Eriek Sobieski

Backpack to Phuket, Thailand

2010-08-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

สวัสดีครับ, Sawatdee khrap ...

Yeah, it's time to find out and take a look closer at Thai's sacred land. Instead of Bangkok, we decided to visit Phuket, a resort island in southern Thailand. This initiation came exactly a year ago, when we got a promo airfare to Phuket. We went there on May 28 until June 1, 2010. We chose Thailand as the destination of our journey because we wanted to explore the twin of Bali as a tourist destination that confound the elements of culture, spiritual, and natural beauty. The difference is, you'll find the element of Hindu culture in Bali, while in Thailand, you'll find the Buddhist-based culture. But I feel different about Phuket, we'll not just find the Buddhist tradition, but has also been acculturated with Islam.

First of all, we found out about Phuket on the internet and there are some spots which illustrates that Phuket is not as beautiful as it is, but that was all wrong. At first we hesitated to go to Thailand after gathering information via internet. But our curiosity was disappeared when we came over there and take a look closer.

Day I: Phuket Town

Yep, in this post I will only enlighten you about everything in Phuket. Once we arrived at the airport of Phuket, we were little amazed by the airport, so small and quiet but neat and clean. From the airport, there were so many transportation services that could be offered headed for Patong (Patong is sorta Kuta in Bali). But at that moment we were not headed there, but to Phuket Town which is located in the southern island of Phuket since we've booked accommodation there.

To go to Phuket Town, there are several transportation alternatives that can be used:

Taxi: BHT 600
Taxi can only be filled by four people, and they are mostly offered once we get out of the airport. Often we found taxi drivers who can speak Indonesian or Malay.
Minivan: BHT 150/person
Minivan should be shared with other passengers. If It was full of passengers, then it may started to run.
Airport bus: BHT 80/person
This transportation is the least expensive among others, shaped like the Trans Jakarta bus. We took airport bus to go heading to Phuket town.

The condition of highway at that time was very quiet and wide, took approximately 1-1.5 hours to Phuket town. In fact, Phuket town was small-and-quiet town. However, Mostly people there were very obedient to traffic rules. We checked in to a hostel called "Phuket Backpacker", located on Ranong Rd. Maung T. Taladyai Phuket, 83000, Phuket. The lodging costs BHT 260/person. Inside the lodging, we shared a room with overseas backpackers from all over the world.

That afternoon, we strolled around Phuket Town. We found that the school there was facilitated with the temples. On the corner of the roadside, we saw the electricity poles with chaotic wires hanging out and produced horrifying noises like electrical shorting. Very scary! We passed Phuket Thaihua Museum, China-style temple in T-junction, and ended up in a deserted temple. Then we went inside.

Entering the evening, we stopped at the roadside restaurants for culinary. The price was not too expensive and not too cheap. After that we strolled around the old town of Phuket. There were bunch of old buildings that we didn't know exactly still functioning or not. And not far from there, there was a garden with a large dragon statue perched in front of it. Based on information from Chocky, its name is "Dragon statue in Suanchalermprakiat 72 years Queen Sirikit the Buddhist Era 2547". After that, we felt hungry and bought some fruits in the traditional markets, mango and dorian :D

Day II: Kamala Beach - Patong - Jungceylon - Temples Tour - Promptep Cape

On the second day, we decided to rent a vehicle for full-24-hours. The rental place was not far from the hostel. It costs BHT 350 for bike rental and the rental car costs BHT 1050. Since we were five persons totally, it was decided that we would rent a car than a motorcycle. The first spot we visited was the anonym temple as we don't know its name, haha. Since the day was the Vaishya - Buddhist holy day - so we saw many people praying there.

Having complacent enough wandering and taking pitures at the anonym temple, then we continued the trip to Wat Phra Nang Sang which is located in Thalang district, about 30 minutes from Phuket town. From the information we got in the internet, it was reportedly said that there was a mummy of former Abbot Luang Pok Bai inside the monuments, but we did not find it all, it was just turned out to be ashes. It is said that this old temple was built just after the Nine Troops War during the period of the two heroines of Phuket (Tao-Tepkasadtree and Tao-Srisunthorn). Although others say it was built in the period of Pranang-Leud-Khaow (white blood princess). There are many Buddha images and contemporary figures of Thai life but this temple also shows a large statue of Guanyin or Kuan Im, the Chinese goddess of mercy, which is an indication of the many Thai's with Chinese origin down here.

Departing from Wat Phra Nang Sang, we headed down to the next temple, Wat Phra Thong, still in the area of Thalang district. Wat Phra Thong is the oldest temple on the island and was created when Thalang was still Phuket's capital. According to legend, Wat Phra Thong houses a golden Buddha image that emerged from beneath the earth many years ago. The story tells us about a man whose son died mysteriously after tying his buffalo to what he thought was a post but which was actually the conical peak of Buddha. The golden image was revealed to the man in a dream but attempts to dig it up failed. Villagers covered the exposed part of the image with a plaster bust of Buddha's head and shoulders. It can still be seen today.

Before continuing the journey to the next temple, we stopped at the Jungceylon mall near Bangla Road. We got past the Kamala beach with a view point facing to the sea and hills as background like Santorini. Arriving at Jungceylon, we explored briefly and then went to Banzaan area (located not far from Jungceylon) to take lunch. At Banzaan, there were several food stalls which integrates each other such of food court. The food prices there were quite affordable.

After having lunch, we continued the trip, going to Wat Chalong temple, located near Chalong Bay. Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple and is the biggest and most ornate of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist monasteries. Some temples were very stately and people came in droves to pray for Vaishya celebration. Many local Thais and Asian tourists will set off fire crackers and ask for the lucky lottery numbers, and have their fortune told. The firecrackers from the chimney sounded very loud and deafening. The buildings in the Wat Chalong is complex includes viharn (assembly hall), ubosot (ordination hall), monthop (pavilion) and sala (hall). Most of these were the work of Phra Maha Fuang Suchanonatho, a skilled draftsman who also became an abbot of Wat Chalong in 1978. A sacred relic of the Buddha is also kept in Wat Chalong. It is housed at a repository beneath the stupa of Phramahathat Chedi (mahathat means "great relic stupa").

Once satisfied to take photos and buy souvenirs which were sold there, we immediately went to Prompthep to catch the sunset. This is the best place to view sunset. Depending on the time of the year, the tall grass at Promthep Cape may change from verdant green to golden brown. The name Promthep comes from "Prom", which is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God.' Local villagers used to call Promthep Cape "Leam Jao", or God's Cape. It was an easily recognizable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula.

Yeah, it was our journey in Phuket. Stay tuned for the next journey at Phiphi Island.
ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ. Kob kun khrap ....

*The photos were taken by me, Chocky, Elly, and Wawan.

Tour to Jogjakarta

2010-08-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here ya gooo!

Now is the time for me to tell ya my tour experience visiting Jogjakarta. In fact, I went to Jogja not in purpose of traveling, but attending wedding celebration of my friends. However, wise men said one day, "When there's a chance, just take it!" Yeah, that's it that I was supposed to do. After attending the wedding, me and my friends wandered around Jogjakarta, visiting ancient temples like Borobudur, Prambanan, Candi Sewu, and finally Keraton (the palace of Jogja).

I'm afraid I can't tell ya the whole story because I myself can't remember about the ancient history of Indonesia. From Elementary School exactly, I always remember and I'd tell you that .... I Hate History! Nevertheless, I do love Indonesia. Fortunately, I found some information about that so don't worry. Your curiosity would be disappeared after I gave it to you. Check it out!

Borobudur Temple
Source: http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object

Based on information here, Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).

Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Borobudur from top viewpoint

Prambanan Temple
Source: http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object

Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

before earthquake
( http://awidyarso65.files.wordpress.com)

Candi Sewu (Sewu Temple)
Source: http://www.borobudurpark.co.id/en-sewu.html, http://www.pbase.com/rileyuni

About 800 meters north of Loro Jonggrang, Candi Sewu is actually a Buddhist monument and it is the second largest Buddhist Temple in Central Java after Borobudur, though built by the same Hindu King, Rakai Pikatan.

Rakai Pikatan married to a Buddhist and most of his subject retained their old religion after the return of Sanjaya Dynasty. The fact that this temple was built near Prambanan Temple which is Hindu Temple indicated that the Hindus and Buddhist lived in harmony. It is believed to be a Royal Temple and was one of the religious activity centers in the past. Based on the inscription in 792 AD which was found in 1960, the name of the temple complex was probably “Manjus’rigrha” (The House of Manjusri). Manjusri is one of Boddhisatva in Buddhist teaching. Sewu Temple was probably built in the 8th century at the end of Rakai Panangkaran administration. Rakai Panangkaran (746 – 784 AD) was a popular King from the old Mataram Kingdom.

before earthquake
( http://www.jogjaportrait.com)

Keraton Jogja
Source: www.yogyes.com
http://kratonjogja.com/

Karaton, Keraton or Kraton, originates from the word ke-ratu-an that means the place where the queen/king lives. Simple explanation of its broader meaning is that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi that means the origin and the destination of human being.

Not only culinary tour and historical buildings, you can also dig a new lesson by learning how to make batik cloth, kite, music, with expert teacher in its field; Pak Hadjir (batik teacher whose name is well known by world). Kraton Jogja, offers more than just a cultural tourism.

Keraton gate
(http://images.travelpod.com)

Interior
(http://amefutoboyz.files.wordpress.com)

Exterior
(http://tukangriweuh.files.wordpress.com)

Palace's Troops
(http://www.jogjaphoto.net)

Taman Sari
(http://bangjotours.com)

Museum Kereta (Carriage Museum)
(http://indotravellers.com)

Fee:
- Prambanan temple : IDR 17.500
- Borobudur temple : IDR 17.500

*The photos were taken by me, Dina, and many sources.

Backpack to Ujung Kulon

2010-08-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Initiating from the last February, we intended to make a trip to Ujung Kulon. After that, we took the initiative to invite the others because of the quotas have not been fulfilled yet. Then, it was decided that we did this trip in three days, May 13-15 2010, with the person-in-charge for this tour was me and Olip. Here is the map of Ujung Kulon ...

May 13, 2010: Cikarang - Kampung Rambutan - Serang (Pakupatan bus terminal) - Taman Jaya

We boarded the bus from Cikarang to Kampung Rambutan, then shift to another bus from Kampung Rambutan to Serang. Buses didn't bring us to the terminal Pakupatan, then we rode public transportation to get there. There was an elf owned by Mr. Hendrick that will take us to Taman Jaya village in six hour. Maximum capacity was only for 15 people, although initially we were 18 people total, but three people were unable to participate due to some reasons.

Arriving at Taman Jaya, we stayed overnight at the house owned by the brother of Mr. Komar (Contact Person for tourism in the Ujung Kulon). At the morning, Olip and me bought groceries at the store with IDR 150,000 for initial budget, but in fact all the food was worth almost IDR 300,000. Next, we checked the tent and snorkeling equipment and carried them to the boat. Mr. Alex will be our guide and our chef when we lived on Peucang island.

May 14, 2010: Taman Jaya - Handeleum - Peucang - Cibom - Tanjung Layar

From the pier of Taman Jaya, we set sail for Handeleum. Once on Handeleum at around 9am, we signed up for registration and rent canoes to drift into Cigenter river. Actually, there were only 2 canoes available, each of which can only brought 5 persons. But after our negotiations, there was an additional canoe then it would be fitting with our number.

We had stopped at a place where the buffaloes were usually founded, but unfortunately when we came there, there's no buffalo at all because the weather might not support (after a light rain). After that, we continued canoeing again, but our guide could not pass up the river as the rain caused the water point being higher and the current water became increasingly tight. In fact, we haven't found the rhinoceros, pythons, and crocodiles yet. We only found a lizard and monkeys. Because the situation was desperately so bad, we finally returned to Handeuleum.

We continued the journey to Citerjun to do snorkeling. It took 2.5 hours from Handeleum. Arriving at Citerjun, the weather transformed badly into heavy rain so that we decided to cancel snorkeling. Schedule for snorkeling was adjourned until tomorrow. Then we proceeded to Peucang island. Over there, we met the animals that roamed freely around the island, such as deers, wild pigs which were not dangerous, and the monkeys which were greedy and mischievous. After the rain subsided, we headed down Cibom where we go camping. To go there, we could not pull over the ship because there were many reefs in shallow place, so we need a speed boat whose price was doubled the rent price of canoes.

Because the land for camp was muddy, we decided not to build the tent in Cibom, so we continued our journey from Cibom to Tanjung Layar -about one kilometer- by trekking through the dense jungle where most wild monkeys and buffaloes lived. It was said that the jungle was haunted, so we did not dare to do things which violated the mystical realm such dirty words, singing, whistling, and being arrogant, especially when it was already entering the dawn.

Arriving in Tanjung Layar, we met Mr. Yitno, a lighthouse keeper who lives alone to operate it there, imagine! Living alone in a place far away from the civilization in the middle of the jungle, alone!

May 15, 2010: Tanjung Layar - Cibom - Cidaon - Peucang - Citerjun - Taman Jaya

In the morning, there were some of us who hunted sunrise by climbing the lighthouse, and there were some of us walked toward the camping area, not far from there. We found a very big wave since it is the most western part of Java island and facing directly out toward the ocean. I had the opportunity to climb a hill protected by a forest because I was so curious for finding the staircase made of stone leading upwards. Arriving at the top, I found the ruins of buildings that seem to former lighthouse. Although the pretty scenery was visible from there, but I'm a little bit frightened because it looked creepy, then I quickly got out and joined again with the others to get ready leaving to the next destination.

The next destination was Cidaon. Cidaon is a vast meadow where the buffalo is usually crowded for grazing. But once again, we were less fortunate. We only saw - just one buffalo and a lizard. From the pier to Cidaon meadow, we did trekking which was not as far as we did to Tanjung Layar. Interestingly, when trekking to Cidaon, we find mangroves and palm fruit everywhere. Our guards worked so hard to find the best-tasted palm fruit but none of them were good.

The next destination was Citerjun where we did snorkeling. Because we had limited amount of snorkel equipment, then only some of us who did it. I myself didn't want to do it since I just want to wander around Peucang island along the coast which were still virgin.

According to the testimony of my friend's, Citerjun's underwater was less good than Karimun Jawa's, possibly because of the last rains that made the sea water turned a bit turbid. After several of us had finished snorkeling, we arranged a plan for trekking on the island towards Karang Copong. The place looked chic when sunset came. However, because our time was limited, eventually the plan was not realized. Thus we finally boarded the ship to sail back to Taman Jaya.

Mass Budget:

Elf Rental (two ways): IDR 1,300,000 (originally IDR 1,200,000, we must repay the IDR 100.000 for midnight departure)
Boat rental for 2 days (two ways): IDR 2,000,000 (max 20 persons)
A guide and a cook for 2 days: IDR 350,000 (IDR 100,000/guide/day, IDR 75,000/cook/day)
Groceries: IDR 282,000
Entrance Ticket + insurance (for 15 persons): IDR 82,500 (@ IDR 2,500 (tickets) + IDR 3,000 (insurance))
Permission fee to hook the boat: IDR 100,000 (to all destinations)
Boat rental in Cibom: IDR 200,000 (official price IDR 250,000)
Tent rental (4 sets): IDR 100,000 (because we didn't use it, so it should be per tent IDR 50,000)
Breakfast (15 persons): IDR 75,000 (Nasi Uduk in Taman Jaya)
Tips for Mr Yitno: IDR 100,000 (voluntary)

Total : IDR 4,850,000 with subsidy from 2 persons who canceled the tour : IDR 200,000, so the net total was:

IDR 4,650,000 / 15 = IDR 310,000

Individual Budget:

Snorkel rental /set /day: IDR 40,000
Canoe rental in Cigenter: IDR 50,000
Transporation fees: IDR 73,000 (ojek and angkot (2 ways): IDR 18,000, bus to Kampung Rambutan : IDR 5,000, Kampung Rambutan - Serang : IDR 17,000, angkot Pakupatan terminal (2 ways) : IDR 50,000, Serang - Cikarang : IDR 28,000)

Total personal expenditure = IDR 163,000

Ujung Kulon Contact Person:

Mr. Komar: 081806181209
Mr. Hendrik: 087871006879

NB:

Condition of road from Taman Jaya to Serang was very bad. So if you plan to go with your own car, get ready for it, make sure to take off-road car :D
Here is some extra fees info which you need when reaching Peucang island. FYI, we have arranged the administration and registration for permission to wander around all of the spots in Ujung Kulon firstly at Hendeuleum, so we didn't have to pay more when arriving at Peucang Island.

*The photos were taken by me, Olip, Dina, Aldo, Shanti, Destin, Wawan, Heni, Antho, and Rizka.

Backpack to Karimun Jawa

2010-05-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

For the first time hearing the word Karimun Jawa, what reverberates inside my head that it's just an archipelago, just like Kepulauan Seribu (A Thousand Island which is located in the north of Jakarta). But as I went there to take a look closer, it's not just the islands galaxy helix which spread themselves on the Java Sea, but a hidden paradise with a wonderful and exotic views, either it's the upper sea view or the under one. You know, it's a heaven for whoever love to snorkel and dive. There are many beautiful spots which we can explore by snorkeling. I dare to say that Karimun Jawa is more wonderful than Bali, it's more than like Carribean. My friend stated that its beaches are more beautiful than Bali and Lombok, she called it Maldives of Indonesia. As we know, Bali and Lombok are the most popular place in the world which offer the best natural scenery such of beaches. Based on the available information, twenty-two islands in Karimun Jawa have been declared as a marine national park, five more islands are either private and or under the control of the Indonesian Navy. The figure below is the location of Karimun Jawa.

To get there, we took a night bus named Santika, routed from Cikarang and headed to Jepara, Central Java. It took almost 12 hours on road. That's terribly boring journey, mostly time was used to sleep. It's 8AM when we have reached the harbor of Kartini Beach, Jepara. The ferry named Kapal Muria headed to Karimun Jawa would have departed at 9AM, so we musn't spend much time to wander around the beach. It took 6 hours to sail across the sea. Again, it's really boring. To kill the time and salvage the situation from tediousness, we tried to play UNO cards, and no longer time we spent, we then prepared the best position for ourselves to sleep :D

Hurraaaaaayyy! We've already there. The ferry hovered to the harbor, we jumped and hit it with the big pleasure. We stayed in the lodge and spent the day to the night in Karimun island.

Tomorrow morning was our first day journey. After sunrise photo session, we're gonna go hopping islands in the west-side. Firstly off to Menjangan Besar island to visit shark farm/conservation. Uniquely, we could swim there with several sharks and medium-sized turtle. Dare you to swim with us? :D Yeah, at the first time, we reluctantly went down to the place where the sharks might let us to be their appetite. I was the first person who will deal with it without any safety insurance. Just muster all the guts I had, it will be my last day in my life if they dare to chop up my body as soon as I sank my feet then my mostly body under the water. But fortunately, I did it ^_^ Then next is the others' return to go near with the sharks, but don't forget one thing. Don't ever to touch them as they will suppose your hand as their food. We just relax and take a deep breath until the accident happened eventually. Something big hit the water caused some sharks startled and scared, so did we. One of my friend has been in shock when a shark kicked his ass. What a scary experience!

After we were complacent enough playing around with the sharks, we continued the journey to Menjangan Kecil island. Obviously, we weren't on its land to grab a view but went down on its water to find submarine treasure. It's time to snorkel warm-up :D We found a coral community and several kind of fishes. Be careful since there were many sharp-and-long-thorn sea urchins. My friend had ever hit them so that her leg which was injured must be rammed with solid thing. It was for destroying the pieces of the thorns which successively broke through the skin and start to go into blood vein. Or the other alternative is to pee the injured area :D

The next destination for snorkelling is Cemara Besar island, located quite far from Menjangan Kecil. I saw unique and precious small island but we were just passing them. I always grumble for what we're missing. I saw the beauty from far away I stood up as if I only saw them without a chance to poke it. Until I was totally aware that we're gonna reach Cemara Besar, I absolutely didn't believe my eyes. Oh my God, that's so beautiful panorama that I've ever seen in my life. This is the real paradise what I've been searching for during this time. I saw the gradation from the dark-deep-blue sea mingled with blue-sky-colored water and finally greenish color reaching the seashore. IT'S A REAL PARADISE!!!!!

We did snorkeling and had lunch in Cemara Besar, a la barbecue with some kind of fishes cooked by the guide. The sun will always make the sea glimmering as far as our sight meet the horizontal line. The journey hadn't been over yet, so then we continued to go to Ujung Gelam (some people call it Tanjung Gelam) to see sunset. It took 1 hour approximately. As soon as we had arrived there, as usual we took some narcissistic pose over the rock and upon the white sands. Feeling tired a moment, we drank coconut that was taken directly from its tress in the surrounding coast. The sunset was beautiful. But we must go home quickly before the sun went utterly down because the helmsman couldn't see the coral area since we might hit it if there wasn't enough light from the sun.

The second day, we woke up early morning to chase the sunrise. But unfortunately, the sunrise took place in the back of the island's forest-covered mountain. Moreover, there was drizzling. So, we just took some picture and went to the lodge. We had breakfast and then continued the tour for hopping the east-side islands. The first destination was Gosong Island, located quite far from Karimun harbor. This island was just a very tiny sand-formed island without any vegetation lived there, surrounded by the sea, that's the uniqueness for this island. Maybe it would be submerged if there's a tide. But fortunately we were able to reach it before a tide came.

The next destination was Pulau Kecil (Small Island). As a matter of fact, this island is no more smaller than Gosong Island. It rained when we were heading to Pulau Kecil. Pulau Kecil is a small island which has some vegetation, mostly a kind of pines, and has a sort of lodge and hall in the center of the island. We did snorkeling there, not far from the dock where our boat was tied. Many kind of colorful corals and fishes we found under the sea. After being satisfied doing it, the rain was still remained. Since it was rain that made us shivered, so we were just bathing in the warm beach and then had lunch in front of the lodge.

The next island we stopped by was Pulau Tengah. Pulau Tengah seemed as big as Pulau Kecil but it has lodging more than Pulau Kecil. Usually this island is used as a place for group (eg. organization) outing or training. We did snorkeling again for the third time, but I didn't participate, because you know, I think it's enough and it's time to explore throughout the island. Some of us staggered around the island from coast to coast because of a little hungover. Actually Pulau Tengah is the right place to practice diving, some of us had experienced it, but the rest felt the same thing with me. We were partially loaded, LOL.

That day was terribly exhausted but very complacent about what we had a whole day. From Pulau Tengah, we went back to Karimun Island. We chase the sunset there, and this is the end of the story. To make it clear, we went home at tomorrow morning, took Kapal Muria ferry heading to Jepara for 6 hours. At last but least, we stopped briefly at Kartini Beach and took a rest for a while in front of the giant-turtle-shaped building. I don't exactly know what it is but people said that it is one of the icon of Jepara city.

The fees:

Santika bus from Cikarang to Jepara : IDR 120.000
Kapal muria from Jepara to Karimun: IDR 30.500
Lodge (3 days) : IDR 77.124/person (we got a discount for 1 room = IDR 90.000, 3 days and 4 rooms = IDR 1.080.000/14 persons)
Boat to Shark Preservation : IDR 100.000/14 = IDR 7.200/person
Swimming in the Shark Preservation for 2 times : IDR 10.000/person
Boat for hopping islands in 2 days : IDR 61.000/person (IDR 850.000/14 persons)
Snorkeling kit for 2 days : IDR 70.000
Santika bus from Jepara to Cikarang : IDR 110.000
Kapal muria from Karimun to Jepara : IDR 30.500

Total fee : IDR 516.532,4 = IDR 520.000 for 4 days 3 nights

Here is the contact for Karimun Jawa if you want to go there some day:

Name : Mr. Ari
email : arikarimun@yahoo.com
Mobile : +62 81325131608
Home : +62 297 31211 40878 3250
Website : http://www.karimunindah.co.cc

*The photos were taken by Sindu, Olip, Anggri, Chocky, Dina, Dani, Elly, and Mas Mahe (many many many photographers here ^_^)

At last but not least, I wanna give you some video clip that I really love so much. At first listening the song, I really fall for them and they were my soundtrack song when I had a trip to Karimun Jawa because you can see some beautiful beaches in their video clip. Check it out!

Backpack to Pangandaran

2010-05-10T01:33:00.000-07:00

Day 1:

In preparation for new year 2010, I did backpack to Pangandaran with my six friends. We departed from Cicaheum bus terminal, Bandung, West Java, took a bus called Budiman, headed for Pangandaran, just paid IDR 35.000 for this 6 hours journey. But if there’s a traffic jam on the way, it took 8-12 hours. Oh la la! But thanks God, we didn’t get stuck with traffic jam. We booked a lodging in East Coast of Pangandaran. But first of all, we took “becak” by paying IDR 15.000 from the bus terminal to go to the lodging.

The lodging called “Bumi Pananjung” is cheap enough to stay, just paying up IDR 100.000/day for one small room, and this room can be filled for 2-3 person. Meanwhile, the large-sized room has 2 double beds and 1 free extra-bed, the fee was IDR 300.000/day, can be filled until 10 person. Fortunately, we had some 10% discount, so the total that must be paid for 2 days was IDR 720.000 :D

Having arrived at the lodge, we decided to take dinner at small restaurant near fish market, East Coast of Pangandaran. Not too crowded, yet less pricey than the others, about the quality, it’s quite delicious. We ordered seafood there (yea, since it was near the coast so the main offer was seafood). After dinner, we wandered around the traditional market which sold variety handicrafts, some of us bought anything from there which has averagely reachable price. Going back to the lodge, we were not going to bed too early, so we spent the night with playing cards.

Day 2:

We had a plan that day, enjoyed the sunrise but unfortunately the sun was obscured by the rain clouds that was still keep remained from yesterday. Instead of the sunrise, we just enjoy the morning breeze in the coast breakwater. Afterward, we went back to the lodge to take breakfast, yeah it’s instant noodle time :D

That day, we decided to go to Green Canyon, Batu Karas, and Batu Hiu. We could take “becak” or by foot from lodging to bus terminal, but by all the considerations we got, finally we went to bus terminal by foot. Three destinations we wanted to head for was located far enough from Pangandaran Beach. It took about 1 hour. At first we planned to ride public bus with the route Pangandaran-Cijulang, then continued by riding “ojeg”. But the second opinion came up when we were offered by some people there to rent “angkot” which could take us to those places we wanted to go. After passing a hard time for discussion about the price, finally we were at the final decision, we would go there by angkot for IDR 200.000 :D

After we had arrived Green Canyon, we bought the ticket for the boat (IDR 15.000/person). Actually, 1 boat can be filled for 5 passengers and 2 guides. Because all of us were 7 persons, so I and my girlfriend (Rista) were separated from the others. Fortunately, there was one family with 3 persons searching for another passengers to take boat together. So we offered ourselves to join them.

We got on the boat and drifted through the green-colored river. We could see a kind of a rock cliff (like Grand Canyon but it was much smaller) in the headwaters. The cliff created a high cave with stalactite in upper side. We got off the boat hardly, passing other boats, and climbing rocks. Actually, we could swim over there and did body-rafting. Because the girls wouldn’t, so we just enjoy the water splasing from the top, LOL.

Having enjoyed drifting by boat in Green Canyon, we continued the journey to Batu Karas which was located far enough. Fortunately we took angkot that time, because we just pay IDR 10.000 for angkot entry fee, it would be different if we entered Batu Karas individually (Maybe! I myself was not sure about this, LOL). Batu Karas is a sheltered beach and point break that has quite reliable surf, a heaven for beginner surfer. Batu Karas seemed more beautiful than Pangandaran Beach. We took some photos, walked through the coastal area, or even swimming. After that, we took lunch in “warung”. Since it was “warung”, so we could always order meal with a cheap price (about IDR 7000). After that, we were headed to Batu Hiu.

Batu Hiu is a beach between Pangandaran and Batu Karas. Batu Hiu itself means Shark's Rock which is a coastal rock having the shape of a shark. To emphasize that, the entrance gate was designed with the shark-shape looks. About the view, it was awesome. It's nice for relaxing and enjoy the outlook over the sea from the cliff surrounded with many large pandanus trees. We took photos there, since it was really beautiful landscape which can be transformed become romantic spot or even the sport area.

After we had some pleasure there, it’s time to go home, we felt so grateful to angkot’s driver. He’s so kind that he have a will to take us wandering around Pangandaran and its surrounding area with extra hours. There might be a pleasure time till the incident happened. The key for the room got loooooost. It’s time to panic x_x

The panic won’t be lasting long since the lodging owner had the door opened. Before the clock hit the new year, we were out to go to west coast. It was too crowded. We did seafood party again in the same restaurant and watched the fireworks blooming in the east coast when the time was kicking new year. HAPPY NEW YEEEEAAARRRR!!!!!

As soon as the fireworks was going to end, the drizzling rain fell down, followed by the heavy rain afterward -_-

PS: the photos were taken by Rista, Retta, and Ira

Spring At Korea

2010-02-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

The last time I visited Korea when it was spring, slightly changed the season back to summer. Not too hot but dry, where I perpetually found the flowers and leaves blossoming everywhere. The autumn forced the leaves to be colorful, but spring forced them to be greenish as well. That should be the right time for us to go to flower parks, but another notion eventually came up against the fact that we must go to the parks with much of plants and flowers everywhere. We didn't know why, we just wanted to wander through any new places. And we have the urge to drift over the river, Han River (Hangang).

It's been many times for us to across Han river when we took subway train from Suwon to Seoul, and conversely. But beneath of it, we realized that some day we must go utterly down to the border of the river, enjoying the air while sniffing the fresh vague odor vapored from the river (don't compare it with Ciliwung :D) The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula, flows through Seoul and ended to the Yellow Sea.

To get there, we used subway metro train. As a matter of fact, we were headed to Namdaemun first to go shopping (Suwon - Geumjeong - Seoul Station), and from Seoul Station we were headed to Han River (Seoul Station - Yongsan). Actually from Yongsan station, it took much time to approach Han River, but it's OK. We were stopped by there to wander around the department store which mostly sell the electronic apparatus. As we were contented enough, we continued the journey walking to Han River, which was gleaming under the shining sun.

The night is the night we spent, by roaming around hotel neighborhood, to the city park, promenade, scanned over the restaurants, gazed people in deep conversation, even if they just talked about tedious stuff.

Next weekend, not much we did, again we just trotted up to the nearest park from the hotel called Hyoseong, then we entered the Wolhwawon Palace, in the back of Gyeonggi Art Center. Wolhwawon is the Chinese traditional garden which is not huge, but offers exotic moods and evergreen trees, with a glimpse of something unique to the garden. Also, the various colors of the trees make visitors feel more comfortable and secure. The spot I liked was a quite large pond in the back of the building. There were goldfishes swimming over and sometimes followed us as if they wanted to chase us for food. Honestly, I enjoyed the Chinese model garden better than the Korean ones.

On the next weekend, we tried to pull up the energy, yeah ... it's time to go on the journey to the farthest destination we had that day, Full House vacation. Do you guys recognize Full House? I'm quite sure all of you just think it is like a card game, but surely it's not. Maybe there are some of you realizing that Full House is a Korean serial drama performed by Song Hye Kyo and Rain? Yeah, that's what I'm talking about :D That day, we were headed to Full House location where the movie took place.

Full House is located in Sido Island, the tiny island closed to Incheon Airport. To get there, first we must go by subway train from Suwon (our residence) to Guro, then from here we must transit to another train headed to Incheon. There was a city tour bus which took us to get arround the Incheon district. But before we wandered around by bus, we visit China town near the Incheon station :D

After getting pulses of joy warmed up, we were ready to go. The city tour bus swept over the road until we reached the harbor. We got on the ferry to accross the sea strait. While onto the ferry, we enjoyed the spring breeze and fed some seagulls flying around us to get sympathetic look which made us threw any food or snack we had to them. When we arrived Yongyudo Island, we continued the tour. An old guy gave a bunch of information to the passengers about Yongyudo in Korean (I just heard the mumbling voice since I don't know Korean at all :D) We got past Incheon airport and the beach called Eurwangni beach, and then we got off in the way of road. At the first, we were confused how to find the next harbor, but we try to use our instinct, so we just walked casually toward the harbor. Fortunately, this is the harbor that we're looking for, Sammok harbor.

From Sammok, we accrosed the sea strait towards Sindo Island. From Sindo we must continued the journey to Sido Island by bus. To get Sido from Sindo, we didn't have to get ferry or canoe, because there's a not-too-long-bridge between them. I wonder why two islands is separated by a sea which resembles a river between them. Yeah, we were fantasized and wondered till we didn't realize that the bus drove us off to Modo Island. We get looooooooossssssttttttttt !!!!!!!!!

"Be calm, lads! We are not that lost!" I think.
Eventhough we have passed different island, but the driver told us to stay in the bus, because the bus would be driven back to Sindo - the departure site, and bus would surely pass the same road as before. Thanks God, eventually we got off from bus in the On Set Full House, Sido Island. But stony face made us stand still a while. Is it true that we were already there? Or is it just hoax? So where's the beach?

Gosh, the Full House was still far far away from where the bus put us off. We decided to walk through the pathway. An old guy offered us a bicycle for rent towards Full House, he said that it is still far from there. But we sturdily believe that it's not that far although some of us want to rent bicycles just to have fun with them. Ignoring and believing, until a black car pulled over to hover us, the driver offered us the car and negotiate about the price. That time, all we do was not ignoring, we were just believing :D So we took a car to get Full House in hand.

Winter At Korea

2010-02-26T20:53:00.000-08:00

Not much we did in the winter, because we spent most of the times inside the hotel, getting warm under our blanket, hibernated like a polar bear :D Yet, we're not merely sleeping and shuffling around the room lazily, so we decided to go against the cold wind. We were often stumbled or lapsed upon the melting ice when swinging through the pavement. the first destination must be to the same place again, Hwaseong (again? yeah, it was my third visit)

The second weekend, we went to Indonesian Embassy to celebrate Idul Adha. The embassy is located in Yeouido-dong. Quite far walking from the subway station. We did praying, listening to sermons, and finally got a supper. Unfortunately we didn't make bull/cow/goat sacrifice there. We didn't know why. After that, we were headed to Itaewon, the most exotic place in Seoul representing fusion culture with a distinctive atmosphere. There were mostly several immigrants from other part of Asia, Africa, and Europe, as if I was standing on everywhere else except Korea. We did praying in Seoul Central Mesjid and then dashed over the promenade between shopping center.

And for the next, some of us had an enjoying freezing time to go watching soccer game in Suwon Worldcup Stadium.

Before going home early, we decided to have a dinner in restaurant, near Suwon Station. The main menu it offered was roasted spicy chicken. It was so delicious. You must try it if you go to Suwon. I forgot the name of the restaurant but the location is reachable, across Suwon Station and the restaurant stood up in the border of the road, so it's easy to find.

Autumn At Korea

2010-02-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

Here the time. The second time visiting Korea, at the top of fall season. Damn, the weather is so cold, like living in a mountain tip (before I hadn't realized that winter air would be my nightmare). In the entirely month, not much we did except shopping and hanging out in the same place like before. The default place to go was market, it could be Namdaemun or Insadong. But for this chance, we did some different trips. They are Korean Folk Village and Hwaseong Fortress. Before, I have ever visited to Hwaseong but I found some different ambiences for this opportunity. At the first time, it's like I visited Haenggung (The palace) near Hwaseong, but in this second time, I did march with my friends, tracking around the fortress, from the entrance gate and then walked around like tracking on Great Wall China, ended up in the entrance gate. So it made us tired but enjoy time.

The weather was quite cool, but still not cold yet. The leaves of the trees changed their color turned into yellow and red, so beautiful. Most of all haven't fallen to the ground, but a few have. To get there, we could catch taxi for KRW3500 from Inggye-dong (where Stay 7 hotel locates), or if any of you want to catch the bus, I think you must get the bus headed to Suwon Station (Suwon Yok) and then change the bus to Paldalmun (the fare is around KRW2500). You can get off to the Paldalmun Gate if you want to hike and track the Hwaseong fortress, but you could get off to the next bus stop after Paldalmun Gate if you want to visit Hwaseong Haenggung (Hwaseong Palace).

The second special tour is visiting to Korean Folk Village. This is the artificial village where traditional Korean people was built up in the previous time, located in Yongin, near Suwon City. Korean Folk Village is also the filming location for the famous movie Scandal as well as the TV miniseries Daejanggeum. There are numerous replicas of traditional houses of the different social classes (peasant, landowner, yangban) and the various regions. And also, we found amusement park, a river with some trees in the right and left side, it's been like I lived in real village at the pre-war ancient times.

To get there we must go to Suwon Station (Suwon Yok), the fare was KRW1000. And continue to get the shuttle bus for Korean Folk Village destination, it takes about 35 minutes but it's free. Maybe this is one of the facilities given by the tourism spots service. Don't forget to see the schedule of bus departure when you visit and go back from Korean Folk Village. For the departure from Suwon Station, it runs five time a day.(10:30a.m. 11:30a.m. 12:30p.m. 1:30p.m. 2:30p.m.), 30 minute ride. But the returning schedule it must be in the evening, as I know the last shuttle bus operated at 5:00p.m. If you missed it, I bet you had to catch the city bus to return back to the town.

Summer At Korea

2010-02-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

It was the first time I went to South Korea, together with my co-worker pal, Olivya, just call her Olip anyway :D It was our first time, so we were like a couple of idiot who hadn't experienced to fly over the ocean and transit to airport. Yeah, we took a flight on Singapore Airlines, so we must transit at Changi Airport before being continued to Incheon Airport Korea. We were sent there in order to business trip for 1 month. Yeah, this is for business, so it was free trip, yayyy! (although actually it's not free for us, I bet you feel confused now :D)

The business duty was executed from Monday to Friday. And the rest days, they were holidaaaaaay. We visited some cool new places at Seoul and Suwon. At the first week, we go to the palace called Deoksugung. Deoksugung is a walled compound of palaces that was inhabited by various Korean royalties until the Japanese occupation of Korea around the turn of the 20th century. We found art museum next to the palace, but we didn't enter since we were just visiting there for the surrounding environment ^__^

Still at the same day, next destination would be Namdaemun and Dongdaemun. Namdaemun Market is a large market in Seoul, South Korea. The location of the market is within a 10 minute walk from Seoul metropolitan station and is even closer to the Hoehyeon subway station. Both of us often kicked there to buy some Korean traditional merchandise, T-shirts, or unique gifts to be given to our friends. After felt satisfied buying everything, we continued the journey to Dongdaemun. Dongdaemun Market is a market and shopping center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is the largest shopping center in South Korea. We just entered one building there, which sold some clothes. Wow, the fashion mode was more chic and cool than Bandung's. But we just took a look, not much, and then we drifted to Cheonggyecheon river near that. Cheonggyecheon is a nearly 6 km long, modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul, South Korea. This creek flowing west to east through downtown Seoul, and then meeting Jungnangcheon, which in turn connects to the Hangang river.

At the second weekend, not much we did. We just took a walk around our hotel, Stay 7, visited Gyeonggi Art Center (but we didn't come inside since there wasn't any shows, concerts, or just ordinary performances), so we just took photos in front of it. Afterwards, We slid down to the park in the back of Gyeonggi Art Center, we saw Wolhwawon Palace, but it was closed, we were upset, so we just did relaxing in the park. Afternoon, we walked through the river beside our office.

On the third weekend, we visited Hwaseong Fortress. Hwaseong is the wall surrounding the center of Suwon city, which is built in eighteen century. For me, Hwaseong Fortress is like a miniature of Great Wall of China. The difference are Great Wall of China has reached length over the country and deserts which is just like a snake hiking the mountains, with upper end and lower end, while Hwaseong Fortress has shorter length, which has reached about as big as subdistrict and doesn't have upper and lower end, because the fortress is cyclic. Near the fortress, there was Hwaseong Haenggung. It is a palace built within the walls of Hwaseong to house King Jeongjo when he was away from his palace in Seoul and worshipping at his father's tomb. As people said, Haenggung was a place where the movie "Janggeum" has taken.

At the fourth weekend, we went to Everland. Everland is South Korea's largest theme park and often compared to Disneyland by those who have visited both parks, as some consider the architecture, scale, themes and general atmosphere to be very similar. Just like Dufan at Jakarta but more cool :D Both of us entered to some areas, which firstly to Zootopia, and then continued to the gardens, Four Season Garden, Victoria Garden, and many more. And the last visit must be the playground area. The theme of the month is Helloween, so don't be wondered why the color theme is orange, include my cloth. :D

The entrance fee was KR₩35000. Actually, it was quite expensive for both of us, but fortunately, we had a 50% discount. It's all because our Korean partner had been having a member card which will cost 50% than usual. So by the member card, we could claim it and we did it, yayyy! Thanks to you DY Lee, Jung Su Kim, and Young Min Jang :D

At the last weekend, we spent the day with our co-worker, Dong Yoon Lee, just call him DY. We were escorted to the place we hadn't visited before. So it's a chance for him to escort us to the new market to buy some merchandises. It was Insadong. Insadong is a neighborhood of the Jongno-gu district connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district. At one time it was the largest market for antiques and artworks in Korea. Afterwards, we walked through the Cheonggyecheon river, again. Yeah, it's a hardest day, felt so hot all the time, literally :D so we just took a rest by soaking our feet into the water.

When the sun went down, we kicked the last place, Seoul Tower. Seoul Tower is located in Namsan Mountain, central Seoul. The tower features a gift shop and restaurants on the ground floor. We went up the tower for KR₩7000. Most of the city of Seoul can be seen from the top.

How To Stop The Rain?

2010-02-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

Lately, heavy rain always flushes the city every day. Sometimes I find it difficult to leave the house, even using an umbrella. So the post today, I want to give some tips to ward off the rain, although most of them sound very weird and superstition. Check it out!

Teru teru bozu
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teru_teru_bozu

Teru teru bozu (Japanese: てるてる坊主; "shiny-shiny Buddhist priest") is a little traditional hand-made doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string. This amulet is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. Today, children make teru-teru-bōzu out of tissue paper or cotton and string and hang them from a window to wish for sunny weather, often before a school picnic day. Hanging it upside down - with its head pointing downside - acts like a prayer for rain. They are still a very common sight in Japan.

Stop the Rain Spell
Source: http://www.spellsandmagic.com/stop_rain.html

This is a spell to stop rain from coming to a town right before it falls. When it starts getting dark, chant this with lots of feeling:

"Gods of power, Gods of might,
I bid you now, stop this plight,
Stop the rain, we need no more,
Let it fall, nevermore."

Put allot of feeling in stopping rain from falling from the clouds and it will not fall, it will simply move to a area away from where you are and then fall.

Spiritual

The reason to stop the rain is all because we have a ceremony or big celebration, so we always call the professional person who will be able to stop the rain. This person usually use the method of repeatedly praying. He will ask at least seven of the family members to do repeatedly praying to keep in touch with the Creator of rain, ask Him to stop the rain. One of them must pray for 12 hours non-stop at the night before the ceremony or celebration will be held.

Science Spiritualism

Scientifically rain can come undone in a way of dispersing rain clouds or can be accelerated by artificial rain fall. Dissolution of the rain clouds could use powdered limestone karst. Limestone when exposed to water vapor in the air will remove heat energy that will vaporize the water particles in clouds, so the clouds disappeared. With scientific reasoning, that is a charmer of rain must have a very large energy, can be a breeze that can disperse the cloud or heat energy to vaporize a very large drops in the clouds.

The charmer of rain use some prayers. The evaporation from the heat-affected sea sun will rise into the light of men and the evaporation of moisture from the leaves will be the light of women. With a prayer uttered the sacred name of God, will form the light of men and light of women. Prayer produces "energy and aura" which can be photographed with an aura camera. Feminine aura will be rain, while the masculine aura will dissolve rain clouds . Depending on what the prayer spoken, the energy that accompanies the prayer will bring or keep out the rain.

Rice

Another rain charmer who claims having supernatural science from Banten will use bowl of incense, salt, cigar, lime, areca nut and betel. He normally ask his clients throwing rice 1 handful to the roof and throw cigar, incense, flowers, and lime into the rivers. You just asked that it did not rain 1 day, 1 week, or it's up to you.

FYI, my mother who is Javanese usually only use a handful rice and knife and then throw them to the road in front of the house, while she mumbly chants the prayer. I don't know how to respond except watching her do that since that is what she believes in Java culture science.

Using genie or another creature

OMG, that is so scary. Yet, some people used them to stop the rain. One experience has ever been done is saving a football field from the pouring rain, he requires 3-5 cans of beer as a mediator. Gosh, the genie asked beer for stopping the rain? LOL.
They might be drunken genies, HAHAHAHAHAHA ...

Broom Stick

Commonly in the traditional community, there's a way to stop the rain, but doubtfully works, i.e by turning down broom stick which has been used before. At the tip of stick, embed some onions and red chilies. Then these sticks are plugged in every corner of the building to protect it from raindrops. And the broom stick could be tilted facing the sky.

Mmmm ... it is one of the weirdest ways to stop the rain, ain't it? Will rain clouds will be afraid of onions and chilies that are attached to the broom stick? So silly, LOL ...

Underwear

One way to counteract the rain in traditional way is: threw underwear on the tiles (Are you insane?). According to the people stories, if the underwear was thrown into the tile, the angel who was in charge of rain will be disgusted because they saw the panties .... so it made them to go away from you and start to end up the rain. LOL ...

At last but not least, i want to give a cartoon illustration from the experience of "Benny and Mice" below. LOL

The Rebellion Against Darmaji

2010-01-29T01:22:00.000-08:00

Again, we tried to build up the estafet story. Gosh, I don't know exactly what happened, maybe it was caused by the complaint delivered by our boss. Even though this is frankly our fault, but we didn't accept it as he did to us. Well then, so it made us created the army to fight against Darmaji. That's why we poured everything in our heart (WTH?) to show the world what happened to us.

This estafet story was written by me, Rizka, Suci, Faida, and Elly. Sorry if any of you aren't able to understand the language. It is aimed to keep the privacy and just won't make it controversial. And for the dearest readers, we're sorry for this shit trash thing. We didn't mean to mock or insult anyone, it is just for fun. So please forgive us if any of you feel bothered of this post, just ignore it :D

Check it out.

REBELLION AGAINST DARMAJI

Awan iki Darmaji mlaku luntang-lantung pinggir rel sepur. Karo ngupil nganggo linggis. "Ngguateliii, upilku kok gede banget seeeeeh?"
Pas lagi enak-enake ngupil, moro-moro onok sing nyeluk, "Jiiiii...". Tibake sing nyeluk si ponaji.

"Halah pakleeeeek, sampeyan iki ngupil nggawe linggis, sampe mimisan koyo ngono, karo clurit ae luwih nggarakno semriwing."

"Rame ae kowe Pon...lapo mrene marani aku?" jare Darmaji.

Ponaji nyauri "Aku arep muleh lek.. mumet aq ning kene mbok kongkon nggawe game-e jaran"

"Halaaaaaah, lebay deh eyke. Timbangane awakmu koyo anak buahku iku kabehane browsingan karo ngegame kabeh, gak ono sing kerjo, nggateli kabeh ... sampe kembut2 irungku," beneran kembut2 irunge Darmaji, tapi iku gara2 ngupil gawe linggis.

"Sampeyan iki lek sing lebay, ati-ati disantet karo anak buahmu sing jenenge Geje karo Icus lho, dendam sampe ubun2 ketoke" jare Ponaji.

Darmaji ngomong "huah.. rawedi! eh ojo salah yo. masio ra iso melek ngene mbahku asline jombang. ilmu santete luweh makjoss.."

"Pantesan, lek. Jenengmu iku katrok bin ndesooooo, aku ae rasane isin duwe paklik koyo sampeyan, jeneng kok koyo tukang becak," Ponaji koyoe arep bunuh diri, emoh ditakdirno dadi ponakane Darmaji.

"Ooo...arek iki cilik2 kemlinthi, arep ngajak gelut kowe Pon?" moro2 Darmaji dadi emosi, nyincing lengen klambine. Ponaji akhire mlayu timbangane sasi ngarep poso senen kemis gr2 dipecat dadi ponakan.

"Paklek, opo hubungane poso senen kemis karo dipecat dadi ponakanmu?" si Ponaji takon neng Darmaji. Iki asline Ponaji mlayu tutuk Darmaji opo takon seh, kok ora jelas blas?

Darmaji ngomong "Lho tak pikir kowe mau mlayu ngadoh. tibae nyedak to. tiwas aq wes seneng ae. Dasar bocah goblok. mosok ra ngerti hubungane poso senen kemis karo dipecat dadi ponakanku"

"Heeeee? aku kan atheis, Paklek. Kowe opo meneh, malah nyembah Si Mamang, yo moso tau aku poso Senen Kemis," Ponaji wes kembut-kembut pisan.

"iku sopo maneh sih le.. le.. sopo iku mamang?? opo iki aku sing kakehan ngupil yo.. daya mengingat ku melemah.. sopo iku pon mamang?? dewa opo kuwi? "

"Makane lek,dadi wong tuwo ojok kemlinthi pisan,sukur sampeyan pikunan. Iku lho Mamang, mosok ora iling masang potone,mbok pasangi lilin karo kembang,bendino ndungo ndek ngarepe potone sampe membabi-buta",jare Ponaji.

"woo.. pantesan potone ilang. kowe to sing njupuk. kene balekno potone mamang sing lagi adus," jare Darmaji.

"Astaghfirullah, istighfar, lek. Nyebut, nyebut, nyebut jenenge si Mamang," si Ponaji ngelus2 dada.

"Wong edyan rak katokan rak kelamben rak kutangan!!!! kowe sing kudu nyebut.. kapan aku nyembah2 dungo mbe model pelem bokep murahan koyok ngono... aku iki rak terimo kon anggep penyembah si mamang. Aku iki jelas2 luwih hot hot pisan... aku yo benci karo wong iku... mantan waria taman lawang, saingan ku biyen... my biggest rival!! you know, kowe eruh boso inggris ora??" Irunge darmaji kembut2 paraahhhh.

"Ngaku2 hot, wong irung kembut2 kyk ngono, ora iso melek pisan. Podo ae iki karo Mamang. Weslah timbangane nyepet2i mripatku,mbaleko kono nang Taman Lawang", Ponaji tambah emosi.

"Bocah biadab! senengane marai aq emosi. nek emosi ngene iki kudu tak lampiasne ning budak2ku.", Darmaji bengok2 karo mlilik2..

"Wes tahlah, Lek. Ojo dipekso, lek aseline gak iso melek, ojo dipekso melilik-melilik ngono, pamali!" Ponaji ngadem-ademi si Darmaji.

Darmaji ora terimo dihina2 mbe ponakan biadabe iku, wong ponakane dewek yo ra iso melek. Jek karo kembang kempis irunge.. darmaji nantang ponaji. "Heh le.. kowe iki ojo ngelok2ne aku rak iso melek, kowe iso ora?? hayooo adu melek2an ae... kowe wani ora??" tantang darmaji.

"O ancen paklek sarap,wes didemno malah ngajak tukaran maneh. Yowes karepmu,kate adu melek2an ayo, adu ganteng2an ayo, seng jelas gantengan aku wong sampeyan biyen bekase bencong taman lawang. Takcelukno Geje karo Icus dadi jurine", Ponaji gak gelem kalah.

"Heeeeey, laopo nyeluk2 jenengku?" moro-moro si Geje muncul, "Wong sing nyeluk2 jenengku gak gratisan, kudu bayar royalti, cepet kene endi royaltiku?"

"Oalah iki tho sing jenenge geje,sik kenalan disek.gampang masalah royalti...kowe jaluk opo?" jare darmaji.

"Aku njaluk kirimno aku maneh nang korea, minimal 5 taon... wis bosen aku nde kene,, sumpek mumet... wong2ne akeh sing geje (GJ = ga jelas), aku dadi melok geje iki" jare geje kembang kempis.

"OPOOOOOOO?!?!?!?!?! ora iso saiki, iki jek lagi adu melek2an karo Ponaji. Kowe kudu dadi jurine, pokoke kowe lek menangno Ponaji takkirim seumur hidup!! Awas kowe", Darmaji ngancem Geje karo linggise.

"Halah .... katek adu melek2an barang. Tapi sektahlah, lek menangno Ponaji aku arep dikirim seumur hidup? Gak salah ta kalimat iku?" Si Geje kebingungan.

"yo opo tho arek iki, geje tenan, mosok ponaji sing tak kirim seumur hidup. lak enak dek-e. yo wis ben adil, sing kalah dadi asisten aq ae...ngancani aq mlaku2. " jare darmaji.

"yawis.. ngene ae yo ben enak.. lek awakmu kalah pakle... dirimu sing hengkang dari dunyo yo.." jare ponaji. "iyoo mbe iku... linggis mu karo aku..arep tak jadino properti gae pilem anyar ku "rumah dara" " jare geje sing ancene gejeh tenan. "trus aku ini nyapo?? " jare icus merasa dicuekno. ponaji, darmadji mbe geje terperangah...

"AKU ORA TRIMO DICUEKI!",icus ngomong menggelegar. Moro2 onok bledheg kilat banter nyamber icus,sing awale rambute icus ngombak dadi lurus.

"Innalilah!" si Darmaji karo Ponaji berpelukan ala Teletubbies, tapi untunge si Geje gak melu2, tapi kok yo ono sing aneh ndek wetenge Geje, halaaaaaah, tibakno Darmaji karo Ponaji berpelukan ndek wetenge Geje. "Aku wes ora joko maneh, hiks hiks ..."

"gaaaaaaaaaaaaaakkkkkkk....." icus bengok ambek mlayu koyok wong mari delok hantu.

Icus mlayu nang pelukan geje tibakno... "je.. kowe... koweeh.. koweeh... ra popo??" pas darmaji karo ponaji mari rangkulan, karo ngeculno geje, de'e ndelok... awake geje wes remuk... oh nooo....

Icus mbrebes mili gara2 ngesakno nasibe Geje, wes gak sido dikirim nang korea 5 taun,malah remuk saiki awake. Trus icus ninju2 kecil dodone darmaji karo ponaji gantian kyk pilm india,"darmaji nakal...ponaji nakal...saaken geje iki lho", tapi karo ketip2.

"Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyy," si Geje menggeliat2 dewe ndelok kelakuane Icus, sibuk ngebayangno piye lek Icus nowel2 dodone de'e. gilooooooo....... sempet2e seh arek iku akting India ngono? "Ora sudi aku ditinju2 dodone koyo ngono, genit!"

Darmaji berusaha nenangno icus. Darmaji ngerangkul karo ngomong :"iki kondisi penting, dadi kudhu profesional", ponaji ambek geje cuman iso geleng2.

"Heeeyyy.. sek ta lah... iki piye toh.. kita iki durung lomba melek2an piye toh wong2 iki.. geje kuabehh!!" cerocos ponaji ambe mlotot2...terus makbedunduk..... ya know what???

Darmadji ndlomong. "Lhooo... lHoo.. pon...." darmaji terbata-bata.

"Looo.. ponaji..", geje ngrangkul2 terbata-bata.

"OPO?? Ono opo??" jare POnaji emosi.

"Ponajii..."icus tp sing iki ora terbata-bata, malah ngelus ndek dodone ponaji.

"OPO sih arek2 iki??" ponaji tambah penasaran.

"MOTO mmuuuuu MOTOMUUUU MELOTOT PON".

"Wes jelas iki aku sing menang paklek,sampeyan minggato tutuk kene,wes muak aku",jare Ponaji karo senyum culas. "kowe pisan je,mau kan awakmu wes remuk,saiki kok mak jegagik tangi seger ngene?ancene arek geje tenan.Icus iki pisan..."karo ngomong ngono Ponaji noleh nang icus."Lho...icus nang ndi?"kaget Ponaji,moro2 icus ilang.

"Aku ndek kene, cak!" Icus awe2 ndek cedeke banget, "Jiaaaaaaaahhh, motomu iku lho lek melotot sing ukuran ta. Motomu iku pathing pecothot sampe sakmeter luwih, wong aku ono ndek sisimu, aku kan lagi ngelus2 dodomu iki, yo iyolah gak ndelok aku. Dilebokno meneh ae motomu, ben iso ndelok raiku sing imut iki," Icus mengerling2 genit.

Darmaji mlaku cedhek-e ponaji sambil gowo linggis :"motomu iku benakno gawe linggis iki, mosok arek ayu nang sebelahmu ora kethok". icus motone kedap kedup koyok bintang nang langit.

"Opo sihh wong wong iki... ribut ae.... endi? endi sing raine lucu iku?" ujug2 mamang teko.

"MAMANG...",jare Darmaji, Ponaji, Geje karo Icus barengan.

"Heh mang...utangmu mi goreng wingi durung mbok bayar hare..karepmu opo? Kene bayaren!!" moro2 onok Pak Alex pisan.

"Lhooooooooo, ternyata ndek kene Pak Alex," moro2 ono segerombolan polisi ketertiban teko, "Heh, warunge sampeyan ojo mangkal meneh ndek mburi, tak sun kapok kowe."

Pak Alex kebingungan, "Ampun Pak Polisi, ampuuuuuuuuun!"

"Ayo serbuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!" Pak polisi karo konco2ne nyerbu Pak Alex, tapi sing disikan mlayu malah Darmaji dan kawan-kawan.

Akhire kabeh podo mlayu. Pak Polisi nguber Pak Alex, Pak Alex nguber Mamang, Mamang nguber Darmaji, Darmaji nguber Ponaji, Ponaji nguber Geje karo Icus.
Timbangane ora nguber opo2, akhire Geje karo Icus nguber2 bebek.

--- WES MARI ---

Backpack to Singapore

2010-01-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

This was my second time visiting Singapore. But the first wasn't counted since I just transit Changi Airport while heading to Korea. So the second chance we met again, I gonna do exploration there, do backpack, and have fun enjoying the Singapore atmosphere. We departed from Jakarta to Batam, this is the alternative way to reach Singapore with less money. And the second reason was, we wanted to know more about Batam. I think Batam is prospective enough to be developed as a good tourism destination and well-planned residence.

From Batam we continued the tour by taking ferry heading to HarbourFront. The ferry we got on, was not the same with the kind of ferry heading to Bali which carries people and vehicles in one time. The ferry heading to Singapore just carry people and their baggage, so I felt some significant differences when I was in it.

a way to harbor

the ferry inside

After reaching HarbourFront, we continued the journey by taking MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). As we noticed, the MRT in Singapore seemed not different with Metro Subway in Korea. But at least we didn't feel confused since we are used to it. However, the idiot action was unavoidably happened. Yeah, we were like numbnuts who newly learned how to use ticketing machine, until there was a man helped us to operate the machine by always said to us "You know lah!", lol. Before this, we experienced operating the ticket machine at subway Korea, but I don't know why we were like rubes who just came to the big city. It's too idiot to memorize, lol.

After that, we got on the MRT and headed to Farrer Park station to catch Serangoon Road (before this, we didn't know that Boon Keng station was more reachable than it) where our hostel is located there, The Hive. Yeah, this is hostel for backpackers, so our room is mixed up with another overseas backpackers, one room have 10 beds. We were sleeping there with at least 4 western guys and girls, and 1 eastern guy (as I remembered).

The first night at Singapore, we kicked some places not far from the hostel, Little India would be our first coulinary destination. The foods were not too bad, seemed like traditional food from Aceh. But most of my friends disliked it. After having coulinary, we kicked the Mustafa Center to buy some snacks, merchandises, and compared the price of electronic apparatus. Returned from Mustafa, we headed to the Hindu's temple called Veeramakaliamman Temple. We saw the Hindu spiritual worship inside the temple. I'm so excited how they worshipped their gods, it's a brand new experience I had, because I have ever seen the praying ritual from Hindu's people at Bali. And I think even they prayed to the same gods, but how they worshipped, it's maybe totally different.

In the next day, it's time to go to the main destination of Singapore iconic places. They were located arround Marina Bay. But, before reaching Marina Bay, we must taking MRT, got off Rafless Place station and then we drifted through skycraper building and followed the Singapore River. Marina Bay is not far from there, so we just took a walk with taking some photos until we arrived Marina Bay where the Merlion is stood up spraying the water. We can see the Esplanade, Fullerton and Mandarin Hotel, Singapore Flyer, Raffles Statue, and some skycraper building. Unfortunately, we didn't have the opportunity to see Double Helix Bridge since it was being built, in progress.

At the same day, we went to Chinese Garden, located in Jurong region. There were some pagodas, the big one is placed in the front of the entry gate, and the other little pagodas is placed in the backyard. Not only Chinese Garden we could see, but Japanese Garden is not far from there. The environment was really beautifully attractive and fresh.

When the night had come, we went to Singapore Flyer and rode onto it so that we clearly saw the Singapore city light in the night, it was so cool. Be in the highest top, made me like a flying man. Gosh, it's so chic panorama, even it's just a populated city with many crowded neat buildings, but I could feel the same feeling when I saw the greenish panorama with the blue sky and blue ocean. We only had one rotation opportunity, and then we walked to Clark Quay next to Singapore River. There were so many restaurants and cafes where the people usually hang out to or just searching a place and grab a bite to eat while watching how beautiful the environment arround the Singapore River is. Not too crowd, less vehicles passing or maybe just the water transportation passing through the river made the atmosphere really romantic.

On the third day in Singapore, it's time to go shopping in the morning. The first destination we kicked was Orchard and Hard Rock Shop. Not much we did except window
shopping at several department stores Orchard street and then we bought T-shirts from Hard Rock Shop. To complete the day, we went shopping to Bugis Street, we bought Singapore merchandises, with negotiable price :D After satisfied spending much money, we headed to Mesjid Sultan to pray Dhuhur.

After midday, we went to one of our main destination, yeah, it was Sentosa. Sentosa is a little island in the southern part of Singapore. To go there, we took cable car which cost S$ 10.90. It offers some fun attractions, best beaches, and studio theme parks. One of the merlion stand up on sorta hill. I think this is the biggest Merlion I have ever seen and the only one Singapore icon which can be climbed to have a good view from there. We walked around Tiger Sky Tower, The Image of Singapore, The Merlion, entering some attractions, and finally watched the "Song of The Sea" performance. It was really cool. Many attractive places in Sentosa which we can visit but our time's up. Nevertheless, we were really excited of the journey that day.

Tiger Sky Tower

The Merlion of Sentosa

"Song of The Sea" performance

Note:

The flight fare (Air Asia) from Jakarta to Batam : around Rp.300.000
The flight fare (Tiger Airways) from Singapore to Jakarta : S$ 420 for 5 persons.
Ferry from Batam to Harbourfort : S$ 17
Singapore Tourist Pass MRT : S$8 per day

* the photos were taken by Chocky, Wawan, and Eka

Backpack to Ujung Genteng

2010-01-23T01:51:00.000-08:00

Ujung Genteng is one of the beautiful places in the southern part of Java, which can be called as southern nirvana, offers beaches and waterfall. As the initiative of some pals, we decide to make travel in the next schedule for Ujung Genteng. Yeah, from Cikarang, it took much time to get there and we must transit at some terminals and continued again the journey just like we did as a real backpacking survivor :D

Our journey was started from Cikarang, got on the bus heading to Kampung Rambutan Jakarta. And then we continued the tour by getting on the economy bus from Kampung Rambutan to Sukabumi frop about 2 hours, got off Degung bus terminal. The journey wasn't over yet. We must continue by getting on the angkot (public transportation, like elf) heading to Lembur Situ. It's not really far, it took for about 30 minutes. I guess we almost there, but the tour must be continued. God, i felt dizzy and tired that time. Yeah, then we got on the elf (public transportation) again from Lembur Situ to Surade for 4 hours non-stop without resting. And seeing the road is really bad to pass and how uncomfortable the elf we got on, it makes me dead inside. We were like riding in the roller coaster or just like rafting but in the harsh road, for 4 hours. Can you imagine that? To avoid the dizziness, i just took some pils and try to sleep.

Four hours later, we were there. The driver took us until Curug Cikaso, our first destination. It's almost 3 AM. God, people were still sleeping under their blanket. Yeah, but it's fun. Unforgettable moment of our adventure ^^

The next destination was Curug Cigangsa. We reached Curug Cigangsa by renting pick-up car and its driver, of course :) You know, it's really fun getting on the back of pick-up car. Wind was fanning hardly, and we enjoyed the harsh road we passed. I called us as Bolang, Bocah Petualang (Adventurous Kids). But unfortunately, when we reached Curug Cigangsa, we didn't find much water there, some people told that it was drought season which caused the curug lost the water. Different from the first curug we've just visited, now we were walking on Curug Cigangsa in the upper side. Gosh, it's so high to take a look at the bottom of it. I thought Curug Cigangsa is more huge than Curug Cikaso, but just dry as drought season.

Next destination is Ujung Genteng beach. We decided to stay at the hostel near the beach. It was Pondok Adi. We took a rest there, having talk in the terrace while waiting for the sunset. You know, when it happened, it's really cool. Take a look at the picture below.

In the night, we did the barbecue thing. Not really barbecue, we just bbq some fishes for the dinner. Yeah, we are just amateur to do that, Although we didn't succeed to burn whole the fish, we really enjoy the meal under the blurred light, makes it so romantic. But when we finished the meal and brought back the dishes to the owner, i realized that the fishes weren't still all ripped yet. I saw pink flesh under their skins and surrounding the bone. OMG, i just pray that I will be OK, no stomachache or anything like that.

Note:

Cikarang - Kampung Rambutan, get on Agramas bus : Rp 6000
Kampung Rambutan - Sukabumi (Degung Terminal) : Rp. 16.000
Degung Terminal - Lembur Situ : Rp. 10.000
Lembur Situ - Surade : R. 23.000
Surade - Curug Cikaso : Rp. 7.300
Pick Up Curug Cikaso - Curug Cigangsa and Ujung Genteng : Rp. 20.000

The next day, we hunted the sunrise in the east beach. We woke up at 4 o'clock. It takes about 5 minutes to reach east beach from our hostel. Yeah, it's the coolest sunset i have ever seen in this life.

After going back to the hostel, some of us decided to swim in the beach, not far from hostel.

The next destination is Ombak Tujuh. Ombak Tujuh is popular for the huge waves, one of the beaches which is used to do surfing. To get there, there are two ways. By motorcycle or by water boat. Because it takes so long time when we go there by motorcycle and harsh road, so we decided to get on the water boat. Some of us felt scary to get on it because they weren't able to swim well. But, the rest of us make sure that it's safe enough to ride, and then we just went without worrying anymore.

When the night had come, we took a meal and continued the tour to the virgin beach which has some turtles to go nesting. The beach is called Pangumbahan Beach. Usually the turtle's babies should have been released in the 5 PM that day, we missed it. So we just saw the turtle nesting in the white sand.

Note:

Water boat to Ombak Tujuh : Rp. 400.000 / boat (4-5 persons)
Rent Car to go seeing turtle : Rp. 200.000 / car

*the photos were taken by Dina, Chocky, and Sindu.

Traveling to Ciwidey

2010-01-22T23:36:00.000-08:00

The vacation in this time is very very colorful. Why could i say that? Because Ciwidey is I am talking about. Yeah, first of all we headed to Kawah Putih (White Crater) which is very blue, and then on the way of the journey we stopped the car to make a rest-time in Tea Garden of Walini which is very green. After felt satisfied and fresh, we continued heading to the Situpatengan Lake which is so brown and green and foggy. And finally we reached Kampung Daun as the final destination which like a village in the center of forest, with full of green and traditional cabin, makes the place harmoniously chic. That's why I say that my vacation is really colorful.

We departed from Cikarang on 8 o'clock by rental car, luckily we didn't get traffic jam on the way. As reaching Bandung, we exited to the highway gate of Kopo, then we continued going along the road, through Soreang and Ciwidey for about 1 hour. Thanks God, we didn't find any crowded jam. We passed several strawberry gardens at Ciwidey, which we can pick the strawberry by ourselves, directly from their stems. We didn't get off the car to do that because we think it will be worthy if we chase the time to visit our main destination. We just worried that we weren't be able to make it. Yeah, some of us felt dissapointed for a while, but it's OK ^^

Not much time we need to arrive in the first destination, Kawah Putih (White Crater). Kawah Putih is the southeast crater of the Mount Patuha which has greenish-white crater lake. Mount Patuha itself is a twin stratovolcano in the southwest of Bandung in West Java, Indonesia. There's sulfur mine in the Kawah Putih. When we get there, actually we didn't endure the stinky odor of sulfur, but we just forget it by taking many pictures :D

Here we go the pictures of us.

Located at an altitude of about 1600 m above sea level, Situ Patenggang is an enchanting panorama. Green carpet like tea gardens of nature, coupled with the cold air and clean and warm sun, giving the impression of peace and tranquility itself for visitors. From the side of the road to a quiet location, appears to be a lake behind the tea plantations of trees face the sky. The location which crosses the lake is quite interesting that is called Batu Cinta (Stone of Love). Batu Cinta is said to believe will provide the continuity of love for the couple who came to visit there.

When the sun went down, we planned to having dinner at Kampung Daun. It was far from the site we have visited before. Kampung Daun is located in the north of Bandung. Even it is quite far from center of Bandung, but it is amazing place. Since we went there after dark, we can feel different ambient. There were so many threes and small waterfalls along the street. The foods were quite expensive but were worthy enough with the panorama it has given and you didn't have to wait so long because they served well, each location has their own kitchen.

* the photos were taken by Dina and Chocky

What-The-Hell Estafet Short-Story

2010-01-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

I want to come back in time, when it feels like don't need anything to make serious, just fun we did. Yeah, one of them is our little project. Very undefined project, it is an estafet short story which I and my pals wrote when we're less of job that time ...

We followed the rule as we agreed here. So, this work is dedicated to you, Elly, Rizka, Dina, and Mpit.

I'm sorry if any of you don't know the meaning since we used our language here.
It leaves memory until now, make me ROFL (Rolling On Floor Laughing or anything :D). Thank you guys, for making me laugh until this time.

Here we go ...

1.30 AM
13 oktober 2006,
SARITEM, Bandung.

Aku terbangun dari tidurku, terkejut. Bayangan itu masih berdiri di beranda kamarku. Seekor kecoa berlarian di bawah kolong tempat tidurku. Kepalaku menoleh ke samping, klienku masih tertidur lelap. Langkahku gontai menuju wastafel, membasahi mukaku.

Buliran keringat membasahi baju piyamaku, Dingin tapi panas. Kulihat bayanganku sendiri di cermin, basah, kusut, berantakan. Tiba-tiba ada sekelebat bayangan melintas di belakang pintu. Aku berbalik cepat, tubuhku merapat pada wastafel, mataku membelalak mencari sumber bayangan itu.

"Daniel..." suara lembut itu memecah keheningan, Fyyuuh... client cantikku itu ternyata. Tante Sri, yang masih terlihat cantik di usia kepala empatnya mulai berjalan...mendekatiku dengan manja.

Tante Sri memeluk pinggangku mesra lalu memasukkan beberapa lembar uang ke dalam celana dalamku, "Ini bayaranmu untuk malam ini." Aku menuju kamar mandi, meninggalkan wanita paruh baya yang masih di ranjang dan berbenah sendirian.

Di kamar mandi, aku berfikir... mengapa aku bodoh sekali membuat kamar yang wastafelnya beda tempat dengan kamar mandi... aku heran!. Keherananku tidak berlangsung lama, karena sejurus kemudian terdengar ketukan di pintu kamar mandi. Aku berani menebak bahwa itu adalah Tante Sri yang menyuruhku untuk segera keluar dari kamar mandi karena memang jam-jam segini jadwal dia untuk nyetor ke WC sekaligus mandi besar.

Aku berlama-lama di kamar mandi, jijik akan diriku sendiri. Daniel..apa yang telah kau perbuat??... Setelah Om Doni, sekarang Tante Sri? Bukankah kau dulu yang menjadi saksi pernikahan mereka berdua..setelah pernikahan pertama Om Doni dan pernikahan keempat Tante Sri yang gagal. Tetapi kenapa kau lebih menikmatinya bila melakukannya bersama Om Doni? Aku mengingat kembali wajah dan pesan ibuku, ajaran-ajarannya, argggh aku sungguh..sungguh hina.

"Daniel sayang.. aku harus pulang... sedang apa sih kamu di dalam, Hon?" Teriak manja Tante Sri membuyarkan lamunanku. Aku menggerutu di dalam hati, aku masih ingin berlama-lama di kamar mandi..tak kuhiraukan teriakan Tante Sri. Aku ingin kabur dari tempat di mana kenistaan ini tumbuh tak berakhir. Aku mengambil pistol yang sengaja aku simpan di dalam penampungan air toilet. Oh iya... pistol ini sudah lama aku simpan dengan dibungkus plastik, biar gak karatan. Kulihat pistol itu lamat-lamat, masih terukir inisial DB di pelatuknya.

DB, aku tak tahu apa itu? Apakah mungkin itu adalah merknya? Kutarik pelatuknya.

"Desssinnng...." kulihat tante Sri dihadapanku, berdiri terpaku seperti menahan sakit, Darah membasahi selimut lorengku yang ia kenakan. Aku terkejut, kenapa tiba-tiba ada tante Sri disitu, padahal pintu kamar mandi sudah aku kunci dari dalam? Mungkinkah....

Dalam seketika aku langsung pingsan karena aku tahu semua kejadian itu tak masuk akal bagiku, masih mistis, dan susah dijelaskan oleh logika. Aku berusaha membuka mataku, ku lihat samar-samar bayangan orang duduk di samping kiriku.

"Niel..daniel.. bangun lw!!...Heh!! jam 7 Bro!! katanya suruh bangunin..., gwe mo cabut nih" samar-samar kulihat sosok itu... si pengkor... teman sekamarku. Si Pengkor menggoyang-goyang tubuhku dengan semangat "Bangun woi...ato elo mau ketinggalan mata kuliah Bu Sri yang tuwir tapi bahenol ituh??"

Tiba-tiba aku terbangun dengan mata masih belum fokus, lalu berpikir dalam hati "Sejak kapan Bu Sri jadi bahenol?" sampai kusadari bahwa aku masih berada di toilet, lalu ke mana tadi si Pengkor?

Aaarrghh.... masa iya aku juga tertarik sama si pengkor?? God..dammit!! terkutuk sekali aku.. si pengkor?? Febri?? pria gay itu... Ya tuhan ada apa dengan aku??.. Tapi sedetik tadi aku merasa bahwa Febri terlihat ganteng sekali..aaaarrrrggghhh,,sepertinya hari ini aku harus berkonsultasi mengenai kemungkinan aku tertular kelainan seksual karena tinggal sekamar bersama pria gay.

"Heeeeeey, gue masih normal kaleeeee," jeritku lantang, "Tante Sriiiiiii, katakanlah kalau kau sangat menikmati permainan ranjangku beberapa saat lalu!"

Tiba-tiba Pengkor A.K.A Febri masuk... dari sosoknya yang tegap dan tampan tiba..tiba... "Hey..hey... knp kau meneriakkan namaku.. Tante Sri itu nama malamku niel... Tentu sayang..aku sangat ingat permainanmu... begitu..menggoda... EEeerrrr..." Febri alias Pengkor menggeliat2 dihadapanku... tidaaaakkkkkkk

--- T A M A T ---

11:11

2009-10-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

What's exactly happening on that 11:11?

For the first time, I didn't realize that it came up a couple times, say hi to me as if it is human being make a greeting to me. Almost everyday, my eyes often crawl intuitively the digital clock in the right below corner of my computer desktop, and it displays 11:11. It makes me creepy at once. But, it's just a number, hell yeah I was into silly imagination which I shouldn't have taken care of.

After that, I didn't really care about it until I got no purpose watching my friend's status in her messenger. She said "my life is fullfilled by 11:11". Then I remember my last concern and let me to say inside my feeling, "Il Signo Dio, There's something ..."

All of a sudden, I search anything about 11:11. I think it's a fascinating stuff to discuss and criticize. Here is what I found about the 11:11 ...

You're supposed to make a wish a 11:11 & it's supposed to come true. Every time we see 11:11 on the clock that it's the universes way of letting you know that you're on the right path, in other words, it is some sort of a message from a higher power. It's just like when you see a shooting star you see it and make a wish .. it sometimes comes true and sometimes doesn't.

There's (maybe) a superstitious thing inside 11:11. I'm not exactly sure but I want to share this article. Click Spoiler to see it.

Source : www.1111spiritguardians.com

How often have you noticed the numbers 11:11, 12:12, 10:10, 22:22, 12:34, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44 or 5:55 popping up all over the place? These number sequences are not necessarily only time prompts. They can also be number sequences, like 333, 1111 etc. To your mind, is this a coincidence, or are they too frequent to be random? Perhaps you are puzzled or amused by this phenomenon? Possibly even a little bit nervous? The question everyone is asking is 'What does 11:11 mean?' and 'Is there a reason for this?' And there certainly is.

Millions of folks all around the world are now seeing these amazing 11:11 prompts. They are folks of all colours, all religions, all beliefs. It's spreading, and becoming far more common; it's become a major phenomenon. Someone or something is causing all these folks to look at clocks, number plates, phone numbers or any source of numbers even when they make no effort themselves to look for these things. You can even change your clocks in the house, and you will still be prompted, at the 'wrong' time. You can't stop it, because YOU aren't doing it. Sometimes you will even see these numbers flashing after a power outage, even though digital clocks are supposed to reset to 12:00, not 11:11 or 12:12!

These 11:11 Wake-Up Calls on your digital clocks, mobile phones, VCR’s and microwaves are the 'trademark' prompts of a group of just 1,111 fun-loving Spirit Guardians, or Angels, and the 11:11 prompt is their way of using our innate ability for pattern recognition to let us know that they are here. Once they have your attention, they will use other digits, like 12:34, or 2:22 to remind you of their presence. Invisible to our eyes, they are very real.

Our earthly 1,111 Spirit Guardians, often called 'Midwayers,' have been assisting folks of all walks of life for many centuries. George Barnard, the original human member of the 11:11 Progress Group, has been privileged to call them his family, his coworkers, friends and teachers for almost 60 years. Get an introduction into some of George's experiences in 'From the Desk of George Barnard'.

Some folks also notice lights going out or on when they pass by, such as street lights. They may also hear the door bell ring, yet there is no one in sight. It's all due to our fun loving midway friends. They will use almost any electrically controlled device to get your attention. They can and will change traffic lights, but we have found that often damages the electronic circuits, so we don't suggest you ask for that.

Sign up for the 11:11 Email Mailing List to receive the beautiful uplifting messages from various types of Celestial Beings. Members of the 11:11 Progress Group receive these communications on an almost daily basis. The new ones are sent to the email list, and posted on our message board. Some of the past messages are found in the Celestial Message pages and on our sister sites. Also, you can go to our 11:11 Message Board site to connect with other 11'ers, and share your experiences. There is even a specific 11:11 forum dealing with the Akashic Construct, a CD that is revolutionizing how people make contact with their guides.

A new age of 'Spiritual Uplift' has begun on our planet. There are now literally billions of Celestial beings here, all of whom have been especially trained to assist with changing the course of this planet. Many more of these delightful Spirit Guardians are now ready to assist whoever will ask for their help. As a tribute to the centuries-long tenure of the original 1,111 Celestial Helpers, they have retained the customary 11:11 prompts. We are told that over 75 million folks are being given these 11:11 prompts, and a glance around the web will tell you something big is happening. Welcome to being an 11'er.

So, what will you believe????

Is it healthy to never cry?

2009-10-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Is it healthy to never cry?
Is it obvious if we didn't cry for a long time makes our eyes feelin' bad or just the emotion inside won't come up a whole like we burden ourselves with something depressed? Yeah, that's what I feel right now. I don't know why, suddenly I'm about to feel blue, love to be intimated by someone who cares me, and love to be loved in the distinctive way which I never have before. So, to cope with it by myself, I just search the song which makes me -maybe- wanna cry a river. And the winner goes to ... the song performed by Josh Kelley, titled Just Say The Word.

This song succeeded to make me feeling blue, hux hux ...
But, note that .... I haven't cried yet, even by listening this sad song and comprehend deeply the lyrics, aaaarrrrgghhh ...

The tears don't fall down thou, I still feeling blue while listening this song. My heart was crying but my eyes weren't.

Just check out the song and the lyrics below. Would you like to cry for this song? If it isn't, please recommend me to another song. I wanna cryyyyyyyyyy ...

"Just Say The Word"

I'm holdin' on
To pictures on my telephone
And I know that I should let you go
But it's hard to break away.
I ask around
And I wonder what you're doing now
But I hear that you've been going out
A little more these days.

Well, I can't lie that I think from time to time
How you're doing
But don't hang up cause
What I really meant to say is

Everything's wrong, nothing's going right
Just know that I'm not hard to find.
So just say the word and I'll race to you tonight
And I'll be right there by your side...holding on.

Remember when
We were further than you'd ever been
And I think about it now and then;
It takes me to that place.
When I pretend
That I'm better than I've ever been
Well at least that's what I tell my friends
Cause I can't show my face

Well, I can't lie that I think from time to time
How you're doing.
But don't hang up cause
What I really meant to say

Everything's wrong and nothing's going right
Just know that I'm not hard to find.
So just say the word and I'll race to you tonight
And I'll be right there by your side

It's hard enough to believe in something
More than just pretend.
And just because we both know it's over
We could still be friends.

Everything's wrong and nothing's going right
Just know that I'm not hard to find.
So just say the word and I'll race to you tonight
And I'll be right there by your side

And I'll be right there by your side
[repeat]

Blood Type Caricature

2009-10-28T07:12:00.001-07:00

The Original Indonesian Ghost

2009-10-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

1. Kuntilanak

Kuntilanak figure is depicted in the form of a beautiful woman. Kuntilanak is described as a creepy ghost who'd like to threaten the villagers for revenge. When she appears, she is always accompanied by fragrant flowers from frangipani. It is said that men who are not being carefully, could be killed after kuntilanak transformed into the blood sucker. Kuntilanak also loves to eat babies and harm pregnant women. In the scary stories and horror movies on TV Malaysia, kuntilanak is described to who kill prey by sucking their blood in the neck, such a vampire always did. However, based on Sundanese tradition, kuntilanak does not have a hole in her back and only interfere with the appearance alone. The kind of ghost who has a hole in the back as described above is called Sundel Bolong. Kuntilanak reportedly also loves to live in a certain tree as a place to reside.

2. Sundel Bolong

Sundel bolong in the myth of a Indonesian ghost is depicted as a woman whose long hair and white long-dressed. There's also described about the formation of holes in the back of a slightly closed her long hair so that the organs in the abdomen could've been seen. It is said that Sundel Bolong died because of being raped and gave birth to her son from the grave. Usually Sundel Bolong is also described loves to take the babies who had just been born.

3. Tuyul

Toyol (Javanese: thuyul) in the mythology of the archipelago, especially in Java, is a ghost intangible child or a runt with a shaved head. Other depictions that people don't deal was a silvery skin, socialize (it means that toyol has communities and leaders), and their voice is like a chicken. Toyol be employed by a human employer for certain reasons, mainly stealing (money). To counteract tuyul, people put crab in the corner of the house because tuyul likes crab so he will forget all the main errands. Tuyul is believed comes from people who miscarried fetuses or infants who died at birth. Because it comes from the baby, tuyul has the same characters withchildren: likes to play (at midnight).

4. Pocong

Pocong is depicted in many version. It is said, Pocong has a green face with empty eyes. The other portrayal stated, Pocong has flat-face and has a hole or hollow eyes covered by cotton with pale faces. Those who believe in ghosts assumes, Pocong is a form of protest from the dead who had forgotten to open the head bond prior to his grave. Although Pocong is often portrayed in the movie that he'd moved his body by jumping, but the myths stated Pocong moved by floating. This may be because it's just the movie - Pocong cast could not move his legs so that they just able to move by jumping up and down. Belief in the existence of Pocong is only came up in Indonesia, especially in Java and Sumatra. Although the description based on Muslim tradition, people of other faiths also were able to recognize existence of this ghost.

5. Genderuwo

Genderuwo is a type of the genie or spirits of a big-body and reddish black colored-skin ape-like human, his body is covered with dense hair growing in the entire body. Genderuwo is especially known in the community from Java (Sundanese called "gandaruwo" and the Javanese called it "gendruwo"). Their favorite habitats are watery stone, old buildings, large trees or shady corners of the quiet and dark valley. The domicile center of this creature is believed to be in Donoloyo Teak Forest, Sloghimo district, about 60 km to the east side of Wonogiri, and in Lemah Putih, Purwosari, Girimulyo, Kulon Progo about 6 km to the west of Yogyakarta.

6. Wewe Gombel

Wewe Gombel is a term in Javanese tradition, which means evil spirit or ghost that likes stealing the children, but did not harm them. It is said that the stolen children are children who abandoned and neglected by her parents. Wewe Gombel will usually scare parents of the child upon their attitude and treatment to their children until they are realized. After the parents of child had realized, Wewe Gombel will return their son/daughter.

According to the story, Wewe Gombel is the spirit of a woman who died committed suicide because being pursued by the community for having killed her husband. The incident occurred after the husband of the woman was having an affair with another woman. The husband did it because his wife could not give him children. Finally, she was shunned and hated her husband and then excluded until she became mad and homeless.

Wewe Gombel called because the incident occurred in the area in Gombel, Semarang. If we drive from Jatingaleh toward Banyumanik, it will show the former beer ads. That's the location where Wewe Gombel usually lives. Some people mentioned that the location is a kingdom of ghosts. According to the story, it caused a hotel located on the hillside location Gombel become bankrupt.

7. Leak

In Balinese mythology, Leak was the wicked witch. Le means witches and ak means evil. Leak can only be seen at night by shamans of leak hunters. In the afternoon he looked like ordinary people, while at night he was in the cemetery to find the internal organs of human body which are used to make magic potions. Magic potion that can transform leak shape into a tiger, monkey, pig or the like Rangda. If necessary, he can also take the organs from living people.

8. Rangda

Rangda is the queen of the leak in the mythology of Bali. This fearsome creature is to be said often kidnap and eat children and lead the wicked witch army against Barong, which is a symbol of good strength. Told that the queen Rangda most likely comes from Manendradatta who lived on the island of Java in the 11th century. She was exiled by king Dharmodayana because she was accused doing witchcraft against two queens of his own. According to the legend she had his revenge by killing half people in the kingdom, which later would be owned by her and Dharmodayana's son, Erlangga. Then he was replaced by wise man. The name of Rangda is coming from the meaning of a widow. Rangda is very important for Balinese mythology. Battle against Barong or against Erlangga are often exhibited in the dance. This dance is very popular and an important legacy in the tradition of Bali. Rangda described as a woman with along disheveled hair and long nails, scary face and teeth sharp.

9. Kuyang

Kuyang an intangible phantom human head with the organs of the body without the skin attached and limbs that can fly to find the baby's blood. This creature is popular in Kalimantan. Kuyang is actually a man (woman) that executes the teaching of black magic to achieve eternal life.

At noon, a kuyang will behave as an ordinary person, but he usually wore robes. In the night, kuyang will fly to find the baby's blood or parturition blood to be sucked as a means of increasing his power. People usually see kuyang fly like a giant bird. To deal with it, the victims need to use a broom or banged house furniture like a pot or pan.

10. Palasik

According to stories, legends or beliefs of the Minangkabau, Palasik is a kind of supernatural beings. Palasik is not a ghost but human beings who have high-level black magic. Palasik terribly feared by mothers of Minangkabau who has a toddler because palasik likes to eat infants / toddlers, both still in the womb or the dead (buried), depending on the type of the palasik. Palasik power is hereditary. If the parents are a palasik then her son is going to be palasik. In general, palasik do works by detaching their head. There was a body that runs for ate and there was also the head hovering foraging.

Dans La Cour

2009-06-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hmm ... during my business trip at South Korea, I help engineer here handling project, such of electronics product related to broadcasting stream. And every time I checked some "fake" stream, I found it boring all the time, but there's one stream making me enjoy to work, yeah ... the channel named NRJ12, a TV channel from France. As long as this stream is just a broadcasting sample, so the stream is like a repeatedly playing video clip. But instead of the other channel, I love it better cause the stream showed a video clip about a song performed by Gerald de Palmas, titled Dans La Cour. At the first time heared the song, I fall on it, and never feel bored to listen the song. Just check out!

Je ne joue plus dans la cours
La cloche a sonné mais je suis sourd
Assis sous un arbre sans bouger
Je la regarde sans respirer... sans respirer

Je veux qu'elle m'aime
Je veux qu'elle m'aime

Quand elle s'approche trop près de moi
J'ai tendance à perdre mon sang froid
A huit ans comment lui expliquer
Que je ne joue plus, c'est pour de vrai... pour de vrai

Je veux qu'elle m'aime
Je veux qu'elle m'aime

Demain je l'ai invitée
A quoi on va bien pouvoir jouer
Les filles ça n'aime pas le football
Il serait temps que je m'affole car...

Je veux qu'elle m'aime
Je veux qu'elle m'aime

Quand je serai grand on se mariera
Et je l'aimerai toujours comme ça
Pour qu'il ne lui vienne jamais l'idée
De vouloir un jour me divorcer, me divorcer

Je veux qu'elle m'aime
Je veux qu'elle m'aime

.

24

2009-05-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this is the lyrics of my favorite song, presented by Switchfoot. Since I am officially going into 24 years old now, I think this lyrics will be my soundtrack song of this year.

As you know, John Foreman created this song when he'll be 24. This song means a lot to me. When I deeply sing this song, I feel such of finding myself from nowhere, digging it, and I know that I have to find 24 souls to show the true me.

This is the lyrics:

Twenty four oceans
Twenty four skies
Twenty four failures
Twenty four tries
Twenty four finds me
In twenty-fourth place
Twenty four drop outs
At the end of the day
Life is not what I thought it was
Twenty four hours ago

Still I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
And I'm not who I thought I was twenty four hours ago
Still I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You

Twenty four reasons to admit that I'm wrong
With all my excuses still twenty four strong

See I'm not copping out not copping out not copping out
When You're raising the dead in me
Oh, oh I am the second man
Oh, oh I am the second man now
Oh, oh I am the second man now

And You're raising these twenty four voices
With twenty four hearts
With all of my symphonies
In twenty four parts
But I want to be one today
Centered and true

I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
You're raising the dead in me
Oh, oh I am the second man
Oh, oh I am the second man now
Oh, oh I am the second man now
And You're raising the dead in me

I want to see miracles, see the world change
Wrestled the angel, for more than a name
For more than a feeling
For more than a cause
I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
And You're raising the dead in me
Twenty four voices
With twenty four hearts
With all of my symphonies
In twenty four parts.
I'm not copping out. Not copping out. Not copping out.

"I wrote this song near the end of my 24th year on this planet. Wherever we run, wherever the sun finds us when he rises, we remain stuck with ourselves. That can be overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like my soul is polluted with politicians, each with a different point of view. With all 24 of them in disagreement, each voice is yelling to be heard. And so I am divided against myself. I feel that I am a hypocrite until I am one, when all of the yelling inside of me dies down. I've heard that the truth will set you free. That's what I'm living for: freedom of spirit. I find unity and peace in none of the diversions that this world offers. But I've seen glimpses of truth and that's where I want to run" - Jon Foreman

Chinese Proverbs and Myths

2009-05-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

"DO NOT sit in front of the door, cause you will hard to find your mate!" This myth is probably frequently asked by our mother to let us not deterring somebody through the door. This is a question, what is the relationship between the door and a mate? But, believe it or not, these kind of wise words have been held hereditary, and are considered effective in teaching the values of goodness.

The birth place of the proverbs also occurs in China. Uniquely, China proverb, which is known as the Chinese wisdom is more diverse, and include all aspects of life. One of the aspects is about the health. D’ya wanna know its proverbs?

"Drink tea after meal"

Meaning: In fact, in traditional Chinese medicine, tea or Chinese green tea has been known has rich savors. But, because the Chinese people tend to believe the myths - which are in the proverb, saying that they trust - so they have to consume tea in routine, especially after eating.

"When you sleep, do not back the mirror"

Meaning: According to Feng Shui, when sleeping, the body requires energy yin. While the mirror is yang. If you sleep by backing the mirror or other objects such as doors or windows which are yang, it could be a conflict which can weaken our energy chi. As a result, when up to bed, the body will feel tired and get no spirit

"Eat porridge, if you want long-aged"

Meaning: The bilge needs a warm and flabby food, especially for the process of digestion in the morning. Because of that, porridge or other flabby food will be better suitable breakfast.

"Do not work directly after eating"

Meaning: After eating, our stomach still feels full. At that time, the concentration of the main body metabolism is digesting food. Perform the activity immediately after eating will share the body metabolism to other activities, so that food is not being well digested, which can disrupt the digestive channel.

"After eating, do not sleep directly"

Meaning: Basically, our digestive organ lines orderly comes from top to bottom: from the mouth, throat, stomach, small intestine, large intestine to the anus. Thus, the digestive organs will work better if the body in a sitting position. Sleeping position will prevent the process of digestion.

"Rub your stomach after eating"

Meaning: Many acupuncture points are associated with the alimentary tract in the abdomen. Rubbing stomach after eating, as well as stimulate acupuncture points so that it helps digestive organs work better.

"If you feel cold, rub your ears"

Meaning: A helix structure has the analog form of the human fetus. The ears also have alarm points connected to some organs. When getting cold, just rubbing ears will be the same as warming up the body as a whole.

OK now, please let me know if you have another myths except all those.

Zodiac Compatibility

2009-05-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

After we busy to match our personality with your zodiac, now let me give you this compatibility table between yours with the others. The others can be your relative, your boy/girlfriend, or someone surround you.

Individual horoscopes are compared to know how two people with different habits and characters influence each other. Will they manage to get along? Who will be the leader? What parts of their personalities will help to develop the relationship and which will resist it. Using this knowledge you will be able to advance in dealing with others on all levels.

Check this out and give a shot.

Zod

ARI

TAU

GEM

CAN

LEO

VIR

LIB

SCO

SAG

CAP

AQU

PIS

ARI

see

TAU

see

GEM

see

CAN

see

LEO

see

VIR

see

LIB

see

SCO

see

SAG

see

CAP

see

AQU

see

PIS

see

Zodiac

2009-04-25T08:31:00.001-07:00

Do you believe in prophecy? Mmmm ... well, I think if it's a future prediction thing so I'm sure I cannot believe easily, but if it's just horoscope telling the character of certain group of people, so partly I trust it because I have ever faced it in reality to some group having the character mentioned but not all, just a part of it. Barely found the full character of the zodiac said, so don't believe it fully, just let it as reference about yourself and the people around you, maybe you need to know how are the people standing behind you. So just take a look for a while and give comment how much you fit on it.

.: Aries Man | Woman
.: Taurus Man | Woman
.: Gemini Man | Woman
.: Cancer Man | Woman
.: Leo Man | Woman
.: Virgo Man | Woman
.: Libra Man | Woman
.: Scorpio Man | Woman
.: Sagittarius Man | Woman
.: Capricorn Man | Woman
.: Aquarius Man | Woman
.: Pisces Man | Woman

.

Knowing The Movie (2009)

2009-04-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I use the holiday time to watch movie together with my friends. It's been a long days before, I have dealt to watch this movie I really wanna see and curious about. The title is "Knowing", starred by Nicolas Cage. Have you ever watched this movie? I guess some of you have watched it, and had a plenty of opinion about this movie.

Okey, about my opinion. Overall, it was so thrilling me up at the beginning, but ... from the middle to the ending part, this is soooo trash. I feel disappointed because I'd been attracted and intimidated to imagine some tension circumstances at the beginning, but in the end it really fools me after all. The weird thing is when some strangers out of no where, chasing the kids, showing us that the movie is spooky enough to be science-fiction or thriller movie which based on what-on-earth matter. Moreover, when the strangers is actually an alien to bring the child to the safest place. What the hell is that? It makes us all laughing, because the movie lost control to bring its genre.

So, if I may remake this movie, I want to make some modification in the alien part. I have never dealt with it in order to keep the flow of the genre. Maybe I want the alien part is modified to be despair part which makes the movie become sad-ending, or maybe I will modify to be the solution part which makes it is happy ending after all. It shall be better, ain't it?

And how about your opinion?
How will you modify the movie to remake the alien part?

Tips To Handle Sleepiness At Work

2009-04-14T08:47:00.002-07:00

Recently, I got over and over into sleepiness while working at the office. Why is it happened at all working day? A whole day from 8 to 8 (if overtime), and almost a whole week from Sunday to Saturday, always like this.

Now I have to find some ways to handle it, I just don't want to work with no spirit and an empty mind. So I'll try to make some points which are effective to exorcist the sleepiness such to exorcist an evil at working time. All of you can do this either, here are the effective ways to recover from sleepiness:

Get plenty of sleep the night before.

Drink coffee

Take a walk

Stretching

Eat out

Give yourself a rub up.

Socialize

Take a mini mind vacation

Don’t give into it

Dunk your head in cold water

Tips: How to Hypnotize

2009-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm being curious how some mind-expert can do hypnotize to people. So, I just want to learn how to do that, maybe someday I'll be able to hypnotize people to preserve all things I want, hahaha. I think it's interesting thing to try with your friend first. If it works, so you can practice with the strangers, very fun to do, huh?

Now, are you as curious as I am to do this silly thing? I bet you will because once it works, it shall be your ecstasy. But, don't forget not to do it as criminality. OK, I got the tips from e-How, so let's learn together from the tips below:

How to Hypnotize Someone

There are several approaches one can take to hypnotize a person easily. From the use of stress and anxiety to the use of child like abandon and meditative release, it is easy to hypnotize another person. You don't need a swinging clock to put someone under your spell. All you need is a little step by step instruction and a clear understanding of which approach will work best for you.

Use the stage method. With authority and esteem command the subject to perform a series of rapid instructions.

Overwhelm the subject with a series of commands that work to incite stress and anxiety.

Use the full command of your authority to overwhelm the person. Create a rapid fire succession of commands that direct the subject to follow each as he releases his will to resist your authority.

Command the subject to move further into his subconscious, moving incrementally to a deeper state with each beat. Begin to count from 10 to two.

End by instructing the subject that he will be hypnotized when you say the number "one."

With force-full authority instruct the subject to into a hypnotized state by acknowledging the number "one." The subject is now hypnotized.

Use the therapist method. Talk the subject into a deep hypnosis trance with slow meditative communication.

Lead the subject step by step into a deep trance. Using a tender, steady, monotone voice, instruct the subject to count from 20 to zero.

Tap your foot to create a rhythm for the patient. You can also count down from five to zero to provide an example for the subject to follow. Use your voice to build trust.

Instruct the subject to move further and further within his subconscious. He should move further and further within his subconscious until it totally takes over.

Explain that you will gently tap the subject on the forward three times when she reaches the number zero. Instruct the subject that when she feels the third light tap on her forehead, she will be 100 percent within her subconscious mind.

Guide the patient with three light taps. On the third tap, pause and then ask, "Tell me what you see."

Talk the person through the event, memory, tragedy or fear that his subconscious mind now rests.

Do you still confused or maybe now you don't have a friend to practice? It's okay, I think you have to practice alone before you can do it with another person. Let's practice to do self-hypnotize with the instruction below.

How to Do Self-Hypnosis

Things You’ll Need:

Armchairs
Candles
Pocket Watches
Relaxation Tapes
Relaxing CDs
Candles

Sequence to do self-hypnotize:

Recognize that to be hypnotized is to enter a trance state. You will be very focused, but will also be aware of what is happening around you.

Sit in a comfortable chair or recline on a couch in a quiet place. Be sure that your clothes are loose and comfortable and the temperature is not too warm or cool.

Turn down the lights so that it's not too bright. It doesn't need to be dark.

Relax. You can have your eyes open or closed, whichever is most comfortable for you.

Let yourself go loose. Feel every muscle go limp. Feel your mind slow down. Good.

Breathe deeply and hold it. Feel all of your stress and worries sucked from your body and your head into your lungs. Blow them out slowly and watch them swirl away from you.

Notice the different colors of each concern. See them float away and dissolve in the air. You are feeling more and relaxed with every breath.

Feel your heart. It is strong and slow. You can feel it beating, slowly, slowly. Each time you exhale, your body relaxes more. You are calm and safe. You can feel your heart. It's beating so slowly.

Feel your toes. They feel empty and light. They want to float away. That lightness is spreading up your legs, through your hips and into your back. Your body is so empty. You can see through it.

Feel your arms. They feel empty. Your shoulders are empty. Your neck is empty. Your head is floating, weightless. You feel so calm.

Feel liquid begin to fill your body through your navel. It's deep blue. It feels cool and comfortable. Watch it fill up your body. Cool blue. When you are full, you will feel calm and completely at ease.

Now open your eyes and sit up. Your cool, blue feeling will stay with you.

So???
It's working???

...

Backpacking to Europe

2009-04-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well, this is for a long-term planning. Me and my friend have to save our money just to backpack to Europe. Many countries will be our destination, so as a reference, I give you information about the country and its tourism place.

Netherlands-Amsterdam

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

The Netherlands today has dispelled all images of it being an archaic land of clogs and windmills, with its string of exciting cities, including the cosmopolitan capital, Amsterdam – one of Europe’s great cities. Elsewhere, Arnhem, Eindhoven, The Hague, Utrecht and the especially buzzing Rotterdam all boast their own charms.

Away from the cities, the idyllic land of windmills and tulips does still exist in the bucolic splendor of the countryside, as do a number of coastal towns and resorts, many with fine beaches and similarly interesting heritages to The Netherlands’ bigger historical cities.

Luxembourg-Luxembourg City

Source : http://www.luxembourg.co.uk

It is an attractive country with a green and picturesque landscape of rolling hills and valleys, and many closely packed historical sites. Visitors will also discover forests, vineyards and striking sandstone rock formations here. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares borders to the north and west with Belgium, to the south with France and to the east with Germany. One-third of the country is made up of the hills and forests of the Ardennes, while the rest is wooded farmland. In the southeast is the rich wine-growing valley of Moselle. The capital, Luxembourg-Ville, is built on a rock overlooking the Alzette and Petrusse valleys.

Belgium-Brugges, Brussels, Antwerp

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

The anachronistic images of ‘boring Belgium’ have been well and truly banished over the last decade as the country promotes its key destinations, along with a string of new attractions. Belgium always had a lot more going for it than the faceless political and bureaucratic buildings that litter its capital, Brussels, with a string of engaging cities in Bruges, Ghent, Liège - and Brussels itself - that offer impressive architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate cuisine and numerous other attractions for visitors. Then there is reinvented Antwerp, now a hotbed of fashion and modern design, and the more bucolic charms of the chocolate box beauty of the mountainous Ardennes region to the east, as well as the sweeping sand of the coastline resorts of the western seaboard.

England-London

Source : http://www.mapsofworld.com

England’s eventful history and scenic diversity render it one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations. It reserves journeys to rolling green hillsides, national parks and to many sophisticated cities. Tourists get to visit castles, palaces and stately homes. The beautiful gardens in Plymouth and Bath are fascinating. The Stonehenge, an ancient stone monument is about 4,000 years old and is a must visit spot for all tourists to England. You must take tour to London, where you get to see famous city landmarks such as Big Ben, Harrods, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.

Scotland-Edinburgh, Glasgow

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

Scotland is famous primarily for its spectacular scenery, but it also offers a rich historical and cultural heritage, together with a wide range of activities. Scotland’s landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. Rugged peaks sweep down to breathtaking lochs, glistening in remote glens like Glen Affric near Inverness and Loch Trool in Galloway. A straggling coastline, with white sandy beaches, sheltered bays and rocky cliffs, looks out to the remote islands in the Atlantic. To the south, the rolling hills of the Borders, lush lowland pastures and extensive woodlands present a softer beauty.

Ireland-Dublin, Galway, Wicklow Bay

Source : http://www.travelinireland.com/

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest in the world. Within its more than 80,000 square kilometers of land are vast lands of scenic views and historic value. This great diversity of land is the perfect backdrop for Ireland’s amazing tourist destinations. Also known as the Emerald Isle for its lush vegetation, the island is divided into two separate nations. In the upper part of the island is Northern Ireland, a constituent nation of the United Kingdom.

Places to see in Belfast include: Belfast City Hall, Botanic Gardens, Queen’s University, Shankill and Falls Roads, Stormont Estate, Harland & Wolff shipyard, Belfast Castle, Belfast Wheel, St. Anne’s Cathedral, and the Ulster Museum. While in the city of Armagh are places like: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Trian, Palace Stables Heritage Centre, Armagh County Museum, Navan Fort, andArmagh Planetarium. The city of Derry, in county Londonderry is also one of the busier cities of Northern Ireland. Famous for its 17th century walls, Derry also has some exciting tourist attractions: Tower Museum, Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, St. Eugene’s Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Chapel. After Belfast and Derry, the third largest town in Northern Ireland is Bangor, considered as the wealthiest town of the nation. In their marina (the biggest in Ireland) is thePickie Fun Park. Other tourist spots to see here are: the McKee Clock, Bangor Castle, Bangor Abbey, and the coastal walkway to Helens Bay.

Germany-Berlin, Munich, Hamburg

Source : http://www.germany-tourism.de

Experience new things, have fun and relax.Vibrant cities with amazing architecture, fabulous shopping and pulsating nightlife. Enchanting medieval villages and traditional wine villages with friendly festivals and regional specialities. Picturesque countryside which is perfect for walking or simply relaxing in. Castles, palaces and abbeys that are the epitome of German romanticism. Fun & sport, wellness & relaxation. A land of a thousand possibilities. The country has now firmly shaken off the shadows of its 20th century past, regained a sense of national pride, and breathed a sigh of relief at its new-found ability to express its distinctive national character again.

Germany's natural landscapes offer a wealth of options for an unforgettable holiday: long sandy beaches on the coasts and lake shores, enchanting lowland plains, extensive ranges of hills and the high peaks of the Alps. Whether you choose leisurely exploration, a spa or wellness break, or a sports activity on land, on water or in the air, you'll be amazed at what Germany has to offer.

France-Paris, Bordeaux, Nice

Source : http://www.justfrance.org/

France is the most visited country in the world. It has everything that you could ever want to see on your holidays: a great city like Paris, good beaches, more monuments than any other country, lovely nature, incredible mountain scenery. Paris, the city of light and its surroundings are one of the most visited areas. Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. West of France is turned towards the Atlantic Coast. In the north Normandy & Brittany have rolling hills, sandy beaches and quiet little harbour towns.

The eastern part of France consists of the Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comté and Burgundy regions. The landscape has rolling hills and many beautiful cities, such as Metz, Strasbourg, Nancy and Dijon. This region produces many famous wines, including magnificent pinot noirs and chardonnays valued the world over, as well as the famous "Yellow wine" from the Jura mountain vineyard. The Center of France is in many ways the most quiet part of France. But the great treasure of this region is the Loire valley , with many great castles and beautiful towns. Chartres with its famous cathedral and Tours rate among the most beautiful French cities. The Alps are great for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

The South with its lovely nature, good food, roman ruins and of course the Riviera draws a lot of visitors every year. Towns like Orange, and Arles but also big cities like Marseille and Toulon are must sees. The Provence is dotted with pleasant small villages. In the South west of France the Dordogne is one of the most quintessential French regions. The valley is so pretty, the towns are so cute and the food is so good, that it is hard to believe that the people who live here go somewhere else for their holidays. The Languedoc has its own language and culture. In the south of the Languedoc you find the Pyrenees, a great mountain range separating France from Spain, where you can hike and ski. The towns of Toulouse and Montpellier are nice and the medieval town of Carcassone is a top destination.

Italy-Milan, Venice, Cinque Terre (Manarola), Rome, Florence, Isle of Capri

Source : http://www.justitaly.org/

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".

Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here. The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life.

Greece-Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

Often cited as the birthplace of European civilization, Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic design hotels, rustic tavernas, family-orientated seaside resorts and hedonistic dance clubs. Ancient Greece reached its zenith in the fifth century BC when Athens became the cultural and artistic center of the Mediterranean, producing magnificent works of architecture, sculpture, drama and literature. There is no denying that the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern Western world - in its literature, art, philosophy and politics. In fact, many travelers come here specifically to explore Greece's ancient wonders, from Athens' Parthenon and Delphi's Temple of Apollo, to the ruins of the Minóan city of Knossós on Crete.

Scattered throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean and the Ionian are Greece's 1,400 islands - each with its own special story. The serenity of islands like Kefalonia and Amorgos contrasts with the hedonistic party islands such as Mykonos and Páros. Those interested in architecture should visit the medieval fortified towns of Rhodes and Corfu (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), and the whitewashed cubic houses of Thira and Oia on Santorini, typical of the Cyclades.

Spain-San Sebastian, Barcelona, Alicante, Seville

Source : http://www.justspain.org/

Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It's a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. They include: Andalucía, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia. Areas of interest are not limited to each region.

Switzerland-Interlaken, Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just 7.5 million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from its delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife, another popular export from this sophisticated Alpine nation.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers such top ski resorts as Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides superb opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment while the largest city, Zürich leads the way in arts, design and nightlife, from opera and world-class theater to stylish bars and nightclubs.

Czech. Republic-Prague

Source : http://www.iexplore.com

A historic jewel hidden away at the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic packs a lot of punch for such a small country. No bigger than Scotland or South Carolina, it’s crammed with fairytale castles, medieval towns, elegant spa resorts and scenic national parks. And on top of all that, it’s the birthplace of the world’s finest beer.

Almost everyone who visits the Czech Republic goes to Prague, with its imposing castle, great museums and galleries, jazz clubs and concerts and other attractions. Many day trips are possible from here, including the spa resort of Karlovy Vary, the historic towns of Mělník and Kutná Hora, and castles like Karlštejn and Konopiště.

Backpacking to Bali

2009-04-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

As a plan consolidated, I together with my friend want to go to Bali in order for backpacking, refreshing, and get some friend of other backpacker from overseas. We'll just backpack there in 3~5 days, so we must have a plan to visit all tourism place in Bali. Therefore, I will give you the information about all of the tourism resort throughout Bali which we can visit. If any of you would suggest us the interesting place around Bali exclude the following spots, please tell us.

Kuta Beach

Source: http://www.indo.com

Kuta in addition to being the Sunset Site Number One, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurants line up the streets as well as the Bachfront,Hotels, ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

The beach of Kuta is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives you a breathtaking landing experience. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, waves will invite you to test your surfing

Kuta is very short drive away from the airport, and transportation is readily available to take you from and to Kuta to and from anywhere else in Bali.

Sanur Beach

Source: http://bali-island-in-indonesia.blogspot.com

Sanur beach is located on the southeastern side of Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive by taxi from Denpasar. Sanur beach is a little paradise in Bali island and the popular destination for beachcomber in search of sun, sand and surf. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, and jog along the white sandy beach. Sanur has a coral reef that makes it ideal for snorkeling, beside that Sanur beach is ideal for surfing.

Sanur had become one of the first resort developed in Bali, nevertheless Sanur maintains its traditions. Sanur is one of Bali’s biggest traditional villages but it’s also one of the most established tourist areas. In Sanur, we can see like drama show, dance show, so it’s a good place to enjoy, the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese Culture and local life. Nightlife in Sanur is relaxed and very happy, we can go to restaurant, bar and the discotheque.

Uluwatu

Source: http://www.indo.com

On the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is also high on a surfer's destination list. The road to the beach is pretty well-hidden, off the road to the temple of Uluwatu (which in itself is an amazing three-court temple on top of a few hundred feet cliff). You can't reach it by car - rent a motorcycle or walk for about two miles to get there. The site is very popular among serious surfers.

Nusa Dua

Source: http://www.indo.com
http://bali-island-in-indonesia.blogspot.com

On the south-eastern tip of the island, the Nusa Dua peninsula has some nice reef that provides good waves for surfing. You can stay on any of the most sumptuous hotels in the world spread around the area, and surfing is readily available within walking distance, from a beginner's level to a challenging one for the serious surfers.

Nusa Dua beach is not so far from Ngurah Rai Airport, about 15 minute drive by taxi. Nusa Dua is a luxurious resort area where the world’s sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Bali’s most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where you will find international world class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands. Children can play in the white sand and shallow sea water by safe, lifequard are usually on duty.

Spectacular luxury resorts are the norm in Nusa Dua, with many incorporating contemporary Balinese style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds and pool areas. Hotels are many have convention facilities, swimming pools, excellent sports facilities and a selection of restaurants, night clubs or discotheque. Nightlife in Nusa Dua is very to enjoy.

The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It’s a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life, there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area.

Tanjung Benoa - Turtle Island

Source: http://bali-island-in-indonesia.blogspot.com
http://www.bali-day-trip.com

Tanjung Benoa beach just north of Nusa Dua, is a scenic 5 kilometres of coconut palms and find sand. The area is the almost exclusive home of luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open air cafes and water sports facilities.
The shape of the beach, also makes Tanjung Benoa perfect for watersports with no shortage of shops catering to marine sports enthusiasts. In Tanjung Benoa, we can do snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, power boats, banana boats and reef fishing.

Turtle Island, from Tanjung Benoa can reach Serangan Turtle Island (Pulau Penyu) with rent glass bottom boat about 20 minutes (boat extra cost) from Tanjung Benoa Beach. There is a lot of Turtle Farm including Conservation by WWF. The island can reach by car from north through main street. There is important temple in this island built in 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, temple name is Sakenan Temple. In south of the island has nice beach specially for surfing. Some part of the island has sea weed farm. Entrance fee cost at 3,000 per person.

Kintamani - Trunyan

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

Trunyan is another ancient village inhabited by people who call themselves the “Bali Aga” or old Bali who live in ways that are vastly different from other Balinese. The Bali Aga's temple in this village is named Puser Jagat, meaning Navel of the Universe. Its architecture is highly unusual, and stands in the protective shade of a massive banyan tree.

The Bali Aga has a strange way of burial. Instead of cremating their corpses, the Bali Aga simply places them under this banyan tree. The odor is mysteriously masked by a special arboreal fragrance emitted by the banyan tree.

Besakih Temple

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the "Mother Temple of Bali" Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1,000 meters (3,000 feet). Besakih is the biggest and holiest of all the Balinese temples. Bali's mother temple stands against a stupendous mountain backdrop on the southeastern slopes of Mount Agung. Named after the Dragon God believed to inhabit the mountain, it's said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship.

Bedugul

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Bedugul is a favorite place for Balinese family for weekend picnic. Bedugul is also a center of horticulture. We'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here. Here we find 3 of Bali 4 lakes, Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. Bratan, the largest of the three is perfect place for water sports such as para sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

Sukawati Art Market

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Sukawati area is known for its art market that become 'a must see' place by tourists especially the local ones from Jakarta or other area in Java. Huge number of small stalls occupied the two stories building offer a lot of cheap souvenirs. Almost any kind of Bali's souvenirs can be found in here either painting, woodcarving, clothes, temple umbrellas and other temple accessories, leather puppet, wind chime, jewelries and others. The souvenirs choices are has huge quantity and available in various choices.

Ubud

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. This area is located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud, but culture and history rich Bali is peppered with museums and galleries. These museums and galleries offer paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and all kinds of souvenirs for viewing and also purchase. Puri Lukisan Museum in centre of Ubud, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Seniwati Gallery and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan is a must, to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products.

GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana)

Source: http://bali-island-in-indonesia.blogspot.com

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana is a statue that was built with the height 140 metre. This statue is located in the Unggasan Hill, Jimbaran Bali. The work masterpiece Balinese I Nyoman Nuarta. This statue is in the form of the God Wisnu that in the Hindu religion is the God Of The Patron, drove Garuda birds. Around The Garuda Wisnu Kencana area, at this time was developed as the cultural garden and into Landmark for Balinese tourism and Indonesia. This The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is the symbol of the rescue mission of the environment and the world. From The Garuda Wisnu Kencana area, the exactly from Unggasan Hill, we can see Kuta Beach, Benoa Port, Jimbaran in the distance, Ngurah Rai Airport. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, exist in hills area with spell view.

Jimbaran

Source: www.balistarisland.com

Jimbaran Beach is the famous beach with white sand along the coastal and it is located in southern part of Bali. There are plenty of cafes are available in this place and offering delicious seafood dinner with breathtaking view of Indian Ocean and sunset. Please find the selection of Seafood Menu at Jimbaran cafe.

Tanah Lot

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Tanah Lot is located about 12 kilometers from Tabanan City and 20 kilometers from Denpasar. The area comprises a wondrous mixture of natural beauty and sheer human effort. The royal Taman Ayun temple was built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century. The temple stands on the top of a huge rock, surrounded by the sea and is one of Bali's most important sea temples. Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Ancient rituals pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing Virgil against evil spirits and intruders. At the base of the rocky island are poisonous sea snakes believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Sangeh

Source: http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

It is located near to Sangeh village; the renowned 6 hectares of Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest are filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m. Sangeh Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in southwestern Bali, has six hectares of forestland with giant nutmeg trees. The main attractions here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys inhabiting both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jeweler should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring Sangeh Bali.

Quotes of Yours

2009-04-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

We all know what is Quote. Based on Wikipedia, A quotation is the repetition of one expression as part of another one, particularly when the quoted expression is well-known or explicitly attributed (as by citation) to its original source. But based on LEO, A quotation is a reference to an authority or a citation of an authority.

Well, maybe those definition is belong to scientific meaning, but in our daily, quote means everything - it can be word or doing - which can be refered to as an example of simple life but worthy and strong, suggestion of life essence, and brainwashing of wrong paradigm.

All we know, the quotes were spoken by well-known people. I have read those quotes, bunch of those are worth and give a spirit to me, but any of rest is untraceable - I means I don't know what is the essence of the quote itself and make me confused.

But now, forget about the well-known people's quote because everything inside us can be worthy and speak a quote either. From this post, I just want encourage you to donate the quote of yourself. You are forbidden to quote from another source, but you have to quote by yourselves, because we are worthy person, everything in ourselves is precious. So why don't you quote yourself here?

OK, first of all, I want to donate my quote. The quote is what I have written to my blog header:

"I am just an undefined guy at the undefined place on the undefined time"
- Eriek Sobieski -

The quote is not only depicting myself, but yours. I just think that everyone is still undefined who is limited by space and time. Everything is still uncertain, vague, and greys. You can't judge that you are defined person with every activities you do projecting the clear things with sequenced procedures.

Everyone has no-absolute-thing yet. Don't step over and don't be easy to be pride of yourself. Learn, be aware, think, and dig yourself up to be a better person.

How about your quotes?

Question and Answer

2009-04-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here we go, I just wanna make it as a simple game in your meantime. Not really as a game. It's just a question-and-answer-thing that you want to ask and answer. The mechanism is as follows:

First of all, you have to answer the question which is asked in the previous comment post. (You must give one or more answer honestly, or if you are still confused with the answer, let it as opinion)

And then, you must give a question (Remember! Just one question!) that you will give to next person who want to answer it.

It's simple, huh? OK, let's the game begin. Let me give a first question for the first.

Q : What is your full name?