Banda Aceh, Sumatra
It’s hard for me to put into words how exactly I feel about Sumatra. The place and the people stole my heart! We spent nine days on the island in the city of Banda Aceh and it really was not enough time. Can you imagine a small piece of island paradise full of wonderful and beautiful people AND freshly made tempeh? Where people welcome you into their homes and offered you your fill of fresh coconuts? I know, I didn’t think such a place existed either. It’s at times like these, I wish I was a writer and could more accurately describe to you the warm and friendly people, the scenery, and the amazing food we experienced. Good thing I do a bit better with photos.
The beautiful landscape outside the village of Desa Nusa in Aceh, Sumatra
Fresh coconut, right off the tree!
My new friend Rubama
A chili farmer planting seedlings
A chili farmer taking a break
The ‘Miracle Mosque’ that survived the 2004 tsunami
Children playing in the waves at sunset
I am not going to lie, Sumatra had some amazing food for us herbivores. The first five days of our trip were spent in a village called Desa Nusa where we stayed with a family. Our host explained to them our dietary restrictions and they were incredibly accommodating. At first I felt bad, requesting them to cook for us special food and meals. Our host ensured me that it was not a problem at all because vegetables are so much more affordable for people to buy in the village compared to meat! While we were in Desa Nusa, we ate like kings. Lunches and diners were filled with rice, fresh tempeh, sprouted beans, vegetable soup, spicy friend noodles, spinach and egg plant.
We are currently working on a wonderful story about a woman in Desa Nusa who makes sun-dried tempeh that’s fried into tempeh chips, so please stay tuned!
Beautiful images Steph! Sounds like another world of some sort. The food all sounds so good, I’d love to try some of those meals someday.
Thanks Tim! It was amazing…would love to take you there someday! Currently working on a bunch of stories from there, will be sharing soon
Your photographs are beautiful and it sounds like a dreamy paradise there! I would love to visit someday. The food sounds delicious, too!