Smashed, robbed and traumatised

At 10.15am yesterday, 14th of June, I drove out of my house and was at the usual traffic light (5minutes away from home). While waiting at a red light, a motorbike appeared and the pillion rider smashed my window and ran away with my handbag.

To make matters worse, I hit the car in front of me. All this happened in 10 seconds or less.

This is how it went...

I know all about, ‘not-placing-your-bag-on-the-car-seat’ and I’m normally quite aware of my surroundings. For example, if I see a suspicious looking motorist circling around my house or riding close to me, I’d speed up or take note.

(I’ve witnessed 3 crimes involving motorist attacking women, in 2 of the incidences; I was one of the victims)

Unfortunately, the need to be careful at all times has become a part of my life and it is not one I favour or even enjoy implementing as my daily routine. Some days, I wish to throw all caution to the wind and not be bothered by the fear that dominates my life... yesterday was one of those days.

I would normally place my bag under my car seat (out of fear) but didn’t do so yesterday because:

1) I was only 5 minutes away from home
2) I didn’t want to be consumed by obsessive paranoia
3) I was at a busy traffic light and at least 80-100 (30 is an underestimate) cars were lining up with me
4) Believed I was in a safe environment

It happened at the speed of lightning. At the traffic light, I was about to turn on my cd player and heard the sound of a bike and brake screeching by my side window. In a matter of seconds, before I could work out what the 2 guys were trying to do, they smashed my window in one blow, a hand got in and pulled my handbag away. I was jolted by the loud sound and shaken by the attack, during that same time, my leg was off the break and I hit the car in front of me. I didn’t get a chance to pick any details of the attacker.

All I did was scream and burst into tears. Angered and disbelief this had just happened to me.



In one hard swift hit, the window shattered to pieces and my bag was gone. Happened in the speed of light. The sound still traumatizes me.

There were many cars around me waiting at the same traffic light, no one, came to my aid. In the first few minutes, I was disorientated and shock-stricken.

I was trembling and couldn’t work out what to do. The first thing that came to mind was to go to the car in front of me and apologize and asked if she could call my husband. Due to my shock, I was straining my head for his number and hoping I'd not forget.

Out of nowhere, a stranger who was in his car (also at the scene), walked up to me and handed over a hand phone, (I thought he was lending me his hand phone)... much to my relief, it was my own hand phone; it had fallen out of my handbag. He then walked back to his car and didn’t ask if I were alright or if I needed help. Oh, he did say something while driving off, ‘I think you better move your car to the side’
This was truly disappointing. Not a single person felt emphatised enough to offer any help. I was on my own. Was there really nothing that could be done to help a victim?

All they did as they drove past was to stare.

Called my husband to explain what happened but the driver of the car I hit wanted to know what I plan to do with her car and asked me to follow her.

I couldn’t stop thinking of all the important documents I had in my bag. That’s a lot to handle in that state but these girls wanted me to focus on their issue first.

I tried to convince the driver that I can’t spend too much time on this and need to call and cancel my cards. Tried to assure her by giving my contact details. Few minutes later her mom and sister showed up and were only concerned about their own car.

I was still trembling and had more important things to worry about, but yet, I showed more empathy to the tiny damage I made on her car than my own damage.

My husband arrived and he was the biggest and only comfort I received in the last 30minutes. He told the girls that it is ridiculous to hold me back for a silly damage of a car sensor and a slight offset of the bumper and said, ‘we’ll give you all the details you need for now, but please let us deal with more important stuff’ She wasn’t happy with that and demanded we call her at 1.30pm because she’d be busy after that.

We were shocked.

Are we really not bothered about others?

I made a police report at a police station nearby and the inspector informed me that the sergeant from the main branch in Kajang would like to speak to me. The sergeant briefly asked me if I had any useful information that could help proceed with an investigation. I told him couldn’t recall much except what I had already shared. He then said, ‘If that’s the case, you need not come over because it would be too much effort for you’

That’s it? I couldn’t recall any details so it’s pointless to take this further? Can any victim recall full details of the event when attacked?

I was not satisfied with the effort put in by the police and probed him about the frequency, statistics and patterns of similar crimes and if they’ve any special unit for this?

He got defensive and said, it’s my fault for placing my bags on the car seat because I lured them, his exact words were, “you memberi tarikan pada mereka’ (You attracted them)

Hearing that, I asked him more questions about the lack of women’s safety and rights to roam the streets freely is violated.

He tried to give some lame reasoning on how efficient they are about patrolling 15-20 residential areas and yet these criminals know how to evade them.

I got tired of listening to his laughable replies and cut him off by saying, ‘have you heard of, prevention is better than cure?’
Instead of taking reactive methods why not include some pro-active methods as well. This might deter them.

Again, another laughable answer. I cut the conversation off and said, ‘Thank You Sergeant you’ve been very helpful’. Minutes later, just as I was about to drive off, I got a call from Sergeant ‘Joker’ asking me to come over to the main branch to take photos of the damage. (This is after telling me I don’t need to go over since I have nothing helpful to add to help with investigation)

Why the sudden interest?

At the Kajang Police Station, Sergeant ‘Joker’ prioritised my case over the rest of the earlier victims waiting to be attended to. He took my (according to him, not useful information) as a statement.

Again, he said, ‘no witness or proof, we can’t do much’

So, please friends, if you happen to witness an act of crime, do try to help the victim. There’s always something you can do. Showing up to the police station with description of the attacker helps our ‘competent’ police force do their 'hard' work. The victims are normally shock- stricken and recall nothing much. Please help to provide details.


Sloppy investigation. He took one shot in a quick glance without paying attention to the scratches or torn material left on the window. The scratches indicate they hid a weapon under their shirt and the torn material would have given some idea of usual gear selection by these guys.

Apparently, with clear details, the police are able to compile them for an analysis of their modus operandi.

The sergeant also added, “Kalau kat kampung, orang lebih ambil berat dan tahu siapa yang tinggal di mana. Di Bandar, lu lu gua gua!” (It’s different in the village. The villagers know who lives in their area and can pick up on strange acts. In the city it’s.. you mind your own business and I’ll mind my own business’

I’m sure at least 3 cars saw the colour of the bike, or had a glimpse of the plate number.

I remember nothing and these details would help stop these guys from robbing other women.

There is always something you can do if you happen to be at the crime scene:

1) Go up and ask the victim if there’s anything you can do? Even loaning your hand phone to make some important calls does wonders.
2) Take a good look at the attacker, get as much details as possible
- The size of the bike, vehicle
- The colour and brand of the bike
- What race and body size (S,M.L.XL)
- What weapon were they carrying?
- Number plate
- Facial features
- If wearing full face helmet, colour of helmet and brand
- Outfit worn

3) If you’re too busy and have to run off but you have these details, either provide your number to the victim or share the details with victim.

4) In some cases, citizens who witnessed similar attacks, try to knock down the robber/thief. This has helped stop the criminals from running away.

5) Keep an eye out for suspicious looking motorist with similar modus operandi.

After giving my statement to the Sergeant I asked him what happens next?

The only reason he gave me the time of the day because I asked some valid questions and told him I have worked in NSTP for 6 years.

This is how the conversation went with Sergeant Rashid from Balai Polis Kajang. It starts with a phone conversation at Balai Polis Sg Long and then he asked me to come over to meet him at Balai Polis Kajang.

(Over the phone)

Sergeant Rashid: Selamat petang Cik Subashni, cik ada tak maklumat lebih yang boleh membantu kita membuat penyiasatan?

Shuba: Maklumat lebih seperti apa?

SR: Warna motosikal, jenama atau suspek?

S: Saya panic masa tu Encik, tak sempat nak tengok apa-apa

SR: Kalau macam tu, Cik tak perlu lah dating ke balai sini sebab menyusahkan cik saja.

S: Macam tu je? Boleh tak saya tanya sikit? Insiden seperti ni dah banyak kali berlaku dan kaum wanita selalu jadi mangsa, Apakah tindakan atau langkah yg diambil oleh polis untuk mencegah kejadian seperti ini?

SR: Actually, salahnye kita, sebab begnya diletak atas dan ia menjadi tarikan.

S: Jadi saya sepatutnye menyalahkan diri saya sendiri kerana cuai, bukan perompak yang melakukan jenayah ini? Bukankah masalah ini sudah lama berlaku? Kenapa kaum wanita selalu disalahkan dan inilah yang memberi penjenayah kuasa. Apakah tiada langkah diambil untuk membanteras isu ni?

SR: Kita ada buat rondaan 15-20 taman. Kalau you jadi penjenayah, you tengok polis you buat tak? Jadi bila kita di seksyen 1 dia lari ke seksyen 2.

S: Sergeant pernah dengar tak prevention is better than cure? Semua langkah yg. Encik sebut tadi adalah reaktif, takkan takde langkah pro-aktif?

SR: Kita ada buat rondaan...blah blah blah...(same crappy answers) Tapi sebab takde maklumat yang mencukupi kita tak dapat melakukan siasatan lanjut. Seperti kes acid tu, sampai sekarang tak dapat nak tangkap sebab maklumat tak mencukupi. Ia menyukarkan kita.

S: Ok Sergeant terima kasih, saya ada pengalaman dalam bidang kewartawanan dan saya rasa pengalaman saya ni boleh dikongsi dengan kaum wanita lain.

SR: Ok, Sama – sama.

As I was about to drive off, the inspector from the station called me and said the sergeant decided to meet me after all. So I was asked to go meet the Sergeant I was on the phone with at the headquarters in Kajang.

Why did he change his mind?

(At the Kajang police station)

S: Kenapa tiba-tiba encik tukar fikiran dan hendak ambil statement saya?

SR: Sebab kalau ada witness yang datang, saya tak perlu menyusahkan you suruh you datang balik. (of course I didn’t buy that)

S: Apa yang Sergeant akan lakukan dengan statement saya ni? Apa beza statement dengan report yang saya dah buat tadi di Balai Polis,Sg Long.

SR: Statement adalah lebih terperinci dan akan digunakan untuk di mahkamah dan report adalah report polis yang diambil oleh balai polis terdekat.

S: Selepas ni, apakah langkah seterusnya?

- Maklumat yang kita terima akan dihebahkan ke unit peronda.
- Statement yang diambil akan diambil alih oleh bahagian Detektif Kajang – D1
- Mereka akan halusi maklumat yang diberkan dan ambil yang berguna dan selepas tu mereka akan go further....

S: Mereka tak buat analisa atau menyiasat jika ada pattern yang sama?

- Detektif D1 akan menganalisa dan buat tracking pattern, jika modus operandinya sama kita akan go further kalau tidak kita KIV.


After being in 2 different police stations, the conclusions I’ve made are:

1) If you don’t recall any details of the event – sorry your case is KIV
2) If you don’t have a suspect in mind – sorry your case is KIV
3) If you don’t have any witness who can come forward to help you recall details or be your witness when/if you take the bastards to court - sorry your case is KIV
4) If you don’t have any proof or evidence even if we nab them – sorry your case is KIV
5) If you can’t identify them if/when they nab them – sorry your case is KIV

This is why it is so pertinent to have eye-witness. Any small little detailed description will help in solving a long standing case like this and many others.

Our safety is linked to the safety of others. When we help to be on the look-out for others, we are also helping ourselves. We are all connected.


These glass bits were all over my car and also on me. Imagine if it had gotten into my eyes? Today, we can say, it’s our fault for placing our bag on the seat. What happens when they break into your home? What excuse can we make then?

Yesterday I was the victim, next time could be your neighbour or your sister’s classmate...and one day could be someone dear to you.

We are all connected. We are part of a larger circle

Let’s share and care. Let’s give power back to women!

Thank you for reading. I hope my experience would help others.

A light rail is planned close to our house!!!

Good news, a light rail is planned close to our house!!!
(Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, red arrow)

Planning a small renovation

From 18 June till 27 June we're planning a small renovation: extending Shuba's wardrobe room and creating a 'laundry room'.

Plans are ready: let the work begin!

Radfeld – Datacon – Bad Feilbach (Germany)

Day 5, 6th of May, 2011

I visited Datacon, the sister company of Besi Apac in the afternoon accompanied by Paul and his colleague Frank. They gave me a private tour of the factory. I’ve heard Paul speak about the Evo and Quantum endlessly; it’s nice to physically see it. After that fascinating technical tour, Frank had to rush home to prepare dinner for us (he invited us for a barbeque) while we hunted for some tiramisu cake (on special request). Phew, after walking into 2 supermarkets we found a decent tiramisu cake and picked up Paul’s colleague Ms. Yeoh, before headed to Frank’s house.
Frank lives in Bad Feilnbach, which is a quaint farm village covered with endless stretch of green grass with windy narrow roads.


Greener pastures?

His house was tucked in between a cow shed and a tractor and the fresh whiff of cow-dung welcomed us.


Fresh milk anyone?


The Frank I met in the office looked different to the Frank at home. When we got to his house, he was weeding out his garden and looked like a proud owner of a farm house.
He introduced us to some of the daily happenings in his neighborhood. I gathered daily activities would mainly include farming and milking.


Frank giving Ms Yeoh and Paul a grand tour of his neighborhood.


Looking cool...


She works hard for the money...

The local kids had fun amusing us with their child-like antics and Paul managed to convince them to pose for the camera.


Not long after that, the kids chased Paul down with a pile of grass. That was hilarious. They seemed wildly playful and care-free. Wonder if they had facebook or play station, they’d be frolicking in the grass? I guess the city kids would be behind their pc playing ‘Farmville’ on facebook?


They didn’t need much to have fun.

His daughter Latika amused us for a bit before she was tucked to bed whilst we thoroughly enjoyed dinner and the conversations. Frank apparently enjoys cooking and has a deep interest in preparing food like a chef. We sense some potential Frank ?


We bid farewell around 11pm and walked towards our car, we were surprised to find the outdoor pitch-dark because there were no streetlights. Frank said, “Your car has lights use them” It took some adjusting to work our journey back. Almost drove into a roundabout, luckily Paul made a quick swerve. Phew, that was close. Clearly, we’re spoilt by the amenities in a city.
Thank you Frank for the kind invitation.

Radfeld, Austria - Innsbruck

Day 3, 5th of May, 2011

The heater in the apartment is not working today. They (I don’t know who runs this place) turned it off. I was freezing my ass of last night and staying indoors is also not really an option now.

The place I am staying at is called Pension Sonhoff. Well kept and has all the basic amenities except one thing...service. If we need something, we have no idea where the reception is or if they even have one. Have no idea who to call or how to get in touch with anyone if I run out of toilet paper. Other than the excellent ‘no service’ it is a comfortable place.

Luckily, I made plans to visit Innsbruck today. It’ll take my mind off the cold.

I took the train from Radfeld to Innsbruck. I paid EUR 16.60 for a return ticket. The ride there took me approximately 40minutes and I truly enjoyed the landscape.

English is not widely spoken here so I had to listen closely to the destination announcements. I walked towards the ‘Altstadt’ (Old Town) immediately. The Old City with its famous Golden Roof is the heart of Innsbruck, and is the centre of attraction.

I was captivated by the amazing medieval architectures and the history behind it all.

The Imperial Palace, Ambras Palace, Ottoburg and the Wilten Basilica all tell of Innsbruck’s eventful past and its great figures including Philippine Welser, the secret wife of Archduke Ferdinand I, Andreas Hofer, the Tirolean freedom fighter, and last but not least Emperor Maximilian I, who built many of the monuments that survive today, e.g. the Golden Roof and his tomb at the Imperial Church. Of course, I learned all this in my short day-trip.

This is what I found on Wikipedia:
Innsbruck is the capital city of the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria. It is located in the Inn Valley at the junction with the Wipptal (Sill River), which provides access to the Brenner Pass, some 30 km (18.64 mi) south of Innsbruck. Located in the broad valley between high mountains, the Nordkette (Hafelekar, 2,334 metres (7,657 ft) in the north, Patscherkofel (2,246 metres (7,369 ft)) and Serles (2,718 metres (8,917 ft)) in the south, it is an internationally renowned winter sports centre, and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympics. It is to host the 1st Winter Youth Olympics in 2012. The word bruck comes from the German word Brücke meaning "bridge" which leads to "the bridge over the Inn".

Due to its location between high mountains, Innsbruck serves as an ideal place for skiing in winter, and mountaineering in summer. The Olympic Winter Games were held in Innsbruck twice, first in 1964, then again in 1976. Tourism is the most important source of income for the city authority, largely because of Innsbruck's beautiful town centre with its historic buildings, the friendly ambience and the extensive sport facilities both in winter and in summer.

The Golden Roof was built by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the Tirolean sovereigns. The Golden Roof actually is the three-story balcony on the central plaza at the heart of the Old Town. It was constructed for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box where he could sit in state and enjoy tournaments in the square below. Completed at the dawn of the 16th century, the Golden Roof was built in honor of Maximilian's second marriage, to Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan. Not wishing to alienate the allies gained by his first marriage, to Maria of Burgundy, he had an image of himself between the two women painted on his balcony. (Courtesy of wikipedia)

Maria-Theresien-Strasse.
Named after the wife of Roman German Emperor Franz Stephen, is the most magnificent strret in Innsbruck.

Extremely popular amongst tourists and locals alike. In Innsbruck the architecture defines the place.


Infirmary Church
The doors in the two porches have very detailed carvings and the interios is strikingly decorated with opukent stucco. Was officially mentioned in records as early as 1326.



The frescos were repainted after being damaged by bombs during the 2nd World War. A gothic crucifix is integrated in the high altar, built in 1705.

St. James Cathedral on Domplatz

‘Domkirche St Jakob’ was built between 1717 and 1724 on the site of an earlier Gothic church. Based on designs by the architect Johann Jakob Herkommer it has an extravagant Baroque interior, much of which was completed by the Asam brothers of Munich.

It houses some notable works of art including the ‘Madonna and Child’ by the German master Lucas Cranach the Elder, situated above the high altar. (Courtesy of an Austria attraction.com)



There is also a monument to Archduke Maximilian III constructed in 1620, two years after his death.

One of the highlights is the famous ‘Mariahilf’ (Our Lady of Succour) that has hung there since 1650. It is probably the most famous Madonna in the world and has made the church one of the most important places of pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary.

The Maximilian Archduke’s tomb has one of the most magnificent bronze works of art from the final years of the Renaissance.

St. Anna’s Column

On Maria-Theresien Strasse

The memorial column was erected in thanksgiving for the turning back of the Bavarian invasion during the Spanish War of Succession on St. Anna’s Day (26th July 1703)

A statue of the Virgin Mar on a crescent moon tops the red marble Corinthian column.
In memory of an oath sworn in 1704, the lantern attached to the column beneath St. Anna is lit every Saturday evening.

Helbinghaus
On Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse

This 15th century town house with its oriels at the front and on the corners was originally late Gothic in style.

The splendid high Baroque stucco facade of this superb bourgeois house dates from 1730.

The house named after Sebastian Holbling, who ran a cafe there in 1833 that was famous throughout the city.

Golden Eagle
On Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 6

The original Goldener Adler was built in 1390 and reconstructed after a fire in 1450.

The late Gothic frescos on the facade were rediscovered in the 1957/1964. Today the 4-star hotel counts as one of the oldest and grandest hotels in Europe.

Its more famous guests have included Amadeus Mozart, Emperor Maximilian and many others.

Ottoburg
On Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 1

A monument for the Tirolean freedom fighters of 1809 in front of the house.

The late Gothic residential tower was built by order of Emperor Maximilian 1 around 1476. From 1515 onwards the Ottoburg was owned by private citizens rather than noblemen. This is probably the reason why the house was referred to as ‘Eepurg’ from 1565-1568 – ‘oed Burg’ (empty castle) because nobody was living inside it and from 1628, it was called ‘Ottoburg’.

Ottoburg was built as a fortified house in 1476. Oldest building in the Herzog-Friedrich-Straße. It is built in the 15th century at the city wall. Today there is a restaurant in one part.

The Imperial Palace or Hofburg was completed at the end of the 14th century. After that the building was reconstructed and extended several times. The main reconstruction was ordered by Maria Theresia in 18th century. In this time the palace acquired its nowadays Barouque and Rococo motifs. The building is flanked by graceful domed towers. Most of the rooms and halls are decorated with pictures depicting the portraits of Hansburg family members. It has two wings starting from the "Giant’s Hall" or the "Riesensaal", which has a central position in the palace. This is a 31m long hall on two storeys, lavishly decorated with gold and porcelain, featuring gorgeous ceilings with frescoes and walls adorned with portraits of Maria Theresia and her family. All of her 16 children, depicted on the walls, have almost identical faces. It is possible that the artist made them similar in order to avoid any royal wrath aroused by the beauty rivalry between the empress’ children. The structure also has a Gothic Cellar which is offered for special occasions. There are guided tours included in the admission ticket rate, but unfortunately they are held in German only. However, visitors can buy a booklet in English at the entrance. The Hofburg entrance ticket costs € 7.00 for adults, euro; 5.00 for seniors and euro; 1.10 for students. (Courtesy of Innsbruck hotels)

I missed the chance to get in. Sigh.

I didn’t get to see all the things I wanted to, of course that make sense since it was only a day trip.

The next time I visit Innsbruck, I’d sure to catch these things:

• The Dominique Perrault’s Rathausgalerie and Zaha Hadid’s Bergisel Ski Jump and Hungerburgbahn outstanding new landmarks have recently been added to Innsbruck’s modern cityscape.
  

• Imagine boarding the Hungerburgbahn and 20 minutes later you are on top of the Nordkette looking down at the city of Innsbruck.


• A gondola ride up Seegrube (2000m) from where you enjoy spectacular views of the Inn valley and the surrounding mountains.


• A visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. Designed by Andre Heller this underground fairy tale world lures you into a very different and sparkling world.


• The famous Innsbruck Dance Summer during Innsbruck Festival Week – around 14th June – 15th July.


• Visit the Maximilianeum and the Imperial Castle from the inside.


• Go into some of the historical buildings


• Have lunch in Ottoburg and check out the vaults and pillars


• Have coffee in the oldest coffee restaurant.

By 7.30pm most shops were closed or about to close. I headed back to the Innsbruck train station. By 9.15pm I was at Radfeld station and was greeted by Paul.

Paul prepared a lovely home cooked meal.

I had a magnificent day.

Neighbourhood meeting

Connecting with the neighbours, trying to get new security in the neighbourhood.

Radfeld, Austria

4^th of May, 2011

Today is my third day in Austria and my first time in the land of ‘Sound of Music ‘. I’m not actually

based in Salzburg if that’s what you’re thinking. But when I think of Austria, I picture Julie Andrews singing her heart out to picturesque snow-capped Alps. Here I am in Radfeld, a cozy little village with 2188 inhabitants. The air is crisp and the landscape is predominantly mounta

inous. It is covered with forests and woodland.

View from the apartment – Pension Sonhoff, Radfeld.

It is spring now. I see the occasional sun in the afternoon and leap in joy, all excited to step out to enjoy the scenery. But I was warned by Paul not to be fooled by the sunny weather and to put on warm clothes.

The temperature ranges between 7 degrees Celsius – 15 degree Celcius. That’s still on the cold side for me.

On the way to Radfeld from the airport.

Radfeld seems like a farming village. Perfect for mountain biking, hiking or walking along the

scenic footpaths. During summer period, different brass bands from the region perform in the

centre.

Well suited for someone who wants to do absolutely nothing. Perfect for me.

Trains passing by are a common sight from my window.

I walked to Rattenberg which is the closest town from Radfeld. About 10-15minutes walk. Ratenberg is the smallest town in the country with a population of 440. Wonder how they got called a ‘city?’

This is what I found on Wikipedia:

Founded in the 14th century, it was built in the literal shadow of Rat Mountain to protect itself from marauders. The protection, however, comes at a price. Like an estimated 60 other communities nested in the Tyrol region of the Alps, Rattenberg receives little-to-no sunlight during the winter. It is one of the few places at a significant distance from the Arctic Circle that has a time of permanent darkness.

In November 2005, the town announced they were building 30 specialized rotating mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight into parts of the town during the winter months. The $2.4 million operation was suggested by Bartenbach Lichtlabor GmbH, a lighting design company. The EU plans to foot half the bill as of November 2005.

Rattenberg is known for its glass making. It has an abundance of crystal glass shops.

Since 1820 the name "Kisslinger" has been standing for tradition and glass refinement. Every day hundreds of guests from Austria and other countries come to watch the best glass finishing in Ratenberg.

Ratenberg has a smaller population and yet seemed more bustling than Radfeld. It is also nick-named, the glass town.

Its architecture is a typical example of a so called Inn-Salzach-Town (multi-storey buildings with oriels and the front facades facing the streets). Some of the buildings date as back as 10^th century.

I had a nice walk under the shining sun and blowing wind. Ratenberg is a place of old

traditions; the beginnings of the artful production of glass date back to the 17^th century. Europe’s best glass artists moved to Rattenberg.

Yes it is glass!

Happily checked out many stylish gothic buildings and the many interesting; antique pieces, fine woodwork, handmade vintage pieces, artful glass-work, beautiful collection of crystals and wine glasses. Truly a feast for my senses. A famous building in the area today houses Kristall-Glas Kisslinger, the major glass producer in the area. I had the pleasure of watching the artists and craftsmen at work.

Glass blowers in full concentration.

The Tyrolean artists are very skilled in their handwork. It was hard to decide on a single piece of Swarovski jewellery, there were hundreds of them all twinkling at me. Why can’t I have them all (that was my inner greedy monologue) I finally made a choice on a pair of earrings and walked back to Radfeld, while the sun is still shining.

The village characterized by its medieval ambiance.

While walking back saw this cute sign - the arrival of a baby boy.

For dinner we indulged in a hearty western dish. English is not commonly spoken here so you can imagine my challenge when Paul had to translate the menu for me.

I picked a familiar dish, one that never fails to satisfy me, Marinara pasta whilst Paul opted for a slightly unique dish. Can’t recall its name.

We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and brisk walked to the car