A Morning Promise in Makassar
On September 14th, the day began at 8:30 AM with breakfast at the hotel. Despite costing merely around $1.00 USD (approximately 150 yen), the buffet offered an impressively rich variety of highly satisfying dishes.
After completing this morning ritual, I headed to "Nois Cafe". I had visited this establishment a week prior and made a promise to the owner that I would return. Sipping a cold iced Americano, I took a moment of quiet preparation for the long day ahead. Keeping small promises on the road transforms fleeting encounters into genuine connections.
Traditional Houses and Local Flavors at Somba Opu
Later, I joined some Japanese friends to explore an area known as Somba Opu. Historically a fortified settlement, the site is now framed by "Rumah Adat"—traditional indigenous houses—standing proudly on either side of the road, offering a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage.
As we walked toward our destination, we were warmly greeted by local residents we had met the previous week. They graciously offered us "Tela-tela," a comforting local snack made of crispy fried sweet potatoes.
Following this, we were introduced to "Ballo," a traditional palm wine native to South Sulawesi. Although the locals warned me that it might make me dizzy, I found it surprisingly smooth. Compared to the potent "Tuak" I had tasted previously during a grueling journey to Palu, this Makassar variation was distinctively sweeter and far more palatable. It serves as a reminder that the character of a region is often distilled perfectly into its local spirits.
The Soulful Broth of Sop Saudara
After a brief stroll and some shopping, we sought out a local eatery serving "Sop Saudara," a renowned traditional beef soup. The broth was rich and incredibly flavorful. The soup alone cost roughly 20,000 Rupiah (about $1.30 USD), and even with rice and a beverage included, the total came to just 40,000 Rupiah (around $2.60 USD). The aroma of the spices was irresistible, offering profound comfort to a weary traveler.
A Sleeper Bus to the Highlands
The evening approached, and I returned to Nois Cafe to retrieve my stored luggage. By 8:30 PM, it was time to board the night bus bound for Tana Toraja.
Unlike my previous agonizing 30-hour bus ride from Palu to Manado, where I was practically immobilized in a standard seat, tonight's transport was a luxurious sleeper bus equipped with fully reclining beds.
Tomorrow morning, I will awaken in Toraja. Lying in the comfort of my moving bed, I let the anticipation of the highlands take over. The road ahead always promises a new narrative.
