Day 54: Maluku, the Spice Islands

Today, I took off from Jakarta to visit the infamous Spice Islands that put this country into the middle of trade and conflict with the Portuguese and Dutch (amongst others) over its nutmeg and cloves. About a three-hour flight from the capital, the city of Ambon could not be more different. As the plane landed, I leaned over and hogged the window view of lush land and seascape.



First impressions? It's really green and the air is fresher here. It feels far away from the hustle of Jakarta and as if it is a place where people take time to live and breathe. Ambon is a place with a complicated past - not only because of its role in trade but also because of its recent history of sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims. My first impressions were entirely positive - verdant foliage and colorful orchids met me upon arrival... and friendly locals on the street were eager to greet and show me around town. Each place I visit in Indonesia seems to prove the same point about the country's diversity of perspectives and people. The Ambonese being distinctly another region and culture... and yet part of this massive country.  I remain eager to learn more.