Indonesia
Winter 2019
Indonesia sits in a far corner of the world, and it was a long journey from my hometown. The first thing I noticed when I arrived was the chaotic but strangely peaceful atmosphere of the traffic. All the streets, whether narrow or wide, were jam-packed with cars and motorcycles, and drivers would often randomly stop in the middle of the road. Despite this disarray, I rarely heard any honking. Instead, the drivers were all polite and patient, and they would simply line up behind each other to wait without any complaints.
One thing that struck me about Indonesia was how the environment would change so drastically from one city to the next. In Ubud, I felt like I was isolated in a jungle, surrounded by lush trees and unpaved roads. In Bali, on the other hand, I felt like a tourist on the beach. No matter where I was, I continued to absorb the atmosphere as the days passed. To me, Indonesia is an isolated paradise where I can escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world and just relax with my toes in the sand.
But there's more to do in Indonesia than just relaxing on the beach. There are many worlds to explore, both above and below the surface of the water. For example, the waters around Indonesia are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. I had the chance to go snorkeling and was amazed by the huge schools of colorful fish that I saw dancing just inches away from my face. The warm water and clear visibility made it easy to lose track of time as I admired the beauty of the underwater world. It's truly breathtaking to see the vastness of the ocean floor, and it's hard to imagine how deep it goes.