Disconnected from WiFi, but Also from Reality?
August 26th kicked off with my usual breakfast routine: a warm bowl of Sarumento (egg noodles) at my go-to street stall. The local staff was incredibly kind, as always. But as I was eating, I suddenly caught myself—my attitude toward them this morning was actually pretty cold.
Lately, I've been making it a rule to turn off my WiFi when I head out nearby, just to disconnect from the endless internet noise. But I realized that doing so put me a little too deep into my own bubble. Combine that with my groggy, barely-awake energy, and I was completely prioritizing my own mood over basic friendliness. Big yikes.
It was a serious wake-up call to check my attitude. I never want to take their hospitality for granted, especially when I'm just tired.
A 4km Hike to Ambon's Warrior Queen
After hitting a nearby cafe and getting some steps in, I felt the urge to explore a completely new area.
I set my sights on a spot about 4km northeast, venturing way past the chaotic Pasar Ikan (Fish Market) and climbing up into the hills.
My destination? The massive monument of Martha Christina Tiahahu. She's a national heroine of Indonesia who fiercely fought against the Dutch colonial government during the Pattimura rebellion.
The statue is incredibly striking—she stands tall, gripping a spear, with her fierce gaze locked onto the ocean as if she's ready to fend off any enemies approaching from the sea. Standing beneath it, you can really feel the raw power and the weight of the island's history.
Three Meals, One Street Stall
I grabbed a quick coffee on my walk back and eventually headed out for lunch.
Guess where? Yep, the exact same street stall from the morning! (Laughs)
I ordered Nasi Ikan (rice and fish), and it hit the spot perfectly.
After spending a productive afternoon working in my hotel room, nighttime rolled around and my stomach started rumbling again.
And you guessed it—I went straight back to the same stall before they closed at 10 PM. I initially thought about switching it up with some Ayam (chicken), but I ended up doubling down on the Ikan again for dinner.
Eating at the exact same spot three times in one day might sound a bit crazy, but when the food is this good and the people are this welcoming, why go anywhere else? Plus, it gave me a chance to make up for my grumpy morning with some proper smiles!
