Saying Yes to the Unexpected
February 7th, Pronojiwo. That morning, Chandra asked me, “I need to meet a friend. Want to come along?” Traveling has taught me one thing: when I say yes, new doors open. So I agreed.
We rode his motorbike for about twenty minutes and arrived in a small town surrounded by mountains. While Chandra met his friend, I had some time to wander. The streets were quiet, lined with small shops—even a bicycle repair place stood tucked between them.
Feeling a little hungry, I bought some snacks. As I stood there, a group of schoolgirls suddenly appeared, curious and smiling. Foreigners rarely visit this area, so my presence drew attention. We laughed and tried to talk, and though words failed us sometimes, Google Translate bridged the gap. Their friendliness reminded me again how welcoming people are in this country.
Sweet Discoveries
When Chandra’s meeting ended, he suggested, “Let’s stop for my favorite ice cream.” I didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t just ice cream—it came with fruit, jelly, and even bread with a unique flavor. Sweet, cold, refreshing. Every corner of Indonesia seems to hide new tastes I have never known.
Back at home, it was time for a promise I had made earlier: helping to clean the koi pond. The koi, I was told, had been imported from Japan. I knew how valuable koi could be, so I worked carefully, scrubbing the stones while trying not to disturb the fish. A simple task, yet it made me feel part of the household.
Dressing in Tradition
As the sun set, Chandra mentioned, “Tonight, we’ll join a free dinner.” I wasn’t sure what he meant. Soon, I found myself being handed traditional clothing. Slipping it on, I looked in the mirror and thought, This suits me better than anything I’ve worn before. Maybe I was meant to be here.
We walked to the gathering, and I realized it was a Friday evening Islamic ceremony. People prayed together, their voices calm and steady. For about forty minutes, I sat among them, legs folded, until numbness crept in. By the end, I was relieved yet grateful—this was not something a traveler could casually experience.
Ending with Nasi Rawon
After the prayers, light snacks were served—cassava-based treats that melted in the mouth. Finally, a bowl of Nasi Rawon, a rich beef soup, arrived. Sharing this meal with the community brought the day to a close.
It had been a day of surprises: students full of curiosity, a new dessert, koi fish from Japan, traditional clothes, and a night of prayer. Saying yes had once again given me a day filled with warmth and gratitude.
