Man, what a day! I swear, Rantepao is wild. I woke up early, like, way too early. The sun was barely up, and I was already thinking about fishin’. Grabbed my gear and headed out. The streets were still quiet, just me and the roosters. You know how it is, right?
So, I’m walkin’ down Jalan Poros, and I’m feelin’ good. The air’s fresh, and the smell of the market is kickin’ in. I love that smell, man. Fresh fish, spices, and a hint of something... not so fresh. But whatever, I’m a fisherman, I can handle it.
I get to the river, and it’s packed. Like, seriously? Who knew Rantepao had so many fishers? I thought I’d have the place to myself. But nah, there’s this dude, right? He’s got a fancy rod, like he’s in a competition or somethin’. I’m just here with my old trusty pole.
I cast my line, and boom! First catch of the day. A nice little tilapia. I’m feelin’ like a champ. But then, outta nowhere, this kid runs by, trips, and splashes water all over me. I’m soaked! I’m like, “Dude, watch where you’re going!” But he just laughs and runs off. Kids, man.
After that, I’m tryin’ to get back in the zone. But then, I see this old lady on Jalan Sisingamangaraja. She’s tryin’ to sell some weird fruit. I think it’s called durian? Smells like rotten onions. I’m like, “No thanks, I’ll stick to fish.” But she’s persistent. “You try, you like!” she says. I just shake my head and keep walkin’.
Finally, I catch a few more fish. I’m feelin’ good again. But then, I hear this loud noise. Turns out, it’s a parade! In the middle of the street! I’m like, “What the heck is goin’ on?” Turns out, it’s some kinda cultural festival. People are dressed up, dancing, and there’s food everywhere. I’m drooling, man.
I decide to take a break from fishin’ and check it out. I grab some sate and it’s fire! I’m munchin’ away, and this guy next to me starts talkin’. He’s from Jakarta, and he’s never been to Rantepao before. I’m like, “Dude, you picked a crazy day to visit!” We laugh, and I tell him about the best spots to fish.
But then, I get a call. It’s my buddy, and he’s like, “Yo, you gotta come to the market!” I’m thinkin’, “What now?” So I rush over to the market on Jalan Lintas. Turns out, there’s a fish auction goin’ on. I’ve never seen anything like it! People are shoutin’, waving their hands, and I’m just standin’ there, wide-eyed.
I get caught up in the excitement and end up bidding on a giant snapper. I didn’t even mean to! But hey, it’s a good fish, so why not? I win it, and now I’m the proud owner of a snapper bigger than my head.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I head back home, my catch in hand, and I can’t help but smile. Rantepao, man. It’s got its quirks, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So yeah, that was my day. Full of fish, laughter, and a bit of chaos. Just another day in Rantepao, I guess!