Ma Vie

Last Moment in Bali

2011-12-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

“Brusshhh..brumb….” it is slightly echoing in my ear. The noises keep me away from the crowd, stress, and daily activity. It comes soft to my ear and gently whisper where I am. As soon as I gain my consciousness, the warm feeling inside stretch my lips into a smile. The fresh air is telling me to go outside but the blanket smother me and manipulate my mind to go back to sleep. The same noises suddenly change into another lullaby. “This is the sea-wave,” I was talking to my mind. “Ahhh…it’s been 5 days I am in Bali with my girlfriend and her friend. In a perfect place called Bungalow which is located in Tabanan beach. We live in an exotic bamboo house facing the beach and surrounded by banana tree. The place is far away from the crowd. It is approximately 6 hours from Denpasar, the capital of Bali.

“Ilmanko.. wake up.. wake up… see the beautiful sunshine. Let’s go outside,” my girlfriend nudges on me and woke me up from my second sleep. I was too lazy to wake up, but as the curtain open and sunshine coming through the window, it forced me to wake up and jump out of the bed. My girlfriend is an active person and very passionate about traveling. She is a woman in need of affiliation. Easily touch, full of emotion and sometimes meticulous. Compare to me, I am more passive, thinking logically, look emotionless but cheerful. Her friend is somehow similar with me; she is ‘motovidlo’ (a generic term in Slovak to point somebody with slows motoric). However, her friend is a very nice and smart girl. Three of us have been traveling in Bali for 4 days and finally we need to prepare ourselves fly from Bali to China through Singapore and Macau.

“This is the scooter key,” I said to the man who rent us the scooter. “Ok, you guys can take a bus from here to Denpasar and continue with taxi,” said the man. “Ok, no worries, thank you for the scooter.” Yeah, we were traveling in Bali with scooter, and only one scooter. 3 people in a scooter? That’s insane! Well, when you have no better option with limited budget, you need to take a risk. On the first day, we were traveling to Pura Besakih, a Hindus temple located in Karangasem County. It is about 80 km from our place. We knew that it is against the law to ride the scooter by 3 people. And I knew that we are going to have a problem if the police caught us. Therefore, we came up with this strategy. If I saw a police from the far, then I will stop and tell my girlfriend to jump out of the scooter. That strategy seems work. Moreover, I believed that there would be no police patrol on the street. In fact, finally I realized that in touristic island, they are doing more. We were so happy riding the scooter, but not until we arrived in a big roundabouts. I couldn’t see the police as the road was climbing. When I said “jump” to my girlfriend, it was too late and the police dragged us to their post not far away. My girlfriend was exploded when the police fined us with Rp.50,000 around US$5.5. She was crying, complaining and started to hate Bali! I was trying to relief her, and gradually she can understand. After this incident, we change our strategy. Instead of taking the bus, we were more adventurous! My girlfriend decided to hitchhike! She is an experience hitchhiker. She eventually managed to hitchhike a big truck until Karangasem County! We were following the truck with the scooter by then. All that crazy stuff in the morning was nothing compare to what happened on the evening. On the way back to our Bungalow, we cannot hitchhike anymore as it was getting dark. No other options than going back home with 3 people in a scooter. If you never experience riding a scooter in 3 people, that’s good. And don’t ever want to try it! This is especially if you have a long destination. We were sharing middle size scooter seat into 1/3 tiny part of it. The first 3 hours was ok for me, even though it was raining. Another 3 hours, it was torturing! It was such a pain in the ass. And guess what? We were riding scooter in total for 8 hours!!! I was almost screaming in the end of the ride, but keep it cool with Craig David’s “Insomnia” in my head.

Well, our first day was crazy but not so bad for the second day. We met a girl from Canada who is happened to stay at the same Bungalow. On the second day, we didn’t have any trouble for transportation. The girl was renting a scooter as well; therefore my girlfriend’s friend can go with her. We decided to go to Kuta beach in Denpasar. Everything was fine until I realized that we missed each other. Me and my girlfriend was thinking everything’s going to be fine and that was true, as later on we met them healthy in the Bungalow. The second day was amazing for us. Me and my girlfriend were having so much fun playing in Kuta beach as well as Nusa Dua beach. She had that exotic feeling from Bali as well as romantic. The ocean wave was high and calling us to jump in. The sun was bright and warm. The sand was very warm as well. The crowds were breaking apart and mostly populated in the downtown. The beach was quiet but loud enough to carve our memories.

We were outside of the bungalow complex with our backpack and hand bag and then cross a nicely pave small road in front of our bungalow complex. Al though the man suggest us to take a bus from the Bungalow, it seems it’s going to take an hour or two to wait for the bus. Suddenly we saw a police mini truck park nearby Bungalow complex and just about to leave. Of course this is like an exogenous phenomenon, giving an idea to the hitchhikers. Interestingly, the policemen allow us to go with them until the roundabout! Yes, the roundabout where we were caught by them! There is another funny thing about the roundabout and the police. On the 4^th day in Bali, we came back to our Bungalow in the midnight. I believed there would be no more police at this late night. However, I need to convince myself twice that we were in touristic place. The policemen are always around the town. On that night luckily I saw them from far away, and I managed telling my girlfriend to jump out of the scooter. I was confidence! But I should know that the policemen are not stupid. They stopped me and they knew that my girlfriend was with me. The worst was, they were the policemen who caught us on our first day in Bali. They completely knew anything about me. I was ready to pick up my wallet and spent some more money. Fortunately, the policemen just let us go. The main reason remains a mystery, but I thought it was because we look so damn poor.

After we arrived at the roundabout, we took a bus to go to bus station in Denpasar. We stopped by at Padang’s restaurant and continue on to the airport with public transportation. We were arguing before we took a public transportation to the airport. My girlfriend was insisting to try hitchhiking, her friend try to be rational to take a taxi, and I suggest them just to take the public transportation. We were arguing for 10-15 minutes until I was really upset and drag them all to the public transportation. I didn’t want us spending time for small things. Every day was challenging in Bali, although the beauty will not fade away from our memory. The first day was with policemen, exhausting and horrible journey. The second day, we missed each other. The third day, we were struggling in finding the cheapest available hotel in Denpasar after we realized that we were too exhausted to go back to our Bungalow. The fourth day, again! We were missing each other. That time it was even more terrible as my girlfriend was separated from us and she didn’t bring anything with her, not even a penny. I had enough with all of those adventurous situations. I hoped our last day in Bali would be at peace. Yet, since we were in the public transportation, we cannot stay in peace. We were so nervous because there was a long traffic jam on the way to the airport. We were kind of relief after the driver made an initiative to jump into pedestrian walk and made our journey as if in Rally Dakar! Eventually we arrived at the airport on time, two hours before our departure. We were so happy and thinking about souvenir to buy. We entered one souvenir shop on the airport and spent a lot of time there. We start to be panicked when we realized there were 20 minutes left to go for check in. We were rushing to our airline counter, running like crazy. We were so glad that it wasn’t that far from the souvenir shop. Finally we reach at the airline counter and telling in a hurry that we wanted to check in. Suddenly the officer of the airline told us that we were in a wrong counter! We were in domestic flight counter and we need to move to international flight counter! We were extremely panicked; we were running out like crazy! By the time we arrived at the international flight counter, it was 5 minutes late for check in.

Couchsurfing Experience

2010-06-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

Now it's time for a couple from France

This year 2010 looks like a year with couchsurfing for me. I got a lot of things from couchsurfing. New life, new experience, new adventure, new friends and new knowledge. Almost every month that we got a guest from outside Indonesia. From many different countries. It's really fun. Many things that I learnt, especially the language. Well, I have told you that previously I already had a guest from Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Swiss, Argentine, and Belgium. Still in the month of April, after a couple from Belgium, I hosted another couple. And this time from French. Really interesting. Always different country.

The first time I met them was in my internet cafe. Well...as usual... it was Pandu who received the couchrequest, then he asked me to do the job. They came to Pandu's house with a cab on their first day in Bandung and fortunately the driver was dumb enough and made them lost. Luckily, they met a good guy who willing to help them, accompany them nearer to Pandu's house, although still not in Pandu's house yet. Well, in short, they finally found Pandu's house through the second cab. After having several conversation and relaxing a little bit in Pandu's house, they came to my internet cafe. It happened to I was on duty and wasn't free enough to accompany them. This is why Pandu brought them to my internet cafe, instead of me who come to his place. Well, the time they went to my internet cafe was late in the evening. It was almost midnight. So, it was like they were accompanying me being an operator. That night we knew that they must be starving, then we recommend them to eat 'pecel lele'... hehehe... it was really funny because they never had things like that before and they had to eat it directly with hands. So, maybe around 1 am, I finished my job and closed my internet cafe. Then I brought the couples to my house. We had very few conversation as both of them really tired, so I just showed them places in my house, like bathroom, my bedroom, their bedroom, and so on. Afterwards, I say goodnight and see you tomorrow.

Before we go any further, let me introduce them more specifics. The man names is Jo and the woman is Chloe. They both are younger than me but still above 20. Jo can speak a little bit of bahasa, even sundanese.. hehe.. while Chloe, she looks pretty and kindhearted girl. She also looks really delicate, but later I knew that she is a really tough girl. Both of them are fluent in speaking french.. the hell yeah.. they are from french, from La Rochelle. Like Jeff and Sandra, that morning, Chloe wake up earlier than Jo. When I look at her, she always reminds me with a french movie, Emily. Well, she doesn't look like her, but, somehow her appearance fill me that way. Chloe wakes up and then go to the bathroom, cleaning herself and prepare for the day....meanwhile, her boyfriend, still sleeping in the other room quietly. It's really funny. Based on my experience hosting people, I always find the same case. Travelers guy always seems to be very lazy and always wake up late, while woman travelers, they are really punctual, neat and clean, always wake up early. Even some of them wake up earlier than me and woke me up.. hehehe...So..... that day we decided to travel to the volcanoes, Tangkuban Perahu Mt. I forgot the exact time when we went there, but accompany them traveling to Tangkuban Perahu was an experience. I mean... we had been went to the volcanoes for many times, almost every time we had a guest, we took them there. But each guest always had their own story. Like this one, with Chloe and Jo, we try another way to go to the top of the mountain. And damn, it spent more than an hour hiking. We were sweating a lot, especially Pandu, but Chloe, wow she is marvelous, she wasn't looking tired and sweating at all. Another interesting things with them was, we saw the black monkey 'lutung' in the jungle around the volcanoes, which is hardly to see. Ahh.. and then there was this funny things when traveling to the volcanoes. Well... it was already evening when we finished our exploration in the volcanoes and it was already dark. No more public transportation that can took us from the top of the mountain until down to the big road. We had no choice but walking. But suddenly, we had a good idea... why not trying to hitchhike? So....we knew that people wont give a damn to local travelers who trying to hitchhike their cars. Hence, we put our beloved guest in the front line to wave their hands calling the car that passing by. And..... oh lala... it works.. hehehe. There was this family car, a nice one that stop and offered us a ride. Wahhh.. we were very lucky, then we hitchhike their car until the city. It was really fun. It was my first experience on hitchhiking.

Chloe and Jo, they stay only for 2 days, but they have their own story for us. They traveled only to Tangkuban Perahu in Bandung, and in the following days after Tangkuban Perahu, they went to Batu Karas, in Pangandaran. Hope to see both of you again, somewhere, someday...

Couchsurfing Experience

2010-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I hosted another couple.. this time from Belgium!

Ok.. let’s continue our journey. Not long after an angel visited my house there comes another guest. This time it’s a couple from Belgium. Well, the guest actually asked a couch to Ika, who is a couchsurfer from Bandung as well, but then Ika asked a help to Pandu to host them. And you know.. when there is a couchrequest to Pandu, in the end he will notified about it to me. Hehehe… especially this guest is a couple. So, Pandu then asked me to host them in my house. I still remember, it was in the evening of Friday. Pandu has told me that the guest will arrived in Bandung from Medan in the evening. So I just passed Pandu’s house before I went to my internet café and suddenly Pandu came out from his house and shouted at me…”ilman..ilman…” wow… looks like the guest really has arrived at his house. Then Pandu asked me to come inside his house and introduced the guest to me. The guys name is Jeff and the woman’s name is Sandra. The woman looks fashionable and beautiful. Worth enough to make me forgot about my angel for a second. What awakes me is the fact that she has been taken. Well.. after the short introduction, I have to go to my internet café to work until 3 pm.

Then… maybe Pandu has got no more idea to make a conversation with them, so he took his guest to my internet café at 2 pm. I really loved when Pandu took them to my internet café as it helps promoting my internet café. People will start to think… “Oh my GOD that internet café always full with Caucasian.. Sounds interesting there…it’s an international place” hehehe…. So, what we did in my internet café was just having more conversation and learning some bad words in Dutch and Flemish. Potverdieken! That’s the word that I still remember until now. Finally it’s 3 pm, then another operator, which is my employee, took over my place and I can go home. Then all of us went to my house and planning for next things to do. We were all a little bit exhausted so we just spent some time in my house for relaxing and chitchat. Me and Pandu asking them about their destination in Bandung, and they said they had none. So, on that afternoon we just recommend them for sightseeing our historical building in Bandung which is located in the downtown. They were agreed then Pandu asked me if he needs to go home for a while to prepare everything and will be back soon. While waiting for Pandu, I teached them to play OHU. Yesss.. OHU.. it’s a mathematic game, play with the cards. The rule is simple, we just have to find out a solution for a number that based on 6 cards times with 10 and added with the value of the cards on top of the deck. The highest number must be 71 and the lowest number must be 61. The value of the cards itself based on its number while J, Q, and K has value of 10, while Ace can be 11 or 1. So there are 6 cards on the table and we should find out the numbers by added, subtract, multiply or divide all 6 cards value. The one who find out the answer should say OHU! Well… I played this game with Sandra and Jeff. Even though they seem not enjoying the game so much, but it was a good game for killing the time. They had to think and for the first time it took quite a lot of time to finally get the answer. But I see that Jeff has a potential. He learnt it quickly and at least always found out the answer. Ahhh.. finally I knew why he was that gorgeous. He is working in a bank in Belgium and is a manager. After several times playing the game, Pandu comes. Then all of us were preparing to go to the downtown to see the historical building.

Well.. well..well… we arrived at downtown pretty late.. it was afternoon. Around 5.30 pm. What we do is only turning around the downtown, seeing Asia-Africa buildings and then goes to Masjid. Yeah, however, even when I hosted a guest, if it comes to praying times, I will take it as my number one priority. So, while they were waiting for me and Pandu praying, we told them to taste “Es Cingcau”. Hufff… looks like they were boring because not so many things that appealing. Then, we decided to take them to “Paris Van Java” to watch a movie. At first we want them to see an India movie, but then Jeff looks like unhappy with it, so then we choose to watch a Greek mythology story which is I forgot the name of the movies. Ahhh.. this movie was so so.. nothing special for me but worth enough to kill the time. After all movie things finished, we wanted to take them to our special place, a cheap restaurant but yet good enough to introduce our traditional food and the scenery of Bandung at night. So we had to go to Pandu’s place first to take his and mine motorbike, because it needs a vehicle to go there. No public transportation can reach the place and taking a cab would be killing us. It would be damn expensive. Then, when I was finally at home willing to take my motorbike, suddenly an old friend of mine, a friend from high school, calling me. He was asking me if I were available that night. He wanted to meet me. Then I said, sorry, I was having a guest from Belgium and we were about to go to ‘Punclut’ . So if you don’t mind coming with us, you can meet me, I said. Then, unpredictably he said, ok… I’ll come to your house 15 minutes later. Wow.. ..that was so good as this old friend of mine was bringing his own car. So we were able hitchhike his car. His name is Yudi and he is working on a bank as an IT staff. Yes, it was like he said, he comes like 15-20 minutes after calling me. Then I took him to Pandu’s place to pick our guest. Aftrewards, we went to Punclut. And that was the end of that day.

Morning…….. wow… it seems my guest still sleeping, except Sandra. Yes, Pandu was requesting me to host the guest as it would be a little bit hectic for them to stay at his place. Feeling that the sunshine was almost high, Sandra then tries to waking up Jeff. And it works, although needed 5 minutes to smack him and wake up.. hehe. So, on that day, we were planning to go to the train station to buy a ticket for both of them to Yogyakarta for the following day. And then, afterwards, we would like to join in CS Bandung gathering. It was around 12 pm that finally we were able to catch up with other member of CS in a gathering. We met up at “Gedung Sate”. And there were quite a lot of member that participated in the gathering. The gathering itself has a theme of culinary. So the planed of the event was to try several food in different places in Bandung. Of course the good one and the unique one. All of us were having a good time. Especially Pandu. You know what… Pandu was appointed as a contact person for the event. So it was like anytime and anywhere that he always seeing holding his cell phone, texting a message. He looks really busy. And yes, afterwards, Pandu writes his feeling about being a contact person in his blog. And the way he described it was really funny.. hehehe. On that day I was really happy and would like to join in with the event until the end. But as describe in my previous story about couchsurfing experience, on that day, I was also texting a message with Sara and there was a chance to meet her again in Indonesia for the last time. I was never felt that crazy of wanting to see a woman like I did that day. Then in the middle of culinary, it was around 7 pm, I say goodbye to all member that attend the event and asked a help to Pandu, to take care the guest. And then I hurriedly back home to pack my things and preparing to go to Jakarta to meet Sara. Well….at 9 pm I was at the pool of a shuttle bus and I was ready to go to Jakarta. In the end, the guest from Belgium was sleeping at Pandu’s house, leaving a funny story. Where Pandu realize that western mostly sleeping without clothes put on, only wearing pants. And he also realize that why some beautiful girls didn’t want to be snap by a camera while they were sleeping.

INTERMEZO

2010-05-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Three maskepret and drama queen....

After talking several times about my experiences with couchsurfing, now I want to talk about my best friends. They are the people whom I spent most of my times with, in this past 2 years. Never imagine that I will have a friends like them who gave me another sensation of lifes. Makes my life more colorful, cheerful and outstanding. I learnt a lot of things from them. Especially in the subject of 'how to having fun.' They are people who care about others more than me. They are socialize and have fun. Things that I used to think as wasting of time. Thanks to them that I can be more flexible and have more confidence. Well, well, well....let's stop this lame courtasey. I will introduce each of them to you.

Dompret

Hmm... he is the tough one. The first time I met this guy was in a live gathering presented by local television about an english premier league match between Chelsea fc vs Manchester United 2006/ 2007. That time I was already a member of Chelsea Indonesia Supporters Club (CISC). The live gathering itself invited CISC members from Bandung to mow. Our members that time wasn't much. Not even more than the crowd in a bus. This initiate us to promote our community and bring new people to the live gathering. A friend of mine whose nick name's really funny, Dulir, brought 2 people to the live gathering. They are his friends from his campus in the same major with him. One guy named Resa and the other guy named Ferry. Both of them joining CISC afterwards. The introduction was short. We haven't shared anything, but I got a feeling that we would met a lot. Time goes by and we frequently meet. Resa was occasionally comes to our gathering but Ferry, he is much more often, even when Dulir wasn't in Bandung anymore. Well, I still remember the time when me, Dulir, Ferry and Resa try to make a live gathering for Champions League match between Chelsea and Liverpool and we got attendance which is only the four of us gathering. That time CISC Bandung hasn't been so popular as to days, because facebook wasn't yet popular. There is also the time when I had to coordinate everything by myself as Ferry suddenly disappear and later I knew that it was all because of a girl. When he was healed already, he started to look very anxious in making CISC Bandung becomes a really big community. He sometimes pissed me off when he wasn't so patient or force me in doing something in a hurry. But all in all he is a caring person, potentially becoming a good leader and willing to sacrifice himself for friends. Thanks to him, I experienced a lot of new things and made me more confidence in talking about the world. He knows how to have fun and is really good at sharing it. Because of him I presently like doing karaoke things and enjoy going to the club. Well, it is something that the old me never ever touch. I knew him longer than the other two of my best friends here. But we were intensely meet up and having fun together after the two of them joining forces. When the 4 of us gathering, it's like a complete team... yeah a karaoke team....

Sampret

Hey dude.. should I write something about you here??? Hmm.. ok...I'll write it as you request it. Aahahaa...hmm...Samuel Ronaldo Simanjuntak... later I called him Sampret which has the same meaning as Dompret, Ferry's nick name. It was after a long time that I absent in having a live gathering at our hideout, Reneo Bridge. I came to the place and I see a lot of new faces that I didn't recognize. They said they are our new members. I was happy because that time, our members was increasing and looks more blended into one community. All thanks to Ferry who spent a lot of times and effort in doing so. I put a lot of respect for him for making this. Something that I hardly achieved. So, Reneo Bridge becoming more crowded than before and in the end of the match I should introduce myself to the new lads. Anyway, there even a girls that hang out with us, which means we had new members which is female. In the end of our live gathering, there is usually a documentation for the event. And the one who doing the things is anybody who bring cameras, and it used to be me. But that night, there is this guy who stand up and acting like a professional photographer. He snapped everything. He even command us in making a line for photos and we enjoy it. This guy is Ronald. First time I met him I don't feel any kind of chemistry or something that impressed me other than his camera and the way he speak, which is very soft. Until then, one day, this guy joining our trip to Jakarta for a scene of television show about football supporters. As we ride on the same transportation in whole day and of course we laugh and shared together, we became a little bit close. I felt that this guy is very interesting, easy going and know how to have fun. On our way back home to Bandung, we played truth or dare with Ferry, Oki and Dhiar which is also members of CISC Bandung. From the game, I knew that Ronald wasn't the nice guy that we imagined.. hehehe.. He has a lot of dark story which is very interesting and amazed us. The fact that he has changed a lot was amazed us more. This is the side of him which is I respect a lot. Other things that I like from him beside his extraordinary experiences, is his character that warmhearted. He always try to understand others feeling and really good at handling it. He is also the one that can bring a colorful and cheerful ambiance. He is party maker. He has a good communication skill thought sometimes use it in a wrong way. He has a wide social experience and good knowledge about what is currently in. Especially about music. Along with Ferry, we have been hanging around so much. Wasting time, doing stupid things and gossips.

Eno 'green tea' the drama queen

Hmmm... I totally forgot, when and where the first time I met her. But it must be in Reneo Bridge, when she was with Ferry. Our introduction was so so. Nothing impressed and we never had a long conversation. Until one day, I arrange a time to hang out and watching movies with CISC members. I was expecting many members to come but then, one by one cancel the invitation. It was only Ronald and Ferry that is attend. Then we decided not to watch movies, just hang out until the place close. So, when we should go away from the place as they are about to close it, I hang out for a while with Ronald, taking pictures at the place, while Ferry went somewhere else to pick up Eno. We thought that Ferry would just pick her and send her home. But suddenly he rang Ronalds phone and asked us to go for a karaoke as Eno wished for it. Because we got nothing to do, so we granted her wish. We booked a karaoke room for 3 hours. And yup... it was how we started. From that moment of life that unite us until today. I personally having so much fun that night. Singing, shouting, growling, jumping and dancing. So much fun. From that night we found our first karaoke anthem. It is YMCA from Village People. Later I knew that it was gay's anthem... hehee.. well.. who cares? The song was fun anyway. Then for several times, we used to call ourself by the name of YMCA. Recently, our karaoke song anthem has been changed. Now our song is I know you want me (Calle Ocho) by Pitbull. The song has a nice beat, make you stand up and move your body and hips. Well... all of this happiness wont be realize without Eno's will. Among us, she is probably the one that love karaoke the most. Eno is amazing girl that will stand up for friendship. She surprised us with beautiful present for our birthday. Each of us given a memorable unique photograph with unique frame. It was amazing. She is the first who gave me that kind of birthday present. Thank you sis. We love you!

Couchsurfing Experience

2010-05-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

I hosted an angel! jajajaja.......

Ok... now we have arrived to the fourth story of my couchsurfing experiences. And this one is the most memorable experiences from coucsurfing, even in my life. The guest came in the right time, when a big cloud approach me, gloomy day as my daily blanket and boredom is everyday breakfast. I am alive but not motivated. Too many failure. Least problems but hard to be solved. Happiness come and goes just like money in my pocket. Hasn't been able to reach your dream is somehow frustrating. Finding an alternative but still it didn't satisfy you. That was what I felt most of the time. Until then she came. The guest, her presence is like flower in my garden, sunshine after the rain, oasis in the sahara, make my days more colorful, somehow motivated and living like in wonderland.

Maybe I have to put this words million times in my couchsurfing experiences, 'as usual, I received a text message from Pandu'......well.. he is the only source that I have. Since we hosted Agus, everytime he had a guest, he must have contacted me. That time on his sms he said that there will be a guest from Argentina, a female guest. Just heard the country where she came from made me really excited. We had a guest from Spain, Thailand, Sweden and Switzerland, and none from Argentina or any latino's country. Hosted different guest from different countries is like collecting different stamps from different countries.. well..hmmm... I mean.. have something precious from different locations. Really interesting. We can learn about their country, cultures and people at the same time. Another things beside the country where she came from, the fact that she is a female is an added value. It would be our first female guest. I was hilarious and really curious. On the arrival days, Pandu told me that he is still busy in the afternoon, and this made him unable to pick up his guest from the train station. He also asked me to be able to host this guest to stay in my house. Pandu finding trouble in hosting a female guest to stay in his house... and that is why. Then Pandu gave me her number. He had told the guest that he would not be able to pick her. Instead of him, there would be me who pick her. About three hours before she arrived in Bandung, she told me that the train would be aarived around 4.30 pm. Then I said ok, I would be there on time. But then, I was calculating the time period from Jakarta to Bandung, by train. Usually it will take around 3.5 hours. So, I was procrastinating my time to pick her. By the time I should pick her at around 4.15 pm, the weather was raining, so I procrastinate more. Then I was shocked that on 4.30 pm I got an SMS from her that says she already there, wearing pink tops. Damn,, I was realy shy and then straightly looking for an excuse. I said to her that I was on my way to pick her but then stuck on the way, because of the rain. The truth is I still at my place, procrastinating. Then I sraightly turn on my motorbike and with the speed of light, I went to the train station. I arrived at train station at 4.45 pm. And then I just went to the north gate to look for her. Damn, I couldn't see her. I never knew how she look, but I knew that she would be the only caucasians who is waiting for me. She must be easily spotted. I was panicked, and then I called her. The time I called her, I saw a girl with pink tops sitting on the floor, near mini market on the north gate. From far away she looks like a lady, I mean mature woman, around 30's. Then She pick her phone as well... ahh.. that must be her. The guest. Then I approached her. I already knew her name from Pandu. Her name is Sara, which is reminds me with Sara Tancredi from famous serial television Prison Break. When I see her closely, she trully reminds me with Sara Tancredi. And she is really beautiful. She is not a tall girl like I imagine about a caucasians. Just few centimeters shorter than me. And it made her perfect. Her body is ideal. Not fat nor thin. She has beautiful hair. It was blonde when I met her, but recently I knew that her original hair is black. But it doesn't matter. She has sharp nose and beautiful eyes. But the most that I like from her is her smile. It's warmhearted. And from close, she isn't look like a lady. She looks like a teenager, around 18 or maybe 20. Yeah.. ok... maybe she is around 22 years old. Well... I was shocked to find out that she was 25 the time I met her. And in 2010 She is gonna be 26. Since the very first time I met her, I have falling in love. She leaves a really good first impression on me. The smile that I can never forget.

I came to Indonesia referred by a friend in Australia, she says. Indonesia has many different cultures and beautiful landscape. So, what is your plan in Bandung I asked. I have no idea she said. Hmm.. ok... back then, before I picked her, we had several conversation by SMS and I figured out that she like dances. Maybe during her stay I will bring her to 'Saung Angklung Mang Udjo'. Sounds like a perfect plan. Sadly, by the time the plan should be run, I was not able to accompany her...hiks... later I will tell you why. The weather on that afternoon is gloomy and rainy. The rain only stop for a while and by the time I drove Sara in my motorbike way to my home, it was raining again. I should force Sara to put a jacket on her to keep her away from getting wet. She only wear tops, and she might catch a cold. That's worried me. I asked her several times wether we should stop for a while waiting for the rain or getting wet along the way and arrived at home. And she always replied with..'it's up to you'. So... I drove my motorbike fast. I want to arrive at home as soon as possible. I don't want my guest catch a cold.

Finally, we arrived at my home savely. And I have imagined that we would taken shower first and then have more conversation. Out there is still raining but inside my home, it is warm. All that cozy things was around my head and neverthought that only need a few minutes to crush it. My garage was locked and also my back door. Damn !!! I called my mom and yes... she said they left home about one hour ago. Shit !!! What should I do? I can't leave a beautiful girl carrying a carrier getting wet and have to wait for hours just to surfed my couch. I turned my brain up side down... and in the end I have to break my own house. DOONG....I succeded broke my garage and we were able to go inside. We were all wet and glad to be at home. I took her to a room that gonna be her bed room. It is my brothers bed room. He is currently working in Saudi Arabia. So everytime I had a guest from couchsurfing, I always asked them to stay there. It's not a fancy bed room, but I think suffice and comfortable enough for living. Near my brothers room, there is praying room. Here we have a lot of family pictures and big picture of Masjidil Haram. Sara started to make a conversation about the pictures. She is asking about my family and also about Masjidil Haram, Hajj and Saudi Arabia. She never been to Saudi Arabia, but she had been to Egypt. That's really cool. Before we had more conversation, I asked her to go for shower, because she looks all wet but I think I am the one who need the most for taking shower. I haven't taken shower since the morning. And I was all wet. About a half an hour later, we were all fresh and feel cozy. I bring her downstair to have some food a long with having conversation. Unfortunately, there were nothing in my dining room, only some fruits that was left. Well only this fruit that I can offered to her, 'Konyal'. Hmm.. I don't know the name in english and I just gave it to her. Well it was her first time to see the fruit. So she doesn't know the name either. I was happy that she loves it. Then we sit and started telling stories. I was really curious with her traveling experiences. I asked her a lot of things and found out that she had traveled to many countries. She is a bachelor from communication science, journalism, and she had lived in New Zeland for about 8 months. Save some money there for traveling. From her I knew that in Australia and New Zeland we are able to apply for working holiday visa. Wow... that's very interesting. The salary is good enough and even some easy job is paid better than what enginers do in Indonesia. I like listening to her story. Open my mind and motivates me. Usually I always get nervous everytime I had a conversation with beautiful girl or girl that I admire. But with Sara, I don't know, I feel relax, not nervous at all, very comfortable. And she is beautiful. They are who said she isn't, is not a man or might be blind. In the middle of conversation, my stomach started shouting. And I think it must be the same with her. I told her that we would go to 'punclut' for dinner, after my parents arrived at home. I said that we would have traditional food with traditional way of eating. Suddenly, my front door was knocked. I was curious what kind of guest that coming to my house in the middle of the night. Very impolite! When I open the door.... ahhh.... it's Pandu...I'm happy that you finally come dude, although a litle bit disrupting a romance between me and Sara.. hehehe...

Pandu came and we started to make more conversation. I bet he was surprised that Sara gave her a kiss on a cheek as a greet... heehe.We were talking like not knowing the time. Well we don't need to know about the time, coz we only need my parents coming home and the rain out there stop falling from the sky. And finally, about 1 hour after pandu arrived at my house, my parents coming home. They bring foods and welcoming Sara. They bring local foods that called 'martabak'. I love this food. I offered the food to Sara. She eat it but seems not enjoying it. Well, afterwards I knew that she likes spicy food. Hmmm.... very interesting. When the rain started to stop falling from the sky, we prepared ourself to go to punclut. Pandu said he wanted to went back home first to take his motorbike. So Sara and me have to wait for him for couple of minutes. While we were waiting for him, my family started interrogated Sara hehee... Just like me, it was our first time that we had a female guest staying at my house. So I see that my family is also curious about her. And I am happy that Sara seems not bothered at all with our generousity hehe... She even look enjoying it.

The weather that night was really cold. Well, almost all day long we had a pouring rain. I had to bring a thick sweater to warm up my body. I was worried about Sara, because She only brings a plain jacket. But the fact that she looks warm and cozy relieved me. We arrived at punclut late in the night. It was already few people left at the restaurant. And it makes it perfect. Before we order and eat some food, I had to explained the kind of food that offered by the restaurant. The food is just put outside to be seen by the customer. And the customer should pick the foods they like and the chef will cook it afterwards. I take my plate and started to pick my choices. Sara had no idea at all so I had to recommend her. Hehehe.. this is it... an opportunity to show her my generousity. I offered her 'pete' yes.. the vegetables that I told you before. Without any prejudice, she takes it. She was curious with all the foods, then she was asking almost all kind of foods that was served there. Then She choice some foods that I myself never try it before. We had a lot of foods and all thanks to Sara .. hehe. We had a hot chilli there that I don't even dare to take it much. But Sara.. she is amazing.. wether she doesn't know that it is really spicy or she realy loves spicy stuff. I saw Pandu sweat a lot when he takes it. He looks like a guy who had heavy exercises combine with running for more that 10 km. He really sweat a lot. Ahhh... it was a good dinner. First, I was really starving, and second there was a beautiful lady who like spicy food that having dinner with me. The food that fills our stomach until its limit made us feel comfortable to stay a little bit longer in the restaurant. We were telling stories about our traveling experiences. Pandu started to tell a story about his bad experience in Saudi Arabia, which is almost the same with my experiece. I added that Sara should be aware when she traveled to middle east. I said that people there was difficult and hard. Some are really rough, but some are really kind. Neverthought that Sara actually had a bad experience as well dealing with arabians. It is when she was in Egypt. I can't tell you the story as this might upset her hehehe.... Sara had a lot of stories. Range from Europe, Asean, Australia, New Zeland and of course Argentina. She also told us how bad she wanted to travel to India. And it is her next destination after Indonesia. I was amazed as she had so many experiences. She learns her life from one country to another. No wonder she became a tough, open minded, charming, respectful and kindhearted girl. That night we also arrange some plan for tomorrow and the following days. That night I had to tell them that I couldn't accompany them traveling in Bandung, because I had to go to Jakarta to apply a scholarship for master degree in Taiwan. I was realy upset because I couldn't delay any longer to apply for it, as it was already in a deadline. But I told Sara that she could stay in my house as I would be in Jakarta only during the day. I said that in the night I would have been in Bandung again. So she need not to worry. Finish with everything and started to get so sleepy, we decided to went home. I told Pandu to just came to my house to pick Sara for tomorrow activities as I would go to Jakarta very early in the morning. The time I arrived at home, everybody was already sleeping so we need to sneak and step calmly. I accompany Sara to her bedroom and say goodnight. I was so sleepy as well, brushed my teeth, washed my hand and feet and then went to my bedroom. Have a nice sleep....

Well, the following days I woke up early in the morning which is not used to be. I had to traveled to Jakarta, by train. The destination is Taiwan Economic and Trade Office (TETO) in Artha Graha Building. I had prepared all the documents that I need to apply for the scholarship. Well, unfortunately, the time I arrived at TETO and met with assign person, he told me that I need to attached school application form along with the scholarship form. Oh damn!!! I haven't applied to any master degree in Taiwan. Not even once. Then I rushed to find an internet cafe for browsing and searching for appropriate university that offered my desire major for master degree. Short stories, I had to spent my evening time in internet cafe to prepare all needed documents along with attached documents. During my time working with the things, I can't stop thinking about Sara. I miss her. I really want to finish my time in Jakarta fastly and hurriedly back to Bandung. Well, in the end, I finished all the things in Jakarta in the afternoon. And it was like a faith that I had to arrived in Bandung late in the night. The train that I was taken were delayed for about 1 hour. I arrived in Bandung at around 10 pm. And I was lucky to still be able to find a public transportation. I went back home and wanted to hear a story from Sara about her trip that day in Bandung with Pandu and his friends. I was wondering what she was doing in my house, maybe she had gone to sleep. I arrived at home and find out that she hasn't back home yet. Wow......hmm.. maybe she stays with Pandu while waiting for me to come home. So, I just take off my cellphone and charge it. Oh yup, I should tell you that my cellphone was out of batery since I was in Jakarta. So in the time, I couldn't have a contact with anybody. Then when I turned it on, I found out several messages from my parents, Pandu and Sara. Wow.. Sara... yeah.. she was asking where I am. Hmm.. it's not good to make a woman waiting an answer from a guy. Then I straightly called her and asked her where she is. I have watched movies and now I am with Pandu in his house she said. Ok, I will come to Pandu's house to pick you I said. After the conversations ended, I was taking a bath, praying and rushed to Pandu's house. The time I arrived at his house, I saw them outside and about to go to my house. I saw Sara and I say hi. She smiles and it melts me. She was wearing a helmet and a jacket. Looks really cute. And I still can not forget the way she smiles that night. So, I take her walking to my house. Along the way, I was asking about her trip that day. She said that she went to my university (wow) and then to Saung Angklung Mang Udjo and watched India movies, '3 idiots'. She added that tomorrow she had planned to visit the volcanoes 'Tangkubah Perahu” very early in the morning. She said that I should be ready to go around 7 am. This means that I should wake up at least at 6 am. From the way she spoke, I saw that she was worried that I couldn't wake up at 6 am. Then I reply, 'Ok, in case of I overslept, could you please wake me up in the morning?' And then she says ok. Finally we arrived at home. I suggest her to take shower before she goes to sleep. She was nodded, so I should prepare a hot water for her. Ahhh.. it was like serving a princess. Love it. Hehehe.... well.. boiling hot waters taking a lot of times. To keep her away from getting bore, I saw her some card tricks. Some succeded but some not. Damn! I'm sucks.... and I neverthought that she actually had one. A card tricks which is really simple but succesfully tricked me. About 15 minutes later, the hot water was ready then I prepared everything. That's the end of that day.

'Morning......' that's what she said when we met near the stairways to my room. I was totally asleep and woke up several minutes before 6 am. I was even late to pray in the morning and that's horrible. Moreover, Sara was about waking me up from my beautiful dream. Everytime I wake up in the morning, the first thing that comes in my mind is praying. I am moslem and early in the morning we should pray. We called it 'shalat shubuh.' And that's what I did in that morning, even it's a little bit late. After praying, suddenly I got a called from Pandu. He said that his friend looks like unable to accompany us to Tangkuban Perahu. Then he added, probably, we couldn't went to Tangkuban Perahu in the time that we had arranged. He wanted to look for subtitutes for his friend. So he asked me to delay our treking time to Tangkuban Perahu for several hours. Heard this news from Pandu, I hurriedly went to Sara's bedroom and talk about it. Glad that she's got no problem with it, so I just asked her to have breakfast while waiting for Pandu. That morning, my mom prepared 'bacang' and steam banana for breakfast. I don't know if she likes it or not, but I hope she can enjoy the breakfast. Well.....Pandu was really slow, so I decided to turn on the tv and play japanese movie' 20th century boys.' Sara got no choices other than accompany me watching the movies. She was sitting on a couch that nearly resamble the logo of couchsurfing.org. I sat in another couch, next to her couch. My couch is bigger than hers, so I started to lay my legs and then my whole body on the couch. Without notice, I had fallen asleep until Pandu came to my house. He came and then I noticed that Sara was sleeping as well. She looks really beautiful even in sleeping mode. Then an idea came across my mind. I told Pandu to snap her picture sleeping in a couch. This gonna be a good pictures. A really good one. An icon of couchsurfing. Hehehehe.... I am very happy that we succeded and she didn't realized or awake because of it. While waiting for her to awake from her beautiful dream, I feel my eyes a little bit heavy, so I take another time to sleep. The time I awake, She already gone from the couch, and Pandu said she was checking an email on my computers.Hmmm.... not long after I awake, all of us gathered in dining room and talked about the plan to Tangkuban Perahu. Pandu said that none of his friends were able to come to Tangkuban Perahu with us. And then I added that my motorbike was used by my brother. So the best transportation that was availabe for us is public transportation.

It was a really slow trip to Tangkuban Perahu. By motorbike, approximately it takes only 1 hour to arrive in the mountain. But using a public transportation, it nearly consume more than 2 hours to arrive. Well, we got no choice, so we only need to enjoy the trip. Along our trip to the mountain, we had a lot of chit chat. We even play a games. It was truth or dare. Ever heard about it? Well basicly it's about choosing beetwen saying the truth about question that was asked by your opponent or doing something that your opponent desire on you. It's like a punishment after loosing playing a game. So the game itself that we played is words game. Each of us given 5 seconds to speak the words that based on our opponent last 2 words. For example if my opponent says 'animal' and then I should think a word that started with 'al'... welll for example I can say 'alien'.. then the person next to me should make a word started with 'en.' and so on... and so on... until we got someone who can not find a word. The game was really good to kill the time. Moreover we had truth or dare baked on the game. It's really interesting. Pandu lost a lot and he choose to speak the truth. From this game I found out that he had an increadible love story.. hehehe....I wasn't win the game all the time. There was the time that I can not find the words anymore, so I should choose beetwen truth or dare. I choose to speak the truth and Sara make a question for me. She asked me about my most embarasing moment in my life. Hmmm... it's difficult, I should think about it for a while, but then I got it. It was when I was in Junior Highschool. One day when I was at school, I can not hold anymore to take a pee, then I rushed to the bathroom in my school. There are 5 bathrooms and it is mixed. Boys or girls use the same bathroom. I can not hold it anymore so I just randomly open one of the door. I was surprised to find out a girl was taking a pee there and about to scream. I can't see her face clearly because I was so surprised and also ashame. Of course without much thinking I shut the door. After that accident, I can't stop thinking about who is the girl. I hoped it wasn't a friend of mine that attend the same class as me. Unfortunately it was. The following days, a friend of mine, a girl, who sit in front of me, move to sit in another table, far from me. I don't understand why, because her mates is still sitting in the same table she used to be. I never find the truth, but it seems the girl in the bathroom that I seen was that girl. Hehehe... well... that's my embarasing moment in my life. After telling this story, I asked Sara wether he had it or not. Amazingly she had one. And her story was really funny and never ever saw something like that before. She told us about her experience when she was drove back to her home with her friends with his cars. During her way back home, she smoke some cigarettes. Unexpectadly, some ash from her smoke drop to her clothes. She didn't realize about it until she felt warm and her clothes got burned. Ahahaha.. so silly.... she told me that she was really embarassed. Of course it did. Well... we keep telling story from one to another until we finally arrived at Tangkuban Perahu. We were having so much fun for our trip.

We reached the mountain, but still needs extra time to reach the summit. We don't have much time, so we try to find out the fastest way to go there. If we walk until the summit, it can take more than 1 hour to go. And it's not good. While we were thinking about it, suddenly a group of motorbike club passing by. Ahhh... this is it. We can hitchike. Then I try to put Sara in the front so they will be thrill to pick us to the summit. They stop their motorbike, and I thought I was successful. But soon I was dissapointed, because they left us. Damn!!! They don't have a sense for beautiful girl..... They are idiots. And then we were thinking again. Suddenly there were a mini bus that usually has a passenger who had difficulties for going up to the summit and go back. I don't know if we were lucky or not. This mini bus were willing to take us to the summit and bring us back afterwards. But he charge us a lot. I forgot the exact amount but it was almost Rp. 200.000,- in total. We were fuck up, but we got no choice. So... we take this mini bus and go to the summit with it. Ahhh... finally we can show her the volcanoes. By the time we arrived at the summit, it was already 4 pm. The place will close at 5 pm. So in the meaning time, we couldn't reach any further. Ahh... that was sucks... In the summit we were only taking pictures, walking around and eat some food. I don't think she satisfied enough. Fortunately, on our way back to the bottom, we met this place guradian. And it was like almost everytime we went to Tangkuban Perahu, we met this person. He feel pity for us as we can not go any further to the summit. Then I was came up with the idea to go to another crater which is located nearly in the bottom of the mountain. The guard says I can not go there without a guide. But then I said, no problems, I mean.. I don't need a guide, I already know this place. The guard insist then he asked another guard to accompany us. He said that it was dangerous to go alone, because it was already dark. He added that we should just gave the guide some money for cigarettes. Ahhh ok, I said. I guess it was not much. So, we go down there with an unofficial guide. The way to this crater was quite rough and still natural. Probably it takes us more than half an hour to finally arrived at the crater. Before we arrived at the crater, the guide told us to buy some eggs, to be boiled in the crater. Yessss, we can boil an egg in the crater. The crater itself believed as the source of hotspring in Ciater, next city from the volcanoes. Fyuhhh... finally we arrived at the crater. Really exhausted. But it's worth. We can put our legs in one of existed pools which has hot waters. It was really relaxing. Feels really comfortable. Put our legs into the water and then massage it slowly. Ohhh... it feels really good. In a while, we were also cover some parts of our legs with muds. Yes.. mud. The volcanoes mud believed can smoothing your skin. And suddenly my legs skin is whiter than Sara's. Ahahaha... joke joke.. no way that it would be. Her skin is really white, just like any other caucasians. Oh yup, we were also did not forget to boil the eggs. It was delicious but also weird at the same time. Well, we end up at around 5.30 pm. Then from the crater we should walk for more than 500 meters to reach our transportation. Hmmm.. it was dark already and the surroundings seem so creepy. But it was fine. Pretty girl was next to me. Hehehe... Along the way, we were talking about many things. And when we were very close to the street, there were another guys who joined the party. I guessed they were another guardian. And it seems so. Suddenly, Pandu gave me her phone and show me a text message which says, 'after this, we are going to be robbed.' He asked me to show it to Sara. Sara read it and suddenly she got stiff. She looks like hiding everything valueable from her bag. I said nothing to her, because I knew what Pandu means by robbed was charging too much. I thought Sara understand it as well, but she actually interpreted it in it's true meaning. After several minutes and we were really close to the street, Sara asked me about what Pandu means by 'robbed'. Is it for charging too much or really going to rob us, she asked. Then I say, it is for charging us too much. Suddenly she feel relieved and holds my shoulder and laugh. Wowow... yeah.. as I said before, I thought she already understand it, but actually it was the opposite. Welll.... I thought we could pay the guide for only Rp.20.000,- or Rp.50.000,- for the highest. In fact, we should pay him for Rp.100.000,-. Damn.... it sucks...It was irritating. I want to argue him, but I saw Pandu looks really calm, so I guess I don't need to argue anymore. So we paid this guide for Rp.100.000,-. Knew that we paid him a lot, the driver that take us wanted to take a part. He raised the price that has been settle before. Oh come on... we were really fuck up, but as I said before, we got no choice, it was dark already, far away from town and the mini bus is the only transportation. No way that we would going back home by walking until downtown. Then, as I said before, for the transportation in Tangkuban Perahu only, we end up spending approximately Rp.200.000,-. Ckckckckk.... They got us.

From the trip to Tangkuban Perahu, We planned to hang out at karaoke clubs. Yeah, to sing a song. Sara said she is not good at all at singing, but she will go with us. Before going to the karaoke clubs, we went back home to clean up ourselves. In my way back home, I stopped at my internet cafe for a while. Yesss, I wanted to make Sara as my most wanted user of the month... hehehee.. sound silly but.. it's not everyday that I had a beautiful caucasians girl. Hehehe...In my house, we were having dinner before cleaning ourselves. Not very long after dinner, Pandu already arrived in my house and ready for next round. Hehehe... Well, that day was her last day in Bandung. The following days, She was going to Yogyakarta. That's why I think I need to make a lot of memories with her, before she go. To make it more fun, I told Pandu to call some CS friends to come up with us sing a song. I myself invite my best CISC friends, Ronald to join in. So it was Anggie who finally accompany us sing a song. We had to pick her in 'Monumen Nasional.' Ahh... it's cool, because Ronald was also asked to be pick at UNPAD, which is really close to Monumen Nasional. Then, it was 5 persons in total who wants to scream, yell, sing, etc, etc. We were arrived at 11 pm and it was already full. We should be waiting until 12 to get the room. Then we choose to wait rather than looking for another place to sing a song. Hmmm.. we got this small room that is fit for 4 persons. Ahh..damn... but it's better than not at all.

Pandu came as the first person who singing. He sang a song from Queen titled 'Don't stop me now.' So much energy and really fun. I like it. All of us in the end sing at least one song, except Sara. All of us really curious and wanted to hear her voice. We made a lot of efforts, but it came to a waste. Hmmm.. she was insist that she can not sing. Ok, no problem, at least I hope she can enjoy having fun with us. In last minutes, we play cale ocho, pitbull, 'I know you want me.' I knew that Sara knew this song and I like this song very much. We played it and we started to dance and sing. Including Sara. Yeah... when I have this karaoke things with my friends, we always put cale ocho for the final song. The song has a nice beat, nice music video and make you stand up and move your hips. It is a song for having fun with friends. Love it.

The time passing by so fast. It was already 2 am. Ronald wanted us to take pictures at braga's heritage building such as Asia Africa's conference building before we leave. Sara will only follow me She will come to take pictures if I say yes, but I think she need a little bit rest because at 8 am she should leave Bandung to Yogyakarta by train. Then politely I refused Ronald's offered, I said that we need to take a rest after spending almost whole day treking to Tangkuban Perahu. Then before we leave, Sara says goodbye to Pandu and Anggie as well as Ronald, as tomorrow she should leaves Bandung early in the morning and wont see them anymore. It was really sad, especially for me and Pandu. We were taking pictures for a while for the last time and then I took her to my house to take a rest. We were really exhausted. It was a long day and I hope Sara enjoy it. Before I went to sleep, I told Sara to wake me up, in case I oversleep. Goodnight Sara.

I wake up at around 5 am, I take a pray and then checking her room. Ah, her room is still dark, so perhaps she is still sleeping. Well we had more times before 8 am, so I shouldn't wake her. After that, I sit on my couch near my bedrooms, and then slowly lay my body and sleeping again. 'Ilman...Ilman....,' I heard that voices in my ears and I woke up from my sleep. Ahh.. it was Sara. Hmmm.. I was embrassed that finally she had to waking me up. Then I asked her wether she was ready or not. Almost, she replied. I prepared everything and she was also preparing her things. When we were ready, we were gathering in my dining rooms. We have small breakfast before we go. There were my mom who still at home. She said she will leave at around 8.30 am to her campus. Well, my mom is a lecturer. She heard that Sara gonna leave Bandung that morning, then she offered her a hitchike. Sara looks embarassed but I think she would feel impolite to refuse it. Then my mom drove us to the train station. I myself feel embarassed as I still not be able to drive a car and has got no licence for driving a cars. When we arrived at train station, my mom warned me not to take so much time, because she had to went back home prepared everything for her work. So I hurriedly take Sara into the train station. I don't want Sara to miss the train. I accompany her until passenger chairs near the railways where the train will stop at. I couldn't say anything other than goodbye. It was so sad. I said to her that I am gonna miss her. And she told me the same. Then we hug each other. Before I go, I gave her a bracelet. I said to her to keep the bracelet and the bracelet means to remind her about me. After that, I leaved. I went to my cars and we went back home. During my way back home, I got an SMS from Sara, she told me that I was all great and she gonna miss me. I was really pleased and the more I am gonna miss her. When I arrived at home, I went to my bedroom and sleep again. But before that I should struggle to finally able to sleep againts my head that fills with Sara.

Is it the end of the story? No!!! Sara had 2 weeks in Indonesia. From Bandung, she headed to Yogyakarta and after that Bali. She spent most of her times in Indonesia in Bali. One day before she should leave Indonesia, She went back to Jakarta as her airlines to India is departed from Jakarta. Well, at first I don't have any intention in meeting her again. First, I am afraid she would see me as a freak. Second, totally I would miss her more. And third, it cost a lot. But since the day she left Bandung, I always thinking about her. I think it was too short. I really hope I can meet her again very soon. Then in the meantime, I applied a job to Bank of Tokyo which reside in Jakarta. I had several test in Jakarta and I told Sara about this. And finally, I got a called that I should be in Jakarta again 2 days after the day Sara's departed from Indonesia, for a group discussion. Actually, before I got a called, I was hoping that I got a called soon from Bank of Tokyo around that week, so I had a reason to fly to Jakarta and meet Sara. This proof that GOD exist and never sleep. He will granted what ever you want. I was really happy when I got a called and the first person that I told about this was Sara. I told her that I passed the previous test and would have another test in the following week. So I said to her wether we can meet in Jakarta or not, before she leaves. She replied that she would already be in Jakarta on Saturday. Then I was really happy and started to think about going to Jakarta since saturday until the day I had a group discussion.

'Man, could you host a guest from Belgium?' That was approximately the line on a short message sent by Pandu on Thursday. Of course I can, I said. I always happy to be able to host a guest. So I accept the offer. Pandu said that his guest is a couple from Belgium and they are already in Indonesia, in Medan to be exact. The couples arrived in Bandung on friday and this time we were not pick them in train station or else, we asked them to find our home. Luckily it works. Pandu told them the directions to his house and they made it. On that friday, Pandu texting me that the couples arrived already and currently at his home. He added that the girls is really beautiful. Wow, I was really curious. Then after friday praying, when I am about to open my intert cafe, I purposely passed Pandu's house. Just in case I probably able to met the guest. Unexpectadly they were already there. Pandu shout at me when I cross his house and asked me to enter his house and introduce me to his guest. And yes, the girls is beautiful and look fashionable. Ok, I will save the story about them for a while. I will talk about them later.

While I was hosting a couples from Belgium, on Saturday I have decided that I would go to Jakarta to met her. So, since on that Saturday I have an obligation to accompany the couples, I put my time with them for a while. Luckily, on that Saturday, we are, Bandung CS community had a gathering. So I didn't find any difficulties in pleasing the guest. The gathering itself has a theme of culinary. Hence, all day long it was all about foods and eating. Very interesting and I hope the guest like it. In the middle of gathering, I told Pandu that I should go to Jakarta, so I wont be able to host the guest anymore. Pandu understand and he said that it was ok. The guest might stay at his house or at our CS friend that actually should be their host, Mrs. Ika. Then I leave them without doubt or worry. It was around 7 pm that I arrived at home. I had a quick dinner, praying and prepare everything in a hurry. I said to my parents that I would go to Jakarta that night. My parents were surprised, because it was too early. But then I said to them that I promised to meet a friend in the following days, then they can understand. I still remember, that night I book a trip to Jakarta with mini bus by 9.30 pm in one of travel agent in Bandung. I arrived at their place around 9.20 pm and I was happy because it means I wouldn't wait for a long time. Then, suddenly I received a text message from Ronald, asking me about my intention going to Jakarta to chase Sara. I said to him, yes, now I am about to go to Jakarta. Suddenly he appeared in front of me. What The Hell!!! He told me that our CISC friends were hang out at a mall nearby. We had several conversations and without notice the driver of my mini bus was calling for a missing pessanger with different destination that I choosed.After the clock show me 9.45 pm, I was curious why my mini bus hasn't been prepared at all. Then I asked the travel agent operator. He said that my bus had gone for 15 minutes ago. The driver was shouting the missing pessanger, but nobody's acknowledge it, he added. Damn!!! So it was my mini bus. I complained with the operator. I said I didn't know that it was my mini bus because the driver was shouting for different destination than mine. He replied that actually the bus will pass by my destination. The hell who would know about that. Then as apologize, the operator gave me another ride, another mini bus at 10 pm. Well I was glad that I still be able to go to Jakarta that night. I waited until 10 pm, accompany by Ronald. 5 minutes before 10 pm., Ronald went away and I prepared to go. Exactly at 10 pm., the mini bus was ready. This time I don't want to lose my ride anymore, so I rushed into the mini bus and have a sit. 5 minutes later the mini bus was ready and we were going to Jakarta.

I was really exhausted that night. As soon as the mini bus goes from Bandung, I already slept. The time I woke up was when the driver said something about the conditions of the mini bus. He said something about the air conditioner. If I wasn't mistaken, he said that the air conditioner was broken. Then he says sorry for it. But then a couple of minutes later, He says something more horrible. He said that the engine was heating up and it was not possible to continue driving the mini bus. Then he stopped the mini bus and went checking the machines. I can senses something was not right. From the very beginning, I had suspicious feeling through this driver. I don't know, I just do not like him. And thanks to this crap mini bus and horible driver, I was stuck in the middle of the night, in the middle of highway. It was still far to arrived in Jakarta and more far to go back to Bandung. I was really pissed off, because I had texting Sara that I could meet her on that night. I keep updating my current status to her and she said to inform her as soon as I already arrived in Jakarta. She was currently at Grand Hotel Kemang for party. Whaaa....heard about it I can't handle anymore my passion to arrive in Jakarta as soon as possible. Meanwhile, my mini bus driver looks really worried and busy. He keeps calling his coworkers about the problems that he had. He was yelling and shouting as I overheard that none of his friends believe in him. He keeps strugling and finally we got a little hope. He is a good driver actually his fault is only being dislike by me. Another mini bus will come to our place and take us to our destination. Anyway, while I was waiting for another mini bus to come, I met a strange guy named 'kong.' Well, you know, just heard his name already put awkwards feelings on him. His names remind me with a big primates species who has 2 legs and said the strongest amongs them that called 'King Kong.' This Kong is an employee of local oil company. He likes diving and he put a lot of efforts to be able to arrive in Jakarta that day, so he can attend a diving class in the morning. He looks like an easy going person and I bet he likes traveling. Ok, that's a little bit intermezo to introduce another victims on crap mini bus.

So, finally I arrived in Jakarta around 3 am. And ofcourse then I sent a text message to Sara immediately. I waited for several minutes but there was no answear. Ahh.. looks like the party has ended and Sara slept already. So I sent another text message but this time to my cousin. I asked him gently to pick me at mini bus pool in Blora. He is a really nice cousin, even it was already really late, He is able to make it. He was coming along with his brother. So that night I decided to take a rest and hoped that tomorrow I am able to meet her.

Around 4 am before I went to sleep, I see an SMS coming to my phone. I checked it and it was from Sara. She told me that the party just ended and she would like to meet me tomorrow. She would like to take a rest and will informed me again later. Ahhh, I see, looks like a good sign, then I sleep without worried. So, several hours later, I woke up, after I woke up for praying and sleep again. It was around 10 am. I still havn't received a message from Sara. I started to get impatient, so I sent her a text message. I asked her about his plan that day. And then she replied that she had none. So I asked her if we could meet up somewhere. After several minutes texting a message, finally we decided to meet up at 'Mal Ciputra.' She had a launch with her host in Jakarta, Melvin, and asked me to come fast, because she had no much time. She sould be in the airport around 4 pm. Luckily, I got a nice cousin. He was willing to take me to Mal Ciputra, so I found no difficulties. I was arrived in Mal Ciputra around 2 pm and I rushed to the upper floor where She is located. She said she was in a food court in the highest floor of that building. I rushed to that floor using the escalator. I guess there is no time for me to wait a lift to pick me up even it is far more easier. Then finally I arrived at the food court and searching for the most beautiful one. Ahhh.. there she is. I approach her and then calling her name. Sara... Sara... she look at me and then we hug each other. Tell you the truth, She always looks more beautiful than what we imagine about her. Then, I have a sit in the same table as her. In the table, there is Melvin and another guest of her. I don't really care much about them, so I started to talk with Sara. That time I really want to talk many things but suddenly I was in a blank. And it's more horrible as my english is limited. Damn!!! I pity myself for it. Well, I was really happy to be able to meet her again. Sadly our time is short. Sara should depart from Indonesia very soon. We then taking a taxi to go to Melvins house for a while to take Sara's belonging. After that, I thought Melvin would come along with me taking Sara to the airport, but suddenly she asked me to go alone acoompany Sara. Hmmm... ok that's not a problem and I think it's perfect... hehehe.... We then taking the same taxi and I asked the driver to take us to the airport. It was only two of us and I think it was perfect to spend last memorable moment with her. We had a lot of conversation. I told her why I cannot come to the party last night and she suggest that I should put a compain to the company. She said I should try it. Because once she ever had a bad experience with a hotel that she is gonna stay. Not very long after she put her bags and leave it, she found something strange on her room and she found that she lost some of her money that she put in her bag. Then she got angry and went to the receptionist and asked who is in charged for the hotel. She told the story like the time she experienced it. And her face expression was quite strong. I bet she looks really scary when she got angry. Hehehe......Then she told me that she finally cancel her stay on that hotel and able to get back her money for the room that she rent. But not for the money that was stolen. Well, after that, I was thinking for a while. It seems Sara was surrounded with bad luck.. hehe... she was already robbed for 2 times before it. Another story that we had was about movies. She told me about Argetina's movie that she likes. Not much Argentina's movie that attracht her, but this movie is recommended she said. She commented that the movies is like playing with our minds. Heard she talk about it, made me really curious to see the movies. The movies itself names 'Nueve Reinas.'

The time goes really fast. It's like only several minutes and we arrived already in the airport. I took sara in and when I am about to accompany her more, I was block by the security guard. He said that I am only able to accompany her until first entrance. Owhhh.. it was sad. Then I was looking at her and she was also looking at me. Then She said... 'ohhh.. we have to do this again.' So we hug each other. I was really sad. I am afraid I can not see her anymore. Then I asked her wether she will come again or not. She said she can't promise anything. Then she asked me to come to Argentina to make it fair. I wasn't thinking about anything else but her, so I said 'yes, I promise.' I don't have any idea how to go there as it must be really expensive. But I just hope that Allah hear my wish and grant it in his mysterious way. When I say 'I'm promise', it wasn't just a word, but I trully mean it. I will try to find a way to go there along with praying to Allah to find me the best way and solution for my wish. Sara, I hope I can see you soon, because I miss you a lot. Yeah, we miss you a lot. Besos!

To be continue ......

Couchsurfing Experience

2010-04-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

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....

A Story ..... (just ignore this... u will be sick of me)

2010-03-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hullo guys…

It’s been a long time since my last post on this blog…. Fyuhhh…. I was too busy with unimportant things… and as usual… too lazy to write and thinking……. Well anyway…….. Many things happened… but most of them are not good news…. I have a target that every year I should be able to achieve something. Achievement is really important for me as it will affected myself to be more anxious in life and give me a courage to keep on dreaming and moving forward. This psychological behavior has been resided in me since 2007. It was the first time that I succeeded to achieve something that based on my own will. It was the chess tournament “ITB-Galamedia National Chess Tournament.” At that time I was the initiator as well as the Chief Production Officer. And the event was the most successful event that my organization ever held. From that moment of life…. I have courage to dream more things. And I can feel that I can achieve it. Then…. The next achievement comes from my academic. I successfully making my dreams come true, to have a straight A for all study program that I take. Even it was only for a semester. I am so proud of it. And finally still in the same year, I was able to graduated from my bachelor degree. I was graduated in the time that I have predicted. That was another achievement that encourages me to move on. And then …. In 2008…. Another big dream has been coming true. It was the realization of my very own internet café, which has been planned since 2007 with several friends of mine. Although in the end, I was the only one left in owning the internet café. Building this empire has been giving me a lot of experience and priceless moment of life. Started from how it feels becoming a boss, and then having a business partner, and then having an employee, and then interacting with priceless customer.. I luv all of them although some are the bad guys that never paid the rent…. And of course having fun together with my employee and some stakeholders of my internet café…….It was one moment in life that I will cherish…

After 2008.. it comes 2009… I was having a big hope for 2009… it was a new year and a new hope. I was hoping that my biggest dream can be realize on that year. My biggest dream is able to study abroad and continuing my study to master degree. I work so hard and spend so much money to be able to get the scholarship to study abroad. But then.. I failed…. I have applied for monbukagakusho, ADS, Erasmus mundus, Depkominfo, DAAD and Fulbright but none of them gave me a statement that I got their scholarship. It was frustrating… really frustrating… while at the same time, my cousin is able to achieve it. I wasn’t jealous on him.. I just got angry with myself….. “hey Ilman.. what’s wrong with you?” I keep on thinking why did I fail?... and what I found is random answer…… soo…. 2009 is passed with nothing….. I achieved nothing…. Maybe the things that cheer me on that year is only a trip to Singapore and successfully manage my internet café to be a profit one. Well… still it was frustrating and making me down…. I was mentally broken when I see some of my friends has married and step into their next life, while me… still fighting with my endless hope. Some of my friends has been becoming very successful…. And I was down because of it. But once again.. it’s not because I’m jealous with them…… I was once a person who sit on top ranks among my friends…. And in the end, ideally still I am on the top.. I was mentally down if I sit behind them…… It was like.. Oh GOD.. why did I lose to them? Why did I left behind? I do what I want to do and I work for it… but why???

Without achieving anything.. then it comes 2010…. Even tough I was mentally down, but still I have a hope to achieve something. Today’s… after long time of thinking……. It was maybe because I haven’t ready enough to be place out of my country. And the most important thing is maybe myself has not had a clear vision about my own future. What kind of path that I would living in, is it being an employee, a businessman or an educator. Still I can’t decide which path of life that I would take. But one thing for sure… my passion to study abroad hasn’t disappears. I hope I can achieve it this year 2010………. And if then I fail….. maybe I’m gonna work as an employee and started my boring life… or struggle to be a businessman… or both…….. ahhhhh… I still can’t see how my future will go…. No girlfriend and not working or having training……. Ahhhhh… I’m doom…………..’please somebody help me and brighten my life!’……….. I wanna say that.. but it looks really pathetic………… ahh.. c’mon Ilman.. you are not that weak….. You are strong and will lead the world!

Nihon no Matsuri 3

2009-12-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

Nihon no Matsuri 3

In the end of the days in 2009, happily there is a Japanese event in my hometown. After very long time not attended this kind of event, I am very anxious to attend it and hoped to have a good show. And WOW……it wasn’t only me…..i think every japans lover has been waiting for this event… there are a lot of people gather on the stage… this is unusual for a Japanese event, considering it hasn’t been very popular though many people already know about it.

I came to the event at 2 pm and ended the party at 9 pm. It sure very interesting… there are a lot of people doing cosplay… far more than last year event. I am so excited and started to take my photos and shoot on some pretty objects…. So here they are….

And this one is my favorite... as usual.... hehehe...

What do you think about all those photos??? Great isn't it (exaggerating)???

Well beside all of the cosplayers, this event becoming very hillarious by the performace of cosplaye cabaret. In this show.... a group of cosplayers doing a cabaret. The theme decided by their own and also the story. This show is amazing and able to make me standing still for about 3 hours.....

I really love japanese event.... well... because I am a fans of japanese entertainment... hehe.... I hope there are more to come so I can have fun..

Happy Birthday !

2009-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday !

Ahhh.... finally I am 23 this year... shitt... getting older from time to time while there is not soo much things have been done. I feel like really useless and non productive. But more importantly.... I have no motivation in doing anything. It is magnificently make me lazy and bored with my current life. Hell yeah i am bored right now..... but anyway2.... there is always something good and something bad in our life. And yepp.... stilll.... there is something good in my current life. Started with my internet cafe and my social life. Thank God .... by creating an internet cafe I found many new friends. Many new friends that supporting me and share happiness and sadness together. This internet cafe gave me many new experience.

The story of 2008

2009-01-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

Hullo guys.....how r u??? hope u r still at your best.....

OMG it's 2009...... the time flows so fast......

What have we done in 2008 and what will we done in 2009???

For me... almost most of the month in 2008 is filled with emptiness and ineffectiveness. However, 2008 is also the time where I put my dreams to become realization. 2008...hmm... what should I say....it is so much fun at the beginning of the year, nothing that I can accomplish in the middle of the year, and full of challenge at the end of the year. Simply said, the things that is interesting in 2008 is in the beginning and in the end. In the beginning of the year, alhamdulillah I have finished the fifth pillar of islam, which is going for hajj. And also I was really enjoy to have an experience working in Saudi Arabia and traveling around Saudi Arabia. I was also having a good time traveling from Saudi Arabia to Singapore, visiting my cousin and watching some babes wearing hot pants ….(OMG I am hajj already.....ehehehe...)... and then traveling to Malaysia... also to visit my cousin and having fun. So much fun in the beginning of the year 2008, although I was celebrated the new year in Jeddah International Airport with my red uniform and sit in front of computer, waiting and serving the customer. I was earning so many experience and also confidence in dealing with people.

Once I get back from my long journey in Saudi Arabia – Singapore – Malaysia, I got the news which is quite bugging me. A friend of mine who consider joining me to build an internet coffee is resigning. He said, her mom needs the money to strengthen her business. I was quite frustrated at that time, but soon I can handle the problem. Create an internet cafe, is one of my dream. The things that I shouldn't give up before I can accomplish it. After failed taking my friend as my partner, I met my elementary friend. And amazingly he is in photography business and internet cafe business. At that time I was feeling so lucky to be able to meet him, but later it was only wasting of time for me. Yup... this elementary friend who almost join me in creating our new internet cafe is also turning his back and failed me. I was filled with anger at that time and also almost desperate in realizing my dream. But then... my dad keep on supporting me and ask me to go open the internet cafe with a few money that I get from the bank. Thanks to my cousin who made this happened. So... one after another happened, so many obstacle, but finally I was able to open my very own internet cafe on 25^th of September 2008. I named it Miyuki.net..... well....you knew why did I put that name didn't you? Ehehee.....

Then..... the story goes on..... I still remember how much did I earned for the very first time I opened miyuki.net. It was around Rp.20.000,- … hmm... cruel wasn't it??? That's business..... but now days our brutto a day can reach 10 times greater than the first time. But still... that did not satisfied me. We haven't reached our target. It was all alone the fist time I built the internet cafe. And very much tiring. But above all, I was really happy and optimistic that I can gain success from this. It was only 6 computers for the client at first. I need investors to grow up my business. I still believe that someday there is an investor who invest his/ her money in the internet cafe. And thanks to Allah in the second month, I met my neighbor and an angel who decided to be my investor. The greatest thing is I am still be the majority above them. By the way, before my neighbor and the angel invested their money on me, there has been several person who offered me to be my investor. One of them is Bubun. He is a great person with great characteristic and great history of life. He is really an interesting person. One of a kind that rare to find in my life. When he was young he went through the dark side of the life. Amazingly he can escape from it and able to manage himself to the shining world. He is a big guy who love to laugh and always speak with a loud voice. He is also a big guy who experienced a complicated relationship. He is party maker. An easy going person who love most and hate most by people around. He is the fist customer who offered himself to invest on me. But then, because of many things, rather than investing for the computer, he choose to invest a refrigerator and put many softdrinks to sell with some compensation with me. He also put some cigarettes to sell in miyuki.net.

When I create miyuki.net, I have a big hope that I could create a community who loves japanese entertainment where the member loves to stay at miyuki.net. Slow but sure, the dreams is about to happen. Beside Bubun, there is another customer who always come to miyuki.net and I acknowledge them as miyuki's knight. Currently there has been 5 knights. Knight of 1 is Bubun, knight of 2 is Bram, knight of 3 is R, knight of 4 is Tuba and knight of 5 is Aboyz. I have told you a little bit about bubun, now I wanna tell you about our knight of 2, Bram. He is a person that I met after I go back from my long journey. An ex-girlfriend of a friend of mine who introduce him to me. The first expression about him is a filthy rich big guy. But then, later, I knew that He is just the same person as me. He is like bubun, a big guy. He is a big guy who has a big dream in this big world. He is an interesting person with good personality, and currently is one of my best pal. He experienced working in Japan for about 2 years. He is the only knight that able to speak japanese language fluently. He is also a fans of Manchester United that I hate so much. In my point of view, he is a simple minded person. The other knight, knight of 3, R, is the only female among us. She is a tall girl. She is a girl who loves her family than any other things in this world. Ooopppss... sorry I was wrong... there is a boy whom she loves soo much.. hehehee... her life is full with dilemma. Our first met was ordinary, but the next time she went visiting me was extraordinary. She can't help herself to talk about her boyfriend. And the following time she visited me, the topic always started with the story about her boyfriend. And then it happaned to there was the time that knight of 1, knight of 2 and her came to miyuki.net together. And that was the beginning of our happy life at miyuki.net. Ok... now let's talk about knight of 4 and knight of 5. These 2 knights are a friend of knight of 2 who also loves japanese things. Knight of 4 is also a big guy. He is a guy who able to talk properly. With Bubun and Bram, I named them 'BBB' which stand for 'Badan Badan Besar' in english it is the same with 'Big Big Guy'. 'BBB' is also an acronym of 3 of them. Bubun Bram and Bagus. When 3 of them gather at one place, no matter how big u r, u will feel that u r small.... ehehehee.....That's our 4^th knight. The last knight....even tough we knew each other only in a short time, but I feel that he is a person whom I can get along with. He is interesting.

I have so much fun at miyuki.net. And it was like a blessed for me in the end of the year 2008. Oh yup.... there is one story left...... of course it is still about miyuki.net. One day, there is a person who came to miyuki.net when we were about to close. He was asking about how the internet is able to give him a wide information about cooking, airplane, and tourism. He talked much and I knew that all the things that he talked is a lie. Yup.. that was our first meet with this region virus called win32.adnan. He always talking big and bothering other person. He is a type of person that simply annoying. But people consider to be patient about his presence because people knew that he is sick. Rumor said that he has been sick since he was in high school. And when we met him, he was already 44 years old.... wow..... great isn't it??? people see him as a crazy person. But for me... he is just an autism. I feel pity for him. People see him as if he is not a normal person and also garbage of society. Yup, I admit he is not a normal person, but I don't think he is a garbage of society. He is just a victim of a rotten society. Since he was in junior high, he has been introduce into alcohol and the night life and might be drugs also. Since a kid he himself admit that there is something wrong with him plus.. he has a great pal named alcohol. That things really disappointing his parents. And it cause a big fight between his parents and him almost everyday. That's affecting his psychological behavior. Well.... yes he is annoying and consider not normal, but sometimes he can bring a good time and bring a good story to talk with, in miyuki.net. Now.. he is taking to hospital for proper hospitalization, so he will not bother other people anymore and did not disgrace his family anymore. Hope he will be cure and be a normal and good person.

anata dake

2008-10-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

yeahh.. finally.. one of my dream becoming true..... I was always dreaming to create my very own internet cafe that reflect myself and my interest. And thank GOD finally I can make it. It is hard to realize that dream.. I need more than a year... and.. even after I am able to open the internet cafe, I face a lot of problems.... started from the unexpected numbers of customer, the electricity, the software, hardware, water resource and the building......pyuhhh..... I'm so exhausted.... but sure.. it is much more fun than working under someone....

Anyway2... this internet cafe is dedicated to someone that inspire me in this cyber network ... hope we can meet someday....

Miyuki.net - Jl. Cigadung Raya Timur No.41 PVJ

International-event

2008-09-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

2nd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)

Hullo everyone... hmmm..... several weeks ago, I experienced an interesting moment in my boring life. Well actually not that kind of something really big happened to me, but it's just something fancy that passed through my boring life. It was the 2nd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) which is held in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. I was participated as an associate assistance that his main task is only accompany the Olympiad participant from a room to a field which is the distance is only about 50 meters. Well something unpredicted always happened. And later our task is also being a supervisor like, look out the olympiad participants from cheating while some others went to the field for observation with the telescope. Yeah.. at first we were being strict to them. But later we can not afford being strict as they feel boring and looks not happy if remain siting on their own desk quietly. Yeah we gave them a video to make them feel comfortable and remain on their own desk... but holly shitt... the audio is a damn. It didn't make a good sound. So... the participant started to act on their own, killing their boring time until they got their turn. Holaaa..... we are the assistance can not do anything except join them.... hehehehehhee.......and....hell yeah.. that was the best part of being an associate assistance. That was the only chance tobe able to interact with the participant. I was so happy... I was able to talk with participants from romania, ukraine, iran, cambodia, and mostly south korea. I miss you seoung youn..... ^^

After all the olympiad activities, this event was closed with a garden party on a roof in Sabuga ITB. Hell yeah it was the most interesting for me. We are all having fun, eating, singing and dancing together. There was a show where each country participant should make a show on the stage. It was very interesting. Oh yup, not only the country participant, but also the LO which is always being with the participant, should make the show on the stage. I like the show from the LO, south korea, india and indonesia. Well we shouldn't forget with the band that accompany that night show. The band is also good with a good music selection for the show. I enjoyed "can't take my eyes of u".

Well what can i say, this event was very interesting for me and i want to join those experiences again. Thank you to the event organizer, ITB, who made this possible, thank you to Mr. Mudji as our supervisor, thank you to all of you associate assistance who made the sky of my life blue again, thank you to other assistance who work together with us, thank you to the LO, thank you to all of you participants of 2nd IOAA that made my life colorfull, and special thanks to seoung youn ^^

anyway2... I took pictures during the event, it's free for you to take the pictures, especially for my associate assistance friends that most of them fill in the pictures. If you take the pictures, please kindly leave a comment. Thank you.

-special notes: for the ohu team... lets play ohu again.. OHU!!!-

go to the album or download the pictures

J-event

2008-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Japan Revolution Festival (JRF)

Hullo everyone... how r u doin??? hmm... it's been a long time since my last time writing a blog.. many things happened but some of them just something that didn't leave good impression on me. Yeah.. my life has been this boring recently since I've got nothing to do and failed to reach my dream in the time that I want. Happily in these boring times, there comes another japanese event in my city. Well actually there is a lot of japanese event but this one is something that I'm curious with. This one called Japan Revolution Festival (JRF). Unlike sakura blossoms that held in shopping center, this one is held in an auditorium that usually held for music or art festival. Well.... the idea is awesome... but considering the place is far enough from the downtown and really need a vehicle to reach it, I can say that they choose a wrong place. I guess the event would be more hilarious if it takes in a shopping center. More people will see the show even if they did not intend to do it. And also it is a good japanese entertainment promotion act. Ok.. despite the fact that I don't like the place of the event, I like how this event goes.

The event was held for 2 days on saturday and sunday. But sadly I was only capable to attend on the last day. But heyy.... I was so lucky because it was exactly the day that I able to have my purpose on the event accomplished. One thing that made me really want to go the event is because my cyber friend (pinky) is going to have a cosplay show on it. So... since I wanted to meet her soo much and wanted to see how good she is when she do a cosplay, I made up my mind that I should go to the event. Lucky me..... exactly on a few minutes after I arrived at the event, it was the show of Endiru, which is pinkys cosplay group. Horaaa..... Sugeeeeeeeee...... pinky is really awesome.... her costume, and also her show..... what should I say... it was maybe the best in Indo....

On that time, endiru comes with 4 personel. I only knew pinky and her friends orochi which is soo manlike. there is 2 more girls which is I don't know their names, but one of them is definetly my favorite. kyaa.... she is so cute ^^ Anyway.. here are their photos.........

Hmm... beside endiru performance.... I like the band performance in this event. They played Jpop and Jrock songs nicely. I forgot what the band name is, but they played Jane d Arc and... they are my favorite on band performance. But anyway.... there is shiroi hana that also performed on the event. They are also my favorite because they sing my favorite songs. Once at that time they sing a song 'you've got a chance' from momusu, I'm so happy and sing with them at once. After shiroi hana performed, there is a shocking moment for shiroi hana fans, where nacchu who is one of the vocalist is decided to retire from band activities. When I asked her why... she said she is old enough to play band like this... huhuhu..... anyway2.. she looks cute when she is singing ^^

The event was finished at 12 am, but I was back home earlier. The last performance that I saw was from melody maker. Truly they are great and I like their performance. Last but not least... thank you for the event organizer for making this event, hope this is not your last work.

Google Adsence

2008-06-11T02:13:00.000-07:00

My first payemnt from the internet.....

Thnk u Google..... ^_^

In searching for divine move [Telkom Open X - National Chess Tournament Selection]

2008-06-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE !!!

Finally I am qualified to enter premier division of Telkom Chess National Tournaments. This tournament is famous for its prize and level of difficulties. People who can pass the qualification can be said as "super". And so as they are who didn't need to go for the qualification to enter the tournament. They are peoples whose master title is accompanied on their shoulder. This tournament is also the place to achieve master title. Many players from all around Indonesia struggle to go to Bandung just to enter this tournament. Simply said, the tournament is worth enough to die for.

I was not confidence at first that I might be able to enter the premier division. Hence, as I mirror to the past, I was always failed in any tournaments. But then, I was thinking, what failed me??? Was I dumb??? Or maybe it was just only me who is lazy. And then I realized that I always failed because I never learn the right thing to play chess. I was always thinking that learning from the books is useless. Chess is only about thinking. That’s why we don't need to learn anything from the books. What do we need is learn how to think. That was what I think before. What screw me and wake me up are the peoples in my chess unit at campus. Some of them I knew their capacity. They are no good when I first met them. But then, they can beat me easily. Started with it, I try to change my perception about how to master a chess game.

This Telkom qualification is made for a challenge. I challenge myself and wanted to know whether it is work out to work something with a goal. Can I achieve my goals after working for it? That’s kind of challenge that I keep in my mind. And when the result comes, what should I said other than "Subhanallah". It works. It damn works. My goal is to be able to qualify in entering Telkom National Chess Tournament. Finally, I conclude something in my head. To achieve what you really want, you should work hard and after that "tawakal". This great thing is also said in Al-Qur'an. And magnificently it works. With this moment, I gain more confidence to be able to achieve many things in this world. And today’s favorite words are "Nothing is impossible".

Anyway2.... I made promise to Allah that I would cut my hair if I qualified to the premier division. Hmmm... I think I should go to salon tomorrow ^()^

my own opv

2008-05-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Goto Maki - Love kan Coffe

ask me if u need a better resolution ....

J-event

2008-05-14T04:17:00.000-07:00

Sakura Blossoms Part.2

Another pictures from the event ......

2008-05-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

J-event

2008-05-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

Sakura Blossoms

Minna-san genki desuka??? Ahh.. last Sunday I was attending Japanese event in Ciwalk Bandung. And it was beyond expectation... it was great.... I thought it would be damn boring... but hey... the cosplayer is pretty entertaining. They prepare quite well and creative. Al thought only a few that the looks attract me, but I can say overall the cosplayer in Bandung is developed.

Recently there are unpredictably so many Japanese event. And I'm happy with this. This shows that the people who love Japanese culture and entertainment is increasing from year to year and also started to be accepted by them who don't know anything about Japan. Sakura Blossoms event overall is entertaining. Beside the cosplayer, the cabaret takes the second place. And then the place that hold this event is also good. The lack of the event is only at the band. I think they should be more selective in recruiting the performance. Some of the band are really bad. And then if I was intended to held Japanese Event, I think para-para dance competition and dancing para-para together would be great. Place hotties on the stage to dance para-para. It would be hilarious. All people will follow her and also attract some of them who happened to pass the event.

Ok people, here are some photos from the event.. enjoy.....

This one is my favorite... so cute.... ^^

The Great Global Warming Swindle

2008-03-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Great Global Warming Swindle

Global warming. Almost everybody know those words today. And almost everybody support the prevention of it also. But maybe only a few people that know the fact. This global warming has been becoming debate issue since long time. There are some people that really believe on it and there are some that said to be skeptical. The main debate is about whether the CO2 is the main cause of global warming??? Is the heat is a function of CO2???

hmmm... just a few days ago, I watched a television program in a video about the great global warming swindle. I am curious what will they are talking about, since there are many evidence about the effect of global warming on earth and that's why global warming is hard to be doubt. And what I found in that video was truly amazing. Many experts talk about their opinion in global warming. And of course all of them are the opposite. I mean all of them are thinking that global warming is bullshit. So..... what is the reason??? The first reason is.... do the heat is the function of CO2??? Or maybe the opposite???

If you ever watch "inconvenience truth" by Algore, you will see that there is a positive correlation between the CO2 and global temperature. And the things that is disturbing is the temperature graphic in the end of second millennium (1990-) is climbing so high. That is the point where this global warming became hot issue. The increase of this temperature is followed by the increase of CO2. The correlation of CO2 and temperature is of course not exactly 1. I don't know the number, but it should be positive. even though there is a correlation, the scientist in "Great Global Warming Swindle" pointed that there are something strange in the years after the world war 2 ended. The concentrate of CO2 in the atmosphere should be higher than the years before, because they think after the world war ended, there must be many industrializations to build the crack piece. As we know, industrializations is the highest source of man made CO2 emissions. But the fact is the graph showing that the years after world war 2 is decreasing until several years. Not only those kind of fact that amused them, but also the fact about climate change. It is like because of global warming, the climate is changing. But hey... isn't the climate always changing??? Maybe some hundred or thousand years before, the same phenomena with todays is also happened. And about the sea level rise and the melting of ice in the antarctic. One of researcher who expert in antarctic study said that from historical record it is clear that the antarctic is always changing. It expand and narrow from times to times.

From those kind of thought, they said that the fact what we see today is not a cause of global warming. Yes the earth is getting warmer. But it is also not the product of CO2. The first thing that we should analyze when the earth getting warmer is the source of the heat which is the sun. From their research, it is clear that the correlation between sunspot activity and the earth temperature is better than the CO2 and earth temperature. And also there is a positive correlation between sunspot activity and concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. The ocean is the largest CO2 emitter. Therefore when the heat is warmer, the larger CO2 will be emitted.

I don't know if i can tell you accurately and come to your understanding. But I hope this can be a new knowledge for you. After I watched that video, as like they said, this global warming conspiracy is a political action. A political action through ecology and environment issue. And this kind of issue is hard to deny, because the impact is also for human goods and for the future. In some side the earth environment might be better. But in other side the global warming issue is potentially keeping the poor country to be not developed. Why??? As there is the limitation of greenhouse gases that should be emitted every year, the poor country can not go industrialize because the industry activity has been used by the developed country . Alternative energy are very expensive and haven't meet high efficiency. What can poor country do is only selling the carbon emission and do conservation project. In other words, their will always be the supporter and underling of developed country.

For me, without this global warming issue, I hope we can always care about our environment. Truthfully I was thankful with this issue, because it is a chance to protect and creating a healthy environment.

Miss u Gocchin

2008-02-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Miss u Gocchin.....

hmm..... it's been 4 months since gocchin graduated from hello-project. And since then i haven't heard any news related with her, beside her status which stated not in showbiz anymore. I really miss her..... i want to see her singing, dancing and making some cool pose or dry jokes.

Eventhough I couldn't see her anymore in showbiz, but I'm one of many that support her when she quited from h!p. Not because I hate h!p.... but I thought that soon or later gocchin should graduate from h!p... she couldn't always bond to h!p..... and the decision that she made several months ago was just right.... maybe I can say that she was quit in a right time.

hmm... somehow.... this kind of conditions made me think that this might be a chance for me to meet her, definitely if I was lucky, considering she might be have more a lot of free times and also she isn't celebrity anymore.

Maybe with a little effort to search her mothers restaurant and apply to work as parttimer, I can meet her.... agghhh... doki....doki....doki.........

hmm... anyway2.... this is for gocchin fans who haven't heard her first album.... yeah.. usually most of u already have it, but.. yeah.. who knows........

Goto Maki - Makking Gold

if u download it, please kindly leave a comment and support me by clicking the advertisement.....

Global Warming

2007-07-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Adaptation or Mitigation?

Do you feel the winter warmer than before? Do you feel the summer longer than before? Do you feel the weather is hotter than usually? If the answer is yes then you are also one from million of people that feel the direct effects of global warming. What is global warming? Global warming can be defined as the rise of the earth average temperature globally. Not only in Asia or Europe, but also America, Australia, Africa, and all place in the earth. This rise of temperature is caused by the rise of carbon emission in the atmosphere. Carbon is a particle that has million of years life cycle. So, this can be concluded that the carbon amount in the atmosphere will always be rise and never decrease. Carbon in the atmosphere has a function to warm up the earth that called green house effect. The sunlight radiation that came through the earth as short wave radiation will be received by the earth and transmitted back to the sky as long wave radiation. When the long wave radiation came through the carbon in the atmosphere, this will made the carbon vibrate and produce a heat. And this heat will be transfer back to the earth as a long wave radiation. And this is what green house effect is. All of it is a natural process like how the water becomes a cloud and a cloud becoming rain. But what happen recently, as the population growth and people always try to make their lives much more comfortable through technology, the carbon emission increase more than it should be. And the global warming happens.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models predicted that from 1990 to 2100 there will be an increase for global temperature around 1.1-6.4 C. This rise of temperature will lead into global climate change. Global climate change is a serious matter. The more warm the earth, the more the ocean warm. The more the ocean warm the more it can lead into catastrophic hurricane. Since 1970’s the number of hurricane level 4 and 5 has been jumped up. The warmer earth also can raise the sea level. Until 2100 it was predicted that the ocean level can rise into 6 feet. This rise will bring economic and humanity problems, as there are also people and country activities on the shore. Not only people on the shore, people that live from agricultural activities will also feel the effects. The rise of temperature will definitely bring effects to the amount of precipitation. Some region will have more precipitation and some will have less precipitation. This is definitely no good for agriculture. Drought will come more often than before or maybe floods becoming new problems to some. The effect is to the crop yields. The crop yields will be decrease and will become economic and humanity problems. Climate change becoming more serious as it also affects to humans health. The changing will force human body to adapt to the changing. But not all human body can adapt to the change. As the result it will bring sickness to the human. The warmer earth will give a chance to mosquitoes to longer their lives. This mosquito is mosquitoes that bring a disease like dengue fever, malaria, Hantavirus and other viruses. This is a serious problem. Many will infected, many will sick, and many will die. And this is happened recently in Indonesia. Finally, global warming that lead into global climate change is really serious challenge for humanity future.

So, how to overcome the global warming? What can we do? There are only two ways in handling it. Choose to adapt to the change or doing mitigation. Adaptation is an act in receiving the global warming and try to be nice to the change that caused by it. Meanwhile, the mitigation is an act in refusing the global warming and tries to prevent it becoming worse. Adaptation example is like changing the life style. Recently in Romania, as the winter becoming warmer, the Romania Football Federation Chairman, Mircea Sandu said that if the things continue on for the next 2-3 years, the league vacation will only be available for 23 December until 15 January. Usually, the league will have vacation from mid December until 2 months ahead, as cold winter cover Romania. Another example we can see from the farmer. The farmer need to make more advance technology in caring their crop from floods or drought. As for the government, to take care their country from the effect of global warming through climate change, there are two ways in using adaptation as their prudential. “Top Down” or “Down Top”. “Top Down” is an adaptation process derived by government perspective about how should their people adapt to local climate change. As an example, when drought becoming longer than before, government can take a decision to change the plantation that usually their farmer do. Meanwhile, the “Down Top” is a converse from “Top Down”. “Down Top” means government decision is based on how the local people adapt to the change. For example, as the drought comes longer than before, the farmer change their usual plant into a plant that resist to the drought, thought the selling is not good enough. This two ways of adaptation will have better decision when the government has been had a “mainstreaming” for their country development, which make the two kinds of adaptations wont becoming a burden to the country developments.

As for mitigation, the action is much clearer but hardly to do. The purpose of mitigation is definitely how to prevent the carbon emission raise highly. Protocol Kyoto is the result of mitigation action. This protocol rules the world carbon emission for the future. The chosen country in this protocol should reduce their carbon emission for about 5.2% to the average of carbon emission in 1990. To reduce the carbon emission, first of all we should see the data for what actually the most thing that emitted the carbon. And the data show that the carbon emission comes from 21,3% power station, 16,6% industrial process, 14% transportation fuels, 12,5% agricultural byproducts, 11,3% fossil fuels retrieval, processing and distribution, 10,3% residential, commercial and other uses, 10% land use and biomass burning, and 3,4% waste disposal and treatment (http://wikipedia.org). From the data, it can be concluded that the energy source and forestry is the main problems. The power station, industrial process and transportation now days still use fossil fuels as their primary energy source. Fossil fuels emitted carbon as their final work. Therefore it is needed another source energy which is less emitted carbon. This source energy is called alternative energy. Many alternative energy can be made, such as, sun radiation, the wind, the wave, geothermal, and biodiesel. Biodiesel emitted 75% less carbon than fossil fuel. Besides looking for the most suitable alternative energy, caring the forest is also part of act in mitigation. Forest is the most absorber carbon in the world. Without forest, the global warming will come much faster. Therefore an act to make the world keep green is needed.

The final question maybe about “What can individual do?” or “Which one should we use? Adaptation or mitigation?”. Many things can individual do since this is a serious matter for the future. First of all, each individual should understand completely how important this issue is. Then spread as much as possible this issue with its solution. Use alternative energy for any activities as much as you can and grow some plant in your home to help the world keep green. Adaptation or mitigation? It’s up to you.

Sustainable River Basin Management

2007-07-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Impact of Climate Change to River Basin Management

The world now days up roared by an inconvenience truth about human future. The truth which is seen skeptical by some people slowly saw its impact to human activities. Finally, much people better believe on the truth rather than denying it. Finally peoples rather believe that climate can change through global warming, which is finally this climate change becoming number one global issue. What’s wrong with climate change? What so fear about it? Climate that can be define as atmospheric long term condition in ones region has a strong bond with all life activities on earth. This is due to climate cycle system which is influence by the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, kriosphere, and biosphere. The climate change in ones region will bring many difficulties to humans life, especially in agrarian, economic, environment related, such as natural disaster, humans health, and government development prudence. Climate change can cause ones region precipitation decrease or increase. Hence, the climate change is related to rivers behavior.

All rivers are different, but they all work in a similar way. The way the rivers do is depend on its basin. The basin as the place for river waters to flow has important role in directing where the water will flow, how the water flow and the water condition. Hence, the river basin management is needed. As the climate change happen, river basin management should be take more seriously. Let us assume that the climate change cause ones regions precipitation increase. The increased precipitation will raise the river debit and cause flood in some area which the river cross, and definitely the area which call the river downstream. Not only reasoning the probability of flooding, increase precipitation can shallow the river basin and give bad water quality to the river. This is due to increasing material that rain brings to the river. Higher precipitation the more material can bring along it. Meanwhile, climate change can also decrease ones region precipitation. Decreasing precipitation will mean decreasing of water availability in the river. Fewer water supplies are a big problem. Hence, those few water supplies should be able to be used maximum. However, if the water quality is not good enough, then there is no use again for the river except brought the things flow to the sea. This is how the river basin takes the role. Dirty basin will cause bad river water quality. Hence, how to manage the river basin when it comes to increase or decrease precipitation is the same. The first same idea is how to keep the river water quality good. The different is when it comes to increasing precipitation, the idea is how to make the river water not spill to the land and not cause flooding. But when it comes to decreasing precipitation, the idea is how to make use the river water as maximum water supply to the land.

Climate changes continue on without we realize about it. Especially to the ones who live in tropical region. If we keep not learning about it and just being skeptical it might bring disaster for the future. Climate change might cause a failure in government prudence for city development. Choosing the right time to build public infrastructure, such as the road or river basin repairing is the example. If the government didn’t learn the climate change and only make a decision base on experience, their decision might be cost a lot than what they have been predicted. Off course it is a bad idea to build the public infrastructure when it is raining. Maybe they have planed about it, but they plane it only based on experience. This would be more horrible when that orthodox way is used for river basin management. River basin management needs the right time to run the project. Moreover, if the things continue on with the trend without any proper action, as the impact of climate change, the river can bring disaster. In the winter it may bring flood and in the summer it may not be able to supply the water to people around it. Those things will impact many sector in our life such as economic, agrarian, healthiness and transportation.

There should be an integrated action to solve the problem. For the government who has the authority in managing the river basin, the first thing to do is learning the climate change in their region. What cause it, how to manage it and how to implement it to the river basin management. The second is use the first act as basis for doing the project to keep the water river clean. As an example, the government can take an action to reduce mobile transportation as they emitted the greenhouse gases which is cause the climate change through global warming. Or the government may take an action to change all industry fossil fuel with the one that more suite to the environment like biodiesel. As the fossil fuel such as coal emitted methane, carbon monoxide and sulfur which is act as greenhouse gases and a particle that can bring acid rain. Acid rain can polluted the river and make the river unhealthy. The last is making a good socialization to the society about climate change and the river. Promote about the cause of climate change and its relation to the river. Promote that we need a clean river and a good basin to maximize the function of the river. Finally, the river basin management will not work without society or individuals’ participation. Individual participation in keeping the river and the air clean is big. Individual shouldn’t throw garbage or any harm things to the river. Individual should try to change their fossil fuel with biological fuel. Individual should remind each other about the importance of river and also the climate change that can impact to it. And last, individual should realize that river is part of environment. Good environment will resulted to good society.

Goto Maki

2007-02-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Goto Maki

yooo..... let me introduce you to my lovely angel..... she is soooo perfect.... i can't speak so much this time, but i will give you a little bit of my work about her. This esespecially dedicated to her, this is how i express my love to her..... ok.... watch this..... and if you enjoy it, please kindly leave a comment here. thnx

[opv] Goto Maki - love kan coffe...conannd-kun no tameni...

INTERMEZO

2007-01-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

INTERMEZO

ahhh.. it's been a long time since my last post in this blog..........now i want to start write something again in this blog. First of all, i wanna say happy new year to all of u..... though it is too late, but i want to say it....... new year means new goals, new determination, new power, new effort with fresh brain and heart. I'm really glad that my goals in 2006 are some accompalished, though some also delay to 2007. When it was in 2006, i had a goals to made a national chess tournament in my campus.... it is failed to be held in 2006, but.....i don't give up.... i keep trying and finally it is held in early january 2007. Yeah... i think we can do anything that we want if we able to keep trying and not giving up. Maybe it is not at the time that we want, but surely it will be done. From this point of view, i became more believe that people can plan anything and do anything, but the final result is GOD matters. Sometimes we thought that the time we planned is the most effective and effisien, but...... we realized that it wasn't when it was delay and held in other times. This is like what i experienced. I have set the righteous times for the national chess tournament... but, we had some trouble so that we should delay it.... we are really dissapointed, but we realized that the delay is not a big deal, coz we r given another good times. People should only plan and give efforts to it.... don't expect too much for good result, just enjoy the process, if u had give it all the best u had, surely the result would be good, coz GOD wont sleep, he is watching us.