Man, today was a wild ride in Pare. Like, seriously, I’m still buzzing from it. Woke up late, as usual. My alarm? Yeah, it totally betrayed me. I jumped outta bed, threw on whatever I could find. You know how it is.
So, I’m hustlin’ down Jalan Raya Pare, dodging scooters like it’s a video game. Those little dudes on bikes are like ninjas, I swear. One almost took me out. I was like, “Whoa, chill, bro!” But hey, that’s Pare for ya. It’s a small town, but the traffic? Insane.
First stop? My fave coffee spot, Kopi Pare. I needed caffeine, like, yesterday. The barista, this chill dude named Budi, knows my order by heart. I’m all, “Yo, Budi, hit me with that double shot!” He laughs, and I’m like, “What? I need it!”
Sippin’ my coffee, I’m people-watching. There’s this old lady selling snacks on the corner of Jalan Diponegoro. She’s got this huge smile, and I’m thinkin’, “Man, she’s livin’ the dream.” I mean, who wouldn’t wanna sell fried bananas all day?
Then, bam! Outta nowhere, it starts pouring. Like, monsoon-level rain. I’m sprinting down the street, trying to find cover. I duck into this art gallery on Jalan Merdeka. It’s a small place, but the vibe is dope. I’m checking out some local art, and wow, it’s all about the culture here.
But then, I see this piece that just...ugh, it hits me wrong. It’s supposed to be deep, but honestly? It looks like a toddler went wild with paint. I’m like, “C’mon, people! Art is more than splashes!” I get all riled up, but then I remember, art is subjective, right? Whatever.
After the rain, the streets are all shiny and fresh. I’m feeling good again. I stroll down to the Pare River. The view is killer. I whip out my sketchbook, start doodling. I’m lost in my world, just me and my thoughts.
Suddenly, this group of kids runs by, laughing and splashing in puddles. I can’t help but smile. They’re so carefree, it’s contagious. I think, “Man, I wish I could be that free again.”
But then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud crash. I look up, and some dude just knocked over a food cart. The vendor is yelling, and I’m like, “Dude, what’s wrong with you?” The guy just shrugs and walks away. I’m fuming. Like, how can you be so careless?
I decide to help the vendor clean up. He’s super grateful, and we start chatting. Turns out, he’s been in Pare for years, selling his famous satay. I’m like, “Dude, I gotta try it!” He hooks me up with a plate, and wow, it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
After that, I’m on a high. I wander over to the Pare market. It’s buzzing with life. The colors, the smells, everything is just...wow. I grab some fresh fruit, and this lady tries to haggle with me. I’m like, “Lady, I’m not here to bargain. Just take my money!”
As the sun sets, I find myself back at the river. The sky is painted in oranges and pinks. I’m feeling all the feels. I think about how crazy today was. From coffee to art to food, it’s all part of this wild journey.
I pack up my stuff, head home, and just crash. My brain is racing, but I’m so grateful for today. Pare, you’ve got my heart. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!