Couchsurfing Experience

First couple that I hosted

Hullo... we meet again...still about experiences in hosted a travelers. Yup, I am planning to write all of the story for every travelers that I hosted. Now it's about the third time I hosted a traveler. And this time it is a couple. Yes.. they are lover.

As usual, I received a text message from Pandu about a guy from Swiss who will pass by Bandung for one day and need an accomodation. The date for his arrival is not sure yet. After several days, the guy contacted Pandu, and his arrival and the day he would stay in Bandung was at the same time with Couchsurfing International (CSI) Festival. This made Pandu really asking for the availability of me to host him. Actually I should be doing same activity with Pandu on that day, which is attending the CSI festive. Unfortunately, I had another schedule that present on the same day. I was really confused to decide which one should I attend. However, as this other activities is related with my responsibility until 5 years ahead, I perforced to choose this activities. It was a chess tournament and inauguration of new staff for Bandung Chess Association. I was one of person who will be inaugurated on that day. And I was also responsible for the chess tournament. I was one of their commette and I was also participants for the chess tournament. I played for my chess club, Makhraja. Although I wasn't play good at all... hehehe... Well... that's all explain why I couldn't attend the CSI festive. And this made me available to host a guest.

Then, Pandu told me that the guy from Swiss was actually not coming to Bandung alone. He will come with his lover he said. I was thinking for a moment, bcause I think it's hard for me to host two persons in my house at the same time. And actually I was afraid that they will force me to stay at the same room while they are not married yet. If that happened, of course my parents would not be happy. Ahhh.... I still have a friend, without much thinking I was asking Bagus if he is available to host a traveler or not. I planned to divide this couple. The guy will live with Bagus and the girl will live with me... hehe....I was expected that the girl is a hot caucasians.. hehe....so, Bagus then told me that he is available and had no problem to host a guest. Ok....the problem has solved. Then I invited Bagus to pick them at train station in the afternoon. I still remember, it was on saturday. He accepted and we went there at around 7 pm. The time we arrived at train station, they were already waiting for us at north gate. We spot them easily, because the guy from Swiss is the only caucasians there.... so... where is his girlfriend? After I say hello to him and we introduce each other, I went to bathroom for a while...The time I finished.. I saw that there is an Indonesian girl talking with Bagus and him... ahhh... so his girlfriend is Indonesian... hehehe... great!!! awesome gurl..... I approach her and introduce myself....her name is Erna.... and the Swiss guy... his name is Sven... Sven Huber........ well... we have 10 minutes chit chat and they explained that they planned to go to 'Batu Karas' the next day......therefore, both of them need to buy a ticket that night, to make sure that there is a transportation that would bring them to Batu Karas tomorrow. Then, we decided to go to bus station before having dinner. I knew that both of them were hungry. In bus station, we failed to have the tickets, because it was closed. But from the information we gathered, there would always be a bus that goes to Batu Karas in the morning. Okkk..... it's not the time to think about the tickets anymore....now we need to eat.....Sven looks really hungry and he admited. Hmmmm.... anyway.. there is this funny things, Sven brought a really big carier and he ride a motorbike, hitchiking Bagus's motorbike. In the way to bus station he said that he almost fell down because of unbalances beetwen his strengh to hold the movement of motorbike and the force of gravitation added with motorbike movement that applied in his carier. So, in the end, to keep it safe, he asked me to bring his carier in my motorbike. He asked me to put it in front of my body, because there is a slope in my motorbike which is enough for a carier. At first I refused his request, but then finally I agreed with him after hearing his explanation. Then, after everything seatled up, we went to my house first to put their belongings. The time he arrived in my house, he was impressed with pictures that put in our praying rooms. It's a picture of 'Masjidil Haram' and 'Ka'bah' during the hajj season. He asked me many things about it. He has been traveling to many countries but never been to Saudi Arabia.

We were talking for about half an hour and then we prepared to have dinner. Only one place that we would be going to.. yup...again... it's punclut... hehehe...it's just like a ritual for every guest that we had. Moreover, most of travelers or guest that we had are more interested to local food. And other good things about punclut is... they are cheap. Traditional food with cheap price. What else? Then... that night we went to punclut by motorbike. I take Erna in my motorbike while Sven with Bagus. It was cold in the night. The streets are quiet as well as the buildings. The road to punclut are climbings. Well... it's located in the hills anyway. In our way to punclut, well in fact we were already in punclut but not yet arrived in the restaurant, I got a phone call. Then I noticed that it's hard to pick up my cellphone while I was driving a motorbike. So, I just stop my motorbike for a while, just to pick up my cellphone from my pocket. After I get it, I drive my motorbike again. Ahhh... it was from Ronald. We talked for couple of minutes. He was asking about my presence for live gathering at Reneo Bridge. After he hang up the phone, I put back my cellphone into my pocket and focus on driving. But, I felt something strange around me, something is missing. My motorbike is lighter than before. The time I passed Bagus and Sven, they shouted at me. Where is Erna??? Fuck.... I didn't notice that Erna is not in my motorbike anymore. Did u left her, they said. Damn.....straightly I went back to the place where I stop my motorbike for a while. Pyuhhhh... she was there. She was laughing... what r u doing??? I was down from your motorbike while you were pick up your cellphone she said. Ahahahaha... I was laughing... and then I say sorry.... Sorry Erna.. I didn't notice that you do that. She was great !!! Even she knew that I left her, she didn't shouted or scream at all. Hehehee...... well well.. there is always funy story everytime I hosted a guest.

We arrived at the restaurant at 10 pm and then we eat a lot of food, especially Sven... hehe... we were really hungry. During our dinner, I asked Sven about his traveling experiences. And it was really impressed me. He said that he had traveled around Europe and it was done by bicycle. What??? Are you kidding me Sven??? Well.. he really did it. He had traveled to some part of Asia as well and then to Australia. He had been away from home for about 2.5 years. Just for traveling. Ckkkckkkk....... Amazing !!! Then I said, what your parents think about your activity? He replied, they support me. It is good to do the things that you like said his parents. And Sven also added that he had everything in Swiss by means a good job, good family, good life, nothing to be worries, until he got bored to all of it. Then he decided to go traveling.

After having dinner which is treat by Sven.. hehe.. thank you dude...... I said to them that I had to attend live gathering at Reneo Bridge to watch Chelsea FC match in English Premier League. I asked them to come with me as they got no choice other than following me... hehe.. I am your host dude.... then all of us went down to Reneo Bridge from Punclut. It was already full with Chelsea Indonesia Supporters Club (CISC) member... well Reneo Bridge is their hideout. We watched the match and Sven looks excited watching our expressions. He loves football, but Chelsea is not his favorite club. He told me that he had a good friends in Australia that also loves football. He said that he will recommend me for him as a host. Maybe an image that I put on Sven about how much I love Chelsea has been seatle in his mind. So there is one night, long after Sven had gone from Bandung, Chelsea had a match with Manchester United, which is known as big match. This match is like decided who will be on top of the league. It was really a good match, a good game and more importantly, Chelsea win over Manchester United. Hell Yeah !!! Fuck u Man United !!! We win 2-1. Several hours after the match finished, I got a text message in english that congratulate Chelsea for winning over Manchester United. And wow... it was from Sven.... hehehe...I am happy that he still remember me....

It was around 1 am that finally we arrived at my home. At first I would like to seperate them, but then they disagree. Hmm... ok... fortunately I had another empty bed rooms. We woke up really early in the morning, and it was great that they woke up earlier than me.Before I accompany them to bus station, they say thanks to my parents and farewell. Finally we had to say good bye to both of them, we had a great time hosted them and we promise to keep in touch. Hope both of you get along until the last, Sven and Erna....

To be continue ....

Couchsurfing Experience

Hosted 'snygg rumpa' and 'ngen tot'

Back to write again... hmmm.. this several days I have been very anxious in writing a blog... why? It is because of couchsurfing.. a lot of new and interesting experiences has happened, and I feel it would be a waste for not keeping it in a good story for a good memory.......

Well... this time it is my second experience in hosting a foreign travelers... and this one is gonna be the one that leave a very good memories and I felt something was missing when they had to traveled back to their countries.... It began in early february... As usual, I got a text message from Pandu.. He said that there would be travelers from Rusia who need to be hosted in Bandung. Ok, I am really excited and happy to hear it. I was really curious about this traveler about how does he look, how does he speak, about the story that he will bring and of course about Rusian culture. I was waiting for further information from Pandu, day by day... and well...it comes...new text message from him...his new text message was rather surprising.. rather than telling me about travelers from Rusia, He asked for the availability of me to host a guest to stay in my house.... There will be two guest, one from Sweden and one from Thailand...... Wow... this message from him was making me really excited... without hestitate, I say yes! But.... I only able to host one guest I said....then....Pandu try to find a solution...finally He got it, He said.. ok , no problem.. the other guest will stay with me..............

So... the arrival day finally come... They come with a train from Jakarta to Bandung. We had an initiative to pick them up, although it was in the middle of the night. Then...we finally arrived at train station and looking for them. They must be easily to spot, because they are totally different than local people.. but.. what the hell... where are they??? Ok... to make it easy, I asked Pandu to call them... They pick up the phone and said that they are at the south gate... Ohh.. GOD...no wonder we couldn't find them, because we are at the north gate. We went there full of anxiousity... and well.. we spot them easily... the guy from Thailand was really tall while the guy from Sweden was tall as well but shorter than the guy from Thailand...... We say hi.. and we introduce each other....the guy from Thailand is Tedy and the one from sweden named Simon. Tedy speak english very well and sometimes confused me with some spesific english words that I never heard before. He is a doctor, and that is explain why he speaks english perfectly. Simon is a bachelor student in Uppsala University, Sweden, who is taking a chinese litterature course in Taiwan for around 2 semester. He is currently living in Taiwan and.. what the hell.. He can read chinese and speak it perfectly... marvellous.....

Simon	Tedy

Ok.. let's go back to the main story..................after short introduction in south gate of train station in Bandung, we decided to go to my internet cafe first...We pick them by motorbike. I am bringing Simon while Pandu with Tedy. It was a lucky day for both of them, because in the middle of our journey to my beloved internet cafe, the weather suddenly raining. Well.. we all get wet but arrive savely. In my internet cafe, I told them to take a break while discussing our plan for tonight and tomorrow. I knew that Simon and Tedy must be really hungry, so I take an innitiative to buy 'kebab' which is located in front of my internet cafe. While I was waiting for kebab to be done, Tedy approach us and said that he is hungry. Then we offered him kebab and of course I ordered one for Simon as well. Hmmm..... I thought that Tedy would love the food, but.... He suddenly explain that He coudn't eat beef.... wow wow... this is really rare.... fortunately our chef hasn't made one for him.....From that moment, we knew that Tedy is a litle bit picky with the food. After finished eating kebab, all of us went to Pandu's uncle house, to discuss our plan deeper. Yeah... we share a lot there. We are telling jokes, telling stories and exchange local words. I learnt some swedish words that I would never forgot... it is 'snygg rumpa' which means 'hot ass'..... cool isn't it.... Simon said.. tell it to the girl that you like... hehe.. yeah... and I will be slaped by her...... then as an exchange, I teach him the word 'bokongmu menarik' which means 'your ass is hot'.......... ahaha.... stupid isn't it... then we started to exchange more bad words like 'knulla' which means 'fuck' and so on and so on.......... ahh I almost forgot... there is this interesting words, we are indonesian know 'ngentot' that means 'fuck' and this word also has meaning in Thailand 'ngen tot' means 'standing to fart'.... hahhaahahahha......... so 'tot' in Thailand could be mean like a sound of fart or fart itself... hehe.........

Ok... stop talking about bad words....... we finally decided to have dinner first before going to sleep.... well... there is only this place that comes in my mind to take them, 'punclut'... the same place where we take Agus for launch.... hmm... because it was late in the night, Pandu's causin offered himslef to drive us a car to punclut. That was so much help as motorbiking will froze us to death.. hehe.....well... without much thinking we ride in the car and relax, but who knows that his causin is still a newbie for driving a car.. but thank GOD... nothings happen and we can arrive safely until punclut. As usual, our guest has taste none of sundanese food... yesss... it is a chance.. yes a chance to feed them with our most delicious vegetables 'pete'... yes.. that vegetables... that stinks and will made ur breath kill a girl...... hehehe... well...we knew that Tedy is so picky, but this time, we force him to try it.... They got no choice as their stomach is crying as well.... We eat a lot... and Pandu... He sweat a lot... yeah... because of the chilli.. the chili is damn HOT! Fyuhhhh... got our stomach full.. we went back home and introduce them our red light district in Bandung... haha... this reminds me that Simon almost try to seduce a girl there.....so... that night.. Simon stay in my home while Tedy goes to Pandu's uncle house. We promise to meet tomorrow morning in my house, for a trip to Tangkuban Perahu Mountain.

Good morning..... ahhh I wake up at nine... and everybody in my house has left... then I just go straight to wake up Simon, because I promise to meet Pandu around 9......well... when we are about to have breakfast.. the door in my house is knocked....and yup.. it was them.. Pandu and Tedy has ready for a trip to the mountain. Then I asked them to join us having breakfast. Not taking so much time, around 1 hour after breakfast, we were going to the mountain riding motorbike. It was a long journey but I can enjoy it. We arrived in the mountain in the evening and we directly went to the top to see the crater... well I have to tell you that this is a volcanoes mountain. It was full with mist when we arrived and it made the place looks creepy. We were like in a 'sleepy hollow' or 'silent hill'. But we can still see the crater. Tedy bring his remarkable cameras. I forgot the names, but it is a profesional camera I guess. We were taking pictures. A lot of pictures. Yes for sure... a lot of pictures mean really a lot of. It is because almost every second Tedy snap a picture. Hmm... while we were hiking the mountain, it was raining again, so we have to search for a place to shady. So we went to one of restaurant there. Having snack and taking a break at the same time. The rain is quite taking so much time, so Pandu started to show off his ability to kill the time. It is graphology. Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to human psychology . He asked Simon and Tedy to write something in italic and also to show their signature. Ok... based on the handwriting and signature, It is revealed that Simon and Tedy has an opposite characteristic. Simon is a tough person, never hestitate and wanted to be love, while Tedy is a soft person and always hestitate in doing anything. They are like completing each other. Ahhh... I almost forgot to tell you this story.... you know... when both of them having a trip by train from Jakarta to Bandung, they have no idea about where to stop. The train is stop in several train station, and they have no idea in what station they have to stop. So.... there is this train station that located near Bandung. They thought that they have arrived in Bandung, but still they hestitte about it They try to asked several person in the train, but none of them seem to understand them. Hence, Tedy bravely step down from the train while Simon still in the train and almost follow his path. But then, suddenly the rain is moving and they realize that they haven't yet arrive in Bandung. Tedy was panick and Simon straightly told him to throw his carrier first, because it would be hard for Tedy to run and jump to the train while carrying a big carrier. Ok, Simon succesfully catch the carrier and now it's all up to Tedy. He was trying really hard to catch the train and the effort is worthy. He succeded and jump to the train. In the time he is into the train, everybody in the train are claping to conratulate him for his effort and succeded... hahahhaaa.... what a story...... yeah.. Tedy is one of a kind........ Ok.. so where were we just now.... hmm.. oh ok.. graphology.....it is amazing that Pandu able to do it. After reading Simon and Tedy's personality, He reads mine. Well based on my handwriting, my personality is almost the same with Simon, but there are several words from Pandu that convincing about myself. He said that I am a person that hold friendship and have a big dreams... hmmm...He also said that there is a girl that has changed my life... hmmm... for a second I was thinking about it, because I have no girls that really closed to me, but then... I realize how do I able to establish my internet cafe hehee.....well...Pandu has a talent... yes a talent to be psychologist.. hehe....

Finally, the rain stop and we were ready to continue our hiking.We went hiking with full of energy. And Tedy still busy with his camera. In our way to another crater, we met a guard that responsible to the safety of all visitors. He insist to accompany us until our designated destination for our safety. Well we doubt his kindness at first, but in the end we knew that he is really good guy who run his job perfectly. He showed us the way to a cave in this mountain which I never knew before. Well it is a small cave and said to be used as a banker in colonialized era. From the cave He brought us to the crater. Sadly, we couldn't going down because the crater emited poisonous smoke. It was so much fun especially for Tedy, because he couldn't stop snaping pictures and it was his first experience in going to volcanoes. From that crater, we actually planed to go down to see the last crater. But the time didn't permit us. It was already afternoon and the guard said it was too dangerous to go there and also the place will be close soon. So... there's nothing left but going home. So, we went home by our precious motorbike and again... we have to catch the rain in our way back home. We were frozen for sure and later Pandu told me that his guest, Tedy, were sleeping in his motorbike in the way back home from Tangkuban Perahu... wow.. that's dangerous Tedy..... well....in our back way home...not only we catch the rain, but also the rainbow... and I have to tell you that it was the most beautiful rainbow that I have ever seen... really beautiful that made me stop my mototrbike for a while to enjoy it. The raibow was really big and has a clear color... so beautiful......

Ok....it was around 6.30 pm that we arrived at home. Ok.. Simon.. now we clean ourself and then prepare to go to D'Kiost to meet other CS friends from Bandung and then have fun in the club after it, I said. After ready for everything, we went out to Pandu's uncle house first to pick them. They were ready as well and we were about to go. I told them that we r going to the club in themiddle of the night, so they have to wear proper clothes to be able to enter the club. But then.. suddenly a proble arise...so Tedy was actually brought shoes, shirts and trousers, but he felt that it wasn't necessary so he made them went back home to Thailand. What??? oh shittt!!! How could he enter the club then...... we try to find a solution and he said.. ok.. no big deal.. I will just buy a new one.. pair of shoes....He said.... Heard his explanation made me a little bit relief. Then... we hurriedly went to D'Kiost to meet all CS friends from Bandung. And there was also Simon and Tedy's host in Jakarta who happened to coming to Bandung. He is Arya. He is an easy going person but a little bit pushy. So, we arrived there... and there were already a lot of CS member, mostly from Bandung. Arya was there also, with another guest from Rusia. Her name is Elena. She is a cheerful girl I think. Well... because me and Simon were starving, so we started to find the food to order. Simon ordered 'pempek', while me ordered 'batagor'. Glad he loves it. Hmm.. anyway... instead of eating with us, Tedy decided to look for new shoes to be used to enter the club. He goes with Pandu. So, while waiting for him, we were having nice talk with other CS member. I talked with Elena. And Elena previously had a plan to go to hot spring named ciater, which is located above our volcanoes. But then, she decided to come along with us as it heard so much fun. Well...she wanted to dance... yeah.. dancing in the club. Hearing his guest wanted to go to the club, Arya who previously wanted to go to the hotspring, change his plan. He forcefully have to follow us. Hmmm... welll.. we got a lot of accompany. Other than them, Pandu's causin is also interested in entering the club... well.. I said to them that they are able to enter the club for free, because I had best friend who can arrange for it. So.. actually there will be two more person who will join us having fun in the club. Well....I was really excited as this gonna be a good night. Partying with all of my friends. Anyway, before went to the club, all of us.. party people.. had to follow my schedule to watch Chelsea FC match in our live gathering place in 'Reneo Bridge'... well.. they had to follow me as my fella who gave us the free pass to the club is also attend the same schedule as me......It is Chelsea Indonesia Supporters Club (CISC) regional Bandung who had the event, and I am part of them as well as two of my friends, Ronald and Ferry who gave us the free pass. Then all of us stay for a while in 'Reneo Bridge'... while I was watching the match Simon and Tedy going around.. while Elena, join me to watch the match.... Pandu and his causin respectively enjoy the match. Hmmmmm... before we went to the club... I have some problems...Tedy.. yes.. he bought new shoes but he doesn't bought a trousers.. he only wears a shorts... and that was not possible for him to enter the club...... he was also using t-shirt.... hmm.... I was looking around and find out that Pandu's causin was also wearing t-shirt... DAMN!!!...... ok.. I had still much time before the time for free pass close..... then I asked Pandu's causin, Udjo, to accompany me to my home, to take several shirts for him, Tedy and me....ahhh.. it was really tiring...........

well..well..well....short stories, I had 3 shirts in my hand and I head back to Reneo Bridge...The time I back to Reneo Bridge, everybody was ready, so we just directly head to the club. Our club is located in a mall. The name of the mall is 'Paris Van Java' and the name of the club itself is 'Mansion'. It is the most happening club in Bandung todays.. We arrived in the club around 11.30 pm.. and Arya was already there.....Simon, Elena and Ferry able to enter the club easily.... but heyyy... as we all predicted, Tedy couldn't enter the club, because he wears short. We had an argue with Mansions Public Relation staff, but it result with nothing......fortunately we had this guy... Samuel Ronaldo Simanjuntak.... He's got an idea to help us... he enter the mansion and asked us to wait for a minute... he went back and wow.. he bring a trousers... ok... I have to hide it from the guard and hurriedly bring Tedy to the bathroom for changing.... well... it suits him... and finally all of us were able to enter the club. Before we had so much fun, Tedy had to go to the bathroom first inside the mansion to give back the trousers to its owner who is also a friends of Ronald. Yup.. thats's a piece of story about us.. party people who is not ready for party.... hehee....

well.. that night we dance altogether.. but Tedy seems not having so much fun.. Arya..he seems to have a fever... Pandu and Udjo seems not in the mood.... soo....in the middle of party, Tedy says he wanted to go out to search the food. He is starving. However, Pandu got no choice other than come along with his guest will. So Pandu went out from the club, followed by Udjo and Arya who feeling unwell. It was only me, Ferry, Ronald, Simon, Elena.. and oh yup. I forgot that there is also one more person who come along with us... he is a relatives of Ronald, who is still partying. We were get bored in the beginning, because the music is hardly followed by dances, so Ronald take an initiative to open a table, which means have a table for us to sit in a group while having a beer or something like it. I didn't take part on drinking the beer, because it is forbidden for me. After several minutes hanging around in the table..... suddenly there is a subtitution for the DJ. The first DJ is good, but the music is not catch my ear and hardly move my body, but well.. she is really pretty... She is my type.. with dark short hair, exotic skin nice lips and beautiful face. More importantly, she can play DJ things. Then the second DJ comes... and wow.... it surprise me, because the second DJ is also known as an actrees. She is Alice Norin... she looks really beautiful and sexy. Even more beautiful than I have imagine. I several times watch her on TV and yes, she is beautiful. But be able to see her in real life is convincing me more. Didn't mean to exaggerating, but not only really beautiful and sexy, but also her DJ skill is really awesome. My body started moving and really enjoy the beat. Yeah.. all of us enjoy her music, her beat. I love her. While I were dancing, I saw that Simon started to make a move... yes a move... that means try to seduce a girl... hehee.... and with the help of Ronald, He got one.... hehe....she even bring Simon all over the mansion just to introduce him with some of her friends in mansion. The girl is not really baeautiful, but enough to have fun with. Simon looks enjoying his time dancing with her, while me enjoying myself looking at the beauty of Alice Norin. The other just get drunk while Elena enjoy being alone, dancing. We were there until 3 am. What make us came out from the club is because we were starving. If not, we might still be there until the place is close.

From the club, I have to take Elena to Arya's place first before going home. The place is happened to be near my senior highschool. Hmm.. this bring back memories.. hehe.. but anyway... the road in front of my senior highschool usually used as a red light district for shemale.. and yup... when we take Elena there.. we have to face them... there are some who approach us and try to seduce us... hahahhaa.. what an experience.. Ronald got scared and he want us to go in no time. After we make sure that Elena is safe and picked by Arya, we hurriedly left the place... hehe... we didn't want to have a scandal with shemale.. haha..... In way back home, I can feel that my stomach is shouting.. yeah.. I'm starving...then I asked Ronald to go to 'c-mar' to have some food. Cmar is one of famous restaurant in Bandung that open in the middle of the night until morning. We went there and eat a lot of food. There is a funny story about Simon in Cmar. Well as it is selfservice restaurant, so we should pick the food by ourself. Simon had no idea about indonesian food, so he took the food that interest him. Without knowing what it is, Simon actually pick fried banana, along with beef stew and vegetables.. hehe.. something that will not come together. But he loves it.. what??? how could be? Fried banana and beef stew? Hmmm.......so.. after our stomach is full, we went back home and sleep..............

The next day, we didn't have an exact plan but Simon said he wants to see my university and also a sheep fight. Well as the sheep fight taken place in my university sport complex, I got nothing to worries. But.. maybe that wasn't his lucky day, because there wasn't any sheep fight on that day.. He should have come earlier. The sheep fight always held in the beginning of the month. Well he was dissapointed, but at least he can see the place where sheep fight held. The place was full of shit. Sheep Shit.

Failed to see the sheep fight, we then move to my university. Well.. nothing much to see there, because it was on sunday. Nobody attend sunday class anyway, there even no class at all. But still there are some students who involve in club activity. We just sightseeing, moving around and talked about the history of my university. I saw that he got bored then I decided that we should move on to Braga City Walk. It happened to Bandung CS community held an 'angklung' (Sundanese traditional music instrument) practice for the Couchsurfing International (CSI) Festival in Jakarta. When we arrived there, all member were practicing. I told Simon about angklung and he seems interested to try playing on it. Then we join in other member to play the angklung. Anyway, Angklung should be play by several people, because one angklung is for one music note. Yes, one person can handle up to 3 or 5 angklung, but it would be really difficult to play it in harmony. Especiallly for several songs that requires a lot of different music notes. Hmmm.. I forgot what kind of song that we were practicing, but it wasn't really difficult one I think. But still need a lot of practice. Then I gave Simon an angklung which has the least notes to play. I still remember, it was 4 kres. In the beginning he hardly follow the others to play it. But then when I helped him to synchronize the time he should play and the music grooves, slowly, He is able to do it. He even look likes addicted. But once he is about to master it, our practice session should be ended. Hehehehee.... next time Simon............ After practicing, all of us when downstair to foodcourt, to discuss about CSI festive and to just hanging around. We talked about many things, and Pandu, He was talking about his interesting experience in hosting Tedy. Well... he is one of a kind. Everybody was laughing heard Pandu's story. Oh yup... I have to tell you that Pandu and Tedy were seperated in that day. In the morning, Pandu accompany Tedy for shopping in one of shopping district in Bandung, Cihampelas. But then, Tedy wants to go to 'Kawah Putih' with Arya who insist in bringing him to Kawah Putih along with Elena and several of his friends. Then they seperated there.. Pandu and Tedy.... with an interesting story from Pandu about accompanying Tedy going around in shopping district. He said that his feet got bruises as consequences of too much walking. Yeah, it might be taken more than 2 hours to accompany Tedy going around for shopping, he said....ehehehee... and then he aded that Tedy bought expensive things which would not be done by typical backpackers. And I have to tell you that in is carier, Tedy brought 4 cameras, MacBook Air, Ipod, stethoscopes and many medicines.... wow... crazy isn't it? How if he got robed? Well...it was his first traveling experience....no wonder..it's very contrary with Simon who brings only small bag and several clothes. Simon is very effective.

We spent our time in Braga City Walk until afternoon. It was until around 7 pm. And then we have to move to 'Paris Van Java' The mall where our previous club located to meet up with Tedy and others after traveling from Kawah Putih. Yeah.. we meet up there at around 8 pm and it was like we have been seperated for a long time.. hehe.. we miss each other.....At that moment, we then spent dinner together, me, Pandu, Simon, Tedy, Elena, Arya and 3 of his friends. We were having dinner at 'cafe halaman' one of resto in Paris Van Java. We were eating while talking about our experience, about girls, anything.. hehe.... we were having a good time. After having dinner, we had to say goodbye to Elena, because she needs to go back to Jakarta along with Arya. Hmmm... so sad.....

And then...... it comes..after we had to say goodbye to Elena, me and Pandu should be prepared to say goodbye to our beloved guest. Simon and Tedy had planned to go to Yogyakarta in the middle of the night from Bandung, by bus. It was so sad.. yeah.... really.. I felt that something was missing... and it might also what Pandu felt that night. So, we accompany them to bus station. We thought that the bus is ready to go and available. But in fact, there is no more bus to go to Yogyakarta. Damn !!! We were panick for a moment, especially Simon. Then we try to find a solution, we talked to several staff in bus station, and fortunately, there were this bus that goes to nearby city from Yogyakarta and they could stop there and continue with another bus that will pick them to Yogyakarta. They were happy and I said to them that it was like wew were on a reality show... ahahahha.. we laughed........... yeah.. for sure.. it was like in a reality show... you should see Simon and Tedy's expressions when they knew that there were no bus left for them. Hmmm... finally we had to say goodbye... and it was sweet until the end... Simon said I am one of the best host for him and he is also one of the best that I ever met in life.

To be continue...

Couchsurfing Experience

Hosted a guy from Spain who wants to be called 'Agus'

Ok guys.. let's continue the story... well it looks like this blog will be fill with a lot of couchsurfing story from now on.... Yup as I mention before, couchsurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals. It means when I am about to go traveling around the world, I need not to worry about the accomodation, because our couchsurfing mate which is happened to be local people in the country that I am about visited can provide the accomodation for me. At least, I can surfed their couch. It is also means that I am able to host travelers that happened to traveling in Bandung. This concept is amazing and really attracht me from the very first time. Well.... until today... even though I haven't surfed any couchsurfer couch, but I have hosted several travelers to live in my house. Thanks to Pandu that I am able to host them and feel new experience in my life. For sure, couchsurfing has been enriching my knowledge about the world and also about people and cultures. So far, I have hosted 8 persons in my house. 6 persons are couples and the other 2 are individuals. And along with Pandu, we have been traveled and hosted 10 persons in total.

My first experience in hosted and traveled with foreign travelers, which is caucasian, began on January 2010. I was receiving a text message from Pandu that says there were spanish traveler who asked to be hosted and traveling in Bandung. Pandu asked me wether I am able to join him or not. At the same time, He is also asking our friend, Bagus, to join in. Without any doubt, I directly say 'yes I can!' Well... then the following days, we promise to meet at treehouse, which is a restaurant that used as couchsurfing Bandung community new years eve party. We promised to meet at 8 am. I woke up really early and I said to Bagus that we should meet up at my internet cafe first, before going to treehouse, at 7 am. Welll.... it was unusual that I was already there, on time, and ready to go to treehouse....but... When we were about to go to treehouse, my motorbike was hardly turning on... it really pissed me off.... and then I just asked Bagus to go ahead without me..... I was really pisssed and blame my motorbike for crushing my precious schedule.... I keep trying to turn it on... and finally after more than an hour trying, my motorbike was able to turn on. And at almost the same time, Bagus came back to my internet cafe, along with Pandu and a guy from Spain. Ahhh.... I am so happy that actually they still have an intention to asked me to accompany them. Then.... the introduction begun, Pandu introduce his guest from Spain named Agus. His complete name is Agustin Gusi Martinez. He prefered to be called Agus, because it is more local... hehehe... very interesting guy.... So... we decided to go to Cimahi Waterfalls, that located near lembang. Since it would be a tough journey, I decided to hitchike Bagus's motorbike for savety.

About couple of minutes, we managed to arrive in the waterfalls. And to be frank... it was my first time visiting the waterfalls, even I were a local person. The first time I saw the waterfalls, it was really enchanting. I was really excited. Because too excited, I was careless and my sandals were slip and I was felling down. My neurosurgeons is displaced. Damn..... I need to massage my feet for a while and taking a break. Afterwards, I have to walk slowly and step carefully....ahh...in terms of being happy there always be a sarifices... anyway....after struggling to walk and step carefully going down the stairways, finally we arrived to the heart of waterfalls. There we can swim and taking pictures. Before we go swimming, Agus need to take a break and eat some snacks. While taking a break, He teached us how to play 'escobar'. It is a card games from Spain. I have never knew about the games, so I need to learn. This game can be play by a group. So, me with Pandu were joining forces, while Agus and Bagus became a good team. And I don't know why........ we win the first game... but we lost the second and the final game... DAMN !!! Agus really happy to be able to win over us... damn... after winning.. he happily open his clothes and go swimming..... hmm... I would be happy to accompany him.. but... I didn't bring any changing clothes and my leg's hurt. We were taking pictures as well and that day we were really happy.

From the waterfalls... we arrange to search for launch. Bagus told us to try 'Punclut' as a place for launch. Sadly... it was raining and the plan was almost failed. Thank God the rain finally stop, then without hestitate we continue our journey to Punclut. Punclut is actually a named of an area in Bandung which is located on the hills. From there, we can see beautiful landscape of the city of Bandung. That's one of reason why Bagus insist to have launch on that place. Punclut is also famous with many traditional restaurants with delicious taste. It was almost afternoon when we arrived. Without thinking so much.. we directly order some food. The way we order the food in the restaurant is like self service, which means we take the food that we want by ourself and then give it to the chef to be cooked. I knew that it was the first time for Agus to eat sundanese food. That's why I recommend him to eat 'pete'. Hehehe.... It is a vegetables which is loveable by some of sundanese, but not for me. It feels good in your mouth, but it stinks. You will have a bad breath after eating this vegetables. Not only your breath, but also the smell of your pee. I recommend this vegetables to Agus and said that it is good for his health and help him to increase his testosteron, which means the vegetables has a function like viagra did... hehehe.... all of it is bullshit... just for fun and to convince him to eat the vegetables. Finally our food is ready and we eat it. And it was remarkable that Agus loved the food. He even eat the vegetables.. hehe.... We eat a lot until our stomach is full. It was so much fun when seeing Agus learning to eat the rice by his hands....hehee... He never did it before... but he has to do it, because.. that's the way to eat sundanese food. After the launch, we decided to go to our home for cleaning ourself, taking shower, etc. and in the night we arrange to play billiard.

You know... that day was really interesting …. it was my first experience hosted a foreign travelers. I can have fun and learn at the same time. I learn some spanish words, especially the bad one...Mierda! joder!.... hahaha... this is done by Pandu, He always asking for bad words to his guest for a souvenir.. hehe..... Yeah.. it was so much fun, and I hope I can be able to fly to Spain to pay his visit to Indonesia.. hehe... see u again Agus...

To be continue...

Couchsurfing

coucsurfing

Hullo guys... back to write again, while I have the mood on it... hmm.. this time I'm gonna write something about a community that recently I'm joining in.... it is Couchsurfing..... from couchsurfing.org.... it has been a long time that I wanted to write a story about this community with all experiences and passion that I feel... Joining this community totally given me a new life experience and new vision... so many things that wanted to do and so many passions that I got..... This community is like opening the door for the dreams that has been laid for a long time in my heart.... Really glad that I am able to know about this community and being part of it...

Before I go with the story of my own, I would like to give you a brief description about what couchsurfing is. I take it directly from their site, http://www.couchsurfing.org.....

What is CouchSurfing?

CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding.

Our mission as an organization is to create inspiring experiences: cross-cultural encounters that are fun, engaging, and illuminating. These experiences take many forms. CouchSurfing's initial focus was on hosting and "surfing" (staying with a local as a guest in their home). Alongside these core experiences, we now also facilitate a growing array of activities and events.

We have a vision of a world where everyone can explore and create meaningful connections with the people and places they encounter. Each CouchSurfing experience shared by our members brings us closer to that vision.

It was on December 2009 that I got the information about couchsurfing.org.... we know each other from local newspaper... yeah... the newspaper provide a big article about couchsurfing.org..... the title wasn't that much appealing.. but the pictures that come along with it for sure is attracting....... the pictures taken when there was a couchsurfing gathering in Indonesia.. in Jakarta maybe... and.. well... the whole picture is almost full with d girls.... even there is an indonesian actress on it... ahaha.. so stupid right....but well.. from that stupid little thing I knew that there is a community that similar with hospitality club, called couchsurfing, which is able to provide a free accomodation for anybody who travel around the world..... this things is like opening my mind and unleashed my sleeping desired to travel around the world.... I see that it wasn't impossible anymore to visit many different countries, feel different cultures, meet different races, enjoying natural beauty of many different places, meeting different kind of beautiful girls, taste foreign delicious foods, freezing in high latitudes countries, burned in middle east or Africa, ahhh... so many things that I wanted to do and couchsurfing make it possible. Then.... without any hestitate, after reading the articles, I opened the internet and log in to http://www.couchsurfing.org.......... hmm.... my first impression was like... ahh.. this site is just like any other social networking site.... but then I realize that I was false after I tried to become their member... hmm.. so many forms that I have to feel in and it is not that easy to add a friend to our friend list... hmm.... it's interesting.... first experience with the site is just usual.... ok.... I became their member... then what??? I tried to explore a little bit and I found that there is something like a forum... and this forum is divided into many groups...... ahh... I found a group that is belong to my hometown....then I straightly join the group and started to read it to look for better information about couchsurfing......... After several days playing with coucsurfing web site, in Bandung's group discussion, I see that they are planing to celebrate the new years eve 2010.................... ahhhh this is it.... an opportunity for me to get deeper with couchsurfing community..... then...I persuade my friend which is also my neighbour, Bagus, to also join in the party...... hell yeah... he is interested.. very unusual..... heheh..... then.... on 31 December 2009, before 12 am... we went to TreeHouse, a restaurant where the party taken place.......... When we arrived, there were already so many people doing barbequeing, having chit chat, laughing, telling story, so much fun.....I was actually have no idea in how to get drown to the crowd and be part of the party.... thanks to Bagus that he previously had contacted Bandung's group discussion moderator, Riri, that we would like to join in the party.......yeah... that's how we get involved with couchsurfing community....... from new years eve party 2010....that's how I started.... and maybe I should thank to this guy that has brought me a lot of experience in hosting a travelers from other countries. He is Andhika Pnaduwinata Sahabat.... I met him on new years eve.. yeah.. on that party.. and it was also his first experience to join in couchsurfing community gathering... so... he is also knew no body there.... this guy is the first guy that I talked to in that party.... after several chit chat, I found that he is an amazing guy with quite a lot of traveling experience..... we share a lot of things and changing cellphone number..... well I thought our friendship will only last for that night, coz... I don't know when and where we will share an experience together again..... but who knows.... in the end we become a really good friends and always hosting foreign travelers together.... and there is something funny about us... well...me, bagus and pandu is actually living nearby... .. yup... we are neighbour.......And I just found it after going out with Pandu for several times.....ahahahhaa.... funny isn't it...... so couchsurfing is not only a site for finding a host for you to stay, but also a site to find your neighbour !!!

To be continue....