Last week, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the homeland of my mom's Grandmama at Bukit Tinggi, Padang, Indonesia. It's been awhile since we've been on a family holiday together and this trip certainly brings us a lot closer to our roots.
The panoramic view of paddy fields at Bukit Tinggi, Padang.
My mom pride herself for being a half
Minangkabau and she couldn't be more thrilled than to witness herself the home of her beloved 'Grandma Suri'. I have to admit that I was also taken back by the picturesque view of Bukit Tinggi and how little "modernisation" takes place here.
Family pic: Behind us is the still active volcano mount.
One of many great views in Bukit Tinggi. You can see this almost everywhere in the valley.
Makes you wonder if time ever move around here....
My sis standing in the midst of golden paddy field.
Looks kinda surreal don't you think?!Perhaps what intrigues me the most about this place is aside from its natural surrounding, you felt almost right at "home". Our ride through the country-side only emphasizing the idea that what you see is pretty much the same thing back in the 19th century! (okay, i might be over emphasizing here...). Anyway, it's not like any other trip we've taken before. This actually to us is like 'time-traveling', only in a nice comfy coach.
The infamous Gadang House. The epitome of Minangkabau architecture and legacy.Being someone with an architecture background, I have to admit I'm pretty excited to learn about Minangkabau heritage i.e the
Minangkabau Gadang House.
Gadang here means big, so it literally means 'A big house'. I have to say its an impressive piece of work, especially when you know the history behind it. I appreciate it a little more than I used to and I do feel proud and flattered how ingenious my ancestors really are to be able to construct something so beautiful and magnificent.
As a wrap, the trip really opened up my eyes and senses to understand better about my 'root'. I only wish I have more time to spend here and discover things that will tell me who we "were" and how this wonderful place have shaped so many lives of my ancestors. I never thought this place would leave me with such an emotional impact. I don't believe in reincarnation but it sure feels like I've been here before, perhaps its just
deja-vu....