I had forgotten how it feels to be medans biggest tourist attraction…. but within the first few minutes as the only bule in the airport and several taxi drivers battling over me I felt back in the usual state of slight discomfort that I call home here.
Then the fun began – the four hour drive back to Bukit lawang. I’d had this driver before but he was obviously more relaxed around me this time – which meant more cigarette breaks. 1 hour in – I was sent to a bakery while he had a cigarette? Unsure why I had to go to the bakery – is it because I’m white and white people like bread? Is it because I’m a woman? Was it all just a ploy to get rid of me? Who knows – I bought some bread and returned to the car. Eventually we stopped for food at a street market – 2 cigarettes. Following this he asked me if he could pick up a CD from a friends house – then disappeared for around 20 minutes – at least one cigarette I expect! Then we had to stop to pick up chocolate bananas. Finally we made it back to Bukit lawang!!
Monday morning was back to the usual busy every day life here at the Trust. It’s been so nice to see all the students and get back into the swing of things.
Yesterday, we were asked to attend Langkat regency’s birthday celebrations in traditional clothes. We were told that they wanted bules since Bukit Lawang is a tourist area and they wanted to show that there is an acceptance here of mixing cultures. We were told there would be a few photos. What we were not told was there would be a 3 hour bus drive with half the local government office! We were then dressed in the hottest outfits you can imagine – which of course also needed clothes underneath them since you must not risk showing ankle! While I was very excited about my crown, I will admit I was less excited to discover its sheer weight – combined of course with a huge hair piece. “A few photos” was not the right description. We had constant queues coming to take pictures with us for about 5 hours and it was impossible to escape for food or water without more photos being taken!
Eventually, the Head of Langkat arrived to meet our local leaders. I was not massively impressed to be taken into their meeting so that he could test out his English skills- which only involved “I love you, do you love me?”. Being taken into a meeting of male politicians here is a great insight into what it must have been like to be a woman in politics several hundred years ago. The meeting with his wife was not much better as she fed me a strange fatty snack on camera … not feeling very inspired by Indonesian politicians but I’m probably a Sumatran celebrity now!
Eventually (having been used in several advertising campaigns) we were allowed to head home! As with most Saturdays, I’m using today to recover from the busy week. I’ve done my washing and swum in the river – I’m now sat in the sun about to read up on Indonesian history!!
Rosie Roams 