tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25519247846379026732024-03-27T14:37:41.922+08:00Piece of GreyLiku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-41869541190178980242023-07-23T01:43:00.002+08:002023-07-23T01:46:24.652+08:0033<p style="text-align: justify;">Thirty three. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What is crossing your mind when you hear this words?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What is a 'typical 33 years old' for you?</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">There's this idea that you need to be "something" in your 30s: successful, married, financially stable, raising perfect kids, having a perfect house - just basically having all kinds of your shit together. And that's where the problem comes in, when we look around and go "I should be doing better.."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Usually at</span></span><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;"> 33, individuals have accumulated a significant amount of wisdom and experience. They have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and learned valuable lessons that contribute to their personal growth and decision-making process. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;">I think thirties is the age of awareness. I feel like I am standing at top of mountain and see the whole picture of my past life, and how I became.. me. Then, when I think almost everything is fine and accomplished, I got into waves of sadness, anger, and feeling lost. I used to think in thirties, people will less likely to get hurt, because they are standing fully on their own feet, think bolder, speak louder, basically.. more fearless. It don't. I still got brokenhearted at thirties. I still cried in my bed and having sleepless night, being anxious about some things, just like I did at 17, 20, or 25 years old. I still can't keep my anger sometimes. My tongue still speaks faster than my brain, sometimes. I still watch Inuyasha on big screen. I think you get my point.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;">Age will show its effects in time. The challenge of aging is to find a peace with your physical decline with age. It isn't overnight, but some days it does surprise you. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">But 30s are also an opportunity for so much more - growth and exploration. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">You can still look as attractive (or even more) as in your 20s. Maybe your chance at being the next Olympic gymnast is unlikely, but there is still a world of opportunity ahead of you. It's a perfect age to spend more on yourself (if you're still single) while still saving on the future. Now that I think of it, I LOVE being at thirties. Sooo many blessings has come in my thirties. Opportunities doesn't stop there. I learned tennis for a year now. I gained biceps at my thirties. I honestly feel like I am more solid and cooler in my 30s than in my 26-28. Lol.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">With age we give ourselves permission to become our real selves. You will find that you are meeting with the real you, someone you have yet to fully meet. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">At my 32 birthday, exactly in this date last year, I was still in love with someone. He was my be</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;">st friend, someone I thought as my "soulmate" back then. He still gave me present that day. And he was my last broken heart. Thankfully. Never ever in my mind I will guess that next year.. today, I am happily married with someone else. And just right before I write this post, I just saw this very pretty (and looks yummy) birthday cake he just surprised me with; how his eyes are beaming with pride and joy and how it affects mine.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;">Life is funny, right? I told you, aging will never be boring. It will get more adventurous each year. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27); color: #1b1b1b;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1b1b1b;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(27, 27, 27);">Happy 33 birthday to me, I guess?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #202124;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div>Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-23331165080901752472022-04-23T00:35:00.012+08:002022-08-22T21:54:50.638+08:00You're Not My Type / Incompatibility<p style="text-align: justify;">Human beings are a made up of coalescence of biological, psychological, and social forces. In this sense, each of us is formed somewhere along a behavioral spectrum that generally determines who we are, what we are like, what our thing is, what makes us tick, and so on.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Nobody wants to commit very long to nonsensical things. It may provide good laughs and entertainment, but we wont dedicate our lives to it. Relationships especially marriage, is going through life as a couple. I am not married yet, but I know it's about going places, achieving goals, and raising a family together, right? It is not about endless drifting in a sea of sand. That's why it is important for couples to align their goals. They discuss it while they are dating and hopefully it gets somewhere. So if one partner wants to go to Somalia and spend his/her life taking care of starving children, while the other one wants to be a banker in New York, then obviously, someone has to compromise on their dreams, right? I guess it needs to have something more than just love, sex, and rock n' roll.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having all gone through many things, we often have arrived at a moment where the chemistry is either short-lived, or simply dies away the moment it began. Something is just not clicking with the other person. We can't put our finger on it. We can't name it, exactly. There is a missing piece. We might even say, <i>this person is just not my type</i>. We think we are out to find love partners who will make us happy, but honestly.. we're not? We are out to find partners who will feel <b>familiar,</b> and that may be a very different thing; familiarity may be bound up with particular kinds of life experiences. This explains why sometimes we meet someone and we can recognize that they are really wonderful and amazing, but we must confess that there is something missing in this person, and we struggle with the vocabulary to explain it. Have you ever feel this way?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, sometimes we're meeting a person, who's maybe not that exciting, or not sexy, a bit boring, but really what we mean is that we've <i>detected</i> something in this person that they will not be able to make us suffer in the way that we need to suffer in order to feel that love is real. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have been on both the giving and the receiving end of the "you're not my type" feeling. I would consider both are the same. It's messy for both parties. On the giving end, there is a lot of guilt for not loving this seemingly adequate and interesting person in the way they probably deserve. On the receiving end, we cant help but feel that this person is quite simply not telling us the truth, that they are hiding something from us, that they just don't want to reveal what they are really thinking about us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here's an old story. There was a time when I met someone and I thought he was charming and interesting. People says we looked good together. <i>I</i> said, <i>we</i> looked good together. Everything seems so-called perfect then I've realized something was off when me and this person talked regularly. This realization was so obvious that it actually annoys me that I still hoped for <i>something</i> and have let my self-esteem drop. After some months ignoring "flags" and maintaining communication, I finally opened the curtain of my "true"-self to this person and it hasn't been immediately and wholeheartedly embraced by him. And I've stumbled upon a straightforward conclusion that maybe.. <i>I am just not his type</i>. Actually it might be true, and it also might be not. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There's another scenario that this person is actually like me, but maybe, this person's specific disposition towards life <u>doesn't match</u> with <i>my</i> specific disposition towards life. That we are.. I dont know.. Different in really deep ways that would key the future in our relationship? I also asked myself, is this all that I have to look forward to in my life? Maybe this person is actually doing me a favor. He is saving me a bucket of time and a bundle of trouble. He is probably seeing what I am not seeing, which is merely the observation that <b>we are incompatible</b>. I mean, Lord Almighty, it's so not personal. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;">When we were together, I thought we will have fun. But <b>fun</b> is different from <b>happiness.</b> It is one of its important components, but not the heart of it. And I prefer to be happy, by "compromising" with my partner. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyways. So, when you run into the similar scenario, don't easily jump to the thinkable "not your type" statement, it's important to remember that it can be really, really, really isn't personal. We are really not their type. They are not holding onto some special knowledge about what is wrong with us just to spite us, nor are they repressing their affection for us. And by the way, most of these personality differences are totally superficial. They don't say very much about the quality of us or them. It's not representative of a characterological (does this word exits??) flaw. It hurts when we are rejected, and it also hurts to reject someone (very important to remember). But actually what you really need is much much deeper than what you want. We are talking about <u>compatibility</u>. It's a very important word. You may been dreaming to have someone as charming as Brad Pitt, but in reality it is highly possible that one day you can find happiness in other person who is not a Brad Pitt. It depends on how you are connected with each other, and how you perceive life as a pair. There are tons of elements that is too long to be discussed here, but my point is.. whenever you are in this kind of scenario when you thought you met your Brad Pitt but it is not happening; walk it off and move forward powerfully and gracefully. The universe will spit us out as quickly as it spat us up, so its best we start taking command of our lives and get about the business of living.</p>Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-54500104966409977832021-04-08T19:41:00.002+08:002022-04-22T23:07:50.279+08:00Daily Journal #3 : Breathe<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I read somewhere that an estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. To give you some perspective, that's 5 percent of the population. There's no question that depression is fairly common, and there's no one-size-fits-all way to manage it.</b></span></div><div><br /></div>One tactic that's proven to be helpful, however, is journaling. Experts say: <i>"Not only can it ease symptoms of depression, but it can help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and help you prioritize and sort through exactly what's getting you down. It can be a place to express ourselves as long as we are not judging ourselves."</i> This is where I failed many times. I like to judge myself. It's so hard not to, because I'd rather judge myself before other people judging me. I thought it's going to be more hurtful. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not surprisingly, but a year has passed and I call 2020 my "dead year". It's exactly one year since my world turned upside down, and I still have little pain whenever I think about those dark times; I don't want to recall it. But now I realize that I need to write it down in order to move the fuck on and forget all about it. I lived age 0-29 "normally" and probably some stress once in a while, but most of the time I felt alive, healthy, and well. Each year, I always think about which passing years was my favorite and worst ones. Funny, me and one of my best pal Yogi, we love to talk about this "fav year" thingy as well. I personally loved 2012, loved 2018, I hated 2017, but damn.. nothing would ever beat 2020 in terms of dark times. It ain't come to play.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It supposed to be a great one. <i>Tahun cantik</i>, they say. I had plans. Surprisingly last year, I got really drowned in a stage where I'm asking.. basically everything. First few months, my world revolves around staying at home due to pandemic, seeing so many deaths and sickness of people I know, and my own parents and our personal assistant got COVID. I had to take care of them and put on full APD/ Personal Protective Equipment, driving them to hospital, and I remember I was crying in the entrance door of the hall where they were placed, while feeling super suffocated (due to the attire). Being the responsible one at home with a brother to take care was really hard because I also had to take care of my own sanity. I I also don't understand why I declined all sorts of attention/love. I didn't know if anything could make me happy for quite some time. Home feels like jail, your own relatives keeping you nuts and undervalued, friends starting to "test" you, relationships were broken... All of these episodes happened in a periodical of months. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It may sounds dramatic now, but I woke up almost every morning crying in bathroom around April to August. I was anxious about everything. I was coming to the stage where <i>I feel really hesitant to live, but I don't wanna die as well</i>. I didn't want to die, but I didn't have the desire to chase my dreams again. The word "dreams" even sounds illogical. Hell, I can't even travel anywhere due to fucking pandemic, I was trapped in the house. Then I came into some really, really dark moments, where I start questioning what would happen if I cut myself. Just a little bit. Just to feel some pain. Maybe, through that way, I thought it might help me to feel "something". Thankfully, I didn't do it back then. But those pivotal moments helped me identify how bad my emotional being was.. and I decided to seek for professional help. Thus, I started the new journey unto itself of rediscovering what life and this world was without the weight of depression. I realized, quickly, it was time to make new personal daily journals to keeping up with my reality and validating every feeling I have, rather than suck it alone in this tiny body.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A lot of depression and anxiety come as reoccurring thought patterns that are often brutal, like a car that keeps backing up and slamming into the same wall. I remember that moment, also in 2020, where I got my lab results from ongoing menstrual cycle problem that happen for years; only to find that I wasn't diagnosed with PCOS; instead I am a poor responder of AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormones); which is a condition where one has poor responding mechanism with ovulation/proliferation process. That's why my menstruation cycle had been wildly unstable. If people have normal amount of ovum, I have the below the normal amount. The lower you have it, the lower the chance you have good healthy eggs. And it will get decreased naturally with the process of aging. Harshly saying; I can enter menopause stage earlier, because my ovum level is down there. I have lower chance of being pregnant than anyone else as well and every passing day hits like a cruel clock. I still remember that day clearly, it was a day before Christmas: I was just finished with my eyelash-extension appointment (lol), and I got my result via friend who's working at the lab and send it right away to dr.Ciwi (my obgyn) and discussed it. I burst into massive tears in the car. I cried until my eyes swollen for two days. And I moved on with life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And now you guys understand why I rarely blog in 2020. Heartbreak, regrets, home situation, health problem, and other thing that I can't explain here. It was just too overwhelming. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I realized that I still have this episode of anxiety when some days I still have some random thoughts like; <i>"what if I'm always gonna be lonely"</i>, <i>"what if I will never bear a child due to my health"</i>, <i>"how if I can't escape home and responsibility"</i>, or <i>"two years from now, where will I be?"</i>; and this serial of "what if's" makes my heart beats so rapidly fast, my throat hurts, my stomach hurts, and my mood is ruined for the whole day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also realized that <b>FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) </b>has been around far longer than social media, social medias such as Instagram seem to trigger feelings that others are having more fun or living better lives than you are. It leaves many people feeling envious, angry, or simply unhappy. In the past, I used social medias to express my gratitude and art, whether it's just very awesomely-edited travel pictures and my random poetic captions. It felt great and releasing this dopamine in my head every time a "like" or "love" comes along. Now it has been quite a while since I found it toxic and make me compare my life with others. The feeling of unworthiness, under-achiever, and so on.. It needs to go for now. That's why I am saying goodbye to Instagram for almost two months already and I feel MUCH better.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seeing these people going on with their lives, makes me question about my entire life. It seems that I really lost my old-self. My old-self, however the problems might be, will always find a light at the end of the tunnel. Now it has been an ongoing problem for a while: the darkness seems endless. What do I really want now? What can really make me happy? I really want to live by myself just now, probably somewhere in Switzerland (lol), at least anywhere but this city. If I can't have my own little family near this time, solitude is the only thing that I am most comfortable with. Far away from family that's so uneasy to deal with. I have my own mind and sadly it's so easy being misunderstood. I guess our parents a.k.a boomers are never aware that we're living in different era. Our struggles are different. But you know what, fight me, but in the end parents are <b>always</b> more important. They would always come first. <i>Their needs</i> are the keys. <i>"Oh they are old, poor them. They are already stressed enough." </i>Sometimes I think that we, as children are <i>their</i> products, so we are expected to act in their behalf. And it controls our emotional well being, since we are a child. But if not voicing my opinion is the only way I could get rid of unhealthy confrontations that leads to no solution; or even more strain.. let me shut my mouth then.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At least writing this feels like "talking" to someone, finally.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>While depression can make it harder to see what is going well in my life and make my struggles all too apparent, rather than being a regular overthinker like I always do, cultivating a gratitude journal can help me see the overall picture of my life from a more balanced perspective, which help ease my symptoms. The thing that challenges me the most is the fact that I do have the tendency to hate my thoughts and try to "fight" it. That is so wrong. While on the other hand, what I should do is validating every feeling and not arguing with them. If that's what you feel, feel it. That's okay. That's normal. Don't deny it. If you feel jealous or mad, admit it. If you are happy, say it. Do you think you can be depressed and grateful at the same time? Yes. I am still feeling "the down mood" from time to time, like today, I feel like remembering bad some memories from last year, without me wanting it; it just came with no apparent trigger. Yeah, bad days still happened, I even had panic attack some days ago. But I decided to start meditating and doing breathing exercises. Then I looked at myself in the mirror and saying positive words. Positive affirmations. Words like:<b> I am beautiful, I am okay, I am loved. I am blessed. God loves me. I am okay.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it helped. It still helps now.</div><div><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Today, I am grateful that I was still able to workout for an hour. It was a damn good workout, I lost 400 calories. I am grateful that I bought dumbbells. It was a clever decision. I am grateful I got to feel the sun, I showered with warm mater, and I tend my plants. I am grateful I had a yummy meal for lunch. I am grateful that I am writing now.</b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>At the bottom of depression’s box there is hope. The very feeling of frailty gives me a window into the suffering of friends or other people who are waiting out this terror by themselves. The feeling of isolation awakens me that there are other people who are alone all the time. </div><div><br /></div>I am in good shape. I had a bad days, I still do, but that's okay. Every feeling is valid and every feeling is okay. I feel much better now, which seems bizarre given how much worse things are than they were then. I am not all by myself, and I have not lost everything. I don’t feel sorry for myself and I don’t think I am suffering more than others are, but I am suffering a bit differently. But I am okay. We're okay.<div><br /></div><div>Whatever happens, don't forget to breathe. </div>Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-64912328384020979422021-02-24T00:07:00.004+08:002021-04-08T19:46:45.492+08:00Daily Journal #2 : Something New<p style="text-align: justify;"> Hi, it's 2021.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><u>Quick life updates</u>: <b>I am still alive</b>, and <b>I got vaccinated</b>. Yeay.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's February already and I can't believe how the time always fool me. It feels just like yesterday when I promise to update hashtag <u>mydailyjournal</u> more often. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What's new? Oh, I bought my first car by the end of 2020. And for that I am very grateful. The first weeks I still pinched myself and smile stupidly from ear to ear. It was like "whoa is this real? Am I really driving my own car?" and I know this was the best decision I made lately because deep in my heart I knew my parents will never buy me one. They kept promising that they will do once I apply and got accepted at residency. But to be honest I know they can't afford it. Lol, it's not a problem tho. This is a very satisfying move since I don't owe them a dime. I don't have to feel 'guilty' for anything. I am the only person responsible for my own belongings. It's not new; it's a 2019 car. FYI, initially aimed for 2016 car. Thank God, I, very luckily, found the 2 years old car meets my budget. And he's really cute. He looks like new for God sake! Arrgh. I named him <b>Yeti </b>by the way. Merely because he's white. Yeah, lame, I know. And because of him, now I am back on being poor. But very grateful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP3s1it33L4dAVCs1aA9a3uGGYrwyY8gg30R7MA7-w0czguoGmfHfHZ2iEVmRx2V25XlBiudVay_DOnKlIskZWRxxiKs-Vz3viuOjU46Frivd-umIrtzh4A05mBvFq4FS7ZzjzPSkIS8/s1032/F24BB04A-F05D-4A44-A38C-893939F564E7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP3s1it33L4dAVCs1aA9a3uGGYrwyY8gg30R7MA7-w0czguoGmfHfHZ2iEVmRx2V25XlBiudVay_DOnKlIskZWRxxiKs-Vz3viuOjU46Frivd-umIrtzh4A05mBvFq4FS7ZzjzPSkIS8/w640-h360/F24BB04A-F05D-4A44-A38C-893939F564E7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Yeti really helps me in terms of mobilization, honestly. No more rush every morning, and confusion on which things I should bring to work (one is not a light packer at all), and everything's much more easier now. I need to wait until 30 yo 'till I get my own car but that's okay. Terima kasih ya Tuhan buat rezeki yang Engkau beri dan orang-orang yang membantu di dalam proses ini. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As you know, these past months I've been actively working out. Either it's at home or outdoor run. But actually I am a lil'bit behind this February, maybe it's because I have seen some progress the past 2 months and I'm easily impressed. To make up the laziness, I started working out again yesterday and today and my leg muscles felt heavy again. Once I fell back a bit, the flexibility and muscles start to protest. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I also start reading again. Realizing that social media, Instagram in particular, only triggers me towards bad mood lately, I decided to log out from it and creating other account with no followers. I just follow a few accounts that I thought "non provoking" once in a while and decided that I need healthy distraction. I watched some booktuber channel to find some insights on what books should I buy. A few days ago I went to Gramedia and bought three novels. I read two in 3-4 days and thankfully they are good. Especially the first one, <b>Rumah Lebah</b> by <b>Ruwi Meita</b>. It's an Indonesian novel, the first Indonesian psychological thriller novel that I ever read. It's surprisingly refreshing and enjoyable. I am gonna buy her other novel. The second one, <b>The Silent Patient</b> by <b>Alex Michaelides</b> is just okay. It's quite disappointing actually; if you want to judge based on the rave reviews. I just don't vibe with the character progression and plot line. The author tried to bring it into good direction but I just don't feel it. Now I am currently reading the third one, which is classic <b>Oscar Wilde</b>'s, <b>The Picture of Dorian Gray</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe7XVH7SfhtcLhnfE29WlJIW6qY7HbPNAGBA01bZi0rWFYZYkjriz7XFBrj2vBRUY5tkBB0MKzy0hWyKdKrc4lszSbZzvxIrOgaaj76eOIIMyNnddBSOaMPt0sfKJ1RrymV5syQg2rmg/s1126/ID_PBSP2019MTH12SP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe7XVH7SfhtcLhnfE29WlJIW6qY7HbPNAGBA01bZi0rWFYZYkjriz7XFBrj2vBRUY5tkBB0MKzy0hWyKdKrc4lszSbZzvxIrOgaaj76eOIIMyNnddBSOaMPt0sfKJ1RrymV5syQg2rmg/w270-h400/ID_PBSP2019MTH12SP.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoa70Xijtnr5qH9oQQ6mn4icLbps3dieL0-dCUv9GIQsL1evvGpEN3-jNK0rtqMK7XgSYwaS5F4PTH-BSqmX0AbLp5FgcKeTPNWj-dUOVy5BBvuDnoetL3PTs0O31RGQqnqRAfhGVUo4/s1110/ID_RL2019MTH09RL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoa70Xijtnr5qH9oQQ6mn4icLbps3dieL0-dCUv9GIQsL1evvGpEN3-jNK0rtqMK7XgSYwaS5F4PTH-BSqmX0AbLp5FgcKeTPNWj-dUOVy5BBvuDnoetL3PTs0O31RGQqnqRAfhGVUo4/w274-h400/ID_RL2019MTH09RL.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDziYlKO5IPfxKlWz2mQGRS5zkbQ6kqtIYRuBL46GtSzJMRLFCqvPNnnsN1HbTJGv1ErH8AS-h6LQ9qku86-vsXeQDBBIeOrBfn7sXkBq9BGjNS18UcXzGFEr0YiqRFM0ku2igEB6py0Q/s1244/ID_EC2019MTH09PDG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDziYlKO5IPfxKlWz2mQGRS5zkbQ6kqtIYRuBL46GtSzJMRLFCqvPNnnsN1HbTJGv1ErH8AS-h6LQ9qku86-vsXeQDBBIeOrBfn7sXkBq9BGjNS18UcXzGFEr0YiqRFM0ku2igEB6py0Q/w244-h400/ID_EC2019MTH09PDG.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-27852028557777588142020-11-26T23:28:00.001+08:002021-02-16T00:53:15.624+08:00Daily Journal #1 : Hi<div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Saying “hi” sometimes become the hardest part in a meeting. At least for me.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUQgduflHEsYt_NjrnwejuD0sVSh7RSwS-0WdaqccL_1XE5OZR4_Yakj9UTgR4UqmESHrXd7eueUUs5M5AgVrwJBRQRwBa-f1ES_IwanvbN9iVv_YahPfBWhnrirJ3Bo0uBnCxZfsvjg/s2016/IMG_2176.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUQgduflHEsYt_NjrnwejuD0sVSh7RSwS-0WdaqccL_1XE5OZR4_Yakj9UTgR4UqmESHrXd7eueUUs5M5AgVrwJBRQRwBa-f1ES_IwanvbN9iVv_YahPfBWhnrirJ3Bo0uBnCxZfsvjg/w480-h640/IMG_2176.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jangankan ke manusia, ke benda mati pun I’m still struggling. Like, right now. Even though, ironically, I am working in the field where I always say "hi" first; saying “hi” to you, my blog, fills me with some strange feeling. Why? I don’t know. Maybe because it’s been so long since we last spoke. Maybe because we “discover” our “new-self” in the temporary hiatus, and to meet each other again feels like two strangers in the scheme. 2020 has been crazy liquid, and to tell you it’s a ‘challenging year’ is an understatement. It changes me in a way I couldn't describe. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, we’re not going to describe how the year went. Otherwise, I am just simply trying to meet you again. Hoping to find the old comfort-zone that I always been honest with, more than anyone in the world. Because you are like this other reflection of my own existence. My silent spectator, friend, and safest place. You won’t judge and budge. I do hope to find my own inner child, inner teenager, and younger version of this 30 yo Liku, hoping that I will discover them to find some sort of… I don’t know, revelation? To get my <i>zen</i>? To find answer? I don’t know. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let’s just roaming freely and let the wind blow. And for now, I’m writing this daily journal in order to reach inner soul, or whatever is it. I just think this is the easiest thing to do to cope up with my anxiety. To feel <i>something</i>. Just writing anything that cross my mind, not thinking too much. And not being segmented like my other blog posts, not really think about the perfect grammar. Hell, I’m just gonna fucking write my life in daily basis. And by God’s grace, I hope this helps me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well again, how are you? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Me? I guess I’m fine at the moment. I’ve been in worse place. Currently I am alone at my new private space and finally a “proper” place to write without any fuss and noises. I just cleaned my whole room and bathroom; washed some dishes and clothes. I also did some 30 minutes workout and burn 200 calories. And shower. Not bad rite. Finally, I’m relaxing a bit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s been hard to relax these past months. Oh, I am not really busy if you ask; but my mind always filled with random thoughts and I really need to be careful with my own thoughts, sometimes it eats me out, and leads me to endless tears. That’s why I decided to be more active (physically) nowadays. Besides to losing fat (I am struggling to fit in my pants). By being active, my mind is not overly busy and I go to sleep easily. I am still far away to my goal weight and body, but at least there are other benefits to it. Gosh, it’s so hard to losing weight now! Kebayang ga sih, anda sudah olahraga capek-capek, BB cuma turun 200-300 gram. Trus sekali makan seporsi aja, berat langsung naik lagi 500 gram. Fucking metabolism. How different it was in my younger days, when it was so easy to lose weight. I remember I went to tae kwon do practice two – three times a week, but still eat anything that I want and still consistent with 42-45 kgs. Aging sucks. Lol. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well anyway, I guess that’s all for now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">See you again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-60161206931067482252020-09-19T01:41:00.044+08:002021-02-24T00:23:48.311+08:00Good Night<div style="text-align: justify;">Having not speaking neither writing in this place for months seems to make me (or my fingers) "numb" at one point. It's like going back to your "OG" place where you used to hang out, then found out the place doesn't excite you anymore. I guess that's what happened to me? Blog doesn't seem to be fun like it used to be, even knowing no one will read my shits (which is solely my biggest motivation to write freely).. It just doesn't become the place where I usually run to. Wait, actually this is confusing.. is it my blog, or just <u>writing</u> in particular that doesn't excites me anymore? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*a moment of silence* *literally stopping the typing*</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, probably both are just right. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I lost my motivation and 2020 just went on like that. I woke up to 2020 feeling pretty blessed, pretty great and pumped up, then *POOF* it's September already. Goodness. Time has fooled us thousand times, I am telling y'all. It's September in 2020, yes, I am 30 years old, having new ash-brown hair, still working at the same place, my skin feels much better than the past years (since I have found the right skincare and dermatologist for my skin), yet wondering <b>never have I ever feel that I hate myself more than I hate myself at the moment?</b> I guess the answer is no. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You read it right. Don't get me wrong tho, I am not writing this while sobbing my face with tears or being dramatic etc, the truth is I am doing this comfortably in my pajama, just showered, feeling fresh and I just calmly writing what I have in mind. Yea, tonight's theme is "<b>go where the water takes you</b>", and I am gonna write anything that I feel without any hesitation. No filters needed. It feels better that way, it feels like I am talking to someone that I can actually talk to, hearing, not judging and give some holistic-based-advices that is just feel "bbblaahhh" for me in a state where I am right now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh and where were we before? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, I hate myself for so many reasons I will not clarify (it will take hundred pages) for some moment lately, and I accept this fact wholeheartedly *sipping my coffee*. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>You thought you can redeem all your sins by doing some productive things. You found new hobbies only to found them doesn't work magic for long time, it was temporary. You pushed yourself to write some great, imaginary pieces to chase your main goal in 2020 (which you are not sure anymore if you can make it happen); only to found you disappointed in it... You doubt yourself and you are out of "feelings" to write something really meaningful to you. It was like trying to reach heaven while you are running right on top of hell. You have no foundation, no desire. You finally feel "empty" after months of countless anxiety episodes, late night and early morning non-sense cries, and some waking up in the middle of the night. Yes, it doesn't make me sad anymore. It feels like I am out of tears. It feels like I am numb to the bone. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those voices in my head, ugh, Lord. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just few weeks ago; I still drowned to some routine that makes me feel sick whenever I think of it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I usually woke up at certain o'clock and go to shower. And while I rubbed my body with soap, I.. can cry for no exact reason. I cry in the middle of the nights as well, but my really hard ass-crying was always in the morning, just after I wake up and go to shower. God, what's with this morning hormones. In other way, I feel safer sobbing while showering, knowing that no one will hear that ugly voice of mine. No one needs to know. Aandd, it was usually for nothing. I just feel sad, and I cry. Sometimes I cry in the office too, in my own room. But thank God no one seems to notice (yeay to face shield and mask, no more apparent red eyes). I am that one person who prefers professionalism at work and I better not let anyone know their doctor was in a crybaby-phase. Work helps, anyway. Even though it's also been exhausting as I am the only GP at the moment, it makes me <b>forget</b> for a while. Connecting with my nurses and office mates seems more natural and relieving these days. They don't know shit about my private life, they see me as a normal; quite cheerful person? I guess. While my own "best" friends are a little bit of disappointment nowadays. Not gonna go into details; but I funnily, and probably, shallowly, think that they are now closer to my ex-boyfriend than me. They hang out more, rather than with me, the one who's been their fella for many years and introduced them to each other; hook some of them up to get to know and being close friends until now. Life is unique the way you see it, isn't it?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am not angry at the moment. Anger, in this matter, is long gone. Bitter, probably. I learned my lesson that it's useless to be mad at something you can't control. It's all about choice and it's none of my shit to tell people what to do, who's to seeing and not seeing. I am learning that once friends started to keep secrets from you, or feel "immune" to your problems, it's only a gate or two to bigger problem for a possessive Leo friend like me. But well, anyway. I am glad that I passed the "please understand me" kind of begs and grow the fuck up. People just change, people come and go, and that's it. I am glad that they are happy anyway. Not everyone needs to be miserable like me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, all things considered, I finally decided to seek for help. I had consumed some pills which I found 50:50. It's helping in my insomniac episodes, yet it's useless to get rid of my morning "routine". It was probably ten days and I decided to not visit the doctor anymore. I tried to solve my own problems with my own steps. Actually, it's kinda working. When I established some new meditation routine for some weeks and moved from home to my new kosan, I stopped crying a lot. Yet nothing seems to fill that hole inside me. I am now in the state where I forget when was the last time I cry, but I also forget when was the last time I feel genuinely happy. It's just blank. It feels like I, (as cringey as it sounds) feel this emptiness inside me. Days are gone just like that and I have no real motivation to go on with future, like I don't know what I want to do rather than having a cute little kid with me to grow up with. <i>Well Liku, than you should make it happen!</i> Yea, I know, but all the steps that I've taken just felt odd and wrong. Whenever I decided to go with logic, feelings won. Whenever I took the feelings as my own base, it feels like "God where is my logic". </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes I just can't take <i><u>"wait"</u></i> for an answer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">"No" is better than "wait".</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It's like someone promises you cake but all the cakes you are seeing are in advertisements</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The thing is, where I am right now, I don't recognize myself anymore. <i>Who are you, girl?</i> Sometimes I feel like asking to the mirror. It looks like me, but it's not me. <i>You are confusing. You are conflicting yourself, you can't face the truth, you don't solve your problems only to add more, and you hate the condition where you grew up with. You are often brokenhearted when you don't need to. You have many health problems. You hurt so many people. Why would anyone like you? Why would anyone miss you? Why would anyone love you, after they know the "real" you? </i>If somebody will ever come to my face now and say they hate me, my response would be a smile and "oh thank you, but <b>I hate myself more than you do, darling.</b>"<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It feels like I always made the wrong decision. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But one thing I know for sure, tonight, I am not making one. I read this once again from the top and I feel content about it. If I have made any right decision tonight, it will be me writing on this blog, just to talk and get rid of things that has been burden me for days, weeks, months. Thank God. Even saying that I hate myself is relieving. It's what psychologist say: <i>"every feeling is valid."</i> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Truth being told, if there's one thing I can give from my random rambling tonight, it would be <u>take care of yourself.</u> Don't hide like me. Tell someone. Tell your parents, if they can listen, and not quickly judging. Tell your friends, your siblings, your religious leaders. If they don't judge. Not in my case. But you probably can. Seek professional help. It's been long since I accept that this pandemic has changed the world (including mine) forever, but it's harder to admit that I am depressed, yet as a doctor myself, I should recognize every time I feel my own body and soul is sick. Step aside those denials, and live to it. Being diagnosed to depression, it actually helps me to embody this "hole" inside me. At least there's a sole foundation or reason to it. Being diagnosed to PCOS is another thing but it's okay. I don't know what will happen to me in the future, but this is the first time I feel like "myself" for a moment after such a long time. That I am able to sit my ass on this chair, gather my thoughts and just being honest. Don't get too drowned you might hurt yourself... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am okay, I am breathing. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am doing good at work.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I can pay my needs.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am still healthy on some states. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I have my medication. </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I still have some people who loves me.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those are the thoughts I try to keep repeat over and over at myself every morning. Every time I open my eyes, staring to the ceiling, biking, go to work, doing my make-up, those are the things that I said to myself to keep me from crying. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even God, friends and family seems distant, my soul, as shattered as it may be, is here. I am fine. I am alive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hoahmm, by the way, it's late. I am grateful we can have this conversation. And I think I am going to nap now. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take care, you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Good night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-76069763570366958532020-04-20T18:01:00.002+08:002020-04-20T18:01:32.233+08:00Setahun Lalu Nonton John Mayer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZqOkuGFz6FXIuK2wQAuSZnOmvey3nFnI_AyTBcvuFQQ-aOnqCn_d7eR89y3ahyzyoCFqFLv4svE9pKUZvcHwfw04SfMYjjEmkVN3Wel4UY-F89y0BjgI3IaP1FZZW052WoHQ3nRzcGc/s1600/050387000_1554476408-John_Mayer_foto_by_Bambang_E_ros__2_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZqOkuGFz6FXIuK2wQAuSZnOmvey3nFnI_AyTBcvuFQQ-aOnqCn_d7eR89y3ahyzyoCFqFLv4svE9pKUZvcHwfw04SfMYjjEmkVN3Wel4UY-F89y0BjgI3IaP1FZZW052WoHQ3nRzcGc/s640/050387000_1554476408-John_Mayer_foto_by_Bambang_E_ros__2_.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">foto dari <a href="https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn1-production-images-kly.akamaized.net%2FLDgUyl8qJPAD5erxDKGAUL9i59g%3D%2F640x360%2Fsmart%2Ffilters%3Aquality(75)%3Astrip_icc()%3Aformat(jpeg)%2Fkly-media-production%2Fmedias%2F2770830%2Foriginal%2F050387000_1554476408-John_Mayer_foto_by_Bambang_E_ros__2_.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liputan6.com%2Fshowbiz%2Fread%2F3935392%2Fsheryl-sheinafia-pamer-dapat-setlist-dari-konser-john-mayer&tbnid=Za9ZJNlcyvcuIM&vet=12ahUKEwjvsua8wvboAhVajksFHQWJAIwQMygJegUIARDmAQ..i&docid=0QRThYPsvZ698M&w=640&h=360&q=john%20mayer%20jakarta&safe=strict&ved=2ahUKEwjvsua8wvboAhVajksFHQWJAIwQMygJegUIARDmAQ" target="_blank">sini</a></td></tr>
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Sebenarnya ini ngga tau juga mau nulis apa. Tapi berhubung sudah sebulan di rumah <i>doing nothing</i>, kerjaan juga ngga jelas sebenarnya kerja apa ndak, jadi saya putuskan untuk cerita-cerita ringan aja. </div>
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Sebenarnya bukan hari ini, tapi awal bulan April ini, adalah <b>tepat setahun sejak saya menonton konser John Mayer di Jakarta</b>. Kebetulan momen ini memang "sesakral itu" buat saya pribadi, jadi ya <i>why not</i>, mari kita kenang saja. </div>
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Mungkin saya sudah pernah cerita, kalo John Mayer adalah salah satu dari <b>musisi favorit saya di seluruh dunia</b>. Musisi yang mugkin paling banyak saya hapal lagu-lagunya. Makanya, begitu tau dia akan konser di Jakarta, tentunya saya sudah mengambil ancang-ancang untuk melototin hp sejam sebelum penjualan dan membeli tiket terdepan. Tapi berhubung ini John Mayer, saya tidak masuk dalam golongan orang beruntung, dan tidak mendapatkan tiket di kelas manapun. Tiket yang paling saya inginkan, Premium Festival, habis dalam 1 menit(?) kalo saya tidak salah ingat. Setelah bergelut sejam dan masih gagal, saya sampai panas dingin karena udah susah tidur masih gak dapet pula njir. Tapi setelah berdiskusi dengan teman saya <b>Rahmat</b>, yang juga ingin membeli tiket, maka kami sepakat untuk membeli tiket calo yang dijual oleh seseorang di Twitter. Untungnya, tiket tersebut kami sambar secepatnya, karena kalau tidak pasti udah habis juga. Walaupun benci sama si calo yang sempat-sempatnya menggunakan kesempatan ini untuk mengambil untung, saya dan Rahmat sangat bersyukur berhasil mendapatkan tiket Premium Festival idaman kami dengan harga yang .... hmm menurut saya masih reasonable, gak naik seratus persen juga. Banyak website calo dan orang-orang lainnya yang mendongkrak harga secara tidak berperikemanusiaan dan berperikeadilan.</div>
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Akhirnya saya pun berangkat ke Jakarta dan menonton konser di BSD City bersama Rahmat dan keluarga saya (ipar saya <b>Gadis</b>, dan adik-adik; <b>Dara</b> dan <b>Putri</b>). </div>
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Saking bersemangatnya, kami datang kepagian, dan kerumunan antrian masih kayak foto di bawah. Akhirnya kami putuskan untuk berjalan-jalan dulu di Mall Aeon, makan siang, dan minum boba. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHAqKewp007iusNj8BwDdHy-9Hhb6lI112k9vr6-Ve7hsrmAbsMqqFUyBX96CnsMvye0mSs_LOnAETaecX55Bl-9Jin9AERUsogBcsoHKxcgc6_VJpI54Wc4PsRrjnSRfce-9aJG_JrM/s1600/IMG_6129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHAqKewp007iusNj8BwDdHy-9Hhb6lI112k9vr6-Ve7hsrmAbsMqqFUyBX96CnsMvye0mSs_LOnAETaecX55Bl-9Jin9AERUsogBcsoHKxcgc6_VJpI54Wc4PsRrjnSRfce-9aJG_JrM/s640/IMG_6129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ipar saya yang baju item, lagi hamil jadi nontonnya duduk di VIP. Ponakan saya si <b>Tobias</b> (yang sekarang udah 9 bulan umurnya) dari janin udah dididik dengar JM, jadi awas aja kalo gede-gedenya dia ga suka.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uniknya pengalaman nonton konser ini: <b>berangkatnya rame-rame, tapi nontonnya beda kelas semua</b>. Saya dan Rahmat sekelas, tapi kepisah juga berdirinya soalnya saya tiba-tiba kebelet pipis beberapa saat sebelum konser mulai, dan pas balik, dia udah jauh di depan panggung :((</td></tr>
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Setelah menunggu lama, akhirnya pukul 8 malam mulai juga konsernya. Walaupun posisi berdiri saya sudah kegeser dari awal yang lumayan depan banget, tapi untungnya semakin lama konser berlangsung, saya bisa semakin menyelinap kedepan. Ada <b>Ega</b> juga (sodara ipar saya yang lain lagi, nyusul abis pulang kantor) yang nemenin. </div>
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Lihat John Mayer langsung itu <i><b>surreal</b></i> lah. Yah, bayangkan aja, anda sudah nge-fans sama penyanyi bule siapapun itu dari jaman kapan tahun, trus tiba-tiba ada aja gitu di depan mata anda, saya pun berdiri dengan jarak yang cukup dekat dari panggung. Lagu pertama muncul saya udah teriak-teriak ga karuan. Saking hepinya saya udah lupa berdiri selama dua jam.<i> Damn, he's more <b>awesome</b> in person</i>. Orangnya ganteng pol, karismatik, dan hobi ngelawak juga. Yang saya tidak habis-habis pikir, THE VOICE IS EVEN GREATER LIVE! Gila ya, saya udah sempat mikir sebelum konser <i>"duh, mudah-mudahan dia ga kelelahan karena dia juga lagi tur Asia.. Indo udah negara keberapa nih"</i>, tapi pikiran bodoh ku itu langsung dihempaskan dengan penampilan yang prima dan suaranya yang alamakjan jauh lebih bagus dari records-nya. Gils. Pengen nangis berkali-kali udah pasti lah itu hampir sepanjang konser.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hdCNmtmDGOohFbknXeDQMHTbo9Iy8WLHVgfP1UkxPTc_nSl4kzDcyKroosWZk3T2Du9RESIK1oUqbTglW9xQaiXqYpxdvnuYcZZeOWqUjNwhMwa9t90vyfDypXbhUbp0Kaf3JaA88J8/s1600/IMG_6188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hdCNmtmDGOohFbknXeDQMHTbo9Iy8WLHVgfP1UkxPTc_nSl4kzDcyKroosWZk3T2Du9RESIK1oUqbTglW9xQaiXqYpxdvnuYcZZeOWqUjNwhMwa9t90vyfDypXbhUbp0Kaf3JaA88J8/s640/IMG_6188.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQTS_LTLJrvut1W7I3oLOd0AVswWIAd7iH-1FkOnyd84CfHNcpLf2gUKdbGR-Iat39ysPPh6gSKDk6EZA-HSmbXSnPFJMGdKLSzn-ZFJ8q93JY6adG09_dCc0K5jHH_Fg371lS46H5nU/s1600/IMG_6217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQTS_LTLJrvut1W7I3oLOd0AVswWIAd7iH-1FkOnyd84CfHNcpLf2gUKdbGR-Iat39ysPPh6gSKDk6EZA-HSmbXSnPFJMGdKLSzn-ZFJ8q93JY6adG09_dCc0K5jHH_Fg371lS46H5nU/s640/IMG_6217.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ga janjian pake headband sama babang John kok bisa samaan :(</td></tr>
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Intinya ya tentunya berbahagia adalah kata yang tepat. Nyaris semua lagu yang dibawakan saya bisa nyanyikan (baca: teriakkan), dan secara sound juga perfect sih. Mulus. Walaupun tampilan doi sangat sederhana, tapi "momen <i>throwback</i>-ing" itu udah sangat menggambarkan tingkat ke-religius-an konser ini. Beberapa lagu yang dibawakan membawa saya kembali ke masa-masa dimana saya sangat menggandrungi lagu -lagu tersebut. Massanya juga keren sih. <i>At least </i>penonton mas-mas yang di sekeliling saya, hampir semua hapal lagu-kagunya jadi kita kompakan teriak bareng. Cuman ini uniknya lagi, Ega "menyerah" lupa di lagu keberapa, jadi dia izin mundur ke belakang, mungkin udah cape banget berdiri, jadi terpaksa saya pun lanjut sendirian. Sungguh sebuah pengalaman tak terlupakan menonton konser se-<i>magical</i> ini sendirian. Hiks. Seandainya ada Dara dan Uti, ga kebayang dah kita pasti udah peluk-pelukan dan galau-galauan bareng. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_pgfwj8219uaHhej_mgNtMBFfleRZ5y5Gh4DsS1EZqUkTsfbeZve4YIavnGSwjDlj7qhKf5D20vL1s6aUDtvIHnO2dfL_BjfxJbRHvzzpczcWVcAttHiyDOt61_vQytQ6AKa_TtWp6s/s1600/D3cTnWxV4AA__Of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_pgfwj8219uaHhej_mgNtMBFfleRZ5y5Gh4DsS1EZqUkTsfbeZve4YIavnGSwjDlj7qhKf5D20vL1s6aUDtvIHnO2dfL_BjfxJbRHvzzpczcWVcAttHiyDOt61_vQytQ6AKa_TtWp6s/s640/D3cTnWxV4AA__Of.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">setlist diambil dari IG babang John.</td></tr>
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Ya saya bisa dibilang puas banget nonton konser itu. Setlist-nya, walau tidak semua lagu andalan saya dibawakan (Daughters? Born and Raised? Age of Worry?), tapi no complain lah. Segini aja saya udah bersyukur banget. Saya ingat, tahun lalu saya masih kerja di RS dan klinik, mengatur waktu untuk nonton konser itu juga lumayan ribet. Dan biaya tiket PP Jakarta + tiket konser yang calo itu juga lumayan bikin "hemmm" kalo dipikir-pikir, but <i>I am grateful that I can afford it</i>. Udah banyak hal-hal yang saya anggap '<i>luxury</i>' yang boleh terjadi di kehidupan saya, dan saya ingat dulu.. waktu masih remaja, membayangkan mau nonton konser artis luar di Jakarta pun tentunya adalah sebuah kemewahan dan pastinya nggak bakal dikasih duit ama ortu karena dianggap tidak terlalu penting. Saya ingat waktu saya SD, saya ingin sekali nonton Westlife di Jakarta (btw tahun lalu juga saya sudah beli tiket Westlife <i>live in </i>Jakarta, tapi terpaksa saya jual karena waktu yang tidak memungkinkan). Saya selalu ingat ibu saya dulu selalu berkata :<i> "makanya cepat-cepat moko lulus sekolah dan cari duit sendiri biar ko bisa beli apapun yang ko mau."</i> </div>
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Dan pada akhirnya, semakin saya bertambah tua, saya pun sudah nonton Java Jazz yang banyak artis luar perform, saya bahkan sudah nonton Michael Buble di Kuala Lumpur, dan John Mayer yang dulu seperti tak tergapai pun akhirnya saya nonton juga.</div>
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Mengenang ini di tengah wabah Corona, betul-betul mengingatkan saya akan memori-memori menyenangkan yang saya diizinkan untuk mengalaminya sebelum wabah menyerang. Sekarang kan semua konser dibatalkan tuh. Sedih banget yang udah beli tiket harus refund. Tapi saya percaya suatu saat kita semua akan bernyanyi bersama lagi. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDTMO9fG5qToRPDM16Qcw7zY628aEOHbaQNbMcECzoKy-xrpA2rX4tbRpQtabA8UGF9ikuUJNS1Q-bDGcYJSgiRSYl8X2glmOp0RJosPl9jYz5okGsQUaZXrJfl_Lzjii_x4OTyYYk-Q/s1600/john-mayer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDTMO9fG5qToRPDM16Qcw7zY628aEOHbaQNbMcECzoKy-xrpA2rX4tbRpQtabA8UGF9ikuUJNS1Q-bDGcYJSgiRSYl8X2glmOp0RJosPl9jYz5okGsQUaZXrJfl_Lzjii_x4OTyYYk-Q/s640/john-mayer.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-30917069963737564692020-02-01T02:34:00.003+08:002020-02-04T16:38:01.990+08:00Books I Read in 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saat berada dalam <i>fase babi</i> (fase sebutan saya sendiri, di mana seorang anak manusia hanya ingin tidur, ngemil dan bermalas-malasan) niat menulis/<i>blogging</i> tentunya hanya tinggal niat yang menguap. Tapi berhubung saya sudah punya target di tahun 2020 untuk lebih produktif menulis, dan tidak menelantarkan blog yang telah saya bangun sejak 2009 ini, maka sekalian saja saya lanjutkan series "<b>Best of 2019</b>" yang biasanya memang saya buat tiap tahun.</div>
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Sekarang mari kita bahas mengenai buku/novel yang saya baca di tahun 2019. Tentunya saya tidak membaca banyak, berhubung sejak kehadiran <i>smartphone</i> di dunia ini, minat baca saya sangat merosot drastis dan itu merupakan sebuah fakta yang menyedihkan. Tapi saya bersyukur tahun 2019 masih lebih mending dibanding tahun 2018; yang sungguh miskin literasi. Tahun lalu saya ketemu sebuah serial baru yang menarik dan berjumlah lima buku, tentunya itu sangat menghibur hati saya yang selama ini "haus" akan karya yang dapat ditunggu-tunggu tiap tahunnya. Tanpa berpanjang lebar lagi, mari kita mulai.</div>
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Oh iya, btw kenapa postingan ini tumben berbahasa Indonesia, karena saya sungguh sudah terlalu bersemangat untuk meresensi buku-buku ini dan tidak ingin membuang lebih banyak waktu untuk memikirkan postingan <i>full English</i>-nya (jujur, terkadang sangat melelahkan). Dan juga tahun 2020 ini, saya memang (((berikrar))) untuk memperbanyak jumlah tulisan saya yang berbahasa Indonesia, baik baku maupun tidak baku. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlCc-ZmmXs2CwYgWAe27IR-kNWpW4WJpaJvf3QxCLhF_XtI7qiL6CB9zZwZE5XRLH_HHE3BxDODiRoBouH4zw2a04l-4me0zdLegJezoipJHcZ3r5Akhxj5Izb4vtN91eRcLU9cN0tkc/s1600/book-cover-To-Kill-a-Mockingbird-many-1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlCc-ZmmXs2CwYgWAe27IR-kNWpW4WJpaJvf3QxCLhF_XtI7qiL6CB9zZwZE5XRLH_HHE3BxDODiRoBouH4zw2a04l-4me0zdLegJezoipJHcZ3r5Akhxj5Izb4vtN91eRcLU9cN0tkc/s640/book-cover-To-Kill-a-Mockingbird-many-1961.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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Sebelumnya mohon maaf, saya harus mengakui suatu hal. Saya sudah memiliki novel ini sejak bertahun-tahun, tahun dan tahun yang lalu... daaaan <b>saya baru membacanya sampai habis tahun lalu</b>. <i>Yes</i>. Itu memang sebuah fakta yang memalukan, mengingat novel ini bisa dikatakan "legendaris" dalam dunia literatur. Mengapa demikian? Saya pun tidak tahu kenapa, sepertinya saat itu saya yang masih sekitar usia SMA dan memiliki kesabaran pendek, tidak sanggup untuk berkomitmen membacanya sampai habis, dikarenakan alur awalnya yang agak lambat. Naahh, berhubung tahun lalu (sebelum saya menemukan serial Lockwood & Co., yang akan saya<i> review </i>juga di bawah) akutu bosan bengheett dan buku yang saya beli selalu "gagal" untuk memuaskan dahaga saya yang rindu buku bagus, akhirnya saya membongkar lagi lemari buku saya dan menemukan novel ini tergeletak cantik, tanpa noda, tanpa lipatan dan berdebu. Saya pun memutuskan untuk membacanya, dan sejak saat itu saya tidak bisa melepaskan buku ini dari genggaman saya. </div>
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<b><u>Sinopsis:</u></b></div>
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<b><i>Bertempat di kota kecil selatan Maycomb tahun 1930-an saat masa “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression">Great Depression</a>” di Amerika Serikat, cerita berputar pada Scout, kakak laki-lakinya Jeremy “Jem” Finch, dan ayahnya yang seorang pengacara, Atticus Finch. To Kill a Mockingbird mengikuti tiga tahun dalam kehidupan Scout, Jem, dan ayah mereka, Atticus - tiga tahun yang diwarnai oleh penangkapan dan pengadilan terhadap seorang pria kulit hitam muda yang dituduh memperkosa seorang wanita kulit putih. Atticus ditunjuk oleh pengadilan untuk membela Tom Robinson, seorang negro yang dituduh tersebut. Meskipun ceritanya mengeksplorasi tema-tema besar, Harper Lee memilih untuk menceritakannya melalui mata seorang anak. </i></b></div>
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<b>To Kill a Mockingbird</b> jadi <u>bacaan wajib di kelas-kelas di Amerika Serikat</u> bukan karena tanpa sebab. Karya ini inspiratif, ditulis dengan indah, dan memberikan pelajaran mengenai keadilan, kesetaraan dan kemanusiaan. Lewat penuturan seorang <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Jean-Louise “Scout” Finch</b></span> yang berumur enam tahun, <b>Harper Lee</b> menceritakan dengan amat baik problematika yang mungkin tabu untuk dibicarakan secara terang-terangan oleh orang dewasa saat itu di Amerika: <i><b>rasialisme</b></i>. Lewat pandangan dan pemahaman Scout yang polos, pembaca akan disuguhi bagaimana mengerikannya kebencian antar ras (putih dan hitam) saat itu. <i>It was so easy back then to judge black people</i>, walaupun itu belum tentu benar. Prasangka jugalah yang membuat warga Maycomb memberikan stigma negatif ke Atticus (paling kentara adalah sebutan <i>"nigger-lover"</i>), karena membela <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tom Robinson</span></b>, seorang negro yang dituduh memperkosa <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mayella Ewell</span></b>, anak dari <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Bob Ewell</span></b>, seorang pemabuk, yang selama ini dicap sebagai sampah masyarakat. Hanya karena Keluarga Ewells berkulit putih, warga kota kehilangan rasionalitasnya. Selain itu ada juga kisah mengenai tetangga mereka, <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Boo Radley</span></b>, warga kota yang dikucilkan karena tidak pernah terlihat keluar dari rumahnya dan dianggap "aneh" oleh masyarakat.</div>
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To Kill a Mockingbird ini novel yang menyentuh, indah, dan memang wajib ada di rak buku tiap rumah. Lewat buku ini, orang tua bisa belajar dari teladan <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Atticus Finch</span></b>, seorang <i>single father </i>yang membesarkan anak-anaknya dengan nilai-nilai yang penting dan tetap tidak berkesan "menggurui". Untuk seorang pria di tahun 1930-an, Atticus memang tokoh yang progresif kala itu. Selain nilai <i>parenting</i>-nya, disini juga kita banyak melihat hal-hal lainnya yang lazim dialami ditemui di dunia nyata, seperti cara bersosialisasi dengan tetangga dan hubungan dengan saudara yang juga digambarkan dengan manis oleh duet kakak beradik Jem-Scout. Saya bersyukur sekali karena sukses menyelesaikan buku ini dan sukses merasa tolol sebab baru menyadari betapa bagusnya novel yang sudah bertahun-tahun "bersarang" di rak buku saya T-T. <i>Anyway, I can't stress enough how much you need to buy this book. It's a masterpiece, classic, such a beautiful and moving story</i>.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>2. Lockwood & Co. series (Jonathan Stroud)</b></span></div>
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Serial ini terdiri dari lima novel dan udah selesai pas saya baru mau mulai membacanya. Awalnya sih mau ngetes satu dulu karena setelah <i>searching-searching review</i> novel fiksi di YouTube, serial ini selalu masuk dalam daftar rekomendasi. Ceritanya ya tipe-tipe kesukaanku, cerita yang tokohnya anak-anak muda dalam dunia fantasi yang tidak masuk akal dan banyak <i>mejik-mejiknya</i>. Nah kebetulan serial ini mengangkat topik hantu. Yep, hantu. </div>
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<b><u>Sinopsis :</u></b> (semua sinopsis di postingan ini disadur dari penerbit resmi btw)</div>
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<i><b>Selama lebih dari lima puluh tahun, Inggris terkena epidemi hantu yang mengerikan. Sejumlah Lembaga Investigasi Psikis bermunculan untuk menghancurkan penampakan berbahaya. Lucy Carlyle, agen muda berbakat, tiba di London berharap untuk karir yang terkenal. Sebaliknya dia menemukan dirinya bergabung dengan agen terkecil dan paling sederhana di kota, dijalankan oleh pemuda bernama Anthony Lockwood yang karismatik. Ketika salah satu dari kasus mereka menjadi sangat salah, Lockwood & Co. memiliki satu kesempatan terakhir untuk penebusan. Sayangnya ini melibatkan menghabiskan malam di salah satu rumah paling berhantu di Inggris, dan berusaha melarikan diri hidup-hidup.</b></i></div>
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Urutan bukunya udah sesuai dengan gambar di atas, dari nomor 1 ke 5 itu mulai dari kiri ke kanan. Nah, kisah buku kedua dan seterusnya adalah lanjutan petualangan gadis bernama <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Lucy Carlyle</span> </b>bersama<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> Lockwood & Co</span></b>.; sebagai <b>agen hantu</b> (semacam Ghostbusters) <b>yang menumpas hantu-hantu gentayangan di Inggris</b>. Jadi hantu-hantu itu bergentayangan karena masih ada urusan yang belum kelar di dunia, dan jiwa mereka diikat oleh "sumber", yaitu benda milik si hantu waktu mereka hidup, yang dimana mereka memiliki ikatan emosional dengan benda itu. Nah tugas besar agen hantu adalah untuk mencari sumber-sumber ini dan memusnahkannya.</div>
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Tiap buku kasus hantunya berbeda-beda, tapi ada lanjutan konflik yang sama dari buku 1 hingga 5. Kalo saya sih nyaranin tetap bacanya berurutan. Nah pendapat saya pribadi, buku ini bagus dan menyenangkan untuk dibaca, tidak sekanak-kanak <b>Percy Jackson</b>, tapi tidak juga sedewasa <b>The Lord of The Rings</b>. Ibaratnya, Percy Jackson itu mungkin untuk 15 tahun ke bawah, TLOTR untuk 20 tahun ke atas, nah Lockwood & Co. ini pas lah buat semua umur. Saya suka sama karakter <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Anthony Lockwood</b></span> dan partnernya <b><span style="color: #38761d;">George Cubbins</span></b>, dua-duanya tokoh yang unik dan menarik. Tokoh Lucy sendiri kadang-kadang menjengkelkan,<i> not my favorite main character</i>. Novel ini makin kebelakang makin memunculkan banyak tokoh yang menarik-menarik banget. Yang paling saya suka dari novel ini adalah kesuksesan si penulis, <b>Jonathan Stroud</b>, untuk membuat ceritanya makin lama makin seru. Novel yang paling terakhir (<b>The Empty Grave</b>) memang yang paling klimaks menurut saya, dan endingnya pun cukup memuaskan. Jonathan Stroud sudah lama terkenal lewat seri <b>Bartimaeus trilogy </b>(sudah saya <i>review</i> juga di blog ini,<i> check <a href="https://pieceofgrey.blogspot.com/search/label/books">here</a> to see my other book reviews</i>), tapi saya pribadi jauh lebih menyukai serial Lockwoon & Co. Rasanya menamatkannya pun cukup sedih karena kapan lagi ada serial yang ditunggu-tunggu seperti ini, yang bisa dibaca sebelum tidur, dibawa-bawa pergi kerja.... aakkkk. <i>Anyway, I highly recommend this series for any of you who's into young adults fiction </i>(atau penggemar hantu). </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>3. Lethal White (Robert Galbraith)</b></span></div>
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Ini adalah novel yang telah saya tunggu sekian lama... bertahun-tahun menanti tiap kelanjutannya, dan akhirnya kebaca juga. Saya yang kering literasi beberapa tahun terakhir ini akhirnya dapat membaca lanjutan dari serial detektif <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Cormoran Strike</b> </span>karya Tante <b>J.K Rowling </b>(yang menyamar jadi Om <b>Robert Galbraith)</b> yang sudah membuatku jatuh cinta dari awal terbit novelnya bertahun-tahun yang lalu. Berhubung ini adalah satu-satunya serial <i>crime</i>/detektif yang saya baca di antara tumpukan buku fantasi lainnya yang saya baca tahun lalu, tentunya saya sangat berekspektasi tinggi terhadap novel ini. </div>
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<b><u>Sinopsis </u></b>: </div>
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<i><b>Billy, seorang pemuda dengan gangguan kejiwaan, datang ke kantor Cormoran Strike untuk meminta bantuan menyelidiki kejahatan yang dilihatnya semasa kecil. Walaupun Billy jelas-jelas sakit parah, ada kesan tulus pada dirinya dan cerita yang dia sampaikan sehingga membuat Strike resah. Namun, sebelum Strike sempat menanyainya lebih jauh, Billy kabur dengan panik dari kantornya.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Untuk membuktikan kebenaran cerita Billy, Strike dan Robin Ellacott—dulu asistennya, kini partner di biro detektifnya—menyusuri jalur berkelok-kelok yang membawa mereka dari jalanan London, masuk ke jantung Parlemen, hingga ke rumah megah yang indah namun mencurigakan jauh di pedalaman.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Sementara penyelidikan berjalan, kehidupan pribadi Strike tak kalah berliku: sebagai detektif terkenal dia tidak lagi bisa bekerja sembunyi-sembunyi. Hubungannya dengan partnernya pun kian rumit—Robin telah menjadi bagian penting dalam bisnisnya, tapi hubungan mereka kini memasuki ranah yang benar-benar pelik.</b></i></div>
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Ya masih menggunakan formula yang sama, kasus detektif yang dijelaskan dengan deskriptif dan dramatik dengan gaya bahasa yang udah gak asing bagi saya (<i>very J.K Rowling, if you know what I mean</i>). Suasana kota London yang kental, penggambaran tempat, waktu, situasi, maupun suasana hati tokoh-tokohnya digambarkan dengan rinci oleh si penulis, yang bagi beberapa orang mungkin bisa saja terasa agak menjemukan. Tentunya untuk lanjutan <u>drama Strike-Robin-Matthew</u> (plus pacar baru Strike) sangat saya nanti-nantikan dan hasilnya memuaskan. Bacanya juga jadi sedikit emosi. <i>Lol</i>. Untuk kasusnya sendiri, <i>to be honest, nothing special. Well, of course it is a well-crafted; well-thought-case, but still I found it fell flat compared to</i> <b>The Cuckoo's Calling </b>(buku pertama)<i> and </i><b>Career of Evil</b> (buku ketiga). Ini adalah novel Strike pertama yang bisa saya tebak pelakunya sebelum mencapai akhir novel. Tapi saya mengapresiasi peran JKR yang memasukkan isu-isu politik, pemerintahan dan feminisme dengan baik ke dalam kasusnya. </div>
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Walaupun bukan novel Strike terbaik menurut saya, tetap saja ini adalah sebuah suguhan yang berkualitas. <i>Thank you so much btw</i> buat Bagus, yang udah mau dititipin novel ini (walaupun nyasar sampe ke Jambi) dan gak mau diganti duitnya wkwk (<i>if you read this, I owe you one, remind me sometimes). </i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>4. The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm (Christopher Paolini)</b></span></div>
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Pengen nangis sih, waktu akhirnya bisa memegang buku ini. Kenapa deh sentimentil? Kareenaa ini adalah lanjutan kisah<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> Eragon</span></b> dari serial <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Inheritance Cycle</b></span> yang legendaris, merupakan salah satu serial fantasi favoritku sepanjang masa. Kalau kalian belum tahu, Eragon adalah kisah tentang seorang pemuda desa di negeri<b> Alagaesia</b> yang menemukan telur naga, ia membesarkan naga itu dan menamainya <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Saphira</span></b>, dan bersama-sama dengan Saphira mereka bertumbuh, berlatih dan bertualang bersama untuk melawan tirani Raja Galbatorix yang kejam. Serial ini adalah sebuah mahakarya fantasi yang sejajar dengan <b>Harry Potter</b> dan <b>The Lord of The Rings</b>, yang udah menjadi patokan tersendiri bagiku untuk menilai kualitas sebuah kisah fantasi. Udah lama saya memupuskan harapan soal kemungkinan ada kelanjutan dari kisah Eragon ini, tapi tetap nge-<i>follow</i> penulisnya di sosmed dengan harapan akan ada karya-karya lain yang sama bagusnya.</div>
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Nah, pas doi bilang akan menerbitkan sebuah kumpulan cerita pendek yang akan menceritakan lanjutan kisah Eragon setelah momen di buku terakhir, saya udah gembira bukan kepalang dan menanti lumayan lama hingga akhirnya bisa memilikinya (titip sama kakak pas lagi ke Singapore dan lagi-lagi dibeliin, Puji Tuhan rezeki orang baik emang selalu ada aja, tolong jangan ditampol). Berhubung saya baca bukunya yang versi English, jadi sinopsisnya juga dalam English aja ya. </div>
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<b><i>Welcome back to the world of Alagaësia. It’s been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs, and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective. This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon’s own unfolding adventure. Included is an excerpt from the memoir of the unforgettable witch and fortune-teller Angela the herbalist . . . penned by Angela Paolini, the inspiration for the character, herself! Relish the incomparable imagination of Christopher Paolini in this thrilling new collection of stories based in the world of the Inheritance Cycle.</i></b></div>
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Novel <b>Tales from Alagaesia </b>ini dibagi menjadi tiga cerita pendek yang dikisahkan dari sudut pandang <b>Eldunari, Angela,</b> dan <b>Urgal</b>. Buku ini tetap wajib punya untuk pecinta Eragon, secara <i>come on</i>...apa lagi yang kalian tunggu? <i>Buuutt.... let me remind you, it's 'cute'.. but don't get too hyped 'cause it's not Eragon level</i>. Buku ini lebih ke ya itu, kumpulan cerita pendek dari sudut pandang non-tokoh utama, yang mungkin bagi beberapa penggemar Eragon akan kurang "memuaskan", <i>because it's not the fifth book</i>. Lebih ke pengobat rindu sama dunia Alagesia aja sih. <i>On the other hand</i>, menarik juga untuk menyimak cerita dari sudut pandang tokoh-tokoh lain di serial ini, seperti si penyihir ekstentrik dan misterius Angela. <i>But I admit I needed MORE pages to satisfy myself and unluckily, it was cut short - literally.</i> Tapi lumayanlah buat nostalgia dan mudah-mudahan lanjutannya akan segera muncul yess.</div>
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Akhir kata, sebenarnya mungkin ada beberapa buku lagi yang sudah saya baca di 2019 tapi cuma yang saya jabarkan di atas yang paling membekas di hati. Terima kasih sudah menyimak. Oh iya, mohon dengan sangat nih, kalo ada rekomendasi novel yang kiranya dapat menarik hati saya, tolong dikomen di bawah yaaa. Demi tingkat literasi yang lebih baik di 2020.</div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-7557210840049702112020-01-31T21:04:00.002+08:002020-02-04T16:49:48.320+08:00My Best of 2019 - Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">INTERNATIONAL PLAYLIST</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">1. "</span><span style="color: purple;"><b>wanna take this downtown?"</b>, "<b>Heads in The Clouds II"<i> </i>(NIKI)</b></span></span><br />
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Well, if you haven't know it, 2018 was the year when I fell head over heels for this young lady. I reviewed her first EP, <b>Zephyr</b>, in <a href="http://pieceofgrey.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-best-of-2018-music.html">this post</a>. And my love for her hasn't changed in 2019. NIKI was quite busy last year; she launched her second EP, <b><span style="color: #e69138;">wanna take this downtown?</span></b>, which consists of 4 songs, and a compilation album with all the other 88Rising artists, <b><span style="color: #e69138;">Head in The Clouds II</span></b>, where she wrote 3 songs. </div>
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To be honest, I like the first EP better than the second one, merely because the first one is more '90's R&B-ish', and for me, offers a lot more ranges, while WTDT? itself only consists of <b>4 songs </b>with more pop and electronic sound. It's just my personal preference anyway, but of course the entirety of the EP’s production is equally fun, admirably clean and easy to digest. But excuse me can we talk about the songs in Heads in The Clouds II... <b>"La La Lost You"</b>, <b>"Couldn't Shouldn't Wouldn't"</b> and <b>"Strange Land"</b>, come on. Those are diamonds. And the lyrics are just plain great. It’s nothing like those repetitive words, and the way she plays with rhymes ain't playin' girll. It’s just so inspiring. Her vocabulary of sophisticated words, especially knowing that NIKI was <b><u>born and raised in Indonesia</u></b>, is beyond imagination. I specifically love the <b>acoustic versions</b> (watch it on<b> Spotify</b> and <b>YouTube</b>, thank me later). These 3 songs even sounds better when she sing it at that live acoustic session! Together with catchy and hottie <b>"Indigo</b>" as the other single in HITC II, those 4 were my favorites from NIKI last year.</div>
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I tell you times and I am gonna' tell you again now, I love NIKI so much and she's gonna be a star someday. Mark my words. I can't wait for the debut full album (Moonchild) that will be released this year. Yeayy.</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">2. "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" (Billie Eilish)</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBNqWhm8x9_4ALQB61HZfHBz4O6pJFtif3ERQqIUnoqtenrUCArAgqV-ek1Y0K_PNCb2bvknwiCjo7MOn3GmLMPe9G6WJ7y-i4ylxZIh3P6eSwkh-Drm87naucgY7wil8OOrSQhrtXac/s1600/340ad5b2b1163aa2333a8efc0815b84f.1000x1000x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBNqWhm8x9_4ALQB61HZfHBz4O6pJFtif3ERQqIUnoqtenrUCArAgqV-ek1Y0K_PNCb2bvknwiCjo7MOn3GmLMPe9G6WJ7y-i4ylxZIh3P6eSwkh-Drm87naucgY7wil8OOrSQhrtXac/s640/340ad5b2b1163aa2333a8efc0815b84f.1000x1000x1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Billie Eilish </b>is a 17 year-old teenager turned pop music prodigy. Recorded with the help of her older brother, <b>Finneas, </b>in their family home in Los Angeles. It’s an album full of avant-pop with hyper-modern songs. It's kinda hard for me to describe this album, because I rarely listen to this kind of music. The <u>moody beats</u> and <u>Billie's haunting voice</u> makes me excited the first time I listen to this album. The production is interesting, there's a clean electronic edge to everything that feels very new to me (again, I didn't heard many of this "kind" of sound before). Well, the lyricism can be way too over the top sometimes but when you consider her age and where she is coming from, her perspective is understandable and I feel like there is always a place for <i>"gen Z with every emotion that they want to express immediately"- </i>sort of albums. I wish I have heard this album when I was in her age, in the peak of my-very-emotional-state. Lol. Some of my favorites are <b>"Bad Guy"</b>, <b>"when the party's over"</b> and <b>"wish you were gay" </b>where Eilish means to profess her love for a boy and it was sadly one-sided. But in the disguise of accepting that he’s just not that into her, Eilish wrote it in a conclusion that’s easier on the ego: <i>“To spare my pride,”</i> she sings, <i>“To give your lack of interest an explanation/I’m not your type/Maybe I’m not your preferred sexual orientation.” </i>Ha!</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">3. "Free Spirit" (Khalid)</span></b></div>
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<b>Khalid Robinson</b> is back with his new album titled<b> <span style="color: #e69138;">Free Spirit</span></b>, after his first release back in 2017, <b><span style="color: #e69138;">American Teen</span></b> (I like that one as well). In American Teen, Khalid was a lonely American teen sing softly and sweetly about coming of age (young, dumb, and broke), and that formula made him as a "fresh wind" of the new R&B movement. He's 21 now, and that Khalid is still there. He stays true to the sound that gained him his ever growing popularity. Khalid has some features on his sophomore album, including <b>SAFE</b>, and <b>John Mayer</b>. However, he holds onto his rich vocals and smooth beats, creating a good mix between calm and fun songs. The album is cohesive, and each song flows into the next. Free Spirit is full of ballads, lyrics that make an impression, and just enough personal touches that we feel like we’re really getting to know Khalid. What I like about Khalid is the fact that Khalid stays true to his root and doesn't use any slang or bad words (not that I don't like it), dunno, it's just differentiate him from other R&B singers in this era. Btw, every time I listen to Khalid's albums, it just took me back to my training days in Jakarta last year (I always used this album as my shower tunes). </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>4. "I Used To Know Her" (H.E.R)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHkyfZx6hdZlaEmINM9QQ1TgMJWOPI7eT6RebcDR8xsoobg1Dbi_UxQbdqwmWuPmim10jF8-EPtLpNHxWY1FcPCUR87XBLTD50J1_kcIQQW9DsNohXECSRexc7sstgCgE0c8q7Knt2CY/s1600/0e6d0747e088a4073f18664b99fbc4cf.600x600x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHkyfZx6hdZlaEmINM9QQ1TgMJWOPI7eT6RebcDR8xsoobg1Dbi_UxQbdqwmWuPmim10jF8-EPtLpNHxWY1FcPCUR87XBLTD50J1_kcIQQW9DsNohXECSRexc7sstgCgE0c8q7Knt2CY/s640/0e6d0747e088a4073f18664b99fbc4cf.600x600x1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>H.E.R</b>. (real name <b>Gabriela Wilson</b>) is definitely one of my favorite R&B soul artists right now. She has a beautiful voice, so real, and writes lyrics beautifully. Whenever I feel like chill, and just want to stay in my room doing nothing all day, I always playing her music with the shuffle mode, and literally almost every song is soo good. I highly recommend her music. Her soulful voice and her lyrics which covers various topics from love, brokenhearted, to politic-and even gospel, takes you on an emotional journey. My favorites will be <b>"Hard Place"</b>, <b>"Fate"</b> and <b>"I'm Not Ok"</b>. She's just 22, but she's accomplished so much in the music industry, with a "mature" feel of the album and Grammy in hand. My only complain is "<b><span style="color: #e69138;">I Used To Know Her</span></b>" could've and should've been a bit shorter. 19 tracks is just too much.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>5. "Lover" (Taylor Swift)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgVzjqBiA5zCsiCZDL6Of7KUe98wzHdvmjMK93olG2H61x2xc8wwNnaykYmFg49W4duED-_RiNop4CfX9ux1KbMcmyolYUV6XkZbdREeOkapgjtJzfJdZ8NP8V-SKOmWTpagWsneDk9U/s1600/71RfNE3rIyL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgVzjqBiA5zCsiCZDL6Of7KUe98wzHdvmjMK93olG2H61x2xc8wwNnaykYmFg49W4duED-_RiNop4CfX9ux1KbMcmyolYUV6XkZbdREeOkapgjtJzfJdZ8NP8V-SKOmWTpagWsneDk9U/s640/71RfNE3rIyL._SL1500_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh yass. Can we talk about TS, PLEASE. Well, if you haven't know it, I am a fan of <b>Taylor Swift</b> since her "Tim McGraw" era. I've been following Taylor for so long to know almost everything in her music career, and as a sentimental- "country Taylor"-fan, I was kinda disappointed when she announced that she "wants to release pop albums from now on" in 2014. With "<b>1989</b>" and "<b>Reputation</b>", I left the fandom for a while. But with this brand new album, "<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Lover</span>"</b>, I am officially back. </div>
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After the bitter "Reputation", Taylor does a massive change, largely focus once more on romantic affairs. The main difference with the previous albums, is that the songs on Lover largely come from a place of contentment and happiness in the middle of a strong relationship, rather than a sad-heartbreaking moods. It's a reminder to how far Swift has come as a lyricist, and how she has matured and grown from a girl whom references all the ex-boyfriends in blatant lyrics, to someone genuinely older and wiser and a lot more in love. See it in <b>"Lover"</b> and <b>"The Archer"</b>, ballads with some retro sound to it. But TS is TS no matter how old she gets, I believe that. She's still singing to someone who’s wronged her in the past, and it is shown in<b> "I Forgot That You Existed"</b>. <b>"London Boy"</b> is a "cute" awkward celebration of boyfriend Joe Alwyn, with all the Brits reference; girl is not afraid to show this "childish expression" of love. Yet that's what you do when you fall in love, right? In the other mood swing, <b>“Soon You’ll Get Better”</b>, is a very heartfelt ballad about Swift’s mother’s ongoing cancer battle, with background harmonies by the <b>Dixie Chicks</b> (her mom's favorite musician). The only song that is terrible for me is lead single <b>"Me!" (feat Panic! at The Disco frontman, Brandon Urie)</b>. Ugh, I don't get why that song needs to be exist, seriously. The lyrics means nothing but cheap. The rest of the songs are okay and lovely. Voice sounds more matured and stable. Everything is packed into a solid album.<br />
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I personally thought this is probably one of her best; if not the best, work in industry. This album now stands beside my other favorite albums of Taylor, "<b style="color: #e69138;">Red</b>"(2012) and "<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Speak Now</span></b>" (2010).</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">6. "Leon" (Leon)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY-ZRjSXKGozrQnYvX4KET-DDy-BB7hEhEgdz_dJbDtei9wSfOwjfwhOISzBvLEFkzOm3aVHKiYLfKN-t3P-PQ5DT9Uk-asViB8R_IWn-ygEP8NCRJ4Lri4RVe_tk1nliFHBFSud_8No/s1600/2fbc2f0ca7684874cbd832c5946d0896.1000x1000x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY-ZRjSXKGozrQnYvX4KET-DDy-BB7hEhEgdz_dJbDtei9wSfOwjfwhOISzBvLEFkzOm3aVHKiYLfKN-t3P-PQ5DT9Uk-asViB8R_IWn-ygEP8NCRJ4Lri4RVe_tk1nliFHBFSud_8No/s640/2fbc2f0ca7684874cbd832c5946d0896.1000x1000x1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Leon</b> is a Swedish singer-songwriter that I found in 2019- thanks to random recommendations on Spotify. While listening to the debut album, you will notice that she has deep, doleful vocals, which reminds me of <b>Adele</b>. Most of the album contains absolute solid electro pop tunes, catchy compositions and universal lyrics about love and heartbreak. There are some quieter moments on the album which are just as aurally engaging, and they are my favorites. <i>"<b>Hope Is A Heartache</b>"</i> (really love this one),<i> "<b>Come Home To Me</b>"</i>, <i>"<b>What You Said</b>"</i>, are super worthy to listen. I hope Leon can develop her beautiful, unique voice and song-writing skill into higher milestone for the next album, because I will be waiting for it.</div>
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<u style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">INDONESIAN PLAYLIST</span></u></div>
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Supaya adil, untuk meresensi album-album Indonesia favorit saya tahun ini, saya akan menggunakan bahasa Indonesia supaya makin berasa cinta tanah airnya. Tsah. Kenapa NIKI tidak dimasukkan di daftar ini, karena menurut saya album NIKI sudah bercita rasa internasional, audiensnya internasional, dan toh dikerjakannya juga dalam naungan label luar negeri. Maka dari itu mari lanjut!</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>1. "Walk The Talk" (Pamungkas)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs08vrhb5wrk20Sh2R6Jzbtqfbsu1olIf2VpunGa003fnKyAM4NsRHl3KJ4QwZcIpxldBUz-Xx7E-s0NZRslHKEd6YA1_twDk3ROovYWKrUlvH-KiIgbAm7o4tdEt4-RNyZBN22UUiKc/s1600/3615933085924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1440" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs08vrhb5wrk20Sh2R6Jzbtqfbsu1olIf2VpunGa003fnKyAM4NsRHl3KJ4QwZcIpxldBUz-Xx7E-s0NZRslHKEd6YA1_twDk3ROovYWKrUlvH-KiIgbAm7o4tdEt4-RNyZBN22UUiKc/s640/3615933085924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mayoritas lagu di album karya <b>Pamungkas</b> ditulis menggunakan lirik berbahasa Inggris. Konon katanya Pamungkas memang banyak mengambil inspirasi dari band-band luar negeri, seperti <b>The Beatles, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys,</b> dan <b>The Smiths</b>. Kalo menurut saya sendiri, ya memang, album ini kedengaran sedikit bernuansa Brit-pop seperti band-band yang sudah disebutkan barusan. Semua lagunya diproduksi sendiri dan dirilis menggunakan label sendiri yang bernama Pam Records. Vokal Pamungkas cukup terdengar <i>rock and roll</i> dan unik, saya sudah mendengarnya langsung waktu nonton gignya di Makassar (yang tempatnya ngga banget). Venue-nya yang ga asik aja itu ga menutupi vokal Pamungkas yang gak berbeda sama skali dari rekaman. Dan oh iyaa, vokalnya sedikit mengingatkan saya dengan Jamie Cullum! Album "<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Walk the Talk</span></b>" ini tidak <i>mellow-mellow</i> amat, tapi udah lumayan banget buat teman bersedih ria bagi para lelaki (dan juga wanita) tanpa berkesan menye-menye sama sekali. Kalau disandingkan dengan musik Indonesia yang hits saat ini atau <i>mainstream</i>, album ini jelas berbeda. Favorit saya tentunya <b>"I Love You but I'm Letting Go", "One Only", "Bambina", "Sorry", </b>dan <b>"Kenangan Manis"</b>. Pamungkas juga udah punya album kedua yang berjudul "<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Flying Solo</b></span>" tapi saya pribadi lebih menyukai album "Walk the Talk".</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">2. Nadin Amizah</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlGHOcOrGhlnczNJgOvvcXlEoH8kGhaxX9RfH-B4_CBLbX0JAW_ZFMSWRGJzZZEY_caAt-L1se_CCwbJ-jP2CqI8p9lp8MyBjBWgrj3ybeVhXgAAMHNFPW9UdM3YtIwBf4OLRyKRFYls/s1600/Nadin-Sorai-clsup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlGHOcOrGhlnczNJgOvvcXlEoH8kGhaxX9RfH-B4_CBLbX0JAW_ZFMSWRGJzZZEY_caAt-L1se_CCwbJ-jP2CqI8p9lp8MyBjBWgrj3ybeVhXgAAMHNFPW9UdM3YtIwBf4OLRyKRFYls/s640/Nadin-Sorai-clsup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tahun lalu gadis ini juga berjaya di<i> playlist</i> saya. Paska merilis beberapa lagu kolaborasi dengan Dipha Barus yang upbeat di single <b>“All Good”</b> dan Matter Halo di <b>“Teralih”</b>, akhirnya di tahun 2018 doi merilis single perdananya yang berjudul <b>“Rumpang”</b>, diikuti dengan <b>"Sorai", "Amin Paling Serius", "Seperti Tulang"</b>, dan lain-lain. Awalnya saya kaget, cewek yang nyanyi "All Good" yang upbeat dan groovy itu muncul dengan image baru yang <i>mellow</i> dan <i>poetic to the core</i>. Menurut saya album ini feminin. Karakter suara Nadin yang mendayu-dayu dan khas lumayan mudah untuk dikenal, dan saya terutama jatuh cinta sama lirik-lirik puitis yang dia buat. Saya sendiri sudah pernah menonton Nadin secara langsung, dan memang image yang dia tampilkan sangat kuat baik dari aksi panggung dan narasinya. Semua lagu-lagunya bercerita tentang kehilangan, patah hati.. intinya sedih lah. Makanya wajar aja tiap Nadin perform, pasti ada barisan adik-adik cewek yang nangis di depan panggung. Mungkin saran dariku yang hanya penikmat musik ini, bisa lebih dieksplor lagi "rasa" dan musikalisasinya biar bisa membuat karya yang lebih "luas" dan tidak monoton. Jujur saya penasaran sih gimana kalo seorang Nadin bikin lagu yang nggak sedih. Untuk berikutnya, mari menunggu album perdana yang katanya akan dirilis tahun ini.</div>
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<i>“Kau dan aku saling membantu, membasuh hati yang pernah pilu, mungkin akhirnya tak jadi satu, namun bersorai pernah bertemu”</i> - Sorai</div>
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<i>"Banyak yang tak ku ahli. Begitu pula menyambutmu pergi"</i> - Rumpang</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>3. "Mantra-Mantra", "Pilu Membiru Experience" (Kunto Aji)</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsb1NDx7NGOdnlGGcngpMMCwe6UPmoziNptq8XgpEi6c7SN1lARQNGQ_GT0SNgQ0yUOuEbJlfXY9LR87RsaxVAsjlEgLSuc9Y36NEvnuVH9h5UaiZO4xYNM8pdY5Mj9lhi-n3Csu3LHc/s1600/Kunto_Aji_-_Mantra_Mantra.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsb1NDx7NGOdnlGGcngpMMCwe6UPmoziNptq8XgpEi6c7SN1lARQNGQ_GT0SNgQ0yUOuEbJlfXY9LR87RsaxVAsjlEgLSuc9Y36NEvnuVH9h5UaiZO4xYNM8pdY5Mj9lhi-n3Csu3LHc/s640/Kunto_Aji_-_Mantra_Mantra.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblii4ZJRf_-tTblq1-OYlUNOMJD23xnZFQiRtnASawFi-mFq6p6D45RDEDlRVlonG7tfZ-UgE12NF0dLwIjbGQN_E-BRrh583vyyiBY9R_nHAemqPlY4GmmZA2QxQxsDMG2jfPz9hiV4/s1600/kunto_aji_pilu_membiru_46816309_500_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="500" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblii4ZJRf_-tTblq1-OYlUNOMJD23xnZFQiRtnASawFi-mFq6p6D45RDEDlRVlonG7tfZ-UgE12NF0dLwIjbGQN_E-BRrh583vyyiBY9R_nHAemqPlY4GmmZA2QxQxsDMG2jfPz9hiV4/s640/kunto_aji_pilu_membiru_46816309_500_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sebenarnya album <b><span style="color: #e69138;">Mantra-Mantra</span></b> sudah ada dari 2018, tapi baru saya dengarkan di tahun 2019. Mari mulai dari Mantra-Mantra. Jujur deh, selama ini saya ngga ngikutin<b> Kunto Aji</b> dari awal, tapi saya suka banget banget banget dengan album ini. Menurut saya ini salah satu album Indonesia terbaik yang pernah saya dengar! Album ini kuat, penuh makna khas problematika kaum dewasa muda di era urbanisasi, dan bersifat universal. Lirik-liriknya cerdas, apik, indah, mengena. Dan kalau dengar album ini saya merasa seperti punya "teman bercerita". Rasanya itu seperti bicara sama seseorang yang bisa mengerti pikiran-pikiran kita yang paling terdalam dan "aneh" sekalipun. Album ini bisa berfungsi ganda: bisa buat teman depresi bareng sekaligus bisa juga jadi musik untuk<i> self-healing</i>. Dengan berbagai macam emosi dan cerita, musikalitas yang tinggi, saya bisa bilang album ini dikerjakan dengan sangat idealis dan komplit. Wajib dengar dan koleksi sih. </div>
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Kebetulan di tahun 2019, Kunto Aji membawa satu lagu dari album Mantra-Mantra ke level baru. <b>"Pilu Membiru"</b> yang digarap sedemikian rupa dan dikemas ulang dalam album bertajuk <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>'Pilu Membiru Experience</b></span>'. Lagunya cuma "Pilu Membiru" ditambah dengan materi lain berupa prolog, yang pertama dari Kunto sendiri, yang kedua dari praktisi pemulihan batin<b> Adjie Santosoputro</b>. Kunto mengumpulkan tiga penggemar yang memiliki pengalaman pribadi dengan lagu Pilu Membiru. Dalam album ini, kisah ketiganya menjadi narasi yang dituturkan oleh Najwa Shihab, Nadin Amizah dan aktor Iqbaal Ramadhan. Jadi secara keseluruhan album ini hanya berdurasi 12 menit.</div>
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Di hari yang sama dengan perilisan album, Kunto mengunggah video musik bertitel sama di YouTube. Di awal video, ia menceritakan konsep Pilu Membiru Experience, lalu visual hitam-putih lantas menunjukkan Dede, Natasha, dan Rama duduk dan berbincang dengan Adjie, satu persatu mengungkapkan kisah-kisah mereka.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1JskEYFuUpA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JskEYFuUpA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Kunto Aji - Pilu Membiru Experience (Official Music Video)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">courtesy of Youtube</span></div>
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Saya nonton ini dua kali, dan dua kali pula banjir air mata. Entahlah mungkin saya yang terlalu cengeng atau gimana. Nonton aja deh.</div>
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<i>"Cukupkanlah ikatanmu. Relakanlah yang tak seharusnya untukmu.."</i> - Sulung</div>
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<i>"Yang dicari, hilang. Yang dikejar, pergi.</i></div>
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<i>Yang ditunggu</i></div>
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<i>Yang diharap</i></div>
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<i>Biarkanlah semesta bekerja</i></div>
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<i>Untukmu." -</i> Rehat</div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">4. Adhitia Sofyan</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl91dzL-6zZGZ-AaveqiL94ZPafR8cqoH7TzApiSbnGiKRN-beGXksahb71r1PCEVq3q4PLk5WSHu9csq2HKVY7BgWkQAPiJ6iR5QTWoxsiEhZw3SP43TQ28yFqgxSW632eOXCR2Zfzs/s1600/Cover-Art-8-Tahun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBl91dzL-6zZGZ-AaveqiL94ZPafR8cqoH7TzApiSbnGiKRN-beGXksahb71r1PCEVq3q4PLk5WSHu9csq2HKVY7BgWkQAPiJ6iR5QTWoxsiEhZw3SP43TQ28yFqgxSW632eOXCR2Zfzs/s640/Cover-Art-8-Tahun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"8 Tahun"</b> (2017)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosqnPkniYOD8mQvwM8ywmn1dXKe2iqWesSglUQrW9N1PKZcqSqpZXXktuHt6hge0yXYw3U2Vp7OyJFqka5dqauJnQCZBL4D4XnFKCk1BHFpu1bv8nieVXCqVXPY-4KhV9rM9_g_r-S1M/s1600/earmerch_nn9wv_77_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosqnPkniYOD8mQvwM8ywmn1dXKe2iqWesSglUQrW9N1PKZcqSqpZXXktuHt6hge0yXYw3U2Vp7OyJFqka5dqauJnQCZBL4D4XnFKCk1BHFpu1bv8nieVXCqVXPY-4KhV9rM9_g_r-S1M/s640/earmerch_nn9wv_77_xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Forget Your Plans" </b> (2010)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc4TN7Gl4fKp5joDAoYRE0LpXVfbWti-Aqx5rbE3NZwNK33_5qpB0fIKKYmM9sbEK5rVRFIrXj2OoeZjKanNOEHgZt4y16ppoGI-Wqm4ltD2dD5x6R4oXQDFTtWCfRzOXHERVonTEXVA/s1600/33225774_800_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc4TN7Gl4fKp5joDAoYRE0LpXVfbWti-Aqx5rbE3NZwNK33_5qpB0fIKKYmM9sbEK5rVRFIrXj2OoeZjKanNOEHgZt4y16ppoGI-Wqm4ltD2dD5x6R4oXQDFTtWCfRzOXHERVonTEXVA/s640/33225774_800_800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>"Silver Painted Radiance"</b> (2016)</td></tr>
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<b>Adhitia Sofyan </b>udah lamaaa banget ada di <i>playlist</i>-ku, tapi ngga tau kenapa tahun kemarin mulai sering lagi dengar album-album beliau. Justru yang didengar bukan album yang keluar di 2019, tapi album-album lama. Gak tau kenapa tahun kemarin jadi relate lagi sama album-album mas yang satu ini. Tiga album di atas hanya merupakan beberapa album yang saya post dari sekian banyak album album lama beliau, karena saya mendengarnya secara <i>shuffle mode</i> di Spotify. Menurut saya pribadi, musik Adhitia Sofyan memang <i>versatile</i>, apalagi kalo buat ngamar dan melamun saat menyetir.</div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-90060934671522219202020-01-08T14:46:00.001+08:002020-01-08T14:51:43.674+08:00Forget Jakarta<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“.. I travel the world to get to where you are </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Strangers i met along the way </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You forget Jakarta </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leaving all the lunacy behind </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This time give me back my sanity </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yeah I'm still on my way to get to where you are </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try to let go the things I knew </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We'll forget Jakarta </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Promise that we'll never look behind..” </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Forget Jakarta – Adhitia Sofyan </span></div>
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For as long as I can remember, I have always loved exploring cities. But Jakarta is special. </div>
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Since I was a minor, Jakarta has been a part of my life. I remember the first time I stepped my little feet on airplane was the day when I feel really proud of myself. A kiddo, around 7 seven years old; flying alone to the cap for the first time ever, only accompanied by a flight attendant. There was no fear at all. Instead, I was overjoyed to finally be able to fly. Since then, we have been having a relationship, and little did I know, that it will be a bittersweet one. </div>
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Talking about you, Jakarta, is like talking about that one friend you always despise, but you end up realize that you miss them on regular basis. Do you get me? When it comes to me visiting you; Jakarta, the agenda will never be as smooth as I planned. Life has never been “flat” with you. </div>
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Each of my temporary visits in Jakarta, has taught me a lot of things. </div>
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I’ve been in Makassar for my whole life, yet whenever I stepped my feet on Jakarta, I’ve already lived through some life changing, or unique, moments. As much as I believe that I’ve grown accustomed to transition, I’m just now realizing that some important series of changes that have ever happened to me are occurring in the city. </div>
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When people ask me, how I like living in Jakarta, I semi-jokingly answer it as a “playful” relationship. Well, where to start… I have many relatives there, it feels like my second home. I keep coming back and forth for holiday since I was a kiddo. I lived there for 6 months after my final exam towards becoming a GP, to work. I wandered around Jakarta (and in the neighborhood of Jakarta) for a living. Oh, how I miss that time. I worked day and night in many clinics, hospital; in every corner of Jakarta, breathed to the dirty oxygen and pollution on my online motorbikes, I was blended into the "unique" mass of public bus and train passengers… all for a better life. </div>
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My brother wedded there. And in the same time during the wedding, my dad had his first cardiac arrest, hospitalized and had his angioplasty, there. I attended courses there. I watched concerts of my favorite artists there. And I just came back again last year for a month-length training for my new office, there. Probably the most interesting part is: the fact that I met so many new people there.</div>
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For as much as the city has played me out, now I think about it, what it has given me back.. is worth it. Jakarta has strengthened my character, pushed my self-growth, and motivated me to appreciate the best support system of friends I’ve ever had. It has mercilessly tested me and dared me to confront my fears. It was there that I learned what I love, who I want to be, what I would and wouldn’t tolerate from my life, how to save and spend money, and how to fight for what I want. </div>
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For better or for worse, I’ve never felt so vulnerable as I have in the city. </div>
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I must ultimately admit that despite the challenges — or perhaps because of them — I love Jakarta. It’s changed me for the better, and continues to do so every day. The lessons that this city has taught me about change will remain in my heart forever. Patience, perseverance, confidence, learning new things, meetings, surprises, disappointments, expectations, separations .. </div>
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Mustafa, Simba’s (Lion King) father once said:<br />
<i>"..it's all the circle of life that will always happen</i>".<br />
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There is always meaning to everything. </div>
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There is always meaning in each cup of coffee, random chats,<br />
and cheese cake that we spent. </div>
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For you, Jakarta, it's always hard to forget you, and it's always hard not to come back.</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-60988421410655188382019-11-13T00:42:00.001+08:002019-11-25T16:25:07.509+08:0010 Days Road Trip in New Zealand, Part 3 (SOUTH ISLAND)<div style="text-align: justify;">
PHEW! Finally, here we are, at the end of my NZ series. It took me almost A YEAR 😕😥😩to finish the whole writing process (it's crazy long, I know). But allow me to defend myself: sorting the overwhelming amount of photos, basically run down everything in order, is a no easy job… Well, anyhow, now, finally I can rest in peace. </div>
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This post is definitely the hardest one to finish; probably because the last five days was the best part of our journey. Indeed, we only spent five days, for God sake, road tripping though New Zealand’s South Island (that was suuuuperr short time), but experienced so much and seen so much, in my humble opinion. The majority of beautiful New Zealand landscape and photos you see in travel magazines are located in the South Island. If you’re craving gorgeous hikes, numerous lakes of different hues of blue, beautiful dreamy nature along the empty road, then you’ve come to the right place. </div>
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The thing is, once you begin to do your research, you may come to realize it’s a lot bigger than you anticipated. That always happens. I have to tell you: <b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #444444;">New Zealand’s South Island has too much to offer</span></b>, that it’s quite difficult to decide where to go, where to stay and where to even spent a little longer. Now let’s start! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 5 (Queenstown)</span></b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></i></b>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Queenstown City Tour</i></b></span><br />
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We arrived in Queenstown on early evening but it’s still bright and clear as an afternoon. Let me tell you: <b>the aerial views of the final landing to Queenstown Airport, </b>was incredibly<b> stunning</b>. I saw the snow-capped mountains, and as the clouds vanish, the plane reemerges to a serene view of more dramatic mountain backdrop. Between the mountains it bursts into a green-valley with a lake in the distance. So dreamy. </div>
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And I just know that it is regularly rated among <b>the world's most scenic landings</b>. I have to agree! It was so beautiful I can’t stop staring at the window in the last 15 minutes, recorded everything with my phone. You can check the video in my Instagram (<b>@leelayukallo</b>), right inside my <b>NZ highlight</b>. </div>
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We dropped our luggage at the hostel, and went out to grab dinner and enjoy the night. First thing I’ll notice upon arriving in Queenstown that there’s a lot more of a party and adventure vibe than the previous spots on this itinerary. Unlike the previous lonely roads and small towns, the night life and Queenstown itself was vibrant, the view of houses sitting along the mountains and the city lights were incredible. The city centre is really cozy and there are a lot of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Talking about restaurant, there is no way we could miss the infamous<b> Fergburger</b> when we are in town. Queenstown can be very proud to have <a href="http://www.fergburger.com/">Fergburger</a> as their burgers are amazing and super delicious. We were waiting in a long line before we can grab our own delicious, big, meaty, burger (with choices of pork, beef, lamb). They all come with a super yummy aioli and tomato relish, and also the fries are very good. Fergburger is very popular among both locals and tourists. Even we have to wait in the long queue, it is more than worth it (my saliva starts rolling again) and a visit to Queenstown is no actual visit if you haven’t been to Fergburger!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at that beautiful, juicy, meat. 5 stars for sure!</td></tr>
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We enjoyed the rest of the night walking around the town, check out some stores and bought ice cream and cookies at a grocery store, then went back to our hostel.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 6 (Queenstown)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i> Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Queenstown Gondola, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Chillin' in Q-town</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Wakatipu, the main center of Q-town </td></tr>
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Ah. Queenstown. How could I describe you. You are a truly beautiful city! I can’t believe that there is no other <b>city that offers such great views no matter where you stand</b>. Our hostel is located just in front of <b>Lake Wakatipu</b>, that circles around the town of Q-town. It is swarmed with birds and ducks greeting tourist. Queenstown lakeside park is a very nice place to relax or take a stroll. Drive around the lake and stop to take pictures. Paraglide over the lake or just take a boat out. The water is crystal clear and the the mountains are unbelievably beautiful. Or just simply walk around the lake, enjoy the atmosphere, sun, watching some street musicians along the way, walk down the wooden docks near the port.. It is simply a gorgeous place to sit and watch the world go by! Grab some lunch, sit down and relax and take in the crisp sunshine.<br />
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Going up with the famous<b> Skyline Queenstown Gondola</b> was part of our activities for the day. It is located within walking distance from downtown. </div>
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We took the red gondola on our way up to the peak of mountain to see some city view. The cable car is definitely steep, I don’t think it will be a great experience for people with fear of height, seriously. Anyway, it was a thrilling yet exciting experience, you can see the view of mountains and Q-town on your way along to the top.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were in THIS. Didn't took pics up there, just video. Picture is from <a href="http://getyourguide.com/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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When you reached the top, there was a viewing deck that you could use to take photographs of the lake and mountains (but share it with other tourists). I hardly need to say anything - Beautiful view of Queenstown from the top, and also the view of people hanging around the deck doing some bungee jumping activities. You can also view the fabulously famous <b>lunge rides</b> from up there. Lunge ride is a highly recommended activity in the place, but we didn’t take one. Other than that, there is everything you need in such a touristy place - a jellybean shop, bar, souvenir shop and buffet restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKoOpvhHod30F8Y-D2U0y7WNuZR-cebeasin8IMbO_PY1jYR-AmIwvqTBGHGO07pTaWerfESWOQ5d1KquR10rCPnyi04Yll-8I80oxbHbOwFyg3bV6-KXNmqyCStputTIW6X0Ppc1BKo/s1600/DSCF0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKoOpvhHod30F8Y-D2U0y7WNuZR-cebeasin8IMbO_PY1jYR-AmIwvqTBGHGO07pTaWerfESWOQ5d1KquR10rCPnyi04Yll-8I80oxbHbOwFyg3bV6-KXNmqyCStputTIW6X0Ppc1BKo/s640/DSCF0853.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lunge rides</td></tr>
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Queenstown is THE <b>adventure capital of the world</b> and there’s really plenty to do in and around Queenstown! It’s kind of unbelievable and makes Queenstown one of the best cities for me. It’s a ski town in the winter and a spot for bungee jumping, skydiving, and speed boating as well. If you have enough time, make sure you spend some times to enjoy any of these. There are lots of bars and breweries in town and hostels as well. You’ll find all operators of activities and adventurous stuff in the city centre whereas most of them are located on Shotover Street. </div>
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We spent the rest of the day going round the city, enjoying gelato, enjoy some street performances near the lake, and went back to our hotel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely lake-view from our hotel room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our-goodbye to Q-town-dinner </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 7 (Te Anau)</span></b> </div>
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It’s day 7 and we were leaving Queenstown with a heavy heart. Two days was a stupid decision to spend in Queenstown, a local told me that you need at least a week to explore it and sadly I had to agree… It was quickly became our favorite town ever, and we promised to ourselves to return to the town ASAP. Done with our amazing breakfast at <b>St.Moritz Hotel</b>, the girls waited at the lobby while the guys pick up our rented campervan. Yassss, the road trip with campervan was officially started. If you want to see the clear view of our campervan, again, just check out my NZ highlight at my Instagram, @leelayukallo. </div>
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We were heading to <b>Te Anau</b>, where it took approximately two hours, but we were not rushing. Driving from Queenstown to Te Anau is dangerous. Dangerous because the scenery is so spectacular, you’ll have trouble keeping your eyes on the road. And with epic photo opportunities literally around every bend, you’ll also be in danger of not making it to your destination on time. It was our first time visiting New Zealand and we were in awe of the diversity of the landscape. The drive is pretty along the lake edge but otherwise passes through farmland. The first part of your drive clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. It is perfect for a mini road trip, but if want to be able to stop at scenic lookouts, ridiculously good looking farm gates, take a photo with an alpaca, you’re going to need to allow extra time. </div>
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The serene deep waters of Lake Te Anau make up <b>the largest lake in the South Island and second largest in NZ</b>. Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, only a few minutes walk away from the lake. Here you'll find operators who can take you cruising or kayaking on the lake, just like any other lakes in NZ. The lake had only few visitors that day, very peaceful, serene and relaxing. Lake Te Anau indeed is a quiet little spot. Much quieter and more peaceful than Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown. Plenty of places to stay and quite a few options for food as well as a good supermarket. The lake The Anau has awesome view surrounded by snowclad mountain peaks. It was a very windy day when we came, I even needed to put on some extra jacket to cover the wind. If you prefer quite a gloomier, more melancholic, and more quiet place, Te Anau is the perfect place.</div>
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On the lake there were sea plane rides, boating trips available, but we were in a hurry to reach Milford Sound. It was already evening, and we shopped at Te Anau Supermarket for some groceries, had dinner at the town, and decided to move to Milford Sound and spent the rest of our night there because we are going to have early cruise tour in the next morning. Because it’s quite late at evening already, we didn’t see any scenic drive from Te Anau to Milford. It took another two hours to reach Milford Sound area, and we tried our best to search for a cheap rest area, because the common prices for a night at a parking lot in Milford Sound was quite crazy. After hours of debating and ehm, lost (it was really really dark on the road!), we finally managed to reach a free parking lot where we could stay and sleep for that night. First night in campervan, yeay.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 8 (Milford Sound) </span></b><br />
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Early morning. It was a very cold morning. Brrr. We made breakfasts for everyone in the campervan (so fun!). No one is able to take a shower so we just grabbed our best winter attire and went out from our campervan to walk to the port where the ships are waiting. It was a rainy day, the walk to the harbor from the parking area takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and we were joined by hundred other visitors. There are a lot of boat providers in Milford Sound to choose of, and we chose <a href="https://www.mitrepeak.com/" target="_blank">Mitre Peak Cruises</a>. You just need to google “Milford Sound cruises” and you can start from there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKSkUoIqXgyn8dQ1UDPrryidjvhfJw_iB9NPoQvksmzxq6H5ZDi3XC0TYzfZHYU3ixsx7llXK5vvYZA94Gwz-Nkf8zsg9jnNsZgCclLPIxAqJcwdVuSx2YxyAc9rAdigU0E4jztmUKIE/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-1B6E4731-A1E8-4C0C-985B-5DC0A23909EE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKSkUoIqXgyn8dQ1UDPrryidjvhfJw_iB9NPoQvksmzxq6H5ZDi3XC0TYzfZHYU3ixsx7llXK5vvYZA94Gwz-Nkf8zsg9jnNsZgCclLPIxAqJcwdVuSx2YxyAc9rAdigU0E4jztmUKIE/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-1B6E4731-A1E8-4C0C-985B-5DC0A23909EE.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happy breakfast everyone!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where we waited for the boat</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg200M7klAq9Fc-Y-A5X1r2RAJVVbsX0eSbH04AmIP0w-ZqGr1XMSkMDyYcgqFysLr_07dBFaivOL7yJaU-qwVKx7FJn4Cq0Fi5tvtlAvO3WrAULfKlVJWx8oCWF4YbeopQjPmryT1kqgU/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-E6ABB476-0534-4829-A659-04030373D8A2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg200M7klAq9Fc-Y-A5X1r2RAJVVbsX0eSbH04AmIP0w-ZqGr1XMSkMDyYcgqFysLr_07dBFaivOL7yJaU-qwVKx7FJn4Cq0Fi5tvtlAvO3WrAULfKlVJWx8oCWF4YbeopQjPmryT1kqgU/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-E6ABB476-0534-4829-A659-04030373D8A2.JPG" width="426" /></a> </div>
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No iconic New Zealand list is complete without a mention of<b> Milford Sound</b>. Vertical cliffs, rushing waterfalls, charming wildlife, and peaceful sounds are all part of the package. Whether you explore by foot, helicopter, boat or kayak, it’s impossible to have bad views. Even in the pouring rain (which is a frequent occurrence), Milford Sound never ceases to be amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BbowcHS0OFyAQEq-vh9oULT8itrpxwgUbTCM5MFcrsVjVgNSIrW8-QK-YSw-ppNnAGhKHd1MLj4vZDqsdm8tLizE6VQ6r7pAtPSrT9aT3vZAnk47PQMNverVIYPPPOe2IfBETHFc3K0/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-D2E7F4B7-1300-44ED-8A29-20BB6CEA6BEA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BbowcHS0OFyAQEq-vh9oULT8itrpxwgUbTCM5MFcrsVjVgNSIrW8-QK-YSw-ppNnAGhKHd1MLj4vZDqsdm8tLizE6VQ6r7pAtPSrT9aT3vZAnk47PQMNverVIYPPPOe2IfBETHFc3K0/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-D2E7F4B7-1300-44ED-8A29-20BB6CEA6BEA.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milford Sound reminds me of the scene in the big river in The Lord of The Rings movie, you know, when they entered the area with two big statues as the gate? Nope? Never mind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5bEs1euyL1x7wMZrlrpdxKEgbsB0J1aJodK_pXhCy6S5bM3Pv3C6ZHZCYYMKqH7oSWVFpPc8K0Wh5dPushVG3hD40w2EGWqlk75zoutY-c873R5iloxYQ3PKhgwmJrm1zXDtvAXZWgY/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-D20A1515-8220-47E4-BDE8-467CC6E7EB88.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5bEs1euyL1x7wMZrlrpdxKEgbsB0J1aJodK_pXhCy6S5bM3Pv3C6ZHZCYYMKqH7oSWVFpPc8K0Wh5dPushVG3hD40w2EGWqlk75zoutY-c873R5iloxYQ3PKhgwmJrm1zXDtvAXZWgY/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-D20A1515-8220-47E4-BDE8-467CC6E7EB88.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wanna poke the lazy seal above the rock</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqTrQpTEqpQGpnMpOgLEq-LpWOVIsL1q9lCNd_7q7w0uHY5rZlD_ZdyiX2pHdUHvPoKEVxkES-RHG8VOTWlD13FMCpO9poKoIfFf-TBas0C-oVjMIkCXSz3wxoP1zkVD9ECRMzN-oF3c/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-8D838E40-0ADF-4C30-A149-067177F2CC56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqTrQpTEqpQGpnMpOgLEq-LpWOVIsL1q9lCNd_7q7w0uHY5rZlD_ZdyiX2pHdUHvPoKEVxkES-RHG8VOTWlD13FMCpO9poKoIfFf-TBas0C-oVjMIkCXSz3wxoP1zkVD9ECRMzN-oF3c/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-8D838E40-0ADF-4C30-A149-067177F2CC56.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGo5xqOcueSYJBuBLgnwTltkaqVE6ytMVYhZAReH6Y1oxvzCH6oFGpJKM_uJJZlUSATk3JOiSD9HBoOzPKLpa7acKNIEg6znk8JVljR2KbXL50os0i7Swd1RXw4VMCiFhaX3w1VOyEYY/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-A1EAE35A-14D6-48E4-903A-228D9565019A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGo5xqOcueSYJBuBLgnwTltkaqVE6ytMVYhZAReH6Y1oxvzCH6oFGpJKM_uJJZlUSATk3JOiSD9HBoOzPKLpa7acKNIEg6znk8JVljR2KbXL50os0i7Swd1RXw4VMCiFhaX3w1VOyEYY/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-A1EAE35A-14D6-48E4-903A-228D9565019A.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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And it was cold and rainy day indeed for us. Passengers would mostly hang out inside the cabin and run out for pictures of waterfalls and wildlife. But despite the weather, we had a great experience. I will also mention - the advantage of Mitre Peak cruise is that the boat is smaller in size compared to other famous cruises, it also means less number of passengers on board hence it gives you more space to roam around freely and enjoy the sceneries all by yourself with literally no or little disturbance. We were so happy we didn't go on one of the bigger boats full of tour groups. Small boat which was good as it could get really up close to the stones, banks and waterfalls. The captain was informative along the way. We spotted <b>dolphins</b>, <b>seals</b> and <b>penguins</b> and the captain pulled the boat over for a better view and photographs. The waterfalls were amazing and we got close enough to get soaked :D. Free tea and coffee available on aboard. There were only 10-15 persons on our tour so plenty of room to wander around the vessel. The scenery is amazing especially on the coach with random stops. This place is world heritage listed for good reason, it is simply breathtaking, with Mother Nature at her very best.. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we were even allowed to go to the captain's room</td></tr>
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The tour was going on for approximately two hours, and we sailed back to the port. As we went back, we saw other boats too and enjoy the last sight of the cliffs.<br />
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We've done with Milford Sound, but we're not done with the excitement. We found the gorgeous tunnel on our way. <b>The Homer Tunnel</b> passes through the Darran mountain range, below the Homer Saddle, and into the Cleddau Valley, 945 metres above sea level. Both the tunnel and saddle are named after William Henry Homer, who discovered the saddle along with George Barber in 1889 while on a surveying expedition. At the time, Homer is said to have suggested that a tunnel under the mountains would be the best way to bring a road to Milford Sound. However, it took many decades before his idea became reality. It is a 1.2 km-long tunnel through solid rock. Before the tunnel opened in 1954 after 19 years of construction, there was no road access to Milford Sound. If you are driving yourself to and from Milford Sound, pay attention to all the road signs and traffic lights leading up to the tunnel. There are no lights inside the tunnel, so when it’s time to drive through, make sure you take your sunglasses off and turn your headlights on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM0FoTBNVdBO_85AV8H2FgDi45ptaqCNnEUdvrqn0IPYohXzoz8IDSFjgwPzR92K7qfCyAsi6nq9Pmo4EyRTPbhpMGmTwhMLK46Rsz3OxGMkv7T1XMA0asSCYFCOHZifWjSHrgX4tAks/s1600/65011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="1040" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM0FoTBNVdBO_85AV8H2FgDi45ptaqCNnEUdvrqn0IPYohXzoz8IDSFjgwPzR92K7qfCyAsi6nq9Pmo4EyRTPbhpMGmTwhMLK46Rsz3OxGMkv7T1XMA0asSCYFCOHZifWjSHrgX4tAks/s640/65011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Homer tunnel was quite daunting to drive through in the dark. A little claustrophobic but a well made tunnel. Definitely a memorable experience. Beautiful scenery and great photo opportunities everywhere. Make sure you pull over at the car park before the tunnel for some great snow-capped mountain views.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGjJz9KJ_ISJI1nZNaSQ1OGdxMuBTzL9UFQJxR9b6ECzDNtXUtkpry9CyNtv26ZHoh1hrcTpYT4WlfilCy9YQVnEA8zKh35RHHW-P7dLN8ut4NcFA_uvTNOG2iAoxLhwjouIeU0K4OZ8/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-193397F4-0C6B-42C4-8F80-9B5471B11AFF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGjJz9KJ_ISJI1nZNaSQ1OGdxMuBTzL9UFQJxR9b6ECzDNtXUtkpry9CyNtv26ZHoh1hrcTpYT4WlfilCy9YQVnEA8zKh35RHHW-P7dLN8ut4NcFA_uvTNOG2iAoxLhwjouIeU0K4OZ8/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-193397F4-0C6B-42C4-8F80-9B5471B11AFF.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kea parrot</td></tr>
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We were quite tired yet pumped up for our next destination. Off we go!<br />
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An hour from Milford, and we found something at the side of the road that caught our eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxSQCwPnIrbikZ5N5WL5L1kKXUpP5FiNoxQfOsrDOuiUMvwyhsTygYiZugfwBmZ3X5tA06WzOhnoHEP-nSROKWiMQb_Sf3fRk-2xTT8S3L3_2W3gGJDjsl5b1BsXi-iUMKqjCcmbKFDE/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-233C444A-046A-49BB-8F10-01E9ABAD1BB0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxSQCwPnIrbikZ5N5WL5L1kKXUpP5FiNoxQfOsrDOuiUMvwyhsTygYiZugfwBmZ3X5tA06WzOhnoHEP-nSROKWiMQb_Sf3fRk-2xTT8S3L3_2W3gGJDjsl5b1BsXi-iUMKqjCcmbKFDE/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-233C444A-046A-49BB-8F10-01E9ABAD1BB0.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">From white lace to leopard print. From 32A to 36DD. You'll find it here.</td></tr>
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<b>The Cardrona Bra Fence</b> was a tourist attraction in Central Otago, in New Zealand. At some point between 1998 and 1999, passers-by began to attach bras to a rural fence. The fence gradually became a well known site as the number of bras grew to hundreds. The fence is located on a public road reserve, adjacent to farm property in the Cardrona Valley area southwest of Wanaka, near to Cardrona. There are many beautiful lookout points on the popular tourist route from Queenstown to Wanaka and this is another spot to pull in for a photo (we sure did). The infamous fence was rebranded to <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>"Bradrona"</b></span> in 2015 to raise money for breast cancer and $30,000 has been raised by people leaving donations in a box at the site. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvAOp6Ihu9-xOkGLhOn2DgTG6ZcUqKtEYWrZk3XE96UNEO18CAKlN2EgYfeTEPFCyj0Tu8vd_RW27SaBeeM8Imx0JKvgIp457r1WO0CLsZ4eN19b4ywg3ufppgL285U3gFSiAaLul-5U/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-7CB45DCA-F506-4F90-ACFE-3C2CED3D5E32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvAOp6Ihu9-xOkGLhOn2DgTG6ZcUqKtEYWrZk3XE96UNEO18CAKlN2EgYfeTEPFCyj0Tu8vd_RW27SaBeeM8Imx0JKvgIp457r1WO0CLsZ4eN19b4ywg3ufppgL285U3gFSiAaLul-5U/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-7CB45DCA-F506-4F90-ACFE-3C2CED3D5E32.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our next schedule was to visit <b>Fiordland National Park, </b>and here's the funny yet unfortunate story. We followed our offline map and drive our campervan to the famous national park which is located near the Milford Sound according to the map, and we ended up <span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>lost</b></span>. Yes, peeps. L-O-S-T. </div>
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We tried to follow the map and the environment looks 'weird' as we began to pass through a long; but very quiet, pasture area, with bridges over the river that seemed not convincing enough to be passed by our big campervan. Yet we still followed the route as the map says so. And the further we drive, the road felt more remote.. there were no other vehicles or cars in our direction. We actually stopped at a signpost before the road starts to get rockier and upward. And the board said "this area cannot be passed by a 4-wheeled car" but for some reason we continued on our way. It seems we were not focused at the time. Lol. Bravely, but with growing doubts, we continued to climb through the rocky road which was clearly a pathway into the forest.<br />
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After almost an hour of driving, we decided this wasn't right. We met a group of people passing by who looked like hikers, and <u>they looked at our campervan with a confused expression</u>. The path was increasingly difficult to walk on the further we drove, and as far as we can see there was no other view but trees. Finally we decided to turn around, because we were worried about the condition of our campervan' tires. And also because there was no signal that can help us access the exact location.</div>
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It was afternoon already, so with heavy heart we skipped Fiordland because it's getting darker. So unfortunate yet it was an experience. <b><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; color: #444444;">DO YOUR RESEARCH</span><span style="background-color: white; color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">GUYS</span><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c; color: #444444;">. Ask people whenever you're unsure about the direction you're going.</span></b></div>
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We decided to drive straight to <b>Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park</b>, our campsite for the night. It is Wanaka's most central holiday park. The park has served the Wanaka area for many years by offering accommodation for travelers. Accommodation ranges from tent sites and powered sites to charge our campervan's electricity and energy, through to cabins and rooms. The area is big enough for campervans and lodges. Location is excellent, especially near to the icon of NZ, Lake Wanaka, and That Wanaka Tree. Kitchen and toilets/bathrooms were clean (We were so pleased to find a great hot water shower in the middle of cold night after a long day of exhaustion. Probably my most satisfying shower ever) and have adequate amenities such as kitchen. 30sec walk to the kitchen and bathroom.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 9</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i> Lake Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lake Tekapo</i></b></span><br />
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We spent our morning by the lake. It was quiet and peaceful with amazing view, just like most of the lakes we've seen in NZ. We spotted a couple doing their pre-wedding photo shoot here.The lonely tree/ or the famous <b>"That Wanaka Tree"</b> is definitely a place to visit. <b>Lake Wanaka</b> is right in front of the town of Wanaka. People say that it is definitely recommended to go to the lake to watch the sun go up in the morning. Definitely will try next time. We didn't spend much time here, due to today's busy itinerary. At least we saw the iconic tree already.<br />
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Today is the highlight of our South Island journey. We are going to Mount Cook, the masterpiece-must visit-destination of NZ.<b> </b><b>Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park</b> is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The route from Queenstown to Mt. Cook I do reckon, is <b>one of the most scenic and beautiful routes on South Island</b>. We drove to Mt Cook from Wanaka and the drive in was magnificent. Must have stopped for 100 photos.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cows, sheeps, alpacas, everywhere</td></tr>
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Once we nearly arrived in Mount Cook area, the road is becoming more and more beautiful. It was quite a crowded day when we arrived. We parked our campervan at the parking site and we decided to take the <b>Hooker Valley</b> track.</div>
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There are others track to choose, but Hooker Valley mentioned to be the easiest and one of the most beautiful track. It is long hike, it tooks us 4 hours return but you are rewarding with a view to die for. The trail is well marked and is relatively flat although there are some changes in elevation. What a walk - not very hard or challenging, great for all ages. The track is mostly flat and very well cared for. We enjoyed the variety of scenery and the bridges over the water were amazing features. Oh, the bridges... There are 3 hanging bridges, all very beautiful and fun, but scary as well! It was a very big and be careful, probably it's not a good walk for those who have a fear of heights. There was beauty everywhere.</div>
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The track is absolutely magnificent - we saw glaciers on the mountain, icebergs in the lake at the halfway/turn around point, rushing streams and spectacular views of Mount Cook... All I can think of that day is how lucky and blessed I am to be here, to enjoy all this beauty. I touched the water of the lake with my feet, I jumped at the savana.. I was very happy and caught up in the moment, I didn't even realize the sweats of walking because I enjoyed every minute of it. We had the most beautiful day - clear skies with mild to warm temperatures. It was a worthy-walk. One of my favorite destinations ever. We finished our trail and went back to our van to continue our journey. </div>
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Next destination, still in Mount Cook area,<b> Lake Pukaki,</b> is long and a beautiful colour against the backdrop of surrounding mountains and Mt Cook. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world to see. The contrast between the lake and snowy Mt. Cook in the background is indescribable. My heart almost stopped. The water was so so blue, it hurts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">medicine to my eyes</td></tr>
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It was the bluest water of lake that I've ever seen in my entire life. The blueness of the waters is so beautiful, like I was stepped into a fairy tale. It was a very calm day there and I could just sit there and admire the view. What a great view of a magnificent lake with blue water surrounded by snow clad mountains. Seriously, one could sit hear for hours and enjoy the serene beauty of the place. The exceptional blue waters of the lake were stunningly visible and no less blue. Take a time to drive around until Mt. Cook area to see another angles of it, you won't regret! There is very little development around the lake, so it is pure, raw nature at it's best. It is turquoise in colour and stretches 65km up to the slops of Mt Cook. Just make sure the sun is shining. There are so many wonderful lakes we've seen along our NZ trip, but this was arguably my favorite lake.</div>
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We went to <b>High Country Salmon</b> restaurant for lunch while visiting Lake Tekapo. Located on the main highway between Twizel and Lake Tekapo, it was a nice place for stopover for any kind of salmon dishes. I think there's no better place to grab a fresh, raw salmon than this; just look at the clear water surrounding it. The salmon is absolutely delicious and you can feed the salmon fishes at the pond of the back of restaurant as well. As a salmon and sashimi lover, I ordered a a whole box of salmon sashimi and it only costs me 20 NZD (around IDR 200.000). While in Indonesia, I usually pay around IDR 60.00 for 2 SLICES of salmon sashimi. And the freshness rate, of course is un-comparable. Yum!! They also sell homemade ice cream and it was great.<br />
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Done with the lunch, we're headed to the last visit of the day. <b>Lake Tekapo</b>.<br />
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We heard wonderful things about Lake Tekapo and once we arrived, we saw this lake with lovely turquoise color, incredibly mountain view in the background, and purple and pink lupine dot the surroundings.. There is lots of places to dine at a great supermarket and good walks. Lots of building going on in the town it was touristy. Honestly Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo looks quite similar, but I preferred Lake Pukaki as it was still raw, not as busy as the other and nicer views of mountains on the lake. Nevertheless, one just can't find any mediocre view in NZ. </div>
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Then we walked slowly towards the Church of Good Shepherd and found the area near the church to be the busiest place. <b>The Church of the Good Shepherd </b>is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Bit crowded if you go during peak season as everyone wants to capture the church. You won't probably spend a lot of time out there, but this church is worth a visit. Not because of the building itself but for the views and surroundings. Problem is to find a slot where you won't have too many tourists around, especially if you are looking for a good photo. Actually nothing special, just a lovely old stone church on the lakeside. But it must be a decent visit when it's not too touristy. We spent sunset by the Church, took a lot of stunning pics, and headed to Tekapo town to have dinner in a cafe.<br />
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We continued our journey to Christchurch city (takes approximately 3 hours) and spent the night in the campervan, at a free-parking lot in the city. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 10 ( Christchurch)</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><i>Castle Hill, Shopping Day, Dining Day</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Good morning, Christchurch</span>. Sadly, we are at the end of our amazing trip. This was the last day. I feel depressed just thinking about it. We woke up at the parking lot, washed our face and brushed our teeth in the toilet, and packed up our luggage. We cleaned up the campervan, try our best to not left any litter and things behind, because we have to bring the campervan back to the office by noon. It was quite a job, remembering the van has been our "home" for 5 days, so you can guess how messy it was. Lol. </div>
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Finished the duty, then we went to our first destination today: <b>Castle Hill</b>.<br />
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In the Waimakariri Basin, about an 80-minute drive towards the mountain from Christchurch, is a scattering of hundreds of weathered stones and rocks that erupt from hills. Officially called a karst landscape, these ancient rocks are smooth, sculpted, spectacular, and irresistibly photogenic. It's well known as a filming spot for <b>The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</b>. Another "nerdy"-related dream came true for me! Yeay. </div>
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The rocks arrangements are random yet so amazing that it makes you wonder why they exists in the middle of nowhere. Exploring the unique landscape was great fun. The big boulders are only 5-10 minutes from the parking lot but you can easily spend an hour walking around and through the boulders. Beautiful walk through unique rock formations. Great views! A paradise for boulder sport/rock climbing fans. The best part of the place is, not many tourists! Pretty much had the place to ourselves. Pictures do not do them justice, much larger in person. This is truly an amazing piece of nature, and one not to be missed. Well worth a stop for picturesque pictures, even if you aren't into bouldering/rock climbing. </div>
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We went back to Christchurch and decided to go straight to Mighty office to return our campervan back. We made sure there was nothing left in the van, cleaned it up, and refill the fuel. It didn't take much time and you can also make your own coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while waiting for the return process in the office. It was kinda sad to return back our "home" for 5 days. Thank you for the challenging, yet FUN days, dear campervan.<br />
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After that, the Mighty officer dropped us and our luggage off in the <b>Jucy Snooze Hostel</b> that we have booked for the last day.</div>
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JUCY Snooze Christchurch is located minutes from the international airport, making it ideal for resting before or after a long journey. We slept in the pods. The Pods are self-contained capsules. There are eight Pods per room and each comes with bed linen, storage net, charging stations and temperature control. All Pod rooms are located near the shared bathroom facilities and the common area. It is 20 minutes' drive from Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). It was a very private, comfortable, very close to the airport. Many eatery places are nearby. Count Down supermarket is just next door. The rooms, including the shared bathroom, was very clean. There is a also big kitchen with full facilities/utensils enable to do own cooking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wjjoFIK52dnsVhBapnQ4E_reKLmYceDOWbtnXZ4aoK2zGaELfFzfFv-u3TLR66cFF2YrUWZ1MiBDDFKWrkZUeU_8niu34H6u5u1KWeAl08zq48-twrUqYJP3FgchoPeWAU4oCPukb9E/s1600/a92a792a_z.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wjjoFIK52dnsVhBapnQ4E_reKLmYceDOWbtnXZ4aoK2zGaELfFzfFv-u3TLR66cFF2YrUWZ1MiBDDFKWrkZUeU_8niu34H6u5u1KWeAl08zq48-twrUqYJP3FgchoPeWAU4oCPukb9E/s640/a92a792a_z.webp" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jucy pics from tripadvisor.com</td></tr>
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After checked in, we shopped at the Countdown supermarket. We bought many delicious NZ snacks, chocolates, a bottle of wine (and I personally bought a pack of my favorite Twinings Earl Grey tea) and other things (mostly snacks) for family and friends back home. The things with us Asians, you never expected of how much time it will take for shop. Our next itinerary, <b>Christchurch Art Gallery</b>, was unfortunately closed that day, so we decided to go to have early dinner.</div>
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If you come to New Zealand you’ll have to eat lamb! No excuse. A good place to get a really delicious shank of lamb is <b>Pedro’s House of Lamb</b>. The lamb is super delicious, the meat very tender and the seasoning just perfect. A whole shank with potatoes and gravy costs 40,- NZD and is more than enough to fill two until three hungry people.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my first time ever eating lamb</td></tr>
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Done with Pedro, we decided that we want to have some fancy dessert before sleep. After reading some reviews on the internet, we chose <b>Bloody Mary.</b> It is a steakhouse, brasserie and bar, and it is complemented by a secluded whisky library and private dining hall. Great atmosphere and some great options for private or special occasion dining, with warm and serene lights. A lil' fancy for our last night in NZ won't hurt, right? We ordered steaks, a cake for sharing, and wine. The Baked Alaska (a cake with meringue and orange flavour) dessert was out of the world.<br />
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Even though the entire meal was faultless - the service is so so. The waiter lady (and also the way of an elderly couple who had dinner at the moment stared at us) was not really "friendly" to us, maybe because we were not dressed "fancy enough" for the place. So I guess the overall hospitality in NZ cafe/restaurant needs some improvement. Anyhow, the steak cooked beautifully, and she chose a wine based on my request (any wine with a touch of sweetness, surprise me), and <b>it was the most perfect wine I've ever had.</b> The wine relaxes me to the core. Really worth the price.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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We left the hostel for airport at very early morning, headed back to Sydney for transit and.... Jakarta at last. Well for most of us, back to Makassar, of course. Back to our daily activities. So surreal. Yesterday, we were at the mountain and lakes, like we were on the other side of the world, in a dreamland.. and now I'm back at my hometown. It felt like a dream. A really nice dream.</div>
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And that's the wrap of our journey. Hope this review, tips, and guide helps you lucky folks travelling soon. If you have any question or suggestion about the trip, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or contact me through Instagram. I will be glad to help. Kia Ora!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">End note : </span></b></div>
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<i>I have to say that... it was (arguably) my favorite traveling experience ever. Not ticking all of the itinerary; of course, but all I wanted to do in NZ for so long has been ticked off. I can't even describe, neither express my joy and triumph towards this NZ journey. The driving from each place to another was just as awesome as each place we visited. The scenery was spectacular with different sights along each trip. From lakes to waterfalls, to mountain to farmland and oceans and beaches. It was all wonderful. There's nothing called a "perfect" holiday, for me, <b>in that imperfection itself that we find ourselves</b>, and we find perfection. Funny, how the universe connected us to each other. Far before Tirza, Mus, and me formed a "traveling group" since 2011, Rachmat and I has been high-school friends since 2007. And much longer before that, Era has been my childhood best friend since we were like toodlers. Edo, me and Tirza, were in junior high school together, yet we didn't really get along back then, except for Tirza and Edo who was friends in the law school again years after that. I introduced Mamat to Tirza and Mus, we established Wanderlust Project together, being hardly separated ever since. Then Tirza invited Edo to join our NZ trip, and I asked Era if she want to join. Now here we are, had one of the best time of our lives and promised that we will continually do so together. </i><br />
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<i>I myself never thought that I can visit this country, but I dared myself to dream and I made it happen. And the most satisfying thing was the fact that I paid it all by myself. </i><i>Especially when you spend it with your best friends. </i><i>I'm very grateful for that. Lord thank you :')</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love you guys, thank you for the lovely time</td></tr>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-700981451464526962019-06-13T22:23:00.002+08:002019-11-25T13:44:33.567+08:0010 Days Road Trip in New Zealand, Part 2 (NORTH ISLAND)<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Part two of this post will describe our journey in the </span><b style="text-align: justify;">North Island</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> of New Zealand. </span><br />
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So we took an evening flight from Sydney to the most populous city in North Island, Auckland. We arrived in the middle of the night so we decided just to stay for a night in a hostel near the airport, before we check in to our hotel tomorrow.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 1 (Auckland)</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Auckland City Tour</span></i></b></div>
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First day in NZ! So pumped up. We packed up at the hostel around 9 AM and we went to bus station near the road, to take a bus to train station. Auckland airport was located outside the city of Auckland, so we still need to take a train to the central. It took around 1-1,5 hours to reach the central. The central of Auckland isn't as crowded as other big cities I have visited. It looks just like a regular city with normal crowd in shopping area and CBD (Central Business District). If Auckland is the most "crowded" city in the North Island, I wonder what the other parts of the country will look like.</div>
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After we're checked in to our hotel, we spent the day strolled around the city; checked out a few stores, supermarket, grabbed a coffee.. Basically we're just seeing what the city had to offer. For me, Auckland just look like regular cities. Nothing special. In comparison to cities like Melbourne and Sydney, it probably has lesser crowd and entertainment. </div>
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The star of our first day was our lunch at <b>The Ancient Mariner Fish and Chips</b>. We found it through Google (we really wanted to eat fish and chips that day). It's a little restaurant located in the quiet side of the town; Mount Eden area. The interior was quite cute with the marine-kinda vibe to it. But to be honest, the fish and chips was indeed <b>THE BEST</b>. I ordered the Snapper fish with chips menu, and the fish was uber fresh, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and so does the chips. It was a big fish yet we're still craving for more! It was simply the best fish and chips I've ever tried. Major recommendation. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whenever I think about it my saliva starts yelling </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 2 (Auckland)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mount Eden, Devonport, Ponsonby Road</i></b></span></div>
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Yesterday was quite tiring with all the walks and luggage-pulling (our hotel was kinda located at the top side of the street), thus we had a great sleep. We have quite a schedule today. Before hand, we need to take our ride for the next 4 days. </div>
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We took our booked (via website) <b>minivan</b> at <b>Apex Car Rental</b> office, and the process was quite fast. We're just filling the form, and the car was ready for us. <b>Make sure you took the full pics of the car before you use it</b>, so you may know if you add any scratch or damage to it. Documentation matters.</div>
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<b>Mount Eden </b>is a suburb in Auckland which is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the Central Business District (CBD). It's the highest volcano in Auckland. The last eruption was about 15,000 years ago, leaving a crater 50Mt deep. Walk to the top of Mount Eden Volcano, there you'll get a 360° view of Auckland city.</div>
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From the mountain to the sea, let's go to Devonport. (doesn't rhyme? ok.)</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Devonport</b> is a harbourside suburb of Auckland. Just across the bay from Auckland, this small and relaxing town is the perfect day trip from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The suburb hosts the Devonport Naval Base of the Royal New Zealand Navy, but is best known for its harbourside dining and drinking establishments and its heritage charm.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devonport beach, nothing but a town-side relaxed beach to walk by with your family or with your dogs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love this Palm Spring vibes</td></tr>
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After walking around the beach and park, strolling down the little shops beside the street, bought some souvenirs there as well, we decided to grab some lunch and there is no other perfect place than <b>Ponsonby Road</b>.</div>
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Ponsonby Road is packed with boutique fashion stores, chic cafés, bars and restaurants, all just 10 minutes from the city centre. Ponsonby is most famous for its food and drink, so we took some times looking around to finally land our choice with a lovely Italian cafe/restaurant named <b>Prego</b>. We ate two pan of pizzas and onion rings. It was a great lunch. I really love the relax atmosphere of this cafe and the view of the elegant guests, but to be honest I don't really enjoy the waiter's service. The waiter treated us kinda different when we "only" ordered two pan of pizzas (we were so full anyway), it can blatantly be seen from her face. She literally rolled her eyes while collecting the menu back.</div>
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We've done lunch and sightseeing, now it's time to go around Auckland city for the last time, and we randomly decided to go to <b>Chemist Warehouse</b>. Girls, if you're looking for some places to spend money, this is the one. Chemist Warehouse is an Australian company operating a chain of retail pharmacies, make-up, body treatments and perfumes. They also have it in NZ. The company brands itself as offering crazy discounted prices for those goods. (JASTIP ALERT). We spent approximately one hour here just for shopping lol.</div>
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We went to supermarket for some groceries shopping, decided to end the day and back to hotel so we can get more rest because tomorrow we're gonna leave very early. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 3 (Matamata, Rotorua)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hobbiton Tour, Whakarewarewa Village</i></b></span></div>
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We woke up around 4 AM, shower, check out from the hotel, pack our things into our van and leave Auckland behind with sleepy eyes but very pumped-up feelings. Why? Because that day we finally gonna make it into the long-awaited route: <b>HOBBITON</b>. If you’re a fan of the films and books, or even if you’ve only seen one of the movies, you cannot surpass the opportunity to tour the <b>Shire</b>, Hobbiton. Located in <b>Matamata</b> (the middle of nowhere on New Zealand’s North Island) on a sheep farm. As a nerd I am, it was be a dream came true to be able to visit this place.</div>
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<b>Note</b> : <i>You cannot roam around Hobbiton on your own; you have to book a tour and follow a Hobbiton guide through the set. </i></div>
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During high season, it CAN get crowded, They do limit how many people can go on each tour (so it IS important to <a href="https://shrsl.com/u5yt">book ahead</a>!), but they can accommodate a lot of people in each tour group. We booked our Hobbiton tickets <a href="https://www.hobbitontours.com/en/">here</a>.</div>
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The road to <b>Matamata</b>, the little town where Hobbiton resides, takes around 2 hours from Auckland, and we decided to leave early in case if we get lost, no need to be panic because we still have time. The map was quite easy to follow. Along the road, we saw magnificent sunrise by our van windows. It was really beautiful to catch morning while road tripping in NZ. We arrived in Matamata around 7 AM and we stopped by for breakfast at McD. It was very cold even inside the restaurant, we finished our breakfast as fast as we can and we decided to go back to our van to sleep for an hour. We slept, woke up an hour later and drove to the movie set. </div>
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We arrived at the Hobbiton office just in time for our tour. Checking our reservations at the reception, they gave each of us a map and the guide directed us to get on the bus.</div>
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The guide introduced himself to us and gave us some history lessons about the origin of Hobbiton. Initially, for the filming of <b>The Lord of the Rings</b>, the set was made from materials that were not permanent. Thank the film making-gods for <b>The Hobbit</b> trilogy and the land owners who wanted the set to be made permanent, so now fans can come experience what its like to be a hobbit for the day! We were also watched on TV about Peter Jackson, director of TLOTR who explained the amazing process of making the film accompanied by music scores from TLOTR. It felt magical already. The bus continues to run slowly through a vast expanse of green farms whose beauty cannot be expressed in words. You know what? In that moment, I can't contain my excitement anymore. I was so happy I shed a tear. And we didn't even arrived yet...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bilbo Baggin</b>'s house</td></tr>
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It was so fascinating and impressive to hear of all the effort put in to making just this set, twice! You really can appreciate how much time and effort was put in to this set, let alone the whole movie, by seeing the intricate and artistic details in Hobbiton.</div>
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I can't just forget about the amazing experience i went through. The guide was entertaining and certainly knew his stuff, adding drama to the narrative as we walked through the village pointing out scenes from the movie and things that many would never have noticed. I imagined the scene where <b>Gandalf </b>came to the village and walked down the lane to Bilbo's house... and so on. As it is a movie set, everything is fake and you know it, but still it is magical when you are there. It was a very well maintained place and the details were amazing tho. We took hundreds of photos of all the hobbit holes that looks so cute, but you have to be patient as there were also a lot of people who wants to take picture. But worry no more: the pictures speaks for itself.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The tour ends with relaxing time and a free beer at the <b>Dragon Inn</b> (the same inn/bar they used in the movies) where the atmosphere was amazing. I chose the ginger beer and it was great. We hanged out for a while at the inn and took some cute pics, of course.</span></div>
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I almost feel devastated when the tour was over. My heart was so full of the warmth of the Shire, the magical place where I saw all the things I have been imagined from the books came true in front of my eyes. God, I need more hours. Highly recommended this experience to any of you, especially if you're a TLOTR and Hobbit fan. Not just to the enthusiast but even if you've never seen the movie. You certainly will want to see them all after this. It was "touristy" but it was worth it all the way.</div>
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Leaving Hobbiton with joy and love, we continued our journey to the next city, <b>Rotorua</b>. One hour drive from Matamata, Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Māori culture. Among all the Maori culture tour in Rotorua, we landed our choice with <b>Whakarewarewa village tour</b>. It can be <a href="https://www.whakarewarewa.com/shop/Bookings/maori-cultural-experiences">booked from their website</a> but this only includes access to the town with an optional tour and optional Maori cultural performance show. We also booked the tour before the holiday even started.</div>
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Nothing about the tour was life-changing but I still thought the tour was good and informational.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHWSKn4cweD7JXqda3bhQvT-6aH1AGi8dPyzG9gmFJW-rFAH9zaKaPAJj8b2Lwvl2h0g2yjpyVaOjpQqLKbwIRLPdIYHxyOotpyWdkUyD_EnojODGiWWIk0xHKFOxJ_9DBViwG1YUARE/s1600/imageproxy_6824EF5909E0BB94B4BF674F308E8E0B.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHWSKn4cweD7JXqda3bhQvT-6aH1AGi8dPyzG9gmFJW-rFAH9zaKaPAJj8b2Lwvl2h0g2yjpyVaOjpQqLKbwIRLPdIYHxyOotpyWdkUyD_EnojODGiWWIk0xHKFOxJ_9DBViwG1YUARE/s640/imageproxy_6824EF5909E0BB94B4BF674F308E8E0B.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">picture from <a href="http://whakarewarewa.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjiYIHAIITOHa0lMy9pVOZY5Xlkc_Q58Qj9xROW2hVwDQHBPyQNkp5sytDHhBquTaO30GHbWnyC3lK7NWNZYJ7UBG0gb17kR1pI-LuJkuA_20ZBvVYD_dXAWc-q8WUNbqiin9t4UkuP0/s1600/whakarewarewa-whaka-village317.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjiYIHAIITOHa0lMy9pVOZY5Xlkc_Q58Qj9xROW2hVwDQHBPyQNkp5sytDHhBquTaO30GHbWnyC3lK7NWNZYJ7UBG0gb17kR1pI-LuJkuA_20ZBvVYD_dXAWc-q8WUNbqiin9t4UkuP0/s640/whakarewarewa-whaka-village317.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from <a href="http://newzealand.com/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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The tour begins by forming into small groups with a tour guide leading the way through the village. <b>The Whakarewarewa Village</b>, is a living thermal village in Rotorua, built upon active geysers, thermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools. As we walked through the small village, we saw and smelled the sulfurous steam arising from the pools and fissures. The people who still live in the village use the thermal springs for cooking, bathing and heating. The guide explained to us, although they are equipped now with modern kitchens and showers, they still cook their vegetables and meat in the “hangi”, which is a wooden box, built into the ground to trap the steam, or in the hot pools. When our guide opened the lid, the air became filled with the smell of meat, herbs and vegetables.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY70gBfvviNTRtZYlSEF0-CP1Tqf94TKZbkM9cekvDtmjeMiPX-Kkm0r7K4QU7Cp0TenfciEgWnuF3jUIkxW2we8zPvuhvJqaxuZMAGxVSm2sWNhB5VArAim5GNGAy-cCiU479tQkawy4/s1600/whakarewarewa-6629-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY70gBfvviNTRtZYlSEF0-CP1Tqf94TKZbkM9cekvDtmjeMiPX-Kkm0r7K4QU7Cp0TenfciEgWnuF3jUIkxW2we8zPvuhvJqaxuZMAGxVSm2sWNhB5VArAim5GNGAy-cCiU479tQkawy4/s640/whakarewarewa-6629-2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JyLm5ogzKpgKvQhKn3oMuzynhtaHLb5Xe0Cm32B4y03uPbbNnfPMHVSxzo5BCwC9R_T2xS5Rs45yOoHlKvWhruvVPR3cpYozGvhtPvt_Tt2vVssVwUgIkzuZh5mTSGNw1FKSW3mF2Y/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-AEBA8FC0-61F7-4541-9B65-E1AC1F1BCE33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JyLm5ogzKpgKvQhKn3oMuzynhtaHLb5Xe0Cm32B4y03uPbbNnfPMHVSxzo5BCwC9R_T2xS5Rs45yOoHlKvWhruvVPR3cpYozGvhtPvt_Tt2vVssVwUgIkzuZh5mTSGNw1FKSW3mF2Y/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-AEBA8FC0-61F7-4541-9B65-E1AC1F1BCE33.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Following the tour, we watched a lively cultural performance by the Maori dancers (and singers). They sang quite beautifully and the small performance show was entertaining and the best part was that they gave us the opportunity to take pictures with Maori people.</div>
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We spent the sunset looking at the explosive mud pools from a distance, and finished the day. We went to our hotel, find some meals, and rest for tomorrow. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 4 (Rotorua)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Agrodome Farm, Lake Taupo</i></span></b></div>
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What's a getaway without some cute instagram-able / posting-able pictures? Nothing. Before we left our hotel, me and Mamat decided to take some shots at the very classic-Victorian style hotel, <a href="https://princesgate.co.nz/" target="_blank">Prince's Gate Hotel</a>. To be honest, it was probably my favorite hotel ever, considering my love to anything classic and country. I was feeling like a lady who lives in my noble cottage in the countryside. Darling, would you stay for a cup of tea? *Brit accent*</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTCnFyrWgxbzPKGn-QA8LAH53Hqrc0N48PtoDw5g_Zpa2dZyEPLvUrN6pzaROFUAxPTLpbHGc3Fq1GuWLpiIeyIESX5iqnJW-WPM4NLMzCytoz59_6R4cEUciIXyu92Uo0sRqp0wAe94/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-079C1AA2-67EB-4D9A-A281-98AA57360CFB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTCnFyrWgxbzPKGn-QA8LAH53Hqrc0N48PtoDw5g_Zpa2dZyEPLvUrN6pzaROFUAxPTLpbHGc3Fq1GuWLpiIeyIESX5iqnJW-WPM4NLMzCytoz59_6R4cEUciIXyu92Uo0sRqp0wAe94/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-079C1AA2-67EB-4D9A-A281-98AA57360CFB.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in front of our condo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg6hCPYsHaVz08tGUit6TuN2JNI9rq3Ttiz7C3_phJK-PfZ2ImVIzZsrZB6ndK26Yxn6rVv3kQUboV-V87eP6UttfpTwh7kcj-81WZxn1lGhD8xLRoTJLdoME6ISM97Xq_WLCamYwh9c/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-C4CE4ACE-3F50-466A-B4DF-4B004FE52F19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg6hCPYsHaVz08tGUit6TuN2JNI9rq3Ttiz7C3_phJK-PfZ2ImVIzZsrZB6ndK26Yxn6rVv3kQUboV-V87eP6UttfpTwh7kcj-81WZxn1lGhD8xLRoTJLdoME6ISM97Xq_WLCamYwh9c/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-C4CE4ACE-3F50-466A-B4DF-4B004FE52F19.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">interior of the other part of the hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">had the sitting room for ourselves</td></tr>
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The first destination for today was <b>The Agrodome</b>. There's one thing most people associate with New Zealand - <b>sheep</b>! That's why no trip to Rotorua would be complete without a visit to The Agrodome. The Agrodome is a 640-hectare (160-acre) sheep and beef farm which has been opened up to the public. If you love to see some sheep and other farm animals, this is the place to see. An educational and hands-on experience, you'll get the chance to join in on farming activities as you learn about farming in NZ and meet the farmers and their sheep. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWLN0AnXIkksy04aZmIVZ96k6F8p6jkRjG6-OplKuYK1lbL0WioGCvEp_CGPbl2sPeKcx_T8CjDg8IHiNqeggsmG8t-MBomo6ECRU-snZZKq79_5q0N-jLmimHZyM8vXWZ_Gx4hyphenhyphenlODE/s1600/DSCF0176_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWLN0AnXIkksy04aZmIVZ96k6F8p6jkRjG6-OplKuYK1lbL0WioGCvEp_CGPbl2sPeKcx_T8CjDg8IHiNqeggsmG8t-MBomo6ECRU-snZZKq79_5q0N-jLmimHZyM8vXWZ_Gx4hyphenhyphenlODE/s640/DSCF0176_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can choose between <b>Agrodome Sheep Show</b> or <b>Agrodome Farm Tour</b> during your visit, or you can choose to do both. The Agrodome Sheep Show is an hour-long interactive experience where you'll be introduced to 19 different breeds of sheep. Agrodome Farm Tour for a taste of life on the farm. You'll be guided by a farmer and introduced to a variety of farm animals. You'll be able to get close to the animals and even hand feed them. You can also taste wine, juice and/or honey, while learning about organic fruit growing.</div>
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We chose to do the Farm Tour; but due to an unintentional mistake, my friend who booked the tour chose the Sheep Show instead. The show was cute anyway (if you love animals). The guy was super funny and some of the animals were very active and entertaining to watch. The live shearing and milking was the unique aspects. We then went outside and walked around for a little watching the sheepdog muster, also saw donkeys, ponies, llama, alpacas and other farm life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZW5n4txpt5eEINsPPokNbSZNQfc37itr8kX0nQyRzd1E8EvpLYlWvbxCUZ63y8B3s0EV3FJ6OmQ7PUfPdzLFCmq9bJXh4uQm1sydAeq46B-JTJHBf0auRYHd99bdiKuEJWEqH5ddibs/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-5AD53584-E19B-4113-BF70-218338D9481F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZW5n4txpt5eEINsPPokNbSZNQfc37itr8kX0nQyRzd1E8EvpLYlWvbxCUZ63y8B3s0EV3FJ6OmQ7PUfPdzLFCmq9bJXh4uQm1sydAeq46B-JTJHBf0auRYHd99bdiKuEJWEqH5ddibs/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-5AD53584-E19B-4113-BF70-218338D9481F.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXq2zDtDtkeFz20gBJjuxJeG53SbtD6ImS3KbCCQUFrVGvwLcOQ9UKl1wRnvXQ3u6h8SCXgEBr87bB0cD8prQ5NFEU2i8SfwACDfEw7uDBdnJK71gJ4_AuUIRIGBMqoR94jxKGdqUcY/s1600/ILDF2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXq2zDtDtkeFz20gBJjuxJeG53SbtD6ImS3KbCCQUFrVGvwLcOQ9UKl1wRnvXQ3u6h8SCXgEBr87bB0cD8prQ5NFEU2i8SfwACDfEw7uDBdnJK71gJ4_AuUIRIGBMqoR94jxKGdqUcY/s640/ILDF2973.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobq_It1pnqbiqM2Guqzsd1hXdQF-dMcvYRCnvSA2z8DdltNIdsNhDu3GoX8bP-aGLJsXq_DUi2yC1vqlaQY8br3wtit-9vYrrb3iXAsqmTRuNM1LGdOfqls1jHLXpopdc1oBSJ6OLmO4/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobq_It1pnqbiqM2Guqzsd1hXdQF-dMcvYRCnvSA2z8DdltNIdsNhDu3GoX8bP-aGLJsXq_DUi2yC1vqlaQY8br3wtit-9vYrrb3iXAsqmTRuNM1LGdOfqls1jHLXpopdc1oBSJ6OLmO4/s640/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CdpNO940CSl1wWgTfGAW3U0u7HU1x8YUkizIlZ2vZb1IRbESGeSyuCnkaXW23K_ONJEEXSwTWxRudoSy5vkUNYeIR1Wp2ndwn83mKcjJKoXIzj6yYdBo0bcDcZ4J6gm1Z5XqKbLVnQQ/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CdpNO940CSl1wWgTfGAW3U0u7HU1x8YUkizIlZ2vZb1IRbESGeSyuCnkaXW23K_ONJEEXSwTWxRudoSy5vkUNYeIR1Wp2ndwn83mKcjJKoXIzj6yYdBo0bcDcZ4J6gm1Z5XqKbLVnQQ/s640/IMG_1758.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our next destination was <b>Lake Taupo</b>. It was an hour or more from the town of Rotorua. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcge22htPU-O8NsW0VFLCFbHFjYZRpAbG9Z3V9g2K5mJdXQeSX5dHrFz1JJTeXnx-15JacqAbVwX0lDBNw8ObBHTg9E60o8waPYpwbRIodYiVTbtaczb15zRu9u3N3Hd92q9sLI2gzLH0/s1600/DSCF0271_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcge22htPU-O8NsW0VFLCFbHFjYZRpAbG9Z3V9g2K5mJdXQeSX5dHrFz1JJTeXnx-15JacqAbVwX0lDBNw8ObBHTg9E60o8waPYpwbRIodYiVTbtaczb15zRu9u3N3Hd92q9sLI2gzLH0/s640/DSCF0271_Fotor.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some snaps from our journey</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oI3PVAgoub1D11ghBMHEZfiaCgpnAjRCV5as7nfcIZS0NUuHlh9x0JRfwnqyO6bH7Yglx_-sUBtA0YDQGMWTLCcvHxsVB5WuVp8kYuE7RuQGqOhaoNaHoB7E0sPIBhhuhNDXpIUnYSs/s1600/DSCF0270_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oI3PVAgoub1D11ghBMHEZfiaCgpnAjRCV5as7nfcIZS0NUuHlh9x0JRfwnqyO6bH7Yglx_-sUBtA0YDQGMWTLCcvHxsVB5WuVp8kYuE7RuQGqOhaoNaHoB7E0sPIBhhuhNDXpIUnYSs/s640/DSCF0270_Fotor.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lake Taupo is the <b>largest lake in New Zealand and North Island </b>with 616 km2. What a spectacle you could think it was the sea. It's so large at a certain point you cannot see the other side! It has easy access for boats; many many boats parked at the port. When we were there, it's so calm. They say they have a lots of activities happen on the lake: such as kayaking, paragliding, cruise, jetboat (we wanted to join the last boat tour was already leaving)... Other than that, we had nothing to do rather than enjoying the weather and took some pics (not much). Maybe because we parked in the other side, or the wrong side, I don't know; we can only see the Taupo town in a distance. Lol. Lake Taupo is a nice lake but isn't the best in New Zealand. Also lacks the majesty of some lakes surrounded by mountains. However, there must be some great views, restaurants, and shops around Taupo itself if you know the way. Too bad we also didn't go to the famous Huka Falls near Lake Taupo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lKOhmh6BkAFzkkCn9yMv_bM5XcTuyqvrMb7QDjVfnKrsrEtmx7kjQ6HobioKLQJMYpRZOHkcV3Dh4NrUpLKP4LKHWXORfdWRVE_OR3HoZRjVPkvfqL178SuUZHhPjheQV-6pdWS78sU/s1600/DSCF0280_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lKOhmh6BkAFzkkCn9yMv_bM5XcTuyqvrMb7QDjVfnKrsrEtmx7kjQ6HobioKLQJMYpRZOHkcV3Dh4NrUpLKP4LKHWXORfdWRVE_OR3HoZRjVPkvfqL178SuUZHhPjheQV-6pdWS78sU/s640/DSCF0280_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqOdGhbIqz3p_C2aFERV2BT2IJ6RUGom6YS1wyqx7rMk2pDYjxPnXLNMke3-iBLjz5NbNcKLxEviKC4O21UEasthnS0N1AW1J36M9P2TgiCPSeTran9TjhTJkxzz58182i3TGKhJYoQ8/s1600/SZBN9208_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqOdGhbIqz3p_C2aFERV2BT2IJ6RUGom6YS1wyqx7rMk2pDYjxPnXLNMke3-iBLjz5NbNcKLxEviKC4O21UEasthnS0N1AW1J36M9P2TgiCPSeTran9TjhTJkxzz58182i3TGKhJYoQ8/s640/SZBN9208_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWCNoPW-F1jY9GSlOA9q3-6gSWlYyDP2pLX9jgUTMts6mUxxpuG8pCF9xJFrBdaHHsNa1rN7ZxwD9N3JYo0IhlG9KxJtpGXK9V5uiuSXyRRRQq1j1CaimbP8Gqes33MA9UpdX46CluUY/s1600/DSCF0275_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWCNoPW-F1jY9GSlOA9q3-6gSWlYyDP2pLX9jgUTMts6mUxxpuG8pCF9xJFrBdaHHsNa1rN7ZxwD9N3JYo0IhlG9KxJtpGXK9V5uiuSXyRRRQq1j1CaimbP8Gqes33MA9UpdX46CluUY/s640/DSCF0275_Fotor.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just realize that we don't have any pics of the lake :(</td></tr>
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Our journey from Lake Taupo to Wellington city took approximately five hours and we enjoyed every minute of the view. It feels like, the more south we go, the better the view is. Chasing the sunset from our van windows was indeed one of the most remarkable moment ever. The red hue of sunset along the horizon brought us to the state of melancholic, it was very beautiful to the point where we need to stop at a rest area in the street side, parked our minivan, and enjoy every minute of the dawn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC2RzqUlyFwHDHRuJRMSJ8n1acAAIYt1nb4hRmz7W2feHgQd8wHJof-nan1iXwVLKNT6zuawPEFlPgsZ71j_boJ2nTl3JicNq5AlVQaA25MFWhyphenhyphenB2IJi_MbP2wDWUKO1mBBTm5QsJtIw/s1600/DSCF0292_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC2RzqUlyFwHDHRuJRMSJ8n1acAAIYt1nb4hRmz7W2feHgQd8wHJof-nan1iXwVLKNT6zuawPEFlPgsZ71j_boJ2nTl3JicNq5AlVQaA25MFWhyphenhyphenB2IJi_MbP2wDWUKO1mBBTm5QsJtIw/s640/DSCF0292_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9TOrfc9CLCNYJvUO1-DMIIfUPoaTpY8Cf2HSXgGxRA_VkcYYr-fXLLWQC888lNJf1lA8GdLgTdTfX9mFWIHWpGRsoK4D1wRpAqpkS3bTTNsvuicMFCcVm9kM3nji6dZLYoHd9cm1Zh4/s1600/DSCF0330_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1346" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9TOrfc9CLCNYJvUO1-DMIIfUPoaTpY8Cf2HSXgGxRA_VkcYYr-fXLLWQC888lNJf1lA8GdLgTdTfX9mFWIHWpGRsoK4D1wRpAqpkS3bTTNsvuicMFCcVm9kM3nji6dZLYoHd9cm1Zh4/s640/DSCF0330_Fotor.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
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If I were a singer or something, this would be the perfect place for me to shoot my music video. Lol. I imagined it will be very suitable place to shoot a MV for a song like Bon Iver's, Kings of Convenience's, or Sufjan Stevens'.</div>
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We arrived at a rest area near Wellington after five hours of driving. Unfortunately, due to a bad planning back then, we didn't book a hostel/hotel for the night, and ended up sleeping in the car at the rest area. I can't say that experience was comfortable. It wasn't. Lol. But you know, you had it and you learn. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DAY 5 (Wellington)</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Wellington City Tour</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></i></span></b></div>
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We woke up at the rest area, and drove to another rest area in town that has toilet and shower to freshen ourselves before the day starts. We were so relieved that we were finally able to move our bodies, after a night of uncomfortable sleep inside the car. Haha. Thank God that <span style="color: #45818e;">almost ALL stop areas in NZ, free or not, has some incredibly clean toilets</span>. That's one of the thing I love the most from this country. Now, let's explore our last stop in North Island, which is the capital city of NZ itself, <b>Wellington</b> city.</div>
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Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point. As the nation's capital since 1865, the New Zealand Government and Parliament and most of the public service are based in the city. Wellington is New Zealand's political centre, housing the nation's major government institutions. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand but is a smaller city as compared to Auckland.</div>
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Wellington was called <b>“the coolest little capital in the world”</b> by<b> Lonely Planet </b>when it was named in its ‘top 10 cities’ list in 2011. We only spent not even a full day here, because we're leaving for Queenstown in the evening, but I think I can get a glimpse of why the city was called that way. Auckland tends to feel soulless to me, whereas Wellington has such a nice vibe to it. Its easier to walk everywhere. More compact and easier access for someone with no car. Less traffic and a much more relaxed, casual vibe. I kinda dig it. We had a simple breakfast at a little cafe in the town (forgot the name), while looking at the streets of Welly (the nickname of Wellington). After that, we hopped in the famous <b>Wellington Cable Car</b>.</div>
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The highlight to any visit to Wellington is a trip on Wellington Cable Car. In just 5 we reached the top of the <b>Wellington Botanic Garden</b> where panoramic views of the city and Wellington Harbour are the reward. The Cable Cars leave every 10 minutes.</div>
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This was a great attraction at only $9 per adult (one way) we get to ride the cable car to the top. The tunnel lights are very cool too. A must visit if you are in Wellington. Once we arrived at the top of the Cable Car we get easy access to the Kelburn Lookout, Cable Car Museum, Botanic Garden, Space Place, Zealandia and nice cafes. Due to the lack of time, we only visited the Botanic Garden and the museum. Before you head back down make sure to visit those two (free entry), which provides a big garden and a place with history of the city's symbolic mode of transport. </div>
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Botanic Garden is a lovely place to come and walk. It has a playground hidden away in the middle that is good for children, a tree house, and some interesting plantings. It is a great way to get some exercise as there is quite a climb from bottom to top and it is a big garden anyway. Nothing much to do there unless you're up for a walk, run with dogs, picnic with family, or sleeping on the soft grass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yFNjrKu1JHGJvCJfRDyfxybFJQ8WzKto0QC3IQMP63JQhjCRWj6z6zDMDbuzmGynTJqEcPF5hpGBs_dLYQtHImWjHuHjW6yKp5eQEvyiqgxN9qgc-W9OeIYb_PglUFhBsN1TbV50KY4/s1600/DSCF0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yFNjrKu1JHGJvCJfRDyfxybFJQ8WzKto0QC3IQMP63JQhjCRWj6z6zDMDbuzmGynTJqEcPF5hpGBs_dLYQtHImWjHuHjW6yKp5eQEvyiqgxN9qgc-W9OeIYb_PglUFhBsN1TbV50KY4/s640/DSCF0501.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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We took the cable car back to the CBD and spending our last hour in Welly with coffee at Starbucks and checking out some stores in the street. </div>
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Then we left for Apex Car Rental office near the airport to drop off our minivan. The process was pretty fast, the guy was just checking the car's condition for a few minutes, and he dropped us off to the Wellington Aiport to catch our flight to Queenstown.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VrPDkTFvKTPb6c69ID6fJ2FDuCBi2CWM4dRvqgvZgDh90CXdm7M0NrGymi-2I7bG1G7Ez2AC5Hh5p-5zT1NYc4ZlF5vnRCR8NdPDycveJTEI1XFuyX7Qp_LzT0o22vtP-8U_Kc3SMI0/s1600/RNI-Films-IMG-E6DDCC16-EF5F-4FAE-A467-CBF0BEB0C66C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VrPDkTFvKTPb6c69ID6fJ2FDuCBi2CWM4dRvqgvZgDh90CXdm7M0NrGymi-2I7bG1G7Ez2AC5Hh5p-5zT1NYc4ZlF5vnRCR8NdPDycveJTEI1XFuyX7Qp_LzT0o22vtP-8U_Kc3SMI0/s640/RNI-Films-IMG-E6DDCC16-EF5F-4FAE-A467-CBF0BEB0C66C.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic of our cute shoes (me and Mamat's) </td></tr>
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Phew, it's crazy how fast time flies. We only have five days left and I can't help but sad whenever I thought about it. I've gotten to travel to some places and meet many kinds of people and do many kinds of great things, so it's, like, always felt this way. It just lets you know how time flies, especially when you're having fun. </div>
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See you in my next post, which is gonna be more incredible of course, because it's South Island post!</div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-91562339024095141422019-02-28T20:41:00.000+08:002019-11-14T19:29:50.252+08:0010 Days Road Trip In New Zealand, Part 1 (Route, Arrangements, and Tips)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fspPpSIOFGR5k6Rz6nUzysBlSt-xRJfY06080WJAWBqwfupUqKPLl8Sc2iFx4u5phdbs-vFF8e_w06zXDy34DmXz73rd3FcB6qxriN4faQ_S9__DwOx05If48WeHOz67N1Yf3yOdzNM/s1600/DSCF1743_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fspPpSIOFGR5k6Rz6nUzysBlSt-xRJfY06080WJAWBqwfupUqKPLl8Sc2iFx4u5phdbs-vFF8e_w06zXDy34DmXz73rd3FcB6qxriN4faQ_S9__DwOx05If48WeHOz67N1Yf3yOdzNM/s640/DSCF1743_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the squad at <b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Lake Te Anau</b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> minus the photographer, Rachmat "Matthew" Nugraha</span></td></tr>
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<br />FINALLY</div>
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F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. Finally this post is ready to be published. It feels like it takes a gazillion year to finish this one. My bad habit since ages ago is that I have a tendency to postpone my traveling journal; since I always feel a little bit overwhelmed and emotional whenever I try to write the story.. and sort the photos into one post. Due to many requests from my friends, I try my best to include all the information I have about my <b>New Zealand</b> trip here. </div>
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Every time I think about the time I spent in NZ...it feels like an ongoing love affair and I am here to share it with the world. Well firstly I must say you New Zealanders (or Kiwi people, as they usually like to be called with) are some of the luckiest people on earth. To live in such a beautiful place is something to be proud of. I hope it will answer most; if not all, the questions you guys have in your head about this breathtaking country. So without further do, let's dig in.</div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Route</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBgNNEmVocRhxZl0tmVEvJWRCJbkSZuiJOY6RkHXrAv4sJ18eJk1deG5EWk9Y9FDDN4TceSTSXc2S5_HFmrWWWfvPfAjWzDen5-GrxhTW_u7f6wb7x2eHNlMBe-7IIg-QMc15vzQZaUo/s1600/new-zealand.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="641" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBgNNEmVocRhxZl0tmVEvJWRCJbkSZuiJOY6RkHXrAv4sJ18eJk1deG5EWk9Y9FDDN4TceSTSXc2S5_HFmrWWWfvPfAjWzDen5-GrxhTW_u7f6wb7x2eHNlMBe-7IIg-QMc15vzQZaUo/s640/new-zealand.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from Beautiful Holidays</td></tr>
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The trap that many people fall into when visiting New Zealand (or any other country) is to attempt to cram too much in, eager to see as much as possible and often underestimating journey times between places.. that's actually a wrong move, but understandable. Come on, who wouldn't want to see as much as you can if you (think) you can make it, right? Holidays is so expensive nowadays. But trust me, I know that the overload of information on the internet about which route should you take can be daunting and leave you frustrated. At least it happened to me. I've been there and I feel for you. To help you out I finally put together the list of which places you should consider to visit, and I personally think it will be better if you start it all by looking at <b>the map of the country</b>. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">New Zealand is a small country, it is divided into two big islands: <b>North Island</b> and <b>South Island</b>. Keep this in mind; because this very basic "geography lesson" is the foundation of your trip. So first of all you have to answer this question: <b>where do you want to start your trip?</b> Is it North, or South?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you choose North Island, you'll fly from your country to <b>Auckland</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you choose South Island, you'll fly to <b>Christchurch</b> or <b>Queenstown</b>. Simple. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">Me and my friends only have 10 days to explore NZ (how sad and unfortunate), and most of the people in the same case usually choose between these two options:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Try their best to see the best of both island</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Focus on the South Island</b></span></li>
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We chose the first one. We are greedy people. We wanted to try and see as much as we could in that time, and trust me, you can do better. Lol. <br />
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So we flied from <b>Jakarta to Sydney</b>, and from Sydney we started our NZ trip in <b>Auckland</b> (North Island). We wanted our journey to be started in North, all goes down to South. So basically I'll divide our trip into three parts. The first chapter is<b> the arrangement</b>, the second chapter is <b>North Island trip</b> and the third chapter is <b>South Island trip</b>.<br />
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Here's the recap of our NZ route: <b>starting from Auckland in the north, </b>and<b> ends in Christchurch in the south</b>:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Auckland → Matamata → Rotorua → Wellington → Queenstown → Christchurch</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Flight Tickets</b><br />
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New Zealand is never a budget destination, so the best way to travel is to set a deal alert. Flights around summer, Christmas and the New Year are typically most expensive. There are many ways to buy plane tickets. Once you have set your route, you can buy it directly at the airlines website or many trusted travel search sites such as <a href="https://www.skyscanner.net/">Skyscanner</a>, <a href="https://www.kayak.com/">Kayak</a>, or <a href="https://www.cheapflights.co.id/?ispredir=true">CheapFlights</a>, however, we tried a lil' bit different this time. We bought our return tickets: <b>Jakarta →Sydney (transit)→Auckland</b> and <b>Christchurch → Sydney (transit) → Jakarta</b> with <b>Qantas Airlines</b> via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/promotrip/">@promotrip</a> on Instagram. They provide us with some great options of economical ticket prices. It will be a very useful service if you don't have time looking for tickets, because they always post very interesting ticket promos. You just need to choose, chat them, provide the data, transfer the ticket fees, and voila-the ticket will be directly sent to your email.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5b9xP547kDlzCCYjsLplsEDcAMFqcX6NnKfltrneMYnfSGuTtcbtYgtXR_omf-NNjdbhZX4ODM33LUp7wo5mK3omTnfxrBNWPyoqXHVPHJgcoC2y1bpu9hPxmyuGTxD2dAmxGY2HrBE/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5b9xP547kDlzCCYjsLplsEDcAMFqcX6NnKfltrneMYnfSGuTtcbtYgtXR_omf-NNjdbhZX4ODM33LUp7wo5mK3omTnfxrBNWPyoqXHVPHJgcoC2y1bpu9hPxmyuGTxD2dAmxGY2HrBE/s640/IMG_0583.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18IpxRma21FdLjyf-Q-QOMticRowQ_kiT2xgd7MZ0iA9DpQtv-N0_KyMbyHrNO7erdVa9pQpDdJylbIu1hK6-hi0T8ZlkBjeISFA_h8T3K2mCQmlul5tnx9OdeAna8oKPM-3zkRWzyFw/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18IpxRma21FdLjyf-Q-QOMticRowQ_kiT2xgd7MZ0iA9DpQtv-N0_KyMbyHrNO7erdVa9pQpDdJylbIu1hK6-hi0T8ZlkBjeISFA_h8T3K2mCQmlul5tnx9OdeAna8oKPM-3zkRWzyFw/s640/IMG_0588.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfDwFoMgxGkU2E9T2vTgJv_7tkkGkxVyMFlpWlnUfJlQgOUfr_KutxXEoXpYwKZv4bAJutrwWdx6AbvuCPHz9RtvgkcwxjfET1WNzy6aFs84fBDvTKsIyoCt1CVl9gGfd6Dp4HsZH_4A/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfDwFoMgxGkU2E9T2vTgJv_7tkkGkxVyMFlpWlnUfJlQgOUfr_KutxXEoXpYwKZv4bAJutrwWdx6AbvuCPHz9RtvgkcwxjfET1WNzy6aFs84fBDvTKsIyoCt1CVl9gGfd6Dp4HsZH_4A/s640/IMG_0595.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a cute little moment on our way to Sydney: meeting a super generous flight attendant in the world :)). He's an Indonesian man and we (me and Tirza) chatted with him for a moment. And every time he passed with the food tray, he LITERALLY gave us these snacks and wines :)). Dear sir, I am sorry I forget your name, but please know that u're loved and blessed :")</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Make a Visa</b><br />
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An Indonesian who wishes to visit New Zealand requires a <b>Visitor’s Visa.</b> Application forms for a Visitors Visa can be downloaded from the <a href="http://www.immigration.govt.nz/">Immigration New Zealand</a> website or collected from the <b>New Zealand Visa Application Centre</b>, <b>Jakarta</b> or <b>Bali</b>. You can choose either you want to apply online or apply by papers at the immigration office. We chose to apply directly at the office so we can know if there's something missing or required from our documents. </div>
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The following documents are required for the visa application*:</div>
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<li>One current passport size colour photograph (4 x 6 cm) </li>
<li>Current passport(s)</li>
<li>The current processing fee for a Visitor’s Visa is IDR 2.150.000 (this fee is NON-REFUNDABLE)</li>
<li>Either a completed sponsorship form (completed by your family member in New Zealand and a copy of the New Zealand citizen or New Zealand resident’s passport), or</li>
<li>Evidence that you have a sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand (a minimum of $1,000 NZ per month, per adult)</li>
<li>Evidence of employment in Indonesia and leave of absence from your company/employer</li>
<li>Photocopy of your Family Registration Card (Kartu Keluarga)/KITAS /KIMS</li>
<li>Your itinerary</li>
<li>Your marriage certificate or evidence of relationship (when the applicant is the spouse/partner of a New Zealand citizen)</li>
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Special Note: Processing time for a Visitor’s Visa is a minimum of seven (7) working days. The visa, if approved, will be directly sent to your email.</div>
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*courtesy of <a href="https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/south-east-asia/indonesia/new-zealand-embassy-and-mission-to-asean/visas/" target="_blank">New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade</a> and <a href="http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/indonesia/Visa_Fees_at_a_Glance.html" target="_blank">VFS Global</a>. Please open these links for complete information about visa application and downloading the visa form.<br />
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<i><b>Australia Transit Visa</b></i><br />
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In some cases, when you fly to NZ from Australia, you will need to wait in the airport for more than 8 hours. Therefore, you will need a transit visa. This visa lets people be in Australia for up to 72 hours. The cost is free but you have to wait around 8-15 days until it's granted, so make sure to consider it much earlier. Our transit visa (me and Tirza's) was approved on the morning when we're going to Jakarta, before leaving to Sydney the next day, so.. you can imagine how stressed (and relieved) we were back then. :)) You can make it by following the steps <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/transit-771#HowTo" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Best Time to Visit New Zealand</b><br />
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<b>NZ Seasons</b><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">Spring</span> - September, October, November.</li>
<li><span style="background-color: yellow;">Summer</span> - December, January, February.</li>
<li><span style="background-color: orange;">Autumn</span> - March, April, May.</li>
<li><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Winter</span> - June, July, August.</li>
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We came on November, so it means <b>spring</b> time; when the beautiful blooms takes the sights, but you still can see the magnificent snow-coated mountains. <b>Lupin flowers</b> near the lakes is very famous and worth to visit for an Instagram-quality feed in the spring time. In NZ, <b>you’ll get cooler temperatures the more south you go</b>. But the weather can become very unpredictable, especially on the boundaries of the seasons. I found the weather in NZ was quite confusing. So make sure you bring rainproof jackets, shawl, sunglasses, sunscreen, but also some tees for warmer days.</div>
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<b>Summer</b> can be seen as the peak tourist season. Most activity providers are open for business and it is the perfect time for <b>adventure, day walks, scenic drives, visiting wineries, picking fruit</b>, etc. It can get very crowded then in some areas, especially where there’s water – beaches and lakes – because Kiwis enjoy water activities and being outside in the sun a lot. In summer, it will be very bright, cheerful and colorful, but it's also the peak season, where travelers around the world will come to have some fresh air and enjoy many outdoor activities NZ is very famous of. The most expensive months are obviously summer. Booking way in advance is then highly recommended. This includes making car rental reservations. </div>
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In <b>fall</b>, temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, less crowded, and it is possible to swim in some places until April. Colorful changing leaves make autumn a pretty scenic delight, especially in regions such as Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay, which are known for their <b>autumn splendour</b>.</div>
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<b>Winter</b> can be one of the best times to visit New Zealand if you're a fan of snow. Images of snow-capped and snow-covered mountains in New Zealand have become all too familiar and the hallmark of especially the South Island of New Zealand. <span style="text-align: justify;">Most tourists visit New Zealand in winter for <b>skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing</b>. But also remember: </span>Driving in New Zealand during winter<span style="text-align: justify;"> can be quite hazardous. </span></div>
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Just like other ordinary trip, finding hotel/hostels in NZ is not a big problem. You can always find it in well-known websites like<b> Agoda, Traveloka, Booking.com, Hostel world, </b>or <b>Hostels.com</b>. Consider <b>AirBnB</b> if you prefer a more private place. Hostels in New Zealand tend to have friendly staff with many having excellent local knowledge and many New Zealand hostels have travel agents that can book your tours for you. One thing you have to remember, in holiday season like Summer it's quite hard to find hotel / hostels with reasonable prices if you don't book it earlier. <b>Choose the ones with the best rating because the ratings won't lie</b>. We chose to have as many options as possible, as we're always moving. For an example, when we wanted to have affordable options, we had a night at a hostel in Queenstown named <b>Nomads Queenstown Hostel </b>and another hostel, <b>Jucy Snooze,</b> in Christchurch<b>. </b>It was very comfy, <i>spacy</i> even for 6 persons in a room, and very clean toilets. And when we feel like splurging, in other towns like Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown, we chose<b> Prince's Gate Boutique Hotel</b> and <b>St.Moritz Hotel</b>. Each of them is luxurious and very unique. Highly recommended!</div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Driving in New Zealand</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGUD12TgMODVa_FK98XtcCyN6qH0OOF7f7MgMBMTcyYAZdB5gRmILSZoKyKn2RO3yBoUocy15G1OASy0dcJV16gJb8MuXGNROL28doqzb5gjQDBjfEhXRM-1FgmAZZqdCcsDEn5cBlDA/s1600/DSCF0300_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGUD12TgMODVa_FK98XtcCyN6qH0OOF7f7MgMBMTcyYAZdB5gRmILSZoKyKn2RO3yBoUocy15G1OASy0dcJV16gJb8MuXGNROL28doqzb5gjQDBjfEhXRM-1FgmAZZqdCcsDEn5cBlDA/s640/DSCF0300_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New Zealand is definitely a country made for road trips. It’s small enough that you could drive across the entire nation in 24 hours, and you can see variety of landscapes and cultures on the way. After all, road trips aren’t really about the destination - the beauty of having your own wheels is the fact that you can choose to detour as much as you like and discover amazing places that most others would simply pass by.</div>
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<i><b>Driving License</b></i></div>
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First things first, for Indonesians, you need to make an <b>International Driving Permit </b>(IDP) or <b>SIM Internasional</b> in order to drive legally in NZ. You can make it at any police station in Jakarta and the fee is <b>IDR 250.000</b>. You only need to bring:</div>
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<ul>
<li><i>KTP (asli & fotokopi)</i></li>
<li><i>Passport (asli & fotokopi)</i></li>
<li><i>SIM domestik Indonesia (asli & fotokopi, SIM harus masih berlaku)</i></li>
<li><i>Materai Rp6000,-</i></li>
<li><i>Pas foto berwarna sebanyak 4 (empat) lembar. Latar foto biru, untuk menggunakan dasi dan untuk wanita menggunakan blazer</i></li>
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<b><i>Choose Your Ride</i></b></div>
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You MUST rent a car – driving is pretty much a requirement in order to see the most of NZ. When renting a regular car or a campervan you need to compare the rental companies out there and see which one suits your needs the most. Think about the time you're gonna spend on the road and the route you'll take. Think about the flexibility and your itinerary. We always know that we want to go by <b>campervan </b>because it's the <b>most popular and iconic choice</b> for road trippin' in NZ, but 10 days in campervan will be too expensive for us. So we stick for regular car a.k.a <b>minivan</b> for our first 5 days in North Island. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CLFu_1ezFBfPsPPoG7P8i3MVZETzdA9iuFX-HtSpo73LljwwWdeUX1w25BsRw0ijtBMGLbni2NDO0Qrnmr_c9OcTS9b9FS8_WdI14Y2y5oXY-88gut-vqqgSIWIHneNmkmwG38wdxpo/s1600/DSCF0358_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CLFu_1ezFBfPsPPoG7P8i3MVZETzdA9iuFX-HtSpo73LljwwWdeUX1w25BsRw0ijtBMGLbni2NDO0Qrnmr_c9OcTS9b9FS8_WdI14Y2y5oXY-88gut-vqqgSIWIHneNmkmwG38wdxpo/s640/DSCF0358_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">our minivan for North Island trip</td></tr>
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The most spacious campervans that you can legally drive with a normal driving license is a <b>motorhome</b>. Travellers can comfortably stretch their legs, grab something to eat, and have a snooze anytime, anywhere. Camping is quite popular in New Zealand because of its vast outdoor spaces and scenic locations where you can park your motorhome. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the waves and the rays of the golden sun or smelling the fresh grass and enjoying the spacious land. It can contain 2-6 persons and usually have the full equipments: <b>bedding, dining area, kitchen, shower, toilet and more</b>. Although more expensive to buy and rent than cars, they offer more room for amenities, perhaps even water storage, waste water storage and a toilet. You can also save time and money by renting a motorhome. No need to stress yourself out trying to look for a room that will fit your budget, because you can now comfortably sleep in your motorhome.</div>
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But one thing you have to remember, <b>it's not a guarantee that travelling in campervan is cheaper</b>. Remember, campervan arrangements (electricity, cleaning, etc) also takes time - if you have small time, consider choose regular cars and sleep in hotel/hostels. Sometimes it can be cheaper than live in campervan. You choose. Think about the time and efficiency. Arrange to pick up the car straight from the airport you’re flying into, then arrange to drop it off from the other airport you will be flying out of. Saves you tons of time! </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IsLIO53Oop8qsikWg9GendI-E5CRe4MpubQ7IirTTBMErOI90aKPTLziGmtXBBl3O843WH8_iHTeaEFIbHhlqLrbplOjLQiGxDIzvM1ZiKn9dT1cULhdzBe_NW__UUbv0bEHGAoPQIc/s1600/DSCF1010_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IsLIO53Oop8qsikWg9GendI-E5CRe4MpubQ7IirTTBMErOI90aKPTLziGmtXBBl3O843WH8_iHTeaEFIbHhlqLrbplOjLQiGxDIzvM1ZiKn9dT1cULhdzBe_NW__UUbv0bEHGAoPQIc/s640/DSCF1010_Fotor.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">our campervan for South Island trip</td></tr>
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<b><i>Dropping Car at A Different Location</i></b></div>
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Don't worry about it. Companies in NZ are really well accustomed to it and it won't cost a lot more. It will give you drop off option at a different airport/different city than your pick up place. Like us, we took our car in Auckland and we dropped it off in Wellington Airport. It was fast and doesn't take much time.</div>
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A great search engine that compiles many campervan rental companies in New Zealand is <a href="https://www.motorhomerepublic.com/new-zealand-motorhome-rental/?affiliate=inafarawayland">Motorhome Republic</a>. It's way easier than checking each and every one separately. Companies like <b>Britz, Mighty, Jucy, Apollo</b> and <b>Maui</b> are the leaders when it comes to motorhomes and can all be found on this website. Another recommend webs for car rentals are: <a href="https://www.apexrentals.co.nz/" target="_blank">Apex rentals</a> and <a href="http://omegarentalcars.com/" target="_blank">Omega Car Rentals</a>.</div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Other New Zealand Travel Tips</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Fill up the fuel tank before returning your car</b>, or the car rental company is going to cost you later. The rate of the fuel is different in each places</li>
<li><b>4G connection is widely available</b> in most of the town I went to. Sometimes you lose connection when you’re out in the national parks, but the cities are well connected. We bought our SIM cards at Auckland airport, and of course</li>
<li><b>In smaller towns, most amenities are closed by 6 pm</b>. Like Australia. And yes, even grocery stores, so plan ahead if you need to reload resources. But in bigger cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown you’ll be fine</li>
<li><b>Always wear sunscreen and layer up with extra clothing</b> and a hat to shield yourself, even when you plan to be in the car all day. Raincoat/waterproof jacket is also a good item to bring along, as it gets very windy, rainy (especially in Milford Sound) and cold on some days</li>
<li><b>Bring a Portable Charger</b>. Seriously. Find the most powerful one (or two) you can find. You don't want to lose any moment</li>
<li><b>Wear the proper shoes</b>. Hiking boots are great. A pair of good quality running shoes is still acceptable. Make sure you don't hurt your feet because you will walk and hike a lot</li>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-11112280785063171122019-02-21T19:23:00.002+08:002019-02-25T19:59:08.066+08:001 Week Fasting Journal<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;">Does it strike you, as it has me, that there is something terribly wrong with a passionless, passive, monotonous relationship with God?</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_uLzPOWUslNV6iedQpIpsCgwoxPjTsIIr9LrONbFOghPb1iojNHVJ7cXh-0IIWtOq_kmOlq-ps_-ZymTdkVhrKFchxHkIrWzAFQ-126zV6bCkTdNrc2znmHjSnbMxo8Gd1rc5jjXjx0/s1600/DSCF1143_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_uLzPOWUslNV6iedQpIpsCgwoxPjTsIIr9LrONbFOghPb1iojNHVJ7cXh-0IIWtOq_kmOlq-ps_-ZymTdkVhrKFchxHkIrWzAFQ-126zV6bCkTdNrc2znmHjSnbMxo8Gd1rc5jjXjx0/s640/DSCF1143_Fotor.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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The idea of my<i> "1 week fasting plan"</i> two weeks ago just came with the wind. I was in a phase where I feel bored. Stagnant. Not that I despise everything that happens in my life, but I just feel like I was kinda 'trapped' in a mundane routine.</div>
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One afternoon after I heard my friend told me that she was fasting; not only food and water fasting but also "social media fasting", the idea just intrigued me. And that Sunday afternoon, when I was attending Sunday service, I found it quite funny that the pastor was also talking about the importance of letting go of "penyembahan berhala" or <b>idolatry </b>in this modern era. </div>
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We might not worship statues like the ancient people did, but what he meant with "idolatry" was based on the fact that nowadays, human tend to worship the world and what it offers. That includes gadgets, technology, things, money.. and many more examples. <b>Modern idolatry is an act of enjoying what God gave to us more than Himself.</b> It doesn't take long until I decided that I want to try the similar food and water fasting experiment myself + social media detox, start on Monday, February 4th, 2019, and intended to write a daily journal in that 1 week period.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What is Christian fasting anyway?</b></span></div>
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Disclaimer : I am trying to make this whole post as "natural" as I could, even though the theme sounds a lil' bit 'heavy' and 'holistic'. I am nowhere near perfect, hell I am a sinful human living in this world. Not tryin' to be a hypocrite or anything. The reason why I decided to write down this experience of mine, is just to show that I am trying to <b>grow</b>— and hopefully people can relate. The main idea of the blog is always to share.</div>
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Anyway,<b> fasting</b> is <b>the process where you abstain from food and/or water for a period of time</b>. <b>Christian fasting</b> is <b>voluntarily going without food — or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God — for the sake of some spiritual purpose.</b></div>
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Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines of all the Christian disciplines. Chances are you are among the massive majority of Christians who rarely or never fast the right way(like me). It’s not because we haven’t read our Bibles or heard about the power of fasting... We just never actually get around to do it. Part of it may be that we live in a society in which food is so tempting that we eat not only when we don’t need to, but sometimes even when we don’t want to. Lol. And of course, there are our own cravings and aches for comfort that keep us from the discomfort of fasting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Social Media Detox?</b></span></div>
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I guess we are all agree that fasting is hard. It sounds much easier in concept than it proves to be in practice. It can be surprising how desperate we feel when we miss a meal and everything the lusts telling us to do. Let's being honest here. For me, beside food, my cravings consists of being emotional, laziness, and social media addiction. With that being said, social media has been one of my best "frienemy".</div>
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Most people won’t admit how much social media means to them. For me, social media has been a lovely escape from the real world. It is fun, aesthetic, you can chat with your friends, you can build your own community, or share your thoughts and hobbies. But there was a phase when I thought it has been quite <b>consuming, overwhelming, unproductive,</b> and... ehm, <b>fake</b>. Most of the time, I don't realize that I've wasted my time for hours on Instagram. The worst thing is, I also started to become cynical and jealous of people, geez. So stupid. I started thinking: with those hours I've spent on social medias, I could read a book, spend quality time with a friend, finish my writing, take my dog for a walk, or work on my business. It was so unhealthy, then I came to the day when I thought "this needs to change". </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Are The Steps and Rules?</b></span></div>
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I don't think there are the exact rules of Christian fasting. From what I've read and what my friends has told me, the main things are to <b>get rid of food and lusts </b>and <b>take some intimate times with God</b>. And still roll in our daily activities (work or school). I asked my friend who's experienced in fasting about what she does while fast, and she popped some ideas that inspired my fasting game. </div>
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So here are mine:</div>
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<b>Steps</b> :</div>
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- Deactivate my accounts </div>
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- Uninstall all social media apps </div>
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- Pray </div>
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- Bible reading </div>
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- Praise and worship </div>
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- Listen to gospel music only </div>
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- Listen to preaching/sermon on YouTube</div>
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- Replace social media with another activity. I need to fill that void with something else, otherwise I know I am just going to claw my way back. In my case (other than step no 1-4), I choose to write, play guitar or chat with work colleagues. </div>
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<b>Rules</b> :</div>
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- Fasting starts from 00.00 AM to 6 PM (18 hours) </div>
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- No social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube *other than Christian contents*) </div>
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- Be consistent</div>
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And here's my journal.</div>
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<b><i>Day 1</i></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Morning pray</li>
<li>Office hours</li>
<li>Break time: listen to preaching on YouTube</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 2</i></b></div>
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<li>Morning pray</li>
<li>Today is quite challenging. Argued with family at home about some domestic things. Being offered a lot of yummy food at work was quite disturbing as well, lol. </li>
<li>Listen to preaching on YouTube</li>
<li>The preaching was so powerful it felt like a slap in the face 😢. It was about the meaning of the real Christian fasting: <b>pray for others</b>. He said, <i>"Praying for another person helps us recognize the blessings that God gives us daily. It is time to let go of our individuality and pray for others' need instead of us while we fast. Prayer is not about getting everything we want. Effective prayer for others will bring us closer to God. It will also bring us closer to others, as we learn more about them and focus on their needs. The best gift anyone can give to another is to pray for him or her, and it pleases God as well." </i>My fasting experiences in the past had always been me, me and me. I fast in the hope so I can pass an exam. I fast so I can get what I wish for. Not that it is wrong, God hears everything we ask to Him in prayer, but now it's time to grow. I want to be selfless. And starting tomorrow, I want to fast for others. I will pray for <b>specifically different person every day</b>.</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 3</i></b></div>
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<li>Morning pray</li>
<li>Go out for movie</li>
<li>Another argument with someone</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 4</i></b></div>
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<li>Morning pray </li>
<li>Office hours</li>
<li>Praise and worship with guitar</li>
<li>Gastritis attack: 3-4 PM is the hardest time, my tummy craves for food</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 5</i></b></div>
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<li>Morning pray </li>
<li>Office hours</li>
<li>Listen to preaching on YouTube</li>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Gastritis attack: 3-4 PM (I guess it's my body clock)</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 6 </i></b></div>
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<li>Had an argument with mum</li>
<li>Crying</li>
<li>Fight with someone</li>
<li>Gastritis attack at 5 PM</li>
<li>Feeling so weak today, probably due to mental stress</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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<b><i>Day 7</i></b></div>
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<li>Feeling quite sad today; 'cause today is the last day of fasting</li>
<li>Listen to preaching on YouTube</li>
<li>Writing</li>
<li>Praise and worship</li>
<li>Evening pray + bible reading</li>
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Sooo that's my journal. Very simple, right? I only write those things that I find important, even thou it looks like normal activities; it functions as reminder that "I can do better tomorrow".</div>
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As you can see, I try my best to follow the rules and resist the don'ts. But of course, <b>challenges will always come whenever you like it or not</b>. Gotta admit that I still lost sometimes. Most of the time, I was able to control my emotion, but in some unfortunate times, I still find myself mad and sad over some things. We are human. We are unstable. That happens. But in the end, it's not about how you fail. The most important thing is how you get back. There may be issues, but I worked through it and I moved on. God sees my heart. God knows my motivations. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Things I learned from 1 week fasting :</b></span><br />
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<li><b>It's NOTHING compared to anyone else who fasts for 2 or 3 weeks or even 40 days</b>. I read many inspiring fasting stories and I adore them so much for their commitment and strong will</li>
<li><b>I don't miss social media at all </b>(what a surprise)</li>
<li><b>The hardest part of fasting was to resist the food</b> (because I have gastritis) </li>
<li>I swear God has a sense of humor because the way He works is just too funny. <b>When you ask for something he can be pretty direct about it.</b> After I finished my 1 week fasting, He showed something very important to me, it's literally like He answered my question a day after I prayed for it. It's so powerful, it's scary. </li>
<li><b>I almost cried in the 7th day, because it felt like letting go the"special" relationship I've been having with God for the last 7 days</b>. I will miss these moments so much. I don't want to sound weird or anything, but I feel the amount of time I spent with Him <i>made me able to listen to His voice</i>. It's hard to explain the feeling I have inside my heart, how I feel about Him every time I pray for others, every time I feel hungry, and every time I sing for Him and enjoy my alone time with Him. It was special. You should try it and I am sure you will understand. </li>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><i>Fasting is a battle against the sin and weakness inside us. Fasting is simply the act of placing ourselves in a position of letting go of our ego and to hear from God instead. We take food and lusts out of our schedule and focus on pleasing Him. Our purpose is not to be perfect; but to surrender to Him. To align ourselves with His spirit. Basically count on Him every seconds in every decision we're going to make in our life.</i></span></div>
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<i><i><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/MAT.6.KJV" style="background-color: #ffe599;">Matthew 6:16 KJV</a></i></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/MAT.6.16.KJV" style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.</b></a></i><br />
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*special thanks for Vionita Ressa, who's always willing to help and taught me a lot of things; and provided me with sources about fasting, beautiful sermon and preaching links. Gurl u rock :*</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-73321680063895397912019-01-13T20:33:00.000+08:002019-01-13T23:09:30.860+08:00How To Tame Toxic Questions<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>“Why aren’t you married yet?”</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>"Why aren't you have kids yet?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><i>"How much you paid for your house?"</i></span></span></div>
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As an Indonesian, it’s common for us to be bombarded by <i>"awkward"</i> questions from people in our life. I always wonder, <b>what makes someone ask you when you’re going to get married or start a family, or how much you paid for your house, or how much money you earn? </b></div>
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The list goes on and these questions never end. The problem is not with the questions but the <span style="color: #cc0000;">intentions</span> of the people asking them. They probably think of it as a good conversation starter (read: <i>basa basi</i>). They maybe think it would break the "ice" of a meeting. They maybe genuinely want to know the reason or they are simply care about you. I can mention some more, but all I can say <b>asking "this kind of question" can be extremely personal for some people</b>.</div>
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Let's just take a deeper insight of this topic with my own experience.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*disclaimer: curse words are here for the first time ever. please beg my apology, it's just a part of my 'sass' 😂</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLiKyLkU-b-13L7a9dav-2ulU-kS3Illy-tFB1nvitt2Ztxgn9y_nNHmY2sve3y4MMlbFX1JZh2UDeJqeBNKr1Ud5IBhvj-gvAvtLcekg_1Avmugiix7BtxTAi4OLM4XNuszP4RxBrNE/s1600/A38AE327-AD97-45BA-9B79-0BB95FD61C01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLiKyLkU-b-13L7a9dav-2ulU-kS3Illy-tFB1nvitt2Ztxgn9y_nNHmY2sve3y4MMlbFX1JZh2UDeJqeBNKr1Ud5IBhvj-gvAvtLcekg_1Avmugiix7BtxTAi4OLM4XNuszP4RxBrNE/s640/A38AE327-AD97-45BA-9B79-0BB95FD61C01.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
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In certain age, we Indonesian ladies have to be ready to face the dreadful "interrogation" from the elders or friends. I am a single Indonesian woman in my twenties (28 and proud). It’s quite common for me to be bombarded by marriage questions from people in my life. I got<i> “When are you getting married?”</i> questions so many times since two or three years ago I’ve got my answer down to a science.</div>
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First of all, <b>what is your response</b>?</div>
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For me, I never got mad if anyone asked me this question. Ever. I always joked about it and laughed with them. Most people ask "innocently enough", but after the 2,424th time you’ve heard it, it’s annoying. When we’re too tired to give them the same answer, the only thing we could do is smile, laugh or shrug. Sure, they may be genuinely curious about the next steps in my life, but it’s gotten to the point where every time I go out with some friends or go to a wedding, there’s a "wink-wink" from friends, or even totally random people who decide that asking about "when will my wedding happen" is a common thing to do. <i>Excuse me, are we even clos</i>e? They<i> </i>can ask me if I am happy, ask me about my dog or my job, ask me literally anything else. But almost every time they ask this question, they perpetuate the notion that marriage is the ultimate "goal", that it’s what’s best for me. Like being single isn’t something to celebrate. </div>
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I am usually an IDGAF (I-don't-give-a-fuck) person when it comes to this kind of situation. But after a while (yearss), believe me<b> it would make anyone feel a little insecure</b>. I am not a robot, people. We are not robots. We single ladies have feelings. </div>
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A few moments ago, I was at a day out with friends and I still got some comments about not being married yet, and how <b>HAVING KIDS is such enjoyment and why don't I have any yet</b> — my mouth was on the edge of bursting some "spicy" reply, but instead ended up awkwardly laughing along with them. Holy Spirit won. Lol.</div>
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But, I am done of ignoring. I need to write this down and I need people to read it. I have been asked this kind of question (directly and indirectly) so many times; so does many people I know. If I could have a penny for every time someone has asked "when are you getting married", I would be a billionaire. Today is not the time for me to stay silent. Nope, darling. <i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>You bitches and everyone who keeps asking "toxic" questions over and over again, you have to sit down now and listen to me.</b></span></i></div>
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Girl, who says we all want to be like you? Marry in such a young age, give birth to kids year per year, working at home and serving husband only? Of course I am not against all of that at all, that's completely your choice and I respect that; but uh-oh, I don't care about your life at all. Why would you care about mine? Funny, now I realize that<b> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">I also often get "that question" while I am busy travelling with friends or hanging out; and partying</span></b>. Someone would literally slipped into my DM and ask "jokingly" about <i>"wHen wiLL I stOp tRaveLLing aNd tHinKing aBoUt mArRiage"</i>. Bitch, what the fuck? </div>
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Now I get that so many people are honestly <b>jealous </b>with us single ladies. They wish they were us. I am not saying everyone, but <b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">there are sooo many people out there that is very jealous with the freedom that we have</b>. Freedom to come home as late as we want, freedom to go anywhere we want to, whenever we want to, sleep as late and wake up as late as we want to, travel with whoever the fuck we want, laugh as hard as we want until our stomach hurts, no restriction to wear anything that we like, eat whatever we want without worry about our perfect bodies, and the freedom of chasing our dreams! I read (and personally know) some people who regret their decisions to get married and have kid in such a young age, and wish they would postpone it a few more years. They would also message me from time to time whenever I post my activities on social medias. These ladies said to me: "<i>enjoy your freedom as much as you can, babe</i>". Others are not so honest. <b>Some</b> <b>shallow ladies usually hide behind their "status" and keep loathing about our singleness while they are secretly not happy with their life</b>. I follow many psychologists in the social medias and they said that these years, many of their patients are <b>unhappy-married couple</b>. Dang. </div>
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Look, I am not against marriage. Marriage is a holy thing. Of course I would love to have my own family. I also know some people who doesn't want that (marriage and kids). Not common, but they are exist. In Europe or America, this kind of people are everywhere. For now, I am very happy and content with myself and I am really busy and booked, baby. I have so many to-do-lists everyday, I literally need to write it in my agenda to make sure I do everything. And there are also many goals that I still want to tick off from my box before marriage. I have business to do, places to go, concerts to attend, and so on. I am young as fuck, people. Geez. I choose to be happy and thankful with everything I have now. Indonesians are really close-minded when it comes to "marriage stigma", oh my God. </div>
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To be honest, I often feel <b>pity</b> whenever I see a tired mom in a mall running around looking after her crying kids. Hey, I work in a mother and children hospital. I see a LOT of foolish mothers everyday; who doesn't know how to feed their kids or simply ignoring the fact that their kids need ASI instead of susu formula (the mothers had ASI on them but they chose formula instead), or simply blind to the signs that their kids are malnourished and sick. This saddens me a lot and these experiences trained me to be "ready" for my future. I promised to myself that one day I'll be a good mother, unlike those irresponsible young mothers. </div>
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<b>People, let us do whatever the fuck we want to do</b>. </div>
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Period. Therefore, shut your mouth. You do not own me, so you can't tell me what is the right or not right thing to do. Don't tell me about responsibility; 'cause bitch, I am a grown up, of course I know all about that. Don't tutor me darling. I already have my parents and my God to guide me, I don't need you. We don't need to deal with anyone who ruins our vibe. <b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">2019 is all about positivity</b>. 2019 is all about being busy and booked. I am not dealing with bitter audiences, bitter asses, bitches who gives us bad vibe, or any unnecessary jealousy. My fellow single ladies are happily chasing their dreams now. They study as high as it allowed, run their businesses, have relationship with their long time boyfriends, appear in TV and runways. We are enjoying our sexy and slim bodies, climb mountains, party until morning and travel around the world. It's not our fault that your life is boring, hun. Pray more, darling. Pray more. Be thankful with your life.<br />
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Please, my dear kind Indonesians, <span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">stop asking anything too personal too anybody that you know </span></b></span>(unless you are his/her parents, close family or closest friend and you ask it when there is just two of you). That's impolite. Seriously. <b>Not everyone want your life</b>. </div>
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Now I know the feeling of constantly being asked "that question", I try not to ask other lady or other couples the same question.<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> One day when we have kids and haven't slept for days, we'll appreciate these years where it was just us and our freedom!</span></div>
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How we answer these toxic questions is very insignificant. <b>How these annoying questions affect our confidence and peace of mind is important</b>. We need to be secure in ourselves. You are smart. When you realize the intentions of the questions are to hurt you, you just do the opposite - <b>try not to get hurt in order to defeat their purpose</b>. But when you are already really, really bored with it, I suggest you answer it with <b>a simple answer and relax manner</b>. Let me help you with the comebacks that (hopefully) will shut their mouths up:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>1. <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">"I am getting married on Saturday or Sunday."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2. <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">"Relax, I am too young to settle down."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>3. <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">"My boyfriend wanted to, but then his wife found out..."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>4. <span style="background-color: #93c47d;">"I am currently in relationship with freedom."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>5. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">"I will, when people stop asking that."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>6. <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">"I am married to Benedict Cumberbatch"</span>(or fill it with your own idol)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>7. <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">"Oh, are you going to sponsor my wedding?"</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>8. <span style="background-color: #ea9999;">"When I want to."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>9. <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">"Tomorrow, but you're not invited."</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>10.<span style="background-color: #f6b26b;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px;"> </span>Smile is a wise answer of every question.</span></b></span></div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-19390343553781411542019-01-07T19:26:00.001+08:002019-02-25T19:37:17.569+08:00Becoming Unstoppable - Maria and Elizabeth Rahajeng (Book Review)<div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 2px 0px 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
Let me start this post with a confession: <i>I was not a bookworm at all in 2018. </i>What a shame. Always consider myself as a book lover; but 2018 was my "downfall" as a reader. I think I only read not more than 3 books last year? Blame it on social medias, cellphones, jobs... how shallow. </div>
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I don't know why there was not any book that can really urge me to read. So, it was interesting to find <b>"Becoming Unstoppable"</b> by <b>Maria</b> and <b>Elizabeth Rahajeng </b>on the shelf of Gramedia bookstore. </div>
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FYI, I always like <b>Maria Rahajeng</b> since she was crowned as <b>Miss Indonesia 2014</b>. I think she's a a pretty exotic lady with very Indonesian features, and she was very smart and articulate. I also love her-always look neat-and pretty-Instagram feed (@mariarahajeng). And when I find out she has an identical twin sister, <b>Elizabeth </b>(@elizrahajeng), who looks just as pretty and smart, I like them even more as a twin. The twins are <b>fashion bloggers</b>, <b>lifestyle influencer</b>, and <b>E! News Asia hosts</b>. Last year when they published a book, I was quite interested but never intended on buying it. I thought it was a biography, and biography is never my cup of tea. The impulsive decision just came randomly in Gramedia when I saw the quite big and quite thick book with the cute nude color. I don't don't know why I was "sold" really fast, I thought <i>'oh, maybe it will be a "refreshing" read.</i>'</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZCJAz5PZHT9cU_mLee7uk9TePK_B7OGHQCgEbvY-ybtNVh3YuhGFUZsOaQLU42uIB1xEUSA7u4aQgE-w2VfvbOp3DFQOQACiq-_9RKp6FxNSeOqWYC7HCxZwNA-JNJ8uhC3z30N4CkU/s1600/cover_approved_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1296" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZCJAz5PZHT9cU_mLee7uk9TePK_B7OGHQCgEbvY-ybtNVh3YuhGFUZsOaQLU42uIB1xEUSA7u4aQgE-w2VfvbOp3DFQOQACiq-_9RKp6FxNSeOqWYC7HCxZwNA-JNJ8uhC3z30N4CkU/s640/cover_approved_final.jpg" width="513" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>book cover credit to <a href="http://mariaandelizabeth.com/about/" target="_blank"><b>mariaandelizabeth.com</b></a></i></td></tr>
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Firstly, let's talk about the packaging of the book. Just from the cover, you can "judge" their personalities already. Classy, elegant, and feminine. Love the nude pink color, love the font, love the photo they put there. And the quality of the book itself is very nice. Big size, smooth hard cover, and the material of the papers is top quality. You can also see many photos of Maria & Elizabeth inside the book. Overall it's pleasing to the eyes. Now I get why the price of the book is quite high for an Indonesian published book (IDR 185.000).</div>
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Now move to the content<b>. Becoming Unstoppable </b>is the twin's debut book and it's basically about </div>
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their journey since childhood until present. Quoting their explanation; <i>"...it is our coming-of-age memoir, the untold story of how two twin sisters from a small town in Central Java made their marks in the world of fashion in a booming digital era and also television on the screen of E! Asia."</i></div>
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From the press release, the twins said that the book will discover the untold and unfiltered story about their road to success. I always thought that the twins was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. But boy, how wrong I was. Who would have thought that they are come from a very humble beginning? In the book, they weave stories about their childhood in a small town, their grandparents and parents background as teachers, and the family's brave move to US. It was very interesting to me to see where it all started, how the parents of the twins struggled hard for their start and survival in US.. how they work as part timers in several places at the same time to pay for Maria and Elizabeth's education. It was indeed touchy to read about the father's bold move as a "pioneer" of their family new start in US. </div>
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Not only that, they also give us the insight of their challenging teenage years, overcoming bullies, conquering self-doubt, unpleasant encounters with depression, and learning that <b>failures are blessings too</b>. It is indeed a story that anyone who’s ever been at a low point in their life or career will definitely relate to.</div>
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Becoming Unstoppable is a journal about finding your own voice, encouragement, and feminism. It will show you the importance of trusting yourself even when you feel the world is against you. I could really relate to that. There's an interesting story in the book about how the twins overcomed the rejection to join their school' football team (in Indonesia). It implies that everything requires a bravery, how a woman can't be tamed, and how to fight for your right and dreams. It is a long story for us readers to know how they got into their positions now.</div>
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I think this book will be a great choice for a light reading in the afternoon with a cup of tea. Or when you in a 'stuck' phase in your life and need some inspirations. I enjoyed reading the book because it is very encouraging and the writing is very understandable for wide range of audience. It will be a very nice present for our fellow ladies, sisters, daughters. </div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-65282950747677135002019-01-04T21:59:00.003+08:002019-02-25T19:30:48.627+08:00My Best of 2018 - Music<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi all. We are approaching 2019 and I have so much to talk about. Let’s start from the lightest topic which doesn’t require too much time to think at all: <b>music</b>. I am not a singer nor a musician, or a pro music-writer; but I genuinely love music from my heart. So when I recommend a good music to anyone, it means I just wanna share it with my readers. I am very secretive about my music, so you can't say that I don't love you, peeps 😃. There was one time when I told a friend (who’s not into jazz at all) about how I love<b> Chet Baker</b> (classic jazz trumpeter), and the next time we met he said: <i>“girl, I did listen to Chet Baker. I am LOVING it, I am so confused.”</i> Lol. That’s one of the reasons why I always feel motivated to write about music. I am glad if it can entertain anyone I know or just give you guys some options outside your usual "boring" playlist. </div>
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So I open my <b>Spotify</b>, and check every playlist that I made and streamed, to find out which music that I played the most for entire 2018. I am gonna divide it into two: <b>International playlist</b>, and <b>Indonesian playlist</b>. Let’s start with the Indonesian ones, because I do listen to so, so many Indonesian music this year (that’s a major improvement), and I found many new good albums from Indonesian artists this year, that’s why it excites me the most. But of course, I only listed the <b><i>#LikuApproved</i></b> here. Let's just jump right in.<br />
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<u><span style="background-color: yellow;">INDONESIAN PLAYLIST </span>: </u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">1<b>. </b></span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">Zephyr (NIKI)</span></span></div>
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Girl. Yass. </div>
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Actually I am kinda confused, I really confused about which playlist I must put Niki into, because she is pure Indonesian, just like Joey Alexander, but just like Joey, she is an international artist and she produced and toured her music in international market. But since she is a newcomer and I am excited about the prospect she’s making on Indonesian music, let’s just put her in my Indonesian playlist. </div>
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<b>NIKI</b>, born <b>Nicole Zefanya</b>, is a singer-songwriter and record producer, and raised in Jakarta. In 2017, NIKI joined the American mass media company <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88rising">88rising</a> as an artist under their label. When I accidentally heard her first single, <b>“Vintage”,</b> I was already interested. Who sings this? And when I found out that the singer was an Indonesian girl, I was SHOOKETH. As curious as I always been, I did my job on listen to her other songs, and that was probably one of the best decision I’ve ever made this year. Her EP album, titled "<b>Zephyr"</b>, is really GOOD. It reminds me of old school R&B music with a touch of modern vibe. I grew up listening to 90's or 2000's R&B like Destiny’s Child, Brandy, JoJo, Neyo, Usher, Alicia Keys.. and I think Niki kinda brought this "vibe" back and I love it. All of her songs are "girly", yet fierce, full of attitude and sassy at the same time. All the songs are written and produced by Niki herself. The writing skill is up there. Lyrically a strong album, my favs are <b>Vintage, "Newsflash!", "I Like U"</b>, but there is none of the songs that I don't like. A super talented girl, period. I just need more songs from Niki now. Dang, Indo “teens” are really killin’ it lately. First Joey, <b>Rich Brian</b> (formerly <b>Rich Chigga</b>), and now Niki? Indonesians aren’t come to play!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2</span>. <span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Ardhito Pramono </b></span></div>
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Boy, what can I say about this babe? Beside of cute, of course. But let's not under-shadow the fact that he's a very talented jazz singer and songwriter. I discovered <b>Ardhito</b> <b>Pramono</b> randomly this year through <b>Spotify</b> and I fell in love ever since. His jazz influence is so strong, it reminds me of some of my fave oldies, call it Billie Holiday, Ella, Louis Armstrong or all those 50's.. (Dean Martin-ish vibe goin' on). His voice is smooth and lovely, it suits the ballads in the EP:<b> "Ardhito Pramono"</b> and <b>"Playlist, Vol 2"</b>. <b>"Bitterlove"</b>, the latest song released in 2018, is a jazzy-pop song that is more easy listening for the main market. Overall it is nice to hear this kind of genre comes back in our "basic" Indonesian market. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">3<b>. The Journey (</b></span><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Rendy Pandugo)</span></b></div>
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I first listened to <b>Rendy Pandugo</b> when I was still in college, through <b>Soundcloud</b>. He covered other artists' songs and published some of his old works there. I also had the opportunity to watch him live at a cafe in Jakarta where he used to play regularly. After all those years, now he is one of those breakthrough Indonesian singers on the market. Uniquely, Rendy's vocal resembles <b>John Mayer</b> in some aspects, and you guys know how much I love Mayer right? <b>The Journey</b> is an easy listening album and it's majorly influenced by pop, blues, folk, and also country, with the strong sound of acoustic guitar. I found it has the vibe of some Mayer's albums like "<b>Paradise Valley"</b> and "<b>Born and Raised"</b>. If you like John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Philip Philips, The Lumineers or Mumford and Sons, I am sure you will enjoy this album. Acceptable even for mainstream market, this album is a great choice for "traveling on the road" soundtracks. My favorite songs in the album are <b>"7 Days", "I Don't Care"</b>, and <b>"I Know the Answer"</b>. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">4<b>. Lima (Mocca)</b></span><br />
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You guys might think I am biased because I always love <b>Mocca</b>. But seriously, I only include the best in here. Honestly, I was not really into the idea of Mocca makes a full Indonesian (lyrically) album, because usually the best songs coming from Mocca are in English. But now, I can appreciate it. Still sounds like <i>the</i> Mocca, this fifth album ticks off every point you’d expect a Mocca album to have, from the folk-swing ballads, soft-jazz touch, simple lyrics, to the playful brass-section songs the band goods at. I am not complaining thou. The band’s music is such an established brand that it would perhaps be understandably risky to combine it with less conservative tunes.There is no big change related to the full Indonesian album; Mocca does Mocca well. This album just shows how instinctually familiar the members are with their music/ brand. Mocca is a pro. My fav songs from the album are the first single, the cheerful song about friendship (with very lovely music video) <b>"Teman Sejati"</b>, the quirky song about feeling bothered that the weekend is almost done in <b>"Di Penghujung Hari Minggu"</b>, and <b>"Tanda Tanya"</b> with thick swing-jazz atmosphere and wrapped with strong trumpet sounds.</div>
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<b>Honorary mention</b> :<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">5<b>. Resonance (GAC) </b></span><br />
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It doesn't feel right to not include this album into the list. <b>GAC (Gamaliel Audrey Cantika)</b> has been a consistent trio since 2013, and they sound better day by day. This third album of GAC, <b>"Resonance"</b>, released in 2018, shows the trio's earned place in Indonesian mainstream market. Fortunately blessed with beautiful voice, three of them sounds more mature and polished in this urban pop, RnB album. <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also need to appreciate the effort they made with the MV for some songs in the album (<b>"Suara"</b>, <b>"Satu"</b> and <b>"Sailor"</b>). Sailor is definitely my favorite, because GAC has successfully exploited the beauty of the location of shooting in this video, which is the beautiful Labuan Bajo - East Nusa Tenggara. The concept and the angles of the MVs are just very pleasing to the eyes. And they have a very cool fashion taste as well. Oh and also the fact that all of those MVs are directed by Gamaliel himself, is exceptional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><u>INTERNATIONAL PLAYLIST</u> :</span> </span></div>
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The albums I mentioned in the following list will be those albums that I have discussed in <a href="https://pieceofgrey.blogspot.com/2018/08/new-music-on-block.html" style="background-color: yellow;" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">1.<b> Eclipse (Joey Alexander)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2.<b> From A Room Volume 2 (Chris Stapleton)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">3.<b> Golden Hour (Kacey Musgraves)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">4.<b> The Search of Everything (John Mayer)</b></span><br />
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Please click that link above and see my full review there!<br />
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And here are a few additions:<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">5. <b>Meaning of Life (Kelly Clarkson) </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqylaNlQXCwllhMl5wEi2NdD48q7-6f35YRPSes_74aLG2FI12ouPD5B56pQ1Yj4DhTSLk4yHpVJhzYnTzcCKDrbAyjHiNBTLr-zsM0auT9j-33HKyBW8B0MtzD2nztfvkaVZNqMcrJEw/s1600/Screen-Shot-2017-11-08-at-11.39.05-AM-1510159179-640x641.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqylaNlQXCwllhMl5wEi2NdD48q7-6f35YRPSes_74aLG2FI12ouPD5B56pQ1Yj4DhTSLk4yHpVJhzYnTzcCKDrbAyjHiNBTLr-zsM0auT9j-33HKyBW8B0MtzD2nztfvkaVZNqMcrJEw/s400/Screen-Shot-2017-11-08-at-11.39.05-AM-1510159179-640x641.png" width="396" /></a></div>
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To be honest, I am not into this album as a whole. I expected a full-time "rebuttal" of <b>Kelly Clarkson</b>, since this is the first album she released with the new record company after seven albums, emotional journey, and "dilemmatic" relationship with her first management. I was hoping for something "new" and "stronger" from Kelly, but turned out it's only her voice that grows stronger and more solid. The album's vibe just sounds "samey" like the previous albums, but don't worry I still have some favorites. <b>"I Don't Think About You</b>" is one fine ballad that<span style="background-color: #f7fff7; font-family: "raleway" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span>flaunts her incredible range and overall vocal dexterity, swallowed in a vulnerable and emotional lyrics. It's a match made in heaven for Kelly's voice. I included this album in here merely due to my mad respect for Kelly's voice and how obsessed I am with this song alone. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <b><span style="color: #990000;">Sweet Sexy Savage (Kehlani)</span></b></span></div>
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The comeback of RnB is confirmed by the release of <b>Kehlani</b>'s first debut studio album, if you hadn't realized or were not that aware before. I have to say that Kehlani's music took me back the the good old days of RnB when I was just a little girl. She’s no Aaliyah, TLC, Solange or Kelly Rowland or Ciara, but she still manages to hold her own, she’s giving us killer vocals even if the lyrics could be worked on. Anyway, strong wordplay isn’t necessary an R&B singer’s strongest suit (that's why, again, Niki's writing skill is crazy), hell, it doesn’t have to be. As long as there’s vocal runs and pipes to match the music produced, I’m happy. The tracks in the album are equally fine and well-blended, so I don't have any favorite. I really enjoy this album as a whole. I am excited for her future project. Major recommendation for anyone who loves RnB!</div>
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That's all for my fav music in 2018. If you have listened to these albums above, please tell me what you think, and what is your favorite music in 2018? Let me know!</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-87759034656305941742018-11-29T22:37:00.002+08:002018-12-13T19:01:03.698+08:00Gratitude<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just want to spend some minutes getting out from my night shift for a while just to say a simple "thank you God."</div>
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I just got home from New Zealand two weeks ago and I haven't express my proper-feeling of gratitude-since then. What can I say, a few years back I am just a little girl from a modest family who can only dream of seeing the world, NZ, in particular. It was only a dream for me to visit the beautiful country. I had no job, had no money, yet now I can see His beautiful creations in other part of the world with my own sweats. To say that I am thankful is an understatement. I can't digest my own blessings because it's too big. It seems I can't even find the proper words to express it for so long. His blessings has always been wonderful and I constantly being reminded day by day.</div>
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Thank you God for my life. Thank you for all the blessings that You had given to me. Thank you for giving me those things that I wish for many times. Thank you for showing me those hundreds of sheeps during our trip in NZ. They are so many, and funny, I always remember You for that. I remember that lyric of Irvin Berlin's song: <i>"..Count your blessings instead of sheeps."</i> Now I get it. No matter how many sheeps that I have seen, Your blessings will always be more than them. It is uncountable.</div>
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I am forever grateful. Thank you.</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-47005088067918834472018-10-28T00:16:00.001+08:002019-01-13T20:49:07.288+08:00Singing Myself to Sleep<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lately, many days I went to sleep worried about many things.</div>
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I haven't been able to write anything because honestly, mentally I am not in the right place. I hate writing when my mind is messy. I am angry, disappointed, upset, and confused at certain people. My relationship with loved ones has been exhausting. Some family members just being as childish as the elementary kiddos. I feel lonely. I am angry at all these. I am sad that life has not going on the way I want it to be. I am anxious about my future plans. Some moments I even considering to talk to psychologist / psychiatrist just so I have someone listen to me and hear all my problems; professionally-and they can give me some useful inputs or some pills to sleep. </div>
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"Am I depressed?"</div>
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I ask that to myself every once in a while. I thought I might be a little bit depressed, but after checking out some of my old psychiatry materials in college, I found that I cannot be categorized as someone with depression. To be diagnosed with depression, theoretically one must have not just a blue mood but <i>"..rather persistent feelings of sadness and worthlessness and a lack of desire to engage in formerly pleasurable activities.</i>" </div>
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Okay, I am not depressed. I might be sad, angry, confused, afraid, over-thinking, and worried, but I still do my normal activities and socialize with friends. I can't be diagnosed with depression cause I don't have life dysfunction. I am clearly still want to engage in pleasurable activities. I just have to agree that I only have acute stress syndrome mixed with acute anxiety syndrome. I keep this to myself because I think my family wouldn't accept the fact that I've been feeling anxiety and stress because I think they will accuse me of being too 'dramatic' over things, whereas <b>anxiety and stress are very common things to feel</b>. It's funny when people expect you to be 'normal' all of the time. That's why the rate of mental health problems keeps increasing year by year - <b>some of the closest relatives and friends doesn't take these patients seriously</b>. </div>
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Maybe I haven’t slept for a full night in months because I am thinking constantly about whether God is going to answer my prayers and when. I want God to be in my life and to respond. It's been the same prayer all over again, but the problem is, I go to bed worrying and I wake up worrying.</div>
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The thing with us believers: when we are so overwhelmed by the pressures of the world, we just have to believe on what we can't see. Sometimes it's really hard. Honestly. Sometimes motivational quotes are not gonna help. Sometimes friends poking on your back and says <i>"..everything's gonna be all right"</i> are not gonna help. It is your mindset you have to fix. It is your <i>faith </i>that need healing.</div>
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What does it mean to trust God? It means to place your entire well-being into His hands. It also means you trust in His love for you, and the promises He’s made to you.<br />
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Few days ago, I was in my room at the hospital, doing my night shift. It's past midnight already, and I can't sleep. I had the <i>tachycardia</i> (abnormally rapid heart rate). I feel tired but I can't close my eyes. It happens almost every day now and it felt so exhausting already.<br />
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Then I randomly decided to sing myself to sleep. This song suddenly popped into my mind:</div>
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<i>"..Selidiki aku, lihat hatiku, apakah ku sungguh mengasihimu Yesus?"</i></div>
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The tear was just rolling.<br />
I lay in my bed, continued to sing until I feel really sleepy. I only wish one thing that night; I just want to sleep peacefully. And God tucked me to a good sleep.</div>
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After that, whenever I'm feeling tired and lonely, I just remember Him and all His graciousness upon me even though I am not loyal. Even though I distant myself from Him so many times. I push myself, no matter how the flesh always tries to keep me away from praying, I push myself to reaching out for Him. Because I am nothing without Him, and I don't know what I would do without Him.<br />
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The tachycardia never came back.</div>
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For my brothers and sisters in prayers... it is okay to be sad.<br />
It is okay to feel down<br />
It is okay to let go of things<br />
It is okay to be depressed<br />
It is okay to feel anxiety<br />
It is okay... as long as you still love life<br />
As long as you not too drown into sadness<br />
As long as you know that you're gonna need to be back to yourself<br />
As long as you believe there will be rainbow after the rain<br />
We will fight for it together, aren't we?</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-85519783615789194082018-08-12T22:37:00.000+08:002019-01-06T17:03:06.724+08:00New Music On The Block<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Hi everyone! I am back. It has been crazy lately, I really had no time to write. I've been working in two places since June, and it really sucked the life out of me. You know, in the middle of working, I always thought about some ideas for my blog, but I kept it in my head and now I even write this one while working.</div>
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Soo, lately, I've been thinking; that I rarely write anything about music anymore. My last post about music was some concert reviews, and it was in 2016! Funny, knowing that music is a very important thing in my life, I should have write more about it. Fyi, some months ago I decided to <b>renew all my playlists</b> that had been stuck in my music player for YEARS and YEARS. Guys, if you don't know, I do listen to almost all genre of music anytime, but to be honest, the ones I've been listening to over and over again are only a few. Yes. I probably only have not more than 8 to 10 albums in my playlist for so, so long; I didn't even realize that it has been crazy long until I found myself really BORED with them. Lol. </div>
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You know, sometimes there are some things in your life you need to get rid of, if it's stuck with you for so long. I need refreshment - I need some fresh music, I need some new jams in my life. I realize that my "addiction" to my old playlist has been too much, when one day I open Spotify, clicked on the "Top Hits" playlist, and found that <b>I didn't recognize almost all of the songs there </b>:)). So, without further do; I decided to explore my Spotify and listen to everything I can find, that was released in the <b>last three years</b> (<b>2015-2018</b>), and try my best to not listen to any jazz, croon, classics, or top 90s, because I had enough. Thank God I did. I did listen to many many MANY music across any genre that I can find, and these are my favorites. They are really really good and I really recommend them to anyone. </div>
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Thus, I think it will be a good idea to share with you guys about my updated music playlist, who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to renew your playlist as well.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. Traveller - Chris Stapleton (8/10)</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. From a Room Volume 2 - Chris Stapleton (9/10)</span></b><br />
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You guys, I don't even know HOW CAN I DESCRIBE MY LOVE FOR <b>CHRIS STAPLETON</b>! ARGH! It is very unexpected for me as well, to put a country singer at the top of my playlist, yet a traditional-country singer like Chris Stapleton. It was never my cup of tea, to be honest (Taylor Swift was an exception-she's more like pop-country, right? You know what I mean). Of course I know Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton... those popular country guys, of course I acknowledge them, but I never really listen to them. Well, Chris Stapleton, is definitely beyond this "stereotype". And I fell in love with him after listen to <b>"Traveller" </b>(released in 2015) album on repeat. </div>
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I really dig these two albums. God, I can't describe my love for his singing voice, because it has so much soul, smoothness, versatility, and passion. Beside that, Chris Stapleton is one hell of a story teller. Every song tells a story, and you get a glimpse into the life of a Southern-man that has worked his tail off to be where he is. Whether or not country is your genre of choice, for me it’s hard to knock Stapleton’s talent on these two albums. Almost every songs that he made was based on real stories. I can feel emotion and depth of each song, and the story behind. He is such an immense songwriter. His music will be the perfect companion for your days on the road. If I have to choose, I love <b>"From A Room Volume 2" </b>(released in 2017) slightly more than "Traveller" because I dig almost all the songs in the album, I can't even choose. Some of my favorite tracks from the "Traveller" album are his cover of Tim McGraw's <b>"Whiskey and You"</b>, and weeper song <b>"Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore"</b>. From "From A Room Volume 2" album; me love almost all of them but especially <b>"Millionaire"</b>, <b>"A Simple Song"</b> and <b>"Drunkard's Prayer"</b>. Take a look at these lyrics:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Daddy don't pray anymore</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I guess he's finished talking to the lord</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">He used to fold his hands and bow his head down to the floor</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But daddy doesn't pray anymore.." </span></span>- <b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #222222; font-style: italic;">"But I love my life</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #222222; font-style: italic;">Man it's, something to see</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #222222; font-style: italic;">It's the kids and the dogs and you and me</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-style: italic;">It's the way, it's all right.." </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>- </i><b>A Simple Song</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: #d9ead3;">"I wish that I could go to church but I'm too ashamed of me</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> I hate the fact it takes a bottle to get me on my knees.." </i><span style="background-color: white;">- <b>Drunkard's Prayer</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves (7.5/10)</span></b></div>
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Listening to<b> Kacey Musgraves</b> is actually kind of random to me. I was scrolling to "country-young ladies" timeline on my Spotify, because I kinda miss the "old music" of Taylor Swift and I want to find something with the same vibe. And then I found her. Well, for me this album is not the exact dupe of Swift's old works at all, but it is okay enough to entertain me and my thirst of some soft-and-melodic-voice of a pop-country singer. Her sweet voice is soothing and interesting, it will let your imagination fly. From what I read, Kacey Musgraves has a great CV in country performance and awards, but <b>Golden Hour</b> (released in 2018)is not a brutally-country album at all-because it reflects many genres as well. It's a perfect blend of country, pop, folk, and even disco. The past albums seems much more 'country' than this one. My favorite and the best track from this album is definitely the first single, "<b>Butterflies"</b>. Pretty sound of guitar, bass and drum from the start, yet soft and lightweight in feel.</div>
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<b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4. The Search of Everything - John Mayer (7/10)</span></b></div>
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<b>Disclaimer</b>: I’ve been obsessed with John Mayer for a long time.<br />
It’s gonna be quite a ride when you follow your favorite artists throughout their careers, because all artists move through phases as they move through their careers. Mayer began as the melancholic singer-songwriter and moved through several iterations: blues rock trio frontman, some fusion-cowboy, a folk countryman and, more recently, 'swimming' in the market playing with little touch of funk and EDM. Now, what can I say about this latest album of him? When you have made lines of stunning albums before, it becomes harder and harder to surpass its predecessors, and it's happening here. We all know John Mayer for what he is, yet we keep wanting more. This album didn't caught me when it first released (2017). The first track <b>“Still Feel Like Your Man”</b> is a track with a lot going on. This track is fun, but I feel weird because the lyrics don’t really fit the vibe. <b>"Love on the Weekend"</b>, ugh. I hated this song when I heard it over and over again. It’s so simple and poppy and meh. As I listen to it more, it doesn't grow on me.<b> "Moving On and Getting Over"</b> isn't his best track as well. </div>
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But if you are truly a Mayer fan, you're gonna stick through everything. I started to appreciate the other songs after listening to the album on repeat. <b>"In The Blood"</b> is a masterpiece with its warm feeling and pretty harmony. <b>"Changing"</b> has a very “Age of Worry” (from Born and Raised album) sound which is nice. <b>"Emoji of a Wave"</b> and <b>"Never On The Day You Leave"</b> are genuinely heartbreaking tunes with blue lyrics-where John's good at. <b>"Rosie"</b> shouts "Gravity" and "I Don't Trust Myself"-vibe very much.<b> "The Search of Everything"</b> is the only instrumental track of this album and it feels very "Continuum". <b>“Roll it on Home”</b> is one of the country-influenced song like Mayer has done in "Paradise Valley". And <b>"You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me”</b> is the first Mayer song to be entirely performed on piano instead of guitar, and it works well to end the album.<br />
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I sometimes forget just how multi-talented this man is. Beautiful voice, as a musician he's phenomenal and as a lyricist he's almost uncomparable in this day and age. My favorite albums of John are still Continuum, Battle Studies, and Born and Raised. Even though it's not in the same league as those, The Search of Everything still deserve some recognition.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>4. Take Me to the Alley - Gregory Porter (7/10)</b></span></span></span><br />
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Sorry, I know I told you in the beginning of this post that I want to resist jazz music for a while.. but I just can't.<br />
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<b>Gregory Porter</b> is a California jazz singer-songwriter and he has this soulful, warm, mellow, baritone voice that glide like honey. His voice is like Sunday morning and afternoon strolls at some jazz pubs. Porter is unlike any other: a jazz singer who wears a black balaclava (to cover facial scarring) topped off with a cloth cap. His old-fashioned style and warm croon tune somehow reminds me of Nat King Cole with notes of gospel, blues and soul. My favorite tracks of <b>"Take Me to the Alley"</b> album are <b>"Don't Be A Fool"</b> with its beautiful lyrics, <b>"Consequence of Love"</b>, and <b>"Holding On"</b>. The album also has a touch of soul, pop, and RnB sound to it. My problem with this album is, the songs can sounds too repetitive and tedious after a while. I think I want to give his other albums a chance, because from what I read, the previous album,<b> Liquid Spirit</b>, sold a million and won a Grammy.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">5. Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens (9,5/10)</b></span><br />
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Since 2002, <b>Sufjan Stevens</b> has risen to critical acclaim with his unique brand of acoustic and indie folk music; and his songwriting skill just get stronger in every album. The album was named after his mother and his step-father. "<b>Carrie & Lowell"</b> will undoubtedly hold your attention from start to finish. He sings about many intensely personal topics, including suicidal thoughts, the detrimental effects his mother's death (who suffered from both schizophrenia and depression, and died of cancer) melancholia he had on his relationships and his perspective on life, some childhood memories.. This album is a brutally honest illustration of a person's troubled past and emotional torture. Carrie & Lowell is so dark and deep, those with sensitive feeling (like me) might need to <i>take a breath </i>once they remove their headphones. But, despite the deeply intense material, the actual music here is soft, simple and beautiful. </div>
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Sufjan Stevens created a masterpiece, truly one of his greatest works. This is more than an album. It's an exhaustion of emotion. It's vulnerable. It captures what it means to lose all you wish you had. If you can't relate to his tracks, then you have never felt pain.The emotions bleed through from the the lyrics into the music and soft vocals. Sad, devastating, haunting. Mournful, but really beautiful. Brilliant album. It's hard to pick a standout track since they're all pretty strong. But I broke my repeat button with <b>"Death with Dignity"</b>, <b>"Eugene"</b>, <b>"Should Have Known Better"</b>, and <b>"The Only Thing"</b>. One of the most raw and beautifully haunting album's out there. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #222222; text-align: justify;">"</span>I forgive you, mother, I can hear you</i></span></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-style: italic;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">But every road leads to an end</span>" </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>- </i><b>Death With Dignity</b></span></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"For my prayer has always been love, what did I do to deserve this now?"</span></i> - <b>Drawn to the Blood</b><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">6. Joey Alexander - Eclipse (9/10)</b></div>
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Of course. Of course I'll never miss any of Joey Alexander's album. It’s OK to stop calling Joey Alexander a prodigy now. Although he’s only 14, the Indonesian jazz pianist has already proven he isn’t a one hit wonder. With every album, he keeps evolving into greatness. His talent is immense and he keenly understands jazz and the geniuses that came before him. Many of the tracks are his own composition, and of course, beautiful renditions of some classics from Coltrane, Bill Evans, and even The Beatles. For me personally, the albums that he made just getting better and better. I love all of the tracks equally. I will be listening to him until I die. Highly recommended for jazz aficionados.</div>
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<b>Honorable mentions:</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: start;">For Lovers Only - Sweet Sorrow </b></div>
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Hear, hear... Guys... This is a Korean music!!! I finally listen to Korean music! Say whaaatt? </div>
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For years and years my friends had tried to drawn me into "Korean wave" but I took no interest at all. I am not interested with the the dramas, I dislike the actors, the boyband/girlband is just meh for me, and then I randomly listen to this. It's really good, you guys! The group consists of four male vocalists and they met at the "Glee Club" (singing club), the male choir in their university back then. How cute is that? I really like this album because it has a very bright and positive mood. It only consists of five songs, and hell-even I don't know how to sing the words, the melodies are really sweet and lightweight, and the harmony is right there. The songs randomly reminds me of a long-time famous Indonesian male group, <b>Kahitna</b>, thou.</div>
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<b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: start;">Solitude - Gerald Situmorang (8/10)</b></div>
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I knew <b>Gerald Situmorang</b> as the guitarist and co-writer of Monita Tahalea's "Dandelion" album and a part of Monita Tahalea & The Nightingales quintet. Since I saw him play beautifully at <a href="http://pieceofgrey.blogspot.com/2016/06/dandelion-concert.html" target="_blank">Monita's concert </a>, I started to find more songs and arrangements that he made, and then I found out that Gerald is the bassist of a well-known Indonesian indie band, <b>Barasuara</b>. The musician who is familiarly called <b>GeSit</b> also often appeared to accompany Raisa and Indra Lesmana in several showcases. I don't really listen to Barasuara, but I really like this solo guitar album of him. It consists of 12 accoustic guitar solos, and the vibe kinda reminds me of the soundtrack of some <b>Japanese tv shows or commercials</b>. Sweet, emotional, and serene; it is a lovely companion for your days in any mood. I love to listen to it on the way home after work, or writing in the cafe.. or as the lullabies to sleep. I honestly love all the songs in the album. But my favorite tracks probably are <b>"Why?"</b>, <b>"Old Stories"</b>, <b>"Beautiful Story"</b>, and <b>"Always Changing"</b>.</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-38905130861696452852018-06-03T01:24:00.003+08:002018-06-04T23:17:07.813+08:00 Royal Wedding 2018 - Best Dress Parade <br />
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How are you fellas? So, everybody must have watched the infamous Royal Wedding right? It was expected that people across the world would tune in on Saturday, May 19 to see the commoner- and American actress, <b>Meghan Markle</b> marry the British royal heartthrob, <b>Prince Harry</b>. People and social media (me included) went crazy on that day; stay still for hours to watch the lifetime event on our TV at home. Well, for me the most fascinating part was to see the guests.</div>
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Hundreds of A-list guests and aristocracy mingled and tried their best to pull their A-game, knowing the whole world will be watching. But who really pulled out all the stops? As a fan of classic-royalty-look since I was a little girl, I decided that this fashion-related post will be an exciting writing. So, here are my Top 9-best dressed guests at the big day (why not 10? because I only found 9 that I really like)!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amal Clooney </b></span></div>
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Almost ALL of the fashion pages and webs put Amal Clooney, leading human rights lawyer and wife of Hollywood actor George Clooney as the first in line. And I have to agree with that. Amal STOLE the show with mustard-yellow Stella McCartney dress, matching Stephen Jones hat, and Gianvito Rossi shoes. I have to say when she walked into the screen I gasped. That yellow color was EVERYTHING. Anyone who can wear bright yellow is someone to be envied. Hairdo and make up was very fitting as well. 100 for you, girl!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lady Kitty Spencer</b></span></div>
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I saw this woman, wearing a beautiful forest-green dress by Dolce and Gabbana, and I was like: "Omg, who's this regal beauty? Which country does she rule?" Probably the prettiest face among all the guests, Lady Kitty shows the grace and elegance that resembles her late Princess Diana. I guess the Spencer blood can never do wrong.The flower-printed dress combined with matching feathered fascinator (probably the best part of her look) screams nothing but "royalty". The tailoring of the dress was perfect. And the pretty-orange shoes matches the flowers on her dress. </div>
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Another pic to remind you how pretty this woman is. She might be a princess or a queen from a kingdom already. And her fascinator game is ridiculous. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pippa Middleton</b></span></div>
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Pippa Middleton, younger sister of Kate Middleton, looked stunning in a simple, light green and pink floral dress as she arrived with her husband, James Matthews. The color embraces spring time and very suitable with the wedding theme. So much elegance. If I have to choose between all these stunning attires, this dress is probably my personal choice to wear at the royal wedding. The grey (or creme?) suede-shoes and fascinator complemented the whole look perfectly. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sofia Wellesley</b></span></div>
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British singer, James Blunt, successfully scored an invitation to the royal wedding, but it's his wife who stole the show. Sofia became a major head-turnover for that embroidered floral dress from Red Valentino, creme fascinator and black pumps. I LOVE that dress. It was made for a skinny and tall person like her. And the embroidered floral? Next-level. Ribb collar? Yes. She looked pretty and vintage at the same time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Doria Ragland</b></span></div>
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The mother of the bride looked simply elegant. This light green suit by Oscar De La Renta, the similar color on the hat, the shoes, and the clutch.. Stunning. The nude stocking was also a sign that the royals (or their stylist) has taught Ms. Ragland well on how to dress like royal.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Carole and Michael Middleton </span></b></div>
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The parents of the royalties are stepping up their game, didn't they?? Firstly, I was referring to Carole Middleton, who looked chic in a dress with summer coat by Catherine Walker and matching fascinator. She completed the look with a small nude clutch and matching nude satin court shoes. A pair of diamond earrings could be seen as well. Then I see her husband, Michael, who looked equally stylish with coat, stripped pants, and matching his icy-blue inner and tie with his wife. I think he looked regal. They are my personal choice for the "it" couple that day. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sophie, Countess of Wessex</span></b></div>
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Another fashionable royal with a beautiful blue. I guess now we know why they say blue is "royal color". We have Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who once again demonstrated her classic style alongside her husband, Prince Edward and her two children. Sophie was the picture of elegance and grace. Pairing an embellished top with a baby blue duchess satin skirt, the stylish Countess finished her look with a Jane Taylor headpiece in the same hue. Media says, Sophie has been known for her classic dress sense and always gets her outfits spot on for the particular occasion. I love her whole look. Spot on, Ma'am.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Carey Mulligan</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXupABFGbUDb8lEnUZl6jIMFmaD8r7DHKsMONFnHSDzXGOIe114D8U8QRSMsSBp3xN7VHpRbsiUFH5JCyr_PH10Ls0oSCCwVO54tTSrbHmXXXh5BTrj3c42R16LhIiMWNqxj1_54kdIE/s1600/hbz-marcus-mumford-carey-mulligan-1526738985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXupABFGbUDb8lEnUZl6jIMFmaD8r7DHKsMONFnHSDzXGOIe114D8U8QRSMsSBp3xN7VHpRbsiUFH5JCyr_PH10Ls0oSCCwVO54tTSrbHmXXXh5BTrj3c42R16LhIiMWNqxj1_54kdIE/s640/hbz-marcus-mumford-carey-mulligan-1526738985.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The actress attended the wedding wearing a dress from Erdem. Yass people, I think you can guess my mood now? I tend to approve the ladies in light color and floral aside from the rest! Carey happily joined the list of beautiful "floral ladies" and seemingly accurate as well on explaining the "spring-summer theme". Featuring a tie-neck, ruffle sleeves, a sash belt and all-over floral embroidery, Carey's maxi is the perfect choice for a wedding in the sunshine. The star topped off her look with a pair of grey suede heels, and toted a sophisticated white clutch. Carey swept her blonde tresses into a sleek updo, which was complemented with a white headpiece. The red lips was perfection. Me likey her so much.</div>
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Last but not least.....</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">David Beckham</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4021_bEU8LFeccRVucO9FtCb9nnRjN9kYxxZk1PqPI-AAHG9kT7BVHUoyEI6SbszWJpHZ6ca6FX8PNfroJslmc5VUDL0tUxBH4_quSkGVSa2F7nCUBdiSDHGrNjzP3InclOUKjmnY8ZA/s1600/gettyimages-960033632-1526723271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1315" data-original-width="980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4021_bEU8LFeccRVucO9FtCb9nnRjN9kYxxZk1PqPI-AAHG9kT7BVHUoyEI6SbszWJpHZ6ca6FX8PNfroJslmc5VUDL0tUxBH4_quSkGVSa2F7nCUBdiSDHGrNjzP3InclOUKjmnY8ZA/s640/gettyimages-960033632-1526723271.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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Oh, hello. </div>
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Honestly I am not Beckham's biggest fan, but, does this even need an explanation?</div>
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Looked even better than the groom himself, a man coming to a wedding like this must be judged as a crime. Guys just simply admire him and realize they will never wear a suit and shades this well and just accept that. He wore a three piece suit from Dior. And a flashy sunglasses. And killer smile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqbA9A9YqhzAjnG7mNWULu32stjvl6lO2Q2zVVTECJbzMPyhOfjPKAkPjPFpTH4JxlceWojWY5GJVaYeU5K1gLDzLsbpTyV42LqXTEA3XYlSLsQEaUX7xXyqrBdmZrPD-1kH2CIvj1Hk/s1600/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqbA9A9YqhzAjnG7mNWULu32stjvl6lO2Q2zVVTECJbzMPyhOfjPKAkPjPFpTH4JxlceWojWY5GJVaYeU5K1gLDzLsbpTyV42LqXTEA3XYlSLsQEaUX7xXyqrBdmZrPD-1kH2CIvj1Hk/s640/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-3.jpg" width="455" /></a></div>
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Seriously.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY31-R0LxHZpfTE41Jd-oz21imbiNI6UkYvb7OFZzo8iYPUMarzS3XEVjznSyC1o5Osz6Cerh4U0bFCqXC2jLWYFUdbQWw88Om0DxBC6NmGa9J8jf4ZBJZHoW9S-oTcIAZgZ3Ep4bM4_0/s1600/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY31-R0LxHZpfTE41Jd-oz21imbiNI6UkYvb7OFZzo8iYPUMarzS3XEVjznSyC1o5Osz6Cerh4U0bFCqXC2jLWYFUdbQWw88Om0DxBC6NmGa9J8jf4ZBJZHoW9S-oTcIAZgZ3Ep4bM4_0/s640/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4A24eP93W_GQwtGcpt_KIm6hYFpnGRCvLHgNrdzGw6Jy3vS3DbLFG9TVBjf9CEjwlz_MoWqquYKfIbn63NNn8gHyJp4oJ1TUKcIK_IMQgHH5XMVxqqYiRseqb-r6syiP82mQu0D9R6U/s1600/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4A24eP93W_GQwtGcpt_KIm6hYFpnGRCvLHgNrdzGw6Jy3vS3DbLFG9TVBjf9CEjwlz_MoWqquYKfIbn63NNn8gHyJp4oJ1TUKcIK_IMQgHH5XMVxqqYiRseqb-r6syiP82mQu0D9R6U/s640/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-8.jpg" width="443" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdnckxoF7xIyx-as-segZniphblujZu9gAGwtnltGJu1BOZ74QZjJRP00JCGeWIu1a_H0MATZzukUSNjJ6nWHoerZSSz1L-qiPMi1trqQjnMZHA4iO9rg4XcQgDf2ArXx4IzllxZD5K4/s1600/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdnckxoF7xIyx-as-segZniphblujZu9gAGwtnltGJu1BOZ74QZjJRP00JCGeWIu1a_H0MATZzukUSNjJ6nWHoerZSSz1L-qiPMi1trqQjnMZHA4iO9rg4XcQgDf2ArXx4IzllxZD5K4/s640/just-16-amazing-photos-of-david-beckham-from-the-royal-wedding-14.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye, Victoria</td></tr>
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Just like they say, David Beckham is like a fine wine. He just gets better with age. He was the Beyonce of the wedding guests. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So who was your favorite best-dressed guest from the royal wedding? Let me know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>*all pictures from Getty Images</i></span></div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-73588037176928136722018-05-16T23:25:00.000+08:002018-05-17T14:29:32.004+08:00Aroma Karsa (Book Review)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQJrFK4fptqj_vwTqtPu1mh_EPkSqSY7wm0rIbUiXe3fsKk-fe4YEMVPgFJkj6Zoqm7Xj_3HSzf5lDdX65cIHRVEpFD9jgm3qwycp4S5BvKJZUweBehwrLYbZfcEwcy8kszQGp7AeLDM/s1600/aroma-karsa-3d-fat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQJrFK4fptqj_vwTqtPu1mh_EPkSqSY7wm0rIbUiXe3fsKk-fe4YEMVPgFJkj6Zoqm7Xj_3HSzf5lDdX65cIHRVEpFD9jgm3qwycp4S5BvKJZUweBehwrLYbZfcEwcy8kszQGp7AeLDM/s640/aroma-karsa-3d-fat.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic is from <a href="https://aromakarsa.bentangpustaka.com/" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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<i>(Since this book is an Indonesian book, the review will be in Bahasa)</i></div>
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<b>Aroma Karsa</b>, karya teranyar dari novelis terkenal Indonesia, <b>Dee Lestari</b> (yang juga merupakan penyanyi dan penulis lagu), merupakan karya yang tidak bisa lepas dari kepala saya sejak saya mulai membaca halaman pertama. </div>
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<i>Aroma Karsa dibuka oleh kisah seorang wanita bernama <b>Raras Prayagung</b> yang menemui neneknya, <b>Janirah Prayagung</b>, yang sedang sakit keras. Pesan terakhir dari Janirah adalah agar Raras mencari tanaman sakti bernama <b>Puspa Karsa</b>, yang selama ini dikenalnya sebagai dongeng. Puspa Karsa ternyata adalah tanaman sungguhan yang tersembunyi di tempat rahasia yang mampu mengendalikan kehendak dan cuma bisa diidentifikasi melalui aroma.</i></div>
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<i>Obsesi Raras mencari Puspa Karsa inilah yang akhirnya mempertemukannya dengan <b>Jati Wesi</b>, seorang pemuda yang tumbuh besar di TPA Bantar Gerbang, dan dijuluki si Hidung Tikus. Jati memiliki penciuman luar biasa dan dari berbagai pekerjaan yang dijalaninya untuk bertahan hidup, meracik parfum adalah satu yang paling ia banggakan. </i></div>
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<i>Kemampuan Jati ini membawanya masuk ke dalam kehidupan Raras, dan mempertemukan Jati dengan <b>Tanaya Suma</b>, anak tunggal Raras, yang memiliki kemampuan serupa dengannya.</i></div>
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<i>Dari sinilah Jati terlibat semakin jauh dengan keluarga Prayagung dan Puspa Karsa, dan semakin banyak juga misteri yang ia temukan, tentang dirinya dan masa lalu yang tak pernah ia tahu. </i></div>
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Saya belum membaca semua novel Dee Lestari. Yang saya tahu, serial Supernova adalah karya beliau yang paling terkenal, dan saya belum membacanya. Saya hanya merasa agak <i>overwhelmed</i> dengan serialnya yang sudah berjumlah 5 buku, sehingga belum tertarik untuk membacanya karena sudah jauh ketinggalan. Jadi saya dulu memilih membaca karya-karya lainnya, yaitu Perahu Kertas, Filosofi Kopi, dan Madre. Dan saya menyukai semuanya. Favorit saya adalah Madre. Tapi ketiganya membuat saya yakin kalau Dee adalah penulis yang keren.</div>
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Sekarang, setelah membaca Aroma Karsa, saya <i>tahu</i> kalau Dee adalah penulis yang <b>sangat sangat keren</b>. </div>
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Aroma Karsa adalah percampuran riset dan imajinasi yang sangat apik, yang dituturkan dengan bahasa yang cerdas. Saya terpaku sejak membaca halaman pertama, dan tidak sabar untuk cepat-cepat kembali ke novel ini tiap pagi saat membuka mata. Tokoh-tokohnya sangat menarik. Biasanya novel yang dibuat dengan riset gila-gilaan seperti ini, akan menyajikan bahasa yang <i>boring</i> dan terlalu 'tinggi', tapi Dee memastikan kita dapat memahaminya dengan baik. Alur maju-mundur yang ada di novel ini semakin membantu pembaca menangkap kedalaman tokoh-tokohnya. Bahkan sekaliber sastrawan Indonesia favorit saya yang sudah malang melintang di dunia sastra berpuluh-puluh tahun, Sapardi Djoko Damono, mengakui bahwa Dee adalah penulis yang 'tabah' membangun struktur cerita, dan mengakui buku ini merupakan karya yang fenomenal.</div>
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Saya belum pernah membaca novel Indonesia yang mengangkat topik aroma, parfum, dan mitologi Jawa sekaligus. Itulah yang membuat saya tertarik dan memutuskan untuk membeli novel ini. Saya menebak-nebak, berapa lama waktu yang dibutuhkan Dee untuk meriset bahan novel ini. Penjabaran dunia olfaktori yang begitu rinci membuat saya terkesima. Membaca novel ini seperti membuat hidung saya "tersugesti" menjadi lebih sensitif. Dan saya sangat menikmati membaca tentang makna-makna parfum. Kalau kalian merupakan penggemar wewangian, <i>the novel is worth reading</i>.</div>
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Sebagai penggemar fantasi, novel ini sangat memuaskan. Saya tidak menyangka novel ini akan berkembang dari awal yang kelihatannya seperti drama biasa ke genre fantasi. Sungguh sebuah <i>shifting</i> yang mengejutkan. Semakin kebelakang, suasana misteri yang ditampilkan semakin kuat. Beberapa <i>part</i> bahkan membuat saya merinding. Bahasa-bahasa Jawa halus dan nama-nama Jawa kuno yang dipergunakan menambah kesan misteri dan mistik dari novel ini. </div>
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<i>Ending</i>-nya pun membuat saya terkesima<i>. </i>Saya hanya bisa bilang "wow" saat mengakhiri novel ini. Dan sedikit frustasi karena tidak menemukan kelanjutannya. Haha. Novel ini sangat berkesan bagi saya, dan saya mungkin bisa bilang ini novel Indonesia terbaik yang pernah saya baca.</div>
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<i>For sure, Dee has created a masterpiece with this one</i>. </div>
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Aroma Karsa merupakan sajian fiksi yang sangat anggun, dan sangat layak menghabiskan waktu siapapun yang membacanya. Bravo. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<i><b>End note</b></i> :</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Penjabaran tentang <b>TPA(Tempat Pembuangan Akhir) Bantar Gerbang</b> di novel ini memberi kesan tersendiri untuk saya. Sewaktu saya bekerja di Jakarta, saya sempat berpraktek di klinik di daerah Bantar Gerbang, Bekasi Timur. Tiap malam saya mencium semilir bau yang kurang 'sedap' dan baru menyadari 'sumber'nya dari mana setelah dijelaskan orang lokal. Penggambaran tentang 'aroma' TPA Bantar Gerbang, mengingatkan saya lagi tentang masa-masa itu :D</span></div>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-58607885281980113962018-04-21T17:46:00.002+08:002018-05-16T20:22:55.178+08:00Untuk Pratiwi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94CkON0IfaxOWzV-KR5J_HcG5ufhGgL6ecNag4R3DryZfmMfetQ7VGSgAxTEKC6dvnYWSU7UwufKee3PUEgEaIxp1dnhnewSWRcoQvwdhxD1sEO2vlqCTvq2KXxrPBrzSCzPR544HyEo/s1600/8fba54e3b6ff5eab54641f7362841326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="918" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94CkON0IfaxOWzV-KR5J_HcG5ufhGgL6ecNag4R3DryZfmMfetQ7VGSgAxTEKC6dvnYWSU7UwufKee3PUEgEaIxp1dnhnewSWRcoQvwdhxD1sEO2vlqCTvq2KXxrPBrzSCzPR544HyEo/s400/8fba54e3b6ff5eab54641f7362841326.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duduk di mejanya Mr & Mrs.Watanabe </td></tr>
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<i>This friend of mine, I knew her since my first day in high school. But only in our sophomore class we were seated in the same chairs. And since then, she’s became one of the very few people whom I trust with all my dramas and secrets. </i></div>
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Waktu kelas satu, mikirnya ini anak kalem, manis, keliatannya sih anak baik-baik gitu. Trus makin hari liatnya, ‘wagelaseh ni anak pacaran molo’. Tiap istirahat, di kelas, pulang sekolah, nempel tross sama pacarnya. Sampe dinyinyirin bu BP. Yang kalo tiap kita omongin sekarang pasti ngakak. </div>
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Pas kelas dua, sekelas lagi, eh sebangku. Nah disitu saya jadi tau dia gimana aslinya. Tetap kalem dan “Jawa” sih. Tapi ternyata oh ternyata dia ‘sableng’ juga. Bisa heboh dan humoris juga. Padahal secara personaliti kita beda; dia kaleman, ga beranian.. akuh panasan dan nekat (apalagi dulu jaman SMA). Saya suka olahraga dan hobinya ngekskul, habis ngekskul kelayapan, dia ga suka olahraga dan pulang sekolah langsung dijemput/diantar pulang ke rumah. Tapi selera dan becandaan yang nyambung itulah yang bikin kita klop. </div>
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Saking deketnya, kita sampe buat “bucur” alias “buku curhat”, semacam buku gede gitu yang isinya segala macam curhatan yang nda pake sensor. Kenapa harus pake buku? Karena di kelas kalo bosan pasti pengen ngobrol, cuman takut ketahuan guru di depan, jadilah buku itu sebagai sarana korespondensi. Hingga berlanjut bukunya ganti-gantian dibawa pulang buat diisi dan dibaca besoknya. Isinya tentu sangat tidak berfaedah. Mulai dari curhat “biasa”, sampe polling ga jelas (pen nangis ketawa ingatnya), ngatain guru, nulis nama gebetan gede2 pake spidol warna warni, dan lain sebagainya. Kita berdua bersepakat kalo buku itu sampe dibaca orang maka reputasi kita (kayak punya aja) akan hancur berkeping-keping. </div>
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Pas kelas tiga, kita terpisah, ga sekelas, tapi jalan masih tetap bareng. Lulus SMA, masih main dan nginep di rumahnya. <i>Then she moved to Jakarta with her family</i>. Doi kuliah di Jakarta, saya stay di Makassar. Kontekan masih jalan, walaupun udah ga sesering sebelumnya. Masih cerita-cerita, curhat… saat dua-duanya udah sibuk dengan kegiatan dan kehidupan masing-masing, <i>once in a while we still update each other’s life</i>. </div>
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Dulu sempat ketemu dan jalan bareng di Malang, waktu dia kerja disana, di Bali waktu dia kerja disana juga (semuanya kebetulan, gak janjian), dan di Jakarta kalo lagi maen ke Jakarta. Makin tua makin sibuk, makin jarang ketemu, rencana mau “Bali-in lagi lah” gajadi-jadi sampe sekarang. Karena jauh dan jarang ketemu itulah, sekali ketemu pastinya cerita panjang. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentjan romantis kita di Bali</td></tr>
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Eh, sekarang tau-tau udah merit aja dia. </div>
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Yaelah sedih gue woy. LOL </div>
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Walaupun sudah melalui musim “kawin massal” di tahun 2016 dan terlebih-lebih 2017, gak pernah tuh ada feeling gimana-gimana. Tiap cerita sama dia kita pasti ketawa-ketawain aja si "wabah ngebet kawin" yang terjadi semenjak beberapa tahun lalu. Namun gak kerasa waktu berlalu, tiba-tiba tahun lalu dia mengabari: “<i>I think I’ve found that ‘someone’.” </i></div>
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<i><i>It’s such a big thing coming from her, knowing her stories, her past, and how she decided to step on carefully towards her future. So when she told me that “sentence”, I know he must be the “one”. And I can’t be happier to know that she’s happy. </i></i></div>
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Tapi feelingnya kok “beda” yah. Sekarang baru ngerasa ada sedih-sedihnya dikit ditinggal teman merit, dan ini baru pertama kali kurasakan seumur hidup. Ngerti gak? Hahahha. Ada yang pernah gini gak? XD </div>
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<i style="font-style: italic;">I guess I am sad that she left me in the “single (but) happy”</i> <i style="font-style: italic;">group</i><i> XD, </i>hahahhahha jadi inget duluuuu dia pernah bilang “we janganko merit duluan, awas ko mau merit nda bilang-bilang. tungguka”, see?? Lah sekarang you duluan dari I say. Monggo say!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5t4DlfNRv60Qdbd3qQT6i-zSabRXRM-ijkTvkDjgzCKgYE3-Vr5s9bg6fBR-mYkxSy-Db4imZfe0aHlMPH2kPtThAvvbqs9S2SzgaRCxBvi5KsQCf0f2w1gswj9oYETxQJ1olEIaN6w/s1600/BeautyPlus_20160526174008_save.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5t4DlfNRv60Qdbd3qQT6i-zSabRXRM-ijkTvkDjgzCKgYE3-Vr5s9bg6fBR-mYkxSy-Db4imZfe0aHlMPH2kPtThAvvbqs9S2SzgaRCxBvi5KsQCf0f2w1gswj9oYETxQJ1olEIaN6w/s400/BeautyPlus_20160526174008_save.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><i>Bi, remember that moment when we were at the airport in Bali while waiting for my delayed flight to Makassar, and we just talked, about love and life? I remember you were strong and okay; but there was a slight of sadness in you</i>. </i></div>
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Setelah itu di pesawat saya<i> randomly</i> membuat “puisi” (<i>or just a piece of writing</i>) yang terinspirasi dari percakapan kami. Kata-kata yang sempat lama ga ada judulnya. Pas iseng-iseng buka di notes hp, ketemu puisi lama itu dan kukasih ke dia pas ultahnya beberapa tahun lalu. Karena lagi <i>out of inspiration</i> untuk membuat judul yang keren, jadilah waktu itu kunamakan aja “Untuk Pratiwi”. </div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>UNTUK PRATIWI </b></span></i></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is like I am standing in the path of an oncoming train- </span></i></span></i></div>
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</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can’t see it in the distance, </span></i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and I know it is coming. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter how many sunsets behold me, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter how many sunrises greet me, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or how many people fall to their feet for me </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How many chances stand before me, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">or how many lovers leave me. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am writing my fuure </span></i></div>
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<i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And reading it aloud </span></i></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the sea is pretty </span></i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For the life is awesome </span></i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the tears are worth it. </span></i></span></i></div>
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<i>The train is still "coming", but there's no more uncertainty</i>.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">You’re a good and kind girl, you were always been anyway, so I know it’s only about time for you to be happy and to finally meet someone who is as good as you</span><i style="font-style: italic;">. </i>Waktu kamu akad nikah<i style="font-style: italic;">, I can’t hold a tear, especially when I heard you cry a lil’ in ur speech</i><i style="font-style: italic;">. </i>Seperti gak nyangka ya kamu tiba di titik ini<i style="font-style: italic;">. </i>W terharu sis. Ga pake lebay. Wkwkwk. <i style="font-style: italic;">And you were SUPER pretty. The prettiest I’ve ever seen you in life! Seriously. I think you were born to be a Javanese bride. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnoUn0HzxAHu405SlS5YrECadTLRS53UAqTjIq1Er9-Tu1eKafveESZzj02BxnP510x3ZYxCCBSbyAyUY6XcSKKXsoBq4t7LQ88azchujXpE7VAuddLWGrLs67_0fdFzjaa0PxcjAD_E/s1600/PSX_20180415_162829b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1091" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnoUn0HzxAHu405SlS5YrECadTLRS53UAqTjIq1Er9-Tu1eKafveESZzj02BxnP510x3ZYxCCBSbyAyUY6XcSKKXsoBq4t7LQ88azchujXpE7VAuddLWGrLs67_0fdFzjaa0PxcjAD_E/s640/PSX_20180415_162829b.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbY8A02TjIbLijrztfRRLk6Rz6IYQ13co2HrJwgwIJJkKm3xAgSt9xV0GmZ1MIYNwJ8VrZI4WKDiJGmiJtZH5brPCyOzpb1h5AwvGgOuvupxCJvjqgEUS0rB2WGzp1shASAoqVesg50c/s1600/InShot_20180414_183029170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="1600" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbY8A02TjIbLijrztfRRLk6Rz6IYQ13co2HrJwgwIJJkKm3xAgSt9xV0GmZ1MIYNwJ8VrZI4WKDiJGmiJtZH5brPCyOzpb1h5AwvGgOuvupxCJvjqgEUS0rB2WGzp1shASAoqVesg50c/s640/InShot_20180414_183029170.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isnt she prettyyyyyy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-Q7vTVKYZYbw48Qvco1DLpbv1QVuRvlfnkiBSYVZK0SVIXYmZudRwUwcfZN3fV3YK_rx8z58pDRbMkk96SqmCOXIzUQTAHM9QOBb4L9y84ZGg4zd6tsy3T3CLUKD1b3gRV7tVQz34bM/s1600/1523714470336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-Q7vTVKYZYbw48Qvco1DLpbv1QVuRvlfnkiBSYVZK0SVIXYmZudRwUwcfZN3fV3YK_rx8z58pDRbMkk96SqmCOXIzUQTAHM9QOBb4L9y84ZGg4zd6tsy3T3CLUKD1b3gRV7tVQz34bM/s640/1523714470336.jpg" width="449" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going super "Javanese" bridesmaid- mode on for a day<br />
(gegara ini abis dibully di sosmed seharian, dipanggil Bu Kartini, mbok, dll lol)<br />
awas aja andah kalo w merit ga mau pake baju toraja</td></tr>
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Akhirnya.... anak yg kerjanya pacaran mulu dari bocah menikah juga. Btw mau tau aja nih sis, Permadi zodiaknya apa yak (u know what I mean XD)? </div>
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Bi, kalo udah merit jangan berubah ya. Mudah-mudahan jadi traveling lagi ya kita someday dengan pasangan masing-masing, atau berdua aja ninggalin suami kita di rumah wkwk. Terlepas dari hasratku untuk dibawain seserahan, mudah-mudahan siapapun dia yang penting bahagia deh *pasrah*. </div>
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<i><i>Once again congratulations for your wedding. I wish you the best of life and happiness. Good things come to those who wait, right? </i></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKPpKexb5OeCIkHHV-RDHtxaUaCo4JYmJlD8smnGI3umtJvQd6WHEDJ8T9JzvQWfYvHvb7oO96S501JwCfdWzJLn8CrxDiwTDRYijLpbitNf4jBCEoSoIkufB89JIyqGbXWYFS63y17I/s1600/FB_IMG_1523965479518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="604" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKPpKexb5OeCIkHHV-RDHtxaUaCo4JYmJlD8smnGI3umtJvQd6WHEDJ8T9JzvQWfYvHvb7oO96S501JwCfdWzJLn8CrxDiwTDRYijLpbitNf4jBCEoSoIkufB89JIyqGbXWYFS63y17I/s640/FB_IMG_1523965479518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catatan kenangan: nginap bersama di tahun 2008/2009, saat baru lulusan SMA</td></tr>
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-46224280285667320622018-03-31T20:44:00.002+08:002018-05-16T20:29:34.568+08:00One Fine Morning - A 'Bully' Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic is from Pinterest</td>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Nope, we’re not here talking about that kind of
<i>bully</i> today. This post has nothing to do with
<i>bullying</i> theme whatsoever. “Bully”, as bizarre as it sounds, is the name of our dog at home.
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I know. We are weird. Not us actually. My father, was weird. He named the dog. My brother picked him up at someone’s house when he was a puppy, not more than 4 months, and he asked our father about what should he named him. And my father simply answered; “Bully.” </div>
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Although I know in fact that there’s a reason why he named the puppy “Bully”. Actually, he meant it to be “Buli”, which is the name of his good ol' village in Toraja; where he was raised. But instead of using the literal “Buli”, he spelled it as “B-u-l-l-y-“ to get rid of straight similarity. Not to mention now the meaning is super negative. Lol. </div>
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Eventually, after that random adoption moment, we welcomed Bully into our house. </div>
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In the beginning, Bully was taken care of by my father and younger brother. I didn’t have much time to play or take care of him, because I was in the middle of doing my internship in Siwa and when I was back at home all I do was mostly sleeping. Bully wasn’t the only dog around that time, there is another Siberian Husky dog that used to live in my younger brother’s room (the weather will be too hot for her to stay outside). Meanwhile, little Bully stayed at our garage.
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Unfortunately, the Husky didn’t make it long. She passed away due to some sickness. And Bully, still living in our garage until now, is healthy and fit. </div>
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Bully is a white <b>Labrador Retriever </b>(his father is a Labrador, his mum is a Golden Retriever). He's approximately 1 year and 8 months old now. When I finally finished my internship months ago, I finally have some time to spend with him. It was started with only gentle strokes on his head everytime I came home, and now I am doing all of
<i> his things</i>. I feed him, take him to walk every day, bathe him, clean up his pee when we forgot to take him outside… sometimes I even talk to him :D </div>
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There were also some days when I got pissed off and I yelled angrily at him everytime he can’t calm down, or everytime he pulled his dog straps too hard –because it hurts my hand. High-spirited, vivacious, just like any other growing dog. But I think Bully is kinda “normal” for a dog thou, I’ve seen waay more worse behaviors from a dog. Of course he likes to chew, lick, run, etc.. but nothing that I can’t handle. At least he doesn't pee and poop in the garage, and eat whenever we told him too. Of course he's not one of that cleverest dogs around (the ones who can do fancy stuffs and tricks); but I think in general he’s quite okay-mannered(?). Anyhow, dogs can get up to all sorts of mischief you know.. yet we still manage to love them at the end of the day.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the best picture I can get that resembles him the most (I took it from Pinterest), but Bully has slightly longer hair and a lil' smaller in size. I would try my best to get the actual picture of him in my next posts</td>
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I take Bully for a walk every morning. If I don’t go out, I also take him to walk for bathroom time in the evening. He would wake anyone up anyway, by barking and moaning so someone had to get up and let him outside. Dogs are like people, they need the right amount of food and exercise to be healthy. </div>
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When we walk out, he always want to go to the same route (sometimes it’s very boring). And every time he sees a house with dog, he will run like crazy towards them. Thanks to Bully, I know now every house in our neighborhood that has a dog (or dogs) inside, and sometimes befriended the owners.
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One morning, we were walking and suddenly it started to rain. Running home will make us wet from head to toe, so we had no choice but sheltering in a house (and guess what, the owner's got a dog!), we had chit-chats until the rain was kinda slowing down, and they lent me umbrella so we can go home. It was still raining, so we're caught in the rain and Bully still ran happily (I was grumbling).
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I myself always thought walking with Bully is my “light” sport. I even consider to wear running shoes everyday so I can burn more calories. :D
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It's been a long time thou, since I just appreciate every little things that happens in my daily life. It's been so long since I write something as light as this; just a simple story about me and my dog. I think I am having too much "thinking" lately and pour all my deep thoughts into a writing, somehow it doesn't feel fun anymore. Where was my inner-playfulness?? So, I guess my 2018 goal is to write more often, more spontaneous, and working on more diverse writings.
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And every simple, lighthearted story, does have it means as well.
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Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2551924784637902673.post-42624827246280244402018-03-08T01:27:00.001+08:002018-04-03T18:59:24.158+08:00Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The only thing that keeps me sitting on the train <br />
Is my Sanity <br />
It is the one that keeps me hanging <br />
Otherwise, I’ll ask John Mayer to stop this train <br />
And jam with him on the streets <br />
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Random signs, green tee and black polo <br />
Looking at them knowing the moments were true <br />
Hoping the world would turn me upside down <br />
And make me forget some parts of my brain <br />
<br />
I read them for some kind of wines <br />
Thought they will be nice and expensive <br />
Guess I wasted my life playing dumb <br />
Knowing that my heart is unemployed <br />
And what’s left is only bittersweet<br />
<br />
What did I do to deserve this now? <br />
How much longer ‘till I tear the eyeballs out of my head? <br />
And living with ghosts, in a veil of disguise? <br />
Living in my blind faith, guided by blurry lights <br />
Do I care if God wants me to survive? <br />
<br />
Dear Lord, you know I'm painting my dreams<br />
I'm holding my breath and hoping you to lead me<br />
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Out of this rainstorms and kiss me goodnight<br />
Some nights, I tear myself apart- yet heals in the morning<br />
I left dead, many times- but You raised me up</div>
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What’s the point of wandering<br />
When you’re still getting lost?<br />
What’s the point of singing lullabies<br />
If they’ll never even care? </div>
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When will I memorize their faces</div>
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Without releasing the devil inside?</div>
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What can be said of my heart</div>
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That is full of darkness?</div>
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I shout to the nights</div>
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Hoping they feel the way I feel</div>
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And drown them into the sea of my soul</div>
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And if the regrets ever gone away</div>
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Please take me back to the start</div>
Liku Layuk Allohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845662387572041316noreply@blogger.com1