Sapaan Akhir Rembulan

Malam itu malam yang senyap
Langit terang berlumur cahaya
Rembulan lewat diantara gemerlap bintang
Dia menyapa namun tak singgah
Lalu ku tanya, “mengapa?”

Ia berkata,
“Aku tak singgah pada jiwa yang hampa”
Aku tertegun tak sanggup berkata
Sejenak pikiranku sirna tak mampu membalas
Aku melihatnya pergi tanpa ucapan pisah
Namun ku tahu dia bahagia disana.

Dari Dia,
yang merindukan hadir Rembulan.

Mencintai Dalam Diam

PS: This poetry is dedicated for someone, who longed to express 'his/her' feelings to 'his/her' loves one.

Ku rasa cinta itu tentang rasa yang sulit diungkap
Dia diam dalam senyap
Dia datang saat senja
Tat kala matahari berpindah

Ku rasa cinta itu tentang hati yang tak berpijak
Dia tak tahu kemana harus melangkah
Dia diam tanpa arah
Terus bergejolak

Ku rasa aku mencintaimu dalam diam
Aku tak tahu harus bagaimana
Aku tak mampu berucap
Tapi ku tahu, aku sayang.

Mencintaimu dalam diam
Bukan hal yang mudah
Melihatmu bahagia saat ku tak ada
Menatapmu sedih namun aku bukan sandaran

Mencintaimu dalam diam
Itulah pilihan yang aku ambil
Sedikit perih di dalam hati
Tapi tetap aku jalani sepenuh hati

Dari aku,
Yang mencintaimu dalam diam.

Travel Tips to Brussels and Paris in a Week!

Nah, it's finally time for 'holiday talks'!
Who doesn't love holiday?

The best time to visit Paris is when the Autumn comes! Because you could feel the breeze of the city and all the ambiances. Also, it will not be too hot for traveling! As a tips, spend around one to two days in Brussels, Belgium before you depart for Paris! It's on the same way~

Here the travel tips:

First of all, you need to check the tickets fares from Enschede (or any other city in Netherlands) to your destinations. For some days, it will be more expensive. Of course, as a student you would like to make it a cheap traveling yet interesting and entertaining. So the best choice is have the FlixBus application and check the fares regularly! Based on my experience, the fares were as listed as below:

• FlixBus Enschede - Brussels: €23
• FlixBus Brussels - Paris: €15
• FlixBus Paris - Enschede: €40

Beware to order the right tickets! Because if you bought the wrong ticket and you need to buy the tickets again, it will cost you higher price and FlixBus can't do the refund. Also, it is not a guarantee that you could get the tickets again.

Living Room in Brussel's Accomodation.

Secondly, accommodation is one of the concern too. As a tip, use AirBnB and search for cheap house that meets your criteria (especially in terms of people). You don't necessarily have to book the closest one, because basically, you could stay one hour away from the center of the city, yet have a good quality of house with a cheap price. In my experience, I book a house with the capacity of four people but I used it for 5 people. It is cheap tho, so why not?

• Accommodation Brussels: €77.4/pax for three nights.
• Accommodation Paris: €64.80/pax for four nights.

Actually accommodation in Paris is way more expensive compared to Brussels, but because we rented a smaller house in Paris, we could get it way cheaper (since we only used it for taking bath, sleep, and cook some breakfast tho.)

Sint Michiels Goedelekathedreaal
Brussels, Belgium.

Third, transportation fees. It is necessary to plan and consider several options. You could use day ticket to travel in Brussels, because it only costs you €7.5/day unlimited by train and €2.1/pax by train for one way ticket. While in Paris, it is better to purchase a week unlimited transportation card, and you could use it for Metro, Train, and Bus, unlimited! It only costs you €27.80/pax. 

Forth, foods and drinks! The best way to save up this part is to always eat breakfast at home! This could be done by bringing some breads, some spices, or rice cooker! For instance, me and my friends bought some garlic, instant spices, spaghetti, ketchup, soysauce, nutella, and bread for the travel. Also, we went for an extreme way: rice cooker and rice! So, we have our breakfast ready every morning (could be bread, fried rice, or spaghetti) and in some days in Brussels, we have our dinner at home (since Brussels does not have much place to visit at night). It saves a lot! Trust me! Nah, here is the important tips! Don't miss the Belgium Waffle (Maison Dandoy!) and Belgium Chocolate (Godiva!), you won't regret it at all! While you definitely should try the macaroons in Paris (La Duree!)

Eiffel Tower at Noon.
@vividarmalim on instagram.

Fifth, plan your destinations clearly and be punctual! Since you are going on budget traveling, you need to make sure that you could visit many places as well as enjoying the views and ambiances. You need to put some slacks in between the activities since you will be using public transportation (it might have delays, or you might get confused how to get on it, so you might miss the train or else.) In my experience, I spent 10 days in total for both Brussels and Paris because I would like to enjoy the church ambiances and experienced the Sunday Services in both countries. But if you don't want to, you could spend three days and two nights in Brussels and four days three nights in Paris (not including going to Disneyland Paris). If you planned to go to Disneyland Paris, it is better to add one more day because it spends the entire days (even until midnight) there! Disneyland Paris costs you €73/pax. In total this travel plan costs you around €500 including Disneyland Paris and it depends on how you spend on shopping and trying the culinary foods. And of course, the most important tips! Check out about the event on the city, if you are lucky, you get to see some free events that are held in town but you need to register in advance! In my case, I got to see the light festival of Notre Dame Church in Paris for free! and it was an enchanted night for me! Also, I got to see free orchestra in Brussels! So, make sure you check and plan everything in advance and before you depart!

Lastly, please do really take care of your safety, your belongings, as well as your friends' belongings! All of you that travel together need to remind each other and take care of each other because it was not that safe, many people try to steal your stuffs when you're not really paying attention. Also, they use some tricks. So, don't recon bunch of people who try to get your attention and suddenly approaching you asking for money for disable and stuffs. It's all lies! They try to steal your money, and other things! So, happy traveling!

Disneyland Paris: Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Judith & Vivi.

Notre Dame Church, Paris.

Lelah

Aku mulai lelah menyatakan rindu.
Rasa yang mungkin hanya aku yang tahu.
Yang lama ku pendam tanpa ada yang acuh.
Yang tersimpan dalam relung.

Ku kira rindu itu dua arah.
Bukan hanya aku, tapi engkau juga rasa.
Tetapi ku rasa, aku salah.
Jika rindu itu dua arah,
mengapa terasa jauh jarak pemisah?
Mengapa hanya aku yang menderita?

Aku kini berjalan tanpa arah.
Mencari tempat untuk redupkan lara.
Ini bukan perjalanan cinta.
Ini yang aku duga,
caraku menyembunyikan duka.


- Dariku, di hari ke-90.

The Beautiful Things

Photo by @mozbudih
Giethoorn, The Netherlands
October 13th, 2018

Here’s the beautiful thing about living here.
We could go anywhere by bike.
Imagine how romantic it is,
being so close to you with a nice weather in between.
Imagine how perfect it will be,
having you cycling the bike while we have a nice convos.

Here’s the pretty thing about this place.
We could go to the park,
walking on the path, playing on the swings,
drown in silence and the sounds of birds and ducks.
You could put me on your arms and shoulders,
warm me and comfort me.
And I’m sure I could bare the silence with you.

Here’s the best thing about this place.
You could walk me home,
side by side and have many convos.
Even the long path will sound too fast when we’re together.

Here’s the reality.
I am in this beautiful place, without your presence.
Not physically, but having you by heart is enough.
I wish to get back to you soon.
I wish we could do many things together again soon.
And I hope you will still hold my hand and hug me.
Like we used to do, before distance tore us apart.

Autumn

She is like autumn.
It’s glowing and beautiful outside,
But dying inside.
Falling apart piece by piece.

She is like autumn.
Warmth of sightseeing,
and cold-hearted breeze.

She is like autumn.
It’s seasonal.
Sometimes she smiles a lot,
Sometimes she cries endlessly.

But that’s what beautiful about autumn.
It comes seasonal. People are waiting for it.
But people forget that she’s dying.
And even if she falls apart,
She’ll be alright.

She is the autumn.
You know how to make her laugh endlessly,
But you can’t stop her insecurities and anxieties.
You know she’ll come up with varies of stories.
You know she wonders if you’ll get sick of it.
But you never say anything to her.

She is the autumn.
The time when it changes into another weather.
I hope her stories never ends.
Because when it ends,
The winter comes upon you.

Rindu

Ketika rindu ini aku pendam,
   akankah hilang rasanya?
Ketika rindu ini aku simpan,
   akankah kuat aku menahannya?
Namun, ketika rindu ini ku utarakan,
   akankah ada yang paham betapa dalamnya?

Sebab rinduku bukanlah rindumu.
Dan rindumu bukanlah rinduku.
Tak peduli betapa sering kamu merasakan rindu.
Sebab hatiku hanya aku yang tahu.

Kamu mungkin mencoba untuk menerka.
Tapi sayang, rindu ini menolak.
Sebab hatiku sendiri pun tak tahu jawabannya.
Dia tak tahu sejauh dan sedalam apa rindu membawanya.

Semakin ku gali, semakin ku sadar.
Bahwa lebih baik rindu ini aku saja yang rasakan.
Sebab aku tahu,
   aku takkan lelah merasakannya.
Sebab aku paham,
   hati ini kuat melewatinya.

Biarlah rindu ini aku yang memikulnya,
   Supaya kehadiranku kelak bukan menjadi beban.
   Namun menjadi angin yang menyejukkan.
   Juga air yang melegakan dahaga.

Karena rindu itu bukan soal rasa
   Rindu itu tentang serpihan raga yang terpisah,
     namun hati menolak.
   Rindu itu bukan soal ada dan tiada,
     ia adalah tentang insan yang berkecamuk hatinya.

My Selfish Stand: Longing of Your Presences

They said, “be happy. You have more beautiful skies, places, and everything better than here.”
I admitted it. Everything is better here, environmentally. But not without your presences. It is totally different. How could you expect me to be happy when you’re not even here with me?

They said, “enjoy! It’s a chance to travel.”
I would not say no for that. I love traveling new places. I always do. But not without your presences. Wherever I go, even just a simple visit to campus, there’s always things that remind me of you. Yes, every single of you. Our small talks, our jokes, our everything. And it always brings me back to the memories of us, when we were still together.

I wonder why I could not bare this feeling, the feeling of being away from someone, the feeling of the longing, the feeling of insecurities, frightening days and nights, and all those scenarios that bother my entire feelings and thoughts. Maybe I am being too comfortable, maybe I am being too attached to you, maybe I should try to have some spaces, but I can't bear the feelings living without your presences.

I want to be free, I want to be happy, I want to be always be with you.
Am I being to selfish?

First Step in The Netherlands

The journey to Netherlands has lots of preparation in my opinion. I am going to Saxion University of Applied Science, in Enschede, The Netherlands.

It is my first time in Europe, my very first trip to Europe, and my very first time to be far away from my love ones for more than six months. But here I am now, there are things I need to enjoy and learn, and let it be my experiences.

I might not be an expert here, but here I am trying to share something. There are several steps to prepare, but let me classify it into several parts.

PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION: This preparation is the preparation for the registration up to the day before leaving for the study to The Netherlands. Usually, you will have a briefing from the Saxion University of Applied Science about things that you should prepare and the requirements.

A. Registration
In this part, you need to prepare several documents to prove that you are valid enough to be part of the family in the University. First of all, you need to sign up for studielink to ensure that you are valid for the applications to The Netherlands (studielink.nl). Next, you should fill up the requirements and steps to apply to the university you would like to register, then the related university will send you email to register in the university platform's. In this case, it will be sis.saxion.nl. The email will consist of your student number and the one time password (OTP) that you could change later on.

In order to be applicable for registering in Saxion University of Applied Science, you need to have at least 6 for IELTS test, and GPA of 3 out of 4. For Saxion University of Applied Science, you could register since October up to June. But the faster you enroll, the better, since you will receive the announcement faster and you will have more time to prepare for your departure. In addition, for Saxion University of Applied Science, you need to upload several documents in the link, which are:

• Photo
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diploma (or we called it as Ijazah and SKHUN in Indonesia); both original and translated version
• Transcripts of the grades in both original and translated version (up to the semester you take)
• Copy of Passports
• Language test (IELTS)
• Motivation Letter

B. Acceptance

After you finish the registrations, all you need is to wait to the announcement of the acceptance to your enrollment. The announcement will happen around December if you applied since October to November. You will receive the notification through email along with your acceptance letter and the fees that you need to pay to the university. 

C. Payment

The payment will include the a-year of tuition fee in Saxion University of Applied Science, Visa Fees, Insurance, and your Housing Fee for a year. The university has deadline for the payments, and you will be officially become the student of Saxion University of Applied Science after you complete your payment.

D. Visa Preparation

Next thing to do is, preparing your visa. Saxion University of Applied Science will help you to apply your visa to the embassy, but you need to complete several documents in order to do so. You need to fill up some forms and upload it in the sis.saxion.nl. 

• Antecedents Certificate
• Immigration Application Form
• Proof of Finances

Basically, Saxion University of Applied Science will send you the guidance to fill up those documents and you can ask the representatives too. But for a glimpse, the most important part is the proof of finances. You need to ensure that after the payment to Saxion University of Applied Science, the balance of your bank account number will still have the minimum requirements.

After finishing the applications to Saxion University of Applied Science, you will receive email from Saxion University of Applied Science that you are applicable for the visa application and you need to schedule your time to the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta. So you will need to schedule the appointment with the Dutch Embassy for the fingerprint and visa photo. After few days (maximum 10 working days, you could pick up your passport and visa).

E. Additional Information

It will be nice if you could try your best to get scholarships from Saxion University of Applied Science, because they provide various scholarships for the students inside and outside the EU. You could visit saxion.nl for more information about the amount of scholarships and the requirements.

DEPARTURE PREPARATION: 

Before departing, you need to ensure that you bring the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS with you. Because it will be necessary for the immigration and for opening Dutch Bank account. The documents needed are:

• Passport
• Legalized Birth Certificate
• Transcripts
• High School Diplomas
• IELTS 
• Insurance Certificate
• Passport Pictures
• Acceptance/Admission Letter from the university

PS: make enough copies of above documents!

ARRIVAL:

After your arrival, ensure that you have your passport and admission letter to pass the immigration officers, pick up your luggage, and go to meeting point directly if you join the pick up services of Saxion University of Applied Science.

Lastly, have fun!

Six-weeks in Bali

People said, “Life in Bali is so much fun.”
“You can have holiday anytime you want.”
People said, “Life in Bali is so much fun.”
“You can come and go without doubting how.”
People said, “Life in Bali is so much fun.”
“You can enjoy life even you are dumped.”
People said, “Life in Bali is so much fun.”
“Society won’t judge even you are sucks.”
People said, “Life in Bali is so much fun.”
I said, “It would not be fun without your love ones.”

Well, my journey in Bali for 6 weeks come to an end.

I have never expected that I will cherish all my time in Bali.  From the co-workers to the environment. I thought my life would be super boring because I would be all alone by myself and I had no one I know. But miracles come to me.

One thing I kept being grateful of despite of being far away from my love ones, the one I used to spend my time with me, is my fellow trainees. Through many ups and downs, we went through it with laughter and silly stories of each of us. Through many unluckiness I had in life, I still have them as my lucky charms and happy pills. And I am so grateful that they still stick with me until the end of my Training Period. Special shout outs to my Mercare Squad!

I really would like to thank them for making my training experience become so unforgettable and become less tiring. Thanks for all the silly jokes during the break time and after work!

The next thing I would like to highlight in my training experience is my Accounting Department. In the middle of the business in the office, we still managed to have some fun making fun of each others and put on pranks on one and another. Despite our differences in ages, we still have lots of memories to cherish!

Last but not the least, my guardian angels that helped me a lot through my stay in Bali. Thank you so much for always trying to be there for me and help me nights and days no matter what time it is. Super grateful to know two of you since my first day of stay and really sorry if I made your life become so troublesome~ Thanks for transforming from strangers to friends and now to brother and sister to me! See you soon in another chance!

In the end, there will always good bye(s) after another hi(s). But I am so thankful that at least I have the chance to know each of them during the short period of my training experience in Bali. I might not always be the best version of myself but they always stick with me in every versions of me, especially my just-woke-up face lol

Thank you guys for making my 6-weeks so meaningful that I have never imagined that I will cry leaving each of you! See you on another chance!

The Girl Who Finally Learns to Love

Who cares about introvert and extroverts?
People have their own insecurities, anxieties, and no matter who or what type of person they are.
And yes, here is a life of a little girl, who has been living and dealing with her insecurities and anxieties in her life.

Is it wrong to hardly trust people?
Is it wrong to ensure someone you love and you care is alright?
Is it wrong to treat someone special and make sure that someone is worthy for you?
Is it even wrong to remind them how much you love them, again and again?
No, it is not, darling.

Is it that hard to love someone as a friend, not a lover?
Is it that hard to love someone sincerely?
Is it hard to just ask how they are doing?
Is it that hard for you to type a message ensuring someone is alright?
Is it hard for you to spare someone time to listen to her stories?
Is it hard for you to make sure that people who loves you know that you love them back?
   or if you don't, let her know.
   Don't let her gives you loves that you don't even deserve.
Is it hard for you to spare some time to make the first move?
   To just let her know that there is someone who will be there,
   even when she doesn't say a thing.
   A simple act that mean a lot for her.

She is that typical of girl,
   who gives her time for people she loves without demanding others to give theirs.
She is that kind of girl,
   who hopes that there will be someone who ask how she is doing.
She is that type of girl,
   who rarely tell others if she needs their presence in her life,
   just because she is afraid that people will pity her,
   that people spare their time insincerely.

Yes, it is her,
   the girl I am talking about this whole time.
And until today,
   she pretends like everything is perfect and just right for her.
No one has ever expected that she will have those anxieties and insecurities.
   Because no one understand how her past has made her today.
She has not lost herself in the middle of nowhere, but
   she doesn't know who is her best friend.
   she doesn't know who to trust and share stories with.
   she doesn't even know how her life will change once she left her presences.
But after all, she finally learns, she finally knows,
   how to love without asking to be loved back,
   to love without expecting too much from others,
   to love sincerely.

Singapore with Memories #MemorableSG❤

Continuing from my April's post talking about reunions and memories, here is my another destination.

We will never know how much we missed someone until we were separated from them.
We will never know how much someone is worth in our life until distance takes its role.
We will never know.

The greatest gratitude of meeting someone after a long time of being apart is still acting the same thing, being mature together, talk about silly, childish and and mature things together, but yet not getting awkward.

Yes, that is my point in every memorable meeting.
What is the used of meeting if both sides could not express anything, yet getting awkward towards each other?
What in the point of meeting, if no one gets excited?
There will always be something special in every meeting, and that's what I love the most.
The uniqueness of every individual, the special moments that we created, and the memories we tried to recall.

Honestly, I am tired of being separated by distances.
I am tired of being forgotten few months or years after I walked away from a place or city.
I never knew how someone is precious to me until I walked away.
And now I live in a life where I tried to cherish all the moments before another regrets are approaching me.
I was a coward, and I am until today.
I was afraid of distance, of losing memories, and being forgotten.
Now I am afraid of distance, but challenging it at once.
Not because I am no more afraid of the feeling of being forgotten,
but I would like to know how I am worth and precious for others.

It has been a long time for me and my primary friend, Clinton.
Yet time flies so fast, we were in the end of our university year now.
We are both far away from our hometown, Medan.
We are both pursuing our further studies in other people's city, and he is in other people's country.
I will be going even further though in upcoming months.

We were just an ordinary classmate, like me and other students in the class.
At least I got reasons why he is unforgettable for me - compared to others.
We might not have specific memories of each other, but I remember how he loves to joke around and turned my stiffness into laughter.
Even until the day we met again.

It's been a while since we knew each other.
It's been a while since we met each other.
It's been a while since we shared stories to each other.
It's been a while since we thought of each other.
It's been a while since we created moments for each other to remember.
Yes, it has been a while.
It has been a long time, but thankfully we don't forget each other.
At least, I don't.

We have been separated for 12 years and more. Unlike the others, we barely contacted each other. First, we did not have each other contacts. Second, we were just a typical primary and secondary school kids that were not informed clearly that internet could connect you with others that are separated into different islands. Instead, we used it for games and finding each other that are even close to us in distance wised. Third, I did not feel the timing was right that time.

I remembered clearly when the first time we had our personal talks. Exactly in the mid of 2014. When we both were busy in trying to find university to enter. That time, what I knew were only happiness. I have missed him and other friends since a long long time ago. (If you don't trust me, you could check my 2012's post, I mentioned about them. And I have missed them even long before I wrote an article about them.) Due to that enormous feeling of missing somebody, what I knew was only excitement! I hope these kind of moments will never fade between us. Since that time, we contacted each other through Instagram's direct messages. Shout out to Instagram for helping us to keep in touch! Especially in 2017 when we contact each other more frequent compared to many years before.

Since the early year of 2018, I have been persuading and influencing my parents to have a trip to Singapore. Not only for holiday and vacation, but also to meet my old friend. Because going back to Jakarta and Medan will never enough for me to fulfilling my checklist. So yeah, Singapore is one of my destination. Early April, my dad suddenly asked me, where I would like to go. I said "Singapore or Sumba, you choose." Surprisingly, he told me that he would love to go to Singapore rather than travelling in Sumba with my silly desire of travelling villages and rural areas. So, we planned on the trip right in that day. Here and there, but then my dad mentioned if I would like to ask my friend to join, it will be nice, rather than meeting just for dinner. So with a total excitement, we planned the trip together with my friend. I was so excited since that day. I was waiting for June to come earlier than it supposed to be. Even though I have known that it might make my days in Indonesia becomes less and lesser each day.

Singapore, with love.

And here it comes, June 2018.
I was super excited! Even days before the D-day I was impatiently waiting for the day I could run away from assignments and meeting this old fella. Cut the story short, I missed his birthday in the end of May. Lesson learnt: don't be too excited. I was too excited for the trip and I had bought him presents, but turned out on the D-day of his birthday, I forgot to wish him. Forgive my stupidity~
Finding a present for an old friend that you have not caught up in twelve years turned me crazy. I was thinking of a gift that suit him but could not find any, until I thought of comic characters, which is One Piece. I grabbed the present really quick, but after half an hour I returned back and changed the gift into Doraemon. Like what the f* I was thinking that time. Turns out he loved One Piece so damn much. *huft* *crying inside* But yeap, regretting will not change his present though, so I was trying to let go the thoughts of my stupidity.

Next, exactly in the first day of June.
We planned to go to Marina Barrage as our first destination, but turned out the bridge was closed for a while, so we went for a walk to the Gardens by the Bay. As what I always dreamed of, the paradise of flowers was waiting! The flowers were so beautiful and I am so amazed – even until now. The weather was so nice, cloudy and a bit windy – perfect for a walk and enjoying scenery.

Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay.
June 1st, 2018.

First destination was Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay. I was welcomed with this kind of view and I was so enchanted to view all the flowers inside. The combination of flowers and the colors were so perfect to me. Even though it was kind of hard for me to find a way to enjoy everything and took pictures of the beautiful flowers, the visit was really enjoyable! (plus the air conditioner was really on point and fresh, even though it was super crowded there.)

The beauty did not stop there, I managed to take several pictures of the flowers, starting from the usual daisy flowers until the flowers that I did not even know the names. They were all beautiful, and I could not help not posting them and sharing them to you.

The second destination of the day is Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay. We were welcomed by the waterfall right in the front door and the air was super refreshing. I did not manage to take any picture of the waterfall, but I managed to take some picture inside. Cloud Forest itself consists of seven floors and in some floors we could see the different ornaments and views.

After enjoying all the beautiful views, we decided to go for dinner since we have been so tired walking all the way (and we were really not used to it, except Clinton.) I had a really nice talk with him during the dinner time, catching up with many old stories that I missed and talking about here and there. When the sky was getting darker, we decided to take another walk to Skytree, Helix Bridge, and all the way to Marina Bay Sands. The first day was super tiring but also exciting, because my wish to meet my 12 years' apart friend is finally granted!

The second day was fully dedicated for culinary hunting around Bugis, China Town, and of course playing around Universal Studio!

My mom, sister, and me ft. Minions.
Universal Studio Singapore.
June 2nd, 2018.

Gru & Me.
Universal Studio Singapore.
June 2nd, 2018.

In Universal Studio, I spent around three hours with my family while waiting for Clinton to join, and then continue another three hours with him. The first three hours were for strolling around and checking here and there including taking pictures with some characters, and another three hours were for the super crazy attraction with crazy queues in it. Unfortunately, I could not meet Elmo from Sesame Street! At least I can still meet minions and Gru, and some other characters that I am not really into. But overall, it was great, especially the feelings after we rode the crazy attraction and made my heart pumped way-way-way faster than it supposed to. But thanks to the queue lines, we managed to share more stories during our time waiting in the queues.

Food wise, I did not have problem since what I tried was all Chinese cuisines, until I tried the Ma-La stall, which is super-duper spicy, I could not stand any longer but struggling in finishing my foods. (But the spicy chicken is freaking delicious oh my god I am in love!) My family and I have given up with the food for many many times, and on the other hand, Clinton is the only person who survive all the way from the beginning to the end without even feeling tortured. I was still feeling great and alright that day but then here the reaction came, on the morning when I would like to enjoy my breakfast before going back.

Thanks to our special and private tour guide, Clinton, we could enjoy our days in Singapore without getting lost. Thank you for the hospitality and patience to take care of me and my family. Of course, super big thanks for the willingness to accompany me. I am so grateful to announce that you have been participating in fulfilling my checklist!

I don't know it is only me, or the others feel the same, I feel like the time runs too fast. Even if the night comes later there, I feel like the time ticks absolutely fast. But even if the time changes very fast, I still consider this as one of my most memorable trip that I really need to be grateful of. If this short trip could be this memorable, why wouldn't us cherish these moments forever?

It is tough for me to bear the feeling after saying goodbye. For me, goodbye is not the hardest word to say, we are used to it since we are young. But goodbye is one of the hardest thing that gives me those complicated feeling that I could not sort it out. By saying goodbye means I am grateful enough that I am given the chance to meet someone, but on the other hand, it gives the pain of separation.

Is it wrong to wish for another chance to meet each other again? Ik miss je simpleweg.
You're right, Ton, I will never be disappointed of the beauty of the flowers in Gardens by the Bay, and I will never regret my decision of going to Singapore to visit those beautiful flowers as well as regretting the decision to be a friend of you, making you part of the stories of my life, and visiting you in Singapore.

Clinton and Me. ❣
Singapore, June 2018.
❤♡❤

"Alles komnt goed."
In Netherlands it means "Everything will be fine."
Yes, everything will be fine and alright as long as I have supporting family and friends.
Of course, I have had them, and all I need is have them to stay with me forever.

Thank you for being part of my life, and letting me be part of the stories in your life.
Such an honor to announce that you are part of my gratitude list in 2018!
Gefeliciteerd! 
I will always remember these moments.
Of course, your journey from the west to the east, back and forth will always be remembered!

Singapore x Indonesia ♡❀ヅ❤♫

Dank u wel!
Even though our friendship will be dominated with 99.99% of long distance friendship, I hope that this kind of friendship will last.
Let's make another moments and stories that we could share towards each other in the future!

PS:
I was a bit shock with your voice when you first talked. I was always imagining you as my fourth grader friend that were still cute and chubby, with a child voice which is soft! lol. (Thankfully you are still chubby until now.)

I could not say that he remains the same after twelve years not meeting each other. Some part of him do change. But there is some part of him that remain the same. Whatever it is, whatever they are, I do really enjoy spending time and catching up with him. People do change, how could you expect someone to remain always the same for the entire years? If that happens, means they never learn for the entire years of living, right? As long as the changes are towards the positive sides, why do we have to disagree? Supports and guidance are all we need as a human being, and that is what friend is for, to exchange mind and thinking, ensure everything will be alright and if something out of plan happens, we have someone to help and support us!❤ and I am a proud friend ;)

Good luck with your summer job, final year modules, and final project. 加油！
Once again, thank you for making my life becomes much better.

To the Man I Fall in Love with

To the man I fall in love with, you know who you are.

Thank you dear, to standing there for me,
in every condition, situations, and circumstances.
Through all my ups and downs.
Through all my pains and sorrows.

Thank you dear, to voluntarily giving me your pair of ears,
to listen and understand to my silly stories.
Through my saddest to happiest moments of life.
Through my noises and quietness.

Thank you dear, to always be there, with your arms open wide,
to compensate all my insecurities.
Through my weakest period to the strongest.
Through my anger, madness, and explosion.
yet tears, laughter, and nicest of me.

Thank you dear, to spare your time,
Just to hold my hands and strengthened me, saying "I know you can make it through."
Just to hug me, and said, "You've done well, now it is time to get some rest."
Just to put my head on your shoulder and said, "Don't be too hard on yourself."
and giving me your heart, just to let me know, --
that you are here, to support me, to love me, to remind me.
Thank you dear, I am so blessed and grateful, to have you.

I love you for your introverts, not too noise, but once you talk, it is meaningful.
I love how you only share your feelings exclusively to me, because I know you trust me.
I love you for our interdependence, meaning we can count on each other, yet being dependent at once.
I love you for who you are, and for a better individual you will be in the future.

Once again, thank you, and happy birthday.
Thank you for not leaving me, while you have tons of reasons to leave, back then.

A Promise.

Promise.
Please promise me nothing, if you are not able to hold onto it.
Please, promise me nothing, if you are going to disappoint me.
Promise me nothing, if those promises are meant to be broken.
Please, I beg you.

No, it's not because I don't trust you.
I just can't bear the feeling of disappointment in the end.
Yeah, call me weak.
The blame is on me, since I expected too high on you.

Let's not make any promises,
so we don't have to suffer any trust issue.
You don't have to trust me, and so do I.
Since no promises we would make.

A Set of Stationery

I thank God for your presence in my life.
You bring additional plots on the story I have been working on since I was born.
I hope it gets prettier each day as your presence in my life.

Thank you for being present.
Thank you for being a present, too.
You are here,
not only as a new variable, but as my correction pen and highlighter. Yeah, --
You make my life becomes more memorable and stand out
and help me to relieve my pain and sorrow in life.
It's nice to have a complete stationery set while working on something serious, --
and that shows how much you mean to me.

We are a set of complete stationery,
and you know how much I am obsessed to it.

Loneliness

Lonely.
Alone.
What is the difference?

Well, for me:
Being alone is a choice.
Being lonely is part of insecurity.

Alone,
Sometimes we need to be alone to reflect something.
To reflect what we have been through, and what we will do next.
Sometimes, we call it, 'me time'.
It is a time when you can enjoy yourself being you,
doing what we would like to do,
enjoying and relaxing ourselves -- after a long day.

Lonely,
It is just our feelings.
Too complex to explain -- because not everyone will understand.
But sure, they have been through it.
Too ambiguous to be perceived -- everyone experienced it differently.
But sure, they have ever been through it.
Too uncertain -- no one could predict when it will come.
But sure, there is a day when you just feel it.
Yeah, the feeling is too volatile.
But sure, it does not feel right.

It happens when you are surrounded by lots of people,
yet feeling so uncomfortable.
It happens just like that, giving a pair of ears to listen,
but none to listen to yours.
It happens that way, giving a heart to worry about,
but none cares about you.
It happens unconsciously, a pair of shoulders to lean on,
arms to warm others, teardrops falling.
It is just like that.
Yet, no one understood.
No one speaks up to just simply asked about your bad day.
No one pats on your shoulder, simply said that
you're going to be okay because they will be there for you. 
None. No one. Nobody.

For those people out there,
fill your time with something else rather than feeling lonely.
You'll be alright, you'll be okay. Trust me.
I have been through those times, and I am still alright.

Everything is going to be alright, darling.
You are a great people, you feel lonely because you don't want to bother them.
You are a good person. It happens simply because you don't want to disturb them.
You are great. You are good. You are doing well. Nothing is wrong with that.
Chin up, head up, and smile, baby!

Pertemuan

Pertemuan,
Indah katanya, untuk dilihat.
Perih untuk dijalani.

Pertemuan, menyatukan katanya.
Beberapa insan dipersatukan.
Tapi berapa lama?
Karena sejak saat itu hubungan yang dijaga diujikan.

Pertemuan, awal yang baru katanya.
Awal dari perpisahan, sepertinya.
Berpisah dari yang lampau.
Dipertemukan dengan yang kini.

Pertemuan, apalah artinya?
Apabila insan yang dipertemukan tidak mampu menjaga.
Apabila memori yang terbentuk tidak dikenang.
Apabila dapat digantikan dengan mudahnya.

Pertemuan, adakah maknanya?
Jika pada akhirnya akan berpisah.
Jika pada akhirnya memori hanya tinggal cerita.
Jika pada akhirnya, hanya nama tersisa.

Pertemuan, kemanakah kamu akan membawaku?
Layaknya sekoci diatas lautan.
Aku terombang-ambing tanpa arah.
Dilanda ombak ketakutan akan perpisahan.

Bandara Punya Cerita

Bandara selalu punya cerita.
Dia yang pertemukan kita.
Dia juga yang ucapkan selamat tinggal.

Bandara selalu punya cerita.
Dia yang datangkan senyum dan tawa.
Dia juga yang teteskan air mata.

Bandara selalu punya cerita.
Dia yang jadi saksi perjumpaan.
Dia juga yang jadi saksi perpisahaan.

Bandara selalu punya cerita.
Kepergian nan jauh hanya dia yang saksikan.
Kepulangan setelah sekian lama pun dia yang sambut.

Bandara selalu punya cerita.
Cerita tentang kita.
Yang mungkin kita lupakan.
Tapi bandara tahu.

Small Reunions, Huge Memories.

Meeting old friends will always be the nicest thing in the world that you could ever ask for. Living apart for years from them, and finally meet them again in a occasion. You will have a lot of stories to shares with them, and vice versa. You might see them change, either for a good reason or not. You might see them become a different person, you might be impressed, or worst case, - you might even be disappointed.

Have a simple reunion to meet them again and listen to their stories have been there in my checklist since 2017. Especially when I am admitted to go to the Netherlands to pursue my further education there, ticking my checklist is one of my priority. Visit Medan to meet my primary school friends, visiting Jakarta to meet my Junior High and Senior High friends, spend more time in Surabaya with my Senior High and college friends, and of course, with family.

I have been living apart from my primary friends for twelve years. I barely meet them, almost never, and only get the chance to meet few of them. Honestly, I started to forget some of them, those I rarely see on social medias, and those I barely contact with. Living apart for thousands kilometers away are hard enough for me, who dreamed to go back soon every year. But then, last year, in 2017, I got the chance to go back, but I did not get the chance to meet them. Fortunately, this year, in 2018, I got the chance twice. Happily I could get the chance to have that simple yet memorable reunion. Silly, funny, tiring, but then I still feel like it was not enough, I need more time for that. I miss their stories, their laughter, and many others that I missed when I left back then in 2006. Here are some pictures of us.

SD Sutomo 1 Angkatan 47
Friday, 16 March 2018.
Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia.

Left to Right:
Steven - Annie - William - Me - Tommy
These are friends who sent me back to airport before I went back to Surabaya.
Sunday, April 1st, 2018.

Left to Right:
Tommy - Me - Lucinda - Christy
The survivors of the heavy rain on March 30th, 2018.

Not only primary school friends, but also my Boys' Brigade friend, in which is also my "sister" and also "grandma" since we called her Ama (Hokkien term form Grandma) because of her hospitality, maturity, and kindness. I was so glad that I got the chance to meet her, since I have moved to Surabaya, she never visits me *hiks*

Portrait of me and Jennifer Wu.
Friday, March 16th, 2018.

My journey did not stop there. Before I got the chance to visit Medan in March, I got the chance to visit my friends in Jakarta. Lots are coming, lots of stories, and lots of silliness we made.

My little sister, Gabriella, known as Ayam.

My juniors.

My seniors.

Monica Puspita.
My closest friend.

SMP-SMA Candle Tree School Batch 6.
January, 2018.
South Tangerang, Indonesia.

I guessed it is unfair to just tell stories about me visiting old friends. So here it is, the miraculous Derrin visiting me far from Aceh right before 2017 ends, which really made my day!

Derrin Tay and Me.
December 31st, 2017.
Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

Life has been so great these days for me, because I got the chances to tick my checklists one by one right before I go anywhere further and continue this unbelievable long distance relationships with my friends. Right after this, there will be more and more places and friends that I need to visit and have a small reunions, small talks, with crazy laughter and silliness. I hope this friendship could last long and can be cherished each and every moments.

Next destinations: Singapore! Guess who I will meet! :b Can't wait!! >.<
PS: for those who I have not be able to visit yet, I apologize for that, I hope one day I'll get the chance and I hope you'll try to visit me either!