Notes from West Sumatra

Ted and I were invited by a CEO friend whose family is originally from this part of Indonesia, where, as another friend noted, the locals are innately good at business. But West Sumatra is, sadly, better known in recent years as the site of a terrible earthquake that claimed many lives and businesses in September 2009.
 
As in much of Indonesia, natural beauty abounds here in the form of lush vegetation and dramatic geological formations. Lake Maninjau has particular appeal. About an hour and a half drive up steep, curvy, narrow roads from Padang, the province's largest city, the setting in a way resembled Switzerland, though a much less commercially developed version. But a short, 15-minute drive away and you're very much in Southeast Asia, with carefully managed, verdant rice terraces.
 
We stayed at the Nuansa Maninjau Resort, a sprawling property that is modest in appearance. Its spartan rooms have the feel of cabins. The resort resembled a mid-market lodge in one of many hill stations in India, where we lived previously. It is a peaceful refuge from the more densely-populated metropolis where we live.
 
Bukittinggi is the closest town, about an hour away. En route, we found several examples of Minangkabau architecture, with its distinctive upturned parabolic lines, like an exaggerated smile. Among the sights not to miss are Jirek Hill, formerly the site of Fort de Kock, now a large park area featuring exotic birds; and the Jam Gadang, or big clock tower, once adorned at the top with a Dutch design, then a Japanese design. A Minangkabau crown now caps the landmark's apogee. Across the street from the clock tower lies a bust of "Bung Hatta," the republic's first vice president, who happened to be from these parts. Jakarta's commercial airport is partially named after him.
 
Another highlight was a stop at a kerupuk (crisp fried snacks) shop. The one we visited (Nitta) was a large, somewhat open-air market offering an ample selection of sweet and savory morsels. I happened to try one that was made from onions. It was delicious, reminding me of a funyon in terms of taste and a fri-to in terms of texture.
 
Our CEO friend asked us to help encourage more tourism to Padang. It is a pleasant and unique part of Indonesia.