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

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?

Image: in the rain

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

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

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. Learn scuba diving
2. Bungee Jumping
3. Rafting
4. Horse Riding
5. Traveling abroad with friends (I plan to go to Korea with my girl-friends this year)
6. Go to Bangka-Belitung's white sandy beach
7. Go to Thailand's famous beach
8. Join WWF/Unicef or any other social organisations
9. 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

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.
No 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

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?

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?

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!!!

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

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 ;)

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*

"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! :)

A poem

O My Gosh I love this poem written by Aly El Sahly, an African kid.
It was nominated for the best 2005 poem.

When I born, I Black,
When I grow up, I Black,
When I go in Sun, I Black,
When I scared, I Black,
When I sick, I Black,
And when I die, I still black..
And you White fella,
When you born, you Pink,
When you grow up, you White,
When you go in Sun, you Red,
When you cold, you Blue,
When you scared, you Yellow,
When you sick, you Green,
And when you die, you Gray..
And you calling me Colored ??

Answer me this

How big is the Universe?

How many data can we store in the internet?

Will I still be able to access my blog 50 years from now?

Does God really exist? if so, why do people have so many different beliefs?

Do you think McDonald's will ever go broke?

Why so many people believe in horoscope?

What crossed the mind of the former Indonesia president Soeharto 5 minutes before he died?

How to make Paris Hilton a little bit wiser... eer... or smarter?

Why Oprah never want to get married? is being successful enough?

Could somebody help me answer me these?

I missed the old Disney movie

I just finished watching Horton Hears a Who. I noticed before I watch the movie that the voice for Jojo character would be done by Jesse McCartney. I knew Jesse is a singer and that is why I expect he sings in the movie. Sadly, Jojo only had given several lines for the whole movie. And the worst part is that there is only one song, ONE SONG, for the entire movie, which is the end song.

I always expected a lot of songs when I watch cartoon animation. Remember the old times Disney movies such as Aladdin, Snow white, Cinderella, and all the other fairytales with their princesses? They all have songs! I guess the producer has lost the sense of musical theme in their movies.

I also missed the princesses and their knight in shiny armor.
Why isn’t anyone make that kind of movie anymore?
Has they all realized that fairy tales is overrated?
And building a dream for little children that someday, somehow, a prince will come is not going to come true?

No matter how impossible for that to come true, don’t we still like to dream?
A dream that maybe someday, somehow, will give us eternal happiness.

Maybe your image of prince charming isn’t always a handsome prince with a white horse.
Maybe your prince charming is a house with view of an ocean.
Or maybe it is to be a CEO in some huge-multibillion company.

No matter how impossible it might sound right now, I believe that we, as human, have never given a wish without the power to make it come true.
Just believe in yourself and your inner strength.
You have the power to be whatever you want to be.

Maybe the road is rough at the moment, buy I believe, like Cinderella, I will someday meet someone who will help me realize my dream.

My own prince charming.

The Moment of Truth

How far would people go for money?

Surely money is important, but if you have to sacrifice your marriage or relationships with your loved ones, would you do it anyway?

I watched this TV game show yesterday. It is called THE MOMENT OF TRUTH.

The contestant will be asked to answer 50 questions about their personal life prior to the actual show and is hooked up to a polygraph. It will be only a “yes” or “no” questions. In the actual show, only 21 questions will be asked. If the answer is correct, they will move on to the next question. As the level gets higher, the questions will be more and more personal and will mostly give affects to their loved ones. The highest level (level 6) will gives a prize amount of $500,000.

I watched the first episodes last week. Some of the questions are:

Do you think you are a better parent to your children than your own mother?
Do you have any secrets that if your husband knows might end up your marriage?
Have you ever feel ashamed telling people that you are a Jew?

And some of the questions from the other episodes are:

Have you ever had sexual relations with a man more than twice your age?
Since you’ve been married, have you ever accepted a romantic gift from any other man?

Surely most of the questions will be answered “yes” for the sake of television drama. But if it is true, will you put your husband/wife/parents on the line for the sake of money?

I wonder, if I was to be on the show, what questions will I get? Surely have to be something dark, that if my boyfriend / bestfriend / parents know will break their heart. He..he… I don’t think the producer will put me on the show. My life is so plain boring and open. Even though I have a secret or two, it will not be as interesting as “Have you ever received money after you had a sexual encounter with others?”

Free TV and Movies online

Dear Indonesian who live abroad, here some good news for you.
Now you can watch the local TV for FREE! Yes, it's true. All you need is a computer with a fast internet access. The available channels are: RCTI, SCTV, TRANS7, METROTV, TRANSTV, INDOSIAR, and JAKTV. Some channels are not available since it needs people donations. Come and watch it here: Imediabiz.tv

One more website that offers New Hollywood Movies for FREE is here Livenewmovies

Entertainment Must be FREE!!!