An idea popped up yesterday. As always, the impulsive plan often works better than the detailed one.
A newly open mini library drawed my attention to visit it. It is located near one of the parks, so we could have two spots in one visit.
It was only 20 minutes drive from home. The mini library is actually a mini cupboard with books. People can donate or borrow, or just have a quick reading on the bench next to the it.
We came around 9 am and it was quite empty. We spent around 20 minutes there and read a children book together. The collections are not that varied, I didn’t find something that interest me to be brought home. But, it is indeed a good idea.
The Little Reader
Done with the library, we went to the park. We were required to fill in the book and we had the whole park for ourselves. The little girl was quite fascinated with the geese. I reminded her that the geese here were unlike those in London. So, I told her to keep distance from them. She kept going near and at certain distance, the geese started approaching her. Yesterday’s checked experience : chased by the geese.
We walked around the park, stopped in some bench, took off our shoes in therapeutic stones, the playground was still sealed, sat down and watched the small pond while having some talks. Since not many things we could do, after 30 minutes, we decided to return.
Although it was short and small, it felt nice to enjoy the outdoor park properly once again. We should have brought the skateboard and book for next visit.
Cheers for more easily accessible libraries and good park and playground around the town!
Walking and going around by public transportation have been one of my constant cravings but doing it here takes a bit effort. Time, distance, destination, accessablity, they should be taken into consideration. Risk is another point in current situation.
It should meet the requirements of this lazy person go-out-rules such as : the place and route taken are within manageable distance by public transport (no car) for a 7 yo and all done within 2 hours back and forth. The destination should be within certain budget spent there. Quiet and secluded are two other things for now.
Only three places that could move the heart : book store/library, parks, or ice cream shop.
The first one, we almost have none, or closed.
The second, we have few, but all is also closed.
The only choice left is the third one.
Who eats ice cream in the morning? We do.
Sudden finding of a gelato place which served in early morning, you can call it a hidden gem. Even better when the place is nice, quiet, semi outdoor, even better they have good gelato with many choices of flavours.
The sudden trip cost reduced morning piano practice time, left the dishes unwashed and quite long walking to and from the train station. Got lost a bit here and there because of my lack ability in map reading was unavoidable, yet, managed to find this secluded place without ended up calling bajaj for help.
Glad the buddy trip is no-complainer although she must be tired. She nailed the long walking in nice weather, quiet empty street and one and half cups of gelato as a reward.
Walking is always therapeutic. I love the empty street and empty angkot and train, the silence, the sound of bird chirping, the cloudy weather, talking while walking with the little girl.
It could’ve been better if it is easier and costs less so we can do it more often.
I am not complaining though. Not when I have the craving satisfied.
Few weeks before the departure, I finally managed to experience one of the most wanted thing to do after three times being in London : to see London at night.
It was beautiful. It felt even more special because it was also the farewell after more than a year living there. Seeing the city centre full of lights, walking from Oxford Street to Piccadily Circus then a night bus ride to Tower Bridge.
I won’t write long about this. Hope the pictures and the video showed the beautiful scenes enough.
That night, Frank Sinatra’s London by Night became the soundtrack on my head :
London by night is a wonderful sight There is magic abroad in the air I’m often told that the streets turn to gold When the moon shines on Circus and Square
Deep in the dark that envelops the park There’s romance in each cigarette glow Down by the Thames, lights that sparkle like gems Seem to wink at each girl and her beau
I decided to book with Emirates over Qatar after reading that the latter didnt make PCR test compulsory for flying. Beside that, it’s been a while since I want to try Emirates again after the last time in 1994.
My first flight abroad to Manchester was Emirates and it was so impressive. So, this time my expectation was quite high.
And that became a jinx.
The reality was not up to the expectation. From check-in counter until on-board services.
We spent more than 1,5 hours queuing for check in and it was packed of people. Heathrow was full on the day we fly.
During boarding, it felt like we were not in Europe anymore. It was messy, crowded and the staff didnt do much to fix it. They called us based on seat rows. It was scheduled to take off at 13.40, but the plane was finally taking off at 15.00. Last minutes passengers kept coming.
The plane from London to Dubai was full, at least almost full. Three seats filled with two passengers, while the four seats with three passengers. Not sounds too good for current situation, right?
In a flight, they distributed a snack with hot drinks and a meal time. I didn’t order child meal considering it’s been always too bland but they still gave child meal for the little girl. The food variations on the tray was just so so. From the taste to variations. Fruits were absence. The taste was nothing extraordinary, or this is maybe really about my expectation speaking. The best airline meals that I have tried so far, the best one still goes to JAL. So does the service.
They dont give any special amenities for children, which Qatar does and also, as far that I know, Qatar gives face shield and child mask to little passengers. Safety kit were distributed on London-Dubai flight. It contained 3 ply of masks, gloves and wipes hand sanitizer.
Flight attendants were all wearing face mask, cap, and gloves. They’re attentive enough. In Dubai-Jakarta flight, I asked milk for the little girl to one of the FAs but she said they didnt have any other than the small cup to be poured on tea or coffee. I said it was okay. I just asked few of them. She gave me two and later returned with more in a cup. I said thank you and happy with the gesture. Not long, there were two FAs stopped by my seat and they handed me a box of white milk, and that was so far the most impressive service I had during two flights with Emirates that day.
But overall, I couldnt help comparing them with the service I received during two flights with JAL. So, the standard has been set pretty high. Something that is Japanese always do, in almost every aspect of life, just like when I write here.
Honestly, I didnt have any regrets choosing Emirates over Qatar, although it means losing a chance to earn the Qmiles points. I was curious about how their service and it’s been few times that I canceled Emirates for not losing Qmiles points.
My experience might be different considering the day we had the flights was the first day when lockdown was lifted in England. So people might have been waiting for that. Time they will be able to get out of the cold weather and fly to somewhere warmer.
Despite everything I wrote above, the most important things was they flew me safely back home. In current situation (and any situations), the most important thing of any services could do is to get their job done.
My own farewell with this city is nothing about grand things.
It is about farewell to small meaningful things personally.
A farewell to enjoyable slow everyday life in this city. Like thinking hard in front of pastry sections during groceries, running out of breath catching the morning school bus, swearing to the cold piercing weather, cleaning the kitchen mess, opening the window every morning and say hi to the view out there. Watching beautiful sunrise and sunset as much as I can.
Farewell to the time I take care myself best for the last few years. Having proper time to do what I love doing like reading more than 80 books, writing more, doing daily exercise with no zero days.
Farewell to the time spent enjoying the city in my own pace. To the reliable and comfortable public transportation. Picking random bus/tube, visiting small independent book stores, museums, landmarks, garden and parks, watching people, exercising my overthinking talent, and taking a lot of pictures. Doing exactly things whats inside my head that made me crazily saving in certain currency during my 20s.
Farewell to the place I choose to learn something new. Like volunteering in one of social organizations who supports mothers and children in need and found joy in that. Tired but happy.
Above all, to be healthy, happy, and safe for the whole time being here, during this unprecedented time. Alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah.
The whole time I spent in London, I live by this definition of rich.
London has been beyond kind. He invited me three times so far.
First time, for 3 days in 1994 which I couldnt enjoy at all. Hot summer full of people and just recovered from chiken pox.
Second time for 1 week in 2017 which was quite high tension due to many reasons.
Maybe he knows I need to visit him again to really see what I have missed and invited me once again for the whole 15 months. It’s beyond human calculations thinking how very much on time I was invited back here.
Right when everything in previous duties finished well.
Right when I (and we) need it and ready to accept this.
Thank you for everything, London.
Who knows, I’ll see you again for another better reason and circumstances😉.
It took only less than two hours from we stepped out from our home in south east London until we arrived at Brighton Railway Station.
Brighton is just one hour away from London Bridge Station. Although it’s more popular and suitable for summer holiday destination since the city is located by the sea, but short visit during weekend in autumn was not a bad idea either.
I always have a specific idea inside my head when choosing a destination. Brighton chosen because of a stunning by a picture from BBC here.
It’s been called the greatest wildlife spectacle in Britain and the winter months are the best time to witness this. Brighton and Eastbourne are well known for their dramatic displays.The picture is called Murmurations.
Murmurations are huge groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape-shifting clouds. Just before dusk, small groups of starlings from the same area come together above a communal roasting.Then, to Brighton we went. Stayed at budget hotel three minutes from the station, booked a room without breakfast, no other specific itinerary than watching the show at the beach.
The beach is fifteen minutes from the hotel.The first day spent at the highlight of Brighton, The Palace Pier. It’s a fun fair by the sea. Opened in 1899 and has survived two world wars. Home to fairground, restaurants, and deckchairs to enjoy the sea view.
The place is perfect for a sunny bright day, but we happened to have a heavy rainy day during the visit. Cold, wet, with strong wind. No sunset view.Just like the wise words say, “If it rains on your parade, dance in it”, so we did.
The little girl enjoyed few rides in the fun fair, and I had my chance to witness the main show although it wasn’t as planned. Bought a pack of hot donuts and ate it by the sea, still with the strong wind and rain.
We went back to the hotel for short rest then having dinner with the doctor’s friend and her husband who lives in Brighton. Our dinner was classic indian food which I found pretty good.
The next day, we went out early to explore the city. Hove Beach Hut, rows of colorful houses by the beach, to Open Market which that time was still closed because we were quite early. From the market, we accidentally found a playground and let the little girl play for a while.
The Lanes is one of the famous spot in Brighton. Small local shops sell many kind of things from clothes to vintage items. Survived this place without a single purchase and stick to theme of the trip.
As the weather was getting dark, we went back to the hotel to have lunch in a small japanese resto nearby. Japanese food never failed to comfort the tummy in a rainy day.
It’s been a while since the last time we had short nap in between during traveling. We had short nap and woke up when it was almost sunset. Hurrily dressed up and off to the beach by walk to catch the sunset.
This Brighton trip might be the most plain that we have ever had so far. Maybe because it was kind of trip that should be done in one day like Oxford and Cambridge.But, the beach and the funfair for the little girl was worth the budget spent.
Been trying to put some pictures and all failed. Maybe later.
It feels slightly sad and glad knowing that Brighton might be our closing trip in this country. Sad for leaving luxurious things that we could never have in Jakarta yet, so glad to be given so many chances to explore the beauty of this country.
We have had more than we could ask for. And that’s enough. Alhamdulillah.
My favorite season and month of the year is here. The beautiful colors are everywhere and I couldn’t get enough of them.
These below taken from few locations like Kew Gardens, Stratford, Brockwell Park as well as my lovely neighbourhood.
Inspired by James Clear newsletter opening : Autumn is in full swing here in Ohio (London) and the fall colors are starting to pop. Wherever you are today, I hope you’re enjoying some beauty as well.
It is their parks and their integrated public transportations.
Two things that I envy the most once we return. Their parks are huge, clean and beautiful. You can have picnic during summer, reading book with beautiful autumn leaves view, having conversation while sipping a coffee and munching some snacks in their small square all over the city. The big ones usually have a proper playground. A chance to spend a year enjoying lots of playgrounds in this city is one of my daughter best privileges during her golden period. My heart is crying a lot whenever the thought of losing such things appear.
Below are some pictures about those two from my recent trips around the town.
1. Kensington Garden
Late Princess Diana most favorite royal parks.
Not far from the lake, there is Kensington Palace, currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank and soon their little bundle of joy.
2. Green Park
The park leads to Buckingham Palace. Visited this park on the first day of autumn 2020.
Waiting for all the leaves show their beautiful autumn colors.
3. Primrose Hill Park and Playground
Their TFL services are not all excellent but, I couldnt ask any better. You can go everywhere for your daily activities with any means of transport available. Bus, underground,and my most favorite overground. It takes time yes, but a year using it everywhere, trying every underground line, getting off in some random stations, walking in small lanes without specific destinations and map help, then when the feet are tired, you can just find the nearest underground station then making stop in the line that will bring you home or the closest station where you can catch your bus.
One of this pandemic blessing in disguises is a more comfortable experience in riding underground and overground. I spent the last few weeks riding on underground, overground, or long bus ride to any random destinations with one purpose : reading and finishing a book. What could be better than reading a book while having an empty carriage all for yourself?
I have said this countless time yet never tired to repeat it :
Living in London, during this specific time, in good health and wealth, being allowed to experience things that I treasure a lot, is truly one of the best chapters of my life.
Today, a year ago was the beginning of an adventure that I never imagined would be (really and finally) given in my cards.
Among all my three big 20s dreams, master degree abroad was my number one for the sake of living abroad, in Europe to be exact. Not really have to be a master degree. Whatever that could make it, but master degree seemed to be the most reasonable one. The memory of living in Manchester back in 1994 for two months was too strong until it became my fuel for the next twenty years, even until now.
Master degree abroad was fulfilled, although it wasn’t exactly as the heart wanted. Since more than ten years ago, reading all those women’s living abroad blogs always make me excited. Reading and looking at those pictures while dealing with the situation during the first years of marriage and motherhood made me buried (half of) the wishful thinking about having such dream.
Let alone to live abroad, even visiting Paris seemed to be so impossible.
During those years, it felt even harder when watching the very closest relatives got and lived my dream so ‘easily’. Few times wondered, how could they get it and I was still stuck here after years of trying, praying and daydreaming until it became my constant stomachache? The heart was wrenching when the two brothers went off to this country for master degree. Happy for them and a big sigh for me.
When Paris was unlocked in 2016, that was when the doors started opening for many adventures to come. Seven days of autumn in Paris was exactly the childhood dream that had been longing for a long time. It was unbelievable that my turn finally came after so many years.
After Paris, the ball seemed rolling faster than I could ever think of. It feels like receiving continous pleasant surprises from life, although they always come together with twists and more twists. London, Tokyo, Seoul, and many more places were totally unthinkable to almost impossible for our situation at that time. When it finally came true, all those times really made the long wait worth every second of it.
Spending a week in a new city once a year started giving so much strength and became new fuel to work hard for the whole year.
Traveling as tourists is already big for us. But, nothing prepared me to receive another huge surprise from life as big as London for the third time. This time, it was exactly as I had been longing.
London was never in the first option for the doctor’s study destinations. Inquiries sent randomly to many places, without satisfying answer.
An email in the spam folder suddenly came and changed the whole game in just one night. An email that we could just miss. But we didn’t. After all the rejections, in one night everything suddenly worked. Just like that.
I remembered having sleepless night after talked for an hour with the doctor once he finished his online interview and received the offical offer letter within an hour after the interview. We didnt even have to wait for a single day.
I couldnt help keep asking at that time: is this even real?
It scares me sometimes about the way our prayers granted. It’s beyond what we ask and often feel too good to be true.
A graphic from @visualizevalue described this well
This one year in London was the answer of many prayers sent for years. Many in quantites and qualities. The prayers of the doctor to pursue some trainings abroad, the desperate prayers of a mother who kept asking about her daughter conditions (and her forgotten dream of living in Europe), and maybe deep down inside, the desire of the little girl who was craving for a place where she could feel accepted.
This one year in London feels like receiving compound interest of the saving from three people. We couldn’t get here on our own and without each other’s ‘savings and investment’.
That became clear why I would never made it during my 20s.
I couldn’t be more grateful to live the dream than any other time but now. Allah knows but He waits is the truest phrase. He let me enjoyed living the dream more than what I had asked. I often imagined the conversation inside my head :
“I really want to go (and live) there,”.
“Be patient. You’ll be there even before you realize it. Just keep going,”.
And yes, years from there, here I am.
All those prayers were safely stored until the right time came. Allah saved it for the time when I and we needed this most. He knows I wouldnt survive living here as a student, instead He sent me here as a partner and a mother. It came to my mind that He prepared me first through many years in between until He knew I was ready. Just like every single thing that happened in my life. When it happens, then He knows I am ready.
Ready living the dream with all the bonuses. Something that is truly beyond my calculations.
He sent me here when I could use my time freely, enjoying day to day life without worry about money (unlike the master degree abroad days nine years ago), exploring the city, visiting many places in my bucket list, learning about things that I want to learn.
He sent us together once the doctor finished all his duties, from five years of PPDS to another year of WKDS. He sent us when the time this pandemic started. He sent us right when the things related to little girl’s situation was getting so frustrating.
I left my 15 years job, my comfort zone, the company of friends and family, I should do many things that previously done through others’ help by myself, taking care things that normally being outsourced to other people, dealing with the weather that sometimes unbearable, conversing in language that I often couldn’t even understand (It is so true), it’s far from easy, yet I never felt as sufficient as before.
I love the fresh air, wide green spaces everywhere, proper playgrounds are easily accessible, good public transportation, range of products in grocery shopping, the smell of fresh baked pastries with great price in supermarket, free attractions to visit, the weekend markets all over the city, a library with great collections, and so many more.
I love our flat, the neighbourhood by the Thames river. I enjoy spending most time at home. Reading, cleaning, doing things in kitchen, like found a new love for baking, being a teacher to the little girl for many things, something that made me realize how much it takes and needed to raise a child (without helps). No wonder I felt more tired previously because combining works outside and child raising truly sucked the energy.
I don’t have to wait for weekend nor avoid Monday, I set my daily routine to stay sane and so far it works well. I really have proper time to do things that are important for me, I have time to entertain my curiosity in particular subject, to get lost in the city by trying new bus routes in between school time, to join a volunteer of my interest and meet lovely people there, or even just as simple as reading book samples in my google play.
After years of long hours daily work, even on the weekend, we know there’s a situation in some place where work-life balance does exist. Generous leaves allow us to travel on weekdays, had a date in the middle of the week, spent few days every two weeks to prepare the food for the following week, how I love having stay at home father and husband.
The list is long and I can keep going until tomorrow.
In short, here, in London, I am living this definition of rich below. The kind of rich that is beyond money.
From a chapter of Psychology of Money book from @alexandbooks page
Like I wrote previously, sometimes, it feels scary to receive so many. But it would be scarier to forget that we have receieved so much more than our plea.
Hopefully not and never.
This one year in London is truly a big plate of sweet dessert at the end of one tough decade.
It’s certainly different vibe between living and being a tourist in this city.
Regular life in London is either dealing with house works and the little girl’s lessons or having short trip mostly between school and market. The uniforms worn are sneakers and shirt with backpack, shopping bag or shopping trolley. Two hours spent by moving from one supermarket to another, choosing which ingredients to buy, standing and thinking hard on the pastry section, the discounted fruits and vegetables, making decision which item to be taken home in When it’s Gone Its Gone section.
Always go home with bags full of stuff.
While being (regular) tourist in the central spent by walking around Leicester Square-Covent Garden-Seven Dials-China Town-Oxford Street-Regent Street then finished at Piccadily Circus. Dressing up wearing blazer, nice blouse, and suede boots. A proper attire to be comfortably going in and out certain stores.
Two hours spent by choosing books on the sale basket, went in and out few book stores, stopping by little shops around the corner, taking the less crowded small alleys, people watching, listening to different languages spoken everywhere, enjoying performance from street musicians while munching some snack brought from home.
Always go home with the slightly lighter bags since the snack and water bottle are gone. Almost no stuff bought, unless it’s something needed.
Just like today, playing tourist in the last batch of lovely summer weather. Moving from one landmark to another by walk without maps. Just turned left or right in any interesting streets seen, until the time was up.
Went home by the nearest tube station and stopped at the interchange station for Jubilee line. Sitting in front of a couple, watched the girl busy cleaning her new spotless white shoes. Turned out it was Alexander Mcqueen. No wonder then.
London underground has never been so comfortable than ever. Space between seats, mask on for everyone. No more sardened in tube madness.
Arrived home tired yet happy. Had a bowl of cereal for lunch, short nap and changed to the usual uniforms. Comfortable shirt and sneakers. Ready for school pick up.
Enjoying the regular life as much as being an occasional tourist in this city, something considered far beyond lucky.
A Penny for My Pensieve 