Sebenarnya kalau di tanya, " Mbak kok berani sih ke Eropa backpacking, pasti modal duitnya gede ya?"
Aku pastinya jawab, ............................gak juga.
Kalau temen aku dah bisa punya rumah (kreditan-bayar 1 jutaan perbulan), motor (honda tiger berapaan ya sekarang? 21 jutaan dapat gak??) ataupun tas prada aspal yang hampir satu jutaan, ataupun koleksi EMAS betaburan... kenapa aku gak mampu nyisihkan uang 10 juta per tahun buat liburan??
bisa dong!!
Hitung punya hitung, kalau tuh kreditan motor atau perumahan bisa paling ngga Rp 600.000,- sampe Rp 1.000.000,- tiap bulannya, bayangin kalo satu tahun 12 juta ke kumpul bisa ke mana aja?? kalau aku bisa 5 juta aja 3 negara tahun 2007 dulu?
Emang rejeki orang beda2... hobi juga beda. Walaupun diriku gak punya apa2 tapi ada kepuasan tersendiri di balik traveling itu. Investing good, but traveling is one of a good investment!! memperkaya diri bukan dengan harta aja... i feel its more worthed than a Prada or Gucci bag. Tapi tiap orang beda.. balik lagi ke rumus di atas, kepuasan masing2 itu gak bisa di ukur loh!!
Banyak juga karyawan yang gajinya di atas 20 jutaan tapi mereka tetep gak ada NIAT buat jalan2. Jadi uang bukanlah segalanya...
bukan modal utama!
Jadi sebenarnya apa sih modal utama jadi backpacker cewek? cewek sama cowok sama aja sih, cuma aku berasa jadi cewek sedikit lebih ribet di beberapa hal.. yah.. mahluk special ciptaan tuhan sih.. (hehe yang cowok gak usah sengit gitu deh!).
Modal utama untuk tiap petualang/backpacker pastinya beda... wong beda orang beda prinsip dan prioritas hidup! sudut pandang pastinya beda juga toh?
Kata orang segala sesuatu berawal dari
NIAT, atopun kemauan/motivasi. Kalo kamu dah niat, dah punya kemauan gede buat tarveling, pasti ada aja cara buat pergi. Mo wisata domestik mo internasional.. kalo gak ada niat, gak ada kemauan pasti kaga bakalan pergi deh!
Sia2 banget kalo duit ato modal punya tapi kemauan gak ada. Baru kena masalah di pembuatan passport ntar dah keder deh! gagal lagi berangkatnya... yahh... kalo gak ada niat apa2 udah bobo aja di tempat tidur gak usah ngapa2in!
Kalau aku yang utama:
INFORMASI.
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| Information, thats means cheaper way to travel! |
Semakin banyak informasi soal tempat yang di tuju semakin baik, semakin banyak modal di bagian ini semakin sedikit jumlah uang yang bakalan di hamburkan... hehe...
Bayangkan kalau kamu ke suatu kota/negara, kalau kamu punya informasi di mana tempat makan halal yang paling murah? moda transport yang paling hemat apa? punya salinan line kereta api/metro/bus jadi gak sia2 waktu sama uang gara2 harus beli tiket lagi....
Itu sedikit contoh aja dari pentingnya persiapan, pokoknya
INFORMASI, gunakan rumus komunikasi 5W+1H (who, what, which, where, how?)
Masih ora mudeng? ini contohnya:
Who? contact person lah, ada yang bisa di hubungi gak di kota itu? hehe mana tau dapat tempat tinggal gratisan, atau dinner gratisan... (ngarep dot com).
What? apa aktifitas yang mau kamu lakukan? sight seing? hiking? sepedaan? tour?
Which? moda transport mana yang mau kamu pake?
Where? kalo gak ada kontak person di tujuan, mau tinggal di hostel mana? di kota mana? di mana lokasi pasti hostel kamu? dimana lokasi pasti terminal bus? di mana lokasi kedutaan besar kita?
How? bagaimana kamu menuju suatu tujuan? bagaimana cara survive gak pake nasi 18 hari?
Masih banyak deh dengan rumus ini, ajaib banget, gak sia2 gue kuliah..huahauhauha....
Kata dosen aku dulu,
"siapa yang menguasai informasi, akan menguasai dunia" so watch out guys... this girl will conquer the world (huahauhauh ketawa ala mak lampir!).
Selain bisa ngirit gara2 bejibun informasi, kita juga jadi lebih pede kalo kita jalannya cuma sendiri. Pada prinsipnya ini alasan aku ngeduluin informasi di atas segalanya. Berhubung gak ada "side kick" kita jadi bergantung sama diri sendiri.
Nyasar sendiri, kehabisan duit juga sendiri.. lahh susah senang juga sendiri. Jadi kalo gak mau susah, yah persenjatakan-lah diri kalian dengan informasi. Kalau bisa detai kecil kek alamat kedutaan Indonesia sama nomor polisi tiap negara deh... sama bahasa setempat incase of emergency.. itu juga namanya informasi!!
Kalau persiapan sudah ok... yah rasa "takut" atau keder berpetualang sendiri pasti hilang. Toh kalian sudah antisipasi kalau ada hal yang melenceng...
Setelah informasi yang buaaanyaak di dapat, yah kita olah deh, bikin planing yang simpel, yang masuk akal, yang bisa kita raih.
Create a good plan! a good plan is a plan with lots of back ups!! kalau buat rencana jangan buat satu aja, buat bakc up juga dong non! jadi kalau rencana kita gagal, bisa jalanin yang lain. Cuma gara2 hujan deras, jadinya tinggal di hostel aja seharian?? gak banget deh!
Buat itinerary yang jelas dengan back up plan yang bagus!
Contoh kalau kita pake couch surfing, jangan ngarep dot com sama satu host aja, kirim request sebanyak mungkin, mana tau--kek pengalaman gue, si host harus mendadak keluar kota satu minggu sebelum kita berangkat, dah ngira semua aman, damai, tentram.... jadinya kocar kacir juga! jadi create back up plan, sediakan at least 2 host!! sama 2-3 alamat hostel di kota tersebut!!
Ibarat pilem Ocean Eleven yang tenar, mereka bisa sukses sebab ada banyak back up plan... banyak escape route nya! jadi susunlah rencana yang etrbaik, yang memungkinkan buat kalian!
Contoh, kalau memang bawa tas koper yang beratnya 20 kiloan lebih, jangan deh buat rencana PP/pilang pergi naik METRO di Paris... gak tega gue!! kalau sudah dapat informasi kaliabn pasti tau kan.... di sana itu gak ada eskalator atau lift ya Non!
Jadi kalo kamu bukan atlet angkat besi gak usah deh mikirin METRO. Nyusahin orang ajah nanti... (pikir aja naik tangga lebih dari 20 step di 3 METRO station paling sedikit...).
Memang ada sih beberapa traveller yang bisa traveling gak pake rencana, modal tas di punggung doang, dan pergi deh kemana angin membawa (cieee) tapi sanggup gak lo dengan segala konsekuensi yang mengikuti?? konsekuensi kelaparan dan tidur di emperan?
Ada beberapa cara sih buat ngumpulin duit, buat makan dikit2.. contoh ngumpulin botol bekas buat di jual di mini market di Jerman.. lumayan.. beberapa botol bisa buat beli roti sama kopi... tapi mampu gak lo travel se extreme itu??
Mungkin masih banyak yang lain, tapi aku tulis sampe disini dulu... nanti lanjutannya!!
Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it won't get you anywhere ~ Van Wilder
This is the very first time i went to place that i known a little. We know Paris in Indonesia we talk about it a lot. But Brussels-Belgium?? No..i don't know the president, i don't know the flag... what do i know about this city/country?? i browse it AFTER i book my bus ticket from Paris while i was still in Indonesia. Belgium is so small! Sumatra island is much bigger than the whole country it self!
So tips from me after traveling there, go to the neighbourhood cities beside Brussels.. especially Brugge the 2nd Venice in Europe... they said its worth the visit, and i found this after the 2nd day in Brussels!
First impression about Brussel I got while I was still in Eurolines bus. It’s a smaller town compare to Paris. The roads are smaller, and somehow there are more people with lighter hair color than darker. The street are mixed between the aspal and cobble rocks. Its had its own character I think. Somehow i think i see more blonde here... errhhhh... ok.. this is interesting.
When I was arrive its around 7.45pm at Gare du Midi/Zuidstation station. I was thinking to stop here because it’s a middle train station (well that’s my best translation!). The train station is so big that I got lost! I try to find the “METRO” system. I could understand the France language.. its just the same like in Paris whenever I try to “vous parlais anglais?” they will say “non” and kept talking in French while I will talk in English… once again I was “lost in translation”.
The language they use in Belgium is French and Dutch. So, all of the street signs and directions are in both languages, French and Dutch. But I don’t mind. It’s kind of great to hear this mix. Indonesia back then was colonialism by Dutch, for over 300 years. But too bad we don’t speak Dutch! (even Mr T ask me why i am not speaking Dutch??errh i don't know..because they dont even allow Indonesian to STUDY and learn READING??) back then only people who work with Dutch govt who given the opportunity to learn and study in School. My family roots never like Dutch hahahah! so we dont speak dutch (i think back then they also consider anyone who speak Dutch as traitor!)
Again the cultural mixed here, blend into the city life. The buildings, people, and foods are so various. I like the town in between, it’s like standing in gray area. It’s richer with the twist!
My first mission after finding the Metro train station is try to understand how it work!! I had the map on my ipod so I know what direction I should ride in.
Ok, it’s a different system than Paris, the ticket machine (it’s called “GO”) almost the same. But this time I had coins so, I get 5 jump/ride pass for 7.30 Euro. The ticket just made of thick paper, with size of ATM card. Kind of remind me the train ticket card to go to Sentosa Island in Singapore. For other choice of tickets you could see at this
website/STIB.
I pick the 5 trip because theres no way I would want to use day ticket because its 8pm and I was exhausted and really need sleep! It’s the 4th day since my traveling, so I guess the jetlag still there but I kept pushing myself… and yah.. hahah I just want to sleep early!
Don’t lose the ticket! You will need to validate it in a yellow box machine on the entrance. Hehe don’t play fool here folks, there plenty security at the train station, so better not forget to validate the card because they did check it randomly.
With this ticket actually you could use it/mix it with bus or tram ride. So it’s very efficient! Also you could book the ticket online, but I am not so sure how this work. I prefer to do it at the train station. And no queue like in Paris, so no worry!
But of course for the comparison between bus, tram and metro, my fave ride is the metro because it’s the fastest. In Brussels there are 4 metro lines and 2 tram lines, so you don’t have to squeeze in like in Paris. It’s a small city once again, and plenty transport choice.
Also I do notice that it’s very friendly to wheelchair. I like it, because I think it’s fair enough!
When I am waiting for the train, I made mistake reading the sign, that I go to the other way instead to the direction that I should go (hehehe). I just laugh at myself because its silly! Especially when you’re dragging a huge purple luggage.
From Garde du Midi I take the direction to Simonis-Elizabeth, its 7 train stop to the Botanique/Kruidtuin. In the train I met with a boy with a very friendly smile. He works in one of chocolate shop in Brussels. We talk quite a bit. He kept saying Brussels is very good and safe.. haha ok! we talk abit about tourism in Brussels and its nice to know new people here, his name is Max..thats sound European.
When he needs to go down we did something ackward, as he said good bye, when i give him my hand to shake he pullm e instead to kiss my cheek and hug, errrhh i froze and i could feel my face warm, i bet i blush, and he the same as must be could feel i feel shock hahah! ok.. this is how they said good bye.. ok..thanks God my body alarm not set to "on" hahah so i wont slap him hahah! i wash blushing so much that i could only grin! (its not our culture!!)
I stay in
Van Gogh Youth Hostel. Yep, it’s the famous painter. He once live there… uhmmm.. ok its very nice actually, I’ve seen the pictures of the hostel from internet. I take the mixed dorm room, the cheapest one for 18 euro per night plus you got breakfast. They also had shared kitchen that you could use.
I brought some food from Indonesia. I gave some of the food for my first host in Paris. He went to Indonesia before, so I bet he like the peanut paste for gado-gado, the mixed veggies salad… plus the pasta could be used as sate, the barbeque in stick also Indonesia food.
Check in at the hostel they said they’re full. But then I show them my booking mail, lucky I print out everything. I said I booked the room, and I got the mail. She then ask me to fill up the form, hand out my passport—they had rule some people over 35 not allowed to stay at the hostel unless it’s a group.
I look around the lobby, there are plenty students, maybe its like a tour. They speak in Germany and some in Dutch.
I got my room key, and getting to the room i see, wow... there are asian, but hahah why they look not friendly?? errh.. never mind. Get into my room... oh my.. this is the most WEIRD bunk bed. I got the 2nd/top bunk...but...WHY THERE IS NO STAIRS?? how the heck i get up there??
Its actually not that hard for me as i like climbing. Im quite a pro since kids as my house fence is 3 meters high!!(and i escape most of time! hehe) I put my luggage on the wall.... and then i use it as a step to get to the top, and i try to jump from top.. wow... this is quite high!!! boys and girls do not try this at home!! hahaha!
It was 9.30 and i decide to get some hot shower. I already told about the electric power as bad side at this hostel. But hey... dont call me McFika gyver.... heheh.. so with towel and my toilletries i walk through the hostel. I found some places where i could actually recharge my stuff.
At kitchen, at common room, also near lobby. After that i went downstair near the pool table, the shower kind of reminds me of swimming pool shower!
The smell and the cubicles hahaha! i see another plugs there, and the toilet you could close the door. So i took shower and recharge my cellphone and ipod!! finish shower i feel sleepy. Get my self a noodle cup and eat it quick at kitchen, everyone still talking and drinking beer. Its hell of crowd. I like it. But none try to speak with me just the guys look and stare and ....why they feel shy?? i am the only one who had brown skin... and it feels good once again!! hehehe (feel like a cougar in rooster cages hohohohoh). I had to remind my self most of guys in here prob much younger than me!! haha
I just try to understand what they talk about, i could hear some english, buyt very little, mostly french, and dutch also germany.
After brushing my teeth i get back to my dorm and use my eye mask and EAR PLUGS. There are two girls get in and said they want to g o to party and there are 3 guys, they seemed like arguing wether there are people in 3 beds that they want to stay in. I look at them, without saying anything as i already on my bed, using my sleeping gears... they short of saying sorry.. hey.. i try to get some sleep here!!!
Tomorrow more about Brussels and more pictures for sure!!
Kalau semua perjalanan sama kek tempo lagu, dari lambat ke cepat, atau ibarat panser dah panas baru ber beran... cerita aku mulai dengan panas dingin duluan...
Kalo yang jelek jangan ditiru yakk *takut dikutuk emak2's sedunia* lhaa kenapa??? ini jawabannya:
Aku gak pernah bilang sama nyokap soal berangkat ke Eropa, ngakunya cuma ke Singapore doang!! hyaaaa!!! ke Jakarta aja doi dah cemas getoohh... bilang ke Jerman pastinya doi bilang "NEI..NEI..NEI!!" mampus gue nanti di pasung di hutan Jambi!!
Berangkat dari rumah jam 10.30am kesialan di mulai dari malam…
Bisa2nya tambalan gigi copot… please deh dah mau berangkat masa mesti sakit gigi segala.. gak lucu lah…tapi apa boleh buat… terpaksa pergi kerumah sakit dan ngantri dan memohon suster biar bisa duluan, secara dapat nomor 8 huhuhu.. akhirnya dokter gigi di batalin sebab sampe jam 11 kurang masih duduk dengan manisnya di ruang tunggu.
Diantar sama si mamah sama pacar adik gue, kita barengan di airport.. masih ada waktu 45 menit jadi kita makan bakso malang dulu heheh.. taste of Indonesia sebelum nyoba roti melulu.
Waktu dah di panggil buat boarding, sambil cipiki sama cipika, langsung bilang, mah aku pergi ke Jerman sama Perancis, doain baik-baik aja, nyokap bengong, "ahh masa sihh?kapan ngurus visanyaaaa??" cuma bisa teriak sama nyokap, "ntttaaaarrr di ceritain waktu baliiikkk!!!" dan si anak durhaka melewati security airport sambil dadahin mamahnya yang bengong...
Ntar tak di belikan kain sari warna hijau lagi deh dari Singapore... doi suka sama kain sari, berhubung bisa dibuat pakaian muslim (panjang kain sari 6 meter bo!) lumayan bagus buat seragam lebaran huahuah! (ngirit dot com jugaaaa)
Akhirnya pesawat lepas landas jam 11.30pm hehe duduk di sebelah ibu2 yang baeeek banget.. kita kenalan trus dia nawarin satu taksi/barengan dari Hang Nadim ke Batam Center (dari airport ke pelabuhan). Memang dari awal aku niatan mau cari orang buat share taksi.. lumayan biar bisa hemat 70 ribu bagi dua hehehe (ngirit dot com lagii)
Sampe di Btama sekitar jam satu lebih… kita langsung jalan ngambil barang.. oh ya lebih baik beli tiket kapal PP dari airport sebab lebih murah. Aku naik boat penguin dengan harga tiket yang diskon dengan syarat tuh tiket PP digunakan sebelm 30 juni 2011. No problem.. memang kan niat baliknya tanggal 5 Jun jadi aku ambil aja. Letak counter ferry sebelum pengambilan barang ada di sebelah kanan.
Waktu itu aku mau tukar Singapore dollar di sana tapi setelah liat ternyata nilai tukarnya jalek banget bandingannya, jadi aku bata tukar dan mutusin mungkin tukar di Singapore aja kali yaaaa…. Secara aku masih punya kartu MRT dan aku juga masih ada kira2 25 Sing dollar.
Jadi berangkatlah kita dengan taksi yang super ngebut… aku udah tau jadwal ferry yang bisa aku kejar.. Ferry jam 2 siang. Jadi aku rada santai juga, si ibu2 sama mertuanya juga asyik banget orangnya. Dia bilang aku gila sebab aku jalan2 sendirian ke Eropa pertama kali..waduh bu, saya juga mempertanyakan kewarasan saya sebenarnya…
Akhirnya kita sampe di Batam Center, masih belum berunbah dari luarnya… kami langsung ke belakan tangga untuk setor tas, hehe.. disini kita bisa check in tas kita. Tapi ternyata kata si bapak yang Tanya kita mestu lapor tiket dulu di lantai 2. Jadi aku naik ke lantai dua dan cek in tiket dulu.
Disini aku musti bayar S$12 untuk port tax. Whatever lah… sudah cek in aku turun lagi ke bawah buat check in tas aku. Disini di bilang kalo tas beratnya
dibawah 20 kilo FREE, tapi kemudian si bapak suruh aku bayar Rp 10.000,- yah bodohnya aku ketika terima recipt/tanda terima aku gak baca.. ternyata di recipt yang dikasihnya juga biaya RP 00,00,- wew!!! Baru nyadar waktu dah naik ke boat!! Ahhh pungli!! Dasar INDONESIAAAAA!!
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| Hiks.. korban PUNGLI biadaappp! |
Aku juga lupa kalau kartu XL ku tersayang belum di aktifkan international roamingnya.. huhuh..buru2 hub teman aku buat cari info soal int. roaming! Tapi ternyata sodara2 gak ada info buat international roaming dan keknya harus langsung ke XL shop..haduuuhhh…
Tapi aku dah siap sedia dengan membawa semua kartu huahauha..mulai dari IM3, AS sampe dengan XL hohoho..yang mana yang bisa di pake aja.. kalo ngga ya udah aku beli kartu aja lah…
Sampai di Singapore waktu mau masuk ke imigrasi.. wadaw.. aku liat banyak kaliiiii peraturan yang bisa buat aku di deportasi: 1. Aku bawa DVD bajakan… niatnya mau nonton DVD kalau cuaca gak bagus di hostel/hotel nanti 2. Aku bawa obat2an yang lumayan banyak kek buat apotek berjalan huahau secara aku suka kena flu huhu maklum daya tahan tubuh agak kurang kalo dah di Negara orang! Hehe yang ke 3. Aku juga tau kalo di larang bawa barang palsu masuk ke EROPA tapi aku tetep bawa WHPO aspal dengan kulit tulisan LV hahahaha sok cihuy banget kan!
Tapi ternyata… waktu udah deg degan abiss… yang ngecek passport aku cowok.. hoho dia tanya mau ngapain ke EROPA aku bilang mau ngegembel disana, dia bengong.. maksudnya sekolah? Heh aku bilang liburan backpacking. Dia senyum2… hehe baik juga… passport di stempel dan akujalan menuju mesin xray.. huhu pilihan yang sulit untuk jujur.. mau masuk ke jalur “have something to declare” atau “nothing to declare” hahahah aku mantap jalan di “nothing to declare”. Mudah2an gak ada yang bunyi2 atau di suruh bongkar tas!! Malunya booo….
Tapi ternyata gak ada yang nyetopin dan bunyi2 cihuyyyyy…..
Aku mantap melangkah nyari MRT buat ke changi!
Waktu di stasiun MRT Harbour Front aku check status kartu MRT aku wew… ternyata sisa Cuma S$10 yah sudahlah.. aku recharge lagi S$10 (aku ada bawa sedikit sing dollar dari Jambi). Dan langsung naik MRT.
Dari harbor front MRT aku naik NE17 jurusan Punggol (line warna ungu) dan turun di interchange Outram Park buat ganti ke kereta MRT jurusan Changi (line warna Hijau tua). Dan dari sini kira2 ada 12 stasiun MRT sebelum Tanah Merah. Di Tanah merah harus ganti dengan MRT khusus ke Changi Airport… hehe kedengarannya ribet.. tapi gampang kok kalau dah ngerti….
Sampe di change aku masih ada waktu kira2 6 jam..wadaww…
Langsung ke terminal 2 aku dah langsung liat “early check in” Lufthansa.. yah… sutralah.. aku langsung double check bawaan di tas ransel.. takut2 ada barang2 nanti yang di tahan waktu di gate huhuhu pengalaman jelek.. nanti disuruh buang pula lotion tersayang ku!
Check in langsung dah ngelayap di terminal keberangkatan, ada beberapa toko yang menarik di sana. Jadi shoppibng sedikit2 sambil nunggu waktu keberangkatan.
Dah dekat dengan waktu keberangkatan aku langsung ke ruang tunggu gate.. errh masih belum buka, lampunya aja masih matee.. yah sutra, aku liat ada kursi massage buat kaki gratisan.. lumayan, duduk di sana sekitar setengah jam hohoh recommended time sih Cuma 10 mebnit tapi berhubung orang Indonesia kali yee kalo gak setengah jam di pijat gak manteb.. yah sutra… merem melek di kursi pijat…
Balik lagi ke ruang tunggu.. errh dah rame, langsung habisin air di botol minum, tapi botol aqua aku simpan dalam back pack, namanya bekpeker berguna nantinya...
Surprise, flight Singapore-Munich, aku mahluk paling eksotis! Hoho berasa cantik banget… jadi satu2nya cewek asia dengan rambut hitam dan kulit coklat! Yang lain kalo gak blonde kalo gak coklat.. hohoh.. sudah berasa Jerman banget, satu ruangan aku bisa dengar bahasa Jerman, Perancis sama… Rusia??? Jadi sumber perhatian jadi gerah juga, aku belagak sibuk dengan ipod hohoh.. ge-er diliatin terus.. (mungkin para bule mikir nih anak nyasar!)
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| My Lufthansa boarding pass...adventure here i come! |
Pesawat Lufthansa yang aku naikin jenisnya airbus, lumayan juga--! Biasa aja sih…. Berhubung tinggi aku 173cm jadi ruangan kaki yah..biasa aja… kalo aku ukuran standard cewek Indonesia yang sekirtar 155-160 mungkin rada lega kali ya… di sebelah aku duduk cowok dari belanda, keknya dia traveling sama 3 orang temannya. Mereka ketawa melulu saling lempar joke kali ya..(gak lucu kalo lempar sepatu).
Sial! Dah duduk manis di pesawat ada yang telat boarding 4 orang total, terpaksa pesawat berangkatnya telat, mesti NYARI dan NGELUARIN tas 4 orang penumpang yang mendadak dangdut tersebut. Dan ternyata ini menyangkut factor keamanan-ciee.. hasil nanya2 nih. Katanya semenja bom pesawat di Inggris dulu, jadi semua tas penumpang yang GAK ADA DI PESAWAT alias gak naik pesawat/boarding tasnya di keluarin. Mana tau isinya bom, ihhh amit2!
Penerbangan 13 jam juga lumayan boring. Aku mondar-mandir toilet, sengaja, pegel bo… jadi dari tempat duduk aku jalan ke depan, bagian bisnis, mutar lagi ke belakang trus kedepan lagi mutar balik ke belakang—total 2 lap, hahahah! Lumayan… olahraga, aku perhatiin setelah sampe memang kaki rada bengkak.. tapi gak parah sih…. Aku juga bawa semua perkakas tidur mulai dari syal sampe dengan topi rajut dan sarung tangan wol, huahuah berasa winter.. gak peduli lah, dari pada masuk angin!
Dah mo landing, aku liat lewat jendela.. wow… ini EROPA beda banget dengan Indonesia, mulai dari vegetasi, rumahnya LUCUUUUU! KEK RUMAH BONEKA!!! Padang rumput luaaaasss banget dengan kincir angin buat listrik.. ohhh my!!!!
Ingat soal connecting flight aku ke Paris yang Cuma jarak 30 menit aku Tanya sama pramugari, errrhhh kok jawabannya GAK TAU??? I don’t know gitu lohh…. Mate aja lohh.. katanya bakalan di urusin!
Ternyata cowok yang sebelah aku flightnya jarak Cuma 1 jam dan dia aja dah nyerah gak bakalan on time dia bilang huhuhu gimana dengan dirikyuuu….. dia angkat bahu sambil bilang, “HOPE YOU’RE A GOOD RUNNER” huaaaahhhhh! Mate aja.. kalo runner gak masalah Cuma bawa tas ranmsel ini… Cuma run kemana geto looohh!! Kan ini kali pertama aku ke airport di munich, aku sudah print out peta/denah airport tapi gak dibilang jaraknya kan??
Pesawat landing dan aku gak peduli dengan sopan, sumpah, main trabas-bahasa Sumatra.. langsung lari kocar kacir kea rah tulisan “TRANSIT” yaaaa ammmpuunnnn kenapa cowok disini cakep semua ya ampuuuunnn… (sempat2nya aku mikir gitu ya).. tapi itulah selama lari ngebirit aku liat mahluk disini cakep2 semua, ramping, kaki jenjang, hidungnya bagus semuaaaaaaaaaa!! Huaduuuhhhhh!! *tahan diri*
Kocar kacir akhirnya ketemu bagian imigrasi kira2 1 kilo dari gate/tempat pesawat aku parkir.. ohh ya 1 kilo dengan tangga naik turun yang nau jubilah!!! Stempel di passport dah aku dapat.. senangnya liat stempel imigrasi dari Munich dengan kode “D” di lingkaran uni eropa-nya…
Dapat imigrasi lari lagi ke bagian security keberangkatan, aku liat masih 10 menit lagi!
Hiyyaaaa….
Lewat kali pertama, alarm bunyi.. hah?? Di suruh copot jaket..
Alarm bunyi lagi waktu aku lewat..disurut copot sepatu sama ikat pinggang, lewat SEKALI LAGI.....
BUNYI LAGI!! Apa de heck!! Body search sama meraka, gila apa!! aku disuruh lewat lagi..dan..
Bunyi lagi, dan pake metal detector setelah body search yang ke dua and do you know apa yang bunyi beep??? BESI KAITAN BEHA yang gedenya se iprit itu!!!!
Sumpah lo, gue liatin yang periksa DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF TOO??? Sambil melotot. Doi nyengir, sukur cakep huh!!!
Habis lah 10 menit yang gue piker bisa kejar.. buat pasang jaket dan sepatu lagi, ada sih niat gila lari gak pake sepatu… tapi dah lemesssss… pasraaahhh… lari ke gate 24 yang ternyata di paliiiiiiiiiing ujung keberangkatan… tentu saja.. Cuma ada petugas Lufthansa, gak ada pesawat… 5 minute late.. dah kek lagu MLTR.
Tanya sama dia aku bilang flight aku dari Singapore delay… huhuhuh…. Dia bilang im so sorry, suruh aku lapor ke kantor Lufthansa.. lunglai.. balik lagi ke arah pemeriksaan sekuriti… sebelah kiri ada counter gede Lufthansa… aku masuk ke queue.. dan gak lama cowok petugas di sana print out boarding pass baru… berangkat jam 9.40am huhuhuhuhu.. satu jam lagi…
Tapi sutralah.. jadi bisa sarapan manusiawi… langsung menuju meja sarapan GRATIS dari Lufthansa.. hohoh sering2 aja… dengan buasnya minum 3 gelas kopi dengan Jacobs crackers yang aku bawa dari Indonesia.
Huhuh gak ada sinyal XL berhubung aku gak sempat daftar. Untung masih ada sinyal dari kartu AS dengan ajaibnya.. hahah! Ternyata masih ada roamingnya.. bagusss…Cuci muka sikat gigi di toilet. Sukur dah di ingatin soal bawa baju ganti dan toiletries di backpack aku. Ganti pakaian, cuci muka sama sikat gigi, dandan lagi…. Lumayan fresh!
Ke ruang tunggu flight selanjutnya di gate 18. Dah ada beberapa orang di sana.. sekali lagi.. the only asian girl hohohoh…. Diliatin terus jadi tersipu2 gerah hahahah! Norak dot com. Mungkin tampang dah kelewat eksotis gara2 gak mandi hahah!
Pesawat ke Paris dari Munich jauh lebih kecil dari yang Singapore. Penerbangan juga kurang dari 2 jam. Di pesawat aku ketiduran lagi hahaha, secara di Indonesia udah sore, dah 2 hari dalam perjalan I feel exhausted!!!
Nyampe di Paris hamper tengah hari! Feel so damn excited dah gak tau lagi rasa capek hilaaang!!
Selanjutnya explore CDG/Charles de Gaulle airport....
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| CDG RER station sign |
.......TO BE CONTINUED....
Thanks to Cathay Pacific and Petrochina Intl' (where i work), i got discount for corporate secretary (this sound very lovely) for flight tickets to Jakarta-Hongkong return.
The fare that i have to pay is US$ 250 for return ticket Jakarta-Hongkong. Isn't that cool?
So, October 26, 2010 with Batavia air i fly from Jambi to Jakarta at 5.05 pm and arrive nearly 6pm at Soekarno Hatta-Jakarta. I had some dinner at terminal 1 (for Indonesia domestic flights).
Arrive at Jakarta Soekarno Hatta at 6.05pm went to luggage claim and took my backpack and get something for my dinner. This time there was no problem like my previous traveling when I cannot find my back pack, and I had less than 3 hours flights to Bangkok!
But that was with Lion Air… this time with Bataviaair heheh… different airlines.
For my dinner I choose Mie Kingkong near the stairs to the mushalla (arrival door right side about 50 meters after A&W). I just want something other than junk food. I order Hot plate noodles with black pepper beef for Rp 30.000,- and I had a mineral water for Rp 8000,- the noodle actually taste nice, but its overcooked… from 1 to 10 (1 is yuck! 10 is have to have it) I will give 5, its better to pick other food.
After dinner I look up for free shuttle bus to terminal 2. The free shuttle bus (yellow mini bus) will come every 20-30 mins. It goes from Terminal 1 (Indonesia Domestic Flights) to Terminal 2 (International flights, including Garuda airways flights domestic and local and Air Asia for International Flights) and the last one is Terminal 3 (Domestic Air Asia Flights-including to Bali and Mandala Airways flights). Terminal 3 is my fave terminal since its new, clean and there are plenty places to eat, like Bakmi GM also J’co doughnuts and Starbucks.
Arrive at Terminal 2D, I sit down in front of China Airways check in desk. I still had few hours to go since my flight Cathay Pacific CX798 departs at 23.55 I still had like 4 hour to kill, so I get my netbook from my backpack and pick a good corner and updating my facebook stat and playing games, etc just to pass the time. One of the secretaries said they already check me in online hours before I leave Jambi. It is a convenient thing that you could do city check in or online check in its ease time, especially for those who live in Jakarta that took like 2 hours even more during this raining season just to get to airport earlier.
At 9pm I look up for Cathay Pacific counter, it was in D1, its quite far from where I sit down, but sure I still got plenty time. I check my huge backpack in and had my flight ticket from the group and find out… grrrrhhhhhh!! Not again!! Its wrong name again!
I had to spent 20 mins to explain that its not my mistake that they write my name differently…. But CX have a very good customer service… as I explain the point is.. its me on the flight ticket they want not other person.. so.. yepp they check my things in.
On check in counter I pass my passport and Rp 150.000,- for airport tax. I got my boarding pass with airport tax sticker on it and a “departure card” from the counter. I went to the Fiscal counter near the immigration check, and pass copy of my NPWP card (tax card) and the officer will give “free fiscal” stamp on my boarding pass. If you don’t have this NPWP card you have to prepare about US$200 or about 2 million rupiahs. If you’re Indonesian below 21 and your parent had NPWP card, you should bring copy of your family card (KK) and copy of your parent NPWP card.
After got my free fiscal stamp, I fill out the departure card and pass the immigration. Still few hours before leaving so I back to my netbook again sit on Starbucks sipping Caramel Latte tall, hmm.. I had cookie with me too…. This is fun.
At 11 pm I go to the gate waiting room. Wash my face and try to relax.. its really feel exciting as even if I travel as group, this will be my solo traveling. I will had my own plan, stay in hostel by myself and doing thing my own… hmm….
Nearly midnight we board to the plane. This is the first time in my life I am on flight aboard and its not budget flights. Hehehehe… usually I go by Air Asia or Tiger Airways or Value Jet… inside.. ofcourse this is a lot bigger plane… there are 2 seat near each window side, and 4 in the middle… they had business class too.. its pretty cool that they gave you blankets and pillow also headset for the small tv on the back of the front seat.. cute!
After having midnight dining with mash potatoes and beef sauce.. and a glass of tea (enough dosage of caffeine actually) I try to sleep. I manage to sleep about 2-3hrs when I think I heard the pilot announce that we’re about to land in Hongkong… errrhh? I see my watch still 3.50 wow…. Its 4.50 already in Hongkong. We landed at 5 am.. bummer….
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| Hongkong Airport at 5 am from plane on the way to Immigration |
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| Outside Immigration (after luggage) you could see the Octopus Card booth on the centre |
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| Queue for Octopus Card |
I get myself an Octopus Card for HK$150. Octopus Card could be use for most of transportation system in Hongkong like MTR, Bus, Tram, and you could use it too in some shop. Its very convenient since you don't have to collect small coins, just need to tap it to the device that provided. There is tourist pass for 3 days… its cheaper considerate that i could use it for 3 days and included 2 times ride with Airport Express train...but I think I pass that since its for 3 days MTR use and 2 airport express train back and forward for HK$300 this would be useful for anyone who stay in Hongkong for 3 days, but I just think I am planning to go to Macau or Shenzen so regular Octopus Card would be ok. Oh, the HK$ 50 is deposit that you could get back if you return your Octopus Card (its included on the HK$ 150 price).
Going to the bus to the town its not far from octopus booth just go to the right (not to the parking-but to the other side) and follow the direction, its pretty simple-not! haha if your flight arrive early morning and you're half awake hahaha!
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| From the octopus booth you could see this sign to get to the bus |
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| When you see this, turn right.... |
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| and... there goes the exit door to the bus! yay! |
When the door is open, I can’t forget how freakin’ cold the wind is (aaaaaaaaaaaarrrgghhhhhh!!) sorry.. maybe for someone from 4 weather countries its noting and sounds like exaggerating , as I quote my Canadian boss said “19 degrees is a beautiful day to wear short and had picnic with the family” but its cold… seriously.. if you live in equator lines and your average daily temp is 30-31 C degrees, 17 degrees is cold.
As I look at the information about the buses, they were many of them... I try to jump and run anything to make me warm, and I even wear my wools gloves hahaha!
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| Bus information, from here you could go to right or left depends on the bus u will take |
I use bus #A21 to get my self to Mongkok Kowloon, it was on the right side of the bus terminal (right side of the information board). It still 6 am the wind blow very strong and its only me on the bus stop freezing. I think about my two short and a flip flop on my back pack, and send sms to my mom about this, she must laugh so hard now (ya..ya mom weather is good-I am freeeeezzziiinggg) yepp she laugh at me. A nice lesson for me, October should check if the country I visit had winter!! (Hongkong apparently does have those 4 seasons ugghh!!)
Get in the bus at 6.05 am, I tap my octopus card on the front, near the driver and I show the driver the print out in Cantonese/mandarin language from my hostel, and he nod saying something with gesture to ask me to sit down. Well.. ok.. he know where I should stop at least… it’s the best thing if you had the print out of where to stop because most of Hongkong people cannot understand English, even the taxi driver!! You have to provide the Chinese written in everything, maps, street, hostels, MRT … fiuhhh.. lost in translation begin!
The view from the airport to the city amazing… why? Because you could see Hongkong have everything beside jungle like Sumatra hahahaha! (im in good mood when write this on my note) they had blue ocean with white gulls and mountains and they had tunnels, street are nice, and I could see path where you could run or hike, its very clean, the air is fresh (compare to Jakarta-hehe unfair due to amount of people who live there) and they had busy container port with big ships, I could see ferries to Macau, and long bridges… wow… I see apartment with hanging clothes… I am in HONGKONG! Yaaayyy!
I kept counting the bus stop as it said 6 bus stop. When I almost close I ask the bus driver again.. and he ask me to go? Hah??? He forgot about where I should go down! Aaarrrggghhh!! TT.TT I don’t even know where I am! Freezing, with huge backpack and day pack on front of my body I walk like giant hot dog… suppose to be a normal view but still they stare… hahaha.. anyway… I stand still there and try to figure out where I am, look at map for the 7th or 8 times… still I cant figure it out. Uhmmm... gave up...
So I ask where the nearest MTR to a passing students.. why students? Because they suppose to be able to speak English these days, hehehe…. If they can’t I will teach them some.. hahaha! (my brain freezing and start to act crazy sometimes). One of them point a direction and I could see where I did wrong, I was only less than 70 meters from MTR You Ma Tei … uhhhh…. He got me down earlier then I should… hahah I should be more confident and not rely on someone else.. duuh… So I go by MTR to Mongkok and go to exit B and…. Wow its straight from exit B about 50 meters and turn left when you see theres 7 eleven across, the first door you could see “AH SAN” hostel sign. I am very close to check in.. fiuhh… Going to 14th floor.. this building consist of several guest house, and it is in the center of Mongkok the shopping heaven! Yaaayyyyyy! Great price and the place was clean, the guest house owner could speak fluent Indonesian (see me with wonder at my back pack).
I cannot check in because the check in time is at 1pm. So I ask her if I could use the bathroom. They are very nice to let me use the bathroom. So I clean myself and had new tshirt and wear my thick socks and I am good to go. I kept my luggage locked at the reception.
Down stairs.. oh my… its soooooo cooooolllld! Hahaha its very different than tropical weather when the wind blow, it will be hot and humid, but this is the contrary.. its cold and its very dry. Its good that I kept my nivea lip care with me, keep me moist all the time. But I could feel my skin getting dry by the wind blow only!
My first trip I go from Mongkok MRT to Central and then switch train to Sheung Wan line. My traveling methods are… trying to find places that most of others not going hahahah! And try not to push myself like really schedule it.. because this is a vacation and I shall relax and have fun without “dead line” of places to goes… so it should be flexible (as much as I want) and this is the fun thing about traveling by, myself, I could arrange things my own!
In Sheung Wan I jump on the first Tram that I saw… hahah without seeing where it goes. I go to 2nd floor of the tram. This is one of must do that I wrote. The tram had several colors that show directions and where their last stop. Oh.. for tram, you jump up from behind and go down from front side. I just know about this when I want to get in and some guy point at the back of the tram.. hehehe.. sorry!
My tram color was white, its goes all over to Fortress Hill.
I love the ride as I could see the most of Hongkong Island from a different view. It took about 20 min to get to Fortress Hill where I decide to walk and explore.
I found traditional markets and got myself a very delicious.. tasty… egg tart 3 for HK$ 20! Yums! When I see map while chewing my egg tart that I was pretty close to Central MTR (yepp I walk so far away!) so I go to the MTR and jump on train to Wan Chai MTR station I want to see the Golden Bauhinia Square.
From Wan Chai I get out from exit A5. Errrhh… there are peoples get off from train and I got carried with the crowd following the direction to the Golden Bauhinian, and suddenly… aaaahahahaha… I am in the middle of great building with people using suits, short skir, heels, and up do stylist hair.. OMG.. hahaha..i am completely lost in a wrong place!!
I am the only person who use jeans and tshirt with map on hand and backpack… oh.. I am so lost! Haha! I took the wrong turn and instead getting outside building to the street… I follow people to the expo building!! (but for girls… toilet in here are clean!! Its hard to find clean toilet while in HKG)
Golden Bauhinian Square well known as Expo Promenade it’s a huge place for conference (kind of Esplanade, but for different use) the building is exceptional and the view are amazing.
I manage to find the famous square, but suddenly few tourist bus stop and I know its my time to move to other place… but I see the view are amazing… I could see the other part of Hongkong-The new Territories…. There are plenty people with hi tech camera taking lots of pictures. I sat down on the stairs and enjoy the view..
But not too long because the wind chilling! So I went to the Reunification Monument its about 100 meters from the Square, its still in the same area. The statue and the flower actually signifying the establishment of the Hongkong Special Administration Region.
From there I return back to Wan Chai MTR station and look at my map and decide to do some Museum tours…
From Wan Chai MTR station I go to Admiralty MTR station and exit to Lippo Bank Building (buses to Ocean Park). A nice finding is…I found Bank Negara Indoensia (BNI) wow.. what a relief.. so I could get some more HK$ but too bad they didn’t have MOP for Macau. I think its better to do the exchange in bank because I read things about money changer that they will change the money with currency that not used anymore or it’s a fake money.. sigh…
The Lippo Bank building itself is one of famous Hongkong icon, you will see this building on tv most of time-the building with all glasses and the shape of the windows quite funny. There are two towers and one of the tower leads to ..short of sky walk—pretty similar with one in Bangkok. These sky walks connect from one building to another. So I don’t need to cross the street below. So, I went from the Lippo Bank building all the way to Fairmount Building across and then I go down to cross the street.. and the park in front of me!! Yaayy…
The uphill path little bit tiring me so I sit down in a bench and enjoy the view of Hongkong building… oh gosh its so convenient to have a park in the middle of town like Hongkong…. Its beautiful!
In Hongkong Park there are several buildings. One of the buildings I was entering was a museum with old Chinese Old Stamps on the 2nd floor… it’s amazing, all made of jade of course… I cannot understand the carvings but I enjoy it! On the first floor is place where you could enjoy Chinese Tea.. its actually a tea house… cool!
The second building was the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. In here we could see Chinese antique tea ware, ohhh there are some cute tea pots and movie about the traditions related with tea. There are displays about how they made traditional tea, how to process and the kins of tea.
After seeing and enjoying the museum I went out to the Hongkong Park again, it’s a very fine afternoon. Its amazing…. As the park is so beautiful.. there’s a large fish pool with few turtles… baby turtles.. it’s really calm.. and ohhhh you won’t believe it’s a city centre and its very clean!!
There are also few police walking… I like this.. feel safe, and this park amazing.. with trees and fish pools and waterfall! A bride and groom taking pictures, some senior citizen sit down and enjoy the afternoon… its so beautiful… and oh.. it had free wifi too… amazing! So I sat there for a while, checking my FB and eating a bar of chocolate.
Its nearly 4 pm when I start to explore the park. It had an Olympic park, also a wedding registry where theres a wedding happens.. ohh.. so many wedding a brides and grooms here… I also found the “Aviary” where they had this huge dome contains birds, tropical birds, and they were amazing, its just like one in Singapore zoo… difference is this is the city centre!
Outside the aviary I went to the cotton tree drive rd, across the squash centre theres building to the peak tram. I could see the queue VERY long! I don’t think it will be fine for me if I went to the peak at night I will be frozen!! So I decide to go back to Central MRT again and then I saw map I was on the Connaught Road (Hongkong not that big, so walking is pretty easy!) so I think I want to try the LONGEST ESCALATOR IN THE WORLD yepp its in Hongkong!
Connaught Rd Central and the Queens Road full of shopping centre (place where I shouldn’t go!) but anyway I cant resist seeing BodyShop so I went there and get something for my skin as the cold wind breaks my skin and lips!
I found the start of the escalator. It was on the 2nd floor of Hang Seng Building.
I see there are many stores on the bottom of the escalator, so I decide to use stairs instead.
I found some interesting shops, massage shop, hairdress, tailors…ice creams and, ahhhh the frozen yohgurt!!! I get some of the frozen yoghurt, its so soft and sweet! And the girls whos own the shop really nice!
I went up to the escalator again and stop at Caine Street. I want to visit the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum.
I like Dr Sun Yat Sen… i know him from history books, he was a very smart person. As political Science Faculty Student i do had some politic classes and I like the way he think to mix the western world and the Asian… He live in Hawaii for a while with his older brother and this length of time give a great influence on his political views. Being a modern person but also not forgetting his root. Its kind of my thing... He was the founding Father of Republic of China, and he was the greatest leaders of modern China politics. His political Philosophy are called "Three Principles of the People" its consist of principle of nationalism, democracy, and the People's Livelihood.
The museum it self actually an amazing house! Its really worth to see! This mid level must be stunning back then, when there are no tall buildings like these days. It’s a residence of a rich family.
Back from Sun Yat Sen Museum tours… haha.. theres no escalator going down.. the escalator will remain one way from down to up from 10.20 am until midnight!
Back to Central MTR, its quite a walk and I like it because theres plenty to see… lots of people start to wear Halloween costumes, and its funny and scary! Hahaha… I love this!
From Central I go to TST MTR… its about time to see the light show-The Symphony of Lights! From TST I went to Salisbury Road (plenty direction signs). When I arrive there are many people already with their huge cameras waiting for the show… even when its still 45 min before 8pm. The show start at 8pm.
The light show its actually mixed between lights and laser. Its … good.. because the sound system… but woooww.. the wind blowing and im freezing hahah.. I feel good because I know I am right about not going to the peak! I pick my spot near the statue of a woman with a floating globe I think…. Its good view from there…
The show only few minutes last.. I watch it until its over… its quite romantic to be there with your love one for sure!
After the show over, I start to walk on the Avenue of Stars… I found some of my favorite Hongkong actors and actress signature and hand print on the pavement… its very nice to know that actually Jet Lee had smaller palms than I do.. hahaha still he punch better tho hahaha! I also take pictures with a bronze Bruce Lee statue, the king of martial arts… hmmm…
Oh.. there was a stall that sold squids... oh Gosh.. smell and taste so goood... its cold and i am hungry! so i had two!! hehe!
I manage to find Starbucks and had my mocca latte and head up to MTR to go back to Mongkok. It was late… even if the Ladies market seemed temping place to explore.. but I just think of tomorrow I had to go to Macau.. so.. I choose to go to hostel and do my CHECK IN and I did! The owner was a nice lady, but its very limited in English, but surprisingly she does speak Indonesia language... impressive.
She took me to another apartment on same floor, it seemed where the dorm room are. It looks messy.. but clean. There was a guy working with his laptop. He said the wifi not really stable, and i ask him if i could access it from my bedroom, he said yeah sure.. so i wash my face and doing bit packing for tomorrow, i decide just to bring my day pack and leave my huge 15 liters back pack...
The room that I got suppose to be shared with 2 other people… but it was empty.. yippie!! So I charge all of my battery and go to bed! Its been an awesome day! Can't wait for more of my holidays!
Fourth day...and its a crazy hot day!
Bangkok was still dark when i rush trying to find Lee on the apartment. We had so much fun last night with the movie, i was fall a sleep at 2am, trying to connect to internet and fail, and gave up and get some internet card down stair with 50baht.
Let say we had a morning "drama" since i lost Lee, but then everything solve just fine, she was safe and sound. All bad thought about someone kidnapping her gone. Don't want to tell details. But for sure, i wont let anything bad happened to my travel mate.
We HAVE to know where our travel mate goes, with who, and what they basically do, no need details, just as long as they are safe. Last thing you want just feel sorry because you think your travel buddy was safe and sound while she was battling with her last breathe. Sure you're not their mum, but could you explain what happen when something bad happen to their family or mum? that you don't know where your "friend" is? cause travel buddy suppose to stand back to back (i do sound like a kick ass!).
Today is friday so Joe can not go with us. We are planning to go some shopping and sight seeing, i am determined to show Lee the Erawan shrine! But before that we had to do a very long BTS trip from Rama 2. And start to think again about staying at the apartment, its convenient but not convenient for our budget as we had to hail taxi from the apartment to BTS station and could cost around 90-110 baht just for BTS station. And we have to do like 5 BTS station until the interchange, oh gosh too much! (See the BTS&MRT complete route HERE)Joes Apartment >>>>Taxi to BTS Wongwian Yai (Silom Line)>>>> 6 BTS stations (Krhungtonburi, Saphan Taksin, Surasak, Chong Nonsi, Sala Daeng, Ratchadamri)>>>> Siam Central Interchange (FINALLY!!)
Anyway, we went to this mall Emporium for some sushi for lunch, why here? i don't know either hahaha.... but we went to the central already before. And because Joe's sms about meeting us on 'ON NUT" station which is only 3 stations away from where we are (Phrom Phong BTS).
But we had time of our own. To be honest this is my very first sushi. Lee a good guide, i like most of the sushi! she sometimes joke around and said something like... ohh thats a sea worm, and i said... what???? she laugh for fun. We enjoy our lunch for sure. The fish sooo fresh and as desert we had green tea ice cream, oh gosh.. so fresh! yummy!! The "damage" is around a thousand baht which is normal as i can see we eat a lot!!
While doing lunch Joe text her and said a friend of his invite for dinner and i told Lee, lets see some clothes here! They had discount, but when we try and had some Joe calling, i didn't heard it as the phone on my back pack. When we rushed to MRT where Joe's waiting it rang again. He become inpatient hehe ...guys...
When we finally met he was too upset to listen to my explanation; i think i better split with him to avoid misunderstanding. So i am heading back to Siam to chill off left them both at On Nut BTS (Shukumvit Line) and do back up plan while on MRT, and i end up... planning to go to Suam Lum Night Bazaar.
Before going there i went to Siam Paragon for new sim card. I just realize IM3 charge me Rp 6000,- per sms to Lee, as Lee is using Thai sim card! Lee sound very worry..hehe so i reply her and say i went to Suam Lum night Bazaar. I had my self a "Happy" sim card color of the package is red with smile on it... as it had the best rate for internet as i would need for my gmail on phone and ofcourse free sms to some thai numbers (as it said hahaha). Their shop at the 4th floor of Siam Paragon, but i had no time to set the internet because its quite late for night bazaar.
So i head to Suam Lum night Bazaar at 8pm. Its bit late, and gosh the MRT sooo quiet even worse at BTS that i believe if some psyco jump off those one column on the wall and drag me out of no where no one will know!! But then i just think i had to go there because there are so many stuff i could get from there before Chatuchak weekend market. Short of warming up hehehe.... (hasrat belanja lebih tinggi dari rasa takut hahahah!!)
Siam BTS (INTERCHANGE between Shukumvit line & Silom Line)>>SalaDaeng BTS (Silom Line)>>off the station go outside the station by sky walk, down stairs (about 150meters, see the sign) switch to MRT Silom>> stop at MRT Lumphini Station
I use the underground BST, just too bad Lee didn't have this chance to try, but i think she will be all right with Joe.Train nearly empty, i just pick seat near the door. I forgot the fact that the store in Bangkok closed at 9.30PM!! And its major shop like the biggest Siam Paragon, unbelievable! hahahah.... Oh the nght bazaar also close the the Lumphini stadion where you could watch the Muay Thai traditional martial art, we both talk about this and think should be fun to watch this sometimes.
When i get off the BTS i was shock.. it was different than 2 years ago!! like when you got off the BTS you will see the Suamlum night bazaar lamps right on the right side of you, but there's only dark empty scary land there!! where is it??? i stood there for a while, and look around there was only several local bangkok guys prob half drunk, not good to ask, and also two caucasian couple face as puzzle as i am, pointing the empty land, hahaha... same... nasib mu sama tohh...
I was so freak out hahahah!
But i walk to the street.. i think impossible to move such big market... i just walk to the right side when i sad neon lights said "Suam Lum Night Bazaar" and heard sound of local Thai band playing loud i know its promising!! so i walk faster, and hahahahah!! the entrance of Suam Lum Night Bazaar right in front of me!!
So i shop for few bangels and pins and a backpack and two tshirt for my self. And then headed to Joe's apartment in Rama 2 nearly midnight. I was so tired!!
.................... Bangkok Day 3:
Sky still blue and not falling apart.....
Last night, Lee and i had a discussion about an idea Joe gave us night before. He said something like:
"If you both have to pay over 300 baht each which is equal 600 baht why don't you rent an apartment room near mine? its only 600 baht per day?"
We thought it was a good idea. For me i had no problem with that as i never had experience live in Bangkok apartment before. I always stay in hostel and i didn't know that there were apartment with that price. I didn't ask the location, Joe only said its pretty close.
It doesn't matter tho, i pay the guest house daily due to my money situation. And my next guest house would be Udee hostel, which is closer to Chatuchak my main highlight.
....hmm... ok lets do some changes here... you ought to had flexibilities on your plans, there for it will be fun for all of us!
So we pack our thing and say good bye to room mates, oh gosh, they are good looking young guys, and pretty nice!
Just too bad one of them FINALLY have guts to say hi to me after two days just look with shy smile and from distance (come on guys! we wont bite!!). He is one of those good looking sweet looks kind of guy (pretty much my type, too bad i prefer brown haired guy hehe).
Check out at 9am and then we use taxi going to Rama 2 where Joe's live.
Its far out side the heart of Bangkok. It is convenient for him, as he work in hospital right across the street. We check in on a room, a level below his room. The apartment just like a hotel. But you could rent it for a month with different price. Its like a studio apartment, large room, a tv set with the dvd player, cozy king bed size, and nice bathroom, a fridge and basically nice.
We had to go out for breakfast first before we going out, as we haven't had our breakfast, so we go to one of the mall there. Because he said its only breakfast so we didn't bring our cameras or bags. But after the breakfast he said we go straight to the China Town... omg!
I was panicking and said to Lee; "we didn't had camera!!" , and worse, i've been to Grand Palace before and we start at 9 am and it was HOT. We were on Chinatown before 12pm and it will be very hot in Grand Palace.
Chinatown, i can't say much as Joe brought us there and just walk passes through. Could see several things that i would love to buy. But i just thought we are going to get slower but we're not. I love Bangkok Chinatown feels like in Hongkong pictures!
Sorry i didn't bring the camera, its just so disappointing not to get pictures from here...
We use taxi after that for Grand Palace. The palace/home of Thailand king family. It was as beautiful as i remember before. Also as crowded as before too. We take few pictures and went around for checking the building one by one.
Lee seemed pretty amazed. Me too, even this is my 2nd time coming visit this palace.
I like the details that they do on the palace wall, window and also the carving doors.The items on the Grand Palace museums also complete and in good condition. We went to the weaponry museums and see some old guns and cannons. Its 3pm and we are all exhausted, and haven't had lunch. So we went to Chaophraya again to go to MRT. Joe have to go to his friend wedding party. We had lunch on the pier when suddenly the rain fall so hard that it looks like a storm coming.
Its not a good way to use the boat then. So we went to the street again and using a bus that passes through the Grand Palace. Joe said its the first time he use that bus. I can't remember the number also. But it goes to the right direction to Rama 2! So we are pretty close to Joe's Apartment.
From the bus stop we use taxi, and Lee sleep on taxi ride. I talk with Joe about lots of things. And i could see i become more familiar with the street to his apartment. It still amazingly far. We spent about 30 min on the taxi. Grand palace seemed worn Lee out.
When we arrive at the apartment Lee said she didn't feel sleepy anymore. So Joe's preparing for his wedding party while we clean our self. I am thinking about going to the mall that i saw on the way to Joe's apartment.When we just finish cleaning our self Joe's calling Lee and said that he cancel the plan to th e wedding party and said he was turning to the apartment and thinking about taking us out for dinner and movie. So we get ready and meet him for dinner and movie at Rama 2 Mall. We eat pizza, i forgot the restaurant name, but oh, its very delicious and thick flavor. I love it... not bad. The pasta also taste very good!
We watch "The Sorcerer Apprentice" quite tense and funny. I love Bangkok caramel pop corn... (from last time i went to movie in Bangkok 2007 with kak Mari) still can't forget the taste, yums! Its almost midnight when the movie finished.
I went to sleep because pretty tired from Grand Palace tour, i still haven't discuss the next day plan with Lee that night, as the lover bird still on their nest...duh...(wink wink).
Wake up a little bit late after our night out, i can't wait to show Lee Bangkok. She also excited about the trip. So we take shower in very nice bathroom of
Lub.D. She impressed with the hostel since that was the very first time she stayed in hostel and on a budget traveling journey.
What i like about
Lub.D (that i regret later didn't take so many pictures on this awesome hostel). It was very clean, and safe as they put multiple door, and the atmosphere are friendly, free wifi, free internet, and they had this bar down stairs that we could had our breakfast and maybe could hang out with the hostel guest at night. Chong Nonsi MRT/Sky Train not really far from there, if you know the map, its less than 15 min slow walk! Its very cool! There also public market not far from the hostel. I love buying food from hawker seller. Its clean, and i think i had more resistance on "un-certified" food hahaha! (sombong!) as long as its not pork, i will be jussstttt fine!
I did a complain, once, when i think i found someone else hair on my pillow (since my hair long and dyed/colored so i know its not mine). They change the bed sheet then.
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| Lee waiting for the traffic light near MRT | | | |
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Back to our cruise at town. There are two MRT station close to the hostel, Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng. But we didn't want the same mistake as last night when we get lost and realize that Sala Daeng actually bit far from the hostel. So we took different route.
Today we are planning to do a little bit shopping at MBK. A shopping mall well known among Indonesian. I bought two tshirt last time i went to Bangkok in 2007. It was cheap, and the quality was very good! it does made me regret not to buy more while i were there that time.
From Chong Nonsi station we have to go to National Stadium station. Its quite far from Chong Nonsi but.. it only took less than 20 minutes. I love the Sky Train or MRT in Singapore. I wish they build this transportation someday in Jakarta. (Ngarep gak papa kan?)
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| I forgot how Bangkok could be so hooot! a short walk and my shirt wet! and i am an Asian! |
Oh, when i arrive at the MRT, i just realize i was become a skimming victim (smile). You know the ATM machine crime? when they copy your ATM card and stole your bank account? yepp.. happened to me! my account left to Rp 28.000 (below US$ 3), thank you very much Mr Skimmer! (weep weep)
Panic? hell yes!! feels like i want to scream, and rolling on MRT floor but i didn't do it. I just stare at the ATM monitor and scared Lee. Hahaha... its really happening to me!
It was my first day in Bangkok i still have like 11 days to go before i land in Jakarta. I only book, half price of most of my accommodation. But all flight tickets are covered tho.
In gasp of panic i try to find at least 5 different ATM at MBK. Lee starve, so we eat our lunch, i still feel like my tummy been kicked hard! hard to chew the food.
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| It looks delicious, don't know the name, but its a green beans with jelly wrapped shaped like fruits.. amazing! |
But we found this unique cute food!! oh its desert... more to. Its a jelly, small size, soooo delicious looks, inside of it is green beans! very creative! i want to ask Lee.... can it made me high now? because i need it please!! haha but i thought Lee was worry enough to think about the rest of our journey. So i didn't spell it out. She bought a box, and its relaxing tho.... sweet and fresh cold. Not that hard to finish the whole container.
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| Delicious, looks very very attractive! (just note the seller name Pa' Lek>>>suspicious its a Java language!) |
At home mom already contact my bank, and nothing i could do as they said it was a valid withdrawn from Thailand ATM, and they know i am in Thailand. Anyway, it was happened, and i ask my mom to send me money for the day and i try very hard to remember if i did brought my Credit Card or not.
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| Look in to that troubled eyes.... so much cute things at MBK but penniless! this is crueell! T.T |
Reason why i don't want to bring my Credit card?
1. I shop a lot (shooooeeeesssssss!!!!!! ruuunnn! discount! ooohhh aawww! madness!)
2. I shop a lot of things i do not need and worse about that, i REGRET IT later, and feel annoyed why i can not hold my seld and bought so many stupid things.
3. I lost things, i forgot things.
4. My CC had no insurance.
5. I just basically don't trust my self being alone in shopping city like Bangkok and Singapore.
Anyway its more to silly personal reasons that worry me. But at last it wasn't proved on this journey tho. You could bring your credit card of course!
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| Is it a cat head? its cute, and funny, and artsy! |
We walk at MBK almost all day. Window Shopping for things. So many cute things there. Until i decide time to get back to hostel. So we walk outside and notice the next building to MBK. There are cute cat head and garbage bin in front of the building.
I never been to that building before. Its
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. They had movie exhibition there. We decide to get in and take a peek inside. Its very calming place, lots of painting and art craft and actually unique stuff! there was post card and its hand drawing very unique for collection!
After going for two floor, we become bored pretty easy. I told Lee about Erawan Shrine. Lots of Indonesian business went there for good luck pray. Shes pretty excited to see. So we walk down to the street because the Erawan Shrine doesn't have Sky Walk (pedestrian walk but its placed align with MRT or above the main highway, even singapore doesn't have this!!)
But then this is the first time i passed by Siam Junction. There are more shop there. We quickly forgot about Erawan Shrine and drowned to the shops. Lee had a good taste in clothing i could see that. And most peopel here think that shes a fashion models. We both tall, over 173cms which not average in Indonesia, we are tall girls and not very feminine as lady boy hahahah!
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| Ballack, mein liebe!! |
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When we walk through the isles of shops there it was... the golden dome the roof top of Bangkok Hard Rock Cafe. I saw it on internet before. So i told Lee about it and she said "lets go there!" so we march down there, made few pictures, between me and mein liebe Michael Ballack, German national football captain (Ich Liebe dich!!). Its pepsi ads. But i could see that the Siam Junction been one of the place where you could watch the World Cup 2010. You still could see flags, posters and pictures along the street. Love German team always... for picture souvenirs (and to irritate someone that been fans of Socceroo... hahaha!) so i take one picture on one of bench with Ballack picture.
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| To the 2nd Floor, basically a Beattles and Elvis "museum" |
Actually before we enter the Hard Rock Cafe, i feel little bit "scared" as the car that parked in front of the Cafe mostly very expensive car (Mazda coupe, BMW, Porsche, etc) freak me out, and think ...ohhh.. only rich people come here, wonder hows the food/drinks price is. Thinking about my less than 3 dollars bank account, basically i am one of those homeless beggars (weep weep).
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| Having Extra Large Ice Cream, its a big Lunch desert!! |
We sit on table with "John Lennon" and Paul McCartney memorabilia on walls. They even allow us to check the place until the 3rd floor. The 2nd floor actually the bar, it was closed that time and open only at night. The third floor is more like office.
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| Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok 3rd Floor Office |
I got my self sundae ice cream, while Lee order glass of
mocktail, i forgot the name (haha we want to get bit tipsy in day light!) and set of fries which we gladly only order for 1 set, because it comes in big basket!! too much even just for two girl, but maybe its just fine for guys. And i want a bottle of water after the ice cream. Oh ice cream HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (two thumbs) for the brownies inside the ice cream taste very good. And have to warn you, its also on big cup, as you could see on my picture, so Lee and i trying so hard to finish it, but we couldn't make it to the bottom of the cup! (soooo yummy that it made me drools to remember how it taste...)
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| I like this..sound like three Musketeers in music! |
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We take some more pictures there before leaving. The waitres are very friendly, and actually "too friendly" hahaha. We learn some of thai language from the guy, which is nice things.
Lee then said she want to meet up with her friend "Joe" so, we have to leave! back to MBK because he will go there. So back to MBK, we walk a bit since it will took him about 45 minutes before he arrive.
We sit at Mc D and watch how much students use the McD as place for studying. Its fun to see also some of the (looks like) University Student teach them. Same like in Indonesia, difference that we don't really use McD as place to study, as there are too many distraction!
Joe finally arrive, and he was very nice person!
He ask if we had dinner already, and we both said we had big lunch and still full. But then he took us to a japanese restaurant in Siam Paragon. Its a fancy restaurant! I didn't really enjoy another food because suddenly i had acid indigestion and i didnt bring my antacid!! i always bring that when i was traveling! it must be fall somewhere but its not on my back pack (weep).
So lee and Joe had their dinner while i had a cup of hot green tea (i think it was yamcha). Its calming tho. We had great time during dinner. And then Joe invite two of his friend to come to join us!
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| Bowling at Siam Paragon Mall |
It was a blast! they were very funny, and crazy. I feel so full, so does Lee! but the fun was not over as then we went to the top of the mall and play bowling!
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| Fun at Bowling with new friends |
It was crazy as i never bowling before! very fun... and Joe was very kind to show me things, and i think i learn it very quick! but of course i was not as good as they are! Even Lee does bowling before!
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| Mr. Strike! He really show off his bowling skills! |
There was a lot of people, families and young old guys mixed there. It was very fun night! I also found out later that the bowling place also had an ice skate rink! wow...
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| Closing time! |
We are the last costumer went back home from the bowling place! hahaha... feels like we don't want to end the night tho! so we walk Joe friends back home, and then find a taxi to get back to Lub D in Silom.
It was 3 am when we had to say good bye to Joe! it was an awesome night and he think he could join us tomorrow tor the "wat" tours!
