ON THE ROAD
Muslim Java, Hindu Bali. After a long and heartbreaking journey to India, I am back in Geneva. I didn’t understand what I had left. I didn’t understand what I found either. I tried to stay, I tried the “real” life as we say here, but my dreams of adventures and freedom were too strong. I dream of a nomadic life which few people can understand. I dream of temples, of beautiful beaches, of high mountains and all kinds of incredible people, all waiting to be discovered. I dream of walking on unknown land, and listening to languages I have never heard before, to eat food which I have not yet tasted and admire sunsets in the most remote locations. But how can you live your dreams when you’re chained to your desk…? So after having quit everything, a bag on my back and a plane ticket in my pocket, I finally found that nomadic spirit which was missing. First stop: Indonesia. Indonesia is probably one of the most fascinating culturally diverse countries: religion, art, dance, music, traditional clothes, the way of life of its inhabitants, architectural styles, food. But also in terms of the landscapes it offers: tropical forests, lush meadows, volcanoes and mountains, rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. My first steps in Yogyakarta, artistic and cultural heart of Java, plunged me into the frenzy of a major Asian city: dense population, excessive traffic and noise, shouting tuktuk drivers, little stands of street food… ah, I’m in my element! It was also here that I met my host family. Dewi is the type of person who you meet and changes your life. Thanks to her and her family, I experienced traditional Javanese life and hospitality. On a scooter, we wind through the streets and the countryside of Yogyakarta. She takes me to a traditional market and she introduces me to Jamu, a traditional plant-based medicine. We visit the Hindu temple of Prambanan and one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, Borobudue, a gigantic mandala on top of which hundreds of bells seem to sleep and where we pass from the terrestrial world into Nirvana. On the last day, the whole family and I get up in the dead of night to watch the sunrise together. After some difficult goodbyes, I continue my road to Magelang where I meet my first
Words by LEATITIA MICHELLOD | Images credit to leatitia Michellod©
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