The Roaming Shoes

Java – this enchanting Indonesian island had always sparked my curiosity. Growing up in Odisha, a coastal state in eastern India with a rich maritime legacy, I often heard tales of ancient voyages between our shores and the distant lands of Java, Bali, and Sumatra. Back then, Java was just a name wrapped in stories. I never imagined I’d one day experience it myself. That changed this year—when we chose Java for our 11th anniversary trip. And what a journey it turned out to be! Java wasn’t just a destination; it was a breathtaking collection of moments. In just a few days, we saw the sun rise over an active volcano, hiked under a star-filled sky to witness the rare and mystical blue fire of the Ijen Crater, stood at the edge of a beautiful yet acidic volcanic lake, and trekked to a surreal waterfall that looked like something straight out of Avatar . Every moment was magical—and everywhere we went, the warmth and kindness of the people made us feel right at home. We were, quite lit...