Lessons Across Borders
Going around Bengkulu
Some of the best parts of our SEA-Teacher journey happened outside the classroom, usually when we weren’t really planning anything big. Just moving around Bengkulu together with our buddies and Ma'am Perti already felt like an experience on its own. There was this slow adjustment at first, like figuring out new streets, new routines, new everything. But eventually, it started to feel a bit familiar. Not quite like back in Manila yet, but comfortable enough.
One of our first stops was Rumah Kediaman Bung Karno. It was one of those places where you naturally slow down. You listen, you look around, and you try to piece things together. I remember thinking, okay, this isn’t just a trip anymore. It felt more real at that point. Then at Fort Marlborough, we spent more time walking around than we expected. Not because there was a lot to do, but because we kept stopping here and there. For photos, for the view, or sometimes just to pause and reflect. Have you ever been somewhere and just didn’t feel the need to rush? It was kind of like that.
Of course, not everything was reflective. Some of the most fun moments were actually pretty random. Like driving around the different streets of Bengkulu in our motorbikes, trying to decide what to eat, then just buying whatever looked tasty and interesting. Some choices were good, others not so much (a little bit too spicy for my liking), but we laughed through all of it anyway. It made things feel more spontaneous, less structured.
Some afternoons usually meant heading to Pantai Panjang. We’d eat by the beach, talk about the day, or just sit there for a while. Nothing complicated. Just a simple way to end the day. And then there were our visits to Bencoolen Indah Mall, or BIM. It became our default place when we didn’t know where else to go. We’d walk around, grab food, maybe stay longer than planned. It wasn’t anything special on its own, but it worked.
We also tried out a few cafés around the city. Some were recommended by our friends, some we just came across while walking. Those stops turned out to be useful, especially after long days. It gave us time to sit down, recharge, and just talk without rushing anywhere.
We also visited Sungai Suci and Pantai Nangai, which had a quieter atmosphere compared to the other places. It was a nice change of pace. Less crowded, more open, and honestly just a good place to pause (and take pictures!!!) for a bit.
Looking back, it wasn’t really about how many places we visited. It was more about how those small trips fit into our daily routine there. The walking, the eating, the random stops, the conversations in between. Nothing overly dramatic, just a series of simple moments that, somehow, made the whole experience feel complete.
