A Memorable Family Trip to Banyuwangi
Last year, during the end of semester holidays, my extended family from Wonogiri and I decided to travel to Banyuwangi. The purpose of our trip was not only to reconnect with relatives but also to attend the wedding of my cousin. The journey was long, but the excitement of the event made it all worthwhile. We boarded a chartered bus for a 14-hour ride, leaving on Thursday evening and arriving in Banyuwangi early Friday morning. The wedding ceremony, which we had been eagerly anticipating, was scheduled for Saturday.
As soon as we arrived in Banyuwangi, I was immediately struck by the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The wedding venue was beautifully decorated, and the seating arrangements were meticulously set. I couldn’t help but feel amazed by the decorations. Flowers, both real and artificial, were carefully arranged in various corners of the venue, adding a touch of elegance. Hanging lights with crystal-like gleams created a magical ambiance. The warm, soft glow of the lights made the place feel like a palace. It was truly magnificent, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the beautiful setting.
After our arrival, we quickly got ready, freshened up, and were invited for a hearty breakfast. The morning meal was delicious, and we enjoyed catching up with our relatives. The food was abundant, prepared by my aunt, and there was nothing lacking in terms of variety and taste. We spent a pleasant time talking and savoring the dishes. After breakfast, we rested for a bit, anticipating the upcoming wedding celebrations.
Saturday arrived, and it was time for the wedding ceremony. We attended the “Ijab” (marriage vows) and then the reception, all held on the same day. It was a wonderful two-day celebration. What stood out to me the most was how stunning my cousin looked on her wedding day. She was absolutely radiant, and it made the event even more memorable. I felt proud and happy for her as she embarked on this new chapter of her life. The ceremony went smoothly, and everything unfolded perfectly, thanks to the meticulous planning and effort put into the event. I could see how much love and joy surrounded the couple.
Time flew by so quickly, and before we knew it, four days had passed since our arrival. On Monday, it was time for us to head back home. However, before we began the long journey home, we decided to make a stop at one of the beautiful attractions in Banyuwangi – Red Beach. The beach is famous for its distinctive feature: a small hill located not far from the shoreline. According to a local vendor, visitors can walk to the hill when the tide is low. Unfortunately, during our visit, the tide was high, and we couldn’t walk to the hill as planned. Despite this, we still enjoyed sitting by the beach and appreciating the stunning view.
While at the beach, we decided to enjoy a leisurely lunch with a local dish called “Rawon,” a traditional Indonesian beef soup. The food was delicious, and the scenery was breathtaking. Sitting by the beach, feeling the cool breeze and hearing the sound of the waves crashing, made the moment feel peaceful and perfect. It was a lovely break before embarking on the long drive home.
We resumed our journey back home in the afternoon, leaving Banyuwangi around 3 PM. After a long journey, we finally arrived home on Tuesday morning. The trip, though tiring, left me with a heart full of joy and gratitude. It was an experience I will always treasure. The wedding, the family reunion, the beauty of Banyuwangi, and the simple moments spent with loved ones all contributed to making this trip unforgettable.
This trip not only allowed me to celebrate my cousin’s special day but also to create new memories with my extended family. Traveling together, sharing meals, and exploring new places was an experience that brought us closer as a family. The laughter, the conversations, and the shared moments of joy are now fond memories that I cherish dearly. It was truly a journey full of love, celebration, and beautiful moments. I look forward to the next family trip, where we can once again come together, create new memories, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.
This holiday in Banyuwangi is one I will always miss, and it reminds me of the importance of family, togetherness, and making the most of every moment we have.
By: Yasmine ‘Aalimatun Naafi’ah
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