28 May 2016 Trip ^^

I've been dreaming of this day. Of a 'free' day for me to explore Melbourne, food wise & culture wise.
So to celebrate the end of Semester one, I tried to do that! ^^

I began my trip quite early (for me). 8:45am, with light sprinkling of rain, I walked to Lygon St and went to this café, Heartattack and Vine. A lovely place with friendly staffs :) I had a tortilla breakfast roll and a pot of breakfast tea. At first it tasted like airplane food :p The roll (sandwich) had omelet with tomatoes and potatoes. But the bread was crunchy and had a distinct sourdough taste, which was lovely! I slowly devoured 2/3 of my sandwich while reading "Indonesia Panggung Sandiwara". It was quite lovely. A lady was sitting on the table to my right, and on my right was the service counter. In front of me was a communal table, where a family with two small children had frothed milk, roll, croissant, and two coffee. They were replaced not long afterwards by a group of older ladies.

I spent an hour there, listening to some music, but also just enjoying the quiet cafe atmosphere. Towards the end I could not finish my roll, so I wrapped the rest. I poured a final cup of tea, but there was still some milk left, so I drank it on its own. It again threw me back to being in the airplane. I used to love drinking apple juice or milk on the plane. It was rich and yum ^^

Looks Autumn-y ^^

Then, I took the bus and went to Abbotsford Convent. There was a Farmer's Market thing going on, and they sold yum products! But avoiding the crowd, I took a walk in the gardens, listening to nature and just reflecting on the beauty. The city seemed close and yet far away. I loved the tranquility.









Spending a few minutes there, I took the bus back to Fitzroy to this secondhand vintage shop. Unfortunately I didn't find anything I like :( There was this bowl that I'd love, but maybe next time :)

The rain was pouring quite hard by this time. But it wasn't windy, so it was in fact quite lovely to be under :)




Again I took the bus to the city - then I switched to the free tram, to NGV Australia. A curious thing happened on the way! I saw a person, dressed in black pants, black shirt, a jacket, a black beret hat, red scarf around his neck, and a broomstick. He was Bert!! :p It was 11.29 am. :p


I've never been to NGV Australia, and it was quite cool! It is similar to the NGV International, the only difference is (I think) the artists involved are Australian artists, and they focus more on Australian arts. I enjoyed some of the work there. But after a few rooms of paintings, I was honestly bored. Thank God for free wifi though! :p

I waited until the rain subsided then took the tram to State Library, to visit the bookstore. Then I walked to Katherine Syme Library. I spent some time there reading, and chatting in wa. It was so cold that I didn't want to go back outside x_x But I had to. I went to woolies then I headed back home.



I enjoyed just being quiet, on my own, observing and reflecting. Thanking God for the past semester, for the beautiful city, for the romantic weather <3 p="">
I had a nice pasta dinner that I made, then I called home and spent about an hour talking away :)
I watched re-runs of Masterchef, I did a bit of research for the vacation.

 
I recharged myself, and now I'm ready for that little bit of extra work. Exams & final assignments, here I come. Thoroughly scared and nervous, but God is my confidence.

I can do this through Him who is my strength.


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Kudeta & Adam Malik

This week I was reading "Kudeta 1 Oktober 1965: Sebuah Studi tentang Konspirasi"
Quite a challenging read & controversial topic ;) but I've always wanted to know what happened during that period.
This book is originally written Victor M Fic --> this is one the reason I wanted to read this book, because it is not written by an Indonesian. (Hopefully) he didn't have any bias writing this paper.

Honestly, my mind was challenged when reading all these 'facts'. I used ' ' marks, because at the end of the day, I have not personally seen the sources of the 'facts', and what happened during those times were really complex that anyone could've said anything. I don't know.

It was quite shocking and sad to know what happened back then, and the people who were 'allegedly' involved. I wish it was all done by bad people, but I now learn that it might be a little more complicated than that.


Power, I learned from the book, might be the source of the problem. The desire for power, for everlasting power. Pride. Personal welfare instead of the collective welfare.
I hope Indonesia learned from what happened back then - even though we don't really know what exactly happened. I hope we continue to be united and focus on our strengths. Indonesia bisa :)



But that's not all I read this week :)
When I went to the library I noticed this small booklet slipped in between two huge books. I pulled it out, and it turned out the booklet contained two speeches by Adam Malik. It was called "Menuju Pelaksanaan Demokrasi Pancasila".
I recognized his name as Indonesia's representative in the formation of ASEAN, as well as in the United Nations. I was immediately curious, and it was an inspiring read!

I learned that the condition of his time and this time is not very different: social welfare difference, between the 'rich' and the 'poor', was a problem back then and is still now. DPR is also still a (may I say) 'problematic' institution in Indonesia. It might be progressing and becoming better and better, but it has been controversial for so many years now. No wonder the process may take a long, long time.

But I was struck by one of his statement:
Ahli sosial harus sama dengan ahli 'science' dalam rasa tanggung jawab terhadap tanah air.

I think I connected with the statement immediately because I'm studying currently studying humanities/'arts', which is social science. And I WILL have the same desire to build Indonesia! :)

Also:
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely". People has to be involved in the practice of democracy.
I think this relates nicely to the "Kudeta" book.
It is not a bad idea to let people be involved, right? It is by the people, for the people :)
Power is necessary to give some guidelines and moves things along, but too much power will set things back instead.


I love reading these themes! It is so different than what I've been learning at school, college, and Uni, but I can still relate to it.
And more than ever, I want to do something good for my lovely country. May God help me.


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

Week 12 Semester 1

THE LAST WEEK OF THE FIRST SEMESTER, AND I MADE IT !

Wow. What a feeling!
Honestly, I never though I'd get to this day :)

Last classes of the weeks were bittersweet. I've grown to like these people, and get to know them a little. :')
BUT it means I'm one semester one of my (hopefully) six semesters course :)

One classmate brought banana cake on my first 'last' tutorial :) YUMM

My week was quite relaxed and I had a lot of spare time - good! bcs I've brought back another stack of books from libraries which includes 2 more Indo book, another Jane Austin book, and Mary Poppins!! :D

But that's not all for this week -->
a. It is is also our first week of the 40-day prayer and fasting :)
I was surprised by how (relatively) well I'm doing :) Okay, my 'fasting' window might be a bit small, but I'm breaking a habit. I'm skipping lunch - so I had breakfast, then I'll have dinner. It's been awesome. Can't wait for more!!

b. Melbourne's temperature started dropping real low :') On Thursday, it was cold and rainy, and the temp only reached 12 degree. It happens again today. :') I can't help it anymore. It's time for the parka jacket & sweaters! & beanie (which I washed :p)

c. The clock starts ticking ;) one month till home! (Although I'm not counting down. Yet.)


We had a combined iCare to celebrate one of our friend who is going back to Indo :')
A very blessed iCare to end her Melbourne journey for now :)


And to celebrate my first semester in Uni, I embarked on a lovely trip today :) Will share in a different post.


Well,
It's now SWOT-VAC & exam mode on. Excited for more round-the-city trips & baking&cooking opportunities (maybe), but slightly (very) nervous about studying well & finishing well.


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

"Detik-Detik yang Menentukan: Jalan Panjang Indonesia Menuju Demokrasi" - B.J. Habibie

I admire Indonesia's third president, B.J. Habibie, quite a lot. It began with the movie Habibie & Ainun.
They have an amazing love story, but not because of its 'romance'. They had a huge respect for each other, they knew their roles within the family, and they both strived to give best for Indonesia.

But then I read Habibie's book "Habibie & Ainun", and it was different than anything I'd read before!
Reading it, you can feel Habibie's loss.

At the same time, I learned about who he is through his writing voice. He had 'magic words' that he repeated when talking about certain things. He is passionate, sincere, and always considers his actions wisely.

So when I saw this book, I knew I had to pick it up! And it was a lot of fun to read: I learned a lot about Habibie and about my own country.

This book is about Habibie's days prior and during his presidential office, written from his perspective. It is quite personal, it almost feels like listening to your grandparents recalling a story - except his memory is really quite incredible and sharp.

He mentioned and discussed various cases including East Timor , KKN and Suharto (Collusion, Corruption, Nepotism), democracy and economic issues. He was basically 'pushed over the edge' and had to 'fix' these issues in the middle of riot and underestimations from both Indonesian citizens and the international eyes. 
But with a cool head he put his head down and get to work. Systematic and full of considerations. And even though some might despise his accomplishments, I think he'd done a lot for the country, especially considering the situations at that time.

I didn't realize that the country I live in basically is 'built' based on Habibie's legacies. The democratic systems that I know. The economy system. The government system. Various fundamental aspects of the country was reformed by him and his government.
And, he did it in 512 days. That is less than 1.5 years. Amazing.

I took notes from the book bcs I learned a lot. Indonesia need more people like him! And there are many, I'm sure, with the same passion and capability as him. But we need to learn humility, perseverance, and the art of understanding the situation from him. Although, I believe he is kind of a genius. The way he analyzed and made plans on how he should conduct his government, which issues must be addressed first and in what ways, showed his incredibly sophisticated way of thinking. And remember he was neither a politician nor an economist. He didn't come from a military background. He is a technocrat! He builds and makes things.
How proud I am to have such a figure in Indonesia. 

I'm really looking forward to reading it again, learning more from the book and from the person.
And I'm hoping he would write more books? :p

Thank you, Pak Habibie!


Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 11 Semester 1

It's coming to an end real soon! :)
It certainly is bittersweet, spending 12 weeks with some incredible people then having to part ways, never to have this exact combination again.

But I'm desperate to go home! x_x
Ahh I know I know I'll only be home for a month, and I wish it could be longer. I really do. But at least it will be a nice push for the next semester :)


This week was quite different - much more relaxed! :D
In iCare we made 'Pad Thai', satay, and berry crumble :)
At home I made chicken soup (for the first time!), I deep-fried kekian from Indo ^^

I also finished one or two pieces :) YAY YAY YAY!
That hasn't happened for a while HAHA.

I took morning walks on Tues-Wed-Thurs, which was relaxing :)
I took another walk from home to Flinders Street, but then I rewarded myself a muffin HAHA :p
I've been craving for cinnamon-y stuff >.< And the muffin was the perfect cure! :)



The restaurant on the first floor of my building had been closed for several days now. I wonder if it will open again :')

Finishing next week, I'm hoping to venture somewhere fun before immersing myself in more studies and prep :)


Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 10 Semester 1

(It's rare. I'm sitting at the tram stop in front of the State Library waiting from a friend. It's quite cloudy, and crowded for a Sunday morning.)

This week was a confusing one for me. Once I'm relieved of my 'duties', I became sooo free I didn't know what to do with myself! & studying became less and less desirable HAHA :(:(

The haunting thought of home is soo real now. As I start collecting items my family wanted me to bring back, I can't wait to give it to them. I can't wait to be with them, venturing for food & family time. I can't wait to snuggle with my mum dad and sister. I can't wait!

BUT I think I'll try something new this time round. I think I'll (try as hard as I can) not count down the days towards the trip. I know I'll unconsciously do it anyway. But I want to cherish each moment I have in Indo, and in order to do that I think I have to learn to cherish each moment I have here, too.

But enough contemplating!

This week, I successfully:

- finishes my story!! :D which I'll have to redraft a thousand more times, but I did in just in time for workshop ^^ PTL!

- do a french oral presentation. My first, and it was not the best, but it was enough! Learning a new language was so hard, but it was monents like that, that makes the process worth it. When you can pretend you speak the language so fluent and well ;)

- COOKED Hainanese chicken rice (with soup & sauces) :D

- cooked Mie ayam jamur. No words needed. Silence. Let it sink. Yum.

- Cooked Kue bandung ^^ which turned out okay! :D

- (just) cooked nasi with spices :D garlic, chili, bay leaves.. My room smells so good.

- stayed warm! Well, although the first few days were cold and wet, these last few days were quite warm ^^

I read Christmas at the Cupcake Café, Persuasion, and in the middle of reading an Indo 'political' book.

Twas a fun week! But the clock is ticking. And I'm terrified, but excited at the same time.

I don't know what I'll do when the clock strikes 12 and went back to 1.

Anyway, cheers!

-*^^*-

"Persuasion" by Jane Austen

It's time for one of the classics again :)
This time it's another book by Jane Austen. I've read her Pride and Prejudice, and although it took me a while to finally get into the rhythm and grasp the whole story, it was a good read!

I've been wanting to read her books again, but when my options were to read Sense and Sensibility or Persuasion, I chose this one first. S&S is for another time, I think :)


I love this book! I think I like classic books because they use language differently (syntax-wise and some spellings too). So it transports us to a different time period and place.

With Persuasion, I like the subtle themes suggested. Like, persuasion, it is clear that the book deals with effects of persuasions. But it was not IN YOUR FACE! I persuade you to do this.... I persuade you to do that.... But we get the idea!

I love the characters in this book. Some were symbolic characters, I think. And I love how they 'frame' each other. It's a book about Anne Elliot, but the other characters still have a life. They're not all about Anne. I think that's important. And I like the names too HAHA.

In terms of the plot, I think this is one of the freshest (though still quite cheesy) stories I've read!
It's a classic "I wanted you, you wanted me, but I broke your heart. Years later we still wanted each other."
But it teases you, it brings your hope up and down, and sideways. And, although you know what's going to happen in the end, you still want to read it because those details and the journey matters.
That's a tip and a half!

One of the most beautiful part of the book is a letter from F. Wentworth to Anne. SOOOOO romantic! <3333 a="" beautiful.="" beautiful="" emotions.="" of="" p="" portrayal="" so="" ugh.="" what="">

I should like to re-read this, along with P&P in the future! ^^


CHEERS!
-*^^*-

"Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe" by Jenny Colgan

Another book finished!
I was in the middle of 'food-related novels' when I reserved this book, and the title had the word 'Christmas' in it. Not too bad, though I.

Okay, compared to the other books this is reading for escapism. It has everything you want: cupcakes, Christmas, winter, girls power, dreamy boy, ex-es. But it was dreamy. And not that there's anything wrong with it -- in fact it does keep me on edge. I want to know what's happening next!

But then again, it's reading for escapism. If you're looking for life lesson, inspiration for a breakthrough, deep themes, you might not find it in here. Although, it also has deliciously inspiring recipes!

What I think make this worth reading (for me) is it was set in the UK and NYC :) Personal Achilles' heels!

I think the story does circle around a bit. And at times it was predictable. But hey, you get to know these kind characters!

But maybe that what makes this book 'lack depth', there was no real 'antagonist' here.
Hmm..


Anyway, another book down! Another book up.
Finishing soon: Persuasion - Jane Austen :D


Cheers!
-*^^*-

Week 09 Semester 1 :')))

Zombie-fied. I have been.

This week is the 'zombie' week, where students studied and made assignments non-stop ON TOP OF other things in their lives. Such as mother's day preparation. Such as health. They don't really have the time to stop and think, they just do, do, do, do, do.

They haven't gone crazy (just) yet, but they their thoughts are not as straight.
The 'home' that they've been dreaming for weeks: that image is now gone. Replaced by the image of them surviving the week-end and early-next week.

Week 9, y u so cruel? x_x
I'm soooo worn out :'(
BUT still managing to survive, and it's more than better :')

This is why my week was crazy:
- I have an essay due on Friday, but I haven't started a word in Monday. So that was hectic. But PTL I finished! :)
- I 'volunteered' to bring a writing for week 10 Monday. Which, up until this morning, is still a mess. A wreck. A vomit of words. Bleuh. Help! Why did I x_x
- I have a French presentation on Tuesday, which I haven't started yet because of all of the above. Yikes!
- Me & some friends had spent 2 nights & 1 'almost-full' day trying to make decorations for the church. You know how much I love arts and crafts. Yep. Yep.


PTL, this week is not quite over yet :)

I still have 15 hours to go :)

Will definitely try to use these precious time as best I can! x_x

My thoughts are back home, yet I have to stay present.
Home, I promise to see you in 6 weeks. But for now, please support me :’)

Cheers?

-*^^*-

"Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir: Kisah&Memoir Tiga Macan Asia" and "Tjokroaminoto: Guru Para Pendiri Bangsa"

Weekly reading:

Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir 

Tjokroaminoto

Last week I was browsing some books and encountered some titles that I wanted to read relating to Indo history. I looked one up on the university's library catalogue, and it was there! I went to the library within a week 😛

I was impressed with the university's collection of Indo books :)

The books were kept on the basement floor, so you know how my imagination was instantly activated ;)

I've planned to borrow the Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir one, but when I saw Tjokroaminoto, i have to borrow it as well! I've been wanting to watch "Guru Bangsa Tjokroaminoto", and I've only got to watch a fraction of it x(

So I was coming home happy & excited! :)

I started reading the first one, and I enjoyed it :) I really enjoyed learning about these incredible leaders of Indonesia, especially about Pak Hatta. I've read a book about him written by his 3 daughters, and this book just adds to the desire of learning more from the man. 

Syahrir is probably the least known out of the three, but he had a big influence towards Indonesia's independence as well. And, how can you forget, he was Indonesia's prime minister at one time. A rare title :)

I guess what Sukarno had then is charm. He had that incredible aura, charisma, persona, that when matched with his knowledge and persistence, moved the people towards independence. I respect these 3 person, and would love to learn more about them.

The second book talked about Tjokroaminoto, especially his involvement in Serikat Islam, as well as his influence towards Indonesia's big names such as Sukarno, Musso, Tan Malaka, etc. 

I guess what I learn about this guy is that people are imperfect, and that you should keep to what you believe. 

In his life, he had to experience having opposing opinions with his best friends and mentees.

But even though he had his moment of weaknesses, he stayed true to what he believed. I'd really like to learn more about this guy, through movies or books. He had inspired a lot of young movement leaders by setting an example for them.

But what an amazing guy he was! Although  he never saw the independence of the country, he had sown the seeds within the people of Indonesia through his organizations, newspapers, etc, as well as in the young leaders around him. Inspiring!

What I learned from these 4 men, is that all were open minded towards 'western' ideas, yet they were not carried away to those ideas. Instead, they picked the most important bits that also agreed to Indonesian values. Even though most of them were educated outside of Indonesia, they keep in their hearts the dream of an independent Indonesia. 

It was heart-warming!

However...

I find the book kind of 'shallow' :')

Like, many of the information were recycled through the different chapters; and there was not enough depth and discussion of their philosophies, which I was hoping to read. Unlike 'Bung Hatta di Mata Ketiga Putrinya', which was much more satisfying as it has both stories and philosophies, beliefs, and values.

I believe Indonesian writing can be much better than these! Hopefully this was just my 'bad luck'.

Or maybe it's a sign for me to one day write about these people? 

Will be back to that basement for more!

CHEERS!

-*^^*-

"An Average Joe" by Joe Hildebrand

I knew this guy from TV. I liked the way he made a point, and still respect (or not) the person/people he is saying it too.

So one afternoon I walked past the bookstore and saw the cover of the book. Interesting, I thought. And I looked at my local library if they have it. Turned out they did! (Bad bad bad for not buying. Sorry, Joe!)

I really enjoy the length and pace of the autobiography! He wrote in short chapters, so it's easy to digest. But his chapters are actually quite continuous, so you do need to read consecutively.

I'm actually quite engaged in reading this book because it is set right where I am! Melbourne Uni, Palmerston & Cardigan St, Melbourne. I can relate and sort of imagine how he was in his uni days.

The book tells a personal story of him and his family, too. Which somehow reminded me a bit of Julie Andrews' memoir. Their family's background to me were somehow similar. Quite though.

There are sad moments in the book; despaired moments; but there were cheeky moments as well that I can relate to. Reading (auto)biographies always gives a new perspective :)

An interesting read! Well, what can I say? He is (not) just an average Joe.


Cheers!
-*^^*-

"Double Fudge Brownie Murder" by Joanne Fluke

Okay so Tuesday 2 weeks ago I had this instant impulse of grabbing books to borrow, so I ended up with 4 :)

Wuthering Heights, Nights in Rodanthe, The Apple Tart of Hope, and Double Fudge Brownie Murder.
A Classic, a Nicholas Sparks, and two 'food-related' titles. Great selections, no?

This one, hmph. At first I was a bit skeptical. I thought it would be just another book trying to incorporate food in real life drama (and, well it is. And I love getting carried away in it). But also, the collection of recipes! Wow! I guess the tone of the book allows for such themes to enter. Choosing a partner, solving a murder, 'unusual' family events. I really enjoyed reading it! And, of course, now I want to learn more about Hannah Swensen and her life!

I guess because I didn't read the prev ones, I got lost at some parts of the book (although the author did an incredible job of introducing her in the beginning of the book). The continuous events from the prev book plays a major part in this title, but once you realized what's happening, it's all good :)

Definitely read for the recipes!
It's a good book to read with coffee and cakes ^^


Cheers!
-*^^*-