Memories of Padang

When I hear the name of the city of Padang, our minds might be imagined peculiarity Padang cuisine, or a distinctive curved roof with a pointed end like buffalo horns, called gonjong-gonjong, Malin Kundang legend, the story of Siti Nurbaya, and the song "Gulf Bayur" which brought in Ernie Johan in the 1960s. Geographically, the city is very interesting because the Mentawai Strait and flanked by Thousand Mountains. As a result, we can enjoy the cultural richness and harmony between the charm or beauty in urang crew called bana smart and would make us always takana koto jo Padang (remembered in the city of Padang).

Padang City was originally a settlement of fishermen in some estuaries such as Batang Arau, Kuranji Batang, Batang Muaro Panjalin, and Batang Anai. Since the ruler of the kingdom Pagaruyuang in Painan Agreement in 1667 allowed the VOC monopoly on trade and established a fort on the banks of Batang Arau, begin the history of the city of Padang. The growth of cities began in the vicinity of VOC fort and demolished by the British in 1781 and the native market (Market Tower).

Currently, the area around the former fortress of VOC into the old city center or koto tuo full of colonial building. Where there is called Chinatown Chinese using typical Chinese building full of rows of traditional shop houses and temples, such as Sin Hin Kiong temple.

Panorama old town that we can enjoy from the bridge Siti Nurbaya in Batang Arau. The bridge was a landmark or tetenger city of Padang. In the past, along the north side of the river there are railroad tracks. Once there is a revitalization project, former railway land turned into parks and open land on the riverbank.

In the Batang Arau have dock marine tourism. From the pier that many foreign tourists rent a boat to Sekuai Island Resort, which is about 25 to 40 minutes from the dock. The island is surrounded by 40 hectares of white sand. Once exotic and charming.

Kemenawanan typical padang is gonjong-gonjong roof. Such roofs can be found in almost all buildings, especially offices. The first office building using roof gonjong gonjong is the office of Governor of West Sumatra.

The building is from the Netherlands, but in 1959 the Governor of West Sumatra was Kaharroedin Dt Rangkayo Basa ordered changes to the roof of the office with distinctive Minangkabau roof. In the 1970s appealed to the Governor Azwar Anas office buildings in Padang were also built with a roof. Building "bagonjong" neo-vernacular style of architecture is the latest Minangkabau International Airport.

Another place that really care if we miss when in Padang is Bayur Bay. In the southern part of the most beautiful bays in the archipelago is often found people who go fishing, enjoy the sunset. Although still in the area of the city, the atmosphere there felt very natural because the road at the edge of the coastline and sea are limited natural forest with various animals such as monkeys, which appear very familiar with humans.

If we enjoy roasted corn or bananas are sold on the shores of the bay, we must be vigilant because many monkeys that approached. Instinctively monkeys such generosity we hope to give some roasted corn or bananas that we enjoy. To be sure, they give us stuntman attraction. Look at how relaxed they crawl through the phone cable that runs between the line of poles along the road.

Other Enchantment can be obtained from the color of water at the edge of the bay is clear blue. As a result, basic sea full of fish clearly visible berenangan from place to place among marine plants and corals. And, far in the distance that commercial ships are anchored. Perhaps the enchanting beauty that has inspired Ernie Johan to sing "Gulf bayur" a very famous a few decades ago.

Buildings in the seaside can be a complement to the beauty. Due to the geographical position that extends the city of Padang on the edge of the sea, so many buildings located on the beach. One of the leading hotel in Padang. Land and building includes some coastal areas.

On a visit last time in Padang, I choose to stay at a hotel with panoramic views to the sea. To satisfy the desires of guests who want to swim in the sea but fear the possible arrival of large waves, between the buildings built the hotel and beach sand freshwater swimming pool. So, while swimming in freshwater pools, hotel guests can still see the sunset at sea. Exotic!