Ranch Reflections are articles written by LRHS students and staff who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for Mustangs to branch out beyond traditional news stories.  This edition features the memories of an LRHS Mustang who travelled across the world.

Maya Omachel– Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- My trip to Indonesia was most definitely one of a kind, but hopefully one I can relive one day. In just two weeks, I learned so much about the people, culture and just their way of living.

I went to Indonesia at the end of April. I accompanied my family on my mother’s business trip.

One of the biggest things that truly shocked me is the behavior of the people there. Every Indonesian I encountered had a sense of kindness and hospitality.  

The author looks over Bali’s Diamond Beach

When driving there was no one drastically honking or making inappropriate gestures. The people seemed to always be in a good mood, keeping a smile on their faces.

Indonesia is truly the most beautiful place I have visited so far with its diverse environments and landscapes.

On one side of the island of Bali, there is Denpasar, a highly populated city with more modern architecture.  On the other side there’s beaches and a lot of greenery and rice fields.

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Every building in Indonesia, no matter if it’s big, small, on your roof or in your kitchen, every house must have a temple to represent families.

Every morning you would walk outside and smell the smell of incense burning. This ritual is called Canang Sari.

Indonesian people put their food and a few flower petals in a small basket made of banana leaf, they call it an offering. They place it outside, usually where the temple is located, and use it as their way of praising and prayer.

Getting to go and experience the life of people in Indonesia really brought be back to the ground. I realized how lucky I am for even having a stable job in a building that’s roof is not falling apart. It made me realize that no matter where you live in Indonesia, the people are always taught to be grateful for what they have, not what they could have.