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Hey you,

In the delicate dance between my Indonesian roots and my new German home, I've never truly discovered the true power of biculturalism: the ability to weave threads of two cultures into a tapestry that celebrates both my heritage and the love I’ve found in unexpected places.

As I set out on an adventure that took me far from the streets I knew in Germany and deep into the heart of Coimbra, Portugal, one experience (or question) stood out.

“Hi, where are you from?”

And for a split second, I needed to think.

It could be pretty easy to answer the question. I am a student currently residing in Germany, which was why I could be invited to Coimbra (more on it later, so keep reading!). So I said I was from Germany.

But I don’t speak German well yet and am still on a student visa. I don’t drink beer nor have good muscular endurance. (Note: Germans looove nature and engage in outdoor pursuits. They’re some of the most physically fit people I know.)

But after living in Germany for over two years, I also don’t feel that much like an Indonesian anymore. 😅 I struggle with spicy food now. I don’t miss Jakarta’s snarled traffic and its skyscrapers.

A small identity crisis right there.

Our society tends to rely on labels and categorizations to simplify identities. It’s natural to expect a clear-cut response, a simple label that neatly fits into preconceived notions. But when our identity is a complex mosaic that helps us thrive in different worlds, it challenges those assumptions. Especially if it transcends geographical borders.

It finally dawned on me that my journey was not about finding a single place to belong.

It’s about finding joy in the unique fusion of cultures within me.

A sense of home goes beyond physical locations. It's found in the memories, values, and connections we carry with us, regardless of where we are geographically. Home is:

• not merely a physical place but a feeling of belonging and connection, and
• a fluid concept that evolves as we navigate different experiences.

As I reflect on my journey of cultural fusion and the challenges and rewards of embracing a bicultural identity, I have come to realize that there are practical steps we can take to bridge the worlds that shape us:

🥺 Embrace the power of vulnerability

Being vulnerable can be scary. We often carry a fear that it'll lead to disconnection or misunderstanding. And I still feel that fear following me every time with The Hard Truths.

I’m unsure how my vulnerable experiences would be received. Would my readers resonate with them? With this letter, would you get the conflicts and beauty of embracing biculturalism?

Mustering up my nerve, I took a leap of faith with each letter I write. Peeled back the layers of my experiences. Again and again.

It takes guts to open our hearts and share our authentic selves with others, never quite knowing how our stories, fears, and joys will be received. But more often than not, opening up has helped me create opportunities for deeper connections.

For example, I recently talked with a really good German friend about loneliness. To my surprise, she could relate to what I felt. I don’t think we’d ever know how each other felt if there was no vulnerability there.

😌 Cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance

​I often find myself in a cycle of self-judgment and self-criticism. Whenever I made a cultural misstep or felt like I didn’t fully belong somewhere, I would simultaneously beat myself up, questioning my identity and longing for a sense of belonging.

I was so focused on the negative voice in my head that I forgot I was doing my best with what I already had. It's an unkind act.

Self-compassion means treating myself with the same kindness and understanding I would extend to a friend. By accepting ourselves, we might inspire others to do the same and pave the way for a more inclusive and interconnected world.

I also recognized that my bicultural identity was not a flaw but a strength. It's a gift that allows me to see the world through a unique lens.

😊 Foster empathy and cultural sensitivity

There have been moments when I’ve struggled to empathize with other people's differences.

Fortunately, self-reflecting regularly made me realize how limited my understanding still was and how quick I was to judge without truly trying to understand. It's been a humbling realization that ignited a burning desire within me to expand my horizons. It showed that I had to foster empathy and cultivate cultural sensitivity to bridge the knowledge gap.

The trip to Coimbra was an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in other people’s stories. To listen with an open mind and heart, eager to grasp the values and beliefs that shaped their unique practices. And with each interaction, my empathy grew.

Disclaimer: Everything expressed here comes from my personal experience. I never claim to be an expert.

🔙 ICYMI

​Live life to the dullest​

Putting the idea of living a more boring life into action. 🎬

​Do good for others: a self-service​

More reasons to be kinder. Doing good for others = doing good for ourselves. 💁‍♀️

📢 Shout-outs

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Life as an 🇮🇩 in 🇩🇪

Hello from sunny Porto!

Before Porto, I was in Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal, first. I came as one of 15 delegates from Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena for an event arranged by EC2U.

They organized an event called Students Week for the first time, starting at the University of Coimbra between the 2nd and 4th of May, 2023. As the name suggests, each university in the alliance sent a group of delegates to take part in activities that fostered cultural exchange and collaboration.

The event was the BEST part of my trip, and I was so happy I made the decision to apply. 🥰

I don't know if it's because of the event or if the city was just incredibly beautiful. But I fell in love hard with Portugal, especially after exploring Coimbra and Porto. Architecture in both cities is different from that in Italy and Germany, showcasing a blend of styles ranging from medieval to contemporary.

And don't even get me started on the people: they're warm, friendly, and welcoming. In some ways, they remind me of Indonesians.

There's a Portuguese word called "saudade," which is hard to translate into English. It's more of an emotional state of longing for something or someone beloved. Thinking of leaving the country will definitely make me feel this way. 😔

I know this section is about life as an 🇮🇩 in 🇩🇪... but as I'm not in Germany these days, I don't really have much to say 😝. Still, one thing I can say is that it's easy to get to Portugal from Germany and vice versa. I'll board a direct flight back to Berlin, and then it'll be another 3 hours to get back to Jena. I definitely look forward to going home and seeing my boyfriend and friends again. 😊

I hope you enjoy this letter. See you at the next one. 💕

Cheers,

Devi