Kuta Karnival - 06

Same old same old...

Same event, same place, same crowd, even same umbul-umbuls. Almost everything was the same like last year, it felt like a déjà vu. If last year I came to both days of the food festival, this year I just lost it. Besides my tummy hadn’t been very happy lately, so didn’t want to keep feeding my appetite and risking getting a tummy ache later.

Actually it was already upset. Before we went to Kuta my friends and I had lunch in a lapo (traditional Batak warung). My first lapo in Bali. Really curious especially most of my Batak claim that none of the lapos (I think there are only 2-3 of them) in Bali is real lapo. So I just had to find out myself.

And they were right! The place (located in Simpang 6 area) was embarrassingly disappointing. Everything was wrong. They completely lost it. The saksang was salty and the sauce was too grainy, the grilled pork looked nothing like the usual (let alone taste!). The tea was more like sugar water with a hint of tea.

As if the taste was not enough a torture, later on 3 out of 5 of us had unhappy tummies. Luckily no growling or such, but something just won’t settle there. We still tried to enjoy the beach, alas didn’t last long though. We decided to leave early. That place sure gave lapo a bad name.

Faq US

So US doesn’t want me.

Based on an invitation from my sister and her hubby I applied visa to go to US. The interview date was given quite fast, 2 weeks from admitting passport #. The collecting documents process was a bit dragging. Part of me didn’t really want to go (work reason), but another part wanted to have some sort of vacation. All documents required was ready on time, even a very good reference from the company and my boss.

Went to Surabaya Wednesday evening, showed up at the Consulate office at 7.30 and waited. Waited more (in total 3 hours), finally got called for the interview. Sure was the most uncomfortable interview I’ve ever had. You stand in front of a person divided by a thick mirror, speak to each other through a microphone. Just like when you try to buy a movie ticket, and everybody on the queue could hear all you say. Condescending.

I was really sure my interview went well, but really surprised when she (an old lady) didn’t give me the visa. Even more surprised when she gave the most irrelevant refusal excuse.. you haven’t traveled enough. HAH! Well, you give me the stupid visa and I’ll travel.

Completely annoying. I went all the way, spent 2 million and missed work (catching up on work is never fun) and got rejected for stupid reason and with no base whatsoever. I told her, when you’re a PA, tough to get time off. All I can see my minus is being single and no dependant, so nothing’s holding me back although she did say I got good reference, good job, salary, etc.

Well, I might take her word for what it’s worth.. I will travel, definitely, but not to US. If US doesn’t want me, screw US.

Sorry sis, see you somewhere else, either in Bali or we could meet half way ;)

you Tarzan – me Jane

Fun concept where you move from tree to tree, either walking on a wire, hanging on a pulley or swinging on a rope. With friends from the office I ventured the Bali Tree Top adventure park in Bedugul. Not a big fan of heights, I almost cancelled and asked my money back, but I decided to do the introduction exercise and it was FUN!

Started with the green circuit, standing up 5 m from the ground can be nauseous. Decided not to dwell in it and went on with the track. The best part would be sliding with a pulley, completely effortless. Swinging in a rope tarzan-like was also fun, one just need to grab the net and hang on to it tightly or you need to start from the start.

Definitely will come back, haven’t done the black circuit (20 m high!). Ran out of time and it was already exhausting, especially I overdid my arms hanging on a wire exhaust myself moving from one horse shoe to another.

Next time? Sure, why not!

Big City Fix

So an urgent matter flew me to the big city. Prefer to keep the tix money for other thing but first things first. So I couldn’t ignore this one and spending the weekend trying to sort things out. Should have enough time and show up in the office on Monday morning.

Additional (urgent) matter came up, had to source for a log scriber from Veritas. Actually already ordered it online, but the seller screwed up a bit and taken longer time than required, so I decided to look for one in Jakarta.

The search was a total failure, I have to admit, but looking at the bright side I observe stuff for myself.

It’s difficult enough to find specific item you need, and browsing around Jakarta (hot dehydrating sunny day) makes you realize how dull the shops are. Most of the malls are filled with apparel, daily stuff, and if you go from one mall to another the items are mostly the same! There are good shops that surprisingly could provide items you never thought about but actually can be handy. My search of the day took me to an area in the western part of Jakarta, Glodok. To be even more precise I went to a market called Lindeteves, a name I’ve never heard before for as long as I’ve lived in Jakarta. 2 people suggested that I might find it there. Although 1 later doubt it, I insisted in going just to see what the place looks like.

The trip was more draining than I thought. I got what was supposed to be clear instruction but apparently was not clear enough. 3 people gave the same direction: you take the busway from Atrium, get off in Monas, and took the one to Kota. That should be easy right? No. I stepped in the bus, wait for “Monas” to finally realize it should be “Gambir 1” instead of Monas. That was not all, had to get off in another exit one more time until I reached the right stop. Goshh… sure reminded me of being a stranger in Singapore, but I never got lost there!

Lindeteves was just interesting. It seems you could get any technical equipment there. Pumps, fans, bolts, screws, tools, anything. Yes, I didn’t get what I was looking for, but I was pleased enough to observe something I’ve never seen before. It’s something more like Kenari, but bigger.

So I went home, empty handed and drank lots and lots of water. 1 trip that literally sucked out all of my energy. Well, I only had 2 hour sleep last night, so that has some contribution.

Another thing I observe was the busway system is not really passenger friendly. The most I don’t like is you got to pay the fee at once, but if the traffic is heavy you got picked up 30 mins later. The bus was dull, the people look tired, and disappointingly the door attendant was not exactly friendly (even gave me wrong direction!!).

Oh well, I’m just glad I don’t have to deal with this on a daily basis. Kinda miss Bali… :D