Runny nose, sore throat, and silence

Two thousand thirteen, february, twenty fourth. Art Centre, Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar. Sunny day.

Packing up my camera for a photo hunt, I felt sick. I went anyway. Arrived at the meeting point and found out it was indeed some photography event going on. This is not my idea of photo hunting, models and vintage cars. All set up for hundreds of photographers (wannabes) to catch some light into their digital photo sensors. It tooked me some time to find my friends, so I wonder around to look for other events going on at this art centre, hooked up to a Balinese dance performance.

Finally got to meet the guys, I didn't take many shots. Instead I sketched a little. I took pictures of us together, for documentation purposes. Just before heading back home. And that was all.
Not a very productive weekend, if I may say.

Niki, Denpasar - not in the best mood, or health.

Trustday

Two thousand thirteen, january, tenth. Siwa Ratri Day.
It is a holy day in Bali, the day where Balinese Hindu pray and practice jagra and upawasa, the act of staying awake and fasting in order to remember what they have done wrong in the past, and repent in the future. This ritual goes way back to the epoch time when a hunter was sitting on top of a 'bila' tree, picking leaves and dropping it to the pond below, while reminiscing his past life, unknowing that the pond is am offering spot for the god Siwa.

I named today as trustday, because we are just one of the children of the earth, and we live among others, good and bad, honest and liars. In order to get thru the day, we need to have faith and be positive, while trying our best.

Two thousand twelve, December, twenty-fourth, Amed village - Karangasem, Bali.

We were staying at Jemeluk Cove, a snorkeling day trip that got extended into an overnight stay. Climbing up the hill, seeing the night view of the cove, we talked about how different can happiness be. Going away from the busy city of Denpasar, the air and the mood is different. You can sense how mellow and laidback the people are at this area. Not to mention that the view is great. The next morning was snorkeling time. Just 50-100 meters from the shore, we were dazzled by the richness of the coral reefs, with fishes, big and small. She is uncomfortable in the water, but not for long. We enjoyed the water, and the view underwater.
The next stop was a lighthouse, 40 meters above the ground, located on the easternmost of Bali. Scared of heights is a factor, but we manage to overcome it and got a great view of the vast horizon.

It was quite a trip, with talks all the way, plans and dreams involved. Also some emotional fit. A smile got through and melt it all away. I come to a conclusion, that I would love to travel near and far, with her as a companion.

Bali Log Date: 10.14.2011 - Tinkering with winks, snort, and heat

Dear Readers,

I have been on a hiatus, and my words seems not to be up to date.

Today, I am still having this sleepy morning, a hungry after-breakfast stomach, and now,

an after-lunch blocked nose. The morning started out sunny, after yesterday Quake, 

check this for links 

 articles on the quake, and the epicentrum

Here is a recording from someone's house

Anyway, So the heat is getting stronger by noon, making the after (wrong delivery order) lunch me drowsy.

Yet, I already had 2 cups of coffee today, 3rd cup won't be good for me. So, maybe I'll just walk for a bit. get some fresh-heated air.

See ya guys later...

Jump JUMP...

September 26th, 2011 - Recent update on this little spot

Cold sweat, trembling hands, smokes and caffeine, computer screen, wireless headphone and mobile phone, my companion for the night.
I should've been getting home by now, but yet I'm still sitting in this tiny little spot of mine in a fastfood restaurant chain. Just finishing things up, not really proud of what I'm doing, but at least i did something tonight. My bladder is about to burst, and I'm still not moving from my spot. Let's review the day then.

I went to work early, do this and that, chats with my colleagues, and do some job (really nic, you should do more). Finished up work and went to find some nice spot to work on a project, and ends up getting stuck in a traffic jam. Turned around and find a food stall in a narrow alley at Kuta, ate the spiciest chilli ever (this might be an exaggeration) and then off to my favorite coffeshop and start typing. After a while, the computer freezes. Oh my! Well, finally gave up and restarted it, and start again from scratch (this time i remembered to save).

After that, I guess that's all...

wait for my next post, maybe, just maybe, it will get more interesting than this.

Niki Out.

log date: 09.13.2011 - Tuesday Blunders

I got an early phonecall, telling me the internet is not working at a villa. really is a wake up call. with beady eyes, i called the internet provider, and got it solved.

Next up, a family of three march into the office, looking for a villa to rent. a little bit pushy on viewing, and didn't have any contact number. I managed to reason to them why this is possible and those are not.
So they left with a promise to call me at 3PM, and I made my staff checked out all the property they picked, it ended up with one only. they ended up not calling, so I guess that's it for today.

I will fill up some data for work, and then do some other stuffs, before finishing the day and went out for some fresh afternoon air.

Still considering it a good day, and I can't wait for news on the bicycle, soon I hope...

log date: 09.12.2011 - Monday Roll

It is Monday, and things are going great.
I went to meet a client, and everything was fine, a good start.
I went to look for a Villa after, and got some nice pictures.
in the afternoon, i went out on my own to take some more pictures of a house,
didn't find any trouble on the way, the place was so-so, but that's okay.

Carrying on, I met someone selling his bicycle. it was a nice one, and I'm thinking about buying it.
but I will make sure after he take care of the tires and all.

It's time for dinner, and i stopped by at a Kopitiam. had a black fried rice, and a black coffee.
and it was perfect.

And also, today is full moon, and we're gonna pray for my late grandpa at home. so after this, i will get home.

Not a very good piece of writing here, I know. But things are going great today, so no worries.
I will be writing more and more, and hopefully, it will get better.

Thoughts Of The Day: Year 2011, Month September, Day 2

I got tangled over my daily log, so now it’s free writing time…

What have I been thinking lately? What is happening with me, around me, beyond me?

And why the hell did I have that dream last night, and what I thought about after.

Supernatural things never have been my cup of tea, yet I dreamed about some freaky kid that my friend has and suddenly my mind was wandering to the supernatural world, that is just how our mind works, I presume. And on top of all that, I wet my bed a little. And now, my mind is thinking over things that I shouldn’t be worrying about. How inconvenient, and my day was awful, I don’t have any desire to work, I chat all day, and now… even a cup of Joe didn’t do the trick.

But let us wait until I finished my coffee, and also finish this writing, maybe things will get better. Meanwhile, around me, my family is (still) a mess, I’m having trouble relating to people here, and my work sucks. Hahaha seems like a lot of problems… well, it’s not really that bad, come to think of it, now I’m still drinking a 10K cup of coffee and eating some friend sesame bread with shrimp (whatever that is). There are people with bigger problems, and most of them still survived the day just fine, without being depressed (I do really hope so).

The fried bread is actually good stuff *nom nom nom…*.  And after these things combined (writing, coffee, and food) I actually feel better. Hmmm, oh yeah, I am also listening to some music (not the music playing in this place, but my own music), Fix You by Coldplay is playing now, and I’m running out of lines. Oh, how I do smoke a lot today. I wonder how I will get a balanced life this way… Well, I guess somehow I’ll manage. Let’s see now, bad feelings gone, (Love Song by 311 is playing) a mild migraine is still here, I’m promising myself to do better at work tomorrow, I will not limit myself but will know my own strength, talk to my family more, get a lot more of new friends, and on top of all, being good.

Now, maybe I should talk about broader topics. Since about 3 years ago, I have been joining this photography community, Lomonesia, stand for Lomography Society Indonesia. I think some of you might already know what that is, while the rest of you don’t have a clue. So let me enlighten you in ways that I think is best. If you know any other photography communities, what we do is simply taking pictures. But, the catch is, in this digital world now, we in Lomonesia are Analogue Lovers (I’ll get back to you about analogue). We shoot photos using film cameras, and not only that, the cameras we used are unique in every way (appearance, how to use, results). Analogue is the opposite of digital, so the cameras we use are all mechanical (most of them plastic), using film rolls, plastic lenses that create lo-fi images, and often the pictures are unpredictable. Sounds like a scam, huh? Heheh…

Well, I really should show some pictures I made with those plastic analogue cameras I got. And then maybe it will show how it is unique. Anyway… enough with the introduction, so after moving to Bali, the first friends I got is actually from this community, since it’s a worldwide community and in Indonesia alone, there are representative in most of the major cities. So, being a new guy in town, I got friends already, what a wonderful thing, not being too alienated and all. Next step is making a movement, even now; we are brewing a plan for some event for the community here in Bali, Godspeed…

Daily Log in Bali 09.01.2011 - New Month and Picking Up Relatives

Log Date: 09.01.2011

First day of the month, woke up and goes to work. Not too much eventful things at work (not that I’d like to share), very sleepy. Drove back home at 5, took a shower, and had an afternoon nap. After that, I went to the hospital to accompany my aunt, she’s taking an x-ray picture for her knee, and we went to dinner after.

After dropping off my aunt back home, I went to the airport to pick up my uncle and family coming from Jakarta. He arrived at 11ish PM. We went to dinner at Nasi Pedas Bu Andika in Tuban. After that, I drove them to their hotel at Thamrin Road, Denpasar. After some chats, I went back home. Time for bed.

Daily Log in Bali 08.31.2011 - Bicycle day

Log Date: 08.31.2011

Started the day early, drove to a friend’s place at Teuku Umar to borrow his bicycle, and rode down to Kuta to another friend’s place, the time was 7.35 in the morning. The appointment was at eight. Woke the friend up, and then after some grumbles, we’re ready for a bicycle day….

Started up by going to Legian Street, turned right to Benesari Street, and then go thru Poppies II Street. Back to Legian, got into Poppies Lane, and turned up in Kuta Beach. Ride on along the beach, went straight thru some street along the beach, until Double Six beach. Park the bike on the sands, and went swimming.

After some strong under current swim with the surfers, went for lunch at a Warung nearby. Ride on to Dyana Pura, up to Seminyak, and passing Kayu Aya/Oberoi. Went to Sari Dewi Street up to Art Café, stopped for a while, and rode back to Seminyak Square trough Kayu Jati Street. Just remembered that there is a Photo exhibition at Drupadi Street, so went to look for it, it was at Kendra Gallery. Talked to the Gallery assistant, about Lomography and stuffs, only after that, my friend realized that she lost her hat. We went back to Art café to look for it, it was noon and the sun was scorching hot. I came prepared with some long sleeves and a hat, my friend, not so lucky. The hat was gone.

We went through a shortcut from Art Café, got to Dyana Pura Street, and went to Legian, to my friend’s place. I dozed off for an hour or so, and after I woke up, said goodbye and ride back to Teuku Umar. Meet some friends there, returned the bicycle, and had some talks about the upcoming event we’re brewing.

Went home, stopping at Kopitiam Oey, and that is all for today.

Daily Log in Bali 08.30.2011 - Date by the Beach

Log Date: 08.30.2011

Woke up, had breakfast, and watched some TV. Packed some things and went out for a drive. I got an appointment at 2.30 PM. Went out to lunch first and met my friend, for the first time. Drove to Petitenget and located the Mano Beach Side Café, not as great as we imagined, but got some drinks and chat. The sun was glaring at us; the waves are calling, but didn’t go for a swim.

The sun got lower, people are coming, and we decided to walk down the beach. Took some pictures wet our feet in the sands and tides. Walk to the south, and after a while, went back to the car. Then we go for a dinner at Warung Italia at Kunti Road. Had some salad and Pizza, and thinking about coffee. Decided to go to Gloria Jean’s (yet again), stayed there until nearly closing time, and then went back to my friend’s place.

After some time, chats, food, books, and TV, I went home. Good Day…

Daily Log in Bali 08.29.2011 - The Music Never Stopped and Hotel Hunting

Log Date: 08.29.2011

Woke up and had some eggs for breakfast, had lunch not long after. Stayed at home and watch DVD, “The Music Never Stopped”, good movie. After some snacks, went out to Kuta for a walk, went to a hotel and ask for vacant room for my uncle coming to Bali at September 1. Cannot book the room and the traffic was packed. Went to eat and got knocked off. The price just isn’t right. Get some coffee, and drove to find some places, ended up in Kuta Sentra Parking, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, had another cup.

Went home, had some sashimi, and watch a movie on tv with my aunt. Got sleepy and went to bed.

Daily Log in Bali 08.28.2011 - Surveys

Log Date: 08.28.2011

Woke up, had some breakfast, and cook lunch. Went out to my friend’s place on Teuku Umar, and meet some friends there. Plan our survey to a place called Popo Danes, a Gallery for art events. Didn’t find anyone in charge there because it’s Sunday, got around the place and make some plans for our event.

Get back to my friend’s place and talk about our plan for the exhibition and how to make it work. Uh my head isn’t working that well. Went out to Denpasar Junction to see if there is any space for exhibition, the place is not too good. Called it a day and get home.

Got into a chat with a friend, possibly want to buy a house in Bali. Sleep at dawn.

Daily Log in Bali 08.27.2011 - Got Off Work Early, Discovery Mall, Late night Coffee

Log Date: 08.27.2011
Saturday, went to the office, nothing much ado, and go out for lunch with my colleagues. Went to the Bali Galleria, ate Tongseng Ayam at MM Juice resto. My aunt was planning to cut her hair, but decided to leave after waiting for some time.
Next stop, Discovery Shopping Mall, my aunt and my colleague went shopping; I went to find some DVDs. Bought one, titled “The Music Never Stopped”, recommended by a friend. I hope it’s good. While waiting, I decided to grab a cup of coffee and charge my phone.
We had dinner at NY restaurant, me, my aunt, my colleague and her husband, and two other friends visiting from out of town. The food was okay; we chat and laugh about stuffs. After the two friends went to the airport, the shopping continued. I went to the bookshop, walk around, and after that, sit down on the front stairs of the mall, just relaxing.
We went back after dropping off my colleague at her place in Kuta. Went to the office to take the other car, and then I went off to meet a friend of mine. We meet at Teuku Umar Road. Had some coffee and talks about stuffs, life, work, hopes, dreams, mistakes, family, and all other stuffs that we can think of. The night rolls on, getting later and later. Someone suddenly came up and called my name. He introduces himself, funny how we should meet like this. I do hope everything is okay.
As the night is getting too late, and also the food stall is closing, we went back home. It’s time to get some rest. Extra rest, since tomorrow is Sunday and I have no plan, except getting my photo scans, which my friend told me, was good. Yay for that…

Daily Log in Bali 08.26.2011 - Pura Penataran Beratan and Pura Tanah Lot

Log Date: 08.26.2011

I Woke up around 8 in the morning the next day, and walks around the garden. We checked out at 12, drove to the Pura Penataran Beratan, just beside the lake. Took some pictures and went downhill. Stopped for lunch at the Babi Guling Andi Jaya Restaurant, it was full, and the food was great. After that, we drove to Tanah Lot, The Pura on top of a rock at the beach.

We drank holy water and get blessed by the Balinese there. The waves were pretty big. We didn’t stayed until the sun sets, although people said that sunset at Tanah Lot is great, oh well… suddenly I got some weird message from an unknown person. Hmm… what is this I’m getting into, I do hope things will be okay. Still in Tanah Lot, I bought a swimming short. We walked around again and see the souvenirs shops. After finished shopping, we drove back to Kuta, I took another car to go, and went home.

After freshening up, I went to Denpasar to meet some friends… we talked about a plan to do an exhibition. I am all fired up. This is good stuff. We really need to get this going. I will make sure of it. So well, tomorrow I will update the meeting notes. Time to get some rest now; there are still work tomorrow… good night good people.

Daily Log in Bali 07.20.2011 - Bedugul Trip

Log Date: 08.25.2011

Woke up early and pack all the stuffs in the car, drove to the office. Wait for my aunt to come and off we go to Bedugul. Well, not really, we stopped by the supermarket to buy some stuffs, picked up my aunt’s friends in Nusa Dua, and then went to Bedugul. We stopped at the Café Tahu in Baturiti, had some variety of tofu cuisine. 

 Drove up again and reach our rented villa, stopped by at a Buddhist temple before. The villa was nice, located uphill, with 3 bedrooms and a nice terrace, facing the Beratan Lake.

After settling in, I decided to take a walk down to the lake. Through the vegetables farms I went down, passing some farmers, cows, and local people. After asking around, I finally reach the Lake. Not much to see, beside the water and plantation around it. Took some pictures, and after going around, I went back to the villa, got lost on the way back, but manage to reach it in time. It was a nice walk.

It’s getting colder, and we went out to find some food. We stopped at the market, ate some satay. Bought some to take away, and went back to the villa. We had some barbequed corn and some sausages, drink some wine, and after some cheerful moments, went to bed. I get to sleep on the top bedroom, it was totally cold…

Daily Log in Bali 07.24.2011 - Kopitiam Oey and Idealist

Log Date: 08.24.2011

Got up early, went to the office early, no such luck with listings, got a client, pass it to my colleague, got back from the office.

Went to Kopitiam Oey in Denpasar, had a Bali Coffee (my third one today), opens up my laptop and browse. Zenith came, browse some more, show some things from the web.

Vivick came, returns my camera, chat about collaboration possibility with Lomonesia Bali. Went our separate ways, I went home, got hungry, went out to eat. And pack for tomorrow trip.

Daily Log in Bali 08.23.2011 - A Gig in Ubud

Log Date: 08.23.2011

I went to the office and had some coffee. After that, a client came and me and my aunt helped them out to choose some property. Had a few calls about this and that, follows up, and finished the day with no mistakes.

After office, I went to KFC Sanur to meet up with a friend of mine. Had soup, and off we go to Ubud. She and her band were having a gig. We arrived early and waited for the time for her to play. I sat up front and then listened to her singing. I draw some doodles and had a cup of latte.

The band finished playing at 10. And then we all have dinner and chat. Time to go home, the drive felt so fast, I didn’t want to go home yet. We part ways at Sanur, she’s driving a motorcycle. I got an extra surprise before we goJ. After that, I went through Denpasar to get back to my place. Got a text from my aunt, telling me not to go home late. Oh well, I hope it doesn’t had to be that way, and not too often too… it was a good night, music and coffee and company. I just wish time were on my side… Good night…

Daily Log in Bali 08.22.2011 - Dinner With Photo Lab Guy

Log Date: 08.22.2011

Woke up early and left for office, had my morning coffee and start the day. After lunch and preparing some stuff, I went to Sanur to do a final inspection of the house for rent, meeting both the owner and the client. The client was my friend’s and she is late. I manage to translate everything quite well for the client and the owner sides. Finished with the paperwork and went back, got a listing at Batursari Street, big Villa. After that, I went back to the office, pack up, send some emails and went to the photo lab to process my films.

While waiting I got myself another cup of coffee at the KFC. Ate dinner with the photo lab guy, Pak Made, and then after waiting for a while got my negative and print a photo. And I also got another good bargain for some expired films. Life is good.

Went home, help my aunt change her bed sheet and mop the floors. Took a shower and get ready for some night activities, which might include some chats and writing/doodling. The dogs are whining because I put them out back. Never mind them, they’ll get thru the night (I certainly hope so).

Daily Log in Bali 07.20.2011 - Nasi Gandul and Chinese Chicken Herbs Stew

Log Date: 08.20.2011

This is not happening; I failed to update my journal today. Let me think. Woke up and went to the office early, went to Sanur after lunch, met the tenant for a house, got some things unfinished. Back to the office, talk to my aunt, I have to get more and more listing. I felt dull, for not doing things fast enough. But it’s nothing that I can’t fix. I promised myself and my aunt to work harder, and be more focused on this work I am doing now.

After office, I went to Circle K Kerobokan to wait for a buyer. Wait for maybe half and hour, she came, as before, hurried to go to someplace else, so I just gave her some instruction and she’s off. Saturday night, what to do? I drove thru the Kerobokan Jail, up to Teuku Umar Road, and stopped at Libby Plaza. Had nasi Gandul for dinner, and went to the book store to see some books and stationery. Not doing anything else, I went home, ate another dinner, this time it’s ‘ayam masak obat’ a Chinese chicken herbs stew, good for fatigue, as my aunt says.

Got sleepy earlier today, tomorrow I’m going to the beach, yay…

Daily Log in Bali 08.19.2011 - Event at Bali Galeria & Special price photo print

Log Date: 08.19.2011

Woke up early enough to mop the floor and had some breakfast. Drove to the office and had some coffee. Made an inventory list for a property. Go out for lunch and print some photos for tonight’s event, and found out I got some special price for it. Lucky me.

Went back to the office, got some advice from my aunt. Updated some listing in the web. And got into a chat about family with my aunt. She said I have to start thinking about how to focus on the job, and later on help my parents and brothers. She also said that I need to communicate more with them, being a carefree person I was. I need to start writing emails.

Time to go to Bali Galeria, got there just in time; I’m still the first one there. A little disappointed by everyone’s time keeping. A little later on, everyone gathers. We set the displays and photo albums and souvenirs and all. My friend came along; my aunt also came and saw what we are doing and how the event goes. A lot of people are interested about the Lomography cameras and pictures. The crowd was packed, many communities and bands perform there.

Here are some pictures:

When the event ends, we simply go our separate ways. That is unexpected. I stopped by at KFC, had some coffee, and after a while, went to Minimart to get some cigs and a beer.

Went home, little chat with my aunt, and off to bed. Good night…