Five Simple Things You Can Do to Relax in the Weekend

Here comes the weekend, yeaaah!
Do you have any plans for your lovely weekend?
Or just relaxing at home with your loved ones doing noting?
Sounds like a plan to me.

Sudah lama aku merindukan akhir pekan yang tenang.
Akhir pekan yang benar-benar aku nikmati tanpa harus memikirkan bahan pertemuan, rancangan pernyataan atau butir wicara untuk para pimpinan.
Tiga bulan terakhir ini hari-hariku memang dipenuhi dengan berbagai kegiatan dan jadwal pekerjaan kantor yang luar biasa banyaknya. Mulai dari perjalanan ke luar negeri untuk berbagai sidang sampai pertemuan-pertemuan di berbagai kota di Indonesia yang jadwalnya pada merayap. Dalam tiga bulan, saya bertugas ke tiga negara danentah breara kota di Indonesia.
At one point I love it but I cannot deny that I am tired.

Makanya, saat ahir pekan tiba, I am sooo excited.
Kalau hari libur atau akhir pekan, biasanya aku punya banyak cita-cita.
Mau inilah, mau itulah. Ke sana, ke sini...
Padahal sebenernya butuh istirahat dan recharge.
Plus menghabiskan waktu dengan keluarga tercinta atau melanjutkn hobi yang mungkin sempat tertunda saat di hari kerja.
Jadi, mau ngapain kita di hari libur?

That’s the question for the 20th day challenge of the #BPN30dayChallenge2018.
Then it makes me think of 5 simple things we can do to relax in the weekend.
Well the question is during the holiday but I take weekend as my holiday.
Most of the time, I try to focus on relaxing or recharging myself.
So here are five simple things you can do to relax in the weekend.


Getting a massage - Pijat

Ini salah satu kegiatan favoritku akhir-akhir ini.
Pijat memang benar-benar bikin ak relaks banget.
How I love getting massage and this is what makes me miss Indonesia terribly
This is the place where you can easily go to one of the traditional spas or massage parlour or even order the therapist online and she will come to your house!
Go massage is one of the most -used apps I have in my phone and I'm super happy!
With Rp 110.000,- or less than USD 10 before tip, you can get 1.5 hours full body massage.

Listening to music and sing - Dengerin lags favorit dan nyanyi

Aku tuh paling seneng dengerin musik dan ujung-ujungnya pasti nyanyi!
Ini cara paling sederhana untuk boost up my spirit dan murah meriah, karena hanya bermodalkan Spotify or playlist yang kita punya, sambungkan ke speakers dan bisa nyanyi sambil bégaya. Pokoknya judulnya suka-suka deeeh!

Put on your favorite playlist, link it up to your speakers and voila, enjoy you favorite songs and sing them out loud! For me, music has a healing power and listening to those lovely beats and lyrics will bring back my energy and good mood. Don't forget to sing them! Let it out and sing it! You will feel much, much better and relax after that. 
Trust me :).

Watching TV at home with my family - Nonton TV bareng keluarga

Whenever Netflix or whatever paid TV you have at home has new movies or series suitable for you and your kids, make sure you watch it together with your family.
I rarely watch TV on weekdays so I try to catch up on my favorite series of movie during the weekend. It is much better and fun if you do it together with your loved ones.

Buatku bisa tonton TV bareng anak-anak dan Suami or keluarga itu adalah suatu kemewahan tersendiri. Beneran lho! Karena itu tidak bisa dilakukan setiap hari. Terasa istimewa banget saat kami sudah menyiapkan minuman dan cemilan favorit plus bantal untuk nonton film or seri kesayangan di TV saat akhir pekan or liburan. Priceless!

Cooking your favorite food - masak makanan kesukaan

For me, cooking is somehow relaxing!
Indeed!
Regardless the fact that cooking requires  preparation and follow certain protocols or process, for me, cooking is relaxing because I love it! 
Especially if you are making one that your family love so that they will devour it once you got it ready.
During the weekend, I usually cook something easy and fast but my family loves it. 
You know, like pancake, mie goreng or fried noodles and fried rice, soup then martabak.

Sleeping - tidur

Obviously, something sleeping is the only thing you need.
During the weekend or day off, you have the privilege to have some extra time for sleeping. I won't think twice and will certainly use my time to sleep for a while. 
A short deep sleep is what we need. 

So, that's five simple things you can do to relax in the weekend.
Do you have anything else in mind?
please let me know :)

Have a great weekend!

Morning Beats to Keep You Energized

Morning beats to keep you energized

"Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you.."

My hands were busy banging the dashboard while I sang We Will Rock you with all my heart that morning. My hubby did the same thing and people outside the car who happened to take a glance at us would be wondering what we had for breakfast to look that crazy and fierce.

Then the tune changed to Maroon Five's This love.

Oh I sang along with the sexy Adam Levine, holding my brush which unceremonially turned into a fantasy mike. 

" This love has taken its toll on me

She said goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice 'cause I won't say goodbye anymore, 

hoooooaaaah, hoooah, hooooah.."

Done with it, my hubby put Bob Marley on the list.

Then our karaoke session in the morning continued, with Is This Love, Buffalo Soldiers, Three Little Birds, No Women No Cry and Redemption Song beautifully and loudly played from our player.

Traffic outside was crazy.
We were jammed packed with lines of other cars, buses, motorcycles and more.

All heading to the same directions apparently, making us trapped in daily traffic jam.
Jakarta, this is when I don't like you at all!

let's hit it!

But anyway, there are ways to beat the traffic jam for sure.

And music is always on top of the list as it has proven to be  helpful.

I am so used to having upbeat music in the morning to pump up the spirit.

My 9-year experience in the radio even gives me more privilege of memorising the lyrics of hundreds of top-40s, current hits, even the oldies.

So, as the 19th day of #BPN30dayChallenge2018 asks about ten songs I have on my playlist, I will certainly be more than happy to share my favorite tunes.

I have been musically raised up by my parents with hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, while I myself enjoy the 90s and beyond.

So, don't blame me for loving Queen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Tony Bennet, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Franks, the Wham, the Supremes, and more.

I can go on and on and on remembering those great times listening to those golden tunes and singing them with my dad.

Really a melange of incredible and talented singers of their times!

I can say I learn English for the first time from those songs!

Then I love female vocalists, like Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Amy Winehouse, Lisa Stanfield, Macy Gray, Tracy Chapman, Christina Augiliura, Natalie Imbruglia, Pink, Adele, Frente, Alicia Kara, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa and more.

As my hubby is a great musician (he mostly plays bass but he's a great guitarist and drummer as well), we usually sing the acoustic songs and we have lists of our favorite songs.

And as my hubby's favorite bands are also awesome, we both enjoy Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilot, Blues Travellers, Vertical Horizon, Bush, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses, Metallica, Sound Garden, Radiohead, U2, Imagine Dragons and more, besides the legendary BB Kings, Eric Clapton, Sting, and more.

Well I also love the latest singers like Shawn Mendez, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Cardy B, Justin Bieber and more. But again, what stay in my heart are those I love so much.

Oh my...I just can't stop talking about music!

So, before I forgot, here's the ten song I always have on my playlist in the morning

We Will Rock You - Queen

Thunder - Imagine Dragons

This Love - Maroon 5

We are Young - Fun 

Crazy - Aerosmith

I Try - Macy Gray

Ironic - Alanis Morisette

Valerie - Amy Winehouse 

Redemption Song - Bob Marley

With or Without you - U2

Surely I have more song I love to play in the morning.

I know they might have different beat and ambience but I just love 'em.

Don't ask me why I love them 'coz I just can't get enough of 'em!

Now, how about you?

What do you like to hear in the morning?

Tell me and let's sing together!

Lima Youtuber Favoritku

Siapakah 5 Youtuberku favoritku?

Continuing our #BPN30dayChallenge, here comes the 18th day of the challenge and today’s question is who are my favorite youtubers? I can only list 5 so again, I’m looking at my long list of favorite YouTubers here.

I love YouTube accounts which are entertaining, fun, and awesome.

Who wouldn't like those hilarious, viral contents, right?

I also love inspiring videos, be it on daily life, health, beauty, and beyond, - and religious contents which help me and my family learning more about our religion.

Well, nowadays YouTube has been bombarded by soooo many creative people with their out-of-this box ideas, contents and creations. I really salute those people who dedicate themselves in providing such world-class entertainment. Sometimes I feel ashamed of claiming myself a YouTuber if I take look at my super simple and modest videos. Well, but then I said to myself that I put my video in Youtube for my own memories and hopefully it will be beneficial for others as well, not for  mere publicity.

Of course we do have some bad and negative influence in YouTube so we really have to filter those ugly, hideous contents and protect our children.  I am also trying to find great YouTuber who will be as entertaining for my kids as for us adults. It's not always that easy but there are many family-friendly contents out there. 

Hopefully we can be persistent in protecting our children from YouTube bad influence!

Anyway, here's 5 YouTubers I love to watch 

Zach King

He's the king!

Kami sekeluarga seneeeng banget dengan Zach King karena memang videonya itu luar biasa> Keren, menghibur, dan kebayang buatnya susah, hehehehe! Rasanya idenya memang ngga habis-habis dan semuanya asli keren. Anak-anakku juga suka bangeeet nonton videonya Zach yang heboh-heboh dan selalu membuat kami tersenyum. Aaah pokoknya favorit deeeh!

Huda Beauty

Call me old fashioned tapi di tengah gempuran banyaknya beauty blogger yang asli keren-kereeeen, Aku masiiih tetap setia dengan Huda hehehe.

There is something about her yang membuat Aku ngga mau ketingga;an video-video terbarunya. Aku juga suka dengan berbagai tutorial yang dishare di akunnya. Huda tuh terampil banget dan kayaknya semuaaa gampang deh kalau dia yang dandan :).

Pinodita

Papin Pinot and Mamin Dita are our favorite! We can always watch their videos again and again. Besides, they are our neighbours! Literally loving a few blocks away from my house in Astoria, NYC. At this point, they share a lot of Ditut’s sketch book works and bwlieve me, they are amazing! 

Aku suka banget liat Dita gambar.
So effortless yet beautiful!
Her strength works are with watercolors and she did a lot of amazing works. And now she has produced a lot of stuff such as scarf and tote bags.

Raditya Dika

Kalau ngga mau pusing dan pengen ngakak ya pantengin ajaaa channel Raditya Dika :).
Hal-hal sederhana aja bisa jadi super lucuuuu di tangannya.
Aku sebenernya kenal akun ini dari suamiku yang sudah lebih dulu suka menonyon stand up comedy. And he is now very famous indeed.

Marischka Prudence

I love to see her diving videos!
Asli bikin mupeng beraaaat! Dan juga perjalanan lain yang ia lakukan.
Dan videonya pun kereeen- kereeen.
Quite inspiring!

So that’s my favorite YouTubers so far.
I bet you know them all.
Which one is your favorite?

What's In Store for Me in 2019

2019.

We are officially counting our days in 2018 as December is here.

Goodness Lord, how time flies!

So, do you have any plans for the coming year?

My hubby and I have been talking a lot about our plans for 2019 and 2020 as a matter of fact. We are trying to be better prepared and considering the situation at home, we might be around for sometimes. Dan saat berada di tanah air seperti ini, biasanya Aku dan suami punya banyak cita-cita :). Boleh kan? Apalagi karena biasanya kami hanya tinggal beberapa saat di Indonesia, jadi jangan sampai waktu selama di sini tidak dimanfaatkan dengan baik. Semoga selalu sehat dan diberi rezeki serta kesempatan oleh-Nya untuk menjalani semua rencana ini.

Then, what's in store for me in 2019?

Umroh

Aku dan suami pengeeeeen banget umroh.

Pengen haji juga tapi kami merencanakan untuk berangkat haji saat kami penempatan di luar tanah air supaya tidak terlalu lama antri menunggu giliran.

Kami sudah mencoba merencanakan pergi umroh at least 2 kali tapi memang belum rezeki jadi belum kesampaian sampai sekarang. Waktu pulang dari Jenewa, kami sudah berencana mampir untuk umroh tapi ternyata kami pulang bawa bayi 6 bulan, Obi putriku yang lagi di Jenewa. Saat mau pulang dari New York City kami sempat menghidupkan kembali rencana untuk mengunjungi rumah-Nya. Namun ternyata kami harus mengubah rencana karena perpanjangan masa tugas dan jadwal sekolah anak-anak. Memang terlihat seolah-olah belum rezeki, makanya aku dan suami selalu kembali merencanakannya. Doakan kesampaian yaaaa.

Skydiving and paragliding

I am dying to try it!

Anybody has tried skydiving?

How does it feel?

Kayaknya kok seru bangeeet cobain sky diving deh..walaupun udah kebayang  bakalan heboh. Yang pasti, aku akan periksa kesehatan dan fisik supaya jika memang ada rezeki mencoba skydiving atau paragliding, aku bisa melakukannya tanpa kendala yang berarti. Aku ngebayanginnya bakal jejeritan heboh campur deg-degan plus semangat untuk mengabadikan semuaaa ini. Kira-kira bisa ngga ya? Aaah kalau rezeki ngga akan ke mana kaaan :)

Keliling Indonesia Timur, termasuk Raja Ampat

Ini salah satu cita-cita dan mimpiku dan Rudi. 
Cantiknya Indonesia Timur, yang sebenarnya sudah saya jelajahi sebagian, memang masih menyimpan banyak misteri buat kami sekeluarga.
I really enjoy going here and I wanted Udi and the kids enjoy the same thing.

Rencananya kami akan anak Bo dan Obi juga, 

Kembali Belajar Menari tradisional

Sebenarnya aku pengen Obi belajar menari tradisional, seperti waktu aku kecil.
Inget banget jaman masih SD saya ikutan latihan menari tradisional di garasi sebelah.
Kami pun sempet manggung beberapa kali di acara sekitar rumah.
Saya dulu belajar tari Yapong, Lenggang Nyai, tari Piring, dan ada beberapa tarian lain yang aku lupa namanya.
Walaupun mungkin hal ini biasa dilakukan, namun buat kami yang seringkali tinggal di luar Indonesia bisa menari tradisional itu sangat membanggakan.
Aaah semoga Obi bisa menikmati latihan menari bersama si mboknya ini.

Well, itu dia rencanaku di tahun 2019.
Kalau kalian punya rencana istimewa apa?
Share yaaaa.

Sepuluh Blog Favorit untuk Blogwalking

Mau tau sepuluh blog favorit untuk blogwalking? 

Lagi-lagi saya harus berpikir keras untuk menentukan sepuluh blog yang sering saya kunjungi. 

Yang pasti, ada buanyaaaaak banget blogger keren di luar sana yang blognya sering saya kunjungi, baik itu blogger Indonesia maupun blogger dari luar negeri. Dan seperti pertanyaan blog favorit, aku pun punya banyak kategori untuk blog traveling, lifestyle, beauty, fashion, technology, curhat dan lain-lain. Belum lagi para blogger yang saya penal secara pribadi dan memang orangnya menyenangkan. Rasanya mau protes ke #BPN30day Challenge2018 tapi rasanya memang itu tantangan utama untuk tentukan mana yang masuk dalam daftar. Jadi, semangaaaat!

So, let's give it a try!

Here come the 10 blogs that I usually explore for blog walking. 

theresasmixednuts.com

Again, I really enjoy reading her blog as it has so many interesting features that I love, especially all those yummy, yet easy to prepare food. She writes a lot about tips and tricks  on daily life as well traveling and recommendation or reviews for so many products. I like the way she shares her stories. 

Dan yang aku senengnya tuh, Theresa selalu BW balik ke aku dengan komentar yang tulus dan genuinely show interests to any Indonesia-related posts I have put on my blog. And you know I put a lot about it! Yang pasti, Theresa juga sangat humble dan menyenangkan.

anapleaday.com

Alissa is also one of my first blogger friends in the Big Apple! I got connected to her through Theresa as well and Alissa is a lovely art teacher who really appreciates many things I love. 

Dan Theresa maupun Alissa juga rajin BW balik ke postingan aku plus berbagai referensi untuk mendapat postingan berbayar USD juga lho. Ada bêberapa sponsored posts kami yang serupa.

wordlesswednesday.blogspot.com

Ini salah satu blog yang tiap minggu menyelenggarakan linky party untuk mereka yang publish postingan dengan foto tanpa kata or cerita. Well, ada sedikit cerita juga boleh, tapi jangan kaget kalau ada juga yang hanya menaruh satu foto saja.

I have been following the link party since 2014 and I continue to share my version of (almost) Wonderful Wednesday up until now.

It's a fun way to stay connected with bloggers from different corners of the world without being bogged down by long posts. Besides, I also got tons of photos to share!

shintaries.com

Seperti yang saya pernah tulis sebelumnya, blog mba Shinta banyak 'contekan' bermanfaat yang sangat membantu blogger awam sepertiku. Aku yang buta ilmu per-SEO-an mulai sedikit-sedikit belajar dari dirinya. Dan semua itu ilmu yang berharga banget lho!

jalanjalankenai.com

Aku kenal Mba Chie, baik di dunia blog maupun di luar, sudah lumayan lama dan aku cukup sering BW ke blognya yang penuh cerita menarik tentang berbagai perjalanan yang dilakukan oleh Chie dan keluarganya. Banyak tempat-tempat wisata asyik dan pas untuk keluarga yang pernah didatangi dan Aku jadi suka 'nyontek' itinerary or jadwal perjalanan dan tempat yang didatangi. Thanks for sharing it yaaa Mba.

etramping.com

Ini salah satu blog traveling yang diasuh oleh 2 teman baik, bukan sepasang kekasih ,walaupun mereka berteman sangat baik dan sering berpetualangan berdua. Mereka juga suka berpetualang dan mencoba berbagai hal baru setiap kali tiba di suatu tempat baru. Just like us!

beyourselfwomen.com

Mba Lus, pemilik blog ini, adalah sosok ramah yang sempat saya temui di beberapa kesempatan. Aku bahkan kerap menikmati berbagai kado istimewa barang-barang crafting yang dibuatnya. Beberapa Aku bawa ke New York City juga. Dan Mba Lus sangat consistent dengan blognya yang sarat Do-It-Yourself projects serta arts and crafts. Keren keren dan doable banget.

Fitrian.net

Aku ngga tau harus bicara apa soal pemilik blog yang satu ini tapi Lia, panggilan akrab kita semua untuknya, adalah ratu Blogwalking, termasuk mampir ke tempatku. Dan Lia juga rajiiiin banget update blognya. So, here we go, kalau ngga mampir ke sini rasanya ngga afdol.

bethere2day.com

Ini blog yang isinya benar-benar menghibur karena hanya berisi postingan lucu dan nyelenah tapi juga selalu membuka link party. Saya seneng mampir ke sini karena selalu ketemu blogger-blogger lain yang menikmati hiburan yang sama lalu saling mengunjungi via wordlesswednesday atau link lainnya. Tidak ada yang spesial banget tapi entah kenapa saya rajin main ke sini. Mungkin cari-hari saya sudah penuh dengan pekerjaan serius kali ya, jadi pengennya cari yang lucu.

fromevijawithlove.com

Kami pernah co-host bareng di weekly link party dan Aku suka banget dengan blognya Evija yang penuh dengan tips dan tricks untuk rumah, termasuk berbagai proyek DIY. Bahkan saat Evija membangun dan menghias rumah barunya dari nol, ia membaginya di blognya. Bener-bener menginspirasi lhooo!

So, that's my post on the list of blogs for blogwalking.

Kalau teman-teman suka blogwalking ke mana aja?

Ada alasan tertentu nutuk blogwaking ke blog tersebut?

See you on the next post.

Akun Instagram Favorit? Ini Dia Daftarnya

Taraaaa..

Here comes the questions for Day 15!

Wuhuuuu..it's half way already!

For the next question we have for #BPN30dayChallenge2018, the question is 10 favorite Instagram accounts that I love the check. Now now, 10 is a decent numbers but I guess I will have to scrutinize lots of accounts that I ocassionally visit. As an introduction, I guess it’s good to mention that I love Instagram for its vast information and entertainment provided. 

In short, it’s fun, fun, fun!

I myself have multiple accounts of Instagram and don’t ask me how many ;).

I usually ‘browse’ for fantastic photos of Indonesia and wonderful places to visit across the globe; Kementerian Luar Negeri or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; United Nations and things surrounding it; underwater schemes and everything related to scuba diving; fashion; cosmetics; recipes and amazing food photography; and sample sales, among others! For the last one, sample sales, I always follow the IG account and its Insta Story. 

Saya juga banyak mengunjungi para influencers maupun akun teman-teman bloggers yang memang aktif di IG. Tapi karena jumlahnya lebih dari 10, even hundreds  (and I love them all) sepertinya agak kurang adil jika saya masukkan hanya beberapa saja. Jadi nanti kalau diminua listing 100, aku akan kasih semua :).

So now, without further a do, here are 10 favorite Instagram accounts I love!

@natgeotravel

Frankly, I love everything about National Geographic. It has a few accounts including @natgeo, @natgeotravel, and @natgeowild. For sure you know why I prefer @natgeotravel as it showcases those incredible spots in the world, including Indonesia. 

@christinehmcconnell

Oh my .. I love her one-of-a-kind, quirky and vampire-inspired style on her food! I don't know about you but I love those unique, out-of-this-world art works! Asli kereeeen banget! Salah satu yang Aku suka banget adalah kue khusus yang didedikasikan untuk Freddy Mercury, khususnya setelah film Freddy drills. The details of her work really blows my mind. No wonder she has 464 million followers, including me!

@ditut et @pinot

Ini tetangga favorit kami  di New York City! 

Kami dengan innocentnya bertemu dengan salah satu influencer kondang di Instagram dan Twitter, tetanggaan yang cuma beda berapa blok rumahnya dan anak-anak sekolah bareng. Again, both of them are AWESOMEEEEE! Ditut is super talented with her drawings and Pinot is crazily creative! Both of them have been internationally recognized for their works, including by Adidas, Google, and Zach King, and they are INDONESIANS! You guys go ahead see their works yourself. No spoilers :).

Some of my favorite IG accounts :)

@hudabeauty

I don't know when I started loving her and her works but for sure I usually check her account to see tips, tricks, and the latest updates on her collections as well at her other account @shophudabeauty. I am A BIG FAN of her lipsticks, and so far I have been using  6 shades of her matte lipsticks! She also has so many beautiful palates and more. SO, what are you waiting for!

@sephora

Nothing else to say but this is my ultimate reference for all beauty related. Well, I know we have so many other choices out there, but again, I am soooo in love with Sephora since 2004 when I first shopped at its bling-bling outlet at Champs-ellysez, Paris! I remember buying 1 bag of stuff and got another bag of free stuff! Wuhuuuuu...Sephora really knows how to wow people, especially ladies. Its IG account is also wonderful and give you more tips, tricks and more all beauty enthusiasts love!

@unitednations

Needless to say I keep following this account for all the important global issues being discussed at the United Nations. Even more, so many important references are highlighted in this account, not only the glimmering and successful stories, but also all the problems that we all face. It might sounds very heavy but go check it out.

@kemlu_ri

Akun IG kantorku tercinta! 

Kenapa saya sering cek? karena senang ajaaaa.

It's good to know that my office is keeping up with the latest technology and use up-to-date approach in spreading the news as well as our works. 

Teman-teman suka cek juga ngga? Seringkali ada kuis dan giveawaysnya lhooo. 

@paditravel

PADI is the world-wide famous diving certificate provider and besides providing the technical expertise and skills related to diving, it also provides latest tempting information for courses and diving trips! Dan Aku selalu moping kalau melihat akun mereka ini. Bawaannya mau bilang: take me there!

@indtravel

Ini akun wajib untuk yang sering kangen dengan Indonesia dan yang suka traveling di tanah airku tercinta!

I love to see those vivid colors and living photos which spark your energy and desire to explore more of Indonesia! I will definitely check their account and get more information about those wonderful hidden treasures.

So, 10 akun Instagram favorit aku seperti di atas!

Jadi penasaran dengan akun pilihan teman-teman..

Let's see then!

Zodiac and Personalities, What’s Yours?

Siapa yang suka baca ramalan bintang?

Ayo ngakuuu :).

Aku suka lho.

Dulu kalau baca majalah (sampai sekarang juga masih sih), salah satu bagian yang aku suka dan jarang terlewatkan adalah ramalan bintang.

Terkadang, meskipun tidak selalu mengerti isi ramalannya, aku suka berpikir lama dan panjang untuk mencocokkan ramalan bintang yang kubaca.

Apa benar sebentar lagi ada kejutan manis dari teman dekat? Atau hati-hati jaga kesehatan? Atau jangan larut dalam kesedihan mendalam dan move on. Seringkali bacanya sambil senyum-senyum ngga jelas. Apalagi biasanya di akhir tahun juga suka ada bonus ramalan bintang dan nasib kita di tahun mendatang berdasarkan bintang.

Although I don’t know whether they still have this interesting section in the magazine or the newspapers, and I don’t really believe in it, I do enjoy this fun side of astrology. Well, I know nothing about astrology (I suppose it relates to something much more important) as a matter of fact but I am aware of zodiac and the fun fact surrounding it, including personality traits of people under certain zodiac.

Now let’s talk about it!

To those who have known me for quite sometimes, they might agree to the proposition that I am self-confident, outspoken, lively, talkative and a bit emotional. Really?

Let’s see.

Banyak juga yang bilang kalau aku bawel, berisik dan galak. Juga PDnya ngga ketulungan dan terkesan ambisius.

Hmmm.. I guess I have to agree on that.

Aku memang suka banget cerita dan 

I also love to  initiate something and lead my group in a way. I like to do things fast and usually require others to do the same.  I tend to be impatience, but I can be patience on certain things that I have set my heart for. I can be moody but mostly I’m bubbly. Some might think I constantly seek for attention and I do love being under the spotlight.

And I love purple... although it has nothing to do with anything :).

Can you guess what my zodiac is?

Anybody has similar traits as well?

Those saying I’m a Leo, then you got it right! 

Beberapa orang yang mengamati aku dengan baik sering langsung menebak bintangku Leo, karena katanya sifat-sifat Leo sejati ada di diriku. Well, terlepas dari benar atau tidak, aku sendiri sering melihat banyak sifatku yang sama dengan orang lain tapi bintang kami berbeda. Kalau aku cek di google, beberapa tokoh dunia yang bintangnya sama dengan aku antara lain Barack Obama, Madonna, Neil Armstrong, Jennifer Lopez, dan Arnold Schwazenneger.

One thing for sure, aku sih ngga begitu mengasosiasikan karakter dengan bintang. Yang penting aku tau mana karakter baik yang perlu aku pertahankan dan karakter yang kurang baik yang harus aku kurangi.

So, what’s your zodiac?

Do you know your best personality traits?

Indonesia, Negeri Impianku Selalu dan Selamanya

Kalau ditanya apa negeri impian saya, maka jawabannya adalah Indonesia.

My wonderful Indonesia.

Hari ke-13 dari #BPN30dayChallenge2018 diisi pertanyaan tenanting mengenai negara atau kota atau tempat impian. 

Sejak awal jawaban saya sudah jelas.

Indonesia!
Dan ada begitu banyak kota cantik di negeri ini yang ingin saya kunjungi.

Saya cinta negara yang cantik luar biasa ini.

Rasanya makin jauh saya bertualang, bertemu dengan orang dari berbagai negara, dan mengunjungi tempat-tempat cantik yang terkenal, makin mengkukuhkan cinta saya pada tanah dan bumi Nusantara. 

Lately I have been looking at some photos that I have taken on various trips in Indonesia. I'm just an amateur but it won't take long to see why I'm so in love with my homeland and it will forever stay in my heart.

Let me now take you to Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Bali and Nusa Tenggara as well as Maluku and Papua. I have visited all of those wonderful islands but not all the cities famous for landmarks and unique destinations.

Kalau bisa, rasanya #myitchyfeet ingin saya ajak keliling menyaksikan karya-Nya yang luar biasa. Dan kali ini anak-anak pun sudah besar, sudar waktunya saya tulari dengan kecintaan luar biasa pada tanah air mereka. Yuk, kita ikutan tur pendek di Negeri impianku ini.

Sulawesi

I have been to Manado, North Sulawesi, several times but I know that other parts of this exotic Island of Sulawesi are waiting. I can’t wait to visit Toraja, Wakatobi, and Gorontalo (again)

It  is the perfect place to those who love and seek underwater adventures.

Divers and snorklers, here's THE spot for you as Sulawesi offers endless choices of underwater experience, starting from Bunaken, Wakatobi, Gorontalo and more.

Swimming with turtles, manta rays, or even whale sharks?

You got it!

My encounter with la rascasse, the scorpion fish, in Bunaken, Manado, North Sulawesi

Kalimantan

The dragon at Tri Dharma Bumi Raya temple in Singkawang

Kalimantan or Borneo is famous for being one of the the lungs of world alone with the Amazon, it is indeed packed with oxygen-rich tropical jungles. 

It is also home of some of endangered, rare species like orang utan. Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan, in this case, has been famously known as the one of the natural wonders with Orang Utan as the most known animals roaming in this area.

The city of Singkawang in West Kalimantan, boasts the beautiful combination of Chinese and local tradition of the Dayak people. Visiting the majestic temple of Tri Dharma Bumi Raya  is quite an experience and a short visit to Pasir Panjang beach will certainly refresh our weary souls.

Pasir Panjang Beaceh, Singkawang, West Kalimantan.

Bali and Nusa Tenggara

Sunset at Kuta Beach..

No need for further introduction to the island of the gods and goddesses, Bali, as well as Nusa Tenggara, which has been stealing travellers' attention - if not capturing their hearts,- with their incredible nature. 

The morning offerings at Kuta Beach, Bali

Magical sunrise and sunset, breathtaking view of cliffs, mountains and the sea, and pristine beaches are only a start! Amazing local cuisines, traditions, rituals, natural landscapes and again, friendly people will surely complete your trip here.

Rinjani, West Nusa Tenggara. Pic: Pixabay

praying time

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Maluku and Papua

These Eastern parts of Indonesia are truly captivating.

Maluku, or Molluccas, with the capital city of Ambon, has captured my heart since I first arrived in this historical part of my country. The Land of spices, one of the reasons why Indonesia was sought and conquered by many in the past, is the nick name of Maluku. 

Liang Beach, Ambon, Maluku

Surrounded by beautiful islands and white, powdery coastline, the city of  Ambon is a perfect destination for those enjoying a tranquil day on the beach and venturing on local cuisine such as nasi kuning, or the yellow rice, and rujak, or fresh fruit with peanut sauce and chilli dipping. Banda island, Halmahera, and Seram Island are some of the exotic places you should not miss.

smoked tuna, everyone? Great delicacy from Maluku.

Papua and Papua Barat provinces have been dominating many of travelers' top list for its incomparable beauty of nature. Raja Ampat (I bet many of you have heard about it) is the world's top diving sites. Heaven on earth can be appropriately associated to the land of Cendrawasih, the bird of paradise, known to be the indigenous fauna of Papua.

Playnemo, Raja Ampat, Papua. Pic: Pixabay

While Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province, offers breathtaking views of Sentani Lake and beautiful city seen from above. This is also the place where I tastes the best, freshest fried fish with papeda and sayur kuning, the local cuisine of Papuans. 

Don't miss to visit the famous tribes in Papua, Asmat and Dani, and be part of their daily life to see the indigenous way of life as well as their amazing artistic works. 

Wish me luck and health for the grand plan of traveling around Indonesia with my family, The Frakarsa. 

How about you?

What's your dream place?

Cheers from Jayapura, Papua