The long flight from Sorong, West Papua, back to the heart of the capital, Jakarta, felt so different compared to previous flights over the last month. If before there was always a feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity for a new destination, this time the air in the presidential plane's cabin was mostly filled with comfortable silence, a little melancholy, and soft conversations reminiscing about the extraordinary adventure they had just experienced.
Thirty days exploring Indonesia, from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, the tranquility of Ubud, the mysticism of Borobudur, the cold of Bromo, the exoticism of Lombok and Sumba, the wildness of Kalimantan, to the final paradise in Banda and Raja Ampat. It felt like a long, beautiful, and colorful dream (also full of laughter and a little panic).
The Corrs looked out the window, seeing the stretch of white clouds below them. Their faces conveyed a mix of feelings. There was physical exhaustion after a full month of moving places and trying various activities (from failed-focus yoga to almost being eaten by a goat), but more evident was a sense of satisfaction, awe, and a little sadness because this adventure was about to end.
"I can't believe it's been a month," Sharon murmured while flipping through her sketchbook, now full of drawings of landscapes, people, animals, and even... Jim's version of Nemo fish. "It feels like just yesterday we were choking on klepon at the Palace."
"And I still can't forget the judgmental stare of that Komodo dragon," Andrea added with a slight shiver, although she could say it with a small laugh now.
"I'm going to miss the sound of the gamelan and the rhythm of the Dayak drums," Caroline said, her fingers unconsciously tapping the seat armrest. "Maybe I should buy a mini gamelan for the studio later."
Jim, who was surprisingly not reading a philosophy book or contemplating a conspiracy theory, only stared at the clouds with a peaceful gaze. "This journey... has provided so many new perspectives on the relationship between culture, nature, and human consciousness. I feel... inspired." (Of course, there was still a philosophical element!).
Nisa and Reza sat side by side, holding hands. Nisa felt immensely relieved. This "super-sudden month-long vacation" mission went much smoother than she had imagined (although there were a few small incidents that almost gave her a heart attack). Most importantly, she saw a genuine spark of happiness in the eyes of her new Irish friends, and she herself felt much fresher and more energized after 'escaping' the Palace routine for a while. The bond of friendship that had formed felt so sincere and strong.
Upon landing back in Jakarta, they didn't head straight to the international airport for The Corrs' departure. Nisa had planned a final event: a relaxed Farewell Brunch at an aesthetically pleasing garden-themed restaurant in South Jakarta. The place was chosen to be semi-private so they could chat more freely for the last time.