Semarang, a city etched in memory, unfolded before me once more. The August 2016 Semarang Sketch-walk, a vibrant tapestry of creative camaraderie, danced in my mind. Familiar streets, now spruced up, whispered of time's gentle march – eight years, a respectable interval.
Our first act of Semarang devotion? Dinner at PringSewu Kota Lama, a restaurant nestled within the historic Oei Tiong Ham office building. Dimas, our guide, had prefaced the experience – the true allure lay in the edifice, not necessarily the cuisine. Yet, as Google Maps' enthusiastic 4.5-star rating (over 2,000 reviews!) suggested, and our palates confirmed, PringSewu delivered a culinary experience that held its own. Sated, we strolled through the building, marvelling at Oei Tiong Ham's formidable vault, a silent guardian of past treasures. A 200-meter walk later, we reached our haven for the night – Hotel Kotta.
This grand dame, perched across from the iconic Gereja Blenduk (a cathedral I'd sketched on a previous visit – a treasure trove of old footage awaited rediscovery!), was the perfect embodiment of Semarang's historic charm. The cathedral, swathed in renovation garb, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a rejuvenated Spiegel. Check-in complete, a well-deserved reward awaited at Spiegel All Day Bar & Dining next door – a bottle of white wine and a medley of cocktails, shared amongst a group of merry souls.
A curious note – my batik masterpiece, a testament to my artistic exploits at the Pekalongan Batik Museum, had vanished. Undeterred, I set about recreating it for a YouTube episode. As Yit Peng, Clara, Catherine, and Susan savoured their white wine in the smoking section of Spiegel (the only available space, despite our non-smoking credentials!), I spied Dimas, Tony, and Yogi at the bar. Amidst convivial chatter, the idea of bringing an art group to Indonesia surfaced. Dimas, ever the resourceful one, suggested exploring Spiegel's recently renovated upper floor – a soaring event space overlooking the lively street scene below. Friday night revelry was in full swing – street karaoke, a lone clarinettist weaving his melody into the urban symphony, and a vibrant tapestry of vendors hawking their wares.
By 10 pm, lulled by the city's gentle lullaby, we retreated to the comfort of our hotel beds. Semarang, with its blend of old memories and fresh discoveries, had cast its spell once more.
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