Banda Aceh Update Weeks #8 & 9

Last week started with a visit from Fred, our resident frog who visits us when it is rainy or windy – he is very shy but I finally managed to get a photo of him…

The next bit of excitement was my first durian experience – let me explain…durian is widely known and some say revered in Southeast Asia as the "king of fruits" – it is distinctive for its large size, formidable thorn-covered husk and most notably its rather ‘unique’ odour . The edible flesh emits a very distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Some people regard the durian as fragrant; others find the aroma overpowering and offensive, which has even led to its banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in Southeast Asia. In my humble opinion, the odour is indeed foul, but what I found much worse was its texture – the only thing that comes to mind is ‘mucus’. But, I did manage to eat a few pieces, earned the respect of some Indonesians and survived to tell the tale!

On a much yummier note, I also tried another local delicacy last week – some call it ‘Red and White’, others call it ‘Happy Punch’, but it is just basically a drink made from strawberry Fanta and ‘susu’ (which is sweetened condensed milk). Other edible things that I came across, but I have not tried (yet): lettuce and pineapple juice and ‘smashed’ (instead of mashed) potatoes :-)

After such excitement, last weekend I took it easy and visited Medan, a city of 2 million people, which is about an hour flight and a world away from Banda Aceh. Sightseeing activities were curtailed by a combination of rain/hail and the need to buy a new camera, since my good ol’ five year old Canon finally called it a day. So…I spent most of my time shopping (for a new camera, amongst other things), watching movies & eating ‘Western’ foods like donuts and Starbucks :-)


Returning to things that entertain me back in Aceh - advertising on these very colourful signboards and becak drivers filling up with petrol half way through a ride. And last but not least - I finally figured out what amuses the local people – drawing funny faces on mangoes!

The adventure is soon coming to a close here in Aceh – only 10 days until I leave :-(

I am going to head to Dili (capital of East Timor) for a few days at the beginning of July before heading back to the UK and the chaos of moving, etc…so if you are bored, let me know....