Change Your Location, Change Your Life

It is less than two days left before I leave Groningen. I have been staying here for almost two months now. I would surely say this is a lifetime experience I will never regret. I used to think that two months is going to be a long time, but it is not. Two months is absolutely not enough to learn new languages, blend in with the locals, see their cultures and lifestyle, taste the different vibes. There are so many things I have obtained, much more than reading a pile of books. Being in a country, half the world away, 6 hours of time difference, has brought me a broader scope of view.

Fiets in The Netherlands

the bike racks

Bicycles are not uncommon in every region of the world. But there is something special about bicycles in The Netherlands. They are not a one-moment trend. Neither a stylish accessories about what's in and what's not. Bike is a need. It is cheap, healthy, and fast. People ride bikes anytime, to any destination. Even you can find some men in neat suit going to workplace daily on bike. Students, the older ones, professors, professionals, anyone. People can choose an expensive multi-geared bike with fancy model or they can basically opt for an old--but fast one.

It is common for little children to start with 3-wheels bike, then usually children in school age will learn to ride bikes with foot-brake, the ones without hand-brake and you need to turn the pedal backwards to brake. I have tried them once, and it was not easy, as I did not usually ride bike in Indonesia, where I came from. There are also special bikes designed for people with disability. Usually they are three-wheeled, with different models and size depends on their disabled limbs. Some children with special needs also use custom made bikes to stimulate their movement, strength, and coordination. Another extra benefits of bikes. 

Munchies in Bali

After my short trip (3d2n) to Bali last January, here are some food indulge I tried:

1. Bubba Gump Shrimp & co. - Bali

Terletak di kompleks pertokoan Kuta Center. Setelah melewati Musro dan Discovery Mall di sebelah kiri jalan, lanjut jalan lagi kira-kira 5 menit berjalan kaki. Pertama masuk yang terlihat memenuhi meja hanya turis asing yang makan di situ, setelah masuk di dalam ruangan ternyata ada juga beberapa turis Indonesia.

Singapore, February 2011

One Passed, the Others Follow

Finally the long journey of exam week has passed. And now the tension changes into waiting for the result, the big surprise that might would make my heart popped.

On my last exam day, it was raining hard, so I just walked home and planned to take a sleep revenge. But the fact was, I couldn't stand seeing my messy room after days of studying and lack of cleaning. Plus, regarding to my last post, I realize that sooner or later I have to do a major cleanup. The next thing I do is cleaning the floor part, every window corner and every inches of the table's surface, and I organized this semester's piling papers and textbooks.
Couple of hours later, some calories had been used (I consider this as a little informal form of exercising), my room was squeaky clean, and it did smelled good. A bit me-time, and I slept like a baby. Woke up 2 hours later, had fun watching new movies with roommates. What a bliss.

It's just tonight that I realized that there are some other things-to-do, waiting impatiently for me to finish them. The research project, arranging a vacation trip, preparing for the exchange thingy, and some other self-improvement plans. This is mid-January, and the heat is on.

Photo:This one was taken in front of a public place in Taipei, Taiwan. I can't remember whether it is a National Museum or other kind of building. But I miss Taiwan so badly, for sure. Amazing places, kind people, great food, and if you're a shopper, their traditional markets are definitely a must-go.