A Gentle Start to the Day
I woke up in Banyuwangi to the kindness of the family who had welcomed me. The father handed me a cup of coffee—lightly sweetened, just the way I had long missed. It felt grounding to sip something simple yet comforting at the start of the day.
Almost immediately, his son placed a pale blue boiled egg in front of me. The white was slightly thicker than what I was used to in Japan, with a stronger touch of salt. At first bite, I wondered if I would enjoy it, but as I kept eating, it grew on me. Sometimes, flavors that feel unfamiliar at first become surprisingly addictive.
A Thoughtful Invitation
Not long after, the son invited me to breakfast. To my surprise, the dish was Nasi Rawon. The day before, he had asked me what my favorite Indonesian food was, and I had said without hesitation, “Rawon is the best.” He remembered—and made sure I could enjoy it. That small act of thoughtfulness left me deeply moved.
The taste was everything I had hoped for. Rich, dark, and deeply satisfying. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about being heard and cared for in such a personal way.
Quiet Moments Before Departure
After breakfast, I returned to the place where I had slept the night before. There, a cat was comfortably curled up on the mattress, enjoying its softness. Watching it, I smiled—I understood exactly why it had chosen that spot.
Soon, it was time to leave. The whole family gathered together for photos, making the moment feel complete. I promised them, “I’ll come back again someday.” With gratitude in my heart, I set off.
A Simple Hotel Stay
After just ten minutes of cycling, I arrived at a hotel. It had been a long time since I last stayed in one—since Sragen. This time, I planned to remain in Banyuwangi until February 15, so I chose a nearby place.
The cost was less than 500 yen per night, surprisingly affordable. As I settled in, I noticed the small details: the ceiling light above the bed, little touches of creativity in the room. These things reminded me that even modest places hold their own kind of charm.
I decided to take it slow for the rest of the day, enjoying the stillness after so many hours on the road.
