Morning Greetings
February 3rd, Malang. As I sat in my usual spot after waking up, Anan immediately called out, “Good morning!” Having someone greet me at the start of the day filled me with warmth.
Soon after, I was offered a mysterious green dessert. It was surprisingly tasty, though its jelly-like appearance made me hesitate at first.
I thought I might spend the whole day quietly at Adi’s house, avoiding the cafés. But after a few hours, I changed my mind. “I should at least say goodbye to the usual staff at Tomoro Café,” I thought.
Encounters on the Way
On the way there, I stopped by a food stall for lunch. The young woman running the stall was strikingly beautiful—one of those encounters that makes me think I could easily stay in Indonesia much longer. Still, I didn’t have the courage to ask for a photo with her. Instead, I ate the Soto Ayam I had ordered and continued on to Tomoro Café.
Even before I stepped inside, the barista greeted me with a cheerful smile. I stayed for about an hour, then went upstairs to tell him one last thing: “See you again.” It felt good to leave with a simple farewell.
Discovering Nasi Rowan
On my way home, I passed by the same stall again and saw “Nasi Rowan” written on the signboard. Curious, I ordered it. When the dish arrived, I realized it was like Soto Ayam but made with beef instead of chicken.
It was delicious—so good that I knew I’d order it again if I ever saw Nasi Rowan elsewhere. This simple discovery felt like a gift from the journey.
A Missed Photo, A Lesson Learned
Before leaving, I finally asked the young woman at the stall if I could take a photo. She agreed with a smile. But then, because of the language barrier, she thought I wanted a picture of myself in front of the stall. She kindly took one, but I hadn’t been able to say, “I want to take a photo with you.”
It was a small moment that reminded me I still have much to learn in expressing myself.
Evenings of Hospitality
Back at the house, Anan quickly brewed me a cup of coffee. Later, Adi prepared dinner for everyone.
Their constant hospitality touched me deeply. These everyday gestures of kindness—greetings in the morning, meals prepared with care, a simple cup of coffee—taught me more than I expected. From people, there is always so much to learn.
