Man, what a day! Seriously, Kartasura is wild. I woke up thinking it’d be just another chill day. Boy, was I wrong.
First off, I hit the streets of Kartasura. You know, Jalan Raya Kartasura? It’s like the main vein of this place. Cars zooming, bikes weaving, and me just trying to not get run over. I swear, if I had a dollar for every time I almost got hit, I’d be rich.
So, I’m walking, right? And I see this street vendor on Jalan Jendral Sudirman. He’s selling these crazy good bakso. Like, I can’t even describe how good they are. I’m talking about meatballs that make you wanna cry. I grab a bowl, and it’s like heaven in my mouth. But then, outta nowhere, this stray dog comes up and snatches my bowl! I’m like, “Dude, really?!” I’m chasing this dog down the street, yelling like a madman. People are staring. I’m pretty sure I looked ridiculous.
After that fiasco, I needed a pick-me-up. So, I hit up this little café on Jalan Diponegoro. It’s cozy, you know? I order a kopi Kartasura. It’s strong, like, “Whoa, I can see through time” strong. I sit down, and this old guy next to me starts chatting. He’s telling me about the history of Kartasura. Apparently, it used to be a royal city or something. I’m like, “Wow, I had no idea!” But then he goes off on this rant about how the youth today don’t appreciate the past. I’m just nodding, trying not to roll my eyes.
Then, I decide to stroll around the market near Jalan Raya Solo. It’s packed! I love the vibe, but it’s chaos. People shouting, bargaining, and I’m just trying to navigate through the crowd. I spot this cute little shop selling batik. I’m like, “I need to get something for my mom.” So, I pick out this beautiful piece, and the lady at the shop is super nice. She wraps it up, and I’m feeling good.
But then, I step outside, and it starts pouring. Like, outta nowhere! I’m soaked in seconds. I’m laughing, though. Just my luck, right? I duck into a warung nearby, and the owner is this jolly dude. He offers me some fried tempeh while I wait for the rain to chill. It’s crispy and delicious. I’m thinking, “This is the life.”
Finally, the rain stops, and I head to the Kartasura Park. It’s a nice spot to relax. I plop down on a bench, and this kid comes up to me, selling flowers. He’s like, “Mister, buy a flower?” I’m like, “Nah, kid, I’m good.” But then I see his big eyes, and I’m like, “Okay, fine.” I buy a flower, and he beams. It’s a small thing, but it made my day.
As I’m leaving the park, I bump into an old friend. We haven’t seen each other in ages! We grab some street food at Jalan Siliwangi. I’m talking about those crazy good sate skewers. We’re laughing, reminiscing about old times. It’s one of those moments that just hits you, you know?
But then, outta nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s my editor. “Need that article ASAP!” I’m like, “Seriously? Right now?” I’m trying to enjoy my food, and now I gotta think about work. Ugh!
So, I rush home, trying to piece together my thoughts. Kartasura is a whirlwind. It’s chaotic, beautiful, and full of surprises. I’m exhausted but happy. I plop down on my couch, ready to write.
What a day, man. What a day.