kristal unggu

MR NAVIN KINI.

THE MAIMUN PALACE, MEDAN, INDONESIA.

VIEW FROM THE PALACE

MR. KINI AT THE FOUNTAIN IN FRONT OF THE PALACE



ON THE CORRIDORS OF POWER OF THE PAST

THE ROYAL COURTROOM.


The AirAsia Medan flight was delayed. Seated one seat away from me on that 9.45pm flight from KL LCCT was an Indian gentelman. Only upon arrival we exchanged some small talk while waiting to disembark.

I quickly discovered that he was from India and first time in Medan. Since I have been to Medan for a number of times and had my hotel room booked from KL, offered him to come along with me. At least saved him the trouble of ending up in the wrong hotel for the wrong price.

In the taxi to Garuda Plaza Hotel, found out that he was traveling to Lake Toba the following day and was buying an apartment on 'Malaysia My Second Home Program'.

Anyway, we checked into the hotel with our rooms next to each other. Went for a late dinner at the Famili Restaurant across the Sisingamaraja Road, braving the cool Medan night rain, which was more like supper. But that was my sahur, anyway.

The following morning arranged for him to get a transport to Medan, ending up with Marwan, a local who apparently knew KL quite well and worked for CARE an NGO from Malaysia the post tsunami days for 2 years.

Prior to their departure to Lake Toba, 4 hours away, we went for a quick tour of Medan, notably the Maimun Palace, a sad remnant of past monarchy glory which ended with the Independence of Indonesia in 1945.

Nevertheless, traces of past grandeur of royal life was still displayed albeit more like museum pieces but in rather sad state of affairs. We were told that some family members are still residing in some parts of the palace.

Wonder why the local authorities does not take over the property for better maintennance and upkeep.

Anyway, after the short tour, we parted ways with Mr Kini leaving for Lake Toba. And me? Back to the room to continue with Chapter 2 of my sleep!