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Pindahan Tulisan Bahasa Indonesia

Dear pembaca, untuk kedepannya tulisan dalam bahasa Indonesia di blog ini bakalan aku pindahkan ke blog aku yang lain "Nona Backpacker" biar gak bingung bacanya.. thanks!


Air Asia Whale of Sale! (for mid 2012 journey!)

For more info go to AirAsia website


I just got an email from Air Asia about their newest promotion for 2012.
Wasn't bad at all for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Paris return will roughly cost you below Rp 5.000.000,- or around US$500 for the economy flight!

These are the conditions of the flights:
Booking Period:
15 August 2011 - 19 August 2011
Travel Period: 17 April 2012 - 10 September 2012
Travel Notes

- Advanced booking required.
- Fares are not available during embargo period.
- Booking starts 12 noon (GMT+8)
* Travel period is 17 April – 10 August 2012.
# Starting 24th October we will connect to London via Gatwick Airport


Fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (LCC Terminal), Kuala Lumpur to:
International All-in-fare from
Operated By AirAsia X
Economy seats Premium seats
Perth Rp 763.000 Rp 4.039.000
Melbourne Rp 916.000 Rp 6.029.000
Gold Coast Rp 916.000 Rp 6.029.000
Hangzhou (Shanghai) Rp 763.000 Rp 2.876.000
Tianjin Rp 763.000 Rp 3.212.000
Chengdu Rp 763.000 Rp 2.600.000
Paris Rp 1.988.000 Rp 6.397.000
Mumbai Rp 610.000 Rp 2.447.000
New Delhi Rp 610.000 Rp 2.447.000
Osaka Rp 763.000 (*) Rp 4.805.000 (*)
Tokyo Rp 763.000 (*) Rp 4.805.000 (*)
Christchurch Rp 916.000 Rp 6.428.000
Seoul Rp 763.000 Rp 4.743.000
Taipei Rp 763.000 Rp 2.386.000
London Rp 1.988.000 (#) Rp 10.377.000


For more information of these sale just go to AirAsia Website!








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Help me to win the IT Travellers go! contest

Dear my Precious Readers! help me to win the IT Traveler contest by voting my profile here! the closing date of this contest is 9 August 2011!

Thanks a lot!

Fk

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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!

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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..

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......

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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.




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???

My SPA day at Caracalla Baden Baden
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 (waakkkss not so "budget" eh??). You could access all the pools as well the whole sauna room there... there are plenty different pools and sauna room there. They had different benefits for all sauna and swimming pool so i think the price is WORTHY because this place amazing! by the way.. no cellphone allowed here haha the sign are everywhere!

This chips/rubber band they gave at the entrance also for opening and locking the locker and ordering foods at the café/canteen inside! they also provide a small black machine inside so we could scan/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. The shower is with hot water and VERY clean.

I don’t really know what to expect so, I wash my self and my hair, who know these people very hygiene and check if I wash my hair this morning or not. This is good at least i know everyone is as clean as me before entering the pool and the using the sauna.


So finish washing I went to the indoor pool. This pool said rich with minerals, and its warm! Ohhh..my.. sooo cozy... its 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. So a lie my back on one of the side the swimming pool, with Mr. T proud face after saying "you dont have this in Indonesia ya?" i just smile.... i dont care anymore hahah!

After swimming and try every water/current massage indoor… I told Mr. T i want to check the outdoor pool. He was afraid its bit too cold for me.. but as long as we're inside the pool its all right i think. So, I went outside and try the outdoor pool… hmmm it’s a current pool!! Its very good for physio therapy... because i saw some old ladies walking all around the current pool. And its more warmer than the one inside. More people here and mostly good looking young couple.. uhh uhh… *blushing* looking at Mr T with big grin (and we flaten our tummy instantly).

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 that i want to sneeze 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...

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.

Love this hot pool, next to it the cold water pool!

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!! I push Mr T to try it, but hes a Russian guy with the label "weather proof" on his sleeve same like Canadian. He literally march there...**my hero!!** so i just soak my self in hot water  pool... this is great...

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?? with an eye brow lifted and naughty smile.... 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 thinking is he joking?? 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. WHOOAAA!! some couples pass us thru... i look at them and they seemed without any hesitation, at all!

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!! can i do this to the 'next level'????

Mr T just grinned.... well... oh well....


..................TO BE CONTINUED...............

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