If you read the book A Complaint Free World by Will Bowen, you will know this song by Joe Walsh :)
The lyrics, maybe copyrighted by publisher:
I have a mansion, forget the price.
Ain't never been there they tell me it's nice.
I live in hotels, tear out the walls.
I have accountants pay for it all.
They say I'm crazy, but I have a good time.
I'm just looking for clues at the scene of the crime.
Life's been good to me so far.
My Masarati does one-eighty-five.
I lost my license, now I don't drive.
I have a limo, ride in the back.
I lock the doors in case I'm attacked.
I'm makin' records, my fans they can't wait.
They write me letters, tell me I'm great.
So I got me an office, gold records on the wall.
Just leave a message, maybe I'll call.
Lucky I'm sane after all I've been through.
(Everybody say I'm cool......He's cool)
I can't complain but sometimes I still do.
Life's been good to me so far
(One really fantastic guitar solo that radio idiots too often cut up)
I go to parties, sometimes until 4.
It's hard to leave when you can't find the door.
It's tough to handle this fortune and fame.
Everybody's so different, I haven't changed.
They say I'm lazy but it takes all my time
(Everybody say oh, yeah.....OH,YEAH)
I keep on going guess I'll never know why.
Life's been good to me so far. (yeah,yeah,yeah)
[Really long fade with much more than the radio allows also]
Sunday, October 4, 2009
2009-08-24 (3) Borobudur, Yogyakarta
After brunch, we walked to Candi Borobudur. The ticket looks very nice, I remembered I taken shots of the Borobudur temple ticket that Manohara Hotel provided, but I can't find it :p Anyway, keep the ticket and show to the security guard if they ever requested :)
There is recommendation on how to visit the temple, some of the tips are captured from tourism brochure below which is very brief, more detail explanation is available from the notice board before entering the temple. Unfortunately when I was there, only Malay language version is available. I guess the officer expecting foreigner to hire tour guide :p Anyway, it's good to grew up in Malaysia, can read Malay, English, maybe Mandarin and Tamil :D The notice board is too old and fade which I can't get any good picture out of it. Hopefully there is better version during your visit :)
[Click on picture for clearer version]
At floor with story panel, carving are available on the walls (which was called panel or decorative, please read the tourism brochure or google/blackle/bing for more information ;) )
I think around half of the panels are still in good condition, quite clear. But unfortunately, like Angkor Wat's carving, some started to erode. At night when I watch the documentary video in hotel room, the carving few years back is even clearer. Hopefully it will be preserved well :) By the way, another benefit of staying in Manohara hotel is that a documentary video of around 20 minutes will be play repeatedly on TV channel 17. I would strongly recommend to watch it, so when visiting the temple, you will be able to understand some of the panel story. Usually a person who heard of Siddhartha story will be able to understand some story too :)
The main entrance view from top. If we come from Manohara Hotel, will be using another entrance instead.
Some of the Buddha head was chopped off...sigh... I read from the brochure, there are 4 type of Buddha sitting style statute. Unfortunately I read the brochure on my flight back to Kuala Lumpur thus have no chance to verify, hopefully you will have the chance to ;)
The main stupa:
Stupa. Can you see the white hat tourist taking picture? Now you know the stupa size :D
Inside stupa, there is Buddha statute inside. I am not sure if stupa below was purposely taken to show the Buddha statute or if it is originally like that :)
As read from the brochure, stupa is used to keep something important.
The panoramic view of Borobudur. [The enlarge version here is a bit blur, click on each photo for clearer version :D )
A miniature of Borobudur temple at Manohara Hotel.
If you had visited Angkor Wat, this temple might be disappointing if you are expecting huge and impressive building. I took around 2 hours to finish the temple (maybe I will take longer time if hire a tour guide who can tell more stories ;) ) In my point of view, this temple is impressive of its value and its environment. Maybe nearby this Borobudur park are natural scenery e.g. volcano, field, mountains and clear sky, so I felt I can 'connect' to the nature and the temple spirit here better than Angkor Wat. The soul will be calmed, back to the original you :)
There is recommendation on how to visit the temple, some of the tips are captured from tourism brochure below which is very brief, more detail explanation is available from the notice board before entering the temple. Unfortunately when I was there, only Malay language version is available. I guess the officer expecting foreigner to hire tour guide :p Anyway, it's good to grew up in Malaysia, can read Malay, English, maybe Mandarin and Tamil :D The notice board is too old and fade which I can't get any good picture out of it. Hopefully there is better version during your visit :)
[Click on picture for clearer version]
At floor with story panel, carving are available on the walls (which was called panel or decorative, please read the tourism brochure or google/blackle/bing for more information ;) )
I think around half of the panels are still in good condition, quite clear. But unfortunately, like Angkor Wat's carving, some started to erode. At night when I watch the documentary video in hotel room, the carving few years back is even clearer. Hopefully it will be preserved well :) By the way, another benefit of staying in Manohara hotel is that a documentary video of around 20 minutes will be play repeatedly on TV channel 17. I would strongly recommend to watch it, so when visiting the temple, you will be able to understand some of the panel story. Usually a person who heard of Siddhartha story will be able to understand some story too :)
The main entrance view from top. If we come from Manohara Hotel, will be using another entrance instead.
Some of the Buddha head was chopped off...sigh... I read from the brochure, there are 4 type of Buddha sitting style statute. Unfortunately I read the brochure on my flight back to Kuala Lumpur thus have no chance to verify, hopefully you will have the chance to ;)
The main stupa:
Stupa. Can you see the white hat tourist taking picture? Now you know the stupa size :D
Inside stupa, there is Buddha statute inside. I am not sure if stupa below was purposely taken to show the Buddha statute or if it is originally like that :)
As read from the brochure, stupa is used to keep something important.
The panoramic view of Borobudur. [The enlarge version here is a bit blur, click on each photo for clearer version :D )
A miniature of Borobudur temple at Manohara Hotel.
If you had visited Angkor Wat, this temple might be disappointing if you are expecting huge and impressive building. I took around 2 hours to finish the temple (maybe I will take longer time if hire a tour guide who can tell more stories ;) ) In my point of view, this temple is impressive of its value and its environment. Maybe nearby this Borobudur park are natural scenery e.g. volcano, field, mountains and clear sky, so I felt I can 'connect' to the nature and the temple spirit here better than Angkor Wat. The soul will be calmed, back to the original you :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Footprints in the sand - Leona Lewis
Most of us (or maybe all of us) realized family and friends are of our important asset in life, beside health and wealth. No matter which stage you are in (young/old, single/married, study/working and etc), you need friends :) This world is about give and take, how much you will get is how much you gave :)
Saw this song youtube movie but with worldvision children sponsorship theme. Well, I am not a Christian, but I sponsored childrens through worldvision Malaysia for few years. There should be no boundaries for love and helps :) Buy less clothes, less expensive food (Some expensive food is not really good in taste but only branding) and etc and etc. Oh there are just too many ways to help, if you want to :) Red cross, Mercy, Tze Ji, there are a lot of other charity body out there, if you want to :)
The lyrics, maybe copyrighted by the publisher:
You walked with me, footprints in the sand
And helped me understand where I'm going
You walked with me when I was all alone
With so much I know along the way
Then I heard you say
[Chorus]:
I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand
I see my life flash across the sky
So many times have I been so afraid
And just when I have thought I lost my way
You give me strength to carry on
That's when I heard you say
[Chorus]
When I'm weary, well, I know you'll be there
And I can feel you when you say
[Chorus]
Saw this song youtube movie but with worldvision children sponsorship theme. Well, I am not a Christian, but I sponsored childrens through worldvision Malaysia for few years. There should be no boundaries for love and helps :) Buy less clothes, less expensive food (Some expensive food is not really good in taste but only branding) and etc and etc. Oh there are just too many ways to help, if you want to :) Red cross, Mercy, Tze Ji, there are a lot of other charity body out there, if you want to :)
The lyrics, maybe copyrighted by the publisher:
You walked with me, footprints in the sand
And helped me understand where I'm going
You walked with me when I was all alone
With so much I know along the way
Then I heard you say
[Chorus]:
I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand
I see my life flash across the sky
So many times have I been so afraid
And just when I have thought I lost my way
You give me strength to carry on
That's when I heard you say
[Chorus]
When I'm weary, well, I know you'll be there
And I can feel you when you say
[Chorus]
2009-08-24 (2) Manohara Hotel, Borobudur
We reached Manohara before the checked-in time. After took the breakfast at their restaurant, we left the luggage with receptionist and went to visit Borobudur.
Before the story of Borobudur, I would like to introduce this hotel. Again, not hotel promotion nor agent here, just would like to share the experience staying here :D
We stayed for 2D 1N here, and entitled for unlimited free entry to Borobudur Temple on both Aug 24 and Aug 25, during temple visiting hour. It costs IDR 115K (~RM 412) for 2 rooms. I think the price is reasonable. Entrance to Borobudur is USD 11 per person for a day pass. For 4 persons it will be USD 44 (~ RM 154). Now I got 2 days unlimited access, which I can always go back to hotel to rest, and go visit the temple again anytime within the visiting hour, so I think is worth to stay in this hotel :D One thing I missed was taking night shot of Borobudur, I had tripod with me, but I just forgot :|
By the way, there is a free internet access kiosk next to receptionist *chuckle*
Without talking too much, let's take a look at this hotel :)
[Click on picture for clearer version]
The room is not big, but we felt it is comfortable. The door lock is up to hotel standard *chuckle*.
No offense but when I look at the bathroom, I was hurray-ing in my heart, hotel standard bathroom, finally :p
I always like room with balcony here :D At night, I sit here and enjoy the environment, starry night, a bit cooling breeze and charged up with some Borobudur power :D
The room building.
Breakfast place, there is another dining hall next to it for lunch and dinner. You can see Borobudur from here.
Entrance to Manohara Hotel from Borobudur Temple. The gate will be closed at non-visiting hour.
Manohara Hotel is within the Borobudur Park compound area. At anytime, you may request a map from the receiption counter.
Before the story of Borobudur, I would like to introduce this hotel. Again, not hotel promotion nor agent here, just would like to share the experience staying here :D
We stayed for 2D 1N here, and entitled for unlimited free entry to Borobudur Temple on both Aug 24 and Aug 25, during temple visiting hour. It costs IDR 115K (~RM 412) for 2 rooms. I think the price is reasonable. Entrance to Borobudur is USD 11 per person for a day pass. For 4 persons it will be USD 44 (~ RM 154). Now I got 2 days unlimited access, which I can always go back to hotel to rest, and go visit the temple again anytime within the visiting hour, so I think is worth to stay in this hotel :D One thing I missed was taking night shot of Borobudur, I had tripod with me, but I just forgot :|
By the way, there is a free internet access kiosk next to receptionist *chuckle*
Without talking too much, let's take a look at this hotel :)
[Click on picture for clearer version]
The room is not big, but we felt it is comfortable. The door lock is up to hotel standard *chuckle*.
No offense but when I look at the bathroom, I was hurray-ing in my heart, hotel standard bathroom, finally :p
I always like room with balcony here :D At night, I sit here and enjoy the environment, starry night, a bit cooling breeze and charged up with some Borobudur power :D
The room building.
Breakfast place, there is another dining hall next to it for lunch and dinner. You can see Borobudur from here.
Entrance to Manohara Hotel from Borobudur Temple. The gate will be closed at non-visiting hour.
Manohara Hotel is within the Borobudur Park compound area. At anytime, you may request a map from the receiption counter.
Friday, October 2, 2009
2009-08-24 (1) Arriving at Yogyakarta
Early in the morning, we need to take domestic flight from Denpasar airport to Yogyakarta.
We'd chosen Mandala Airline over Lion Air, as the online review seems to be better :p I am satisfied with this flight experience. It is similar to Air Asia. In general, domestic flight in Indonesia is quite costly. Flying from Bali to Yogyakarta costs around RM200 per person, which is double of my Air Asia return trip air fair(Kuala Lumpur -> Denpasar, Yogyakarta -> Kuala Lumper) :p
After checked-in, we need to pay domestic flight airport tax, which is IDR 30K (~RM 10) per person.
[Click on picture for clearer version]
A glance of the waiting room:
The free internet service is not in service until we board the plane...
After we claimed luggage at Yogyakarta airport, there was an airport officer came and requested us to show our ticket, he then took away our luggage tag after we confirmed we had all the luggages with us. According to him, this is to prevent passenger from claiming they lost their luggage after they collected it. Maybe there were cases before...
Referring to chinese travel forum in cari.com.my, I pre-booked a driver to Manohara hotel. In my opinion, Balinese Malay language is much more easier to be understand. I was having hard time to communicate to Yogyakarta locals using Malay. First is because of the term, secondly is due to the slang. On the other hand, if they understand English, I found out English works much better, e.g. hotel receptionist will usually understand English, luckily. After spending some effort to talk to the driver through phone, finally we met and started our journey to Manohara Hotel.
Because of the communication problem also, the pre-agree fair price of by meter was somehow then became IDR 175K (~RM 62) for around 1.5 hours ride. If you requested the hotel transportation service, it is then IDR 250K. So we decided to hire the same driver for our journey from Borobudur to Yogyakarta on the next day, at price IDR 150K (~RM 53). Lesson learnt, confirm the expenses before enter the cab.
Borobudur, here I come! :D
We'd chosen Mandala Airline over Lion Air, as the online review seems to be better :p I am satisfied with this flight experience. It is similar to Air Asia. In general, domestic flight in Indonesia is quite costly. Flying from Bali to Yogyakarta costs around RM200 per person, which is double of my Air Asia return trip air fair(Kuala Lumpur -> Denpasar, Yogyakarta -> Kuala Lumper) :p
After checked-in, we need to pay domestic flight airport tax, which is IDR 30K (~RM 10) per person.
[Click on picture for clearer version]
A glance of the waiting room:
The free internet service is not in service until we board the plane...
After we claimed luggage at Yogyakarta airport, there was an airport officer came and requested us to show our ticket, he then took away our luggage tag after we confirmed we had all the luggages with us. According to him, this is to prevent passenger from claiming they lost their luggage after they collected it. Maybe there were cases before...
Referring to chinese travel forum in cari.com.my, I pre-booked a driver to Manohara hotel. In my opinion, Balinese Malay language is much more easier to be understand. I was having hard time to communicate to Yogyakarta locals using Malay. First is because of the term, secondly is due to the slang. On the other hand, if they understand English, I found out English works much better, e.g. hotel receptionist will usually understand English, luckily. After spending some effort to talk to the driver through phone, finally we met and started our journey to Manohara Hotel.
Because of the communication problem also, the pre-agree fair price of by meter was somehow then became IDR 175K (~RM 62) for around 1.5 hours ride. If you requested the hotel transportation service, it is then IDR 250K. So we decided to hire the same driver for our journey from Borobudur to Yogyakarta on the next day, at price IDR 150K (~RM 53). Lesson learnt, confirm the expenses before enter the cab.
Borobudur, here I come! :D
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Better In Time - Leona Lewis
My dear friend, I hope I cannot join the gal gathering in this coming festive season but... Anyway, I know you will read this one day. By that time, I really hope you already feel better in time :) Although we are few hundred kilometers apart, my spiritual supports will be with you all time!
My dear reader, have a nice day to you too :)
The lyrics, copyright belong to the singer and her company, maybe, definitely not me :)
It's been the longest winter without you
I didn't know where to turn to
See somehow I can't forget you
After all that we've been through
Going coming
Thought I heard a knock
Who's there no one
Thinking that I deserve it
Now I realize that I really didn't know
If you didn't notice you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All that I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus:]
Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
Even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time
I couldn't turn on the TV
Without something there to remind me
Was it all that easy
To just put aside your feelings
If I'm dreaming don't wanna laugh
Hurt my feelings but that's the path
I'll believe in
And I know time will heal it
If you didn't notice boy you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus]
Since there's no more you and me
It's time I let you go
So I can be free
And live my life how it should be
No matter how hard it is I'll be fine without you
Yes I will
[Chorus]
My dear reader, have a nice day to you too :)
The lyrics, copyright belong to the singer and her company, maybe, definitely not me :)
It's been the longest winter without you
I didn't know where to turn to
See somehow I can't forget you
After all that we've been through
Going coming
Thought I heard a knock
Who's there no one
Thinking that I deserve it
Now I realize that I really didn't know
If you didn't notice you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All that I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus:]
Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
Even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time
I couldn't turn on the TV
Without something there to remind me
Was it all that easy
To just put aside your feelings
If I'm dreaming don't wanna laugh
Hurt my feelings but that's the path
I'll believe in
And I know time will heal it
If you didn't notice boy you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus]
Since there's no more you and me
It's time I let you go
So I can be free
And live my life how it should be
No matter how hard it is I'll be fine without you
Yes I will
[Chorus]
2009-08-23 Kuta
After breakfast, we took a cab to Discovery Shopping Mall. This plaza is about half the size of previous Gurney Plaza (If you do not stay in Penang, probably do not know that Gurney Plaza was extended). It is around 3 to 4 level. It is new, chair is provided for the public (This is very important especially when we travel with seniors :) ), with clean restroom, water dispenser and paper cup was provided outside of the restroom, so nice :D
I bought a pair of New Balance jogging shoe at RM 72 :p It is stated at the box that the sport shoe is for Indonesia market distribution only.
I am also happy to see WWF counter there also :) To support green effort, I bought a t-shirt from them. 20% of the price will goes to WWF fund.
[Click on picture for clearer version]
After that, we walked to Hard Rock Hotel for lunch. Of course, at Bali, we will try to walk at the beach if possible :)
A lot of people with surf board to start their exciting game.
Quick glance on the street. Now you see the road condition, when there is more car or more people, it will move very slowly :)
We reached Hard Rock Mega store before the cafe. I am surprised the merchandise is quite costly. A normal t-shirt is around RM 90+. *whew* Luckily I am not a fan of Hard Rock t-shirt. Anyway, just to share with you, there is another smaller Hard Rock merchandise shop just behind the mega store, you may take a look first before buying any from the mega store. There seems to have more design, and slightly cheaper.
Here is the Hainanese Chicken Rice we ordered in Hard Rock Cafe. We also ordered other food e.g. BBQ rib, but I think this Hainanese Chicken Rice is special to share :)
The rice is fragrant. NC said it is not as tasty as 8 years ago.
After lunch, we walked to the beach in front of the hotel. Look at the surfer enjoying their moment, and we also enjoy the breeze and environment :)
After that, we got a taxi to go back to hotel. It is one way road at that area, but still traffic is moving very slowly. If you know the direction, I would suggest to walk to somewhere two way road near Matahari Square, it is not too far, smoother traffic.
After that, we took a cab to Geneva, a handicraft center. It is around 15-30 min drive from Kuta, depending on the traffic. It costs around IDR 30K+ to reach there.
I bought most of the souvenir here at Geneva. The good thing is there are lot of choices, I don't have to bargain hard on the price :) If you are looking for home deco item, can consider to come here too.
By the way, the first few taxi driver we approached doesn't know how to come to Geneva. But they told us frankly and we get another one. Taxi e.g. Blue Bird is almost everywhere in Kuta. The start up price is IDR 5K.
I bought a pair of New Balance jogging shoe at RM 72 :p It is stated at the box that the sport shoe is for Indonesia market distribution only.
I am also happy to see WWF counter there also :) To support green effort, I bought a t-shirt from them. 20% of the price will goes to WWF fund.
[Click on picture for clearer version]
After that, we walked to Hard Rock Hotel for lunch. Of course, at Bali, we will try to walk at the beach if possible :)
A lot of people with surf board to start their exciting game.
Quick glance on the street. Now you see the road condition, when there is more car or more people, it will move very slowly :)
We reached Hard Rock Mega store before the cafe. I am surprised the merchandise is quite costly. A normal t-shirt is around RM 90+. *whew* Luckily I am not a fan of Hard Rock t-shirt. Anyway, just to share with you, there is another smaller Hard Rock merchandise shop just behind the mega store, you may take a look first before buying any from the mega store. There seems to have more design, and slightly cheaper.
Here is the Hainanese Chicken Rice we ordered in Hard Rock Cafe. We also ordered other food e.g. BBQ rib, but I think this Hainanese Chicken Rice is special to share :)
The rice is fragrant. NC said it is not as tasty as 8 years ago.
After lunch, we walked to the beach in front of the hotel. Look at the surfer enjoying their moment, and we also enjoy the breeze and environment :)
After that, we got a taxi to go back to hotel. It is one way road at that area, but still traffic is moving very slowly. If you know the direction, I would suggest to walk to somewhere two way road near Matahari Square, it is not too far, smoother traffic.
After that, we took a cab to Geneva, a handicraft center. It is around 15-30 min drive from Kuta, depending on the traffic. It costs around IDR 30K+ to reach there.
I bought most of the souvenir here at Geneva. The good thing is there are lot of choices, I don't have to bargain hard on the price :) If you are looking for home deco item, can consider to come here too.
By the way, the first few taxi driver we approached doesn't know how to come to Geneva. But they told us frankly and we get another one. Taxi e.g. Blue Bird is almost everywhere in Kuta. The start up price is IDR 5K.
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