9 Things: What I Love About Indonesia

17th August is Indonesia’s Independence Day, my home country’s 65th anniversary.

That’s why it’s a very appropriate topic to write. A disclaimer: I’m not going to say I’m the most patriotic Indonesian out there, not even close to that. I live in Berlin now and I love it. But I still feel that there is something very lovable about Indonesia. I hope I’m not romanticizing it… so here is my list:

1. My family and some of my friends are there

It’s where I grew up and experienced a lot of my firsts. And I can’t help feeling that I’m home whenever I’m surrounded by the people I love.

2. Friendly Smiles

It’s hard to get lonely in Indonesia. There will always be someone who is willing to chat with you. True, sometimes it would feel like people is being noisy… But it’s a heartwarming feeling to know that there’s always someone who cares about you.

3. Yummy Food

I’m a good food lover. You just can’t beat the variety of Indonesian cuisine. We had so many different type of food as a result of a mix of cultures. We have spicy, sweet, savory, light, and heavy. You name it. Main course, snacks, sweets… mmmm… One day, I’m going to bring fame for Indonesian cuisine!

4. Climate

Don’t get me wrong, I love having four seasons. But sometimes, when it gets really cold outside or when I need to check the weather forecast just to decide how thick my coat should be… I wished the trees are always green and I could always run outside without a coat.

5. Relaxed and laid back attitude

I missed the slow tempo of things sometimes. Everyone takes things easy. Yes, you won’t be the first person getting anywhere, but you won’t be stressed either.

6. Laughter

We love to hang out, eat, and share a good laugh whenever we see each other.

7. Flexibility

Flexibility means almost everything is negotiable. This is a double blade sword, and it’s probably why Indonesia is very prone to corruption. The plus side is if you are very well connected, you can get anywhere.

8. Cheap living cost

Which also means you can buy other things with the money saved ;).

9. My roots

That’s just something that you can’t beat. A part of me will always belong to Indonesia. For better or worse :).

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6 Comments

  1. Starri Knytes August 17, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    Its true there is no place like home, no matter where home was. You make Indonesia sound like paradise, beautiful climate, heart warming people, and fabulous food. I hope I get a chance to visit there one day. <3

    Reply
    1. astrid August 18, 2010 at 8:10 am

      Indonesia is definitely perfect for a holiday! And yes, there’s no place like home… even when we have two homes 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jenny August 18, 2010 at 7:31 am

    I had no idea Indonesia was such a “young” country… Hm – I must admit I am veru uneducated on the history of your part of the world. Was it colonized by some other country before then? The name “French Indochine” keeps popping up – is that it?

    Reply
    1. astrid August 18, 2010 at 8:18 am

      We were the West Indies :D. Occupied by the Dutch (350 years), British (5 years), and Japanese (3.5 years). I believe French Indochine is Vietnam?
      It’s okay, my European history knowledge wasn’t so great either ;).

      Reply
  3. Jenny August 18, 2010 at 7:32 am

    Oh and I forgot to mention – “love of food”? And you end up in this country? Poor thing… 😉

    Reply
    1. astrid August 18, 2010 at 8:21 am

      I know! What a shock ;). That’s why I need to go to Italy every once in a while ;). Although Berlin happened to have a very good food choices.

      Reply

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