“No, we didn’t have our thesis consultation that day” 😉
On September 22, 2022, I and my five friends, hailing from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, embarked on a hiking adventure to Mount Andong with Professor Ari Probandari. In the late evening, we set out by car to Sawit, where we enjoyed some coffee and snacks. Our hike commenced at midnight.
En route, we were treated to a breathtaking view of the village below, sparkling like stars. The moon shone brightly, and the trail was both easy and convenient. I still vividly recall us enthusiastically guiding our bewildered friends, shouting, “Just head west, west…”
Professor Ari carried a sizable backpack, which made it challenging for her to keep up. Some of us offered to help carry some of her belongings, allowing her to lead the way with three of us following closely: Nadhila, Deandra, and myself. We sang songs as we journeyed through the picturesque twilight, experiencing a profound sense of peace and relaxation.
Throughout the hike, we provided each other with support. Upon reaching the summit, we encountered numerous people camping and eagerly awaiting the sunrise. We stumbled upon a small teahouse and decided to take a break there to escape the chilly morning air before sunrise. We savored some breakfast snacks. At around 5:30 AM, Deandra and I headed to the restroom, and there, we glimpsed a tiny golden ray of sunlight peeping over the hills. Overjoyed, we rushed back to share this magnificent sight with the group. I had never felt such happiness before witnessing the beauty of the sunlight, with emotions like “Rays of Hope,” “Time to Shine,” and “My life is fulfilled” flooding my heart.
It was a true blessing to witness the sunrise’s beauty and feel grateful for the gift of life. From that vantage point, we could see Mount Merapi, the volcanic mountain, as well as Merbabu, Telomoyo, Sindoro, and Prau. Before the day grew warmer, we decided to make our way back down and return to Jogja. I’m grateful for how my Indonesian friends arranged transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey, and I cherish the memories we created together.
Traveling with a professor might seem intimidating, but it was an exceptionally enjoyable experience with Professor Ari, who was not only very cool but also treated us to a delicious treat on the way back.
