Morning in Pronojiwo
February 5th, Pronojiwo. I woke up around 8 a.m., a little later than usual. By then, Chandra had already gone to work, but he had kindly prepared breakfast for me before leaving. His quiet thoughtfulness made me start the day with gratitude.
After finishing the meal, I packed lightly and set off for two waterfalls I had planned to visit on foot. As I walked along the small road, I suddenly heard someone calling, “Hey!” Turning around, I saw Chandra, smiling, holding a bowl of soto ayam in his hand. “We’ll eat this together when you come back,” he said warmly. With that promise, I continued on my way.
Kapas Biru Waterfall
My first destination was Kapas Biru Waterfall. The entrance fee was only 20,000 rupiah (about 186 yen), and from there the path led straight into the embrace of nature.
At first, I thought it would be a simple ten-minute walk on a flat trail. But soon the path revealed itself as a steep mountain road, full of sharp ups and downs. At one point, I descended stairs so steep they felt almost vertical—an 80-degree drop that demanded all my strength and focus.
It was tough, but at the same time, the surroundings were breathtaking. Dense greenery, birdsong, and the fresh scent of the forest filled the air. For anyone who loves nature, this place would feel like a hidden treasure.
After about twenty minutes, I spotted water flowing down a distant rock wall and thought I had reached the goal. But no—the real destination was still further ahead. At the only small rest area along the way, I paused to catch my breath before pushing on.
Finally, after thirty minutes of effort, I arrived at Kapas Biru. The waterfall was tall and powerful, yet the area was quiet. Since nearby waterfalls are more famous, this place had very few visitors, making it peaceful. The sound of rushing water echoed through the cliffs, and I could take in the scene at my own pace.
Soto Ayam at Home
After the hike, I returned home and shared the soto ayam Chandra had bought. A warm soup with rice, chicken, and spices—it tasted wonderful after the physical exertion. Meals that combine soup and rice always seem to bring comfort and strength.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Later, Chandra suggested we visit another waterfall together: Tumpak Sewu, often called the “thousand waterfalls” because of its grandeur. True to his hospitality, he insisted on taking me there himself.
Standing in front of Tumpak Sewu, I was struck by its scale and beauty. Countless streams of water poured down a vast cliff, creating a view unlike anything I had ever seen. I felt deeply thankful to Chandra for guiding me here.
Only later did I realize he had quietly covered my 50,000 rupiah (about 471 yen) entrance fee. He never mentioned it, never sought recognition—just a silent act of kindness.
An Unfamiliar Dessert
That evening back at the house, I was offered a mysterious dessert: a green, jelly-like sweet with a slimy texture. At first, I hesitated. But after tasting it, I found it surprisingly good. Sometimes the foods that make you hesitate turn out to be unexpectedly delicious.
