What about sending another letter?

Nangroe Aceh Darussalam, is province located at the northern end of Sumatera, the western island in Indonesia. Banda Aceh, the capital city, is Indonesia-typical-city where you will see people littering everywhere, middle age woman walk across the traffic light fearlessly like it's a 'car free day', and unbearable sunlight.

I went to Aceh two years ago. I, formerly freelance writer, was assigned to do an article about marriage between foreigners and local, after tsunami in 2004. I was 'warned' by my colleagues that this city was ‘endanger’ because religion and security was major issues. I do worry about that. But I know, the show must go on.

The fear I carried from home was suddenly swiped away once I reached Aceh. Me and friend was kindly welcome at a hotel. Aside from the fact that people really put attention for unmarried young couple (they considered me and my photographer, man, as couple) who were together, the receptionist welcomed us well. Even the local driver was really kind.

At the afternoon, we visited Masjid Baiturrahman. My friend had to do his afternoon pray. I had prepared small scarf I wore to cover my hair (to respect woman). I waited outside. Seeing a young mom and her son took a photo, I offered my help. Then she talked like we were old friend.

The attempt to finish my article started at our visit to Sabang, 3 hours from Banda Aceh. We stopped at a Iboih Beach. Blue water, white sand, coconut tree, were everywhere. Then I knew, this place were going to do me well.

A day after, we finally met the couple. They are Nola (French) and Yoyo (Aceh). Later that day, they told us the story before they tied the knot at 2009.

Their first met happened at 2002. Who knows, first met change their whole life. Both were fall in love. Unfortunately, in the middle of the very long distance relationship, tsunami was happened. Nola almost believe that her love is over.

The feeling she had towards Yoyo brought her back to Aceh in 2006. After several visit, they decide to get married at 2009. The day I met Nola, she was 8 months pregnant and actively taught English for children, while Yoyo, the fisherman, was a tour guide. The article was finished by the deadline. From Facebook, I saw that Nola's daughter is now almost 3 years old and grow so pretty.

Reminiscing their story, I believe that journey to every place will always memorable. To experience it means to keep it. To keep it means to write it. So, now I am ready to write another one.