When I was young, I always put 'hagelslag' on my bread. By that time, mom told me that its name is 'muisjes' -- that's the Dutch word (Don't mixed up with meisjes; muis = mouse, notice the similarity between hagelslag and excrement of mice). I noticed that in the package there was the word 'hagelslag' as well, but I thought it was the English word.
Once I was curious about the Indonesian word for 'muisjes' and found 'coklat roti' -- but nobody seems to use this term.
When I was in NL, I learnt that the thing that I know as 'muisjes' is called 'hagelslag' by the Dutch and 'muisjes' is a different thing! Once I met a Dutch girl who insisted that Dutch is the only creature on earth to use hagelslag on their bread -- well, me as well!
Now back in my home country, I looked around and see several packages of hagelslag. Here are some that I saw: muisjes, hagelslag, mesis, meises.
The question is: where is the missing link? If we learnt 'muisjes' from the Dutch, why did we call 'hagelslag' as 'muisjes'? Isn't it easier to pronounce 'hagelslag' than 'muisjes'?
Friday 30 December 2005
Monday 26 December 2005
Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy new year!
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy new year!
Thursday 15 December 2005
Addressing Others
Suppose A and B come from different culture. How should one address the other?
I think several things matter:
1. What language do they use?
For example, when the term mevrouw is used, it's fine with me, but I would object to be called Mrs.
2. The best, of course, is to get to an agreement which satisfies both parties (polder model, mufakat).
3. But if agreement is not reached, what next?
Personally, I think if A should respect who B is and call him/her by how B wants to be address, not by how A wants to address him/her; and vice versa. Just as we do not change our friends' names according to what we want them to be, we should respect how others want to be called.
Do not change me into someone I'm not! There is no use of enforcing a certain culture.
I think several things matter:
1. What language do they use?
For example, when the term mevrouw is used, it's fine with me, but I would object to be called Mrs.
2. The best, of course, is to get to an agreement which satisfies both parties (polder model, mufakat).
3. But if agreement is not reached, what next?
Personally, I think if A should respect who B is and call him/her by how B wants to be address, not by how A wants to address him/her; and vice versa. Just as we do not change our friends' names according to what we want them to be, we should respect how others want to be called.
Do not change me into someone I'm not! There is no use of enforcing a certain culture.
Wednesday 14 December 2005
cheap mangos
Today I bought veeeery cheap mangos: mangga harum manis for Rp1.750,00/kg.
Exchange rate: 1 EUR is approximately Rp12.000,-
Exchange rate: 1 EUR is approximately Rp12.000,-
reading
Just finished reading Pram's Bumi Manusia (This Earth of Mankind) -- the first book of his Buru Quartet.
Well, actually it has taken me more than a month to go beyond first page. For several weeks I was so bored with books (work with books a lot) that I didn't touch any single book in my free time. Last weekend I read Jomblo out of curiousity (back to the time when I couldn't access Indonesian books). And then reading too light novel -- and felt that I needed something heavier. So there I was with Pram's.
Looking forward to read his other books. Thanks to the one who introduced me to his books for the first time.
Tuesday 13 December 2005
Introduction: a cultural aspect
I just realise that the term introduction might mean different in different culture.
In one culture, introduction means:
- handshake
- articulate one's name clearly so the other can catch it
- trying to pronounce the other's name
While in other culture, introduction means:
- handshake
- mumble (if you catch his/her name and he/she didn't, you win!)
- whisper behind the person: what is his/her name?
So, what does introduction mean for you?
In one culture, introduction means:
- handshake
- articulate one's name clearly so the other can catch it
- trying to pronounce the other's name
While in other culture, introduction means:
- handshake
- mumble (if you catch his/her name and he/she didn't, you win!)
- whisper behind the person: what is his/her name?
So, what does introduction mean for you?
Saturday 3 December 2005
Bandung Hotspot
I'm online from Bandung Hotspot. Wow ... finally I tried it. Wished it exists in Jakarta.
Monday 28 November 2005
boom boom car
Last week I was driving with my sister. On a U-turn, while we're waiting to turn, we were caught in a 'boom-boom car'. Another car bumped into us, and drove away. After some time, it stopped, so we stopped, thinking that she would have something to say.
Unfortunately, talking was the least in her mind, when I walked to her car, she drove away, even when I knocked on her window, she left! What a woman, has the road become a boom-boom car area?
Unfortunately, talking was the least in her mind, when I walked to her car, she drove away, even when I knocked on her window, she left! What a woman, has the road become a boom-boom car area?
Wednesday 16 November 2005
I miss ... .
Once before I moved back, a friend of mine asked: what will I miss most from NL?
My answer was: public transport.
She found it quite strange that I didn't mention friends or else.
But here I am, back in my home country. And what do I miss?
1. Public transport (inderdaad!)
2. To feel that I'm safe.
3. High-speed-always-on internet connection.
4. 3600 mins free calls monthly.:p
On the contrary, what do I enjoy?
1. Living in the same hours with family -- so that I can call without waking them up.
2. Food!
3. Playing with my little niece.
And what else? Oh yes, I haven't cooked.:p (Well, unless you'd count preparing instant noodle.)
My answer was: public transport.
She found it quite strange that I didn't mention friends or else.
But here I am, back in my home country. And what do I miss?
1. Public transport (inderdaad!)
2. To feel that I'm safe.
3. High-speed-always-on internet connection.
4. 3600 mins free calls monthly.:p
On the contrary, what do I enjoy?
1. Living in the same hours with family -- so that I can call without waking them up.
2. Food!
3. Playing with my little niece.
And what else? Oh yes, I haven't cooked.:p (Well, unless you'd count preparing instant noodle.)
Sunday 13 November 2005
Tuesday 25 October 2005
Education: a rambling thought
What is education? To be more precise: what is good education? Does it depend on the grades? What is more important: result or process?
Is cognitive skill the most important factor? Is it the only key? Are there more?
Is an education considered successful when it produces 'smart' students? Or is it when they produces students who will not be a burden to the society? Putting it to extreme cases: is it better to be a straight A's student without emotional inteligence or to be an average level student with good communication skills?
What is the goal of education?
What do you think? Feel free to leave your thought.
Is cognitive skill the most important factor? Is it the only key? Are there more?
Is an education considered successful when it produces 'smart' students? Or is it when they produces students who will not be a burden to the society? Putting it to extreme cases: is it better to be a straight A's student without emotional inteligence or to be an average level student with good communication skills?
What is the goal of education?
What do you think? Feel free to leave your thought.
Tuesday 30 August 2005
the ashes
Do you know what happen with the ashes?
Last Sunday we went to Surabaya to throw my Oma's ashes on the sea. It was 12 of us, with a Navy's boat. It was ebb time, so the boats were low. And we had to pass 3 boats to go to the one that we're going with. My Opa was with us and someone carry him on his back - quite scary. After that he recalled the experience as 'first time in my life' and smiling - quite an experience.
The ashes was put in a ceramic vase, and wrapped in a red cloth. The vase was then brought down with a robe. Then the vase was moved here and there, up and down, so that the ashes melted in the water. After that it was released. And that's all.
Obituary for Oma
All her grandchildren remember her 'dried bread' - bread with butter and sugar, dried in the oven. Her dried bread was always ready, it was always the one she brought when visiting her grandchildren. Oma was someone who shows her love by giving food. When I lived with her, she always sat with me during lunch - just watching. Once I told her that it was not necessary, but her reply was that she enjoyed watching me eating - it was a pleasure to see that I liked the food.
Even though when I was little, I didn't like if my parents brought me to her place - because she always put plastic on my mattress.:p
During my stay there I also noticed that every afternoon she'd sit with her cash-flow book, sempoa, and money. She'd write down all expenses, count everything, and everything should match. She wouldn't finish before everything match.
She was also very good on crosswords - she wanted to train her brain. The result? Up till her end, she's still knows her grandchildren's name, one by one, without mistakes, even those that she hadn't met for years.
For several years, everytime we said good bye, she'd say, "It could be that we won't see each other again." In the beginning it was a question, why would she say that? But then I realised, it was her way of showing that she's ready if God calls her 'home'. Last year, before went back to NL, I teased her (I just wanted to see her reaction), before she had a chance to say those words, I first say: "Till next year, Oma." And she said, "Yes." This year, 10 days after I arrived, she went 'home'. She has kept her promised to me.
Thursday 25 August 2005
Selamat Jalan Oma
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.
My grandma, 89 years old, passed away last Wednesday, peacefully. She has kept her promise to me (last year I asked her: 'See you next year, Oma' and her reply was: 'yes'). These past few months she's met grandchildren, great grandchildren - she's satisfied and went 'home'.
So long, Oma. Till we meet again in Jesus' hands.
Thursday 18 August 2005
Wednesday 10 August 2005
Walking Away
Being sentimental about leaving, this article touched my heart this morning.
"... We leave a job or a community and it feels as if we've left everything behind. But when we know the Lord, we never have to walk into an unknown future alone. ..."
Exodus 33: 13-14 ... If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. ... The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
"... We leave a job or a community and it feels as if we've left everything behind. But when we know the Lord, we never have to walk into an unknown future alone. ..."
Exodus 33: 13-14 ... If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. ... The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Tuesday 9 August 2005
Enschede
Last week in The Netherlands. I'm getting sentimental. Today I biked around campus. I wanted to do it, yet instead of remembering all the good time I had, I just got sad, realising that this is my last time biking here.
If anyone talked about having mixed feeling, here I have it. I know by the time I land in Indonesia I'll be looking forward to meet family and friends, for the new chapter of my life.
But right now, right here, I just want to close this chapter. Two years, I've learned a lot, I've seen people come and go, one way or another I've changed. Now it is my time to go. We're getting to the end of this chapter.
Good bye Enschede. Good bye Netherlands. Good bye friends. For two years this has been my home. Friendships have grown. It's time to say good bye. I'll end with my favourite farewell line:
"I hope to see you again, sometime, somewhere. If not on this earth, then in heaven."
If anyone talked about having mixed feeling, here I have it. I know by the time I land in Indonesia I'll be looking forward to meet family and friends, for the new chapter of my life.
But right now, right here, I just want to close this chapter. Two years, I've learned a lot, I've seen people come and go, one way or another I've changed. Now it is my time to go. We're getting to the end of this chapter.
Good bye Enschede. Good bye Netherlands. Good bye friends. For two years this has been my home. Friendships have grown. It's time to say good bye. I'll end with my favourite farewell line:
"I hope to see you again, sometime, somewhere. If not on this earth, then in heaven."
Tuesday 2 August 2005
weekend in Belgium
Antwerpen - Brussels.
How different it felt when the locals are willing to answer questions, when it is possible to communicate - even when among themselves they don't normally use English.
How different it felt when the locals are willing to answer questions, when it is possible to communicate - even when among themselves they don't normally use English.
Friday 29 July 2005
Berlin
26/7. A day in Berlin.
Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Check-point Charlie, remains of Berlin wall, Jewish Historical Museum.
Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Check-point Charlie, remains of Berlin wall, Jewish Historical Museum.
Wednesday 27 July 2005
Wittenberg
25/7. One day in Wittenberg.
Wittenberg. The city of Martin Luther. For the story of his life, click here. Visiting his house, the church where he preached, seeing the door where he nailed his 95 theses.
Wow!
Wittenberg. The city of Martin Luther. For the story of his life, click here. Visiting his house, the church where he preached, seeing the door where he nailed his 95 theses.
Wow!
Friday 22 July 2005
Wednesday 20 July 2005
Thursday 7 July 2005
Crossroads
In a crossroads
circling the roundabout
sneaking on every path
where will it bring?
Eventually ...
one can't stay in the roundabout forever
a path must be chosen
go through it
till the next crossroads ...
circling the roundabout
sneaking on every path
where will it bring?
Eventually ...
one can't stay in the roundabout forever
a path must be chosen
go through it
till the next crossroads ...
Friday 1 July 2005
water ski
I went water skiing with some colleagues last Tuesday. Fell all the time! Everybody kept telling me to stay low, but all the time I felt my skis went apart, away from each other and then, of course I fell.
Stay low!
Stay low!
Sunday 26 June 2005
synagoge
This morning I went to visit the service in this synagoge. I came knowing I'm not going to understand.:p (Everything is in Hebrew; except the sermon, it was in Dutch.) Nevertheless, I was determined to come. So there I was, sitting upstairs (men sit downstairs, women upstairs).
It was 5 of us, 3 male and 2 female. Woehoe, up till 2 days ago I thought I will be going alone, and I've convinced 4 others to join!:p They have Hebrew-Dutch, Hebrew-English, Hebrew-French prayer book, so we were quite contented. Every now and then a lady came to us explaining where we are.
I especially like the way they sing from Psalms. It's beautiful! And it was read from the scroll (means: without vowels nor notes as in the book-version). I was enjoying myself looking around, watching people and reading the translation.
The people there are quite friendly. It's nice to visit when they don't mind you visiting.:p
It definitely is a nice and rare experience. Glad I had the chance. I was speaking to a man about me having been wanting to visit a synagoge for several years and he was so glad to hear that. He even asked whether I'll come again next week.:p Ok, it was just that he was not at ease when I said I don't think there is a synagoge in my country and he wanted to check (and tell me the answer) with his 'handbook for Jewish traveller'.
Shabbat Shallom!
It was 5 of us, 3 male and 2 female. Woehoe, up till 2 days ago I thought I will be going alone, and I've convinced 4 others to join!:p They have Hebrew-Dutch, Hebrew-English, Hebrew-French prayer book, so we were quite contented. Every now and then a lady came to us explaining where we are.
I especially like the way they sing from Psalms. It's beautiful! And it was read from the scroll (means: without vowels nor notes as in the book-version). I was enjoying myself looking around, watching people and reading the translation.
The people there are quite friendly. It's nice to visit when they don't mind you visiting.:p
It definitely is a nice and rare experience. Glad I had the chance. I was speaking to a man about me having been wanting to visit a synagoge for several years and he was so glad to hear that. He even asked whether I'll come again next week.:p Ok, it was just that he was not at ease when I said I don't think there is a synagoge in my country and he wanted to check (and tell me the answer) with his 'handbook for Jewish traveller'.
Shabbat Shallom!
heat wave
Been experiencing heat wave these past few days. In the office it was torture: seeing people installing Air Conditioner right when you really need one!
A heatwave means five days of temperatures warmer than 25 degrees and at least three days of 30 degrees or above.
A heatwave means five days of temperatures warmer than 25 degrees and at least three days of 30 degrees or above.
Yet another strike
Yeah, it's not over yet. After the two strikes I mentioned, last week (Friday, 17/6) there was no train (ProRail, the one that gives service on railing and signaling went on strike - the result? Of course the non existence of train for that day! How can you run train systems without signals?)
Next Wednesday regional public transports will go on strike again. So, again, there will be no public transportation in Amsterdam. Positive side: my bike is fixed! Yippie, I can bike again!
Next Wednesday regional public transports will go on strike again. So, again, there will be no public transportation in Amsterdam. Positive side: my bike is fixed! Yippie, I can bike again!
Monday 20 June 2005
mooi weer
Wow, the weather is very nice for these few days - the type of weather that sends everybody outside. Heel mooi!
I was in Enschede on Friday, Volendam on Saturday, and biking around Amsterdam on Sunday. Volendam - now I have a picture of me dressed up in Dutch traditional dress!:p
Sunday, I went to Christ Church, after that we went to visit a synagoge. A real one, they have an open day today. It was interesting (of course, I have been wondering whether I'll be able to see one for years!). So, after seeing the ruin of synagoge (and trying to picture how the building was), visiting an museum that used to be a synagoge, now I'm in a real synagoge. Hmm ... how about visiting one during a service?:-/ Sounds interesting.
I was in Enschede on Friday, Volendam on Saturday, and biking around Amsterdam on Sunday. Volendam - now I have a picture of me dressed up in Dutch traditional dress!:p
Sunday, I went to Christ Church, after that we went to visit a synagoge. A real one, they have an open day today. It was interesting (of course, I have been wondering whether I'll be able to see one for years!). So, after seeing the ruin of synagoge (and trying to picture how the building was), visiting an museum that used to be a synagoge, now I'm in a real synagoge. Hmm ... how about visiting one during a service?:-/ Sounds interesting.
Saturday 11 June 2005
afdelingsuitje
--- Corrected, according to suggestions. More corrections? ---
Vandaag hebben we het afdelingsuitje. Eerst gingen we naar Schiphol Oost - om oude vliegtuigen (Cessna, Dakota) te bekijken. En daarna, midgetgolf hier, 18 holes. Ik had 'hole in one' in #7 (de labyrinth) - woehoe! Mijn groep heeft gewonnen! - het cadeautje was balletjes, drie balletjes (golf balletjes) voor iedereen.
En het avondeten: barbeque op een restaurant boot!
Hahaha ... Dutch readers, feel free to correct mijn zinnen ... there must be maaany errors.;)
------------ ENGLISH VERSION ----------------
Today we have 'department outing'. We first went to Schiphol east - to see some aircrafts in their hangar. These are old. We first went to the laboratory. There are two old aircrafts there. One is Cessna, very small, even I couldn't stand inside.:p It was my first time inside cockpit. Someone explained how things work there. After that we visited DDA - Dutch Dakota Association. Those Dakotas are still flying! I just checked, Seulawah, RI 001 is indeed DC-3, the same as 'Sleeping Beauty' I saw today!
After then we went for midgetgolf - mini golf with 18 holes. My first time golfing - with 3 or 4 holes that I couldn't do up to the maximum strokes, I did one 'hole in one' in the labyrinth. And to make the day, our group won - each of us got three golf balls with the company logo.
Dinner was barbeque on boat, the boat was sailing - we passed the windmill in Rembrandt's painting.
Vandaag hebben we het afdelingsuitje. Eerst gingen we naar Schiphol Oost - om oude vliegtuigen (Cessna, Dakota) te bekijken. En daarna, midgetgolf hier, 18 holes. Ik had 'hole in one' in #7 (de labyrinth) - woehoe! Mijn groep heeft gewonnen! - het cadeautje was balletjes, drie balletjes (golf balletjes) voor iedereen.
En het avondeten: barbeque op een restaurant boot!
Hahaha ... Dutch readers, feel free to correct mijn zinnen ... there must be maaany errors.;)
------------ ENGLISH VERSION ----------------
Today we have 'department outing'. We first went to Schiphol east - to see some aircrafts in their hangar. These are old. We first went to the laboratory. There are two old aircrafts there. One is Cessna, very small, even I couldn't stand inside.:p It was my first time inside cockpit. Someone explained how things work there. After that we visited DDA - Dutch Dakota Association. Those Dakotas are still flying! I just checked, Seulawah, RI 001 is indeed DC-3, the same as 'Sleeping Beauty' I saw today!
After then we went for midgetgolf - mini golf with 18 holes. My first time golfing - with 3 or 4 holes that I couldn't do up to the maximum strokes, I did one 'hole in one' in the labyrinth. And to make the day, our group won - each of us got three golf balls with the company logo.
Dinner was barbeque on boat, the boat was sailing - we passed the windmill in Rembrandt's painting.
Wednesday 8 June 2005
Strike, again???
This Thursday there will be another strike - no public transport for 24 hrs. Again???
Thursday 2 June 2005
Where have I been?
visited countries map
Countries I have been:
Indonesia - India - Israel - Jordan - Netherlands - Germany - Italy - Vatican City - United Kingdom - Singapore - Spain - France -
Cities I have lived:
Pattobong - Surabaya - Bandar Lampung - Jakarta - Bandung - Enschede - Amstelveen
Also, one could add Boja - Kediri - Batu - but NOT Medan:p
Indonesian provinces I have visited:
JaTim - JaTeng - DI Yogyakarta - JaBar - DKI Jakarta - Banten - Lampung - SumSel - SumUt - SulSel - Bali - NTB.
Wednesday 1 June 2005
Dream
I had a dream I thought I'd given up. But it kept on coming. Part of me say, 'get over it' while another part wants to keep on dreaming.
Monday 30 May 2005
Strike
This morning GVB employees were on strike, 5.30-8.30. The notice says public transport will resume after 8.30. So I went out at 8.30. First it said the next tram would be on 8.44 (that's ok) but it kept on changing 8.47, ..., till in the end it said 9.30. My bike was broken and there is no public transport!
Saturday 28 May 2005
Hamsters
One day I arrived home to find our front door was full of hamsters (stickers) and then, the whole house was also filled with hamsters' posters and stickers.
It's hamster weken in Albert Heijn and one of my housemates just put everything at home with hamsters. (Our garbage bin can no longer be mistakenly identified as someone else's because no where in the neighbourhood there is any other door with hamsters.)
It's hamster weken in Albert Heijn and one of my housemates just put everything at home with hamsters. (Our garbage bin can no longer be mistakenly identified as someone else's because no where in the neighbourhood there is any other door with hamsters.)
Explosion
No, not bomb explosion. It was my tyre. Yupe, my tyre exploded! When I was in the middle of nowhere!
As today is such a warm (read: hot) day. I was out on my bike. I was heading to the lake and then, all of a sudden BOOM! - my tire exploded. I was in the middle of nowhere (no big road nor public transport in eyesight).
I dragged my bike and the tyre went out of its place (out of that rounded metal thing, both the inner tyre and the outer tyre), making knots, after some time I just couldn't move my bike anymore. So I stopped, turned my bike upside down, untie the knots, putting it back to its position. (Appreciated that I had a crash course on 'how to change your tyre' last year.)
And then an old lady took pity on me, and showed me the way to get to the nearest metro stop. So, that was it. I'm home, tired, and dirty.
As today is such a warm (read: hot) day. I was out on my bike. I was heading to the lake and then, all of a sudden BOOM! - my tire exploded. I was in the middle of nowhere (no big road nor public transport in eyesight).
I dragged my bike and the tyre went out of its place (out of that rounded metal thing, both the inner tyre and the outer tyre), making knots, after some time I just couldn't move my bike anymore. So I stopped, turned my bike upside down, untie the knots, putting it back to its position. (Appreciated that I had a crash course on 'how to change your tyre' last year.)
And then an old lady took pity on me, and showed me the way to get to the nearest metro stop. So, that was it. I'm home, tired, and dirty.
Summer for few days
These few days we have tropical weather. Summer weekend! It won't last long though as on Monday it will go down to 15.
Thursday 26 May 2005
Tuesday 24 May 2005
ArenA
This evening I was in Amsterdam ArenA, watching a game between Amsterdam Admirals and Cologne Centurions. My first time watching a game inside a stadion is in ArenA! It was an American Football game (fact: I knew NOTHING about it!) But hey, I got free tickets.:p
I went with Alejandra and good thing is: she knew something about american football, so she could fill me in.
It was nice adventure. ;)
I went with Alejandra and good thing is: she knew something about american football, so she could fill me in.
It was nice adventure. ;)
God is wonderful!
Got very good news on Saturday evening. Can't say what it is yet.
Lesson learnt: Don't hesitate to dream. A dream that comes true ... wow ... no words can describe it. A dream that doesn't come true (yet) remains a dream, and there's nothing wrong with it.
Lesson learnt: Don't hesitate to dream. A dream that comes true ... wow ... no words can describe it. A dream that doesn't come true (yet) remains a dream, and there's nothing wrong with it.
Saturday 21 May 2005
P&W
I went to P&W evening. In the end, praying time, I poured out everything to God. All things that have been bottled up in me for several months. Recognizing how powerless I am, humbling myself before Him. Pouring out everything. Makes me feel much better, some burden has been taken away.
Friday 20 May 2005
spam in YM
Spam in messenger? Hmm ... to a certain extend. For the past few days (has it been more than a week?) Some people have been trying to add me -- no name, not even after I asked. In other words: deny.
But the invitations kept coming (like every minute!)
But the invitations kept coming (like every minute!)
bread
Beli roti di Belanda: makkelijk of moeilijk?
(Buying bread in Netherlands: easy or difficult?)
Hmm ... think about it: practically everybody eats bread, supply are enormous, maar ... demand is also big. Don't even hope to find bread in the shop around closing time on Friday ... even yesterday @ 18.00 there was no longer any bread in the shop.
One should plan ahead on buying his bread!
(Buying bread in Netherlands: easy or difficult?)
Hmm ... think about it: practically everybody eats bread, supply are enormous, maar ... demand is also big. Don't even hope to find bread in the shop around closing time on Friday ... even yesterday @ 18.00 there was no longer any bread in the shop.
One should plan ahead on buying his bread!
Thursday 19 May 2005
Monday 16 May 2005
Friday 13 May 2005
Welcome
My cousin gave birth to a baby girl today. Congratulations to the proud parents! Welcome, Sabrina.
Thursday 12 May 2005
In Mei ...
... leggen alle vogels een ei.
For the sake of completeness, hereby I put the Dutch saying about May: In May all birds lay an egg.
I don't know how those eggs are suppossed to survive these freezing nights (and mornings).:p
For the sake of completeness, hereby I put the Dutch saying about May: In May all birds lay an egg.
I don't know how those eggs are suppossed to survive these freezing nights (and mornings).:p
Wednesday 11 May 2005
Koning of konijn?
A story I heard on Koninginnenacht, told by Burgemeester Cohen -- mayor of Amsterdam.
The open air concert was held in Dam square, in front of the palace. Normally a new king or queen addresses the crowd from that palace.
Years ago, when Louis Napoleon assumed power of The Netherlands, he stood in front of that palace. Addressing people of Amsterdam, he stated, "Ik ben jouw konijn." (I am your rabbit.)
Eventually he wanted to say, "Ik ben jouw koning." (I am your king.) But, well, he managed to say 'konijn'.
The open air concert was held in Dam square, in front of the palace. Normally a new king or queen addresses the crowd from that palace.
Years ago, when Louis Napoleon assumed power of The Netherlands, he stood in front of that palace. Addressing people of Amsterdam, he stated, "Ik ben jouw konijn." (I am your rabbit.)
Eventually he wanted to say, "Ik ben jouw koning." (I am your king.) But, well, he managed to say 'konijn'.
Tuesday 10 May 2005
Friday 6 May 2005
Liberation day
Ya, ya, this is holiday period. After queen's day, liberation day and ascension day happens to be in the same day. On 4 May Dutch remembers people that died on the wars, esp WW II and on 5 May they remember their liberation from Germans.
Last night there was an open air concert in Amstel (and also fireworks). After that the queen and the prime minister stepped into a boat and waved to the crowd.
She waved at me! He waved at me! Dude, did I care? Well, it's just a nice remark.:D
Last night there was an open air concert in Amstel (and also fireworks). After that the queen and the prime minister stepped into a boat and waved to the crowd.
She waved at me! He waved at me! Dude, did I care? Well, it's just a nice remark.:D
Queen's day
On 30 April Dutch celebrate Queen's day by ... selling rubbish:D On Queen's day the whole country transforms into sea of orange and flea markets.
This year marks the silver jubileum of the current monarch. On Queen's night there was a classical open air concert in Dam square. I was there, it was very nice.
I was only few meters from the queen but with my size and how tall people around, of course I can't see:p But it's ok, they installed big screens.
This year marks the silver jubileum of the current monarch. On Queen's night there was a classical open air concert in Dam square. I was there, it was very nice.
I was only few meters from the queen but with my size and how tall people around, of course I can't see:p But it's ok, they installed big screens.
Thursday 28 April 2005
Back in NL
Thanks for all your support, condolences, prayers, your time, ears to listen, shoulder to cry on, all kind of supports means a lot for me.
After what happened with Meta, people from the company where I'm doing my final project, together with people from the university, bought me a ticket so I was able to attend her funeral. It was very sweet of them. Many thanks to them.
I arrived after the 'peak' emotional time. The first three days were the hardest. Hearing people recounted about what had happened during those days made me cried.
When I arrived and went to my uncle, he pointed to the coffin and said, "Adikmu sudah nggak ada, Vit." (your sister has gone). It really touched me to hear his choice of word -- adik -- sister, instead of cousin -- it made me felt even closer to this family.
She was so young, yet what happened has united two big families, working hand in hand supporting her family. According to her mom, her spiritual condition was at the peak condition. She loves Jesus very much. Surely she is in heaven now. It was quite a relieve (considering the situation) that she died on the spot, she didn't suffer. Her face was so beautiful and peaceful.
It was good for her -- not so good for us who were left behind, but if we love someone, we would wish the best for her, wouldn't we? And she is happy with Jesus. She is home. What else could we expect?
After what happened with Meta, people from the company where I'm doing my final project, together with people from the university, bought me a ticket so I was able to attend her funeral. It was very sweet of them. Many thanks to them.
I arrived after the 'peak' emotional time. The first three days were the hardest. Hearing people recounted about what had happened during those days made me cried.
When I arrived and went to my uncle, he pointed to the coffin and said, "Adikmu sudah nggak ada, Vit." (your sister has gone). It really touched me to hear his choice of word -- adik -- sister, instead of cousin -- it made me felt even closer to this family.
She was so young, yet what happened has united two big families, working hand in hand supporting her family. According to her mom, her spiritual condition was at the peak condition. She loves Jesus very much. Surely she is in heaven now. It was quite a relieve (considering the situation) that she died on the spot, she didn't suffer. Her face was so beautiful and peaceful.
It was good for her -- not so good for us who were left behind, but if we love someone, we would wish the best for her, wouldn't we? And she is happy with Jesus. She is home. What else could we expect?
Sunday 17 April 2005
RIP
Meta, may her soul rest in peace.
Meta, my cousin, died on a motorcycle accident today. I'm speechless.
Meta, my cousin, died on a motorcycle accident today. I'm speechless.
Friday 15 April 2005
Betara Kala
Got an email:
I remember one painting I saw in Tropenmuseum on my birthday -- in 'het Kwaad' exhibition. It's about Mahakala -- same meaning as Betara Kala -- A supreme power that holds time.
Why do I like that painting? Mahakala is painted as a very powerful being, sitting in the middle of a giant clock. And everything else in the painting bows before him (not literally bowing, but it reflects the supremacy of Mahakala).
Ada yg blng SBY hrs potong 1000 kambing spy bencana alam berhenti. Wah nasehat aneh. Dalam legenda Jawa ada dewa yg bernama betoro Kolo (Kala) adalah kuasa supranatural yg paling jahat. Anak2 dilarang keluar sore hari karena nanti kena tulahnya betara Kala. Ini sebenarnya terbawa dari India karena betara Kala adalah penguasa waktu dan kita tahu sang waktu sungguh berkuasa karena dg berlalunya waktu semua akan binasa/hilang/rusak. Jadilah guyonan sekarang ini sang betara menjadi penguasa Indon, makanya banyak bencana.(If anyone needs a translation of this, please contact me.)
I remember one painting I saw in Tropenmuseum on my birthday -- in 'het Kwaad' exhibition. It's about Mahakala -- same meaning as Betara Kala -- A supreme power that holds time.
Why do I like that painting? Mahakala is painted as a very powerful being, sitting in the middle of a giant clock. And everything else in the painting bows before him (not literally bowing, but it reflects the supremacy of Mahakala).
Terantuk kaki sendiri
Hehe ... bukan pepatah, tp literally. Tadi lg jalan, begitu kembali di udara terbuka (tadinya menyisir gedung) eh tau2 krn angin jadi terantuk kaki sendiri.:p
Ticket controllers
About two weeks ago when my friend said, "Look, they're checking the ticket," I was surprised. I knew that any time a ticket controller might step in and demand to see tickets, and I saw ticket controllers on every stairs on metro station in central station, and I've seen them in the metro before (but they were just travelling, not checking tickets). But it was the first time I saw them checking ticket in a tram.
Yesterday was my first experience with ticket controllers. I was on my way home. On the last stop before I stepped out of the tram, ticket controllers stepped in and checked tickets. I saw a guy got fined. And I thought, "Hmm ... that's weird, for months I've never seen them and in two weeks I saw them twice in this area.
This morning, when I 'overstap' to another metro, there were two ticket controllers guarding the stairs. Are they currently targetting this area? Three times in two weeks!
Yesterday was my first experience with ticket controllers. I was on my way home. On the last stop before I stepped out of the tram, ticket controllers stepped in and checked tickets. I saw a guy got fined. And I thought, "Hmm ... that's weird, for months I've never seen them and in two weeks I saw them twice in this area.
This morning, when I 'overstap' to another metro, there were two ticket controllers guarding the stairs. Are they currently targetting this area? Three times in two weeks!
Thursday 14 April 2005
Verrassing
Verrassing -- surprise. That's my new word today.
Today we got a surprise -- ice cream. Everybody got an email, go get your surprise before it melts.:p
Today we got a surprise -- ice cream. Everybody got an email, go get your surprise before it melts.:p
Wednesday 13 April 2005
Farewell
Living away from my country, meeting people from many other places are great. But it also has its disadvantage: limited time. Obviously most of international students will go back to their own country after finishing their studies. And then, you'll never know whether there will be another time when you can see each other again.
I've spent my whole life moving around; my environment, friends, everything changes. But every farewell I've always thought we will see each other again another time -- that's before I moved abroad.
"I'll see you again, someday, if not in this world then in heaven." It's the sentence we've always said on every farewell in the church in Enschede. Sounds classic? But it's the only thing one can say, isn't it? How do you know you will ever travel to Uganda, for example? I think that's the best thing one can say in a farewell.
Lately I've been thinking about farewell. Many friends have gone, one has left to his creator, another is leaving very soon (too soon!), and my own time is almost up.
The following song is dedicated to all my friends -- those that have gone, is going soon, and also those that are fortunate enough to have reasonable hope to see each other again in this earth.
I've spent my whole life moving around; my environment, friends, everything changes. But every farewell I've always thought we will see each other again another time -- that's before I moved abroad.
"I'll see you again, someday, if not in this world then in heaven." It's the sentence we've always said on every farewell in the church in Enschede. Sounds classic? But it's the only thing one can say, isn't it? How do you know you will ever travel to Uganda, for example? I think that's the best thing one can say in a farewell.
Lately I've been thinking about farewell. Many friends have gone, one has left to his creator, another is leaving very soon (too soon!), and my own time is almost up.
The following song is dedicated to all my friends -- those that have gone, is going soon, and also those that are fortunate enough to have reasonable hope to see each other again in this earth.
Friends
Words: Deborah D. Smith
Music: Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Back to Chorus
Words: Deborah D. Smith
Music: Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
to live as friends.
With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Back to Chorus
Sunday 10 April 2005
Madame Tussaud
went to Madame Tussaud today.
Albert Einstein sits somewhere in the air.
Vincent van Gogh
Albert Einstein sits somewhere in the air.
Vincent van Gogh
Saturday 9 April 2005
Albert Heijn, Museumplein
Albert Heijn, can you see people up there?
on top of it -- FYI, Albert Heijn is a supermarket chain.
April doet wat hij wilt
Another Dutch saying about month and weather. 'April does what he will.'
Last week, up to Sunday, the weather was sooo ... beautiful. Sunny, warm (definitely > 15 C), terrific for outdoor activities. On Saturday and Sunday I had lunch on the roof of Albert Heijn, Museumplein. Dinner on Saturday was on Vondelpark. Real 'park' weather.
Unfortunately starting on Monday, it changed (not surprising though!), windy, rainy, cold. Even though last week I had given up my winter coat, I started to use it again.:p And yes, the weather forecast says something about the temperture keeps on dropping it might even goes till 1 C tonight!
What can I say rather than 'April doet wat hij wilt'?
Last week, up to Sunday, the weather was sooo ... beautiful. Sunny, warm (definitely > 15 C), terrific for outdoor activities. On Saturday and Sunday I had lunch on the roof of Albert Heijn, Museumplein. Dinner on Saturday was on Vondelpark. Real 'park' weather.
Unfortunately starting on Monday, it changed (not surprising though!), windy, rainy, cold. Even though last week I had given up my winter coat, I started to use it again.:p And yes, the weather forecast says something about the temperture keeps on dropping it might even goes till 1 C tonight!
What can I say rather than 'April doet wat hij wilt'?
[van Gogh 1873]
sebaiknya kamu mengunjungi museum sering kali [van Gogh 1873] Indeed, I didn't quote properly last time.
Wednesday 6 April 2005
Rijksmuseum
Saturday, 2 April 2005 -- a day in Rijksmuseum, lunch at the roof of Albert Heijn.:p I like the museum. Felt like Rembrandt afterwards, playing with the light effect -- hehehe, no, I did not paint, I only took pictures with my camera.:D In fact I like Museumplein much better than Vondelpark.
Next weekend will be museum weekend -- most musea will be open free of charge -- so I'll continue on doing my 'Weekend Project' -- you know, I have two projects: my Final Project for weekdays and exploring Amsterdam for my weekends.
List of Musea I have been: Tropen museum, Bible museum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Jewish Historical Museum, Rijksmuseum, and a bit of van Gogh museum (last Sunday we went to see the temporary exhibition, I still need to go there to see the permanent exhibition). Anyway my museumjaar kaart has reached its break even point.:p
Btw, do you happen to know that van Gogh spoke a lot of languages? (I didn't know that:p) On one of the wall in van Gogh museum you can see his statement 'Go to the museum as often as you can' in several languages, including Indonesian!:D 'Sebaiknya anda pergi ke museum' [van Gogh 1873].
Next weekend will be museum weekend -- most musea will be open free of charge -- so I'll continue on doing my 'Weekend Project' -- you know, I have two projects: my Final Project for weekdays and exploring Amsterdam for my weekends.
List of Musea I have been: Tropen museum, Bible museum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Jewish Historical Museum, Rijksmuseum, and a bit of van Gogh museum (last Sunday we went to see the temporary exhibition, I still need to go there to see the permanent exhibition). Anyway my museumjaar kaart has reached its break even point.:p
Btw, do you happen to know that van Gogh spoke a lot of languages? (I didn't know that:p) On one of the wall in van Gogh museum you can see his statement 'Go to the museum as often as you can' in several languages, including Indonesian!:D 'Sebaiknya anda pergi ke museum' [van Gogh 1873].
Monday 4 April 2005
Selamat jalan Izaac
This morning someone told me that he passed away few days ago. I've only met him and his wife twice, both at Easter Conferences. Last year I joined the workshop he led. I still remember, it was about 'treasures', he challenged us to think of a 'new name' Jesus would call us, the way HE sees us, the way HE wants us to be, and explain why chose that name.
Last week I saw him in Easter Conference and we had a brief talk.
He asked when would I visited them in Eindhoven and I thought I would stop by this Thursday, but now he's gone, forever. I've only met him twice, but Izaac and Diane had in a way made me feel like they're my family as well.
Last week I saw him in Easter Conference and we had a brief talk.
He asked when would I visited them in Eindhoven and I thought I would stop by this Thursday, but now he's gone, forever. I've only met him twice, but Izaac and Diane had in a way made me feel like they're my family as well.
Tuesday 29 March 2005
weer
'Weer' is a Dutch word used both for 'weather' and for 'again'. I think I understand why Dutch people love to talk about the 'weather' -- 'again and again' -- dat was mijn ezelsbrug ;)
Sunday 27 March 2005
Dutch Christians
I have a tip if any of you want to know whether your Dutch Christian friends are Protestant or Catholic. Of course you can always ask them, they are very blunt anyway. But I amused them by saying 'Based on your vocabulary I can conclude that you were raised in a Protestant family.'
I'll start with a historical fact. In the past, in order to have a 'peaceful' community, Dutch society was divided in such a way that Protestants and Catholics does not have any contact at all. There were Protestant cities and Catholic cities. For those who like bridge there were Protestant clubs and Catholic clubs. There were even Protestant television and Catholic television. A Protestant lived in Protestant city, their children attended a Protestant school. They joined a Protestant sport club. They watched a Protestant television, and so on. The same can be said for Catholics.
They were totally unaware of the others that they even developed a different way of saying 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Easter'. A Protestant will say 'Vrolijk Kerstdag' and 'Vrolijk Pasen' while a Catholic will say 'Zalig Kerstdag' and 'Zalig Pasen'.
The unawareness is as far as if today you ask a Dutch Christian friend, he/she will only tell you one version. So for fun, during Easter Conference I asked some of them: how do you say 'Happy Easter'? And then, after the answer, stated, "Based on your vocabulary I can conclude that you were raised in a Protestant/Catholic family."
They were so unaware of this difference in vocabulary that all were asking me how do people from the other background will respond to my question, and moreover: how could I know?:D
I'll start with a historical fact. In the past, in order to have a 'peaceful' community, Dutch society was divided in such a way that Protestants and Catholics does not have any contact at all. There were Protestant cities and Catholic cities. For those who like bridge there were Protestant clubs and Catholic clubs. There were even Protestant television and Catholic television. A Protestant lived in Protestant city, their children attended a Protestant school. They joined a Protestant sport club. They watched a Protestant television, and so on. The same can be said for Catholics.
They were totally unaware of the others that they even developed a different way of saying 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Easter'. A Protestant will say 'Vrolijk Kerstdag' and 'Vrolijk Pasen' while a Catholic will say 'Zalig Kerstdag' and 'Zalig Pasen'.
The unawareness is as far as if today you ask a Dutch Christian friend, he/she will only tell you one version. So for fun, during Easter Conference I asked some of them: how do you say 'Happy Easter'? And then, after the answer, stated, "Based on your vocabulary I can conclude that you were raised in a Protestant/Catholic family."
They were so unaware of this difference in vocabulary that all were asking me how do people from the other background will respond to my question, and moreover: how could I know?:D
Easter
Happy Easter! Vrolijk Pasen! Zalig Pasen! Selamat Paskah!
In Middle East countries, on Easter Sunday, people will greet each other with 'Christ is risen!' and others will reply: 'Indeed He is risen!'
I just back from Easter Conference. This year there are more people than last year: 89. I really enjoyed it. It's so good to meet my friends from Enschede. I missed them, missed the atmosphere in their Bible study group there and all. Doesn't mean that I don't enjoy Amsterdam, I do like it. Hehehe ... I'm just human being, I want all while I can't have it all.:D
The theme is: Entering the Global Village, we discussed a lot about multicultural issues and being in foreign country. All are nice discussion.
So, I will end this by saying, "Christ is risen!"
In Middle East countries, on Easter Sunday, people will greet each other with 'Christ is risen!' and others will reply: 'Indeed He is risen!'
I just back from Easter Conference. This year there are more people than last year: 89. I really enjoyed it. It's so good to meet my friends from Enschede. I missed them, missed the atmosphere in their Bible study group there and all. Doesn't mean that I don't enjoy Amsterdam, I do like it. Hehehe ... I'm just human being, I want all while I can't have it all.:D
The theme is: Entering the Global Village, we discussed a lot about multicultural issues and being in foreign country. All are nice discussion.
So, I will end this by saying, "Christ is risen!"
Friday 25 March 2005
Good Friday
Yesterday I had a meeting with both my supervisors - everybody was happy about what I've done so far.:-)
But today I have to work! Come on people, this is Good Friday, it is a national holiday (just check your calendar). Why do I have to work today? Still couldn't believe it, and I only knew it two days ago. :(
But today I have to work! Come on people, this is Good Friday, it is a national holiday (just check your calendar). Why do I have to work today? Still couldn't believe it, and I only knew it two days ago. :(
Tuesday 22 March 2005
Back from Paris
I'm back from Paris. It is a nice, beautiful but ... I still don't understand why Paris is known as the most romantic city. Maybe we were there with the wrong person.:p
One thing for sure: I wouldn't recommend a girl to go to Paris alone, banyak cowok iseng! Kata Lonely Planet sih co2 Perancis suka 'ramah' ke ce, tp buat mrk itu bukan sexual harassment ... anyway I don't like a stranger 'accompanying' us (he said: 'I just finish my dinner, and now I just walk with you') and asking a lot of questions about us (my suspicion: he was trying to figure out how thick our wallets are).
Stories will be posted later. I went to: Musee du Louvre, Church of Notre-Dame (and its treasury room), Eiffel Tower (all the way up), Arc du Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Musee d'Orsay, Centre George Pampidou (lunch at Flunch -- best lunch I had there), Eglise St. Inglese.
One thing for sure: I wouldn't recommend a girl to go to Paris alone, banyak cowok iseng! Kata Lonely Planet sih co2 Perancis suka 'ramah' ke ce, tp buat mrk itu bukan sexual harassment ... anyway I don't like a stranger 'accompanying' us (he said: 'I just finish my dinner, and now I just walk with you') and asking a lot of questions about us (my suspicion: he was trying to figure out how thick our wallets are).
Stories will be posted later. I went to: Musee du Louvre, Church of Notre-Dame (and its treasury room), Eiffel Tower (all the way up), Arc du Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Musee d'Orsay, Centre George Pampidou (lunch at Flunch -- best lunch I had there), Eglise St. Inglese.
Friday 18 March 2005
Thursday 17 March 2005
Maart roert zijn staart
It's a Dutch saying, meaning: March wiggles its tail. You might ask me then: tail? What's the tail? Let me remind you that the top two topics by which you can get a 'lively' conversation with a Dutch are 'weather' and 'holiday'.
It's so hot topic that when my supervisor was back from 2 weeks holiday and I asked, "How was your holiday?" All she talked about was the weather!
Two weeks ago, it was VERY COLD here. It even hits the record (it became the coldest time ever since they started their measurement). The record was set on -20.7 C, somewhere in the North. Here in Amsterdam, it was around -15 C.
Today, only two weeks after, the temperature was around 15 C! Imagine, 30 degrees difference in two weeks!.
Well, I can only say: 'Maart roert zijn staart'.
It's so hot topic that when my supervisor was back from 2 weeks holiday and I asked, "How was your holiday?" All she talked about was the weather!
Two weeks ago, it was VERY COLD here. It even hits the record (it became the coldest time ever since they started their measurement). The record was set on -20.7 C, somewhere in the North. Here in Amsterdam, it was around -15 C.
Today, only two weeks after, the temperature was around 15 C! Imagine, 30 degrees difference in two weeks!.
Well, I can only say: 'Maart roert zijn staart'.
Tuesday 15 March 2005
Surname
When did people start using surname? Surnames became obligatory in The Netherlands during the time of Louis Napoleon. He was appointed by his brother Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806. As their way of protest, many Dutch chose a strange, meaningless (or rather: words with funny meaning) surname.
Some common surnames: de Boer (means: farmer, some surnames were derived from occupation), van ... (from ... followed by a city name, i.e. : van Deventer), there are also surnames derived from adjectives, i.e.: De Groot (the Big).
But many are not that willing to choose a proper surname, hence nowadays we can find a television reporter named 'de Hond' (means: the Dog). Remember the football player Koeman? FYI, koe = cow. Somewhere I read there's someone whose surname is Koe-Melkman (melkman = milkman).
So, how important is surname? VERY! Not only because in every form there are separate fields for surname and given name(s), surnames are very important that my bank only have my surname and initials. No where in the paper they even asked what my first name is.
Something tickled me: how long have batakese been using surnames? Anybody knows? I have some kind of estimation, does anyone know for sure?
Some common surnames: de Boer (means: farmer, some surnames were derived from occupation), van ... (from ... followed by a city name, i.e. : van Deventer), there are also surnames derived from adjectives, i.e.: De Groot (the Big).
But many are not that willing to choose a proper surname, hence nowadays we can find a television reporter named 'de Hond' (means: the Dog). Remember the football player Koeman? FYI, koe = cow. Somewhere I read there's someone whose surname is Koe-Melkman (melkman = milkman).
So, how important is surname? VERY! Not only because in every form there are separate fields for surname and given name(s), surnames are very important that my bank only have my surname and initials. No where in the paper they even asked what my first name is.
Something tickled me: how long have batakese been using surnames? Anybody knows? I have some kind of estimation, does anyone know for sure?
Monday 14 March 2005
Fingerprint billing
An article caught my eyes:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4344279.stm
Reminds me of Rev 13:16-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2013:16-17;&version=31;
The end of days is getting closer.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4344279.stm
Reminds me of Rev 13:16-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2013:16-17;&version=31;
The end of days is getting closer.
little wonder
Just wonder, if I consider Amsterdams Historisch Museum as too much, what will I think of Louvre? :p I'm going to Paris this weekend! woehoe!
Jewish Historical Museum
Hehehe, it's History weekend, guys. This afternoon I went to Jewish Historical Museum. The Jewish community in Amsterdam has been there for quite a period. They say, some words in Amsterdam dialect could be traced back to its Yiddish origin.
It is housed in the former Synagoge. The interior was kept to help visitors imagine how it would be when it was still used as a Synagoge.
The Torah arc -- where Torah was kept, with the curtain to separate it from the rest of the room, the 'everlasting' lamp nearby, reminds me about Tabernacle in Catholic church.
The 'yad' -- means 'hand' -- the stick they use to point the position they're reading in Torah, fact that they don't touch it with their hand but rather with 'yad' reminds me with Moslems (correct me if I'm wrong).
There I also see media presentation about their life, their important days. Bar mitzvah, Shabbat, wedding, etc. One interesting thing that I saw in the wedding video: the wedding ring is inserted by the groom to the bride's fore-finger then the bride moved it to her ring-finger. The same thing happened when the bride gave a ring -- first to fore-finger then moved to ring-finger.
Upstairs there's an exhibition about Amsterdam's Jewish history -- I skipped that and went to children's exhibition, titled 'Where Mokum is Home' or 'In Mokum staat een huis'. Mokum is the Jewish name for Amsterdam. I can't see how a kid cannot enjoy such kind of exhibition. There are many interesting things presented in a simple way -- very nice exhibition.
There's a 'kitchen' display, where in the drawers you can see how they have separated dish for milk (blue) and meat (red) and why do they do that. In another drawer, there are small animal toys of 'kosher' food, and on another drawer about 'non kosher'.
One nice thing about being in Amsterdam: all things in museum are presented in English as well as in Dutch. And the English version is just the same version, not a 'resume type'.
It is housed in the former Synagoge. The interior was kept to help visitors imagine how it would be when it was still used as a Synagoge.
The Torah arc -- where Torah was kept, with the curtain to separate it from the rest of the room, the 'everlasting' lamp nearby, reminds me about Tabernacle in Catholic church.
The 'yad' -- means 'hand' -- the stick they use to point the position they're reading in Torah, fact that they don't touch it with their hand but rather with 'yad' reminds me with Moslems (correct me if I'm wrong).
There I also see media presentation about their life, their important days. Bar mitzvah, Shabbat, wedding, etc. One interesting thing that I saw in the wedding video: the wedding ring is inserted by the groom to the bride's fore-finger then the bride moved it to her ring-finger. The same thing happened when the bride gave a ring -- first to fore-finger then moved to ring-finger.
Upstairs there's an exhibition about Amsterdam's Jewish history -- I skipped that and went to children's exhibition, titled 'Where Mokum is Home' or 'In Mokum staat een huis'. Mokum is the Jewish name for Amsterdam. I can't see how a kid cannot enjoy such kind of exhibition. There are many interesting things presented in a simple way -- very nice exhibition.
There's a 'kitchen' display, where in the drawers you can see how they have separated dish for milk (blue) and meat (red) and why do they do that. In another drawer, there are small animal toys of 'kosher' food, and on another drawer about 'non kosher'.
One nice thing about being in Amsterdam: all things in museum are presented in English as well as in Dutch. And the English version is just the same version, not a 'resume type'.
Amsterdams Historisch Museum
Yesterday I went to Amsterdams Historisch Museum. Temporary exhibition about 'city animal' was nice. It's about animals that lived in Amsterdam through the time. What kind of animals could be found in the past and when they disappeared as human moved in. There's also a show about how do they keep the birds away from Schiphol (it's dangerous as they cannot fly away from plane's engine, yet if they got stuck there, the plane is in danger).
Oh and one nice thing: I saw what it'd look if a bike is taken from the bottom of Amsterdam's canal.
Permanent exhibition was quite boring. OK, it's even in Lonely Planet's itinerary for one day. The idea is nice and all. But personally I think it is too elaborative for history of one city only. This permanent exhibition has nothing to do with more general history, it is exclusively about Amsterdam's history.
I like the media presentation about how they build Amsterdam. How the map looked like in 1600. Where they started the city, how it grew, etc.
Oh and one nice thing: I saw what it'd look if a bike is taken from the bottom of Amsterdam's canal.
Permanent exhibition was quite boring. OK, it's even in Lonely Planet's itinerary for one day. The idea is nice and all. But personally I think it is too elaborative for history of one city only. This permanent exhibition has nothing to do with more general history, it is exclusively about Amsterdam's history.
I like the media presentation about how they build Amsterdam. How the map looked like in 1600. Where they started the city, how it grew, etc.
Sunday 13 March 2005
anonymous caller
Yesterday I got 5 anonymous call. Private number, that's what the display said. Normally when it happened, it means I got an international call. That's why I didn't reject it. But this time, it's not funny. Every time I answer, the caller suddenly hang up. Even one in midnight!
So, if any of you guys happened to try to call me yesterday, please drop me a line, let me know.
So, if any of you guys happened to try to call me yesterday, please drop me a line, let me know.
Saturday 12 March 2005
Hot Chocolate
Should I stop drinking hot chocolate?
There is a machine at work where we can get coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. for free. I started to drink quite hot chocolate quite a lot. Then I realised something wrong happened with my stomach -- or rather, my digestive system. OK, I'm not going to use all my Dutch word here (believe me, I know a lot of Dutch words to express this thing).
Digestive system is always my problem (it's in the gene though), so in the beginning I didn't really pay attention. Only yesterday I realised that something change. It's not only about cold anymore (yes, cold has something to do with me and the loo). Thinking, then I decided to try to reduce my amount of hot chocolate and see whether it helps.
Today I only had a cup of hot chocolate (can't resist to have it) and my stomach was perfectly fine. Phew, maybe indeed it is the problem. Poor me, I can have free hot chocolate and I cannot take it! :((
There is a machine at work where we can get coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. for free. I started to drink quite hot chocolate quite a lot. Then I realised something wrong happened with my stomach -- or rather, my digestive system. OK, I'm not going to use all my Dutch word here (believe me, I know a lot of Dutch words to express this thing).
Digestive system is always my problem (it's in the gene though), so in the beginning I didn't really pay attention. Only yesterday I realised that something change. It's not only about cold anymore (yes, cold has something to do with me and the loo). Thinking, then I decided to try to reduce my amount of hot chocolate and see whether it helps.
Today I only had a cup of hot chocolate (can't resist to have it) and my stomach was perfectly fine. Phew, maybe indeed it is the problem. Poor me, I can have free hot chocolate and I cannot take it! :((
babysitter
Yesterday I was pissed off. Felt like being treated like a baby. I wanted to shout: Stop babysitting me!
Wednesday 9 March 2005
In His Time
One of the song that has been my favourite and reminder to wait for His time.
In His time,
In His time,
He makes all things beautiful,
In His time,
Lord, please show me everyday,
As You're teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say,
In Your time.
In Your time,
In Your time,
You make all things beautiful,
In Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to You a lovely thing,
In Your time.
In His time,
In His time,
He makes all things beautiful,
In His time,
Lord, please show me everyday,
As You're teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say,
In Your time.
In Your time,
In Your time,
You make all things beautiful,
In Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to You a lovely thing,
In Your time.
Tuesday 8 March 2005
Ambalat
Aduh biyung ... kapan sih kita boleh punya kondisi yg kondusif buat membangun bangsa dan negara? Ini pemerintahnya masih berusaha diplomasi, rakyatnya udah mau perang aja.
Indonesia is in premier position!
From http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4325619.stm
Larks and midnight oil for Asians
More people go to bed later and wake up earlier in Asia than in any other region, a sleep study has found.
The poll of 14,100 people in 28 countries and regions found 40% of people in Asia go to sleep after midnight.
Half of the 10 places with the most early-risers were also in Asia, with Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, in premier position.
But Australians sleep the longest - 31% average more than nine hours a night.
Taiwan is Asia's most nocturnal country, according to the poll conducted by AC Nielsen, where 69% of people said they go to sleep after midnight.
In Indonesia, on the other hand, 91% of people said they got out of bed by 0700.
In Japan, a nation famed for its long working hours, people appeared to get the least sleep - 41% saying they got six hours or less a night.
Larks and midnight oil for Asians
More people go to bed later and wake up earlier in Asia than in any other region, a sleep study has found.
The poll of 14,100 people in 28 countries and regions found 40% of people in Asia go to sleep after midnight.
Half of the 10 places with the most early-risers were also in Asia, with Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, in premier position.
But Australians sleep the longest - 31% average more than nine hours a night.
Taiwan is Asia's most nocturnal country, according to the poll conducted by AC Nielsen, where 69% of people said they go to sleep after midnight.
In Indonesia, on the other hand, 91% of people said they got out of bed by 0700.
In Japan, a nation famed for its long working hours, people appeared to get the least sleep - 41% saying they got six hours or less a night.
Rutinitas
Dulu pas baca bukunya Laura Ingalls yg blg di seluruh negara hari Senin mencuci, Selasa setrika, etc aku pikir: strange, masa iya seluruh negara follow the same schedule.
But wait a minute, here I am in NL, 21st century, yet similar things happen. Today, like any other first Monday of the month, at noon, alarm kebakaran bunyi. Nggak di Enschede, nggak di Amsterdam, first Monday of the month at noon itu waktunya untuk ngetest apakah alarm
kebakaran msh berfungsi dg baik.
Blm lg fakta bhw Sabtu itu harinya semua org belanja, Minggu itu hari libur, kecuali koopzondag -- normally first Sunday of the month (and it only starts at 12.00). Trus hari Senin pagi itu semua toko tutup -- waktu untuk inventory checking. Semua org kerja di waktu yg sama --
imagine how can you go to the bank if banks only open during your time at work!
Blm lg ada yg bilang bhw Wednesday is gehakt dag -- almost everyone in the whole country eat gehakt (daging cincang) -- krn all butchers sell gehakt for cheap on Wednesdays (unfortunately I don't buy my meat at butchers, and supermarkets don't follow this rule).
Trus ada lg hari apa gitu yg jgn makan ikan -- hari Senin kalau gak salah, soalnya stock ikan datangnya tiap Selasa -- yg beli ikan hari itu can only be tourist (who obviously don't know the rule).
But wait a minute, here I am in NL, 21st century, yet similar things happen. Today, like any other first Monday of the month, at noon, alarm kebakaran bunyi. Nggak di Enschede, nggak di Amsterdam, first Monday of the month at noon itu waktunya untuk ngetest apakah alarm
kebakaran msh berfungsi dg baik.
Blm lg fakta bhw Sabtu itu harinya semua org belanja, Minggu itu hari libur, kecuali koopzondag -- normally first Sunday of the month (and it only starts at 12.00). Trus hari Senin pagi itu semua toko tutup -- waktu untuk inventory checking. Semua org kerja di waktu yg sama --
imagine how can you go to the bank if banks only open during your time at work!
Blm lg ada yg bilang bhw Wednesday is gehakt dag -- almost everyone in the whole country eat gehakt (daging cincang) -- krn all butchers sell gehakt for cheap on Wednesdays (unfortunately I don't buy my meat at butchers, and supermarkets don't follow this rule).
Trus ada lg hari apa gitu yg jgn makan ikan -- hari Senin kalau gak salah, soalnya stock ikan datangnya tiap Selasa -- yg beli ikan hari itu can only be tourist (who obviously don't know the rule).
Sunday 6 March 2005
Love
What does the Bible say about love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Friday 25 February 2005
Bible Museum
Last Saturday I went to Bible museum in Amsterdam. BAGUS bgt!!! Di sana ada model Bait Allah, dibuat dg skala 1:12, dg bahan2 yg diusahakan sebisa mungkin sama dg aslinya. Bukan cuma tendanya, dibikin dg pelatarannya segala, dg model orang2an dan binatang2an. Jadi ada pojok tempat binatang dijagal segala. Gimana bajunya Imam Besar, dsb. Dibikin berdasarkan apa yg ditulis di Perjanjian Lama. Mungkin buat org yg nggak ambil pusing sama bagian ini di Alkitab ya biasa aja. Tp aku, at the back of my mind, for some years, I've been thinking: I can't imagine this, even though it seems very detail. Masa sih somewhere nggak ada satu pun org yg tertarik dg ini dan bikin modelnya? I'd like to see it. Jadi begitu masuk ke museum itu -- and
it was the first thing I saw, wow, dream comes true deh rasanya. WOW!
Trus di ruangan lain ada 'pojok aroma', kita bisa mencium bau2an yg disebutkan di Alkitab. Di kebunnya katanya ada tanaman2 yg ada di Bible jg, tp aku nggak sempat ke kebun, lagian dingin bgt. Kalau udara udah lbh hangat aku mau ke sana lg kayaknya. (Berhubung udah beli museum year card, aku bisa masuk museum gratis, jadi nggak keberatan balik lg.)
it was the first thing I saw, wow, dream comes true deh rasanya. WOW!
Trus di ruangan lain ada 'pojok aroma', kita bisa mencium bau2an yg disebutkan di Alkitab. Di kebunnya katanya ada tanaman2 yg ada di Bible jg, tp aku nggak sempat ke kebun, lagian dingin bgt. Kalau udara udah lbh hangat aku mau ke sana lg kayaknya. (Berhubung udah beli museum year card, aku bisa masuk museum gratis, jadi nggak keberatan balik lg.)
Thursday 10 February 2005
uitsmijter - karne melk
Yesterday I tried uitsmijter -- ternyata cuma roti, dikasih ham, keju, sama telor mata sapi. Satu porsi isinya 2 slices of bread, tiap slice dikasih ham, keju, telor.
Trus aku jg nyobain karne melk. Aku pernah nanya sebelumnya apa itu karne melk, dan jawaban yg kuterima: I'm not sure, all I know is either you love it or you hate it, nothing in between. So kemarin aku nyoba seteguk --> yaik ... aku gak suka!
----- update ----- 28 March 2005 -----
As Indres said, karne melk = butter milk. It's the leftover when one makes butter from milk.
Trus aku jg nyobain karne melk. Aku pernah nanya sebelumnya apa itu karne melk, dan jawaban yg kuterima: I'm not sure, all I know is either you love it or you hate it, nothing in between. So kemarin aku nyoba seteguk --> yaik ... aku gak suka!
----- update ----- 28 March 2005 -----
As Indres said, karne melk = butter milk. It's the leftover when one makes butter from milk.
Wednesday 26 January 2005
Anak TK di Bld ngumpulin duit buat korban tsunami
Cerita nih, Aylian, adiknya Astrid, 4 th, sekolahnya hari Jumat nanti akan mengadakan acara buat fund raising. Sekolahnya mau ngumpulin dana buat disumbangkan ke sebuah sekolah yatim piatu (panti asuhan + sekolah) di India yg jadi korban tsunami.
Caranya gini: anak2 itu dan gurunya akan jalan muterin lapangan sekolah (dlm 1.5 hrs). Seminggu sebelumnya anak2 itu diterangin di sekolah, trus ortunya dikasih surat. Ada formulir yg hrs diisi, anak2 itu disuruh nyari sponsor. Sponsor maksudnya org2 yg mau ngasih duit, tiap putaran anak itu jalan dia mau ngasih berapa.
Trus hari Jumat nanti, orang2 tua diminta bantuannya untuk hadir, mbantuin ngasih minum / makanan dan ngasih stempel di tangan anak2, serta memberi semangat. Jadi tiap satu putaran tangan anak2 itu dikasih 1 stempel. Nanti di akhir dihitung berapa stempel. Trus dia keliling lg ke sponsornya, nagih duitnya.
Aku terus terang aja kagum sama idenya. Maksudku, anak2 itu biarpun sekecil itu sdh diajarin buat 'do something to get the money', 'earn money'. And not money for themselves but buat disumbangkan.
Satu lg, salah satu channel TV yg milik pemerintah, NL 3, punya acara berita buat anak2. Jadi ya berita, tp dlm bhs untuk anak2. Si Aylian ini meskipun nggak ngerti seutuhnya, tp sejak hari pertama kejadian tsunami udah ngerti apa yg terjadi.
Caranya gini: anak2 itu dan gurunya akan jalan muterin lapangan sekolah (dlm 1.5 hrs). Seminggu sebelumnya anak2 itu diterangin di sekolah, trus ortunya dikasih surat. Ada formulir yg hrs diisi, anak2 itu disuruh nyari sponsor. Sponsor maksudnya org2 yg mau ngasih duit, tiap putaran anak itu jalan dia mau ngasih berapa.
Trus hari Jumat nanti, orang2 tua diminta bantuannya untuk hadir, mbantuin ngasih minum / makanan dan ngasih stempel di tangan anak2, serta memberi semangat. Jadi tiap satu putaran tangan anak2 itu dikasih 1 stempel. Nanti di akhir dihitung berapa stempel. Trus dia keliling lg ke sponsornya, nagih duitnya.
Aku terus terang aja kagum sama idenya. Maksudku, anak2 itu biarpun sekecil itu sdh diajarin buat 'do something to get the money', 'earn money'. And not money for themselves but buat disumbangkan.
Satu lg, salah satu channel TV yg milik pemerintah, NL 3, punya acara berita buat anak2. Jadi ya berita, tp dlm bhs untuk anak2. Si Aylian ini meskipun nggak ngerti seutuhnya, tp sejak hari pertama kejadian tsunami udah ngerti apa yg terjadi.
Saturday 8 January 2005
Barcelona is beautiful!!!
Barcelona is beautiful! Aku ke sana tgl 30, sampai di rumahnya Audra udah jam 8 malam kira2. 31 pagi oom Hong pulang ke Jkt.
31 siang, aku jalan2 di La Rambla. Ini jalan plg terkenal di Barcelona. Pedestrian tuh jalannya di tengah2, lebar. Ada yg banyak 'patung hidup', 'bird market', etc. Isinya turis melulu.
Malam thn baru, kami diundang makan di rumah mertuanya Audra. Senang punya kesempatan liat tradisi Spanyol menyambut tahun baru, kan langka tuh kesempatan mengalami sendiri. Tgl 1-nya lunch di rumah kakaknya Guillem. Org Spanyol tuh jadwal makannya telat bgt, makan siang sekitar jam 3 dan makan malam not earlier than 10pm. Kalau pesta kayak thn baru gini, makannya sekitar 2 jam lamanya. Pokoknya makan sampai kekenyangan bgt deh.
Tgl 2 Jan, first Sunday of the month, Museum Picasso gratis masuknya. Even though I'm not a big fan of paintings, but namanya jg gratis ... ke sanalah aku. Nggak banyak ngerti sih, tulisan2nya jg cuma sedikit yg ada English-nya. Abis dr sana aku jalan2 aja, sempat nyasar (cukup memalukan krn aku bawa peta:p) tp nyasarnya ke nice place kok:) Trus aku wander di daerah kota tua. Masuk ke Katedral.
Gereja di Spain modelnya beda dg di Bld or di Italy. Hiasan2 yg bikin 'wow' itu bukan di interiornya, tp di architecturenya. Segala rupa detil2nya. Di atasnya tempat choir itu kayu2nya penuh ukiran. etc etc.
Tgl 3 Jan, aku ke La Sagrada Familia. Architect nya Gaudi. A real must see if you're ever be in Barcelona. Project ambisius. Megah bgt. Gaudi itu architect hebat, aku bisa blg. Dia ngerjain semua perhitungannya sendiri. Trus berdasarkan beban yg hrs disangga, dia menentukan
material yg digunakan buat tiap bagian gereja. Jadi gerejanya itu materialnya beda2 di tiap tempat. Ada tiang yg dr bahan yg satu, sedang tiang yg lain dr bahan yg lain lg.
Tgl 4 sih aku di rumah aja, kerja. Tgl 5 nya pulang ke Bld pagi2 buta. Di jalan sempat kaget pas jam 12 kereta berhenti, 3 minutes silence. Diumumin sih, tp aku nggak ngerti alasannya. Ternyata seluruh Uni Eropa berhenti tepat tengah hari, mengheningkan cipta buat tragedi
tsunami.
Satu hal yg bikin aku merenung liat gereja2 di sana: bangunan2 megah ini, seberapa banyakkah fungsinya? Apakah hanya obyek wisata? Katedralnya msh digunakan, ada jadwal misa yg terpampang. La Sagrada bangunannya blm selesai, pembangunannya udah dimulai dr 1882. Apa gunanya sbg gereja? Apakah hanya sbg proyek mercusuar?
Menurut Tante Hing n Audra, di Spanyol gereja isinya hanya org2 tua. Aku blg di Bld jg. Tp menurut Tt Hing, dia pernah ke gereja di Bld dan msh lbh banyak org mudanya dibanding gereja di Spain. Well, I'm in no position to say, fact is: in Europe people are turning their back to
God, and that's very sad.
Aku trenyuh baca berita ttg aksi2 sosial di Bld buat korban2 tsunami. gimana mereka ngumpulin duit buat disumbangkan ke sana. Aku dpt high priority emails dr university & dr department, sbg org Indonesia, mrk merasa perlu tahu apakah aku baik2 aja. Sempat terpikir sih: andaikan aku kuliah di Indonesia dan aku org Aceh, akankah pihak universitas bertanya apakah aku selamat?
31 siang, aku jalan2 di La Rambla. Ini jalan plg terkenal di Barcelona. Pedestrian tuh jalannya di tengah2, lebar. Ada yg banyak 'patung hidup', 'bird market', etc. Isinya turis melulu.
Malam thn baru, kami diundang makan di rumah mertuanya Audra. Senang punya kesempatan liat tradisi Spanyol menyambut tahun baru, kan langka tuh kesempatan mengalami sendiri. Tgl 1-nya lunch di rumah kakaknya Guillem. Org Spanyol tuh jadwal makannya telat bgt, makan siang sekitar jam 3 dan makan malam not earlier than 10pm. Kalau pesta kayak thn baru gini, makannya sekitar 2 jam lamanya. Pokoknya makan sampai kekenyangan bgt deh.
Tgl 2 Jan, first Sunday of the month, Museum Picasso gratis masuknya. Even though I'm not a big fan of paintings, but namanya jg gratis ... ke sanalah aku. Nggak banyak ngerti sih, tulisan2nya jg cuma sedikit yg ada English-nya. Abis dr sana aku jalan2 aja, sempat nyasar (cukup memalukan krn aku bawa peta:p) tp nyasarnya ke nice place kok:) Trus aku wander di daerah kota tua. Masuk ke Katedral.
Gereja di Spain modelnya beda dg di Bld or di Italy. Hiasan2 yg bikin 'wow' itu bukan di interiornya, tp di architecturenya. Segala rupa detil2nya. Di atasnya tempat choir itu kayu2nya penuh ukiran. etc etc.
Tgl 3 Jan, aku ke La Sagrada Familia. Architect nya Gaudi. A real must see if you're ever be in Barcelona. Project ambisius. Megah bgt. Gaudi itu architect hebat, aku bisa blg. Dia ngerjain semua perhitungannya sendiri. Trus berdasarkan beban yg hrs disangga, dia menentukan
material yg digunakan buat tiap bagian gereja. Jadi gerejanya itu materialnya beda2 di tiap tempat. Ada tiang yg dr bahan yg satu, sedang tiang yg lain dr bahan yg lain lg.
Tgl 4 sih aku di rumah aja, kerja. Tgl 5 nya pulang ke Bld pagi2 buta. Di jalan sempat kaget pas jam 12 kereta berhenti, 3 minutes silence. Diumumin sih, tp aku nggak ngerti alasannya. Ternyata seluruh Uni Eropa berhenti tepat tengah hari, mengheningkan cipta buat tragedi
tsunami.
Satu hal yg bikin aku merenung liat gereja2 di sana: bangunan2 megah ini, seberapa banyakkah fungsinya? Apakah hanya obyek wisata? Katedralnya msh digunakan, ada jadwal misa yg terpampang. La Sagrada bangunannya blm selesai, pembangunannya udah dimulai dr 1882. Apa gunanya sbg gereja? Apakah hanya sbg proyek mercusuar?
Menurut Tante Hing n Audra, di Spanyol gereja isinya hanya org2 tua. Aku blg di Bld jg. Tp menurut Tt Hing, dia pernah ke gereja di Bld dan msh lbh banyak org mudanya dibanding gereja di Spain. Well, I'm in no position to say, fact is: in Europe people are turning their back to
God, and that's very sad.
Aku trenyuh baca berita ttg aksi2 sosial di Bld buat korban2 tsunami. gimana mereka ngumpulin duit buat disumbangkan ke sana. Aku dpt high priority emails dr university & dr department, sbg org Indonesia, mrk merasa perlu tahu apakah aku baik2 aja. Sempat terpikir sih: andaikan aku kuliah di Indonesia dan aku org Aceh, akankah pihak universitas bertanya apakah aku selamat?
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