Love is a Verb

Dress (Minimal)

Been so unproductive these last two months since the 7 SR earthquake which I experienced in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara last August. I might be the one complaining why it takes us so long to find the courage to get back up on our feet, to start the daily routine, to start rebuilding everything which was ruined because of the earthquake whether it is homes, workplaces, or the previously established activities. But I might also be the one who can not put my mind in the right place just to be able to finish a post. 

Clearly life after disaster is not an easy one. Where to sleep, what to eat, how to go to work, until the fastest way to take a bath got to be thought of for the earthquakes is still happening although in a less damaging intensity. So for me, I found it hard to do too much work, when it used to be an easy peasy matter for me. But I try to get back to my old routine by writing regularly again... So, wish me luck...

"Never about the flowers and all that is dashing. Always about the effort and the verb that is involved." That was the words I always talk to the one I love. When it is at their special day, or my special day, of course a little gesture to show how much we care for each other is important. 

Thank you for the flowers to the one who gave this. Thank you for the effort for no matter simple things might seem, every effort would take some of our precious time. Love is a verb, said John Mayer. 

And it really is true. 

The Easy Way Out

Standing at the white sands of Tanjung Aan, Lombok Tengah, West Nusa Tenggara

Dress (Cotton On), Shoes (Bought at Ubud market), 

Sunglasses (Giordano bought at Optik Melawai)

The Beauty of Bukit Merese, Lombok Tengah, West Nusa Tenggara

I travel more these days after I moved to West Nusa Tenggara. I met some new friends and one of them reminded us to not take everything for granted, to enjoy our time here in West Nusa Tenggara, to go out and explore the world we live in no matter how busy we might feel. 

Last week we went to Lombok Tengah, Tanjung Aan and Bukit Merese to be exact. It took about 3 hours drive from my place, Lombok Utara to get there, not really far since we drove from the northest of the island right to the southest part. Moreover if you stay in Mataram or go straight to Tanjung Aan and Bukit Merese from Lombok International Airport, it only takes about one to one and a half hour.

Tanjung aan is a white sand beach with its crystal clear water and beautiful hills surrounding it. Though the water is not as clear as another beaches at Gili Islands and the sand is not as white as the white sand beaches at Gili but the green hills surrounding this beach have its own charm.

Since I went there with a lot of my friends, we spend our time together enjoying the mighty view with the warmth of conversations, but if you happen to be a solo traveler you still can enjoy this beach while laying on a soft throw and reading a book while feeling the humid breeze playing with your hair. 

After get enough with the beach, the best way to spend the golden moment of twilight is to enjoy the serenity of Bukit Merese, a hill near Tanjung Aan. We can easily climb the hill and only in a not more than 10 minutes we will stand at the top of this hill overlooking the ocean with its beautiful combination of the blue color of the ocean, the golden hue on a blue twilight sky above, and the lush green of the hills. If we lucky, we could meet a herd of goats or evenmore, cows along the hills looking for some grass to be eaten. 

We sat at one of the hill, facing the ocean while waiting for the sun to set. To be able to be present at those moment, breathing the humid air, feeling the breeze, watching the beautiful golden hue at the sky... 

I was feeling blessed. 

To be able to call this place, home, now.

I always try to believe that doing what I think is easy might not be the best option. It was easy for me to stay back home and looking for a settle job with a great salary, staying at home with all of the privileges which follow surrounded by people I am familiar with, and feeling safe most of the time. But I did not stay, I flew.

It was easy for me after I move, to only stay at my room after work, never try to make some new friends, looking for new opportunities, or learning the way the world works at my new place, speaking as how true introvert I am inside. But I did not stay at my room, I go out.

Over the easy options, I try my hardest to choose the inconvenient one. I say inconvenient because it is not a bad option, just one with more effort thus make it harder for me to choose it over the other option. Often, I question my self again and again after making one hard decision and start to lose the way in the middle, but hey, I think nobody knows where exactly they are going, too, anyway. 

So might as well, just keep going and as The French say, live with joie de vivre. 

Tanjung Aan Beach and Bukit Merese (Merese Hills)

Lombok Tengah

West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Staycation: Tanjung Kodok Beach Resort

Tanjung Kodok Beach Resort

Jalan Tuban-Gresik, Paciran, Lamongan

East Java, 62264

Phone (+62322) 666 000

Price upon booking (Dec 2017) Idr 1.700.000 (USD 127)

Unlike our usual winter holiday, me and my family spent our last christmas holiday by staying at a beach resort not so far from our hometown, only about three and a half hour driving. This resort has been operating for quite a long time but apparently we just got the chance to visit it. There is no white long sandy beaches along its shoreline so I first thought that the surroundings will not be too spectacular, but I found that I was wrong. Combined with the beautiful architecture of the resort it was a great facilities to enjoy a staycation while breathing the sea air. 

The rooms are overlooking the sea with balcony in each of it, not to mention the bed is overlooking the big window. When I woke up I could see the beautiful horizon in front of me. I would say that this resort has a great facilities; a beautiful architecture, a pool overlooking the ocean, a gym, a coffee shop, a restaurant, and when we stay at the hotel we also get free ticket entrance to Wisata Bahari Lamongan (an amusement park beside this resort), but I did not feel satisfied with their service.

We got free dinner and it was said that the dinner would be available at 7 pm. When I arrived at the restaurant at 7 pm, a lot of the menus on the buffet are already unavailable anymore and there were a lot of dirty tables with glasses and plates that were not been taken care of. Speaking of the key of a great hotel is service, right? And at the pool there was an announcement board which say the pool open until 9 pm, but when I got there at 8 pm the pool was already closed. Why do this misinformation could happenned? 

So, I give this hotel rate 2.5 out of 5 stars. It is okay to go here when you need a quick staycation but when I have a longer off days I think I prefer to go to Bali for I haven't once found flaws about hotel service in Bali. 

Top (Tailor-made), Pants (This is April), Shoes (American Eagle at Payless)

Wisata Bahari Lamongan (an Amusement Park on The Shoreline)

Jalan Raya Paciran, Paciran, Lamongan

East Java, 62264

Phone (+62322) 666 111

Entrance fee: idr 60.000 (USD 4.5) weekdays, idr 80.000 (USD 6) weekend

Because we got free tickets to enter Wisata Bahari Lamongan, an amusement park on the shoreline located beside this resort, we decided to spend a little time wandering around this amusement park. I have ever visited this amusement park once when I was still in middle school so I almost forget about it. 

When we first entered the park it was still quiet in the morning, we visited its 3d cinema and 3d trick arts museum first. The 3d cinema is already quite old but if you go there with children they will like it anyway. After one hour suddenly it was already so crowded with people, of course, it was a long school holiday. So, it was impossible for us to enjoy rides available there for the queue was sooo looong. So we decided to just wandering around and enjoyed the breeze along its shoreline. Look at the picture above, the location of this amusement park is just beautiful, right?

But do not expect the spectacular rides like the ones in Trans Studio or moreover Universal Studios, heheheh. Nothing spectacular with advanced technology here, but I think if we open our mind, be present and enjoy the moment with our loved ones, this one is enough to seize our day with happiness :)  

Hotel Update: The Peacock Inn, Ubud, Bali

Dress (Cotton On, a gift from dear friends, so thank you!), 

Shoes (Unbranded, bought at local store at Ubud), Watch (Fossil)

Got a twin room at first floor with pool view at my last stay

Some improvement from my last year stay; with a much cheaper price (due to Gunung Agung issue) I got room with television and complimentary drinks plus the water heater

The bathroom is still as properly mantained as before

This October was my second time staying at The Peacock Inn, a boutique accomodation at the heart of Ubud. After spending my one day staycation at Hati Padi Cottages, a pretty secluded and beautiful cottage half an hour drive from downtown Ubud, here comes the time for me to have to stay at downtown Ubud, for the sake of flexible mobility during my volunteering days for Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2017. 

For me, cleanliness is number one issue followed by great location where everything I need (food, market, coffeeshop, neighborhood to wander) are within walking distance with addition of breakfast included in the room price and pool inside the accomodation, then of course a within my budget hotel :P

Last year, October 2016 for a more precise time, I stayed at The Peacock Inn and booked it for idr 407.000 (USD 31) per night, breakfast not included, I got a room at the second floor and got no television nor complimentary drinks inside the room. So what a surprise that this year I checked again for this hotel at Agoda and got a cheaper price where breakfast included, so I booked it right away. And what a more surprised I felt when I checked in at the hotel and got a better room, a twin room at first floor overlooking the pool with television and complimentary drinks inside, a much improvement of the room!

I understand that the price might be cheaper this time due to Gunung Agung issue so less tourist came to Ubud, but I have to appreciate the improvement of the room and the still properly maintained  room (the bed, the linen and bed cover, the microfiber pillow, the bathroom and its free amenities from lemongrass soap until lemongrass body lotion is still as great as last year).

I have the chance to spoke for one moment with Mrs. Georgina, the owner of this accomodation, who is a citizen of New Zealand and also own another places such as yoga studio. I compliment the improvement of the room and she said it was her manager ideas which she approved.  She takes a good care of her guest and their needs, no wonder this place is always feel like home. And with its great location where I can walk to Seniman coffee studio, Ubud Market, Jalan Goutama where a lot of cafes and small boutique open till night, until Nasi Padang restaurant whenever I missed eating something familiar from home, I think the next time I come back to Ubud, surely I will stay at The Peacock Inn again, five out of five stars for this accomodation, believe me this is the most honest review from the bottom of my heart :P

The Peacock Inn
Jl. Sugriwa No 4
Ubud, Gianyar
Bali, 80571
Ph. 0821-4480-443
Price upon my latest stay (Oct 2017) booked via Agoda:
idr 320.000 (USD 23.5)/night including a la carte breakfast

Joy in Between Work at Bali

Location: Tirta Empul Temple
Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali

Before I started my volunteering days, my friend who works at Jimbaran, Bali came along to Ubud and we spare some times enjoying a slow paced life around Ubud. She asked me whether I have been to Tirta Empul Temple and Gunung Kawi before, and I said no. Then there we went!

Tirta Empul Temple located about half an hour driving from downtown Ubud. There we could find temple and spring water believed for its healing power so whoever taking bath here they will have good health and prosperity. When I arrived there I observe one Balinese woman doing the ceremony in the spring water religiously, what a sight! And I noticed that she skipped some spring water's sources and my friend said that some of them are only for ceremony for the deceased.

Then we walked around the temple and we found a pool near the spring water, my friend said when it is full moon and I can see a big fish inside the pool, then it means I will accept a great fortune. And I said jokingly to her "I think I will stay here until the full moon then! ;)"

This temple is located near Tampaksiring Palace, I remember when I was little I once visited the palace and it was beautiful. But too bad since Bali Bombing this palace is not open for public anymore, except for a pre arranged study tour from a formal institution. Well, really do hope I will get the chance to visit the palace, one day. 

Location: Gunung Kawi

Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali

Me posing with my dear friend who came along this trip

Dress (This is April), Watch (Fossil), Sunglasses (Giordano)

Our second destination was Gunung Kawi located near Tirta Empul Temple, only about 10 minutes driving. Gunung Kawi is a temple and funerary complex. It consists of 10 shrines carved at about 7 metres high. It was beautiful and a little bit magical.

Before arriving at the shrines, we have to walk down the stairs with paddyfield view around. Just the perfect remedies before seeing this magical temple! It is said that this shrines is dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and his favorite queens. The shrine in the east side believed to belong to King Udayana, his queen, and their sons; while the shrine in the west belong to the king's concubines. 

I wonder, our ancestors seem to love building magnificent structures for their loved ones; Taj Mahal in India until The Albert Memorial in Kensington Garden commisioned by Queen Victoria. And as for today, what do we do for our beloved ones? Or are we too busy pursuing our own ambition and thinking only about ourselves? 

Winter in South Korea (Day Five) & My Favorite Cuisine

Previous post:
Winter in South Korea (Day One)
Winter in South Korea (Day Two)
Winter in South Korea (Day Three)
Winter in South Korea (Day Four)

Not doing much at my last day at Seoul. The next day we will be flying back to Jakarta early in the morning, so clearly we spent the day at downtown Seoul. I guess if you read all of my post about South Korea you will find one famous shopping place which I haven't mentioned, yes! Myeong Dong!

Before going to Myeong Dong we stopped at this one place to buy souvenirs and snacks to bring home while also take photos of ourselves in Korean traditional dress, hanbok. 

Me in Hanbok

1. Myeong Dong

A yummy beef steak at one of the street food stall at Myeong Dong

Coat (Zara), Scarf (Zara)

As what you may heard from thousands of people, yes you could find A LOT of cosmetic stores here in Myeong Dong. There are several shopping street in Seoul, one of them is Dongdaemun, but yes here in Myeong Dong I could find a lot more cosmetic store than in other shopping street. Besides, they also got huge international chain store such as Zara and H&M, and it's not even one. You could find two Zara and two Starbucks here.

I spent about 4 hours here, not much. If you wish to shop till you drop and have bucket list to tick, I guess you have to spend one full day here. Beside the numerous amount of stores here, there are also plenty of street food stalls! I do not know how to choose... From taiyaki, fresh strawberries, until beef steak you could find it lining along the way. Finally, I chose the beef steak which did not cost much, around 6,000 won and it tasted great! Moreover when I ate it in the middle of a cold and windy day.

Thank god I did not have much time so I did not go bankrupt hehe. I bought things from Nature Republic, Labiotte, Tony Moly, and Starbucks (a Seoul Tumblr) as a gift from some of friends back home. 

2. Food Galore!

Beef Stew (at a Restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace)

Dakgalbi (at a Restaurant near Nami Island)

Roasted Duck (at a little Restaurant in Seoul)

Seafood Soup (at a Restaurant in Pyeongchang)

Beef Stew (at a Restaurant near Seoraksan National Park)

Those above are some dishes which I ate along my South Korea journey. But I did not take photo of the restaurant nor I can read the sign so that is as much as I can inform you. Best of all those above, is Dakgalbi near Nami Island. Before you take a ferry to Nami Island, you will find a lot of dakgalbi restaurant and of course it is a must try! The marinated chicken fillet roasted and enjoyed with fresh lettuce, garlic and gochujang is crazily yummyyy!

Photo from HERE

Photo from HERE

And of course, my next favorite food after dakgalbi, it is none other than Samgyetang! I ate it at the first store that sold Samgyetang, as you could see in picture above. You can find that store 5 minutes walk from exit 10 from City Hall subway station. Samgyetang is a soup consist of whole baby chicken which stuffed with rice and ginseng. You can also add soju to the broth. Without the soju, it already is tasted divine. The broth is rich while the baby chicken's juiciness is perfect and the ginseng added a unique flavor overall, crazyyy!

So that's it, when in South Korea I urge you to try Dakgalbi near Nami Island and also Samgyetang at the first restaurant which sell it! Finger crossed wishing I could eat all of it again, soon, and in its origin place, South Korea!

Have you been to South Korea? Which places you love the most and what is your favorite Korean food?

Winter in South Korea (Day Four)

Previous post:

Winter in South Korea (Day One)

Winter in South Korea (Day Two)

Winter in South Korea (Day Three)

Spent the fourth day in South Korea wandering downtown Seoul which was so windy, the temperature was around 2 degrees celsius and even lower at night, around -4 degrees celsius... But I could not enjoy the walk more. 

1. National Folk Museum of Korea, admission fee: Free!

Visited National Folk Museum of Korea before hitting Gyeongbokgung Palace really early in the morning and felt glad about it. If only we went a little late it would be hard to enjoy the museum, since it would be so crowded. So, tips number one, visit this place early in the morning!  I did not have a chance to visit another museum or gallery in Seoul so clearly I can not compare it with another museum or gallery, but if you asked me was it worth it? I would say, yes it was!

Just like in another museum or gallery, spare minimum 2 hours of your time, because where is the fun in rushing in a museum? It is always best spent in a slow enjoyable pace while let our mind exploring. This museum presents artifacts that were used by Korean in their daily lives in the past. We can find Korean traditional's beliefs and their domestic & agricultural lifestyles. 

What I love the most is their ethical education and their range of traditional healing. At joseon era, people study about ethical education, setting a high moral standards about basic human relations. Women acquired information and knowledge by exchanging correspondence and reading books which have been translated into Korean, how cool is that? At that time! 

It was good visiting this museum before wandering around Gyeongbokgung Palace, learning people who lived inside it, first, so I can enjoy the palace more. 

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace, admission fee: 3,000 won for adults.

Dress (Lookboutique), Thermal Tights(Marks and Spencer), Coat (Zara), 

Scarf (H&M), Boots (Marks and Spencer)

National Museum of Korea is still within the same area with Gyeongbokgung Palace. There is a tour provided here but too bad I did not take it because I have a quite limited time. But, if you have the time I think this Palace is best enjoyed within a tour, therefore we could not only enjoy its architecture but the stories behind it also. 

At my first picture above, can you see it eventhough it was covered with fogs? Modern buildings behind the Palace's gate? I do love this contradictory occurence, a traditional palace in between hectic and busy modern buildings. Somehow I feel like going back and forth through a time machine. 

I guess this is how we have to live, no? With our feets rooted to the ground, remembering how we can be here enjoying our modern life, remembering how this will not happen without the greatness of our ancestors, thus we are always triggered to do the best we could so we can make sure whatever the hard work they did is not for nothing. 

3. Namsan Tower, admission fee: for observatory 10,000 won for adults.

At The Namsan Tower Observatory Deck (look at the panoramic view of Seoul behind me!)

After satisfied walking to every corner of Gyeongbokgung Palace and enjoying how beautiful it was while wondering how does it feel to be a princess inside the Palace, off I went to Namsan Tower. They say this is the highest point in Seoul, standing at 236.7 meters above sea level. 

Regardless of whether it is really the highest or not, I love spending time here for I can see a panoramic view of the crowded Seoul from its observatory deck. Just wondering, where might be my hotel is or what have the people in the building down there that I saw been doing for quite some time. And then I wrote letter while enjoying the view and listened to Stevie Wonder's overjoyed, letters for my man and my loved ones, and sent the postcard from a post office box available there. I felt complete. If you have the time and love sending postcards, this is a must to do thing!

Speaking about love locks, I put no lock there. Because, you may say I am a disbeliever in so many things, include this. I do not believe making a lock as a symbol of love, because love should not tie you up it should be liberating, no?

4. Samcheong Dong

Finished my day by walking toward Samcheong Dong. Here we could find cool cafes and shops in hanok houses, makes it so perfect for a mix of tradiotional and modern feels. I came here a little late in a winter night, so most of the cafes and shops already closed. So, instead of staying at a cafe here like my plan, I just walked and walked. But I do loveee its athmosphere and promise to come here again when I have time for a sip of tea in the middle of this beautiful street.

Tips: come here at morning until afternoon and trying one of the cafes here, is a must!

See you at my last post of my last day in Seoul!