Connected

It's frustrating.
Social media is addicting. I live in the world where people stay connected almost 24/7.
And to have low speed internet access sucks big time.
I was supposedly posting about my third day in Bali, but had trouble uploading the photos.
So I think I just have to postpone. Sheeshh..

Bali Trip September 2012, Day 2

I've had had amazing first day in Bali. The second day was great too. Woke up early to meet up with the guy who deliver rent car. Got Karimun for IDR 125.000, due to some problem we got APV instead - with the same price. If you plan to explore Bali, I suggest you rent a car and drive it yourself. Why? It's a cost saver (you save around IDR 50.000 or more a day) and with GPS in your smart phone, it's unlikely to get lost. Besides, you can always ask the locals for direction.

Three years of going back and forth to Bali, I summarize the rent car prices in Bali (self drive, exclude petrol). The prices often more expensive if you just rent a car for one day or two and cheaper if you rent for 3 days or more.

• Karimun : IDR 125.000
• Karimun Estillo : IDR 150.000
• Avanza : IDR 175.000
• Innova : IDR 225.000

Those are the prices if you rent a car for 3 days or more. So if you got a higher price, don't hesitate to bargain. If you need a car or a driver you can contact Bli Wayan at +628179796260 and kindly inform him you got the number from Ayu. He's a good guide and a very dear friend of mine in Bali. After three years using his service, he's more like a friend than a driver to me. For more info you can email me radenayu1987@gmail.com.

Ok back to the story, I couldn't say I was happy with the car cos I wasn't using Bli Wayan service that day (he's been out of town for Galungan and Kuningan holidays). At 9 am I went to the airport, picking up my cousin and his bf. After that we went to some wholesale warung to buy pack of cigarettes (cheaper than buying retail price at the convenient store haha) then we had lunch at Nasi Pedes Bu Andika.

Bali weather was sunny and we decided to get back to the hotel to drop the luggage. We thought since we have so much time in Bali, why not spend an hour to just lie down and watch TV. I think it's around two we decided to go to Beachwalk cos Ais and Kino were looking for a flip flop, and Gagah wore AlfaMart's flip flop with the ridiculous color that I believe if I spent a minute longer looking at it I'm gonna have a migraine. I myself, as always, had brought my purple TLTSN flip flop :) 

They finally bought Ipanema sandals, which I think very comfortable though a bit pricey. We ran into Ableh and Qinsi too, our friend from Jakarta who were just got back from Gili (envy much!). A quick hi-hello, then we separate. As usual, me, Ais, Kino, and Gagah didn't know where to go cos there's so much to choose. Spent half an hour discussing it in the car, we finally decided going to El Kabron (cause Ableh, Qinsi, and Kino's friends who turn out also having holiday in Bali were going to El Kabron too).

Be careful everytime you use your GPS. Mine was showing direction to Ubud instead of Pecatu where El Kabron is located. So make sure you cross check the address with your GPS. We called the restaurant asking for direction, and yes, El Kabron is in Pecatu.

El Kabron was not necessary hard to find.. Just make sure you see the small "El Kabron" signage on your right if you're coming from Kuta.

Arrived at El Kabron and too bad we didn't get the front seat -which by the way is more comfortable and has a better view. I suggest you make a reservation one day before. They have a ocean view from the cliff, it's way more beautiful than Klapa Beach. Unfortunately you can't go down to the beach. The little pool seems inviting though I didn't swim cos I didn't bring my bikini.

Anyways, minimum purchase is IDR 100.000/pax and I think the prices are still affordable (just don't compare them with nasi jinggo), both finger food or main course. The food tastes good, waiter was friendly and we enjoyed the ambience, well until I'm feeling unwrll. I would really like to spend more time but my body was acting up so we head back to the hotel.

And... I got fever and cold. I don't know what my travel buddies were doing that night, I went to bed early.

Here are some photos from El Kabron, the only highlight of my second day in Bali -_-

Bali Trip September 2012, Day 1

I always have a special feeling about Bali since the second time I went there (the first time is when I was 2 yo, so I don’t remember a thing) and I have been going back almost every year. Like most of the first timer in Bali, I started my Bali trip mostly in Kuta area and gets further and further ever since. I think I could never get enough of Bali. I always ended my trip with thoughts like “sheesh, I haven’t got the chance to see Tanah Lot” or “ok, next time I will visit this and that and this and that”. So every time I went back to Bali, I always add a new destination.

Well, I might not like most of the tourist who spend holiday in Bali. Many local tourists might have been visited Tanah Lot, Kintamani, Pura Besakih, etc. I haven’t. I spent most of my holiday searching new beaches or sunset spot. Do I surf? No. I just love to sit on the sand and looking at the sea. A bit weird, I know.

I must admit my latest trip to Bali wasn’t include so many beaches like last year (I’ve been to 16 beaches in 9 days if I’m not mistaken), but it’s a great new experience too as I got the chance to see my favorite things in one place (more on that later). Turns out spending thirteen days in Bali was STILL NOT ENOUGH for me.

Okay here we go..

I’ve bought AirAsia’s first flight, departs from CGK before 6 am which means I had to be ready super early to catch the first damri bus at 2.40 am from Bogor. I’m one of the people who have problem sleeping the night before something exciting will happen the next day, so I didn’t sleep at all. Nothing special happened during my time on the bus, or the airport, or the plane. But I got really excited and grinned all the time as my feet landed in Ngurah Rai International Airport. Such a familiar feeling and it reminded me of how much I love this island.

Took the airport cab, I went straight to the hotel. I stayed at Kuta A1 apartments in Kubu Anyar. I always take the airport cab considering I ALWAYS bring a giant luggage every time I go to Bali for holiday, so it was impossible for me dragging my luggage all the way outside the airport to find a cab. No, thank you. Ok back to the hotel. I found the hotel from tripadvisor, was looking for another hotel but found this hotel instead. Got the room for about IDR 320.000 per night via agoda and stayed there for 5 nights.

Here’s my review of Kuta A1 Apartment

• Location: a bit far from the beach, close to the airport, pretty strategic.
• Lobby: I would describe it as half outdoor, since it has no doors. Simply designed, clean, and not intimidating.
• Staff at the reception: very helpful and friendly. I asked them if I can get a double bed room instead of twin and check in early days before my arrival and they give me what I want. Great!
• Room: spacious, clean, tidy. The bed looks comfy and seem to me didn’t contain bed bugs. LCD TV completed with cable channel (though I have problem with the remote). A lot of space for your luggage in the closet. Don’t have refrigerator in the room. Oh, I hate the mirror. It made me look fatter than I already am and I have a square head. Zzz.
• Bathroom: Clean. Hot and cold shower available. Clean toilet, tissue and towel provided, changed everyday.
• Hotel facilities: They don’t serve breakfast, but you can order and pay IDR 30.000. I suggest you find warung outside the hotel, it’s cheaper. They have a pool which looks greenish but it’s pretty clean than it looks. You can make coffee or tea behind the reception area, it’s complimentary.
• Where to eat: across the street you will find warung padang and the food tasted good. You will find many warung to eat outside the hotel and my favorite was Warung Muslim Banyuwangi, I only pay IDR 5.000 and had a full and happy stomach 
• Overall: it’s a pleasant stay. The staffs mostly still young and are tourism high school fresh graduates so they are really friendly. I would love to stay there again.
• Note: check room rates via agoda, it’s cheaper than direct booking to the hotel.

Double Bed Room

LCD TV

Bathroom

Pool

After checking in, I decided to have a tattoo on my back so I went to Kuta Beach. The weather was so hot I swear the sand feels like fire on my bare feet. I sat on a plastic chair and waiting for the tattoo painter (I wouldn't call them tattoo artist, it’s just a temporary tattoo hahah) to come to me. Remember to bargain everything that sell at the beach except for drinks. I got a full back wing shaped tattoo for IDR 175.000, a bit pricey for a temporary tattoo but looking at the size of it I think it’s still reasonable. Just one problem, I wasn't wearing any sunscreen that day and just like that I got sunburn on my first day. Zzz.

Wing shaped tattoo

Sitting by the beach, no sunscreen

After getting my temp tattoo done, I went Nasi Pedes Bu Andika for lunch. It’s like a must do when I’m in Bali, the food still taste good but the price…omg it gets more expensive each year. Then I went to Legian Beach, doing nothing but looking at the sea for 5 min and head back to Kuta to visit the new mall, Beachwalk.

Hmm.. what I can say about Beachwalk is that THIS IS ROBBERY! It’s like one of the malls in Jakarta had been moved to Bali. Normally I don’t shop much when in Bali except for gifts and a few cheap dresses but that was because nothing’s good in Bali dept store, but finding Pull & Bear, Aldo, Stardivarius in Bali….. MYGOD. I have to slap myself so that I don’t buy anything in there. Well after a quick look at my bank account, I know I should stay strong. Anw you can find a branded store here from clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, electronics, etc. Beachwalk is the perfect place to eat too, there are Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Luna Negra, etc and if you’re not feeling eating in a restaurant then you can go upstairs and eat in Eat n Eat food court. I think if there’s a theater in Beachwalk, it would be the best mall in Bali.

Beachwalk

A bit depressed cos I can’t buy the cute blazer at Pull & Bear, I decided to wander around Seminyak. I stopped at Deus, found a canvas travel bag which was very good looking but too expensive (IDR 2.000.000 man.. I prefer saving more then I can buy a Spade). It was around sunset time so I was out trying to find Canggu Beach, aaaand.. couldn't find it but arrived at Berawa Beach instead.

Deus

The Bag

If you want to go to Berawa Beach, head to Oberoi area then you go pass Hu'u Bar, Potato Head, Petitenget Beach, after that I don't really remember hehe.. but you can try searching Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, for it is located in front of Berawa Beach. 

google maps direction from Kuta to Berawa Beach

Arrived at Berawa Beach, you will find yourself surrounded by foreigner or expats and just a few locals. Berawa Beach is perfect for dog walking and horse riding. A beautiful sunset spot too. Perfect time to visit the beach are in the morning - you can surf here - and at sunset time when you can just chill out, holding beers, and watch sunset. 

Legong Keraton Beach Hotel

I don't know if it's a prewed or after wed shoot

Horses at Berawa Beach

There you go, my first day of 13 days in Bali. More stories later. Enjoy :)

Get ready!

13 days in Bali will be posted soon :)

Self Reinvention

In life, there are times when we feel like moving on is the answer. Not necessarily about love or relationship, it can be about life phases itself.

Recently I have spent a lot and most of my time looking for Mr. Right (I was a hopeless romantic, maybe still am) because for me being single after 8 years of relationships is hard. Why did I say relationships? Cos I never been single for too long, I've had two relationships for four years each, so it's weird doing things by myself. And then I started to literally beg my friends to introduce me to every single man they know-which was desperate, I know.

Several days ago, I was in my room, staring the ceiling, thinking. Why should I feel so insecure all the time, my life does not revolve around some guy. God knows what's best for me. All that happened to me was by my choice and His will. Maybe, I haven't meet Mr. Right because I wasn't ready. Maybe, I need to focus on my career. Maybe, I have a lot more to do and to accomplish before I met the one. So I started to look things differently... We are where we are supposed to be, and everything happens for a reason. Yeah, I finally understand that I need to set a new priority. Focus on that, so being single won't hold me back from all the beautiful things that will happen in my life. I don't want to be naive and said I'm all ikhlas - that would be a lie - but heck I have a lot to be thankful for, why don't I focus on that. And here I am, not looking for a man to save me. I'm just gonna have a great time, making the most of it.

Aside my quiet love life, I was in the comfort zone where "this is who I am, I'm fat, I like to eat, and you can say shit about me, and I don't care" is what I told my self every day. Then earlier this year, I got lots of comment saying more or less like these: "sheesh ayu, you're so fat" or "omg, you are so big" or "no wonder you're fat, you eat like a pig" and what makes them even more hurtful is that they came from people who barely know you. I mean yes, we are relative in a way by blood, but that doesn't mean you can say those words when you met me after a long time we haven't seen each other. That's not polite. So I cried all night, thinking what did I do wrong, why won't they leave me alone, etc. Then one night, half angry and half realizing those are facts what they said to me, I thought it's time for me to really look at the bigger picture. First, they didn't mean to be cruel to me, they just said what they saw, out loud. Second, am I really comfortable with my body? Did I really enjoy wearing Ill fitted clothes cos they're too small for me? Third, I realize the danger that caused by obesity, but did I really understood and do I want to have all those disease?

I don't like the answers, but I am living a lie that I created to make my self feel better about my body. I knew at that very moment, I have to start doing something. And by March, I started working out.

I have lost 9 kilos now. I was 72,3 kilos when I started my diet and work out plan, now I'm 63. It's not easy, believe me. I'm an emotional eater, so everyday is a battle for me. It took a strong will and focus to lose weight - I said this not because I have the qualities, but because I'm lack of focus and strong will. My friend Eka, lost 13 kilos in 2 months, me? 4 kilos LOL. So I think the best way to lose weight is not only you have a strong will and focus, but also you have to enjoy the process, its ups and downs. Anw, I have another 10 kilos to lose :p My objectives are I want to get healthier, I want to feel good about my self (which often comes after I work out), the third is to look better (Of course I want to look better!)

Anywaaaay... Yesterday I decided to cut my crazy long hair I had forever (last time I cut my hair short was in junior high), so it's a big step for me too.

I think self reinvention is the first and major step to have a better life. Knowing yourself first, feeling great and happy, and with God's will nothing will stop you.

These are my before and after pictures, enjoy ;) (stripes top and pink cardi is the after, posing with ladyboy is the before)

Contrast

Have you ever feel weird being all alone after over 2 weeks u were surrounded by people? That's exactly what I'm feeling right now.

So weird being back to my small flat, finding my self turn the tv volume loud enough so that I don't feel lonely. Haha.

Lose Some, Gain Some

I think it's easy to agree with the title. Whenever you lose something, you will gain something from it-whether it's good or bad.
Well long story short, I was on diet and exercising regularly until..... This holiday season. I've gain 2 kilos. Well for those of you who were born skinny, this may not be an issue. But for me - who spent half of my life struggling with weight- it's a mess, after my 8 kilos weight loss.
So... I am planning to go back to the gym. Eat healthy (god, why is every menu I like consist of a million calories?). And... Maybe, just maybe I will lose another 10 kilos by the end of the year. Amen to that.

Anw, I will tell more about my weight loss journey later, when I can type properly on my laptop.

So long, and welcome back to reality!

Happy Eid Mubarak 1433H

On this sacred day, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. May Allah bless us all. Happy Holiday, and drive safely 😊

"You need twice the effort to tell lies"

- Ambara

CleanCut

This is one of my favorite design for CLEANCUT :)

Stayed Home Daughter

Yes.
For those of you who didn't know, I usually live in Depok. Wandering around Jakarta to make a living and making sure I have a social life. Then by the end of the month, or whenever I'm too lazy to do my laundry, I'll be at my hometown: Bogor.
I haven't spent much time in Bogor since 4 years ago (cos usually I only stay for like a day, or even half day), and now I have a month. Why?  Cos I'm saving for my up coming holiday! The plan is to stay home for Lebaran and then I'll go to Jakarta once a week to take care some things with my tailor.
It's weird being home for that long, but I'm working on it.
It's not that I don't like being home, it's just I feel more flexible living in Depok (though my friends seem not to agree, they think Depok is still far far away from the civilization) and I don't have to worry waking up my dad in the middle of the night to open the door for me
Well, so far it's good to be home :)
Good night, dolls.


P.S.: Don't forget to check out my clothing line, CleanCut, on www.berrybenka.com. Cute dresses, tops, and skirt for you to look effortlessly gorgeous ;)

Even after the darkest night, there will be light in the morning.

Heyya, dolls!

So.. I just lost my blog on dagdigdug.com which was devastating.
I think I need some time to learn how to blog here.
Okay, have a nice day and I'll see you soon!