When I Travel Alone in Aceh

Jakarta - Banda Aceh

I took the first flight from Jakarta to Banda Aceh. I flew with Batik Air at 5:25 am and arrived at around 8 am. I spent the flight with my eyes closed, or in other word, sleeping. I chose the seat besides the window. The sky was dark and gloomy. Right before the stewardess asked everyone to turned off the electronic devices, I saw the beautiful view from above. I saw islands, the sea, and the long beach. 'It's probably Sabang island,' thought myself. But then the plane turn to the left and the show was over.

We landed at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport. It has bluish and greenish design and the roof looks like mosque. The view figuratively like porch of Mecca and 'I'm here!' There are only 16 flights in a day and I can only spotted two cars and few men from the bridge that connects my plane to the airport. 'I knew nothing about this city, the third world. But it should be fun,' thought myself.

Teuku, my high school friend, gave me advices about Aceh. He is originally comes from Aceh and he just moved to our school when we were in sophomore year. He said I should pack light because the weather in Aceh usually hot and not forget to bring insect repellent. The most important thing before the camera, he claimed.

"So why are you concern about my trip? You seemed worried about me," asked me to him on the phone the day before my flight.

"Yes, I give a damn about your trip. You're not going to go abroad, neither Indonesia. You'll be in a third world," said Teuku.

"Third world?" asked me. "Why are you making me worried?" I continued.

"Hahaha. Yes. Because Aceh is different," said Teuku. "What are you gonna do there? What's your plan? How do you move from a place to another?"

So, I answered confidently, "I'll rent a motorbike and use google maps. Don't be so worry! I'll be fine!" He only asked about these questions so the worries just went away. I expected he was gonna ask difficult questions though.

"Well, okay. I think you're ready for your trip. Good luck, then!" said Teuku before we hung up.

"Thanks! I'll let you know," answered me.

The way Teuku speaks is different from other kids in school. He respects the elder and he seemed very polite. He never uses word pee and prefers the word rest room. He uses words we never use in daily conversation. He uses formal words instead. He keeps the distance to girls but his girlfriend. He respects her. Winda is a lucky girl.

I was kinda late to the airport. I arrived when everybody's ready to be boarded. But I already checked in online. So, I just brought all bags into cabin heavily. I had no time to queue and put my bags into baggage. The perks of having your bags with you is you don't need to wait for your bags moved from plane to the airport. So, I started to find the officer because I need to find the plug in. I forgot to charge my battery the night before my flight and I didn't pack the power bank but insect repellent. Smart.

I asked the officer where I could find a plug in and of course used the word Teuku always uses. "Excuse me, Kak. Where can I find plug in?" asked me to some officer that had first shift on that day. She showed me a place and I straight went there. I also asked how can I go to the city by a taxi or maybe if they had public transportation, and also the price.

I waited until my phone being charged. After it almost fully charged, there was a taxi driver who offered me his service and gave me a price list. I agreed after I got some cash from the ATM machine. 

'Let's start this adventure, baby!'