Spent time in Banda Neira, Indonesia, right in the heart of the original Spice Islands. This tiny island group was once the only place on Earth where nutmeg and mace naturally grew, which made it one of the most fought-over places in history. In the 1600s, the Dutch took control, built massive stone forts like Fort Belgica and Fort Nassau, and turned Banda into the center of their global spice monopoly. Walking through these old forts while looking out over the sea really puts into perspective how intense colonial competition was over such a small place. Today, Banda Neira is insanely beautiful. Crystal clear water, coral reefs, quiet streets, and a huge volcano Gunung Api rising straight out of the ocean. Wild how a place with so much history is now this peaceful.