March

Nearly three months ago I had to unexpectedly return home to the UK and it’s taken me a long time to be able to think, let alone write about Asia without feeling sick with longing. I want to write about that unexpected home sickness properly later, but March in South East Asia deserves it’s own post, free from any melancholy.

The roller coaster which came to be March began in the best way possible for me – meeting my parents in Singapore! Everything at the Trust was running smoothly at this time, which should have in itself been a sign that something drastic was about to happen, as it’s very rare that life is calm at the school!

I arrived in Singapore late on a Wednesday evening and the following morning we navigated our way to the Indonesian Embassy – see below photo.

After a temperature test to get in, I was informed by a rather grumpy lady that I needed my visa sponsors ID to get my visa. A mad taxi journey to a shopping mall and an impatient wait for the copy shop to open later, and I managed to make it back to the embassy just on time to hand in the documents needed for my visa. Hurrah!

Then the touristing began! We explored the fantastic Botanic gardens, with orchids dedicated to the many famous visitors who have graced the city. Singapore is HOT, especially if you aren’t used to Asia, so we cooled off in the pool before heading to China town to try out some incredible Hawker market cuisine!

Day Two saw us riding the Cable Cars up to Faber Peak, before heading down to Sentosa Island. We spent our evening at the famous Gardens by the Bay which truly exceeded their reputation, fascinating us all with the Opera singing trees and the most incredibly luminous eggs, which constantly rippled a variety of colours depending on the wind, the water and those walking around them.

Our time in Singapore was cut a little short, as our Sunday flight was cancelled meaning that we ended up leaving Singapore a day earlier than planned to head to Indonesia. Our final morning in Singapore was spent exploring the city’s waterways.

Indonesia is always an assault on the senses and this is something I have grown to love and now achingly miss sitting in the quiet calm that is England in lock-down.

We landed in Medan airport and began the long drive to Bukit Lawang, with the usual motorbikes weaving in and out, constantly beeping and the expected 5 stops to pick up various items from distant relatives of our driver. Finally we arrived in Bukit Lawang, very late in the evening, just on time for a meal as Karambe before lugging my parents suitcases down the dark potholed path along the canal bank, then across the rice field to my friends Aini’s house.

After my families first morning of mosquitos and cold showers, we headed out on the long walk to Landak river, where we sampled the traditional foods and amused many locals by our inability to cross the river with grace.

The next few days were a whirlwind of exploration, introducing my family to the bridges, the bikes, the waterways and the many many people who have become like family to me. The days were becoming increasingly stressful as the school closed and borders began to quickly follow suit, but my family still managed to enjoy the Jungle.

My Dad got back on a Motorbike for the first time in many years and my Mum for the first time – driving over the rice fields to Ibu Erna’s farm, where of course trees were planted and coconuts were had!

My parents motorbike skills were further tested when we attended a traditional Indonesian wedding – meaning that my Mum had to quickly learn side saddle due to her skirt! As usual the Wedding really put European celebrations to shame.

March turned out to be a whirlwind of change for the whole world, but for me it began as an incredibly joyous month and I will always be incredibly grateful for that.