Jogjakarta

Jakarta? No, Jogjakarta. Where? Central Java. Where? Indonesia. Oh, what's nice there? The Borobudur temple. There's such a temple at Jakarta? No, it's Jogjakarta!

That's the response I received when I tell people of the destination of my trip. Yeap, it's not very well known, so most people had trouble understanding why would I choose to visit. To see Borobudur, of course!

The trip was initially planned for February last year, but it was postponed for the eruption of Mount Kelud in eastern Java. Although not directly effected, but flights were halted and Borobudur was closed, so we were advised to re-plan. And we had "smartly" re-planned the trip to the wet season of the region, where storms and floods and tsunamis were imminent. Fortunately for us, we got in and out of Jogja safe and sound, albeit our spirits have been dampen by regular showers.

So, what's so grand about this Borobudur? Only that it's the world's largest Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century. Currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What's intriguing is that it was not known who had built it, having its construction completely made out of stones. Volcanic stones to be exact.

It was a whole different feeling looking up at the magnificent structure in the dark and having to explore the vast temple with only a tiny flashlight - we had made our way to the top even before the sun was up. We had wanted to catch the spectacular view of the sunrise amidst the incredible sculptures but, unfortunately, what for a morning drizzle, it was utterly regrettable having to miss that. It would definitely have been a wonderful sight to behold.

Nevertheless, we were lucky to be allocated a very informative guide, who took us layer by layer and explained every carving, every sculpture, the history and myths that surrounded the temple, its construction and the ongoing restoration efforts by UNESCO. Heartfelt thanks to the guide who accommodated our every queries and requests.

Such a mystifying temple.....

Also making its home in Jogja is one of South East Asia's largest Hindu temple - the Candi Prambanan. An entirely different architecture, built in the 9th century as well and dedicated to the Gods of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It tells a different story - of the Gods and the mythical entities that is used as their vehicles, of prince and princesses, and the story about the temple being built in one single night.

We were exploring the area in awe when the sky turned gloomy and it started pouring. With no where to run to, we took shelter on the cramped steps and under a narrow beam of the temple. At the end of about 30 minutes, the heavy downpour has left ankle deep water puddles around the temple's compound. Without wanting to be soaked further, we hurriedly left by waddling our way to the entrance, barefoot! What an experience! 

 

 

Another highlight of Jogja would be the infamous Mount Merapi, one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia, which last erupted in 2010. We hired a jeep to take us up to the peak, and along the way the guide showed us the lava flows of the last eruption. I've never been near any fiery volcanoes before and was kind of excited to be able to reach the top. Yay! Only that the excitement turned to concerns when the guide told us that Merapi was predicted to erupt again in 2014 or early 2015. Oh my! And we were right on it! Thank the Gods that it didn't happen.

Merapi didn't want to show herself while we were there. She hid behind a curtain of clouds and mists. Yet another regretful incident. It was only on the last day of our stay that she allowed us a little peek....

There is a lot to be learned at Jogja - of the art, the culture, the history, the sights and the sounds. The people are humble and polite. They welcome you in every way and are proud to showcase what their city has to offer. Despite numerous natural disasters of volcanic eruption and earthquakes, they somehow managed to pick themselves up and move on. This is one trait which we have seen and admired.

Although we had a couple of disappointments from the trip, where we failed to catch certain sights that were unique to Jogja due to the poor weather, but at least we've step foot on them! Being there itself is more than good enough.

One spot struck off the travel list....

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The Roots Eco-Resort

Yet another unknown jewel. Undiscovered yet by the travel bloggers. Yet to be listed on the top 10 or top 20 of the "must visit resorts" in the country.

So how did I get to know about it? By sheer luck.

Some of you might have already known that I despise cities, having feeling that all it does is drain the life out of me. So with additional annual leave to spare, I wasted no time in searching for an out-of-the-city retreat to let loose and unwind.

As it was the holiday season, most of the other desired places of interests have been fully booked. Seems like a lot of others are escaping the city as well. Towards the point of giving up, this place popped up.

The Roots Eco-Resort, nestled in greenery of Tanjung Rambutan, Perak. Managed by a lovely lady, the resort is made up of bamboo and wood chalets, surrounded by fruit trees and overlooking the Kinta river.

The main entrance. Nearly missed it without a visible sign

The pathway in

Our chalet, towards the very end of the resort & just next to Kinta river

The bed. Simple & comfy

Jacuzzi 

Panoramic view of our chalet & its surrounding

 Kinta river up close

Around the resort

Dining area

The pool. That's the Kinta river just next to it

 Rambutans. Just outside our window

Other chalets

The resort is just the perfect escapade for city dwellers like me. You don't hear cars. You don't see crowds. You don't get stuck in queues. You don't get funny stares from people. 

You'll get serenity from the birds chirping...the river flowing...the rain drops on the roof...the insects playing their "songs". It was a total bliss watching squirrels chasing one another on the trees while you bask in the morning dew with a good book and not having to worry about keeping time. In this place, you don't own up to anyone else but yourself.

I had wished that I could stay a little longer......

Or better, if I would not have to leave.....

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The end of 2014

The year wasn't that all smooth sailing...

Bumps at work. Bumps at home. Bumps with myself. Even on this eve to the new year, I've been caught ill.

It was worse for the country. In these last few days, the third national air tragedy struck. Hundreds of lives lost and hundreds more affected. Then there's the constant downpour which has brought about the worse ever flood situations in some areas. Thousands more effected.

There will be no celebrations. No fireworks. No parties. No drinks.

It has been a dim year. Glad that it will be ending soon.

As the new year steps in, there's hope that it'll bring about some changes. Something good for everyone.

So farewell 2014....and we shall see what is in store for 2015!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Smartphone addiction

Wherever I go, I see people being glued to the screens of their smartphones.

Be it waiting for the elevator, waiting at the bus stand, waiting for the train, queuing up at the counter, at the table waiting for the food to be served, waiting at the lavatory, even while walking....their eyes do not leave the screen in their hands.

So out of curiosity, I did a little "surveying". What is it that is so important on the screens that they do not even look up when crossing a road? It's not really that hard to do considering the size of smartphones these days.

Is it that text message that requires an immediate reply? Is it that Facebook post that requires an immediate comment or "like"? Is it that itch to post a picture on Instagram immediately? Is it that immediate tweet that you can't wait a couple of minutes? Is it that headlines or news that you got to read now itself?

I could still have understood if it was out of the reasons above. Well, you know, living in a fast paced world where technology is no longer a limitation and everything has to be up to-date instantly. You wouldn't want to be left out.

But guess what, some people are not glued to the screens for those reasons. Most of the people that I've "surveyed", are just simply scrolling the pages or texts. They are not reading them, they are not replying anything, they are not posting anything. They are just merely scrolling! So, that's the reason for not talking to the person next to you and making actual conversation? That's the reason for not taking an interest in what's going on around you?

That's one very serious addiction man! Unbelievable.

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The land down under

When on Australian soil, you got to speak like an Australian mate! If you don't, you'll end up like dear sister - who asked for latte and got tea instead. "But I said it correctly! I said latte. In ENGLISH!" she protested. Yea, still the latte ended up as tea.

Have never had a one-to-one vacation with the sister. This was the first of its kind. So, off we went, to the land down under. Melbourne, to be exact. Thanks to some tourism advertisement that we saw in some paper.

Planning took 2 months. Everything was researched - from hotels to transportation to food to activities to places of interests to tour packages. The sister put up most of the itinerary. Right down to the exact timing. At times, it didn't seemed to be like a relaxing holiday. It seemed more like an episode of "amazing race". Rushing for time. Rushing to catch the tram. Rushing for this. Rushing for that.

We were there in winter. We weren't that accustomed to the cold weather, so it sort of affected our holiday mood. It was freezing cold and the jackets we had on weren't able to provide much warmth. But Australians were seen jogging around in shorts and T-shirts. Unbelievable.

There were a couple of things that made the vacation memorable. They were worth the wait in the chilling weather. They were worth the exorbitant price tags. And they only lasted for an hour each. They were unique to Melbourne, which was what attracted flocks of tourists. We were glad to be part of the experience.

There's the hot air ballooning over Yarra Valley - one of Victoria's winery regions.  We had to depart at 4.30am in order to make it in time for sun rise. Unfortunately, due to unstable weather conditions in winter, by the time it was safe for us to take flight, the sun was already up. But considering that we missed the initial flight for the same reason, it sort of didn't matter. The ballooning was operated by Global Ballooning Australia. They are an experienced bunch who followed strict protocols but yet allows you to have loads of fun - by including you to pack and unpack the hot air balloon. It was a once in a lifetime experience - flying over hills and ponds, overlooking grazing horses and sheep, basking in the sun rays, floating on the clouds....as our pilot, Viktor, said, "Welcome to my everyday office!"

the ballooning experience

Then there's the penguin parade at Phillip Island - the world's smallest penguins, waddling ashore at sunset to their homes in the sand dunes. Why after sunset? Well, as explained by the rangers, it is for safety reasons - the dark of the night and going in groups provides cover from preys. It was a sight not to be missed as 20-30 of them emerged from the sea and waddle across the beach. Standing watch from the platforms, it was hard for us to resist the urge to grab one of them home. They were just too adorable! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to snap any pictures. The flashes and infrared lights will affect the little penguins sight - in more serious cases, they will be blinded by them. All we were allowed to do was to walk them home. It was good enough!

the penguin parade promotional pictures

There's also the other sights and sounds that makes Melbourne all the unique....

Street arts, in the city. Not just any scribbles and doodles. These are professional graffiti and street arts, hired by the town council to beautify the city's back lanes. They cover all the major lanes. More popular ones being Hosier Lane and Degrave Street. They make good backdrops for wedding photography too. You'll never look at a trash bin the same way again.

The Twelve Apostles - Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road. Natural limestone stacks. The wonders of mother nature. We didn't counted 12 though.

Loch Ard Gorge - Port Campbell National Park, adjacent to the Twelve Apostles. Another work of mother nature. It was named after a shipwreck at the gorge.

The Puffing Billy steam train ride - travels from Belgrave to Gembrook through the Dandenong Ranges on its original track. But for us tourists, the ride lasted a quarter of the track, where we disembarked at Menzies Creek. The open-sided carriages allows you to hang your legs out of it while you enjoy the stunning forest view.

Queen Victoria market. One of the historical landmarks of Melbourne. You'll find everything and anything you need there. Fresh produce, meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, seafood, nuts, clothes, shoes, souveniers, wine, spices, snacks...anything! We were impressed with how tidy and how clean the place was given the crowd that was there. Word of advice : don't bother buying from other tourist spots, be it souveniers or food. Spend more time at the market, you'll find loads of varieties at more reasonable prices.

Luna 1878 winter night market. Only happens every Wednesday night during winter. Queen Victoria market is transformed into a stage for live performances coupled with savory delights from all around the world.

And of course, how can we leave out Australia's most famous furry animals - the kangaroos and the koalas. Didn't expect that we would be all excited in patting and feeding them. Well, it's not everyday that we get to be this close to them.

Perhaps I would return someday. I still very much like to see the vineyards in its full bloom. I dream of sipping wine among the vines amidst a picturesque sun setting behind the hills.....

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The routine

Here's how it goes...

You get out of bed
Freshen up and get dressed

Get into the car
Crawl in snail-like traffic to the office
Reach an hour and a half later and park at the usual spot
Go grab that morning coffee
Read the daily headlines
Log into the email
Start replying mails that don't matter
Greet and have small talks with colleagues which you don't fancy
Work on that request from the boss and getting it approved
Play sweet and humble with everyone
Catch that lunch buddy
Fuss over the choices of food at the food court
Gossip about that nasty secretary
Head back to the desk
Reply those don't matter emails again
Try to talk sense into some people
Got agitated by the next department and try not to lose that patience
Go to the pantry and have a break
Have meaningless talks with the colleagues again
Respond to that "why-does-it-matter" request from the other department
Review that work done by the team and try not to shout at them
Reply that one last don't matter email
Pack up and tag out
Get into the car and crawl for another hour and a half back home
Clean up and get dinner
Continue that novel, continue that drama series
Tuck up in bed

The next day starts all the same again.

The things we do for others. The things we do that, honestly, bears no importance to us. Yet, we put most of our time and energy to it. What for?

For that pay check at the end of the month. The pay check that pays the bills and leave some extra for that weekend brunch. That exotic vacation. That limited edition handbag. That occasional spa pampering. That must have dress. That latest gadget. That night out with the buddies. And all those to make up for the misery of our daily routine lives. 

Just the way life works right?

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Expectations

Putting expectations on others is just not worth it. Be it any certain kind of expectation at all.

First, they might not be fulfilled. Second, they might not be fulfilled in the way you wanted it to be.

Since it'll end up as an apparent disappointment, why have any hopes at all? Why rely on others when it's best to have it done on your own?

Well, I have been dumb. Time and time again.

When will I ever learn?

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Being me

It's simple. Really. How hard can it be in being yourself? Your own true self?

But in the society that we live in, or rather, in a society that I live in, being myself is very much a "sin". You do not get to be yourself without obtaining some sort of "permission" from society.

Now who constitutes society? They are none other than the neighbours, the distant aunts and uncles, the friends' parents, the parent's friends, the acquaintances, the community and the likes. Basically, they are those that doesn't have a significant importance in my life. And yet, they seem to dictate my every move.

'Why are you still single? You ought to find yourself someone."
"Why are you reading by yourself? It's not a pleasant sight."
"You shouldn't be drinking so much coffee. It's not good."
"You coloured your hair? Chemical damages it. You ought to leave it in its original state."
"Why are you wearing that dress? It doesn't suit you."
"Where do you work? It doesn't sound reputable. You ought to switch to a more well known company."
"You're planning to travel to that country? Who on earth goes there? Can't you not go some where else?"
"Oh, you blog? Why do you reveal your personal matters for the world to read? It would be better in being discreet."

Although I appreciate the certain level of concern, if any of them are concern at all, I have no intention of living under a microscopic lens. Let alone explaining my every single move and action. Worst off, the parents take their views seriously.

Yes, I do enjoy being alone, reading my favourite book while sipping coffee at the cafe. Does that bother you?

Yes, I do love having my hair dyed brown or red or purple paired with a tight fitting dress or a tattered blouse. Does that bother you?

Yes, I have a thing for writing and I adore traveling to places where I feel like it. Does that bother you?

Yes, I enjoy hanging out with friends late into the night talking about nothing. Does that bother you?

It's sickening having to come up with an answer to appease them. I can't be left alone to do the things I please without having first taking care of their opinions. And I've got to explain on how I want to live my life? How ridiculous could that be?

I live my own life. I live the way I want it. I live it happily. So what if I take the route less traveled? So what if I didn't do what everyone else is doing? So what if I have different views and different passions? Does that make me less of a person?

So people, stop judging. Stop asking. Cause I'm no longer answering. I'm no longer explaining.

I will just be......me.

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Nail Art

I have a habit of biting my nails.

It's a habit I had since I was a kid. It's a habit that all my close friends knew about. Each time I'm stressed out or nervous or just merely deep in thoughts, my nails became the victim. I wasn't able to resist.

Throughout the years, a few have tried to make me quit, but to no avail. I bit, it grew, I bit it again. It's a never ending story.

It got so bad 6 months ago, that a friend of mine finally forced me to this nail parlour to have it "nursed". She was afraid that my fingers might get infected someday and had to be chopped off.

So, there I was, at NailzBlink Professional at Sungai Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The manicurist is a friend of a friend's. At least I'll know that I'll be getting genuine suggestions. She was shocked to see my nails. She was amazed at how I was able to bite the nails that deep in and not feeling any pain. Well, I had many years of practice.

My nails had been so bad that it was beyond "repair". She wasn't able to work on them. In the end, she suggested for nail extensions and that I was to keep using them until my own nails grew. Oh-kay. What else could I say? To further hinder my biting, she would be decorating them with fancy nail arts. Oh boy! "We'll make them all nice and fancy so that you wouldn't feel like ruining them."

I wasn't very keen in having those stickers or jewels or tiny flowers glued to my nails. They'll bring discomfort whenever I use my hands. And I had to be worried about losing them. So I had opted for a nude nail colour for starters. The manicurist was very accommodating to my requests. She gladly picked out the colour and had further suggested for a gel based colour. Apparently, gel based colours had more lasting effects. 

So I had my very first nail extensions done and a simple colour to finish it off. It wasn't that hard working with them. Just that I had to move my fingers a tad slower the first few days.

The extensions needed maintenance. After a period of time, they'll loosen and had to be removed and applied fresh ones. Mine was able to last a month, which was considered a lengthy period. Well, I did managed to take care of them well. :)

So I had different designs done each time I returned to the parlour. Sometimes it was to cater for the certain festival of the month. Sometimes it was for the fun of it. Eventually the colours became bolder and I was more open to experiment them.

Eventually, my own nails grew to a certain length that I was able to remove the extensions entirely. I was pleased at how healthy they grew without me biting them. And I was glad that my urge to bite them was gone. 

My manicurist had done a great job in having them groomed. It has now become a monthly routine for me to have them primed and decorated. It would be a different showcase each month and I love them! :)

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