The Blind Dive and How to Avoid It

The bombshell(s)

A couple of years ago a girl tried to rub her-then-fiancee on my face.

The man was betrothed to me about 2 years before and it didn't work. Then out of nowhere this girl found me in Facebook, befriended me and then proceed to post many-many photos of her and the man all in "romantic" scene. The message was clear: I OWN this man, b*tch! My reply was deep annoyance, a rising eyebrow, and a "Well, enjoy!" while clicking the 'Remove friend' button. She did not impress me, nor did he.

Looking back from where I am now, I can't help wondering: What was I thinking?!

People made mistake in life, and he was definitely one of my worst. It was what happened when you wanted something so bad and chase it blindly. Back then I wanted a husband-to-be, I wanted a partner that my mom and family can accept, I wanted someone than can accept me the way I am. He seemed to be perfect: slightly older than me, come from respectable priest family just like mine, and a secure job. "Technically" he was perfect. I envisioned myself to be a good dedicated Balinese wife: learning Balinese language and how to make offerings, helping his family priest preparing the rituals and ceremonies, basically stay and live at his family's house. Work and career? Aint nobody got time for that! I will be true blue Balinese, not just a Jakarta-born woman who didn't know jacks--t about her root. Hooray for me!!!

There were of course those little details that I choose to overlook. Most prominent was his refusal to let me know where he worked and where he lived. He also had tendency to just disappear for days without answering any of my text messages. My mom (accurately) guessed that he had another woman, but I was adamant. He was referred by a very close relative, and his sister was positively charming. Surely they wont do that to me! And you should see how loving he was to me in front of my friends, they all agreed that he seemed to be *the one*. We might not see each other eye to eye, and in more than one occasions he seemed to be disturbed by my thoughts and called me too mature for my age; I might think his thought was very outdated and he needed to start living in the reality instead of in his "if" world; but hey, that's what marriage would be right? Accepting and adapting with each other weirdness and such. He was too short for my liking and looked too old, but nobody was perfect, right?! I didn't feel the warm and tingly feeling that I associated with love, only a blind desperate feeling of "want", you know like I want to get married like ASAP. It didn't really matter though, because love will grow out in time. I just know it. I just know it.

He bailed out on me a mere couple of months later. After months of guilt trip (because I was so certain I chased him away), a friend told me that he had another woman all along. I asked him and he vaguely said it was not so. However it was not the first time I heard a man from Balinese priest clan to take a woman from the same caste as his partner in order to appease his family while hiding another woman from different caste as his real lover, therefore I had heavy prejudice with his "innocence". And when his "fiancee" hounded me even though we haven't talked with each other for so long, I began to suspect for some reason he was telling twisted stories about me. Such a charming guy indeed.

So in total, what did I miss out? A liar, a manipulative man, a life on the country side where I can kiss my career good bye, and an eternity (or at least the rest of my life) being someone that I am not and trying to love someone that I do not.

I found a photo of them in a relative's Facebook, taken at a park in Indonesia. I couldn't help to think how contrast their photo was to my own photo with my husband at The Getty: we looked closer, our body language just screamed how much infatuated we are with one another, and for godsake it's The Getty! If anyone at that time period told me I would be visiting The Getty with my husband, or said I would be given an opportunity to be a full-time writer in USA, I would laugh at their face because it sounded so impossible. Yet here I am right now, getting cuddles and loves and all the things I need to hone my talent. And the best part is I love this man so much, he let me be me and totally love me for it.

The moral of the story: don't get blinded by your "want", be cautious and objective about it, and if it doesn't feel right just get the heck out of it. You shouldn't give in and become someone you are not just to get accepted. I was so eager to get a "perfect" husband that I overlooked all the danger signs. Thankfully my quirkiness scared him away, I couldn't imagine what happened if I did marry him. At times like this only your clear conscience can save you from the looming danger, because if you are so determined on getting something chances are you wont listen to others' advice. So always approached what you want (be it a new boyfriend or a new iPhone) with clear head, it'll prevent a whole lot of trouble later.

PS:

To my sisters from the priest clan: Don't give in to family pressure. You got the right to choose the man you want, and own your happiness. Go for it.

Bali Kite Festival: Soar High and Rule the Sky!

Forget the bull race in Spain, forget La Tomatina, and get your dose of excitement from the annual Bali Kite Festival. This, dear readers, is THE place to be.

If you associate kites with child's play, by all means there's nothing childish with flying a kite 5m long, or one with tails as long as 200m. It's a tug-of-war game against the wind, it's a skill contest to flew it right AND land it right, it's a team effort to make it soar without trampling (or get trampled by) another team. Excitement can't get any better.

When we arrive at the kite site at Padang Galak Beach we were greeted by the many Bebean (fish kite) up above and the grand flags of each group contestant [see pic 1], and the group contestants themselves, sheltering under their huge kite [see pic 2 for kite size] chatting or playing Balinese music. Why yes, in terms with Balinese tradition of music almost all group brings their own musician. The fast beat music become a powerful stimulant for the kite handlers. You can feel the raw energy from the kite handlers as they manouvred their kites to fly, soar gracefully, and land.

Dust was everywhere and the instrumental music was loud. It was almost a mystical experience to see the kite gracefully move in the sky [see pic 3 of Pecukan/ two corner kites] and then avert your eyes to see the humans toiling on the harsh land. It was "divine" and "humane" being descripted at once.

Just when we think we seen enough, the dragons flew. The Janggan (dragon kite) competition was held after the Bebean's. It was as if the fishes on the sky were scared away by the mighty dragons [see pic 4]. Oh how their tails float and dance around in the sky! We just stood there dumbstruck and in awe for their majestic and beauty (and also very nearly trampled twice, apparently this kite type is more difficult to handle).

Kudos to the very well prepared officials of the kite festival. They gave proper warnings, disclaimer, information; all for the safety of the viewers, the kite handlers, and of course the kites. The event is usually held around July. Make sure to bring lots of sun lotion, sandals/shoes you can dash with, hat and/or umbrella, camera, and a friend. Cooperation is the key to ensure you dont get trampled or entangled with the kite's rope when you are just too busy looking up or taking pictures. Trust me. Or should I say, trust your kite companion ;)

Happy Family Holiday, (Balinese) Singles!

Yes, i'm still single
Yes, it has been quite a while
No, I'm fine with being single
Yes, I know I'm getting older
Yes, I know that women (traditionally) are expected to be a mother and wife
Yes, I do like men
Yes, I keep my eyes open for potential husband
No, it's very kind of you but I doubt that your long-lost-thrice-removed cousins will be a suitable match
Yes, I will give it a try if you insist
No, I don't have reachable mobile number but please feel free to Facebook me
Yes, I also hope that I will get marry someday (haven't we discussed this??)
Yes, having child or children will be nice (i rest my case)
No, in my age it actually feels good to be single
Yes, I may not be that young but I'm not that old either (would you like to see my ID??)
Yes, with the Bless of Lord I believe I will find the right man
No, I really am not in a rush to start a family (here we go again...)
Oh, it's about time! (FIUH..!)
I'm sorry but I really have to go. See you all in 6 more months!!

Cinta dan Kasta

Mari kita luruskan: Cinta dan Kasta tidak ada hubungannya. Cinta adalah sesuatu yang... tak terduga, tak bisa direncanakan, tak bisa dihindarkan. Dengan kata lain ada campur tangan Tuhan disini. Kasta, disisi lain, adalah sistem sosial buatan manusia. Terlepas dari keakuratan system ini, satu hal yang pasti: tidak mungkin anda bisa zeroed in/ menyetel diri anda untuk jatuh cinta atau bahkan bergaul hanya dengan kasta tertentu. Bisa sih sebenarnya, anda hanya harus menanyakan nama lengkap/silsilah keluarga tiap orang yang anda temuin. Ini memakan waktu dan jelas menghilangkan kesempatan anda untuk lebih dekat dengan orang-orang yang mungkin sudah ditakdirkan untuk bertemu anda.

Tanggapan yang sering kali muncul dari orang berkasta (e.g Dayu) atau keluarga mereka adalah: “nanti kalau terlalu jauh pacarannya dia bisa kawin keluar/turun kasta!” [Saya pribadi tidak setuju istilah “turun”, mungkin tepatnya keluar dari keluarga. Saya percaya setiap manusia diciptakan sama.] Pertanyaannya disini: apakah itu sedemikian salah? Secara system social mungkin dianggap tidak pantas, namun apakah demikian halnya dengan pribadi dan nurani masing-masing?

Untuk menjawab pertanyaan itu saya akan bertanya pada para wanita: apa yang anda cari dari seorang pria? Uang/kekuasaan? Strata social yang baik? Kehidupan yang menyenangkan? Tiap orang memiliki alasan sendiri untuk memilih pasangan. Buat saya (dan mungkin jutaan wanita modern lainnya) yang terpenting adalah kasih sayang dan stabilitas. Saya berpendidikan, memiliki karir yang bagus, mampu mencari uang sendiri. Ketiga hal ini memastikan strata social saya dikalangan masyarakat umum (paling tidak non-Bali); dan memastikan bahwa saya hanya perlu memiliki pasangan bila saya ingin, bukan karena saya butuh. Saya tidak perlu menikahi seseorang hanya agar saya dinafkahi atau agar status social saya terangkat, tapi saya perlu (dan ingin) menikahi seseorang yang bisa membahagiakan saya hingga akhir hayat. Bila anda seorang wanita yang berpendidikan, yang memiliki karir dan mandiri, anda pun sama seperti saya. Kita memiliki hak untuk memilih pasangan kita, mencari yang sepadan secara pribadi dan bukan hanya secara gelar.

Secara adat ini salah? Mungkin. Namun bila prinsip “penyucian darah” (menikah dengan kasta lain berarti keluar dari keluarga) diberlakukan untuk para wanita berkasta (e.g. Dayu), maka harusnya ini juga berlaku bagi pasangan pria nya (i.e Ida Bagus). Secara genetis DNA anak adalah gabungan dari DNA kedua orang tuanya, kenapa kita bisa senaif itu dan menganggap hanya pria berkasta (e.g. Brahmana) yang bisa menghasilkan keturunan yang “suci”? Kelinci coklat yang dikawinkan dengan kelinci hitam akan menghasilkan paling tidak satu keturunan berbulu campuran. Secara logika ilmiah bukanlah tidak mungkin seorang (e.g. Dayu) yang menikah keluar akan menghasilkan keturunan yang “bersinar”. It’s in her blood. It’s in her soul. Dan lagipula, teori ini tidak menjelaskan tentang anak “astra” (anak yang lahir diluar pernikahan) dan hasil selingkuh.

Soal dosa? Harus saya akui saya tidak terlalu percaya dengan surga-neraka. Tuhan pasti akan mengadili saya dan mungkin hanya sedikit dosa yang lebih besar daripada mempermalukan orang tua/leluhur. Namun mari kita berpikir lagi. Bila leluhur dan Tuhan sedemikian menyayangi anda, tidakkah mereka ingin anda bahagia? Tidakkah karma baik mereka akan bertambah bila keturunan mereka, terlepas siapapun namanya, menyebarkan kebaikan di dunia hingga tercapai apa yang umat Nasrani sebut sebagai ”Damai/Surga di dunia”? Saya mungkin tidak tahu apa-apa, tapi saya yakin Tuhan tidak picik. Bukan siapa yang saya nikahi, namun apa yang saya perbuat di dunia ini yang Ia pertimbangkan.

Di dunia yang hampir kiamat ini kita perlu lebih banyak orang baik. Kita perlu lebih banyak orang yang mengasihi sesamanya. Dan itu [hanya] bisa dipelajari dengan baik dari keluarga inti, dari orang tua yang saling menyayangi, saling menghormati, saling memikul tanggung jawab. Dan itu hanya dapat terjadi dalam sebuah ikatan [pernikahan] yang didasari kasih sayang dan tanggung jawab. Bila anda (atau keluarga perempuan anda) kebetulan mendapatkan semua ini didalam diri pria yang sama kastanya, mengapa tidak? Seorang kenalan saya mendapatkan semua ini, dan bahkan sang suami rela Sentana (masuk ke keluarga wanita) demi istrinya. Namun bila kebetulan anda mendapatkannya dari yang berbeda kasta, ini juga bukan akhir dunia.

Saya ingin mengajak semua pembaca [Hindu Bali] untuk mencerna ini dengan bijak, dengan netral. Saya tidak menyarankan agar kita merombak ulang system social yang ada. Yang saya sarankan adalah untuk maju, untuk menata kehidupan yang lebih baik berdasarkan/dengan belajar dari masa lalu dan bukan dengan keras kepala mempertahankan masa lalu itu. Secara umum, nama dan kasta sudah semakin hilang pengaruhnya, melebur di dalam kompleksnya masyarakat. Hanya orang Bali yang mengerti bedanya Dayu dan Sagung, dan bahkan hal itu tidak berpengaruh saat anda mencari pekerjaan atau ilmu. Hak-hak wanita pun kini semakin diakui, di negara-negara arab yang terkenal kaku para wanita (akhirnya) diperbolehkan membuka bisnis, mengemudi mobil, bahkan memilih pemimpin. Para wanita dalam naskah-naskah suci selalu merupakan obyek yang dihormati, bahkan ibu dari para Kurawa sekalipun. Saatnya memberikan kehormatan itu kembali untuk para wanita [Hindu] Bali. Biarkan kami memilih pasangan kami, biarkan kami membesarkan anak-anak kami tanpa tekanan dan paksaan. Biarkan kami mengatakan dengan tegas: “I wouldn’t choose or reject a [potential] partner just because of his name.”

Pada akhirnya anda [para wanita]lah yang harus memilih, apakah anda akan berbahagia dengan pilihan anda. Dan bila ada diantara para pembaca budiman yang kebetulan keluarga perempuannya menikah beda kasta saya harap saat ini anda sudah cukup legowo dan mau mendukungnya. Ingat untuk berpikir, berpikir, dan berpikir. Pernikahan bukanlah suatu permainan iseng-iseng. Jangan terburu mengatakan Ya atau Tidak hanya karena kepanikan/kesesatan sesaat, karena terpengaruh Romeo+Juliet atau karena takut terbuang dari keluarga. Pernikahan adalah untuk selamanya, dan Kebahagiaan adalah pilihan anda: anda bisa berbahagia di rumah BTN atau bersedih di Istana, pikiran dan tekad andalah yang mennetukan kebahagiaan anda. Dan para wanita, anda berhak untuk berbahagia. Anda harus berbahagia karena kebahagiaan anda adalah kebahagiaan anak-anak anda, dan anak-anak mereka, dan seterusnya. You owe that to the world, you owe that to God. Kebahagiaan ada di tangan anda sendiri :).

Kuta Karnival 2011

It’s the sun, It’s the sea, it’s the wind that breeze and the huge kites that flew (and some huge beer-bottle balloons that I just adore), it’s Kuta Karnival 2011 in full spirit!!



Yup, one of my favorite event of the year has return, and it returns with such full throttle, no less than the OktoberFest as its theme!! Okay, the official theme was: Light Up The World. But still, with all those Carlsberg, Heineken, Storm and Bintang (and along numerous other import/local beer that I just only knew at the event, including the fabled Kuda Putih), it’s difficult to remember the original theme was not about beer festival. Anyway, it was anything but boring ;)





Kuta Karnival (along with Sanur Festival on November and Denpasar Heritage Festival on December) is definitely my favorite Bali event. This laid-back style carnival/festival allows yours truly to wander along all day long on the beach, relieving my thirst and hunger from various drink and food stall (not many food stall this year though, shame), run and play with the cold water/wave when I felt bored (or slightly intoxicated), and just sit dumbfounded watching the majestic sunset. Best parts: nobody cares what you did during the event as there are so many people loitering around anyway. Oh yeah, I got to dress whatever I want (I choose “polite” clothes this time, as I’m in the “age self-conscious” period) and get to see some really nice guys. Mmmm…. This is what girls should do in their free time… Having fun, that is. What else? What are you thinking about??



Some friends of mine, a delightful couple from South Africa, came on the last day. We talk and laugh and basically just chatting away (a bit nonsense-ly I presume) and the next thing I know we’ve been hanging around there since 2 – 8 pm. Wowie! When I visit the event on the first day, they have an opening parade, and it was pure beauty. Especially as it is set against the setting sun, it was both breathtaking and most memorable. On the last day, however, my friends and I get to see the closing band parade. Some are good (especially the metal ones, and my friend manage to get a picture with the lead singer), some are so so, but one strikes gold: A children band (local Bali children, yeaaah!!) who just know how to swagger, how to pluck the guitar, and how to leave me and my friends dancing and clapping feverishly for them. Yup, they’re THAT good!!



I was more than a bit upset when it ended, I felt like Cinderella at 11.55 pm (or something similar). But no worries, I still have Sanur Festival to look forward to in another 2 weeks or so, and Denpasar Festival in less than 2 months, and of course, Kuta Karnival next year :). Love Love Love Bali!!!



View the Parade Video here, And more photos here.

I'm sorry. But I hate you. A lot.

I hate you. I hate all of you.

Sometimes I just don't understand why you come tromping down like bunch of trolls to my country, and bitch about us afterwards as you did here. Sure, we're not perfect; sure, we're a developing country; sure, we're a bit backward on so-called-proper (western) civilization; heck, like it matters?

Have you ever stop to think that those cringe hotels and hawkers and pushy transportation were there exactly because you supply them with demands? Have you ever try to even ask your boarding/accommodation whether they have the proper permit to build there and run the business? Why call us corrupt when you gleefully take advantage of our corruption (and by the way, what did you call Maddoff then? Ha ha)? Why cursing our corrupt police men for nailing you with traffic ticket and drugs, when we are in danger of even more severe penalty for that "simple" offense in your home country?

I revise my statement. I hate you if you come here just to be a bitch in my land (men included). I welcome you as a civilized guest though, one that manage to be polite the entire time they are visiting, and even after. You don't want someone to come and bitch at your house, why do it in ours? Think I'm alone in this? Hell no. Read it here, uncivilized guests are a disgrace to their own kin. My friend from South Africa shudder in disgust when he got a pat in the back with a drunken guy, which said to him, "Hullo, mate!".

He and his wife treat me equal, treat me like a human being, and I am very much looking forward for their annual visit. If you are not capable to treat people on the country you're visiting humanely and equally, if you are not capable to honor and respect the country your visiting (and regard it as someone else's home), then by all means stay in your country. You're just not civilized enough to see the world.

A Night at La Lucciola

There was something that night at La Lucciola. I would've dearly blame glasses of wine I drank or other quite classy excuses, but alas I only drank a bottle of bear, clearly not enough to make me "influenced".

I was never the one to hit such fancy places for dining. My trade is local joints where I can relax and get loose of my self, or fast-food kind of place where I can grab a meal and run like crazy to my latest appointment (which can range from meeting with clients to sunset seclusion over the beach). The idea of dining in a place where rules apply is somewhat frightening for a carefree beast such myself, but alas, the promise of delightful delicacies and a new dining experience won me over, and off I went with the media team and AirAsia HSBC team after their delightful bike tour.

We have come there in the magical sunset hour, the lights and candles are newly lit but the last remnants of sun light still painted the sky with beautiful orange colors. The wooden bridge in which we use to pass to the restaurant creaks delightfully as we pass. As we sat in our table, the view of neatly manicured lawn which ends in small stretching mound greet us, and afar you can see the ocean waves crashing. Not too near that we were bothered with the wind and sounds of waves, but no too distanced that we can't see a thing. It was perfect. And all a while the soft fragrance of tuberose which placed neatly in our napkins and around the candles on the table (which were protectively covered by banana trunk, thinly sliced and shaped into a cylinder) tantalize our olfactory sense; and the music played tantalize our auditory sense.

For some, this restaurant might not attract them. Yet for a sensualist like me, it was a very pleasurable experience. All my senses were invoked, triggered. The candle lighting leaves everything warm and hazy, the ocean breeze makes its perfect companion; the tuberose fragrance muddled with my brain, and when the food came their aroma overpowered me as well; and the food was perfectly made: such creamy mashed potato with delicious pork tenderloin and currant sauce, and with garlic cooked whole which add a burst of flavor in my mouth, deliciously sweet and only a bit garlicky; the music plays ever so cozy; all the while with the waiter move silently to fill in our glasses and assist us. I lean a little bit closer than I should to the man next to me, listening intently to his lengthy explanation about travel writing (I am indeed interested, but in normal condition certainly I can do it in a more civilized way. Or at least I think so. Okay, I hope so. Happy?) When we walk out of the restaurant and await our car, the spell broke.

People may have other opinion about dining here (or places like this), but for me it was a really delightful experience. If you wish to dine here, apart from choosing the right clothes (as it was quite a well-known place) and preparing a hefty budget (as it was definitely not cheap), I'd recommend to carefully choose who you're dining with. As one reviewer wrote in BaliEats: Just be careful who you take as your guest, or you may finish up by proposing marriage over coffee. But then again if that is your actually intention, by all means go get 'em tiger.

Acknowledgement:
- Tons of thanks to Triski Nurani for allowing me use her beautiful photos!
- Also for everyone at the dinner, for not professing undying love to each other over dinner. That would be awkward.
- Most importantly, to the team of AirAsia HSBC for the treat. Such a delightful event indeed!!

Bike Tour Kuta Style: A day like no other

Excitement was mounting. I gaze warily to Kuta Bex parking lot, where numbers of bike are parked neatly, ready to be used by AirAsia HSBC bike tour. Cameras were flashing, we grin and smile and took turns to capture our each other in camera and videos, and not a glimpse of anxiousness to be seen though deep down I was rather nervous. After a short warm ups, we were told to get the bicycle we feel comfortable with. Fingers were brushing against the bikes, hands firmly set upon the handles as we’re trying to make ourselves comfortable with the saddle. And what seems to be just a fraction of a second later our guides give orders, and off we go!

When I was contacted by AirAsia HSBC to join their bike tour, I was ecstatic. The promise of seeing to all-too-well-known Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak in different point of view (i.e. bike) leaves me so excited I can barely work straight days before the event. It was when seeing all those bikes that realization suddenly hit me: It’s been years since I took a full blown bicycle ride, and I’m not talking about 4 or 5 years, the last one I took was approximately in my elementary school. Of course, being a motorcycle driver for the last 3 years help with my balance, but even so I’m still having difficulties in navigating through the traffic. Luckily it only lasted a while. A tour companion drove past me gracefully, videoing us while he’s still on bike (a feat that if done on motorcycles and/or cars will earn you some well-deserve shouts and regal middle-finger salutes, not to mention some heavy bruises if you happen to hit other vehicles while doing this stunt; where as on bike, people will just smile and the only thing that might get heavily damaged if accident happen is your ego and self-esteem); the traffic congestion dissolve at certain point of our route (5 minutes later to be exact); and the best of the area began to unravel. I broke a smile. This is gonna be fun.
 

As promised in their tagline (Experience Bali Like No Other), the tour provides us with satisfying view and ample surprises when we discover the unknown area along the route. The first area was the beach in front of Padma Hotel and even my companions, the seasoned-tourists that claimed they had seen enough of Kuta-Legian-Seminyak, was surprised to see such well-kept pedestrian along the Padma hotel and beyond, stretching all the way till the Double Six Street. It was in fact, close for public and only opened upon request for the tour and during the last 2 Kuta Karnival (but it’s covered with booths and people, so even though I know the road exist I had no idea how gorgeous it is during the day). Cheers and laughter was heavy on the crowd when we pass this area, as it was the first time most of them ever saw the famous night club area during the day (party on fellas;)). But on we continue our journey to the Champlung Tanduk beach (though some of us seriously considered to take a break at Cocoon… Just kidding :D). During our few minutes break there we take group shots, and several journalists that joins us takes loads of shots because the location was just so good. Pillows mounting for a nearby beach bar, also a small stage and neatly rows of chairs and tables for their crowds. Hawker sells beautiful beads and small Balinese kites (and other knick-knack you could think of). And throughout the break time my fellow journalist, a contributor for Jakarta Post, keeps saying: “I don’t know Kuta has this kind of beach!”

Leisurely strolling on the beach with our bikes was definitely a refreshing experience, but to stroll along the cool yet quiet Seminyak was another thing altogether. The route through Drupadi Street that we took on our way to Kayu Aya Street was filled with nice shops and restaurant and quiet villas, but without the vivid display. This is where you go if you want to spend some cool and quiet shopping time. Trees and ivy on the wall poking out and pleases our eyes, and also some patches of rice fields. People might not notice how beautifully quiet the area is, but on bike, we can almost smell the sweet frangipani fragrance en route, and can see the details in the leaves and flowers. The quietness was almost magical, I got into semi-shock when we hit Kayu Aya Street where it was filled with cars and motorcycles. Here the display was more edgy and tantalizing, and I spend some precious second absorbing the details of a certain white lace dress from the window display (which I can never did on motorcycles), and spend some precious minutes reminding myself to not de-tour to the shop and purchase the said dress (hey, I get to park wherever I want or even carried my bicycle in front of the shop’s door instead of trying to park through the jungle of vehicles, a true advantage indeed!). I was already filled with all the beautiful and unique details of the shops and restaurants (which some considered finest in Bali) when we stop at Seminyak Square for refreshment and shopping time. The media team sat together at Aviary Restaurant, sipping our cold drinks while getting to know each other; needless to say I am saved from shopping madness though I have to confess they kinda wrestled me out from Periplus afterwards. No worries, I already got my copy of Bartimaeus by Jonathan Stroud by then.

But cycling does not only give the opportunity to view everything in more details; it also gives opportunity to get to know each other during the trip. Not long after we depart to Petitenget beach I already engrossed with conversation (on our bikes) with a member of AirAsia HSBC team, and find ourselves talking about everything: my writing, his thoughts, the AirAsia HSBC program, should we make that de-tour to Ku De Ta (which I’m sorely tempted, even though it’s just to annoy the security guard). It’s a thing that we probably won’t do when we just sat in a café or in a car. And to my heart’s annoyance (and my legs’ euphoria) we arrive at Petitenget beach. Being Sunday and almost sunset, the beach was crowded with Balinese. I am quite used to it, but it was really nice to see my tour companion excited about the local view. Jagung Bakar (Grilled corn on the cob), Balinese kelepon, musculous men in tattoo and Sarong, and even a number of people who practice Falun Dafa. When we were gathered back to the parking lot a few minutes later, the draw for the souvenir and surprise gifts was on. I have never really believe on this kind of drawing, and am never tempted to join events just for the door prize because I think they are all rigged. But when I saw that iPhone 4 being handed to a lucky contestant as the main door prize from AirAsia HSBC tour I vowed to myself: I definitely going to join another event.

I did hear snippets that AirAsia HSBC will do more bike tours like this in another area. If it’s near your area, by all means join it. Cycling is really an excellent way to view things differently, and if you’re already a seasoned biker, getting to know more people is quite fun actually ;). Now all I wish is that iPhone 4… (joking, I already got AirAsia voucher during quiz time at Champlung Tanduk Beach, so I shouldn’t grudge over the iPhone LOL). All I wish is travel organizers starts to think and arrange more bike tours in the future. Us city dwellers really enjoy the trip, and with more bikes and less motored vehicle we can minimize the traffic congestion and the pollution as well. Besides, everyone wave cheery hands during our pass, so it is fun for everyone. In Bali right now? Go bug your travel organizer to arrange a bike tour through Kuta-Legian-Seminyak. Have fun!

Note:
- Many thanks to Lukman Simbah from HiFatLoBrain Travel Institute for allowing me embed their fun video!
- Another great story (and more photos) of the event can be found at Triski Nurani's blog
- And yeah, thanks to AirAsia HSBC for the invitation and the doorprize. I'll fly away soon!!!

Bike tour in Kuta: Enjoy the other side of Bali

It's holiday time, you're in Bali, and you have no idea what to do next (or first!). Why not grab a bike and explore other side of Bali? And when I say Bike, I mean the old version bike, the delightful human-powered ones as opposed to the gas-guzzling motor bikes with (what seemingly) drivers who didn't pass the diving test. Unwind and let loose of yourself, get some fresh air (and a nice exercise while you're at it), and enjoy Bali at its best :).

AirAsia HSBC will be having a bike tour in Kuta this Sunday, September 4 2011, and the route covers Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Seminyak area, and ends during sunset at Petitenget Beach and Temple. Thinks you already know these area like the back of your hand? Think again, as visiting it on bike is way nicer (and cooler) than visiting it inside a closed air-conditioned vehicle or on loud motorbikes with people swearing around you. You wont have to deal with the traffic, that's for sure, as the route takes shortcuts along the beach so you get to see the gorgeous beach and delightful shops, even some patches of rice field (Yeah, we still got some in Seminyak. Don't believe it? Join the tour then).



I think this is the first time anyone do a bike tour in Kuta, though it's a regular in Ubud, and that's why I'm so excited about it. It costs a mere IDR 300,000 (that's more or less USD 36/AUD 33), and it already includes bike for the tour, snack, and a nice t-shirt. The tour team includes mechanic, medic, guide, even a car to bring your shopping bags. Didn't I mention? They have special photo and shopping session in the route, one of Bali's best area to shop (and eat!). So get your camera and cards ready ;).

You can get more info and registered for this tour in AirAsia HSBC booth at KutaBex (just before the Kuta's McDonald by the beach). If you are in Bali and happened to stay around the area, I think you really should come and join the tour. Hopefully the tour can be a good start for other biking tours to come in the bustling Kuta Area. Biking is so much greener and so less noisier than other mode of transportation; we're not so alienated as when we're in cars or motorbikes, yet not too "involved" as one might feel when traveling on foot; it offers a different point of view;it's just perfect. Being the first to experience this new and unique side of Bali doesn't hurt either :). Hope to see you this Sunday with your bikes and gears on!

UPDATE: read the whole review and story here!!!

Tur Sepeda - Kuta Style: Sisi asyik lain dari Bali

Pernah dengar tentang indahnya Legian? Atau asyiknya Kuta? Atau kerennya Seminyak? Buat yang pernah (apalagi sering) ke Bali pasti sudah akrab dengan ketiga daerah tersebut. Tapi pernahkah anda mengunjungi daerah tersebut dengan sepeda? Yup, it's gonna be fun!!

Beberapa hari lalu saya mendapat telepon yang mengajak saya ikutan tur sepeda di daerah Kuta dan sekitarnya. Pada awalnya saya cukup garuk-garuk kepala, memang ada yang menarik di sana? Kalau tur sepeda di Ubud saya sering dengar, tapi tur sepeda di kuta benar-benar baru pertama saya dengar. Namun rasa penasaran saya tergelitik, dan jadilah saya mencari tahu lebih banyak.

Info resminya: tur ini diselenggarakan oleh AirAsia HSBC, dan akan dilangsungkan pada tanggal 4 September 2011 dengan starting point mall KutaBex, dan menempuh rute Kuta > Legian > Seminyak > Petitenget. Info tidak resminya (dari saya): rute (dan acara) ini asyik banget. Benar-benar asyik.



Sesuai tag linenya: Experience Bali Like No Other, tur ini diselenggarakan agar wisatawan bisa melihat Bali dari sisi lain. Yeah,pasti kebanyakan wisatawan sudah pernah ke daerah-daerah tersebut, tapi sensasi mengunjungi rute tersebut diatas sepeda pastilah berbeda. Saat saya ikut mengecek rute, imajinasi saya langsung menggila.

Bayangkan mengendarai sepeda di sepanjang jalan pantai Kuta, namun kali ini anda tidak akan terjebak dalam kemacetannya; lalu beralih ke pedestrial/jalan setapak di dekat pantai Legian, bersepeda sambil menikmati deburan ombak dan luasnya lautan di kejauhan; pemandangan kemudian beralih ke toko-toko dan restoran hip di Seminyak, beserta sepetak-dua sawah yang memberikan kontras yang indah dari segenap gemerlap modernitas; sampai akhirnya anda sampai di poin terakhir, menikmati sunset di Pantai Petitenget, yang juga memiliki bangunan Pura yang kuno dan indah. Wow.

Tentu saja, rute ini bisa dengan mudah anda tempuh dengan kendaraan bermotor (plus semua kemacetan dan emosi jiwa nya ya), namun bersepeda membuka sisi lain. Anda tidak terlalu "terpisah" sebagaimana bila anda di kendaraan bermotor, namun anda juga tidak terlalu "terlibat" sebagaimana bila anda berjalan kaki. Biking is just perfect.



Info lebih lanjut dan pendaftaran bisa dilakukan di booth AirAsia HSBC di KutaBex. Jangan khawatir, ini terbuka untuk umum lho. Pendaftaran Rp 300ribu sudah include sepeda saat tur, kaos, pin, dan snack. Kalau kebetulan anda pengguna AirAsia HSBC yang akan terbang ke Bali tanggal 27 Agustus - 3 September 2011, maka bisa jadi anda termasuk yang beruntung untuk mengikuti tur ini secara gratis. Tim yang dipersiapkan sudah termasuk mekanik, paramedis, bahkan special car yang dialokasikan untuk barang belanjaan anda. Yup, di rute tur ini bakal ada sesi belanja plus sesi foto, so get your camera and cards ready!

Bali itu indah banget dan banyak banget sisi menariknya yang mungkin anda belum tahu, bukan cuma tarian pendet/kebudayaannya atau resort-resort mewahnya atau lokasi hiburan seperti klub malam-waterbom-bali safari-dan kawan-kawan. Take a chance, get to know it more, and flaunt it like crazy! Sampai bertemu hari minggu tanggal 4 September!!

UPDATE: baca cerita serunya disini!!!

Salam Bunga Sepasang....

Waktu saya pulang di hari Sabtu lalu saya melihat billboard ini. Maka masuklah saya dan duduk manis menonton. How I miss Perisai Diri.

Pertandingan yang sedang berlangsung adalah tarung, dimana kedua pesilat bertarung menggunakan teknik Perisai Diri. Tenang, pakai body protector kok dan ada batas waktunya (sekitar 5 menit), dan poinnya bukan melumpuhkan lawan tapi bagaimana mengumpulkan skor terbanyak. Saya juga ga ngerti detail perhitungannya, tapi saya merasa sangat enjoy. Ini bukan Tinju atau Kick boxing yang dengan ganasnya mengincar lawan. Perisai Diri memiliki teknik yang elegan, sehingga menonton pertarungan pun rasanya jadi terus terucap, "wow, Keren!!".



Berbagai teknik Perisai Diri semuanya dapat dipergunakan dalam berbagai situasi. Silat dengan trisula atau toya/tombak mungkin sudah biasa, namun bila memakai payung atau kipas? Yup, saya pernah melihatnya and he looks so awesome... Atau anda bisa juga melihatnya dibawah ;). Yang jelas, Perisai Diri bukan hanya teknik yang enak dipandang namun juga sebuah jalan hidup. "Membaca" orang, menghindari "serangan" bos, efisiensi waktu, ini adalah sedikit yang saya pelajari dari Perisai Diri, walau saya terlalu dodol untuk ikut ujian (plus terlalu malas). Bayangkan bila saya tidak terlalu malas, mungkin lebih banyak yang bisa saya dapatkan.



Sayangnya hanya 1 jam kemudian seluruh acara sudah selesai, dan saya duduk sendiri menatap lapangan kosong. Saya merindukan Perisai Diri Trisakti.



Saya mengenal Perisai Diri semasa kuliah, walau saya tidak tahu apakah saya suka Perisai Diri karena orang-orang yang saya kasihi menyukainya atau saya memang suka saja. Yang jelas dari pertama saya melihat mereka demo, saya terbengong-bengong dan takjub melihatnya. Selain teknik yang memang tampak keren, saya suka fakta bahwa semua orang bisa mengikutinya tanpa membayar terlalu mahal (kecuali bila anda kebetulan di luar negeri), dan bahwa olahraga ini bisa dilakukan oleh segala kalangan. Dan saya juga suka cara mereka support rekan-rekan mereka, karena kekeluargaan mereka yang erat. Di era penuh serbuan budaya bangsa asing, ada suatu kedamaian dan kebanggaan tersendiri melihat loyalitas anak Perisai Diri dan elegannya teknik mereka yang sangat Indonesia.

Bila anda bukan anak Perisai Diri, coba deh main dan melihat sebuah pertandingan atau sesi Perisai Diri. Bila anda tidak suka tidak apa-apa, tapi saya cukup yakin anda akan tertarik. It really is an amazing sport :).

Please, Be Civilized!

Disadvantaged Balinese will serve a charity *censored name* dinner at *censored place* on *censored date*, following 10-weeks of hospitality training in partnership with *censored name* . The seven students of this pilot program have never had formal schooling and most were illiterate before they joined *censored name* vocational training program....

Their training includes setting tables, pouring drinks, serving meals, taking orders and clearing plates. At the [the event], they will serve 'real' guests for the first time.

How delightful. A group of "disadvantage" and "illiterate" people serving "real guests". Forgive me for being furious, but it's my people you happen to talk about. Sorry, I meant "you happen to humbled, humiliate, and disregard."

Here's another one from Tripadvisor:

I was uncomfortable to be overlooked by people less fortunate than ourselves, especially when sitting on the verandah and the livestock was very noisy, especially the roosters and dogs.

Sorry for screaming this out loud, but what is wrong with you tourists anyway? The only thing we ever done was not living according to the western standard, why do you have to get so bitchy about it? Sorry we don't read latin alphabet though we can read the stars and suns and well predict on what happen in the future, sorry we have coffee grounds in our cups though it tastes waaaay more delicious that way, sorry our dogs run loose and have darn fun with their lives instead of hopelessly obedient and eat dry pathetic dog food, sorry we don't watch jersey shore (like it'll do us good anyway). Your ways aint perfect as well.

I am so upset on hearing (western) tourists complain on how "not nice" everything is in Bali, and so upset to hear we're constantly considered as second class citizen. In our own country. Our ways are good and it works perfectly with our way of life. But then villas are being built, hotels are being made, and our ways is forcefully change to comply according to "western" standard. Try living in our shoes, try eating with your hands instead of with fork and knife and see how it works for you.

And was it really our mistake? I didn't see any Bule hesitate on obscuring the lowest price possible for strategic piece of land in Bali. And I didn't see they care what the local Balinese will do with the money, which in most cases being spent to oblivion in a matter of weeks. It's the spanish inquisition all over again, a crate of aztec gold being bartered for a handful of useless beads. I rarely (if ever) see tourist ask whether the hotel/villa/whatever they currently stay have building+business permit or not, and whether it's catered by locals. Like the example above, why not just enrolling the "disadvantage" people in courses and give them the job? I thought there's rule that apply a certain minimum numbers of local people to work in businesses to ensure job growth. Did the tourists pay attention to that? Of course not. They're too busy saving the cattle from inhumane treatment. How nice to know how worthless we are.

Sorry but I do know what I'm talking about. Too many people build so-called philanthropy organization in Bali just for the sake of cashing money. I was in one such institute as the education manager and I ran away promptly when I realize the money went more to build the owner's luxury villa. I met a school principal recently (caucasian male), along with my friend (who happen to know him) and a dutch lady. He didn't even give me a glance and speaks continuously with the dutch girl. What a gentleman. I have more to share, including the facts that working tourists get paid many times more than the locals, albeit they have the same skill. And you're blaming us for being illiterate and having "disadvantages".

If you want something civilized, go to a standard western countries instead of loitering and complaining in a developing country such as Indonesia. If you want to come here, please don't f*** with our way of life and stop whining around, especially if you do not do anything to rectify what you think is wrong with us. You're the guest and not the host, remember?

Nyepi, Balinese Day of Silence

Prologue from Wikipedia: Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to Bali's calendar (in 2011, it will be on March 5th). The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.

5 March 2011

7 AM Bali Time: It's quiet. Absolute quiet. I can hear the sounds of the rain, the sounds of the birds chirping, the sounds of silence. This day it is prohibited to make loud sounds, so no dangdut or melayu music this morning, no motorcycle sounds, no children or any kind of unnatural sounds. As the neighbors around my house have conveniently leave for their friends and families houses, there are no sounds of human whatsoever.

The silence engulf me, leaving me awestruck and amazed. All of my days were seemed to be filled with noise from the outside: friends, families, strangers, TVs, music. Today, all TV or radio is off, I couldn't communicate by phone or internet without the risk of embarrassing myself as unfaithful (after all, I were specifically told to meditate and contemplate myself on this day, not leisuring around). So there I was, sitting on my porch, hearing myself and my conscience (I finally found her again after so long), enjoying the silence. The rain slowly starts to fall again.

9 AM Bali Time: My little brothers and sister already woke up and huddle with me in the living room. As they were only teenagers, I let them blast zombies on the computer. However, I strictly confiscate the modem and also hide my mobile phone (after put it in silence mode) to prevent any "Social Media" temptation. They were not allowed to venture outside the house as well, though several of their friends were seen wandering around (shortly before the Pecalang came).

At first, they were restless and agitated, however we manage to smooth things and end up laughing and talking about everything. Just like my new found conscience, this is also new for us. It is a rare thing to sit together and have a quality time with my family, as they all have their own agenda even in holidays (just like all "modern" people, I guess). I never realize how pleasant my brothers can be, and they were not God-sent annoying little critters. Not always. And yes, they see me in new light, not the ever-busy-angry-easily-miss-touchy. We're family, after all.

2 PM Bali Time: Time seems to stop. I felt like I've been living almost a week, perhaps even a month swayed in the silence. My brothers and sister have all but sleeping around on sofa and carpet, playing with my dog and cat, and then cuddle up with Mahabharata and Ramayana (they're running out of books and comics. period). It amaze me to see the clock barely strikes 2.

I can't tell you how enjoyable it is for me. Even in my holidays and leaves, I always manage to get "What?? It's this hour already??". But today I can't go out, not even to buy snacks from the nearby stores, or to wander around doing (un)essential things. Thus, my confinement makes the time stops ticking. And there are no TV or radio or other means to check with the time on the outside. I also don't need to ruin my emotion by reading or commenting rude remarks that so often exist in the internet. The outside world just doesn't (seem to) exist.

7 pm Bali Time: Darkness fell. No lights of whatsoever. But stars shining brightly, so brightly I lost my breath upon seeing them. No flashy neon lights, no over-bright house light, no light in any kind of form to distract the brightness of the stars. But no moon as it was new moon.

But I'm scared, dreadfully scared. I'm afraid of the dark, and Balinese horror stories pop up in my mind. The silence and total darkness engulf us and depressed us. We huddled together in my bedroom, all of us sleeping on my little bed, trying to calm each other and in time, pray to God that nothing will befall us till we fall asleep. So if I manage to find myself and my family through out the day, at night I found God. Quite productive for a day's work isn't it? :)

6 March 2011, 7 AM Bali Time.
The air and the world look so clear and beautiful. So pure. Cars and motors are back, people are back, but they looks much nicer. Perhaps not only the world has change and have time to purify herself, I have also purify myself, and perhaps also people around me. It's New Year already.

I know and fully aware that what we Balinese do at Nyepi is probably considered as "Impossible", and images of the horrid day probably sprang to mind. But we did this every year, and without hesitation or exemption. For nay-sayers, please consider these for a minute:
1. Silence is golden. In fact, it worth its weight in gold. Do you know how much major hotels and resort charge for their "exclusiveness", or in another word to keep as silence as possible for their esteemed patrons? In Bali it can range thousands of dollars for a night, yet at Nyepi we got it fairly free.

2. Finding Neverland. Discussing and have a quality time with yourself, your family, and your Creator may be quite like finding Neverland. It's there, but not everyone can find it. Of course, one may differ in this matter, and the so-called social creatures will never approve a day without their friends and peers (even in internet). But think about it, we use to have the quiet time in our mother's womb and it was quite good I think (have you seen an evil baby? Evilness don't come later, and I tend to think it as disease which is infected through other people. We learn to be bad). A bit of silence won't hurt you, just like a bit of fasting. You can always indulge later ;).

3. Earth's day off. Yes, this goes to you vegans and Greenpeace lovers and (so-called) green living addict. What better ways to help our ailing earth than to release her from her daily dose of pollution (sounds, lights, land, water, air, any kind of possible pollution in short). It's just one day, it's only in one area (Bali), but it helps a lot. Bali's Electrical Department (PLN) said they save almost USD 900,000 (IDR 8 Billion) for just one day, and they could have save a whole lot more if the electric-guzzling hotels and resorts join the silent celebration and turn off their lights.

We have "Earth Hour", but Balinese have "Earth Day". It is my sincere hope that the Indonesian government can preserve this beautiful and unique holiday, as there has been increasing urges from the non-Hindu and non-Balinese to make exceptions. If seen from religion point of view, it is understandable. Why should non-follower join the ritual of Hindu Bali? But let's see it in clear light. See what it has to offer for Earth, for your self, for people around you. Be honest with yourself and believe me, you will see it really worth the effort. Come join us next time will you, and indulge in the unique celebration of beautiful silence.

Nyepi 2011 (Ina)

Prologue: Untuk merayakan Tahun Baru Saka masyarakat Hindu Bali melakukan ibadah Nyepi, dimana mereka menjalani satu hari dengan 4 pantangan: Amati Geni (tidak menyalakan api/cahaya); Amati Karya (tidak bekerja); Amati Lelunganan (tidak bepergian); Amati Lelanguan (tidak bersenang-senang). Apakah anda berpikir ini horor? Tidak juga :)

5 Maret 2011

Apa yang berbeda pada hari ini dibandingkan hari-hari lainnya? Yang pertama saya sadari (dan yang paling signifikan) adalah kesunyian. Pagi ini rasanya semua begitu sunyi dan damai. Tumben banget bisa dengar kicauan burung, ga tenggelam sama musik dangdut (or worse, the melayu's) atau suara-suara aktivitas lainnya. Bahkan udara di sekitar rasanya lebih ringan, lebih damai. Kesunyian ini bukan hanya karena ibadah Nyepi yang dilakukan masyarakat Bali, namun juga karena tetangga disekitar rumah saya dengan manisnya pulang kampung/menginap di rumah sanak famili lainnya. Saat saya masih setengah sadar menikmati kedamaian pagi itu di teras rumah saya, hujan pun turun. Pagi itu saya tak mampu berpikir, tak mau berpikir. Hanya ingin duduk dan meresapi indahnya hujan dan kedamaian yang ada.

Ini mungkin terdengar aneh dan tidak penting ya, bengong sendirian. Tapi buat saya ini sungguh sangat melegakan. Dalam keheningan ini saya mampu "berdiskusi" dengan diri saya, apa yang harusnya tidak saya lakukan dan apa yang harusnya saya lakukan. Biasanya ga ada waktu untuk tenang sendiri, saya selalu merasa saya dikejar waktu, dan dikejar keriuhan yang ada di sekitar saya. Kapan anda pernah memiliki waktu tenang, dan maksud saya benar-benar tenang untuk mengambil sebuah keputusan? Biasanya kita harus selalu mengambilnya dalam keadaan cepat, dan dengan berbagai masukan/pertimbangan walau sebenarnya nurani sudah menyalakan sirene bahaya.

Itulah yang berikutnya yang saya sadari, bahwa waktu seolah berhenti. Larangan keluar rumah membuat saya tak bisa melakukan aktivitas apapun. TV yang tak siaran dan DVD player yang rusak (thank goodness!) membuat saya terpaksa duduk diam dan menikmati hari itu. Untungnya HP saya sudah saya silent dan saya sembunyikan dari malam sebelumnya, sehingga mengurangi godaan untuk nge-tweet dan update status FB. Akibatnya? Waktu berjalan begitu lambat. Hujan yang turun pun berhenti, lalu disambung hujan berikutnya. Adik-adik saya bangun dan kami menghabiskan waktu berbincang-bincang, bercanda dan menikmati kehadiran satu-sama lain. Ini juga suatu berkah, karena biasanya kami nyaris tak bertegur sapa, di hari libur sekalipun, karena semua memiliki agenda masing-masing.

Saat gelap menjelang, harus diakui keheningan menjadi semakin mencekam. I'm afraid of the dark. Kami bertiga bersama dalam kamar saya yang kecil, berdesakan sambil menghibur dan menenangkan satu sama lain. Sebenanya tidak ada yang harus dikhawatirkan, namun manusia pada dasarnya tidak menyukai apa yang tidak mereka ketahui. Dan kondisi yang begitu hening, gelap dan mencekam sedikit banyak mempengaruhi mood semua orang. Yang kemudian menghasilkan efek yang dimau: berdoa sepenuh hati pada Tuhan agar dilindungi :). Kami berdoa, kami menghibur satu sama lain, dan pada akhirnya, terlelap dengan damai bersama. Dan sebelum tidur, saat saya menyempatkan diri mengintip keluar, Bintang-bintang tak pernah terlihat sedemikian indahnya, sedemikian terangnya. Keindahannya benar-benar sempurna karena tak harus berkompetisi dengan lampu neon dan lampu buatan lainnya.

Mungkin tulisan saya ini terdengar sangat kikuk, tapi saya benar-benar tak mampu mendeskripsikan betapa indah dan menyenangkannya hari ini buat saya. Satu hari ini membuat saya merasa jauh lebih segar daripada cuti 2 minggu penuh yang saya ambil akhir tahun lalu. Sangat mudah mencaci hari unik ini, apalagi bila bukan pemeluk Hindu Bali dan/atau bukan berasal dari Bali. Namun seperti saya jelaskan, hari ini membawa berbagai faedah: keringanan untuk bumi dan lingkungan, kedekatan anda dengan diri anda sendiri, kedekatan anda dengan keluarga, kedekatan anda dengan Tuhan. Saya yakin banyak orang yang menganggap ini horor, tapi percaya deh, it's really worth it.

Sekedar informasi, hal yang paling dihargai/dibanderol dengan mahal di resort-resort Bali adalah kesunyian. Semua hotel/resort yang dibandrol ribuan dollar per malam menjanjikan 1 hal yang sama: ketenangan dan eksklusivitas. Dan di hari Nyepi kita mendapatkan hal ini dengan gratis. Buat para pencinta Green Living (atau paling ga mengaku demikian), apa lagi cara paling baik untuk menyelamatkan bumi (dan Manusia) daripara membebaskan bumi dari beban polusi (listrik, cahaya, suara, etc) selama 1 hari saya? FYI, PLN Bali menghemat 8 MILLIAR rupiah selama Nyepi 1 hari ini, dan harusnya bisa jauh lebih banyak kalau saja resort dan hotel ikutan mematikan listrik.

Di saat semua orang sibuk promosi "Earth Hour", Bali memiliki "Earth Day". Masyarakat dalam dan luar negeri (yang beradab) juga sangat menghargai hari raya ini. Atas alasan-alasan diatas saya sungguh berharap tidak akan ada perkecualian-perkecualian selama Nyepi karena cuma di Bali yang bisa melakukan hal ini. Mau minta New York atau London melakukan ini? Jangan mimpi... :)

Nyepi, Sesusah Apa Sih?

Bayangkan hidup tanpa listrik (well, setidaknya tanpa lampu), tanpa keluar dari rumah anda, dan yup, tanpa TV...


Ok, ga usah panik LOL. Saya sudah bilang belum kalau Internet juga mati?


LOL... :D
Tapi serius lho, hal ini bisa dilakukan. Masyarakat Bali mengambil cuti sehari dari, ehm, dunia, untuk merayakan Tahun Baru Saka (Internetnya masih nyala sih). Walau terdengar horor, ini bener-bener terjadi dan merupakan salah satu hari yang terbaik di Bali. Penasaran? Stay tuned, will keep you posted ;)

Acknowledgment: Brewster Rockit comic strip by Tim Rickard

Nyepi, How Hard Can It Be?

Imagine living without electricity (ok, at least without lamps), without stepping out of your house, and yes, without TV...


Ok, no need to get panic LOL. Did I tell you that internet is off, too?


LOL... :D
Seriously, it can be done. Balinese take a day off from, well, world, to celebrate Balinese New Year. (the Internet is still on, though). You think it's impossible? Nope, it can be done, and it is one of the best day of the year. Will keep you posted, so stay tuned ;)

Acknowledgment: Brewster Rockit comic strip by Tim Rickard

Outdoor Valentine Dates (Because Mall is so Passé)

Yes, thank you Garfield for noting it down :D

Malls are indeed essential for (some of) us, in fact I remember the first thing I noticed when I move in to Bali (and one of the things that leave me quite freak out) was the lack of, ahem, proper mall which in turn means lack of proper bookstore. This is of course my biased opinion as my so-called proper bookstore means a LARGE ones with huge collection of Agatha Christie and Enid Blyton and Eoin Colfer and a proper Anne Rice section. Yes. I'm a freak.



However, I would like to encourage you lovebirds and other assortment of lovestruck people to AVOID mall this upcoming Valentine and hit outdoor instead. No, I'm not making a conspiracy against mall, I love them. I devoted to them still, especially those with grand bookstores. It's just something that I learn recently in Bali, that being together with someone (you loved) counts more when you do it outside (i.e. blend with nature) than when you do it in the mall/enclosed space.

Let's face it, in the mall/enclosed space you have to share your affection with many people, all in the same small space. Imagine whispering sweet words to your partner's ear during movie, only to find the person sitting behind you making, ahem, films of their own or the couple next to you state his undying love to each other. Or imagine walking hand in hand with your loved ones only to find yourself caught in the middle of Alays (yes, they will be there flocking the malls, another reason why you should avoid malls at any cost!). Or imagine holding hands with her on romantic dinner table only to find the waiter comes to you with the sour look of "God! How many pinks and silly lovebirds I have to endure for the day??" Outdoor it is, love. Outdoor it is.



If you happen to be in Bali or other small cities, outdoor dates are easy and relatively lower in cost than the indoor ones. A suggestion for Bali Valentine Date, do tourists stuff and enjoy it: Start your valentine day with a trip at the park (e.g. Bajra Sandhi or Puputan Badung) with playing and do sport together. Frisbee is one of the suggested game, even though you're there with the lover and not the dog, it sure brings out the sweat and lots of laughter. Then, get some delicious Balinese cakes for breakfast or even go for a full lunch/brunch/whatever at the local market. If you're nowhere near a local market, just pack up some stuff before you go and have a picnic in the park. Hit the beach at sunset, explore it and feel every wonderful things with all your senses, the sand on your feet, the splashing waves, his beaming face. And close it with dinner for two in an outdoor restaurant, or just plain fun at Angkringan! Not really romantic? It depends. Romantic for me is spending quality time JUST with my loved ones, it's about who I share the day with, not where I share the day.



Happen to be in Jakarta or other big city? Go to the park like Menteng park etc. Visit the Old City part of the town (where the buildings were made not later than 1950s) or visit the museum. Eat in a comfortable old-style dining spot, or the street vendor (there are plenty good spots such as Blok S). Get a bike tour if necessary (I know lots of major city offered bike tour now). Happen to have some extra money in your poscket? Kidnap her and sail to Pulau Seribu for a day in the sun. There are so many things that you can do with your loved ones without including the mall, and yes, they can be really budget friendly too. Some ideas to ask around to: @wisatakeluarga, @backpackseru, @infojakarta, @infojogja, etc. They usually know the best location in town, and the most affordable one. So plan it well.

Bottom line: do something different outdoor this valentine, blend in with nature and appreciate the colors in it, the life in it. Feel and taste the un-modern part of your surroundings. If ever in doubt, again keep this mantra for you: It's not what or where you share the day, it's whom you share the day with. Besides, if your partner willing to do crazy or uncommon valentine activities with you, you can be sure she/he'll stick "in sadness and in sorrow, in gladness and in joy". Happy Valentine's day everybody!

Wafer UBM (Wafer Kampung!)

My Favorite! I can't believe when I found this in Bali! (okay, I actually first found this on my friend's work station hehehe)
This wafer is a personal favorite when I was just a little girl not so long ago. Trust me, it's not THAT long. It's sweet and nice, but I love it most for its sentimental value. I can still remember how I used to buy this from small warungs (grocery shops) when I come home from elementary school. I hardly found these wafers anymore since I enter Junior HIgh School, and I already forgot about it ever since, at least until the blessed encounter in Bali (okay Mrs. T, okay... Blessed encounter on your desk LOL).


See the writing below? It was produced in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. It's only 50 cent (with current IDR/USD currency rate) and you got 10 packs of small wafer, each packs contain 2 slice of wafer. Thank God I don't have to buy it at Sidoarjo, just need to stroll down a few houses to buy it in a warung near my office.


Open up and yum yum yum!

Old Bali at Sanur Pejeng, Ubud

Did I tell you I was having a blast on a relative's wedding reception at Sanur Pejeng? I did. and the trip there sure worth the time as well! Sanur Pejeng is located in Ubud, already near to Tampak Siring area. It is said that it is called Sanur Pejeng because they were originally come from Sanur area (yeah, that Sanur with gorgeous sunrise near Denpasar). Correct me though if I'm wrong though, I can be such a dunce with details :). One thing for sure, their love for art was amazing, just see the wedding offering below!



The road that we took was the road to Ubud area. Sukawati, celuk, passing all those beautiful rice fields and old (or should i say ancient) houses and Banjars and many Pura. On the way, the road become more and more narrower and also winding, so if you
get carsick easily you might want to bring some refreshment. However, the view was become more and more lush and greener on the way, so it really compensate the winding road. When we reach their Grya (main house) it was like transported back to the old Bali, with no tourist or hawker or even any signs of modern civilization (yes, I meant those pulsa dealer, PlayStation rental or worse, Cafe and bars).



You can see the moss over the rocks and structures, the thick green forest beyond and the soft sounds of the river below. Some would say I'm mentally ill and absorb too much in tourist-mode. It is , after all, just another deserted Balinese village. Well I lived my life in Jakarta, and travels around the world by means of books, news and literature, and yes, I didn't found any big cities interesting (except for the food). Big (and so-called modern) cities are like coming from cookie cutter or one of mass Chinese product. The "modern" style leaves one so cold and it's really doesn't feel nice to see nor touch. I'm a city girl through and through, but traces of old civilization has always been my secret love. This village is a gem.

Back to Topic, the first picture above was the entrance of their praying place (Merajan). The little statue on the right was a Bali Style Ganesha (I think. See below). I can't resist myself to swept my hands over the soft moss and the cold rock of the statue, thus the nice ladies who were in charge to help on the wedding consequently staring at me with odd look hehehe. Sorry ma'am, it won't happen again.



The trees were also awesome. The one that you saw below is actually a Champaka tree. The tree can grow extremely big, however they did a fabulous job on trimming it so it is still alive but not too big. Among others are Frangipani (of course!), Sandat/Ylang-ylang, Bougainvillea and several others which I don't know the names.



The feast was excellent. period :)
The wedding was nice as well. It is always so great to be with family, sharing stories and gossip (yup, I'm officially a girl). And soon enough, it's time to return home.

The road that we took back to Denpasar was different from the road we took to get there. Fine by me, I'm not driving and get to view the wonderful scenery to my heart's content :). Among other things, I saw a great Pura called Pura Pengukur-ukuran. I was so excited to see it and told my mum it's gotta be a really old Pura. I was right, it was made in year 1194. There are other pura as well in the area. Too bad I'm not at liberty to stop and visit them one by one :(

It was a great trip all together. I would recommend you to visit this beautiful village yourself, but unfortunately there aren't any lodging that I saw there (though I did see a couple of foreign tourist walk backpacking with their guide. Not sure where they stay.)But then again, with lodging and stuff it'd get polluted wouldn't it. If you happen to visit this area, make sure NOT to leave traces that damage the purity of it (over tipping, over whining, over anything!). Enjoy!