Voice Your Choice: Mandiri

So you think you know Meulaboh pretty well, huh? Tag along with Sofia (age 2) and you’ll see a whole new Meulaboh through her curious eyes.

Sofia’s favorite place to go in town is Mandiri. When I asked her why she loves Meulaboh’s biggest supermarket so much she showed me a mark on her knee and said, “I have an owie.” I followed this tiny Meulabohite into Mandiri and watched her as she headed straight toward the juice. “I have juice,” Sofia thoughtfully commented as she reached for the apple and dropped two small boxes in a basket nearly half her size. As she waddled through the store Sofia didn’t just ignore the items she didn’t need, but she stopped and appreciated the fine packaging. “They’re flying,” Sofia said pointing to a picture of two boys on the powdered milk box. In fact, she admired several goods on the lower shelves that most adults just take for granted, like ketchup bottles, floor cleaner and baby powder, and especially the packaged kerupuk (chips). At last, with a full basket she had to drag down the aisle, Sofia’s supermarket adventure came to an end. “Did you have fun at Mandiri?” I asked her. “Yeah,” she said.

Voice Your Choice! Suak Sigadeng

What do you think is Meulaboh's best kept secret?

When I asked Andy and Autumn Newell (FHI) what they think is Meulaboh’s best kept secret, they didn’t hesitate to tell me about a quaint bamboo bridge in Suak Sigadeng that connects “a little separation between two worlds.”

We headed out on the road to Suak Ribee, Jl. Syiah Kuala, until we could drive no further, carefully crossed a single palm tree log and inhaled the fresh air. Autumn did warn me that the bridge is a little tricky to navigate and laughed as she admitted to falling in the water on her first attempt to cross it. But feeling brave I followed my adventure seeking guides to find this little paradise. We continued along a narrow road, watched buffaloes bathing, monkeys scampering across our path, and rice farmers coming in for the evening. Andy was right when he said, “This place is right out a guidebook.” As we neared the bridge, however, it appeared the only way to reach the other side was by swimming. Alas, the bamboo bridge was no longer, but Andy and Autumn determined they would still recommend strolling along this path to enjoy the peacefulness of Meulaboh and its spectacular sunsets. Truthfully, I was very content with the path and not at all disappointed with the missing bridge – its disappearance saved me from what was likely to be an embarrassing plunge into the water.

Voice Your Choice! Mulia Cafe

If you’re from Java and craving the sweet flavors from home, Adel (UNDP) recommends trying a tasty meal at Mulia Café. The owner is from Jakarta and caters to both Javanese and Acehnese tastes. Adel suggests trying the Nasi Uduk made with coconut milk or the Nasi Timbel served up in a banana leaf. According to the café, breakfast is also a great time to come, as many enjoy the Lontong rice. But if you are simply in the mood for Padang food, Mulia Café serves that, as well. There’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds at Mulia Café!

Directions:
Located on Jl. Sisingamangaraja about 300 meters past Bombay.