I’m a planner, I can spend hours working out a detailed itineraries or figuring out the best spot to eat. However, traveling in Indonesia taught me that while having everything scheduled out is reassuring, it can also be limiting, leaving no room for some unexpected fun. If you are a planner too, this post will tell you about our waffle adventure in Bandung, Indonesia and provide you with some tips to balance your schedule with spontaneity.
1. Don’t just stick to the main roads Google maps tells you to follow; explore the small alleyways to truly connect with the local culture.
The story starts in the early morning, in Bandung Indonesia. Hungry for a western breakfast, we picked out a cafe on Google Maps that advertised waffles. We started walking in the cafe’s direction, along a boring road with lots of traffic. However, we eventually took a turn too early and got off the main road. We suddenly found ourselves walking along a very small and steep path. Google maps said to return to the main road, but we continued to explore the narrow allyways: seeing people cooking outdoors, children playing in the streets, and elderly women tending to their laundry. Had we stayed on the main road, we never would have gotten such a glimpse into how people live their lives here.
2. Don’t adhere too strictly to your initial plans if another opportunity presents itself.
When we finally arrived to our waffle place after our little detour, we found the cafe was closed. We had passed many suitable cafés on the way, but were now too far out to head back. With our rumbling stomach we decided to just focus on finding something to eat.
3. Don’t just go off reviews you’ve read online, tap into the knowledge of local residents for recommendations.
We asked around where we could eat some breakfast, and were pointed to a tiny warung, almost resembling a shed, with a stove, a fridge, and only a simple bench outside to sit on. This hidden gem wasn’t even on Google Maps, and we probably never would have sat down here if we hadn’t been advised to. The menu consisted of only two basic rice dishes and orange juice. The owner had temporarily stepped away, but his neighbor reassured us that he would return shortly. While waiting, we struck up a conversation with a local teacher who was accompanied by two of her special needs students. This unplanned encounter turned out to be a delightful cultural exchange. We learned about the differences in education between our countries and shared stories.
When the owner returned, he prepared an amazing flavorful nasi goreng for us, filling our stomachs for our next adventure.
