The anticipation...

The wait was nearly killing me and I am sure that I would go insane if I do not see her again soon! It would be nearly be a month since she went back to Jakarta. I really miss her so much, the emptiness, the void and the love of my life, is not there when I need her the most.

Before she went back, we have already discussed future plans of my impending trip to her hometown after Chinese New Year. My intended plan was to fly up to Medan on the 7th day of Chinese New Year and spend about 5 days with her and her family.

I have already applied for my leave and was quickly approved by my boss and the air ticket was next to be confirmed. The flight was confirmed on the 11th of February which was indeed the 7th day of Chinese New Year.

Once I had everything ready and confirmed, I called Susanna and let her know my flight details and asked her whatever things she may need before I arrive in Medan. Only a few things that she had requested from me and I got them prior before my departure on Friday morning.

2 days before my departure, I had packed almost everything that I had bought, my clothed that I would require and so on. When all was packed, I had a total of 5 baggages.

The departure...

The night before my flight on Friday morning, I could not sleep a wink as I was filled with anxiety and anticipation of what is to come before me in Medan. Hence I just decided just to lay down on my bed and try to close my eyes and tried to catch some shuteye whenever possible.

Ring! Ring! My alarm clock rang sharply at 6am and I woke up from my bed and went to wash up and got ready.

Once ready, I went downstairs to have my breakfast while I waited for my parents to get ready to fetch me to the airport.

Traffic was light in the morning when I left the house at 7am for the airport. I arrived at the airport by 7.30am and proceeded to check in. I was slightly overweight for my luggage but since I had no hand carry luggage, the officer said ok.

Once I had everything ready, I bade both of my parents farewell and just before I went inside the immigration, all of us had a word of prayer to ask God for travel mercies. With that done, I went towards the immigration counters.

After I had cleared the immigration, I proceeded towards the boarding gate and promptly boarded the plane.

Once inside and seated comfortably, I said another prayer to God asking Him for His Holy Guidance and Wisdom when I am at Medan. With that, I sat back and relax.

The arrival at Medan, Polonia Airport...

The flight took about 60 minutes and we touched down at Polonia Airport at 8.45am (Medan Time GMT +7). Medan and Singapore have an hour difference.

Once the plane taxied into the parking bay and stopped, I promptly got down the plane and walked towards the Arrival Hall as the security guards guided the passengers. Polonia Airport reminds me a lot of Kallang Airport. No proper boarding or unboarding gates and worse of all, no air conditioning! L

When I cleared the immigration, I proceeded to pick up my luggage at the pick up point. To my surprise, the porters had already placed all of my 5 luggages properly onto a single trolley! Next I cleared the customs and proceeded out of the arrival hall.

And there she was, smiling and beaming brightly from ear to ear as she saw me walked out of the arrival hall. Her facial expression changed when she saw the amount of luggage that I had with me. She helped me with my luggage and promptly whispered into my ear: "Why so many luggages? Are you moving house?"

Also there to meet me was Susanna’s Mother and her second brother, Ah Chien. Once all my luggages were accounted for, we drove off.

Tour de Medan...

Susanna told me that we would not be heading straight for her hometown as yet, which is in Pematang Siantar; is about 2 hours driving time from Medan.

I was brought to her aunt’s house in Medan as Susanna introduced me to the family. We had a light tea break there and after which, we went to the shopping centers in Medan to shop for the stuff that my parents required.

At the shopping center, Susanna’s brothers had kindly bought for me 2 pairs of working long-sleeved shirts, which I had selected and tried on earlier. Susanna has got 2 younger brothers. Ah Chien (Suwanto), which is in second year University in Jakarta, is doing Mechanical Engineering. I would be seeing Ah Di (Suwandy), the youngest and is currently in high school, later at home. Susanna is a.k.a. Qing Qing or Ah Qing.

We spent a while more at the shopping center and we moved on to the wet market area, which Susanna bought for my mom her handbags. Susanna’s mom had also come to this area to buy her materials that she needs to do her sewing business. Susanna’s mother is a professional seamstress in her own hometown in Pemantang Siantar.

We had a rest in the wet market and had a drink of local brewed iced tea called Teh Leng or known in Singapore as Teh Orh Bing (Iced Tea).

After the drink, we decided it was about time to head back to their hometown. It was already 3pm when we finished shopping.

The journey to Pematang Siantar...

As we drove away from the shopping center, Susanna told me to have a rest, as the journey would be a long one. I sat behind with Susanna, who was next to me as her mother sat beside her. Ah Chien was in front with the driver.

Along the way, I noticed that Medan was similar to Malaysia. A lot of land and natural resources that is lacking in Singapore. Only thing is that both countries are lacking in technological power, which can be found easily in Singapore.

Arrival at Pematang Siantar...

After a 3 hour drive, was nearly 6pm by the time we reached Susanna’s home, I got out of the jeep and stretched my legs as Ah Di and Susanna’s father came out and greeted me. Both the brothers helped me with my luggages and I asked them to place it in their living room first, as I had to do a lot of unpacking.

To the amazement of Susanna’s parents, I unpacked all the stuff that I had carried all the way from Singapore and placed them all in front of me. When all was unpacked, I promptly gave the foodstuff to Susanna’s parents and the presents that I had got for all of them, I gave it to them and also wished them a happy Chinese New Year. I even brought along with me Chinese Oranges and paid my respects to Susanna’s parents.

Susanna’s mother had a "headache" when she saw the amount of foodstuff that I got for them that ranged from dried Chinese foodstuff, toiletries that they would be unable to get in Medan, shirts for the 2 boys and many more.

After all the unpacking, I realized that I had only 1 luggage of my clothes! The rest of the 4 luggages were foodstuff and useful items! J

I was showed the way to my room, which was a big room with a big bed! Susanna told me to quickly settle down and unpack the necessary stuff that I would need and also, after refreshing myself, to get ready for dinner.

Susanna’s family had brought me to one of the finest restaurants in PS (Pematang Siantar) that served great local food. I really enjoyed the food and also the company of the Susanna’s family.

After dinner, we had a slow walk back home. We did not go elsewhere as Susanna told me that tomorrow (Saturday) morning; we would be heading straight to Lake Toba or a.k.a. Samosir Island.

Back at Susanna’s home, Susanna helped me pack my stuff and clothes that I would require for our 3-day stay at Lake Toba. Her family except Ah Di, who still has ongoing classes, would join us.

Once all was ready, I decided to turn in for the night.

The journey to Lake Toba...

Woke up in the morning filled with great anticipation as I got dressed and had a light breakfast that Susanna’s father had bought from the neighboring stalls.

Once all the necessary items and luggages were loaded onto the jeep, we all got on and proceeded to Lake Toba.

Lake Toba from PS is an hour’s drive. As we approached Lake Toba by late morning (around 11am), the weather got cooler. When we arrived at the pier, we loaded all the stuff that we brought along onto the ferry.

Once all the stuff was loaded, the ferry undocked and made its journey towards Samosir Island. We sat on the upper deck of the ferry, which was very windy, when the ferry moved towards the island. The ferry stopped along several locations until Susanna told me that the next stop we would be alighting as we have arrived at our accommodation.

The 1^st day...

Carolina Hotel was our accommodation for the next 3 days. We checked into our rooms as soon as we alighted from the ferry and quickly unpack the necessary items. It was a beautiful little chalet that had 2 bedrooms with bathrooms attached. I would be sharing the room with Ah Chien whilst Susanna would be sharing the other room with her parents.

It was considered one of the best accommodations that the island has to offer. There are many other different types of accommodation that would suit every and anyone’s desires and needs.

Once all was unpacked, lunch was served promptly. After lunch, Ah Chien and I decided to go out and fish. Ah Chien caught one while I failed to catch any.

After fishing, we decided to have a rest and waited for evening to come again before fishing again.

When we got up after an hour’s rest, it was raining. So we had to sit in and just laze around until dinner came around. It was still raining after dinner but stopped shortly before 8pm.

Ah Chien and I decided to try our luck again and fish again but to no avail. No catch for the night but we became the catch for the mosquitoes!

We headed back to the chalet that was only a stone throw away and prepared for our supper. BBQ!

At midnight, we had brought out the corn, potatoes and the chicken satay that Susanna’s mother had brought along. Yummy! We ate and talked right to 2am in the morning.

By 2am, we doused the fire, cleared up and turned in for the night.

The 2^nd day...

Woke up around 6am in the morning to a beautiful sunrise that would definitely glorify out maker in all of His Glory. Did my quiet time as usual and proceeded to take a morning walk by the beach. As most of them were still asleep, I quietly crept out towards the beach. Before I left, I left a note to Susanna that I am out and would be back later.

I returned to the chalet after my morning stroll along the beach to find that Susanna’s family had already woken up and that breakfast was ready. After breakfast, Susanna told me to get ready for a trip to a place called Tomok, which is a shopper’s paradise somewhere within this island.

Got ready by 10am and we set off towards Tomok which was just opposite of where we put up by ferry. Once we got off at Tomok, the sight before me was so magnificent. It was really a shopper’s paradise. The streets were filled with colorful wares that the Batak people had displayed.

Batak people live within Medan and it is considered one of the largest groups of Indonesians. Their main religion is Christianity and very few Muslims. Hence I felt very at home in Medan or at Lake Toba. What amazes me while I was at Tomok or at Lake Toba that there weren’t any Masjid (Muslim place of worship and prayer) around. Instead there were a lot of Gerejas around (Christian Church).

Susanna’s parents paid for whatever I wanted. I got batik shirts and dresses for my family and for my colleagues and friends, souvenirs from Lake Toba. Of course the items that I got for my colleagues and friends, I paid for them myself.

The weather was so cooling that even with the afternoon sun beating down on us, there was a gentle cooling breeze that blew against us as we walk and browse from shop to shop.

By 1pm when we had shopped enough, we decided to head back to Carolina Hotel for our lunch. We walked back to the pier and boarded the ferry that ferried us across the lake and back to our accommodation.

Once back at our chalet, Susanna and her mother prepared lunch for us all. In this chalet, you have to prepare your own meals. Just bring along the required utensils and of course, the things that you would want to eat. J

When lunch was served, we happily sat down and had our meal. After lunch, we decided to go out and fish again. But after a few minutes of fishing, it started to pour heavily and we ran back to the chalet to take shelter. The rain continued to pour right to the night. So we gave up on our game of fishing.

As we sat down in the chalet’s living room, we chatted to idle our time away. After a while, we decided to take forty winks and hope that the rain would stop soon.

By 6pm, the rain had stopped and dinner was being served. After dinner, though it was drizzling a little, Ah Chien and I decided to try our luck again in fishing but to no avail. No catch for the night but we became the catch for the mosquitoes for 2 nights in a row!

So we headed back to the chalet and prepared for our supper. BBQ again!

At midnight, we had brought out the usual stuff for the BBQ. Yummy! We ate and talked right to 2am in the morning. The warmth of the BBQ kept most of us warm, as the night’s weather was very cold.

By 2am, we doused the fire, cleared up and turned in for the night.

The 3^rd day...

Woke up around the same time as yesterday and did my usual morning routine.

Susanna’s father had kindly asked me to stay longer in Medan and of course I was delighted that I was being welcomed to stay on. Only problems were my leave, my visa and my departure date of my air ticket.

I called my office and asked for an extension of my leave in which I was due to return to Singapore on Tuesday night and start work again on Wednesday. My boss approved my extension of my leave and I was overjoyed! Next was to check on my passport visa and my departure date of my air ticket.

After breakfast, we decided to go fishing for one last time.

This time, our patience paid off. In a time span of 30 minutes, 3 fishes were caught. Susanna’s father caught 2 fishes while I caught a real biggie! Yes! My first catch! I was so thrilled! J

Susanna also caught one fish after that. As it was fast approaching check out time, we headed back to our chalet and pack up our things. We could not bring back the fishes that we caught, as we had no proper containment unit for them, so we released them back within the hotel’s pond.

Once we had all packed all out stuff properly and did a final check to ensure that we did not leave anything behind, we headed for the reception and checked out.

While waiting for the ferry, Ah Chien tried his luck again at fishing but to no avail as the ferry arrived within minutes.

The ferry dropped us off at the main land and we had our lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant. The driver came on time to pick us up after our lunch as we headed back to PS.

The journey back to Pematang Siantar...

After loading up our stuff onto the jeep, we headed back to PS. It would take another hour before we arrive so most of us took the time to take forty winks.

Along the way, Susanna showed and brought me to the classiest hotel in Lake Toba called Hotel Niagara. We took a couple of photos there and the view from there was simply breath taking as we could nearly see the whole of Lake Toba. Also the surrounding mountains made the view even more exasperated and awesome. We left Hotel Niagara and headed back to PS after spending nearly 15 minutes there and also finished up the remainder exposures on my film.

When we arrived at about 4pm at PS, we quickly unloaded all the stuff. I unpacked my stuff and Susanna brought in my passport to check on my visa. I was being given a month’s visa by the immigration at Polonia Airport. That was good. 2 out of 3, things were indeed looking up for me!

Next to check was my air ticket. But since it was nearly 5pm and the main SilkAir office would have closed for the day, we decided to call them first thing on Tuesday morning.

We had a simple dinner after most of us had refreshed ourselves. After dinner we sat down and watched television.

The extension of my stay in Pematang Siantar...

Woke up in the morning around 7am with a sense of great anticipation that I would be confident enough to extend my air ticket to either Saturday or Sunday evening flight.

Susanna’s father asked me to have a walk with him around the town. I followed him around and he showed me certain interesting places of cultural and historical interest. On our way back after our 30 minutes walk, we stopped by a coffee shop and had our breakfast. Susanna’s father had also ordered 2 takeouts for Susanna and his wife as we made our back home.

He also showed me the best hotel in PS and I got the tariff rates so that my parents could look through and decide on our pending December’s visit to Medan.

When we reached home, Susanna was already up and was wondering where I was and was pretty worried when she could not find me in my room. I explained to her that I had followed her father out for a morning walk and also had breakfast along the way back. Hence, we also ordered 2 takeouts for Susanna and her mother.

After breakfast, Susanna and I made our way to the TelkomSel booth just around the corner to make the necessary adjustments to my air ticket. SilkAir office were able to cancel my pending air ticket and told me that the next available flight out of Medan would be either Friday night, Saturday morning or Sunday evening. As Susanna would also be going back to Jakarta on Monday, I did not wish to leave on Sunday night, as that would be very taxing on her on coming up and down to Medan from her place at PS. Also, I wished to spend more time with her and her family, so Friday night was also out. So I opted for the Saturday morning flight. With that confirmed and a faxed transmission received that I was confirmed on the Saturday’s flight, I was so much at ease and was elated. 3 out of 3! I really thank God at that point of time! J

As we left the TelkomSel booth and headed back home, I could see the smile on Susanna’s face that I knew that she was delighted that I was able to stay on a couple more days in PS.

Susanna helped me to develop the photos that we took at Lake Toba and at Hotel Niagara. Once the photos were developed, we viewed and sorted them. They were great! Lovely pictures! J

The remaining days in Pematang Siantar...

I spent the next couple of days getting the stuff that I did not manage to get for my parents, friends and so on. Also I rented a couple of VCD and watched them while Susanna helped her mother in her business.

I took this time also to get to know more of Ah Di who was not with us when we were at Lake Toba. Both of Susanna’s brothers are very easy going people and I was able to click along with them despite the age difference and the cultural and social upbringing.

I also found out that Susanna and her family were also Peranakans just like me and my family. So interesting when we stay on find out more! J

Susanna also brought me to visit her aunts and uncles and introduced me to them. I felt very much like I was in a line up! J So far, it seems that most of her relatives approves of our relationship, especially Susanna’s father’s eldest brother, Tua Pek and his wife.

The day before my departure, I spend time and started to pack my things. Susanna’s family helped me to pack as well. By the time we had finished packing my stuff, I was shocked. Why? I had 5 baggages again! L Came to Medan with 5 and am going back with 5 as well! And what was worse that I came with 31 kilograms and am now going back with 35 kilograms! L

The night before I left, Susanna and I paid a final visit to Tua Pek at his home but he was not in and was being entertained by his wife. After a while, Tua Pek came back and I bade him farewell as I was due to leave tomorrow morning and would not be seeing him again.

We chatted for another 15 minutes with his wife, as he had to do some errands. When we were back home, I quickly had a shower and got ready for dinner as Susanna’s parents wanted to eat out as this would be the last night I would spend in PS. We had Chinese food in a restaurant that was only 5 minutes walk from the house. With dishes like steamed fish, prawns, soup, vegetables and 2 more other dishes plus drinks, I expected to be about $60 - $80 in Singapore but to my amazement, it was only $20 for everything! J Good food, great price! J

After dinner, we had a small stroll before we headed back home and rest. Later that night, Tua Pek’s daughter together with her boyfriend paid us a visit. I was being introduced to them and I must say Susanna does look and resemble very similar to her cousin!

After they left, I washed up and checked my baggage before I turned in for the night. Had to sleep early as Susanna and I had to get up early tomorrow by 5am. Susanna would only be sending me off as her parent’s would be busy and also that Susanna would be visiting her friends in Medan as well. So before I turned in for the night, Ah Di bade me a pleasant journey. With all the formalities done, I turned in for the night.

The journey to Polonia Airport...

The driver was late by half an hour as he arrived about a quarter pass 6 in the morning. He was due to arrive at Susanna’s house by 5.45 am. With the baggage loaded up, I bade farewell to Susanna’s parents and thanked them for all their hospitality whilst I stayed with them within the past week or so.

With that completed, Susanna and I headed towards Polonia Airport. It was a 2 hours journey. Along the way to the airport, we would have to stop by her aunt’s place in Medan to pick up the Bika Ambon and the Marquissa that I have ordered. Bika Ambon is the Indonesian type of cake and Marquissa is the Indonesian drink. In English, it is called Passion Fruit.

Susanna and I took turns to sleep along the journey and when we reached her aunt’s place; I packed the foodstuff in one of my empty luggage that I would be bringing aboard the plane. With that ready, I bade her uncle farewell as her aunt had gone out earlier to do certain errands.

We arrived at the airport shortly after and the porters helped me with my luggage as I proceeded to check in.

The trauma begins...

After checking in, my luggage was well overweight and had to pay about 80,000 Rupiah that works out to nearly Singapore $18. Once I got my boarding pass and passport stamped, I was ready to proceed to board the plane.

Once again, Susanna and I had to part for the 5^th time. As we hugged and kissed each other, both of us fought back our tears again and bade our farewells as I proceeded to the boarding gate.

Once aboard the plane, I placed my hand carry luggage in the overhead compartment and below my seat. As the plane taxied onto the runway and was ready to take off, I heard a funny noise coming from the starboard engine (right side). Then when the captain pushed for full throttle for taking off, the starboard engine died! L How scary it was then! Imagine if the engine had died in flight that would be very scary indeed! I thank God for His guidance and his protection there and then.

For the next fifteen minutes, the captain tried effortlessly to revive the engine but to no avail. He told us that he had to taxi the plane back to the parking bay and let the engineers take a look at the engine.

As we alighted the plane and proceeded towards the waiting area, the airport staff served refreshments. It was another hour of waiting when they announced that the engine had being repaired and was ready for take off.

As we boarded the plane again, most of the passengers were already agitated by the events that had unfolded so far. Especially those senior passengers. Then when everybody was seated and was comfortable, the plane proceeded once again to the runway for take off.

Before the captain fired up the engines once more for full throttle, I prayed to God that He would once again grant us travel mercies. And that we would get back to Singapore in one piece and that also He would put his protective hand and ensure that the starboard engine would give no further problems.

Once the plane was in the air, I started praying again and asked God for His hand of grace, as He would guide the captain in flying this temporarily patched up starboard engine.

The flight back was quite turbulent and when the refreshments were serves by the air stewardesses, I could see the tray shaking more than it usually should.

Touchdown...

But when the captain announced later that we are approaching Changi Airport, I breathe a sigh of relief that we managed to get so far without any other engine problems. As we landed in Changi Airport, I prayed to God for His wonderful hand of grace and protection.

I then called Susanna’s mom in Medan to let her know that I have arrived safely back in Singapore. I told her of what happened and she was very relieved that all went well despite what happened earlier.

I cleared the customs and immigration within minutes and was on my way back home after 10 minutes wait in the taxi queue.

The ride home and the unpacking...

The ride home was a pleasant one as I chatted with the driver as he drove me back. When I arrived back home, my maid was already waiting for me to help me carry in my luggages. As I paid the taxi fare, I thank and praised God for leading me all the way home safely. All praises unto God! J

Immediately I started to unpack all the stuff that I had brought back from Medan. Foodstuff once corner presents one corner and so on. I spent the next 15 minutes unpacking all that I had brought back.

Once finished, I took a bite, as I was a little hungry and exhausted from the earlier traumatic experience.

After that, I went to my room and had a shower and rested. Type these memoirs of mine that you are reading at the moment. After that, I took a short nap before I had dinner.

When dinner was over, I continued to finish up my memoirs and also called Susanna to let her know of the events that took place today and that all was well. She too was shocked of the events that took place.

Later that evening, my parents who were in Bangkok called back and asked how I was and the flight and so on. I told them what happened and they too were in a state of disbelief. But I told them that it was all due to God’s Holy guidance and protection that I am back home safely. Thank you God! J

Reflections and looking forward...

After knowing what life can mean to me, I really treasure my life that God has given to me. Knowing well that life is so precious and God has a purpose for me in this life and that I may glorify His name and works to others so that others may believe and live in Jesus.

As for the trip and my stay in Medan, it was so enjoyable despite me getting diahorrea so often that I realize that I am not that used to the food and water there. But on the whole, it was an experience that I would not forget in a hurry. It was also good for me to meet Susanna’s family, get to know them better and also meet up with her relatives.

With respect to our relationship, between Susanna and me, it had gotten to a new level. I casually proposed to her and asked her to marry me, SHE ACCEPTED! I was so elated and overjoyed that I could not sleep that night in PS.

For the pending year end trip, we would plan and play by ear as Susanna had told me that both parents of hers would be very busy during this particular year end.

Before I pen off for now and as you wait for the next update, may God bless you and keep you healthy and holy. Amen!