A Sweltering Deck and Unexpected Kindness
September 7. I woke up to a clear sky, taking in the view from my hotel window. Just the day before, I had been enduring a gruelling journey on the ferry deck. Unable to secure a cabin, I spent the night in an enclosed deck area where the stagnant air made it feel three to four degrees Celsius hotter than outside. It was a sweltering, hellish environment, and my only solace was looking out at the passing scenery in search of a slight breeze.
When lunchtime arrived, exhaustion had completely drained my energy, making the thought of lining up for a meal unbearable. Sensing my fatigue, a fellow passenger who introduced himself as Murdianto approached me. He kindly offered to take my ticket and retrieve my meal. His selfless act, extending such warmth to a complete stranger, was deeply comforting. It is often in such harsh conditions that the kindness of others leaves the most lasting impression on a journey.
Unraveling History at the Museum of Makassar
Eager to understand the new city I had arrived in, my first stop in Makassar was the Museum of Makassar. To truly know a place, one must delve into its history. Despite the language barrier, I walked through the exhibits, attempting to absorb as much of the local culture as possible.
The ground floor displayed cannons and stone monuments that chronicled Makassar's history of warfare and its royal heritage.
There were also exhibitions of traditional clothing, showcasing the cultural diversity not only of Makassar but of the entire Sulawesi island.
Within the museum grounds, I explored the remnants of Fort Rotterdam, a historical site where I had the chance to interact with local students. The fort's expansive grounds took about ten minutes to walk around, offering a quiet reflection of the city's past.
Coastal Strolls and a Remarkable Ramen Experience
After leaving the museum, I took a break at a local cafe.
There, I struck up a conversation with the owner, who happened to be from Labuan Bajo. Receiving advice about Flores Island—my next destination—I felt a sense of connection in this unfamiliar land.
Later, I strolled along Makassar's coastline and reclaimed land areas. The scenery was intriguing, featuring a globe monument reminiscent of those found in Japan, and displays of the traditional pinisi ships, highlighting the city's deep maritime roots.
For lunch, I ordered a seafood nasi goreng by the sea. Although slightly pricey at 50,000 rupiah (about $3.30 USD), it was a delicious dish packed with the rich flavors of the ocean.
As night fell, I returned to the same ramen shop I had visited the previous day.
This time, I ordered the "Ninja Ramen." Warned that it was their spiciest option, the heat was far beyond my expectations, preventing me from finishing the broth.
Nevertheless, the flavor was excellent, and the price—around 20,000 to 30,000 rupiah (about $1.30 to $2.00 USD)—was astonishingly low for ramen outside of Japan. Tomorrow, I plan to continue my exploration, seeking out more hidden museums and sights in this vibrant city.
