Pekanbaru, Indonesia - is in central Sumatra, Indonesia. 

It’s best known as a centre for the oil production industry in Indonesia. 

However, I’ve spent the last couple of days here enjoying the hospitality of one of the local blogger’s family, and meeting with the local Blogging Community here. 

Here is a photo of them:

Firstly, from the top left, there is Taufik.  He works in the public service and is the chairman for the local blogging community in Pekanbaru, called Bertuah. 

He has been showing me around the place, including the Muara Takus Buddhist temple which I will write about later.  He’s also introduced me to the unexpected joys of Teh Telur, or Tea With Egg.

Then there is his wife Poppy, who works part time as an English teacher whilst juggling the demands of being a mother as well.

Taufik and Poppy have two kids – Askan, who is 8 (pictured), and Aurel who is 5 months old (who was sleeping at the time of this photo).

They live together with Poppy’s parents’, Anwar and Puti, or Atuk and Nenek for Grandpa and Grandma, and Poppy’s brother.

This kind of scenario is common in Indonesia.  While we might call this situation an ‘extended family’ in the Western World, these guys call themselves just ‘family’. 

Taufik calls his in-laws his father, mother and brother. 

There is no word called ‘in-law’ attached.

Family is an essential focus of daily life here.

Askan is now my new best friend. He likes to play with me and practice his very good English as well.  He was really upset about me leaving, but I’m sure I’ll see him again somewhere!

Whilst family is a major focus, the greater good is also in the forefront of people’s minds.

It’s been an interesting few days since the tragic events of the Padang Earthquake in West Sumatra.

Even though people here are poor themselves, that does not stop them from giving money to street collectors raising funds for the Padang Earthquake relief effort.

These street collectors are located all over Sumatra at the moment, and people are sparing what they can to help out the effort.

They also know that Australia (and other countries) are helping out with the relief effort, and I have received many comments of appreciation that my country is helping out.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the great hospitality shown to me from everyone, and I will never forget it! 

It’s been a fascinating insight into the Indonesian way of life, and frankly, people around the world do want the same things. 

They want food, shelter, have fun, and to be with their family and friends.  

We just do these things in different ways.

There are more posts coming about Pekanbaru, so stay tuned!

Air Asia has helped me get to Indonesia to experience this fantastic trip.  Check out their website for their airfares all over the place!