Living away from Indonesia, especially in a place like Texas, can really make you appreciate the unique flavors of tropical fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen, and salak. These fruits are not commonly found in American grocery stores, and when they appear, the price often makes you hesitate. However, for many Indonesians, the taste and nostalgia connected to these fruits far outweigh the cost. I remember the first time I saw rambutan in a grocery store here; the vivid red spiky shell instantly brought back memories of childhood and family gatherings back home. Although the price was steep compared to local fruits, I ended up putting several into my cart. It felt like a small way to connect with my roots and share that experience with my own children. Many Indonesian expats face this dilemma – whether to indulge in these pricey tropical fruits or to skip them. Often, the emotional pull of “kangen kampung halaman” (missing the homeland) wins. Tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteen offer more than just sweet flavors; they bring a comforting sense of familiarity in a foreign land. If you’re living abroad and come across these fruits, it's worth stopping to savor them. It’s also a great conversation starter among fellow Indonesians and a way to introduce others to the unique tastes of your culture. Sometimes, we buy these fruits not just for nourishment, but to keep a piece of our heritage alive no matter where we are.