Yogyakarta: Once You Travel, You will be Addicted
There is something new that I have just done at the age of 25, namely:
TRA- VEL.
Turns out it’s true what people say, that it will change your perspective on life.
People say, age 25 is when you experience a quarter life crisis. However, I already feel that even before at the age of 25. Limitations are the main reason I feel a crisis, because like all doors and opportunities are closed for you, there is no way out and feelings of guilt about the failures experienced. That’s what it’s like to live with strict parents. Life seems too short and there are no opportunities that are open.
But one day, I got up the courage to tell my parents: “I have permission to travel to Yogyakarta — alone. Yep, alone!”. However, I never thought I’d even be allowed to go there alone.
That’s when my eyes began to open about what a fun life really is. I still feel amazed when I can step on another city, something that I have never done before.
I took part in an open trip to Yogyakarta at a low cost with a long road trip of about 12 hours by bus. I met new people and built friendships with them. I didn’t sleep too well because sitting in the back gave me a headache. Even in the middle of the night, the bus stopped at the rest area and I didn’t think I was outside the house alone, it felt so strange to me.
The first trip, I went to Mount Merapi and took a tour using a Jeep called Merapi Lava Tour. It felt like I was so happy at that time when in the morning enjoying Indomie Rebus and drinking warm chocolate milk while enjoying the morning view of the mountains and a quiet rural environment. Then, ride a jeep and go around to the top while listening to the history of the eruption of Mount Merapi and how humans or the victims were able to survive from that incident. I’m honestly so amazed, how residents can document this sad event in a simple museum that displays items affected by volcanic ash and photos of the incident.
It was only my first trip, I really enjoyed my trip because I got a lot of new perspectives. Regarding history, life lessons, and many things that I found here.
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The first thing I learned from traveling was that it was my mistake not to make an itinerary during free hours and not do too much research on an area. I just go with the flow, and end up researching the non-essentials. On the day of the trip, there were two days of free time to visit Malioboro, unfortunately I didn’t make an itinerary and I really regret that. I will take notes on this every trip later.
The next trip that was so memorable was when in Malioboro, not where to go or what culinary to enjoy. I was so touched when an old man offered his rickshaw service, he was so enthusiastic about it and said that you can take it anywhere and you only pay IDR 15,000 (1 USD). As a Jakarta person who doesn’t believe in cheap prices from other people’s services, actually I wasn’t interested, but my friend was very interested in trying this rickshaw service. Finally, I had the opportunity to go around Yogyakarta in this old man’s rickshaw with three of my friends. Starting from Yogyakarta Station, Alun-Alun, to enjoying the famous Tempo Gelato, I was accompanied around with this gentleman, even to a souvenir shop. I am really happy because of this old gentleman’s sincerity in working and it is also fun to move from place to place on a rickshaw.
But I feel bad saying that can this gentleman take us from evening to night with a small income, I can’t bear to see him even though he is happy. I ended up giving him more money because I felt it was a fair price for the gentleman’s time, kindness and effort. Anyway, in Yogyakarta, most of the rickshaws use motorbikes.
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Next I visited Taman Sari early in the morning, and it was already very crowded, and I don’t know why. I’m confused and feel sceptical about this place, keep asking why this place is attractive to tourists, is it just because it’s good to take photos or is it just famous? I was very skeptical about this place, but I didn’t think that this is a memorable place for me.
As we walk, we will be offered the services of a tour leader who helps explain the true history of Taman Sari. In the midst of the crowd, when we just walk around and look around, of course it looks unattractive because it looks like an old building used as a tourist spot. However, this older man’s service made me study history and understand that each of these places was built with a specific purpose and purpose in the past.
Walk little by little while listening to this his explanation about Taman Sari which is actually like the Alun-Alun in the past where dances performed by the Yogyakarta royal family were performed. Apparently, this gentleman also helped to document our photos very well and even helped direct the style. Anyway, he likes candid poses so they look natural and really cool in my opinion. He was also very patient and kind in providing his services as a tour leader. Wandering around to the hidden gems at Taman Sari, telling stories about its history, and taking countless photos without getting tired. I always ask, “Are you tired?” over and over to make sure that he is in high spirits.
Do you know that both of them said that he was willing to be paid sincerely? I understand that the character of the Yogyakarta people is willing to be paid sincerely, but I want to give as much as I can.
I am so touched by the people of Yogyakarta who are so sincere and kind. I also learned as someone who lives in the capital city that is so hassle and never satisfied, that the most important thing in life is to enjoy the simple moments.
I feel grateful about my life which feels good enough and I often feel ungrateful and complain. There, many do not get a stable income but are still willing to do their jobs well and are even friendly despite being rejected many times. Humans never know where their fortune comes from, and hopefully I can become a path of fortune for them, even if it’s not much.
After this, I will travel continuously, and will learn to be more generous to the locals. Helping local people’s businesses is my main goal where I will feel happier and richer because I’m happy. Feeling enough is something I want to try slowly, and to be honest, my perspective on my life in the future is slowly starting to change, and a few months later my dreams and goals in life have also begun to change.
I am so glad. That’s what I feel when you try to travel, you will get a lot of new things that you don’t even expect. And, you will be addicted also, I swear!
Maybe you will be amazed by the beautiful nature, but talking directly with local residents sometimes amazes you because of their perspectives, culture and experiences in living life which may be very different from yours.
Take the positives and try to implement slowly, later it will change your life for the better.
