Would you believe that this town that is hidden in the mountains of West Sumatra used to be the seat of power of Indonesia? This is what I learned in the last leg of our West Sumatran trip with co-teachers in September 2016.
We went to Bukittinggi. The name literary translates to "high hills." And yes, the place is so elevated the scenery is reminiscent of Baguio City.
It was a Sunday, and the plaza was full of people. There seemed to be a festival or something, but there was no program.
Judging by the massive drums behind us, we could have just missed the festivities by an hour or so.
Afterward, we went to the plaza to behold the oldest functioning clock tower on this side of the world, the Jam Gadang (Minangkabau for "Big Clock"). We couldn't resist taking photos.
Then we went inside the maze of the public market. The crowd was so big it seemed to swallow us whole. And the crowd became our security. Ahead of us were our friends who didn't mind waiting for us anymore. We have agreed to meet somewhere at a particular time.
This is the facade of the market or pasar as they call it.
So we were in this narrow alley with shops left and right. Merchandise hanging from the ceiling or the roof of makeshift tents. Mendicants asking for spare change. Walking street musicians entertain shoppers as they look at wares and trinkets.
This is a pengamen jalanan or street musician.
I thought we were already heading home after the market. Turned out, there was one more special stop we could make before sundown. And boy, was it a significant lesson in World War 2.
We went to Lobang Jepang, a military complex of the Japanese during World War II that is now turned into a museum. It is literary a tunnel network of caves. I imagine that this is similar to the ones in Corregidor Island, but I've never been there, so I can't really compare. This was my first time to enter an actual World War 2 underground military complex. It is a whole military village underneath. The entrance is at the top of the hill, much like an anthill network.
The entrance staircase is enough to remind us of the horrors of war. It is so steep and high that you'd get vertigo. Of course, underneath, you are just guided by the yellow lamps that are equidistant to each other.
I can't remember if there was a guide, but I was tailing the group anyway. I was soaking it all in. At that moment, I was back in the 1940s. I saw rooms carved into the earth. Some were offices with a table, a chair, and some tools or instruments on the table. Others had metal bars, which I'm guessing were prisons. Some rooms had labels at the top, so you'd know what they were for. Some were just empty. Some had a no-entry sign. There was also an infirmary, which is to be expected in a garrison.
I've read that Bukittinggi used to be the center of government during the Japanese occupation. Well, this is a strategic location, being high up the mountains and hills.
Ruang Amunisi translates to "Ammo Room."
Going back up to the 21st century was a huge relief. And the sight of Sianok Canyon welcomed me. It brought a sense of calm and peace, and I said a quiet prayer to the fallen soldiers who fought during the war.
Then I rejoined my friends for more photos.
With our back to the light and running after the daylight as the sun was setting
OMGGG MISSSSS I THINK KABALO KO KINSA NI SHA
Whaaaa HUHU😍🤧😭 Nagsakit akoa heart lagi. Si Soul Mate ra ba diay ni💔😭
OMG jud kaayu, miss! The tone of the article would have been entirely different if he didn't appear in my dream. 😃 Sometimes, mu-eksena jud gihapun siya, uy. Murag Phantom of the Opera. 🤣 Ma-u ni gi-ingun, nga usab, ang katapusang panamilit. 🤗
OMG mao diay grabe kaayo ang smile nimu as you bought the ice cream GIKILIG ko. HUHU.
You and your mga damgo Miss owemgeee andaming meaning jud sa mga ganap ba😍 Nganu kaha you still dream of him no.....hmmmmnnn🤔
Yeah, kapila jud ku nakalibri ug ice cream sa akung miga, hahahaha. I think he still appears in my dream from time to time kay he first appeared to me in a dream six years before I met him. Maybe we shared a past life together. Who knows? 😃
HAHAHA ka swerte sa friend malibrehan pirmi ug ice cream oi!😍
Hala waiiittt. I guess naka share ka ana before. Nga you dreamt of him before you met him ba. I guess taas kaayog chance nga naa jud moy past life together Miss ba. Huhu. Dili man sad sayang nuon kay he's a beautiful memory (though sakit) sa imoha ba. *sighs
Mag abang ko sa more Trips to Indonesia nya miss ah😘❤️💛
Although its sad to know that you both have chosen a different path, I enjoyed reading your story. I've had those kilig moments before even though I didnt end up with the guy. Its nice to have those short moment of infatuation. 🤗❤️
Thank you, @purepinay. Yes, it's those brief moments of bliss that make life worth living. ❤️😍
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Thank you, @pinmapple! You made my day! 😍
It was a good read. I like the story telling and the pieces of history of the place. It was like walking to the place when reading the blog. Continue sharing your stories. !discovery 25
Thank you so much for this awesome review, @juecoree! I appreciate it a lot. 😍
Ah the view is stunning <3
That's why must-visit jud siya, Ms. Charisse. <3
please make it a traditionnn buy us ice cream bisag walay kilig 🤣🤣🤣
Maypa, Ms. @hannahs.journey! Basta happy lang, ice cream na dayun. Or milk tea! 🤣
yessss jud ms. @ate.eping ayaw sag larga haaaaa
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What a way to cap the night! Thank you so much, @hivebuzz! 😍
You're welcome @ate.eping 😊👍
I so remember the college in padang city, always go to a high hill with motorcycle at the end of the week.
Wow, I'm sure you had a great time. You must have been to Kelok 9 too. I loved the view, but we didn't have time to stop for photos.