The mouth keeps silent to hear the heart speaks...

Catatan hati di awal 2012

2012-01-13T15:39:00.000+07:00

Sore ini, di akhir minggu kedua di awal tahun 2012.
Di temani hujan yang terus menerus mengguyur bumi selama beberapa hari terakhir ini, aku menyesap kopi ku perlahan, menikmati buih krimer yang lembut nya menghangati bibir dan rongga mulut ku.
Meresapi setiap jengkal perjalanan kopi itu yang membawa kehangatan di tubuh ku yang meringkuk kedinginan. Menenggelamkan diri dalam pelukan sofa empuk, berharap mampu mengusir dingin yang mulai merambati hari.

Sore ini, di sebuah sudut kedai kopi kesayangan ku.
Yang kerap ku datangi, baik hanya untuk sekedar menikmati waktu yang bergulir di temani aroma kopi hangat dan kayu manis kesukaan ku maupun bertemu orang-orang yang ku kasihi, berbagi kisah kehidupan, ataupun hanya sekedar menghabiskan halaman demi halaman dari buku yang sedang ku baca.

Sore ini, aku mengamati butiran air hujan yang membasahi kaca jendela kedai kopi ini. Sesekali mengamati gerak langkah manusia-manusia yang berderap cepat, mengerutkan kening, melipat kedua tangan di dada, mengatupkan bibir, entah kedinginan entah kelelahan entah banyak pikiran. Tak urung, aku pun tersenyum. Sendiri. Membayangkan skenario-skenario yang terjadi di dalam kehidupan manusia yang tengah aku amati. Hidup itu misteri. Banyak tanya yang hadir di dalam kehidupan manusia. Banyak kabut yang terkadang muncul menghalangi keyakinan. Namun yang terpenting bahwa hidup itu anugerah. Anugerah yang harus senantiasa kita syukuri. Anugerah yang begitu indah yang seringkali lupa kita nikmati dan luput dari kesadaran kita, manusia-manusia robot.

Sore ini, di awal tahun 2012.
Hampir genap 36 tahun aku menikmati perjalanan kehidupan ku di dunia ini. Perjalanan yang cukup panjang bila di banding kan dengan usia keponakan ku yang baru satu digit. Perjalanan yang masih panjang bila di banding kan dengan usia orang tua ku.
Sungguh mengagumkan bagaimana terkadang waktu terasa begitu lambat berjalan, dan tiba-tiba kita terbangun, menengok ke puluhan tahun yang tiba-tiba sudah berlalu dan berada di belakang kita. Hidup itu memang relatif. :)
Relatif mudah dan menyenangkan. Relatif sulit dan melelahkan.
Relatif indah dan relatif buram. Tergantung dari sisi mana kita memilih untuk melihat nya.

Sore ini, di sebuah perjalanan kehidupan.
Aku bersyukur akan hidup ku yang penuh dengan warna dan rasa.
Warna yang kadang cerah, kadang suram. Rasa yang kadang suka, kadang duka. Karena setiap warna dan rasa yang hadir dalam kehidupan ku, mampu menghasilkan suatu karya seni yang menakjubkan.
Yang ku perlukan hanyalah, mundur sejenak, melihat dan mengamati lukisan kehidupan ku dari jauh. Semarak penuh warna dan rasa.
Dan itu indah.

Tidak ada resolusi tahun baru yang aku buat.
I am grateful and thankful to be alive. And I will keep living my life to the fullest.

August

2011-09-06T10:39:00.000+07:00

August has always been my most favorite month of the year.

Not only because I was born on August 28th, but it also because August is when my most favorite season has begun.

Autumn or fall season is my favorite time of the year especially when I lived in Germany.

For some reason I’ve always sentimentalized this season.

There's something so beautiful, romantic and mysterious about it.

The colors of trees, the falling golden leaves, the sunny days with chilly breeze, the smell of wet leaves, the romance of the gray sky, the wistfulness of the shorter days, the melancholy feeling that always came out to the surface whenever I walked down at the Promenade alone with those crisp leaves.

Gosh, how I missed those moments...

Since I moved back to Jakarta, I still loves autumn. I found another version of fall season here, with its own beauty. The falling leaves, the smells of Gardenia, the chirping birds, the splash of rain during a very hot days, the gray sky, and sometimes when I'm lucky a chilly breeze.

So last week was my birthday. I am 35 years old now.

Time is flying by really fast.

Right on my birthday, I had a very deep contemplation about my life. About 35 years that passed me by and would never come back.

35 years of my life.

Indeed, I am so lucky to be alive.

I am so grateful, having a lovely family that always been there around me since the moment I was born.

I thank God, for all the blessings that I've been given during 35 years of my life.

Every morning when I wake up, I always thank God that I am still breathing and having another chance to enjoy His precious gift, the life itself.
I am fully aware that life is a present from God.
That's why I always living my life to the fullest.
Cherish every moment of my life, with it all ups and downs.

And right before I blow away my candle, I've come to my senses...
Looking at those 35 candles, I realized that I have already been walking down at least the half of my circle of life.
I don't remember when exactly it's start, but I always imagined that life is like a circle, like a clock, that always ticking and move forward. It's true that we never know when it will end, but let's just assuming that we've been given a full circle to live our life so it means I've reached the middle point of the circle.

Honestly, I was scared. Not because I feel old and afraid to die.
No, not at all. I always celebrate my age. I'm not kind of people who don't want telling their real age. I'm proud with who I am, including the year I was born. :)) And I'm not afraid to die, because I know that we have no power at all to add one single day in our life. We belong to God. And whenever He decide to call us back, there's nothing we can do to prevent it.
All we can do is living our life to the fullest while we're still breathing.

I was scared because I was thinking about my parents.
Thinking about the circle of life, I'm so afraid of losing them.
I love my parents so much. And I couldn't bear in mind the fact that one day they will gone to heaven.
I am so grateful that I still have a chance to spend the time with my parents now, and I thank God for that.
And I pray every single time, that God will always bless my parents with a good health, happiness, peace of mind, and a long life.

My Next Thirty Years

I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years I’m gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things I’ve done
Maybe now I’ve conquered all my adolescent fears
And I’ll do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years I’m gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what I’m doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, I’m gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe I’ll remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my husband
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here ,In my next thirty years

In my next thirty years...

September

2011-09-04T09:01:00.003+07:00

Footfalls echo in the memory

Down the passage which we did not take

Towards the door we never opened into

... the rose garden.

-T.S. Eliot-

Unexplainable.

2011-08-18T10:33:00.006+07:00

I love words.

I always love words.

Words are mysterious and beautiful creatures that have a soul in my opinion.

They have an invisible power that can change our mood in just a second.

Words can bring us into a deep darkness moment yet a bright sunny smile.

Words can make us flying high up in the sky yet make us falling free into the cliff.

It's a wonder that words can describe something that goes beyond our comprehension.

It's a magical experience how words can transform us into another world.

I always got myself lost in the sea of words of a good book.

My thoughts and soul were swam freely into the ocean of words.

I read every word slowly, chew it carefully, contemplate it deeply, until it takes me to an intimate absorption.

Sometimes I read the word/sentence all over again if I've found the word/sentence was an extremely extraordinary beautiful.

Weird isn't it?

Anyhow, there's a moment when I feel something that goes beyond words.

Something that I can't explain.

Something that I can't find the substitute of it in any word that ever exists.

Most of the moments, I can categorize in two. Either it's something beautifully painful or painfully beautiful.

But still, it goes beyond words.

The feeling.

At this very moment.

Solitude

2011-07-15T10:23:00.011+07:00

Beringsut perlahan, menarik diri dari hiruk pikuk dunia.
Meninggalkan dentum-dentum kefanaan.
Keriaan pun kian sayup terdengar seiring ku merasuk jauh dalam lembah pemikiran.
Menyusuri hening yang begitu gaduh memantulkan buah pikiran.
Terhanyut dalam arus rasa yang bergelora.
Membawa diri berlabuh di tepian impian.
Tersesat dalam khayalan yang terbiaskan kenyataan.
Jiwa pun terpekur dalam hangat nya dekapan kenangan.
Membiarkan hati melambung tinggi bermain bersama awan-awan harapan.
Di nikmati walau sekejap.
Karena pada akhirnya, semua awan pun akan kembali terhempas.
Kembali pada kodrat nya.
Pada saat nya.

Note: Photo courtesy of www.favim.com

I Want To Hold Your Hand

2011-07-13T11:50:00.003+07:00

There's a moment when I have no words to say...
There's a moment when I have no story to share...
There's a moment when I have no voice to speak...
There's a moment when I have no strength to move...

A moment when you look into my eyes...
A moment when you hold my hand...
A moment when you take me in your arms...
A moment when you complete me.

2011-01-26T10:27:00.005+07:00

It's been three weeks since I left 2010 behind..
Before I travel deep into 2011, I took some time to look back and had some kind of reflection
moments on my life's journey in 2010.

2010 has been one of the best years of my life.
With all of ups and downs, 2010 has taught me to be a stronger, better and hopefully wiser person.

I've learned that life is too short and too precious to be waste by being ungrateful.
I've learned that life is more beautiful when you stop being a judge.
I've learned that life is good when you stop complaint.
I've learned that everything in life has its own time.
I've learned that it's a wonder to have more time being with my beloved parents.
I've learned that sometimes life give you a second chance.
I've learned that there's always two sides of coin.
I've learned that home is where my heart is belong.
I've learned that life is so generous when you start counting your blessings.
I've learned that it's important being consciously aware of all things in my life because it won't last forever.
I've learned to always keep breathing and be present.
I've learned that God is working in a mysterious way.
I've learned that less is more.
I've learned that time is everything.

And the most remarkable moment in 2010 is when life has lead me back to my long lost precious 'home'.
Now, I'm home and settled.
And I am ready to experience everything life has to offer in this brand new 2011.
:)

Time Reflection

2010-12-31T09:41:00.001+07:00

Time is a scarse commodity, that in so many ways
so often, is taken for granted.
Cherish, enjoy and make the best of what you are given.

Time flies by so swiftly without making a sound
travelling on a course that no one can determine
moving even when we are asleep in the night
unravelling mysteries for the eyes to behold.

Some people watch as it goes by
while others make provisions while the sun shines
the wise take heed and are aware
when others squander theirs and dont care.

Before you know it, you are old and gray
reminiscing on the good times you had
or sitting in your rocking chair,
regreting the chances you didnt take
or gramacing from aches and pain
from life's journey
that we have travelled.

Sometime I wonder why time flies so fast
but I can never come seem to produce an answer
only to realise that time is a master
ruling the old and the young,
and everything else on the earth.

By Milton Handfield

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:54:00.002+07:00

Today is Thanksgiving day. Even though we don't celebrate it as a public holiday in Indonesia, I love the idea of Thanksgiving day it self. Thanksgiving day in United States is a time to offer thanks, of family gatherings and holiday meals. A time of turkeys, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. A time for Indian corn, holiday parades and giant balloons, to celebrate what it's known as a harvest festival before. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. According to Wikipedia Thanksgiving is celebrated by the American people on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Apart from the euphoria of Thanksgiving day, it's true that we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving day to express our gratitude and thankfulness. Just like what William Arthur Ward said:

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

As a catholic, every time I celebrate the Eucharist, I use it as an opportunity to give thanks. The word itself, “Eucharist” is a Greek word that means: Thanksgiving. We don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to express our gratitude to God and one another. In fact, cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” is actually a spiritual discipline that can bring us greater happiness in the long run.

Every night before I sleep, I thank the Lord for giving me another day to live my life, the precious gift of my family and for all the graces God has bestowed upon me.
I always ask myself, what am I grateful for today?
That simple question has never failed me. It really helps me to stay positive despite the not-so-good things that occasionally happen in my life.
Because I believe, the more you notice good things and appreciate them, the more good things come into your life.

By being a grateful person, we're able to see the world differently. There are always good things behind everything that happen. Life is beautiful as always.

Note: What are you grateful for today?

Letters to Juliet

2010-10-11T10:12:00.009+07:00

My heart's melted watching Letters to Juliet.
Not because, it brought my memory back to the beauty of Verona and reminds me right away how I've missed the city very much.
But there's something extra ordinary beyond all those beautiful sceneries of Italy.
Well, I do consider myself to be a hopeless romantic but the story line has really got into me so deeply...
I dont think the movie was that great itself though, kind of a sappy romantic movie with a typical fairy tale happy ending.

Anyway, I think its so sweet that no matter what age you are, you can still find your true love.

Do you believe in second chances at finding true love?
I do...

And the best part of the movie for me is:

Dear Claire,

‘What’ and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come.
But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if’?

I don’t know how your story ended.
But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love -
then it’s never too late.
If it was true then it why wouldn’t it be true now?
You need only the courage to follow your heart.

I don’t know what a love like that feels like,
a love to leave loved ones for,
a love to cross oceans for
but I’d like to believe if I ever felt it I’d have the courage to seize it.
I hope you had the courage to seize it, Claire.
And if you didn’t, I hope one day that you will.

All my love,

Juliet

Note: How far would you travel to find true love? At the end, the greatest love story in the world is your own.

Ups & Downs

2010-08-25T10:31:00.004+07:00

Life is so unpredictable...
There're moments that sometimes hits you like a thunderbolt and you are left figuring out how to put yourself back together.

What can we say? It's all coming in a package.
Life has its ups, downs, curves, straight paths, even sometimes it goes sideways.
Whenever you're stumble upon something on your way, just hold on.
Shed some tears, get rid of it.
Gather up your strength and be ready to keep on moving no matter how crumble your world apart to the ground...

Notes:
Somebody asked me, Why do you keep it to your self? I replied, Inner world is so protective and comfortable to hang around with that outer world just tends to become indistinguishable. *Anonymous*

My Current Mood

2010-08-20T13:14:00.004+07:00

"I wanted a perfect ending.
Now I've learned, the hard way,
that some poems don't rhyme,
and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle,
and end.

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

Delicious Ambiguity."

*Gilda Radner*

Honor

2010-07-20T15:08:00.006+07:00

When I looked at this beautiful picture for the first time,
I lost my breath for a few moments. I lost my words in silence.
Everything that I want to say can find no voice.

Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of sunrise.
As the sun rises slowly with the light straight reaches the 'mourning' sky gives the twilight streams a chance to show its marvelous moment.

At sunrise everything is luminous divine.
This grand picture's remind me to one of my favorite songs, the beautiful song from Phil Perry, HONOR.
Too bad I couldn't find the video in youtube.

You could find this song in Phil Perry's, A Mighty Love album.

Taste of morning sunrise
Brings joy to my eyes
To wake up and see the bluebirds
Flying high up in the sky

And to know You are the One
That makes raindrops with the sun
And to know You’re the King
That brings the joy inside of me

Give You the honor
Give You the praise
Forever and ever
I will lift up Your name

Your name is the name we shall be hold
Your name is the only name I know
Your name is the sweetest name I, sweetest name I know
Your name… Your name…

Note: The picture was taken by @JFSoureka at Ria Bintan. Thanks a buuuunch Joey for the wonderful picture. :)

Info dan Tips ke Ujung Kulon

2010-07-02T17:14:00.002+07:00

Dari Jakarta menuju Ujung Kulon memakan waktu sekitar 7 jam non stop perjalanan darat.
Di sambung dengan 3 jam perjalanan laut menuju Pulau Peucang.
Total perjalanan 10 jam, membuat kita harus menyiapkan kondisi fisik yang kuat dan sehat.

Rute yang di tempuh:

Start di Jakarta - Masuk Tol Merak - Keluar di Serang Timur - Pandeglang - Labuan - Tarogong - Tanjung Lesung - Cibaliung - Sumur - Taman Jaya.
Dari Jakarta sampai dengan Cibaliung memakan waktu sekitar 4 jam, dari Cibaliung menuju Taman Jaya memakan waktu sekitar 3 jam di karena kan kondisi jalan yang di lalui sangat sulit, berlubang2 dan berbatu2. Perjalanan dari Sumur ke Taman Jaya tidak mungkin di tempuh oleh kendaraan2 berjenis sedan.
Sebagai alternatif bisa menggunakan transportasi umum (Elf) dari mulai Cibaliung menuju Taman Jaya. Atau menyewa mobil.

Karena perjalanan menuju Ujung Kulon dan pulau Peucang memakan waktu 10 jam, harus di perhitungkan jam keberangkatan sesuai dengan rencana perjalanan yang di buat.
Untuk menyewa kapal nelayan (utk menyeberang ke Pulau Peucang) sebaiknya booking terlebih dahulu melalui telepon.
Pak Komar (pemilik penginapan Taman Jaya): 081806181209

Untuk penginapan di pulau Peucang, tidak bisa di booking terlebih dahulu karena tidak ada saluran telepon dan sinyal hp di sana.
Jadi biasanya, langsung dateng. Berhubung kamar nya banyak, jadi kecil kemungkinan nya ga dapet kamar.
Tarif untuk kamar standar non AC, dengan 3 tempat tidur, 250.000.
Harga kamar bervariasi tergantung besar, banyaknya tempat tidur dan fasilitas kamar.

Satu hal yang harus di ingat jangan lupa membawa perbekalan lengkap, untuk sarapan, makan siang, dan makan malam termasuk minuman. Tidak terdapat rumah makan di penginapan ini, tapi kita bisa meminta tolong penjaga penginapan untuk memasakan mie instant.
Pintu penginapan juga harus selalu tertutup, karena monyet2 yang berkeliaran bebas di alam seringkali masuk ke penginapan mengambil makanan ataupun barang2 yang lain.

Ujung Kulon merupakan wilayah yang memiliki banyak hutan yang menjadi tempat berkembang-biaknya nyamuk malaria. Walaupun saat saya dan suami pergi ke sana dengan modal nekat dan perencanaan yag seadanya tanpa meminum obat anti malaria sama sekali, sangat disarankan untuk meng-konsumsi obat anti malaria 1 minggu sebelum keberangkatan, kemudian 1 hari sebelum berangkat, dan 1 minggu sesudah pulang.
Obat malaria yang biasanya dikonsumsi seperti Kina, Resochin, Quinin, dan Kloroquin.

Penggunaan krim anti-nyamuk (repellent) juga cukup membantu untuk menghindari gigitan nyamuk di hutan2. Selain itu, oleskan juga krim sunblock dengan SPF tinggi untuk menghindari sunburn karena banyak aktivitas di bawah terik matahari.
Bagi para pencinta snorkling, jangan lupa membawa peralatan snorkle nya masing2.
Tidak terdapat penyewaan peralatan snorkle di pulau Peucang.

Perjalanan melintasi laut dengan kapal nelayan juga cukup melelahkan, sebaiknya bagi anda yang mudah terkena mabuk laut meng-konsumsi obat anti mabuk sebelumnya.

Saat2 indah yang jangan sampai terlewati adalah menanti matahari terbit di ujung Timur pulau Peucang dan menikmati langit bertabur bintang sambil tiduran di dermaga tepi pantai sambil merasakan hembusan angin laut ditemani deburan ombak yang lembut, dengan warna laut yang seakan menyala bak neon di bawah permukaan laut menutup malam dengan sempurna.

Keseimbangan dalam kehidupan tak jauh dari kemampuan kita menjaga keseimbangan hubungan kita dengan alam. Kunjungan saya ke Ujung Kulon benar2 membawa saya pada satu titik di mana saya merasa begitu kecil di tengah alam raya ciptaan Nya. Ego saya yang kadang begitu lepas tak terkendali sebagai manusia, kembali surut memandang takjub betapa besar kuasa Nya. Ujung Kulon sangat menyentuh hati saya dengan keindahan dan kebersahajaan nya.

Note: Ada beberapa biaya administrasi yang harus kita bayar di Pulau Peucang.
Seperti biaya tiket masuk (Rp 2500,-), biaya tambat perahu di pulau Peucang (Rp 100.000,-), dan pulau2 lainnya yang ingin kita singgahi, asuransi pengunjung (Rp 3000,-), dll.

Galau

2010-06-30T09:21:00.002+07:00

Menelusuri belukar pemikiran
Mengurai simpul rasa yang meresahkan
Terbelit oleh akar pikiran yang menyesakkan

Banyak kata yang tak terucapkan
Banyak rasa yang terpendam
Banyak peristiwa yang terlewatkan
Banyak tanya yang terabaikan

Hati pun meretas mencari ingin nya.
Saat logika tak mampu untuk bertahan.

Note: Galau to the max.

Ujung Kulon: Sebuah Catatan Perjalanan 14 Mei 2010

2010-05-18T14:30:00.016+07:00

Hari Jumat tanggal 14 Mei 2010 dini hari.
Terbangun tepat pukul 5, bersamaan dengan bunyi alarm Blackberry saya yang menyala.
Segera saya matikan, sebelum tetangga sebelah kamar pun ikut terbangun.
Memberi waktu beberapa menit kepada nyawa saya untuk kembali menyatu dengan raga ini, sebelum membangunkan suami.
Begitu suami saya terbangun, kami pun berdoa mengucap syukur atas hari yang baru dan seluruh berkat dan penyertaan Nya sepanjang perjalanan kemarin.
Usai berdoa, suami saya pun keluar mengambil air panas untuk membuat teh dan kopi.
Sementara saya pun bersiap, mengambil jacket yang tadi malem saya jemur karena basah.
Begitu menghabiskan minuman, kami pun segera keluar menuju ke dermaga.

Suasana pulau Peucang dini hari itu begitu sepi dan sunyi, hanya terdengar suara binatang2 dari dalam hutan dan suara babi hutan dari arah bawah rumah panggung (penginapan kami).
Setelah melintasi pos penjaga, dan mengucapkan selamat pagi pada petugas yang berjaga.
Kami pun langsung menuju dermaga, suasana di dermaga subuh itu luaaaaaar biasaaaaaaa indahnyaaaaaa. Semuanya berwarna biru, baik langit maupun laut. Dari mulai biru tua yang terus bergradasi menjadi biru muda seiring pagi menjelang.
Rombongan school fish yang luar biasa banyak terlihat jelas bermain-main riang bak anak-anak sekolah di bawah permukaan air yang begitu jernih dan tenang. Sambil sesekali melompat tinggi ke atas permukaan laut, mengusik keheningan pagi dengan gemericik air yang begitu indah.

Hati ini tiada henti2 nya memuji keindahan ciptaan Nya.
Begitu terkesima dengan lukisan alam yang membentang di depan mata...
Saya pun kehilangan kata2 untuk melukiskan betapa indahnya dini hari itu di pulau Peucang. Saya jadi tidak bisa membayangkan seperti apa indah nya nirwana...

Salah satu yang menjadi cita-cita saya sejak saya punya keinginan untuk pergi ke Ujung Kulon adalah menyaksikan matahari terbit dari pulau Peucang.
Dari beberapa informasi yang saya dapat mengenai Ujung Kulon, sunrise di pulau Peucang sangat indah. Dan saya pun dengan sabar menanti kehadiran MATAHARI ku.
Sambil terus berdoa supaya Tuhan bermurah hati memberikan cuaca yang cerah pagi itu supaya saya bisa melihat matahari ku keluar dari peraduan nya.
Mengingat beberapa hari terakhir cuaca di sini sedang tidak bersahabat karena pergantian musim Barat menjadi musim Selatan.

Kami pun beranjak meninggalkan dermaga, menyusuri pantai yang saat itu tertutup oleh air laut yang sedang pasang. Tanpa mempedulikan celana dan baju akan basah, kami pun masuk ke dalam air, menuju sisi Timur pulau Peucang menyongsong matahari terbangun dari tidur nya. Tuhan pun menjawab doa kami.

* The most beautiful sunrise that I've ever seen... *

Saya pun menyapa riang matahari ku, yang begitu indah pagi itu.
Mendekap nya erat dalam hati, terasa hangat sehangat sinarnya yang mulai memantul berkilauan di atas permukaan laut.
Selesai mengabadikan saat2 yang sangat indah itu, awan mendung pun berarak menutupi sang mentari... Praise the Lord.
Karena kemurahan hati Nya semata lah, kami dapat menyaksikan indahnya matahari terbit pagi itu. Karena tidak sampai 5 menit dari kami selesai foto2, sang mentari pun menghilang di balik awan, hujan pun turun membasahi bumi.
Bahagia rasanya hati ini.., karena matahari ku sudah ku dekap erat dalam hati.
Hati riang meskipun harus hujan-hujanan berjalan kembali menuju ke penginapan. :)

Sampai di penginapan, kami pun mengeringkan diri dan berganti baju.
Menyeruput minuman panas kami sedikit demi sedikit sambil duduk2 di teras depan penginapan sambil menikmati hujan ditemani biskuit keju, memandang lepas ke hutan belantara, tersenyum memperhatikan tingkah binatang2 yang kesenangan bermain air hujan di padang depan penginapan kami. Kesederhanaan yang terasa begitu mewah.
Ketika kami sedang mengambil foto serombongan monyet2 yang baru keluar dari hutan, tiba2 kami di beritahu oleh tamu penginapan yang lain, bahwa biskuit kami di ambil sama seekor monyet nakal yang langsung lari membawa biskuit kami ke tengah padang dan sibuk memakan nya sendiri. Temen2 nya minta ga di kasih. Dasar monyet pelit. Hahahaha:D

Sambil melihat cemilan kami satu2 nya di santap oleh monyet nakal itu, kami pun kembali memohon kepada Tuhan supaya hujan nya segera berhenti. (Kata Tuhan, nih orang kok banyak request yaa..? Xixixixi:p)
Lagi2 doa kami di kabulkan, setengah jam kemudian hujan pun berhenti dan langit pun mulai cerah kembali. Langsung kembali ke kamar, pakai baju renang dan ambil perlengkapan snorkel. Dan segera berjalan menuju ke pantai. Rencana nya pagi itu kami akan snorkeling di spot2 terdekat dengan pulau Peucang yaitu Cikembang dan Cikuya yang terkenal dengan hamparan koral yang luas dan berbagai macam jenis ikan.
Namun sayang berdasarkan informasi yang kami dapat dari pemandu lokal, tidak memungkinkan untuk snorkeling pagi itu di spot2 tersebut dikarenakan hari sebelumnya hujan turun terus dengan derasnya, maka visibility bawah laut tidak terlalu jernih. Di tambah arus yang muncul akibat pergantian musim. Akhirnya kita pun memutuskan untuk snorkeling di sekitar pulau Peucang saja, karena perairan nya yang tenang. Di perairan yang dalam, kita pun dapat menikmati gugusan karang dan kehidupan bawah laut yang indah. Ikan2 kecil berwarna warni berseliweran di antara koral2 yang indah. Saya pun melihat ikan badut di anemon laut. Dan berbagai jenis ikan yang saya juga ga familiar dengan bentuknya menari-nari di antara terumbu karang yang indah. Sayang kami ga punya under water camera, jadi hanya bisa menyimpan saat2 indah itu dalam memori kami. Menyenangkan sekaligus menenangkan.

Spot2 snorkeling andalan Ujung Kulon selain dua yang sudah saya sebutkan di atas juga ada di pulau Badul dan Citerjun. Namun di banding pulau Badul menurut pemandu lokal kami, terumbu karang di pulau Peucang jauh lebih indah. Ikan2 nya juga jauh lebih banyak.
Jenis ikan yang sering dijumpai baik di perairan laut ataupun sungai di Ujung Kulon diantaranya adalah ikan kupu-kupu, badut, bidadari, singa, kakatua, glodok dan sumpit.

Setelah puas snorkeling dan berenang ditemani oleh rombongan school fish (Udah kaya di fish spa aja, cuma kali ini sebadan2.), kami pun segera kembali ke penginapan. Sampai di penginapan, di tanyain sama mbak penjaga penginapan udah sarapan atau belum..? Err, belum. Berhubung pop mie nya tinggal 2, jadi kami skip breakfast supaya bisa di makan buat makan siang. Rencana nya mau sarapan biskuit keju, eh ga tau ya di ambil sama si notty monkey. :)
Mbak nya mungkin ga tega ngeliat kami ga makan dari tadi malem (padahal emang ga laper juga sih..) jadi dia tawarin untuk masakin kami indomie goreng dengan bonus ikan kwe goreng hasil pancingan td pagi dan teh manis panas. Yippiiiiiiie, maaaaciiiiiiiw ya mbak. Mbak baik sekali deh. :))
Nikmat banget begitu abis mandi dan keramas (dalam kegelapan karena listrik sudah dimatikan..), langsung menyantap hidangan yang sudah di sediakan oleh mbak yang baik hati itu. Tentunya kami pun memberikan uang lelah, walaupun awalnya dia menolak untuk menerima karena katanya dia tulus kok, dia hanya kasian sama kami kelihatan nya kok ga pernah makan. Iiiiih makin terharu ga sih? :(

Selesai makan, kami langsung menyiapkan barang2 dengan bantuan sinar dari jendela dan pintu (Listrik di penginapan hanya dinyalakan dari jam 6 sore sampai jam 6 pagi, itu pun dengan memakai genset jadi ya tetep remang2 disko gitu deh.), karena akan segera meneruskan perjalanan hari ini. Selesai packing, membereskan administrasi di kantor penginapan sekalian membayar biaya tiket masuk pulau Peucang, Cidaon, Tanjung Layar, dan biaya tambat perahu di pulau Peucang.
Pulau Peucang sendiri oleh Departemen Kehutanan dijadikan Pos petugas Taman
Nasional yang besar dan cukup lengkap selain di Desa Sumur, Desa Taman Jaya ,
Pulau Handeuleum dan Pos Tanjung Lame pintu gerbang Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon
yang terletak didekat rumah para nelayan terpencil, jadi kami bisa mengurus berbagai perijinan sekalian dari sini.

Begitu selesai dengan urusan administrasi, kami pun berpamitan kepada petugas pos dan langsung menuju kapal untuk segera berangkat ke Cibom, Tanjung Layar.
Kalau di pulau Peucang warna yang dominan adalah biru, di Cibom warna yang dominan adalah hijau. Dari mulai pepohonan, dan air laut semuanya begitu kontras berwarna hijau bagaikan emerald. Sungguh indah alam Ujung Kulon ini, bagai di nirwana...
Dari pulau Peucang menyeberang ke Cibom butuh waktu hanya sebentar, sekitar 20 menit.
Cibom ini terletak di ujung barat nya pulau Jawa.
Berhubung di Cibom ini tidak ada dermaga dan banyak karang di sekitar pesisir pantai, maka kapal harus berhenti di tengah laut (perairan yang dalam), dan kami harus melanjutkan perjalanan dengan menggunakan kano yang super duper kecil dan sempit. Yang bisa terbalik kalo tidak seimbang berat antara depan dan belakang. Ngebayangin nya aja udah males..hehehe:p
Jadi sebelum masuk ke dalam kano itu, saya dan pemandu lokal nya harus janjian posisi dan bener2 menyeimbangkan beban kita di kano itu, sambil di tahan oleh abk supaya ga kebalik ketika belum seimbang. Dan setelah berada di dalam nya, bener2 deh rasanya nih jantung turun ke perut.
Bukan nya apa kalo laut nya seperti laut di pulau Peucang yang tenang dan tidak berombak sih ga papa, lah ini lautnya berombak dan arusnya cukup besar dan kuat. Bikin lemes ga sih. Hasilnya, basah kuyup lah secara air laut nya pun masuk ke dalam kano. Hahaha:D
Sebenarnya, untuk ke Cibom orang harus menyewa boat kecil seharga 250rb rupiah. Tapi berhubung petugas di pulau Peucang berbaik hati sama kami, jadi kami di bawakan kano sekalian untuk di pakai menyeberang. Gratis, ga perlu bayar. Bisa hemat 250rb deh. :)
Dan sekali lagi saya sangat bersyukur atas kebaikan hati orang2 yang kami temui, berkat mereka kami mendapatkan pengalaman yang menyenangkan sekaligus menegangkan dan benar2 tidak terlupakan.

Lega banget rasanya ketika akhirnya bisa keluar dari kano itu dan menjejakkan kaki di atas pasir dengan selamat. Hehehe:p Daaaan ketika saya berdiri ternyata ada ikan2 kecil di dalam kano itu yang mungkin terbawa oleh ombak yang masuk ke kano. Segera saya kembalikan ikan2 kecil itu ke laut. Poor little fish!
Setelah menarik kano ke dataran yang lebih tinggi, saya pun bergabung dengan suami yang sudah sampai terlebih dahulu (kloter 1).
Kami pun berjalan melintas sungai kecil, menuju pos penjaga Cibom.
Dari situ foto2 bentar, terus langsung deh memulai agenda treking kita menuju Tanjung Layar. Di papan petunjuk tulisan nya lebih kurang 1km, tapi menurut pemandu lokal kami dan petugas ya lebih ke 1,6km siiiiih kalau + naik ke mercu suar yaaa 4km berarti pulang pergi. Yeaaaaah, siapa takuuuuut? Mari bergerak...

Dan di mulailah perjalanan kami melintasi hutan lebat dengan menyusuri jalan setapak yang saat itu dalam keadaan becek berat dan pepohonan di kiri kanan nya pun sudah mendominasi jalan karena hujan yang turun terus menerus. Untungnya pemandu lokal kami memimpin jalan sambil mengibaskan parangnya ke sana kemari, untuk membuka kembali jalan setapak yang sudah mulai tertutup oleh dahan2 pohon. Seru banget! Dari mulai terjeblos ke dalam lumpur, di belai lembut oleh dedaunan, di gigit gemes sama nyamuk malaria (Ujung Kulon ini gudang nya nyamuk berdarah dingin ini. Biasanya sebelum ke Ujung Kulon orang akan minum obat anti malaria dulu. Tapi saya dan suami nekat aja secara semuanya serba dadakan.), di colek lembut (boong banget..) oleh ranting2 berduri, melewati batang2 pohon besar yang tumbang menutupi jalanan, bener2 berasa ikut Amazing Race deh.
Didampingi oleh sandal merek ga jelas (Loufu) buatan Cina yang saya beli di ITC dengan harga 20rb yang udah lama banget, namun terbukti handal dalam menumpuh jalur off road seperti ini. Bahkan sandal Crocs yang dipakai suami saya dengan harga ratusan ribu itu nyaris wafat belum juga setengah perjalanan di tempuh. Ternyata ga selamanya harga menjamin mutu. Kesimpulan nya: Jangan pakai Crocs buat trekking, pakailah Crocs buat jalan2 di mall. Xixixi:p

Perjalanan nya relatif datar sebenarnya, tapi kami memilih untuk menuruni dan mendaki lereng untuk mencapai pantai karang yang ada di bawah mercu suar, terus kami pun memilih untuk mendaki 3 mercu suar itu sekaligus dari mulai mercu suar yang terbaru, yang kedua dan yang pertama banget di bangun di tahun 1808 (Di titik inilah ujung paling barat pula Jawa...) Kenapa ga? Udah sampai di Ujung Kulon sayang banget kalau ada objek yang terlewatkan. Kami pun melintasi bangunan penjara yang umurnya sudah lebih dari 1 abad, namun masih kokoh berdiri walaupun sudah tidak utuh lagi.
Sesudah puas memandangi samudera Hindia dari Tanjung Layar, kami pun kembali turun untuk menuju tujuan berikutnya, yakni padang penggembalaan yang kami lihat dari atas.
Padang ini biasa di gunakan orang2 untuk berkemah. Karena lokasinya yang sangat strategis. Dilindungi oleh tebing yang sangat tinggi di sisi kanan, dan karang2 yang tinggi dan besar dengan hempasan ombak yang pecah di batu. Beberapa batu dan karang besar dapat dipanjati, untuk mendapatkan sisi yang lebih tepat menikmati pemandangan indah ke Samudera Hindia.

Dari Tanjung Layar sebenernya saya ingin lanjut ke pantai Ciramea. Selain ingin melihat penangkaran penyu, Pantai Ciramea ini juga terkenal akan keindahan nya. Terletak diwilayah pantai selatan yang karakteristik ombaknya cukup liar, bergelora berbeda dibandingkan ombak teluk Carita yang relatif lebih tenang. Memiliki pemandangan yang sangat mencengangkan, hamparan pantai yang luas memanjang dengan tebing karang yang tinggi menjulang ke arah Gunung Payung disebelah selatan.
Namun karena keterbatasan waktu, terpaksa pantai Ciramea pun kami lewati.
Kembali ke Cibom, menyebrangi laut dengan kano yang berukuran XS itu menuju kapal kami yang masih setia menanti. Saat itu hujan sudah mulai turun, langit pun mendadak menjadi begitu gelap, ombak semakin agresif menunjukkan keindahan nya. Pemandu lokal kami mengatakan sudah badai di perairan luar sana, dengan ombak yang mulai mencapai 3m. Dengan cuaca seperti itu tidak mungkin kami berlayar ke pulau Handeleum. Karena sangat berbahaya. Lebih baik kami menghabiskan waktu di Cidaon, melihat padang savana tempat banteng dan badak.

Berhubung Cidaon memiliki dermaga sendiri, maka kami bisa merapat sampai ke dermaga.
Dengan berhujan2an kami pun kembali melakukan treking menyusuri hutan cidaon menuju padang savana. Menurut pemandu lokal kami, sebenernya saat itu bukan jam nya banteng2 badak2 itu untuk keluar tapi biasanya kalo hujan mereka suka bermain air. Dari berbagai informasi dan pengalaman teman2 yang aku dengar kebanyakan mereka kecewa karena pulang dari Cidaon dengan sia2 tidak berhasil melihat banteng/badak 1 pun (Kalau badak memang sangat sulit terlihat karena mereka jarang keluar ke padang, kalau banteng mereka punya jadwal yang cukup rutin tapi sangat sensitif dengan kehadiran orang. Dari jarak 100m, mereka bisa mengetahui kalo ada orang datang dan akan segera masuk kembali ke hutan tempat tinggal mereka). Jadi saya pun tidak berharap banyak. Berhubung saat itu waktu menunjukkan pukul 2 siang. Sementara waktu banteng2 itu keluar biasanya jam 6-8 pagi dan 4-6 sore. Ya minimal kami sudah sampai di tempat yang sangat terkenal dengan satwa-satwa langka itu.

Ternyata lagi2 Tuhan sangat bermurah hati kepada kami, karena dari kejauhan kami sudah melihat kerumunan banteng di padang savana. Kami pun memelankan langkah kami, nyaris mengendap2 untuk mencapai menara pengintaian. Beberapa banteng sudah mulai waspada dan menengok ke arah kami. Kami pun berhenti bak patung, tidak berani melangkah. Ketika mereka mulai sibuk kembali, kami cepat2 naik ke menara dan berusaha mengambil foto terbaik berhubung saat itu sedang hujan deras, jarak kami dengan banteng2 itu cukup jauh, dan kami hanya menggunakan kamera biasa di tambah lagi baterei kamera yang sudah mulai low. Hasilnya seperti yang kami kira buram. Kami pun tidak ingin melewatkan kesempatan langka itu tanpa dokumentasi, akhirnya kami turun dari menara pengintaian, mengendap2 di balik pohon berusaha mendekati banteng2 itu. Suami saya pun mengendap2 tanpa mengenakan alas kaki di antara ilalang untuk mengambil foto dari jarak yang lebih dekat lagi. Dan berhasil. Tepat setelah itu kamera kami pun mati total. :)

Foto yang penuh dengan perjuangan diambilnya, dengan resiko di seruduk banteng. :))
Sayang krn baterei udah low banget (itupun sudah dipaksa berkali2 supaya menyala.) suami saya tidak bisa men-zooming foto itu, tiap kali di zoom dan beet, kamera kami pun mati.

Kami pun kembali ke kapal dengan hati riang, menyimpan semua gambaran dan kenangan akan alam yang begitu indah di Ujung Kulon dalam hati kami masing2.
Dari Cidaon kami berlayar kembali ke pulau Peucang untuk mengembalikan kano yang dipinjamkan. Dan segera meneruskan perjalanan laut kami menuju Taman Jaya.
Sepertinya cuaca yang buruk sudah kami bayar dengan berhujan2an di Cidaon, dan Tuhan sekali lagi bermurah hati memberikan cuaca yang bersahabat dalam perjalanan kami menuju perairan lepas di Selat Sunda. Pukul 6 lewat kami pun tiba di dermaga Taman Jaya. Menumpang untuk berganti baju di penginapan Sunda Jaya sambil menikmati minuman panas suguhan pak tua sembari menanti Pak Komar yang sedang bersembahyang di Masjid.
Tak lama kami pun undur diri, mengucapkan terima kasih pada Pak Komar, pemandu lokal kami, dan pak tua yang sudah menjaga mobil kami.

Ujung Kulon, medio 2010. Pengalaman yang tak akan terlupakan.

Ujung Kulon: Sebuah Catatan Perjalanan 13 Mei 2010

2010-05-18T07:45:00.012+07:00

Minggu lalu, saya dan suami melakukan perjalanan ke Ujung Kulon, Jawa Barat.
Perjalanan yang sebenernya sudah lama ingin saya lakukan, tapi belum terealisasikan sampai dengan minggu lalu.
Di jaman sekarang, di mana kebanyakan orang lebih memilih liburan yang mengutamakan kenyamanan daripada petualangan membuat saya agak sulit menemukan partner untuk pergi ke Ujung Kulon. Sejak menikah saya pun sudah mengutarakan keinginan saya untuk pergi ke Ujung Kulon ke suami, tapi karena satu dan lain hal rencana tersebut tetap mengendap di dasar hati tanpa ada kesempatan untuk mewujudkan nya. Sampai akhirnya minggu lalu, keinginan saya yang sudah lama terpendam pun menjadi kenyataan.

Hari Kamis tanggal 13 Mei 2010 dini hari.
Begitu bangun dan berdoa, kami pun bergegas mandi dan bersiap mengemas seluruh bawaaan yang sudah kami persiapkan dari semalam. Dari mulai baju renang, snorkel, sun block, charger kamera, baju ganti, p3k, obat2an, dsb. Selesai memasukkan seluruh barang bawaan ke mobil yang hanya terdiri dari 2 ransel + 1 tas snorkel set. Kami pun melewati dini hari dengan sarapan dan berbincang2 dengan orang tua saya mengenai rencana perjalanan yang akan kami lakukan.
Di tutup dengan berdoa bersama untuk perjalanan ini agar berjalan dengan lancar dan terhindar dari segala gangguan dan mara bahaya. Orang tua saya pun melepas kepergian kami tepat jam 6.30 pagi (Mundur 30 menit dari waktu yang sudah saya jadwalkan.)

Lansung menuju pompa bensin untuk mengisi penuh tangki bensin mobil kami.
Berhenti di Alfa Midi, untuk membeli persediaan air mineral, mie instan, pocari, dan cemilan ringan. Selesai berbelanja dan ambil uang di atm, kami pun berangkat menuju tol Merak.
Sebelum masuk tol, kami memutuskan untuk berhenti kembali di Mac D, Alam Sutra untuk membeli sarapan yang lebih berat berhubung kami akan melakukan perjalanan yang cukup panjang. Begitu urusan kampung tengah (baca: perut) beres, kami pun segera menuju Tol Merak. Ketika memasuki gerbang tol saya pun melirik jam yang ada di hadapan saya, saat itu waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 8 lewat sekian menit.

Perjalanan di sepanjang jalan tol Merak pun lancar, relatif sepi bahkan.
Setelah berhenti sebentar di tempat peristirahatan untuk ke kamar mandi, perjalanan kembali kami lanjutkan. Setelah sempat kebablasan dan muter kembali, akhirnya kami pun keluar di Serang Barat menuju Pandeglang. Berhubung mobil kami tidak dilengkapi oleh GPS, jadilah kami mencari arah Pandeglang secara manual. Alias bertanya kiri kanan, supaya jangan sampai kebablasan lagi. Hehehe:p
Berhubung petunjuk jalan juga sangat jarang dan nyaris tidak terlihat karena ketutupan pohon2. *sighs*

Rute kami pagi itu adalah: Tol Merak --> Keluar di Serang Timur atau Barat (dua-dua nya bisa.) --> Pandeglang --> Labuan --> Tarogong --> Tanjung Lesung --> Cigeulis --> Cibaliung --> Sumur --> Taman Jaya.

Sampai dengan Pandeglang, jalanan bisa dibilang cukup mulus. Begitu memasuki Labuan, hmm..berasa kaya naik kuda lah.., karena jalanan yang bolong di sana sini, dan berkelok2.
Di sepanjang Tarogong dan Tanjung Lesung, jalanan kembali membaik dan lurus2 aja.
Begitu memasuki Cigeulis, Cibaliung, dan Sumur jalanan kembali berkelok2, naik turun, dan berlubang2 dengan tikungan2 yang berbahaya. Lumayan terpental2 bagai bola bekel.
Dari Sumur menuju Taman Jaya, barulah off road yang sebenarnya di mulai. Kalau tadi di Labuan saya bilang berasa naik kuda, nah kalau di sini berasa naik rodeo ngamuk.
Jalanan udah ga berupa aspal yang berlubang2 lagi, tapi hanya tanah dan batu2 kali segede2 gaban dan lubang2 yang luar biasa dasyat nya. Sangat tidak disarankan untuk mobil jenis sedan krn pasti akan mentok kena mesin. Begitu juga untuk mobil2 yang ban nya udah tipis, karena bisa dipastikan ban anda akan bocor di tempat. Makanya di sepanjang daerah Sumur - Taman Jaya, banyak tersedia kios tambal ban dan bensin literan. Sekedar untuk informasi, pom bensin terakhir berada di Labuan. Sebenarnya di jalan menuju Tanjung Lesung juga ada, tapi saat itu tidak beroperasi entah kenapa.
Cuaca siang itu yang gelap karena hujan deras pun seringkali membuat mobil kami terjeblos keras dalam jebakan2 batman yang tidak bersahabat. Karena pandangan yang buram, dan lubang2 yang tertutup oleh genangan2 air.
Belum lagi dari tikungan2 yang berbahaya muncul elf atau truk dengan kecepatan tinggi yang cukup bikin sport jantung karena nyaris mencium mobil kami.

Perjalanan dari mulai kami memasuki tol Merak sampai dengan kami tiba di Sumur, kurang lebih memakan waktu 5 jam. Itu sudah termasuk kebablasan, berhenti kiri kanan untuk bertanya, dan berhenti 2 kali untuk ke kamar mandi.
Ketika tiba di Sumur, kami sempat salah jalan ke daerah dermaga pulau Umang (berhubung ga ada papan petunjuk jalan) dan saat itu waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 1 siang.
Perjalanan dari Sumur ke Taman Jaya, yang kami pikir sudah dekat (karena menurut informasi Pak Komar dari penginapan Sunda Jaya jarak dari Sumur ke Taman Jaya lebih kurang sekitar 16km.), ternyata memakan waktu 3 jam lebih! Karena kondisi jalanan tanah yang sangat hancur, di tambah lagi hujan membuat mobil terpaksa merayap dengan jarum kecepatan yang tidak melebihi angka 10. Bisa aja sebenernya kalau mau di paksa lebih dari 10, tapi resikonya as mobil patah, dan badan remuk redam karena terbanting kiri kanan, depan belakang. Xixixi:p Terlepas dari jalanan yang rusak berat dan sinyal Telkomsel yang on and off, on and off terus itu, kami sangat menikmati keindahan alam di Ujung Kulon. Di sepanjang kiri jalan dari Sumur menuju Taman Jaya, mata kami di hibur oleh keindahan Gunung Honje yang di selimuti kabut sore itu, sawah2 hijau yang membentang luas di kaki gunung Honje, muara sungai kecil yang airnya jernih, rumah2 penduduk yang begitu bersahaja menyatu dengan alam, di sepanjang kanan jalan membentang Selat Sunda yang sore itu terlihat begitu abu2 karena cuaca yang buruk.

Akhirnya dari jadwal yang semula saya perkirakan kami akan tiba di Taman Jaya sekitar pukul 1 siang, kami pun baru tiba di depan Sunda Jaya (penginapan milik pak Komar, pemilik perahu nelayan yang kami sewa.) pukul 4 lewat. Jam makan siang sudah lama berlalu. Untung saja tadi pagi kami memutuskan untuk makan Mac D, sehingga kami bisa bertahan sekian lama. Begitu ketemu pak Komar, kami pun di suguhi minuman hangat dan makanan ringan yang terasa sangat nikmat setelah perjalanan darat yang sangat luar biasa itu...
Setelah beristirahat sejenak serta berbincang2 dengan pak Komar di bale samping penginapan nya, kami pun menyantap pop mie sebagai makan siang kami yang sangat terlambat. Entah kenapa siang itu saya memang tidak terlalu merasa lapar, mungkin karena perutnya udah kenyang duluan sehabis di kocok2 di sepanjang perjalanan. :)

Sambil menunggu kapal nelayan yang akan mengantar kami ke Pulau Peucang siap, kami melanjutkan obrolan hangat di sore hari yang gerimis dengan pak Komar. Beliau adalah veteran WWF yang kemudian memutuskan untuk berhenti dan melakukan usaha penginapan sambil berusaha memajukan kehidupan masyarakat di desa nya. Banyak sisi kepahitan dari kehidupan penduduk setempat yang kami dengar, membuat hati ini nyut2an dihadapkan dengan kebesaran hati masyarakat yang termaginalkan. Namun tak sedikit kisah mengenai perjuangan yang membuat hati mengharu biru karena salut dan bangga akan kearifan penduduk setempat yang bersahaja namun teguh berdedikasi bagi tanah kelahiran yang di cintai dan di banggakan termasuk mendiang ayahnya pak Komar yang pernah mendapatkan penghargaan Kalpataru dari mantan presiden Soeharto, atas pengabdian dan dedikasi beliau kepada Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon.

Tak terasa waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 5 sore, sang nahkoda kapal, abk dan pemandu lokal kami pun sudah siap berangkat. Kami pun menyiapkan barang2 yang akan di bawa, memitipkan mobil ke pak tua yang ada di Sunda Jaya. Berpamitan pada pak Komar, berterima kasih atas suguhan minuman dan makanan yang diberikan, juga kesediaan beliau untuk berbagi kisah dan pengalaman hidup nya bersama kami. Untuk inspirasi yang diberikan bagi kami (yang merasa diri sebagai orang kota), tapi cara pikir dan kedewasaan dalam memandang kehidupan ini jauh tertinggal di bandingkan mereka yang termarjinalkan.

Menyusuri perkampungan penduduk Taman Jaya menuju ke dermaga bersama rombongan kapal, kami pun di sambut oleh senyum ramah orang2 tua yang sedang bersantai di depan rumah mereka, diikuti juga oleh hiruk pikuk kelompok anak2 kecil yang berteriak2 ada bule, ada bule, ada bule... (??)
Kami pun tiba di dermaga, turun memasuki kapal dan segera berlayar menuju lautan lepas menuju pulau Peucang.
Kapal yang kami gunakan adalah jenis slow boat berbahan bakar solar. Kapal nelayan.
Tak heran begitu kami menjejakkan kaki di atas kapal ini, bau ikan langsung menyengat hidung. Mau pake parfum sebotol juga ga akan bisa ngalahin baunya yang super duper kuat itu. Jadi ya dinikmati aja pengalaman kaya begini... :)
Beruntung banget bisa mengalami perjalanan seperti ini, karena membuat kami bisa lebih bersyukur atas berbagai kemudahan yang selama ini kami dapatkan.
Kebayang kan gimana nasib nelayan2 itu yang tiap hari harus berjibaku dengan bau kaya begini..? Sementara kita biasanya nyium bau ikan di pasar aja udah mengerenyitkan muka. Beli ikan cuma di tunjuk2 aja karna males megang, sambil nawar abis2an. :))

Berhubung perjalanan laut menuju pulau Peucang memakan waktu sekitar 3 jam, jadi kami berusaha membuat diri senyaman mungkin di atas bangku kayu yang panjangnya ga lebih dari 1 setengah meter x lebar yang ga sampai 50 cm, dengan getaran mesin kapal yang saking kencengnya berasa kaya pakai vibrator ukuran XXXL. Hahaha:D Melepaskan pandangan mata sejauh mungkin, menikmati gumpalan awan2 senja yang terasa begitu dekat, membayangkan sebuah negeri di balik awan yang penuh dengan kedamaian, mengagumi keindahan sunset yang terbiaskan oleh awan mendung, merasakan belaian angin laut, memasrahkan diri pada kegelapan yang mulai memeluk alam, mencari Venus di langit yang bertabur bintang, berteman dengan ombak yang mulai meninggi menghantam kapal, membiarkan hujan memerciki wajah dan tubuh kami, menyerahkan diri sepenuhnya kepada Sang empunya jagat raya ini, tertegun akan kesadaran diri betapa kecil dan tidak berdaya nya manusia di tengah alam semesta ini...
Di temani oleh sinar temaram dari lampu petromak (satu2nya penerangan di kapal nelayan kami), sambil sesekali di basahi oleh ombak yang menghantam buritan kapal, hati ini melayang..., di goyang oleh arus yang begitu kuat...membuat jiwa ini terangkat dan terhempas dalam diam, menyatu dengan heningnya malam berharap badai ini akan segera berlalu. Pengalaman yang sungguh tidak akan pernah terlupakan, melintasi Tanjung Alang2 dalam kegelapan di waktu badai akan membuat hati manusia yang paling sombong pun akan menciut dan tersungkur di hadapan Nya.

Tak terasa, kami pun tiba di pulau Peucang.
Abk menurunkan jangkar, dan kapal yang kami tumpangi pun merapat ke dermaga.
Begitu menjejakkan kaki di dermaga, dan melihat sekeliling perairan di pulau Peucang, mulut ini ga berhenti2 nya berdecak kagum, memekikkan kehisteriaan meilhat keindahan air laut di sekitar pulau Peucang. Begitu jernih dengan gradasi warna dari bening, turquoise, biru muda seakan menyala di bawah sinar rembulan dan bintang malam itu.
Pemandu lokal kami pun mengantar kami ke pondok administrasi penginapan Flora dan Fauna. Kami menyewa 1 kamar non AC di penginapan Fauna (yang bisa buat bertiga atau berempat sebenarnya..) dengan harga 250 ribu rupiah / malam.
Berhubung saat itu waktu sudah menunjukkan pukul 8 malam, kami pun menyuruh pemandu lokal kami untuk beristirahat bersama nahkoda dan abk di kapal, karena kami hanya akan berkeliling menyusuri pantai malam itu. Sekedar informasi, setiap tamu yang datang ke Ujung Kulon baik rombongan ataupun sendiri harus di dampingi oleh pemandu lokal supaya tidak tersesat.
Usai meletakkan barang2 di kamar, kami pun segera keluar menyusuri pantai menikmati suasana pulau Peucang di waktu malam. Sungguh indah. Begitu kontras dengan badai yang baru saja kami alami, suasana di pulau Peucang begitu tenang...
Lelah berjalan2, kami pun menghabiskan malam dengan duduk di teras penginapan sambil memandangi binatang2 yang mulai bermunculan. Rusa, monyet dan babi hutan malam itu turut menemani kami menikmati udara malam yang begitu sejuk di pulau Peucang.
Sampai akhirnya kami memutuskan untuk beristirahat di dalam kamar, menghangatkan diri dengan secangkir teh dan kopi. Malam itu kembali saya tidak merasa lapar, jadi hanya menemani suami yang kembali menyeduh pop mie untuk makan malam. Usai suami makan malam, kami pun bersih2, berdoa, dan bersiap tidur karena besok akan bangun subuh untuk melihat matahari terbit.

Notes: Peta Ujung Kulon di atas saya ambil dari informasi departemen kehutanan mengenai Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon.

*BERSAMBUNG*

Firasat

2010-05-07T08:09:00.007+07:00

Pukul tiga dini hari
Di saat raga tersungkur, 'hati' melemah, jiwa terkulai lelah
Mata ini masih enggan menutup, setia menemani pikiran yang menari gelisah
Di usik oleh potongan2 rasa yang mendominasi altar kesadaran...

Sekian puluh menit dari pukul tiga dini hari
Masih tetap terbelit oleh untaian rasa parital
Menghadirkan riak di tengah hening nya malam
Batin pun tergugat akan kilatan rasa dari hati yang terperi...

Rasa yang sulit di jelaskan
Namun terlalu kasat untuk di abaikan
Menyeruak dari alam ketidaksadaran
Bermetamorfosis menjadi sebuah kesadaran...

Kesadaran yang sekejap menghentak rasionalitas
Melayang bagai kabut dini hari di pegunungan
Tidak bisa ku gapai namun hadir memeluk diri
Kesadaran yang membias antara ada dan tiada, bernama FIRASAT...

Firasat yang mampu meresahkan jiwa
Firasat yang mampu mendera rasionalitas
Firasat yang mampu menembus berbagai dimensi ruang dan waktu
Firasat yang mampu berpendar bagai lonceng gereja yang berdentang di kejauhan...

Mengguncang raga menyusuri rasa.

Notes: Ketika kebenaran 'Cogito Ergosum' ku pertanyakan...

Berhenti Berharap

2010-05-06T18:26:00.001+07:00

2010-05-06T15:32:00.001+07:00

Sore ini buram.
Bagai senja tanpa jingga yang menemani.
Sendiri menyambut malam.
Terpaku pada rasa yang menyesakkan.
Gelisah.
Meronta.
Dari bayang yang mencengkeram.
Resah melilit rasa.
Menggoyahkan keyakinan.
Membuat hati terkulai.
Lemah.

Ingin aku berlari.
Mengejar matahari ku yang akan segera terbenam.
Berlari.
Dan terus berlari.
Berpacu melawan angin.
Bertarung melawan waktu.
Hingga kaki ini tak sangggup lagi untuk melangkah.
Hingga hati ini tak sanggup lagi untuk merasa.
Tersungkur.
Terjerembab di tepian pantai.
Tersedu dalam sepi.
Menanti matahari ku kembali mendekap rasa.

Notes: Langit pun perlahan menghitam. Pekat. Mengurai perih dalam diam.

I'll Stay With You

2010-05-04T10:08:00.001+07:00

Life is Precious yet Fragile

2010-04-30T11:25:00.004+07:00

Last week when my hubby was ill, I've got plenty of time to contemplating about my life.
Having a dialog with my mind, my heart, and my soul.
While my hubby lay down beside me, my mind's traveled to a certain year or periods in my life. Swam deeply among good memories and all those recorded moments in between.
Time flies.

Now it's 2010. And May is nearly here.
Feels like yesterday, when I moved back to Jakarta for good at the end of 2007.
Got married, lost my unborn child, lost several of my dearest family members, got a new dearly family member, got occupied with a series of very important family matters, and so on and so on.
As the years come and go like the flakes of pure white snow floating down and down floating only for a second before they dissapear forever so with people in my life, they come and go.

Have been seeing so many form of tragedies in this life, a disease, an accident, a sudden death, or other everyday occurrences, always remind me of the delicate balance of life.

It makes me come to another point of view of this life.
Life is indeed beautiful but yet is fragile.
How often we're walking too close to the edge only to realize too late that life is delicate..?
Well, reality bites.
Maybe this famous quote is sounds too cheesy or lame that we need to live our life to the fullest.., but it's absolutely TRUE. We don't have time like forever, right?

There're moments when I felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe because somehow it remind me how small I am and how people will die and gone at some point...
Why are we here? What is the purpose of life?
How many more breaths will I breathe in and blow out?

Have you ever seen a sunset so beautiful that you hoped it would never end?
I have.

And whenever I see the sunset it always remind me that nothing last forever.
Even this beautiful scenery has come to the end...
That's for LIFE is extraordinary PRECIOUS and FRAGILE in another way.

What about you? Have you live your life to the fullest..? Will you follow and listen to your heart for once in a while instead of drowning in your daily life's routines? Will you live to accomplish all that you dream?
And when finally you lie down to breathe your last, will your life have been worth living? What will be your regrets?
These are heavy questions, but ones all of us must ponder eventually.

I'll Take Care Of You

2010-04-27T18:05:00.003+07:00

*25th May 2008 - Our Wedding Song*
I'll Take Care Of You
by Stephen Curtis C.

Aku Ingin

2010-04-25T06:06:00.004+07:00

Aku ingin mencintaimu dengan sederhana
dengan kata yang tak sempat diucapkan
kayu kepada api yang menjadikannya debu
Aku ingin mencintaimu dengan sederhana
dengan isyarat yang tak sempat disampaikan
awan kepada hujan yang menjadikannya tiada.

*Sapardi Djoko Damono*

Catatan Hati.

2010-04-24T07:59:00.000+07:00

Berjalan menyusuri titian kehidupan
Berusaha menemukan arti dari setiap persimpangan
Melangkah perlahan, mencari kepastian
Akan mimpi yang di harap menjadi kenyataan

Tertegun hati ini menikmati keindahan
Keindahan yang menghadirkan kepedihan
Terpekur hati ini meratapi kepedihan
Kepedihan yang menghadirkan keindahan.

Notes: Di saat hati ini begitu mengilu akan keindahan dan kepedihan yang begitu enggan untuk di pisahkan.

How Do I Love Thee?

2010-04-23T16:51:00.004+07:00

How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as man strive for Right
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,
I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
and,
if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Notes:

You Make Me Feel Brand New

2010-04-16T16:26:00.003+07:00

My love,
I'll never find the words my love,
to tell you how I feel my love.
Mere words, could not explain.

Precious love,
You held my life within your hands,
created everything I am,
you taught me how to live again.

Only you,
cared when I needed a friend,
believed in me through thick and thin,
this song is for you,
filled with graditude and love...

God bless you,
you make me feel brand new,
for God blessed me with you,

you make me feel brand new,
I sing this song 'cause you,
you make me feel brand new.

My love,
When ever I was insecure,
you built me up and made me sure,
you gave my pride back to me.

Precious friend,
With you I'll always have a friend,
There's someone who I can depend,
to walk a path that sometimes bends.

Without you,
My life has no meaning or rhyme,
like notes to a song out of time,
how can I repay,
you for having faith in me.

God bless you,
you make me feel brand new,
for God bless me with you,
you make me feel brand new,
I sing this song for you

Notes:
To my precious love thank you for making me feel brand new.

The Way of The Soul

2010-04-13T14:53:00.002+07:00

I hold it true, whatever befall
I feel it when I sorrow most
It is better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

I Long To See

2010-04-01T13:16:00.002+07:00

A night was near, a day was near
Between a day and night
I heard sweet voices calling clear
Calling me...
I heard a whirr of wing on wing
But could not see the sights
I long to see my birds that sing
I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon
Between the night and day
I heard a rising falling tune
Calling me...
I long to see the pipes and strings
Whereon such minstrels play
I long to see each face that sings
I long to see.

To-day or may be not to-day
To-night or not to-night
All voices that command or pray
Calling me...
Shall kindle in my soul such fire
And in my eyes such light
That I shall see that heart's desire
I long to see.

That I shall see my heart's desire
I long to see.

By Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

The picture was taken at Lycavittos Hill, Athens.

What About Love

2010-03-25T19:00:00.001+07:00

My Eternal Sunshine

2010-03-17T21:38:00.000+07:00

A Short Notes To My Eternal Sunshine:

You think you're ordinary
I think you're extraordinary

You think you're invisible
I think you're inspiration

You think you're imperfect
I think you're impressive

You think you're geeky
I think you're sexy

You think it's all cliches
I think it's all matter of facts

You think you gives me something
I think you gives me everything

Everything that my heart ever needed.
Named: L.O.V.E.

Note: The picture was taken at Aegean Sea - Greece.

Abu-Abu

2010-03-15T14:25:00.003+07:00

Sesuatu yang abu-abu
menyeruak masuk dalam dimensi nirwana
menginterupsi keindahan
hati yang berwarna.

Pasir dan Batu

2010-03-15T09:22:00.002+07:00

Kisah yang sangat bagus untuk di renungkan...

Ada sebuah kisah tentang dua orang sahabat karib yang sedang berjalan melintasi gurun pasir. Di tengah perjalanan, mereka bertengkar dan salah seorang menampar temannya. Orang yang kena tampar merasa sakit hati, tapi dengan tanpa berkata-kata, dia menulis di atas pasir: "Hari ini, sahabat terbaikku menampar pipiku."

Mereka terus berjalan sampai akhirnya menemukan sebuah oasis. Mereka memutuskan untuk mandi. Orang yang pipinya kena tampar dan terluka hatinya, mencoba berenang namun nyaris tenggelam, tapi dia berhasil diselamatkan oleh sahabatnya. Ketika dia siuman dan rasa takutnya sudah hilang, dia menulis di sebuah batu: "Hari ini, sahabat terbaikku menyelamatkan nyawaku."

Orang yang menolong dan menampar sahabatnya, bertanya "Kenapa setelah saya melukai hatimu, kau menulisnya di atas pasir dan sekarang menuliskan ini di batu?" Sambil tersenyum temannya menjawab, "Ketika seorang sahabat melukai kita, kita harus menulisnya di atas pasir agar angin maaf datang berhembus dan menghapus tulisan itu. Dan bila sesuatu yang luar biasa baik terjadi, kita harus memahatnya di atas batu hati kita, agar takkan pernah bisa hilang tertiup angin."

***Dalam hidup ini ada kalanya kita dan orang terdekat kita berada dalam situasi yang sulit, yang kadang menyebabkan kita mengatakan atau melakukan hal-hal yang menyakiti satu sama lain. Juga terjadinya beda pendapat dan konflik karena sudut pandang yang berbeda. Oleh karena itu, sebelum kita menyesal di kemudian hari, cobalah untuk saling memaafkan dan melupakan masa lalu...

Notes: Thanks to my cousins, sister, and friends who shared this nice article with me.

Twisting

2010-03-14T22:38:00.003+07:00

A twisting mind...
A twisting stomach...

Could you please stop twisting me around for a while?
Could you please stop swirling me around for a while?

Let me hear the bird whistling the sweetest lulaby.
Let me feel the wind lingering soft on my skin.
And let the darkness in...

I'll kiss you good night.

I Think Of You

2010-03-09T16:02:00.008+07:00

I always have a thing for beautiful or deep meaningful words.
Either its in a poem, poetry, song , book, newspaper, blog, or even a single phrase in the movie.
For me, words have a mysterious way to reveals the deepest feeling or thoughts of the writer.

When it comes to poems, poetries, books, songs, personal blogs, I categorized writers into 3 groups. Those who write from the mind, those who write from the heart, and those who write from the soul.

I always think that a beautiful poem / poetry that has written from the soul, with wisdom and reflective thought spilling through its words is the artwork.
It takes a moment and an imagination to capture the message of the poem. Just like when we're trying to capture the message / the meaning of the painting, whether its a black and white sketch or a colorful illustration. A landscape or a portrait. Both have a secretly meaning. A beautiful poem is equal to the lovely painting.

I would like to share one of my favorite poems by Goethe.
I fell in love with this poem since the first time I learn German language.

Here's the poem, first in English, and then in German (the original):

I Think of You

I think of you,
when I see the sun's shimmer
Gleaming from the sea.

I think of you,
when the moon's glimmer
Is reflected in the springs.

I see you,
when on the distant road

The dust rises,
In deep night,
when on the narrow bridge

The traveler trembles.
I hear you,
when with a dull roar
The wave surges.

In the quiet grove I often go to listen
When all is silent.

I am with you,
however far away you may be,
You are next to me!

The sun is setting,
soon the stars will shine upon me.

Ich denke dein,
wenn mir der Sonne schimmer
Vom Meere strahlt

Ich denke dein,
wenn sich des Mondes Flimmer
In Quellen malt.

Ich sehe dich,
wenn auf dem fernen Wege

Der Staub sich hebt,
In tiefer Nacht,
wenn auf dem schmalen Stege

Der Wandrer bebt.

Ich höre dich,
wenn dort mit dumpfem Rauschen

Die Welle steigt.

Im stillen Haine geh' ich oft zu lauschen,

Wenn alles schweigt.

Ich bin bei dir,
du seist auch noch so ferne,

Du bist mir nah!
Die Sonne sinkt,
bald leuchten mir die Sterne.

O wärst du da!

- J.W. Goethe -

Anyway, there's a wise old saying: The best way to learn a foreign language is to read the poetry aloud. You know poetry gets lost in translation, that's true.
You can't turn this wonderful poem into English actually, you have to turn yourself into German.

Note: The picture was taken at Cape Sounion, Greece.

Invictus

2010-03-07T14:32:00.006+07:00

I've just watched the BEST movie that based on the true story of Nelson Mandela's efforts to unite his people together through the universal language of sport.
So inspiring. I always adores Nelson's outstanding dedications to his country.
This movie is directed by Clint Eastwood. Two thumbs up for Clint.

There's one poem that became a source of inspiration to Nelson Mandela during his captivity and he wrote out a copy by hand for the captain of the rugby team to inspire him to lead them to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
Invictus is a Latin word for "unconquered."
The poet, William Ernest Henley, wrote it from his hospital bed. His indomitable spirit led him to triumph over the amputation of his leg.

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

If you're a big fans of Nelson Mandela then you should read his marvelous biography "Long Walk to Freedom" and watch this "Invictus" movie.

Long Walk to Freedom is one of the greatest books (read: True Story) in the world.
One of my favorites.

Again, I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.

Fall Again

2010-03-03T10:50:00.001+07:00

Now Playing...

2010-03-02T17:22:00.002+07:00

There're five songs that I've been listening to all over again since few days ago.

1. Show Me The Way Back To Your Heart by Brian Mc. Knight.
2. The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice.
3. Wonderful World by James Morrison.
4. Details in the Fabric by Jason Mraz.
5. Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder.

There're all my favourite songs since years ago.
I always have a favourite song as a soundtrack of every precious moment in my life.
Either on joyful or sorrowful moments.
For me, a song can speaks thousand of words about my feeling that can't be described only by words it self.
There's something in a certain song that could perfectly becomes a mirror of my feeling.
The singer's voice, the melody, the words, the music are all blended in a perfect harmony.
Songs has been one of my ways to sharing my deepest thoughts, to cheering me up, to crying with, to contemplating every miles of my life's journey.
It goes deeply beyond mouth and heart can say.

Culinary Trip in Bandung (Day 4-5-6)

2010-02-26T16:02:00.020+07:00

When I was in Bandung, the weather's sooooo gloomy. It's rained almost everyday.
I loveeeeed it. :))
The perfect weather to stayed under the duvet, enjoyed my books, knitted on my bed, and made me hungry all the time.
So, I decided to have something hot and spicy for my lunch, to keep me warm.

Mie Kocok Kebun Jukut for only 13.000 IDR. It's soooooo tasty and delicious! :)
For dinner, we chose Toko You in Hasanudin street. My favourite menu is Nasi Ayam Goreng Mentega (Rice with Butter Chicken Fried). But that night I decided to try their Rawon Panggang, and my husband chose my fav menu for his dinner.
And I made the right decision because their Rawon Panggang's the best! Superb!
The price's quite cheap for their big portion, only 25.000 IDR.
You should give it a try next time when you're in Bandung.
From Toko You, we went directly to Padma Hotel in Kiputih street - Cimbuleuit (Hellooow UNPAR...).
For me Padma hotel is one of the best hotels in Bandung. They have a spectacular forest scenery on the back yard. The view is amazing.
My friends and I, were used to chilling out in their lobby while watching a live music performance on Saturday night (before the hotel's named Chedi).

A hot chocolate + a cheese cake for me, and a Heineken for my husband, while listened to the pianist and the saxophonist played the music next to us.
Too bad that I can't take any picture of the forest because it's too dark.

The next day, I went to Mangkok Ayam again to try their Nasi Ayam Hainan (Hainan Chicken Rice) for my lunch. And it's so delicious! I licked the sauce till the last drop!

I really fall in love with this small restaurant. No wonder, this place's always full not only during the lunch and dinner time but also around breakfast and coffee time. They also have Dim Sum, Roasted Duck, Chicken Chasiew, and many more.

From Mangkok Ayam, I went to Excelso Cafe craving for my fav drink, Avocado Float with a chocolate ice cream inside.
I almost finished it when I remember to take a picture of it.

It doesn't look nice huh..?
Don't worry, I have another picture of my fav drink. ;)

Gorgeous, isn't it? :)

Anyway we just stayed at the hotel that night. It's really cold outside, and we're already warm and comfort in our room. So, we just ordered KFC for our dinner. Simple pleasure's perfect.

We checked out earlier from the hotel on the following day.
That's our last day in Bandung.
We had a quick lunch at Suis Buthcer - Setiabudi, one of my favourite restaurants back then when I still lived in Bandung.
I chosed a Bratwurst and Waffle Fries as my lunch. Not as cheap as I thought it will be (Compares to other similar restaurants in Bandung).

After lunch, I dropped my husband at Telkom-Gegerkalong to do his exam.
20 minutes later when he finished, we went to Macan street before we're going back to Jakarta.
I longed for this place since years ago. They have the best 'Rujak Bebeuk' in the world!
What a nice dessert! After my last wish in Bandung was done, we went back to Jakarta peacefully. :)

Culinary Trip in Bandung (Day 1-2-3)

2010-02-25T12:55:00.014+07:00

Last week, my husband and I went to Bandung.
My husband's sent there by his office to attend a workshop for a week and he asked me to come along with him.
At first I don't think it's a good idea since we couldn't check the progress of the renovation of our house plus I'll missed my yoga and knitting class for the whole week if I go with him. Hahaha:D I think the last two things are my main consideration.

But then I re-think again, I can ask my mom actually to check our house regularly, I can bring my yarn and my new books to Bandung. I'll have plenty of time to read, knit, and sleep. And most of all, I'm longing to do a food culinary in Bandung. Owowow, so why not?? It's all worth it to lose my yoga class for a week. :))

So, since I was too busy eating, reading, knitting, window shopping, watching movies and sleeping in Bandung, now I will put in one post all of my culinary agendas while we're in Bandung.

Soon, after we arrived in Bandung we checked in at Grand Serity Hotel in Hegarmanah - Setiabudi.
The hotel was nice. It's a 4 star hotel, with a minimalist design (I love it!), the room and bathroom were clean (The most important thing for me.)
The hotel location is also very strategic (at least for me hehehe..), very close to the Setiabudi Supermarket (My fav supermarket in Bandung), Periplus Bookstore, The Wood Factory Outlet, Rumah Mode Factory Outlet, Sambal Hejo Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds, Mangkuk Ayam Restaurant, Excelso, Mie Kocok Kebun Jukut, etc. You can reach these places within 5 minutes walking.
Breakfast's also included in our room package. They have various kind of food, from Dim Sum to Soto Bandung, from brioche to muffin, from tea to mixed juice. The taste's average though not as good as my expectation. Well, it's hard for me to not judging the food from it's appearance. ;)
The only thing I hate about this hotel was they called our room 5 or 6 times a day to offering a massage or karaoke room. I told them already that I don't want to be disturb but still they kept calling and calling even at 10.00pm. So, we turned off our room telephone during our stay.

We started our culinary trip right on our first night in Bandung.
We went to Trunojoyo street, we're so hungry and desperately want nasi goreng (Fried Rice) Bahureksa. It's a street vendor and named after their first street where they started to open an eatery years ago. From Bahureksa street, they moved to Aceh street, later to Sumatera street and now they're in Trunojoyo street right behind St.Aloysius. Their specialities are: Nasi Goreng, Mie Rebus, Cap cay kuah, Mie Goreng. It's soooo delicious. All of my family from the oldest generation to the youngest generation like to eat there usually on Sunday night after we attended Sunday mass. By the way they used pork for the ingredients, so for my muslim friends don't even think to try it. :)
Too bad that my blackberry was run out of bat, so I can't took a picture of the place and the food. It feels nice to sit and eat on an eatery like that, apart from the price's must be very cheap it's also kind of romantic..hehehe.

On the following day (Monday), my husband went to the workshop as soon as we finished our breakfast together. I didn't have a specific plan on that day, just want to sleep at the hotel so I told my husband to take the car with him.
Alone in the hotel room, I enjoyed every second of it. Simply relaxing. Watching my fav channels, Discovery Travel and Living and Star Movies while lying on the bed eating my snacks and chocolate. Hahahaha... Life is so beautiful!
Around lunch time, I walked to Mangkok Ayam restaurant inside the Setiabudi Supermarket. I've ordered a Pad Thai.
Ooowww my goodness, it's soooooo delicious.
The best Pad Thai I've ever ate.
And I love their warm interior, with a bookshelf on the wall. Feels like home.

After lunch, I walked to The Wood factory outlet right beside the supermarket just to check it out their stuffs. :))
I've tried so maaaaany clothes and end up bought only 1 clothes. (That's what I called, Achievement! Yes.) LoL.
Soon after my husband finished with the workshop, he pick me up at the hotel and we had our dinner at the famous Bebek Ali. Again it's a street vendor in Hasanudin street close to the Borromeus Hospital. Their speciality is a fried duck with chili sauce + raw vegetables (Pecel Bebek). We ate in our car because it's full already with students. For your note: Bebek Ali is alwaaaaays full of people/students everyday. So better if you come earlier (before dinner time) or after dinner time.
I was too excited to finally eat Bebek Ali, so I forgot to take a picture of it. :D
I was came to this place several times before, and never get a chance to have a seat there.
For me nothing special with their fried duck but their chili sauce is typically 'Sunda sauce' which very different with other sauces, Padang or Surabaya sauce for instance. So it has to be one of my culinary destinations in Bandung. :)
After dinner, we went to the Oasis Factory Outlet in Riau street.
In this F.O you can buy a fabric for jeans or pants, and order the model as you wish with a very good bargain. I bought the fabric for 45.000 IDR and paid for the tailor 50.000 IDR. With 95.000 IDR I have a very good jeans with the model that I like and size that suit my body perfectly. Nice and easy! :)
It's only take 1 day for them to make a jeans or pants.

Day 3, I dropped my husband in Gegerkalong coz I'll take my jeans and hunting my lifetime favourite snacks in Bandung: Lumpiah Basah - Es Duren - Cireng - Cilok - Nasi Timbel Bawean, Batagor and so on and so on. Hehehe.
Unfortunately, the traffic in Bandung's really ruined my mood!
I was so stressed by the way most of people in Bandung driving their cars and motorbikes, especially the drivers of public transportations (angkot), they stopped anywhere they like, literally like in the middle of the street! Helloooooow?!
Geez, I'm not used to it anymore . Its really getting my nerves.
Traffic jam in Jakarta is so muuuuuuuch better than traffic jam in Bandung.
So after done with my business at the Oasis, I went to nasi timbel Bawean for my early lunch.
I used to eat there with my college friends. I stayed there no longer than 5 minutes then without finishing my food, I left.
I was in a very bad mood, and I lost my appetite.

I decided to go back directly to the hotel.
I've bought a Lumpiah Basah, es duren and Bawean's chocolate wafer to fix my broken mood. (Teteeeeeeuuup...wkwkwkkwk.)
Since I wasn't in the good mood to drive, my husband said that he'll take ojek (similar to taxi but with a motorbike) to go back to our hotel.
It's so funny that my husband and I had the same idea that night about where we're going to have our dinner. Bakmie Naripan.
It's almost 10 years since the last time we ate in this restaurant.
Hohohoho, we're so happy that finally we could come to this place again.
We've ordered their speciality for our dinner: Yamien Manis + Baso Sapi Kuah ( Noodle with soya sauce + meat balls soup).

Again, I'm not recommend this restaurant for my muslim friends it's stated on the menu that their food is containing pork.
But if you're a big fans of any kind of noodle and meatballs soup like this, you can go to WaLe (Warung Lela) in Ranca Kendal, Dago Golf or Toko You in Hasanudin street.
It's free of pork for sure. :) And don't worry about the taste! :))

Note: Be continue...

Julia Child's Memoir

2010-02-01T15:19:00.000+07:00

Ooooh Goodness, I loveeee this book so much!
It's a memoir of Julia Child, beautifully written by her and her husband's (Paul Child) grandnephew, Alex Prud'homme.

This book's so real, you can feel her energy and joy through the pages.
It's so lively and delightful that as if you're a part of her soul, wandering in Paris, buying food at local markets, taking classes at the Cordon Bleu, smelling the sea air through her window in Marseille, enjoying la belle France, sipping a glass of wine while eating and cooking in her kitchen, making a diner for close friends at her holiday house in La Pitchoune, Provence, and so forth and so forth.

When you read this book, you're traveling in a time machine which bring you to her life on the years 1948 through 1954. Those years in France which she claimed as the best years of her life.
And I enjoyed every scene of her life in this book, I can feel her sadness, her happiness, even I can feel the smell of lavenders lingering on the air at her terrace in Provence. Hehehe:p I don't know, maybe it's because I'm weird, swam so deep into this book or simply because this story was so real.

I watched the movie, Julie and Julia before I've read this book.
And I found this book much muuuuuuch more interesting than the movie.
Though I also like the movie so much, the movie is based on two true stories about Julia Child and a New Yorker girl (Julie P.) who decided to give her life a new meaning as a blogger with a project called Julia Child's Project. She had tried every recipes of Julia Child cooking book in a year. What a tough project, really.

I love this book very much, it took a month for me to finish this book just because I've read it very slowly, I chewed every word, I enjoyed every place and food that she described, I simply don't want it to come to the end. Amazing! Charming and inspiring.

Soon as I finished reading this book, I asked my brother who living in USA to buy her master piece: Mastering the Art of French Cooking (1961) for me.
I'm sooooooo into all the foods she had described wonderfully in this book.
And I'd love to cook it in my own kitchen.
:)

Hiatus

2010-01-27T08:09:00.000+07:00

Ouwww my God, it feels good to have an access on my mobile again after a week of hiatus. I've survived, a week living without my Blackberry, my laptop and my modem. Without any access to check my e-mail, my fb, my blog, my UT, my sms, my bbm, or even just to googling some information on Mr. Google.
Not that I did it on purpose at the first place, having my hiatus moment, away from all my high tech gears. It's all because we decided to change our internet provider at home and at the same time I'd a problem with my mobile provider.

Now, we have a new internet provider for our home, but we still have to wait for the new wifi modem in order to use it. So, in the mean time I do all the surfing through my mobile.

Apart from a weird feeling that I couldn't check my email regularly, I found that a week without all the communication devices is very important to balancing my mind, body and soul. Maybe for those who works will definetely not be able having a week of hiatus, but one or two days will do as good as a week if you really can put away and turn off your mobile or any communication device.

It's really a good exercise, to hybernate your mind for a while. Living in your cave, away from the noisy and busy world out there, just focus on your soul and listen to your breath and fully aware of your inner being. It's so peaceful and relaxing.

I feel recharged and energized.
I have more of positive energy either in my mind or my soul.
And it's good for my body.
It's cleared my mind from all the un-necesarry spams and junks.

So, why don't you try to have your hiatus moment?
It will bring you back to the present, set your soul free, purify your heart, clean your mind and detox your body.

2010

2010-01-14T08:34:00.002+07:00

Wow, it's 2010 already...
Happy new year dear blogger, hope this brand new year will bring all the good things coming to our life. Always stay positive!

It's been a month since my last post.
As always December's my most bussiest month of the year. You know, merry go around with all Christmas & New Year's euphoria. :)

Starting with presents hunting for all of my big family, decorating the christmas tree, watching Christmas movies w/ my nieces & nephews, wrapping all the presents and put it under the tree, making a list of my nieces & nephews performance on Christmas & New Year's Eve, listening to Christmas CDs all the time, watching my nieces & nephews practising their dancing movement, singing, cabarets and so on. December it's totally my jolly time of the year. Full of joy and love. :)

To respect my family tradition, I never been away from home/my family on Christmas & New Year's eve except when I lived in Germany. Since I'm married, I've tried to share our time with our two families.
I'm very happy that so far it works very well. We spent time with my family on Christmas & New Year's eve, and with my husband's family on Christmas & New Year's Day.

Based on that tradition, my husband and I were planning to have a quick holiday on the first week of 2010. Just to refresh our energy and have our quality time in Singapore.
I'll post about it on my traveloque's notes.

I thank God so muuuuuuuuch for His never ending bless and grace upon our life. For this brand new year.
Hope we can always make the best of it. Happy 2010!

Coco Avant Chanel

2009-12-14T14:39:00.003+07:00

Yaay, finally I watched this movie.
Though it wasn't as good as Coco Chanel in my opinion, but still I like it 'coz this movie has an originality of French perspective about Coco as a Parisian.
This movie has emphasized on Coco's complicated life before being the world famous Chanel in a very humble way.
No more, no less. Not kind of a fairy tale movie.
And Audrey Tautou is beautiful as always. :)

Coco CHANEL

2009-12-11T09:09:00.008+07:00

O.H.M.Y.G.O.O.D.N.E.S.S.!
I L.O.V.E COCO CHANEL so muuuuuuuuuuch...!!!

Just watched this remarkable movie last night, and I was so hypnotized during the movie.
It is amazing the fact that the world's most avant-garde fashion designer was a woman who had to start from scratch and build her way to the top in a world dominated by men.
She was indeed the ultimate independent woman and she knew her value.

It's totally a very-great-you-have-to-see-this-movie for every lover of fashion and romance.

Seriously, it is not that I'm playing a drama queen right now but I'm totally impressed by the movie, by Coco Chanel inspiring life story, by her sophisticated yet never dies style, by her passionate love affairs, by her everlasting perfumery: Chanel No.5, and most of all by her spirit to conquered the fashion world with her phenomenal menswear, simplicity, elegance, and glamorous style!

How amazing the way she could transformed her life from her humble childhood to a young dressmaker's assistant to the most influential designer of the 20th century.
Even after she died decades ago, her big name and boutiques still exist all over the world until now.

Either she was Gabriela or Coco. She was Chanel. And she was an extraordinary person.
She was the world's most elegant woman.
I have read her complete biography right after I watched the movie. And I love her even more. So inspiring! :)

I hardly can wait to watch Coco Avant Chanel/Coco Before Chanel movie played by Audrey Tautou. Audrey is my most favorite French actress, playing my most favorite French designer I bet it's gonna be awesome!

I also can't wait to buy a novel written by Karen Karbo: "The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman".

Flat Shoes Junkie

2009-12-10T13:46:00.004+07:00

Since I'm officially sick this week, I have plenty of times to do blogging and blog walking. Whenever I'm too bored to sleep I always surfing on the internet.
Looking for some informations that suit my interest. It could be politic, fashion, celebrity's gossips, recipes, books, movies, and etc.

Two days ago, I'd read an interesting article about a new brand of Indonesia handmade shoes in Jakarta. Which I believed, Indonesia has hundreds of brands that produces thousand of shoes that 100% Indonesian as well as this new brand has claimed.
But there's one thing that made me immediately have a crush with this brand, and desperately want to buy is their specialization on FLAT SHOES!

I love Flat Shoes!!
Whenever I traveled overseas, I always bought at least 2 pairs of flat shoes.
I hardly bought any shoes in Indonesia.
It's not because I'm branded oriented, or an overseas maniac but because it's very difficult to find shoes here in Indonesia with my size.
Normally I use size 40/41, but here even though the shoes size 40/41 it's still doesn't fit to my feet. It will hurt my feet, if I pushed my feet into the shoes.
That's why I always looking for shoes whenever I traveled abroad.
Sometimes, I miss those moments when I never had any trouble to buy shoes back then when I lived in Germany.
They have my size everywhere. :)

Anyway, I've checked their online store, and I fall in love with this brand as soon as I know that I can order shoes with my size plus choose a design by myself with a good price.
That's the most important thing to consider in order to buy a pair of good shoes.

So, I start looking at my 'shoes closet' try to find a clue of which color of flat shoes that I would like to buy.
OMG! I already have almost every colors!
After years of hunting and collecting, I've just realized that I have sooooooo many flat shoes in my closet. I count it, one.., two.., three.., twenty.., thirty.., gosh.., forty.., and so on. I have 40 something pairs of flat shoes!

*These are some pairs of my flat shoes collection..*

I guess, I'm not in a rush of hunting some more flat shoes for a while.
:)

Good Bye Mbah

2009-12-09T12:14:00.001+07:00

I've been bed resting at home since few days ago.
Right after my husband's lovely grandma (Mbah) has passed away.
I already feeling sick when I was at Mbah's funeral, but I pushed myself to be strong
until it's finished.

I was shocked and sad, when I heard about the news.
We went to the hospital together at the night before she's passed away.
She was suffering from a mild heart attack few hours before, so we brought her to the hospital. Unfortunately, she doesn't want to sleep over at the hospital when the Doctor said she needs to be monitoring for the next 2-3 days.
She said firmly, "I want to go home with my family. I'm strong and fine. There's no need for me to stay at the hospital. I'm not sick."
So the Doctor didn't want to pushed our Mbah, she just gave some medicines just in case Mbah feel some pain.

Before we're going home (Mbah is living with my mother in law), my hubby and I kissed Mbah forehand and forehead.
Wishing her to get well soon.
Mbah smiling at us, and gave her blessing as always right after she said thank you.

Clearly, God has another plan for Mbah.
In the early morning, we heard the news that our dearest Mbah has passed away.
Just a few minutes after she'd a second heart attack.
At that time, I realized why Mbah face was so glowing last night.
Just like an angel...
We're very sad knowing that Mbah has gone, but we're glad that we still had a chance
to say goodbye last night.

May you rest in peace Mbah.
May God bless your soul.

We always love you Mbah.
You're the most kindest person that I've ever known.

Note:
Mbah has passed away on December 7, 2009.
Right two months before her 93rd birthday, on February 7, 2010.

BestFriends Forever

2009-12-04T23:39:00.002+07:00

I'm sitting on a comfy sofa at my favourite coffee shop in town,
sipping a cup of hot earl grey tea
(Lately I become more a tea person than a coffee person..),
accompany with Christmas songs playing on the background,
writing this blog while waiting for my bestfriends to come.
They're stuck on the traffic, which always happens in Jakarta most of the time 'by the way' especially when it comes to weekend or rainy season.

And now heavy rain's pouring down outside, I could imagine how chaos the traffic must be.
So, I guess I have plenty of time to sit here alone, thinking, and writing this blog.
Make myself even comfort with a delicious beef pastle. :)

It's been a while since the last time I'd met two of my bestfriends that now I'm waiting for.
Couple of months ago to be more specific.
Quite long, isn't it?
But compare to some other bestfriends of mine, who I haven't meet them in years well, is not that looong actually. :))

I've been thinking about my life recently.
As the time goes by,
I realize there're some significant changes in the way of I live my life,
in the way of thinking, in the way I see things, in the way I pursuit of my happiness,
in the way I deal with grief and loss, in the way I treasure of real friendship nowadays.

Getting older, got married, dealed with grief and loss of some precious family members including my unborn baby,
moved back to where my nest is, settled down after years of 'traveling'.
Something definetely has changed in me.

If before I used to be a social butterfly with hundreds of friends,
now I could use only one hand to count how many bestfriends that I always keep in touch with.
It doesn't mean that I'd ignored the rest of my friends out there (Thanks to Facebook),
it's mean that I become more selective to share my personal life only with bestfriends of mine.

Bestfriends that have been selected by times.
Bestfriends who always be there for me through good and bad times,
though we couldn't even meet each other regularly once in a year because we're living in different countries and continents
(Two of them, that I'm about to meet now are living in Jakarta as well but still we're hardly have a chance to meet each other because we're traveling a lot in different times and places).

Not being able to meet each other as much as we want, makes us really appreciate every single way of communications that we've been using in order to keep in touch,
up dating our latest news, sharing our thoughts and feelings, and so on.

And whenever we have a chance to meet each other, we will definetely cheerish every second of it! Eventhough it's only a short bumping at the airport, it's more than enough for us to hug each other, having a very brief summary about our recent life affairs, with juicy gossips about recent dates, and bla..bla..bla. We're women anyway, we know really well how to compressed 300 pages of our life story to 1 page of breaking news. And vice versa. ;)

I don't mind for not having any friends available to meet up every week, month, even years. Because I know very well, that a true friendship is not define by how much time we spent for each other, but by how good we understood each other. A true friendship is define by the quality not the quantity of friendship itself. A true friendship preferred a good critic with a sincere heart than a sweet kiss on the lips with a mediocre heart. Having one bestfriend that sincerely care for us is enough to make our life rich. More than one is absolutely a BONUS! :)

I'm very blessed, having a sweet yet caring husband and all of my bestfriends surrounding my soul wherever they are. All of them make my life so wonderful.

I dedicated this post to all of my bestfriends around the world. Thank you for loving me just the way I am. Thank you for never judging me, thank you for being there always everytime I needed. Thank you for simply being my bestfriends.
Love you all.
BestFriend Forever!

Julie & Julia

2009-11-02T17:54:00.004+07:00

I just watched a great movie which based on two true stories, Julie & Julia.
I really enjoyed and had a good time during the movie.
This movie taught us about the importance of being persistence,
in order to know what is our inner passion, what is our ambition? What do we want to do in this life?

What things that could make you jumps out of bed every morning with a cheerful spirit? Something that makes you feel valueable, happy and in control.
Reminds us to always face every barrier and difficulties that comes up in our way with a right attitude.

With a setting in my two favourite cities in the world, Paris and New York.
I fell in love with this movie immediately.
And not forget to mention about an incredible acting of Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.
They're sooooo into Julie and Julia. You hardly can remember of the real Meryl Streep during this movie. You will only see Julia Child.

If you loves cooking, writing and blogging then you definetely will love the movie as much as I am.
Now, I'm so regret that I didn't buy Julia Child's book, My Life in France when I saw it 2 weeks ago in the bookstore.
It will be on my 'book-that-I-must-have' list, for sure.

Charter for Compassion

2009-10-03T08:17:00.000+07:00

Charter for Compassion

Our Dream House

2009-09-18T09:20:00.007+07:00

Finally we have our dream house.
Thank you dear God...
After a long process of hunting, saving, bargaining, administrating, and etc., we could finally owned a place called our house.
A small house surrounded by a beautiful garden where lilies, irish, golden araleas, palms, crossandras, tabernas, pines, and etc. lives together in a harmony.

Since I was a little, I always dreaming about having a small house with a backyard full of trees and flowers where my hubby and I can sit in the morning/afternoon sipping our tea and reading our books while our dog playing with the kids. :)
My heaven on earth.

And now, one by one my dreams becomes reality.
Today, after signed a lot of papers we've got our housekeys.
It feels great.
After years of hunting and few months of struggling to saved every cent of our money, with a help of house credit facility finally we could have our dream house.
A place that soon to be our new 'home'.

We should wait for a while until we could moves to our new house.
We need to save some money first to buy furnitures for our house, because our saving's broke already to bought the house. :)

Really can't wait to be HOME...

Get a Life!

2009-09-11T12:20:00.002+07:00

Just want to share these simple tips to get a better life.

25 ULTIMATE TIPS FOR BETTER LIFE:

1. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. & while you walk, SMILE. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. When you wake up in the morning,Pray to ask God's guidance for your purpose, today.'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, and almonds.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.Forgive them for everything !

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Help the needy,Be generous ! Be a 'Giver' not a 'Taker'

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. Time heals everything.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed ,Pray to God and Be thankful for what you have accomplished,today !

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed!.

25. Please forward this to everyone you care about..

And don't forget to take a break from whatever you do now, take a deep breath and promise yourself to 'get a life' for your own sake.

Ups & Downs

2009-08-29T11:06:00.002+07:00

It's quite a long after we came back from our China's trip (last July). Haven't got the right time and mood to write some up dates here in my blog.

Right after I came back from China, I was sick for almost 3 weeks. Not sure why I became so weak at the time? Since I just came from Beijing and other cities in China, my family have a concern about my illness. They're afraid if I've got a Schweine/Bird Flu in China especially because I've got all the sympthoms in me. (A very bad cough, fever, nausea, headache, stomach pain, etc).

But thanks God, after having a series of medical check ups my condition was getting better. And the Doctor said that I was simply too tired because of the trip and the weather change (it's summer in China), and got an infection on my throat.

God's always been good to us.
Whenever I traveled with a backpack style (read: budget), I never got any trouble or sick. And when I traveled with a VIP level, I got sick but still can enjoy my trip because they're taking care of me and I had no worried about the food, medicines and the car. I can go whenever I want with a car that has been reserved for us. I can sleep whenever I want in a comfort and cozy hotel room.

The only trouble that I had back then was, I can't go to the airport while I still have my flu and fever. In every airport in China they have a fever detector. And every one who has a flu and fever, wasn't allow to leave the airport or coming in to their country. The China government will immediately put 'the patient' into a carantine. Not only the patient but also the whole group who traveled together with the patient. This is the only way to prevent the epidemic of Schweine/Bird Flu getting worse in their country. So my hubby and I stayed in Beijing 2 days longer from our 5 days schedule. And soon after I felt better, we fly to Shenzhen and later to Hong Kong before going back to Jakarta.

When we're finally arrived in Jakarta, the first thing we do was went to the Doctor. We can't go to the doctor in China, because they will immediately labeled me as a "Suspect Flu" and I would not allow to leave their country until they do some observation on me. Geez, thanks God that's not happened to me. :))

After being fully recovered from my illness, I was busy preparing our next trip at the time. We planned to travel to Australia at the end of August. We're going to celebrate my birthday in Melbourne (after celebrated my hubby birthday in Beijing), then go to Sydney and Canberra. That's a BIG plan!

In fact, we're not going anywhere. The Aussie's trip was cancelled. The doctor wasn't allowed me to go traveling abroad. Just a week before my 33rd birthday, we just found out that I'm 7 weeks pregnant. Praise the Lord!
So just when we've got our Aussie's visas, we cancelled our flights. All of them: Starting with Air Asia in JKT and KL, Virgin Blue in Melb - Syd - Can, Greyhounds in Syd and Can.

Unfortunately, a week after my birthday we just found out that I've an Ectopic Pregnancy so it should be terminated as soon as possible. (I'm going to write about this Ectopic Pregnancy later in my other post). So right on my 8 weeks pregnancy, my dearly fetus was flying back to Heaven. :) Say Hi to God, will you?

After my CS surgery, where the doctor's removed my 'kistas' and my fetus I need to bedrest for 3 days and slowly learn to walk and climb the stairs.
After a while here I am, fully recovered physically and mentally. I need only 3 weeks after the surgery, to do my yoga, run up and down on the stairs, driving to anywhere I want. While my doctor said, usually it takes 3 months until I will fully recovered. :)

Thank you Lord for giving me all of wonderful ups and downs in my life, which I believes it will make me a stronger, better, and happier person than I was before. Amen.

A Big Surprise!

2009-07-02T10:26:00.006+07:00

Still related to my previous post about, Life is full of surprises...
I've got one recently. Quite a BIG surprise actually.
And it leads to a massive changes in a travel plan that I've already made.

This week, my hubby (also my father + my sister + my brother in law) had planned to take 2 days off from their work.
We made a plan to traveling to Jogjakarta together with our big family.
Before the kids are going back to school, we want to spend some times on this almost-over-school-holiday together in Central of Java.
We would like to see a magnificent Borobudur Temple, a gorgeous Prambanan Temple, a nice retreat at Sendangsono, Keraton, Parang Tritis Beach, Magelang city and etc.
It would be a great family holiday, am sure.

The plan has been made, everything is ready on our checklist.
Starting from my cousin place, where we're going to stay during the holiday to our cars (We're traveling by cars this time).
We just have to wait until today according to our travel plan.

But you know what...??
We've got a very big surprise!
Just when everything is settled, we've got a news from my hubby that everything need to be cancelled!

Few days ago, my hubby got a phone call from his boss.
His boss asking him to go to China for a meeting today even though he had already taking two days off, just right on our schedule to go to Jogjakarta.

Shocked!
Of course, we have only two days to arrange everything including our visas and tickets!
Geez, we're going to China for God sake not to Surabaya.
We need at least a week to prepare everything.

Just like my prediction, we're not gonna make it to go on 1st of July.
Our visas are issued. Our tickets are also ready to be issued.
But my hubby got a problem with an administrative thing on his office.
So the travel plan has been re-scheduled to 3rd of July, right on my hubby's birthday.

Instead of going to Jogjakarta, we're going to Hong Kong - Beijing - Shenzhen - Hong Kong.
We're very sorry that our family holiday was cancelled, but on the other hand we're so exciting to explore THE FORBIDDEN city + GREAT WALLS.

We thank you God for having an opportunity to go to Beijing and re-visit Hong Kong and Shenzhen again.
Hope everything will be OK this time, not like our previous experienced in Shenzhen.

PS: This gonna be a special event for my hubby. Celebrating his 34th birthday in 3 different countries. Jakarta - Hong Kong - Beijing. :)

Life is FULL of surprises...

2009-06-30T07:25:00.003+07:00

My post title this time is so very true.
Life is FULL of surprises.., just like a chocolate box.
Sometimes, I've got very shocked by the bitterness and sometimes I jolted by the happiness.
Bitter, sweet, crunchy, melted, sour, and any other taste in between.
Sometimes we've got the one that we likes very much, but sometimes not.

That's life anyway.
Like it or not like it, sometimes an unexpected thing might happens in our daily life.
It could be a nice one or a devastated one.
We can't control "some things" that meant to be happens in our life.
The only thing we can do is to define on how should we REACT on those surprises,
especially the bitter one.
Sometimes the bitter one gives you the best taste/feeling afterwards.
Just like a bitter chocolate that proved do some good for your health and well known as an effective also nice way to reduce your level of stress.
:')

As for me, many times I've been dealing with all those expected yet unexpected things/moments surely it makes my life more colorful.
Sometimes it made my day, sometimes it ruined my day.
But for sure there's always a sun behind the clouds.
It's a matter of the way you see your things/problems.

Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

Just like what Shakespeare had expressed in a similar sentiment in Love's Labours Lost, 1588:

Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues

Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them, the same rule applied on the other side of coin.
Means that different people will find different things beautiful/or not and that the differences of opinion don't matter greatly as long as the beholder feels happy.

So be happy with this life because it has a lot of surprises for us, each and every day. Just make sure that you don't forget to wait for a rainbow to appear after the rain. It will boost your happiness.
:)

A Tribute to Michael Jackson: The Music Legend!

2009-06-26T10:22:00.008+07:00

Michael Jackson truly had a message to give each and every one of us.
To make this world as a better place as well as he did...

Rest in Peace, M.J.
God bless your soul.

Earth Song

Bangkok: City of Angels

2009-06-19T17:44:00.005+07:00

Last year, when I attended one of those 'high-tea-time' meetings with my besties out of the blue we're talking about traveling again together.
It's almost a year since we're traveled together around Eroupe.
Starting from where I used to lived before, Muenster - Germany continue to other cities in Hitler country such as Dortmund, Essen, Koeln, Duesseldorf, Rattingen, then hop on in Amsterdam, hop off in Bruxelles, hop on again in Luxembourg, again in Barcelona, back to Muenster had a nice and warming farewell party with my best friends in Germany and finally headed back to J-Town.

Geez, miss those crazy and great 'bff' moments so muuuch.
So when it's suddenly came to the air this traveling issue, I was just so excited as much as my besties.
Without wasting so much time, we're discussing which country is going to be our next destination this time.
As everyone gets broke after the previous Euro Trip, we decided to choose one country in Asia. Which is quite cheap for transport and accomodation but still nice to be our getaway. Since everyone never been to Bangkok - Thailand, we chosed Bangkok instead of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Couple of days after that meeting ( yes, seriously!), everything's checked.
Itinerary : Checked.
Flight : Checked.
Hotel : Checked.

So, Bangkok there we go.
Fortunately, my hubby also need to go to a conference in Phuket - Thailand, so he will be joining us at the end of my holiday with my besties.

As soon as we landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport (located about 25 km east of downtown Bangkok), we took a taxi.
For your info: Do Not Get Into A Taxi At The Airport Unless The Metter Is ON.
Went straightaway to Ratchadaphisek Road.
Geez, it took appr. 15 minutes to explain the hotel address to the taxi driver.
We showed the address, still it doesn't help much because the addres was written in latin. They used Thai alphabetical in their daily life. It's difficult to understand what they said actually..., you should pay extra attention to each word.
Finally, after we pointed the street on the map he knows where to go.

Our friend who lives in Bangkok, already waiting for us in front of the hotel appartement just in case the taxi driver couldn't find the building.
We're stayed at his place until my husband came to Bangkok.
My friend's appartement is very cozy. A great combination between modern and minimalist architecture. Right in front of his living room, there's a beautiful swimming pool. We can also chilling out on his private balcony.
This place called: Ratchada Hotel and Service Appartement. Divided into two areas, first is for the permanent residence. Second is for the temporary guests.
Later on, I moved to the second together with my hubby.
The place is very comfy. Each appartement has: kitchen, living room, private balcony, bedroom, bathroom with bath tub and shower, even wash machine.
Feels like home yet very practical. It's ideal for up to 4 persons.

Soon after put our lugages in the appartement, we went to Esplanade (a shopping mall beside our place) to have our lunch. Hmm, we had a delicious welcoming Japanesse lunch from my friend. He bored already with Thai food, so this time he asked for Japanesse food as our first meal in Bangkok.
Well, as long as he paid for the lunch we don't have any problem with that..hehehe:p

After lunch, my friend went back to work while my besties and I continue exploring the mall. Bought some groceries for a week ahead.
After that we're taking a nap before went to Siam Paragon (the largest shopping mall in Bangkok).
We had a dinner meeting with my friend there (he works in this area).

Travel around Bangkok (BKK) is easy and flexible.
They have many alternatives transportation system in BKK, you named it.
From Tuk Tuk to Taxi. From Skytrain to Metro. From Boat to Train.
But for me as BKK is one of the busiest capital cities in Southeast Asia, I'd prefered travel with Skytrain and Metro around BKK.
Clean, fast and predictable. You'll save time, money and headaches from the traffic.

Wandered in Siam Square, window shopping, had our dinner at local restaurant.
The night went so fast.
For your info: Siam Square has lots of cinemas, a warren of stalls, shops, small pubs, eateries, trendy and funky boutiques reminds me of Kemang in South of Jakarta. Also cafes where you can mingle with students from nearby Chulalongkorn University.
On our first night in BKK, my besties already spent 700 baht in Siam Square. :D
But, true, we fell in love with this city as soon as we saw the price tag. Hahahaha.
It's very cheap comparing to any other country in Asia including Indonesia.

Our second day in BKK, first agenda was still shopping. ;)
We'd postpond our travel agenda in BKK sightseeings till my hubby is coming.
So, he could also look around the city together with us.
This time, we went to Mahboonkrong MBK.
Still around Siam area if you take sky train just stop at SIAM then countinue walking to Siam Discovery Centre than across the bridge following the signs that shows you the way to MBK.

MBK is like a Mangga Dua in Jakarta but much larger.
They have everything in MBK from mobile phones to toilet seat.
You can also bargaining with sales on the price. In fact, you NEED to bargain the price that they've been given to you. Otherwise, they will rip you off.
MBK is one of the famoust shopping district in BKK.
Not only for tourists but also for the locals.
For your info: Be careful with your belongings. This is pickpocket paradise.

On our third day in BKK, my hubby came and joined with us.
We moved first to the hotel appartement, so we still can have some privacy. ;)
Breakfast at eight with the famous Thai Noodle Kluay Tiew and Beef Balls + a glass of fresh orange juice + a cup of earl grey tea with honig at the hotel.
Quite early for holiday I know, but sooooo muuuuch to do in Bangers.
We're soooooo ready to groooooovy this daaay...!

We took Metro first from Thailand Cultural Centre (the nearest Metro stop to our place) to Sukhumvit, then changed to sky train stop over in Central - Siam.
Then took sky train with Saphan Taksin direction until the final stop.
From Saphan Taksin we crossed the street to Central Pier where the river tours get start.
We can get this river tour along the circle or hop on and hop off at the sights that we chosed. This boat will takes us at the main area in BKK with many sightseeings need to be seen. Such as: Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn),
Wat Po (the biggest and oldest reclining gold Budha statue in the world) and many sacred temples along the river.

Our first stop was Ratchawong.
Within walking distance, we'd arrived at China Town.
There're a lot of food stalls, fruit stalls, bustling markets, very narrow alley ways, hidden small restaurants, gold stores and many more.
We've tried what so called 'small eggs fried' (I don't know what it's called in English = telur puyuh ceplok), local foods like tofu fried, etc.
After our stomach were full, we get on the river boat again.
And stop over at Wat Po.

For your info: There's a small cafe across the street of Wat Po (Chetuphon Road), I forgot the name of the cafe.
But you'll definetely have no difficulties to find this coziest cafe in the area.
This cafe have an excellent originally Thai foods and a very nice interior.
I've tasted the best of Tom Yam Goong ever in this cafe..!!! Don't miss it.

After had our 'big-lunch', we're wandered around the sites. Wat Po, Grand Palace, City Pillar Shrine, etc.
We also tried TUK TUK because our feets already screaming for helps. Hahahaha:D
And OH MY GOOOOOD! My first and last experience with this TUK TUK.
It's an extremely dangerous sport for your heart!!!
We almost hit a truck in front of us, and this wasn't happened only once. All the times, during the 5 minutes of riding!
Can you imagined that...?
Well, at least we've tried already to ride the famous TUK TUK from Thailand. :D

Feel so tired and exhausted because of the heat, we decided to pampered ourselves at the world famous Wat Po reflexiology school centre.
Oow..oow..oow.., feels like heaven guys...!
You should give it a try, if you are a reflexy (foot massage) fans.
It's really worth to try!
They have a different techniques of massages and reflexy.

Thai massage is great for sore muscles and you can't go far in the city without bumping into a Thai massage place.
My hubby was even get snorred in the middle of reflexy. Hehehehe:p
We took a picture in front of this Wat Po reflexiology centre, but unfortunately I lost my camera with all of our Bangkok pictures when
I was in Citos - Jakarta. before I copied the pictures to my laptop. :(

Well, anyway after getting recharged at Wat Po we headed directly to the pier.
Waiting for our boat to come and pick us up. We get enough for today.
We took a coffee break at the hotel, then get ready for the night adventure.
We went to Lumphini, there's a night market with a lot of cafes, reflexy centres, handycrafts boutiques, traditional clothes, and many more.
We simply enjoyed the ambiance. Bought a white shirt for my hubby before we return to the hotel.

The next day, our destination was: Chatuchak Market!
Been waiting for so long to go to this market.
Chatuchak Market is the most famous market in BKK even in Thailand.
Most of boutiques in Jakarta get their stuffs from here.
Chatuchak is a very massive market which divided into several areas.
Antiques, Home Decor, Used Books, Textiles, Wood Carvings, Art + Decor, Jeans, Accessories, Agricultural Product Market,
Inexpensive jeans-clothes-t-shirts-etc, Animals, Kitchenware, Ceramics + Porcelains, Souvenir Gifts, and not forget to mention Foot Massage Area.
The most important area for my hubby and I. :)

After spent the whole day shopping in Chatuchak, again my hubby and I pampered our feets in reflexy area whilst my besties still busy shopping.
We're so addicted to Thai Massage especially their foot massage.
Don't you love being pounded and pulled like a piece of dough?
Fabulous, darling... ;)

The next day, my hubby went back first to Jakarta.
My besties and I still have one day to go.
So, with the rest of our BAHT we spent a day in the shopping mall.
Tried another Thai foods, Pad See-Eeuw (stir fried noodles with seafood) with a delicious Mango Thai Salad.
Hmmmm...damn so goood! :)
Had a cup of frappucinno at Starbucks Esplanade, chit chat and finally packing our bags for tomorrow.
How time flies?
We'll definetely come to this city of angels again.

"Kap Koon Ka" (Thanks for ladies)
"Sawadee Ka" (Hello for ladies)

Note: It's a pity that I lost my camera with all of our Bangkok's pictures inside. :(

A Gift from Air Asia

2009-06-19T14:51:00.000+07:00

A month ago, my family and I went to Malaysia for a holiday.
As you might read on my previous post, we went there using Air Asia airline.

My husband and I had a different return flight from the rest of my family.
Still on the same day, but they've got an earlier flight.
So when my family already took off, my husband and I made ourselves comfort
at The Coffee Bean Cafe near the terminal of LCCT waiting for our check in time.

Unfortunately, we've got an announcement that our flight was delayed.
So we had to wait for another 3 hours! Geez...thank God that my parents were arrived in Jakarta on time based on the schedule.
The other passengers were panicked if they'd lost their connecting flight in Jakarta
because of the delayed. They asked for a voucher from Air Asia to covered their lost.
Well, at least my husband and I had no other flight to catch up.

So when we saw there's nothing that we can do except waiting, we went around the stores in the airport. Bought a little present for myself..hahaha. :)
And chocolates for my best friends.

1 hour before we took off, Air Asia gave a free meal and drink for the passengers who have been delayed.
Soon after that, we took off and landed in Jakarta safe and soundly.

Back to routinity, back to real life with a full batterei that has been charged during the holiday.
We already forgot about the flight delay until I've got an email from Air Asia two weeks ago, an official appology from Air Asia.

"We apologize for the flight delay and hope you'll accept this E-Gift Voucher as
our On Time Guarantee compensation. Your Air Asia E-Gift Voucher, awaits your redemption."

And when I log on to their website to see this electronic voucher, I was so surprised. Air Asia gave my husband and I, EACH, @ 200 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit)
E-voucher which means they pay back all of our previous tickets expenses.

We bought our tickets to Kuala Lumpur for @ 500rb IDR return. It's almost 175 MYR.
And they gave us totally 400 MYR as compensation for the flight delay though none of us have asked!

Wooowoowowow!
We're so surprised!
And happy of course... :)
We can use this voucher before September 2009, so it means we're going to have
another holiday comiiiiiing soooooooon.... Yipiiiiiiiie!!!

Two thumbs up for Air Asia professionality.
Eventhough Air Asia is a low cost carrier airline, but they serves their passengers
excellently.
No wonders they're voted as The World's Best Low Cost Airline.
Keep up the good works, pals!

Macau & Shenzhen: Lost in Translation II

2009-06-18T09:13:00.001+07:00

Note: I've just moved this article from my other blog. This travel journal was actually written few months after our honeymoon last year.

Finished gambling and taking few pictures in Macau, we continued our journey to the mainland of China. :)
We crossed the sea border between two countries, which takes approximately 40 minutes by a small cruise. And we arrived at Shenzhen International Airport.

I don't know why, but since my first step in Shenzhen I had this kind of a 'weird' feeling, am a bit nervous, anxious, and the butterfly in my stomach was never stop flying around.
Later, I've found out that's a sign for me that something bad will happened to us. Believe it or not believe...

It's begun at the immigration section.
I have a problem, just because my passport was issued at Indonesia Consulate in Germany (which is no wonder because my previous passport was expired while I still live in Muenster.., so I have to renewed my passport immediately!).

They asked a lot of question about my personal datas.
Which is quite annoying..!
I mean, there's no problem at all actually...
It's stated very clear in my new passport, that my previous passport is expired so need to be canceled bla..bla..bla..., so Indonesia Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany need to issued a new one for me.

I think, they don't really understand that statement (or they don't understand English?! Only God knows...).
Why, because even after they've read it, it still doesn't make everything clear anyway.
They keep on going with their suspicious guessing ( or maybe they just have nothing to do so they making it out from my case..).
And they asked for my identity card, helloooooow since when I can't use my passport as my identity card..????
I can give them my Indonesian identity card, but what for... as if they can read in bahasa..!

After a looong interogating and debating process, finally they let me in to their country eventhough they're still unsure that I'm a good person ( I can read this very clear in their faces).
Geez...

Right after that, another bad thing happened to us
After looking around in the airport, we've been following by a chinese man who keep insist telling us to take a taxi from him.
We said no thank you several times, but the man insisted to following us wherever we go.
We've been trying to get a normal taxi, but its nowhere to find.

We asked somebody at the information service about the transportation system if we want to go to Shenzhen city.
Before she answer our question, the man speaks in Chinese with her. And then she said to us, there's no transportation accomodation from here to the city because the city is very far from here.
You only can take a taxi from here (there's no bus and there's no a normal taxi as well, according to her information..).
We don't want to believe her, but she's a person who is in charge at the information service.
What would you do, if you're at my position?

Triumphly, the man said to us that's a normal thing we don't have any choice.
He said, people always get my taxi if they want to go to the city.
And because this not kind of a normal taxi with a normal fares, so we asked him how much it cost for us to go to the city.
He said, 500 Yuan..!!! Can you believe that..???
500 Yuan just to go to Shenzhen city from the airport!
Of course we don't want it...

Again after a very looooooooooooooooooooooong bargaining, then we got 300 Yuan deal. We already tried to asked many people in the airport, but they can't speaks (or maybe they simply don't want/care..) English. So we really have no choice at all.He explained that the city is 45 km from here, that's why its expensive bla..bla..bla..

So, we decided to take that taxi ( we didn't really have any other choice at the time anyway..).
The driver wasn't the same person who had dealling with us.
The first man explained everything to the driver (in Chinese of course!), and commanded him to take us to our hotel in Shenzhen city.

But then, something really bad happened to us later on...
Soon, after we arrived at our hotel my husband gave the driver 300 Yuan according to our deal before.
Suddenly with an angry face, he's yelling to us asked for 600 Yuan!
He said that 300 Yuan is only for one person, and we have to pay him 600 Yuan.
Of course we refused to pay him 600 Yuan, because we've got the deal at 300 Yuan.

We told him, to call his friend the one who making a deal with us at the airport.
But the driver didn't want to call his friend, he just want to take the money from us.
He takes my husband's wallet, trying to get the money by him self. Luckily, my husband only has 300 Yuan + 50 $ Macau + 6000 IDR in his wallet. So we told him, that's all what we have. He pushed us to go to the bank to take the money from our visa.He locked every doors, afraid that we're going to run away from him. Even if we had a chance to do that, we're not going to run ever since our luggages were still in his bagage. I was very angry with his attitude, I told him firmly that we don't have an International account, we can't take the money from our visa, we're run out of cash, so there's no way for us to give you 600 Yuan. So just take the money and leave us alone..!

This bloody driver, finally he gave up. And he letting us go.
His slammed the car's door, banging hard on the car...
I said to my husband, to not give any shit to him.
Just show him, that we're not afraid and we don't care with all his shits..!
He almost hit my husband face actually, and he was very ANGRY to me because I'm the one who always fight against his words.
My husband was very concerned about my safety, that's why he told me to give my money to him.
But I said, NO WAY..!
I'm not going to give him more money.
He already robbing us anyway...(Later we found out, that a normal rate for taxi from the airport to the city is only 100 Yuan..!)

After he leaved us, I was very angry, and never stopped crussing that guy (and the other guy as well..)!
I tried to calmed down myself, by saying and thinking that we're still lucky that anything worse than that might be happened to us.
Thanks God for His mercy.

To be continue...

Hong Kong & Macau: Lost in Translation

2009-06-17T08:58:00.000+07:00

Note: I've just moved this article from my other blog. This travel journal was actually written few months after our honeymoon last year.

Several months ago, my husband and I had our first honeymoon.
You know as a newly wed, we've planned to go to several countries in Asia.
It's a bit weird actually, as for me an Indonesian who lived in Germany for almost 6 years and during that period I've traveled & explored in almost all of European countries but never having a chance to do it in my own continent.

So I am really excited with our travel plan this time.
Which is I am sure that we'll having a great time during our journey.
Soon, after my wedding day we're headed to Hong Kong as our first destination.

When we're arrived in Hong Kong, I hardly can say anything.
I felt like I was somehow a very primitive person compared to all of 'modernizations' in Hong Kong.
I admired their transportation system (esc.the tunnels..), their bridges, their planology (city plan), and most of all their breathtaking symphonie of lights (harbour view).

To make it even perfect, we're stayed in the hotel which facing Victoria harbour.
After taken some rest and regained our energy, we're ready to explore Hong Kong from the Avenue of Stars until the Ladies Market in Jordan.

Because we'll return to Hong Kong before we're going to our last destination-Singapore, we decided to save the best for last of our exploration there.

From Hong Kong we're departed to Macau.
A small indeed very unique country in Asia. Why is that..?
Because Macau is like a coin which has two sides.
An asian country with a strong influence from Portugal.
When I was in the city centre of Macau, it remains me a lot to Muenster (the city where I had lived in Germany.)
The buildings, the square, the churchs, the shopping district, the streets, in short the city centre of Macau is very Europe.
With both Portugesse and Cantonesse informations as their official languages, I felt like I was back in one of European countries except the people are all Asian.

Sometimes we're having a difficulties to understand their English because of the cantonesse and portugesse accent that they haved.
I don't know why, but for me it's a very unique experiences when I see chinesse people speaking portugesse as their mother tongue. :)
Since we're already in Macau, an Asia version of Las Vegas of course we went to their famous casinos. At first we're only want to know what its like playing in the most famous casino in Asia, but then we're ended playing all night long in Venetian.
Well, it's an unforgettable-full of fun-yet costly experience for both of us. ;)

To be continue...

1st Anniversary

2009-05-25T17:50:00.005+07:00

Today, one year ago my husband and I had said our everlasting vows in front of our God, priest, families and friends.
Yes, a year has gone by since the day I married to my husband.
Time fly so fast.

Few days before my D-day, I wrote a post about my feelings yet my thoughts about the marriage itself at the time
(title: Check-In Times).
I didn't feel nervous at all, on the contrary I felt so relaxed.
I don't know why.., usually people get nervous when they're about to marry their lover.
But it doesn't happened in my case.
I felt so relaxed and ready to make a life time commitment with the one that I believed as my soulmate.

I knew him since I was in my sophomore.
We've been together for 12 years with all ups and downs, on's and off's. :')
When we broke up years ago, we promised that we'll let everything fall in it's place.
Let it go and let it be.
If we're MEANT to be together, the love will find a way and we'll be together again, somehow, somewhere.
But if it's not, than we're not meant to be together.

Since than we lived in different continent, far away from each other.
So much things happened along the way, either in my life or his.
People comes and goes, some stay in our life and heart left some footprints.
People changes, and so do we.
Life has been easy and tough sometimes.
Still, we always shared everything happened in each other life.
We're always there for each other no matter how far we're from each other.
We're like a brother and a sister.., always looking for each other for comfortness.

Slowly but sure, life has led and guided us to walks on the same path again.
The love's still there. Though we're a different person now which I believed in a positive way,
we still have the same feeling and we know each other very well.
Love has found the way back.., which means we're MEANT to be together.

So here we are, on our first anniversary saying a little prayer:

Dear Lord,
help us to remember when we first met and the strong love that grew between us.
To work that love into practical things so nothing can divide us.
We asks for words both kind and loving, and for hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as to forgive.
Dear Lord, we put our marriage into your hands.
Amen.

Looking back on those wonderful days during the first year of our marriage, I'm so grateful that God
has sent a great husband yet a guardian angel in my life.
Eventhough, we still lives with my parents it doesn't prevent us from being happy and enjoy every single moment
of our blissful marriage.

I know, that we still have a long way to go but I have no doubt to face the future and keep on walking side by side with my husband
because I know very well, that God works on our marriage.
Our first year of marriage has teached us about respect and understanding.
Praise the Lord, that we're almost never had a fight because we're always respect and understanding each other no matter
how bad the situation is.

Thank you Lord for a WONDERFUL year that you've been given to us.
May we always learn to nourish the love that you gave to us, and always gives our best to each other.

PS: I love you hon.., thank you for being a great husband for me.

Kuala Lumpur & Genting Highlands

2009-05-23T09:21:00.014+07:00

Last week, I've had a family trip to Malaysia.
This was my second trip to "Negeri Jiran" but in fact I do still feel so excited to explore
their capital city, Kuala Lumpur and their world famous city of entertainment, Genting Highlands
together with my family.

Since there are so many things to be seen in quite a short times, I had warned my family to
prepare for a tight schedule.
Actually this was my first experience to arranged 'a group' traveling overseas together.
Traveling itself wasn't a new thing for me, but being responsible for 'a group' journey
is absolutely a NEW thing for me. :)

At first, I was a bit affraid how if there's something happens beyond my/our expectations
during our journey, how if I couldn't met people expectation, how if I couldn't satisfied
everybody in this group, and the list goes on and on and on.
But then I decided to take it as a challenge. There's always a first time for everything, right..?

So, get started with hunting a good bargain for our tickets.
That's a first thing to be considered, if we want to traveling with a minimum budget.
Thanks to Air Asia, we've got a ticket to Kuala Lumpur (return) @ for only 500rb IDR nett.
The price was inclusive airlines tax and fuel surcharge.
We paid extra 100rb IDR for seat reservation and a skybus ticket from LCCT to KL Sentral (return).
Such a good deal right?

And then, go to next level. Accomodation.
This one was not an easy thing to do. According to a different standart of comfortness and different
financial condition between one and the other.
So I need to be extra careful and sensitive in order to make a silver line between those differences.
If we want to be efficient in traveling, we should looking for a hotel which is near to the main area of the city.
It will gives us a lot of flexibility to get around, get some food, shopping, etc.
And the most valueable thing if we stayed in the centre of the city is that we're able to get the rythm of the city.
One of the most important essences from traveling is that we should be able to get to know the soul from the city.
And the closest place to the soul is the main/centre area of the city.

For example:
I found that, the soul of Paris is beautiful in the darkness. Full of sorrow and loneliness.
So ironic, that something really gorgeous can be extremely dangerous for someone who can't stand the poison of the beauty itself.
No wonder that a suicide rate in Paris is getting higher every year.

Well, it's totally fine if you can't understand/follow what I mean...hehehe:p
Obviously you just need to pack your bag and go travel. :)

So, anyway I booked the Radius International Hotel (thanks to my best friend, Deasy) in Bukit Bintang area.
Bukit Bintang is one of the main areas in Kuala Lumpur, just like Orchard Road in Singapore, Champ Ellyses in Paris,
Maria Hilfe Strasse in Wien, Sudirman in Jakarta, Kuta in Denpasar, etc.
It's a very strategic area for a traveler. There are so many hotels and shopping malls in the area from * to *****.
In the evening, you can easily find any kind of food stalls along the street, blend in a perfect harmony with the cafes.
If you want to go to another area in Kuala Lumpur, you can just hail a taxi from wherever you're standing just like in Jakarta. ;)
Or if you want to do some exercise, just try the monorail and LRT. It's very simple & cheap to use.

In short way, ticket checked, hotel checked.
So there we were. Spent 4 days in Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands just felt like a blink of an eye.
Time flies so fast. It feels like we're just arrived on LCCT when we're about to leave back to Jakarta.

Day 1: Soon after we're checked in, we put our luggages in our room. Headed toward Pavilion (5* shopping mall in Bukit Bintang)
to get our lunch in Food Republic.
Of course, you better check for their famous NASI LEMAK when you're in Malaysia.
It's so damn good! ;)
After lunch, we surveyed the Bukit Bintang area including the malls, the markets, walked on pedestrian area, along with the cafes
and the stores.
Took some rest in the hotel while my nieces and their Uncle (my husband) went to swim.
Soon after taking a shower, we're wandering around Alor Street to find a good restaurant for our dinner.

Alor Street is an area which is full of restaurants and food stalls, you can decide whether you want to sit outside or simply
inside the restaurant. Everything is so flexible here.
The food's so delicious!

Finished with dinner, my mother and my niece bought a barbeque sausage already. It's sooooo tempting honestly. :)
The shopping spree mood SET ON, so we went to Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungai Wang and Lot 10 (3* plaza) to checked their price.
I told them not to buy anything in a hurry, but check the price first compare with another store.
Sometimes the sales are very tricky to persuade the customers. Be smart!
To close our first day in Kuala Lumpur, we're having a cup of tea in a street cafe. Simply enjoyed the scene.

Day 2: Destination of the day, Genting Highlands Resort.

Had an early breakfast. Went to Puduraya Station straightaway to buy a ticket of Go Genting Express Bus.
The ticket price is very cheap. Only RM 3,5 for the bus and RM 5 for Genting Skyway (one way).
We took the bus until Genting Skyway Terminal then continued our journey with a skyway.
Note: Genting Skyway is the longest and the fastest skyway in Southeast Asia (3,38 km start from Gohtong Jaya Hill to Highlands Hotel at the top).
Located on the widest and the oldest mountainous area in Malaysia, 6118 feet above sea level surface.

Though I have no phobia being in a high place, still I had a nervous feeling when we're about to climb the hill with the skyway.
It's extremely fast comparing to one in Hong Kong, Ngong Ping Island. Geez!
But the green scenery below us was really..really..amazing! Breathtaking. What a nice distraction. :)

Finally, we landed in Highlands Hotel.
Felt so damn hungry because of the nervous feeling we had before, we soon found the Good Friends Restaurant.
The one that has been recommended by Genting Guidance, so famous with their Chinese Food and roasted Duck.
And yes, again the food was delicious! Only for RM 15, I've got Wonton Soup + Duck with Rice + Mango Juice + Ice Lemon Tea.
What a good deal, isn't it?
Next time you come to Genting, you should try the Wonton Soup in this restaurant. The best Wonton Soup I've ever had!

After lunch, we explored the Genting Highlands Gallery.
From where we could learnt the history of Genting itself, the founder, the development process, the design, etc.
Done with the knowledge, now it's time to having fun kiddo... :D
We went straight to First Plaza Indoor Theme Park. The place is so nice. Full of imaginations.
With a complete series of attractions, from Reindeer Rider to Jet Coaster, from Sky Venture to Snow World and many more.
Your kids will having a real GOOD times being here, believe me.
It feels that you're in a different world which only playing, games, toys, foods are exist. :D

Besides First World Plaza Indoor Theme Park, there's also Genting Outdoor Theme Park.
More than 60 kinds of games available in this park. Space Shot, Pirate Ship, Flying Coaster, Bumper Boat, Corkscrew,
X-pedition Wall, Spinner, Mini Train, and so on and so on.
When you're here, make sure to break your leg guys! :')
Find a missing piece from your childhood here, together with your children.
You'll definetely need to stay at least 2 nights to experience all those things above.

And when you're not having a child, doesn't mean you can't enjoy the atmosphere.
Just go straight to the casinos, try your luck, having a dare to win or lose moments with your partner or friends.
The city is never sleep. Almost anything available for 24 hours a day.
And don't worry about the accomodation here, it has almost the same price as in Kuala Lumpur.
You can find a good hotel starting from RM 100 per night.

After getting breezed by the temperature of -5' C inside the Snow World, we desperately need a cup of hot chocolate and
some cakes of course would be nice... :)
While sipping our hot chocolate, with a great companion of cheese cakes..our eyes were pampered by the beautiful scenery of green montainous
with the haze very close to the street. Life is indeed so beautiful. Thank you Lord.

For those shopaholicers who maybe getting bored with the casinos, don't worry you can find the coolest ( I mean literally..)
shopping mall in Malaysia, First World Plaza with 90 world famous outlets.
Or simply pampered your body on the massage chair while you're watching your favourite movie in First World Cineplex.
It's absolutely true that they called Genting as a city of entertainment.

After the last bit of the cakes, we're getting ready for our last agenda in Genting which is going to Chin Swee Caves Temple.
People said this temple located at the most prettiest spot in Genting Highlands.
Unfortunately, the Awana Train has been grounded at the moment.
So we're not able to go to the temple. Dissapointed of course, but what can we say?
We're having SO MUCH FUN already since yesterday, so we don't feel like complaining at all. :)

Before getting dark, we're headed to Genting Skyway Terminal.
With a big smile on the face of each one of us.
We treasured the moment that we've just experienced.
Enjoyed every single moment of the skyway riding.
Back to the elegant city of Kuala Lumpur.

Soon after took a nice shower in the hotel, we're wandering again in another area of Bukit Bintang.
Enjoyed our dinner while sitting on the chairs outside the restaurant.
Getting recharged by the night bliss.

Day 3: Destinations of the day were, Petronas Twin Towers and Hop on Hop Off.

In order to get an ID pass from Petronas, we woke up very early and had a quick breakfast.
Because this was the first experience of my niece getting abroad, we'd like to show her how to use public transportations here.
Get started with the lesson how to buy a ticket both in the counter and from the machine, we went through monorail and LRT.
My nieces were so excited! They're enjoyed the ride every seconds of it.
It's totally hillarious, to see their happy faces, young and restless spirits. :)
So, finally when we're arrived in KLCC we took a line in a very long queuing (already!) in front of the Petronas ticket counter.
It took almost 2 hours until we got the free pass. And we'd come back at 11.45 to get a short introduction before we go upstairs.
We still had 2 hours before that time, so for killing time, we went to Petronas Sains Discovery Centre (Level 4, Suria-KLCC).
And took a nice brunch at the foodcourt.

Finally, we went up to the Skybridge only in 41 seconds!!
It's an amazing experience being at the tallest twin towers in the world.
No times to expressed our admiration to a human majestic creation.
Every group are only allowed to enjoy and taking some pictures of the backstage view for 15 minutes.

Note: Petronas gives a free ID pass daily for those who wants to visit the famous Skybridge on 41st floor for an exhilarating 'top of the world' feeling.
We should take a queue early in the morning, otherwise we'll run out of the tickets as only a limited number are allowed.
The towers are the centrepiece of Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), consisting of the state of the art Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Suria KLCC shopping mall,
a five star hotel, the immaculately landscaped KLCC park as well as mosque.
The area is a major draw for visitors and locals alike.

Finished with a magnificent Petronas Twin Towers, we're waiting for a Hop on - Hop Off Bus at the shuttle in front of Petronas Philharmonic Hall.
Hop on Hop Off bus will take you to look around doing the sights in Kuala Lumpur.
This bus is the most efficient and convenience way to take you to many major attractions in the city.
Visitors can enjoy the sights at their own leisure, either stay on board for the full circuit or hop on and off at any of 22 designated stop.
The tours come equipped with on board commentary in 8 languages. Available from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm daily.
From modern landmarks to heritage sites. From Petronas Twin Towers to Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
From market squares to tropical enclaves. From museums to shopping malls.

Note: Tickets can be purchased on the bus, at authorised agents or via the internet.
RM 38 for adults and RM 17 for children, students and senior citizens.
You can also check the places of interest on their website: www.myhoponhopoff.com

Soon after we've done with 22 attractions in the city, including souvenirs and local foods hunting in China Town and Central Market,
we're landed soundly in Bukit Bintang area to finish our shopping list.
While hunting for this and that, we've got a very nice surprise from Vinnci at BBP. Crazy SALE, only RM 10 a pair!!
You know what happened afterwards, right...? ;')

Since we're pretty tired, the seniors went first to the hotel while the rest of us went to Pavilion to grab our dinner.
Then we're headed back to the hotel with no energy left. :D

Day 4: Destinations, LCCT & Jakarta.

Had our breakfast. Packed the luggages. Closed the bill and checked out.
Settled ourselves on the bus transfer to LCCT. Feeling exhausted yet recharged and motivated by the-just-ended-trip.
With a big smile on our faces, we said a prayer and great thanks to our FATHER in Heaven to made it all possible.
Amen.

LIFEBOOK 2009

2009-04-30T12:05:00.001+07:00

I've got this nice article 3 times.
First time was from my father, second time was from my best friend, and third time was from my sister in law.
I found it so thoughtful and useful.
So I think why don't I post it on my blog, so everyone can also read and enjoy the article.
Happy Reading! :)

LIFEBOOK 2009:

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants (factory)
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2008
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, SMILE !!

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and Laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up!
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be HAPPY !!!!!!!

Last but not the least :

40. Do forward this to everyone you care about.

The Flock

2009-03-23T10:53:00.003+07:00

On last Saturday, my hubby and I went to the cinema @ SMS.
We're watched "The Flock" movie.
Not more than 10 minutes after the movie began, my hubby just realized that he had watched this movie before but he forgot the title. :D
Later I found out that it's an old movie (2007).
Still wondering, why they put this movie inside the box for such a long time??

Anyway, The Flock is kind of a thriller movie.
Full of surprises, with a lot of sexual violence scenes (brutal!) which makes me sick. Seriously, I lost my appetite for the whole night!

This movie is about a hypervigilant federal agent (Richard Gere), while training his young female replacement (Claire Danes), must track down a missing girl who he is convinced is connected to a paroled sex offender he is investigating.

Apart from the "brutal" part, I like this movie because it's so unpredictable!
And this movie taught us about a FAITH.

"Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen."

And at the end, this movie's reminding us...
"When we're trying to beat a monster, be sure that we're not become one of it in the process."

Negative Feelings.

2009-03-23T09:20:00.002+07:00

Negative feelings are in you, not in reality.
So stop trying to change reality.
That's crazy!
Stop trying to change the other person.
We spend all our time and energy trying to change external circumstances, trying to change our spouses, our bosses, our friends, our enemies, and everybody else.
We don't have to change anything.
Negative feelings are in you.

No person on earth has the power to make you unhappy.
There is no event, condition, situation, or person.
Nobody told you this; they told you the opposite.
That's why you're in the mess that you're in right now.
That is why you're asleep.
They never told you this. But it's self-evident!

*De Mello*

Heidelberg - Germany

2009-03-18T10:49:00.004+07:00

Well.., if I should have said two words summarizing my trip to Heidelberg (Germany), I would say that Heidelberg is a very beautiful city. I went there twice, with a very good friend of mine. So, there we were..walking around the beautiful city, along the Neckar river, the old town square, and its gorgeous Castle.
Church and town, town and castle-intricately woven in the history of destruction and reconstruction. Promenades through the old town up to the Castle: historical encounters in narrow lanes.

When we were standing on the top of Koenigstuhl..,there was no need to discuss how amazing view that we have been looking at...there was no enough time to ask what do you feel to each other..coz..we were just speechless looking at God's AMAZING paintings.

Heidelberg..,not just a postcard of beauty. Even today a charming city which successfully resits the dismantling of its romantic beauty.

May every farewell be said with the intention of coming back.
To find once again the memories one has taken along.
Encounters with a myriad of beautiful things in this old city.

Heidelberg in memoir! (Autumn 2003-Summer 2004)

Volendam

2009-03-18T10:38:00.003+07:00

Apa ya yg bisa aku tulis tentang Volendam???
Jujur aja sih, buat aku ga ada yang special2 banget yang bisa diomongin dari Volendam.
Gimana ya? Biasa banget...
Pantainya? Banyak pantai yang lebih bagus deh di Indo perasaan...
Trus apalagi ya? Hmmm...cafe2nya...? Kayaknya ga penting deh...
Toko2 souvenirnya yang berderet-deret sepanjang jalan di pesisir pantainya?
Hmmm...bolehlah, buat nyari oleh2. :)

Satu hal yang biasa orang lakuin kalo berkunjung ke Volendam ya apalagi kalo bukan bikin foto dengan pakaian tradisional noni2 dan broer2 Belanda itu --> seperti yg bisa di liat sebelah ini! Huehuehuehue..:p
Selain itu sibuk ngeliatin foto artis2 Indonesia yg udah pasti bakal kalian temuin di setiap studio foto disana. Aku jadi berasa kaya jalan di Blok-M, yg biasanya hampir disetiap toko majang foto atau kalender artis2 Indo dari mulai yang beken ampe yang ga.

Tapi paling ga ada satu hal yg cukup menyenangkan buat kalian lakuin kalo kalian pergi ke sana.
Duduk..duduk..persis di pinggir pantainya..menikmati semilir angin musim semi,sambil ngebayangin apa ya yg ada di ujung lautan sana..? Inggriskah atau Medankah? Huahauhauaha:D Maklum nilai geografi aku jelek banget waktu SMA! Kalo males mikir ya..boleh juga deh duduk..duduk..sambil ngelamun.

Yang jelas aku sendiri ga ngerasain sesuatu yg kalo dlm bhs Inggris istilahnya 'exciting' semuanya flat aja, terlepas dari perasaan sampe juga aku disini!!! :)
Dulu aku cuman bisa ngeliatin foto2nya Oma, Opa, Papa, Mama & keluarga ku lainnya yg juga pernah foto2 di Volendam. Selebihnya, biasa aja.

Volendam in memoir!
There were no so much things to remember...

London's Reunion

2009-03-18T10:27:00.004+07:00

London oh London..!

I do not know, why? But London is my obsession since I was in Junior High School. I really want to have an opportunity to go there or even to gain my further knowledge in one of those famous universities in England. Then, I found out that was not possible for me to make my dream come true according to how bloody expensive the tuition fee also a total amount of living cost in London except I have a sponsorship.
Apparently my life has leads me to another direction. I went to Germany instead of going to London which is could be another way for me to visit London sometime.

So I just can not wait for my self to go to London. Finally, I have had a chance to go to London on winter season 2002. I went there with one of my best friend and we were lived in my friend house. I was so excited during our flight on the way to London. As soon as we were arrived in Stansted Airport, I have got used to heard kind of British dialect which is I find it so sexy.
From Stansted Airport we were heading to China Town to have our dinner. I was so surprised at the time coz I really feels like home! Not because of my dream come true but its all because London is look like Jakarta in one and another way. Within a hectic traffic jam, the highways, what a crowded town, and its hard to find a free parking place there (its more effective to go with underground/metro or Londons famous red bus.), dirty, and so on and so on.
My first impression was, OMIGOT another version of Jakarta apart from the language of course. But still it does not reduce my curiosity of London. Especially with all of my lovely friends there who really kind to make my trip WONDERFUL!

London is not a place to do in a day or even a week. To experience all this cosmopolitan and historically rich city has to offer would challenge even the most cultured of locals! Lying in the south-east of England on the river Thames, Greater London is home to 9 million people. With world-famous landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace Garden, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, St. Pauls Cathedral (the second largest dome in the world), Tower Bridge, Millenium Dome, Big Ben, National Museum, the London Eye, and still many more obliged places to see. For those who really like shopping than London is the right place to go. London have so many big and famous shopping centre such as: Plaza Shopping Centre (Oxford Street), Victoria Place Shopping Centre (Buckingham Palace Road), Covent Garden Market (The Piazza), The London Pavillion (Picadilly) and many more. And for those who loved Indonesian food, then never forget to try Bali-Bali Restaurant (the food is amazing, not because one of my friend working there!), Satay Restaurant (they have a very big portion, delicious of course! And a lot of Indonesian people work there including my friend. Btw, bener kan ya Mam namanya..gw lupa2 inget!), and Melati Restaurant (we had our farewell dinner in this restaurant, the food is also delicious especially rujak-nya!) Hmmm..,yummy!!! And for those who loved Japanese food, do not forget to come to Wagamama Restaurant (Soho, but there are several places of this restaurant in London.), one of the most famous Japanese restaurant in the world. For those who loved clubbing, there are so many great lounge and club to hang out but remember everything is so expensive in poundsterling.

London is no stranger to destruction, mourning and reconstruction. The Great Fire of London struck in the seventeenth century and gave Londoners no chance to recover from the great plague which swept the city just before. In the twentieth century, it was the first and second World Wars which claimed their toll on the nations capital and its people. Despite this, the ever-present resilience of the Londoners has seen the rebuilding of this grand, exciting and prosperous capital to be enjoyed by all its visitors in the new millennium.

London has never made much of an attempt to be one of the most beautiful European capitals and nor does it pretend to be such. Instead, as the architect Piers Gough put it, 'London is a dirty, gritty, hard-working city', which is seen by many as one of its endearing characteristics. The gradual growing together over centuries, of towns, villages, peoples and cultures has made London into the exciting, unpredictable and varied place it is today.
Two weeks just not enough for me to explore London, I would like to go there again next time! So London, just wait for me, I will come to you!

London in memoir! Winter 2002/2003

*Thank's to all of my friends in London who makes my journey WONDERFUL.., especially to Imam for being so nice to gave his room for us!*

A Real Life

2009-03-18T09:55:00.000+07:00

After spent almost 6 years living abroad...
I realized that many things has been changed ever since.
I'm not the same person anymore as I was.
Not only my eyes are now open wide but especially my mind.

I never stop to thank God for all of the opportunities that He has given to me.
Without His mercy, I would never be like who I am now.
Living in abroad had teaches me to be a realistic person.
I learnt how to survive.., I learnt how to make a good decision...
I learnt about how to live my life to the fullest with all ups and downs.
Life is always move forward like a clock that always ticking anyway.
There's no point to linger on our past.., except to take a lesson from the mistakes that we've made.

Just move on and let everything falls behind.

* Dedicated to Muenster my second home...*

Winter in Paris

2009-03-18T09:18:00.007+07:00

Paris, City of light, Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Seems that it took forever just to post a story about our trip to Paris.
Kind of short trip with a long stories and unforgetable memories .
Feeling of tired because of almost 10 hours sitting on the bus from Darmstadt to Paris was suddenly disappeared as soon as we were arrived in Paris.
It's an incredible feeling when you know that you are standing right in the heart of the most famous and romantic city in the world.
We were looking and walking around, along the largest square in Paris, Place De La Concorde which taken place right at the end of Paris main street, Des Champs Elysees.

Although still not satisfied enough after taking our first pictures in Paris, we have decided to had our first breakfast in the Chambolle Cafe.
At first we were totally confused why there were several different price for the same menu! Then we found out that the price's determine by the place we have choose. For example: you should pay more for your food if you want to have a table, but if you are just sitting and having your food in the bar then you will pay more cheap. (What a funny rule I think first.., but since a lot of tourists regularly come to Paris.., than I understand its make sense anyway.) Finish took our first French baguette and morning coffee, we were check in and put our bags in the hotel.

Since then, our journey in Paris was begun. It was really cold at the time though it was a bright sunny day. But we just did not have so much time to gave any shit to the weather because we were so excited and there were so many great places & buildings waiting for us to stop by and come over.

From Notre Dame Cathedral to the arenas of Lutetia.
From The Concierge to Musee Du Louvre.
From the Basilique Du Sacre Coeur to Tour Eiffel.
From Arc De Triomphe De L’ etoile to Des Invalides.
From Palais De Chaillot to Le Pantheon.
From Opera Garnier to Jardin Et Palais Du Luxembourg.
From Centre G. Pompidou to La Fayette.
From the oldest clock to the oldest house in Paris.
And there were so many places that I could not mention here coz it will takes the whole week for me to explain.

Most of the beautiful moment that I have ever had in Paris was the Christmas Eve.
We went to Notre Dame following International Mass which was held in three language (French, Spain, and English). I could hardly explain what kind of feeling that I had at the time, until suddenly I felt that my tears fallen down on my cheeks. Its just so..so...unexplainable.

When you are on the trip.., time is just too short!!!
Then it comes to the point that those moments have to come to the end even when you are not ready for it. Even when you do not want it to end.
As the peak of our trip in Paris, we were having our last dinner in the most delicious cafe in Paris (at least for me!), Cafe Le Petit Pont just direct on the left side of Notre Dame.
The food was so delicious, the atmosphere was so cozy with a friendly waiters, and most of all with the great jazz live music performance.

Then we were heading home, wishing that will come another opportunity for us practicing our limited French phrases:
'Excusez-moi'
'Merci-bien'
'Bonjour Madamme/Monsieur'
'S’ il vous plait'
'Comtoir'

Paris in memoir!
Beautiful city with a beauty of sorrow!

Muenster, Meine Stadt: My Lovely City..!

2009-03-18T09:00:00.002+07:00

Muenster is the capital of North Rhineland-Westphalia.
The history of the city begins in 800, when the first Christian monastery was established in this area.
In 1170 Muenster received the municipal rights and shortly became a very influential religious and administrative center.
In the 16-th century the city remained under the strong influence of Anabaptists. In 1648, after 5-year lasting negotiations, the Westphalian Peace Treaty ending the 30-year war was signed in Muenster.

The Westphalian Treaty brought substantial territorial changes in Europe.
From the very beginning Muenster was perceived as a central city of North Rhineland- Westphalia and in 1816 the city became the capital of the region.

Nowadays, it is one of the most beautiful and characteristic locations in Germany. Approx. 280,000 Muenster's inhabitants live in the area corresponding to approx. 30,000 hectares. More than 40% of working population is employed in the public sector of the national economy, 30% in trade and 25% in industry.

Muenster is the regional center of administration, trade and science.
The third of the largest German universities is located in Muenster.
The university educates about 50,000 students.
Moreover, the academic nature of the city is reflected by a number of scientific associations and other organizations.

In the Muenster's surroundings there are about one hundred castles on the water, all in exceptionally good condition. The city market called Prinzipalmarkt, a shopping center with exclusive shops, big department stores and famed cafeterias, is the most beautiful place in Muenster. Since 1280 generations of traders built their tenement-houses at the city square.

At the square of the city the Saint Lambertius Church was erected, on the tower of which, three cages are hung, where in the thirties of the 16-th century corpses of three Anabaptist movement leaders were kept. A fronton of the historic city hall built in the Gothic style and a cathedral clock, which was heard for the first time in 1540 and its ticking will sound up to 2017, are exceptionally interesting monuments of the city.

The Muenster inhabitants say that in the city there are about 50 churches of many beliefs.Muenster has much to offer - apart from urban history, historical old part of town and westfaelischem peace the free culture scene and the museum landscape are singularly and supraregional well-known.
Muenster takes these and many further "Pounds" to the cause to apply than culture capital of Europe 2010.
Thus Muenster historical old part of town offers not only a singular closed window blind of impressive buildings, but also unmistakable meetings and high-quality offers.
Modern architecture, contemporary sculptures, the federal state museum for art and culture history, the graphics museum Pablo Picasso and the museum for lacquer art are to be found here.

A further culture area is the "creative dock" at the port with Wolfgang Borchert theatre, Hot jazz club and various catering trade and club scene.
Exciting leisure experiences guarantee all-weather zoo, Aasee and further attractions e.g. balloon travels and the international kite celebration in the local recreation area Aasee.

When points of program load firm the "euro town center celebration", the Weihnachtsmaerkte in historical city window blind as well as (large Stadtkirmes three times annually) and the international riding tournament "tournament of the winners" sends in before the lock for experiencing.
The culture and leisure offers are also by wheel experiencable, e.g.. traditional "Paettkesfahrten", a route along the art in the urban space or a radtour on the traces of the giro d`Italia.

*I lived in Muenster since 2002 - 2007. I left some part of my heart in this lovely town...*

Morning's Reflection...

2009-02-17T09:44:00.000+07:00

The Funny Things About Human Beings (P.Coelho)

A man asked my friend Jamie Cohen:
'What is the human being's funniest characteristic?'

Cohen said: 'Our contradictoriness.
We are in such hurry to grow up, and then we long for our lost childhood.
We make ourselves ill earning money, and then spend all our money on getting well again.
We think so much about the future that we neglect the present,
and thus experience neither the present nor the future.
We live as if we were never going to die, and die as if we had never lived.'

Lucky!

2009-01-21T10:00:00.002+07:00

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music, feel the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

-Jason Mraz-

PS:
I like this song so muuuuuuuch and I'd like to dedicate it to my lovely husband for the greatest love that he always gives me. I love you much, hon...

Wahre Liebe

2008-12-12T09:47:00.000+07:00

Mädchen fragte einen Jungen "magst du mich?"
Er sagte nein.
Sie fragte "findest du mich hübsch"
Er sagte nein.
Sie fragte "bin ich in deinem Herz?"
Er sagte nein.
Als letztes fragte sie "wenn ich weg gehen würde würdest du
für mich weinen?"
Er sagte wieder nein.

Sie ging traurig davon.

Er packte sie am arm und sagte "ich mag dich nicht, ICH LIEBE DICH"
Ich finde dich nicht hübsch, ICH FINDE DICH WUNDERSCHÖN.
Du bist nicht in meinem herz DU BIST MEIN HERZ.
Ich würde nicht für dich weinen, ICH WÜRDE FÜR DICH STERBEN!

Sahabat Wanita

2008-11-21T09:42:00.001+07:00

Pada suatu hari, seorang wanita muda yang baru saja menikah mengunjungi ibunya.
Mereka duduk di sebuah sofa dan menikmati segelas air teh dingin.

Ketika mereka sedang berbincang-bincang mengenai kehidupan, pernikahan, tanggung jawab
dalam hidup serta kewajiban, sang ibu dengan perlahan menaruh sebongkah es batu ke dalam gelasnya dan menatap wajah anak perempuannya.

"Jangan lupakan sahabat-sahabat wanitamu." nasihatnya, sambil mengaduk-ngaduk daun teh di bawah gelasnya.

"Mereka akan menjadi orang yang penting bagimu ketika usiamu makin tua.
Tidak peduli seberapa dalam kau mencintai suamimu, seberapa banyak anak-anak yang kau miliki,kau masih tetap harus memiliki sahabat wanita.

Ingatlah untuk berjalan-jalan bersama mereka, melakukan hal bersama-sama dengan mereka.

Dan ingat bahwa mereka bukan hanya sekedar sahabat wanitamu, tetapi mereka
akan menjadi saudara, anak dan yang lainnya.

Kau akan membutuhkan sosok wanita yang lain. Wanita selalu begitu."

"Sungguh nasihat yang aneh," pikir si wanita muda.

"Bukankah aku baru saja menikah?
Bukankah aku baru saja bergabung dalam dunia pasangan-pasangan muda?
Sekarang saya adalah seorang istri, orang dewasa,bukan anak perempuan kecil
yang memerlukan teman main perempuan lainnya!
Tentu saja keluarga yang akan kami bina dapat membuat hidup saya lebih berarti."

Tetapi, ia mendengarkan nasihat ibunya; ia terus
berhubungan dengan sahabat-sahabat wanitanya dan bertemu dengan semakin banyak
sahabat setiap tahun.

Ketika tahun demi tahun berlalu, ia mulai merasakan betapa benar nasihat yang diberikan ibunya.

Ketika waktu dan keadaan mengubah keberadaan mereka sebagai wanita dengan segala misterinya, sahabat-sahabat wanitanya tetap berada dalam kehidupannya.

Setelah hidup selama 50 tahun dalam dunia ini, inilah fakta-fakta yang
saya dapatkan dari memiliki sahabat wanita:

Sahabat wanita akan menjaga rahasiamu.
Sahabat wanita akan memberikan nasihat ketika kau membutuhkannya.
Sahabat wanita tidak selalu mengatakan apa yang kau lakukan benar, tetapi mereka bersikap jujur.
Sahabat wanita akan terus mengasihimu, meskipun ada perbedaan pendapat.
Sahabat wanita akan tertawa bersama-sama denganmu, dan lelucon kosong
sama sekali tidak diperlukan hanya untuk sebuah tawa.
Sahabat wanita akan menolongmu keluar dari hubungan-hubungan yang buruk.
Sahabat wanita menolongmu mencarikan rumah tinggal yang baru, membantu mengepak barang dan pindah.
Sahabat wanita akan membantu membuat sebuah pesta untuk anak-anakmu ketika mereka menikah atau memiliki anak, manapun yang lebih dulu terjadi.
Sahabat wanita akan selalu berada di sampingmu, dalam suka maupun duka.
Sahabat wanita akan menempuh badai, topan, panas, dan kegelapan untuk mengeluarkan kau dari keputusasaan.
Sahabat wanita akan mendengarkan ketika kau kehilangan pekerjaan atau seorang kawan.
Sahabat wanita akan mendengarkan ketika anak-anakmu mengecewakanmu.
Sahabat wanita akan menangis bersamamu ketika orang yang dikasihimu meninggal.
Sahabat wanita menghiburmu ketika kau dikecewakan oleh banyak pria di dalam kehidupanmu.
Sahabat wanita membantumu untuk bangkit kembali ketika pria kau cintai pergi meninggalkanmu.
Sahabat wanita senang ketika mereka melihatmu bahagia, dan bersedia mencari
dan melemparkan apa yang tidak membuatmu bahagia.

Waktu berlalu...Kehidupan berjalan.
Jarak memisahkan.. .Anak-anak beranjak dewasa..
Cinta hilang dan pergi..Hati yang hancur..
Karir berakhir..Pekerjaan berganti..
Orang tua meninggal..Rekan- rekan melupakan kebaikan..
TETAPI, sahabat-sahabat wanita akan terus mendampinginmu,
meskipun waktu dan jarak yang terpaut sangat jauh. Sahabat wanita tidak akan
lebih jauh dari orang-orang yang membutuhkan.

TERIMA KASIH SAHABAT

Nice Distraction

2008-10-20T17:35:00.002+07:00

After spent the rest of weekend,
in full of mourning-griefing-gloomy heart and broken spirit.
I think, I really need a nice distraction...

So I decided, better for me to go out and get a life. Having a nice meal, sitting on a comfy sofa and drinking my favourite coffee, writing this post with an awesome voice of Frank Sinatra slowly singing My Little Valentine with his Big Band on the background.

I feel so content, all by myself.
Simple things, big pleasures.
All we have to do is, spend a little time by your self doing nothing, reading a good book as a companion, lay back and relax, smell the coffee's aroma from your cup, and simply feel the taste...
What else do you need..?
Life is beautiful as simple as that.

Two hours to go until my husband is coming, I still have plenty of time to read my fav book at this time "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin S. Sharma.
Hmmm, a warm waffle with chocolate fudge and one scoop of chocolate ice cream on top is a perfect combination with my coffee.
The taste is sooooooo delicious..!!

Btw, I'm going to watch "Elegy" movie with my husband as soon as he's finished with his work. A movie about a passionate love affair between a college Professor (Oscar Winner, Ben Kingsley) and his student (Penelope Cruz). As their intimate connection tranforms them more than either could imagine a charge sexual contest evolves into an indelible love story. Kind of romantic love drama movie. Can't wait to see the movie.
Just exactly a nice distraction that I need...
Here I am, all set for moody mood of Love. :')

@ Pancious, Pancake House - Pacific Place

October's Grief...

2008-10-20T11:04:00.003+07:00

It's never been easy to lose your dearest one suddenly.
My dearest uncle passed away unexpectedly on last Friday, because of a massive heart attack.

My uncle was a great man...
We were close since I was a kid.
He always brought & picked me up (to & at school), until I graduated from Junior High School.
We always had a great relationship & great times together.
He's always taking care of me since I lived far away from my parents.
He's always there whenever I need him.
He's the most bravest man that I have ever known.

Losing my dearest uncle suddenly changes my perspective on life...
In the blink of an eye, my perspective on life is never the same again.
I'm able to see that most things are trivial compared.., as if my uncle's taught me for the last time..a piece of wisdom that I'll never ever lose..!
The other thing that I have learned from my uncle's death is that we need to live each day like it is your last day.., and the importance of telling and showing the people you love, how much you care each and every day.
And we shouldn't worry so much about silly things.

My uncle's last message is so simple yet so hard to do:
"Don't spend the better part of our lives focusing on the "trivial" matters and very little on what is "important".

I lost my dearest uncle and the pain is so real.
But that's life.., nothing lasts forever and we have to adjust our lives to what we are given at the time.

Goodbye Oom, see you again in the next life.
Thank you for everything, loves, and may you rest in peace.

What a day..!

2008-10-16T23:32:00.000+07:00

Waaaaks, my brain's so tired today.
Feels like my head's going to explode anytime soon... Sigh!

Many things needs to be done, all at once.
So I had to split my brain to do all things done in time.

Started with UNDP things this morning, until went to Dee Gee @ Barito.

As soon as I got home, I took Volker for walking and catched up a bit of fresh air before I continue to do my work again.

Really what a day...

Jully - August - September - At a glance...

2008-10-15T15:06:00.002+07:00

It's been a while since my last posting.
Gosh, time really fly so fast..isn't it?

Soon after our wedding day (May 25th 2008), we went off for honeymoon.
Right after that, my brother in law got married.
Hanging around with my sister in law who came to Indonesia with her kids. (Miss you all so much, guys..!)

Been doing some businesses with my sister in law.
Met my old friends. Busy with familly's things (My parent's had an accident, my father in law got sick, etc.)
Went to Singapore and Malaysia with my husband ( for business trip - check up - pleasures for free..).
Nourishing my new puppy, Volker (a very cute Golden Retriever).

All of suddens, now is October already.
So here I am, writing a short journal about my activities on the last 3 months.
Rarely have time, to do a blog walking and writing actually...
(Maklum pengacara...: pengangguran banyak acara!)

:-)

But anyway, I'm happy now because I can up date my blog from my mobile.

Aaaargh..!

2008-10-15T15:01:00.000+07:00

Aaaargh, bt..bt..bt..!
It's really sucks when you're already make a long posting and suddenly your blog's error and you don't even have a chance to save your article!

Well, "merde happens" right..?
:')

Testing..!

2008-09-15T13:24:00.000+07:00

This time I'm not going to post anything on my blog, just want to try this mobile blog.
Let see if it's going to work.
:')

Check-in Times

2008-05-09T10:45:00.005+07:00

Ever since my partner had proposed me to be his wife, my life's turning into such "a-busy-hectic-exciting-yet-stressfull-indeed-exhausting-joyful-depressing-kind-periods-of-life".
Only few months left before May 25th 2008. Our big day.
Lot of things needs to be plan-prepare-and done!

Actually, my partner and I don't fancy kind of big yet glamorous wedding party.
We only want a small and beautiful wedding party, without so much an artificial things.
But because of several reasons, we decided to celebrate our wedding in a way that can make everybody happy & enjoy.
Especially our parents. It's only once in our life time anyway... And we don't mind to have a big party as long as we can afford it by ourselves.

So here we go...
We start by writing down a long and details checklist thingy in order to prepare our upcoming wedding party.
Every single thing that we need to thinks and prepares carefully.
From the venue reservation, my wedding dress, long guestlist, decoration, invitations, souvenirs, and the list goes on and on..and on again..,till a parking lot business.
Well, I guess everybody who has been married knows very well how's the feeling at the time being. ;)

At the same time, I have to work as well.
That's why I hardly have time to write an update here or even just to keep contact with my fellows.
Few weeks before the wedding, I've decided that I need a break from my work.
The main reason was because this wedding preparations consumed all of my energy, time and concentration.
No wonder though, because I do everything by myself.
Just to make sure everything is all right and in order to stick within our budget in the first place.

Apart from all technical things that I needs to prepare..,there's an important thing that also needs to be prepare.
My readiness. Physically yet mentally.
As we know that a marriage is a moment when two becomes one.
When two souls, two hearts, two heads, two egos, two dreams, two cultures, two habits, two weaknesses, two visions,two families, two principles, and many other two.., should be compromise to become ONE.
To blend in the harmony.

Lately, i've always been thinking ( or wondering?) of how it would be, or how does it feel when finally I reach that stage of life?

Then I think, it's a courage and a willingness to make a lifetime commitment that people needed most, once she/he decides to get married. Not only LOVE.
Love is an illusion. Love can faded away as time goes by.
When love is gone, only a commitment will still remains...

To be continue...

Q & A

2008-04-01T16:03:00.000+07:00

Fyi, my post below I've got from a friend of mine who has challenged me to answer all of these questions, since I was commented on his posting.
So let's see, if these questions can do me a favour in any way...

(1) Something you had to give up but didn't want to:
Eat and eat and eat all the time..!

(2) Something you disliked about the last person you were in love with:
Hypocrisy --> idem 'yo!

(3) Something that irritates you more than anything: Waiting..!

4) Something you wish people would understand about you:
I'm not waiting for people to understand me. Better starting from myself to understand people.

(5) Something that's holding you back from achieving your dreams:
Definetely my laziness..!

(6) Something you fear more than anything:
Losing my loved ones.

(7) Something you wish your parents had warned you about earlier:
Absolutely nothing. They prepared me well for being me. --> Again: idem 'yo..! ;)

(8) Something you hate that people say:
I don't care with what people say about me.

(9) Something you like that everyone else thinks is weird:
Rice. (Before you raise your hand to protest me, fyi I do like to eat rice a.k.a beras mentah..!

(10) Something you think you could win an award for:
As the most weirdest person..?! Hihihiihi:p

(11) Something that keeps you going everyday:
coz I have my faith.

(12) Something amazing that happened last summer:
Euro Trip with my long lost sister, Cenil.

(13) Something that you learned that stands out about last year:
Life is all about chances, be committed to it and be ready for every single risks that will shows along the way. --> Again: idem 'yo! Apart from the risks part. :)

(14) Something that makes you laughs every time it happens:
I laughs easily.

(15) Something you do when you're trying to calm down: Reading & Sleeping.

(16) Something you love doing on cold rainy days:
Watching it pouring down, tickling down things and wondering how it could be smelled that heavenly nice ...hmmm..--> Again, idem plek2 'yo..!

(17) Something amazing you wants to happen next year:
A better life.

(18) Something you're addicted to/can't stop doing:
Observing --> idem 'yo!!

(19) Something that really stands out about your latest crush?
Absolutely nothing!

(20) Something that really turns you on:
Attitudes & men in uniform..! ;)

(21) Something you think about every night before you go to sleep:
How many hours do I have to sleep..??? :(

(22) Something that you don't think will ever change about you:
People do changes in some way or another.

(23) Something about you that you think will soon change:
My age.

(24) Something that broke your heart as a child:
Leaving away form my parents.

(25) Something that's on your mind right now:
I gotta go now, I don't want to miss my yoga class. :)

2008-03-28T16:07:00.001+07:00

From: A friend of mine
Date: 14/03/08
Time: 7:17 am
Type: Text Message
Subject:

"We could be so much more than we are."

Note: Thank you so much dear...

I'm Back.

2008-03-24T16:13:00.000+07:00

Geez...
After a very bery long hiatus, now I'm back.
There're so many things happened since the last time I posted my poem.
But now, I just want to lay down my mind...
Looking back, reading my articles, just to have a short journey back there.

See you guys soon.
:)

Di suatu siang di musim gugur.

2007-09-18T16:33:00.001+07:00

1-WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Always moving on like a gypsy...! :)

2-LATEST ADDICTION? Apfelmuss.

3-SONG THAT YOUR LISTENING RIGHT NOW? Nothing.

4-WHAT ARE YOU DOING RIGHT NOW? Killing time with Q&A while spamming.

5-WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU WENT OUT TO EAT WITH? Zaldy.

6-IF U WERE A TOY, WHAT WOULD YOU Be? Ogeb.

7-WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO GO ON YOUR HONEYMOON? Santorini (Greece) or Bora-bora..!!!

8-WHATS YOUR RING TONE? Maafkan nya Rio Febrian.

9-WHAT DO YOU THINK A TOBLERONE IS? Yummy..!

10-WHAT R U WEARING RIGHT NOW? Baby doll.

11-DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yup, sometimes...

12-WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO YOU? Live in the presence.

13-CAN U DRIVE? Absolutely..!

14-WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Make my research in Indonesia.

15-FAVOURITE FILM? Too many to mention.

16-LAST FILM YOU SAW? Wonderfalls.

17-DO YOU LIKE TO DANCE? Depends on my mood.

18-ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK ANYONE OUT? Don´t think so..! :D

19-WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? Waiting..!! I hate it..!!!

20-WORST SOUND? When you scratch a blackboard with a piece of chalk......euuuuhhhhh!

21-WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP? Pee.

22-ROLLER COASTER, SCARY OR EXCITING? History.

23-HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU LET THE PHONE RING BEFORE YOU ANSWER IT? Depends.

24-ZODIAC SIGN? Virgo.

25-IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Very full. LOL

26-BEST PhYSICAL FEATURE? Eyes??

27-MILK WHITE OR CHOCOLATE? Chocolate!!!

28-DAY OR NIGHT? Both :D

29-SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn..! Yeeeee...

30-CAKE OR PIE? Both hehehehehe:p

31-DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? None of them!

32-SUNRISE OR SUNSET? Both.

33-HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN A BONE? Yup, my hands. :(

34-DO YOU HATE ANYONE? Nope.

35-DO YOU BELIEVE IN FIGHTING? No way.

36-WHO DO YOU TURN TO FOR ADVICE? God.

37-YOU COULD HAVE ONE SKILL IN LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE? Super fast
reading!

38-WHERE ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO GO? New York.

39-WHO SENT U LAST SMS? DETAILS? My sister. Asked me when I come home.

40-LAST SMS U SEND?DETAILS? Reply to my sister.

41-WHAT WOULD U DO AFTER ANSWER THIS BULLETIN? Have my lunch..!

My Obsession

2007-06-18T10:41:00.000+07:00

Top 2 things found in your wallet: ATM & Fotos

Top 2 films I'd watch over and over again: I don´t like to watch the same movie twice..!

Top 2 songs I can listen to again and again: Show me the way back to your heart (Brian Mc Knight) & Besame Mucho (Diana Krall)

Top 2 books I read from cover to cover: The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) & Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)

Top 2 reasons to watch television: News & Kings of The Queen

Top 2 places I'd want to visit 10 years from now: Japan & Carribean

Top 2 great men you've encountered: Jesus & My Dad

Top 2 obsessions: Makes my parents happy & Travel around the world!

Top 2 favorite cartoon characters: Sinchan & Donald Duck

Top 2 favorite girls name: Keisha & Autumn

Top 2 favorite guys name: Hmm..dunno deh!

Top 2 favorite foods: Kangkung Ca & Udang Goreng Saos Mentega

Top 2 favorite snacks: Chocolate & Apple Chips

Top 2 favorite websitess: www.amazon.de & www.google.de

Top 2 things you want to do: Sleep well & SPA

Top 2 person you love: My Mom & Dad

Top 2 things u do before u sleep: Wash my face+teeth & Praying

Top 2 goals you want to accomplish: Finish my PhD & Being a volunteer in oldster house.

Top 2 favorite colors: Black & White

Top 2 favorite parts of the house: Bed room & Library (maunya sih punya tempat khusus buat nyimpen buku2..)

My Favourite

2007-05-18T10:44:00.000+07:00

1. Favorite colour : Black

2. Favorite month : August

3. Favorite day : Saturday

4. Favorite zodiac : Virgo dunks!

5. Favorite alphabet : -T-

6. Favorite number : 7, 9, 8

7. Favorite subject : The Meaning of Life

8. Most Favorite planet : Die Erde ist nur ein Land und die Menschen seine Bürger....

9. Most Favorite season : Autumn Absolutely!

10. Favorite teacher : Life

11. Most Favorite fruit : Almost everykind of them...

12. Most Favorite TV channel : CNN, BBC, RTL-2, PRO-7, MTV, NBC

13. Most Favorite time : Weekend mornings

14. Favorite name : Cynthia

15. Favorite Computer Game : Don´t have one. I´m not a game person.

16. Favorite Tea : Earl Grey & Green Tea

17. Favorite Country : Indonesia

18. Favorite Song : Too many!

19. Favorite Singer : A lot!

20. Favorite Language : French is my favorite language coz it
sounds nice. That´s why I keep on watching TV5 although I barely understand what they´re talking about! LoL! Maybe, someday I will learn French seriously (I´ve taken a French course for 2 semester in my sophomore year but nothing left in my memory yet).
--> I think, I´ve a kind of Short Memory Problem.

21. Favorite Sport : No specific. Anything will do.

22. Favorite Ice cream Flavour : Belgian Chocolate (Hagen Das)

23. Favourite Past time : New Year 2005 in Venice.

24. Favorite pen : My XDA stylus.

25. Favorite Font : Never think about it.

26. Favorite Animal : Dog

27. Favorite Cartoon : Sinchan

28. Favorite Movies : Too many to mention...

29. Favorite Male Actor: Robert De Niro, Richard Gere

30. Favorite Female Actress : Meg Ryan

31. Favorite Books : I´m a books freak..! From children fiction ´till classic literature. From chick-lit ´till philosophy. From Hans Christian Andersen ´till Virginia Woolf . From Marco Polo ´till Ibn Batutta. From Antoine De Saint-Exupery ´till Paulo Coelho. From Sigmund Freud ´till Karl Marx. From Sophie Kinsella ´till Hillary R. Clinton. From Jane Austen ´till Nikos Kazantzakis. From endeskiy ´till endeskoy. See..I´m obsessed! :)

32. Favorite brand [shoes] : Nine West

33. Favorite brand [watch] : Nothing specific, but definetely masculin watch.

34. Favorite brand [perfume] : Gucci & Hugo Boss

35. Favorite Album : Photo Albums

36. Favorite Radio station : Antenna Münster

37. Favorite Bar/Cafe : Sorry to say, but Starbucks still goes no1. Following with Floyd & Coffee Beans.

38. Favorite SERIES : Joey, Desperate Housewives, King of the Queen, Gilmore Girls, Sex n The City, 24, Black Books.

39. Favorite hobby : Travelling, Shopping, Reading, Sleeping

40. Favorite house : My woody ´dreamy´ house in Buniwangi.

41. Favorite phrase : Ngerti ga..? Udah gitu.., Terus..terus..

42. Favorite Car : New Camry

43. Favorite Nickname: Kinsky (my lovely herder)

44. Favorite handphone brand : Don´t have any.., at the moment my XDA mini II.

45. Favorite Flower : Sedap Malam (the smell is so damn gorgeous!)

46. Favorite Food : Bebew´s Corner..!

47. Favorite Drink : Mineral water

48. Favorite Crush : Metro cities in Europe

49. Favourite Friend : Books and M&Ms

50. Favourite Accessories : Shawl

Life is a journey.

2007-03-29T01:44:00.000+07:00

This life, therefore,
is not righteousness but growth in righteousness,
not health but healing,
not being but becoming,
not rest but exercise.

We are not yet what we shall be,
but we are growing toward it;
the process is not yet finished but it is going on.
This is not the end but it is the road;
all does not yet gleam in glory but all is being purified.

-Martin Luther-

Am - Pm

2007-02-23T20:35:00.000+07:00

Merangkak keluar dari peraduan malam
Berat tanggalkan mimpi yang diurai nyata
Terpekur dalam diam
Menatap jiwa yang menari lepas

Bergegas memungut kepingan kesadaran
Menyatukan nyawa yang tengah merenggang
Mengenakan kembali logika yang ditanggalkan
Larut dalam arus manusia yang menyongsong pagi

Hati mencoba tetap bertahan
Dalam lintasan putaran peristiwa
Sejauh diri mampu mendekap bayang
Bersenggama dengan kesendirian, menumpulkan nurani

Sang dewa malam pun datang memeluk dewi senja
Lekat dan intim layaknya sepasang kekasih
Mengantar ku kembali menuju peraduan
Melepas hari yang telah yang berlalu

Merajut mimpi yang baru...

*Di saat diri berada di persimpangan..*

Here & There

2007-01-18T11:36:00.000+07:00

1. Your middle name?
*. Vincencia

2. What gets you relaxed after a hard day's work?
* . A cup of earl grey tea + honig. Hmmm...

3. How long did your last conversation on the phone last?
*. 40 minutes. I called my sister in Jakarta.

4. What would you carry along on a first date?
*. My wallet & handy.

5. What are you dreaming of?
*. Biayain orang tua gue keliling dunia.

6. Where would you choose to go on a first date?
*. A cozy resto or coffee shop will be nice...

7. How do you react to a secret admirer?
*. Nothing.

8. What do you usually do when you're sad?
*. Jalan aja sendirian ke mana kaki gue mau melangkah.

9. Finish the sentence. Mirror mirror on the wall..
*. The wall on mirror mirror..hahahha:D Ga tau gue mau ngomong apa..!

10. What does your favorite color say about you?
* . Black --> Maybe I´m sort of classic & conventional person..?

11. Psychology 101, pick one of these words: Caring, Rich, Popular, Cute, Generous...
*. Generous.

13. What's your idea of a perfect Valentine's daygift?
*. Love its self!

14. Do you easily fall in love?
*. No way!

15. If you were a desert, what kind of desert would you be?
*. Buah-buah yang menyegarkan & menyehatkan.

16. What do you miss in your relationship?
*. Presence...

17. Are you a faithful person?
*. I think so...

18. Are you a jealous person?
*. Sometimes!

19. Are you shy in expressing your feelings?
* . No. Gue termasuk orang yang sangat ekspresif bahkan...

20. You did something wrong. Instead of being a human, God punish you to be an animal, what animal would you be?
*. Anjing.

21. Psychology 101, a box is lying on the road,and you picked it up. What's inside?
*. Nothing. I don´t like the idea of taking an advantage from other people who loosing it.

22. If you could enter a movie, any movie. What movie would you enter?
*. Apaan yaa..?

23. Is it easy for you to smile?
*. Very easy

24. Do you yell when you're in a fight with your bf/gf/spouse?
*. Ga lah, yang jelas nadanya pasti meninggi.

25. After a fight with your bf/gf/spouse, you are most likely to do what?
* . Stay silent mostly.

26. Are you modern or traditional?
*. Both of them, a bit modern here and a bit traditional there...

27. To you, a great night with my lover would involve doing what?
*. Drink wine & watch a movie!

28. How do you feel about public displays of affection?
*. As long as they feel comfort about it than it´s ok!

29. What do you think of premarital sex?
*. Selama pelaku sadar, tanpa paksaan, mau & mampu untuk bertanggung jawab...

30. Make a wish, a good one!
*. Semoga bencana-bencana alam di manapun cepat berhenti...

Insensate

2007-01-04T03:25:00.001+07:00

Last night,
someone said something about me.
Something that made me freezed.

I was shocked,
of what I've heard.
Something beyond my expectation.

Unable to moved.
Felt dissapointed.
Felt annoyed.

Really.

I've been trying to absorb it.
Still, unable to invent any good excuse.
The damage is done.

*Hope someday someone will teach you how to use your mouth wisely..!*

First!

2007-01-02T03:33:00.000+07:00

Today is the first day in 2007.
Last night was the first time in my life that I spend a New Year's eve alone.
Nevermind, for once in my life I should know how it feels. :)
Just stayed home. Tried to count my un-counted blessings in 2006.

Thanked God for the brand new coming year.
Thanked God for everything that He gave to me.

How could I ask Him more..?
He has showering me with so many blessings.
He has given me everything more than I've ever asked.

And I know that He will walk with me through the coming year.
So there's no need to worry about the future.
God is in control.

So 2007, I'm ready for you.

My Year End's Random Thoughts

2007-01-01T05:52:00.000+07:00

Getting old is a destiny, getting mature is a choice : I love storm : Never take someone for granted : I'm strongly against the death penalty : Friends are my treasure : I hate people with narrow minded : Hypocracy is disgusting : Don't judge a book from the cover : Treat people like you treat your self : Mind your own business : Better less talking than say something unworthy : Respect your partner : I'm a queen of moody : I love autumn : I hate paprika : Be grateful : Try to look from other people glasses : I'm a day dreamer : My parents and my family are the greatest gift I've ever had : My dad is my hero : My mom is my idol : I like challenges : My life is like a roller coaster : I'm a maudlin person : I love the smell of cedar : Life is too short to be wasted : Live your life with no regrets : Everything happens for a reason : To forgive doesn't mean to forget, and doesn't mean I'm revengeful! ;) : Sing like no one hear you, dance like no one see you, work like no one watch you : Be a positive : Be trusted : Yesterday is a history, today is a present, tomorrow is a mystery : Keep smiling : Don't waste your time : Life is the best school ever exist : Learn your lesson rightly : Don't expect people to do your parts : Never use other people for your own advantages : Commit to your words : Never feel sorry for your self : Don't cry for your lover, save your tears for your parents : Live as if today is your last day : Don't sweat small things : Simplify your life : I love sushi : I love big city : I love anything smell good : I hate to be the last one to know : I hate rubber time : I'm very organized : I can be so tolerance yet intolerance : I love my childhood : Get real : No more sad songs : I don't care with artificial things : Money is important but it's not everything : Whatever, don't give a shit to people who acts high and mighty! : Don't give me your boast : Good friends are rarely to find : Be sincere : Listen to your heart : Age is only a number : There's no limit for your dream : There's no such bad decision : Make your own choices : Never put your fault on others : Don't say anything bad about your friends behind their back : Appreciate every single minute that means you still alive : Time fly : Got headache when people talking too much or too loud : Music is the best way to build your mood : I love the smell of grass after the rain : Peace is a state of mind : Just be yourself : Stop doing things for others, time to think about yourself : I'm a social butterfly but I need some time to be alone : If I say "lumayan" then it means 'you're not looking so good on it or not so..so..' : I change easily, depends on my mood : I like travelling, but now that I'm getting old.. a companion will be great! ;p : Looking forward to continue my world's journey : A great book is a great teacher : When I start to quiet, either I'm getting tired or bored : I only love pure chocolates : Venice is the most great city I 've ever seen so far : And Athens goes to the second : To read is to breath : Love fashion but not as a trendy slave : I have my own style : Love to postpone my works (promise not to do that anymore..!!!) : I'm good when it comes to the deadline : I hate uncertainty : I've been blessed so many times in 2006, through pain and joy : I have faith in 2007 : Hope everything will be better : Thank you God for this brand new year..!

Saat-saat terakhir di 2006..!

2007-01-01T02:45:00.000+07:00

Waktu berlalu begitu cepat.
Tanpa terasa, ku telah tiba di penghujung tahun 2006.
Begitu banyak hal yang telah ku lalui di sepanjang tahun ini.
Diwarnai oleh tawa, tangis, suka dan dukanya kehidupan.

Hidup tak pernah bosan melukiskan warnanya dalam setiap buratan peristiwa.
Jatuh dan terhempas dalam kegelapan yang kadang datang menyelimuti.
Bangun dan berjuang menghadapi keabuan yang kadang melelahkan.
Tersenyum bahagia menatap indahnya pelangi yang hadir saat badai berlalu.

Berbagai macam manusia pun datang dan pergi silih berganti dalam kalender 2006 ku.
Meninggalkan berbagai jejak dalam aneka rupa kesan dan warna.
Berbagai tempat pun ku singgahi dalam perjalanan menyusuri tahun ini.
Berbagai musim pun ku lalui, memberikan aroma dan nafasnya yang khas, terekam indah dalam ingatan.

Begitu banyak berkat yang diberikan-Nya...
Baik yang ku syukuri, maupun yang 'lupa' ku syukuri.
Begitu banyak tanya yang mencari jawabnya.
Begitu banyak kebimbangan yang mencari pastinya.

Dalam ragu ku terus melangkah..
Dalam pastinya ketidakpastian ku terus berjalan..
Berharap ku temukan pertanda di persimpangan tahun.
Menuntunku menyusuri likunya jalan hidupku.

Seiring dengan nadiku yang terus berdenyut..
Tanda masih adanya kehidupan dalam tubuh yang fana
Ku terus mencari arti sejati
Dari kehidupan yang tak kekal ini.

Kesalahan demi kesalahan pun terjadi..
Tidak untuk ku sesali, namun tuk ku perbaiki.
Kesulitan demi kesulitan pun ku atasi..
Tidak untuk ku sombongkan, namun tu ku renungkan.

Karna pada akhirnya..
Ada tanya yang tersisa,
Ke mana kan ku bawa akhir cerita hidupku ini...?
Akankah menuju kebaikan di satu hari nanti..?
Ataukah hanya membusuk lapuk tak berbentuk..?

Dalam hitungan jam, 2007 akan datang menghampiri.
Bagaimanapun, aku berharap semoga di tahun yang baru ini
Semuanya akan menjadi lebih baik lagi.
Tidak ada rangkaian resolusi yang ku buat.
Apalah artinya, kalo semua itu hanya sekedar pajangan belaka.

Selamat Tahun Baru semuanya..!

*Di saat petasan dan kembang api mulai riuh terdengar, lonceng gereja mulai berdentang bersahutan, ku pun tersenyum. Menyongsong datangnya 2007 dengan hati dan pikiran yang positif.*

Kata-kata Negatif

2006-12-29T04:01:00.000+07:00

Beberapa hari yang lalu, aku janjian bersama temanku untuk makan siang bersama. Seneng juga, karna udah lumayan lama ga ketemu sama dia.
Udah deh pas ketemu layaknya perempuan-perempuan normal yang sudah lama ga ketemu, pastinya langsung sibuk ngobrol ini itu dari mulai apa kabar, sampai tetek bengek lainnya.

Beberapa saat setelah ngobrol sama temanku itu, entah mengapa muncul perasaan tidak nyaman di diriku. Aku bahkan tidak bisa menikmati lagi pertemuan itu, maunya malah cepet2 pulang.
Aku pun bertanya-tanya dalam hati..? Kenapa aku bisa merasa seperti itu..? Justru di saat yang harusnya aku senang bisa bertemu temanku itu.

Akhirnya aku pun mengerti, bukannya aku tidak senang ketemu dengan temanku itu..sebaliknya justru aku senang sekali karna akhirnya bisa ketemu dan ngobrol2 lagi sama dia. Tapi.., ada sesuatu di sikapnya atau mungkin lebih tepatnya di omongan2 dia yang membuat diriku tidak merasa nyaman bahkan terusik.

Hal-hal yang sepertinya sepele, namun seringkali terabaikan justru dapat menimbulkan suasana yang tidak enak.
Sebagai contoh: komentar-komentar yang bernada negatif atau bahkan mencela.
Tanpa kita sadari, sekecil apapun omongan kita kadang dapat menghujam tajam di lawan bicara kita.
Seperti juga yang dilakukan oleh temanku itu pada saat bertemu dengan aku, beberapa kali temanku berkomentar sesuatu tentang diriku dengan kata2 yang sangat menusuk hati ku.

Bukannya aku keberatan..toh biar bagaimanapun itu adalah hak semua orang untuk berbicara mengenai apapun.
Akan tetapi alangkah baiknya kebebasan itu hendaknya dipergunakan dengan sebaik dan sebijaksana mungkin tanpa menyinggung apalagi menyakiti perasaan orang lain.

Sempat juga aku berpikir, sebel banget deh kok gitu sih kelakuannya..?
Rasanya pengen langsung buru2 curhat sama temenku yang lain...
Tapi.., aku malah jadi berpikir..
Jangan-jangan aku juga seperti temanku itu...?
Akhirnya aku pun memutuskan untuk tidak curhat melainkan mengintropeksi diri.
Aku bersyukur karna dengan adanya kejadian ini, aku seakan2 diingatkan untuk menjaga mulut dan kata2 ku.
Bener juga kata pepatah yang mengatakan bahwa "mulutmu adalah harimaumu..!"

Mulai saat ini aku akan berhati-hati dengan mulutku ini.
Jangan sampai aku menyakiti hati lawan bicaraku, seperti halnya temanku menyakiti diri ku.
Karna aku tau sekali rasanya, sangat tidak enak..apalagi kalo itu datang dari orang yang kita anggap teman.
Ya mungkin ada baiknya, kalo kita tidak memiliki sesuatu atau hal yang baik untuk diomongin lebih baik kita tutup mulut.
Bukan berarti kita harus menjilat atau mengada-ada.
Berusahalah untuk selalu memposisikan lawan bicara kita pada posisi kita sendiri, dengan begitu kita pun akan lebih bijaksana memilih kata2 baik dan positif yang diucapkan.

*Maafin ya kalo selama ini ada kata2 ku yang tidak berkenan di hati..*

Ke-egois-an.

2006-12-13T03:42:00.000+07:00

Musim dingin menghembuskan nafasnya..
Dingin menusuk kalbu..
Menghadirkan abu di tengah hari..

Manusia pun bergegas..
Berjalan nyaris tergesa melewati sang waktu..
Memeluk diri mengusir beku..

Sekuat hasrat ini jiwa bertahan..
Dihempas ego para manusia yang berlomba..
Berlari mengejar keakuan..

Logika pun terjepit..
Terhimpit para hati yang berbelit..
Menggadai ketulusan demi sebuah kepentingan..

Menepi ku dari hari..
Menepis diri dari kemunafikan..
Muak akan tingkah para manusia berkedok malaikat..

Abu pun berlalu..
Memberi waktu pada pekatnya hitam..
Mengantar manusia masuk peraduan..

*At some point, everybody showing their true skin..!*

Kontemplasi

2006-11-10T20:09:00.001+07:00

Sesaat pada temaram hari
dalam sekelebat wangi dupa yang menusuk
Sang batin menggeliat meronta
Beringsut menyisiri kekusutan
Berkaca diri pada bejana retak
Menyeringai manis
pada sang jiwa yang kelelahan
menuang cuka pada luka yang menganga
Hingga sang hati tak mampu lagi
untuk merasa..
Hanya sakit yang dirasa indah..
Sang batin pun menjerit
melengkingkan nyanyian kesunyian
mengusir seribu bayang
yang menganggu...
Memandang iba pada sang hati
yang hanya ingin sendiri...
Menikmati nikmatnya kepedihan...

*Pada suatu hari di awal musim dingin 2006...*

Goodbye My Friend..

2006-10-17T03:00:00.001+07:00

Suddenly I feel so sad.
I feel uneasy deep inside my heart now.
One of my good friends, just called me few minutes ago...
She called me to say goodbye.
She will go back to Indonesia for good tonight.

Eventhough I already knew about it since last month.
Still it doesn't make thing easier to handle.
It's a shame that I couldn't be with her in the last moment.
I just lost my words. I never get easy with a "farewell things". That's one of my weaknesses.
Even that it's only for a temporary.
It doesn't make any different for me.

Oh, I hate this feeling so much!
I hate to feel the beat of my heart get faster and faster..
I hate to feel the butterflies in my stomach spinning around..
I hate to feel the tears burst out from my eyes..
I hate to feel this way.

Goodbye my friend.
Be strong.
Till we meet again.
My prayer is with you.

*Thank's for those lovely moments that we shared!"

Pelarian

2006-10-16T03:01:00.000+07:00

Letih ku berlari
Mengubur bayang di siang hari
Membungkus pahit dalam gelak palsu
Berharap biru kan berlalu

Sinting ku berpikir
Menyunting damai dalam ramai
Mengejar semu di dini hari
Berharap rindu kan berganti

Kini sendiri ku menyapa gelap
Mendekap diri dalam sunyi
Memeluk lara yang kelelahan
Menghibur hati yang menangis.

*Di saat jiwa ini lelah untuk berpaling pada kesemuan..! Hanya damai yang ingin dirasa..*

The mouth keeps silent to hear the heart speaks...

Catatan hati di awal 2012

August

September

Unexplainable.

Solitude

I Want To Hold Your Hand

Time Reflection

Thanksgiving

Letters to Juliet

Ups & Downs

My Current Mood

Honor

Info dan Tips ke Ujung Kulon

Galau

Ujung Kulon: Sebuah Catatan Perjalanan 14 Mei 2010

Ujung Kulon: Sebuah Catatan Perjalanan 13 Mei 2010

Firasat

Berhenti Berharap

I'll Stay With You

Life is Precious yet Fragile

I'll Take Care Of You

Aku Ingin

Catatan Hati.

How Do I Love Thee?

You Make Me Feel Brand New

The Way of The Soul

I Long To See

What About Love

My Eternal Sunshine

Abu-Abu

Pasir dan Batu

Twisting

I Think Of You

Invictus

Fall Again

Now Playing...

Culinary Trip in Bandung (Day 4-5-6)

Culinary Trip in Bandung (Day 1-2-3)

Julia Child's Memoir

Hiatus

2010

Coco Avant Chanel

Coco CHANEL

Flat Shoes Junkie

Good Bye Mbah

BestFriends Forever

Julie & Julia

Charter for Compassion

Our Dream House

Get a Life!

Ups & Downs

A Big Surprise!

Life is FULL of surprises...

A Tribute to Michael Jackson: The Music Legend!

Bangkok: City of Angels

A Gift from Air Asia

Macau & Shenzhen: Lost in Translation II

Hong Kong & Macau: Lost in Translation

1st Anniversary

Kuala Lumpur & Genting Highlands

LIFEBOOK 2009

The Flock

Negative Feelings.

Heidelberg - Germany

Volendam

London's Reunion

A Real Life

Winter in Paris

Muenster, Meine Stadt: My Lovely City..!

Morning's Reflection...

Lucky!

Wahre Liebe

Sahabat Wanita

*Nice Distraction*

October's Grief...

What a day..!

Jully - August - September - At a glance...

Aaaargh..!

Testing..!

Nice Distraction