Around the World in Fifty Three Days

I’m sick, knocked down by severe flu. Most likely my body just shocked and requires an adjustment to local climate. Yeah, I’m now sitting comfortably under my blanket in my lovely room in my house in Jakarta. Yes, I’m home, yippee!! Not just home, but hoooomeeeee (that is how we call our home country .. hahaha).

Tropical rain in my neighborhood

Well, it’s raining now and I just love it. I particularly went down few minutes ago and stand up on my front terrace, feel the smell of vegetation wetness and the breeze of tropical rainy Monsoon of the equator, wonderful!! I was amazed in how I missed this breeze so much for the last four years.

The city of pond: the capital of the lost Atlantis

Jakarta hit by heavy flood. I wasn't shock at the first time, as this is kind of annual story; there are some lower areas along the rivers get flooding every rainy season. But yes, I’m now shock when found the flooding pictures in internet. Look, this is the circle of Hotel Indonesia in 'downtown' Jakarta. I took the pic last November when I was at Mandarin Hotel for a meeting. Inset is the flooding in the same area. Next picture is the National Monument, the symbol of Jakarta.

The Circle of Hotel Indonesia

Grey Goose day

Alert: this has nothing to do with the Grey Goose some of you may think of (it’s actually suggested by my best friend in the other side of the running skype, and I'm sure she’s gonna laugh when read this!). 

I just wanna use the word Grey, as Maryland got cloudy and foggy for the last couple days, just like my feeling.

Mentor, a man behind every quest and battle

Below is my favorite quote, it is said by Gandalf to Frodo in the deep dark of Moria.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time”, said Frodo. “So do I”, said Gandalf, “and so do all who lives to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” (J.R.R. Tolkien).

Awesome, it's such a very encouraging counsel, so honest, not promising, but supportive. I like it!

Shower of “Christmas” lights at the “National Mall”

I am very busy lately, so here is one of the delayed stories that I wanna share.

It was almost Christmas, and that was the first time for me to experience the moment in the capitol of US. I was excited of enjoying the tradition of Christmas celebration along the street in DC, and here the story is. The fun walk was started from the Capital South Metro station, south of Capitol Hill, the easternmost point of interest in the National Mall of DC. Hey, don't forget, this isn't a shopping mall!!

The tree with 5000 handmade ornaments

When guilt comes on a piece of happiness

Today is Friday, the first Friday night of 2013. I am now so tired after spending a long struggling day on my work. It’s a pretty productive day though, and I'm glad to feel this way. I am now so contented and restful, sitting under my blanket, next to a cup of hot tea, and listening to music. Ssstttt listen, just close your eyes and go along with me to enjoy this music, very beautiful, isn’t it?; especially when you are in the middle of the night, tired, but contented though far away from home, just like me.