Chess, Lake, Volcano, Cannibals & the Beauty of the Streets of Medan

There are always that feeling good feeling when you travel away from home; doesn't matter where it is, whether its just a few kilometers away or over the sea, your neighbouring country or even to another continent.

Now of course traveling to another planet is totally another story. But this is Earth and the people makes what we call as life.

If you happen to come to Medan, be sure to bring along with you some spare cash; since you not only you needed some to buy the necessities but you will be bog down or rather constantly offered to purchase items from the locals; and yes they are very persuasive and forceful to a certain extend; but in a good way.

So if you have a soft heart for the people; don't bring too much money as you will find yourself full of Medan souveniers and gifts on your way back home.

The people of Medan are generally Christians with some Muslims and others. When I say others; they are of many kinds. But if we were to go to a very ancient time of Medan, well not that ancient but enough to let you into the world where the perpetrators meat are cut and eaten by the socialites as the mean of showing their strength as well as a lesson to others to not do wrongdoings. This tribe belongs to Batak. And they are also many types of Batak. I find it interesting.

If you are in Medan with your loved one, do come to Danau Toba; where Lake Toba is. Its beautifully located at the top of what used to be a mountain so expect some cool nice weather; like a perpetual spring season. The roads heading to Toba is windy and hilly but you will enjoy the view more than anything. And the breathtaking view of the lake and the hilly backgrounds on the boat will surely make it as romantic as a trip to Paris.

Amongst all; I find it amusing of the family system of the Batak tribe in Medan. The wife will be doing most of the work; from getting the source of income to selling the farm goods at market. Throughout the year; the husbands or the males will spend their time playing chess at local coffeeshops; with the money given to them by their wives.

The husband; will start to work when heavy lifting at the farm and when men muscles are needed. Sounds like a good place to stay eh?

Above all though; you will be humbled by the everyday life of the everyday citizen. There is the rich:

And there is the poor: