Another Victoria's Secrets

I can not keep this for myself, so I am gonna blabber a little more about God here. I was once touched by this verse on the Bible. It has several versions, but the point is:

It happened long time ago when I was on my last year in junior high school. I already forgot what were the blessings, but I remember I served God the most during the year and passed my test brilliantly, and got into the best high school in town. But it was more than 10 years ago, many had happened between then and now.

Now, especially on this month, I again received so much a blessing from God. Starting from my retreat in Cikanyere last February, God had lead me the way to where I am now. And He sent me people to help me around, and even to remind me to go to the church. My newest neighbor, Dewi, is a Catholic too. She is my reminder to be active, because she is willing too, but I am the one who got the transportation.

So yes, I start to be more active in serving God and the Church. It is very nice that I joined the recollection last weekend (which I will share on my next post) and met these wonderful kids at OMK (Orang Muda Katolik, or Catholic Youth Organization) who I fall in love with. I can feel that God want me to be here for them, and them for me.

Anyway, I need to tell you this one. So I had been thinking about my salary here. As I am working for a foreigner, people say that my expectation on the salary is way too low. When I think about this recently, I say, yes. They are right. This troubles me a bit, but I managed myself not to think about it.

Two nights ago, however, on my journey home by motorbike, I was reminded to what Pastor Leo said on his sermon on the last Sunday mass before I left Bandung last month. He quoted the Our Father prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Jesus said "give us this day our daily bread", which is enough just for the day. It will help us to keep the faith and hope of tomorrow, which will bring us closer to God for we are leaning on Him. This is also teach us to give to others what we do not need, for tomorrow we will get another blessing.

This is very much true. I moved to Bali to start fresh from zero. I had used all of my savings to buy the plane tickets, pay the room, feed myself for the whole first month, pay for the fuel, buy this and that which are necessary for my life here... and went on a crisis even before the mid of the month. But blessings can come from anywhere, and I am lucky to have a birthday this month, so that problem was fixed before I even feel troubled.

And now, I am thinking about being grateful for what I get. If this certain amount of salary is what I deserve, so be it. I do not need too much anyway. The salary would give me good meal everyday and I can still save some for the rainy days. So I say it would be enough for just myself. If God want to give me more than that, He'll always find a way.

Not even half an hour passed after I discussed about this with my boyfriend, my boss called me and we talked about my salary. He said he was raising it so I can manage my own motorbike rental or if I wanna buy it. So God really listened to my prayers and He knows what I need.

And also, yesterday I got four orders for the Javanegra coffee, all are from Bandung. The amount are not necessarily huge, but it really proves what the Bible had said:

This, in Buddha or Hindu language, is called karma. Because God never sleeps. He sees and He listens because He is alive, from then until the end of time. Blessed are those who believe in His name. I wish that more people do believe in God, for He is the only Salvation we have on earth. God bless us everyone!

I spent my whole Nyepi day yesterday chatting with several people. One of them was my cousin's wife. I had never really know about her until I was in Bali. She asked what I was doing in the island and told me that she, too, had her time working in here.

Then we talked about relationship. She and my cousin is four years difference, and she is older. This made us more similar to each other, because she, too, is another "student" of Paulo Coelho. Only, she is more a Brida (Brida, 2008--original version in Portuguese was in 1990) while I am more to Athena (The Witch of Portobello, 2006).

So she shared a little of her life story with me, how she dated various guys before and went to few magical places she highly recommended me to go, and few tips on living my life. As fellow students of Coelho's, we share same values and as someone older, it was her duty to give me advices. I know now why my dear cousin chose her to be his wife. Because she has a beautiful heart, that's why.

My rest of Nyepi day was spent chatting with Ilham, of course. We discussed about differences between us, which is mostly the religion. It is such a relieve that we can discuss about this openly, which enriches both of us in many ways. At the end of the day, we found out why did we "met" after I am in Bali, why should it be "Bali" and why should it be "him" for me.

Apparently we have the same level of understanding in many ways, only from different spectacles and by different ways. Other than that, I think there aren't so many differences between us. And Bali, someday, will unite us.

It is just a matter of time, but I know that true love could withstand anything, so I don't worry. I usually rush things, but this time I'm taking it real slow, certain that we still have eternity to  share in the future.

Funny how things happened between us, but we both know and believe that God has a beautiful plan behind all this. He looked at our CVs and think we could make it, so He created the path for us to be together.

Anyway, I really love Nyepi day. It is truly a day we could spend with ourselves and God. Or to spend it with very special people in our hearts. I never really mind the darkness and silence. I don't mind avoiding electricity either. It is a very recommended moment everyone should experience, to be closer to God and listen to what He is saying.

Too bad, most people are scared to the darkness and such silence. Like my two neighbors here, they went to their shop and spent the day with friends watching DVDs there. And like my other neighbor, she kept her light on all night, making it less Nyepi for me, but it's much better when she finally silenced her radio. Those people are the kinds who are afraid to console with themselves, and seeking for crowd and lights instead.

For me, Nyepi is such a glorious day I need to do more often myself. It is truly a time to reconcile with self and to fix the broken relationships with people and God. I really am grateful to experience the moment here in Bali. I hope there are more to come :)

Everybody knows that Balinese are a very religious people. Hinduism are very thick around the island and people believes in karma which keeps the island peaceful and in a good order. However, many immigrants are living in the island for the past century, both domestic and international. Like I am, for example, is a domestic immigrant.

I see many people, mostly from Flores / Timor Timur, Java, and Chinese descendant come to attend the masses, and on Sunday, the church is full. It is such a nice thing to see so many people still remember to meet God in this island of fun and vacation.

By the way this is the mass schedule in FX Church:

Daily Masses:
Monday to Saturday - 6 a.m. (Indonesian)
Monday to Friday - 6 p.m. (Indonesian)
First Friday - 6 p.m. (Indonesian)

Divine Mercy Masses:
Monday to Sunday - 3 p.m. (Indonesian)

Sunday Masses:
Saturday - 6 p.m. (Indonesian)
Sunday - 7 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. (Indonesian)
Sunday - 6 p.m. (English)

The other night--about three/four nights ago--I went to Quest Hotel, Tuban, to meet Andreas Susandika. He was my junior high schoolmate whom I met again last year in Jakarta when he was hanging out with Cheryl. Apparently his office has several projects in Bali so he comes here once every two weeks.

We had coffee at the hotel's coffee shop and discussed about our lives lately. We both involve in cross-religion relationships, so we got a lot to discuss and share with each other. I told him my story being with Ilham and he was also surprised that such person could exist in Indonesia. Rare to meet, so I am lucky.

One thing we agreed, that there is no such thing as someone that is "too good to be true". There must be some flaw that would be very much a trouble, and when I can overcome that, he would be someone that was prepared by God for me.

I learned from my experiences--and kind of recognizing how this world works--there is always evil in every beauty. There is something controversial behind everything that looks so perfect. I am still waiting to know the flaw and to see if I can deal with it and accept it, because to me, Ilham still seems too good to be true.

Andreas and I also discussed about marriage according to the order of the siblings' number. I personally think that it is such a tradition for people without faith. A couple of our friends' are not dating for more than five years but can not get married because the girl has to wait for her two older sisters to get married first.
It is so silly, to know that the first one isn't gonna marry anytime soon--make the young sisters have to wait for, like, eternal maybe?

I can't help myself not to laugh about this, to know that the girl is raised in such a religious family and her father is a priest. Where is your faith, mister? The tradition that the kids have to get out of the family in order, was created because they are afraid the first one would never be married if the younger kids get married first. This is ridiculous.

I myself never bothered if my sister or brother get married before me. I planned to get married at 33 anyway, so it is much better if they settle down first. I am easy. But then again, not too many people are easy going like me, especially--again--in Indonesia.

I really do hope people can change their conservative ideals here, to make this country a better place to live in. I am so lucky that I am in Bali now, where most people are open minded. I love this island so much!

I didn't have plan to spend my birthday last weekend, so when Rina asked me to go to Uluwatu, I said yes instantly. I took shower and was ready by 1 p.m. at her place. We had lunch at Nasi Pecel Bu Tinuk, then met Rina's friend somewhere at Bypass. We then rode our bikes all the 23 KM away to Uluwatu.

We arrived at Suluban village, with steep steps down the cliff, warungs were all around till we were at the bottom and could touched the seawater. The relief was very steep and the water very blue. I love the scene so much, but we couldn't get too relaxed around here, so we headed back to North.


On the way back, we stopped at Padang-Padang, a beach that became famous from the movie Eat, Pray, Love. But there were way to many people there we hardly could get a spot on our own. We went into the water and sunbathed for a while, and at 5 p.m. headed back to Kuta. I visited Kuta beach till the sun was set, then back home.

It was such a great experience for me to visit the beautiful beaches, both the cliff and sandy, driving all by myself and felt so good and alive about it. I did feel like I am truly living and loved and blessed. Plus that I have Ilham now, my life simply feels complete. Thank You, Lord, this was the best birthday I've ever had!

Another Balinese stuff I learn is the names. There are limited first names in Bali, something like a baptist name, to identify someone by its kasta (the social level).

In the lowest class, the first child will be named between Gede, Putu, and Wayan, either it is a he or she. Second child are named Made or Nengah. Third one, is Nyoman, and fourth is Ketut. If a family has five kids, then the name will go back from the first, which is Putu Balik, Made Balik, and so on (balik means 'go back').

At one level higher, the names used commonly are Gusti or Gusti Ayu. Another one level up, is Anak Agung. And at the highest level is Ida Bagus, Cokorda.

In two weeks, they will celebrate Hindu's new year, or Saka New Year, or usually called Nyepi. Nyepi means silence, where people are not allowed to do anything, including to eat. They are supposed to fast for the whole day, not doing anything, not turning on any electricity--including lamps and aircons--and just meditate.

Three days before the Nyepi is Melasti Day. It is a procession of bringing the holy statue to the beach and to perform a ritual of cleansing it from bad spirits. It is also the symbol of cleansing the heart from bad thoughts, so the heart will be sacred again to welcome the new year. It will be a brand new year with a brand new heart.


One day before Nyepi is Pengerupukan. On this day, people from each Banjar will perform the Ogoh-Ogoh, a giant statue (now are made of resin) that would be burnt at the end of the show. This Ogoh-Ogoh can be anything, from the form of a demon, of bull, of ugly monster, and so on. Too bad that all of the monsters would be burnt in the beach two days after the show. Done with the Ogoh-Ogoh show, people would go back to their homes and get ready for Nyepi.

"So what about Ilham that made someone like you declared it openly on fb?" Kenneth asked two days ago.
So what about it? I asked myself too, which I believe has been the same thing questioned by many of my friends now, and troubled me more cons than pros to this.

When I first met him months ago in Bandung, I instantly liked his appearance. But he was with a girl (who happens to be his best friend--I found out about this later) and I didn't think a guy like him could ever like me (Cheryl said he's much younger tho) so I didn't put any effort to get anywhere closer to him.

Apparently, he did liked me too back then, from our first meeting. So it was mutual. And after some time, it developed into a beautiful relationship we are having now. I still didn't believe it for the first day, but thru our conversation and discussions, I found Ilham more and more interesting to me.Yes, we are just a couple-of-days old, but I already feel good about this. And the more I know about him, the more I fall for him. This is the healthy kind of relationship that I want.

Turned out he is not just good looking, but also a loving, warm, peaceful, humble and surprisingly a wise guy. The way he thinks of stuff is different with any other guys his age that I know. This made me like him just more!
And the look + brain + character + attitude altogether packed in a straight guy? Oh dear, he's definitely a keeper!

We already discussed several cases so far, about love and relationships and all other common human problems. From the way he reacts and comments, I understand now why I like him at first time. And the fascination grows more each day, convincing me that this guy I am dating is truly an angel sent to guide me in this new journey of life.
I had Cheryl walked beside me for the past two years, but our time was up now. It is a new chapter for me, and Ilham is the companion God chose to wander together with me.

It is true that we live in different time zones, but it made things just more beautiful--like what Paulo Coelho said, "true love could withstand such separation" (The Witch of Portobello, 2006). By the time we get together one day, Ilham said, we would be able to overcome any problem, because we already get thru the most difficult part.

And it is true that we have different religions--which is much a larger and more complicated case than just distance--but the love unites us. It is not about the cover of the package, but the message inside of it. Ilham said, every religion teaches about love. And it is love that should stay in our hearts, not the title of the religion or the way how it is done.

It is a very good thing that he understands religions. Took deeper thoughts and enlightenment to get to this level of understanding and to find one in the neighborhood is like finding needle in the haystack.

I am so glad that we had found each other, because it is so rare to find an Indonesian--let alone a guy of 25 years old--who can think so openly about differences like he does. I am glad that we both had learned from our journeys before that it is the love itself that is most important. I am so glad that we see things from the same spectacles.

It is such a relieve that we both want the same thing. I've always dreamed of a partner who will be my balance, who would walk beside me. Not at the front nor the back, but side by side. Not above nor under, but at the same level. At this point of my soul development, Ilham is the most perfect companion I need.

Many people would not understand this, but then again I was born to be contrary. Maybe that's what the Bible said about "taking the road less taken". Lita said I always like anything that is controversial. Well maybe I do, but I think it's more to the fact that it's so hard to find a guy who can match my criteria in almost all things. I really am a picky one to be involved in romance. Even Julie--currently in France--was so curious about it she said "you must love him to be so quick (to decide to be in a relationship with him)".

Truthfully, I still have my doubts and worries. But I know, with Ilham I'll be just fine. I've always told my friends, that it is the man's love and strong willing that can melt the girl's heart. It always starts with the man's first move. The girl will just follow, that is why I need a very strong man to lead me--because I am pretty strong myself (for a girl.. but I don't mind to follow, cuz I'm still a girl needing a guy to lead me).

After all, I know that he is the man with whom I can share all of me; my feelings, my thoughts, my joy, my dreams, even my worries and doubts. He is exactly the type of a guy I've been looking for all my life. He understands me, loves me so dearly, not possessive and not demanding. He is simply an angel sent for me. I really do hope things will go well between us. After all, true love could withstand anything ;)



*P.S. Melasti is Hindu-Balinese tradition to get the holy statue in a procession to the beach to cleanse all the bad stuff for the preparation of the Saka New Year (or called Nyepi here).

Now that I am so full of love, allow me to post these love songs I love so much lately. Enjoy with me!

1. Landon Pigg - Falling in Love At A Coffee Shop

2. Joshua Radin - They Bring Me To You

3. Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane

4. Rosi Golan - Think Of Me

5. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

So, I have a boyfriend now. It is such a surprise indeed, for myself especially. I knew this guy from Cheryl about half year ago. We exchanged contacts, but nothing more. It was until I already in Bali that he contacted me first. It was last week.

We developed such a great communication for the past week and last night, he declared to be serious with me. I honestly didn't know how to feel or think. I do like him, a lot. And I do want him. But to be with him? To be in a relationship? Man, it's such a life I've left a long time ago!

But anyway, I stopped thinking. Instead, I feel. And I feel loved. Ilham gave me so much love and when I look at him, I know that I'm safe with him. It is so strange by the way, because I came to Bali not intended to be attached to anyone. I plan to go solo.

God has another plan indeed. He sent me to Bali, which wasn't on my plan before. But I believe this is His way, for I am fully blessed ever since I am here. And now he sent me this gorgeous sweet guy named Ilham Agustian. Out of nowhere, he just suddenly popped up to love me. Strange, yet is so real.

Fia told me before, that after I passed thru the "test" of last year's hard times, I will rise this year. She was right. There would be a new guy for me, tho I never believed I could ever be with someone I hardly know, but he exists now. I really don't know how to react for this. Surprised, happy, flattered, not believing... but overjoyed in total.

I am still totally jetlagged for this stuff. I don't think I am ready for another relationship, let alone long distance one. The fact that he has a different religion and he is three years younger made me think twice, but to see the love he is offering is something that I can't resist.

So yea, I'll just go on with him for now, see if he's a real thing or just a wanderer passing thru my path. Either way, he makes me so happy, so loved and so blessed. I know that he is sent from Above. I know, because God always works in the most strangest, unbelievable, unthinkable way. That's why I don't think too much, I just follow on His path. :)

Oh well. Say it was my bad that I was wandering alone in Kuta Center last Sunday. I didn't know what to do, but Sinners (bartender at Brewers) invited me over, so I was walking thru the street and window shopping there on the way to Brewers.

So, I went to one of the Makassi shop and found a unique pairs of earrings. I tried them on and a guy was commenting. Apparently, he is gay. Found out that we both came from Jakarta, so before I know it he already instructed his assistant to come and joined me on a walk. That happened so fast!

We went to Brewers and had two towers of beers as compliment from Sinners. We left the place at around 10 p.m. and continued to Jl. Dhyanapura, which they mentioned as the most happening bar in Bali. So I bought them and went there with them.

Okay. So, the street has gay bars there. I went to Balijoe, one of the most crowded there. They perform strippers and dancers, made it entertaining to all guests who came. I was introduced to almost all of the waiters, dancers and to some of the guests there.

But in the end it brought me so much drama in the past two days. Stripper and bartender are texting me and the gays are developing too much emotional drama around me. I don't stand such dramas, I came to Bali to avoid such thing. But they are all good, nice people actually.


I love having friends and they are all  kind to me. It's just the drama that made me don't want to be attached with them. It's such a colorful life I'm having here, but what I seek is tranquility. So I went yoga with Tante Siska at Prana on Tuesday, having the Sivananda Yoga instructed by Mr. Putu. It is such a detox after a crazy night I had on Sunday. I just love Bali so much! :)

Last night, Asiong fetched me and we went to Goodys at Legian beach for a pizza dinner. They got the lovely meat lover pizza with view of the beach. It was really a romantic place with good food and great service. We spent about two hours there, sharing stories and gossips. Then we moved to Brewers, which is now one of the most happening place in Legian.

Apparently my friend Abing from Bandung has a cousin who works there, so I got introduced to the bartender, Sinners, by BBM. He is a very friendly guy and he made me and Asiong daiquiri for each of us. The bar, however, serves all kinds of food and beverages with beer in it. It's very special. We stayed till about 12.30 a.m. then went to eat rice porridge near my crib before going home.


Anyway, I went to Veranda Café at Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Denpasar, the other day. I really like the simple minimalist building with touch of wood here and there. The owner, Popo Danes, is the famous Balinese architect. It was such a delightful culinaire tour I am having here, thanks to my kind friends.

OK. So I got the job.. Yay!

I am now working as the personal assistant for a real estate development consultant in Petitenget area. It is quite nice actually, because I can use both of my expertise in interior/architecture and in communicating with people. Plus, I am working alone here, so I can learn a lot from my boss. Such a nice thing that I found the job (and that he's hiring me).

Anyway, boss is going back to his hometown tonight, so I was dismissed in the afternoon. Sun was shining so brightly in the sky so I hurried go back home by bike (yes, I am now riding a matic motorbike!) and got changed.

With the bikini and mini flare dress I went to the beach and stopped at some point in Kuta beach. Just like the last time I was on the beach, took only less than 10 minutes until someone approaches me. This time, a Batak guy named Hari. Kinda ruined my plan to sunbathe, but it was raining soon anyway, so I followed him to the lifeguard house.

There I met several other beach boys and also the lifeguards: Gede, Nyoman and Wayan. Thank God they have all different names, because Balinese has only 16 names in total. But Hari stayed the longest with me. He took me to Warung Malang at Jl. Pattimura for dinner, which was nice, and we shared some stories.

Actually, he did almost all of the conversation. He said he can see aura and read hands. He said I was shining in bright blue when he first talked with me. It means I was full of love. Well it was kinda true, because I was so much in a good spirit with the sun today after days of rain. And I am also in love with this island, which brings me such a good vibe.

Later more, Hari said that I am exactly his type of a girl, who knows God and is smart. Actually, this was said from another guy about two weeks ago, just before I left Bandung. He said his search for love has ended. Oh, really? Is this how the guys nowadays flirting? Well, I am for sure enjoying the compliment, but I really don't feel anything for them.

Anyway, Hari said that my eyes are beautiful. And my "luck" is in my eyebrows. Well well, we are open to anyone's input, aren't we? I am happy for getting to know so many people here. I have known three hip-hop dancers the other day when I went jogging. So it really is a good thing actually, for getting a job in just a week after I came here and get to know more people everyday.

Hari asked me one thing tonight.
"What are you doing in Bali actually?"
Because people come here only for two reasons, he said. One is for holiday, and the other is to runaway. I told him I was looking for peace.
"No. You are already at peace," he said, looking at my aura and character.
So I said, "It is to keep the peace and life balance that is hard."

He went silent by this, and I was surprised myself. But it is true. I just got my peace and life balance, and I know that living in Jakarta or Bandung will drag me back to my old life. I want this peace to stay inside me. I want my relationship with God is close and intense like this. I went to Denpasar to go for a charismatic pray in St. Joseph church with Oom Irwin and Tante Susan yesterday. It is nice to be close with God all the time.

So, yea maybe that is the reason why I am now in Bali. I see people pray a lot here, both Hindu and Catholic. Well I dunno about other religions, but Hindustan are surely very religious here, which attracts people from around the world the most. But to my surprise is that daily mass are being held twice a day at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with mass for the divine mercy every 3 p.m. Plus other activities full from Monday to Sunday, both in FX church (here in Kuta, about 300m from my place) and in St. Joseph in Denpasar.

It is really nice to pray here in Bali. Perhaps that's why there is some kind of peacefulness I feel in every part of the island I've visited. Maybe that, or perhaps it's because I am already at peace like what Hari said. Anyway, I am so blessed to meet so many kind people here. I believe God will take care of me ;)

You really better check this one out. Filastine, a Seattle musician, asked Nova Ruth, an Indonesian singer, to join with this wonderful collaboration of post-modern music where Indonesian traditional meets with western touch. A very complicated yet beautiful concept of music, they are now my newest fave.
Check the full story here.

I know that almost everybody was surprised when they hear I am now staying in Bali. Out of nowhere and without precaution, I suddenly decided to go. I don't understand this myself. All I know that I had this strong calling during the retreat I had last month to go to Bali. I just knew that I had to go.

Maybe because of these:

1. I need to live by myself now, being independent of my own for I am nearly 28 now.
2. I have always dreamed of going away from Jakarta-Bandung. This is my first step.
3. Bali is not as far as Melbourne. At least this is still in the country and is affordable.
4. I have always loved this island. The culture, the architecture, the view, the atmosphere...
5. I have got to push myself to the limit, see what else I can do besides what I have done before.

So, yea, let's call this as a brand new life for me. I really need this in my life, while my other friends are mostly get in marriages. I need to fix some aspects in my life, and I also need to find out why I am here now. God must have have something great behind all of this, made me come by an interview and got the job canceled once I got the place to stay... and staying jobless until now.

But I know that God has always been with me since the first flight. He made me met Tante Siska, a friend of Mom's who had been very kind to me--helping me with almost all of the things here until I am fully prepared. God had led me to Mrs. Ketut as well, for she is very selective on accepting people who stay here and believes in the unseen forces around. She said it is destiny that I came here and meet her.

I also know that my late father is here with me. It's like almost all of the places that I visit here reminds me of him... perhaps because he had stayed in Denpasar for couple of years back then and we had our last holiday with the family here. But indeed, it is really like he's here around me, leading me on every step that I take. I can feel him close, I even can imagine him communicating with people around.

Well, anyway, I do feel at home now, even that the bathroom is at the other part of the house and there is no aircon... Mrs. Ketut said, the room will chill when our head is chilled. But once our heart/head is heated, the room will also feel hot. It's a good thing, I guess.

But, yes. I love this place. I love Mrs. Ketut's family, with their humble heart and modest way of living. I am gonna stay long here, I know!

I spent a whole day yesterday at Kuta beach and Legian by foot. I met Lita and Oscar at around 3 p.m. at Warung Made where I had pancake and cappuccino, then we walked along Poppies Lane I and Kuta beach road until the sun set. I left them at Pullman Hotel lobby then walked the way home alone.

I stopped at some bar for dinner and to avoid the heavy rain, then stopped at another to have a glass of wine while listening to some live music. I got home at 11.30 and fell asleep right away.

I woke up at 6 as usual and walked to the Fransiscus Xaverius Kuta Church for 7 a.m. Sunday mass. It was really a nice church they built. I love the serenity I felt inside of it, it was nearly the peaceful feeling I got inside of the Kapela in Cikanyere. I love this church, and the fact that it is located only 300m from my place just makes it better!


I spent my day with Mrs. Ketut's family. Her sister-in-law, Made Sari, was visiting and helped her making preparation for their prayer. Her niece, Dayu (daughter of descendant of Bagus, a higher kasta in Hinduism), was also there after the Scout Girl at school. It was really a nice tradition in Bali they are having. I am lovin' it!

Tante Siska showed me the area of Kubu Anyar last week and here it goes; my new crib. I am so lucky to get a place with such a huge yard and also very clean. The house even get a plaque of Healthy House Type A. The owner is Mr. Sareng and Mrs. Ketut with their two sons, Wayan and Made. The latter is about my age. They also have family of Mr. Sareng come by so often and made the house merry.


Yes. If you know me close enough, you will know that purple is my favorite color. That is why I brought only purple stuff with me, including my favorite patchwork bedcover. By the way, Mom bought me a very light sofa bed that can bed two persons and I made a little side table out of the card box I got from the packing. I put on colorful tie-dye sarongs on it for a little cuteness. I love my new room!

For those in Bandung, please come and join the fun!

This is my fifth day staying in Bali. I had spent the first two nights staying at Tante Siska's place and went to do morning yoga in Renon park, circling the area by motorcycle (by myself), bought the internet modem for my Macbook at ICE, met Xiong at Kopi Made, and trying various Balinese food with her.

Now that I got my own place, I spent the first night unpacking my luggage and store them to the cupboard and arranging the room so that it is now tidy. I woke up at 6 a.m. every morning and went jogging around the Kuta beach yesterday. Went to Kerobokan for interview and circling around Uma Alas, Petitenget and chilled out at La Lucciola.

Here are some language I've learned in Bali
kije : where are you going / where to go? 
dije : referring to a place (at). 
sing : not / do not
ken ken : why / what's up?
bli : referring to a guy
ni luh / iluh : referring to a girl 
bagus : referring to a little boy

Gonna add more when I learn them.. Stay tuned!