Morning at Mount Merapi
January 26th, at the campsite near Mount Merapi. Around 5 a.m., the surroundings grew noisy, and I woke up to a stunning view. The morning landscape was beyond words, and even from a distance, I could see signs of volcanic activity.
I met again the young men who had kindly shared their dinner with me the night before. We took a photo together to remember the moment. They told me that on weekends, they often travel across Indonesia by motorbike. Hearing that made me feel a sense of connection—we were all travelers in our own way.
As they packed up, one of them shouted, “We’re heading off now!” We promised each other that if I ever return to Indonesia, we would go on a trip together again. With that, I too started to prepare for departure.
The Road Downhill
I looked forward to the freedom of descending after yesterday’s steep climb. But the road conditions were poor, and the slopes were too sharp. Instead of speeding down, I had to hold my brakes and move slowly.
That is one of cycling’s contrasts: the exhausting uphill struggle, followed by the pure release of going down. Today, though, I could not fully enjoy that release. Still, the ride carried its own charm.
About halfway, I spotted starfruit trees. Discovering unfamiliar fruits and plants always lifts my spirits. An older woman nearby smiled and said, “Go ahead, you can eat these.” She even pointed out the way forward. Such gestures of kindness always make me grateful.
Encounters Along the Way
Continuing on, I came across a mural on a roadside wall. Its style was unlike anything I had seen before, and I paused to take it in.
Later, I stopped for Bakso, the classic Indonesian meatball soup. It gave me the energy I needed for the final 10 kilometers. On the outskirts of Sragen, I met a fellow cyclist. We exchanged greetings and shared a short ride before parting ways.
By the time I reached my destination, I was ready for a rest. Before dinner, I joined a family for a light snack. We sat on mats laid out on the ground and ate together in a simple, down-to-earth style. Their warm hospitality touched me deeply.
Evening in Sragen
Finally, I arrived at my accommodation. I noticed once again how many Indonesians wear Manchester United or Chelsea jerseys. Football is everywhere here.
For dinner, I had rice with mushrooms at a nearby stall. As I ate, a young man sitting next to me started a conversation. Before I knew it, he offered me a slice of cake. The colors looked artificial, but the sweetness was real, and I enjoyed every bite.
Then he said, “If you’re still in Sragen tomorrow, I’ll take you to a great place by motorbike.” With an offer like that, it was impossible not to stay another day.
