A Journey With Mrs. Nela

 


A Journey With Mrs. Nela





I was sitting in my favorite music studio when a message popped up from an unfamiliar number. It looked European—not French, not Dutch—something from Eastern Europe. Then she introduced herself.

Mrs. Nela.

A solo traveler from the Czech Republic. A country that, honestly, felt distant and unfamiliar to me.


She wrote, “I’m in Malang and I want to go to Yogyakarta and then Surabaya. Can you accompany me? And how much does it cost?”


But the first thing that came to my mind wasn’t the money.

It was: Yogyakarta.

I missed that city too.


So I sent her my price, she agreed, and just like that, we would begin the trip the next morning.



---


July 18th, 2025


Early in the morning, Tarjo and I drove to her hotel.

(Tarjo is my friend. He can drive, but he’s not a guide. He just joined to help because this would be a long journey.)


Mrs. Nela stepped into the car with a warm smile.


I asked, “Are we going straight to Yogyakarta?”

She answered, “Yes, why not?”


But something suddenly came to my mind.

I asked her if she had visited Kampung Pelangi Jodipan.

She said no.

So I invited her to stop there first.



---


Kampung Pelangi Jodipan


We spent some time wandering the colorful alleys, talking about children flying kites and the history of the place. I took photos of her against the vibrant houses, the river, the murals.




Then we hit the road again—long stretches of highway, stories exchanged about Java, Indonesia, history, culture, religion, everything.

Until eventually, the toll road lulled her to sleep.



---


Yogyakarta


It was already night when we checked in at a hotel near Malioboro.

Mrs. Nela kindly offered us to stay in her room since it had two beds.

We laughed awkwardly.

We’re Eastern men, not Western—too shy for that.

So we chose to sleep in the car.


Later, she sent a WhatsApp message:

“Come on guys… I’ll give you money, just check in!”

But we still politely refused.

I knew she meant well.



---


July 19th, 2025


Today was full.

Borobudur.

Prambanan.

The Ramayana Ballet.


Everything felt alive.

I explained the history of each place to her—longer and deeper than most local guides.

Well… what can I say? I’m a history lover.


She listened, curious and bright, her eyes full of questions.



---


July 20th, 2025


Another joyful day.


We descended into Jomblang Cave, floated through Goa Pindul, chased the waters of Kedung Kandang Waterfall, and by late afternoon we were already on our way to Surabaya.



---


July 21st, 2025


Around two in the morning, we arrived in Surabaya.

At a simple homestay she had booked ahead, we finally said goodbye.


A hug, a smile, and a chapter that would soon become a story in the collection of Java Jive Journeys.




Thank you, Mrs. Nela.

For the kindness, the conversations, and the adventure we will remember.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Java Jive Journeys

Image
 Why Java Jive Journeys Is Different: Exploring Java Beyond the Ordinary When travelers think about Indonesia, Bali often steals the spotlight. But for those who dare to go further, Java reveals a side of Indonesia that is more authentic, more diverse, and in many ways even more breathtaking. This is where Java Jive Journeys comes in — not just as a tour organizer, but as a gateway to real connections, hidden gems, and experiences you won’t easily find on Instagram feeds. A Journey Rooted in Local Connections Unlike many large tour companies that focus only on mainstream sightseeing, Java Jive Journeys is deeply connected with local communities. From staying at humble homestays to joining cultural activities, our guests don’t just “see” Java — they feel it, taste it, and live it. One of our most unique destinations is Pamotan Village in Dampit, Malang. While many tourists flock to Bali’s rice terraces, Pamotan’s rice fields remain pure, untouched, and incredibly authentic. The land...
Read more

A Journey With Mrs. Pri

Image
  A Journey With Mrs. Pri 10 September 2025 That morning, my phone buzzed with a message from a Belgian number. I stared at it for a moment, already guessing what it was about. Foreigners often contacted me after seeing my tour promotions online. Still, I opened it with a small spark of curiosity. As expected, it was someone interested in booking a tour in Malang. We exchanged greetings, and she introduced herself as Mrs. Pri. There was something warm and polite in the way she typed—straightforward, yet gentle. She told me she had come across my posts on Facebook: the waterfalls, the hot springs, the colorful villages, the small cultural workshops I often advertised. She seemed genuinely fascinated. “I’ll contact you again when I arrive in Malang,” she wrote. And just like that, the conversation ended. Short, simple, but it left a small excitement lingering in my mind. 29 October 2025 More than a month passed before her name appeared on my screen again. She messaged me early in the...
Read more

A Journey With Mrs. Gina

Image
 A Journey with Mrs. Gina  August 22nd, 2025 — Malang Night was falling over Malang, slow and heavy, like a curtain opening a new chapter in my life. I stared at my phone before calling Putra — my young, loyal driver, just twenty-one, still studying law, yet already carrying a sense of responsibility far beyond his age. “Putra,” I said, “tomorrow you won’t just be driving. Tomorrow, you will be me.” There was a brief silence on the line, the kind that holds both fear and determination. “Alright, Mas,” he finally replied. Two Australian guests were on their way. A rare chance. A perfect moment to train him in everything I had been doing alone — picking up guests, handling payments, reading their emotions, preparing the rhythm of a tour without ever letting them see the sweat behind the curtain. We left Malang late that night, heading toward Banyuwangi . The highway stretched endlessly under the moonlight. Forest air slipped through the windows, carrying the smell of damp earth ...
Read more