Sumatra Tour Guide’s Journey with the Bron Family from Switzerland
When I received the assignment to accompany the Bron family from Switzerland on their journey through North Sumatra, I knew that my responsibility as a Sumatra Tour Guide would be more than taking them from one destination to another. The family consisted of a mother and her two sons. Their journey followed a program that covered Medan, Tangkahan, Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Samosir Island on Lake Toba. Each destination offered something different. There were opportunities to explore the jungle, learn about local life, discover the landscapes of North Sumatra, and experience the culture of the Batak people. But what made this journey memorable for me was not only the places we visited. It was the way I learned to communicate with them and understand what they wanted from their trip. The Bron family did not use English very often. Sometimes, I needed to repeat my explanations or find simpler words to help them understand what I was saying. So, I tried to speak more slowly...