23 years ago I was forced to learn Indonesian in middle school and forgot all of it.
That was until I joined the army, got posted to South East Asia and suddenly the few words I remembered were the only words I could use.
It was more than my mates though, so they made me the interpreter, which made me realise the importance of language and the power it has to break down barriers.
I kept teaching myself Indonesian and after I left the army went on to study a degree in Indonesian Studies and International Relations.
Now I’ve condensed that language learning journey down into a one hour comedy show.
So you can laugh, learn and help build friendly international relations too.
Video 📽️ @indahaftertravel
Halfway between Pekanbaru and Padang is this amazing 9 turn flyover that crosses back and forth 6 times to rise 80 Meters. The original kelok 9 built 120+ years ago also had 9 turns, but was skinny and only 300m long. The new one is wide and goes for 2.5km. this seems much longer but it cuts the expected journey by 1-2 hours, because the old road was such a bottleneck!
My last reel featuring @ichsannandautama 😔
Nanda and I had a wonderful journey together and are still friends. I highly recommend him if you are in Pekanbaru and need a driver! The best!
Rendang in Australia is not that hot 🔥🥵
📍RM Ombak Pangkalan
I had explained to Nanda @ichsannandautama that we have Rendang in Australia, but that it's Australianised with more high quality Australian beef and less spiciness. (Perfect for my palette, I find it delicious).
I said I wanted to try the Minang original while in Padang, West Sumatra. Nanda stopped at the first Minang village in the mountains as we crossed from Riau into West Sumatra. I later learnt that the rendang in the mountains is actually a lot more spicier than even Padang City itself.
* I did also find a bearable rendang in Padang
I still preferred our Australian rendang though 😅@merantau_adl@hello.indo.adl@abangabang.au
Will do more food vlogs by request.
Indonesia outside of Bali has some wonderful gems like this peaceful lookout in Riau.
Nanda @ichsannandautama and I had to give the car encouragement to get up there though.
Kamu bisa = you can
Ayo = let's go
Nanda explained Ulu Kasok is an artificial lake caused by a hydroelectric dam, with sunken villages underneath. Just like chain of ponds back in Adelaide.
Nanda drove me from Pekanbaru to Padang and shared his beautiful story with me as we drove. I highly recommend his services.
