As fast as the light
She travels hugging her heart
To where love resides.
——
Prambanan Temple
Light
Tag: Yogyakarta
Walk Back Not
There’s only one way to leave a forest: its edge. Throw away the doubt.
—
Visit
Garden of the death
Where pray and wish are whispered
To eternity—
—
A Few around d’Omah
If a photo album is a figure of speech, below is pars pro toto. Yet figure of speech accuracy is based on the writer’s level of expertise.
Feel Good
Don’t let anything and anyone be a happiness snatcher even if they hurt you unintentionally or intentionally.
—
Feel good is successfully deciphering the codes in my life.
Green Backyard
The green yard behind
Is where greets and smiles soft-land
On the plate and glass.
—
A Home before A Home
Wondered about home.
Has wandered finding a home.
She’s learnt she’s a home.
—
Feel good is feel home wherever she is.
Javanese Hungry Go Where in Yogyakarta
Just in case my kitchen is resting, here is a list of Javanese heaven on earth for my hungry stomach.
💝
- Omah Kayu, Jl. Pemuda 234 Wonosari, Gunungkidul
- Jejamuran Resto, Sleman
- Gubug Makan Mang Engking,
- angkringan pmm kaliurang
- Sate Klatak Mas Bari Pleret Bantul,
- Soto Sulung Cak Alim Jl. Adisucipto
- Gudeg Bu Hj Amad,
- Gudeg Yu Djum
- Gudeg Permata Bu Pujo, buka jam 9 malam, Gudeg Pawon Jl. Kusumanegara, ming buka jam 23:00
- Bebek Goreng Cak Koting, kidul jemb layang Lempuyangan,
- Bakmi mBah Mo Bantul
- Bakmi Kadin,
- Bakmi Pele, Alun2 Lor
- Ayam Geprek Mbok Moro cabang Terban
- Bakmi Jawa Pak Rebo Kintelan,
- Mangut Lele Bu Is Jetis
- Sate Goreng Ringin Kronggahan,
- Bakmi Jawa mBah Hadi Terban,
- Sate Ayam Cak Ali – Telogorejo
- Kepik Sawah : Jl. Godean KM 9, Senuko, Sidoagung – garang asem n belut balado, limun Tjap Orang Kaya, dll
21.Ayam Goreng Mbok Sabar Jagalan
22.Ayam Goreng Bu. Tini wetan ex Bioskop Permata, - Sate Jono Pakualaman
- Kopi Joss dan angkringan di lor Stasiun Tugu
- Wedang Uwuh, makam Imogiri,
26.Sego pecel UGM,7 - Lotek n Gado2 Teteg, Lempuyangan
- Kupat Tahu Pak Budi perempatan SGM,..
- Baceman kepala kambing p Kirman di belakang pasar Colombo
- Lotek bu Ning di jln Surokarsan
- Soto miroso,
- Nasgor & magelangan: bakmi doreng, Suryowijayan.
- Pecel wader dekat Bandara Adi Sucipto,
- Sayur Brongkos “Handayani” (mbak Tri, Alun2 kidul)
- Jadah Tempe kaliurang bu carik
- Wader Goreng Suko Jl.. Wonosari
- Soto kadipiro – Jl. Wates
- Gudeg Djuminten Kranggan
- Soto Pak Marto, Patangpuluhan
- Soto Pak Soleh Tegalrejo
41.Soto Gobyos Wetan Jembatan Gondolayu, - Sate ayam Pak Kromo
- Gudeg mercon
- Gudeg Tugu
- Bakmi Godog P.Juki Blimbingsari
- Ayam Geprek Mbok Moro cabang Durenan
- Ayam goreng mbah Cemplung, Gunung Sempu, Bantul
- Gulai Kambing Pasar Lempuyngan & Jakal km18
- Sate Kambing Samsuri Adisucipto
- Sate kambing Klatak Pak Pong, Wonokromo Bantul
- Sop kaki kambing depan RS Bethesda dan RS Panti rapih.
- Sate Ngasem Madukismo
- SEA FOOD KATOMBO, Sinduadi Mlati
- Bakmi mbak yuni stasiun
- Bebek goreng simpatik kranggan
- Sate ayam Jl Monjali dpn hotel Tentrem
- Nasgor kambing dkt panti rapih
- Nasgor Kambing, depanSMA Padmanaba
- Wader presto mbak jurri kalibawang
- Ingkung Kampung Ndeso, Pajangan Bantul
- Tengkleng Gajah di Wedomartani
- Mbah Gejrot Wonosari
- Nasi merah, empal, sayuran, sambal, dan tempe Bukit Bintang
- Bebek Goreng Gejayan Utara
- Jejamuan, Ginggang Paku Alaman
- Gudeg Cukupan seberang Saphir Square (hanya malam, lesehan)
- Soto bu Cip Patangpuluhan
- Rantengan bu wiryo beringharjo
- Warung masakan Jawa ibu Siput, Gondomanan
- Sea food baruna monjali
- Nasi Uduk Palagan (utara Monjali)
- Ayam Geprek Mbok Moro jl Bantul
- Sate Kambing Samirono
- Brongkos Bu Padmo Tempel Sleman
- Sate ayam Podomoro, Jl. Suryotomo Yogyakarta
- Sop ayam kampung Pak Min
- Bakso cap Kepala Kambing
- Soto Gumyak Selatan PMI Tegalgendu Kotagede
- Tongseng Sor Talok Manding Bantul
- Telur Tuna Hercules deket fak Teknik UGM
- Ramesan Warung Idjo Teteg Lempuyangan
- Siomay Mang Mudi Ringroad Per4an Jakal
- Siomay Kang Cepot Jakal
- Rawon EnaK Ringroad deket RSA UGM
- Soto Wonosari Condongcatur
- Soto Sapi Mbok Sarbini Piyungan
- Soto Ayam tan proyek Wonosari
- Soto lenthok dan raja sambel di seturan
- Sate dan Tongseng pak Dakir depan pasar Klitikan
- Bakmi Tongseng Balungan Sibitsu jln Bantul
- Sate Karang Kotagede
- Bakso & es teler Pathuk
- Seafood & rekreasi anak Banyumili Godean
- Waroeng Pohon, Jalan Parangtritis km 6
- Gudeg Pawon Janturan
- Oseng2 mercon KHA Dahlan
- Soto gobyos jl Bayangkara
- Ayam Goreng Bacem Code
- Kepiting Cak Gundul Jl Palagan
- Gudeg Ceker Gejayan
- Mangut Lele mbah Marto Geneng Sewon Bantul
- Sop janda jogja mlati sleman
- DA’IM DONUTS Jl. Kaliurang km 10.
- Siomay Kang Ujang, jalan Panjatkan dan jalan Ngasem.
- Warung Tongseng Ayam Kampung, Selatan Pasar Bantul
- SATE MBAH SO, Kota gede.
- SATE PAK MINTO, Jalan Wates.
- Bakmi mbah Gito, Pilahan.
- Warung Sego abang , jinak Semau Wonosari GK
GUDEG
- Gudeg Sagan (mbak Wati), Jalan Prof Johanes, Galeria Mall ke utara.
- Gudeg Bu Djuminten: Jl Kranggan 69
- Gudeg Bu Pujo (Permata): Jl Gajah Mada 11 (lesehan buka pukul 21.00)
- Gudeg Ceker Bu Nining: Jl A Yani 16
- Gudeg Ceker Bu Yanti: Jl Monjali
- Gudeg Ceker Sedep Raos: Jl Seturan 15 (warung tenda)
- Gudeg Cukupan Batas Kota: Jl Solo 28 (lesehan seberang Saphir Square)
- Gudeg Geneng Mbah Marto: Dusun Nengahan, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul (belakang kampus ISI)
- Gudeg Kentungan: Jl Kaliurang km 5
- Gudeg Kuncen Bu Sri: Jl HOS Cokroaminoto (depan Apotik Kimia Farma)
- Gudeg Manggar Bu Hendro: Jl Hayam Wuruk (seberang Pasar Lempuyangan)
- Gudeg Manggar Pembayun: Mangir, Pajangan, Bantul
- Gudeg Mbarek Bu Hj Amad: Utara Selokan Mataram UGM
- Gudeg Mercon Ibu Tinah: Jl Asem Gede-Kranggan (buka pukul 20.00)
- Gudeg Pawon Jl. Prof Soepomo 36, Janturan (buka pukul 23.00)
- Gudeg yu Jum: Wijilan.
- Gudeg Tugu Bu Wagiyem: Jl Diponegoro (lesehan)
- Gudeg Wijilan Bu Lies: Jl Wijilan 5 (buka 24 jam)
- Gudeg Wijilan Bu Nur: Jl Wijilan
- Gudeg Wijilan Bu Slamet: Jl Wijilan 17
- Gudeg Yu Djum: Utara Selokan Mataram UGM
- Gudeg Yu Narni: Jl Kaliurang km 4,5 (lor Kehutanan UGM)
- Gudeg Yu Yah: Jl Magelang km 5 (warung tenda kidul Terminal Jombor)
- Rantengan Bu Warno: Jl A Yani (lantai 2 Pasar Beringharjo) & Jl Jagalan Beji PA I/43 Pakualaman
BAKMI
- Bakmi Pak Furqoni, Jalan Modang Jogokaryan
- Bakmi Doring: Jl Suryowijayan 348
- Bakmi Jokteng: Perempatan Pojok Benteng Barat
- Bakmi Jombor: Jl Magelang km 6,3 (Flyover Jombor)
- Bakmi Kadin Mbah Hj Karto: Jl Bintaran Kulon 6
- Bakmi Mbah Gito: Jl Nyi Ageng Nis, Rejowinangun
- Bakmi Mbah Hadi: SPBU Terban
- Bakmi Mbah Mo: Dusun Code, Kulon Perempatan Manding, Bantul
- Bakmi mBah Tris Manding Kidul, Trirenggo Bantul.
- Bakmi Mbah Wito: Dusun Kemoro Sari 1, Desa Piyaman, Wonosari
- Bakmi Mbak Yuni: Jl Wongsodirjan (lor Stasiun Tugu)
- Bakmi Pak Geno: Jl Parangtritis km 23 Patalan, Jetis, Bantul
- Bakmi Pak Harjo Geno: Pasar Prawirotaman
- Bakmi Pak Juki: Jl Yacaranda 1, Sekip (depan Apotik Gajah Mada)
- Bakmi Pak Juki: Depan SPBU Sagan
- Bakmi Pak Pele: Wetan Pagelaran Kraton, Alun-Alun Lor
- Bakmi Pak Rebo: Jl Brigjen Katamso 167, Kintelan
- Bakmi Shibishu: Jl Raya Bantul 106
- Mie Ayam Mas Yudi: Jl Taman Siswa 158
- Bakmi Jozz Krakitan, Ringinharjo, Bantul
- Mie Lethek Mbah Mendes: Jl Ringroad Utara (200 meter kulon Lotte Mart)
SOTO
- Saoto Bathok Mbah Katro: Jl Candi Sambisari, Purwomartani, Kalasan
- Soto Ayam Tan Proyek: Jl Raya Wonosari
- Soto Bangkong: Jl Magelang
- Soto Betawi Bang Darto: Jl Petung 33, Papringan
- Soto Betawi Bang Pitung: Jl Juminahan 12
- Soto Bu Cip: Jl S Parman 58
- Soto Djiancuk: Jl Tepi Rawa Kalibayam, Sonopakis, Ngestiharjo
- Soto Gobyos: Jl Bayangkara
- Soto Gumyak: Jl Imogiri Timur (kidul PMI Tegalgendu Kotagede)
- Soto Kadipiro: Jl Raya Wates 33 (sebelah kanan jalan arah ke Wates)
- Soto Kemasan: Jl Ringroad Selatan, Singosaren (dekat Terminal Giwangan)
- Soto Kudus: Jl Monjali (samping SPBU Monjali)
- Soto Kudus Gajah Mada: Jl Kaliurang km 8,7
- Soto Lamongan Cak Parno: Jl Lembah UGM Karangmalang D28
- Soto Lenthok 21: Jl Sugeng Jeroni
- Soto Lenthok 42: Jl MT Haryono 42
- Soto Lenthok Pak Karjo: Jl Prof Herman Johanes, Sagan
- Soto Miroso: Jl Adisucipto 168A
- Soto Moneter: Jl Ringroad Timur, Banguntapan (lor perempatan Kotagede)
- Soto Pak Marto: Jl Janti, Gedong Kuning (depan JEC)
- Soto Pak Marto: Jl S. Parman, Barat Plengkung Taman Sari (200 m kulon bangjo)
- Soto Pak Pur: Jl Nitiprayan, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul (500 meter kidul IKIP PGRI)
- Soto Pak Sholeh Al-Barokah: Jl Wiratama 84, Tegalrejo
- Soto Sampah (Uwuh): Jl Kranggan (depan SPBU)
- Soto Sapi Mbok Sarbini: Jl Raya Wonosari, Srimulyo (dekat Pasar Piyungan Baru)
- Soto Sapi Pak Musthofa: Jl Magelang km 7 (lor Terminal Jombor)
- Soto Sapi Pak Sugeng: Jl HOS Cokroaminoto 185
- Soto Seger Mbok Giyem: Jl Adisucipto (depan Sheraton Mustika) & Jl Magelang km 8
- Soto Sulung Cak Alim: Jl. Adisucipto km 8,5 (depan Grand Quality)
- Soto Sulung Pak Malik: Jl Pasar Kembang (Parkiran Selatan Stasiun Tugu)
- Soto Sumuk: Jl Jend Sudirman (wetan Jembatan Gondolayu)
- Soto Wonosari Mbah Urip: Jl Rajawali Raya 74, Condongcatur
- Sop Ayam Kampung Pak Min
SATE
- Sate Ayam Cak Ali: Jl Kaliurang km 7
- Sate Ayam Cak Amat: Jl Hadidarsono, Kotabaru
- Sate Ayam Monjali: Jl AM Sangaji (depan Hotel Tentrem)
- Sate Ayam Pak Kromo: Jl Mayor Suryotomo 3
- Sate Ayam Podomoro: Jl Mataram 11
- Sate Djono: Jl Masjid Pakualaman 7
- Sate Goreng Ringin: Kronggahan, Jombor, Mlati (Terminal Jombor ke barat lalu ke utara)
- Sate Kambing Mbah Darmo: Jl Solo (wetan bandara)
- Sate Kambing Monjali: Jl Monjali 106 (lor bangjo Jembatan UGM)
- Sate Kambing Pak Dakir: Jl HOS Cokroaminoto 75 (depan Pasar Klitikan)
- Sate Kambing Pak Syamsuri: Jl Anggrek, Sambilegi, Adisucipto
- Sate Kambing Samirono: Jl Colombo 105
- Sate Karang Pak Prapto: Jl Nyi Pembayun, Lapangan Karang, Kota Gede
- Sate Klatak Pak Bari: Pasar Desa Wonokromo, Jl Kedaton, Pleret, Bantul
- Sate Klatak Pak Mus: Jl Stadion Sultan Agung, Pleret, Bantul
- Sate Klatak Pak Pong: Jl Stadion Sultan Agung, Pleret, Bantul
- Sate Klatak Pak Yakut: Ruko Griya Alvita, Jl Wates km 3
- Sate Kuda Gondolayu: Jl Jend Sudirman 25 (kulon jembatan)
- Sate Kuda Pak Kuntjoro: Jl Kranggan 64A
- Sate Ngaglik: Jl Kaliurang km 10 (depan kecamatan)
- Sate Ngasem: Jl Keloran, Bugisan, Tirtonirmolo, Ringroad Selatan
- Sate Padang Asli: Jl Kaliurang km 5,6 (dekat HokBen)
- Sate Padang Mamak Sharil: Jl Sultan Agung, Pakualaman
- Sate Padang Salero: Kawasan Stadion Mandala Krida
AYAM
- Ayam Asap Kuah Santan: Jl Gito Gati 100 (lor Hotel Hyatt)
- Ayam Bakar Bu Ning: Jl Taman Siswa (warung tenda)
- Ayam Geprek Mbok Moro
- Ayam Bakar MG 22: Jl Sisingamangaraja 22B (seberang Kantor Pos Mergangsan)
- Ayam Goreng Bu Tini: Jl Sultan Agung 17, (wetan bekas Bioskop Permata)
- Ayam Goreng Kampung Bugisan: Jl Bugisan Selatan 42 (depan SMKI)
- Ayam Goreng Mbah Cemplung: Sembungan RT 05 Bangunjiwo, Kasihan, Bantul
- Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek Kalasan: Jl Solo km 14,5 (samping Panti Rini Ziekenhuis)
- Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek Pawirodikoro: Jl Pugeran Timur 24
- Ayam Goreng Mbok Sabar: Jl Jagalan
- Ayam Goreng Mentega Lie Djiong: Jl Brigjen Katamso
- Ayam Goreng Ninit: Jl C Simanjuntak 20, Terban (depan Karita)
- Ayam Goreng Ny Suharti: Perempatan Rejowinangun, Gedong Kuning
- Ayam Goreng Pak Ndut: Jl C Simanjuntak 29, Terban
- Ayam Goreng Putra Rantau: Jl Wirosaban (wetan rumah sakit)
- Ayam Goreng Suharti: Jl Adisucipto (samping turunan Flyover Babarsari)
- Ayam Goreng Tojoyo 3: Jl Urip Sumoharjo 133 (depan Empire XXI)
- Ayam Kremes Mbak Ning: Jl Gajah Mada 1 (kulon bekas Bioskop Permata)
- Ayam Panggang 3 Berku: Jl Kusumanegara 185
- Ayam Panggang Bu Ning: Jl Godean km 5
- Ingkung Kampung Ndeso Mbah Cempluk: Dusun Santan, Desa Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul
BEBEK
- Bebek Goreng Cak Koting/Bu Meti: Jl Dr Sutomo (kidul Flyover Lempuyangan)
- Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut: Jl C Simanjuntak 29, Terban
- Bebek Goreng Pak Saring: Dalam Pasar Lempuyangan
- Bebek Goreng H Slamet: Jl Pangeran Mangkubumi
- Bebek Goreng Pak Slamet: Jl Affandi (Gejayan Utara)
- Bebek Goreng Simpatik: Jl Diponegoro (depan Pasar Kranggan)
GADO2/PECEL/LONTONG
- Gado-Gado Bu Hadi: Jl A Yani (lantai 2 Pasar Beringharjo)
- Kupat Tahu Pak Budi: Jl Kusumanegara (perempatan SGM)
- Lontong Sayur Padang: Jl Ipda Tut Harsono, Timoho (dekat RM Barokah)
- Lotek Bu Ning: Jl Surokarsan
- Lotek MM UGM: Depan MM UGM
- Lotek Sagan: Jl Sagan Kidul 23 & Jl Danau Tempe V/8
- Lotek Teteg Lempuyangan Bu Is: Jl Argolubang 184 Gg Delima GK IV/196 Baciro (depan SPBU)
- Pecel Baywatch Mbah Warno: Kasongan, Bantul
- Pecel Lele: Jl Patangpuluhan 21
- Pecel Senggol: Jl A Yani (pintu gerbang Pasar Beringharjo)
- Pecel SGPC Bu Wiryo 1959: Utara Selokan Mataram UGM
- Pecel Wader: Jalan Masuk Bandara Adisucipto
BAKSO/PEMPEK
- Bakso Pak Teguh, depan pasar Prawirotaman Yogyakarta (buks sore jam 17.00)
- Bethesda: Jl Yohanes Nurhadi (kulon rumah sakit)
- Bakso Idolaku: Jl Taman Siswa 138
- Bakso Jawi Bu Miyar: Jl Sultan Agung 9
- Bakso Kuning Gading: Jl Abubakar Ali 2A, Kotabaru
- Bakso Malang Berkah: Jl Nusa Indah, Condong Catur
- Bakso Pak Jam: Ironayan, Banguntapan, Bantul (samping masjid)
LODEH WADER – Warung HANYA Jl. Parangtritis km 6,5 (utara kampus ISI), - EMPEK-EMPEK Nonyan Kamto di Malioboro Mal
l dan Selatan Ramai Mall…
-Angkringan RUBY JOGLO
Jalan Nanggulan
And many more….❤
Good Day
What will you do on one bright day? Anything but feel no good.
—
Clear Sky (ranting)
Clear sky, Beloved,
Calm blue where clouds swim, birds fly
Under the warm sun—
—
Javanese live their life with meaning and that makes them “effortlessly” survive even in the hardest time. They pin meaning to everything they experience. I believe Javanese are naturally philosophers whose communal humble life is richly loaded with wisdom; unfortunately fading away by the time.
Meanings easily recognised by most Javanese are those pinned to batik method and patterns. Historically batik patterns were works of art composed by either scholars from padepokan (ashram in Sanskrit) or the royals (king, queen, prince, princess or royal artists). In fact, there were few batik patterns created by commoners such as batik nitik and batik kawung. Kawung is one of the oldest original patterns of Javanese batik which has existed since 12th century. Nitik was born younger, approximately in 19th century.
Fun fact about Javanese king: aside from courses of political knowledge, leadership, palace management etc, long time before his coronation a Javanese crown prince must completely compose 3 works of art and publicly present them to the board of senior royals then announced the art pieces to people in the kingdom. Those three are batik pattern whose batik is handmade by him, tembang/kidung (sacred Javanese song) sung by him; and bedhaya dance trained to the dancers by him (a solemn Javanese dance performed by a group of dancers).
While batik nitik was initially created as secret codes by commoners to circulate among them classified information kept hidden from unjust aristocrats at that time or from the enemies (some historians said though this pattern was composed by the royals); kawung was allegedly created by a mother to dress her son who was instructed by the king to join his exclusive team due to his outstanding skill of espionage and balanced state of mind (again the historians said this pattern was composed by the royals). The said mother made a sheet of kawung pattern for him before he left as a prayer that her son could keep his current quality even after he later lived among (socially, politically, professionally) higher rank people.
Kawung is the Javanese word of sugar palm (kolang-kaling). The symmetrical four half chambers in a fruit are used to symbolise balanced state among physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual. The clear colour of the seed is borrowed to symbolise clarity: of conscious mind, of conscious decisions, of intension, of purpose and of actions.
People also relate the word kawung to suwung that can mean emptiness: in this matter suwung is more about self alignment, absence of sense-driven wanting. A person in this suwung state in positive interpretation means someone who is already free from his/her craving for worldly interests, s/he is able to calmly and consciously prioritise among physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual proportions with no doubt or confusion. S/he is in high level of awareness of a “perfect” human being.
In Java region that kind of person is not necessarily a saint or a priest or a bikhu(ni) or a nun; s/he might be a farmer, a batik maker, a herbal seller, a taxi driver, an employee, a housewife, a leader etc, just whoever is willing to self align through what they do everyday regardless their professions. Not a few of them were “bad” people hearing the inner calling, deciding to quit their wrong doings and living “new” life.
At younger age, I met more of that type around us in my hometown. Now fewer and fewer people are interested to achieve that level because life pace is now becoming faster with the “tsunami of information” and life needs are “forcing” people to be constantly in alert mode with the high competition to “survive certain life style”.
Not much I can do this time. I try to breath more slowly, pay attention on shift of emotions through body reaction (my body will never betray me) then acknowledge the emotion whatever it is. Time flies like a wind sometimes like a storm, I choose to ride it, not to get dragged by it. Not easy but doable.
How light this head is after ranting!
Fun fact about the honourable batik makers:
- Once a batik maker pulls the “canting” filled with hot wax on a sheet of fabric, it will start developing lines or dots as the hot wax gets dry fast and block the fabric. That is why they work very carefully to avoid unplanned error. Correcting unplanned error is more tedious in batik making process compared to drawing the patterns with canting. Zero accident policy applies.
- Batik making is a highly contemplative activity (almost) like meditation. That is what makes many of batik makers especially those senior and/or with high quality artisanal works have good self alignment.
- Some batik makers don’t need to draw the planned pattern with pencil on the fabric. They are the highly skilled, the artist, the master of what they are doing.
- It takes approximately 5 months to complete a piece of two sided hand-made batik of 210-250cm long. Those batik makers also do household chores in between their batik making activities as they mostly don’t earn good money. If you buy hand made batik, please give extra dollars to share some comfort.
- Majority of batik makers are female. Very few of them are young.
Dream Home (ranting)
Dream home, Beloved,
A place where nature meets hearts;
Hearts warmly greet souls—
—
The conversation with a long lost friend came to a topic of “where we want to live if ending living alone?”
Living in Singapore was never part of my dream. A visit in 2010 gave me impression that I would die of hunger in a week with Indonesia salary. 😁
Now this city is a lovely second home; my impression has changed. I won’t die because of hunger but I will die because of loneliness if I stay single retiring here. I still can’t find enough friends like those in home country. There are three but all of them will retire in Bali and New Zealand sooner than me.
Residing in a landed property where gardening and backyard dining is affordable is a preference, yet I don’t have the luxury of living in such place here. And I don’t want to die alone in a locked condo found rotten after days or even weeks. Oh God, please protect me from such horrible thing. Amen….
F: I’ve always wanted to live in Ubud and it will happen very soon. I’ll open a spa with all traditional herbal from all over Indonesia. I’ll quit my job soon. I want to live my own life as me, no one can tell me to do this and that anymore! No bloody politics anymore! Visit me often! You’ll find my spa super special! I’ll give you discount! Be a regular customer! Hey! You once wanted to live in Thailand?
Me: Someone informed me about a good property in low price near my favourite hotel in Ayutthaya. Yet Thai have controversial life style I’m not comfortable with in a way. I’m too simple, sometimes too honest and can be against those status-oriented that I might not be able to adapt well. Not a true dream! Hey! Actually love to live in Kyoto!
F: You’ll die in three months after you complete second round of shrine, temple and ancient house hopping! 😂
Me: Dying of walking! 😂
What a refreshing conversation! And yes, I’ll visit her spa soon! 😍
Lesson learnt: Will only live with those I love and loving me where home is a real feel. No excuse.
Salaam…. 💝
Life As I Like It
Good life, Beloved
Surrounded by them most loved
In green serene air—
—-
I like to tell some colleagues that I’ll be the host for our reunion dinner in my home 15 years from now. It must be a good time to talk about how we’re doing what we’re doing.
Though not soon, ‘m looking forward to a long life to make it happen.
See you in a green serene garden, fellas! 🥳
Temasek – Apr. 19, 2022 / 19:33
The Director
Her life, Beloved,
Perfectly-directed film
Ready for Oscars—
————————————————
She sometimes forgets that life is a performed script in which she is casted to act out a given role the best she can. She should follow the director’s direction and directive.
What about spectators? She should ignore spectators. Spectators are stars whose job is to see and comment on the film. And they pay for what they see and comment. The payment goes to the stars!
So, dear Star. Fix your moves. Better your expression. Tag your ears with the melody. Live in harmony, with your own self like Javanese Bedhaya performers who are meditatively drowned in the sacred composition.
Oscars are waiting.…
…. Only if you play all out!
Heart and soul dancing through body 💞
Alhamdulillah 🌻
Home
A home, Beloved
Not an outlook— it’s the soul
That hugs when inside.
—————————————————————-
I bought my first property at 34, a bit late from the original plan simply because I was broke. It was a small house in Greater Jakarta, that is now called “Rumah Bob” (literally Bob’s home) named after my cat Bob.
It is one tiny house in a small cluster, uniformly designed with minimum freedom to show “me” — the owner can only have it painted different colours, install different window sills, plant different flowers and design different garden, add different carport, or maybe buy different cars.
That has motivated me to have a home that reflects “the me that I want to present”. None of the houses offered to me by brokers or friends hit my core although some were into my taste— of course some were simply too pricy. 😩 I rejected all offers.
Apology – Some people (who helped search property for me) thought I was too much because for some of them a house is simply a place to live in comfort, while I’ve always dreamt to live in a home where I can express the true me and help my guests understand their true selves by visiting the home. A few of them sarcastically said I shouldn’t have searched through them if I didn’t have enough money — ohhhhhh some bloody stings!!! 😂 Yet I did apologise to them for being so difficult.
I decided to buy a small plot of land in a greenery in Yogyakarta (my father’s home town) and build a home from scratch.
Architect – It’s very important to choose the right architect. Not necessarily the most prominent as to me integrity and friendship is the most important thing – luckily my best friend recommended her student to work on my dream. Working with an architect who was artist had blessed me. She understood what was wanted by her clients but she never got satisfied even when the clients said the final draft was excellent. She would get back to me saying “Mbak, I think I find which part should be optimised. I’ll get back to you with a new draft.” Thanks to Mbak Novi.
The Core – My home will never impress random onlookers from the outlook or those who think a good house is a luxurious building; they will simply think it’s a humble abode clean and fresh. It will only impress its guests, family and friends who truly relate with me as human beings with different kinds of engagements or those who know how to appreciate humanity and ordinary.
I wish to be granted health and prosperity to live long enough to enjoy being a sincere host in my true home to those who love life.
A dream come true! Alhamdulillah.
May all beings be happy. 💝
A Neighbour-To-Be
One step out of gate
Is a neighbour who greets you,
Supports you with heart.
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‘ve always loved to have neighbours, good neighbours. Bad neighbours? Gosh! They are just those who don’t know how to thank for what they have been given and think that others are more blessed and happier. I had both back then. Now? My neighbours here are doors with numbers, cleaning service and security guards. 😁
Many want to live in a place where neighbours are those greeting and supporting each other with heart. I don’t mind to have a few rather bad neighbours among most good ones. And my home-base-to-be seems showing good signs. A good friend cum a good neighbour-to-be said that her friend owns a restaurant located near the home-base-to-be. A restaurant named “Jiwa Jawi” (literally means Javanese soul) is there right at the back of the home-base.
Wouldn’t it be nice that our backyard is looking out to a restaurant in a small jungle? When the food at home isn’t enough for visiting family and friends, just dial the number and get some to be delivered in no time. Indonesian food will always be one most favourite on the home-base’s dining table.
Another good news, this restaurant is a ground where people can eat, chat, camp, play, gather, pose to enjoy the day! When some intermezzo is needed, just step out of the gate and chill out there. Some friends said it is instagramable.
Can’t wait, can’t wait…. I miss home.
Salaam….
Being Neighbours & Banana
What’s being neighbours? Readily help and share with; Willing to be, too—
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My homebase starts materializing. Yay! It is in Yogyakarta, a small city that is socio-culturally integrated (different ethnic, religion and political groups are well blended), not so crowded and modern (sayonara, Jakarta!), with existing international airport, etc, etc, etc. And one most important thing is good friends are living there.
I always love to be and to have good and reliable neighbour(s). Those good friends will be my neighbours from whom I will get help and support when needed and who are willing to get helps and supports from me. They are not in the same housing complex but still in the same city.
For the past four days my menu has been all about banana. Banana for breakfast. Banana for lunch. Banana for dinner. Banana either cooked or just eaten not cooked. How much ever I felt bored with banana, I had to finish the banana because neighbours confirmed of not liking and wanting banana. Their expressions of “oh that banana?”, “banana hahaha”, “ummm banana but…” left a tiny puncture on my poverty pride. Maybe next time I’ll share gold or cash and see if the puncture moves to another point hahaha…
My “active neighbours” said to me it is not so common to share food with “any neighbours” nowadays. Or, they want to give but they don’t want to accept. Yes, yes, they are so right. I learnt another lesson about this people.
My so called “active neighbours” nowadays are the cleaning services and security guards with whom I can share food and wishes freely. Hey, hey I never share left over, all food is either cooked by me or packed from stores/restaurants purposefully for them. Respect to all my active neighbours. 🙏🏼
When I shared the pictures of those cooked banana in the Instagram and how much I’d love to share the banana (cooked or not cooked) with neighbours, my neighbours-will-be in Yogyakarta gave welcoming comments including they would love to share their cookings too, and that alone has made me confident of moving to that city and hopefully living comfortably there in the (not so near) future.
Sometimes I feel that I don’t belong to this place. Yet I know I have to be here for some time before leaving these things behind and enjoy being a human living side by side with others without other temporary identity; just being me, being human.
I know it will happen, not very soon; but it will happen. Now I am happy with this temporary identity and want to be a good neighbour for anyone who is willing to be my neighbour.
One more thing: I’ll grow banana in the future homebase and cook the best banana recipe and share it with neighbours there! 😂
May all beings be happy.
Only Where I Am
Seeing morning’s sun, Warmed by noon’s, serene through moon. Only where I am.
Ever thought that where you are is not the best place on earth? Change your mind soon!
I’ve always loved Asia especially South East Asia. People might think it’s because I’m now living in that place and never go anywhere else. Yes, that’s a primary reason but there are other reasons.
Long story short, I tried short stays in different places with different climates and culture and I conclude that where I am now is the best place: enough sun everyday, relatively same length between night and day the whole year. What’s more we can find friendly neighbours —in big cities people are less warm but relatively quite friendly, access to more vegetables and fruit, food is tastier with touch of herbs, more affordable living cost, and so on and so forth.
Last but not least in where I live spirituality is a daily life blended with nature— no I’m not talking about religion, institutional religion isn’t an interest of mine anymore. People don’t have to wait until certain days to pray, God or god is just a daily reality, sacred in the heart normal topic in public. People don’t have to organise registered charities to help others; not all people are trustworthy but I love in a circle where integrity is topmost criteria to survive. People don’t have to be certified to teach spirituality class; when I was young I simply knocked on neighbours’ doors and asked them about cultural and spiritual wisdom and we didn’t have to pay a cent.
Not ideal to all, but that’s a perfect life to this person
I’ve always dreamed to have a home base in culturally-integrated-not-so-crowded city like Bali, Yogyakarta or Ayutthaya when not traveling. It’s gonna be a sweet, warm landed property that once in a while welcomes family and friends to share ideas about this fun life and their great mind. Oh, don’t forget with lots of plants and at least two cats around! Dog? Maybe, the lazy one so that we don’t have to walk it everyday 😘
Dream on, dear Self. Hug the imagination while weekend is around. 😁
Don’t forget to wakey, wakey on weekdays! 😁
May all beings be happy.
Mountain Is A Nail – haiku
Mountain is a nail.
It stamps a ground on to earth.
Air mails this message.
Picture is borrowed from http://www.merapigolf.co.id
Kuala Lumpur – July 10, 2016 – 9:49pm
rike jokanan 
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