It's a day of many things. My 17th day in Padang, the 21st anniversary of AIESEC in Universitas Andalas, celebrating the eve of Idul Fitri with two students and the last day of Ramadhan which is also the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Idul Fitri/Eid Mubarak.
Was working on my previous blog post at home and helping out my host family on the eve of Idul Fitri.
Mama gave Meiki and I a ride to Plaza SPR as Joy and I were meeting up with our students, Ririn and Cori at J.Co to celebrate the end of Ramadhan before they head back to their hometown. We eat some sandwiches before heading to KFC for a more filling meal. Both Joy and I treated our students at J.Co and KFC.
It is the festive season and treating our students is the least we could do to bring some festive cheer.
With our students
(L-R): Joy, Ririn, Cori, Me
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidlfitri/Idul Fitri/Happy Eid Mubarak to my Muslim friends in whichever part of the world they are in.
It will be a new experience celebrating Hari Raya in Indonesia as compared to celebrating Raya in Malaysia. In Malaysia, we celebrate all festivals regardless of race and religion and that is what makes my country unique.
Once again, I end my post with Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin! =)
Went to the AIESEC office in Jati to meet with Ijul regarding the GLS conference. Had a chat regarding the conference and what is the aim of the conference.
After the
discussion, I attended the MB meeting of LC UNAND 14/15 regarding Open
Recruitment in August.
Went to McDonalds for lunch with April and her
host sister. Met up with Louis and Kevin at McDonalds. After that, we went to a
nearby ATM and money changer. Headed back to the AIESEC office to chill and
read up some stuff while waiting for the Lena's farewell party to start.
Sharing from the AIESECers and other interns as well as a video of Lena's journey throughout her 4 months in Padang as part of the Global Internship Programme.
Picture before heading off to dinner
After the farewell party, we went to Bagan for dinner.
Had Nasi Ayam Pecel Set for dinner which is fried chicken, fried tofu and fried tempeh together with rice, salad, and sambal and ice lemon tea.
Had Es Campur (Mix Ice) for dessert.
Head back to the office to get my helmet when we saw Heru. I just ran and give him a hug. Heru was my roommate during the Asia Pacific Congress 2014 in Philippines in March and now the Local Committee President (LCP) of AIESEC in UNAND.
He gave me a ride to find where Meiki is. Met Meiki's friend, Monic who was an AIESECer in LC Bandung. We hang around in McDonalds before heading to Basko Mall.
I have heard about it but yet to go there despite being in Padang for 2 weeks.
Went to the arcade for karaoke. It's a small booth which can fit 3 people on average.
We sang both Indonesian and English songs. There's always a first time for karaoke in Padang.
Went back home only to be welcomed back by power shortage. Waited for the power to be back on before going to sleep and awaiting the hiking trip the next day.
Day 16
Another weekend, another trip. Back to the place where I went on my first weekend in Padang, the waterfalls in Nyarai. Only difference: instead of going there halfway, we went the full hike up Nyarai.
As usual, meet up point was in Plaza Andalas. Once everyone had gathered, we went in 2 angkuts to somewhere near the airport before taking another angkut to the place.
All the EPs were in the same angkuts. We were talking, singing and dancing while on the way to Nyarai.
I took pictures of the scenery while on the way there. I took more photos of the environment than people during the trip.
After an hour and a half, we have arrived at Nyarai. We paid the transportation fees before starting the 2 hour hike to the waterfall.
We took a few stops while hiking. I am not physically ready for hiking and I was finishing my water sources faster than I hope.
Had an accident while crossing the bridge. I missed a step and my leg grazed the step of the bridge resulting in a long gash on my leg. It's the 2nd time I picked up an injury on my 2nd outdoor activity in Padang. Just plain bad luck. It didn't end there, as I picked up knocks on my toes while crossing the rivers and lots more of injuries. Just proof of my visit to Nyarai.
After about 2 hours, we finally reached the waterfalls. Most of the people who were on this trip went swimming. Some just dipped their legs into the cold water. I decide to dipped my body in the river. It was cooling and help to ease the pain on my leg.
Previous MCs from Malaysia, Indonesia and Ethiopia in Nyarai
(Front, L-R) Agus, me (Back, L-R) Aldo, Tommy
After resting for about 2-3 hours, we went back down. Pick up more knocks along the way and starting to feel really thirsty as I had drank up all the bottles of water that I brought with me.
Followed the angkut driver using a longer way to get back. Crossed 2 rivers and a paddy field before reaching back the starting point of the hike. Bought 2 bottles of water and a soft drink and drank like never before. Had never felt so thirsty in my life and just kept on drinking.
Took 2 angkuts back to Plaza Andalas and parted with Lena on the way back. Went to Plaza Andalas with Veerle to buy some medicine and groceries before heading back to our own host families. Wash my shoes when I got home and took a shower before having dinner cooked by Mama.
It was a really exhausting day but worth it. Note to self: do some preparation at least 2 weeks in advance before going for any hiking trip.
Continue from Day 12. Woke up early to see that it was almost 5am and I have not submitted my application for GLS. Went to have breakfast around 5 something and started fasting for the whole day.
Went back to my room to continue my application and submit it even though it was way beyond the deadline submission.
Was writing my blog post for day 11 & 12 when my host mum ask if I would like to go to the airport with them to pick up my host brother, Meiki. I decided to go with them and waiting for about 30 minutes before Meiki step out of the arrival hall.
Meiki, my host brother in the grey shirt
We went back home and I hang my clothes out to dry which was in the washing machine while picking Meiki up from the airport. After that, pack my things and went to the orphanage. Today was a more relaxing day as they were playing games and it was the last lesson before the Lebaran/Hari Raya holidays.
Went to Pondok and met up with Sebastian who was later join by Blanka and Mary. I was still halfway through my fasting ordeal, that I either look at their food or scrolling through Facebook on my phone.
Took a nap before heading to the post office with Blanka and Mary to get more postcards. Went back home after that and finish up my previous post. Got an email from Nikos to say that my application have been accepted and I was happy yet relieved. Arrange the time for the interview and hoping that I will have a chance to be the faci for GLS.
Went to take my clothes from the third floor of my host home and took a picture from the top.
Was doing my work and waited until it was 6:30pm and finally broke my fast. It definitely test my patience and understand how it feels to be in the shoes of some people that do not have the luxury to eat everyday.
Pass some keychains which I have made for my host family and also pass some batik handkerchiefs from Malaysia to Abang Man and Abang Iwal.
Slept early since I did not have class until the second week of August.
Day 14
Woke up later than usual at 9:30am since there was no class.
Decided to have my own 'me time' to rest especially there was almost something to do everyday.
Went to Plaza Andalas for lunch and met with Safwan who was about to leave P.A. Had lunch while Safwan went through the information booklet about Malaysia.
Went to Robinson's to look at the helmet on sale. Probably one of my weirdest purchase in my life.
After that, we went to the AIESEC office to wait for the other EPs before we start our weekly meeting. Ilma was giving Joy some Bahasa lessons and it was just funny.
When the others had return from the beach, we started our meeting, voicing out problems if we have any and those who are leaving Padang for the holidays had to inform the iGCDP team.
Waited for Meiki and Wulan to arrive before we went for dinner and break fasting at Safari.
You can see the sunset from the restaurant.
Had black pepper beef fried rice and Milo ice for dinner.
Nikos joined us for dinner as well and what's a dinner without a group photo and selfies.
After Wulan headed to the ATM, went to McDonalds where we met Domi and as well as the other AIESECers there: Dhana, Siraj, Vini, Ahmad, Ilma, Aldo and Agung.
Wulan dropped me and Meiki at Pasar Baru and we waited for Mama to pick us up from there.
Ordered roti bakar for supper and breakfast.
Went with Meiki for his supper which was chicken noodles with beef ball. It was really good.
Roti bakar in the making
My helmet
Mama picked us up and we went back home. Had my roti bakar at home and just went to sleep.
We showed the children pictures of our trip to Bukittinggi. From the waterfall in Lembah Anai to the Minangkabau House in Padang Pajang to Puncak Lawang, Lebang Jepang and finally, Bukittinggi. We related Bukittinggi with the topic of market, teaching the students on how to buy and sell as well as to bargain at the market.
Lessons on buying and selling at the market
Had lunch at this place called Pho Nam or something like that. The meal was cheaper than at Kiosk.
After that, we went to Capitea. It is more for a place to chill and relax rather than getting a proper meal.
After that, went to the AIESEC office to work on my application and met with Syaban before going to his aunt's place for dinner.
Dinner for the day
After dinner, we went to Capitea to chill and talk more and Syaban decided to bring me to the main campus of Andalas University at night and it is closer to where I stay as compared to the other campuses.
You can also see the view of the city from the top of the university.
Selfie with Syaban before he leaves for Jakarta
There was a funny moment before we left UNAND when one of the dogs started chasing us on the motorbike and I started screaming for my life and we went to a dead end. Luckily, the dog has its own limit. What a way to end the night and the day.
Day 12
In the orphanage, we continue our lesson on buying and selling so the students take turns to be the buyer and seller. We also taught them about currency, presidents and singing Bruno Mar's Nothing On You.
After that, lunch at Kiosk. Had curry chicken rice for lunch although I ordered Javanese fried noodles but I exchange it with Joy.
Done with lunch and I went to the post office to buy some postcards and sent it to my family and friends.
These postcards will be reaching Malaysia soon. =)
Went to the AIESEC office and they had an iGIP departmental meeting. Remembering the times especially with the MoUs and visas. Went back home for dinner and went to work on my application for GLS. From taking a short nap, I fell asleep. To be continued in the next post regarding my GLS application.
Day 9
It's the time for farewell. AB left for Malaysia and we got a ride from Papa to the AIESEC office. After that, I went with a few EPs to the Medical Faculty of Andalas University.
It was the closing of the Eco Journey Project and that also means the farewell of the Eco Journey Project EPs.
They share what they have learn and experience throughout the time they were here in Padang.
Eco Journey Project EPs from Slovakia, Pakistan, Taiwan, China, Australia and Hong Kong
More pictures taken before heading off for lunch.
After that, a number of us head for lunch in Kiosk in Chinatown. Following that, me, Fifi, Jenny, Jhonny and Novi went to Plaza Andalas. I bought some groceries and met up with the other EPs before we went to J.Co for donuts and to end the day. Went back home to get some rest for the trip to Bukittinggi.
Day 10
Woke up late and had to rush from home to the AIESEC office. Off we go to Bukittinggi while picking up a few people along the way.
Active volcano behind the trees
First stop in the trip is the waterfall in Lembah Anai.
After the waterfall, we went to the Minangkabau Documentation and Information Centre in Padang Pajang.
I even rented the traditional costume of the Minangkabau bridegroom. No wonder they say it feels like being a king for a day or in this case, a few minutes.
With my 'bride'
Next up, Puncak Lawang. The view is just breathtaking.
Group jump shot.
Photo credits to Niki.
After Puncak Lawang, we went to the Japanese Tunnel which was used during the Japanese Occupation as a place to store their weapons.
Last but not least, went to shopping at Bukittinggi.
The famous clock tower of Bukittinggi
Fireworks at night
After waiting for everyone to gather again, we finally got on the bus back to Padang at almost 12am. Took a taxi home and finally reach back home around 12:30am. What a day it has been!
