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Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
A tale of a brown skin solo female traveller
...Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;Strike the bell and bide the danger,Or wonder, till it drives you mad,What would have followed if you had...
I wrote this because i know there are thousand people traveling solo in this world every day.
There were times where i said "Lucky me, i'm traveling by my self!!" or when the itchy feeling inside my chest when i see something amazing, like sunrise on a mountain top, or beautiful night city view from a high tower...moment when you think "what the heck am i doing here by my self??"
There are more than once i get my cellphone and dial a number of my family member but then cancel it--errh its very expensive to pay... but i just want to share the experience.. and i really ..really feel sorry because they can not experience what i had while on my trip. Just an sms to someone that i know sometimes help.. like saying "hey finally i see Eiffel tower, its huge!" silly sms that i sent to a friend although can't express how i felt that time.. but sharing the momento is kind of fun.
Grow up in a tiny town in Sumatra, i could count by fingers girls that traveling solo abroad since 2007. Its just our culture not really think a solo female traveler is a good thing. Even a guy in Singapore say it blunt, he will never allow his daughter traveling by her self.
I never meet any Indonesian traveler during my trip for 20 days in Europe. I didn't talk with Indonesia language beside time when i met my old friend Niklas at Stuttgart. Its kind of silly when you missed the small thing at home while youre away and when you back to your country... its kind of..nah.. i want something else (like Germany soft cheese or fresh spargel).
Landed in Charles de Gaulle... i could feel what every what we call "bule" a call for caucasian in Indonesia. Staring eyes. Little children look at you and smile.. very cute. I am not the average asian girls with 173cms height (5.67 ft), i look more like Chinese somehow but my skin darker. Its just the Sumatra girl type of look.
When i say i am from Indonesia, while in Brussels one of the traveler say, can't be! hahah because he went to Java island, and Bali.. but not to Sumatra. We had different ... kind of looks. Most of us more taller, and the skin is more lighter. I think its the ancestor more to mixed of Chinese and Arabic as Sumatra is a trading island, close to the Malacca strait its one of the "silk road" for traders (if you read history). The girls in java more shorter and had darker brown skin.. mine more yellowish/light brown like sunkissed tan (this is what my friend describe hahah).
Ok back to the topic.
I just feel stranded and all alone. Like... oh wow.. i am very different here! even with some asian i met in Europe just once i passes by a young family with malaysian dialect talking out side the ANZ stadium in Munich, must be the Bayern Muenchen fans for sure. But that girl is the only girl that i met with same skin color and dialects that i know :(
And i am not even going to the moon yet! hahaha
I tried not to loose my identity while im traveling.. why? for me this is important.... i stick to the note i am from Indonesia, and i had my own culture.. i try to tell other travelers things about Indonesia. The cultures... the fact that BALI IS PART INDONESIA as one of our 33 province and its a huge country also the majority beliefs is moslem there.
I always proud to say i am from Indonesia, even if at the end they will talk about the Bali Bombing and also the bombing happens in Jakarta, all i could say is so many mean people in this world, you could fiind it in India, UK, and most recent in Norway, a peaceful Nobel country!
Why generalize all Indonesian because one maniacs?? why made any different than things in India, UK, Japan... is that made everyone not like those country? No.
Ok no politics debating here.
How to deal with loneliness while you traveling solo?how do you cope with those?
First i will try to look back why i did it. Reason why i travel solo. Because i want it, for sure! then like my boss said once "suck it up" i did. For better or worse this is what i choice.
I will try to find new connection, new friends on road... which you will find easier to get while you're traveling solo! this is how i met Mr T and loads more my friends on street. We got lost and we share maps and itineraries.
A small "hi" and a smile would help very much! i am a very shy person... especially to people i just met. But hey.. when youre traveling by your self you can't do the shy thing! when you get lost you need to interact with other people to ask directions, dont forget to thank them! and hostels... is also the best place to find new friends.. try to mingle!
I will also try to think nice reason why i travel solo.. i could do things that i like, also no schedule no itineraries... just let loose!
Traveling solo is also a good way to see inside your soul, to think about your life... things that you took for granted like family, friends.. everyone that you wish that could be with you that time. You could only send sms say "thanks for being my friend" its overwhelming feeling to know that back there at home you s till have them, and you being alone just during your travel time only.
Try to made your schedule pretty tight, or do something productive, drawing, taking tons of pictures, i always bring my ipod with me, i could listen to music and play game while on tram. But if you want to friends on road i am not suggesting this hahaha.. last thing i want is to bug someone with earphones stick to their ears. It short of saying "let me by my self would you?!!"
Also i would try to do some sport, running, swimming.. its good after a long trip, to get rid the jet lag.. and btw jet lag i thin is the main cause of the "oh i feel so lonely" depressed feeling!! and i just get rid that away quick.. like while i was in Paris, just go and walk i wont stay in hostel bed and feel sad of being in a strange city! i will explore! (Fika the explorer hahahah!)
Just open your map, your lonely planets your itinerary.. dont let your self not doing anything.. unless if youre having vacation at a small island and youre next to this beach, lying down in white sandy beach under a tree with a book half read on your tummy and youre enjoying the sun, then i am very sure of this, you're doing just fine not doing anything ,...but that!
There are thousand things to do to cope with your loneliness... i know you had your own way on the street.... its sad that you travel by your self.. but hey.. its your choice and you are in place where you want to be!!
Cheer up!
I wrote this because i know there are thousand people traveling solo in this world every day.
There were times where i said "Lucky me, i'm traveling by my self!!" or when the itchy feeling inside my chest when i see something amazing, like sunrise on a mountain top, or beautiful night city view from a high tower...moment when you think "what the heck am i doing here by my self??"
There are more than once i get my cellphone and dial a number of my family member but then cancel it--errh its very expensive to pay... but i just want to share the experience.. and i really ..really feel sorry because they can not experience what i had while on my trip. Just an sms to someone that i know sometimes help.. like saying "hey finally i see Eiffel tower, its huge!" silly sms that i sent to a friend although can't express how i felt that time.. but sharing the momento is kind of fun.
Grow up in a tiny town in Sumatra, i could count by fingers girls that traveling solo abroad since 2007. Its just our culture not really think a solo female traveler is a good thing. Even a guy in Singapore say it blunt, he will never allow his daughter traveling by her self.
I never meet any Indonesian traveler during my trip for 20 days in Europe. I didn't talk with Indonesia language beside time when i met my old friend Niklas at Stuttgart. Its kind of silly when you missed the small thing at home while youre away and when you back to your country... its kind of..nah.. i want something else (like Germany soft cheese or fresh spargel).
Landed in Charles de Gaulle... i could feel what every what we call "bule" a call for caucasian in Indonesia. Staring eyes. Little children look at you and smile.. very cute. I am not the average asian girls with 173cms height (5.67 ft), i look more like Chinese somehow but my skin darker. Its just the Sumatra girl type of look.
When i say i am from Indonesia, while in Brussels one of the traveler say, can't be! hahah because he went to Java island, and Bali.. but not to Sumatra. We had different ... kind of looks. Most of us more taller, and the skin is more lighter. I think its the ancestor more to mixed of Chinese and Arabic as Sumatra is a trading island, close to the Malacca strait its one of the "silk road" for traders (if you read history). The girls in java more shorter and had darker brown skin.. mine more yellowish/light brown like sunkissed tan (this is what my friend describe hahah).
Ok back to the topic.
I just feel stranded and all alone. Like... oh wow.. i am very different here! even with some asian i met in Europe just once i passes by a young family with malaysian dialect talking out side the ANZ stadium in Munich, must be the Bayern Muenchen fans for sure. But that girl is the only girl that i met with same skin color and dialects that i know :(
And i am not even going to the moon yet! hahaha
I tried not to loose my identity while im traveling.. why? for me this is important.... i stick to the note i am from Indonesia, and i had my own culture.. i try to tell other travelers things about Indonesia. The cultures... the fact that BALI IS PART INDONESIA as one of our 33 province and its a huge country also the majority beliefs is moslem there.
I always proud to say i am from Indonesia, even if at the end they will talk about the Bali Bombing and also the bombing happens in Jakarta, all i could say is so many mean people in this world, you could fiind it in India, UK, and most recent in Norway, a peaceful Nobel country!
Why generalize all Indonesian because one maniacs?? why made any different than things in India, UK, Japan... is that made everyone not like those country? No.
Ok no politics debating here.
How to deal with loneliness while you traveling solo?how do you cope with those?
First i will try to look back why i did it. Reason why i travel solo. Because i want it, for sure! then like my boss said once "suck it up" i did. For better or worse this is what i choice.
I will try to find new connection, new friends on road... which you will find easier to get while you're traveling solo! this is how i met Mr T and loads more my friends on street. We got lost and we share maps and itineraries.
A small "hi" and a smile would help very much! i am a very shy person... especially to people i just met. But hey.. when youre traveling by your self you can't do the shy thing! when you get lost you need to interact with other people to ask directions, dont forget to thank them! and hostels... is also the best place to find new friends.. try to mingle!
I will also try to think nice reason why i travel solo.. i could do things that i like, also no schedule no itineraries... just let loose!
Traveling solo is also a good way to see inside your soul, to think about your life... things that you took for granted like family, friends.. everyone that you wish that could be with you that time. You could only send sms say "thanks for being my friend" its overwhelming feeling to know that back there at home you s till have them, and you being alone just during your travel time only.
Try to made your schedule pretty tight, or do something productive, drawing, taking tons of pictures, i always bring my ipod with me, i could listen to music and play game while on tram. But if you want to friends on road i am not suggesting this hahaha.. last thing i want is to bug someone with earphones stick to their ears. It short of saying "let me by my self would you?!!"
Also i would try to do some sport, running, swimming.. its good after a long trip, to get rid the jet lag.. and btw jet lag i thin is the main cause of the "oh i feel so lonely" depressed feeling!! and i just get rid that away quick.. like while i was in Paris, just go and walk i wont stay in hostel bed and feel sad of being in a strange city! i will explore! (Fika the explorer hahahah!)
Just open your map, your lonely planets your itinerary.. dont let your self not doing anything.. unless if youre having vacation at a small island and youre next to this beach, lying down in white sandy beach under a tree with a book half read on your tummy and youre enjoying the sun, then i am very sure of this, you're doing just fine not doing anything ,...but that!
There are thousand things to do to cope with your loneliness... i know you had your own way on the street.... its sad that you travel by your self.. but hey.. its your choice and you are in place where you want to be!!
Cheer up!
Europe Tips 2--its about what to bring!
When i am about to leave Indonesia to Europe, my bedroom just like a sinking boat everything scattered around. Errhh ya i know my mom will say thats pretty normal hehe..
But i did it for my suitcase. I am not really a big fan of traveling with suitcase. I think i prefer to use 60-80 liters backpack rather than the 60" wheeled suitcase.
Packing is the most essential thing in traveling, i wish i could give you a packing list here, but hey everyone had different needs. Some of my friends think high heels is important rather than a comfort boyish sneakers. Its just different for everyone, had to suit the needs and the personality.
1. Clothes
I think the best is to know the details about where you about to go. You have to know about the weather and humidity. Why this is important?? you don't want to wear short at 13 degrees temperature-been there done that!! anyone from tropical country like me consider 13 degrees like -1.. exaggerate things? heheh for those who laugh at these i bet you had 4 season there... try to walk in Singapore for more than 2 hours at mid day.. then if you're not swearing because of the high temperature.... then don't laugh at me!! a good dress that according to weather would be matters!!
The other thing about clothes?? ladies and gentlemen... when you travel to another part of the world... please do respect other culture... we don't need to see your thigh inside a mosque, temple or other sacred places. If you want to go to this kind of places, please do dress accordingly!! prepare for something more closed, long trouser, jeans, something with sleeve, or jacket perhaps? even if its at boiling heat... in the name of respect please do dress like others.
Also when you pack and finish it... take everything out and try to reduce half of it... you wont need half of the things you bring! in my case it work this way! i get rid a red dress, a heavy doc marc Boots, another sneakers, and some sweaters. I prefer to use double dress, you could use two shirt at same time if its too cold!
All you need is 8kgs of bag/suitcase the max... i know they gave you 15 kgs.. but come on!! its too heavy! do weight your luggage before you go to airport... and do remember not all places like in Paris--as example-- they dont have escalators.. theres no such thing as lift as well at the metro station!! you will be lifting those heavy luggage every each of painful stairs that you goes to!! so watch the weight!!
And do leave fake stuff sista!! im talking about the fake Prada bags or Gucci shoes that you bought from a tiny shop down town of Hongkong. If you don't want to get hose stuff held by officer in any Europe airport. Safe your time and at least no shame!
2. Meds
Once my friends said, when she saw the whole medications that i bring during my trip said i was about to get arrested in airport as drug smuggler. I bring the whole plastic bag of medications that i use. Flu meds-check, antibiotics-check, antacid-check, diarrhea meds-check, high doze of vit C and other supplements-check, and the list goes on. The last thing i want is getting sick in other countries... i rather to had meal in a luxury Paris restaurant rather to buy an antibiotics for my food poisoning--maybe hahaha... but health is important! thats the point. Not all of our medications are sold free in every country.. example even in Singapore i can not get a panadol for my flu because they INSIST on doctors prescription which is i can not get because i am not seing any doctors (God know how much cost for a doc visit in Singapore!!)
In another note, please do check if the medications you bring is allowed to bring inside the country. There are several medications also banned in some country but allowed in other country. The last thing you want is to get arrested as drug dealers in airport--as i mentioned before!
3. Beauty Kits Ecetera (Girls section--most of it)
Helloww princess.... you know you will get your monthly timers (sorry guys...) so be wise... last thing you want here is to try to get a feminine pads while you're grabbing your tummy and walking in pain to the nearest drugstore just to find ANOTHER TAMPONS.
Yes... tampons... i don't know what the heck is that when i see it my self when the cashier hand me a box of that.. and i see it.. and say.. no... i don't know how to wear this because i dont think in Indonesia people use it!!! lucky its not a great flow that i could use my daily pantyliners.
In Indonesia we know feminine pads, and we find it hard to get to know "tampons" its another kin of the..errhh same thing heheh... well it goes same to some other countries... they only know tampons and rarely sold the feminine pads. And the price??? ohhh hahah.. don't ask.. i swear its more expensive than my undies (that bought in Indonesia!!) don't do a foolish mistakes its worth one meal perhaps!
Please bring your own fave one... don't make a mess please....
Ok.. general stuff??
Bring your extra moist hand and body lotion if you go to a 4 seasons country... its cold there.. its true.. but its also dry!! very dry! its not like tropical country where you could walk and sweat like in the sauna. In Germany i run from bottom of hills to the Neuschwanstein and had no sweat! if its in Indonesia i would barely breathe and swimming in my own sweat! this is included a lipbalm... and guys.. dont pretend to be too tough for this.. you had the same lips like girls, and last thing you want a chopped ugly lips yikess... not a major attraction guys.. not healthy either! better if it had sun blocks too! mine comes from Nivea, works just nice (no need one with colors..haha)
Winter doesn't mean you can not had the sun burn. Hiking on a snowy mountain the same!! i got darker skin after i spent whole day at Zugspitze! and its -1 degree!! bring your sunblock!
Another note that i took is... when i was back in Indonesia i was thinking of taking a small package of toiletries... shampoo etc. But then i am glad i didnt do it. First of all, back to the price again... my journey total in 20 days, and almost everyday i wash my hair.. i took my one bottle of shampoo... as hello i dont want to use others shampoo and the price also..ck ck ck.. different!! unless you had unlimited money then go ahead buy your Loreal's shampoo from champ Elysees.. i dare you!
4. Foods-Snacks
I like my MILO pack... its sweets, and its cheap. I also like oreos, INDOMIE, noodles, ENERGEN cereal and Veggies Jacobs. I bring small packs all of those fave snacks. Just in case i can not find any halal food. Or in case i dont have time or small money to do breakfast. Breakfast is awesome in Europe, you could buy fresh bread in Paris and drink it with your own NESCAFE and keep half for lunch... well they had huge bread!! i bring my own SARIKAYA jam also, and share it with Mr T and he love it!! haha they don't have that there in Europe.
I bring some gado-gado paste also.. this is from Indonesia, we could mix this for veggies, just like salad dressing also you could do it with beef or meat and it becomes satay seasoning, or just eat it with plain rice!! very easy.... i bring two cube of this and give it to my host in Paris as gift.. he went to Indonesia several times so he knows about this gado-gado seasoning which is peanuts mixed with red/palm sugar and some chilli.. very nice!
Bring some of snacks and your fave food.. in case if you missing home, or if your host ask if you could cook your traditional cook... why not!!
......to be continued......
 |
| pilah-pilih pakaian buat liburan |
But i did it for my suitcase. I am not really a big fan of traveling with suitcase. I think i prefer to use 60-80 liters backpack rather than the 60" wheeled suitcase.
Packing is the most essential thing in traveling, i wish i could give you a packing list here, but hey everyone had different needs. Some of my friends think high heels is important rather than a comfort boyish sneakers. Its just different for everyone, had to suit the needs and the personality.
 |
| pack your belonging wisely.... |
1. Clothes
I think the best is to know the details about where you about to go. You have to know about the weather and humidity. Why this is important?? you don't want to wear short at 13 degrees temperature-been there done that!! anyone from tropical country like me consider 13 degrees like -1.. exaggerate things? heheh for those who laugh at these i bet you had 4 season there... try to walk in Singapore for more than 2 hours at mid day.. then if you're not swearing because of the high temperature.... then don't laugh at me!! a good dress that according to weather would be matters!!
The other thing about clothes?? ladies and gentlemen... when you travel to another part of the world... please do respect other culture... we don't need to see your thigh inside a mosque, temple or other sacred places. If you want to go to this kind of places, please do dress accordingly!! prepare for something more closed, long trouser, jeans, something with sleeve, or jacket perhaps? even if its at boiling heat... in the name of respect please do dress like others.
Also when you pack and finish it... take everything out and try to reduce half of it... you wont need half of the things you bring! in my case it work this way! i get rid a red dress, a heavy doc marc Boots, another sneakers, and some sweaters. I prefer to use double dress, you could use two shirt at same time if its too cold!
All you need is 8kgs of bag/suitcase the max... i know they gave you 15 kgs.. but come on!! its too heavy! do weight your luggage before you go to airport... and do remember not all places like in Paris--as example-- they dont have escalators.. theres no such thing as lift as well at the metro station!! you will be lifting those heavy luggage every each of painful stairs that you goes to!! so watch the weight!!
And do leave fake stuff sista!! im talking about the fake Prada bags or Gucci shoes that you bought from a tiny shop down town of Hongkong. If you don't want to get hose stuff held by officer in any Europe airport. Safe your time and at least no shame!
2. Meds
Once my friends said, when she saw the whole medications that i bring during my trip said i was about to get arrested in airport as drug smuggler. I bring the whole plastic bag of medications that i use. Flu meds-check, antibiotics-check, antacid-check, diarrhea meds-check, high doze of vit C and other supplements-check, and the list goes on. The last thing i want is getting sick in other countries... i rather to had meal in a luxury Paris restaurant rather to buy an antibiotics for my food poisoning--maybe hahaha... but health is important! thats the point. Not all of our medications are sold free in every country.. example even in Singapore i can not get a panadol for my flu because they INSIST on doctors prescription which is i can not get because i am not seing any doctors (God know how much cost for a doc visit in Singapore!!)
In another note, please do check if the medications you bring is allowed to bring inside the country. There are several medications also banned in some country but allowed in other country. The last thing you want is to get arrested as drug dealers in airport--as i mentioned before!
3. Beauty Kits Ecetera (Girls section--most of it)
Helloww princess.... you know you will get your monthly timers (sorry guys...) so be wise... last thing you want here is to try to get a feminine pads while you're grabbing your tummy and walking in pain to the nearest drugstore just to find ANOTHER TAMPONS.
 |
| Tampons-eekkk... whats this?? (never seen it in Indonesia) |
Yes... tampons... i don't know what the heck is that when i see it my self when the cashier hand me a box of that.. and i see it.. and say.. no... i don't know how to wear this because i dont think in Indonesia people use it!!! lucky its not a great flow that i could use my daily pantyliners.
 |
| What every girls needs!! the emergency leakage first aid! |
In Indonesia we know feminine pads, and we find it hard to get to know "tampons" its another kin of the..errhh same thing heheh... well it goes same to some other countries... they only know tampons and rarely sold the feminine pads. And the price??? ohhh hahah.. don't ask.. i swear its more expensive than my undies (that bought in Indonesia!!) don't do a foolish mistakes its worth one meal perhaps!
Please bring your own fave one... don't make a mess please....
Ok.. general stuff??
Bring your extra moist hand and body lotion if you go to a 4 seasons country... its cold there.. its true.. but its also dry!! very dry! its not like tropical country where you could walk and sweat like in the sauna. In Germany i run from bottom of hills to the Neuschwanstein and had no sweat! if its in Indonesia i would barely breathe and swimming in my own sweat! this is included a lipbalm... and guys.. dont pretend to be too tough for this.. you had the same lips like girls, and last thing you want a chopped ugly lips yikess... not a major attraction guys.. not healthy either! better if it had sun blocks too! mine comes from Nivea, works just nice (no need one with colors..haha)
Winter doesn't mean you can not had the sun burn. Hiking on a snowy mountain the same!! i got darker skin after i spent whole day at Zugspitze! and its -1 degree!! bring your sunblock!
Another note that i took is... when i was back in Indonesia i was thinking of taking a small package of toiletries... shampoo etc. But then i am glad i didnt do it. First of all, back to the price again... my journey total in 20 days, and almost everyday i wash my hair.. i took my one bottle of shampoo... as hello i dont want to use others shampoo and the price also..ck ck ck.. different!! unless you had unlimited money then go ahead buy your Loreal's shampoo from champ Elysees.. i dare you!
4. Foods-Snacks
I like my MILO pack... its sweets, and its cheap. I also like oreos, INDOMIE, noodles, ENERGEN cereal and Veggies Jacobs. I bring small packs all of those fave snacks. Just in case i can not find any halal food. Or in case i dont have time or small money to do breakfast. Breakfast is awesome in Europe, you could buy fresh bread in Paris and drink it with your own NESCAFE and keep half for lunch... well they had huge bread!! i bring my own SARIKAYA jam also, and share it with Mr T and he love it!! haha they don't have that there in Europe.
I bring some gado-gado paste also.. this is from Indonesia, we could mix this for veggies, just like salad dressing also you could do it with beef or meat and it becomes satay seasoning, or just eat it with plain rice!! very easy.... i bring two cube of this and give it to my host in Paris as gift.. he went to Indonesia several times so he knows about this gado-gado seasoning which is peanuts mixed with red/palm sugar and some chilli.. very nice!
Bring some of snacks and your fave food.. in case if you missing home, or if your host ask if you could cook your traditional cook... why not!!
......to be continued......
Romans Spa day at Baden Baden--dare to butt naked?? (Part 1)
Yesterday Mr T say i we need to go to Baden Baden Germany for a spa day. I heard about this city all the time on our conversation on skype. Now i got the chance to visit it.
They said If we have a sauna on a regular basis, we could gain benefits for our health such as: good blood circulation and high immune system also relaxation is balm for your soul. The blood vessels are trained by the cold-warm interaction and the aging of the skin slows down. They say our skin could becomes firm and looks brighter.
Mr T said especially in winter time a sauna offers the ideal therapy to increase strength against the low temperatures and prevents infections. We will also get the benefit from the relaxing warmth water or heat from sauna room which is responsible for your mental health recovery. This will help to find our body balance, body and soul.
The best spa that I got in my life is when my sister took me to a beauty spa in Jakarta. You had your own personal masseur, lying naked while they massage, put oil, and scrub and mask your body and then steam and stay in bath tub for an hour or so..closing it up with shower.
In Baden Baden I got the chance of trying what they call the real spa by the Romanians…. Ohh..ohh feels like back when Caesar rules the town and everyone gather in a spa.. errh wait.. everyone???
That day the temperature a little bit cold for me. But i want to style up a bit so i wear my skirt but then.. i use my sneakers again in case its a heavy walk around the city.
After seeing most part of the town after lunch in a nice Bavarian restaurant we walk down to the spa.
Caracalla Therme open EVERYDAY from 8 am to 10pm.
That afternoon I went inside the CARACALLA THERME first floor there is shop for swim suit and so on. I am glad that I could see “one piece” swim suit there so I won’t be the only one who use it. After paying the entrance for the bath they gave you a rubber band theres a chip there that you could scan to know how many minutes/hours you have left. They pay by the hours by the way.
For 2 hours spa the spankin' price is 14 Euro and 3 hours is 17 Euro. You could access all the pools aswell the whole sauna room there... there are plenty different pools and sauna room there.
This chips/rubber band they gave at the entrance also for opening and locking the locker and ordering foods at the café inside! they also provide a small black machine inside so we could check how many minutes we got left.... its very cool!
Oh, no camera, cellphone, ipod or recorder or any other electronics allowed! and this is for good reason!
So here we go… I slip on my speedo swimsuit… not far from the changing room you could see the huge pool but you have to wash your self first. I don’t really know what to expect so, I wash my self and my hair, who know thse people very higien and check if I wash my hair this morning or not.
So finish washing I went to the indoor pool. This pool said rich with minerals, and its warm! Ohhh..my.. heaven! In some places they also had pressure current to massage your shoulder, your back and your feet… I could stay here like 5 hours hahahah….just try to relax there.
After swimming and try every massage… I went outside and try the outdoor pool… hmmm it’s a current pool! And its more warmer than the one inside. More people here and mostly good looking young couple.. uhh uhh… *blushing*
I had the chance to try the Jacuzzi for about 20 minutes too… there are two out door Jacuzzi as well as two large pools pools with current and also pools with jet massage. All.. you have to try!!
It was very relaxing that I could possibly fall a sleep!
We went to two different sauna too.. no worry i think we went there for 10-15 minutes only. Two sauna room on the first floor are the aroma steam bath and the saltwater inhalation room. At the aroma steam bath, i could feel the spices they put into the sauna... somehow its spicy for my nose hahaha.... but its good for my lungs i think, and it left a very good smell on my skin! the saltwater also very good for the skin, made it more smoother.. wink wink...
Mr T said especially in winter time a sauna offers the ideal therapy to increase strength against the low temperatures and prevents infections. We will also get the benefit from the relaxing warmth water or heat from sauna room which is responsible for your mental health recovery. This will help to find our body balance, body and soul.
After being soaked inside out… I try another pools inside. There is two small pool side by side.. near the sauna. I didn’t read what it was.. but ohhh my it was FROZEN COLD but the next one is VERY HOT!! And then I could understand what it was.. its hot and cold treatment where people stay in cold pool for few minutes and then went to the hot pool and go back and forward its good for blood circulation… but I swear its just like ice frozen cold!!
After that we tried the UV bed i was so relax that i just want to sleep there. My skin felt so nice... when we walk to the bar for food..as i thought i was hungry, i point a spiral stair to the 2nd floor. Mr T say.. are you sure? well i am not so sure!! what is that? he say its the ROMAN'S STYLE spa.
Ok.. there are more sauna up there i grab his hand and say lets go! but then he say "maybe a little bit uncomfortable for you.. because swim suit not allowed" i paused and stare at him. Ok i am fine with towels. He laugh and said we had to be butt naked!! yikess!! and they mixed the guys and girls, no separation.
I was thinking.. should i do this or not?????? i never butt naked in front of... omg not even my parents since i was in primary school!!
Mr T just grinned.... well... oh well....
..................TO BE CONTINUED...............
Porsche Stuttgart
Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac. ~Author Unknown
As we reach for Stuttgart, Mr T start talking about Marcedes museum.... so i thought we were heading to Marcedes Museum.... when i did realize why everyone near the street using Porsche.. like almost all oh my.. and they're all super nice!!
As we getting closer i realize that we are not going to Marcedes Benz Museum, instead we were heading to Porsche Museum!! I kind of remember once i had huge Porsche Boxter poster when i was in primary school... i love it so very much! it was cherry red.....
We arrive and try to find the parking for the museum.. but then he remember its MONDAY.. the museum closed. I actually want to laugh, but he just been too upset with this so i just smile. Remember this museum only open from TUESDAY-SUNDAY from 9am to 6pm!
I think its on my list too, i actually want to go to Marcededes Benz Museum, but Mr T been there before, and i know he will spoil the surprise that i will see there *bummer* so yah... porsche is ok... i love cherry red porsche on tv now im going to see it for real hohohoh.....
The next day... the very determined Mr T come again this time fully prepared we know where to park etc. When we were there he smile so wide.. haha... boys and fast cars (he said its the technology..ya ya...)
**click on pictures to made it larger**
On the ground floor beside the ticketing/lobby theres also souvenir shop and i could see mechanic shop behind glass window from a canteen not far from ticketing-toilet also on the same level.
All the people who work there look very professional in black suite and tie... omg.. very exclusive! It is an exclusive place indeed. I hold my breathe as im about to see the 80 cars on the show... all of things in here wayyy beyon my reach too expensive thats all on my brain.. on Mr T brain?? the technology that they use to built the engine etc! lol.. guys and girls thoughts i guess!
The thing that i could get from here is... Ferdinand Porsche actually work for VW before he had his own company... and he actually the one who concepting the first Volks Wagen car-VW kaffer in 1934. This first car had air cooling system on the rear engine and this is the first model that inspiring the next 4 beetle VW. By 1950 there are over 100.000 VW kaffer that been sold (16 years later). And by 2003 the total units of this type that been sold was reaching 21.5 million units--an amazing number for a car that design for the people of Germany!
The history of Porsche fast cars/sport cars start with type 356, which is roll on in June 8 1948 also called the "Number 1". The very first time 356 prove it self as racing car is at Innsbrucke city race. These days Posrsche also produce small numbers of other type/series such as the 911, 914, 924, 944, 928, and the Boxster and the Cayenne, the former sports-car specialist has developed into one of the world's most successful automobile manufacturers.
Porsche also use for police car in some countries like in Netherlands (in 1966 there are 356 units sent to Netherland) and Germany since 1950es. They use it for fast reaction units.
At Porsche museum you could see how advance their technology in cars design, especially in sports car. I could see the fastest cars--too fast that as in the down force theory this car could actually stay on roof of a building (upside down) and not falling because its wayy too fast for gravity too took part; i also see the lightest car from fibers, also the oldest.. this museum is a must for car lover!
I also had the chance to try the Porsche 911 Carrera and sit there.. omg! the leathers.. the feels.. the steering.. omg! i could imagine driving this at autobahn with over 200kms speed... amazing!!! this type out first time in 2008 so its still new model.
There was also a sound simulators that told you the difference that each car type made. Like a purring of a car.. sound even enginered hahaha!
My fave car of all? i dont know why the GT3 really draw my attention. I am a girl i shouldn't be this "visual" but i love it. I even said to Mr T this car if its a girl, its like the sexy soanish girls with their body curve... its sexy! (now im wondering about my gender hahaha!)
Theres plenty of information i could get about cars here. Mr T even use the audio guide to explain about the cars here. They use both english and germany.
After the 3rd floor (oh the design this museum very well!) we go down and had some coffee. After coffee, i look up at merchandise shop and get my self a pink porsche hat. Its cute! thats when we saw a gentleman talking to other visitor about time for factory tour.
Mr T and i get closer to these guys, they had the factory tours oh wow!! we ask if we could join but then they ask if we made any appointment yet? we both say no. And the tour in germany :( i told its ok... because Mr T could explain it to me, and the tour guide said if its small english he will try to explain it to me. The tour is for free :) oh yes they actually had the tour in english but by the time i went there the option only in germany the english tour will start in like an hour after :(
No camera, or cellphone allowed inside the factory as its highly sensitive things to do. But it was a very amazing 2 hours tours! as i see the raw Porsche from its skeleton to the assembly and everything, its just amazing how they treat every each of the porsche as if its a space ship!
The details on the each cars, they made it into personal. Each cars had its own personality. And to keep it exclusive they actually did limit the production and they said never going to create any mass produce car as it wont be exclusive anymore! wow.... talk about the pride.
Anyway its not Volks Wagen- the car for people... its the highest standard for everything. Car it self, engines, even the tire are custom made and very carefuly controlled. No wonder the price so up high! They mixed the quality as well the knowledge into a car. Its a devotion for every each of people who work here.. the mechanics, engineers even the researchers! its amazing!
He also explain about the "black horse" on the Porsche logo. I just found out that its logo for Stuttgart. And if any other company use it.. well he said Porsche use it from beginning of the cars out!
Its an unforgetful day for sure. I think this is also a best place to take your children on tour too... they could see what they could do in future here..be an enginer? mechanics? its worth the tour... if you come to Stuttgart you definetly have to go to this museum!
As we reach for Stuttgart, Mr T start talking about Marcedes museum.... so i thought we were heading to Marcedes Museum.... when i did realize why everyone near the street using Porsche.. like almost all oh my.. and they're all super nice!!
As we getting closer i realize that we are not going to Marcedes Benz Museum, instead we were heading to Porsche Museum!! I kind of remember once i had huge Porsche Boxter poster when i was in primary school... i love it so very much! it was cherry red.....
We arrive and try to find the parking for the museum.. but then he remember its MONDAY.. the museum closed. I actually want to laugh, but he just been too upset with this so i just smile. Remember this museum only open from TUESDAY-SUNDAY from 9am to 6pm!
I think its on my list too, i actually want to go to Marcededes Benz Museum, but Mr T been there before, and i know he will spoil the surprise that i will see there *bummer* so yah... porsche is ok... i love cherry red porsche on tv now im going to see it for real hohohoh.....
The next day... the very determined Mr T come again this time fully prepared we know where to park etc. When we were there he smile so wide.. haha... boys and fast cars (he said its the technology..ya ya...)
**click on pictures to made it larger**
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| Infront of Stuttgart Porsche Museum |
The museum looks like a spaceship! from outter side it looks so modern ^^ i can not wait to get inside when we get there.... inside this pearly spaceship Mr T deal with the ticketing while i took some pictures.. the fee is 8 euro for adult.
On the ground floor beside the ticketing/lobby theres also souvenir shop and i could see mechanic shop behind glass window from a canteen not far from ticketing-toilet also on the same level.
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| My Porsche entrance ticket |
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| Some of the Porsche cars and motorcycle that i like! |
The thing that i could get from here is... Ferdinand Porsche actually work for VW before he had his own company... and he actually the one who concepting the first Volks Wagen car-VW kaffer in 1934. This first car had air cooling system on the rear engine and this is the first model that inspiring the next 4 beetle VW. By 1950 there are over 100.000 VW kaffer that been sold (16 years later). And by 2003 the total units of this type that been sold was reaching 21.5 million units--an amazing number for a car that design for the people of Germany!
 |
| Porsche race cars! |
The history of Porsche fast cars/sport cars start with type 356, which is roll on in June 8 1948 also called the "Number 1". The very first time 356 prove it self as racing car is at Innsbrucke city race. These days Posrsche also produce small numbers of other type/series such as the 911, 914, 924, 944, 928, and the Boxster and the Cayenne, the former sports-car specialist has developed into one of the world's most successful automobile manufacturers.
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| Porsche GT 3 This is my fave Porsche of all! i love it so very much!!! |
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| First picture on top left: VW Kaffer-The number 1/Type 356-The classic Boxter- Porsche 924 GTP Le Manns & Porsche 936/77 Spyders |
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| Trying the Porsche 911 Carrera, yippie!! |
I also had the chance to try the Porsche 911 Carrera and sit there.. omg! the leathers.. the feels.. the steering.. omg! i could imagine driving this at autobahn with over 200kms speed... amazing!!! this type out first time in 2008 so its still new model.
There was also a sound simulators that told you the difference that each car type made. Like a purring of a car.. sound even enginered hahaha!
 |
| Awe!! Porsche GT3 in Cherry red!!! want this!! |
My fave car of all? i dont know why the GT3 really draw my attention. I am a girl i shouldn't be this "visual" but i love it. I even said to Mr T this car if its a girl, its like the sexy soanish girls with their body curve... its sexy! (now im wondering about my gender hahaha!)
Theres plenty of information i could get about cars here. Mr T even use the audio guide to explain about the cars here. They use both english and germany.
 |
| Hybrid bicycle and one of car that i like! also the museum |
Mr T and i get closer to these guys, they had the factory tours oh wow!! we ask if we could join but then they ask if we made any appointment yet? we both say no. And the tour in germany :( i told its ok... because Mr T could explain it to me, and the tour guide said if its small english he will try to explain it to me. The tour is for free :) oh yes they actually had the tour in english but by the time i went there the option only in germany the english tour will start in like an hour after :(
No camera, or cellphone allowed inside the factory as its highly sensitive things to do. But it was a very amazing 2 hours tours! as i see the raw Porsche from its skeleton to the assembly and everything, its just amazing how they treat every each of the porsche as if its a space ship!
The details on the each cars, they made it into personal. Each cars had its own personality. And to keep it exclusive they actually did limit the production and they said never going to create any mass produce car as it wont be exclusive anymore! wow.... talk about the pride.
Anyway its not Volks Wagen- the car for people... its the highest standard for everything. Car it self, engines, even the tire are custom made and very carefuly controlled. No wonder the price so up high! They mixed the quality as well the knowledge into a car. Its a devotion for every each of people who work here.. the mechanics, engineers even the researchers! its amazing!
He also explain about the "black horse" on the Porsche logo. I just found out that its logo for Stuttgart. And if any other company use it.. well he said Porsche use it from beginning of the cars out!
Its an unforgetful day for sure. I think this is also a best place to take your children on tour too... they could see what they could do in future here..be an enginer? mechanics? its worth the tour... if you come to Stuttgart you definetly have to go to this museum!
Museum Porsche Stuttgart-Mimpi Jadi Orang Kaya!
Mulai masuk ke kota Stuttgart, Mr T mulai cerita soal pengalaman die ngunjungin museum Marcedes... huh bikin sirik... dan akupun ngirain ohh kita bakalan ngunjungin museum yang sama! tapi gue sebenarnya heran.. kenapa makin banyak yang naik mobil Porsche ya?? banyak banget kek majority of that pasrt of the town pada pake Porsche.. hummm thats when i see the Porsche logo.. ohhhdan terlihatlah museum porsche yang bentuknya asli kek pesawat luar angkasa, errh rada mirip sama rektoratnya UNILA kampus aku dulu sih hahaha!
Saya jadi terbayang dengan poster Porsche Boxter yang latarnya warna kekuningan dan mobil itu warna merah membara cinta mate dah gue (matre dot com) dulu entah dari mana datangnya yang aku tempelkan di kamar.. huhuh kenangan lama...
Setelah doi bingung dan marah2 di putaran depan museum itu..erhh kita mutar2 kek naik carroussel loh! hahah entah siapa yang salah! too many traffict light and junction... dia teriak teriak it doesnt make sense.. dah jutek dah doi! waktu kita akhirnya parkir di showroom nya Porsche yang letaknya seberangan.. doi baru ingat errhhh inikan hari SENIN ya? he eh gue bilang.. huhuh pantesa tempat parkiran museum tutup lah wong museumnya juga tutup hari SENIN!! hahah
Museum Porsche Stuttgart cuma buka dari hari Selasa sampe hari Minggu!!! Jam bukanya dari jam 9 pagi sampe dengan 6 sore!
Sumpah serapah berterbangan dari Mr T hahah salah siapa coba! Akhirnya kita spent sometimes di Taman dekat Stuttgart 21.. yang jadi tempat demo massal sore itu...
Baca selengkapnya di Nona Backpacker
Strasbourg My First 1st Class (Part 1)
"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." -- Izaak Walton
I went to several places that night and actually quite spooky because less lights there... we went to a church and somehow went to the Cathedral. I wish i could see the view at night must be amazing.
There are several people passes by, and we actually use tram to get from one point to another. The tram at Strasburg running until midnight. And its quite convinient actually. I rarely see taxi tho.
I dont know if i consider this good, but i am glad i could took some of pictures at night because some of this places must be very touristy at day light! but all i could say everything is clean, the road too...
We rushed back to hotel as we feel very tired after walking sevrela hours. Its close to midnight and there are less people walking on street already. Some bars still open tho..
Mr T said Strasbourg is the city of publications since its the very first time the printing machine invented here... i note.. i thought chinese found it first?? he just said i dont know hahahaha!
.....Brussels-Paris-Strasbourg...... 3 cities in a day.. wow....(this is running through my head that day!)
From Paris Est at 6pm my train ride smoothly. TGV runs with average speed of 300kms per hour. I think im lucky enough to get the First Class ticket with the price of 2nd class wich is 40 Euro.
Strasbourg is an important city located between French and Germany. Thats where i am heading after Brussels. Theres some places that i book marked on my Lonely Planet books that been my guide for past few days.
I got text messeges from Mr T said that he drive from Karlsruhe, right from work. I met Mr T last year when i went to Macau. This time he invite me to see Europe, and its been 7 months since last time i see him! i hope he really there, if hes not..GRRRHH!!
The service is so so... i prefer 2nd class perhaps. I think this is the first time i regret to get the first class/luxury treats. Because i think its not for me. From the very beginning i step on the train with my extra bulky purple luggage.... This is the veru first time for me to ride train in Europe. My experience with train is quite less.
In Sumatra-Indonesia not much train, only return journey from Bandar Lampung to Prabumulih is my chance to get a train ride, that was back when i was in University, almost 10 years ago. The other chance to ride train in Java island is from Jakarta to Bandung. And even if its executive train, its a whole different train--all i could say: "ohh sh*t" when i see the other passengers with tie suite...Armani, Hugo Boss.. ohh.. Shuuuuuuutt! and an old lady with white grey hairs sit down elegangt on the seat i know i'm doomed.
Me on the other side wearing my flat, my black pantyhose (thank Lord i had brain to buy it at Champ Elyses!!) the best skirt that i had on my luggage, and a clean white shirt. I feel like a house maid on wrong train. Huhuhuhu...
Its not over with the feeling, i did made sure i am on the right train #13 first class and i look at my seat number is 61. So i sit down on the first 61 seat number. And this guy, age 35-45 come with snob face, maybe he had a drama school or something, so over react (perhaps too much opera) bhe stood with his ticket waving it on air say "this is my seat, hello this is my seat" he could ask to me if i get wrong seat. I said its 61 i show my ticket and he said "no its mine he show his ticket to me and point it right to my face" such a harsh guy. And then all sudden an old guy say "Miss i think this is your seat" i cant help say thank you to that guy. The jerk stood in dramaticly way and nod to everyone i think he could hear an applause there (jerrkkk!!) i sit on my seat and say thank you to that old guy, giving my best smile. He just smile and said no problem.
Its such humiliating moment, i just hate it instantly.. killing my mood for sure. The car it self very nice, you had electric socket and the seat are amazing. Talk about the seat, i just realize that me and that jerk actually right. There are two numbers on each seat. so Theres two 61 seat number on this car.. well well... difference only where that seat face...i didn't see that!! beside don't blame me i've done great job trying to interprete the ticket which is in FRENCH language!
During the trip i trie dto connect with wifi that available on the train.. but then if i want to use it i have to subscribe. So all i did just update my blog with word :( not cool! i tried to do something else like going to toilet and explore a bit... the next car is restaurant... there are plenty people there... all speak in French.. i could see some of them from my car with their suite and tie and black shiny shoes.. errhh.. i feel im very lost :( i just wish i could see someone in plain tshirt and shorts.. with friendly smile..
I got back to my seat and just try to enjoy the scenery.. at the average 300kms/hour this trin just like a bullet on a rail!! the view is amazing, i could see cows, houses and rivers.. some huge field with grass.. very different vegatation than Indonesia. Sun still shines as if its 3pm in Indonesia. I know its over 6pm and the sun lights fall on the scenery outside made it as unforgetful sight for me.
The beauty of Europe at a glimpse thats the correct thing to say. I wave to some people that wave to me from outside its fun...hahaha a bit hill billies but.. ijust like it when they smile and wave to me when the train slower-when it gets to a small city... i like how they live there.. surrounded by mountains.. theres kids with bicycle.. must be fresh and healthy there... very different than a small village in Indonesia for sure!
Its over 8 pm and i know that we're closing to Strasbourg as the train get slower and there are more houses outside. I see some factory, farms and i see a sign said Strasbourg Gare, oh my! its very close... i could see that some of the passenger even get ready and get their stuff on the compartement above.
We finally arrive nearly 8.30, i was so damn hungry!! i just ate crackers!
As the train stop, i just dont want to get any more attention i just let everyone goes down first--include the anoying guy. I was the last passenger on the train...
When i get down, there he was Mr T with LoL his "Germany" best looks hahahaha!! black tshirt, short and socks and sandal LoL thats very Germany. He looks like upset hahah! he was he told me about the traffic jam and he said something about trying to drive here fast because he afraid that he's going to be late.
Surprise, Mr T drive a car. Hahaha its rental car, but well... i think hes not use with driving! There are still sun lights when we drive out the station. We look for dinner that night.
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| One of Strasburg church |
Theres not much i could see on the first night since its pretty late... i could see little bit around city as we walk down the city.. almost everything closed at 9pm! oh my! hahahahah
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| Strasburg streets- everything is closed after 9pm! |
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| spooky tower... |
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| Strasburg cathedral at night |
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| Strassburg Cathedral door carvings |
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| Strasburg cathedral at night |
We rushed back to hotel as we feel very tired after walking sevrela hours. Its close to midnight and there are less people walking on street already. Some bars still open tho..
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| Strasburg traditional house, i like it! |
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| This guy create publications first time! |
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| Midnight at Strasburg-empty street |
Airasia 2011 Travel Resolution!
I missed the zero fare from Airasia last year... so its really sucks not get some discount flying for my vacation... (thinking about trying my new bikini hehe).
Because work load at end of year i rarely open my mailbox, until this morning i saw this airasia promotion for several destination from Airasia with lower price! Its a great deal for vacation in April until June (thinking about Phuket and Krabi in April!!)
| Booking Period | : |
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| Travel Period | : | 1 April 2011 - 30 June 2011 |
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