Meet Larry the Explorer! (Journey, Farewell, and Final Thoughts)

 

Just like Dora who explored many locations, I also went to different attractions, events, famous food spots, and hangout places inside Purwokerto, Indonesia. Come and join the ride as I share my experiences in these places! 

BATURRADEN

Visiting Baturraden was such a great choice for my relaxation. It offers breathtaking scenery that really helps calm my mind. Since I love nature, I truly enjoyed watching the grass sway in the wind—the sound of the rustling leaves was so soothing, and the fresh, cool air made everything feel even more peaceful. The lush greenery and tranquil surroundings created the perfect atmosphere for escaping the stress of daily life. On top of that, Baturraden was also amazing for the Instagram feed, with its beautiful landscapes and picturesque spots perfect for photos. It’s a place that not only creates lasting memories but also offers countless opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature. 

MT. SLAMET

This mountain was located at Baturraden and we were accompanied by the faculty of UMP. Looking at Mt. Slamet reminds me of my province in Bicol Region in the Philippines. I can feel that I am connected to the signals of the mountain. Gazing at its beauty made me capture it nonstop using my phone. If you love exploring mountains, thi should be included in your bucket list! 

LEMBAH ASRI 

My favorite attraction in Purwokerto belongs to Lembah Asri! This place was very similar to Baguio in the Philippines which is known for its cold weather, delicious red strawberries, and its strawberry farm that was maintained for a decade. All I can say about this place was a definition of "PERFECTION". I fell in love with its beauty and it is evident through the amount of my pictures there. I promised to myself that I will go back to this place and bring my loved ones here. I am sure that they will certainly love this place as much as I did! 

WISMA PERHUTANI SERANG KABUPATEN PURBALINGGA

Wisma Perhutani Serang, located in Kabupaten Purbalingga, was a peaceful retreat that I absolutely enjoy. Surrounded by lush forests and stunning natural beauty. The cool climate and serene atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax or explore the outdoors. Being part of Perhutani, a state-owned forestry company, I feel a strong connection to nature here, with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices. The landscapes are breathtaking, and it’s a wonderful spot to unwind and immerse myself in the tranquility of rural Java. 

I even got the opportunity to be a mentor and facilitator in the English Camp of Senior High School students from Purbalingga. What I did was to provide a game-based activity that can enhance their speaking skills and their vocabulary in English. Throughout the activity, they participated and enjoyed the game. 

UMP BERSEPEDA 2024 (FUN BICYCLE EVENT)

I had the chance to join an exciting bike event at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, and it was such a memorable experience! The event brought cyclists together, all sharing a passion for biking and a love for the outdoors. The energy was contagious as we rode through the beautiful campus and nearby areas, enjoying both the challenge and the sense of community. It was a fantastic way to promote healthy living and sustainability, and I could feel the university’s dedication to bringing people together. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a fun way to stay active, this bike event at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto was the perfect combination of fitness, fun, and connection!

FOOTBALL CRAZE

"OMG!" A word that I said to express how amazed I am to Indonesians by the dedication they show in football. As you can see, it is a huge crowd watching and supporting their country during a football game. I can't stop myself from being amazed by the passion and energy they bring, cheering for their team with so much pride and unity. It's truly inspiring to witness such an incredible display of national spirit and love for the sport. Football is really important to them as it is part of their identity. 

Coffee Shops and Hang-out Places

KOPI EMBUN

This coffee shop is near Purbalingga, Purwokerto. As I stepped foot inside, I fell in love with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The ambiance is perfect for relaxation, as you can clearly see the mountains and rivers surrounding the area. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the beautiful natural view, makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee.

LAGUNA

This local restaurant is near our dormitory, just a short walk away. It feels like home because of its cozy interiors and welcoming vibes. The food is very authentic, perfectly catered to the locals and to anyone wanting to try the taste of Indonesia. I ordered their version of fried rice (Nasi Goreng), and as expected, it was spicy yet incredibly savory and delicious. The chili complements the dish perfectly, adding an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite irresistible. I really enjoyed my time at this restaurant and will definitely return for more! 

THE SOEDS

A coffee shop that’s modern and elegant, just like a Starbucks! On this trip, I came along with the faculty of UMP and my friends to hang out and get to know them better. Their menu offers a wide variety of options and even adds a unique twist to local foods. I tried their dishes, and I really enjoyed them! The flavors were fresh, and the presentation of the food was just as impressive as the taste. The atmosphere was lively, yet relaxed, with soft music playing in the background, making it the perfect place to unwind and have meaningful conversations. What a fancy and memorable experience! It’s definitely a place I’d visit again, whether for a quick coffee break or a long catch-up with friends.

HOUTRS COFFEE SHOP

House of the Rising Sun (HOUTRS) is located in Kabupaten Banyumas, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia. It’s a local coffee shop that is definitely on my bucket list when I go back to Indonesia, thanks to Miss Dinda, my resource teacher, who introduced me to her favorite spot. And it was truly a great recommendation. The place is so comforting, with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air as you sip your drink. What makes it even more special is the view—watching the fields stretch out under the warm sun is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the moment. It’s a place that not only serves great coffee but also offers a peaceful escape from the stress environment. 

FAREWELL CEREMONY 

Ah, I can't believe how time flies so fast! It's hard to say goodbye to everyone who contributed to my journey as a SEA Teacher Participant. Especially to my students and my two resource teachers, Miss Dinda and Miss Hentri, who solidified my dedication to continue my passion for teaching. No words can truly express how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to teach at SMP UMP, even for a short time.

The ceremony held during the flag ceremony was a truly memorable moment. For the last time, I shared my farewell speech with everyone—expressing how thankful I am for their warm welcome and unwavering support throughout my stay. I cried my heart out as I spoke in front of my students, telling them how much I had been thrilled to be their teacher for the past 28 days. From the moments and bonds we’ve shared, to the classroom activities and conversations that made me feel right at home, it was an experience I will always cherish.

A few days later, UMP also held a farewell ceremony for the participants of the SEA Teacher Program. During the ceremony, I wore the traditional Filipino costume for men, called Barong. It was my way of sharing Filipino culture with the Indonesians, and I was so glad to introduce them to our traditional dress. The faculty of UMP were excited to learn about it, and I could see their enthusiasm. I received the award with pride and gratitude, standing before everyone, feeling incredibly thankful for this unforgettable journey and the bonds I’ve made along the way. 

This farewell ceremony was an emotional moment, as I reflected on how much I had learned from this experience. The certificate that I received was a testament to my hard work, dedication, and passion for the art of teaching. It symbolized not just the knowledge I had gained, but the connections I had made, the challenges I had overcome, and the personal growth I had experienced. As I held that certificate, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything this journey had offered, knowing that it would inspire me to continue pursuing my passion and making a difference in the lives of students.

FINAL THOUGHTS

"Seize every opportunity that life offers you, because when opportunities go, they take a long time to come back" - Paulo Coelho

My journey as a SEA Teacher in Indonesia has been an experience that changed me in many ways. As Paulo Coelho said, "Seize every opportunity that life offers you, because when opportunities go, they take a long time to come back." This opportunity is something I will always be grateful for. It challenged me, helped me grow, and taught me many important lessons about teaching, cultural exchange, and personal growth. During my time in Indonesia, I not only became a better teacher but also learned more about the world and myself. I feel thankful for everything I learned and experienced. This journey has shown me that sometimes the best opportunities come when we least expect them, and it's important to take them when they come. Thank you UMP, SMP UMP, and INDONESIA! 

If you want to know more about my journey in Indonesia, you can message me in these platforms: 

Gmail: janlarryalcos@gmail.com 

Instagram: @serifiedy 

Facebook: John Larry Alcos