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Attaching a Signature at the Sumatra Money Museum

27 April 2020

I began to walk at exit path of Sri Deli Park.

My steps were so harmonious with my index finger pressure on camera to capture the best images along Sisingamangaraja Street.

Red motorcycle suddenly got off from asphalt and its brake pounding threw dust which made me momentarily cover my nose. A face which was hidden behind helmet turned towards me while waving. I paused while thinking what was happen. A little suspicious, I stepped up to him while keeping a safe distance.

He : “Sir, don’t carry your good camera like that. There are a lot of thieves here. Just keep it!“, speaking after slowly taking off his helmet.

Me: “Oh, thank you sir….Okay sir”, I relieved replied

He: “Be careful, Sir. Assalamualaikum“

Me: ”Wa’alaikumsalam Sir”. Good people are always around me.

—-****—-

Strong despite being old.

I was stunned under Tirtanadi Water Tower while sitting and putting my backpack next to a tree trunk to protect myself from the sun’s heat. Then I filled my bottles with free drinking water in front left of PDAM (the name of water company) Tirtanadi office.

Worried that the dusk which had been queueing to present, I fastly stepped to Tjong A Fie’s house. Passing a railroad crossing and then entering Pemuda Street, I accidentally passed a roll up banner which its titled “Sumatra Money Museum“.

See the way toward Sumatra Money Museum here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1NWlMmGZr0

“Maybe just need about 30 minutes to explore, stop by for a moment!“, inwardly whispered teasing me. Without argumentation, now, I have been speaking with Miss L – a sweet young woman in a sky blue scarf – as a staff and also as a museum’s tour guide. She took souvenirs in the form of two coins made by Palembang Sultanate with a hole in its middle which was neatly wrapped while giving a piece of green paper as size as a ticket with a writing “Souvenir Fee USD 0.75“.

—-****—-

2nd floor.

I stepped stairs and continually observed its classic building. Ms. L said, I was in “Gedung Juang ’45“. “No need to hurry, Sir. The museum closes at 5 pm“, she said with a smile.

Arriving on 2nd floor, I was treated to a view of money printing machine “Oeang Republik Indonesia Tapanoeli (ORITA)” which was used in early era of President Soekarno.

ORITA.

Founded 3 years ago by Saparudin Barus, this collection room became the first money museum in Sumatra. The collector’s personal intention was approved by local government after Gedung Juang ’45 was chosen as museum location. In the past, This building itself has an important role as headquarters of Barisan Pemuda Indonesia (Indonesian Youth Front) in carrying out resistance against Dutch colonial government.

In 1726, for the first time, the VOC published coins known as DOIT or DUIT.

Exploring from one storefront to another, accompanied by an explanation from Ms. L, I began to float into nation’s historical flow through coins sequence which is sorted by its using.

Indonesian coins from time to time along with Malaysian coins.

Being the only visitor that afternoon, I was willing to repeatly observe some trade exchange tools in the golden era of Srivijaya Kingdom. Or money which was made from burlap which was issued by Buton Kingdom in Sulawesi.

It’s so large, Soekarno era’s paper money!

At the end of my visitation, Miss L directed me to a long white cloth and she briefly explained that each visitor would be asked to write his impression message about the museum and ending with a signature underneath. Okay, no need to be stingy to write on the cloth. My signature scratch ended this visitation.

Museum’s storefront with many money collection from various times.

How lucky me to passing and visiting it….Let’s to next destination!
Mengintip Devi’s Fall di Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

25 April 2020

Bunyi klakson membuatku menoleh ke kiri ketika baru saja beranjak keluar dari sebuah kedai mie di Tashiling. Ya, suara cempreng itu berasal dari taksi Mr. Tirtha yang entah sejak kapan sudah terparkir di bawah sebuah pohon tepat di arah keluar area Tashiling.

“I think we don’t need to go to Devi’s Fall because its water debit is low now. So you can see the beauty of Devi’s Fall from the cave”, tutur Mr. Tirtha sembari memutar setirnya ke kiri memasuki jalan Shital Path. Aku mengiyakan saja informasi itu.

Devi’s Fall sering dijuluk David’s Fall sejak berpuluh-puluh tahun lalu ketika seorang Swiss tenggelam termakan arus di air terjun ini.

“OK….We are arriving”, seloroh Mr. Tirtha sambil menjentikkan jari ketika baru saja berbelok ke kanan mengikuti arus jalanan Siddhartha Rajmag.

Aku mulai memasuki gapura Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave yang di puncaknya didudukkan Dewa Siwa yang gagah bersila menggenggam trisula. Melewatinya, untuk kemudian menelusuri jalur masuk beratap terpal dengan deretan kios souvenir di kiri-kanan. Kemudian aku disambut dengan kehadiran patung Dewa Wisnu yang tertidur di sebelah bangunan utama.

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Balkon utama.

Saatnya menuju ke bagian balkon beton untuk membeli selembar tiket seharga Rp. 13.500. Sebelum menuruni tangga menuju mulut goa, sejenak aku memperhatikan detail dinding tangga yang dengan jarak teratur menampilkan pahatan Dewa-Dewi yang mungkin secara implisit menampilkan sebuah lakon tertentu.

Tangga menuju mulut goa.

Perbedaan suhu sudah mulai terasa pada pijakan pertama di mulut goa. Kini aku bersiap menelusuri goa terpanjang di Nepal.

“Cow Shed”, aku tertegun memperhatikan sebuah kandang sapi berpagar besi biru. Bertanyalah aku kepada orang lokal yang sedang berbincang di depannya. Katanya singkat bahwa sapi ini melindungi Dewa Siwa. Aku mengangguk seakan faham.

Menuruni tangga melalui sisi kanan kandang aku merasa tarikan nafas semakin berat. Ruang sempit gelap lembab membuatnya demikian. Kemudian cahaya terang kembali kujumpai pada sebuah kuil yang didedikasikan untuk memuliakan Dewa Siwa.

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Dasar Donny….Kamu mencuri gambar….Kan “No Camera”….Parah.

Konon goa ini ditemukan pada abad ke-16 dengan kondisi mulut goa tertutup rerumputan. Orang lokal menamai goa ini Bhalu Dulo. Ketika ditemukan, sudah terdapat ukiran beberapa Dewa Dewi Hindu seperti Mahadev, Parvati, Nageshwor dan Saraswati.

Kini tangga menuju ka dasar goa semakin tajam dan licin. Air terus menetes dari stalagtit yang terhampar merata di atap goa. Sedikitnya lampu penerangan membuat perjalanan ke bawah menjadi sangat pelan.

Hati-hati ya…..

Akhirnya penampakan dasar goa terpampang menakjubkan. Ruangan yang sangat luas berada di bawah tanah. Kemudian di salah satu sisi tertampil sebuah celah alami yang menjadi satu-satunya lubang untuk menikmati keindahan Devi’s Fall.

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Itu Devi’s Fall….Keren kan ya?.

Lihat situasi Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave disini:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p0Yjhocidg

Karya alam milik Tuhan yang luar biasa….
Eight Facets in Al Mashun Grand Mosque Architecture

23 April 2020

That green mosque with dominant white was clearly visible from Maimun Palace gate. It’s a 111 years old mosque which is be a memory of Deli Sultanate greatness. According to story, Sultan wanted to build a mosque more beautiful than the palace where he lived as a service for religion. So the palace and mosque are an architectural package which were planned by Sultan Deli which you must visit when you are in Medan.

Impatient steps made me sweaty panting and my back was increasingly achy because burdened by a backpack which even I have carried for 4 hours since leave Kualanamu International Airport.

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight….Oh, eight facets“, I murmured in heart when I got around outside of the oldest mosque in Medan. The main dome with dark color is surrounded by three twin domes. A unique form and rarely found in any mosque.

Sultan Ma’mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam needed for 3 years for finishing the building.

Dhuhr azan reprimanded me for immediately turning off the camera and purifying myself with wudu (ablution) in a separate building at east of mosque.

Wudu (ablution) place.

After put my shoes, I walked on a rubber track into mosque’s worship room. I was looking around and admiring mosque’s interior which is very charming.

Able to accommodate 1,500 worshipers at a time.

Eight buffer pillars are coated by marble which was imported from Itali by the architect – Mr. Tingdeman -. Combined with the elegance of a chandelier from France which its form like a reverse birthday cake. Then walls on every sides consist of doors with Spanish arch style and are completed with large stained glass from China. Then islamic nuances of Taj Mahal are represented on wall motifs and pulpit (minbar) carvings….AMAZING.

Al Mashun Grand Mosque dome are black from outside.

After Dhuhr prayer, I watched an Aussie tour group who visited the mosque using hijab which were provided by the mosque. They looked fascinated when entering mosque’s door.

Some mosque worshipers were seen heading to tombs on west side and made a pilgrimage to Sultan tombs. Al Mashun Grand Mosque looked solemn inside and outside.

Do you know the meaning of word “Al Mashun”…. “maintained” is the meaning of its name.

Pedestrian bridge which its shape is influenced by mosque architecture.

I tried to approach Sisingamangaraja street to enjoy the mosque from a distance. Its beauty increasingly become when I observed it from pedestrian bridge

Madani Hotel is in across of the mosque. See!. It have a dome too….Beautiful.

See Al Mashun Grand Mosque situation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGM70L6JeaQ

That was my adventure in Medan’s second destination….Come with me again to another good destination !.
Semangkuk Mie di Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp

21 April 2020

Aku sudah faham sebelum Mr. Tirtha memberitahuku bahwa destinasi berikutnya adalah Tashiling, pemukiman para pengungsi Tibet di Pokhara. Nepal sendiri memberikan akses migrasi ini karena sejak zaman dahulu, Tibet dan Nepal telah memiliki hubungan kerjasama yang erat dalam bidang ekonomi, diplomasi dan budaya. Kedua belah pihak pernah berulangkali dalam sejarah menandatangi berbagai perjanjian kerjasama sebagai dua bangsa yang saling berdaulat.

Bertolak dari International Mountain Museum, taksi kini merapat ke timur dan berlari sejauh 3,5 km. Kali ini Mr. Tirtha yang berganti menginterupsi perjalanan, dia berhenti di sebuah apotek untuk membeli seracik obat. Dia bertutur dengan tabah, bahwa ayah kandungnya mengalami gangguan liver yang mengharuskannya menyisihkan penghasilan dari menyopir taksi untuk pengobatan sang ayah.

“Namaska”, teriaknya pada teman-teman seprofesinya di jalanan. Dia sedikit menjelaskan bahwa Namaska adalah sapaan yang mirip dengan “Namaste”.

Kemudian, dia menegaskan bahwa pariwisata bak emas buat negaranya. Jadi banyak orang seusianya berjuang memiliki sebuah mobil kecil untuk dipekerjakan menjadi sebuah taksi. Dan english adalah kunci bagi mereka untuk menggaet wisatawan….”Maaf Mr Tirtha, kalau di Jakarta, aku lebih memilih menjadi salesman dengan komisinya”….Hahaha, dia tertawa lebar.

15 menit kemudian, taksi keluar dari jalan utama Siddhartha Rajmarg. Berhenti di sebuah jalanan tanah. “Welcome to Tashiling”, Ucap Mr. Tirtha.

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Pemandangan Tashiling dari dropping point.

Langkahku langsung tertuju pada deretan kios penjual souvenir. Yesss….Disitulah para Tibetan mengais rezeqi untuk menyambung hidup di pengungsian. Dalam perjalanan pulang nanti, Mr. Tirtha menyayangkan para Tibetan yang bermigrasi ini karena saat ini Tiongkok sudah lebih memperhatikan kesejahteraan Tibet.

Si bapak yang begitu ramah menjelaskan berbagai makna dari barang dagangannya.

Memasuki perkampungan berusia 56 tahun ini, aku bisa mengintip sedikit budaya Tibet. Cara mereka berpakaian dan beribadah adalah hal yang gampang ditangkap dalam kunjungan singkat ini. Keramahan penduduk berbadan mungil dengan kulit sawo matang dan bermata sipit menjadi sesuatu yang tak terlupakan. Menurut pengakuan dari salah satu mereka, ada sekitar 700 pengungsi Tibet di kampung ini. Bahkan di masa-masa awal pengungsian terdapat hampir 2.000 warga.

Tashiling sendiri hanya merupakan salah satu dari 12 kamp pengungsian di seluruh penjuru Nepal. Seperti diketahui bahwa semenjak perlawanan Dalai Lama, banyak warga Tibet yang bermigrasi ke Nepal pada tahun 1959-1961.

Puas melihat muka Tashiling, aku menyempatkan diri untuk duduk di sebuah kedai makan milik mereka. Kupesan semangkuk mie sebagai menu makan siang. Menu sederhana seharga RP. 20.000 yang membuatku siap untuk melanjutkan perjalanan ke destinasi berikutnya.

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Enak euy….Ada minyak babinya engga ya?….Hahaha.

Yuk, jalan lageeeeeeh….
Golden Yellow of Maimun Palace

19 April 2020

Call his name as Yunus, a young man with a Malay face with his confidence patting my shoulder from behind. My focus to snapping the palace image from the best position finally faded.

Yunus: “Can you take photo of me, brother?”

Me: “Oh, okay. Don’t stand there…. stand in the middle! “, I directed his position like a professional photographer.

He just came from Pangkalan Brandan to try his fortune in Medan after passing a vocational school with its majoring in Automotive Engineering. He want to work in automotive workshop. He was so fascinated by my appearance so he guessed me as a reporter with a camera which he thought expensive. Even though……Hahaha

“Take my photo, boy!“, I said. “Oh okay, smile, smile“, Yusuf managed…. Snap…. Am I similar to a reporter?

Our small talk was resolved when my steps were leading to a separate building at left of the palace. I looked inside, there was a cannon with a broken end. That is the “Buntung/Puntung” Cannon. Amazing, that cannon piece fell as far as 75 km at south of the palace because of cannon’s heat which was continuously fired.

It is said that this cannon was the incarnation of Putri Hijau (Green Princess) when Deli Sultanate was attacked by a king from Aceh who was angry because his marriage proposal was rejected.

“Dee Eerste Steen Van Dit Gebouw

Is Celeco Op Den

26 Augustus 1888

Door Z. H. Den Sultan Van Deli

Mahmoed El Rasjid Perkasa Alamsja”

I read with lips curve which is similar to dutch accent at the base of front pillar just before climbing the white gray stairs.

Fixing my backpack in preparation for whole palace exploration then was continued with buying an entrance ticket for USD 3.7 at the top of stairs. Then my steps began to tread palace floor.

King and Queen chairs.

Yellow color palace door which are so numerous, adopt an European style which is combined with green dominant shutters and arches at the top with Indian Mughal architecture, were the first scene which I remember.

Great wedding altar in golden yellow.

Then “the yellow and the green” are combined with “the red” as a signify that this palace clearly belongs to whole Malay nation. Yellow represents wisdom, green represents Islam and red represents tradition colors.

Lamp ornaments above the height of palace ceiling.

So many faces of Deli Sultanate family are introduced to public through classic photographs which are neatly arranged and tightly attached to wooden walls of the palace.

As a result, I was stunned by the beautiful face of Yang Mulia Raja Noorsida who is wife of Seripaduka Sultan Osman Al Sani Perkasa Alam.

Photo of Sultan Deli who rules today: Seripaduka Baginda Tuanku Sultan Mahmud Arya Lamanjiji Perkasa Alam Shah.

In some corners, I diligently watched several weapons which are left by Sultan, such as Bentara Kris (Keris Bentara), Tumbok Dagger (Tumbok Lada), Cenderahati Kris (Keris Cenderahati). Also some musical instruments, jewelry, ceramic plates and Sultan’s clothes.

Deli Sultanate spears.

More noon, more visitors enlivened the whole palace. Many people were willing to queue for wearing Malay traditional clothes and pose in king and queen’s chairs. Students didn’t hesitate to sit on palace floor and listening to teacher’s explanation which loudly tell some stories until his jugular veins appeared.

Malay traditional clothes rental.

My visitation to Maimun Palace really left a deep impression because this was the first time I visited a palace on Sumatra island.

See you again, the magnificent and modest palace.

See the Maimun Palace situation here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzCzrdsv978

Come on….See next creations of Deli Sultanate !…. Al Mashun Grand mosque. It’s not far …
Sayatan Hati di International Mountain Museum.

18 April 2020

Mr. Raj dengan baiknya menyuguhkan hidangan spesial untukku. Telur dengan dua mata sapi disajikan bebarengan dengan satu buah pisang, dua lapis toast berselai manga dan secangkir teh panas khas Nepal. Sementara Mr. Tirtha tampak pamit dan beranjak pulang demi menikmati sarapan buatan istri di kediamannya sendiri untuk kemudian dia akan kembali lagi menjemputku dan berkeliling Pokhara hingga sore.

Jam 11 tepat, dia datang. Kemudian dengan segarnya kami bercanda sejenak di lobby sembari menunggu trio backpacker lain muncul. Satu hal yang kusimpan dari percakapan kami berdua bahwa aku harus menjajal makanan khas Nepal berjuluk Nepali Thali.

Yups, waktunya berangkat….

Perjalanan 3 km menuju tenggara kali ini hanya terinterupsi satu kali ketika Mr. Tirtha berhenti menungguiku untuk menukar dolar di sebuah money changer kecil di tepian Phewa Lake.

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15 menit kemudian tiba.

Aku mulai memasuki pelataran dengan alas tanah berpasir. Debu menyeruak ke segala arah ketika kendaraan melaluinya. Kemudian di sebuah ticket counter yang berwujud bangunan kecil bermotif batu kali, aku mendapatkan tiket masuk seharga Rp 55.000.

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Ambil antrian….

Perlu melewati jalur khusus pejalan kaki untuk mencapai bangunan utama musium. Jalur yang dibatasi oleh deretan pepohonan yang menjulang tinggi tapi tak begitu rindang.

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Yuk jalan kaki.

Tiba di pelataran depan, sebuah monumen kecil menyambut. Monumen yang didedikasikan untuk para pendaki Himalaya yang tak pernah turun lagi karena telah merelakan jiwanya bersemayam dalam selimut salju Himalaya.

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Mereka disebut mountaineers.

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Minggir….ngehalangin jalan lo….

Menaiki tangga untuk mencapai gerbang depan museum, kemudian aku disambut dengan x-ray gate sederhana. Di selasar awal, museum menampilkan foto-foto puncak pegunungan berlapis es di dunia. Ditampilkan pula pakaian khas negara-negara yang bersangkutan.

Slovenia dengan beberapa gunung ber-esnya yaitu Triglav (2.864 m dpl), Stol (2.236 m dpl), Prisojnik (2.547 m dpl) dan Porezen (1.630 m dpl) beserta pakaian Gorenjska.

Memasuki koridor berikutnya, museum memperkenalkan keanekaragaman etnis di seantero Nepal. Nama suku beserta pakaian khasnya ditampilkan dengan apik. Perlu diketahui bahwa negara yang luasnya tak lebih dari 8% luas daratan NKRI ini memiliki 126 etnis didalamnya.

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Etnis Thakali dari Distrik Mustang, Zona Dhaulagiri.

Masuk ke selasar tengah, museum menampilkan nama-nama puncak pegunungan Himalaya. Pegunungan Himalaya sendiri menyediakan 18 puncak utama yang menantang para pendaki dari seluruh dunia untuk menanjakinya.

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Puncak Makalu (8.464 m dpl) dan Lhotse (8.516 m dpl).

Akhirnya di bagian akhir, museum mempersembahkan kisah-kisah heroik penaklukan Himalaya oleh para pendaki kelas wahid. Di bagian ini juga, dipaparkan sejumlah tragedi yang dialami mereka dengan berbagai misi pendakiannya masing-masing. Sangat mengharukan dan menyayat hati.

Kunjugan di museum kuakhiri dengan menyusuri lantai dua menuju exit gate museum. Inilah destinasi di Pokhara yang membuka mata tentang Nepal dan Himalaya.

Silahkan mampir ya kalau berkunjung ke Pokhara.
10 Tourist Attractions in Medan

15 April 2020

I’ve never given brain a slightest chance to think long. Riding a motorcycle taxi, I sayid “sayonara” to Amplas Terminal which seems unwilling to be left behind by visitor who are willing to take time to know about it.

15 minutes later, I already alighted at Medan’s main destination. They are:

1. Maimun Palace

The palace whose name means “blessing” has served for nearly 130 years in representing a greatness of Deli Sultanate. This palace was constructed as a sign of kingdom’s capital shifting from Labuhan to Medan.

Yellow is a distinctive Malay color that symbolizes wisdom.

Redeem an entrance ticket worth USD 0.37, I explored every corner of the palace and continued to admire every detail of the fusion of Indian, Middle Eastern and European architecture. Five hectares of palace area makes anyone freely enjoy beauty of the palace from various points of view.

Next destination is only 2 minutes by walking, which is:

2. Al Mashun Grand Mosque

Located in west of palace, this octagonal sacred building majestically stands in passing time. This fenomenal creation by Sultan Ma’mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam implies that he prioritizes grandeur of the mosque rather than the palace where he lives.

Its marble was directly imported from Italy.

Right on Dzuhur prayer time, I took time to mingle with local people to taste the coolness of this 110 years old mosque. The grandeur of mosque is a marker of prosperity of Deli Sultanate in its time.

Don’t leave an area around the palace and mosque because there is still one more place which is believed to be a relic of Deli Sultanate, namely:

3. Sri Deli Park

Stepping for about 100 meters to north of mosque, I was arriving in the park. To absorbed its historical value, I tried to imagine being a Sultan’s son who was relaxing in afternoon then taking a bath in the trapezoid pool which is located in the middle of park.

Park which can reduce city’s heat.

This park was as a closing exploration to remember the glory of Malay under the leadership of Sri Paduka Tuanku Sultan (the title of Sultan Deli).

4. Tirtanadi Water Tower

Continuing to walk to north, within 800 meters I found a giant water tank which is owned by PDAM (stands for Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum) Tirtanadi in North Sumatra Province. This giant water tank has long been a tourist landmark for the city.

Don’t look at its old face but look at its role.

Who would think that this red and white water tank was made by Netherlands Colonialism at beginning of 20th century. According to the meaning of its Sanskrit name, Tirtanadi has a vital role in supplying clean water needs of townspeople since it was first built until now.

Do you know the meaning of “Tirtanadi” word?….Yups, Tirta means water and Nadi means life.

5. Museum Uang Sumatera (Money Museum of Sumatra)

Let’s take more step!….

About 300 meters at west of Tirtanadi Water Tower, I found a various forms of money collection from several eras in a museum which its establishment was initiated by a money collector named Saparudin Barus.

Even money from Deli Sultanate era was still well preserved.

This museum doesn’t have an entrance ticket. It’s just that museum will give souvenirs in the form of 2 old coins with a hole in the middle and is valued for about USD 0.74.

6. Tjong A Fie Mansion

This time, I stopped at another important destination in Medan. This is a house which is owned by rich trader of Chinese descent who had a major role in city development. This benefactor is Tjong A Fie. And the remain aside from his greatness name is her house where he lives.

Every room in Tjong A Fie’s house has a special function that fascinates me.

I was willing to pay an entrance ticket for USD 2.6. But that value paid off once I understood about its story that explaining each side of the house and traced Tjong A Fie’s career in growing his business and build Medan.

7. Madras Village

There was no authentic reason which I could explain why I had to visit Madras Village. One simple reason, it was a domino effect because I stayed at Dazhong Backpacker Hostel in the center of Madras Village.

Mingling with Indian descent citizens.

Madras is taken from the name of an area in South India which is the ancestors origin of Indian Tamil descent residents.

8. Waroenk Nenek

After meeting up with my friend in city, the darkness persuaded me to return to hotel. But the hunger that was unstoppable, made me to looking for dinner before I actually arrived at hotel.

Bonus destination.

Then I arrived at a restaurant with its slogan “Semua Ada” at Patimura Street. One portion of fried catfish with sambal which was served by beautiful waitress in hijab became the most beautiful gift that night.

9. Merdeka Walk

Fresh after dinner made me canceling to back to hotel. I was adding to one destination again by visiting the city’s culinary and entertainment center which is usualli called eMWe.

Drizzle started to fall when I arrived.

Created in 2005 and able to accommodate 700 visitors at one time making this place as a favorite destination when weekend arrives. Especially for young people who want to relax after working hard all week.

10. Medan Hall.

It’s still one area with Merdeka Walk which occupies at one side of Merdeka Square. This hall will be the center of Medan square in the future after revitalization which is being designed by city government.

At 21:00 hours, the hall still had visitors.

Availability of parks around the hall makes this place very crowded with activities variety from just gathering with family, sports or activities of several young communities.

That was a quick visit in Medan that made me want to back there again.
Jalebi Keluaran Purano Bazaar

13 April 2020

Hari masih cukup pagi ketika aku mulai meninggalkan Bindhyabasini Temple. Kembali menunggangi taksi sewa harian milik Mr. Tirtha, aku beserta trio backpacker sehotel mulai menyusuri Jalan Pokhara-Baglung menuju ke arah selatan. Mr. Tirtha berencana membawaku ke sebuah pasar tua yang berusia lebih dari 250 tahun. Tuturnya, pasar tua itu bernama Purano Bazaar, tetapi khalayak sering mengujarnya Old Bazaar.

Jalanan menuju ke Old Bazaar.

Benar tutur Mr. Tirtha bahwa kuil dan pasar ini saling berdekatan. Hanya berjarak 1,5 km dengan 5 menit waktu tempuh. Sampai dengan cepatnya, Mr. Tirtha menurunkanku di salah satu sisi pasar dan dia melemparkan telunjuknya pada salah satu sudut sebagai pertanda aku harus menemuinya di sana ketika eksplorasiku di Purano Bazaar usai. Dia ingin menikmati suasana dengan caranya sendiri. Yang aku tahu, dirinya belum terpapar aroma kopi sedari pagi buta,.

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Mulai menjelajah pasar.

Perut yang mulai berasa lapar, secara otomatis menuntunku menyusuri selasar pasar untuk menemukan jajanan kaki lima sebagai pengganjalnya. Tak lama, kepulan asap putih yang keluar dari tiga tungku menarik perhatianku.

“Namaste”, ucap pedagang tua yang sedang sibuk menggoreng. Sebelum menjawab, hatiku tertawa ketika pertama kalinya seumur hidup melihat penampakan Jalebi. Benar, itu adalah salah satu jenis jajanan jalanan khas India yang ku kenal ketika Saroo dan Guddu tak kesampaian mencicipi jajanan itu karena uang dari hasil mencuri batu bara di gerbong kereta tambang hanya cukup untuk menebus beberapa kantong susu untuk keluarga miskinnya di Ganesh Talai. Kejadian mengharukan dalam adegan film bertajuk Lion. Semenjak itu aku bertekad mencicipi Jalebi di India, walau akhirnya tercicip lebih cepat di Nepal.

Pedagang tua yang awalnya terbengong mengamatiku berbicara English untuk membeli makanannya tiba-tiba tertawa dan mengangkat tangannya sambil mengernyitkan dahi. Lalu pemuda berjaket biru yang sedang menikmati makanannya beranjak dari bangku dan dengan englishnya yang fasih membantu si bapak tua itu melayaniku….Great.

Yuk….Icip jalebi !.

Kembali turun ke selasar pasar, sembari mengunyah jajanan, aku menikmati klasiknya arsitektur Newar yang dinampakkan oleh bangunan-bangunan tua itu. Setiap bangunan selalu menonjolkan kekuatan visual bata merah yang terpadu dengan ukiran-ukiran khas pada kayu bangunan.

Salah satu bangunan.

Konon, bangsa Newar yang berasal dari Bhaktapur di timur jauh Pokhara adalah para pedagang ulung. Singkat cerita Raja Kaski mengundangnya untuk berdagang di Pokhara pada tahun 1752. Dan pada masa itu Pokhara sudah membangun aktivitas perdagangan juga dengan Tibet. Fikiranku mengamini, karena ada perkampungan Tibet di Pokhara….Nanti ya kita kunjungi.

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Sepatuku keren ga?….#pamer.

Keindahan pasar sangat terasa karena masih lengangnya aktivitas pagi itu. Penampakan Himalaya masih saja menjadi idola di ujung jalan. Dua destinasi bonus yang disuguhkan dengan baik oleh Mr. Tirtha, seorang Nepal berperawakan kurus tinggi, berkulit coklat khas Asia Selatan tapi memiliki mata sipit bak orang Tiongkok.

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Nice view, kan ?.

Ayook kita sarapan dulu ke hotel…..

Lihat suasana Purano Bazaar di sini: https://youtu.be/wVmGgYnTs-M
Kualanamu Airport Bus and Amplas Terminal which is Getting Old

11 April 2020

Even a week before flying, I made a choice. Not “The fast train from Woojin“, let alone the “blue bird” that often passed in Kualanamu International Airport. My choice was on cheap transportation which is friendly to my wallet. It is none other than DAMRI Bus.

Sitting sleepily in waiting room of airport train station then observing executives people who dragging their suitcase, chasing train’s departure time. Or conversely, quick steps of dapper passengers who had just gotten off the airport train to catch up on their flight times. I became a relaxed man that morning at Kualanamu International Airport. Yes….I was on backpacking, not on business trip.

They who were busy.

15 minutes watching the “The Blue Sky train” which passing by, I exited the train station and carrying my blue backpack which I got through a famous e-commerce a year ago.

Chief Sergeant’s smile welcomed when he helped to crossing me across airport car lane and then I directed my steps towards airport bus platform.

DAMRI Bus hide at the side of red minibus.

Turning to right end of airport exit gate, DAMRI ticket sales counter is very easily seen and found. Can be clearly read “Amplas, Siantar or Binjai“, as several public transportation destinations at outer of Kualanamu. I have studied it well and clearly stated in my itinerary, Amplas is my next destination.

Redeeming a ticket for USD 1.1, I was accessing to taste government-owned transportation which is already legendary in all people heart.

Very cheap.

“Brother, just look at destination direction board!. Over there”, ticket staff in uniform said, with his forefinger and his eyes headed in the same direction.

“Ok, Sir” I curtly replied.

24 passenger bus in medium size which was never full.

Entering its single door, I sat right next to the door, less than a minute I was in back seat, even a moment later I was in middle seat. AC ventilator was uncovered, rear window was dull so that my camera also lost its clarity, in the middle, reclining seats didn’t function properly.

Air conditioner was super cold which made me shiver along journey.

“Where’s your ticket?“, The conductor loudly said that surprised me.

“Ah, this is Medan, apparently“, I thought that finally made me naturally behave and not be surprised.

“Amplas Terminal, Sir“, I handed him the ticket. It turned out that behind the ferocious conductor’s face, there was a faint smile which automatically released on his lips. I began to fall in love with Medan.

Drive and stay away from Kualanamu.

I was very busy in moving to other seats in order to create the best shots (though failed ultimately….Haha), because this DAMRI bus carried 5 passengers only. I knew that the driver keep watching me through rearview mirror. In order to made it natural, I gave him a thumbs up and, uniquely, he also raised his thumbs high. All passengers laughed at me.

Alley situation of a village.

Wide gardens owned by residents.

DAMRI bus had already been quickly speeding on Medan-Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi toll road.

Preparing to enter the fast lane.

In thirty minutes, DAMRI run towards west until it finally arrived at Amplas Integrated Terminal which is very famous in Sumatera. The terminal isn’t as frightening as I imagined. Nobody bothered me when I spent 20 minutes to exploring entire terminal.

Amplas Terminal which is 29 years old.

Even I took time to talk to Department of Transportation officer about how to go to Toba Lake from this terminal. Also conversing with a “Sejahtera” bus conductor to asked about bus first departure to the world’s largest volcanic lake.

Blue stall where I talk with local residents.

Very happy to hear that Amplas Terminal will be revitalized by Minister of Transportation, and will become an terminal which is integrated with malls and hotels. So cool.

Come on, didn’t stay long at terminal !. Let me show you about Medan.

See the way towards Amplas Terminal here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iv6lQjoYmQ&t=15s

Let’s explore Medan!
Aura Dewi Bhagwati di Bindhyabasini Temple

9 April 2020

Usai sudah mata telanjangku menikmati pemandangan Himalaya yang memukau. Dua jam berada di Sarangkot dan menyaksikan drama alam yang bermula saat sinar fajar pertama memancar hingga kemudian pergi tersingkap siang.

Kamu boleh membaca seksama petualanganku di Sarangkot pada kisah yang telah lebih dahulu kutulis.

Disini:

Menembus Pagi Mejemput Fajar di Sarangkot, Nepal

Aku berpamitan pada Nyonya Celesse, perempuan Belgia yang masih saja berbekas paras ayunya. Mungkin dia berprofesi sebagai foto model semasa muda. Nyonya Calesse yang berambut pirang sepundak, berjaket merah dengan syal putih masih memilih duduk manis di Sarangkot menyaksikan hamparan Phewa Lake yang biru mengkilat dihantam sinar surya.

Parkiran di bawah bukit.

Sementara di kaki bukit, tepatnya di parkiran mobil, telah menunggu 3 backpacker lain yang sejak pagi buta menuju ke tempat ini bersamaku.

—-****—-

Aku: ” So, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and taking a bath”, ucapku di bangku depan pada Mr. Tirtha si Pengemudi taxi.

Mr. Tirtha: “Sure, but before it, can I take you to two places which are located along with our way back? ”, senyumnya menyimpan misteri dan kejutan.

Aku: “Oh, yeah….Is it one of International Mountain Museum, Tashi Ling, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave or Shanti Stupa?”, kufikir masih ada waktu kesana setelah sarapan.

Mr. Tirtha: “Oh No, Hahaha….That are different places …. 2 places are close together, sir”, sengaja membuat penasaran.

Aku: “Oh yeah….Nice to hear that. How about you, friend?“, tanyaku ke trio backpacker di jok belakang meminta persetujuan.

Akhirnya kami sepakat menuju ke tempat yang dimaksud.

—-****—-

Bangunan utama kuil.

Menuju timur, taksi merangsek pelan menyusuri Sarangkot Road. Menempuhnya selama 20 menit, aku tiba di sebuah pertigaan. Berpapasan dengan bus sekolah yang sepertinya seragam berwarna kuning di seluruh benua, kemudian perjalanan berlanjut dengan menyibak pelan kerumunan pesepeda dan pemotor hingga akhirnya taksi terparkir di sebuah tepian tanah trotoar.

Trisula pemberian Dewa Siwa untuk Dewi Bhagwati.

Pelawat tak dipungut biaya apapun ketika bergantian memasuki area kuil melalui tangga di salah satu sisi turap. Selesai menaiki tangga, pelataran kuil yang luas terpampang di depan. Beberapa jemaat mulai mengantri untuk beritual ke stupa putih di sebelah kiri, sementara yang lain memberikan sesajen di sebuah patung sapi yang menghadap ke sebuah bangunan kuil. Dan tepat di pusat pelataran berdiri bangunan utama dengan tiga tingkat atap yang tak kalah ramai dengan jemaat. Di bangunan inilah patung Dewi Bhagwati berada.

Sebuah tugu di pelataran.

Dewi Bhagwati sendiri dipercaya sebagai Pelindung Pokhara yang disucikan dalam kuil. Jemaat secara rutin memberikan persembahan kepada Sang Dewi dengan menyembelih berbagai hewan ternak. Dan rakyat Pokhara perlu berterimakasih karena raja mereka Siddhi Narayan Shah telah berjasa membangun kuil ini pada abad ke-17.

Suhu yang mulai menghangat memanjakan siapa saja untuk berlama-lama duduk di pinggiran turap berketinggian 900 meter diatas permukaan laut. Lalu sembari menghirup udara segar, aku menikmati perumahan penduduk berlatar biru Himalaya.

Cakeppp…..

Lihat situasi di Bindhyabasini Temple disini:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFWKsmibJ_w

Ayo kita ketempat berikutnya….Ikuti aku, ya!