Wonderful Indonesia (D1 and D2: Medan city and Berastagi)

Wonderfully wonderful Indonesia

When this trip was planned, I had so many questions and queries as I was to spend nine whole days in Indonesia but I kept it all to myself as I wanted to taste the full dose of surprises that were waiting for me. All I had in my knowledge was that I would be heading to the beautiful Samosir islands surrounded by the incredibly gorgeous Lake Toba of which I had read and saw so many pictures. Now I tell you that it was the best thing I did. Those feelings I felt everyday as so many surprises kicked in day after day were something I would trade anything for it to come back again.

I am coming Samosir!

On the 11^th of February 2019, Silkair flew me from Singapore to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Sumatra. I was welcomed with warm weather along with the heavy traffic of the Medan city. I was fortunate to be able to make my presence to Buddha Maitreya and Avalokitesvara (Chenrizig) on the very first day at the Maha Vihara Maitreya Buddhist temple. Indonesia has the highest Muslim population in the world and this Buddhist temple in Medan was one surprise I had because I came across several beautiful Muslim mosques en route. Never did I think that I would set my feet on the premises where Buddha Maitreya and Avalokitesvara were housed while I came across those Mosques. Once inside the temple, it was a moment for me to show my gratitude for everything I had been blessed with. (And the list is very long)

 

Maha Vihara Maitreya Temple in Medan, Sumatra

Burning the incense sticks

Buddha Maitreya (Jowo Jampa/Furture Buddha) in the centre

Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig/Compassion Buddha)

A trip to Indonesia meant a weight-gaining trip as there were varieties of foods which were very tasty and I know how much I miss those Indonesian foods here. Thankful for the people with me who suggested the best amongst the best for me to taste. And I had to flush down the idea of being a vegetarian there.

 

Drooling heavily!

Into the second day and I found myself travelling to the mountains as I woke up from my power nap in the bus. “We are in Bhutan”, said Rima as I was amazed to see the road like our Bhutanese roads (curved into the forest). Berastagi was our destination for the day where I was able to have a horse ride with my little Prince Charming Rico at the Pasar Buah market. We went around the market and I felt the humble horse was quite happy to let us on his back as we both were light especially me (I just weighed 50 KGs…haha) As my Prince Charming was enjoying the ride too much, he commanded one more round again.

 

My first horse-ride

On the second day, I again had the opportunity to thank Avalokitesvara at the Vihara Dharma Shanti Buddhist temple. It was a Taiwanese temple and the nun who was also the care-taker of the temple advised me to be a vegetarian after looking at my palms. I thought it was not possible for the next few days especially in Medan but I would definitely work on it once I was back to Bhutan.

 

Vihara Dharma Shanti in Berastagi

When the bus was parked on the Gundaling hilltop, I kept wondering why people took so many photos there as I didn’t see anything special apart from a walking trail. A few minutes later, I heard someone near me say, “The view is best from this spot” and when I looked into the distance I was like “OMG!! A Volcano?” I had to confirm from others what my eyes were just seeing. It was Mount Sinabung Supervalcano which was still erupting. For a Bhutanese like me, volcanoes were something which existed only in the books and movies. This encounter with Mr. Volcano weighed too much of a surprise that I couldn’t take my only pair of eyes off it for few initial minutes. With your volcanic crown, you are simply gorgeous Mount Sinabung!

 

Mount Sinabung Supervolcano erupting still

Now I ask myself, "Why you didn't expect a volcano in Indonesia?" 

I feel funny as I now know that Indonesia is made up of thousands of volcanic islands. It was nothing new or uncommon for the Indonesians with their volcanoes unlike me. So here is the surprise for not doing any research on Indonesia, especially the Sumatra island before the trip. 

…to be cont