SHORT-VILLAGE-VACATION : from them, I learn about enjoying life.

It’s been a while since I’m not writing, it makes me feel empty too. I’ve made a lot of memories along the journey, and it’s too bad if I didn’t write it into stories. It feels a pity if it is not poured. I have been dreaming of writing all my travel stories. But, laziness and assumption of people attacked me and make my life does not develop. Finally, here I am. I decided to write again while I was excited to spill everything out.

It is started from a short vacation with my uncle and aunt who live in the village. I was writing this story just for my own personal track record. Walking to the rice field is not a new thing that I do. Since childhood, I have been accustomed for playing in the fields because my house is located in a rural area. Even though I’ve already 23 years old, I’m still playing around the fields, as if I’m a child again. I’m free. I don’t care so much the heat is intense. No matter how much it hurts due to injuries on the way. No matter how many fruits that I’ve eaten. No matter how much energy that I’ve wasted. And no matter what people think about me. I feel like becoming free and happy in my own way.

The journey began after dzuhur. I was invited for lunch, it made me full. I didn’t need to bring anything else much. For me, there is no difference between going to the rice fields and going to the cafe or park. I always bring my backpack filled books or novels. I passed a river that was not swift enough. The memory seemed to repeat the story. Once the river was so swift and I still remember when I went down the river without laughing out loud. Crossing the river with small talk together, launching me to the past. Then, the journey continues along the rows of Sengon trees which are about 2 years old. Climbing. Since, I didn’t use my legs to climb for a long time, it becomes this heavy. Aunt laughed as she mocked “when people who lived in town coming here, they looked like a fool, his legs are not strong”. It’s sounds like sarcasm but that was true. When compared with my aunt who has lived as a farmer for a long time, my knowledge of nature is far below her.

In fact, there are many types of plants that I still ask to my aunt, even though I am a forestry graduate. In every step of the way, I felt serenity filled up my entire being. Something I didn’t get for quite a while, and it’s nice to come back home. Gathering with family and living as simple as there is no desire to expose it. After arriving at the hut (proudly mentioned that it was made personally), I sat painting. Then I saw uncle, aunt, and Mila (my 12-year-old cousin) showing a normal expression. In my heart said “Oh, I’m nothing here”. Not long sitting, uncle shouted “Durian! We first put it in the cottage. We will eat afterwards from there”.

After that journey continues to someone’s rice field known by uncle. It’s quite far, but I still enjoy it. On the trip, there were many fruits that I got. Starting from durian (Durio zibethinus), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), and manggis (Garcinia mangostana). I had enough struggle to get some, had to fight with a crowd of ants and their bites. Then after arriving, I sat and enjoyed the lunch that was served by Aunt. There are bread and coffee. Yes, coffee. Enjoying coffee in the rice fields is the most comfortable thing I like. Honestly along the way I was full eating fruit. Just take it, then eat.

We’re planning to see some people, but they haven’t seemed to appear yet. What is there, I even keep drinking my coffee and other fruits. Eating durian and rambutan while listening Mila’s chatter and uncle’s jokes. Because we’re waited too long for people who didn’t come. Finally, we decided to go home. But, before going home, a lot of things were taken from the fields. There are Kelor (Moringa oleifera), Pakis sayur (Diplazium esculentum), wresah (Amomum dealbatum), mushroom, and etc. What a wonderful life if you can enjoy many things as you like. After that, the time showed 3 p.m. We headed to home. Crossing the river and cleaning the dirt on the feet while taking some pictures.

The conclusion that I got from this trip was about simplicity. It taught me many things. Happiness grows, not only related to the material. Time and family are complete things that need to be called happiness. Rough life together, will restore itself to the true nature of human being. Simple. From uncle and aunt, I’ve learned how they complemented each other to become a couple. Struggling together for making money to get by, without living by comparison with the surrounding prestige. While from my cousin, Mila. I also learn about a fully adventure in a childhood, rich in pleasure and not tired. She showed me how the character is building to never gave up and brave. Be sensitive to nature and the nature will teach us about knowledge for getting critical thoughts and high curiosity.

AND THE LAST, THIS WAS US.

This story was written on 9th April, 2020. Banyuwangi, East Java.