I like Medan.
Its a classic city.
I came here without knowing what to expect, what to do, and knows nobody here. Nut somehow the whole city just conspire to show its beauty to me.
Take example in Kesawan. It has its natural looks to it. Natural looks from the 40's or the 50's. You can sort of picture what was going on in there. Kinda like Jakarta kota, but it is still actually well maintained sort of building. It has chinese look to it, but also mixture of what the dutch would make. And it blends well with the modern age. Instead of being torn down, its actually used quite beautifully.
The food is also excellent. They have 24/7 durian stall up and running, the pancake durian came straight from 7th heaven, the noodle tastes very chinese (which i happen to like very much) and the whole food vibe of the city is just brilliant. I loved it.
But look. I can go on write about how beautiful Medan is, or how im drunk with durian every single day of the week, but instead i know what you all come here for.
Time to put some bashing on it.
Despite of how damn nice a city is, you know that they bound to have problem. Its just like that cute girl you just met who turns out to be a psycho who cut people ears for a living.
No, medan doesnt cut people's ear for a living, but they do have quite a bit of problem on the road.
You see, in any other city, you can sort of guess where everybody is going. They will make a gesture to cut your lane, they will stay in their lane when your car got too close, etc. It even applies in Jakarta. You can sort of comprehend where everybody is going, despite all the traffic jam in jakarta.
But not in medan.
To cut the story short, only god and the person him/herself who knows where they are going. People stop in the middle of the bloody street if they want to, and because nobody are willing to give up on anything, its always a deadlock on every junction you found. People just blocks each other ways to death.
The other thing that got on my nerves was the bentor. Simply put, they clogged up the street, block your way while doing 20 Km/h on a small road. I tried to enjoy the ride on one, but my head couldnt fit in. I had to sit back, stretch my leg outside, and even then my head still hit the wooden roof thing every now and then (speed bumpsm mind you) and there is always a risk of me losing my feet because they are dangling around, waiting to hit any incoming trucks.
Despite all this, i actually learn how to drive properly (and in longer distances) in Medan. It turns out quite well, all other city is just a piece of cake now for me. Save the blushes, Jakarta ! you got nothing on me.
Overall, a thoroughly entertaining city. I would go back for a holiday here, anyday of the week.
Ps: Since i've been travelling to quite a lot of city by now, i will try to write about them as much as i can here. Do come back to read more :)
