[ pack n go ]

2008-10-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, the whole big family managed to go for fun! Aduh.. sumpah! pelajaran yang sangat berharga bagi kami untuk bawa grup yang cukup gede liburan! Kompilasi manula dan balita. Well, akhirnya kami bisa juga liburan sama, impian yang udah lama terpatri dalam otak dan hati kami, akhirnya.. Walau capek, nahan emosi :), tapi.. asooy geboy.. !!

Perjalanan mungkin meletihkan, tapi senang rasanya mereka bisa melihat sedikit perbedaan (nnggg.. mungkin banyak perbedaan) antara dataran Sumatra dengan dataran melayu di negara tetangga. Papa akhirnya ngomong.. "Lah, kenapa dengan kita? Kok buat jalan aja gak bisa ya? Parah..." sambil geleng-geleng kepala.. aku dan Ummi tersenyum simpul.. akhirnya tau juga kenapa kami selalu marah dengan negri ini. Sebenarnya bukan niat mo marah, cuma kecewa dengan apa yang seHARUSnya bisa kita raih, tapi kita lalaikan begitu saja...

Penang membuka begitu banyak kenangan bagi Ummi. Aku dan Putra kadang terdiam dalam langkah kami. Mikir.. seandainya semua bisa ikut.. seperti yang dulu direncanakan.. tapi ya rejeki tiap orang beda-beda.. sepanjang kita mau ambil hikmahnya..

Bagiku.. kehadiran semua yang ada saat itu cukup membawa nikmat!

2008-07-01T01:39:00.000-07:00

Weekend at Karo Higland

Weekend is too good to be spoiled to think about work place at all time or annoying issues you face in your daily life. Thus we decided this weekend to go to Brastagi and simply just chillin' out(yeah, yeah.. while Abach is also having his meetings there). We almost forgot how nice the weather is up there among the flowers, fogs, mountains, and the organic farms at the foot of Sibayak.... and how much of valuable time we miss everyday with the girls.

2008-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another annoying view for my sights seeing the potential in Padang city. I finally traced the historic area in Padang, at least the small bit of it. Definitely untouched and just left neglected. That afternoon I had a chance to walk along the road and area of Batang Arau river, sad to see the old shop houses were simply filled by cement, cement, and cement! If only we can see and ralize more of these rich potentials. It's all right there! The hills, the kampung, the river, fishermen boats, old shop houses! A potential that a country like Singapore, even Malaysia (gosh, imagine other advance countires) would just dig and develop.

And here I am.. sitting on a stone by the sidewalk, calming myslef from getting angry to whom I dont know to blame. Government? yes. Communities? yes. Architects? yes. But again, what to do?

Well, by posting all the pictures, hopefully one will actually do something, I hope.

Padang, a place behind isolated by Barisan Hills. If those policy makers can only see...

... and ACT!

2008-03-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ozomatli and Slank in Palembang!

Yep, who would actually knew that I will take part in organizing our mega concert in Palembang. Collaborating a Californian Band and The number one rock band from Indonesia, Slank! The night I saw 50.000+ audience gathered in Benteng Kuto Besak, where we held that free concert, made all my preliminary frustration just evaporated! :) Now I know whatit takes to organize big events.... (and sshhh......how much money one can make when become an EO!)

"Cinta itu putih, itu suci... " Maaan... never I thought organizing artists will be major challange! From simply providing simple drinks, to doing presentation in front of the sponsor to get support! Frustration, excitement, anger, blast in happiness, back to frustration, sick! well, that were sort of my feelings organizing this event. I learned a lot! of why people want to support, why people want to be supported by a band, how many of those just want the names - and refuse the work! (eh, that standard right?I face that everyday with a lot of people!) but, yeah.. it's a lesson and experience I will not trade for anything. Not only the fact that I enjoy the band, but also another dictionary to my hobby in learning people's behaviour!

For sure I know though, if no cool band available, then you have to have prestige name behind you. Then, support will flow!

The humble members of Ozomatli just dear to the heart! Silly, friendly, and definitely funk!

We did in Kampung Kapitan for the fishermen communities, then for the orphans and the 'big Mama' at BKB!

Can't wait to do it again. But no more of the song "Ku Tak Bisa Jauh" please..!!!! heard waaay too much of it. :0)

More bands? Okay! We'll take'em!

2008-02-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the name is Kampung Kapitan. I broke my heel on the boat! My favorite orange shoe! - I can say it is worthed to again have a chance to see it. Rather than hanging out with associates. I thanked 1000 times to be with people who admire the beauty of this Kampung!

Kids running around, old buildings, Colonial mixed with transformed Malay houses, and the atmosphere of dwellers along Musi River.

Perfect time! Perfect get away! Wish can take more photos though!

2007-09-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Sarah and

Sarah...and peace!

'Sarah Anna', again the name that immediately strike into my head as I got the info for the training in Washington DC. The training, splendid! would be valuable, the reunion! That is also not less important. Soon after arriving in DC, immediately my head was filled with thousands of little plans. Call Sarah, set meeting with Sarah, tell Sarah hotel info, call Hoa and Nga, plan a day with Hoa and Nga, or even more.

The day at FSI was as always, busy as students and just love seating there in their yard watching the geese walking here and there. Late summer breeze was blowing into my face and there I was, talking with FSN from Palestine and Netherland, from Afghanistan and Israel.... , Tokyo and Seoul.. it is amazing, here we are working for the same institution and we can keep the peace there. If only the world can be transfered with the peace in our little FSI community.

Then there she was, Sarah! We were just too happy and thrilled but the reunion was not all that dramatic since we had to follow another car to go to Hoa and Nga's. Anyway, DC is DC.. but what was fun was the walk like the old days. And also was fun to again enjoyed the cusine of House of Hoa (Hoa..I want more recipe!..nope.. fix that.. I want more spring rolls!) hee hee

Returning to Stonington was pretty calm. Simply went to Four Starr Frame Shop, attended a cocktail party at Howard, bake some ginger bread cooklies (Sarah did that really), stamping 200 postcard.

The trip was ended by solitair trip to San Fransisco. I love the city! Reminds me of what Dad always said: Go to Golden Gate! Awesome! and it was...

2007-08-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Another Exploration with You

Another Exploration was in 2006 and 2007 when Putra was just about to depart for USM. We thought, hmm.. this is about time we should just explore some part of the neighboring country, Malaysia and Singapore. It will be just like college again, more just like college since we will not bring Dasha and Aqila along. Thanks to Air Asia, we managed a pretty cheap trip across the Melacca Strait. Then another exploration was with the girls, making sure they can adapt to our travelling style.

Looking back to 2006, as we arrive at Kuala Lumpur, it was just totally 'go with the flow' we did not have any hotel reservation - simply took the shuttle from the LCCT to Pudu Raya Station. Cool! We arrive at nigth and starved with hot meal. Luckily food was no problemo in Kuala Lumpur, even with the strong spices we can handle (we thought) as we dived into the cuisine of Nasi Mamak. Ayam Chappati, briyani rice, teh tarek - we were all set. I was totally fit, even though the rain was soking my outfit, but I was fine - we were just like happy kids with the rain.

Scrolling the isles of Bukit Bintang area, we finally found what became out favorite guest house - Eight Hotel (Hotel Delapan) - the coziest guest house for us. Located on Tengkat Tong Shin Road, in front of it are lines of restaurants. The management often put out tea light candle on its porch at night, just easy atmosphere to chat.

Kuala Lumpur was great, we explored Genting Higland as well, to prepare to take the girls there, which we did later on by August 2007. Even though many have said Genting is tacky, but to me, I think it is fine! Hey, where else can Medanese take their kids to experience rides, correct? Certainly not to Jakarta I say, too far!

In 2006 we tried the bus to go to Singapore. In 2007 we took the train from KL Sentral - which is much more convinient. Teh train took 10 hours, which allowed us to sleep in. Arriving in the morning for immigration check then proceed to hotel.

Our option in 2006 was in Little India. 2007 was changed to Bugis Junction area, much closer to lots of food and hang out to see the city. Definitely a place to go to.

We tried below:

Penang:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to Sungai Penuh Station around RM 30

If arrive from KL: at Sungai Penuh Station, taxi to Cititel is RM 30

Where to eat: Sup Kambing nearby Cititel

Place to stay: Cititel (with voucher booked from Medan you can get better rate)

Where to go: too much! Rumah Nyonya, George town, Bukit Bendera, Komtar, Feringhi, Tj. Bunga

Kuala Lumpur:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to LCCT to Pudu Raya Station (there is a new shuttle that hit directly to Bukit Bintang) around RM 8-9, every hour

Where to eat: too much, just explore!

Place to stay: well, we have experience staying at Hotel Delapan (we love), Allston Genesis (so-so)

Commuter: Monorail is located nearby, just walking distance.

Where to go: China town, Shops at Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Batu Cave, Petronas Tower, and many more...hey, easy! just browse through the internet :)

Advise: don't worry if you arrive late in Bukit Bintang, it is packed almost all night long 24/7!

Singapore

If arrive by train: then take the closest MRT from the train station (will update you on the name later) and go to wherever your hotel is located

Where to stay: we are cheap, as long as hotel has nice bed and bedroom we are fine. Damn! Singapore can be so expensive. So we stayed at Fragrance in 2006 and Seven Storey in 2007

Where to eat: Now this you have to be careful. As Moslem, we chosed Halal restaurant. There are a lot though in Bugis Junction. They even have Ayam Penyet. In fact, my first time to try Ayam Penyet is in Singapore. Crazy heh?

Where to go: get some nice shower, take a walk on pedestrian, which you can not do in Medan - We went to the Marina, then to Merlion, then to China town, back to Little India. Not to forget Science Center (is definite for the kids), Sentosa Island, temples.. gosh! Just too much, we have not even get them all done. We will though - why not!

Commuter: MRTs are available -and cheap - strongly recommended

Advise: Get worry if you arrive late in Singapore, even though it is very safe to wonder the city at night, but hey, not too many place I know are open at night, except bars.

2007-04-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

After a long while it is about time to return to Samosir island - do you know that this island is a super volcano that went off about 70.000 years ago. The volcano among the 5 (or 6?) in the world - and on the spot there the great grand daughter of King Sisingamangaraja is still running the Toledo Hotel.

Arriving at Parapat, then took the speed boat I could feel the breeze in my face and see the fog on the top of the mountains. the water that splashed on to my face feel sooo nice.

Right after lunch immediately we rushed to Pusu Buhit, where we can see the view of Toba lake from top then drove back through the country road passing Ambarita and Tomok.

Visit to a small village of the Ulos maker is something.. the rainbow colors of a more modern design seen from one corner to the other. Meanwhile more earthy color are made for the original design.

What a trip... should return again and stay longer :o)

and below are some shots from the inside of the Batak house....

2007-04-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

It was all started by the meeting at Star Buck at Sun Plaza that somehow led us the conversation that we need overseas outting - in order to broadened our knowledge (as for me agian and again.... hee hee) and shopping skills.. (yep, we all agree on that!, especially for Ai! GO AI!!!)

From buckies we rushed to immigration office and tried to get the passport to be done as soon as the next day.. all the efforts and smiles, flirts and even begs,... just to get them done.. ha ha... and the next 4 days no one can work 'normally' anymore' everyday, which somehow were filled with outside intruders... were used to order tickets, hotels... change money and last minute shopping for soaps, flip flop and light towel. It was a fun week.....

Air Asia memang top! dan tinggal di Medan memang bo'i bagi yang mau ke daratan tetangga... it's like... Melayuuu buanget gitchuu lho! .. the bird is there waiting.. and the heart was pounding.. (we wont mention why.. ) but it was Kun-T who was dealing with us on the departure.

As usual... it's like claiming the territory - we all had to make a 'quiet transit' at LCCT airport and then took a long drive by cheap 9RM shuttle in town

Here are some of the great pictures (after I had this battle in my head, I finally able to decide which pictures to be posted... hard man!)Introducing KL to Adek and Ai was fun... of course the first and second day were all filled with complain of our own place home.. why can't we at least be neat - funny! same color, same language, same root... and only a strait away.. it's only an inch in the map for God sake! but why are we so different - well... hopefully by the time we are going back we can take this to be told to others - and to take actions in our surroundings

Before taking the train to KL, we had quiet a fight with the evil taxi driver (tips: never agree to pay extra ringgit for each bag, be sure to have a guy with strong deep voice like Kun-T when he is angry, be sure to have 3 girls like us to scream all over the taxi driver... and... take of the lisence plate if the taxi is about to zoom off - but again, be sure you see the taxi card up front at the dashboard) otherwise, you would be screwed like we did.

Singapore was wet..

but we manage to shop.. shop til our pants drop.. buoooy.. talk about walking... it was nice - and indeed.. we need lots of H2O.. but the lunch and all the meals were great.. thanks to another dude Kun-S hee hee.... well.. we let them to show their respect to girls.. ha ha.. no.. really.. we were 'TOKEK' (TOurist KEre tapi Keren...hee hee)

The cable car to Sentosa island was a great ride - we got to see the port and other ships from top - then by the end of the day was entertained by the laser show at the big fountain (what do you call that again) - then the next day was spent all around Singapore until we heard that Kun-S had to return.. hmmm.. just the three of us to spend one more day in Singapore before returning back to KL..

The whole trip can become a comic to be told in details... but for sure this is the beginning of many more journeys hopefully... and to understand that..................... some people just LOVE to BUY SHOES... ha ha ha......( sike )

2007-03-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

Palembang.. hmm.. entering the city of Ancient Kingdom of Sriwijaya through the great river of Musi... too bad, they should do something on the Nelayan Kampongs along the river..
But here is some shots in Palembang..
Awesome city!

2007-03-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

After the first election in Pangkal Pinang, we actually had a chance to go to the first city found in Bangka - the city of Mentok. As always, I am always facinated with the society and urban activities (if we can call this palce urban). City of Mentok, was known as the plac eto export white pepper - even though now it is ancient history since the value had gone down and they have decreased the productivity by a significant number (and do you know that Kentucky Fried Chicken used to have contract tiuse Mentok pepper just abotu a year ago? but now they have to take from other sources, since Mentok can no longer provide enough stock) -
let's all hope it will come back again.

The old port in Mentok, as usual, fisherman boats and little warung - definitely Asian.. the china town, the mansion on Tjong A Fok, the temple that is located next to the mosque... there has always been harmony, at least that what is explained by the local..

But what happen now? all that simplicity of friendship among different believes and culture will be put aside, only over money, power and status... what a sad thing to think about.

If only we all realize that at the end, nothing that we need to achieve, aside then we always hope we do something good for the society and family, for the future of our children...

Here goes Mentok! (in mentok, both of these buildings are located side by side, even with connectting door!!!! great, huh?)

2007-02-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

From distance I could see the green islands of the Bangka Belitung Province.. as the plane was lowering, reaching to the local airport, the green began to be decorated by the colorful ponds... ponds of the illegal mining sites, leaving a major destruction to the environment...hhhh...

The city of Pangkal Pinang reminds me of a small town where everyone knows everyone elese. It has just enough facilities to let the local dwellers to have bit fun in between their routines as retailers. However, still you can see the airlines from/ to Jakarta is fully booked at all time.

Bangka, as a mixed place of Malay, Tionghoa and Palembang, performed a unique culture. The languange of "Peranakan" is heard all over town, mixed with Indonesian and Mandarin. This could be the only place in Sumatra where you can see Mandarin.

I witness a great mix and relations among the Tionghoa and Malay. As most of them mentioned that "I am part of them, they are part of me - there is always Tionghoa blood in the Malays, and Malay blood in Tionghoas"

But again, all this beauty and natural resouces will not be seen when not digged up and promote well.. the natural beauty will definitely die when we, the local, who lives in Indonesia, and those out there, do not make any action to save it from the environemntal destrcution.

Bangka Belitung is such a rich province. It is standing in the world tin belt for God sake! Do something to make change. Think of the future of our children.

2007-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

Going to Meulaboh.. by small airplane..MAF airline,

see the lining of the coconut tree - I thought to myself.. my what a potential.. but then again.. nobody really cared.. or is it just the slow changes that we can do?

2006-09-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is most likely our faces as we get back to our real life in small cubicles in the office.. ha ..ha... (We don't wanna!!!!...we're not ready!!!... ... AARRGHGHH!!!!)

2006-09-24T20:00:00.001-07:00

Back gRouNd (terjemahan ala Rachma... back=belakang ; ground=tanah... tanah belakang.. wah berarti back ground artinya halaman belakang rumah!!! ngawur rek!...)

Finally the two girls, Esti and Rachma decided to meet – kopi darat akhirnya, nengs! – to finalize their meetings all this time through emails. Imagine the two had never met before! They are both working in the same foreign diplomatic mission but different posts – but surely both have crazy ideas about traveling and they made it and I will tell you all about it in this “Sandal Jepit” travel story.

It was all started by daring their buddy “Cigil” who happened not be posted in Phnom Penh – so why not! They picked up their flip flop (so called Sandal Jepit) and getting ready to hang there – lay easy and cool (no HOT!) to enjoy the mysterious Cambodia, the land of the ancient Siamese kingdoms and temples (so called “wat” in Thai and Khmer, but “candi” in Indonesian)

This is of course Rachma’s side of the story (Hey, Yo! Esti, you promise to add on the other link.. work on it, girl!)

2006-09-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Day 1, Friday, Sept 8, 2006 – Phnom Penh! We’re here…
Rushing and cleaning the house before departing Medan – dealing with two little girls, … THEY ARE ANGELS!!! A house and a husband is never a fast task.. One has to deal with tons of little details before departing for fun… (gosh, I did feel a it guilty leaving them all behind – but this travel is perhaps once in a life time)

Putra, dropped me at the Polonia airport. Quick kiss on his cheek and promises to sms all the time. The kids were just confused. “Amie! Are you going to Malaysia” little Dasha shouted. “No, this is my trip to Cambodia. Behave okay sweety, if you behave and do well in school you’re coming with me next time” I paid the IDR 75,000 International gate tax at Polonia, checked in at the (the best! Airfare was Asia Air.. this is not promotion but the truth!)

In Kuala Lumpur, as I arrived and boredom strike. I put on make up that I never had the chance to put on that morning. Suddenly a shout, from what I found out from a crazy enough girl who is dared enough to travel with me, without even knowing it is going to work out or not. Crazy? Maybe. Spontaneous people? Definitely.

Suddenly a girl in a head scarf shouted in the hall of LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal), “ Rachma, RACHMA!) She ran in excitement to me, with her hmmmm...-pretty big back pack I shall say-and we hugged as we have known each other for years. With big smiles on our faces we went to find a Musholla for praying. Travel is a must, but Allah comes first. From there to a Malay Restaurant in the airport that cost them RM8 per person for a plate of Nasi Lemak and Hot Tea – total up to RM 16.

Talk, talk, talk endlessly until the flight to Phnom Penh was ready to board. More talk on the 2 hours flight. Until they landed in the airport in Phnom Penh. First impression I see in Cambodia is the airport is way nice compared to Polonia. Clean, in order, but only the immigration was asking, confusingly?, NaaaHHH.. for USD 1 for picture since we did not have any for us…. Another immigration guy was asking for USD 2. Anyway, I paid a dollar plus the USD 20 for tourist visa. We passed the immigration point. I smiled to the camera in my best of the best smile. Why not!!, Esti posed in Korean girls’ pose (meaning with two fingers doing the peace sign), we were being nice and friendly to the immigration guy.

As we walked out from the terminal looking for Cigil who promise will pick us up at the airport. Man.. it was hard to notice him among the other Cambodian people. This Cigil is like shadows… so mysterious… NOT! And… there he is! We all hugged and laughed as always. We talked about Indonesia, the work, teasing Cigil as always,… or perhaps as Cigil says is threatening him… but that is our routine! Cigil is a cool man! (Nope, I take that back Cigil, Esti and I are waaaaay cooler!)

Entering the outskirt of Phnom Penh I recall my boss’ explanation (and thanks boss! For convincing me to go to Siem Reap!) that this is definitely like Medan in the 70’s. Activities were seen slow and easy. Everyone was just laid back enjoying the day. Cars moved slowly, and I could see bicycle here and there. But what I love the most is the nice sweet Siamese faces – sort of reminded me of my time of staying in Thai long, long, long ago.

Mr. Pheng, our drover, finally got us to the Imperial Garden. Finally! It was the precise time to straighten my legs. Settled in and chatted again until it suddenly got dark outside. We never realize the night has arrived! We zoomed out to Okay Restaurant just across the stret. The food was good. We had (and managed to strongly force them to make Halal food.. No pork! No pork pleeease….No pork!) beef with oyster sauce, chicken with green pepper, and chicken fried noodle. We shared the dishes and of course, yeah, completed with steamed rice. But the best of the best is the HOT TEA! I was so glad the Cambodian people are really good in making just the right tea, with perfect sweetness and temperature. That hot teas was definitely my energy source. Esti was also a tea person, meanwhile Cigil who is by race should be a tea person but he preferred Coke!!! (What’s wrong with ya Cigil??? Tea is your root!!)

The night was nice for a walk, so we did. I was happy. It was a good long walk under the clear sky and stars. We walked along the Ton le Sap river, passing the front side of the palace. After buying some rambutans, we walked some more to get back to the hotel.

The night became very late, but Esti and I had so many things that we want to share – just about life, about us, about work, about principals, families. We talked up to 2 am until we got so tired and decided to get our full rest for the next day.

2006-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Day 2, Saturday, Sept 9, 2006 – Serious sun burn from Ton Le Sap Lake!
Wake up .. wake up…it’s 5 o’clock! Man, my body was all too tired and really want to be just in bed! But, no, I told myself to get up and get ready. The boat to catch is going to leave at 6 am. Besides we had to make the most of that 5 DAYS ONLY TRIP. Brushing our teeth and getting the comfiest dress and rushed to the port (or what Cambodian called “kampong”)

Mr Pheng (god morning Mr. Pheng! He is sooo NICE and perhaps a bit terrified with our LOUD voice) was already prepared to take us. As we got to the port, we paid USD 25 for the boat tickets and got into the dock that had a very strong kerosene odor. We decided to sit outside, lay lazy and enjoy the sun – let us burn baby!, HAH! (No, at the end we regretted that idea a bit since we had bad burns)

The five hour ride by boat to Siem Reap with our stomachs rumbles playing the salsa every other minute. The trip was again filled with chat. The foreigners (not us… the others) were bugged by our giggles and laughs and non-stop medley chat like chirping birds. Gossip, gossip, gossip (yeah, ngobrol tanpa gossip bagaikan agar agar tanpa garam, masak sayur tanpa panci....nah lo.. gak bakal seru! So go gossip!) it was a constructive gossip!

Through the biggest lake in South East Asia (katanya..) called the Ton Le Sap lake, we enjoyed the sights along the lake sides. First it was local fisherman, just like in Belawan, then nothing else, just fresh water, but as we entered Siem Reap, we were just touched by the poor lives of the fishermen. Even the marine police station or post was so sad.

Khmer? Khmer? (read: khmey, khmey) Thai Thai? Most of the tuk tuk drivers and taxi drivers were asking what we wanted to ride (foreign lady.. you have to choose, or we wil follow you and ask you all de tttiiimmeee!!!)( Whaaaa??)

Khmer was for Esti, with her ‘cat eyes’ and yellowish – not yet burned – skin..and Thai was for me (I really don’t think I look Thai though). We spotted Sareung, our hotel guy and we immediately hop onto the tuk tuk leading to the hotel. No need to pay the port-hotel transport fee, it was included just like a limo pick up in a five star hotel. It was a good drive!

Entering Siem Reap was another experience. I like this place much better. It was began with fisherman village (to tell you the truth I can really smell the fish, reminded me of Asterix comic book, the fish seller hee hee). The architecture was very much like Malay houses in Tanjung Pura area down to Pangkalan Susu. Raised by columns, similar roof type and carved hand rails. Similar window forms.. well, just like every other traditional Asian houses in coastal areas. The town itself is pretty small. Pshar Cas was the local mrket with many goods, but Siem Reap was all about the great Angkor!

We checked in the hotel and met with Suti and Sareung. Suti spoke Thai a bit, just like me! So I could easily tried my Thai and asked situations around. Sareung was our tuk tuk driver. He is a nice guy! These 3 pairs of eyes, plus 2 more belong to 2 Cambodian girls were just staring at us!!! We, as Indonesian, were seemed to be not common to their eyes. No Indonesian in Siem Reap? They claimed that only Americans, Europeans, Japanese and Korean would have trip to Siem Reap, not Indonesian. But then this had made them to like us more and gave us better trip trick in Siem Reap, to do it cheap and fast and cover the most of important spots.

I bluntly said,” Hey, you and I are Asian,.. let’s help us out here.. we don’t have much money! No money!.. can you tell us what to do that does not need money here??? Hee hee” and it’s that smiles we gave to them that made them surrender! Ah hah! Got ya!.. Cool!

2006-09-24T19:56:00.001-07:00

Here are the tips if you only have 1 day in Siem Reap:
1/2 a day on day 1: Sept 9, 2006 evening

-- You check in the hotel, have lunch which is about 5 USD, then hop on the tuk tuk to get to the War Museum. Spend 3USD for the entrance. You take lots of pictures... you get sad. Then get it over with because you are about to see a sadder scene later on.

-- Hop on the tuk tuk again and go to the Killing Field. This is a MUST trip since Cambodia is part of the world history. You gotta see the evidence of Pol Pot's brutality. And imagine! This just happened in the 75's !!! I was already a year old that time running around and having a great time in Medan - meanwhile they are suffering from the revolution. No fee here but be sure if you get a tour guide that you give him tip.

-- Finish the Killing field, you go to Pschar Cas, DON"T BUY things there! Way too expensive.. if let say you are going down to Phnom Penh like we did, buy souvenirs in Phnom Penh. If not, then .... spend your cash in Siem Reap then.

-- From there you go the Park, where all the Wats (or temples.. or Candi - buat orang Indonesia) are. Be patient to wait until 5 pm to buy the tickets for the next day. If you buy at this hour, you are then allowed to see the sunset from the ... "Hill" (believe me! this is the name they told me, but there is a great Wat there too. I am so sure the old Khmer people did not name it the Hill)

-- You got your ticket, it is 20USD per day. If you want to go for 3 days (which is also great because then you have a lot of time to explore every single Wats there) will be 40 USD- then with your tuk tuk go to the hill

-- To climb the hill, you have 2 options, by foot, nice climbing, strongly recommended (as Rachma walked up the hill, some Khmer musicians were playing traditional music... it was Sooooooo nice!) OR, you can take the elephant ride for 15USD per person

As you get to the top, you will be speechless to see the view. You will wish to be with your soul mate! Definitely prepare camera and from my experience, you can feel the warmth all the way into your heart...

But yeah, Esti and I were more in our silly mood. Hee hee..

-- As you finish that, you can go to see a free concert. A Swedish doctor who play the Cello, try to raise fund for Cambodian children. Collaborating closely with the hospital (bring sweater, the nice auditorium was freezing cold!) . The location is at this (I think) Art Hall called... I will find out later for you, I forgot..

-- From there, go straight to Pscar Cas again for dinner. Any restaurant cost about the same. I tried the Angkor Famous Retsaurant - great Spring roll, Ginger chicken, and Mushroom. Definitely the HOT TEA as always. One dinner like what they had cost about 5.30 USD - good deal, eh? But there is a resaturant next to the one we had that also had the Cambodian traditional dance show. No Fee - you only have to eat there.

From Pshar Cas you can go back to the hotel and chat up to 2 am... like Esti and me! HA ha... but be sure you can get up at 4 am to get ready to see the sunrise.

Tuk tuk fee for the first day was 8 USD

1/2 a day on day 1:Sept 10, 2006 morning

-- Wake up early in the morning, also wake the tuk tuk driver if let say he's still sleeping. Get your buss ticket from the hotel guy, 5 USD each, then just checked out from the hotel.

As you get to Angkor Wat, find a good spot to see the sunrise. It is totally a different experience compared to the sunset at the Hill. Once the sun is all out, explore Angkor Wat. It is humaguous! Take lots of pictures! You'll be sorry if you dont. We met some Cambodian kids who decided to take pictures with each of us. Then we explore the inside of the Angkore Wat, climbing to the top and were just amazed by the architecture.

-- You finish Angkor Wat, you can go to Bayon Wat (or we call it the faces). This Wat is cool! Definitely! Cigil told me that the faces are supposedly taken from the face of the king at that time - who knows! - we did not have any tour guide with us, and Cigil is no historian guy! ... Anyway, when I was there we took pioctures with two little monks - it was nice, we gave them little "uang jajan" and Rachma gave him her email address since he was asking to correspondence. (Funny, it was like Mars communication, "lady, lady, internet number..." --Rachma was confused but then "Ooohh,.. yeah, you want your picture to be emailed? Sure what is your email address?" -- Little monk gave a paper with Cambodian characters -- Nah lo! Bingung dah gua! -- So Rachma decided to give her email address and try it from there. Belive it or not, just yesterday Rachma received an email from the little monk! Great ha? Yeah! Coolness..)

-- When we got to the site, we drank hot tea for 1USD each. We met a nice kid who kep bargaining her merchandise to us, buddha statue, postcard... "Hi.. foreign lady.. you buy me statue pliisss... my baby buddha pliiiss... oh, foreign lady! or you buy me poska' pliiss only fo a dollaah.... lady pliisss... oh - i know, you give me three dollah, for tea and poska' and I will tell you the capital of Indonisi...." (shhh.. pronounce it like the Cambodian.. it's cute!)

-- Snap shots at Bayon - you will have time to relax a bit. Then from here go to Ta Prom Wat, where the big old trees just grow over the Wat ruins... it's so mysterious in there... but cool.

-- Remember not to throw away your ticket, they will check it as you enter each Wat

-- This will be the last Wat then you have to go back to any restaurant, we picked a restaurant at Pscar Cas again, for lunch. We paid 9 USD for lunch. Tuk tuk fee again is 8 USD. Then from there go to the bus station. The bus leave twice a day, one at 7 am and the one we took at 12.30 pm

-- Spend the time at the bus looking at the country side, transitting at local bus stations, watch the Cambodian girls buy some snacks... and as for Rachma and Esti, they were offered the deep fried SPIDER!!!! (No, thank you, we are full.. ha ha)

So those are the tips adn trick.. now back to my story with the chick from Surabaya

2006-09-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

Day 3, That Monday in Phnom Penh, September 11, 2006
Okay, starting a day in Phnom Penh is quiet different. Rachma and Esti spent their morning at the Tuol Sleng Prison. This was once a school before Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge turned it into an interrogation spot and prison for too many of Cambodians! They called it S-21. Entrance fee was 3 USD It was so hard to imagine, but surely made the visitors upset. Again this is a MUST SEE object in Phnom Penh just so we can see the history, learn from it and most of all, make us to think of the future, how it should be like and how we have to run our lives. Compared to all the mothers in the pictures, children, men, families.. we are so lucky to be alive today and far from that section of the history. Enough looking around at Tole Seng so both girls hit it to the Central Market. Nothing much to buy for both of the "not to shopping-ish type of girls, besides they were dehidrating from the heat!". Manage to make good bargain on the Cambodian silk, bandana, water! and went around to find Mr. Pheng, who was so patiently waiting for them to come out.
There you go, Mr. Pheng.. a nice guy who then drove us back to the hotel to meet Cigil who managed to get out of work. Finally Cigil! Take some time off! With empty stomach we all went to a Moslem Indian Cambodian Restaurant and Rachma tried her Malay there. Again, the hot tea was the best of all, plus the great Nasi Goreng, and a dish of Manggo salad and beef with string beans. Cigil paid around 7 USD for that. Great!

Then lets be kids! We went for some games at local mall. Boom Boom Car (is that what it is called in English???) and some ice cream. Rachma almost losther sunglasses there! Then trying the Iced Coffee Milk at Nguyen Coffee Shop. Again Cigil managed to pay! (damn... you're nice Cigil!) a cup was 1USD - but better also to hang out at the Buckie's in Medan, no? Chatted for abotu an hour on life, religion, soul mates, marriages, culture and values (really Esti and I were the ones did all the talking like experts. Cigil was mostly the victim!)

From there we decided to return to hotel and just chill.. That afternoon, the girls and Cigil watched Pieces Of April. Definitely a good movie (Cigil, I want to collect that too - you are right, it is nice!) and Rachma and Esti never thought of.... okay okay, this has to stop at this point. The "Rain" was pouring and the day was not even cloudy! (hint hint.. know what I mean??)

The night came, they decided to take tuk tuk to go for dinner. The nigth was just perfect! Nice breeze, easy atmosphere, the only thing was we did not reserve the place beforehand. Cigil's plan to entertain Rachma and Esti at the nicest restaurant in town was cancelled, it was fully booked with some rich Cambodian (I supposed) who was celebrating his/ her birthday. So we wnet to another nice restaurant just across the river.

The nice lighting, nice waiter.. (the girls hated the fan though!) and nice food. We chatted again mostly about easy stuff... the whole dinner cost about.. who knows! No-one paid attention anymore! Then it was a funny ride on the moto, cost us 1 USD, to go to the Casino place - just to see what is casino is all about. Rachma saw one from distance before in Genting Higland Malaysia with Putra, but this is up close to the tables. Question that does not need to be asnwered: why spend all that money after you work so hard to get it? Gambling, casino is definitely a NO for Rachma.

Casino place was so close to the hotel - so we took the back road and that night we all slept like babies.. Buoy! the trip was finally made us loosing our energy!

2006-09-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

Day 4, Last Day in Cambodia, September 12, 2006
It is never fun to realize you're on the last day of your vacation. I woke up with regret that the trip was way too short. Got to return to my hubby with longer time there. That morning Esti and I started the morning by having breakfast again at Okay Restaurant. Cigil had to work. We only ate for 4.70 USD. Then slowly walked over to the Palace.

To me, the palace is so much as what she had seen in Bangkok when I was smaller. But it was great. The entrance fee was 3USD per person and 2USD for camera. Snap shots here and there but then they got so tired and decided to take moto back to the hotel. The moto agreed on 4000 real, which is equal to 1USD and theywere just crashed in our deepest zzz'z - at least for me who tried to watch the Killing Field movie and never finished it.

Around 1130 Cigil stopped over to pick the girls and off they go to a nice "groovy" restaurant called "Friends". A marvelous idea to upgrade the potential of street kids. The food was good, and I had no idea on the price. To Cambodian rate it was quite pricy but hey, .. Cigil handled it all! (We're cool! ha ha.. ) Lunch was nice, the day was over.. we had to go home.
Driving to the airport was fine until we had to say good bye. Cigil is a cool buddy! (Hey man! Sorry if we made fun of you lots of time! That's just our way of showing we care! You're a nice guy!Lo keren buanget bo! Stay that way! Jangan kapok!) Looking through the glass wall as we checked in. Separating from friends is never fun! But there should be next time, definitely! (Right Esti?right.) We paid 25USD for the airport tax... as we walked to the escalator Cigil was already off to his office. Then off we went with Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur for one night transit.

2006-09-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur, another little stop, girls talk... September 13, 2006
Esti and Rachma arrived late in Kuala Lumpur and quickly rushed to the skyway bus to get to KL Central. The bus cost 9RM and finally as they got to KL Central, simply just by crossing the park and street they get to the monorail station, which will lead them to Bukit Bintang stop. The one way trip from KL Central to Bukit Bintang was 2.10RM
Trying to explain to Esti the best plan for the next half a day - since this was Esti's first time in KL. We got to Bukit Bintang station and walked through the walkway into the Bukit Bintang mall. Dirty, piled up with back packs, they still managed to make a short stop at the Vinnci store... yep! looking for shoes... "Nope, we have no Ringgit yet, can't shop, gotta pay the hotel first" So we rushed to the Tengkat Tong Shin Road just behind Bukit Bintang and checked in at the "Zenned minimalist hotel" called Hotel Delapan. Found the cheapest room there and immediately went out for dinner. The hotel provides bunk beds with shared bathrooms as well as regular rooms. But it was clean, nicely designed, and hommy

The dinner at SK Corner, very close to Hotel Delapan was good. The girls needed the hot tea again. Then girls' talk. Esti talked about her family, and so did Rachma - trying to soothe each other on every littl eproblems we found, trying to make build up confidence that the future will be much better... it was nice and the talk lasted until 11 o'clock until they both decided to return for some rest.

The next morning, after breakfast, gettign ready to go to the Petronas Tower. We hop on the monorail again to go to KLCC, which is just under Petronas Tower. As we got there, we shoot some pictures and return back to Bukti Bintang and again hunt for Vinnci shoes. Their stomachs were unnegotiable - they rushed to a "warung nasi padang" just close to Bukit Bintang and ate deep fried cat fish, beef with coconut sauce and some veggies. As they ate, imagine! they met a Medanese person!!! And that person supposedly the contact of Racham's office in Medan. After chat about this and that, the guy decided to trat the lunch - cool! what else is better than having a nice lunch and suddenly someone decided to pay for you.. ha ha..

Time for Esti to go catch her flight - it was sad good bye. Too much fun hanging out and this is the things Rachma can not find in Medan. Hmm.. ada pertemuan - ada perpisahan... After giving a big hug and promises to keep in touch, Esti hop on the sky bus again to go to LCCT.

Rachma returned back to Bukit Bintang and wondered around. Bought some toys for her two girls, the crazy dancing ball and a remote control car. Then when the time comes, she returned back to KL Central to catch the bus. But damn! there are traffick jam at evening time in KL's toll road. So after fighting with a taxi guy, Rachma found another taxi guy who agreed on 65RM from KL Central to LCCT - what a pain!

Finally home, seeking baby Aqila and Dasha always soothe her heart. Immediately text messaged Putra to let him know on the arrival and continued with long talk with mother.
At around 2 am, she fell asleep and notice in her dizziness that mother had put a blanket over her, just like when she was small. How Rachma miss her Mom dearly for the past months.... if only she knows...

2006-07-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hari kedua di USNS Mercy

Hari kedua setelah susah tidur di dalam kabin USNS Mercy. Pagi itu aku membantu menterjemahkan semua tenatng Kapal USNS Mercy kepada para pejabat Nias Selatan. "Iya Pak, kit aharu sdenegerin dulu tentang fasilitas Mercy, ntar setelah ini kita atur deh check up khusus buat Bapak dan temen temen yang ingin di check up!"

USNS Mercy yang kayanya dulu kapal tanker minyak memiliki fasilitas UGD yang terlengkap di seluruh rumah sakit di Amerika (termasuk yang di darat) dan juga dilengkapi dengan fasilitas medis yang luar biasa. Mulai dari 2 ruang operasi dan perlengkapan post surgery, ditambah lagi dengan fasilitas rawat inap yang bersih, terawat dan komprehensif. Salut bener bener salut! Semua pasien juga ditangani dengan baik dan ramah oleh para dokter dan paramedik kapal. Aku melihat sendiri senyum yang tiada henti hentinya dari merka yang sehari bekerja lebih dari 15 jam. Walaupun demikian tetapi tetap dapat bekerja secara professional. Bahkan karena tanggung jawab moral , salah seorang dokter mau membuat list dari pasiennya yang dirawat saat tsunami dan gempa tahun 2004 - dan tahun ini dia melihat mereka kembali sudah bisa bermain dengan riang... Coba deh! apa yang gak paling menyenangkan daripada mengembalikan kebahagiaan bagi orang lain....

Fasilitas untuk 'hidup' di Mercy sendiri tidak kalah hebat. Dengan memiliki alat perubah air asin menjadi air tawar, Mercy mampu untuk hidup selama 6 bulan dilaut lepas. Ini belum ditambah dengan fasilitas olah raga, nonton "mis bar" gerimis bubar" di deck atas, dua helicopter (sea hawk) cafetaria (dengan makanan 'bule abis' tapi aku suka kok! dan mereka juag respect terhadap yang muslim karena menyediakan makanan halal), toko souvenir. Dari semuanya yang paling membuat aku terpana ya di deck kapal... hmm pas sunset begitu bagusnya!

Tiba saatnya untuk pulang... hmm.. ntah kapan lagi bisa ke Nias.. pulau yang begitu eksotis.. hanya sering terabaikan...

2006-07-17T01:01:00.000-07:00

Akhirnya.. aku dapat kesempatan ke Nias. Bayangkan! Tinggal di Medan tapi belum pernah ke Nias.. ternyata memang kerja bisa membawa nikmat dan ilmu! :0)

Pagi, bangun pukul 4, langsung mandi dan bersiap - tas ransel putih yang memang sudah menemaniku ke mana mana sudah siap tersedia di depan pintu kamar. Sholat dan sarapan dengan cepat. hmmm.. Aqila kecil dan Ka' Dasha masih terlelap.. setiap hari aku menikmati pandangan yang sama... kedua periku terlihat begitu mirip dan lucu.. hanya saja, satu versi yang sudah 4 tahun dan yang satu baru setahun,.. tapi aku dan Putra tergila gila dengan mereka..

Quick kiss as always.. on the cheeks, on the neck.... I smelled their "minyak kayu putih" essence.. hmm..

Zoom, tiba di bandara Polonia dan menjumpai dua teman jurnalis yang sudah begitu akrab, ditambah bos baru yang juga ternyata, orangnya lucu dan santai - cocok dengan apa yang aku harapkan! Akhirnya kami memulai perjalanan dengan Merpati, yang kabin dalamnya luar biasa 'berembun' sampai sampai terasa seperti ada yang mau goyang dangdut! ha ha...

Pohon kelapa yang berbaris, hamparan laut yang biru dan pasir pantai yang bersih.. betapa aku cinta laut! (meski aku gak terlalu bisa berenang.. ) tetapi laut benar benar bisa menyejukkan hati. Dengan segera kami menyusuri jalan kampung, menujur RSU Gunung Sitoli, di sana aku tersentak dengan barisan masyarakat yang benar beanrtidak punya akses untuk pelayanan medis yang baik. Kasihan mereka.... antrian yang panjang, no! lebih cocok disebut seperti keroyokan... mereka tetap pada budaya 'susah ngantri' sampai akhirnya kami pun pusing melihat tidak ada tanda tanda kemajuan dalam proses pendaftaran. Akhirnya aku minta izin untuk membantu atur barisan - somebody got to do it! dan Ya Allah, memang susah mengajarkan budaya baris... sampai akhirnya aku berhasil juga, setelah bercucuran peluh dan kehabisan suara. Seperti biasa, aku meniru logat setempat, supaya cepat akrab saja dengan mereka.

Satu persatu diperiksa dengan sabar oleh dokter dokter USNS Mercy yang ditugaskan melakukan pemeriksaan awal. Berbagai macam penyakit mulai dari yang ringan, katarak, sampai tumor! Hhh... untung aku bukan dokter! Untung dulu gak jadi milih dokter! Aku bisa pingsan kalau harus mengobati mereka.

Setelah mereka settled, kami ke Pendopo Bupati untuk acara formal, antara Pemda setempat dan official dari USNS Mercy. Mercy menampilkan Band yang keren, semua menikmati. Sedangkan aku juga menghayalkan kalau saja semua warung warung yang membatasi pandangan dari Pendopo Bupati ke lepas pantai bisa dipindahkan.. seandainya saja kota Gunung Sitoli itu lebih tertata... di kejauhan aku melihat laut dan nelayan..

Dari sana kami ke panti asuhan untuk membantu beberapa 'tukang bangunan' USNS Mercy untuk survey, agar mereka juga bisa melakukan perbaikan. Perjalanan kemudian nanti akan dilanjutkan ke pelabuhan baru.

Sebelum ke pelabuhan kami pergi ke Museum Nias yang diwarnai oleh begitu banyak koleksi maket Omohada dan artifak Nias. Di salah satu sudut terlihat baju adat Cina yang sudah usang, dan ternyata para pedagang Cina pernah sampai ke daratan Nias di masa lampau. Kami menikmati juga jalan setapak di pinggir pantai, yang masih termasuk kawasan museum, melihat lagi ke laut lepas, yang di sebrangnya terdapat pantai Sibolga. Museum juga dilengkapi dengan kebun binatang mini.

Pelabuhan baru sudah dipebuhi oleh pasien yang akan dirawat di USNS Mercy, mereka menunggu boat yang hilir mudik untuk membawa mereka ke rumah sakit terapung itu. Satu pandangan yang menyentuh hatiku, 'Mr. Popeye' ntah siapalah namanya.. hanya saja yang aku tahu dia adalah seorang nelayan sipil biasa yang volunteer khusus untuk membantu. Buku buku tangannya berdarah karena terhempas ke dinding dok yang terbuat dari semen kasar, dan karena menarik tali kapal untuk menjaga kestabilan. Salut untuk kamu Popeye! You're great!.. Sesaat aku menjadi malu.. apa aku bisa berbuat yang sama? Apa bangsaku juga sudah banyak berbuat yang sama? hhh...

Menuju ke USNS Mercy, boat kami melaju dengan kencang. Terasa angin laut di wajah, meninggalkan butiran garam yang membuat kulit kami menjdi lengket. Rambutku pun acak acakan. Sesampainya di gerbang USNS Mercy, boat kami disambut oleh komandan kapal. Komandan yang dari tadi juga tidak berhenti bekerja - bukan hanya memerintah... tapi asli! ikut berpartisipasi. Orang orang seperti ini yang kita butuhkan, penuh dedikasi dan tanggung jawab.

Seharian itu kami menghabiskan waktu mengeksplorasi kapal, mulai dari kekaguman kami akan kerapihan kapal dalam menjada peralatan, menjaga kebersihan, fasilitas yang luar biasa... tetapi yang paling penting adalah kuatnya kerja sama. Di USNS Mercy tidak ada yang ingin menjadi bos, tetapi semua berpikir mereka harus bekerja, memberikan kontribusi yang sebanyak banyaknya...

2004-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

One day, just you and me...

September 23, 2004 we decided as the day that we should explore a bit part of Indonesia. Funny how we have been away from the country but never really understand all the rich inside it. The four Flamboyan dwellers did the cross country road Sumatra-Java-Bali. It was just Abach Putra, Amie Uni, Dasha and Mr.Jazz. It was a test case for Mr. Jazz.
The trip was started through the Eastern Sumatra Inter Province Road. We have never seen such poor suburban areas in our life. Totally different from the urban poor that Putra and I walked through during our college years. This is the silent poor – in the middle of nothingness, crossed by the dry red earthed unfinished- too long of unfinished inter province road. Sad. Only sadness that came to mind at first, then followed by extreme furious.

The trip on Sumatra to Java took 3 days 2 nights. We passed North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung, then cross the Sunda Strait, wathcing Krakatoa from distance. How glad we were as we reached the first stop in Anyer. It was a fun trip – partially planned, partially goes with the flow. Putra and Dasha quickly jumped into the pool just by the ocean. Big smile arrived in my face as I see them playing with the fresh water.

From Anyer, it was Bandung. Bandung is another story. Meeting old college mates and sort of spent the time to hang at cafés. Indeed, Bandung was a student city. Lots of Factory Outlets, Cafés, and what we appreciate much was the quality of the Architectural work and finishes. As the thirst for new sights always hit on us, we explored to the smallest areas of Bandung. The yogurt, at…., batagor Riri… serabi imut at… plus the hot sekoteng. Nothing was like hanging out again at night. The night was also beautiful at the… seeing the little lights of Bandung that reflected the stars in the dark sky. The visit was also added by the visit to Tangkuban prahu and Ciwidey.
After a long rest before sunset on the second day, Putra hit the road. It was just him as the captain who led Mr. Jazz. We talked all night long, just like in college. Smiling on my parents worries as the let us go to the trip. It was my first cross country road trip as the responsible person to a family! I used to be just the kid in the trip who had nothing to worry about.

Jogja, was not quiet a surprise, as it was our second time back. But the first time to return together. The first day was mostly spending time at Keraton, the market, and Malioboro. Gave Dasha her first experience riding the andong. Second day and third day was all about Candi, Borobudur and Prambanan. Our favorite was Prambanan, mass wise. But as the great wonder of the world, nothing beat sunset at Borobudur. It was perfect. Scrolling the small roads of Jogja, little isles in the Kampoengs. Jogja-ness, the Kampoeng people, were able to live very humble. It amazed us, but made us realized how lucky our life is. Nothing much to complain. But we are not leaving Jogja without me getting the traditional Batik, wax, canting, and natural color materials to make Batik.

Slow Sunday we passes Solo on the way to Bali. We explore the quiet Keraton Solo neighborhood and tried the local Arab Kebab, plus sholat in one of the mosque at Kampung Arab.
From Jogja, leading to Bali – again another long drive. We took the Southern Java Provincial Road and then maneuver to the Northern Provincial Road. As we arrive at sunrise in the forest of…. Again, just amazed of the wonderful woods. Regardless it was dry season, and all the leaves had fallen on the ground, but reminds me of fall in the US. So why can’t Indonesia make the best of this country. If only…

Bali, Yes! The ride from the roll on roll off terminal was magnificent! One side is the ocean view, another is either hills or paddy field. I did all the driving while Captain Putra was just enjoying the sun, the view, and me giving him the time to relax. Immediately we checked into a Balinese style hotel in Kute. The plan to get rest was invaded by wanting to see the beautiful Bali garden. Dasha and I were busy playing in the garden after a hot shower. A necessary hot shower after being so tired on the road. Meanwhile our captain, Putra, and Mr. Jazz are resting in their sleep. Bali was again as simple as just resting and exploring. Candi to candi, market to market, silver smith to silver smith.. We really did shop there! Packed the car with tons of stuff. It was fun exploring and shopping! What was wonderful was the time when Dasha had the chance to play with Bali children who practice the dance. The villages were beautiful. The sarong were very soft rubbing against my face. The sunset at Kute was another joyous. I almost forgot how I love the ocean. Playing there at Kute, seeing Putra led Dasha into the water, slowly, teaching her about waves, ocean habitat, sands, sun,… reminded me of my own childhood with Dad. I hope Dasha will remember this somewhere in the tip of her mind as she grows up.

From Bali, back to Bromo mountain. The freaky drive within the early morning mist to mountain top really gave me goose bumps. But the reward was something. The cold breeze, and the heat at the same time, did not stop us from climbing the Bromo mountain. Dasha was pretty tough for climbing half of the stairways, until she gave up and gave more challenge to Captain Putra to carry her up. I was amazingly tired, clueless of what was happening, but I was…

Returning to home was also involving transit in many cities – again to Jogja to explore the cemetery of …., then to Bandung and Jakarta once more. The next Sumatra stop was thorugh South Sumatra again, then Bukit Tinggi, where we were just adored by the natural beauty of the Lakes, Canyons, Waterfalls, and food. The trip back home then followed by entering North Sumatra from Sidempuan area.

It was a full non stop 5 week trip. Nothing beat the fun of the trip. We will do it again soon. With Lombok as addition. Just love cross country too much!