WW: One Fine Afternoon at Skyline Walkway Karori

Wellington has been bleak lately. 

Gloomy, cloudy days packed with rain and wind certainly make your day. Well, I don't know whether this is what winter feels like in Wellington since this is our very first time, yet been enduring winter in many different countries before, the one we have here is just different. I guess the wind just simply makes it worst. 

 So, whenever we have some sunshine, no matter how short it might be, we try to make the most of it. Since we don't travel that much lately due to the weather, we take our chances to enjoy what we have in the our backyard. Here comes our fine afternoon at Skyview Walkway. 

Five minutes walk from home and we enter one of the many gateways Skywview walkway has. Heading to Karori/Makara Park, or to Mt. Kaukau/Johnshonville is our choice. 

This time, as we don't really have much time and the temperature is still below 15 degree Celcious, we chose to be hiking around the hills, enjoying the sun while it lasts. Bo, Obi et Udi are coming too, making it our fun family walk. The sky is still cloudy but the greeneries just makes it perfect. 

We walked around for about one hour before the temperature dropped and the wind got colder. We were content that we got to feel the fresh air and enjoy the natural landscape before heading back home to get some cooking and enjoy our dinner. 

So do you enjoy walking around your area as well? 

Do you manage to enjoy the greeneries or the natural landscape, or even the urban city?  

Share it with us here.

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party.

Kebaya in Aotearoa - Kebaya Goes to UNESCO

Kebaya in Aotearoa - Kebaya Goes to UNESCO

One of my favorite Indonesian traditional attires is kebaya.

13 Indonesian ladies, posing with various kebaya and Indonesian traditional kain

In many occasions, be it special or something casual, I wear kebaya in different materials, forms, colors, and with different accessories. I wear it with kain or any Indonesian traditional fabrics like Batik, Tenun and Songket, or simply with trousers and skirts. 

I just love it and I feel special whenever I wear kebaya.

happily wearing my orange-and-purple kebaya with gold and purple Tapis Lampung

Kebaya is the top part which usually cut in feminine shape. In Indonesia, kebaya comes in various models, using different materials. Some of the common models we have in kebaya are Kebaya Kartini, Kebaya Encim, and Kebaya Kutubaru. We certainly have more but those three models are what I have in abundance. Kebaya is made from different materials or fabrics as well, namely the lace, silk, cotton, organdy, and more. It may be adorned with embroideries, beads, applications and more.  

As kebaya has been used by Indonesian women since ages ago in different stages and  celebrating particular events in lives , kebaya has been identified as one of the cultural identity for Indonesian women. That is why we are now campaigning for it to be recognized as one of UNESCO Intangible Heritage. And from Aotearoa, we are proud to wear our kebayas and showcase it to the world.

So in one windy afternoon, together with the female staff of the Embassy as well as the spouses of the staff and the Ambassador, we had a photo sessions in three different landmarks, namely our Embassy, the Beehive, and Wellington Cable Car. Here are some photos we took along the way and what a lovely day it was, despite the depressing weather. We wore colorful kebayas combined with Tapis lampung, Songket Bali, Batik, Tenun Ikat Maluku, Songket Palembang, and more. I have to admit all the ladies look fantastic and brilliant!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do and cheers from Aotearoa!

Do you like wearing kebaya as well? When and where do you usually wear it too? What type of kebaya is your favorite? Share with me in the comment.

Wonderful Wednesday with My Purple World, Oh My Heartsie Girls and Friends

Welcome back and how I hope everyone is well.

In our knack of the wood, things have been a bit unwell. My kids got COVID-19 and 4 days after, then my hubby and I caught it too. Yes, COVID-19 is still here!

Well, for Bo et Obi, this will be their first time. As for me, this will be my third time, after 2 episodes of Delta infection in Jakarta, and the second time for my hubby after Delta in Jakarta as well. Both my hubby and I already got the booster in Wellington New Zealand back in February 2022, while both my kids already got the two doses of vaccinations. Bo got them in Jakarta while Obi got them in Wellington with Pfizer. 

Apparently, the combination of horrible cold weather (Wellington has been so depressing in the last 4 weeks in terms of weather), too many back - to - back activities and sick people everywhere proves to be condition conducive for the spread of COVID-19 in my household. I lost track already on which variant the virus that hit us but I have to admit that it was way easier and 'lighter' in terms of the symptoms compared to Delta but it is still annoying.

day 1... with my kids both positive, while my hubby and I were still negative

According to New Zealand rules, we have to isolate for 7 days and that's what we have been doing so far.  Afterwards, at day 7 we need to take another test and we can finish the isolation when the test is negative and when the symptoms are clear, whichever comes first. Otherwise, we have to stay at home until we are fit enough to go out again. This weekend, my kids can get out of the isolation while my hubby and I will stay until next Tuesday. Hopefully the next test we are taking will be resulting negative.

Meanwhile, in terms of works, I have many events waiting. So, while isolating, drafts and reports are accompanying me as well. Many of us work from home for a week or as needed. Hopefully everyone will be well soon and stay healthy onwards.

Now, it's time for Wonderful Wednesday with My Purple World, Oh My Heartsie Girls and Friends. This week we have new hostess as well!

So now.. I would like to introduce to you our new Hostess H Emma from The ExtraordiOnly, we also invite you to follow her social media and check out her chosen feature this week.

We always have a great lineup and were happy to have you join us each week and hope you enjoy this weeks features to inspire you. We have so many talented bloggers it is hard to to choose but we do our best each week, and if you need more Inspiration check out ⇒ Last Weeks Party #324 on 8/15 there were so many great blogs that visit us with great of Ideas.

Wonderful Wednesdays For All Bloggers and Writers

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♥Feature Chosen By H Emma // The Extra OrdinariOnly Filling The Jars // 10 Productive Things To Do In An Hour That Won’t Stress You Out

♥Feature Chosen By Suzan // Country Crafts Air Fryer Fanatics // Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza I love all the different ways to use the air fyer, especially cooking for myself

yummy indeed

♥Feature Chosen By Karren // Oh My Heartsie Girl Homemade On a Weeknight // Easy Baked Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Sliders This is great when you have a crowd

♥Feature Chosen By Karren // Oh My Heartsie Girl Must Have Mom // Baklava With Honey Syrup and Chocolate Chips and Chopped Walnuts

♥Feature Chosen By Karren // Oh My Heartsie Girl Shelbee on The Edge // The Thrifty Six in Jumpsuits 6 ladies sharing how to wear a previously owned jumpsuit with their inspiring ideas. Do you shop thrift store or donate?

Well, I have to admit I do love shopping at thrift shops here in windy Wellington.

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WW: Les Miserables in Wellington

 

How I miss Broadway!

One of the things that I miss the most from NYC is their all-year-round entertainment, particularly Broadway. Well, at least before COVID-19 pandemic.. and now, as it starts kicking back after the pandemic is a bit manageable. 

I remember vividly those musicals and plays my family, my dearest friends and I watched in Broadways. Kinky Boots, the Rain, Beautiful, On Your Feet, Phantom of the Opera, Sponge Bob, the Book of Mormon, Dear Evan Hansen, Jersey Boys, Chicago  and more..

So when I heard that St. James Theather in Wellington was reopening after years of renovation and series of plays and musicals will be showcased, I directly hunt for the tickets. Together with Stella, my colleague at the office, we got the tickets for Les Miserables. Super excited indeed!

welcome to St. James Theater

Les Miserables is indeed a famous play that has been performed in many corners of the world. Perhaps you are already familiar with the stories of Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cossette,Marius, Eponine,  Javert and even the hillarious crooks, the Thenardiers. We even have the last Hollywood version of it starred by Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.

The show was packed and St. James Theater looks beautiful indeed. We cozily sit for 3 hours plus intermission and the play was amazing. The production troupe, which is mostly based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, is amazing! I really enjoyed the played and the songs, including the hits I had a dream. 

The stage..

Well, all in all I had a wonderful night and I hope I can soon go back for more performance here. Here are some photos showing you the lovely theater.

happy me posing with the program book

the ceiling

the best seats indeed

Have you been joining any live performance lately?
Share it with us here.

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Happy 77th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence from Aotearoa New Zealand

 Happy 77th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence from Aotearoa New Zealand

🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩  M E R D E K A.. 🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩 

Happy 77th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence.

Auguat 17th, 2022.

I woke up feeling so excited.

Wellington has been freezing, windy and wet for the last 2 weeks.

Well, probably for the last 2 months, as winter hit this capital city.

There was no wind outside at 6 AM so I thought we would be able to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence outside, with flag-hoisting ceremony.

I had everyone woke up and got ready to head to the Embassy, where the celebration would take place. Breakfast was ready, so were all the uniforms, kebaya, and suites for my gentlemen.

Yet, at 7 AM, it started drizzling and the rain got harder by the time we arrived at the Embassy at 8.30 AM. Nevertheless, our spirit is still soaring high as this is the day when we celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence!

Di KBRI Wellington,  Upacara Peringatan Detik-Detik Proklamasi Kemerdekaan RI ke-77 pada tanggal 17 Agustus 2022 berlangsung secara khidmat dan meriah. Meskipun Wellington diguyur hujan dan angin dingin sejak pagi, namun itu semua tidak mengurangi semangat kami untuk datang dan menghadiri upacara penting ini. Demikian pula beberapa masyarakat yang bahkan datang dari tempat yang lumayan jauh seperti Whanganui, Tawa, dan sekitarnya. Sayangnya, karena hujan, upacara yang biasanya dilakukan di luar terpaksa dilakukan di dalam ruangan untuk tahun ini.

Acara syukuran kali ini memiliki makna yang istimewa karena merupakan acara syukuran yang digelar untuk pertama kalinya bagi Dubes Fientje Suebu sejak beliau menjabat di awal tahun 2022. 

Untuk kami The Frakarsas, acara kali ini pun super istimewa karena selain ini kali perdana kami merayakan hari jadi Indonesia di Aotearoa, tahun ini my baby bunny Nadine terpilih menjadi salah satu anggota PASKIBRA or pasukan pengibar bendera. Bangga rasanya melihat gadis kecilku terlihat gagah dan penuh konsentrasi saat latihan menjadi Paskibra. Way to go, Obi!

Being chosen as one of the members of the flag raising troupe is indeed an honor and it requires a lot of discipline, responsibilities and perseverance. Together with 2 other boys, Herald and William, the three of them have undergone quite a rigorous training in order to prepare for the big day. So kudos fo you three!

Too bad due to the unfriendly weather, we did it in the room instead of outside. We had the practices outside and the general rehearsal had been done outside as well. Nevertheless, it's been a rewarding experience for Nadine and us all.

my baby bunny Nadine

Sebanyak kurang lebih 100 peserta yang terdiri dari WNI dan sahabat Indonesia di Selandia Baru turut meramaikan jalannya acara. Cukup banyak yang datang dan banyak yang hadir dengan mengenakan busana bernuansa merah putih. Warna sakral bagi bangsa Indonesia. 

Aku sendiri untuk upacara bendera mengenakan kebaya brokat merah kutu baru hiasan mote yang dipadu dengan selendang warna emas dan kain Songket Bali. 

Later, I changed my top with Batik Chic's elegant embroidery top in royal blue. I reall love it!

Usai upacara peringatan detik - detik proklamasi yang berlangsung kurang lebih 30 menit, acara dilanjutkan dengan syukuran. Awalnya, kami merencanakan untuk menyelenggarakan Pesta Rakyat dengan menghadirkan banyak pertunjukan dan hiburan, termasuk Band KBRI yang baru dibentuk dan beranggotakan keluarga besar KBRI Wellington. Namun mengingat KBRI masih dalam suasana berduka karena kehilangan salah satu anggota keluarganya, maka pesta rakyat pun disederhanakan dan acara hanya fokus pada perayaan detik - detik proklamasi dan syukuran bersama. 

tumpeng of the day

Acara syukuran diawali oleh pemotongan tumpeng yang diberikan kepada 3 wakil sesepuh yang tinggal di Wellington dan para anggota Paskibra. Selain itu, ada pertunjukan Tari Persembahan dari Bali yang ditarikan dengan gemulai oleh mba Putu Evie Suyadnyani dan penampilan Tari Sajojo oleh Perwakilan Masyarakat Indonesia di Whanganui. They are indeed amazing! Mba Evie, my dance mentor and gamelan guru, gracefully performed Tari Persembahan which marks the special occasions, while Sajojo dance, one of the popular social dance from Papua, the homeland of our Ambassador, were energetically performed by 5 members of Indonesian communities and their Kiwi families from Whanganui. Senang rasanya bisa berkumpul dan melihat antusiasme masyarakat yang cukup tinggi dalam mensukseskan jalannya acara dan menunjukkan kebanggaan mereka terhadap budaya dan keindahan tanah air.

Meskipun singkat, acara makan siang bersama dengan nasi kuning komplit dan kue - kue khas Indonesia seperti pastel, lapis ketan, lemper dan kue ku membuat suasana menjadi makin istimewa. 

So, in a more serious note, 77 years of Independence and we are progressing!

The pandemic has been a huge stumbling block for everyone but we sincerely hope we can continue to fight, recover stronger and prosper together. 

77 tahun and masih banyak pekerjaan besar yang menanti untuk mewujudkan Indonesia yang adil, makmur, sentosa dan maju sebagaimana dicita-citakan para leluhur dan pejuang yang telah mendahului kita. 

Bangga bisa menjadi bagian dari bangsa besar ini… menjadi salah satu punggawa penjaganya hingga titik darah penghabisan. 

Semoga cinta, semangat, dan pengabdian kita semua bisa memberi manfaat untuk bangsa dan tanah air tercinta, INDONESIA 🇮🇩. 

Dirgahayu, Indonesiaku 🇮🇩