This picturesque valley is a realitively difficult place to get to. The city of Bukittinggi has a terrific market and some interesting swept wing type roofs on the houses.  Although Moslem, the culture here is matralineal with the women in control of property and inheritance.  Typically a family of mostly women of several generation live in a house like this.  Men are invited in but can be asked to leave at anytime.  Children of the family may have different fathers from a single mother.