Pekan Baru = "Hello Mister"

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Flying into PekanBaru is like stepping off of a plane, realizing that this city has next to no tourism, and then realizing that once the frustrations are set aside, this is the real Indonesia. The city is a business hub for the local oil industry, so prices are high and budget options are limited, but the local flavor lives on. It is one of the closest and cheapest cities in Indonesia to fly into from Malaysia, and also happened to be the city where Joann, a semester mate from Lithuania, was teaching English. I swung into town for one night before heading down to Bukintinggi, and then stopped in for a night on the way back. Everything worked out well, I was able to meet up with Joann, and ended up staying with her co-worker Acce, who showed me the town. Couldn't have asked for more.

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Photos

The bus to Bukitinggi
I took this comfort cruiser to Btingi, and one just like it back

Street Vender
He set up his cart right outside the guesthouse! How could I not buy from such a charactor