Morning by the Lake
January 29th, near the lake. Yesterday’s rain had left me a little uneasy, but this morning greeted me with a breathtaking sunrise. The light spread gently over the water, and I felt refreshed. For me, the magic of camping always reveals itself in the early morning.
I washed my face and prepared for another day of cycling. For breakfast, I returned to the same food stall as yesterday. Once again, the owner simply asked, “Eat?” and without waiting for details, he began cooking.
As I walked around the stall, I noticed monkeys nearby. I learned that their “job” was to knock coconuts down from the tall trees. I remembered seeing the same in Thailand—it struck me how some customs cross borders.
Before leaving, the people from the food stall gathered and asked, “Let’s take a photo together!” We posed with big smiles before I finally got back on the road.
Surprising Encounters
Along the way, I witnessed something for the first time: a dam being opened. The force of the water thundered like an earthquake, a sound that filled me with awe and a little fear.
Later, I saw a truck carrying an unbelievable amount of cargo. I wondered how it could even move with so much weight.
Not long after, I stopped for a rest and noticed the same truck parked nearby. The drivers waved me over and insisted I join them for a meal. As we ate together, they explained that their company transports wedding supplies. They laughed and said, “If you have a wedding, call us!” Though I have no such plans, I appreciated the humor.
When we took a group photo, they pointed to one friend, joking that he always hides like a ghost in pictures. Laughter filled the air. I thanked them sincerely. Moments like these remind me how warm strangers can be.
Afternoon Roads
The sky was clear, and I thought the day would remain calm. But after just an hour, the weather shifted. This is Indonesia’s rainy season after all. I managed to avoid the heaviest rain and reached the bridge that led to my hotel. Crossing it felt like a small victory.
I dropped off my luggage and wandered around the area. That’s when I spotted something unique—a “Pokémon car,” colorfully decorated from top to bottom. People here really do love decorating their vehicles.
Evening Kindness
For dinner, I went to a small stall and ordered duck. But along with it came many other side dishes. Surprised, I said, “I can’t pay for all of this.” The vendor smiled and replied, “It’s free—we want you to keep going strong on your journey.”
I felt embarrassed for misunderstanding. Their kindness humbled me.
Travel teaches me to be careful, though: it’s always important to confirm what you order and the price. Sometimes dishes cost more than expected, depending on the region. But more often, kindness outweighs everything.
That night, with a full stomach and a grateful heart, I rested knowing that the day had given me both challenges and gifts.
