Morning Farewell in Tasik
On January 12, I woke up in a Warmshowers host’s house in Tasik. I had been given a private room and the freedom to use it comfortably. Their dog had barked loudly during the night, and I felt a little uneasy meeting it again in the morning, but all was fine.
Despite having a headache since yesterday, my host welcomed me into their home. That small act of kindness gave me the rest I needed. I said goodbye with gratitude before setting out toward Kebumen.
The weather was gentle again today. As I rode, I realized something: while I hadn’t noticed it much in Jakarta, traveling across Indonesia made me see how truly abundant in nature this country is.
Roads, Cafés, and Everyday Surprises
I had only about 100,000 rupiah left—less than 1,000 yen. So I stopped by a bank to withdraw cash. The town was full of cafés, many with affordable prices. Jumbo, a chain I saw often, sold drinks for as little as 2,500 rupiah—about 24 yen.
Not only cafés but also convenience stores offered unexpected delights. One sparkling tea in particular was so refreshing that I can honestly recommend it to anyone visiting Indonesia.
Suddenly, heavy rain poured down. But in Southeast Asia, shelters are everywhere—small roofs and covered spots make sudden downpours easier to manage. When the rain stopped, I continued on.
Hungry, I ordered my usual Bakso. This meatball soup has become one of my favorites, and every roadside stall serves it in its own delicious way. But soon after eating, the real challenge began: endless steep climbs and descents. I had to push my bicycle up and ride carefully down, repeating the cycle again and again.
Even so, moments of encouragement came. People along the road smiled, waved, and even took photos of me cycling. These gestures lifted my spirits more than they could ever know.
Finding Shelter in Kebumen
As the day ended, I began searching for a place to camp. A young man pointed me to a suitable spot and even showed me where I could find a toilet and shower. To me, it looked like only a toilet, but he explained that this was the standard style here—both toilet and shower in one.
After rinsing off the sweat of the day, I stepped outside and was greeted by an older man with a warm smile. He invited me to sit down, and to my surprise, a meal had already been prepared.
We talked about many things—where I had come from, why I was traveling, what I had seen along the way. Sharing stories while enjoying his hospitality made for a perfect evening.
In the end, he welcomed me into his home for the night. His family’s warmth, the comfort of their home, and the simple act of kindness turned a long, rainy day into one I will remember with gratitude.
Carrying Gratitude Forward
From Tasik to Kebumen, the road had been filled with rain, sweat, and steep hills. Yet it was the people—their smiles, their gestures, their generosity—that defined the day. Once again, I fell asleep with gratitude, reminded that hospitality is everywhere, waiting to be discovered.
