Holiday oh holiday...

As usual I always arrange vacation while holiday is coming. Refreshing is the main purpose, clear and clean the bad,hard, empty mind, eyes and body with something different, safe and sound. Usually I will go on Idul Fitri or Xmas or New Year holiday. It is a must and it is done for these some years. When I have more than enough money, I will go on vacation on some days off - Saturday to Sunday or on another holiday like religion Holy day, or another National Day. Location is variation, but mostly is around Java and Bali. Mate is variation, but I ever went by myself when I really want to be alone, even though i feel lonely for some minutes...

Anyway, at this moment I am really confused. My office, as always, gives uncertainty holiday notice. I am always headache how to make sure the time is. They will give confirmation close to days of holiday. Yes or No. Dont you know, they ever given notification some hours before we went home. Could you imagine? How if we didn't know? We were going to work useless.

Like Christmas holiday this year. Heard that our presiden suggests to have holiday together on 24 Dec, one day before Xmas. Believe his consideration is to give space for Christian community to prepare theirself to celebrate big day. Some of my workmates are planning to take one days off even though we are not in holiday. The consequency is their salary will be cut as amount as a day they are off. That's the best we can do to have time in this special moment with all consequency inside. Besides, my factory doesnt allow workers to take on leave on December. It seems there was a case last time, that so many person did on leave and made the office is "empty" suddenly and when someone was need urgently, that person was not available.

This time I have no objection for not having holiday on xmas as I don't go anywhere. Just celebrating at church then I'll be home for Xmas...like popular xmas song title, hehe...But I need holiday notification for my new year. This year I will celebrate it with my friends, unfortunately they have much holiday than me, at least they already had holiday notice so they can arrange it easily. Me? my planning is full of estimation. The worst things, if I dont have holiday except red date, is I will take one day leave with all impact on it, psst...my salary n bonus will be cut a day, no mercy my dear.....and for sure I will ruin my friends planning as I will miss one day with them, and they will feel empty without me for a day, oopsss..hyperbolic...

I ever took a day leave 2 years ago when I went to Ria's home, celebrating with her family at Kota Bunga Puncak. It was wonderful moment. Thanks to her anyway. I remember that 2 January we had to work again, means I had to be back to my hometown on 1 January and it was impossible. You know why? As Puncak were always crowded and jammed on 1 January as all visitors were be back from Puncak to their home. We were back on 1 January evening as heard that a way home - jakarta was not full anymore. Thanks God, it was already been free and smooth but it was hard raining. Then, on 2 January afternoon we went home successfully by flight. Off course we did not let our time pass useless, use the limited time to buy some and eat some at Jakarta mall.

Have yourself a very little Xmas...

....Have yourself a very little xmas...is heard vague, sang by Coldplay on my mobile

Xmas air is already been started since beginning of dec. If you are really willing to feel it, please come to shopping centre. Stores are playing xmas music, diplaying xmas tree and accesories and also selling it. Red, dark green, white ornaments, santa claus and deer toys, bells and dresses comes around it...Whoever has money will be ready to buy to celebrate xmas, but I dont know whether they also prepare their heart for xmas spirit.

Xmas spirit is not only preparing things physically but also preparing our heart on helping each other, forgiveness, live in simplicity, stay back or return to original purpose of xmas...pure, clean heart...celebrate a birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ...

This time, to be honest, I will celebrate in simple dress but hoping to have a rich heart. Hopefully... Actually I am quite sad as I can not give more happiness to my family. I miss to buy them good dress, cakes, candy or everything that makes them happy. Something happened in my life lately makes me in hard position but I believe God understand me. He will cheer me up based on His way and I do not know how...My deep pray on Him to gimme more next year...

But, I like singing slowly, mumbling, whispering songs of xmas. I miss those songs. All I want is Xmas, The Prayer, Silent Night, Joy to the World, First Noel, Jingle Bells...Sometimes my friends is turning on music from their mobile to be heard at office together..so sweet and calm. I am so touched and my tears drop. Remind me of my life, that it is not so damn lucky as I can not celebrate xmas every year completely with family. Well...still I have to be thank to God for His care till today for me in every way I am through it.

Saving n cheating

Many ways to get rich, on purpose or in instant way. Morning conversation with my friend, sharing what we know about that, I think, it is good to be shared. Light topic that able to make us smile for while before starting to work.

Friend: My sista just bought oreo this morning
Me: and? Got gift?
Friend: There was a word inside “you are a winner of Suzuki swift car”
Friend: Is it correct? Did she win?
Me: Checking the package and I didnt see any information about gift program, better to check to their customer service
Friend: Wondering, how can people do it on purpose, put that good news inside?
Me: Of course they can, people can put inside soap bar too...smart, isnt it?
Me: watch “trans investigasi” tv program, they often talk about that cheating...
Friend: means they opened the oreo package then close it again
Me: I think so
Me: If we are careful we will not be cheated but it is poor for simple, honest people who doesnt know cheating of this mean world, then they got that news...how happy they are..
Friend: Right
Me: Lately, we often got sms our mobile, from celular provider company, who say congratulations you win 100million, please contact us at bla bla bla...fake number...then we were instructed to send some money as taxes or adminstration....
Friend: and the note is from my own company...hahahha
Me: should attack that mean people
Me: usually I gave “nice words” to them in order they awared of they are doing...
Friend: Why police doesnt act on it?
Friend: It should be easy to trace that number
Friend: Try to ask central operator friends, I bet they will be caught
Friend: Even the number changed but imei wont be changed
Me: That problem doesnt make everybody awared so there is no further action
Me: and the problem keep happened many times
Friend: Maybe we are not in the mood as police act slowly
Me: Well my daddy ever been cheated, he got news that my brother was on hard accident, coma...
Me: then the caller said, as doctor, to buy respiration tools at jakarta and offered to buy for my daddy but he had to transfer some money
Me: he was panic, me too, we couldnt call my brother, nobody picked up the phone
Me: then my daddy went to karangmenjangan hospital to check and see
Me: luckyky he met a generous doctor who understood the matter and got explanation that it happened many times...gee....
Friend: But your daddy didnt transfer anything, right?
Me: Nope, as no money at ATM at that moment
Friend: Fuiii...almost!
Me: but he ever been cheated actually, transfer 100 thousand actually
Me: when my daddy had first mobile, own mobile
Me: Who was not happy for receiving 50 million from telkomsel
Friend: Wakakakaka
Friend: Luckyly, only 100rb
Me: yes, because it was only that amount available
Me: that person called my daddy, and he said on honest and plain word “i just only had 100 thousand”
Me: that person said “ no problem”...can u imagine that?
Friend: well, there is a lesson behind that, no money help us not to spend money for nothing....
Me: rite
Friend: Hahaha, I just imagined your daddy came to atm then transfer it..but how can imagine while I dont know how is your father look like...
Me: Huss...dont laugh on my daddy....
Friend: Or maybe do old way to save money. Safer I think. No atm
Friend: Coz we cannot transfer it
Friend: another safer way to ask your daddy saves money at clad chicken saving, old saving, hahahah....
Me: or clad drinking water saving? Kendi, right?
Friend: Yup
Me: Now, save money at Bank, small interest but we got a lot of cut for bank administration
Friend: Right
Friend: Yup for less than 6 million I think
Me: Poor for whom saves small amount, they will get big cut
Me: For instance, elementary school kids who always save money at their school as school program, if they save 10 thousand a month at BCA, then BCA cut administration for 10 thousand then we dont have anything at the end....hiks...
Friend: wakakakaka
Friend: Meant world
Friend: choose rich people
Friend: It is a pity to imagine kids do saving
Friend: While we were taught to save money
Friend: Less become much at last
Friend: Now, less become ravine, hahhahah
Me: We used to save at school, school bear the cut, hehehe
Me: Thus we need to change the proverb, add PS on it
Me: PS; dont save at Bank, better at clad saving
Friend: Yup, then add *based on valid term and agreemant
Friend: Again, kids already been cheated by meant world
Friend: My kid used to save money at his school but his teacher is dishonest
buatgue_euy: What???
Friend: Kid gave his money to his teacher, his teacher accepted but they didnt write that amount at saving book
Friend: And it was often happened
Me: Parents didnt aware, did they?
Friend: parents thought their kids were dishonest
Friend: Teachers tricked that students one by one
Friend: So I stopped it
Friend: Last time I gave 30 thousand for saving, teacher already received money but no notification at book for how much the amount on the said date
Friend: Even though it was clearly I gave money inside a book
Me: why you didnt complain to his teacher?
Me: poor a kids, accused for something they didnt do
Friend: Yup, I just realized after 3 weeks later...when I asked him..as I saw no notifica
Friend: Many parents complained but no further action from school head
Friend: Actually It is good school but the headmaster cannot firm to their teacher, accept complaining but no feedback

The end! Is it enough to accompany you on morning tea?

A week of hard feeling and happyness

It’s Friday already. Don’t understand why my body drops again. Got warm condition for this last two days. Actually I got cough last week, and I am also instable, I think. On first three days I was fine then dropped at the last two days facing weekend. I drink cough drug everyday, add vitamin but still….Maybe tired of body and mind made me cannot recover soon…

I faced a bad day on Monday as my workmate told a bad news that I would be scolded by my boss due I did not prepare material for meeting and else. I thought it was misunderstanding but off course, still, I was blamed. So, I felt extremely afraid. I shared my feeling to my friend on skype and he gave me support, said to bring all my problem to God, our Lord, He will finish it for me. It was a good advice. I felt a bit relief. Then I started to pray on every single minute, asked for strengthen and braveness to face complaint and critic from my superior. I was waiting till the end of that day, but nothing happened. I just got casual day. Thanks God for that Monday. .Hard day but I could get through on it. Gee… I still had another days that I had to aware of.

The next days run very quick. It was very busy like the day before. But I liked busy even though I became confused, which one I had to do first?? So many inquiry, price update need to be done. I had overtime also. The side effect was my mood was bad. Usually I always update and comment on facebook, but this time I was really not in the mood. A friend of mine felt sad of losing me on wall. Sorry honey, you were disappointed this time.

But, so far I was also glad that I have good friends who accompanied me. They were very funny. Their words, their story, their concern, made me happy and happy, laugh and laugh. Smile and smile. Thanks guys for cheering me up….

A tiny part of beach journey to Salt Island

I love beach. I like playing on waves, walking on wet sands, looking for various sea shell who stay among the sands, watching sunrise and sunset, just sitting down to make some photos and stay still on dreaming…
Most beach offer same pleasure, some has their own speciality. I ever visited beaches overseas like Melbourne and Goldcoast. Nothing special than watching people sun bathing and swimming. So far, Indonesian beaches is the best even though I haven't reached Papua, Sumatra and Kalimantan beaches...

Last time, about 3 months ago, I went to Madura, small island in north of Surabaya, East Java. Through new Suramadu bridge, we went by car, I mean me and my friends, to Sumenep, the tip city at north of Madura. It took about 5 hours from Surabaya to there. Accompanied by beaches and sea at our right side way.

Through remote villages who supplied green color of plantation and tress mixed with brown color of leaves and unirrigated field, finally we arrived at Lombang Beach, about 10 kilometers from Sumenep city. This beach is well known with its cemara udang plantation and white sands. The sands was very clear and clean. It is liked big open field close to the sea. Divided by small clean river too. We came at about 2 pm. Not many visitor there. We did not know why. But it did not matter for us. We liked quite beach so we could do everything. Playing, running, screaming….relief our body and soul, taking a picture, chatting. Seeing small waves as it might be on ebb tide.

2nd beach are visited on next day, it called Slopeng. This beach was quite dirty. It was not good to be played on it. Mostly it was used for fisherman boats. Many boats were placed there. We were able to play on playing ground which was provided there, but this was not nature playground. Man made.

I am quite satisfy as I can visit Madura beach completely, I guess. Proud, huh??… I think there are some that I haven't visited yet but it is not famous. When I was on college, me and college friends visited Siring Kemuning beach. It was good beach at that time. Why I said at that time? Because now it is dirty, my friend explained me. So, thanks God, I had a chance to come and see it on 17 years past. We also visited Mercu Suar Sambilangan, close to some beach along the way home to Bangkalan.

Next beach was Toroan beach close to Pamekasan city. It was special because we could find small waterfall from river who is empty into sea. Good beach, clean and quite. Funny thing when remember my friend couldn’t swim but he acted he could swim, When we saw his drawned, we thought he just pretended to make fool for us. But, actually it was a truth. And the last beach for Camplong beach at Pamekasan. It was good beach too. Just because we went together with friends, we were happy no matter the beach was. But, the best is still Lombang beach.

A tiny part of beach journey in this area have already filled my experience. Journey to Madura is one of the best journey I have ever had. Thanks guys for being together on this travelling. Unforgetable memories.

Just want to do what she wants to do (short story of someone)

Heard that earthquake was happened in south of Bali made her quite worry. After called her friend in Bali, she become calm down. Then, her travel agent called her, said that pick up time would move in earlier, two hours to avoid traffic jam on the way there due 'takbiran' (tradition to prepare Iedul Fitri festival of moslem people).

Awaited for 2 hours and finally she was picked up on last queue. Sighed after been waiting for long time. Arrived on travel agent centre. Moved to bus. Good bus, clean. But, too bad, her chair was not reclining seat. Something broken on that operation. Gee...she was quite upset. But, luckily she sat alone. One seat only on left side, two seats on right side.

Bus went out, she spent her time by reading Dee novel “Perahu Kertas” until the dark came to her and she could not read due no enough light available. Fell asleep for a while until the direction was on Kraksaan, after Probolinggo. Then bus run fast, passed Paiton, some area which there were sea electric power station. Looked so nice at night with full light everywhere. Like City of Angel. She told to friend by sms, he admitted it was a lovely scenery for whom saw it for the 1st time. If you saw it many times, it become something lousy. Langweillig!

Stopped over at Situbondo for dinner activity. Good menu. Simple but good. Chicken soup, with fried tempe, perkedel, egg, red chilly fish. It was about 8 o'clock. Then, bus run again continuing it job to reach Ketapang crossing. It is about 2 hours. She didn't see some long queue on crossing even though it was holiday festival situation as always happened at the past. Thanks God. No need to wait so long to cross the Bali straits. Bus entered the ferry. She prepared herself to come out the bus and stay inside the waiting room or lounge of ferry as one of safety rule while you were on vehicles on ferry. If something happened like sinking or an accident we can save ourselves by jumping over the ocean. But nobody went out so she also decided to stay on chair and continued her sleep. After about 45 minutes, bus come out. She prepared for the 2nd time to come out and show the ID as a requirement to enter Bali island. This was happened since some terrorist issue blew up and bombing at Bali. But, she didn't do it as the travel agent officer could make sure the Gilimanuk crossing officer to accept her passangers details. Hmm...how come the crossing officer could not check it, how come he could believe the data? If some terrorist could enter Bali again, he could be blamed as he did not check it carefully.

1st DAY
Bus arrived Denpasar at 4 am. It was really morning. On normal way, bus would arrive on 9 or 10 am. She was surprised. Sighed again. ...OMG, what should I do on the said time?? Please deh......My hotel check in was on 12am. ...I had 7 hours on my hand, it had to be filled with something useful, but I had no idea. I was sleepy and had 1st day period. My mood was really bad! …..At 5 am, after dropping over by bus, she put herself on Mcd in front of kuta beach. Ordered some package of rice, fried chicken and hot tea, then she started to eat even though she didn't feel hungry. It was still dark outside. Then after eating, she started to continue reading her novel. Sometimes, she took a look around. Mostly are “bule”. People in brown, blond hair with english language as their conversation. Television also broadcasted some news and sport in english version. She felt she was around a little aussie air, like she ever had been before in Melbourne.

Tired of reading, full of eating, confused where to go. Her period made her felt uncomfortable to have another action like walking on the beach. It was cloudy outside. Sun looked shy to come out. But she could not stay at Mcd for 7 hours. It was suck and bored. She sms some of her friends, finding way out, but it seemed no response. She tought they were sleeping. Then, she decided to go to her hotel to storage some bags for temporary time until her time to check in was coming, she planned to stay at beach. That the best plan she had at that time.

Walked slowly with tiredness, entered Fat Yogi hotel. Thanks God, she could enter the ordered room without additional charge. Usually check in time is on 1 pm, but she was lucky that the room was empty since early morning. How happy she was, considering her bad condition and mood.
The room was clean and tidy. She liked it very much. For cost 170 thousand rupiahs on peak season it was already been worth it. She didn't wait too long to throw away her body on bed and flew to nice dream for a while. Was it?? Extremely tired. Woke up at 12, started to clean herself on hot shower. Then, changed clothes using short sleeve and casual t'shirt.

Went out finding some simple restaurant with cheaper price food. Bamboo restaurant was her choice. Pork fried rice and ginger hot tea was her order. Not bad! After that, walking to Kuta beach. It was not cloudy but also not hot. Sun shined softly. Sat down on pastel color sands, watching happiness of the visitors. Sunbathing, walking, talking, eating, playing on wave, many activities. Bored to sit on one position, she continued to walk to another beach along that sands. Legian beach was the 2nd visiting. It was not really crowded as Kuta, not much seller and quite clean. Then, playing on water, wet the foot with salty water. Continued again to next beach, Double six beach, in front of Legian beach Hotel. It was restricted area. It was quite privacy here. She liked it. She could sit on quite. Spitting rain also decorated that noon. Bored. She went out, walking passing legian street. Window shopping without buying.She met her old friend unplanned. Her friend called her from their car window. They tought she was Japanese tourist, hahaha...

Tired of walking around, she felt hungry then she went to 2nd restaurant with same style. Cheap restaurant. Nusa indah restaurant. Many bule's there. She ordered tempe penyet. Missed the traditional east java's food. Too bad, it was really different. It was Bali style. Small tempe with plain chilly. Never mind. Just eating, that be back to hotel to take a rest. Tired of this day was still on her. After taking bath on hot water, she laid down her body on bed. Done some sms with friends and read novel until she could not stand to close her eyes. Goodbye Sunday!

2nd DAY
Woke up in the morning. Lazy! It was cloudy outside. Aimed to swim could not be done as she was on period. It was still bad mood. Hmm, it was not good to enjoy holiday then. Could not reach news or change story with her someone made her really upset. She decided to find another alternate person. Hahaha.... she laughed by herself, seemed she agreed with her brilliant idea. Took her novel, reading it and having breakfast. Scrambled omelette, toast bread, some fruits and hot tea accompanied her morning. Also, took some picture of herself as reminder of what she was doing and what place she was staying.

Felt asleep thinking so many plans until lunch time. Took a bath, dress, then going to same restaurant. Pork asam manis. Yummy....Three cute English man came and sat besides her table. Yuhuuu...good scenery! After full of food n nice look, second purpose was going to Discovery mall, about 15 minutes walking. Main aim was finding some magazines or novels as her novels was almost on last page. Gee...couldn't find much book store except Periplus as the only lord . It was a special bookstore sold english magazines and books. Tired reading english books. Did not interest at all. Sms her friends again, and they laughed reading her complaint. Then, she went to beach at the back yard. Sat down again on beach. It was still and quite. Not crowded like at Kuta. She could spend some hours by watching the waves and her imagination was flying out there...

After buying some gifts for family, she was back to hotel. On the way to Kuta, she stop over at Colonel Sanders restaurant a.k.a KFC, bought one chicken burger and one Milo milk then sat outside. Suddenly she heard someone said...are you alone, can I join?... What!!! she screamed in mind, of course, maksud lo..sir???....but on polite way she just said No sir, I am sorry. By gentle, he left her. Good! After KFC, she walked again and find cheap massage. Twenty five box for half an hour food reflexiology. Not bad huh...Hmmm, so far it was just gentle massage, not R. Never mind...continued her walking, be back hotel, but did not forget to buy dinner. Fried mihun was her next choice. Even the price was quite expensive, but she was satisfied. It was the best taste. Why she could say that? As Bali was not good for culinary taste. La Walon resto became her place to spend a night. Back to hotel, spending time by YM with friend until she felt asleep again, with little hope that her friend could come and see her. She felt lonely. Bad mood made her feeling change. At first she planned to go alone to Bali with full spirit but finally she did not feel it. Again, just lonely.

3rd DAY
It was cloudy again on next day. Ham bread and Maryamah Karpov novel accompanied her. Her mood dropped 100%. She spent that morning by sleeping and sleeping. Cloudy and cold outside accompanied her sleep. When the clock showed 12 noon, her stomach started to feel hungry. She woke up laziness, took a bath, wore short pant then went out finding a lunch. Pork satay was her lunch. Hmmm, some days were full of forbidden foods. She said that to herself. Forbidden for moslem unity.

After that she walked to the beach. Yuppiii, she found Indonesia magazine. She was very happy, like finding diamond at mud, oh no, it was too exaggerate. Then, she just sat down at beach, at light brown sands, watched visitors were doing many things like they used to do at the beach. So many visitors, mostly domestic than overseas. As this was long holiday. After some times, she felt bored, then brought herself to Mcd in front of beach and ordered some ice cream. Found a right place then started to enjoy and read again...

Half hour running, her friend called. She was very happy. He was a guy she expected to come and accompany her for some hours, spending spare time together. Then, about one hour, he came. Just sat down again at beach, waited for sunset, talked, laughed and made some pictures. He liked making photograph. Many shoots came from him. She was very happy. She had some additional pictures, good pictures, not bored like the day before as she shot by herself. Thanks a lot to him, a good friend from the past. Even though he only came a while, as he still had some appointment with his big family but she admitted that she enjoyed it. They continued their chatting at night via YM while they were going to sleep.

4th DAY
Morning came. Laziness is still with her. Prepared and packed to be back to hometown. OMG...finally! She missed the real city, someone and life inside. Check out on 12, then had lunch first before running to train centre. Arrived too early as she did not get traffic jam like some times before. Went to bookstore for a minute, bought some books to accompany her on her way home. Bus came, took her to Gilimanuk crossing, then change with train after waiting for about 3 hours at Banyuwangi rail station. Beautiful scenery along way of stacking of rice fields and beaches decorated her time. Luckily she had an executive ticket thus she could stay at executive lounge. Train came, the air condition was very cold. Jacket, blanket and sarong already been with her but still, she felt cold. But at least she could sleep well. She put the seat off to make it comfortable. At six a.m in the morning she arrived. Finally! Tired and happy became one story. Thanks for the enjoyable trip!

House of Sampoerna, finding women paste, roll and snip cigarettes...

After office hour, it was about 7 pm, going with another three women by car, drove fast split the freeway. "let's go ladies" Yupiii...Our destination is a well known cigarette museum of the biggest cigarette factory in Surabaya. Located in old city, north part of Surabaya, at 6 Taman Sampoerna street, House of Sampoerna is one of cultural travelling place which use one stop tourist destination concept.

Before moving towards 1st building called museum, at glance I saw the old roll royce car stand toughly outside building as memorized of how wealthy the family was on Japanese agresion in Indonesia. Entered the 1st part of this building,tobacco flavour touched my memory about my childhood. My father worked at tobacco company some years ago, so I was familiar with this plant. My father often asked me to accompany him to go around the tobacco field, and warehouse. I could touch, smell, and see proccess from leaves to go to bamboo box packaging and be ready to be sold to cigarette fabric or being export to Bremen,Germany. It was really a wonderful time for me and I felt to rewind that memory.

Beside tobacco leaves, I could see clove, cigarette packed from years to years, cigarette machine, pictures of the Sampoerna founder and their history from past till now. So far I felt it's like going to Cuba and visiting a cigar factory.

This museum described in details about Sampoerna family trading history and offered a truly unique experience for visitors. This place is still doing its function as cigarette factory as well in the back side of this compound, but in manual and traditional way on covering cigarette.At the morning to noon visitor can closely watching a real hand-roll production facility and ending up with an unforgettable experience of rolling a stick of Dji Sam Soe cigarette. visitors can join the 3.900 women in this plant, hand-rolling cigarettes using traditional equipment. They do it at a speed of more than 325 sticks per hour. It was good idea. The museum itself was built to accomodate many requests from university students and others to visit factory as they wanted to share with the public the history of Sampoerna, the struggle of the owner and family to make Sampoerna a success

Another part of this Sampoerna complex are art gallery, souvenir store, empty old house of Sampoerna family and cafe.

The cafe itself are located besides the museum. Past and modern atmosphere combined in one air harmoniously. With the touch of art deco, a splash of creativity and a dash of history, the café offered a unique sensory and culinary experience. Waow! Blending original painted and leaded glass windows and century old carved teak panels with clean modern design, the café is indeed and experience that you should not miss. A wide selection of Western and Asian flavors is especially prepared to satisfy even the most discerning of visitors.

It was our last tour by going to Sampoerna cafe. Felt fascinated, impressed and proud of the interior make us keep in silent and just said wow!wow! Dark light brought us to candle light dinner someday with our lovers. There were two places separated for smoking and non smoking area. They offered western and traditional food in good taste and look.The price is fine for cafe level. To complete their existance, "A" logos are always used on glasses and plates. Logos of Sampoerna.
Hmmm, as we already had dinner outside, before arriving here, so we just ordered light meal, a cup of hot chocolate, french fries and meat bread. It was enough to accompany us feeling different air! Heard from the waiter that on selected evenings, live music performances will accompany visitor dinning experience. We were not lucky this time.

Good trip for that night. Hoping to go there again, keen to experience another style and atmoshpere.

Inspite of having bad judgement that smoking is not good for healthy, we just want to spend our time by adding some experience of our city history. Great nations will appreciate their culture! Correct?? Absolutely!

Have sorrow go sad…catching cold!

I should “have fun go mad” on Saturday. One lovely day. It is my office generosity to have working day from Monday to Friday. Besides, maybe the orders are less than some years ago, so it would be effective to make some efficiency.

But, last week, I surrender to my sickness. Catching cold. I could know. It was not prediction. My shoulder was painful. My throat was hot. Stomachache, feel empty, hungry, but actually It was full of air. Went to water closet many times in a day. Felt headache all the time even though I drank headache drug. Useless! Finally my body was warm and felt cold when touched by cool wind and water. Finally I was not feeling well. Oh my God!

I found brief explanation about catching cold on my favorite magazine. It was a bunch of stress, late eating and low body resistance. Then I started to analyze myself, which one was mine? Stress? Hmm I did not think so. Late eating? Absolutely not. I could get migraine for late eating. The last reason: body resistance. I guessed it was. I seldom went exercise than before. Usually I was swimming once a week! Why I did not do it again? Herewith little secret I whispered to you: At that time I didn’t have enough money to spend on swimming as I spent it on another fancy thing that it was not really important (finally I realized, late regret bro!) How to avoid it? Some advise from the expert was: live healty, eating much and nourishing, always clean and wash hand, drink some supplement as additional vitamin, do exercise, be thankful for everything you get

I decided to take a rest. Two days Off. Did not want to receive any phone call unless it was important. “Really sorry my friends for ignoring you a while”. Starting my 1st day by going to body beauty salon. I massaged my body orderly. It felt quite relief. Then I slept all day. Of course I did not forget to drink some drugs, vitamins, add honey and orange juice, and ate much on time to avoid getting “maag”. Thanked to my friend, in facebook, who suggest me to “bedrest” Took “me_time”. I also added walking by foot, drank hot tea with peppermint, ate favorite meal at luxury café (waow…) and ended that 2nd day by drank oxygen water.

When I write this, I am still not well but it is better than before. Now I am realize, again! That health is very important and expensive. When you are sick you can not do anything.
Like me, I cannot drink fruit juice and ice cream! My favorite appetizer! What a pity…….

Someone from the Past ... (facebook effect!)

Broken heart was very painful, mostly when you loved that person very much and already been together for long time then you were being dumped due unaccepted reason that actually you could fix it if both of you had responsible to keep this relationship to be family by getting married and live happily ever after. Cinderella story, huh…Today?? I hope so…

Last time, on a lovely Saturday night, suddenly one of my best friend popped up on chatting while I was opening my FB. Then, without say hello she wrote a lot of words then finally made me understood the story. I felt sorry for her condition but I could not help her much than being a good listener for her deep sharing.

He was her first love. They met when they were on high school and had long distance relationship when they were on college due her boy friend was studying on overseas for some time. Unfortunately he went along with somebody else and felt comfortable with new lover and finished the relationship unfairly. My friend took it without excuse and tried to forgive and forget him. But she need million times to release her ex from her face, mind and soul. Oh my God. And I think she was succeed on it.
Now she is married and had two beautiful daughter. Suddenly her ex came up on facebook by suggestion another friend. She still loved and also hated him.

Gin says: where were you
Me says: I was here, what’s up? (wondering is it important to ask where was I while we were both on chatting…never mind! Polite way to start some conversation)
Gin says: I was feeling extremely sad again this morning
Gin says: I felt world was turning again
Ginsays:AAAAAAARRRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH......
Gin says: I never had so stressful…
Gin says: Damn !!!!!!
Me says: what ? (confused, what the hell was it?)
Gin says: How could you!
Gin says: Why that name appreared again in my life?
Gin says: and touched my still life
Me says: hiiii....
Me says: who???? Calm down!
Gin says: (copied paste words from FB) ….Bro was just having friend with Eth and felt that you might know him…
Gin says: I cried....
Me says: hahhaha
Me says: finally....
Me says: your dream came true
Me says: remember last time
Me says: you wrote on FB
Me says: looking for someone....
Gin says: sometimes, glance in my mind, I wanted to know, at least, where was he, how was he, how was his family. When could I get that chance. Now that opportunity came, I was being given a time to do that. Doing what? Doing something that looked excellent on our thought, meanwhile we did not know that it looked like so stupid. Revenged? For what? If I could, if not? Shamed on me. Was it more stupid when you heard word…Thanks God I did not choose him”. Why it came back when life was running well on that size, when love spilled out on every breath I took. All was part of my history life. Let it closed together all the time and no need to be opened again (still on comma , not dot, as this doubt was still available)
Me says: Oops …
Gin says: This year was 12 years exactly. Hate and sadness had to be gone. But I was not super human. Ouch! Let it…let it…I thought no more room for moving my family love. Sorry, I was overly emotional, but only you could understand me.
Gin says: Thanks for listening me
Me says: yup (hello…Gin…hello…we were chatting, writing, reading, I could not hear you!)
Me say: It was ok…(Oops, I was so touchy and proudly. See my reddish cheek..)

Then the conversation was over. I thought she was being calm herself down for a while. I believed it was just a sudden feeling. Woke sleeping tiger up. I was sure she could control herself. Do not worry my friend. I am here for you, as shoulder to cry on (Tommy Page…old song).

So sweet!

....And I did it !

Pain! Got stomachache this morning. I got ‘catching a cold’. Maybe because of what I ate yesterday. Ouch!

I was busy yesterday morning. Lovely Sunday. Woke up at 7 then starting opened my computer and downloaded some program. Had a little breakfast: soup mie instant (mie kuah) Indomie brand. Mixed with egg and fried onion. Too bad I did not have vegetable to complete it. Usually I put sawi on it. Then, I continued my task, also tidy up my room for a while but I did not forget to watch TV. There were a lot of nice program, entertainment and education!

Wah…it was lunch time finally but I was still busy. No time to go out to buy a food. Fortunately I heard some burger seller passed my home. Yupii…run quickly to call him and ordered one piece only. I thought it was enough. Paid 6500 rupiah. Cash! Eager to eat it as I was hungry very much. But it seems it was not full me. I was still feelin’ hungry.

Continued with computer for a moment then waiting for my friend accompanied me to go swim. One minute, two minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, no calling from her. Did she forget her promise? ). I was quite upset. My feeling was full of uncertainty of going alone or stay still at home. I was keen to go there, to go exercise. Then I decided to go by myself even though I never go there. ( It was happened when I went swimming at my favorite swimming pool. Then I met her at home after dong exercise, she asked where you go to swim? And she told e that there was a big place in a hotel, in downtown. They had big pool. Why didn’t we go there. Only paid 50 thousand rupiahs. Hmm, actually it was expensive than ticket of my favorite swimming pool, 30 thousand rupiahs but it was nothing wrong to try it)

Stepping out the ladder, and went to 7th floor by lift. I arrived by myself using public transportation. My self confident was less 25% when arrived that hotel as it did not look like exclusive hotel, 5 star hotel even tough the news said it was 4 star hotel. Really?? I doubt it. What happened next? My self confident was dropped drastically to be 10% from 100%. I saw around it, checked and valued it. the swimming pool was not really big and not really looked luxury. I could peep at glance, there was some empty plastic glasses floating on the pool. And the important things was nobody swim! How could I swim by myself?? It seemed I would like stupid lady in sexy bikini! It was only one person, noticed as watchman or guard or pool officer would stare at me from the hidden corner. No! I would not do that. I cancelled my plan. Explained something untruth to him that I was still waiting for my friend then I disappeared as far as I could. Whahahaha…..

No planning what to do, I went to mall, just for sight seeing. Forgave me as my appearance was not good. I opened my little secret, I had not taken a bath since a morning , only washed my face and brushed my teeth. According to me, it was not proper to go to mall like that, hihihihi…(hard laughing)! Finally, I bought salad, consist of tomatoes, carrots, lettuces, sweet corn, mayonaise and ate it slowly also drank big cup of jasmine tea while watching and judging people from their dresses. It was interesting! It was excellent to spend spare time than do nothing. But after that, after 15 minutes running, I was still feeling hungry and rather not well. Wanted to puke! Oow…I was queasy! Maybe “catching cold” as no enough food and rice came to my stomach. Indonesian habits: It was not called eating when you have not eaten rice!

Forced one of my friend to accompany me on dinner. I was not in the mood to eat actually but I had to, otherwise I would get sick. Drove away to a café closed to my home, ordered some hot wonton soup mixed with vegetables in another place. It was not really delicious. I thought I should add some pepper or salt or tomato or chili sauce to make it more bitten. But I did not do it. Plain soup whatever it called.

At last, I went home, took a bath. Note: I thought my friend felt dizzy smelling my original body perfume J, please apologize me!! Took a rest, drank some multivitamins, also a little bottle of orange juice to drag me to tight sleep. Thank you God for yesterday experience! Lately I thought it was God plan that my friend forgot her promise because it saved me not to spend “50 boxes” for something unsatisfied and useless. I could use that money to pay food and bought something useful, and I did it!

Only a minute to feel empty at G Walk!

G Walk is “cool, cozy, excellent, good place for hangout, …” and some of rewards came to that place. All is came from my friends opinion. Really? I can’t stand to prove it.

Sunday afternoon, about 12am, time to lunch, I started to go by car to West Surabaya, to Citraland area. Singapore of Surabaya was the slogan of it. G Walk is inside it. Passed the freeway. It was not really crowded. Some apartments (like The Adiwangsa, Pakuwon Indah…) and stores, also Supermall decorated this area. I could see some statues, some abstracts look, church (St. Yakobus) and for sure big luxury homes around it.

G Walk was a place with a street in the middle of it. Street for traffic. Left and right sides were full of food stores, cafes and bazaars. It provided a lot of Traditional, western, Chinese food, etc. All were mixed up there. You could choose what you like. Maybe it set up for night activity thus when I arrived there, some stores and bazaars were mostly closed. It might be only one to twenty were opening. It was Ok! Actually I just wanted to see how G Walk look like, I meant the interior, the taste of food and price. It did not matter I came on afternoon as I could imagine how it was on night.

First impression of that place was “it was ordinary place”. That’s all. Like another place in other side of Surabaya. The foods was ordinary. The place for hang out was ordinary. Nothing special (regardless I arrived on afternoon). Maybe it was fine for gathering with friends, colleges, family, just buying the air of bustling, outdoor ordinary place in luxury housing. Ooops, flat opinion! Sorry!

Urban Jazz_crossover

An hectic week must be ended with some fun. It was good idea to say yes to my friend who asked me to go clubbing, spending late night on some small room with some Indonesian famous singer.

Arrived Empire Place on 9pm, it was quite late as Humania was singing for two songs already. The show started about 8pm actually but my friend was very busy so she late picked me up. Never mind! We were still have million minutes to enjoy the music party.

Entered the dark room, like big hall, but became small as so many young guys came, with friends, partner, associates, even with lovers. No dress code thus many style of dress could be seen there. It was time to express ourselves on outfit. Cigarette smoke was flying around the room, touched our dress, body, hair and eyes. It was quite short winded and smart in eyes. Again, never mind! Enjoy the party. Dji Sam Soe was the sponsor of this program. Urban Jazz Crossover 2009 was!

Lighting and sound system was very good. Good work! I was satisfied.
Even though we came late but we could move between the density of audience, from back to front, close to the stage, close to the speaker. Oops, loud music! Faster heartbeat too. Kept standing up between so many photographer. Thanks God for not use high heels but my friend did (quite pain? Stiff, Diiii..)

I loved Andy Rif,” andai ku jadi raja…” and Candil “ beat it…” Bravo Gleen Fredly! ( little deep share for your family problem, hiks..!) Thumb for Ari Lasso, Edwin-Coklat guitarist and new comer, Lala, beautiful singer. Lately I noticed she was half Indonesian-Philippine. Applause for Daniel, cute guy who sang classical as background song for some singers. It was called crossover so the jazz melody was combine with rock, reggae, rap and pop.

For sure, we did not forget to be “narcis” for a while by taking picture in front of cigarette billboard. We felt we were artist as well. But it had to be patient and on queue as many “narcisholic” too.

Went home on 12.30, not too late, really? Diii, were you sleepy or you were not ready in moving your car? Surprised for a little stretch on your car, you kissed your car on the park wall. Good job! Smile! (26May09)

I love batiks, I love Indonesia! (yuuuk...)

Some of people thinks batik is old fashioned dress and it is figure out like mommy and daddy's dress. I dont know it is thought of most of people or not. I am just assuming. Hope my opinion are wrong. Any reason why I am thinking like that? This morning some of my friends asked me to go shopping on Saturday on famous mall in my city but I refused as I had appointment with another friend to visit batik exihibition. Did you know what my friend comment? "Hey, you are so heroic!!So Indonesia. Love that kind of batik. You like my mommy! Or you plan to do trading? " OMG! oh my God! Why she said like that? She doesnt like batik? She doesnt like Indonesian culture? Wondering why? She is Indonesian, how come? Or maybe she likes staying in the city of Indonesia but no need to love Indonesian culture. I dont mean to be rasis. Oops! I don’t want to judge them. People have their own style and appetite. But at that moment when they say that I feel hurt so much and suddenly hate their word and hate them. Hyperbolic! Please forgive me to have such a feeling.

BAtik is our culture. Lets keep and take care. Don’t let our culture lost and grab by another country, like Malaysia, you know…Eventhough batik is come from Java but it is now become a national outfit for Indonesian people, not only in big events or party but also as uniform in school and stated owned company. And lately, it is used as outfit for informal session, hang out (hmm… Thanks God for the pride of Indonesians to wear batik till the present day has preserve this art of textile ) and the accessories like table cloth, bedsheet, pillow cover, coaster for glasses and plates, and so on.

Eventhough I seldom buy batik outfit due the price is quite expensive especially for hand made writing batik ( another way to make batik is print it out, more cheaper as batik maker make in big quantity of fabric) but I am proud of it. Likes batik doesn’t always mean we have a lot collection of that, at least we admit, know, and care of it. Right??

Brief story about batik (Javanese language means writing) is given to you, just to memorize you again, especially everybody who has not been familiar with batik, especially Javanese batik like Solo, Yogya and Pekalongan batiks.

Discover Indonesia on their web said that although the process of decorating cloth through the process of batik is found in several regions in Africa or India and even in some South East Asian countries, the batik of Indonesia is unique and unequaled. Indonesian Batik is made in several regions, but the center of the art is Central Java, in cities like Yogyakarta, Solo, Cirebon, Pekalongan and Indramayu, west Java.

The beauty of Batik is a tribute to the patience, creativity of the woman of Java, the main island of Indonesia. Credit should be also given to men who prepare the cloth and handle the dyeing and finishing process. Batik is generally thought of as the most quintessentially Indonesian textile. Motifs of flowers, twinning plants, leaves buds, flowers, birds, butterflies, fish, insects and geometric forms are rich in symbolic association and variety; there are about three thousand recorded batik patterns.

Yogyakarta is the capital city of the most powerful and respected Kingdom of Java, is also at the heart of the Batik art. All the old Traditions and customs are observed and still find many symbols that are related to Hindu-Javanese culture. The combination of motifs in Yogya batik is unique, and there is a tendency to combine a number of large geometric motifs and mostly in dark brown color.

Solo, as one of capital city of powerful and respected Kingdom of Java, besides Yogyakarta, also has design are related to the Hindu-Javanese culture: the Sawat symbol of the crown or highest power, the Meru (mountain) symbol of mountain or earth, the Naga (dragon) symbol of the water, the Burung (bird) symbol of the wind or upper world and the Lidah Api (Fire tongue) symbol of the fire. In Solo there were special rules about wearing of batik. 1) the social position of the wearer, 2) the occasion on which the batik was worn or used. This was in connection with the meaning and hope or wish symbolized by the motif. (http://discover-indo.tierranet.com/batikpag9.htm

Different with Pekalongan, a small city and regency on the northern coast of Central Java. It lies arround 100 kilometres west-ward from Semarang, Central Java's Capital, most of these batiks were sarongs, perhaps because Dutch settlers found them easier to to wear. In this group of batiks we find the buketan motifs, depicting flowers and fruits that grew in Holland, like chrysanthemums and grapes, and flowers arrangements in European style. Next influenced is by Moslem (like scattered flower on hexagonal background..) and Chinese (for hong bird, dragon motifs, red color..).

So, can it change your mind a bit?

Short Jaunt to Malang Tempoe Doeloe...

1st day: 21 May
Used public trasportation, express bus (bis patas) from Surabaya, Bungurasih to Arjosari, Malang. Paid Rp 15.000/person. Bus run freely. No traffic jam. Good. Arrived 1.5 hour later, took small car (angkot) AMG line and stopped at Citanduwi street. Met old friends, little chit chatting, laughing, eating traditional tempe penyet while waiting for rain stopped. Malang was not cold at that time. Maybe it was because of rain dropped lately.

Mainly purpose was Festival of old Malang in Ijen street (Malang Tempo Doeloe). Ijen steet was famous street, big street, old street. Most old and big house were stayed here. Since we went on Opening day at afternoon around 3 pm, we could not enjoy it at all. So many people came and walked around that street. My thought about this event is not very fascinating. Just said not bad. Maybe it because a lot of session we could not see in short time.

Various stage, store, exhibition and workshop could be seen there. But some were not available everyday. There were schedule for that.

On food zone we could find some food seller with old tradisional food, like gulali (sweet candy on stick), tiwul (from cassava), dodol, the rest are traditional food like nasi pecel, fried chicken, etc.

For entertainment we could see stage for wayang (puppets), ludruk (east java traditional drama with dance and some poets), Malangan topeng (local dancer mask), song exhibitions like keroncong (Portuguese influenced) gambus, keroncong, qasidah, sholawat (Moslem influenced).

Stage of rice field, complete with cow and their wagon. Duplication of the village rice fields and gardens and traditional farming tools, traditional irrigation system of rice field, the traditional fishery tools,forests and sugar cane plantations, traditional red sugar factory is also available. It is good idea. Some visitor took a picture in front of it, pretending they were on old and village atmosphere.

On zone of the Malang’s industrial Villages in 1950 we could learn about making of Brown Sugar using Cow’s Power, making of traditional ‘semprit’ cake using ‘press’ machine in 1950’s, household from Clay, irons tools and weapon, Batik, mats from ‘mendong’, and tools from bamboo, manual timber lathing, the washing and cleaning of ancient instruments.

Another parts was seller of old books, old calculator, old long gun, old photos, old playing tool for children, workshop of drawing Javanese Islamic Calligraphy and traditional games (dakon, semprengan, layangan, umbulan, engklek, srigendem, tekongan, uyek-uyek rante, jumpritan, krupukan, otong-otong bolong, kaki klek-klek, jamuran) , carved wood , japin dance, also petan (finding small insect in hair of human) & rasan-rasan (gossip )tradition. Pyuuhh..do not know it was about what! Just seeing all in schedule.

Tired of walking, we went to bakso bakar (barbeque meat ball) to fill up our stomach and took some rest. Then went on buying some gulali and little cup of Oen (named of old store of ice cream, famous in Dutch era) ice cream. After that we walked again through a thousand people on that area. We felt uncomfortable anymore, so we decided to move out very quickly.

Our journey that night was ended by eating (again? Eating?yup! as some energy was used up on walking and walking) ronde (traditional hot drink mixed by ginger and some accessories like peanut, jelly, flour) and bought famous noodle called “mie gang jangkrik”. Halal! Permitted, no pig flavour. Delicious!

2nd Day: 22 May
Woke up lazily, breathed fresh air for a while, prepared ourselves to go home. No breakfast was available then chips crackers became our breakfast. Ha,ha,ha…Walked on foot for about 10 minutes to Sanan handycraft center. We wanted to buy some gift for our lovely family and friends. Not much but enough for making them happy. So sweet!! We bought kripik tempe (soybean chips crackers) and kripik buah-buahan (fruits chips crackers) at some store. After that, we went by small car, public transportation, to Alun-alun (big field) Malang for a while, had a lunch then continued again to Oen store, spent a time for an hour, drinking es campur (mixed fruits, syrup, ice) before went back to Surabaya. Yummy!

Migraine, hot topic lately!!

I hate when I got migraine. You know migraine, half headache! It is very painful. When I felt strongly uncomfortable, when I just eat less, when I sudden wake up, when I late lunch or dinner, when I drink a lot of cold water or ice, when I got hot sun shines then changing to cold air, when this, when that, when these, when those…

Nothing can cure it unless I avoid it. Just sleeping? It cannot fix my problem. I still have to drink medicine. Paramex is my drug. Eventhough I know the cause but sometimes I cannot avoid it. So, drink medicine is the last way. But I realize that it is not good to make paramex as the only solution. Lately I try the best not to always drink drug. So, being happy, eat much, regular exercise are some of solutions.

Some articles say about common headache and when I read it I think the cause is almost same with cause of my migraine, like these...
1. Feeling worry so much.
2. Relaxing the eyes as strong light of sun, lamp, TV monitor or computer can stress the eye muscles.
3. Pre menstruation syndrom can affect fluctuation of the estrogen hormon.
4. Some hard physical exercise can make muscles in head, neck and head skin nees more blood supply for better circulation. It cause fluffy blood circulation.
5. Do not have breakfast or fasting program without planning or preparation.
6. Lack of sleep.

Oyot Godhong? Vein of leave?

Dont be confused with my title....

While my friend was busy in buying some gifts, I let myself to have lunch in Mirota café named Oyot Godhong. Javanese name, means leaf vein. You could reach the 3rd floor of this store. The place was quite unique on its traditional touch. You could see wooden chair and table, gazebo, old vespa (motorcycle from India), some statues, fresh rose flower upon the table.

I chose nasi goreng as I need rice very much that morning. I was quite starving eventhough I had noodle for breakfast. This café offered some traditional menu too, like what the store sell, traditional items like batiks fabric, accessories, statues, etc. Well, you could find pecel, tempe bacem, tempe koro, gado-gado….and some simple menu’s like bread, fried rice, fried noodle, enough for accompanying in waiting friend, relatives, spending time while they were shopping or after shopping.

Mirota itself is centre of batiks fabric and handycraft. When you come into it, you can feel strong Javanese air like gamelan music (Javanese music), incense fragrance, pictures of King Hamengku Buwono, very old things……

Curious? Come and see then….
(yk, 12apr)