Medan, Part 2 - Franciscan Retreat House

Saturday, July 20, 2013
It was almost an hour plus of drive from the Paten to the retreat house. Driving through palm estate and narrow road which only allows two small cars to pass is an old Franciscan Retreat House. Driving through the estate, it can be observed that the Indonesians are courteous to take their turn and would move to sidelines to let larger passing vehicle pass quite unlike the Malaysians back home, where each wants to go ahead of each other.

According to the tour leader, the retreat house is undergoing renovation and upgrading works. The current retreat house is so unlike the old time when he was there last; previously the place was quite run down. A part from the renovation debris, the place was quite unexpected pretty and peaceful. There was so much greenery and the fresh air (though the haze problem is alarming back in Malaysia where the haze was from Indonesia itself - even my colleague warn me not to get burned from the forest fire. Cis!) . . .  at the retreat house after going through the long long way of estate road. (Sounded a little like the Snow White where she traveled way way into the dark forest.)

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

As it was almost 2pm, way past our (most of us) lunch hour . . . I am starving though it is yet to be my usual lunch hour at times. I am already asking for biscuits from my sister as she is particular with her meal and timing for food - such a savior! Guess that is why, everyone was 'fighting' for the food samples at Paten earlier on.

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Upon arrival, we were lead to the ‘canteen’ for lunch. Food was almost all gone by the time I went into the 'canteen' after snapping the scenery - they were REALLY hungry. We had a simple buffet style lunch of white rice with stir-fry vegetables, sweet and sour fish, fried chicken, sambal tempe, acar (vinegered sliced vegetables); desserts of cut watermelon and bananas.

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

More pictures after the meal to help in digestions. While the pilgrimage group went to the chapel for meditation and prayers, we went around for photoshoot.

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House

Medan Franciscan Retreat House


Franciscan Retreat House, Part II


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