TRIP TO YOGYAKARTA
Sunday morning, the sun was just beginning to rise when I set out for Yogyakarta on my motorcycle. The weekend had painted the roads with an overwhelming busyness cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles all rushing to their destinations.
Despite the congestion, there was something oddly calming about watching the world move. I saw trucks loaded with chickens, buses filled with eager travelers heading for a weekend getaway, and massive cargo trucks carrying who knows what. It made me realize that even on Sundays, the world doesn’t pause; life keeps flowing, people keep moving.
After riding for some time, I decided to take a break at a supermarket. I bought a cup of coffee, lit a cigarette, and stood there observing the many faces that passed by. Everyone seemed to have a purpose—a reason to be out that morning. While sipping my coffee, I struck up a conversation with a middle-aged man, probably in his 40s, who turned out to be a driver. He shared his thoughts on riding motorcycles during the weekend, saying that the heavy traffic and pollution made it exhausting. His advice? “Next time, take the train. It’s easier and more comfortable.” I nodded, taking in his words. Advice, especially from those with experience, is always worth considering. Maybe on my next trip, I would take his suggestion and hop on a train instead of riding my bike.
Once I felt refreshed, I continued my journey. Navigating through countless intersections and battling through the seemingly endless traffic jams, I finally arrived in Yogyakarta. The first thing I did was pull out my phone and open Google Maps to locate my friend’s house. Luckily, with his help, I found my way easily.
Exploring Yogyakarta was an experience in itself. What amazed me the most was how, despite being a modern city, Yogyakarta still preserved its traditional charm. The architecture, the atmosphere, even the way people moved—it all had a unique blend of past and present. The drivers here were surprisingly more disciplined, which made riding around much more enjoyable.
At one point, I stopped at a local coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of conversation, and the laid-back vibe of the place made me feel at home. As I sipped my coffee, I thought to myself, I don’t want to go back. It was one of those moments where you just want time to stand still. My friend, however, was puzzled. “Why come all the way to Yogyakarta just to sit in a coffee shop?” he asked. “There are so many historical places to explore, new experiences to try.”
I smiled and replied, “Because it feels different. Drinking coffee in another city, in another environment, adds something special to it.” Of course, that wasn’t the whole truth. For me, traveling wasn’t just about ticking off famous landmarks or following a set itinerary. It was about how I felt in the moment—how much I enjoyed being in a new place, even if all I did was sit in a coffee shop and soak in the atmosphere.
As my trip came to an end and I rode back home, I reflected on everything I had experienced. The journey had taught me something valuable: traveling isn’t just about visiting places; it’s about collecting moments. The world is full of destinations, but what truly makes a trip meaningful is how much we embrace and enjoy it.
So, I promised myself next time, I wouldn’t just go for the familiar. I’d explore more, try new things, and see the world through different perspectives. After all, life itself is a journey, and just like any trip, it’s meant to be lived and enjoyed.
By: zarathustra
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