Farewell Ambon, It's Been Real
The day has finally come. Today, I'm wrapping up my time in Ambon and catching a ferry to Baubau.
Looking back, these past two weeks in Ambon have been absolutely incredible. I stayed at a place called STORI HOTEL. To be completely honest, the Wi-Fi wasn't the greatest, but the staff was so welcoming and amazing that it felt like a second home.
One Last Bowl at My Favorite Local Stall
Before heading to the port, I had to stop by my absolute favorite street food stall to grab a bite. I've easily eaten here over 10 times! I ordered my usual go-to, Soto Ayam, and decided to treat myself by adding some fish on the side. As always, it hit the spot perfectly.
All Aboard the Ferry to Baubau
Arriving at the ferry terminal always gives me a little anxiety. I always find myself wondering, "Am I at the right gate? Is everything okay?" But thankfully, boarding went smoothly without any hiccups.
Once I settled in, my stomach started rumbling again. I grabbed a Pop Mie (instant noodles) from the kiosk for less than 20,000 rupiah (about $1.30 USD). Let's be real, it doesn't quite beat Japanese instant noodles, but there's something magical about eating it on a boat. Pro tip: it's definitely a good idea to stock up on snacks before boarding these ferries.
Fresh Air and Dinner on the Deck
I stepped out onto the outer deck to catch a breather. It's the ultimate hangout spot—people smoking, chatting, and just chilling out. Feeling the ocean breeze and taking in the view is exactly what I needed to refresh my mind.
Then, dinner time! Ferry bento boxes can be a hit or miss, but tonight's meal was actually pretty decent. It came with sayur (vegetables) and ayam (chicken). The seasoning was rich and flavorful, and it paired perfectly with the rice.
Bridging the Gap with the Local Language
While I was eating, a local Indonesian guy next to me patted the seat and said, "Hey, sit here." We ended up chatting for a bit.
It always amazes me how being able to speak even a little bit of Indonesian instantly bridges the gap and brings you closer to the people. Sometimes, when I'm tired or not feeling 100%, it shows on my face and I close myself off. But moments like this remind me how important it is to stay open and value these fleeting connections.
Overall, it was a really fun and fulfilling day on the move!
