The people in Bukittinggi were so friendly. Since the area had only recently opened to tourism, people have nothing to sell and are curious to talk to you and practice their English. They are very proud of their culture, the ancient matrilineal culture of Minangkabau. Because in a matrilineal culture the women own the property, Minang men have traditionally felt more nomadic and so travelled widely. They managed to spread their delicious cuisine as far away as Flores and India.