Blogs from Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia, Asia - page 2

Několikamilionový Medan jsem navštívil postupně několikrát, spíše nedobrovolně. V hlavě mám jednotlivé návštěvy tak nějak smíchané dohromady, takže je i tady popíšu na jednom místě. Původně jsem měl první odstavec uvozený slovy "velkoměsto Medan", ale Medan žádné město prostě není, jde spíš o obrovský chaotický shluk dvoupatrových garáží, oddělených proudy aut a motorek, i v noci vyplněný vřískajícími motory a ovoněný neuvěřitelným množstvím prachu. Ulice, nebo spíše silnice, jsou okrášleny reklamami na cigarety, cedulemi s tajemným názvem Door Smeer (ukázalo se, že jde o opravny motorek), stánky se smaženou rýží či třeba banány a občasnou bankou. Ne že by na Medanu bylo vše negativní - například u pouličních stánků nabízí opravdu nepřebernou řadu různých chuťovek a má aspoň nějakou hromadnou dopravu: formou minibusů za tři čtyři tisíc rupií, na které můžete mávnout kdekoli, ale u kte ... read more

Tuesday, 13th May 2014 To make our stay worthwhile in Medan, we scheduled a visit to the historic Tjong A Fie Mansion followed by a lunch at the iconic Tip Top Restaurant. Tjong A Fie was probably one of the richest men who ever lived in this city and this was evident from the luxurious mansion he left behind. The style of his house was quintessentially Peranakan even though one of the rooms was purposely decorated to resemble that of a European Tea Room. The mansion was constructed during the period when Indonesia was under the Dutch Administration. Visits by the European guests could probably be expected from time to time. For 25,000 rupiahs, our admission came with a local guide that brought us around the place. His laissez fair attitude coupled with the monotonous tone ... read more

And after saying goodbye to the orang-utans of Bukit Lawang, it was pretty much time to say goodbye to Sumatra too.My last stop on the island was a quick overnighter back at the provincial capital of Medan, where I'd passed through on my way from Berastagi to Bukit Lawang.Medan is Indonesia's third largest city, but there's certainly no love lost between it and the many travellers who are compelled to find their way here, en route to their intended other destinations. LP described it as possibly the top candidate for the answer to the oft-asked "worst place you've ever travelled to" question, and though that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it's certainly hard to see dirty, busy, disorganised and noisy Medan winning many hearts.I don't think it was the worst place I've been to ... read more

Dear travel Lord, There comes a point in a backpacker's odyssey when the knots in his back and dirt under his finger nails come together and demand a higher standard of accommodation. With a bag full of stinky clothes and the anticipation for a soft mattress, I stroll up (going comando no less) to the counter at the Cambridge Swissbel 5-star hotel in Medan. "I have a reservation for three nights," I say as a member of staff hands me a complimentary fresh-squeezed pineapple juice. "Of course," the receptionist responds then informs me about in-room dining, the spa, and pool. "Enjoy your stay, sir." Recuperation and relaxation here I come! I arrived in Medan by a small van twisting and turning once again through the mountain curves. My driver and his buddy chain smoking the entire ... read more

Vanochtend maar weer eens vroeg opgestaan om de taxi naar het vliegtuig te nemen. Het vroege opstaan wordt een gewoonte, want als we wel eens een keertje niet vroeg gewekt worden voor de taxi, is het wel een of andere moskee die om 4.30 's-morgens lawaai begint te maken. Tom en ik hadden het vliegtuig bijna gemist omdat wij even bij Strabucks iets lekkers wilden kopen. We kwamen bij het vliegtuig aan en die mensen begonnen tegen ons te schreeuwen dat we op moesten schieten. Iedereen zat nl al in het vliegtuig (al 20 minuten voor vertrek!) Toen we in Medan aankwamen, stond onze chauffeur al op ons te wachten. Het zou een rit worden van ong 2,5 uur naar de jungle. De verwachtingen waren niet hoog gezien het gemiddelde niveau hier in Indonesie. In Bukit ... read more