On the road: Mitfahrengelegenheit

This is a very good idea of travelling by car. Travelling together with others, we share the fuel and get the chance to know strangers, just contact people in the website, choose what time you wanna go and meet them! Thats all fokes!

On the road: Hitch hike

Since a kid I always wanted to hitch hike. Its a bit impossible to do in Indonesia but where it works, I'll do it! And so I did. Ulli and I hitchhiked 4 times in her village and it was really nice. One lady said that she loves to do this because then she can talk with others while doing a good deed. Another guy actually passed us but then he returned back n pick us up and drove us to where we needed to go, although it was not in his way. The others were also kind and nice. Of course, still, I didn't understand anything. But it was a pleasant experience. Next time again, alone, maybe?

On the road: Oberursel: Springheart

This is the first day that i was outside without warm clothes. It was really warm n the sun was awesome! Life... Absolutely amazing! I feel warm outside n warm inside, just like spring! There I met Bianca, such another surreal life. For a while we still cant believed it. But well, after sometimes, i got the feeling already. The place where she is working was soo cool n calm. Its a place for depressed people. Always wanna have a place like this, just like in Patch Adams. We had a walk in the forest, met lots n lots of frogs there n walked through the city. This was great! The city itself was really nice, kinda touristic I have to say! We had ice cream n sat on a bench, watching the sun setting behind the buildings before having dinner in an italian restaurant. Talked a lot about life n love. Felt really warm n free, peaceful n calm. Had beautiful time with her but I missed my big baby, my little angel... So so much...

On the road: Ottersberg: The Sunset and the Play

Its like this. When you had surprises, you give back these surprises. I decided to do that and to whom else, but Ulli. She has been a marvelous friend who gave me many surprises and shares crazy things in life. So Ottersberg it is, around one hour from Hamburg. She was surprised indeed and it was great to meet her again in her village. I promised myself that I have to come to this place after she told me about the amazing sunset sometimes ago, and to enjoy this with her. And so we did, even the sun agree with me, and we enjoyed the sunset together. Just sat on a bench as the sun dissapears. The next day we went to her uni, watched and took some photos of her rehearsal, was quite fun despite that I didn't understand anything. But her friends was nice. Afterwards we walked around Fishehüde, a beautiful and peaceful village next door. By the way the morning and the afternoon was foggy everywhere. But we had a nice walk, and talk. In the evening I cooked fried rice. Been a while since I cook again. But we enjoyed it.

By the way, at Ulli's house there's a littel girl named Mathilda (suddenly reminded me of Roald Dahl's Mathilda) and she was beautiful and very energetic. I love her so much. Hmm.... Tomorrow is Oberursel, Bianca!

On the road: Hamburg: Boys talk

It was Hamburg, my next destination. Just thought like it when Didi had to leave EW to her sister's. In the car where mostly are musicians, I was so sleepy although they were quite nice. So i slept in the car, realizing that I left a huge part of my heart with Didi. Yannick picked me up at the bahnhof before we went to his place, buy some groceries n headed out to this café n watched football. It was so unique that they showed seven matches at the same time with just one screen. It switched one game to another in 15 minutes or whenever there was a goal. Cool! I get to see many games at once while drinking this super strong caffeine cola!

The boat trip came next as we talked what boys are best with, football and of course, girls:-). Glad that this boys talk worked out fine. He wanted to ask me to go to a pub n get some drink, but i was just so so tired. Physically n emotionally.

The next day time changed an hour, its spring! We walked around this beautiful lake with its beautiful surroundings. When I first stepped my feet in Hamburg soil I didn't like it that much because it was really crowded, but being in this place changed my perspective. At least I understand why people lives here although i can still say that this is not my kinda city. It was great being with Yannick, but the thought of not seeing Didi for a long time was not pleasant at all... Ottersberg is coming now

On the road: Eberswalde: Circle of Life

When you see a circle, you don't see any end to that don't you? Well its because there's no edges, no corner, no end. So when I look at my life, then I asked again, When will this ends? This circle should move into a certain direction or level somewhere. Its not like there's somebody to blame for this, but well, when it doesn't move anywhere, one should ask: what's going on? I am the only responsible part of my life. Whatever I do, I should be aware of the risk. When I played with fire, I should know what may come. But what can I say is, as hard as it can be, i think I'm at the right place although i wish the time wouldn't be now. Terrible timing, at least for me. So now, when the circle of life brings you to a certain point, then I guess I have to make a decision, not so much of what I want, but more to what is best. I guess I already knew it even before I come to Europe, and as usual I can say my feeling serves me well. I sense that whenever we meet, the circle is back. We would become what we were before, where we left of. This is not the first time, but hopefully would be the last time because I don't want to stay in this circle forever. I wanna move on! I realized that when emotion and mood becomes the decision maker, it no longer see what is unseen, and forever I will be in this situation. Hanging in balance, again? No thank you! This circle has to end. But when will I learn?

On the road: Rügen: 500 days of summer

It is a movie about a couple, a naive boy and a girl who would like to explore her life to the fullest. From time to time their feelings grew, this naive boy, keeps his feelings for this girl

On the road: Eberswalde: Dee

Now I'm at Dee's place. Been a while, and its actually a diferent place where she is living now. A new flat. Quite dirty and messy, but her room is nice. I love the heater, which comes from the 70's probably. Really unique and amazing i have to say how these people created this heating system. We had endless talks, laughters

On the road: Rügen: Love and Let Go

Do I ever mentioned that this journey is actually not just about meeting people, but also and more important than that, love? Well, After some days being together again, many things revealed. But there are still mysteries in which we might never find answers to, and the best thing is maybe to let go. I dunno whether I have succeed or was I just not thinking about the future. But i think I let go. Isn't the best part of learning love is to let go and let peace replace that? Have I entered another phase of loving and let go, and being back as a traveller, a pilgrim?

To really love a woman, to understand her
you gotta know her deep inside.
Hear every thought, see every dream
And give her wings when she wants to fly
And when you find yourself lying helpless in her arms
You know you really love a woman

Tell her that she's really wanted
Tell her that's she's the one
She needs to know that its gonna last forever
Let her hold you till you know how she needs to be touched

The simplest definition of love i've learned through my journey so far: to make others happy without expecting anything in return. Love and let go...

On the road: Celle: Water wonderland

Today we planned to go canoeing in a river near a city around 1 hour ride from Brelingen. We were 8 with Hanna's (Benno's sister) friends.

On the road: Brelingen: Top of The Mountain

We walked around this awesome village in the morning and went into this awesome bio shop, small but really nice interior. Then after playing a bit of fussball Benno said that he needs to pick up 'something'. We all went together and I saw Johannes standing in the station! Crazy! After lunch we walked around the village and had our midday prayer in the church. Beautiful! Then we went into the forest to reach the 'top of Brelingen mountain'... It was a nice walk then in the evening we were playing Saboteur when suddenly Benno (again) dissapeared n not long after showed up with, guess who? Ulli!! This crazy dude showed up although she needs to return in the morning for her concert. Ulli n I spent sometimes talking about our dream before we end the day

On the road: Brelingen: One that never ends

So i've made it in Hannover. From there i took the train to Benno's small village, Brelingen. Picked up by his amazing lovely mum, i was so happy to have met her again. Then we drove to his place, looked around the house which is HUGEE!! Its really huge this old house. Didn't take any pictures or videos though, more towards privacy thingy, my thought. Then Benno showed up and we went to his concert. It was a nice concert, the missa in jazz. We should do this as well in Indonesia I guess. More ideas for the café thingy i guess, having a small jazzy gospel concert in it. There are just soooo many things that we can do in this world. The briliance of human thought, creativity!

After the jazz concert was over, when I was talking to Benno while having a nice warm soup (could't remember the name of the soup :9) I saw a figure which was familiar to me. Could it be true? So I rush myself to the back and found myself disilussioned. It is Mario and Sarah! This is unreal!! We had some chats at home before we go to sleep. Surprises just never ends!

On the road: Stefan's Baby

One if the famous sayings during my journey this time is the sentence stedan's baby. It is actually a deuter bag that he bought in Indonesia n me bringing it with me everywhere I go.

On the road: Train Tickets

Train tickets in europe cost me all my money, especially when your plan is flexible like me. I have to pay 115€ for a train from Warsaw-Berlin-Hannover, and its the train from Berlin to Hannover which costs me the most, although its only for 2 hours, and i didn't get any seats either! Well it was weekend so its understandable. But still, I have to spend more money for this. Have to find another way

So I left Warsawa, with a bit of my heart there. I think there are so many bits n pieces of my heart in many different places by now. Yeah, i'm a traveller. In two hours I will meet Benno, and his mum, with the rest of the gank. We will see.

On the road: Warsawa: The Demo, The Walk and The Park!

The main city, Warsawa. We started to Millie's uni to get her diploma. It was not a huge uni with a few buildings here and ther, and of course, she introduced me to the stairs which she needs to take everytime she goes to school. Then we walked a bit to the green library, and around the area a bit. I can see how beautiful it is during summer. Yep, i'm gonna come back to Europe for summer one day! We then wanted to take a bus to the park, but the city gave us its surprise: a demonstration! It was against the government who wanted to demolish the bees farm or something like that.. It was a surprise for me, coz the day before when Millie's parents told me about the demonstration, i wanted to experience myself how it feels to be there. And there we were, justbin the middle of this peaceful demostration. Millie told me that it was people from the mountain who were demonstrating. Well it seems that people everywhere are against their government in this country. Something similar to mine, i think.

So there we were. I was busy taking photos n Millie was busy telling me what's going on, as we kept on walking the streets. We wanted to take a bus to the park but because of the demo we had to walk further away. As her many wires-brain keeps mounting out its ideas, i was sometimes going into my empty box-brain, just enjoying what I'm seeing without thinking about anything. (this brain wires n boxes talk was just great). After walking for sometimes, we finally took a bus which actually doesn't stop at the place she wanted us to stop, but it turned out fine because we can enter the park from the otner side. We spent hours in this park, also visiting the palace, taking photos of whatever there is in the park. Again i can imagine how beautiful the park is during summer time. Anyway, we had fun!

It was in the afternoon that we began to starve. Her mum is cooking dinner so she said to us not to eat outside. But we're both starving so we went back to the city n ate some cakes. Great!

After that we went to a church just next to that place and stayed for some minutes of silence before we went home. Before that we stopped at a shopping centre to buy a pullover. But before we enter the building i saw a familiar sign: DECATHLON! And it was just behind the building! Millie at first was a bit hesitant but i dragged her there. A new place for her. I got what I need and we went home. She looked tired (well, she should be :9). At home it was like a big feast that her mum cooked, and it was all but good! Loved it and ate them till i can't eat anymore. It was a great day, with the sun accompanying us the whole day. I'm leaving Warsaw tomorrow, with its joy, all the laughters and happiness behind. Again I wish that I can stay longer, but this is how life works

On the road: Warsawa: And the Stars shines brightly

Stars always shines, don't they? When they are not shining it means they are covered by clouds, or just being at the other side of the world. Of course we're not talking about planets which are constantly rotating, but just stars as we see it. When there's a star, we can already see the light, whether its their own light or just a reflection of the light. But when there are two or more stars, the light glows even brighter. And thats what happened today in the evening when we went to a theatre group, -the Aphasia group- where Millie has been involved for sometmes. I shared about Indonesia and myself of course.They share themselves, and we had so much fun. Not so much coversations, but just lights, connecting each other, spreading the ray. We are the stars. and i can feel that the room is filled with bright light, just because we are all there. The lady who is in charge for the groups is magnificent. She knows what she's doing and she's commited to it. A marvelous example to follow. I wish i can do the same. But nonetheless, there we are, sharing this joy together. There's this girl, Natali, whom i fell in love all of the sudden. She was probably 8 years old and she is really close to Millie, and i can see how much she adores and love Millie. She was sitting next to her and keep smiling all the time. She's just so sweet and adorable (both of the girls probably hahaha) and I felt we're connected somehow. I can't resist her light. Maybe its true what Paulo Coelho wrote about this light. When her mum asked her to go home she refuses and want to stay. I drew her something, and she also drew me. She's just Fantastic! We're like best friends already n I huggged her so many times.

The others we're also shining n put some efforts just to be there. But hey, when you see so much light and feel this warmth, who wouldn't want to be there and be part of it? Everyone gave a bit of their light and it was awesome. Matjek played some songs and did some poems. It was awesome!! I can see he is a stage person and a performer. He will become great and many will like him. The others were just simply great... Millie and I went home with so much joy and happiness, feeling the warmth inside that beats the cold wind as we walked home. At home Millie's parents were sharing their experience protesting to the government with more than ten thousand others. They are funny, i like them. We continued our endless conversations till 2am.

On the road: Warsawa: Where We Left Off

The train that brought me to Warsawa was with compartments, and its the first time I experience this. I was the only person who took this train from Krotoszyn, and was all alone in the compartment. I had it for myself and enjoyed the whole journey till i arrived at Warsaw. I wanted to check the return ticket when i arrived but i didn't do it although i was already in the queueing line. Bad decision. Then Millie showed up and we went straight to her house at Pruszków, around 25 minutes from the city central. It is a small house which i'd never imagined or seen before. There was only 3 main rooms and its only a short straight line. You can go from one end to the other end in 15 seconds, To me its unique and interesting. Very simple but warm. I met her parents who welcomed me with their warm hearts. I felt so comfortable already. We talked and talked until 3am with much laughters... We've been good friends since Taizé and talked regularly via Skype, like once a week. But yet, Still there are many catching up to do. We started where we left off...

On the road: Krotoszyn: A Dream Come True!

All my life since i was a kid i saw western movies and how they live in mountains, villages and seasides and i always dreamt that one day i will experience that too. So i woke up really early in Poznan, 5am and we got to the bus station almost at 6. I hopped in the bus thinking nothing except meeting Ania. In the bus, surprisingly there is a wifi connection. So awesome isn't it, the need for people to get connected to the web world. And the more surprising thing was i was able to have a video call through skype with some friends! In a bus! Crazy!!

The weather was gloomy, but it can't stop my heart from shining :D, especially when i saw this girl at the bus station. Oh man, again and again this question popped out: "is this really happening? Is it not just a dream?"

She drove me to her house while keep saying "I'm not a good driver" along the way. Her house was a bit outside this small town of Krotozyn, but i fell in love from the moment i saw it. It was one of my dream house, with a really nice garden and 3 awesome dogs. As i entered the house, i was even more amazed by it, especially after Ania told me that her grand dad made most of the house on his own. Se lives with her parents, grand parents, little sister and their 3 dogs, not to mentioned the 50 chickens :D the atmosphere inside the house was really warm, and her family was also very hospitable.

We had lunch all together, just like in a traditional family. Old stlye, always the best! Of course it reminded me of my family... We had such fun n went to the city in the afternoon, got ourselves a nice place for a hot chocolate (ups! :p). We continued our talk at home with a bottle of sweet wine til past midnite. And of course, as usual, i couldn't even finish a glass of it :p. I was very sleepy, but so much love, joy and happiness inside. I really wish i can stay longer in this place coz its soo beautiful. I can imagine how even more beautiful this place is in the summer. But well, i need to keep it for next time: summer and with some friends. Definitely! At least, i had my dream come true here. Warsaw, next!

On the road: A Bright New Day

Poznan city hall

Its a perfect weather to welcome a new day. I walked around at the area, spotted an orthodox church near by. Then we went to the city, the old makrkt, and got to see this everyday noon city performance: the two goats of Poznan! Was a nice short attraction to remember the city for sure. :D. The first surprise if the day!.

the city icon

Then Kasia showed up n followed by Patty not long after. The other Kasia left n we walked, talked, and made some jokes together around the city. Shown the Cathedral, the 'important n memorable' bridge with it padlocks while we enjoyed the strong wind. Yeah, we're being welcomed in the 'island':D The Cathedral is grand and is the first in Poland, buit in 966, spreading the Good News to all Poland. Surrounded by two rivers with its own compound, it looked great. But when i saw the imaginary of the original compound, it was even more beautiful. I loved it so much. Hoping that i can be in that place around those years :D


Then i was also shown the Fara, another 'hidden' but grand Church, which is furnished elegant and exclusively amazing! Second surprise! At all those times there were Masses being commenced. All these shown how Christianity has some spark in the city. Declining, they say, but still very much alive. I was being shown a shopping centre which used to be an old factory, but they rebuild it without loosing its 'factory sense' with addition as a multipurpose area. Concerts, art, culture presentations are being held there too!

@ Maniekin with Wojtek, Kasia, Patty and Aga

We then ate in Maniekin, a fancy n cozy restaurant. The food was delicious, and Wojtek showed up! We were all really starving because it was 3pm n we still had to wait another 40 minutes for the food because the restaurant was really full. But we had a great time. Aga then showed up to add our joy. Another surprise.

Then we headed to Dominikania, a Catholic church n attended mass. Simple, but dark, and i didn't understand any word :p. Afterwards we parted n Wojtek, Aga n me continue to the café Misja, a christian cafe, professionaly managed, but gave lots of access for ministry and missions such as meetings, concerts, movies n as place to hang out itself. It was cozy, simple n warm. Another inspiring surprise! Awesome!

The end of the day was a give thanks, and a short sleep because Krotozyn awaits early tomorrow morning!

On the road: Something about a girl

Woke up early in the morning, i was excited to go to Poznan. Meeting Kasia was nothing but a great thing. I didn't know what was in my brain but it sure did gave me a huge boost, joy and excitement. Found a place with wi-fi at the HBF, sent my work, chatted with some friends and i'm off.

So finally i arrived at Poznan Glowny, and I heard a girl calling my name. What a surprise, what a great joy to see her again!! Felt like a dream. Was i really seeing this girl in front of me after just one and a half year? it was just like a dream for her too! Well i took this decision and made this dream come true for the both of us. We were happy, and shared many stories the whole day. We walked to her flat and went to buy some groceries, and cooked at her place. Some problems with the electricity made her anxious, especially because it happened several times. The whole day was about talking, and thats what we did. Today I found an answer to my question in 2010. All I can say is that these conversations and discoveries made me realize how great she is. its always a huge joy to find greatness in people. This makes life so wondeful!. I am really happy that I am here! Tomorrow i will meet Patty, another Kasia, and Wojtek from lunch time. Another day of excitement awaits!

On the road: Berlin Hauptbahnhof

I spent my while fist day at Orly, alone. In the end I managed to finish my work, happy about it. Then i flew to Berlin, hoping that in the airplane i would have met some unexpected encounters ( as always hehehe) but i didn't make the effort cause i was just too tired. Arrived at Schoenefeld airport, i took the chance to talk with Chris, a DB (DeutcheBahn) conductor or operator. Well it was him who started the conversation, but we had a bit of chat. He was a nice guy who helped me with directions. In the train I talked with a couple who lives next to Eberswalde. Nice conversations, especially when the lady keep smiling. Being at hauptbahnhoff, i waited there anxiously for 11 o'clock to come because it was my appointment time with Dennie, a guy whom I met once at St. Yakobus. Crazy, but these things worked like miracle. Still i had to wait for him. Meanwhile, I realized that It was not easy to find a place with wi-fi connection in Berlin, but i did what i have to do, bought myself a simcard. It was proven helpful, so far.


I finally decided to go to his place a quarter to 11. But he informed me after i took the train that he would only be at home around 11.45. I was so tired and exhausted. lack of sleep for sure. So i walked around, being cold, and waited him for another hour until finally he showed up. We talked a bit before we sleep. He knows Zefry apparently. Cool. What a small world. I was glad to know him a bit better, another nice people on the road. I knew from then on that my anxious time was over. Now the happy time awaits.:-)

On the Road: First Step

I'm back in Europe now....

I started my journey a year ago, in May 2011 exactly when i decided to book a ticket to Europe again. And i began my step yesterday from terminal 3 Suta at 6pm Indonesian time. First time flying with airasia in long distance made me anxious and wonder how is it gonna be like.. But i survived. It was my first (and last) flight with air asia X to Europe! Hehehe

So here I am stranded in McDonalds Orly, Paris, accompanied by a cup of hot cappucino, alone...
Well, i'm here because the damn plug downstairs wont charge my phone, somehow... So i have to go up here which has unlimited wifi time hehehe Btw here in this McD they use iPad for their customers to enjoy the wEb. Pretty cool eh?

Anyway'....
The weather is really  now. When i was in the plane it was really awesome! The sun rose a bit me, and BELOW me! How many times can experience tnat? Hehehe and afterwards i saw snow eveywhere covering some east european countries (probably cech and slovak) which i passed by... Not long afterwards the snow dissapeared and changed by seas, or i should say, oceans of clouds. It was really really awesome n cool!!

Now i'm waiting for my flight to Berlin ntar sore which means i will have a whole day here in this damn small airport hehehe.... Feeling like in the terminal movie .... Hihihi'... When i arrived they say the weather is 1' degrees, but till now i'm just using one pullover and thats all.. Nothing more and i feel quite warm anyway. Maybe its 12' degress C now. Outside is really shiny and bright. Perfect!

ROXETTE!

Was in their concert in Jakarta two weeks ago! Man, this is a high school deeam came true! I am a HUGE fans of them since high school, missed their concert back then because i just had hepatities, but now I managed to be there and experience it by my self, and it was AWESOME!!

Marie was not young and as powerful as before, especially after fighting against her tumor in 2002.. But they looked great, and they just released their new album again: travelling! After last year they also launched an album: charm school

The concert was in Mata Elang International Stadium, Ancol. It is a new building and it was the first time this building is being used for a concert. Not so good i have to say, but well, outward appearance is always behind the content.

I was jumping and singing along for all the songs except for one: She's got nothing on which was in their charm school album. The audience was not energetic as I expected. Most of them was probably singing along, but with their hands caught up with their cellphones making videos, for sure there were no 'hand wave' in the air. But nonetheless, it was an amazing evening. The evening exploded with their energetic songs like "how do you do?" The way they enter the stage with "dressed for success" was also amazing! It electrified people to shout and jump and move when the song followed by "sleeping in my car" and "the Big L"! The night is so pretty and so young!

Here is the song list:
01. Dressed For Success
02. Sleeping In My Car
03. The Big L
04. Wish I Could Fly
05. Stars
06. She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
07. Perfect Day
08. Things Will Never Be The Same
09. It Must Have Been Love
10. 7twenty7
11. Fading Like A Flower
12. Crash!Boom!Bang!
13. How Do You Do!
14. Dangerous
                                                            Band Presentation
                                                         15. Joyride (introduced with “Nona                                                                  Manis Siapa Yang Punya”)

                                                         16. Spending My Time
                                                         17. The Look
                                                         18. Listen To Your Heart

Bright New Day

Its again, about farewell....

new move, new pilgrimage, new adventure!

its been a year since I came back from my pilgrimage, and there were up and downs along with it. Being back in my country, at my organizations, coupled with two other ministries... it's kinda not new, but new. Not new because mostly I deal with the same situations, same circumstances, same type of ministries, same work more or less.. but its also new because I met new people and new methods. But most significance was because I have a new life, or a new me. Some people saw it, some don't. Sometimes I realized it, sometimes don't.

After a year, now I quit my job, realizing that it is tough to reach my dream if I stay. The others, one will surely end very soon, and the other one will have to wait, as I decided to embark a new pilgrimage which can make me move to a new place, even different city perhaps. Where will I go, I will learn to surrender and see where this road will take me...

But life isn't just following roads. There are many crossroads which needs what called decision to take. And so here I am, discerning, waiting, and thinking about which decision to take for my future. Yes there are always options, (thank God for that :D) but to choose the right one is not easy. To walk these lines is part of the pilgrimage of life.

In a pilgrimage of life it is really important to learn to put trust and faith. In God, in oneself, and in others. As Abraham walked in the wilderness, as Moses did, faith, although as small as a mustard seed is required to survive this pilgrimage, in fact, it's the most important requirements. Facing these uncertainties one can be confused and discouraged, but it is also where faith bloom, and character build. Its about taking risks, and following your heart.


So here I am, being bold and different than the old me. Taking risks, 'burning my boat' to start a new pilgrimage, to set out a new adventure which awaits me this year. Where will I be? I don't know. What I know is that I will go to Europe to continue this pilgrimage of trust on earth, and come back to my country after a month. What will I do? I have some ideas, but not fixed yet!

I've predicted this before. Now is time to walk the talk.