Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I wake up in my little room on Jl. Parangtritis, right? The sun’s blasting through the window like it’s got something to prove. I’m like, “Chill, sun! I’m not ready yet!” But, ya know, the day waits for no one.
First stop, the market at Jl. Imogiri. I’m thinking, “Gotta grab some fresh fruits for the sermon.” But lemme tell ya, the hustle there is unreal! People everywhere, shouting, bartering, and I’m just trying to navigate through the chaos. I bump into this old lady selling tempeh. She’s like, “You want some, young man?” I’m like, “Sure, but I’m not that young!” She just laughs and hands me a piece. Best tempeh I’ve ever had, no joke.
Then, I head over to the church on Jl. Raya Bantul. It’s a small place, but it’s got heart. I’m prepping for the service, and outta nowhere, the power goes out! I’m standing there in the dark, thinking, “Great, just great.” But then, the congregation starts singing. Like, they don’t even care! It’s beautiful, man. I’m getting all emotional, and I’m like, “Who needs lights anyway?”
After the service, I’m feeling all pumped. I decide to take a stroll down Jl. Srandakan. The vibe is chill, and I’m just soaking it all in. But then, I see this street vendor selling bakso. I can’t resist! I grab a bowl, and it’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I’m talking about the kind of good that makes you wanna dance. So, I’m there, dancing like a fool, and people are staring. Whatever, right? Life’s too short!
But then, bam! Outta nowhere, this kid on a bike zooms past me and knocks over my bakso! I’m like, “Dude, seriously?!” I’m fuming, but then I see the kid’s face. He’s terrified. I can’t stay mad. I just laugh it off. “It’s all good, buddy! Just buy me another bowl next time!” He nods, and I swear, he looks like he’s about to cry.
So, I keep walking, and I end up at the beach near Parangtritis. The waves are crashing, and I’m just standing there, feeling the breeze. It’s peaceful, ya know? But then, I see this group of tourists trying to take selfies. They’re struggling, and I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, c’mon! It’s not that hard! So, I offer to help. “Hey, let me take that for ya!” They’re all smiles, and I snap a pic. They’re like, “You should be a photographer!” I’m like, “Nah, I’m just a clergyman with a knack for selfies!”
As the sun sets, I’m walking back home, and I can’t shake this feeling of gratitude. Bantul’s got its quirks, for sure. The streets are bumpy, the vendors are loud, and the power goes out when you least expect it. But it’s home. It’s alive. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of ups and downs, laughter and a bit of chaos. Just another day in Bantul, I guess. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!