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  • The Candlelight Revolution in Gwanghwamun Square

    <—-Previous Story

    It was almost noon as I slowly descended alley after alley of Bukchon Hanok Village. Stepping between traditional Korean buildings seemed to throw me back in time, a time when Joseon Dynasty was enjoying its golden era.

    A few moments later, my steps were parallel to Bukchon-ro Avenue section. I casually walked enjoying cool midday air of Seoul while occasionally stopping in several winter jacket sellers. But its price, which was still above 125,000 Won, made me reluctant to stop any longer.

    I quickened my pace when the face of Anguk Station could be seen far ahead. But a few steps later, I slowed down my steps, my ears could barely hear Indonesian language from a small shop, four Indonesian travelers were enjoying a dish of Chimaek (a dish of fried chicken mixed with South Korean beer). Their joking fun made me reluctant to greet them but I was able to confirm that they were from the same nation as me.

    Entering Anguk Station, I headed straight for the platform. Catching the Seoul Metro to get to Sejongno area immediately. Seoul Metro arrived just moments after I reached the platform.

    The Dog…Oops…..

    Entering a carriage, I couldn’t hide my chuckle. “Oh, No……”, this Seoul Metro was similar to the old Jakarta’s Commuter “Very funny …”, there were a seller screaming explaining goods they was selling.

    That was not enough… there were men quickly walked through carriage after carriage to simply slip business cards between doors, carriage poles and whatever places to put it were possible. “Ohh my God…”, I was even lowering my face I still couldn’t hide my amusement.

    That funny moments was closed with another funny scene where train officer combed the carriage to take all business cards which were tucked away before I got off in Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station.

    Now, I was changing to Seoul Metro Line 5 to get to final destination of Gwanghwamun Station. Not passing another station, so I quickly arrived at Gwanghwanum Square.

    Impatiently stepping the escalator, I tried to get as fast as I could to surface. Arriving at the exit I could only stand frozen, staring at a statue of a legendary South Korean fighter. It was a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin who proudly stood with a sword grip in his right hand and a suit of armor which covered almost his entire body.

    Admiral Yi Sun-sin himself was a Joseon Dynasty era warrior who with his 12 fleet of warships fought Japanese invasion in 23 major battles at sea.

    Meanwhile, Gwanghwanum Square used to be one of the most famous royal squares because several royal government buildings were placed around this square.

    However, my arrival seemed to coincide with a large demonstration that was remembered as The Candlelight Revolution, a popular protest against corruption scandal which carried out by the President of South Korea, Park Geun-hye.

    Next Story—->

    Beberapa tenda demonstran masih tampak tersisa di kiri kanan sisi patung Laksamana Yi Sun-sin. Tetapi itu semua tidak mengurangi rasa antusiasku untuk menikmati Gwanghwamun Square.

  • Bur Dubai Al Kabeer Masjid: “I Don’t Understand What You Say”

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Berada di akhir bagian dari Grand Souq-Bur Dubai, aku konsisten melangkahkan kaki di gang-gang sempit di sela-sela bangunan pertokoan.

    Untuk berikutnya aku tiba di pelataran luas, aku berdiri terpaku tepat di tengahnya. Di sisi kiriku adalah toko berbentuk klasik dan berukuran besar milik Blossom Trading, di sisi kananku adalah toko modern Al Soroor, di belakangku adalah toko tak kalah modern milik Neelam Khamas Textorium, ketiga toko besar itu adalah outlet pakaian, sedangkan tepat di hadapan sana adalah bangunan dengan bentuk familiar di mataku….Ya, itu sudah jelas sebuah bangunan masjid berukuran besar dan berwarna kecoklatan.

    Rasa penasaran akhirnya mengantarkanku untuk mendekati masjid tersebut. Tampak masjid itu dikelilingi oleh trotoar yang bersih dengan pepohonan tinggi yang dibiarkan hidup subur bersandingan di sisi masjid. Juga tampak jelas sebuah rambu-rambu di sisi barat masjid yang melarang parkir kendaraan kecuali bus pariwisata.

    Di bagian pojok selatan masjid, tepatnya di sisi utara Ali bin Abi Taleb Street, tampak diberikan penanda penting yang menggantikan sebuah fungsi halte bus, yaitu  “Dubai Old Souk Station” yang kepemilikannya berada di bawah RSA (Roads and Transport Authority).

    Tampak pintu utama masjid ditempatkan di sisi utara Ali bin Abi Taleb Street. Tepat di sebelah pintu utama, aku bisa membaca dengan jelas tulisan yang tertera di sebuah plat logam kuningan.

     “Bur Dubai Al Kabeer Masjid”, aku membaca perlahan tulisan itu.

    “Oh ini nama masjidnya”, aku membatin.

    Dari informasi yang kudapatkan dalam plat logam, jelas bahwa masjid tersebut kepemilikannya berada dibawah Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department. Dan yang perlu diketahui bahwa masjid itu sudah ada sejak awal tahun 1900-an.

    Langkahku sempat terhenti di depan pintu utama masjid ketika seorang lelaki berperawakan Asia Selatan menghampiri. Entah dia berbicara apa kepadaku, aku tak memahami bahasanya yang jika kutebak adalah Bahasam asal India. Aku hanya terus mengatakan kepadanya “I don’t understand what you say, Sir”, hingga dia memutuskan meninggalkanku dan menuju orang lain untuk melakukan hal yang sama.

    Pertokoan di sisi barat masjid.
    Bur Dubai Al Kabeer Masjid sisi barat.
    Bur Dubai Al Kabeer Masjid sisi selatan.
    Pintu utama masjid di sisi jalan Ali bin Abi Taleb Street.

    Usai kejadian kecil itu, selanjutnya aku mulai memasuki gang di sisi timur masjid. Di bagian ini tampak sederetan toko yang menjual peralatan ibadah umat Hindu. Para pemilik toko-toko tersebut mayoritas adalah warga asal India.  Deretan toko itu menjual bunga-bunga peribadatan, guci dan banyak patung Dewa-Dewi dalam Hindu.

    Dan benar adanya, ketika aku berada di sebelah utara masjid, tampak berdiri jelas beberapa kuil peribadatan untuk agama Hindu, diantaranya adalah Shrinath Ji Temple untuk memuja Dewa Krisna dan Shiva Temple untuk memuja Dewa Siwa.

    Genap mengelilingi masjid, aku kembali ke sisi Ali bin Abi Taleb Street dan menatap ke depan serta membelakangi masjid.

    Tampak bangunan besar nan klasik dengan pelataran yang lebih luas dan dimanfaatkan sebagai area parkir.

    “Sepertinya itu bangunan benteng….Lebih baik aku mendekat ke sana untuk mencari tahu”, aku membatin sekaligus menetapkan tujuan.

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Bukchon Hanok Village: The First Destination in Seoul

    “Kamsahanida……”, I loudly said to a female cashier in CU Minimarket in that corner. I have finished in eating packaged white rice and cup noodles which made my lips feel hot because of its spiciness.

    “Cheonmanneyo …”, that beautiful white cashier smiled while waving when I was in front of glass door and reached its handle.

    Coming out of minimarket, I quickly walked towards the gate of Hongik University Station which wasn’t far away, just to left of a bend ahead.

    Descending a long escalator swooping down underground, I began to open my own printed plan, then pointed to a point of destination. “I have to go to Anguk Station,” I thought as I folded my plan sheet and put it in my back pocket.

    Then I was in platform. By noon, situation in underground station was deserted. Suddenly, a street romance show at the end of platform faded my enthusiasm for waiting for Seoul Metro arrival. A pair of lovebirds seemed to be hugging each other’s waist while looking at each other affectionately. Every now and then that man kissed his girl…. “Oh God….”, my envy feeling appeared. Shows like that really didn’t surprise me because I’ve often saw them in same transportation mode belonging to Singapore or Shenzen city. “Think of it as a travel bonus …”, I thought while wryly smiling.

    Their intimate embrace was released for a moment after the sound of Seoul Metro could be heard when coming from right aisle. Seoul Metro softly squeaked and stopped in front of them, they ended their romance and I as the lone that romance viewer also boarded the train.

    Seoul Metro Line 2 was pushing away from Seodaemun District heading east. I would travel to Jongno District which was eight stations away and had to change to Seoul Metro Line 3 at Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station and it would take about 30 minutes.

    According to the estimated time, I was now standing in front of Seoul Metro door when the announcer sound said that the train would soon be arrived Anguk Station. After a perfect stop, I jumped out of the carriage which I was already on it since several minutes ago, nothing else memorable after the romance for about half an hour ago.

    Exiting Anguk Station, I was faced with Yulgok-ro Avenue. Confidently taking a step to the left led me to an intersection which was bustling with fashion, culinary and cosmetic outlets. Looked like I went to the wrong way.

    I stood rooted to a side of Enso monument which was located right in a side of intersection. Enso itself is a traditional calligraphy brush native to South Korea. I observed the behavior of local people who were busy shopping. Meanwhile, several groups of tourists from Europe seemed to be conversing in Tourist Information booth which was located next to the monument. Looked like I had to go to the booth and asked for directions to my destination. I finally walked over to it.

    Me: “Hello, Ms. Can I know which way that I need to choose toward Bukchon Hanok Village?”

    Her: “Hi, Sir. You can go straight there and then turn left in crossroad. You will arrive in Bukchon Hanok Village with walking about 600 meters”.

    Me: “Very clear, thank you, Ms”

    Her: “You are welcome. And this tourism map is for you”, she smiled as she handed me a Seoul tourism map.

    I immediately headed north. Relaxing a bit while enjoying the bustling streets of Bukchon-ro, I finally arrived at Bukchon Hanok Village in 20 minutes. That cultural village was located in west of the main road.

    Notre Dame Education Center in Bukchon Hanok Village.

    To my surprise, this was different from Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan which I visited a few days ago. Bukchon Hanok Village featured rows of Hanok (traditional South Korean houses) which were neatly arranged along the contour of pedestrian path. The wood which was part of Hanok building looked shiny and well maintained, the alleys which could only be passed by walking looked neat and clean. This was the residence of Joseon Dynasty-era nobles which were more than six centuries old and were the pride of Jongno District.

    In accordance with its nickname as the “North Village”, this village was indeed located to the north of two main icons of Seoul, i.e Cheonggye River and Jongno District.

    In addition to functioning as a Hanok preservation, this village also functions as a cultural center, traditional inns, restaurants and a place to drink tea together.

    Walking through the interior of village, several female tourists looked elegant in Hanbok (South Korean clothing) in order to walking through this cultural village more solemnly.

    A beauty that was stored in Gahoe area, I finally managed to come to it. A classic impression, serenity, silence, full of meaning and cultural majesty I felt very strongly during this visit.

    Next Story—->

  • Grand Souq-Bur Dubai: “You Broke My Heart”

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Aku melompat turun dari perahu yang difungsikan sebagai taksi air di Dubai Creek. Aku tiba di Bur Dubai Water Taxi Station yang terletak di seberang selatan sungai.

    Ketibaanku disambut dengan hamparan plaza yang terlindung oleh pepohonan nan rindang dan aktivitas warga yang duduk bersantai di dalamnya.

    Tampak keramaian di booth dominan merah yang menjual tiket Dubai Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Sementara gerai Tropical Sno di tepian sungai yang menjual berbagai minuman dingin dan air kelapa muda tampak dipenuhi para pengunjungnya.

    Aku segera meninggalkan plaza yang di sisi timurnya dimarkahi oleh satu menara pengawas klasik bak benteng mungil. Aku berjalan menuju gerbang pasar yang tepat berada di sisi 34th Street.

    Tiba di bawah gerbang, langkahku terhenti oleh sepasang turis asal Jepang yang meminta tolong kepadaku untuk mengambilkan foto mereka berlatarkan gerbang pasar. Aku menuntaskan permintaan mereka dengan baik dan aku mendapatkan balasan yang sama, difotokan tepat di bawah gerbang pasar.

    Pasar itu Bernama Grand Souq-Bur Dubai…..Sebuah pasar tua di Dubai yang memiliki koridor utama dengan atap kayu berukiran khas.

    Aku baru tersadar karena mengunjungi pasar ini di hari Minggu. Padahal pasar ini biasa mencapai puncak keramaian di setiap Jumat, hari yang biasanya akan dimeriahkan oleh karnaval yang dihadiri oleh warga lokal, wisatawan dan para ekspatriat yang mengenakan pakaian serba meriah.

    “Tak apalah….Lebih baik menikmati pasar apa adanya”, aku membatin dengan senyum.

    Aku mulai berjalan menelusuri koridor utama. Sejauh mata memandang, pasar itu banyak menjual berbagai jenis kain, seperti sutra, katun, satin, dan beludru. Aku begitu menikmati atmosfer perdagangan di pasar tersebut.

    Tetiba langkahku terhenti….


    Aku tertegun ketika mendapati sebuah bangunan kios bertajuk “Indonesia”, tentu itu adalah nama tanah air tercintaku. Pada detik itu aku tak segera paham kenapa “Indonesia” menjadi nama sebuah kios.

    Gerbang Grand Souq-Bur Dubai.
    Koridor utama pasar.
    Banyak penjual kain kan?
    Yuk masuk lebih dalam.
    Bangunan tempo dulu.
    Kios Indonesia.
    Menjelang koridor akhir.
    TIba di bagian akhir pasar.

    “Apakah untuk menarik wisatawan atau tenaga kerja asal Indonesia?”, aku menerka-nerka karena biasanya warga asal Indonesia memang suka berbelanja….Ah, entahlah.

    Aku pun segera mengambil beberapa photo bangunan itu. Dan ketika hendak meninggalkan sisi itu, seorang pedagang yang kuduga berkebangsaan Pakistan menghampiri.


    “Halo brother, do you need help?….I can take your photo”, dia menawarkan bantuan.


    “Oh, sure, Sir. You are very kind”, aku memberikan gawai pintarku kepadanya setelah mengaturnya sehingga menu kamera siap digunakan.


    Snap….snap….snap.


    “Thanks, Sir”, aku menerima soloran tangannya yang mengembalikan gawai pintarku.


    “Sir, We have nice scarfes for you”, pedagang itu menjulurkan tangan ke arah kiosnya demi membujukku.


    “I don’t come here for shopping, Sir….Just for sightseeing”, aku halus menolaknya.


    Tak menyerah, salah satu temannya datang dari kios menghampiriku dengan membawa beberapa helai syal. Penuh senyum dia mulai memamerkan kain-kain indah itu di depanku.


    “Thanks for your offering, I can’t buy your scarfes”, aku untuk terakhir kali menolaknya halus.


    “Oh, brother, you broke my heart”, dia tersenyum rela bahwa syalnya tidak laku dijual kepadaku.


    Aku berpamitan kepadanya dan melanjutan penelusuranku di Grand Souq-Bur Dubai.

    Menelusuri koridor sepanjang tak kurang dari tiga ratus meter, aku menemukan nuansa klasik Dubai di seantero pasar. Bangunan-bangunan tempo dulu yang difungsikan sebagai kios masih sangat terawat dan berdiri dengan anggun.

    Akhirnya aku tiba di ujung pasar yang ditandai dengan keberadaan Grand Bur Dubai Mosque.

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Sleeping for a while at Kimchee Guesthouse Sinchon

    On half past nine in the morning, I was arrived at Hongik University Station, down the long corridor of station and went up a long-high escalator to surface. Station’s architecture greeted me with a garden decorated with beautiful flowers combined with several iconic sculptures.

    I started down the main alley towards Sinchon-ro Avenue at north of station. As far as I know, the guesthouse which I booked was in an alley across the street. I crossed a single zebra cross at the road in front. Seoul Bus Rapid Transit was dominantly blue and white, with an outdoor AC compartment which extended on its top, complementing its long body, which seemed to be passing by, taking local residents who were starting their activities to appreciating the dawn.

    I decided not to ask anyone about the location of guesthouse which I was staying at, I was sure in the middle of a super busy Capital City, it would be very rare for anyone to know where a small guesthouse was located in the middle of an alley in the middle of nowhere.

    I picked up a map and quickly figured out which side of the alley to enter. I started entering Sinchon –ro 3-gil Alley and turned right at the first fork. As expected, I would find it easy.

    Entering its unlocked door, I found the reception desk which dark and empty. Stairwell, kitchen and dining room equally dim. The guesthouse guests still seemed lazy in their blankets, as if they were reluctant to struggle with cold air outside.

    With no choice, I entered the shared lounge which was equally dim, took a seat, put my backpack and cupped my face in my arms to fall asleep sitting down. At least the shared lounge was not as cold as Seoul Express Bus Terminal building that morning.

    My sleep was awakened by the noise of someone who seemed to tidy up the reception room. Apparently I had been asleep for an hour. The young Korean man seemed to be looking at me expressionlessly. I rubbed my eyes to make my face immediately refreshed. Getting up from chair and rushedh towards him.

    Me: “Hello, I’m Donny from Indonesia. I had booked a room in this guesthouse. This is my booking confirmation”.

    He: “Let me see”, he carefully read the details of my sheet. “I think you will get your room on 1 pm, so I’m sorry”, I was amazed by British accent of his English pronunciation.

    Me: “Oh, it’s OK. I know that. I just want to put my backpack here and I will go to sightseeing the city”.

    Him: “Yeah, It will be better. Just put your backpack there”, he pointed to a corner of room which full of backpacks.

    Me: “Ok, thanks, Sir”.

    After successfully putting a backpack which started to make my back feel heavy. I immediately left the guesthouse. I had to find some breakfast before heading to my first destination in Seoul. Since talking to Mr. In Chul Park in Seoul Metro that morning, I started to hold back the hunger that attacked my stomach.

    Crossing back Sinchon-ro Avenue I entered the alley leading to Hongik University Station. In the alley I slowly walked to find a minimarket. Yups….Finally I found a CU minimarket.

    Browsing the shelves which filled with food, I found cup noodles and white rice packets, without hesitation I picked them up and took them to cashier. Like CU minimarket in Busan, CU minimarket Seoul also provides a dining corner, complete with a microwave and hot water. Customers are required to be able to operate that heating equipment and serve themselves to eat the food which they buy.

    I, who was really hungry, ate the cup noodles and packaged rice quickly. Then immediately rushed to the first tourist destination.

  • Menyeberang Dubai Creek Menuju Bur Dubai

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Surya mulai sedikit tergelincir menuju ufuk barat, tapi udara masihlah kering dan menyengat. Kuperhatikan kulitku semakin legam saja sejauh petualangan berjalan.

    Sangkala bertengger di angka satu waktu setempat, bertepatan dengan rasa gembiraku karena telah menyentuh garis finish dalam mengeksplorasi kawasan heritage Al Ras di Distrik Deira. Tak kurang dari sepuluh spot warisan yang berhasil aku tengok di kawasan tersebut.

    Pada akhir tahapan, aku berdiri di Deira Old Souq Water Taxi Station demi menunggu kedatangan perahu tradisional sebagai satu akses terbaik dan terhemat menuju kawasan Bur Dubai yang berlokasidi seberang selatan Dubai Creek.

    Tak perlu menunggu lama, perahu penuh penumpang itu tiba. Merapat pelan ke dermaga dan mengantarkan setiap penumpangnya menuju ke tepian sungai.

    Beberapa menit merapat, perahu itu telah kosong kembali. Tampak pengemudinya keluar dari lambung perahu dimana mesin ditempatkan. Kemudian mengambil sebuah jerigen bahan bakar yang diberikan oleh rekannya dari tepian sungai. Tampaknya sang pengemudi sedang mengisi bahan bakar untuk operasional perahu tersebut.

    Tak lama tentunya….

    “Come…Come….”, pengemudi perahu berperawakan khas Asia Selatan itu melambaikan tangannya kepada calon penumpang yang berada di dermaga.

    Tanpa keraguan, aku pun melompat ke atas perahu dengan senang hati walaupun itu bukan kali pertama aku menaiki perahu.

    “Beda, Boy….ini perahu di Dubai. Perahu yang sering kulihat di layar televisi ketika menyaksikan program siaran TV tentang pariwisata Dubai….Bersyukur sekali, aku benar-benar menaikinya sekarang”, hatiku bergumam menang.

    Dalam sekejap perahu itu telah penuh penumpang, sang pengemudi pun berkeliling menarik ongkos kepada segenap penumpangnya. Aku menyerahakan koin seharga 1 Dirham kepadanya sebagai biaya menyeberangi Dubai Creek yang memiiki lebar tak kurang dari dua ratus meter.

    Deira Old Souq Water Taxi Station.
    Menuju ke perahu.
    Perahu pun tiba.
    Itu tuh pelampungnya.
    Gaya banget sih….Wkwkwk.
    Dubai Creek yang tenang.
    Bur Dubai Water Taxi Station.

    Kuperhatikan dengan seksama bahwa taksi air itu memiliki kapasitas 20 penumpang dengan tempat duduk saling berpunggungan . Taksi air itu memilik panjang hampir 12 meter, memiliki naungan di atas bangku penumpang dimana sisi atap bagian dalamnya dimanfaatkan sebagai tempat menyimpan pelampung.

    Perahu pun mulai melintasi Dubai Creek . Saat itu, permukaan sungai memiliki riak yang cukup tenang sehingga membuat hati sedikit tenang ketika melakukan penyeberangan. Hanya butuh waktu kurang dari lima menit untuk menyeberangi Dubai Creek.

    Kuperhatikan dengan seksama bahwa perahu itu tidak berlayar dengan jalur pelayaran yang tegak lurus dengan badan sungai melainkan memiliki jalur pelayaran sedikit menyerong ke arah barat.

    Setiba di bagian seberang sungai, aku diturunkan di Bur Dubai Water Taxi Station. Yang kuingat hanyalah dua nama distrik yang mengapit dermaga tempatku diturunkan, yaitu Historical Shindagha District yang berada di utara dari tempatku berdiri dan Al Fahidi Historical District di sisi selatannya.

    Lalu….Kemanakah aku harus melangkah?

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Trying Seoul Metro: Heading to Hongik University Station

    I tried to align my steps with Mr. Park who seemed agile for his age’s pace. Waiting for Seoul Metro at a side of station platform, we lightly chatted. I told him about my trip through East Asia. I tucked in some adventure stories in Tokyo, Osaka and Busan a few days before. Mr. Park seemed quite impressed to hear the story line that I told as short as possible.

    While Mr. Park, In Chul Park his full name….Told about his daily activities as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist (Obgyn) at Myongji Hospital in Deokyang District.

    “My job is to help the baby to be born”, that was how he conveyed about his daily activities.

    Seoul Metro arrived….

    Being at Line 6, the two of us entered in center carriage. The whole carriage looked deserted that morning. Not many workers have started their activities. The two of us sat in the middle seat and continued the conversation to next light topics, ranging from his small family to a little bit about the city of Seoul, I was flooded with valuable information that morning. I mostly acted as a good listener in our conversations.

    Twenty minutes into a worthwhile shared journey with Mr. Parks. I said goodbye first, because I had to get off at Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga Station to change to Seoul Metro Line 2. Mr. Park still continued his journey through another 14 stations more to Hwajeong Station.

    Getting off at Euljiro Station 3 (sam)-ga platform, I started looking for the passageway leading to Hongik University Station. Seeing me confused looking for the corridor, a fat man approached me.

    He: “Hello, Where will you go?”, he started greeting with a question.

    Me: “Hongik University Station, Sir. Which corridor should I choose?”

    Him: “Wait…”

    He also looked confused and took the initiative to intercept a Seoul Metro officer who was walking in a corridor. The two of them seemed to be conversing and the Seoul Metro officer seemed to be pointing at the other side of station building.

    He: “You must steps over there!”, the nice fat man showed me a direction after a few minutes then asked the Seoul Metro officer.

    Me: “Thank you very much, Sir. You are a kind man”, I really feel helped by his help.

    No wonder it was hard to find, the corridor was at the end of station building with a corridor opening that was not too big. Walking down the corridor, I came to a platform. Now I was on the right platform with a green color code in each hint.

    Five minutes later the Seoul Metro arrived, I immediately flowed down the underground passages of Seoul City with it. Seoul Line 2 was bustling with students. The faces of educated youth seemed to be crowded in the carriage. Didn’t get a seat, made me have to stand for 20 minutes onward journey.

    Finally I arrived at Hongik University Station…..

    Time to head to Kimchee Guesthouse Sinchon

  • Dubai Creek: Pemisah Deira dan Bur Dubai

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Meninggalkan Utensil Souq dan Herbs Souq, aku perlahan melangkah di Old Baladiya Street menuju selatan. Arah langkahku jelas bahwa aku sedang menuju ke Dubai Creek.

    Dubai Creek sendiri adalah sungai kecil yang memisahkan dua distrik utama di Dubai, yaitu Deira dimana aku berdiri siang itu dan Bur Dubai yang terletak di seberang selatan aliran air asin sungai tersebut.

    Berdiri pada salah satu titik di Baniyas Road, aku terus memandangi segenap aktivitas yang sedang terjadi di sepanjang Dubai Creek. Baniyas Road menjadi jalan utama yang melekuk mengikuti kontur Dubai Creek di sisi Distrik Deira.

    Sedangkan tepat di belakangku berdiri gagah bangunan klasik Dubai Municipality Museum. Entah kenapa museum itu menutup diri rapat-rapat, membuatku enggan untuk melongoknya walau sekejap. Konon tersimpanlah berbagai artefak, barang antik, peta lama kota, perangko lama dan segala dokumen yang bisa menggambarkan aktivitas pemerintahan masa lalu di Emirat Dubai.

    Aku memutuskan menyisir tepian Dubai Creek dari sisi timur, tampak keberadaan kapal-kapal kayu berukuran besar tertambat tenang di pinggiran sungai. Sementara stock logistik tersusun menumpuk rapi di tepian sungai tepat di sebelah posisi parkir kapal-kapal tersebut. Beberapa anak buah kapal tampak duduk santai di pinggiran sungai atau di atas tumpukan logistik menunggu pekerjaan dimulai. Suasana siang itu mengingatkanku pada Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa di ibu kota yang beratmosfer sama.

    Sementara papan besar ditempatkan di sisi sungai menampilkan delapan larangan utama yang diterapkan di sepanjang bantaran sungai. Kedelapannya adalah dog walking, kegiatan barbeque, membuang sampah sembarangan, berkemah, memberi makan ikan, merokok dengan sisha, memancing dan kegiatan menggunakan caravan.

    Dubai Municipality Museum.
    Baniyas Road.
    Baniyas Road.
    Kapal-kapal besar pengangkut logistik.
    Logistik tersusun rapi di tepian Dubai Creek.
    Menunggu aktivitas dimulai.
    Terminal taksi air (ferry).

    Sedangkan sebuah bangunan permanen yang berfungsi sebagai Customer Service Center milik Bea Cukai Dubai ditempatkan di satu titik bersebelahan dengan stasiun taksi air (local ferry).

    Sementara itu bagi para wisatawan yang hendak menikmati wisata berkeliling kota menggunakan bus tingkat maka sebuah konter penjualan tiket Dubai Big Bus Tour tersedia pula di sisi sungai. Tiket paling murah untuk tur menggunakan bus ini adalah 145 Dirham. Jika kamu memilih dengan paket khusus yang lain tentu harus merogoh kocek lebih dalam.

    Sedangkan untuk mengatur alur lalu lintas dalam menyeberangi Baniyas Road maka selain disediakan zebra cross di permukaan, pemerintah setempat juga menyediakan penyeberangan bawah tanah dari tepian sungai hingga tepat di depan Grand Souq Deira di sisi yang lain.

    Selain terintegrasi dengan terminal ferry, area di sekitar Grand Souq Deira ini juga dikoneksikan dengan jalur bus kota dengan sebuah halte di sisi selatan jalan. Melihat keramaian di sekitar Dubai Creek menunjukkan bahwa Distrik Deira menjadi kekuatan ekonomi tersendiri yang dimiliki oleh Emirat Dubai.

    Lalu bagaimana dengan keramaian area Bur Dubai yang berada di seberang Dubai Creek sebelah selatan?

    Kalau begitu mari kita menyeberang ke sana…..!

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Hunting T-Money with Mr. Park

    Brushing the teeth….

    That was my main problem that morning. There wasn’t proper place to do it. In contrast to airports, which generally have five-star hotel class toilets. This was ta bus station, man!

    Not having time to think about having breakfast, I immediately got up, carried my blue backpack back, continuing my identity as a backpacker. Now I was going to downtown.

    Being at Seoul Express Bus Terminal meant I was at southern end of the city, stucked all night in Seocho District, waiting for the first train to operated. I rushed to Express Bus Terminal Station….Yupz, that was the station which was integrated with bus terminal where I spent the night.

    Meanwhile, the residue of frozen air still lingered on my epidermis as soon as I took half a step out of terminal gate. “Crazy…”, I thought to myself. I hastened my steps by increasing the tempo of my feet towards station gate.

    “Damn…”, the gate was still blocked by standing barrier.

    “I can’t enter yet…”, I thought to a conclusion.

    Hurry back to bus terminal. I decided to wait for an hour, more than half an hour from fist train which operated.

    A hour that I took advantage of by re-opening Seoul Metro line map sheet. It had one line more than Singapore’s MRT lines.

    Even sixty minutes of waiting, now I was repeating my trail before towards the gate of Express Bus Terminal Station. The standing barrier had disappeared, a sign that the station had opened itself to every guest.

    Entering station building, Christmas trees were still welcoming even though it was already third day of January, the statue of Santa Claus with his nine favorite reindeer greeted me and right in the corner there was a fat security guard who always smiling. He swiftly grabbed his hat and white T-Stick and jogged toward me. It seemed that he understood that I wasn’t a resident of “Ginseng Country”, therefore, he intended to help. Although actually, I was more challenged to find for the platform in my own way. But, It was OK.

    Security: “Hellooo, where wil you go?”

    Me: “Hongik University Station, Sir”.

    Security: “Oh, OK. Where are you coming from?”

    I was Indonesian”

    Security: “Hmmh, Malaysia?”

    Me: “No, Sir, Indonesia. A country at the south of Malaysia”.

    Security: “Oh really, follow me!…follow me!”

    I stalked him from behind

    “This way”, he pointed to a passageway towards one of platforms”.

    “Thank you, Sir”, I ended the conversation before he returned to his post.

    Down the hall to the end, I started looking for ticket vending machine. The machine was on a side. The hallway was still quiet, allowing me to exploring the machine’s screen. Diligently browsing the screen, not a single word could lead me to get One Day Pass.

    I came up with an initiative to confront the station attendant. The room was clearly over there. Two uniformed staff seemed to start the day at their desk. I was already knocking at glass door and their gazes in unison headed towards me then accompanied by a wave of one of them as a sign that they invited me to enter to face him.

    Me: “Good morning, Sir?”

    Staff: “Yes, can I help you?”

    Me: “Does Seoul Metro sell One Day Pass for passenger?”

    Staff: “No No No, you must buy a regular card”

    Me: “What is that?”

    Having trouble to speaking English, he got up from the chair and headed for the door. He waved at me to follow him. “There!”, he pointed to a machine box.

    Feeling the chances of getting a One Day Pass was running low, I gave up and closed the conversation. “Oh, Ok”

    My footsteps quickly headed for the machine box. Was curious about what this tech-filled machine could sell. I paused for a moment, observing closely the appearance. I haven’t pressed anything yet until a man stood beside me, he was 40s but still looked fit, smiling and looked educated.

    He: “Helloo…..Can I help you? Where are you coming from?”

    Me: “Hi, Indonesia, Sirir. Yeaa, I am looking for One Day Pass in this machine, Sir”.

    He: “Oh, there isn’t One Day Pass in Seoul Metro. You must buy T-Money for your journey using Metro”

    Me: “Oh, yeah”

    He: “OK, I will help you to get it”. He started to get closer to the screen, then nimbly pressed buttons until he arrived at the end of execution menu. “You need to insert 3,000 Won into this machine!”

    Me: “Oh , Ok, I see”….I put it in and he started to press the final execute button.

    The T-Money came out of the machine in neatly white packaged. The man took it and handed it to me.

    T-Money packaging.
    This is the form of T-Money.

    “So now, you can explore Seoul by this. Come on we go to platform!. Where is your destination?”, he started to walk me

    “Hongik University Station, Sir”, I tried to keep up with his pace.

    “Oh, do you study there?”.

    “Oh, No Sir, I am just traveling now. What is your name, Sir?”

    “In Chul Park. Call me Park”, he reached out his hand

    “Donny, Sir”, I shook his hand.

    Now I have a friend to talk during my trip to Kimchee Guesthouse Sinchon.

    Thank you very much Mr. Park….

  • Herbs Souq: Tertegun dengan Warna Warni Rempah Arab

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Aku sudah menyusuri setiap sisi koridor Grand Souq Deira, menikmati banyak model pakaian khas Jazirah Arab, melongok berbagai macam souvenir, menghirup wanginya kios-kios parfum, serta tertegun dengan warna-warni herbal dan rempah yang melambangkan kekayaan bumi Timur Tengah.

    Begitu tiba di ujung timur Grand Souq Deira, rasa penasaranku kembali muncul. Ketika aku berdiri di Old Baladiya Street, tatapan mata kutujukan ke arah utara jalan dua arah yang tak terlalu lebar tersebut.

    Ada sebuah signboard di sisi kiri jalan yang menarik minatku untuk mendekat.

    “Herbs Souq….Hmhhh, ternyata ada pasar khusus untuk berjualan herbal dan rempah-rempah”, aku membatin penuh penasaran. “Tak ada salahnya untuk mampir sejenak”, aku membujuk diriku sendiri untuk meluangkan waktu.

    Maka tanpa keraguan, aku mulai berjalan menujunya.

    Memasuki gerbang Herbs Souq, para pedagang mulai ramai menyambut kedatanganku, melambaikan tangan dan membujukku untuk singgah di kiosnya. Tetapi aku hanya tersenyum dan menggelengkan kepala sebagai jawaban bahwa aku tak akan berbelanja apapun di koridor pasar rempah tersebut.

    Aku menyediakan sedikit waktu untuk berdiri di bawah gerbang pasar demi mengamati aktivitas perniagaan yang sedang berlangsung di sepanjang koridor pasar.

    Yuk, masuk ke pasar rempah !

    Koridor?….Benar bahwa fokus perhatian wisatawan pada Herbs Souq terletak di koridornya yang didesain menjadi jalur pejalan kaki dengan atap pelindung yang membuat nyaman. Sedangkan barang dagangan yang berupa herbal dan rempah-rempah diperdagangkan di kios-kios pada setiap sisi koridor.

    Aku memelankan langkah di sepanjang koridor demi mengamati berbagai jenis herbal dan rempah yang diperdagangkan. Ada beberapa bahan yang dengan mudah kukenali seperti kurma, kacang kenari, tumpukan oregano, kayu manis dan bunga rosella. Selebihnya aku hanya menikmati warna-warni rempah yang tak kumengerti namanya.

    Aku pun kembali menuju gerbang dimana aku masuk ke Herbs Souq itu ketika khatam menelusuri sepanjang koridornya.

    Tiba kembali di Old Baladiya Street maka perhatianku kembali tertuju pada satu jenis pasar lagi yang berlokasi di utara Herbs Souq. Pasar itu adalah Utensil Market. Dari namanya saja tentu aku sudah faham bahwa pasar itu meniagakan peralatan rumah tangga.

    Walaupun barang yang diperdagangkan tak menarik minatku, tetapi toh aku tetap saja memiliki niat kuat untuk melongoknya walau sekejap saja.

    Kulangkahkan kakiku demi memasuki Utensil Market yang gerbangnya masih berada di jalan yang sama dengan tempatku berdiri….Old Baladiya Street.

    Tak kalah ramai dengan Grand Souq Deira dan Herbs Souq, Utensil Souq ini juga banyak dikunjungi oleh masyarakat lokal dan wisatawan.

    Ini dia gerbang Utensil Market.

    Di sepanjang koridor beratapnya, Utensil Market menawarkan berbagai jenis pakaian khas Timur Tengah, tas, bantal, peralatan makan dan peralatan rumah tangga lainnya.

    Aku tak terlalu berlama-lama di Utensil Market karena sedari beberapa waktu sebelumnya aku sudah menahan rasa penasaran yang teramat sangat untuk menikmati suasana di tepian Dubai Creek.

    Yuk, kita lihat seperti apa  keindahannya…..

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->