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September 13, 2019: Walter and I were invited by our Brazilian friend, Francielle, to go eat at a Korean restaurant downtown. However, it wasn't in our plans to visit Lawang Sewu at that time. So here's how it went.
We met around 6:30 pm at the Starbucks Cafe at Paragon Mall. It is a good-looking mall by the way. And there, we agreed to take a walk to the Korean restaurant that she endorsed to us. Although, it was pretty much a very long walk and we almost got lost! Good thing we had our google maps ready!
While we were walking along the sidewalk, we passed by a fancy-looking building that stood in front of us. They call it Lawang Sewu or a place with a Thousand Doors. Actually, Walter and Rika went here last time when I decided to stay at home before. But now, I get to see Lawang Sewu up close! I asked Walter and Frans if we could see what's inside and they automatically agreed to my request. At the cashier, we paid Rp10,000 only and the sight-seeing tour officially began.
I'm not sure if the place literally has a thousand doors but it sure has a lot! Upon entering and roaming around the place, we've read some articles about it. According to its rich history, the building was formerly built by the Dutch as a Railway Company during the 1940's and it is famous for being haunted since a lot of executions were done in the basement of this building. Well, good thing that nothing bad, strange or scary happened to us when we looked around! Stories from locals also mentioned ghost possessions and paranormal events that took place in this building most especially when the second floor was still functional a few years back. At that time, the government decided to totally close the building and disallowed government employees to work there anymore due to the unusual happenings.
After the sight-seeing, the three of us exited the place and began our 15-minute walk to the Korean restaurant. When I looked at my friends' faces, I can see that they were already hungry. It was the same for me too! But after a while, we finally arrived at the restaurant. It's called Seoul Palace.
We ordered Bibimbap and California Spring Rolls. Overall, I would recommend this place because of the staff's friendliness and the food is really delicious! But our night didn't end yet with eating dinner only. We also wrote short messages with notepads, took group photos and wore traditional Korean costumes! The staff said that the costume is called Hanbok.
This night is memorable for me because we've made strong bonds with each other. I will never forget how funny Frans was, or how good Walter was in taking pictures! Haha. One thing is for sure, people/places may change but memories will stay with you forever. That's all. Terima Kasih!
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