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Mama’ku Documentary Review: Watching It With My Mum in Rotterdam

MissWidjaja — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:00:04 +0000

In June 2026, I watched the Mama’ku documentary at LantarenVenster in Rotterdam with my mum, and it ended up being one of those films that stayed with me long after we left the cinema. Directed by Sven Peetoom, the documentary follows dancer and choreographer Cheroney Pelupessy as she travels through Indonesia with her mother, from Jakarta to Saparua in the Moluccas, to confront a family history that had largely remained unspoken. As someone with Javanese roots from Suriname, I recognised so much of what was discussed that it almost felt uncomfortable at times, in a good way.

Watching Mama’ku at LantarenVenster Rotterdam

The screening took place at LantarenVenster, one of the cultural venues in Rotterdam. The atmosphere before the film felt noticeably different from a typical cinema screening. People seemed genuinely interested in the subject matter, and I overheard a few conversations about family histories and connections to Indonesia before the lights dimmed.

One thing I immediately appreciated was that the documentary does not try to provide easy answers. Instead, it allows difficult conversations to unfold naturally.

The film is only 57 minutes long, but it felt much more substantial than many feature-length documentaries I have seen.

What the Documentary Is About

Director Sven Peetoom has spent years exploring the lasting consequences of the Dutch colonial past in Indonesia and the culture of silence that often surrounds it.

In Mama’ku, he follows Cheroney Pelupessy as she travels through Indonesia with her mother, beginning in Jakarta, where her mother grew up but rarely spoke about, and continuing to Saparua in the Moluccas.

As the journey unfolds, layers of family history emerge. What starts as a search for forgotten relatives gradually reveals stories of domestic violence, trauma and emotional wounds that have been carried across generations.

The documentary focuses heavily on the relationship between mother and daughter, and that is exactly what made it resonate with me.

In June 2026, Mama’ku received the Kristallen Film award after reaching 10,000 cinema admissions in the Netherlands.

The Parts I Found Most Recognisable

What struck me most was how clearly Cheroney explained feelings that many children of immigrant and colonial families often struggle to put into words.

Throughout the documentary, there were moments where I found myself quietly nodding.

Not because my story is identical, but because the emotions felt familiar.

The frustration of wanting answers.

The sadness of realising your parents experienced things they never fully processed.

The confusion of loving someone while also carrying pain from the way they raised you.

For years, I have struggled with some of those same feelings. At the same time, I also understand that my mum, her mum and many mothers from colonial backgrounds often did the best they could with the tools they had.

That does not erase the impact of trauma, but it does add context.

Mama’ku does not ask viewers to choose sides. Instead, it encourages understanding.

I left feeling a little lighter than when I entered, not because the issues had disappeared, but because the film reminded me that these experiences are shared by many families. I have a good relationship with my mother, and watching it together added another layer of understanding.

Watching It Together With My Mum

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening was watching it with my mum.

Every now and then, I glanced sideways to see her reaction.

There were moments when I could tell certain scenes resonated with her too.

We did not immediately start discussing everything afterwards. In fact, we were relatively quiet walking out of the cinema.

But sometimes that says enough.

The documentary created space for reflection rather than forcing a conversation.

Looking back, I think we both recognised parts of ourselves in it.

What I Loved

The honest portrayal of intergenerational trauma.
The nuanced mother-daughter relationship.
The connection between personal stories and colonial history.
The documentary's emotional depth despite its short runtime.
The fact that it encouraged empathy rather than blame.
Seeing experiences reflected that I rarely see discussed openly.
The thoughtful pacing and intimate storytelling.

Is Mama’ku Worth Watching?

Yes.

Not because it is an easy watch, but because it is an honest one.

Mama’ku succeeds because it focuses on real people rather than abstract historical discussions. It shows how events from decades ago can still shape relationships today.

Personally, I found it both confronting and comforting.

Confronting because I recognised some of the struggles being discussed.

Comforting because it reminded me that many families carry similar stories.

If you get the opportunity to see Mama’ku at a film festival, a cultural venue, or a future screening, I would absolutely recommend it.

For anyone navigating complicated family histories, it offers something valuable: understanding.

For another cultural evening in Rotterdam, read my Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam review.

Het bericht Mama’ku Documentary Review: Watching It With My Mum in Rotterdam verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

A Spontaneous Harry Styles Solo Date at Wembley Stadium: One of My Favourite Summer Evenings in London

MissWidjaja — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:35 +0000

On 20 June 2026, I ended up buying a last-minute ticket for around £60 because the concert had not completely sold out. I never expected another Harry Styles Wembley Stadium review to come from such a spontaneous decision.

It turned into one of my favourite solo dates ever in London.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and recommendations remain my own.

There’s something about London in summer that makes spontaneous decisions feel normal. One moment you’re in a quiet café, the next you’re inside Wembley Stadium surrounded by thousands of people waiting for live music to begin.

This wasn’t just a concert night; it felt like part of London’s wider live music culture, where stadium shows and intimate performances constantly coexist.

Finding a Last-Minute Wembley Stadium Ticket

I don’t usually buy concert tickets early anymore because prices have become unpredictable. Instead, I check closer to the date and hope for a lucky drop.

This time it worked.

For around £60, I ended up in the upper tier of Wembley Stadium. It was a nosebleed seat, but the view was still surprisingly good. I was in one of the lower upper sections, which meant I could clearly see the full stage, screens, and lighting production.

From above, the Wembley Stadium concert experience feels different. You don’t just watch the performance; you see the entire stadium move together as one.

The lights, the crowd waves, and the scale of everything become part of the show.

Wembley Stadium During a London Heatwave

London was in the middle of a heatwave that day, and Wembley definitely felt it.

Even after sunset, the air stayed warm and heavy. Thousands of people were fanning themselves between songs, and the atmosphere felt slow, almost suspended.

What stood out was how well Wembley handled it. Free water refill stations were available throughout the stadium, which made a huge difference during a summer concert in London.

A small detail, but absolutely essential.

Shania Twain Opening the Night

Before Harry Styles came on stage, Shania Twain opened the show and completely won over the crowd.

She looked confident, sounded incredible, and had a stage presence that instantly filled Wembley Stadium. It was one of those rare opening sets where the entire stadium actually pays attention.

The energy shifted immediately. People were singing along, smiling, and fully warmed up for the night ahead.

Hearing Harry Styles Live Changed My Perspective

Before this concert, I hadn’t spent much time with his newer music.

But hearing it live completely changed that.

Some songs turned Wembley into a full stadium dance floor, while others slowed everything down into quieter, reflective moments. That contrast made the performance feel more layered than I expected.

By the end of the night, I understood the newer material in a completely different way.

The Orchestra Was One of the Most Beautiful Surprises

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came when Harry was joined by an orchestra for Coming Up Roses, a few more songs, and Sign of the Times.

In a stadium as large as Wembley, I wasn’t expecting such intimate moments to land the way they did, but they absolutely did.

The strings added so much depth that the whole atmosphere shifted. People stopped dancing, stopped talking, and just listened. It felt still, despite being surrounded by thousands of people.

That contrast made it one of the most beautiful parts of the night.

The Atmosphere During the Night

One thing I kept noticing was how relaxed the crowd felt compared to other stadium concerts I’ve been to.

Even though Wembley was packed, there was a sense of calm between songs. People weren’t constantly shouting or rushing; they were actually listening.

That made the quieter orchestral sections stand out even more.

Why London in Summer Feels Like a Never-Ending Music Season

A few weeks before this Wembley concert, I found myself thinking back to last year’s Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre, where I saw Jon Batiste perform.

That night by the Thames felt completely different from Wembley, smaller, closer, and more intimate. I could see every expression, every pause between notes. It stayed with me long after I left.

I recently realised I had missed Harry Styles at Meltdown this year, and I felt that familiar London feeling of not being able to catch everything, even when you try.

That’s what connects these experiences.

One week you’re at Southbank Centre listening closely in an intimate hall, and the next you’re inside Wembley Stadium watching fireworks explode above thousands of people.

Both exist in the same city. That contrast is what makes London in summer feel alive.

Walking Out of Wembley Park

Reaching Wembley Park Station after leaving the stadium took time, as expected.

But I didn’t mind. The walk felt like part of the experience, people replaying moments, humming songs, and slowly coming down from a huge live music night in London.

What I Loved

£60 last-minute Wembley Stadium ticket
Upper-tier view of the full production
Free water refill stations during a heatwave
Shania Twain’s opening performance
Orchestral moments with Harry Styles
Scale and lighting of Wembley at night
London’s contrast between intimate and stadium music experiences

Things to Know Before Wembley Stadium Concerts

Upper-tier seats can still offer excellent views. Try to sit in the middle, so you see the stadium and fireworks.
Wembley gets extremely hot during summer events.
Check Wembley Stadium’s event-specific rules before bringing a reusable water bottle, as permitted bottle types can vary.
Expect delays leaving Wembley Park Station.
Last-minute tickets can sometimes be cheaper, but availability is never guaranteed.
For Wembley Park Station, the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines are usually the easiest options.
For another Wembley concert experience, read my review of The Weeknd at Wembley Stadium.

Is Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium Worth It?

Yes, especially if you can find a reasonably priced ticket.

This Harry Styles Wembley Stadium review is not about perfection, but about experience.

What stayed with me wasn’t just the scale of Wembley, but the quieter orchestral moments that made the stadium feel unexpectedly intimate.

It reminded me why live music in London is so special; you’re constantly moving between worlds without ever leaving the city.

Explore Wembley Stadium Beyond a Concert

Want to see more of Wembley than the view from your concert seat? This two-hour Wembley Stadium guided tour takes visitors behind the scenes to areas such as the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitchside and Royal Box while exploring the stadium’s sporting and music history.

This is a separate stadium tour and does not include tickets to a concert or event.

Het bericht A Spontaneous Harry Styles Solo Date at Wembley Stadium: One of My Favourite Summer Evenings in London verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

Andong to Seoul Travel Route: Ginseng Markets & Mountain Views

MissWidjaja — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:00:44 +0000

Ad – Affiliate links: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My opinions and recommendations remain my own.

After experiencing traditional culture in Andong, from temples to the famous Mask Festival, our journey through South Korea continued toward the capital. This route from Andong to Seoul includes a couple of interesting stops along the way, showcasing another side of the country before arriving in the bustling city of Seoul.

If you haven’t read my previous posts yet, you can follow the full journey here:

This route connects the cultural heart of Korea with its vibrant capital.

Stay Connected in South Korea

One thing that makes travelling through South Korea much easier is having internet access as soon as you arrive. I always use Airalo eSIM, which allows me to have data immediately when landing.

It’s extremely helpful for:

Navigation with Naver Maps
Instant translations with Papago
Booking tickets and activities
Checking train or bus routes

I’ve used Airalo in multiple countries, including Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia, and it always works perfectly.

If you’re using it for the first time, you can use my code DANIEL22410.

Stop 1: Punggi Ginseng Market in Yeongju

Our first stop on the way to Seoul was Punggi Ginseng Market, located in Yeongju.

This region is famous for producing high-quality Korean ginseng, thanks to the climate near the Sobaeksan Mountains. The soil and temperature here create ideal growing conditions, resulting in ginseng with a high saponin content, a compound responsible for many of its health benefits.

You can find many types of ginseng products here:

Fresh ginseng roots
Ginseng tea
Ginseng candy
Ginseng extracts and tonics

I bought six-year-old ginseng tar for around €30, which felt like a bargain considering the quality. It’s often used in traditional medicine and can help with things like energy levels and menstrual pain.

The ginseng candy is also surprisingly tasty and makes a great small souvenir.

Stop 2: Mancheonha Skywalk in Danyang

Our next stop was Mancheonha Skywalk, a glass observation deck high above the valley.

Normally, this skywalk offers 360-degree views of the mountains and river, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in the region.

Unfortunately, when we visited, the weather had other plans. It was rainy and foggy, so the view completely disappeared into the mist.

Even though we couldn’t enjoy the panorama, the location still looked impressive. On a clear day, this must be an incredible stop for photos and mountain scenery.

Check Mancheonha Skywalk Tickets and Visitor Information

Arrival in Seoul

After these stops, we continued our journey to Seoul.

Arriving in Seoul feels like stepping into a completely different atmosphere compared to the quieter countryside regions. The city is vibrant, modern, and full of energy.

In my next blog post, I’ll share how to explore the capital with a 2-day Seoul itinerary, including palaces, neighbourhoods, and food spots.

Travel Tips for the Route

How to Travel from Andong to Seoul

Guided tour bus (like we did)
Intercity buses
Train connections via nearby cities.

Many travellers combine this route with stops like Yeongju or Danyang to experience more of rural Korea.

What to Buy Along the Way

Six-year Korean ginseng
Ginseng candy
Local herbal products

These make authentic Korean souvenirs and are much cheaper here than in large cities.

Tours and Experiences Mentioned in This Andong to Seoul Route

If you’re travelling from Andong to Seoul and would like to make a few interesting stops along the way, I’ve listed the attractions and experiences mentioned throughout this guide below. These stops offer a chance to experience more of South Korea’s countryside, local traditions, and scenic viewpoints before arriving in the capital.

These are the experiences featured in this route:

Punggi Ginseng Market
Punggi is one of South Korea’s most famous regions for producing high-quality ginseng. Visiting the market is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional Korean products and pick up authentic souvenirs such as ginseng tea, candy, extracts, or fresh roots.

Mancheonha Skywalk
Although the weather didn’t cooperate during our visit, the Mancheonha Skywalk is known for its panoramic mountain and river views. On a clear day, it looks like an incredible place for photography and enjoying South Korea’s natural scenery.

Stay Connected with an eSIM
Having mobile data throughout our journey made travelling around South Korea much easier. I used Airalo for maps, translations, transport information, and bookings, just as I have on trips to Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia.
→ [Airalo]

Planning Your Journey from Andong to Seoul?

This route reminded me that some of the most interesting travel experiences happen between destinations. Stops like Punggi Ginseng Market and Mancheonha Skywalk offered a glimpse into rural South Korea and provided a quieter contrast before arriving in vibrant Seoul.

Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting MissWidjaja!

Continue Exploring South Korea

This article is part of my South Korea travel series, where I share the exact route I followed across the country, along with honest tips, itineraries and experiences to help you plan your own adventure.

Continue your journey:

Busan 4-Day Itinerary
Busan to Gyeongju Itinerary
Andong Travel Guide
Andong to Seoul Travel Route (current article)
2-Day Seoul Itinerary

Or explore everything in one place on my South Korea Travel Hub.

Het bericht Andong to Seoul Travel Route: Ginseng Markets & Mountain Views verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

Andong Travel Guide: Temples, Folk Villages & Mask Festival

MissWidjaja — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Ad – Affiliate links: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My opinions and recommendations remain my own.

After exploring the coast and ancient capital in my previous posts, Busan and the Busan to Gyeongju itinerary, our journey continued inland. This Andong travel guide with nearby villages and temples covers one of the most culturally and traditional regions of South Korea.

If you love UNESCO sites, wooden architecture, colourful temples, and authentic festivals, Andong might surprise you. It felt like stepping into traditional Korea, slower, deeper, and more rooted in history.

Stay Connected in South Korea

Before diving into this Andong travel guide, a quick practical tip: stay connected.

I always use Airalo eSIM when travelling. It allows me to land in a new country with instant data, perfect for maps, translations, and bookings. In South Korea, Naver Maps works best for navigation, and Papago is excellent for translations.

You can use my code DANIEL22410 if it’s your first time using Airalo.

From Ulsan to Andong – A Cultural Route

We left Ulsan early in the morning by our touring bus and headed toward one of Korea’s most important Buddhist temples.

Haeinsa Temple – UNESCO Wonder

Our first stop was Haeinsa, located in Gayasan National Park.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for housing the Tripitaka Koreana, a complete collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto wooden blocks between 1237 and 1248.

Walking through the temple complex truly feels like stepping into the Joseon period, or into one of those beautiful Korean historical dramas. The architecture is colourful, detailed, and incredibly peaceful.

I would absolutely love to join a temple stay or monk retreat here one day. The atmosphere feels calm and grounding. It is quite a walk to the temple, but definitely worth it.

Souvenir tip: Many temple shops sell delicate silver rings and bracelets. Beautiful, meaningful pieces to take home.

Check Haeinsa Temple Visitor Information

Hahoe Folk Village – Living Joseon History

Next, we visited Hahoe Folk Village, a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty, founded in the 14th–15th century.

This UNESCO-listed village preserves traditional Korean homes, wooden structures, and mask culture. Walking through the village feels authentic and untouched.

The craftsmanship here is impressive. If you’re looking for souvenirs, I recommend wooden masks or handcrafted utensils; the quality is excellent.

Andong: 1-Day UNESCO Tour with a Local Guide

Andong International Maskdance Festival

After exploring the village, we headed into Andong city for the Andong International Maskdance Festival.

The atmosphere was festive and full of life. There was a parade, cultural performances, and dances from different countries; we even saw performers from Indonesia.

One of the highlights was Talchum, a traditional Korean mask dance drama recognised by UNESCO.

The festival area has many local restaurants. It’s great if you like trying new foods. If you’re vegan, options may be limited, but I personally enjoy exploring local cuisine because it enriches the travel experience.

Where We Stayed in Andong

That evening, we stayed at CM Park Hotel Andong.

To be honest, this was purely a practical stop. Because of the Mask Festival, many hotels were fully booked. The hotel is not luxurious and doesn’t have many nearby restaurants, but it worked well for a one-night stay before continuing our trip the next day.

CM Park Hotel Andong

Is Andong Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you are interested in:

UNESCO heritage sites
Buddhist temple architecture
Traditional Korean villages
Cultural festivals
Authentic local experiences

Andong feels more traditional and less modern compared to Busan. It gives you a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural identity.

Travel Tips for Andong

Best Time to Visit

Autumn is ideal, especially during the Maskdance Festival season.

Train to Andong from Gyeongju or Busan

Gyeongju: Gyeongju to Andong train
Busan: Busan to Andong train

Guided Tour in Andong

Private guided day tour

What to Buy

Wooden masks, utensils from Hahoe Village
Handmade silver jewellery from temple shops

Tours and Experiences Mentioned in This Andong Itinerary

If you're planning your own trip to Andong and would like to follow a similar route, I've listed the tours, attractions and experiences mentioned throughout this guide below. Some of these were included as part of our organised tour through South Korea, while others can easily be booked independently if you're travelling on your own.

These are the experiences featured in this itinerary:

Haeinsa Temple
Haeinsa Temple was one of the most peaceful places I visited during my South Korea trip. Home to the famous Tripitaka Koreana and surrounded by the beautiful Gayasan National Park, it's a must-visit if you're interested in Korean history, Buddhism or simply want to experience a quieter side of the country.
→ Check Haeinsa Temple Visitor Information

Hahoe Folk Village UNESCO Tour
Walking through Hahoe Folk Village felt like stepping back into the Joseon Dynasty. The traditional houses, peaceful surroundings and rich cultural heritage make this one of Andong's most memorable attractions.
→ Hahoe Folk Village UNESCO Tour

Andong UNESCO & Cultural Highlights TourIf you're short on time, a guided tour is a great way to visit Hahoe Folk Village and learn more about Andong's fascinating history and traditions from a local guide.
→ Andong UNESCO & Cultural Highlights Tour

Andong International Maskdance Festival (Seasonal)
If you're visiting Andong in autumn, try to time your visit with the Andong International Maskdance Festival. Watching traditional performances alongside groups from around the world was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip and gave the city such a lively atmosphere.

Stay Connected with an eSIM
Having mobile data from the moment I arrived made travelling around South Korea much easier. I used Airalo throughout this trip for maps, translations, transport and bookings, just as I have in Japan, South Africa and Indonesia.
→ [Airalo]

Planning Your Own Andong Trip?

If I had to recommend just three experiences from this itinerary, I'd choose Haeinsa Temple, Hahoe Folk Village, and, if you're visiting at the right time of year, the Andong International Maskdance Festival. Together, they offer a wonderful introduction to South Korea's spiritual heritage, traditional villages and living culture, making Andong one of the most authentic destinations I visited during my trip.

Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting MissWidjaja!

Continue Exploring South Korea

Continue your journey:

Busan 4-Day Itinerary
Busan to Gyeongju Itinerary
Andong Travel Guide (current article)
Andong to Seoul Travel Route
2-Day Seoul Itinerary

Or explore everything in one place on my South Korea Travel Hub.

Het bericht Andong Travel Guide: Temples, Folk Villages & Mask Festival verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.