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| Route of overland travel: Jakarta>Yogyakarta>Surabaya>Banyuwangi Baru>Gilimanuk>Amed>Canggu |
For 23 days, I travelled across Indonesia -- from Jakarta to Yogyakarta to Amed to Canggu. I traversed the islands of Java and Bali in an attempt to see how similar or different it is from my own. Initially, I feared the country for being predominantly Muslim but quickly realized that to be the least of my worries. In the end, although the country looked quite similar to my own, it never felt comfortable nor familiar.
What I have been really wanting to tell my friends was how bad of a time I was having in Indonesia. Amidst the beautiful scenery and the new adventures, I was struggling. For more than once, I wanted to burst out crying, and for more than once, I held it in. In a situation where locals can take advantage of you at the first opportunity they see and where you already are vulnerable for being alone and a foreigner, crying is not really an option.
Normally, I would feel safe wherever I am, be it in a new country, in an unfamiliar alley, or in a shared housing. I never thought that something bad (read: bad and not unpleasant) would happen to me. But in Indonesia, being in a crowded place felt like someone would rob me and passing through an empty road felt like someone would grab me. More so, local drivers seemed to always overcharge me and men on the street seemed to always stare at me.
For 23 days, I carried this sense of paranoia with me. I lost the wonder of observing locals and of discovering side streets. I took comfort in the company of foreigners and in staying inside. And, waking up for the sunrise or staying out for the sunset posed little appeal.
It was a totally different trip and a totally challenging one.
I guess, part of the problem here is that for my past travels, I have been very fortunate to experience only "good" and "not good" encounters. In this trip, I had "bad" experiences. Actually, one reason that I travel is to get exposure to the real world outside of my shell and comfort zone. So I guess, with this trip, I am becoming successful in that.
I know this is just another discomfort that I have to conquer and learn from. I may need a couple more months to get over the experience but I am confident this is not going to stop me from travelling, or from coming back to the country.
Indonesia was definitely challenging but that is not saying that it is not wonderful.
