Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Three Girls in The Kimchi World

The Seoul!

Last week me and two of my girlfriends went on holiday to Korea. Why Korea?
Those of you who are Korean drama freak must knew the reason. My friend who (i assumed) watched Korean drama more than Korean people itself asked me to go to Korea on Lebaran* holiday. She said she fell in love with what she saw in the drama; the style and fashion, the language (she keep saying iputta, which then I found out that it means cute), the oppa (she hopes to meet cute young men she could call him oppa like in the movie), and of course the food. I watched Korean drama too ages ago when I still in highschool and it was nice. So I thought why don't we go and see the real lifestyle up there.

So we started to look for tickets and hotels. If you must know, this happened in March. So we already busy looking for plane tickets 6 months before D-day. We decided to go on our own and not join holiday tour because we thought it would be much fun this way. Besides we could escape the boring Ginseng and Limestone or other stone museum and go shopping instead, right?

The plane ticket is quite expensive at Lebaran. We could get a cheap flight by using Jetstar but the journey itself will drive us mad:

Jakarta – Singapore (Jetstar) at around 10 pm and then wait in Singapore airport waiting for Singapore – Hongkong flight at 6 am. Then we have to take another flight by using Cathay Pacific which goes from HK to Korea regulary. The total cost this way would be around US$750 return. The downside is we waste too much time in the journey.

So instead we chose Cathay Pacific Airlanes from Jakarta to Seoul. Since all Cathay flights have to transit in Hongkong, we could stop by in Hongkong free of charges *Horay*. The flight cost US$930 return.


Sept 18,
Flew to Hongkong early in the morning and the plane landed at 2 pm. HK’s weather is too hot. It was around 33 deg C, even in the afternoon. Blah!
Since Hongkong is on the list of the most expensive city to live for, we didn't want to waste our money by using a Taxi to go to our hotel. We decided to use a public transport. Choices are MTR (subway) or public bus. Hm.. which way to go? how to buy the ticket? Thank God the tourist information center in Hongkong is right in front of the exit hall, founding one is a piece of cake.

After we arrived at the hotel which located strategically right in the middle of Hongkong island, my aunt pick us up for dinner. We took the MTR, walked briskly from one mall to other malls, which magically interconnected through the basement. Then we arrived at Causeway bay where we took pictures of beautiful view of buildings filled with neon signs along the bay. Shopping? Nah, I save my money for Seoul =).

Sept 19,
Woke up as early as I can then hunt for breakfast. We originally wanted to eat dimsum but cannot find any L (I know! Hongkong supposed to be full of chinese restaurant selling dimsum but we really cannot find any, well maybe we just can't read the sign ha-ha).

We grabbed a quick breakfast, which is pork with vermicelli + egg + toast + coffee (it was a quick breakfast, trust me) then we went straight away to DISNEYLAND. Wohoo!


There is a special train that goes to Disneyland only. The train is fully decorated with Disney pictures and product, just looking at it makes me want to jump in joy. I and my friend straight away busy taking pictures of the train, and ourself – of course. Even the hand handle have a shape of Mickey Mouse’s head. Cute!

The theme is Halloween, so there are few rides and ghost houses which are freakin’ scary. Other than that there were Golden Mickey show, Lion King show, and Disney 3D Movie which are very recommended. "The Land" wasn't very busy that day, so I had a chance to took pictures with disney character such as Mickey, Mini, Goofy, and Mulan with only 5 minutes queue. =)

HK’s Disneyland is not as big as the one in Japan and America but it took us the whole day to finish. We got there at 11 am and went back at 10 pm just after fireworks up on the castle.

The day was not offer yet. After Disneyland we rushed our way to Mongkok where we had dinner in Modern Toilet’s restaurant. The restaurant's décor is inspired by bathroom. The table is made of bathtub (I think they are real bathtubs) and the chair is made of toilets. Even the plate and bowl is in toilet design. Lucky that the food taste good, it wasn’t disgusting at all.

FYI, the shops in Mongkok opens until 12 am on Saturday. Guess Hongkong’s never sleeps.


Sept 20,
Early flight to Incheon, Seoul.
The flight from HK to Seoul took only 3 hours. I had a reservation at Dongdaemun Hotel in Dongdaemun market. There are airport buses which took us from Airport to Dongdamun and it cost 9,000 won per person. Tania, my sweetest dearest friend who took flight from Melbourne has arrived and met us in the hotel. It was good to see her after a year separated by ocean. We went to eat Korean BBQ for dinner. We also ordered Soju (Korean spirit) to celebrate the start of a good holiday. The Korean way of eating BBQ it is fun; wrap the meat, kimchi, rice, and sauce by a lettuce then eat it in a mouthful. Our belly was so satisfied. It was delicious!

Before going back to the hotel we went for a little shopping spree. Dongdamun is full of markets and shopping malls. It wasn’t a “five star” shopping malls, but there are buildings all full of clothes and accessories. Mostly they sell in bulk. Some stuff you can bargain and some you can’t. Korean aren’t Chinese, they don’t mark up the price extensively you can bargain less than half price. Like the shirt I bought cause 40,000 won, down from 48,000.

Sept 21,
It was raining so we went to Lotte World, the indoor & outdoor theme park, which cost 35,000 won.

It was.. hm.. lets just say that there are no better theme park than Disneyland. and I wouldn’t suggest you to go there unless you have kids.

The indoor theme park was boring and the mini rollercoaster gave us headache caused by the banging of our heads against the safety belt on the chair. The outdoor theme park are for more thrilling rides. From my eyes, it wasn't looking too bad, except that out head already spining caused by the stupid rollercoaster in the indoor ones. I think there is really something wrong with the safety chair in the indoor roller coaster. I have tried rollercoaster in the Movie World and Dream World in Australia and they were just fine. Sigh, such a waste.


Sept 22,

Mount Sorak (Sorak-san).

Mt. Sorak is full of snow in the winter (you can ski!), beautiful view of the mountain with walking track for hiking surrounded with lots of colorful autumn trees. There are Giant sitting Buddha and also Buddhist Temple. Definitely worth to see.

Since no many blogs/website explain how to get to Mt. Sorak, I would describe it here.

How to get to Mt. Sorak:
There are two ways you can get to Mt. Sorak: by using Intercity bus or using the Express bus. The difference is that the Express bus will took the highway so it would be ½ hour faster than the Intercity bus depending on the traffic.

Intercity bus:
Take the Seoul Metro to Gangbyeon station (line 2). The Intercity bus terminal would be just across the station. Ask for bus to Sokcho. It cost 16,700 won by day, and cheaper if you choose the night bus.

Express bus:
Take the Seoul Metro to Express Bus Terminal (line 3). Ask for bus to Sokcho and it will cost 15,700 (cheaper bus) or 23,400 (executive bus).

Once you get to Sokcho, the Mt. Sorak would be just 15 minutes away by a taxi.
If you are really on a budget you can catch a bus no. 7 or 7-1 which will go around Sockho and to Sorak Mountain (cost 1000 won)

Giant Buddha Statue (above) and Bongjeongam Buddhist Hermitage (below)



Sept 23,
We took the number 7 bus and went around Sockho city. There are fish markets where you can get fresh fish and sushi. Drama freak alert! There are movie location spot: Autumn in my heart by Song Hae Kyo and Won Bin. It is the port and small food shop where Eun-seo spent her childhood. You can go in to the small shop too.

We took the return bus back to Seoul and arrived in the afternoon. We spent our afternoon and nights for dinner and shopping in Myeongdong. There are lots of cute accessories and clothing at a reasonable price. I freaked and shopped too much *sigh*.


Sept 24,
Lets go explore Seoul. We went on the Seoul City Tour Bus for self touring around the city (10,000 won) where you can get in and get off the bus on the recommended tourist spot around Seoul:
- Deoksugung Palace
- Myeongdong (shopping district you don’t wanna miss)
- Namsagol Traditional Korean Village
- Seoul Tower
- Changdeokgun Palace (The biggest one in Korea, well preserved and designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, which made us lost inside the Secret Garden -_-)
- Insadong (Tourist spot for traditional Korean teahouse, craft shops, and antique shops)
- Many many more.
The bus operated from 9 am to 7 am, so if you want to see all the tourist locations you better be hurry.


Sept 25,
Back to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun for more shopping! We hunt for fake designer’s handbag hahaha.

Myongdong Market

Sept 26,
Back to Jakarta via Hongkong. What a fantastic holiday. Yi-pee!!!


Travel Tips:

Remember the telephone number 1330. It is the tourist help center. The only tourist help-lines who can speak English (seriously!).

If you do not eat pork, do worry. Most dishes in Korea are pork. Pork are cheaper than chicken and beef. Plus they are delicious too.. hi hi hi... :p

Do try Bimbimbab instead. It is vegetarian and a must have Korean dishes.

You have to take a photo wearing Hanbok (Korean traditional dress). You can borrow it cheap in the Changdeokgung Palace (1000 won).

Oh, don't forget to purchase BB Cream (Blemish Balm Cream) while you were in Korea. Korean loves BB cream. It is a light foundation to cover imperfection and also to moisturize your skin. BB cream are available in most of Korean make up stores. I would recommend Faceshop for the affordable ones and Hanskin for the better yet pricey ones.


Geez, Seoul is so much fun.. more than what I imagined. I love the food and the kimchi. I love the shopping too! Right now I love Korean style more than Indonesian or Aussiez. The girls all look so fashionable in Seoul. I imagine if I work in Seoul I'll be wearing high heels, fashionable skirts and blouse with a scarf. Then I would have my hair done up in Korean style. My face would be so soft and clean due to BB cream and good weather. Hm, should I move to Seoul then?

Oh well, perhaps I should stop dreaming and get back to reality (in Jakarta) =P

As for now I just wanna say this:

I had a blast. Thank you very much Seoul! ^_^

* Lebaran is day of celebration at end of fasting month for Moslem.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Morning Thoughts


A zip of morning coffee, tea, and a newspaper.
Wishing that I could be outdoor enjoying the sun in a morning breeze,
and yet I was trapped inside of a high-end mall.

Looking at women in a trendy clothes and designer handbags.
Looking at men waiting for their spouses went shopping.
At the girls proudly showing off their legs and belly,
And at the guys with the latest mobile phone.

This is what my life is now.
Trapped from buildings to buildings.
Trapped with people showing off.

My life is good.
Praise God for that.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread
(Mother Teresa)

- heal the world, make peace with yourself -

Dedicated to JW. Marriott & Ritz Carlton Bombing (July 17th, 2009)

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Part of Human Life *Funny jokes*


People are:


creative...

and brave...

and silly...

and determined...

and overly creative...

though sometimes people failed...


but after all... we are just human...


Source : sweet_jokes@yahoogroups.com

Sunday, June 28, 2009

What have technology done to us?

I always wonder why some people are willing to be in a long queue for snack (example: Sour Sally).

I just found the answer.

They are Blackberry user.

Longer line means more time to answer their chat(s) and/or email(s).

Freak?


If you read this, and you are one of them, maybe you should consider yourself join this:
No, this is not a joke =P

Image borrowed from: Crackberry addict

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Lift Me Up

This beautiful song has kept me from falling apart.
Keep it strong. Keep it tall. Because life must go on.
Enjoy... :)

Kate Voegele - Lift Me Up.mp3

This road is anything but simple,
Twisted like a riddle, I've seen High, I've seen low.
So loud, the voices over my doubts,
Telling me to give up, pack up, leave town.
Even so I had to believe, Impossible means nothing to me,

Can you lift me up?
Turn the ashes into flames,
I have overcome more than words can ever say,
I've been given hope that there's a light on up the hall,
And a day will come when the fight is won,
I think that day had just begun.

Somewhere, everybody starts there,
Counting on a small prayer, lost in a nightmare.
You're here, suddenly it's so clear,
The struggle through the long years,
It's hard for me to outrun my fears.
But everything that's worth having, Comes with trials worth withstanding.

Can you lift me up?
Turn the ashes into flames,
I have overcome more than words can ever say,
I've been given hope that there's a light on up the hall,
And a day will come when the fight is won, And I think that day has just begun.

Oh lift me up, Oh lift me up,
Oh lift me up, Oh lift me up,

Down and out is overrated,
I need to be elevated,
Looking up is not enough,
I would rather rise above, Oh, Oh, Oh.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

30.05.09

The guys in the office surprises me with an early birthday present!

Thank you so much guys... a surprise gift is much better than a fancy predictable ones ;)

Oopss.. you can see that I had loads of papers that I need to work on; and still I was playing Tip-Top game on my laptop. Haha...

Employee of the month is definitely not in my scope =P

Also, CupCakes from my lovely niece...
PS. she's selling cupcakes, if you are interested do not hesitate to message me :) - Jabotabek only



I had a great birthday blast more than what I expected.

~Thank you all ~

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wisata Alam Gunung Mas

Saturday May 9th, I woke up at 5.30 am, get dressed (let's say I forgot to take a shower) and jump in the car. I and family were going to do a tea walk at Gunung Mas (GM), Puncak. Gunung Mas, means Gold Mountain in english, is a government's own tea plantation district that is open for public. From Jakarta to there at normal traffic will only take 2 hours.

We left the house at 6.00 AM hoping to reach GM before 8. We hoped to get there faster than normal since it was so early in the Saturday morning. The traffic was pretty good in Jakarta, but not until we get off the highway and reached Ciawi. From there on the traffic was so bad, the car only can go up to 5 - 10 km/hr. Geez, our prediction was wrong. Apparently there were so many hard working people who would woke up this early morning on holiday to get to Puncak (or it is us that are too lazy?)

It took us 3 hours to get to GM. When we arrived the sun already shone brightly. I opened the car window. The fresh air swiftly went in. Suddenly I got so pumped to get moving and to go hiking. Dad parked the car on the parking lot that were already loaded with other cars and tour buses. I get off the car, packed my backpack with water bottle, get on my training shoes and get ready to hike. Since Mom was there, we chose the 4 km track with easy slope for beginner.

The first path was to go through a tiny village. I noticed that the villager were mostly women and children. I wonder where the men are. Perhaps they were working outside of GM? The atmosphere were quiet and serene. Walking on the rocky pathway that morning, all I heard were the sound of running water, birds' twitter, and the sound of a split coconut midribs touching the ground a lady made when she broomed. Occasionally I heard children laughter and footsteps as they were running around playing chase. Very different situation to what I usually see around my neighborhood. At a split second I thought I would give up Jakarta's busy life to these environment for a change :)

Beyond the village we went through a tiny bridge; crossing the running water that fell into the rocks creating a puddle-like-lake on the bottom of the track. On the other side of the bridge, after going through large and tall old trees, there was the tea plantation. As far as my eyes could see was tea leaves. Everything was green. There was a mountain-like hills on the background, which made the scenery more breath-taking.

The pathway was not very rough. There were muddles and pebbles here and there, but it wasn't too bad for a beginner like myself. When we got in the middle of the track, the rain started to drizzle. Silly me, I forgot to bring an umbrella even though I brought quite a big backpack (d'och!). Dad scolded me saying that I only remember my sunglasses and camera but forgot the important thing like umbrella. Oops... It was true :p

Lucky there were some tall trees along the pathway. The bushy leaves prevent the water to dropped so we didn't get soaked. I forgot to mention that there were some mountain bikers went through the same pathway as we were. Their outfit were colourful. I took a snap of their photos because it add a pretty splash of colours to the scenery.

After tea walk, we went to the tea factory. For the guided tour around the factory we have to pay IDR 3000/person + IDR 20,000 for the guide. The guide showed us how to produce tea starting from the plantation, tea leaves, drying, crushing, sorting, fermentation, and up to the finished goods. We have to wear the clothing too! I look like a silly laborer, hehe..

After that we decided to go home. We found the traffic to go out of the area was horrible. The cars were not even moving! We thought we would rather wait there sipping tea than stuck in the car, so we parked our car back and headed to the nearby cafe.

Suddenly a glimpse of a beautiful creatures strike me. Oh my God, there were a ranch! I saw horses! If you remember, one of the things I want to do this year is horse riding (click here).

“What a perfect moment,” and I found myself skipping to where the horses were with joy. I ask the guy (we call him ujang) how much is it to go on a horse riding. He offered me 3 different prices:
- Half an hour ride to the nearby soccer field costs IDR 50,000.
- One hour ride to see the baby horses at the breeder stall costs IDR 100,000.
- and two hours ride to see Taman Safari from above costs IDR 200,000.

* 1 USD = 10,500 IDR

A bargaining skill was put to the test. Since it was for the three of us, we demanded a much cheaper price. We ask for IDR 50,000 for one hour ride. (For you who don't know, in Indonesia bargain starts on half price. Don't worry, the seller won't throw stuffs at you nor they won't speak rudely at you as it happens in some other country). After a “friendly fights”, we settled with IDR 60,000 per person ^^. Yee-haa, here we go...

I hopped on the tallest horses of the three. It was a she and her name was Dora; after Doraemon (uh-huh). The ujang told me that the horse already tamed and it was easy to ride it. Just pull the left strap to go left and right strap to go right. Pull both strap if you want to stop and kick a little if you want to go faster. He let me rode it by myself. He was right, it was not too hard to direct the horse.

We went through around the tea plantation again but on different track than before. After a while on a slow ride I wanted to go faster. I kicked the horse just a bit, but she won't go faster. What happen? Then the ujang told me to try different trick by saying “tsk tsk.. come Dora.. tsk tsk tsk” and then she go faster. It was fun, I enjoyed it. So I try to say the words again, “tsk tsk.. come Dora.. tsk tsk tsk”, and then she run! Waaaaa.. I never thought it was going to be that scary! It was hard to keep the balance and my butt pained!!! I stopped her right away. Lucky she obeyed me and slowed her pace. Pheww...

The ujang helped me to get off the horse. When Dad paid, he thank us for using the service with a big smile. I always love Sundanese people as they are so friendly. They always have the smile on their face and they greet each other a lot. Maybe because they live in the hills where there were no stress and traffic jam like in a big city like Jakarta. I also like the tone of their voice due to their dialect, it sort of like singing to my ear. Perhaps I should get Sundanese boyfriend, no? Kidding, hehehe...

Back to the story, after the horse riding the traffic was no longer jammed. We went to get lunch and ended our trip at Gunung Mas.

PS. I think I still got the sore on my butt after two days. It was worth it though, and I want to do it again =D

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

There is something about the rain

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass

It's about getting out there..

.. and dancing in the rain"



I remember when I was a kid my parents never allowed me to play outside when it rains. They always asked me to get into the house immediately as soon as the drizzle starts. I also remember I like to stand under the roof's edge and held my hands up to feel the drizzling water with my palm. And even that, I wasn't allowed. My parents really protected of me that they were afraid I will catch cold if I get wet. I hardly remember myself played under the rain ever when I was living with them.

As I grew up I remember clearly the day I last played in the rain. It was June 2007 in Gold Coast. Me and a bunch of friends chose the wrong date to go vacation on the beach. It rained on and off almost everyday over the 7 days holidays. When sun-bathing under a bright blue sky was no longer an option, we decided to play on the beach soaked over the rain. It was a total fun.

Last night the rain was pouring hard. Mom asked me to take my dog into the house to prevent her of getting wet. When I got out I found my dog was sitting elegantly with her head up, gazing into the rain. I called her. She shifted her head towards me. But instead of get into the house, she came to me and pulled my hand. I knew she wanted to play. And so I accepted the dog offer to play under the rain. We played chase and catch for a while until we both get wet.

The dog got quite noisy with her bark, perhaps too excited and happy. She always barks whenever we play. Sometimes her tiny little foot slips on the slippery floor of my porch. She was too cute.

... and then my mom came out and shouted at me to get inside and stop acting like a five years old.

I don't get why people view rain as a horrible thing. Do people forget that it is just water not ice nor any solid object that could break your head if it hits you?

Let me ask you this, when was the last time you played in the rain?

Monday, May 04, 2009

I'm feeling GREEN - story behind the new template

"Why don't you Green for me.
Green for my joy.
Green for my funny stories.
Green because your life is better than mine.
Or just Green me with envy"


Bored with my old-fashioned-o-so-standard template that I have used for the last 4 years, I decided to change the old looks into something more fun.

Too many variety available templates from the Magestic G. - the place where you can find almost everything. I found it hard to make decision.

1st option.
Pink is cute. But too cute for my content. Too cute for my taste.




2nd option.
Nice and simple. I posted it for an hour before I change my decision. Too simple makes it looks a little bit dull.



3rd option
-current templates-

I decided to use this Olive Green templates. CERIA* :)

Makes it looks yummy, fun, and youthfull. The image that I try to create.
What do you think?

*Ceria (Indonesian) means cheerful, joyful.

Images: Grin

Monday, April 27, 2009

Good things will come your way.. when you stop searching!


Remember one of the scene in Gossip Girl when Serena was wearing a fabulous gold Sequin dress? Or what SJP wore to the Unicef Ambassador N.Y.C. charity event?




I loved that dress from the moment I saw it. Sadly those kind of dress is quite expensive since it needs a careful handling and handmade!

Yesterday me and my mom went to the mall for some chit-chat lunch and to buy some groceries for dinner. After lunch my mom and I went in to department store because there were a big 50% off sign all over (Yes, this fulfilled the men saying "women cannot resist the temptation of a billboard sale"). I wasn't looking forward for shopping because this year I intended to save all my money to go traveling, but window shopping wouldn't hurt, right?

As I went walking aisle by aisle, I found that great sequin mini dress that I've been longing for for months! I checked the price, and to my surprise I found a great bargain for a designer dress!

Yes yes yes, it was a blue sequin mini dress with colour just almost exactly the same as SJP's (only a bit lighter) with model like below.




The price is down from IDR1,300,000 (USD 120) to only IDR 199,700 (USD 18).
85% discount baybehhh!!!

Smile is all over my silly face :)

Image: Serena's, SJP's, Sequin dress



Suddenly reminded by sequin dress by Thierry Mugler worn by Beyonce.

Ouch, Fashion disaster. eeekkk~

Image: Beyonce's disaster dress

Friday, April 17, 2009

Things I want to do before 25


"I decide to make this the most exciting and happiest year of my life"
(JulieHutton.com)


In May I will turn 24, therefore I need to make a list of things I want to do before I reach mid-twenties. I always think after 25 I should be more responsible in life especially about my job. Therefore this year I promised my self to have fun, go mad, and living life to the fullest ;)

Here are the list:
  1. Bungee Jumping
  2. Traveling abroad with friends (I plan to go to Korea with my girl-friends this year)
  3. Go to Bangka-Belitung's white sandy beach
  4. Go to Thailand's famous beach
  5. Join WWF/Unicef or any other social organisations
  6. Have beagle puppies (I need to find a stud for my queen beagle!)

PS. I always want to go to New York City and Dubai, but I think those things can wait ^_-

Image: Play-Laugh-Sing-Dance

Sunday, April 05, 2009

I miss you

I used to be able to see you every week.
I came to see you when-ever I felt lonely.
You were always there along with celebration and joy.
But...
Sometimes when I'm in bad mood I didn't even notice you.
I walk passed you like you weren't even there.
Now that I can't see you anymore I just realized how precious you are.
It's funny how I never appreciate you this much until you are gone.
I missed you every single day.

N
o matter where I go, I'll remember you.
Because I left a piece of my heart in yours.

I miss you my dearest city...



Melbourne, 2008 - Art Center
Places where concerts, opera, musical theater are held (up)
Street artist performance - Woman dolly doll (down)


Angel VS Demon on Louis

Angel: "You don't need another bag, Mel"

Demon: "Check out the new colour, new collection for spring!"

Angel: "It is too expensive. Remember you want to save for holiday?"

Demon: "You can use it with your new jeans. Totally a head spinner"

Angel: "C'mon, just go find something less expensive. You should save, Mel. You are not little girl anymore"

Demon: "You never had anything this fabulous before. Look at your old bags, they are either free from a gift or you have used it for.. how many years? forever! I think this one will never go out of style. Besides, you love the blue shiny colour. Eyes on you, babe! The girls will green with envy. The guys will stunned with your style and beauty. The money will be well spent. Trust me."

That is why,


Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma Blue is Mine!
^_^
So happy
sya la la la.. la la..

Source: LV Vernis

Monday, March 30, 2009

Love and Marriage in question

The story began with a boy and a girl met in highschool. The boy fell in love. The girl fell in love. They decided to have a relationship together. They went to college. They finished college. They worked. The relationship lasted for 7 years.


One day the boy decided to further his education abroad. They had long distance relationship. After less than a year they decided to break up.

The girl went to China to study language. She went to heal her broken heart. One year past. The boy finished her education and come back home. The girl finished her education and come back home. The girl contacted the boy to arrange a meeting. "An old friend catch-up", as they described. The girl gave the boy an invitation. The girl found someone else when she was in China. The girl is getting married.


What I see from this story is.. apparently, finding a soulmate is not a matter of love. It is a matter of timing.

You could be head over heels in love with a person for years when you are 20, but with no satisfactory job, no money, or if you haven't finish college (master degree, MBA, blah blah), marriage is not an option.

On the other hand, when you reach 30 and you've got everything, a very young relationship with a partner (say one year) could end up in marriage.

Is that mean that we just have to wait for the right moment;
not the right person?

Friday, March 27, 2009

Decision in question

How do you know whether you've made a right decision?


Life is all about making choices. Sometimes people complain about the choices they made.

Not often we heard people saying "why didn't I made the other decision instead of this, then I wouldn't have to bla bla bla...". But do people really know what will happen if they choose to do the other?

Like me. I got so confused when choosing where to live. Choices are whether to go back to Australia with no job or stay in Jakarta with a job at hand. I finally choose to stay in Jakarta.

Do I made the right choice? I don't know.

I oftenly complain and say "If only I'm in Melbourne right now..." But what if I really in Melbourne right now? what would I do? would I got a job yet? would I be happy? I don't know. I will never know.

So really, how to tell whether the decision we made is correct?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Dime A Dozen

I wonder why Indonesian people (Mostly who live in a big city like Jakarta) are so 'latah'.

I really can't find the right words in english. When I checked on the dictionary it says "a nervouse condition characterized by erratic involuntary imitative behavior, often pornographic or socially disapproved".

What I mean by 'latah' is that they are trying so hard to become trendy and up-to-date by following the new trend (which mostly from the US). Example:


1. Used to be Nokia now turn to Blackberry.
I was surprised when I went to java jazz festival a month ago. When people were trying to record videos of the performer, I think almost 65% of them are using BB! FYI, these mobiles are not cheap. They around USD500-600/item.

What made me surprised even more is the fact that the user are youngster (start from 15 y.o). What would they need a BB for? To chat on MSN? To check on Facebook? Such a waste of technology indeed.

2. Bread Top
This one comes originally from Singapore. A bread store which famous with 'roti abon' or meat-floss bread. I remember the first time it open in Kelapa Gading Mall, the lines are almost 5 meter in U shape! One aunty even brought her maid to help her carry the tray which I'm guessing are full with over 10 meat floss bread per tray in it. C'mon people.. it only a bread store...
PS. it still in demand till now but people are not in lines anymore to buy it. Mercy God for that.

3. J.Co
The idea of J.co is come from the famous doughnuts store from the US - Krispy Kreme. The different is that it less sweeter than KK, suit the taste of Asians. As they say, the line of queue reaches miles away (I was in Australia when the store first open, so I didn't witness it myself).

4. Sour Sally
Another one from US. A frozen yoghurt store firstly open in Jakarta in 2009. The crowd are willing to queue for at least half an hour to get a taste of it. The yogurt claim to be 100% fat free but if you see the toppings you will change your mind. It taste much sweeter than an original natural yoghurt. The topping range from fresh fruit, dried fruit, candies, and breakfast cereal. Still claiming it fat free?

5. Facebook / Twitter
I think this one is not only for Indonesian but all over the world. They all got a facebook-fever (even me). If you don't have one people will think of you as "gak gaul" or not trendy. Nowadays starting from junior high student to 40 y.o. mom/grandma have a fb account. Geez...

Melissa says:

The only thing I agree on is Facebook. Other than that are just stupid. Why would you queue for at least 30 minutes to get a snack? Why would supposedly is a PDA phone to help businessman become such a cheap-stuff-looking-because-everybody-have-it-mobiles?

Totally absurd!!!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Some girls are stupid

*Lagi nonton berita*

Cewek : "Gue baru tau loh kalo kayu bisa menghantar listrik"
Cowok : "Hah?"
Cewek : "Tuh kebakaran Aussie.."

Pelem Indonesia yang Semakin Melarat

"Kuntil Anak Beranak"

MUAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA


What's next?
Suster Ngesot Kepleset.. or... Setan Gendong Melarat???

Please deh aaaaachhh...

Image: patrick


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

St.Upid Day

The best thing about valentine is...
... that my boyfriend doesn't care about it.

Stupid flower...
Stupid chocolate, no thanks for the calories..
Stupid teddy bear...
Stupid pink colour, way too cheesy..

Such a waste of time
Such a waste of money
What a manipulative day of love

It's good for business tho, what a consumer orientated day ;)

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Tongue Slip

Pada suatu waktu ada percakapan sbb:

*Lagi ngomongin kerjaan yang berkaitan dengan mechanical design*
Me : "Temperaturenya berapa Pak?"
Boss : "Pake temperature ambeyen aja."
Me : "Hah?"
Boss : "Iya ambeyen.."
Me : "Maksudnya ambient?"
Boss : "IYA, AMBEYEN! 25 derajat!!!"
Me : *hmpfhhhhh sambil nyubitin tangan sendiri biar gak ketawa*


*Lagi ngomongin game*
Him : "... Iya, jadi makhluk2 orgasm pada mau dimusnahkan dari dunia itu.."
Me : "Emang kenapa?" *polos*
Him : " yaa jadi ada robot mau menghancurkan dunia, jadi semua mahkluk orgasm dibunuh2in"
Me : "...."
Him : "terus orgasm itu.. blablabla...." *masih asik ngejelasin gamenya*
Me : *setelah beberapa menit* "Ya OLooooHHhhhHhhh... maksudnya ORGANISM kaleee??!! Hahahahahaha"
Him : "Emang td gw ngomong apa?!!"
Me : *LOL*

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

"Niu" Year Superstition

Does any of you believe in superstition? well, my family surely do.

January 26, 2009 is the Chinese New Year which also is the start of the year of the ox - the "niu" year. I was also born in the year of the ox 25 years ago. My auntie said if the new year is the same as the year of your born sign, that year you will have a bad luck ("chiong"). So to avoid bad things that will happen, people with the ox sign this year should release fishes in to a river. The amount of fishes that should be release should be the same as your age. So if this year I turn 25, I have to release 25 fishes in to the river.

(Note : Chinese age start when we were conceived. So regarding to chinese years we are one year older.

In Indonesia we use "ikan pletis" as the type of the fish that is released. It is quite cheap, only IDR 10,000 for 25 fishes.)

Apparently it's not only the amount of fishes that matter. The timing of the release is also important. It has to be release at before 5 am or between 7 to 9 am.

Do not ask me where did they know all of these because I don't know it either. And I won't be bother to ask them because I am sure they don't understand it too -_- I am sure they will say it is a tradition that has been inherited from ancient chinese. Definitely not satisfying at all.

So today, at 4.30 in the early morning where even the cocks are still soundly asleep, I went out with my 25 little happy fishes. I drove my car to the nearby river. *Ouch it was raining!* I parked near the brige and walk to the top of the bridge. There was no other way to release the fishes because the river banks are filled with bushes, so I have to throw them from the top. I hope they are OK. Anyway fishes don't have heart, do they? so they will not feel the pain of the bungy jump?

We Chinese are very superstitious. We believe in yin and yang. We believe in animal and symbols. We believe in fengshui. Whether its right or not, surely they are scientifically incorrect. So, for those of you who were born in the year of ox and didn't go to release fishes this morning, do not be worry. Chances are that it might be just a superstition anyway.

Happy Chinese 'Niu' Year, Everyone! :)

 
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