It felt like any other day, a familiar routine wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. I attempted to rise from my bed, but it seemed to have a mind of its own, tugging me back into its warm embrace. Sleep still clung to me, a lingering effect of my late-night project that had kept me awake until 3 AM. I thought a quick 30-minute nap would do the trick, but as soon as I closed my eyes, it felt like only five minutes had slipped by before the clock struck 8 AM. From the other room, my mom's voice pierced through the morning haze, "Arjun, wake up! It's 8 AM, time for classes!" "Mom, just let me sleep! I'm not going to classes today," I mumbled back, stifling a yawn. "No, get up and head to the bathroom now, or I'll be in your room in five minutes!" she shouted, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. I could sense her frustration. Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed, shuffling to the bathroom like a sleepy zombie. I grabbed my toothbrush and started brushing my teeth while humming along to Taylor Swift's catchy tunes. After a quick shower, I leaped down the stairs, eager to reach my destination: the hall. Breakfast was a bread, and once I finished, I called up my friends to share the morning's chaos. We decided to meet at the college canteen for a little while, ready to catch up and unwind.
A fresh dawn brought with it a wave of excitement as April 5th finally arrived. With our bags neatly packed and air tickets in hand, we switched off our phones and boarded the plane at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, bound for Batam, Indonesia.
Once settled in our seats, my mind began to wander to the adventures that awaited me. As a Mass Media student, I envisioned the potential friendships I could forge, connections that might prove invaluable in my future endeavours. I even resolved to stay in touch with my new acquaintances through Weibo and Imo.
As the plane ascended, we soared into the sky, where the clouds danced around us, and the sunset painted the horizon in vibrant hues. I watched in awe as the sun dipped below the skyline, transforming the blue canvas into a deep, velvety black. The stars twinkled brightly, and the moon cast a gentle glow, enhancing the celestial beauty around us.
Feeling the day's excitement wash over me, I let out a yawn and drifted off to sleep, my headphones snugly in place.
As I blinked awake, I realized the plane was preparing to touch down at Hangnadim International Airport. In just ten minutes, we had traveled thousands of miles from India to a destination I had never dreamed of visiting: Batam, Indonesia. This was my first step into a world beyond my own. A whirlwind of emotions surged through me—happiness, excitement, confusion, and pure joy—as I encountered new faces, explored unfamiliar sights, and snapped countless selfies. My heart overflowed with happiness in an instant. I expressed my gratitude to my dad for this incredible journey, even though our adventure had only just begun. After collecting our bags, we hopped into a taxi and headed to our hotel. We arrived at the hotel, checked in, and left our bags at the reception before collecting our keys. Eager to see our rooms, we ventured off in different directions. My dad had arranged for me to have my own space since I was a teenager, just like I did at home. When I swung open the door to my room, I was taken aback by the stunning decor and elegant furnishings. It felt more like a lavish apartment than a hotel room. After indulging in a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi, I slipped into some fresh clothes and made my way to my parents' room. "Mom, Dad, let's head out for breakfast! I'm starving, and I bet you are too!" I called out while knocking on their door. We strolled together to the restaurant, anticipation building for the meal ahead. Once we settled at our table, the wait staff promptly arrived with the menu.
I was taken aback to discover that the restaurant was vegetarian, yet to my delight, all my favorite dishes were on the menu. I quickly ordered a mouthwatering CHEESE BURGER, while my parents opted for tea and coffee. After enjoying our breakfast, we wrapped up by 10 a.m. and called a taxi, eager to explore the vibrant city of Batam. Our first stop was "MATA KUCING," a stunning zoo teeming with a variety of animals and birds. Tourists were everywhere, snapping photos of the wildlife. I was captivated by the playful monkeys frolicking with one another, though a stern sign reminded us not to feed the animals. After observing the majestic lions, we found ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of where to venture next since we were unfamiliar with the area. A friendly passer-by recommended we check out BARELANG BRIDGE to experience its breathtaking scenery. We hopped into a taxi and set off for BARELANG BRIDGE. Renowned for its spectacular views, BARELANG BRIDGE is a marvel of architecture, drawing many visitors who stop to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and watch fishermen at work, casting their nets for a living.
We arrived at our destination, and as we stepped outside, we were greeted by the sight of a fisherman skillfully reeling in his catch. The scene was nothing short of enchanting. The clouds hung in the sky like fluffy cotton candy, while the sea mirrored the brilliant blue above. Birds soared gracefully, their wings outstretched, filling the air with their melodious songs. We lingered there, savoring the gentle breeze that brushed against our faces, before making our way back to the hotel as the clock struck 8 PM. Time had flown by so quickly that we hardly noticed it passing, and soon enough, we found ourselves back at the hotel. "Let's go grab a bite to eat," Dad suggested to Mom and me. "Absolutely, let's go!" we both chimed in, eager to head to the restaurant for dinner. "Order whatever you like," Dad encouraged as we settled in. "Sure thing, Dad," I replied, signalling the waiter. "I'd like some soup and Chinese rice, please," I told the waiter, handing the menu to my dad. As he placed his order, we reminisced about the stunning places we had visited that day and the fascinating people we had encountered. An hour later, we finished our meal and retreated to our rooms, ready for a good night's sleep. I sank into the soft, cozy bed, enjoying some Indonesian movies on TV as I drifted off into relaxation.