After a few days, we took a flight over to the island of Bali, which I was quite excited about after hearing and seeing so much of what many consider to be a paradise. I had a very ambitious itinerary for my time in Bali and not a lot of time to see it all. I started by visiting Tanah Lot, a gorgeous temple built into a rock formation on the coast. Unfortunately, this would mark the beginning of my battle with Mother Nature, as I was visiting during the rainy season and every location was plagued with gloomy storm clouds.

Over the next several days, every location I wanted to visit was covered in storm clouds. I didn’t get to experience golden hour even once! Although this was frustrating, it didn’t stop me from appreciating all that Bali has to offer. The clever monkeys that steal your belongings and won’t give them back until you offer them fruit, and the offerings to the gods found in the most unexpected places, are just a few examples of how Bali weaves its rich culture into every aspect of life.

However, Bali is just one small piece of the larger story of Indonesia. While Bali is predominantly Hindu, the rest of Indonesia is over 95% Muslim, resulting in a stark contrast in cultures. Once I returned to Jakarta, I began my journey across Java. After navigating Jakarta's complexities and even bribing a police officer to avoid a ticket, we finally made our way out of the city and set off towards Mount Bromo.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving to these locations rather than flying or taking the train. It allowed me to witness everyday life up close, with a healthy dose of the unusual. From clowns standing on the side of the road to oddly dressed dancing babies, the drive was an adventure in itself.

Unfortunately, almost every location on this leg of the trip was once again besieged by Mother Nature. Rain and storm clouds seemed to be around every corner. My view of the sunrise over Mount Bromo was obscured by mist, and the legendary Tempak Sewu waterfall was hidden behind clouds, among other disappointments. While the journey was fantastic, I couldn't help but wish I had visited three months later.

When I returned to Jakarta, I had the chance to explore the city’s impressive malls. Unlike in the States, mall culture in Indonesia has thrived, with over 100 malls, many of which boast over 1 million square feet of shopping and dining space. I was also fortunate to visit during the lead-up to Chinese New Year, so every mall was adorned with magnificent decorations. From Lamborghini dealerships and movie theaters to mosques and a wide array of food and luxury shopping options, these malls truly had it all.

As my trip came to a close I am glad I didn’t let my initial impression scare me away. Jakarta and Bali are both fascinating places and should absolutely be on your list of places to visit. The people are kind, the breakfast buffets are amazing and the city is a vibrant modern city worthy of exploration.