My hometown

My hometown is Semarang, the capital city of Mid-Java. I was born and raised in Semarang until I graduated from high school and continue my college in UKSW Salatiga. Semarang is located on the northern shore of Middle Java. From Salatiga, travel to Semarang took roughly 90 minute by motorcycle and 120 minute by car or public transport. Semarang is quite a wonder, the city has many places to go. Places or location to visit in Semarang are always crowded by tourist be it local or from outside the city. The city itself (it is a capital city after all) is the center of trading and economy since the colonial era.

Semarang has preserved, although some started to be abandoned and weathered old buildings still be the marvel of this city, buildings that were from the Dutch colonization era.  Lawang Sewu is the most famous tourist destination in this city. Tourist from inside or outside the city and even from another country came visit Lawang Sewu to see its beauty and takes picture of it. Beside Lawang Sewu another “The Good Ol’ Semarang” could be seen at Kota Tua (Old Town). Kota Tua located in the north of Lawang Sewu, 15 minute travel from Lawang Sewu. Old City offer various photographic spot and Klithikan market in which you can buy nostalgic trinkets, antique and old odds and ends.

Shopaholic from outside Semarang hunts new items (fashion, sports, computer, and gadgets) in this city. One of Mid-Java’s biggest mall is in this city.  Paragon mall is “A must visit” shopping center because it’s big and offer many items which of course comes with quite high price. Other than Paragon mall this city have Ciputra, and Matahari mall which offer as much as shopping needs you could get on your list (be advised wallet might cry for help). Other modern tourist destination is Marina Beach, Rainbow Village, and Simpang Lima square. Many more destination to go with your family or your friends, even your significant others (for special occasion).

However, of all my lifetime live in Semarang besides all its marvel and wonders, there are problematic that as other capital city ever had faced. Semarang is a large city, to travel from your house to workplace or school took hours. Therefore, semarangese are always rushed and often cause mess on the traffic. Moreover, Semarang located by the shore but the people seems to hate trees (the falling leaves is troublesome) therefore the city’s carbon rate has no balancer factor. Thanks to government who seems to realize that they need air instead of blink-blink street light and messy power lines. After all, Semarang just a capital city of Middle Java with all its wonder and its glory that withstand the trial of times since colonial era. This “big ol’ city is advancing trough the future with its people and will not stop even if apocalypse fall down to it. However, troubles seems be this city’s old friend besides its gorgeousness, Semarang also has dark stories behind it just like all of us.