Posted in Thoughts

Summary

Posted on by arlanadya

It’s been a long time since the last real writing. A writing that unloads what’s inside the head and help the heart feels lighter. Not kind of a trip report that could be some helps for other.

This year has been exciting, full of new adventures and surprises, both pleasant and not so one(s), and I love the fact that I read very much more than the past years since twitter exists.

I have certain things that I really have a long ranting and write in details but the mood is rarely here. So, I think a summary would be a good start.

In January, the doctor finished his very last exam in residency and after five years he graduated in February. Surviving residency with all those shits given was such a big milestone. Not only for him, but more for me. Residency gave more than just a title on the back of his name. It made me discover what I am capable of and confirm that my head has been always working better than my heart when it comes to relationship.

The first trip of the year in February was doing with extended family to Bali. Never really enjoyed Bali. Like I never enjoy Indomie or KFC. Not the first time and went the same for the second time. Stayed in five star hotel eighteen years ago and three star hotel this year didn’t make a change of heart about this most favorite island in the world. Oh, and I am not really fond of a group trip where others punctuality is not too reliable.

Trip in March was one of the most exciting ones this year and it was like a soothing trip for the rough and tough one year adventure started in April. We spent seven days having (late) Winter in Tokyo. Compared to previous Autumn in Paris and Spring in London, Tokyo was less hassles and quieter. The expectation was quite low for an european minded girl but Tokyo was an exceed expectation. Hospitality, food, nature, people, in almost everything. The ticket price was pretty nice, I even got below normal price for their nation airline and was so happy about their service. Japanese hospitality is quite unbeatable.

April marked the biggest adventure of the year for this little family. New policy made just few months before residency graduation. One year compulsory service for five major specialist including the doctor’s. Having a long distance marriage was unavoidable. We had been dealing with several hints which gave pretty high hope to do the work nearby but in the end, we chose to let the fate decide. Tanah Bumbu was the destined place and writing this eight months later, we couldn’t think any better places than this one. Hopefully, we will finish this safe and sound until the end. Amin.

April was also another family trip to Jogja which I wasn’t really impressed in almost every part. The city, the hotel, the food, the trip, it was not so enjoyable for me.

We had a chance to visit Surabaya and stayed in our best favorite place this year. Unlike Jogja, Surabaya trip was impressive and became my second favorite this year. I am always in about nice, clean, and walking friendly big city. Surabaya now is definitely one.

June spent by having annual mudik trip and for the first time we were going by train for cost saving. Going by train might be not time-friendly, but it is surely less hassle.

July spent quietly without moving around but a big milestone for the baby took place. She started her very first school year and gladly she’s been enjoying school a lot. She has been showing lots of improvements, some more were above expectation. We’re so grateful about that.

Another unexpected trip came in August. Aftee six years, visiting Kuala Lumpu once again granted. While the doctor having seminar, the girls were sight seeing by themselves. Meeting Siti and her little family was the trip highlight.

The small bussiness we run celebrated its first anniversary too in August. Survived the first year matters a lot. Some people were gone, the old layout changed into a new one, and so far the second year has been more enjoyable with less squad but more effective in many aspects. It’s not only a mere bussiness who generates money, to me, this one feels like my second child.

September was the slowest month this year and I loved it. But, some news shaken the balance of the family which also becomes the first major change happen next year, God’s will. Not really want to go detailed about this.

October is time for new age for both of us and as usual, almost zero celebration.

November has always been the gloomiest since six years ago. Not only because of the circumstances, but the weather has been also supportive about that. The baby turned four this month and she was having small birthday celebration at her two schools. I, who against the idea at the beginning, should be grateful after receiving the pictures her teacher sent showing her big smile and happy face.

Finally, December came and after six years of marriage, we moved out to our own place, not because we want to but more of we have to. Glad we found one that suited us best at the moment. Although it was still soft moving out, this one is a big change for me. Leaving the place I treasure dearly called home for more than thirty years feels like another end of comfort zone. Then, it means growing up to the next level would be taking place next year.

Heading to the new year is exciting as well as frightening when facing certain and uncertain life changing events are on schedules. I wish nothing more than the strength, patience and complete guide to do things that we have to do, to pass every test given while keep being grateful for every single blessing bestowed upon us.

Amin.

Posted in Places, Review

Tiga Hotel untuk Keluarga

Posted on by arlanadya

Tahun ini alhamdulillah sekali banyak dikasih kesempatan untuk libur kecil-kecil yang didapatkan karena Pak Dokter ada acara seminar atau raker dan mengizinkan buat bawa keluarga.

Tiga hotel ramah anak yang dicoba tahun ini dua karena Pak Dokter seminar, satu sebagai hadiah ulang tahun buat berdua. Kita hampir ngga pernah kasih kado dan kebetulan ultah cuma beda lima hari sekalian buat ultah Langit yang beda sebulan. Buat Langit tentu ada kado barangnya. Kita ngga sepelit itu juga kok😁. Satu hotel di Surabaya, satu di Jakarta, dan yang terakhir dimana tulisan ini dibuat yaitu di Bogor.

1. JW Marriot Surabaya

Sepanjang tahun nginep di beberapa hotel, ini juaranya (dari belakang ada yang nyelutuk “ya iyalahh, Marriot kali”). Dapet kesempatan buat nginep di sini karena Pak Dokter dikirim seminar dari tempat WKDSnya karena dokter yang ditunjuk berhalangan jadi diminta gantiin. Waktu itu baru sebulan WKDS dan ketika tau dikirim ke Surabaya, setelah berdebat panjang lebar dengan hati nurani dan tabungan karena baru bulan lalu musti ngeluarin buat ke Batu Licin dan bulan depannya ada tiket mudik, dibeli lah dua tiket ke Surabaya. Ternyata, uang tiket yang dikeluarkan benar-benar sebanding apa yang didapat di Surabaya.

Hotelnya terletak di pusat kota, sepuluh menit jalan kaki ke Tunjungan Plaza. Kamar yang didapat sangat luas dengan satu tempat tidur King, kamar mandi bathtub dan shower, viewnya pool dan kolam. Kalo malam bagus sekali liat Surabaya bercahaya dari balik jendela. Kolam renangnya luas bersih, stafnya semua otomatis menyapa dengan ramah.

Salah satu yang buat kami sangat impresif dan akhirnya jadi tolak ukur money worth hotel-hotel berikutnya yang kita datengin adalah sarapannya. Sarapan di JW Marriot Surabaya itu salah satu yang paling menyenangkan dan mengenyangkan. Pilihannya bukan sekedar banyak, tapi juga super enak. Masakan Indonesia, western, japanese, pastry, salad, buah, roti, sereal, donat, bahkan es krim! Iya, es krim di sarapan dan es krimnya enak. Bukan cuma Langit yang hepi.

Tiga hari nginep disana, kita bener-bener keluar dari restoran dengan senyum lebar. Saya ngga melewatkan sushi dan tempura tiap pagi. Biarpun bukan yang wah sushinya, tapi saya seneng makannya. Makanan buffetnya enak, donat dan pastry juga enak, es krim alpukat dan vanillanya bikin pengen nambah, dan restorannya pun cozy sekali. Ada area di luar yang tertutup tapi bisa sambil nikmatin matahari pagi. Masih di area sarapan yang di luar ada tangga menuju lantai dua yang ternyata adalah playground indoor buat anak.

Playgroundnya cukup luas, mainan cukup banyak dan mereka taro beberapa macam snack seperti jelly, permen,coklat kecil dan lolipop yang boleh diambil gratis. Tiap pagi abis sarapan Langit main di atas dulu sambil naro snack yang tersedia di tas buat bekal jalan kaki sama mama.

Saya ngga tau seperti apa yang di Jakarta karena letaknya di pusat bisnis, Marriot Surabaya ini juga banyak dipakai oleh pertemuan-pertemuan nasional dan internasional, tapi ambiencenya itu tetap friendly dan jauh dari kaku. Di antara orang-orang dengan batik dan jas, keluarga-keluarga kecil dengan anak-anak pun ada. Suasana restoran yang riuh tapi ngga rusuh. Semua pujian diberikan tanpa berlebihan buat hotel ini. Ketika dicek rate kamarnya dengan sarapan untuk semua hal yang kita dapet di hotel ini, harga yang tertera terasa murah.

Sedikit tambahan, ngunjungin Bali, Jogja, dan Solo tahun ini, tapi Surabaya yang paling berkesan. Kotanya bersihhh, trotoar lebar, ngga liat macet, makanan enak (selain hotel), naik becak keliling kota sama Langit abangnya baik, bangunan-bangunan tua yang terawat. Sepuluh dari sepuluh buat tiga hari di Surabaya.

Kalo ke Surabaya sangat mau nginep di hotel ini lagi!

2. Hotel Borobudur Jakarta

Hotel ini cukup familiar karena dulu sebelum nikah pun cukup sering staycation di sini sekeluarga. Sempet tiga kali yang semuanya cuma pilih room only tanpa sarapan. Mungkin karena berlima juga, jadi lumayan.

Karena dulu nginep di sini udah bukan anak-anak, jadinya ngga pernah tau kalo hotel ini punya banyak hal buat anak-anak. Bawa Langit ke sini karena hotel ini punya area playground outdoor yang luas dan banyak mainannya. Taman hijau yang luas dan mereka punya Rumah Kupu-Kupu. Kita pergi ke rumah Kupu-kupunya dan itu seperti penangkaran dari fase ulat, kepompong sampai jadi kupu-kupu.

Kolam renangnya olympic dengan tingkat kedalaman yang sangat beragam. Kamar tidur yang kita pilih twin bed yang ukurannya sebenernya kecil buat dua orang dewasa tapi cukup untuk dua anak kecil. Peralatan standar semua ada dan dengan bathub. Kenapa bathtub sering saya sebut karena Langit suka bener main busa di bathtub. Jadi hotel dengan kamar mandi bathtub punya poin plus.

Sarapan. Nah,sulitnya adalah abis kenal sarapan di Marriot, standar sarapan hotel bintang empat atau lima jadinya mengacu ke sana😂. Jadi waktu sarapan di Borobudur kesannya ya kok biasa ya. Pilihannya cukup tapi ngga banyak, rasa ngga semuanya enak, buat kita. Dan kita ngga ngabisin waktu lama juga.

Highlight nginep semalem di Borobudur itu ada di sebrang hotelnya dan di jalan Sabang. Di sebrang hotel, ada Lapangan Banteng yang sekarang udah bagusss banget. Bersih. Area playgroundnya luas, mainan banyak dan baru, alasnya bawah karet dan di sebelahnya ada lapangan bola dan lapangan basket. Selasa pagi di sana dosis ramenya pas banget. Langit bawa kick bikenya. Di bagian lain ada playground dengan tema hutan. Kecil tapi ya oke. Hampir ngga yang main di sana.

3. R Hotel Rancamaya, Bogor.

Hotel sekaligus liburan terakhir di tahun ini, alhamdulillah. Setelah Borobudur, ekspektasi agak diturunkan supaya ngga ngerasa kaya Marriot ke Borobudur, hehehe. Emang bener sumber kekecewaan itu ekspektasi yang berlebihan, ternyata pas diturunin kenyataannya lebih menyenangkan.

R Hotel sangat menyenangkan. Karena jauh kemana-mana jadi memang full nghabisin waktu di hotel. Luas, hijau, bersih,banyak kegiatan buat anak seperti kasih makan rusa, ikan, kelinci, keliling naik kuda poni, sewa otopet, ATV, playgroundnya pun bagus. Ada Kids Club juga tapi ngga kesana. Kolam renang luas dan banyak. Kids pool terpisah di dua tempat. Area hijaunya juga enak buat jalan atau lari pagi.

Kamar yang kita dapet sepertinya yang paling bawah mengingat kastanya juga masih paling bawah(😄), tapi buat kita yang cuma bertiga enak. Tempat tidur twinnya lebih luas dari Borobudur. Pas buat dua orang dan ada sofa dekat jendela yang cukup nyaman buat tidur juga. Jadi kalo buat keluarga lima orang masih oke. Ada balkon kecil juga yang menghadap ke taman. Kamar mandi shower tanpa bathtub. Peralatan lain lengkap.

Baru kali ini sepertinya nginep yang makan tiga kali di hotel karena memang udah dibayarin semua juga selain jauh kemana-mana. Sebagai tolak ukur hotel paling penting untuk kita, hotel ini lulus soal makanan. Dari lima kali makan (pagi, siang, malam), hampir semuanya enak. Makanan Indonesia, roti, donat, kue, pasta, steak, dan masih banyak lagi. Variasinya beneran banyak dan menarik. Pas makan malam hari Sabtu ada sekoteng, asinan, cendol, soto mie, kebab, dan masih banyak lagi. Rugi sebenenrnya bayarin tipe kaya keluarga saya. Pasnya yang kuat nyoba semua. Karena emang menarik pilihan menunya dan rasanya ngga mengecewakan.

Dibanding Novotel Bogor yang sama-sama jauh buat cari makan di luar, jelas lebih oke R Hotel. Memang secara harga lebih mahal, tapi value for money pun lebih baik.

Buat kita, hotel ramah anak bisa bener-bener dinikmatin kalo bukan pas liburan sekolah. Terlalu banyak anak udah ngga nyaman. Berisik dan chaos. Kebetulan waktu rakernya ini pas banget. Akhir tahun tapi belum waktunya liburan. Jumlah anak-anak yang ada masih tolerable. Jalan menuju ke sini juga ngga macet. Suasana restoran, kolam renang, playgroundnya pun bisa dinikmati dengan baik. Saya yakin review tentang hotel ini bisa beda banget kalo ke sini lebih akhir tahun lagi😁.

Review lengkap dan foto bagus jelas bisa cari di masing-masing website hotelnya. Tapi, semoga sedikit insight disini bisa membantu.

Selamat liburan!

Posted in Thoughts

#1

Posted on by arlanadya

Morning sunshine.

Slow driving to exercise class.

The wind blowing from the window.

Wandering mind.

Shitty days exist.

But life never fails doing its job.

It goes on.

There’s nothing much that will kill you.

Posted in Thoughts, Travel

A Throwback Thursday and 25th of October

Posted on by arlanadya

It’s an endless talking when Paris is the subject.

Learnt the language since elementary school, had the visa stamped on the passport in 1994, but chicken pox stopped the plan. Happily spent three years studying the language after long office hours, even took the international exam in french DELF (like IELTS/TOEFL) although just passed miserably for B1 level, thinking mastering the language would take the step closer to this city.

There were times when checking the ticket price was the most enjoyable guilty pleasure. Opened several tabs from several airlines just to see how much it would be to go there.

It was a long road to finally set these feet in this city and it came with such an expensive price, literally and unliterally.

Seven days spent here was truly an exceed expectation experience. When most people had unpleasant experience with this lady, je n’ai souvient d’aucun.

The kind metro officer who taught how to use the machine to buy the bus ticket, the tall cashier at small supermarche kindly helped changing the money into coins, the old lady who friendly chatted during the queue in Monoprix, the ladies in the bus who looked at Langit nicely and played peek a boo, the unfriendly-look Louvre guard who showed us the door to skip the long queue, that tiny and chaos apartment in non-touristy Boulevard Saint Germaine found in the very last minutes before departure, the street which felt like a fashion spread where those chic and stylish Parisiens made a beautiful sight to the eyes, lovely weather and beautiful colors, I didn’t know spending seven days in a city could be this happier. Or maybe that was the price after those long waiting years.

Quoting From Elizabeth Speare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond :

“After the keen still days of September, the October sun filled the world with mellow warmth… The maple tree in front of the doorstep burned like a gigantic red torch. The oaks along the roadway glowed yellow and bronze. The fields stretched like a carpet of jewels, emerald and topaz and garnet. Everywhere she walked the color shouted and sang around her .. “In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.”

There are always something about 25th October.

It was the departure date when the three big dreams were set in 2003.

It was the day of Wukuf in Arafah in 2012 when the second dreams checked.

It was the date printed on a boarding pass when the third and longest dream accomplished in 2016.

25 October is always be a reminder that dreams do come true and it would take a long journey until you arrive at the final destination.

It’s also a reminder there were no single thing as a coincidence in life. The invisible hand arranged everything to the smallest detail for all things happened in life.

But, worry not, He fulfilled all dreams without exception.

Posted in Places, Review, Travel

Memilih dan Pengalaman Menggunakan AirBnb di Luar Negeri

Posted on by arlanadya

Beberapa waktu lalu sempat baca ada seseorang yang tanya pengalaman pake AirBnb karena sama sekali belum pernah dan bingung bagaimana cara memilihnya. Saya baru sadar kalau AirBnb masih kurang meyakinkan buat sebagian besar orang sebagai tempat menginap kalo bepergian. Memang hotel jelas lebih aman dan terpercaya, apalagi ke tempat yang kita pun ngga familiar. Lebih praktis dan ngga ribet juga. Kalo hotel yang udah punya nama, selama cocok harganya, beres.

Empat kali memakai jasa AirBnb di luar negeri dan belum pernah sekalipun di dalam negeri. Untuk liburan domestik, saya masih team hotel karena ya bisa disesuaikan sama budget dan ngga perlu banyak beres-beres, buat saya.

Sedangkan kalo ke luar negeri dengan budget ketat, hotel jelas di luar pilihan. Buat saya, AirBnb ini salah satu ide jenius. Liburan jauh dari rumah tapi seperti punya rumah untuk pulang setelah seharian jalan. Penting buat orang rumahan (kaya saya).

Pengalaman menggunakan AirBnb di Paris, London, Manchester, dan Tokyo, alhamdulillah semuanya aman, menyenangkan, dan sesuai budget. Ketika pencarian Airbnb dimulai, beberapa filter yang pasti saya tetapkan :

1. Seluruh apartemen (Entire place)

Karena selalu pergi sekeluarga, berbagi dengan hostnya ngga akan jadi pilihan. Pergi sendiri juga ngga bakal milih sharing sih😀.

Semua AirBnb yang pernah dipesan di Paris, London, Tokyo, dan Manchester adalah seluruh apartemen.

2. Harga per malam.

Kedua, jelas harga. Titik bulat yang menunjukkan range harga jelas langsung digeser sekiri mungkin buat traveler budget pas-pasan kaya saya sampai batas ketersediaan tempat. Kalo ngga dapat, terpaksa geser ke kanan. Sedikit.

Kita bisa set berapa harga per malam sesuai budget yang ditetapkan. Tentu dengan konsekuensi ya. Semakin murah, pilihan semakin terbatas dan jelas ada harga ada rupa. Biasanya kompensasi lain untuk harga adalah lokasi. Semakin dekat ke pusat kota biasanya semakin mahal. Begitu pun sebaliknya.

  • Pengalaman

Di Paris tinggal di daerah Boulevard Saint Germaine di 5th arrondisement, dekat dari Sorbonne dan bisa jalan kaki ke Pantheon, Notre Dame, lima belas menit dari Jardin des Luxembourg, studio mini 2 tempat tidur di lantai 6 disewa seharga Rp 850.000.

Di London tinggal agak jauh dari pusat kota karena nyerah nyari yang harganya di bawah sejuta/malam ngga dapet-dapet. Apartemen ini 2 kamar, bisa early check in, late check out, foto oke, host responsif.

Akhirnya dapet di harga Rp 1.600.000 per malem di daerah Angel Islington. Ada bis langsung ke King’s Cross dan London Bridge. Apartemennya nyaman sekali, lengkap dapurnya, bersih. View dari lantai 7 bisa liat The Shards dan kalo malam bagus banget.

Di Manchester seperti di London juga sewa flat 2 kamar yang letaknya di lantai dasar dan 15 menit dari Manchester Picadilly. Harganya Rp 1.000.000/malam.

Inggris emang mahal ya. Cuma kalo dibandingin hotel buat saya jadi ngga mahal. Karena ya itu, kenyamanan AirBnb yang punya dapur lengkap dan bisa masak sendiri hotel ngga punya.

Di Tokyo sewa studio kecil di daerah Bunkyo-ku tepat di depan Tokyo Dome. Bukan yang populer turis juga tapi buat kita oke karena deket ke subway, ke playground, supermarket, Tokyo Dome yang asik buat nongkrong, dan jalan utama. Harga sewa Rp 550.000/malam.

Oya, di AirBnb harga per malam juga dipengaruhi oleh banyaknya tamu yang nginep ya. Masukin 1 orang atau lebih harga per malamnya berbeda.

3. Peraturan Check in/Check Out

Salah satu hal yang mungkin buat orang lain ngga penting tapi buat saya sangat penting adalah fleksibikitas cek-in dan cek-out,bahkan lebih penting dari lokasi. Buat saya ini yang buat AirBnb punya keunggulan dibanding hotel yang hampir pasti strict dengan waktu masuk dan keluar.

Kalo bepergian ke luar negeri saya sebisa mungkin cari jam penerbangan bukan sesuai jam tidur Langit tapi justru yang waktu tiba di kota tersebut sesuai dengan jam cek in Airbnb yang dipesan. Tapi, karena seringnya agak sulit dan pasti berurusan juga sama harga tiket, saya lebih milih kirim pesan ke host untuk tanya apa mereka mengizinkan early check in atau late check out.

Setelah belasan jam di pesawat, hal yang paling kita butuh ya tempat istirahat yang bener. Badan lengket, mata ngantuk, laper, ga ada lagi tenaga buat luntang-lantung geret-geret kopet kesana kemari sambil nunggu jam cek in. Dan buat traveler rempong kaya saya yang selalu bawa makanan juga dari rumah, pengennya sesegera mungkin ketemu kulkas. Di hotel luar, ngga semuanya ada kulkas, tapi AirBnb pasti punya dan biasanya kulkas yang oke. Nah kan, jadi kemana-kemana.

Kembali lagi masalah cek-in dan cek-out. Selain early cek-in, atau sebaliknya, penerbangan pulang masih malam, tapi kita sudah harus keluar dari pagi. Bawa koper kesana kemari, atau nunggu di bandara berjam-jam itu salah satu yang paling saya hindari. Pergi sama anak kecil akan beda tantangannya. Orang dewasa aja bete kalo lelah apalagi anak-anak.

Makanya, filter waktu check in check out selalu saya set ketika pilih airbnb. Kalo hostnya bilang ngga bisa ya udah, cari lagi sampe dapet. Dan alhamdulillah, selalu dapet. Ngga perlu buru-buru. Tunggu.

  • Pengalaman

Di Paris kami rekues early check-in dan late check out karena sudah sampai Paris jam 10.00 dan pesawat pulang baru jam 18.30. Alhamdulillah dapet host yang baik tanpa biaya tambahan apapun. Di London rekues untuk early check in aja. Sedangkan di Tokyo dan Manchester kita ngga ada masalah.

Jangan salah ya, nemu yang bisa early cek-in dan cek out ini ngga gampang. Jadi harus ketemu paling ngga yang sehari sebelum kita dateng dan ditanggal kita cek out juga kosong. Jadi dapet yang bisa seperti ini pun setelah cari-cari sampe pusing dan setelah beberapa kali penolakan. Tapi ya itu, ngga apa-apa. Selama sabar dan usaha cari terus, percaya pasti ada. Kaya jodoh.

Di Paris dan London, check in dan check out dilakukan dengan host atau orang yang ditugaskan mengurus apartemen. Jadi beneran ketemu dengan orang langsung. Sedangkan di Manchester dan Tokyo dilakukan self-check in. Jadi setelah konfirm dan dua minggu sebelum kedatangan, kita dikirimkan buku panduan via email dan cara check innya. Host Tokyo detil sekali menjelaskan berbagai hal di buku panduan. Sampai cara memisahkan sampah pun ada!

4. Lokasi

Ini erat hubungannya sama poin ke dua. Semakin populer tempatnya biasanya semakin mahal. Kalopun ada yang murah biasanya ya apartemennya juga menyesuaikan.

Lokasi juga penting kalau ada atraksi atau yang memang ingin dikunjungi dan kemudahan akses transportasi. Misalnya dekat dengan halte bis atau stasiun subway/metro. Tapi buat saya lokasi itu bisa diatur. Yg penting sesuai sama budget dan bisa cek in fleksibel.

Seperti yang sudah dijelaskan di atas :

  • Paris di Boulevard Saint Germaine (left bank, 5th arrondissement)
  • London di daerah Islington, di North kalo liat dari kodeposnya.
  • Manchester di Aquarius Street, 15 menit dari Picadilly, bisa jalan kaki ke University of Manchester.
  • Tokyo di daerah Bunkyo-ku dekat Tokyo Dome. Subway terdekat Korakuen Station.

5. Foto dan petunjuk praktis

Nah, ini juga penting. Saya hampir selalu pilih airbnb yang nyantumin foto lebih dari 10. Makin banyak dan detil yang dicantumkan semakin meyakinkan. Apalagi kalo foto apartemennya bagus, trus dikasih juga gambaran gimana cara sampe ke apartemen dari bandara berikut alat transportasi umum yang bisa digunakan selain taksi tentunya.

Foto memang terkadang beda dari aslinya. Tapi ngga mungkin beda 100% juga. Jadi, semakin banyak dan bagus fotonya menurut saya semakin aman karena berarti hostnya niat.

  • Paris mencantunkan 15 foto tapi sudah lebih dari cukup karena memang kecil
  • London mencantumkan 35 foto kalo saya ngga salah ingat.
  • Manchester hanya 12 tapi cukup jelas.
  • Tokyo mencantumkan 49 foto.

6. Review

Setelah harga cocok, lokasi oke, foto meyakinkan, sebelum akhirnya ke langkah ke tujuh, baca review rumah tersebut wajib dilakukan. Kalo hotel, hampir ngga pernah baca review, tapi kalo AirBnb wajib.

Oya, AirBnb punya badge Superhost buat rumah yang memang sudah banyak digunakan dan mendapat review bagus dari customernya. Empat kali saya pergi, ngga pernah pilih yang superhost karena biasanya ngga fleksibel cek-in. Mereka biasanya full booked, jadi ngga memungkinkan untuk kita cek in atau cek out lebih awal atau akhir.

Iya, sepenting itu fleksibel cek-in buat saya.

Empat kali di empat tempat yang berbeda reviewnya pun bukan yang sampe puluhan dan ratusan, hanya sekitar delapan, sebelas, paling banyak dua puluh. Satu hal yang jelas, semua reviewnya baik, dan sangat sedikit review yang ada “the host canceled this booking”. Host bisa membatalkan booking dengan atau tanpa persetujuan kita.

7. Mengirim pesan kepada host

Nah, kalo enam hal itu udah jelas, atau misalnya semuanya udah sreg, tapi fleksibel cek-in masih belum jelas, biasanya hal terakhir sebelum saya tekan ‘book’ adalah mengirim pesan kepada hostnya.

Meskipun bisa saja langsung pesan, tapi saya lebih suka dan pas kalo sebelumnya memperkenalkan diri dulu sekaligus ‘melihat’ respon hostnya. Biasanya di dalam pesan yang dikirimkan saya kenalkan nama, asal kota dan bilang kalo saya tertarik untuk memakai tempat mereka di tanggal yang ditentukan.

Saya juga menjelaskan dengan siapa saja saya akan datang. Oya, ngga semua rumah itu mengizinkan anak-anak ya, jadi kalau bawa anak terutama di bawah 12 tahun, sebaiknya dijelaskan.

Lalu kalo seandainya saya punya pertanyaan saya tanyakan dibawahnya sepertu ketersediaan alat dapur dan ya itu apakah memungkinkan untuk fleksibel cek-in. Bagusnya di AirBnb ini, mereka kasih respon rate buat setiap host. Jadi kita bisa kira-kira kecepatan pesan kita dibalas. Ada yang bahkan ngga balas sama sekali. Ada yang ketika tau bawa anak menolak. Dan ngga perlu sedih, cuma perlu cari lebih banyak. Setelah empat kali pakai, saya yakin, kita akan nemu sesuai dengan yang kita mau, jadi ngga perlu buru-buru.

8. Self-room service

Ngga bisa nemu kata yang pas buat artiin ini. Cuma di AirBnb karena kita menyewa rumah orang jadi memang sebaiknya kita bantu jaga kebersihan dan kerapihannya. Buat sebagian orang emang mungkin ngga pas karena liburan jauh-jauh musti beres-beres (alesan yang sama yang saya pake kalo liburan domestik pilih hotel).

Saya hampir selalu pilih yang studio supaya semakin kecil semakin sedikit area beres-beresnya dan saya ngga akan milih rumah yang banyak printilan kecil-kecil mengingat pergi sama anak. Pokoknya cukup yang basic ada. Selama ini kita selalu bagi tugas siapa ngerjain apa. Jadi soal beres-beres, cuci piring, dsb ngga ada masalah. Ngga banyak juga.

Buat tipe orang yang kebanyakan mikir dan pertimbangan kaya saya, pencarian AirBnb ini seperti kesenangan sekaligus penyiksaan terhadap diri sendiri. Cari dengan berbagai tempat, naikin filter budget dikit-dikit, karena berdasarkan pengalaman, dengan kata kunci tempat yang sama, rumah yang keluar di daftar bisa berbeda. Makanya memang ngga perlu buru-buru. Rumah yang menjadi kandidat pilihan bisa kita tandai dengan simbol ❤ dan otomatis akan masuk ke wish list. Harganya juga bisa berubah lho. Memang ngga sebanyak itu, tapi kalo bisa dapet beberapa dolar lebih murah kenapa ngga, hehe.

Semoga bisa bantu sebagai pertimbangan memakai AirBnb ya!

Tertanda,

Customer yang sangat puas menggunakan AirBnb.

Posted in Thoughts

After Paris

Posted on by arlanadya

August, 2017.

I have been living ‘uncomfortably’ comfortable after Paris was beautifully executed in last year. Having all three big dreams fulfilled was one of the greatest feeling I had as a human. Paris became my third and last twenties personal biggest dream to achieve. Then, when it was done, what’s next? Nothing.

And, with that, the emptiness attacked.

Less spiritful days, going through month by month by keep asking ‘what’s next’, and no satisfying answers came. Thinking about living the rest of time without having any specific dream is torturing. Of course, there’s Langit who makes another big purpose, but Langit is not a dream. She is my responsibility, whether I like it or not, I have to keep going.

I’d been thinking about going back to several places that once made me happy, but with current situation, it didn’t feel that appealing anymore. Those places like school and french course were only suitable for my carefree twenties. Not with my heavy and full of responsibilities thirties. I should find something else that is worth my time and energy better.

I am almost done with myself. I have no unfulfilled dream which I would regret not having it when I die. I had travelled quite a lot, I did my master degree abroad, I did my Hajj, I took care of my mother until her last breath, I am taking care of my father in his old age, I enjoy my current work and feel the satisfaction about that, I sleep, eat, and live safely and comfortably.

I have received a lot. It’s about time to return the kindness. Something that is worth my energy and my time shouldn’t be something that centered to myself. It should be bigger than that. I should upgrade definiton of work for myself too. Something that is not only about me, but more for others.

I have learnt a lot that work(s) is only meaningful if you have clear purpose and goals to be achieved. Without them, work feels like a routine to earn money, to pay those endless bills monthly, and wushh, it’s gone without a trace.

I’ve been craving for work that has some significant impacts for others and for myself to drag me out of my comfort zone. I want to do more than what I have been doing, I need to learn something new and exciting because I feel like I am done with my current lesson chapter.

————————————–

October, 2018.

This writing has been saved in draft for almost a year. Somehow I couldn’t finish it because,wow, never knew starting and running a bussiness would be such headache and honestly, I felt it was too far from cool. Although it’s still a tiny one, but the problems to deal with were quite a lot. Dealing with employees, customers, the license owner, the struggle to make sales and getting customer, there were real battles.

There were times when I felt I really wanted to give up and just let it run with the flow, but, I just couldn’t do it. We have started and I want to see where this will be going to. If this one fail later, I need to make sure that I have done everything in my power to make this work.

Through this tiny bussiness, I now understand how safe it is to be an employee, not to say this to offend since I am still one too until now. You jusy have to do your work and every certain date you get your paycheck. Done. Meanwhile as a bussiness owner, I have been constantly insecure whether the sales could make it to pay all the salary and rent.

It’s been a year and progresses have been here. The old store has been renewed and among four first employees, three were not there anymore and it is okay. I also learn that people are replacable. Losing one, the other one will come. Of course it takes certain things to deal with new one, but, to keep someone who doesn’t want to stay or giving bad influence to the store culture, I prefer letting them go. I also decide to hire male employee only. Me as a woman is more than enough. The bussiness suits male more than female too.

Like almost everything in life, I take this one seriously too. Never missed a day visiting the store and checking the work result and doing quality control on each work given to the employees. Keep thinking and searching ways to improve sales, because this one should have real profit. Replying those inquiries, complaints,and sending notifications to customers, and dealing with monthly report.

Running this bussiness feels like having a second child. By having another child it means I have to sacrifice another thing too like cutting another working day so I can be more focused. There were times when I also totally cut any ties from dramaland. Watched not even one drama for months. The real life dramas had been more than enough at that time and there were times when I feel like resigning from this.

Maybe just like raising a child, first year is always the toughest, physically and emotionally taxing, and for me this one is no different. Entering the second year, it’s more comfortable for some part but I still couldn’t lose my guard. I always have this kind of feeling that when I am loose when it’s calm, I have to pay more during the storm.

Of course I don’t have to stand by all day during open hours, but I always come everyday before the operation hours. I am still dealing with stuffs when I am home or even during the trip. Yes, I keep dealing with this too when I was overseas.

I am pretty lucky to have this team with me who can be trusted with money and work and they have been very much reliable. Without them, I couldn’t do this at all. I could take few days off during my trip and having them report to me daily and so far it’s been running well. Alhamdulillah.

It’s too early to say this one a succesful one and almost never this one becomes something I boast about everywhere. It’s far from easy yet I am beyond grateful having this chapter full of new learnings in my life. When some statements above seemed saying that it’s really hard and far from pleasant, in fact, I enjoy many parts of this. I enjoys replying messages, explaining about things, showing what we have done, eventough the end is not always become sales, but It feels nice knowing I have helped someone with their curiosity.

In the end, hopefully this one gives more benefits to people who use our service and also the employees who work with us, and if it can touch more lives, then I would be much happier.

Wishing for more endurance to survive this and become better than before. Amin.

Posted in Favorite things, Langit Senja

Swimming Lesson

Posted on by arlanadya

It had been some times when we were thinking about enrolling Langit to swimning lesson to get a proper training. So, when her school distributed extraculicular form at the beginning of August, we didn’t hesitate to sign up for swimming. It turned out Langit was the only one from her class who went for swimming class.

The lesson runs every Friday afternoon with 3-4 other older kids. Most of them are in primary school grade 2 or 3. At first, I was quite dobtful if she could keep up with them or they could tolerate a little girl joined their group because of skill level difference. Gladly, after first lesaon, the coach said he didn’t have any objections for Langit to join the Friday class with those older kids.

I am quite satisfied with the lesson as well as the coach. After eight sessions, Langit has freee from any arm floats and really start learning to swim properly. She enjoys and keeps looking forward to her lesson too. It’s a joyful feeling to see her enjoying something that we consider important for her life. Hopefully she keeps the excitement and the courage to learn until she really masters all swimming skills.

We are pretty strict when it comes to swimming. Along the lesson, one of us keep standing by the pool to keep her focus (pardon our annoying voices on the videos). Swimming is not a mere sport. It’s a must learn and if possible, master, because it’s one of the most important survival skills.

First Meeting

Fifth Meeting

Eighth Meeting

Posted in Review

Lima Menit Perpanjangan STNK Mobil di Samsat Drive Thru

Posted on by arlanadya

Selama beberapa tahun urus perpanjangan STNK mobil sendiri, saya selalu pake cara ‘lama’ yaitu ambil formulir ke informasi, isi, ambil nomor antrian, menyerahkan dokumen ke loket lalu antri dipanggil oleh masing-masing loket sampai selesai. Kalo lagi beruntung satu jam selesai. Kalo lagi rame banget bisa sampai 1,5-2 jam.

Berawal dari dua tahun lalu, karena antriannya rame banget dan saya ada urusan lain, saya terpaksa pulang dan akan balik besoknya lebih pagi. Waktu mau keluar, saya liat papan tanda DRIVE THRU. Awalnya ragu-ragu karena saya ngga ngerti, cuma karena penasaran akhirnya saya masuk dan parkir mobil dekat loketnya. Turun dan pergi ke loketnya nyerahin dokumen.

Petugas yang ada di loket langsung bilang,

“Bisa baca papannya?” katanya sambil nunjuk ke papan atas persyaratan dokumen untuk perpanjang STNK Drive Thru.

“Iya pak, udah bawa semua dokumennya,”. Saya jawab.

“Baca lagi yang bener,”

Saya mulai keringet dingin. Udah baca berapa kali dan saya ngga liat apa yang salah. KTP asli, STNK lama asli dan fotokopi, BPKB asli juga bawa. Karena beneran ngga ngerti apa yang salah saya tanya lagi,

“Pak, saya ngga ngerti karena belum pernah. Bisa dijelaskan apa?”

“Bawa mobilnya ke sini, mbak!”.

Saya sempet makin bingung. Kadang kalo lagi panik kebodohan emang naik drastis. Ngeliat saya diem, petugasnya ntah kesian entah gemes,

“Mbak bayar dari dalem mobilnya. Jadi, puter lagi antri sekalian mobilnya kesini,”

Ah, ya ampun. Ga pernah jajan drive thru sih emang. Beneran.

Akhirnya langsung saya masuk mobil, muter lagi dan masuk ke dalam antrian drive thru dan di depan loket buka kaca dan menyerahkan dokumennya : KTP Asli dan fotokopi, STNK asli dan fotokopi, fotokopi BPKB (aslinya bawa aja jaga-jaga minta ditunjukan).

Satu yang harus diperhatikan adalah untuk samsat drive thru ini TIDAK BISA DIWAKILKAN. Harus yang punya mobil beserta mobil yang akan diperpanjang STNKnya harus hadir di depan loket.

Seingat saya petugasnya sempat bilang, bisa diwakilkan asalkan membawa mobil yang tertera di STNK dan yang mewakilkan punya alamat KTP yang sama dengan yang punya mobil.

Saya biasanya langsung urus sekalian punya ayah saya, dan sempat tanya bisa ngga punya ayah saya sekalian dan dijawab ngga bisa karena mobil ayah saya tidak ada. Jadi, saya kembali ke Samsat besoknya bersama ayah saya dan mobilnya.

Setelah menyerahkan dokumen ke loket, mobil maju sedikit ke loket kasir untuk pembayaran. Setelah bayar, petugasnya langsung memberikan STNK baru dan selesai semua. Kalo ngga ada antrian bahkan bisa kurang dari lima menit dan seringnya hampir ngga ada antrian ya.

Kemudahan-kemudahan pelayanan publik seperti ini sangat menyenangkan. Efektif dan efisien. Semoga semakin banyak yang bisa seperti ini ya.

Posted in Review, Travel

(Updated) Flight to and from Kuala Lumpur

Posted on by arlanadya

I had this question quite often from close relatives who would like to go to Malaysia for the first time. Most of them think about Air Asia when it comes to cheap price, which is something I don’t (really) agree (at all).

During 1,5 years of master study there, I went back and forth from both Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur 10 times. The very first thing I did once I had the fix schedule of all lectures was searching for the cheapest flight back home. All tabs in my laptop were about all airlines websites. Did I buy it straightly?

Of course, NOT!

I brought those fare comparison to my dream first. Even for days. I rechecked them every day for few times because the fares changed depends the time you checked it. For a stingy student like me, it was sensitive. Being hesitate whether to buy now or later. Imagining it wherever I went. Then, cursed myself when I saw the second time the price was higher. Such a true masochist.

After so many times doing like that, I really found that some airlines were truly cheaper than Air Asia. In fact, Air Asia became my very last choice among other airlines. The ticket price only was maybe cheap, but, once you continued your booking, other cost kept piling up and at the end of your booking, voila! That will be very far from cheap.

So, here’s my preference from the most to the least :

1. Lion Air

SURPRISE!! When domestically Lion Air is known to be the master of delay, I didn’t find it for several times I fIew with them. I found Lion Air had a flight to Kuala Lumpur ( or Jakarta) accidentally. It had been a hard battle inside my mind when two airlines which I regularly used gave me an expensive total fares for my pocket. Even after several days, it didn’t change much.
I just read a tweet several days ago saying ‘Price is the only tool that is able to make people realize they have another choice or they have to find one’. It is very true. Those airlines fares which I think too expensive made me search for other options. Then, instead of one, I found two other options. Lion air is one of them.

The best thing about Lion Air, it shows you directly the total price and with that price comes 20 kg of baggage allowance. No need to pay additional cost. It was very agreeable for me. Even more, they were truly good value for your money. I often got as cheap as IDR 350.000 one way from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. It costs the same like you fly to some cities in Java.

The second best thing about Lion Air is they depart from KLIA, not LCCT. It has the price of Low Cost airline, but they depart from high cost airline airport.

Recently, as far as I know, LCCT does no longer exist. They replaced it with KLIA 2.

Third and the last, few times flying with them, I never once experienced any delays. It was very punctual and more, the aircraft was big and clean. Guess it was new.

So, for all those three reasons, Lion Air is on my top of list.

2. Malaysian Airlines

This one is one of the regular that I often use. Before knowing how much cheap the fare between two cities, I used to think MAS was very cheap. When we first went there with my mum and sister, I found IDR 750.000 was a very good deal. Only after that I found out, it became the most expensive fare I paid among all my trips.

But, surprisingly, if you are persistent enough to regulary check their website, you can find a very shocking price like I once had. I once got the ticket price from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur at IDR 75.000. YEP, three zeros only. Not even reach 10 USD. As for the total fares, it became IDR 239.000. See, it was a very very good deal.

Of course, MAS departs from KLIA and it has a lot of check in counters. The aircraft might not as big as Lion as far as I remembered, the leg room was quite narrow too. One thing is an advantage from MAS, they have lots of schedules in a day. My mum once was late for check in for 7 am departure and she couldn’t fly with her originally booked flight. Then, the check in staff simply changed it to the next flight schedule at 9 am. No additional charge, no grumpy face scolding us for being late. A very good service. Overall, it’s good.

3. Air Asia

Here’s the cheap airline which often turns out to be not cheap at all. Even start from the ticket price only, it wasn’t that cheap. You have to pay more for baggage according how many kilos that suitable for your belongings. After that, you pay for your seat, which is something that I think it’s a bit ridiculous. Do they expect us to stand up during the flight?

The aircraft is far from spacious, the seat is not really comfortable, and they depart from LCCT. Unlike KLIA, LCCT was an airport who looks like a bus terminal. I don’t know about KLIA2 since I have never been there, but my experience with LCCT immigration is quite bad. Long queue and less friendly officer everywhere.

Even when I was a poor stingy student, Air Asia was the very last choice among other airlines.

But, maybe if you manage to get the ticket from BIG SALE or FREE SEAT and you’re pretty tight in budget then this one might be a good idea. My sister got Rp 1.000.000 to KL for 4 persons ticket only. She bought it 8 months before the trip and didn’t use it at all. Quite expensive, right?

4. Tiger Airways

I found this when I found Lion Air. It was pretty similar with Air Asia. You pay for your baggage and seat. The price was slightly cheaper. I only tried this once or twice maybe. I didn’t feel too comfortable with this although there was no problem at all during the flight. It also departed from LCCT.

Actually, there were other two airlines at that time, Garuda Indonesia and KLM. But, both were out of my league. Hence, I left them.

So, if anyone ever ask me which one to choose, you surely know the answer.

——————————————–

UPDATED

Our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur gave me a chance to try another new fiight from Kuala Lumpur. We went by my favorite Lion Air, it was as punctual as I remembered six to seven years ago, and for the return flight I chose KLM. It suited us for the schedule and I wanted to know what it looked like. I will put another two airlines I have experienced.

5. KLM

Like Lion Air, KLM departs from KLIA and also pretty punctual. The flight attendants like any other European or American airlines were not as young as those ones from Asia or Middle East ones. They were friendly enough for me. They greeted Langit nicely too. The legroom is perfect, it also comes with flight entertainment with good collections.

They also gave snack and drink during the two hours flight. The snack was dutch pastry and drink you can choose like water or juice. The seat formation is 3-4-3. I didn’t expect this before but it turned out that it arrived at new terminal 3 ultimate CGK. So, that was the very first time I set my foot in our new terminal too.

So, when you’re willing to pay a bit more than using budget airlines, KLM is quite nice. The only thing it lacks of is they only have one schedule for depart and return. So, no schedule option available.

6. Malindo Air

I took this one during our UK trip last year and wrote a review . Malindo is part of Lion group and it is similar to Batik Air only Malindo is operated by Malaysian. It uses the same aircraft like Lion Air but also distributes snack like any other full board one for two hours flight.

I only knew this airline because I was searching for the same baggage amount like Qatar Airways and I found Malindo was the only which offered 30kg baggage.

I wasn’t too impressed by the flight attendants, they were not so helpful and not that friendly too. But, other things were just ok. If I had another choice between KLM and Malindo, I obviously go for the former.

It always feels nice to go back to Kuala Lumpur. A piece of my heart surely left there.

Posted in Places, Travel

Kabur ke Kuala Lumpur

Posted on by arlanadya

Tahun ini Alhamdulillah rejeki jalan-jalannya terbuka lebar. Kabar kalo Pak Dokter diminta untuk menjadi pembicara di forum anastesi nasional disusul disuruh ikut simposium di Kuala Lumpur dateng bulan lalu. Setelah ikut seminar di Surabaya bulan Mei lalu dan ngerasain enaknya nginep di Marriot 3 hari dan keliling kota Surabaya yang rapi dan bersih, rejekinya Langit buat liat Kuala Lumpur sekaligus pulang kampung buat saya setelah enam tahun.

Tiga hari di Kuala Lumpur, saya cukup terkesan perubahan-perubahan yang ada di kota ini sejak enam tahun lalu terakhir di sana. Pembangunan di KL Sentral sudah selesai dan terminalnya bahkan lebih bagus dari bandara di Indonesia dengan tenant-tenant yang menarik. Jadi, sekarang kalo mau naik Monorail dari KTM atau LRT ngga perlu lagi ngelewatin jalan raya. Semuanya terhubung dengan jembatan penghubung indoor. Nyaman buat geret-geret koper.

Saya kurang tau sejak kapan tapi sekarang Kuala Lumpur punya bis GRATIS GO KL buat warganya dan turis ke beberapa tempat atraksi di sekitar Kuala Lumpur. Bisnya ada empat line : hijau, biru, pink, ungu. Nyaman banget. Buat turis yang nginepnya biasanya sekitaran KL Sentral atau Bukit Bintang dan KLCC, bisa kemana-mana dengan bis ini. Saya sempat coba yang line hijau dan ungu. Satu ke Pasar Seni/Central Market dan satu lagi ke KLCC. Cukup jalan kaki 300m ke halte pemberhentiannya. Busnya pun cukup sering.

Sama seperti di Surabaya, karena pagi sampe sore saya hanya berdua Langit dan kita ngga bawa stroller, jadi jalan-jalannya hanya di sekitar pusat kota aja. Hari pertama setelah sampe dan cek in hotel, tujuan pertama langsung ke Medan Tuanku. Ini tempat saya singgahin pertama kali sama ibu saya waktu sekolah tujuh tahun lalu. Kebetulan di sini sekalian belanja buah dan keperluan sehari-hari dan oleh-oleh seperlunya. Sogo Medan Tuanku selalu jadi departemen store favorit saya. Buat makan malem, bayar kangen di Chicken Rice Shop.

Hari kedua setelah sarapan kita jalan kaki ke KLCC. Pak Dokter simpo di Convention Centrenya, saya dan Langit jalan-jalan sendiri dan tujuan kita adalah KLCC Park.

Saya iri sekali. KLCC Park bukan sekedar taman. Tapi kaya hutan kecil di tengah kota. Pohon rindang, arena playgroundnya bukan luas, tapi SUPER BESAR buat ukuran outdoor,mainannya banyak dengan alas karet di bawahnya, ada kolam renang kecil, sebenernya seperti tempat main air ya, jalan khusus buat yang mau jogging, kursi taman buat duduk, suara burung berkicau, dan matahari pagi. Langit main di sana 2 jam dan saya ngga keberatan nunggunya. Seneng banget.

Sebagian kecil dari mainan di KLCC Park
Bersih, rapi, asri
Jalan kaki karena ngga punya pilihan
Si Kembar

Sampai sempet bilang, tahun depan ada capres programnya bikin kaya gini di lokasi yang terjangkau, saya pilih. Ngga peduli siapa. Taman kota kaya gini cuma bisa ada kalo pemerintahnya mikirin rakyatnya bukan cuma soal uang. Tapi lagi, sepertinya mental orang Indonesia belum siap ya untuk punya taman sebagus ini. Ngga lama mungkin udah penuh sama orang jualan. Kecuali ada aparat tegas yang jaga seperti halnya di KLCC Park ini.

Hari kedua saya habiskan seharian bareng Siti dan keluarganya, mantan teman sekamar saya waktu kuliah. Langit juga bisa main sama Hawaa. Salah satu doa saya setiap kemanapun adalah semoga selalu dipertemukan sama orang yang baik. Siti salah satu jawaban atas doa saya. Bahkan lebih dari ekspektasi saya.

Hari ketiga kita udah punya jadwal mau ke Aquaria KLCC sorenya. Paginya saya dan Langit berenang dulu trus kita jalan pake bis GO KL ke KLCC janjian makan siang sama Pak Dokter dan main di air mancur depan Suria.

Dalam perjalanan salah satu bis GOKL seorang bapak India tua ngasih kita tempat duduk dan nyapa Langit, “you are a beautiful girl,”. Setelahnya dia berdiri sambil nyari sesuatu di buku yang dia bawa. Ternyata dia mau kasih buat Langit. Gambar di bawah ini dia gambar di masjid Jamek.

Di perjalanan bis GOKL dari KLCC ke hotel, ada seorang turis dari Jerman yang berdiri dekat Langit. Dia tiba-tiba ngeluarin sesuatu dari tasnya dan nunjukin ke Langit. Stiker gambar bintang yang dia suruh Langit pilih. Saya selalu percaya kalo manusia itu pada dasarnya baik. Setiap kami traveling, hampir selalu ketemu dengan orang-orang ngga dikenal yang menunjukkan kebaikan-kebailan kecil.

Mungkin ini kenapa traveling itu penting buat kami, untuk melihat banyak hal di luar tempurung sehari-hari supaya mata dan hati juga tidak terkungkung.

Hadiah kecil untuk Langit di bis
Elephant sticker from a stranger

Kami masuk ke Aquaria sekitar jam 17.30. Tiket sudah dibeli via travel apps favorit buatan anak bangsa lulusan Harvard. Buat saya yang belum pernah ke Sea World, Aquaria KLCC cukup oke. Sepadan dengan harga yang dibayar. Ngga terlalu besar tapi cukup menarik. Biota lautnya juga cukup lengkap buat saya.

Selesai dari Aquaria, karena masih agak terang, kita mampir lagi ke playgroundnya KLCC Park. Langit main disana sampai maghrib. Setelah adzan kita jalan kaki lagi buat makan malem di warung Thailand deket hotel yang rating zomatonya tinggi banget. Sampai di Thai Boat Noddle, bener aja penuh. Padahal ya kaya warung beneran. Kita dapet meja di luar. Kaya warung bakso aja. Ternyata rasanya emang sesuai dengan rating zomatonya. Langit juga makannya lahap banget.

Dari Thai Boat Noddle, saya jalan-jalan sendiri di Pavilion sementara dua temen jalan lainnya balik ke hotel.

Hari terakhir pagi-pagi sementara Pak Dokter masih ikut simpo, saya ajak Langit ke KL Sentral naik Monorail. Tujuan utamanya beli roti cane buat dibawa pulang. Keluarga saya semua penyuka roti cane dan karinya. Waktu kuliah saya pernah bawa pulang 20 porsi roti cane😀.

Alhamdulillah tiga hari di Kuala Lumpur lebih dari cukup buat saya. Kenapa judulnya kabur? Selain karena homofon sama lumpur, saya emang kabur sebentar dari lelahnya kerja dan berkutat sama urusan rumah ketika Mbak Wi kesayangan lagi cuti. Semoga cepet balik dan kehidupan normal bisa kembali berputar. Amin.

Tulisan lama tentang Kuala lumpur sebelumnya.