Cipukun is still alive

It has been a while since the last time I uploaded this blog. I did not write anything about the scholarship I got nor about what so-called my transmigration to Melbourne for my master course.

Many things happened after 8 months that I (perhaps) forgot to update through my English blog.  Managing three blogs simultaneously requires persistence, commitment and absolutely TIME. My failure in managing this blog has shown that I am not a super blogger as what many people think about me. I do not committed that hard any longer in writing English since I started my Indonesian blog.

One of my first pics in Melb

I just finished my first semester here in Melbourne, it was not easy but I managed to survive. It needs many overnight works which was challenging as the assignment is done along with facebook and youtube temptations. I survive in the end with result which beyond my expectations.  And for this small achievement, I reward myself by travelling to New Zealand and some parts of Aussie. 20 day travel is enough to recharge me, enough to keep me alive and enough to protect me from assignment insanity.

left over snow at New Zealand

I won't describe how Melbourne really looks like in this posting, I will spare time for that. I write this posting simply because I want to alert my blogger mates that this blog is still alive and still beating although with a weak pulse. Hopefully, I'll find more times or mood to manage this blog the way I manage my other blogs. Happy blogging mates.  

And they left us....

One thing I like about my office is my office mates. Yup, the atmosphere in my office perhaps is quite different compare to other offices. Do not expect a quite and silent situation when you pay a visit to my office because there will always be a lot chats in the office (or let me simplify it, my office is quite noisy yet comfortable). And a comment raised by someone will always be followed by comments from others hilariously. However, the turnover in my office is also quite high, the people come and go. Some are memorable and some are forgettable. I have witnessed a bunch of farewell party in my office. Frankly speaking, it's not the party that I like.

Just like yesterday, one day before long weekend. A day when we suppose to feel excited prior to a long holiday turned to be a quite emotional day. Two office mates decided to leave the project at the same time but with different reasons. Guys, just imagine having 2 farewell parties in a day.

Me and Efa

Efa, my partner in my team finally decided to leave the project. She has something bigger to pursue. She was the first person that I know in this office because we have been through the interview session together and we entered the office at the same time. We shared a lot moments together and I have to admit that she is the best counterpart in the team. We never fight nor argue. She is a soul mate in the office.

Bu Adel

Bu Adel, a staff who had involved in the project since the initial phase also decided to leave the project. It is definitely a big loss for the project since she had contributed a lot to the project. Personally, Bu Adel is a very nice lady. She always talk to us in a polite manner and she is also encouraging. She is one of the international staffs that keeps her profile down to earth. That's why we will miss her. Bu Adel, wait for us in Philippines. 

Miss you guys already

It is not easy to release special people like them. Wish to see you again, Efa and Bu Adel.

Me and my m***y room

Ladies, I feel shame actually to reveal this. But since I have no idea what to post, I will show you an embarrassing fact about myself.

When I reach home everyday, it is hard for me to leave my room unless I have another appointment. My room is not big, and although it has air conditioner, I rarely use it. And do not ask me how it looks like because I won't write how my room looks like. I think it is better if you conclude it yourselves after you see these pictures. Hehehehe.

Room Sweet Room

Tidy, isn't it?

it used to be a table but now it is............

I won't give my personal comment on how it looks like. I let you judge it.... hihihi

So, through this post, I actually need someone who wants to clean my room voluntarily. Anyone interested?

Car Free Day in Bogor

What comes to your mind when I say Bogor?

After you mention all the foods and Bogor Botanical Garden, you perhaps will say "Angkot".

Yup, Bogor is not only known as KOTA HUJAN (rainy city) but also Angkot City. Every time I visit Bogor, Angkot will always be my concern. The "indigenous" people of Bogor told me that Bogor used to be a cool place, but not anymore now. Maybe since Angkots are everywhere which gradually warmed Bogor up.

Car Free Day in Bogor

In Jakarta, as pollution worsens,the local government initiated a program so called Car Free Day which usually commences on Sunday. Yeah, Sunday is the only day we can inhale a little cleaner air in Thamrin and Sudirman Area.

Bogor 10 KM, an event on car free day

When I visited Bogor last weekend. I had a chance to enjoy the same program. I just realized that Bogor has Car Free day as well on the streets surround Botanical Garden and the palace. Hundreds of people covered the street which distract those who use the street for jogging. I felt fresher there because no ANGKOT were found on the street.

Although it is a copy paste program, I do want such program to be proliferated in all big cities in Indonesia because urban people have less chance to inhale the fresh air. Besides,such program provides more space for urban inhabitants in doing their family activities. Remember, they deserve more space since most of spaces have been used for parking lot and building.

Watching the race

In fact, the program will not significantly give direct contribution towards pollution but at least the air is cleaner on Sunday morning which can be enjoyed by those who are starving for clean air. Hehehe.

Car Free Day in Bogor, feels to enjoy it again

Gosh, they are cool

I think they deserve to be the next idol. They have voice, look and attitude.



And I love this one as well



These siblings are really stars.... Can't wait for their next video in youtube. And can't wait any longer to buy their album.

Gift Exchange Party

This is the tradition in my office. Actually I have joined such event for three times including the one held yesterday (28 December 2009). This event is held annually at the end of December in my office. The purpose of this event is to praise the Lord of what have been achieved during the year and wish for a better upcoming year.

The rule of gift exchange is simple:

1. Each staff should bring a gift wrapped neatly using newspaper. The price of item to give should be affordable (in our case, the price shouldn't be lower than IDR 20.000 and not exceeding IDR 25.000).
2. Appoint a staff to act as a gift collector. He/She will collect the gifts then tag or number each gift. The gift collector is also assigned to write the number of each gift on small of pieces of paper.
3. Each staff who has submitted a gift, will then has a leeway to take a paper with number written on it. After all staffs held a paper and knew their own numbers, they can ask the gift collector to provide them gift according to the number they have. Ask each staff not to unwrap the gift immediately upon receiving the gift. Ask them to wait until all staffs holding their gift.
4. When all staffs have their gifts on their hand, ask them to unwrap the gift together. And you will find some unexpected and funny gifts

Food for all

To make this event more happening, we chipped in to buy meals. So we served ourselves with abundant food ranging from sate with lontong, pizza, cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, potato chips, corn chips, oranges and grapes. The party went smoothly and I was appointed to be the MC. The foods were all delicious, people were smiling and laughing. Some colleagues sang Christmas song and others mostly took pictures insanely. Yeah, you right, it's narsist moment.

One of a guy in my office received a pinky deodorant, another guy got pashmina. I got a plastic tissue holder. Pagit got a pencil case and Ayu got shirt and glass. A lady got a pillow Mostly, this year's trend are plastic and towels. Compare to last year, the trend has changed, last year's trend was umbrella. And I found no umbrella this year. :p

Show us what you got, dude

Although some staffs were on leave, but the party remained crazy, noisy but still under control. As an MC, I wished loudly that hopefully in 2010, our project still continues and our salary is raised. Others then followed my prayer by saying AMIIIIIIEEENNN. Yeah, a nice wish at the year end.

Sophisticated but Manual, hmmm???

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier. Heard this sentence many times, right? Unfortunately, this sentence sometimes deviates when it comes to real life. I will show you how this sentence is deviated in Indonesia.

Automatic vending machine... self service

I am sure not many of us are familiar with this machine. It is called Vending Machine, an automatic machine which will supply you with your desired drink after entering your coin into such machine. No need to worry, if you have no change, because vending machine will automatically return your money, when you enter the money which exceeds the drink price. It is really convenient and friendly used.

Unfortunately, we will find less vending machines in Jakarta. Only few places have vending machines, i.e. Vending machine at transjakarta shelters. Unlike vending machine I found in Japan and Singapore, these vending machines work traditionally.

How does it work?

1. Find the vending machine
2. After finding the machine, don't directly put your money into the machine because that machine doesn't work that way (it doesn't work practically as we seen abroad). But try to search a girl with particular uniform who sells the vending machine coupon. (It is easy, the coke girl usually sits next to the machine)
3. When finding the coke girl, give your money to her. And then she will insert the coupon into the machine, after that she will press the button of the drink you wish to purchase, then BINGO your drink comes. (yippieeee)

What is wrong with the above procedure?

The procedure is logically funny in my opinion. You give money to someone and then he/she will insert the coupon to the machine then the drink will come out. If that is the procedures, what is the point to have a vending machine there. Why they do not sell the product directly without having machine standing there. I think it simplifies the procedures. Sorry for being to cynical.

Manual vending machine... a vending with mbak mbak

The price itself is higher than the same drinks sold outside busway shelter. Hillariously, many people buy drink from this traditional vending machine just because (I think) they want people to perceive them sophisticated or look cool. OH MY...... I personally would rather buy at "WARUNG" (street side vendor) which offers me lower price and simple trading procedures rather than choosing a sophisticated yet traditional machine called vending machine ala transjakarta. Again, sorry for being too cynical.

The second picture is taken from http://aulia-m.posterous.com/vending-machine-on-busway-shelter