On my final night in Indonesia last week, I wrote this to log my thoughts and reflect on what has been an exceedingly fun, fascinating, and at times a frustrating whirlwind trip.
One month ago I had never heard of the Trip of wonders in Indonesia. In fact, I hadn’t even really considered visiting Indonesia except for the occasional conversation with Kynie that we should visit Bali soon. Conversations which we will continue to have.
I’d never been on a media trip before this and my blog is hardly monetised, but Ryanni Djangkaru, an Indonesian TV personality and activist reached out to me on behalf of Indonesia Travel and invited me to apply for the trip. I of course did so and no less than two weeks later I was on a plane to Jakarta. To most people in the real world this is absurd and unheard of, and the looks of awe and disbelief as I tell people since returning confirms this, but this is pretty normal for trips such as this.
Over the last 12 days I have been on no less than 11 flights with 4 different airlines, 2 boats, and innumerable long bus rides as Indonesia Travel carted us around to experience some of the best their country has to offer. I have not only visited some incredible places but I have been blessed beyond measure with the friendships I have formed in such a short time. The type of friendships where it is obvious it will be the lasting kind.
To be able to relate to people on the first day, then talk and laugh non stop for the entire trip like old buddies can make any unforeseen circumstances (of which there were many) seem more than tolerable.
From obscure Simpsons references to conversations that cut to the core of our identity as people and as travel bloggers, the topics of conversation were many and varied.
Most liberating though, was learning that I actually share with someone a very psychologically similar approach to blogging and fear or sharing it with people who know me. Sometimes the knowledge that someone else is in the same boat is all you need to feel normal so if this is you, leave a comment at the end.
Further still, the opportunity to actually talk with people with the same mindset – being that of a blogger – is something I rarely have back home (probably because I never bring it up). Because it’s such a personal thing being a creative, there’s an element of thinking “it’s easier if only strangers see my work, they aren’t real, they’re just a number in a graph”. This way of thinking may or may not be logical, I’m genuinely not sure, but damn if I didn’t feel validated when I learnt I wasn’t the only one who thought like that.
This sort of thing – discussions about irrational fears – kept happening every day for two weeks.
The shared passion that we all have for blogging is what drove a lot of the conversations I had, and to be honest, I probably talked more often, more honestly and openly about my blog to people on this trip as I have to people back home in the last 12 months.
Even now I still get a bit weird when friends – even close friends and family – bring up my blog, or even just mention “Backstreet Nomad” (you may have noticed if that’s you). But by spending 2 weeks with other talented creatives and seeing what’s possible when you put your heart into something, I learnt just how important it is to feel proud of your work, which I do. And if you’re proud of something you should feel comfortable talking about, which I’m still working on.
And since being back, the trip and blog have no doubt come up numerous times and I’m glad to say it feels little more normal every time. So if you’re wondering why it’s taken me so long to tell you about my blog, that is why. I hope we can still be friends.
Being on tour with such a diverse group of people – in terms of cultural background and in terms of their platform of influence – it was incredible to see the conversations often turn to helping each other, impromptu photography lessons, informal discussion on why Google Plus shouldn’t be ignored, and how to Instagram better.
I was also immeasurably fortunate to be on the receiving end of priceless advice on managing a travel blog – a topic I thought I was pretty good at. These particular topics lasted anywhere from 15 minutes after dinner to entire bus trips and goes to show that when you bring together passionate people in the same industry, you never know what you might learn.
The trip has been tiring, and at times frustrating, but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. The experience I have gained, the amount of Indonesia I have seen, and the new friends I now get to visit have made this an experience I will never forget and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of existing online.
I cannot wait to get home to reflect and fully absorb each place I visited in full, and share with you my thoughts.
But above all else, I can’t wait to make my way back to Indonesia to explore much more deeply. The local people have been so friendly, the food delicious and unique, and the scenery some of the most beautiful I’ve seen.
Thanks to Indonesia Travel for making it all possible and the pals that made it unforgettable.
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“it’s easier if only strangers see my work, they aren’t real, they’re just a number in a graph” – love that quote. I really think it’s easier to write for anonymous strangers than for family or friends. I’m fairly new to this whole blogging thing too, and am trying to let go of that fear of being judged. It’s getting a little easier but still something that I struggle with.
And isn’t it great to know you aren’t the only one that thinks like that? Knowing that someone else had been through the same thing on their journey is seriously what spurred me to be so open about all this and encouraged me to work up the courage to share it with my friends. I could see that they had worked through the same thing and came out the other side unscathed. Good luck to you Andi, your friends will be more encouraging than you think.
Great write-up and loved reading it Luke.
It’s so true what you say about blogging as it’s no different to Instagram as well. Just gotta build a solid network of friends who understand what we do and support each other throughout the creative journey!
I choo-choo-choose you!
Great read Luke. These trips are a great way to learn from others and motivate yourself. Our group was a fun one! Hope to see you again soon.
Loved reading this. I also feel a sense of apprehension/hesitation about sharing my blog with people I know. My family and some friends read it, but I’m definitely much more comfortable promoting it to total strangers!
It sounds like you had an amazing experience – can’t wait to read about it!
Thanks for commenting Courtney! It’s so validating knowing that other people feel the same way. That was one of the biggest takeaways from the trip is finding people with the same hang ups as me. We bloggers have to stick together.