Bukittinggi lies on the level of 903 m. But it is still in the shade of two nice volcanic cones, almost 3000m high: Merapi and Singgalang.
It was raining today the morning. But at 10 am weather improved and I decided to walk around the town. On the main Square they have tall clock tower – the symbol of the city, printed on T-shirts. Commercial street goes from the tower to the main mosque, and right behind it you will
find the stylish entrance (10000 rs fee) to the zoopark with the museum of the local Minangkabau tribe. Behind the museum there is a bridge which will allow you to cross to the former Dutch fort with some old cannons.
College students from Bukittinggi today were hunting for me – the only white tourist in the town asking if they can practice English talking with me.
Sure, you can! I was very polite and patient, but – sorry – when the third group approached me I excused myself and escaped to the “Panorama Park” to see the canyon and Japanese War Caves.
Big, ripe papaya cost here half a dollar – that’s my lunch. Sorry, no rum or any substitute in the Muslim shops. Islamic behaviors seems to be very strict in Bukittingi!
The town is full of police and soldiers. Mr President will come tomorrow to open a new bridge in the countryside. I hope they will allow me to go to the province anyway!
