By
tesadevina on April 23rd, 2006
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Day 3
We started early again today. We had an even longer trip to make.
Padang - Padang Panjang - Bukittinggi - Danau Maninjau - Padang
The Uda Uni sure made a good impression on me. They all became tour guides in each bus to explain the scenery. They even had their own Tour Agency where they empower members of the Uda Uni. Impressive! Kapan Dimas Diajeng Jogja dan duta wisata lain menyusul? 
One of the Uda said, there is a tradition of Pig Hunting for Dogs in the area. This sparked some irony since the area we passed strictly follow the Syaria Islam or Muslim Rules. Women here must wear veils. Well, the men does this activity as a media for silaturahmi and to tighten their sense of brotherhood. They guide their dogs to the woods together to hunt pigs. When they find and chase one down, they let the dogs eat the pigs alive. Uugh.. sounds eeh.. not so good. Huh?
Well, after leaving that area, we were freshened up with the view of a small waterfall on the side of the street. We stopped for a moment to take pics and buy some water guava on a stick (sate jambu air, jambu air tusuk lebih tepatnya). It was good and juicy.
We continued on with the journey through the hills of Bukittinggi. Our tour guide, Uda Deddi explained that we may be able to do some paragliding (paralayang) but he cannot promise because it’s expected to rain by the time we get up there. Turned out he was right…
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By
tesadevina on April 22nd, 2006
Posted in Dimas Diajeng Jogja, Travel Sumatera | No Comments »
Day 2
.jpg "Duta Wisata Putri and Gadang Houses")
We had to be up early today for we had to travel about 2 hours from Padang City to Sawahlunto, where the meeting was being held. The bus ride was definately worth it. The view was a soul cleanser! It washed away any ache and anger within me that morning.
Sawahlunto is a city surrounded by many lushious green pine tree covered hills. In the day time, I’d picture the city with all the red, brown, and black gadang house roof tops as being the soup inside a green bowl. It was just so absolutely beautiful. It was pretty chilly that morning. Fogs started coming down hill and covering our view. Bad visibility. Come to think of it, the hills reminded me of those in Shaneandoah National Park in Virginia.
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By
tesadevina on April 21st, 2006
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Day 1
.thumbnail.gif "Map of Sumatera")
Wow! Today, I’ve finaly stepped foot on the island of Sumatera. The second main island of Indonesia that I’ve ever been to, other than Java. I’ve been to smaller islands such as Karimunjawa, Bali, and Flores Timur, but never Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya, and Sumatera.
What a relief to finally reach the west end!
.thumbnail.jpg "Rumah Gadang (web.kyoto-inet.or.jp)")
At the Minangkabau International Airport, shaped like a gadang house, we were welcomed by the Uda Uni Sumatera Barat. They asked each guest to tare a piece of Piper bettle leaf as a sign that were welcomed here. Aww, how interresting?! I was beginning to like the place already!
I came here to attend a national meeting of Young Tourist Ambassadors (duta wisata) from all over the country. I was so excited since it was my first duty out of town as a Diajeng Jogja. Well, we’ll see what happends tomorrow!
That night at the Governor’s Dinner…
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By
tesadevina on April 12th, 2006
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Today, the Directorate of Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the level of Alertness from II to III which meant there was high probability of an eruption. Full [PDF] Report on Mt. Merapi Vulcanic Activity.
By
tesadevina on April 3rd, 2006
Posted in GRAD SCHOOL, Travel Java | No Comments »
Day 3 Jakarta Trip II
As I entered the elevator to go up to the 28th floor of the Menara Imperium, my heart beat doubled by every floor it passed. Dejavu! This setting was exactly as the TOEFL exam, but why was my head spinning? Can I do this? Can I remember all the vocabs I’ve learned for the past month? Can I do well enough to be qualified for a Graduate Assistantship? My mind was raced with time…
My name was called.
My feet came to an abrupt halt.
My bag was placed in the locker.
My ID was inspected.
My snapshot was taken.
My seat was assigned.
My computer was on and glaring.
My posture was adjusted to the desk.
My body was constantly under the hidden cameras.
My lungs suddenly expanded to inhale.
My pinky pressed ENTER.
Not long after…
My consciousness brought me to the icon STOP!
Ok, take it easy. I did my best.
By
tesadevina on April 2nd, 2006
Posted in GRAD SCHOOL, Travel Java | No Comments »
Day 2 Jakarta Trip II
Ok… I’ve had enough GRE studying. I’ve had it up to, up to, too high to picture. Time to cool down for the big day…
By
tesadevina on April 1st, 2006
Posted in Dimas Diajeng Jogja, Travel Java | No Comments »
Day 1 Jakarta Trip II
April Fool’s Day Luck’ly nothin’ foolish happened!
I arrived in time for the photosession and mbak Indraty Setyawan’s beautiful kebaya was still intact in its decorative box. I was picked up and sent straight to the salon. Wow, I’ve never expected this much service. The make-up artist appointed for me, was the very same one that used to do the make-up for Rachel Mariam and Marshanda! Indonesian film actress and soap opera star. No wonder the eye make-up took 1 hour alone! Well, I was quite flattered ! (*_^)
It was such a looong photoshoot. The longest I’ve ever had. Though, I sense it’s worthness. I can tell the results would turn out great!
.gif "Map of Sumatera")
