pagar la tasa según el formulario online que había rellenado e impreso. Después, llegué a mi cita con un minuto de sobra. Cogí un número y, mientras me dirigía a la sala de espera, eché un vistazo dentro de la oficina y vi a tres policías en sus puestos; no estaba la persona horrible y abusiva con la que me encontré la última vez (haz clic aquí). Di un suspiro de alivio.
El funcionario que me atendió fue amable y eficiente. Mi tarjeta ha sido renovada y podré recogerla el 31 de julio. Le agradecí su amabilidad. El proceso en línea puede ser muy confuso y me sorprendió haberlo hecho todo correctamente. Sin embargo, seguir un mapa alrededor del Hotel Las Rampas en Fuengirola es aún más complicado.
Estudiamos el mapa de salidas de emergencia que aparece arriba, pero nunca supimos adónde debíamos ir en caso de emergencia. He marcado la recepción y nuestra habitación con un círculo amarillo brillante. No se pierdan el video de mi camino desde la recepción hasta nuestra habitación. Lamentablemente, no empecé a grabar hasta que ya estaba a un minuto de la recepción, pero se entiende la idea.
Cuando nos registramos, me dieron un mapa con nuestra ruta marcada con tinta. Resultó ser más fácil simplemente seguir las señales en las paredes.
DURANTE TODA NUESTRA ESTANCIA en Fuengirola, todos nos preguntaban cuándo íbamos a ir a la feria de Córdoba, que abrió el sábado. Tenía pensado ir anoche solo para sacar fotos de todo iluminado. Pero luego Merchi me dijo que ayer había un descuento especial en las atracciones (ella iba con su hijo) y que, por lo tanto, estaría abarrotada. Así que planeo ir esta noche. El ruido, las multitudes, las atracciones y la bebida no me interesan. Está a 3 km (casi 2 millas) y no me decido si iré andando o en taxi solo de ida. Como quiero ir antes de cenar, creo que iré andando y volveré en taxi. No sé por qué te importaría eso. Ven a dar un paseo conmigo.
• Recepción del hotel al fondo oscuro.
• Corona de espinas.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
Oh my gosh Mitchell! Your video! I would never be able to find my room! It get lost in a parking garage very easily. The hotel does look great though.
Michael:
It was hilarious. But, honestly the hotel did a great job posting directions (in beautiful tile) in the hallways. The maps were absurd, and I love maps. It’s kind of a low-end place in my opinion (oh, some of the mostly international clientele). But immaculate, and the staff were the best we’ve found. Every one of them pleasant, friendly, and professional. And they seemed actually happy to see us when we passed in the halls.
Oh my! Now THAT would get confusing in a real emergency!
A yellow Crown of Thorns!? Now, Mitchell, you got me going!!
Jim:
I’m glad there wasn’t a fire. Or an earthquake! The yellow crown of thorns was a beauty. I don’t see them often.
From the map alone, it looks like a maze to train rats, the photos and video show an interesting hotel with lots of sunny courtyards.
David:
Although the hotel was immaculate and the staff were exceptional, it’s not a hotel I’d recommend… except as someplace affordable.
En caso de incendios, parece que vas a morir.
wickedhamster:
This made me hoot last night when I first read it!
I aim to please…
No. No, no, no, no. If I did somehow manage to find my way TO the room, I would never be able to find myself back to where that journey began.
Glad you got the nice policeman.
Ms. Moon Who Can Get Lost In Her Own House
Ms. Moon:
It’s easier than it looks given how good the arrows and signs in the hallways were. SG’s mother used to get lost in our first house in Connecticut. She always walked into a powder room before finding the front door.
I don’t know how you ever found your room!
Kelly:
Getting there the first time using the map provided to me was interesting. After that we just followed the signs on the walls and it was easy… although long.
Oh, I’m so glad that you did not have the creepy, mean lady from last time!
Excellent work, on your part, making your way successfully through the confusing website, too 🙂
Great looking hotel… crazy route!
Judy C:
I’m sorry I threw out the printed and marked-up map the receptionist gave me. She should have just told me to follow the signs and arrows.
Holy cow, you weren’t kidding. What a confusing maze. Looks nice enough though.
ellen abbott:
The hotel was immaculate and the staff were well trained (and well hired). So that was a pleasure. But it’s not a place I would stay again unless, like this time, everything else was booked up.
That’s a-maze-ing! {boom-tish}
It looks lovely, but so confusing – I’d probably have ended up in the piscina a couple of times before getting safely back. Especially knowing how much we can imbibe when we’re sat in a beach bar 😎! Jx
Jon:
One walk back, I desperately needed the toilet. I was convinced it took 10 minutes to get there.
At least it’s a nice hotel to get lost in.
Kirk:
There were some interesting things to see along the way.
I thought you were doing a buck and wing on those corners. I’d definitely need a trail of breadcrumbs or Ariadne’s thread if I were ever to emerge.
Boud:
Yeah, some of my turns looked a bit out of control but I wanted you to see what was along the road not taken.
That map looks unbearably complicated.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
And that map is supposed to be helpful. I’m really good with maps but couldn’t even find the exits.
My goodness…what a complicated way through that hotel. Was it all built originally as a hotel or a building with lots of later add ons?
Frances
Frances:
There was a hotel, but we do think there were connections made to existing buildings. It’s also attached to hotel apartments for living and short-term rentals. I wish I could find out the entire history. A real hodgepodge.
They need little kiosks with refreshments at each corner for intrepid room-seekers!
Sillygirl,
That would be great.
Scoot, that video shows exactly what I go through every time I visit Kaiser to get something shoved into me or taken out of me. Sometimes both! This is a lot prettier though.
Deedles,
I’d rather get lost in a hotel in San Diego. I’m sure you would, too.
Yep. Been there, done that.
once again I am awestruck how lovely and colorful everything is.
Urspo,
It strikes me, too.