A Letter to Air Asia

After no posting for quite a while (not so proud of this), finally new post, this post is actually a complaint letter which I sent to Air Asia. Last week I was in New Zealand for holiday and this trip was almost got canceled, and the detail of the story is below.. enjoy!

Myanmar: the Next Big Thing in Asia

Halooo.. Another exciting story to tell because again I traveled to new country, as I've mentioned before, going to a new place is always exciting, regardless where the place is. As usual I will share a little bit of background to this trip (again, you wouldn't care but I'll do it anyway..).
Okay, honestly I've never been wanting to go to Myanmar before until one of my office colleague was actually recommending Myanmar to me after he found out I love traveling, he said currently not (yet) many people travel to Myanmar (though it's increasing now) and it's really good. I browsed some of the pictures in the internet and what made me interested is also that we are able to ride a hot air balloon to see magnificent view of Bagan, the land of thousand Pagoda. I even actually considered to take the balloon ride assuming that it may be cheaper in South East Asia, compared to Turkey, well it's not, in fact it's more expensive, around 300 USD, but I was thinking, it's okay I still got to see the balloon view in the morning/sunrise above the Pagodas which surely will be awesome too. Another ugly truth is the balloon doesn't operate the whole year, another fact that I found that when I was there, not before I bought the ticket. So, the low season would be from Apr to September, and it will resume in Oct. So, please note this before you purchase the flight ticket.

Vivid Sydney Weekends

Okay.. this is going to be short, as I'd like to complete this soon..
Actually I could not remember that I made draft about this trip before, then suddenly I found this draft and it's written in English.. surprise! So, I'll just continue.

A little bit of background of this trip (who cares but I'll do it anyway). I always want to go to Australia and the reason being if I go there I will be going to new country as well as new continent, sort of kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Free Walking Tour in Saigon (yes, they have it!)

This post is really real time as I'm so excited and I want to put it in writing as soon as possible before it is evaporated and forgotten. I have been in Saigon for a week this time around and will be staying here for about a month, but I have visited Saigon also back in last October, June, and July with a total period of about 1 month for work. As for Vietnam, I have visited this country 4 years back in 2010, so I did and went already to those of main attractions, Cu Chi Tunnel, Mekong Delta, museums, and other landmark in the city. So, last Jun when I spent weekend in Saigon, I was actually looking for other activity to do in this city, aside from shopping (which I did as well).

The Truth about Polygamy in Islam

Whoa..I'm staring at the title above and yes, it sounds serious..actually last week I stumbled upon a brochure when I visited Masjid Jamek in KL. The title of the brochure is "Marry only one - Polygamy is either obligatory nor encouraged in Islam". Reading the title, I grabbed it instantly and put it in my bag, well it's not that I stole or anything, it was meant to be taken for the visitor of the mosque. Many other brochures with other topics were provided there, but I decided to take 1 only.

I found the information in the brochure are very good, we all know how sometimes Islam is associated with polygamy and probably that what was perceived by most of the people (both muslim and non-muslim) that Islam is encouraging muslims to do polygamy. So, I really want to share this info to people, but since the content is quite a lot, I can't just put it in facebook/twitter/path, so I'll just re-type it, Here we go

How Far Would You Go (to travel)?

So, how do you respond to that question?

Suddenly I remember my trip about 2 years ago, to Vietnam and Cambodia. It really took a courage to write this, gotta admit. It's one of my dirty little secret that I'm not really proud of but on the other side it made me realized of who I am now. Heck, now I'm mumbling.

Memorable Train Journeys

Initially I would like to write about my worst train journey in Europe (because it's the most recent), but then I remembered, when it comes to train, I have more horrible experiences than the one in Europe. So, I'm gonna try to write about them, although some of them are a bit vague. Well, it turned out while I was writing about this I changed the subject into memorable train journey so, It was not always the horrible experiences.

Best . Pizza . Ever .

Pizza is from Italy, I bet everybody knows that, but do you know which Italian city where this pizza is originated? It's Napoli! No kidding and don't even try to google it. Hoho. In eat pray love movie (lousy movie but love the Italy part) where did Liz go to eat pizza? Napoli again. That is why I was super-ecstatic! Me and Yessi were so ready to try and indulge the best pizza in Italy. We've gathered several information from guide book and hostel's receptionist and we came up with 3 names: (1) Di Matteo; (2) Sorbillo; (3) Da Michele and we feel like we must try all those three. However, there's one little problem, we only stayed for weekend and on Sunday all those pizzerias will be closed, not only pizzerias, most restaurants, cafes, shops, almost everything is closed on Sunday, its gonna be like a dead city, am quoting my hostel's receptionist.

A Serene Serendipity in Southern Italy

I believe good things happen when you least expected, and it feels even better when they come coincidentally. I remembered I  was in a bus taking me from Siena to Napoli (Naples in English). It was supposed to be a 6.5 hours of journey. The bus were 15 minutes late which was something you should expect in Italy. Of all other European countries I visited, Italy would be the one where the transportation was not sharp on time. It happened several time, my train to Venice which was late almost an hour, my train to Siena was 20 minutes late, and some buses as well. So, when I saw my watch, it was 12.15 am and the bus was just coming, I'm not surprised nor dissapointed, hey in my country things could get worse!

Love love Cam

Currently I'm a little bit crazy about this new reality show, Glee Project. Well, actually it wasn't that new as it was started on mid 2011 and now I watched the show re-run on television. The show is still integrated with famous TV series "Glee" which I assume you've been familiar with. So, the purpose of the show is to find new talented young star who have the capability of singing and acting and the winners will make an appearance or will become one of the cast in the series. So, actually I have watched the show once before but only a glimpse, I saw these 3 contestants performed in front of 3 judges, and my attention was straight to this young man who looked kind of nerd, skinny, huge glasses, some weird movements. He sang Your Song, it was Elton John's song, but he sang it very well with such an amazing voice, the sort of voice a guy in a rock band which is kind of cool. He's style was quirky but adorable. And that's it, I didn't know who he was and I've never watch Glee Project ever again.

I want more FlashForward!

Finally, I just finished wathcing this series. After put on hold a year or so since I bought the DVD. First time I heard this series from my friend Raya, who seemed very excited about it. The stories is about a global blackout where at the same time all people in the world got blackout at the same amount of time 2 minutes and 17 seconds, and during the blackout all people have visions of their future 6 months later. The visions are not just some possible visions but its almost an exact prophecy of what will happen o them, and the vision can be compared and confirmed to each other. For example if A see B in his vision, B also see A in her vision. This vision is what they called "FlashForward"

Journey to the rooftop of the world: NEPAL

The title is inspired by a movie "Journey to the center of the earth" Hehehehe, I was in between that and "Journey to the country with the coolest flag".  Yeah, its true, just in case you didn't know Nepal is the only contry in the world whose flag not in rectangular shape. Well, I don't know what's the name of the shape, I can say it has the shape of Christmast tree (consists of 2 triangles), red-color, with sun and the moon. Okay, you can just search image in the google I guess :)
This trip is part of my India trip I did May 2011. A little overview about the trip

When: 15-17 May 2011
Location: Nagarkot and Kathmandu, Nepal
Travel mate: Dian
Brief Itinerary:
15 May: Arrive at Kathmandu, go to Nagarkot, stay at Nagarkot
16 May: Back to Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Durbar Square
17 May: Fly back to India

The Wedding Crashers: Jaipur Hospitality

During my trip to India and Nepal on May 2011 ago, this one might be the most unexpected and precious experience one could hope for. I with some of new friends met at our hotel crashed on of Indian wedding!! I never crash a wedding in Indonesia, let alone, ate the foods, congratulated the bride and groom and had opportunity to be taken the picture together with the couples.

The Love Monument: Taj Mahal

I copied this article from the postcard book I bought at Indira Gandhi Airport. It's about the most famous building in India, Taj Mahal. One of those places which takes your breath away when you see it. So, mind your if the words might be a little too weird, it wasn't me.  So, here it goes...

Love letter for a career break

Dear Boss,

I value my job and hope I'll be working here for years to come. But just now, I can feel I need an educational break. Some companies send employees to business school or to various workshops and corses. I'd like the education that comes from travel - and edification investment I plan to pay myself on an upcoming extended trip to Europe. I will make sure all pressing projects are completed before departing and help train any transition personnel you'd care to bring in.

However, if you would take me back upon my return, I believe the company will benefit from my experience. I know I can bring new value to the job: an international perspective, a familiarity with meeting people, more confidence and street smarts. And, with a long-time dream fulfilled, I think you'll find I'll have more focus and renewed energy for the tasks. On paper, it may not look as tidy as sending me to business school, but in real terms it will be more practical. And it will come at just a fraction of the cost with far less time away from the company.

Sincerely Yours,


Source: The Rough Guide to First Time Europe by Doug Lansky

IMOGEN HEAP Biography

I just thought it's so sweet that there is a compilation of what Imogen Heap's fans said about her in twitter. So, here you go.....


(written & inspired by fans via Twitter)*

“Imogen is an eccentric, innovative musician who blends aspects of the world
around her into a beautiful universe of song.” @Jack, founder Twitter

ITHACA

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,

pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.
The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.

That the summer mornings are many, when,

with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;

visit many Egyptian cities,

to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.

Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

I read this poem in the front of "The Zahir" book, a novel by Paolo Coelho, i think I've read it before, I think one of my friend have already posted somewhere, but anyhow I will still put it here as this poem is so encouraging. I interpret Itacha as our dream, vision, something we long and hope for, our goal, objectives, reason of living. Okay, agak lebay yaaa. But yeah, I believe that it is important to have a dream, It keeps you alive and makes your life has a purpose, and no matter how stupid, simple, small, insignificant your dream might look like, just go for it, you'll never know what you're gonna get.

I remember the movie I watched by myself, (I know, pathetic, whatever), Tangled, where the protagonist, Rapunzel has very simple wish / dream, she wants to see the lights which appear every night on her birthday, where she saw it from the window of the tower, that's it, and she'll die as happy woman. Well, she finally did something to make it happen, she's out of her comfort zone, taking risks, did something she never imagined before for the sake of reaching something she'd been wished for. With such a simple dream, in the end she finally not only see the lights, she found her parents and a boyfriend, well its a quite a lot of bonus, huh? I know it's only a fairy tale but it could happen, you'll never know :)

 

Do me!!!

“In the moonlight” (Do me)

The stars are falling from the sky
And you’re the reason why
The moon is shining on your face
And I finally think it found its place
Chorus:
Cuz maybe baby
I just wanna do you, do you
Do you wanna do me, do me?
Underneath the moonlight, moonlight
tonigh…
And now we’re hiding in my car
I let you see my scars
Escape the dark for just one night
Your heart makes me explode with light
– Chorus –
Baby maybe
Maybe I will steal you, steal you
Just so I can feel you, feel you
Maybe that will heal you, heal you
On the inside
Underneath the willow tree
wearing nothing else but me…

This song is from the TV series Modern Family which currently becoming one of my fave TV shows. I recall this series got Emmy award as best TV series in comedy several months ago so i decided to buy this series. The story is about 3 families which turned out to be related to each other. 1st family is typical normal parents with normal 3 children, 2 girls and one boy. 2nd family is and old man with a younger sexy latino wife with one child from the previous husband. 3rd family is a gay couple with one Vietnamese adopted daughter.

The series is about these 3 families dealing with their daily life and routines, its funny, witty but also heartwarming. There is a moral of the story in every series. I recommend this series and I hope the series will be long lasted.

Ah, now about the song, Its my "cuci otak" song currently. In one of the episode, this Dylan who is a boyfriend of the oldest daughter of 1st family was invited to the family dinner to prove whether this boy is good enough for their daughter. Dylan almost got their heart by promoting a peace between the ex and current wife of the 2nd family's husband. But then he sang this song and the parents looked at each other and said "oh, she's totally not going out to party with him". But eventually every characters in this movie are easily memorized this song and this song became their "cuci otak" song just like what happen to me right now. Ahahahahaha....

Well, what a random things I post in my blog, eh?

Ciao a tutti!!!

Beautiful Belitung

This would be my little something I brought from my trip to Belitung islands in June 2010, yup, haven't had time to write about it, i have posted several photo album in facebook though,,,hehe,,hmmm i don't really structured when it comes to blog writing, so i just gonna share based on whatever come across my mind

- Belitung island is heaven for those into photography especially landscape, the view is very beautiful, it a place where the sky is blue, the water is crystal clear, the sands are white and soft, and the rocks was massive, real massive!!