A Farewell and a New Chapter
September 13th, Makassar. This day marked a distinct turning point in my journey. A friend was arriving to join me on the road, prompting a move from my current lodgings to a new hotel. Though I felt a lingering sense of reluctance to leave the previous hotel—a place that had offered unexpected comfort—I made a quiet promise to return to those familiar halls should my travels ever bring me back to Makassar.
A Late Afternoon Taste of Local Life
It was already past 3:00 PM when I finally sat down for a midday meal. The plate before me was a vibrant tapestry of local staples: tender shrimp, a boiled egg, and a serving of vegetables locally known as sayur. All of this was accompanied by nasi kuning, a fragrant, yellow-tinted rice. Even with such a generous spread, the total came to a mere 20,000 Rupiah (about $1.30 USD).
With my hunger sated, I hailed a Grab car. A 45-minute drive through the city's arteries brought me to the airport, where I successfully reunited with my friend. Together, we plunged back into the urban heartbeat of Makassar.
Culinary Discoveries: The Depths of Sup Kikil
Returning to the city center, we were greeted by an uncharted culinary experience: Sup Kikil. It was my first time tasting this traditional beef tendon soup. Served steaming hot alongside a portion of white rice (nasi), the rich, savory depth of the beef broth was nothing short of a revelation, warming the body and reviving the spirit. This unforgettable bowl cost around 30,000 Rupiah (about $1.95 USD).
Later, as we strolled along the coastline, we indulged in Bakso Keju (meatballs filled with cheese), fully embracing the robust flavors of the Makassar night.
Strolling the Reclaimed Coastline
Walking aimlessly along the reclaimed coastal area, the evening took a surreal turn. Right there on the pavement, we encountered a snake and an iguana. Even in a tropical nation, stumbling upon such creatures in the middle of a bustling Makassar street felt decidedly out of place. We soon learned that the iguana had been brought all the way from Colombia.
It was a poignant reminder of a simple truth: stepping outside guarantees drama. The world beyond closed doors is perpetually shifting, offering serendipitous encounters and quiet spectacles to those willing to simply walk and observe.
Prelude to Toraja
As the night drew to a close, we caught glimpses of an enigmatic local festival unfolding in the streets. Absorbing the mysterious energy of the crowd, we finally called an end to the day's explorations.
Tomorrow at 8:00 PM, we will depart for our next major destination: the mountainous region of Toraja. Until then, we will use our remaining hours to prepare and continue wandering the streets of Makassar. With the anticipation of the highlands calling to us, the coastal city slowly faded into the night.
