Dua Sisi Wajah Margorejo Surabaya

@samoth_sby Hello everyone, nice to meet you again. Hello everyone, how are you? It's not just about being fresh, sane, and having good fortune. When we talk about Margorejo Village, it feels like seeing the complete package of Surabaya in one area. From super-busy main roads to quiet alleys, it's all here. Margorejo is perfectly located, directly adjacent to Jalan Ahmad Yani. If you're coming from Sidoarjo and heading into downtown Surabaya, you'll inevitably pass through this area. Along the main road, you're greeted by modern sights: Jatim Expo: A place that's usually busy when there are computer exhibitions, book shows, or music concerts. Maspion Square: A mall that locals rely on for monthly shopping or just to grab a bite to eat with the family. Who doesn't know Plaza Marina? Although administratively very close and often considered part of this area, Marina is the main attraction. People from West or East Surabaya are willing to travel all the way here if they want to find a new cell phone or get their laptop serviced. This keeps Margorejo's economy thriving. For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, Margorejo has two sides: The Village Side: As soon as you enter the residential area, the atmosphere transforms into a distinctly Surabaya atmosphere—friendly, with numerous coffee shops on street corners, and affordable food due to its proximity to office areas and campuses. The Luxurious Side: In the Margorejo Indah area, the roads are wide and lined with large trees. The atmosphere is calm and cool, perfect for those who like to take videos or aesthetic photos in the afternoon. Due to its strategic location in Wonocolo District, Margorejo is a gathering place for many groups: Office Workers: Numerous government and private offices line the main road. Students: Close to several major campuses, so don't be surprised to find many student-friendly boarding houses and restaurants here. Margorejo is like a "bridge." It connects the bustle of Surabaya's main streets with the tranquility of the residential areas. On the one hand, it looks very modern with its exhibition halls and malls, but on the other, it retains Surabaya's vibrant identity, full of stories hidden within its alleys. This area is perfect for storytelling, as every corner—from the sidewalk in front of the Jatim Expo to the food stalls in the alleys—has a life of its own. We continue our journey. Beneath the shade of a large tree, there's a corner that seems to force time to slow down. Here, on the edge of the Sruni Village railway tracks, the noise of exhaust pipes on the highway is suddenly drowned out by the roar of a passing train engine, cutting through the silence. This is a small snippet of a story from the courtyard of Bang Edi Habibi's simple food stall. This time, our journey brings us to a stop right in front of a white cart filled with colorful glass bottles. From syrup-red to milky white to the jet-black sticky rice tape (rice tape). This food stall isn't just a place to quench your thirst; it's the front stage of a daily show: the train passing just a few meters from our dining table. As the siren at the gate began to sound, a subtle vibration spread from the ground to the long wooden chairs where we sat. Then, in a matter of seconds, a giant iron snake swept past, leaving a strong wind that swayed the strings of coffee sachets on the ceiling of the shop. The experience of eating chicken noodles here isn't just about the taste, but also about the atmosphere that can't be found in any mall. Looking to the side of the road, a sign reads "Jl. Pisang RT 02 RW 01 Desa Sruni." Across from it, Toko Sabar Jaya 3 stands tall with its mini gas pump, witnessing the hustle and bustle of residents busy with their own affairs. But under the galvalum roof of Bang Edi's shop, everything feels more relaxed. The menu is very down-to-earth: Chicken Noodles & Fried Noodles, with their steamy flavors tempting the palate. Iced Black Sticky Rice Tape, a sweet and sour treat to soothe the throat in the sweltering heat. Soda Gembira, a simple luxury for anyone looking to celebrate the day with a refreshing treat. There's beauty in the irregularity of this place. Ancient trees, their massive trunks poking through the roof of the shop, provide natural oxygen amidst the smoke from vehicles. A small white washbasin in the corner of the railing is a unique detail, reminding us that even in the most humble of places, the comfort of our guests is taken care of. Sitting here, gazing out at the endless railings, we're reminded that life goes on like a train. It won't wait for anyone left behind, but it always gives us the opportunity to stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy a bowl of chicken noodles before continuing our journey.