India: Petualangan si Neng di India

Jujur aja ya Aa dan Teteh sekalian, Neng mah sudah suka sama film India teh dari zaman heubeul, dari zaman si Neng masih sakola TK sampai sekarang oge masih suka pisan.

Film India yang pertama Neng tonton teh film yang ada gajah na. Lupa judulna apa, tapi Neng inget sediiiiiiih pisan nontonnya. Kalau gak salah yang mainnya teh Mithun Chakraborthi. Dia teh yang terkenal di film Disco Dancer. Mungkin ada yang pernah dengar lagu "Jimmy Aaja Aaja" hits dari film Disco Dancer?

Tak disangka tak dinyana, si Akang nawarin buat jalan-jalan ke India sekalian nemuin temen-temen kerjana. Oh girang tiada tara hati si Neng ini. Segera kami teh cari tiket murah. Ternyata tiket Jakarta - India lumayan murah. Berangkat dari Jakarta - KL - Goa cuman kisaran 800ribu dan pulangnya 900ribu per orang.

sering-sering si Neng joget Bollywood di India

Kata si Akang mending jangan bawa banyak barang biar gampang jalan-jalannya. Jadi berbekal tas ransel kecil dan tas slempang, si Neng berangkat ke India. Kebetulan si Neng penggemar film India dari kecil dan suka tuturutan (belajar) bahasana dari film. Tujuan si Neng cuman satu, ketemu Aa Shahrukh. Semenjak nonton film Bazigar si Neng sudah jadi penggemar Aa Shahrukh.

Yang Biru punya Neng, item punya Akang

Sayangnya begitu si Neng sampai Mumbai dari Goa, ternyata Aa Shahrukh berangkat dari Mumbai ke Goa untuk merayakan ulang tahunnya di Goa. Atuhlah kan Neng jauh-jauh buat nemuin Aa. Kirain teh bisa tiup lilin bareng-bareng.

Si Neng di Mumbai dgn dandanan ala India

Di Mumbai, Neng sama Akang numpang hidup di rumah temennya si Aa. Alhamdulilah ya Allah, Neng sama Akang bisa berhemat. Mumbai teh ternyata tidak sekotor yang selalu digambarkan di berita. Kalau liat Mumbai berasa liat Bandung area Kiara Condong atau Jakarta area Pasar Baru. Rame dan sibuk, tapi gak terlalu kotor. Tapi duh gusti panasnya seperti Cirebon atau area pantai utara.

Si Neng joget Bollywood di Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Dari Mumbai, Neng sama Akang pindah ke Jaipur. Di Hawa Mahal (Istana Jendela), Neng mah nangis da. Bukan kenapa-kenapa, cuman terharu dengan betapa megahnya. Di kampung Neng mah gak ada yang begituan teh. Istana yang berwarna pink tua dihiasi banyak jendela dan kaca berwarna. Indah sekali. Jendelanya banyak sengaja biar selir-selir dan putri-putri raja bisa melihat keluar tanpa terlihat dari luar. Iya menurut Eneng mah rajanya teh meni pelit. Tapi da Istananya mah indah pisan.

Hawa Mahal

Di Jaipur juga Neng kena tipu. Di Mumbai Neng kecolongan. Tapi ya ikhlas da. Namanya juga pengalaman. Di Mumbai mah emang salah Neng sendiri. Buat yang mau tau ceritanya, mangga baca post sebelumnya. Sepulangnya dari India, kenangan paling berkesan justru malah Jaipur sama Mumbai.

Neng sama Akang pose di Agra Fort

Dari Jaipur kita berangkat ke Agra dengan kereta gejes yang lucu. Lucu karena ada kasurnya di kereta teh. Seneng bisa selonjoran kaki sambil baca buku atau kalau Neng mah bobo sepanjang perjalanan mumpung ada kasur.

Di Agra, Neng dan Akang lihat Taj Mahal yang memang indah dan pantas jadi Situs keajaiban dunia. Tapi neng gak seterharu pas pertama liat Hawa Mahal. Gak tau kenapa. Rasanya Hawa Mahal itu dekat sekali di hati. Neng sama Akang datang pagi-pagi pun antrian masuk Taj Mahal sudah memanjang seperti ular. Saran Neng, habis dari sini segera liat situs Baby Taj mumpung masih sepi. Lumayan dapat pemandangan bagus cuman buat berdua.

Baby Taj 

Sikandar, Makamnya Akbar yang di Jodha Akhbar tea

Selama di India, Neng belajar praktek bahasa India sama mamang bajaj, mamang/bibi yang jualan. Ternyata Bahasa India Neng lumayan banyak vocabulary-na. Yeuh ku Neng bagi-bagi siapa tahu mau dipake nanti kalau Aa sama Teteh mau main ke India.

1. Salam : Namaste / Namskar
2. Nama saya...: Mere naam hai Neng
3. Apa nama anda? : Aapka naam kya hai?
4. Berapa harganya?: Kitna paisa hai?
5. Mahal: Mehenga hai.
6. Minta air : Pani chahiye.
7. Minta makan: Khana chahiye
8. Saya suka ini : Mujhe yeh pasand hai.
9. Saya mau ini: Mujhe yeh chahiye.
10. Tidak mau: Nahin (Nehi) chahiye.

Semoga berguna buat Aa dan Teteh yang mau joget/main ke India nanti.

Songs That Inspire Me to Travel

Songs That Inspired Me to Travel

I have posted an article about Movies that inspired me to travel, Here.
Now, it is time for me to post about particular songs from some movies that also spark my interest for traveling. I would like to share these songs with you guys. Hopefully you will like it and get inspired from it.

1. Yunhi Chala Chal Rahi (Swades)

2. Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindegi Na Milegi Dobara)

3. Hum Jo Chalne Laga (Jab We Meet)

4. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhaana (Andaaz)

5. Ilahi (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

6. Oh Gujariya (Queen)

7. Taake Jhanke (Queen)

8. Manhattan (English Vinglish)

9. Aahista Aahista (Bachna Ae Haseeno)

Movies That Inspired Me to Travel

Movies That Inspired Me to Quit My Job and Travel

I recently and officially quit the job to travel. Nope, it was not to travel around the world. Tho it is what I would very much like to do. The reason is because I am moving to America to be with my husband and his family. In the mean time while waiting for Green card, I would like to travel as much as I can or as much as my money can afford it.

I have been craving to travel around the world since I was little. There are several countries I would really like to visit and there are other that I would visit but only if I have to. There are also other countries which is not even on my list to visit (mostly dangerous war zone country).

My thirst for traveling mostly inspired from movies, songs, and books that I encountered. These are the list of movies that inspired me to travels.

1. Queen

source: desiglobetrotter.com

IMDB Rating: 8.5
Queen is a story about a shy Indian girl from a well respected family who got left at the altar. This is about her story finding herself, her happiness, and courage to live on through a series of event she experienced during her backpack trip around Europe.

2. Zindegi Na Milegi Dobara

IMDB Rating: 8.1
This is a movie about friendship. 3 guys from different background who used to be best friend, but somehow life throw them apart. In a last effort to reconcile, one of the guy who is soon to be married invite the 2 other guys on a journey as his bachelor party trip. The only requirement is each one of them get to choose one activity and the rest should do it without complaining. A beautiful movie about friendship, traveling to Europe with beautiful scenery, and yes good looking man with yummy abs is present as eye candy.

3. English Vinglish

IMDB Rating: 7.9
English Vinglish is a great movie. I have watched more than twice now. A shy and conservative Indian lady who barely speak English has to go to US for a wedding of her niece by herself before her family to help with the preparation. Scared to go since she barely speak english, she nervously joined an English class for foreigner in New York. The trip that was originally scary get her to understand more about things surrounding her and help her get the respect she deserves.

4. Finding Fanny

IMDB Rating: 5.9
A group of misfit get together for their own purposes but mainly to help an old guy found his long lost love. A group that was not your ordinary group, get together in a long road trip in search of love while portraying the beauty of Goa and South India. What else do you need?

5. Swades

IMDB Rating: 8.3
Shahrukh Khan played as US based Rocket Scientist trying to get US Citizenship. While waiting for the process, he went back to India to bring his last remnant of India which is his old nanny. However, on his trip to his homeland that he barely recognize, he found love in a beautiful woman who teaches kids in the village. His journey to India, his road trip to the village areas, made him realize how beautiful India is. Portraying the beauty of North India's village, this movie will capture your heart and tickle your thirst for traveling.

6. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

IMDB Rating: 8.3 (should be rated 10/10)
I am sure you all know about this movie. If you haven't watched this movie. I seriously question your life choices. Seriously, defcon 5, need to watch this movie. Believe it or not, this movie has been running in the cinema since 1995-2014 (probably still up to now).
A romantic story about a young man (Shahrukh) went for a Euro Trip with a group of his friend and accidentally encounter a young girl (Kajol) who was also doing Euro Trip with her friends. The key of this movie is Euro Trip, Beautiful and magnificent India, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. Really, do watch this movie!!!!

Traveling Thirst or Wanderlust

source: 99traveltips.com

Have you ever have this urge? What is your life focus and aim? What is it that you want to do and what is it that you want from life?

Is it stable income, a nice properties, nice car, secure job, security, comfort zone? If that's what you want, traveling hobby might not be for you or even if it is, you have to have the time, big income to spend, secure job with flexible time and so on.

For some people or most people, those are not easy to have or get. 

source: Pinterest

Currently I am facing the same dilemma. I have a secure comfortable job with a good income (for Indonesian who lives in Jakarta), currently saving to move to US and get a house there. But somehow, I was unhappy. Despite the fact that I am working in possibly in one of the best company ever. There is that jittery feeling that keeps wanting to be recognized. It was Traveling Thirst or many people called it Wanderlust.

On the other side, I am in super comfort position right now. Job is fun, boss is great (also my friend), teammates are the best (they are my adorable sisters), salary is pretty good, office is great (free food and stuffs), I have friends over here, family too. But again, I want to experience more. I don't want to live in a cocoon. I wanna see more of the world.

What would I do if I quit the job?

source: Pinterest

I might learn or join a language course of the country that we will visit. Also I want to focus learning programming language as I want to shift my career from Linguist to Computational Linguist.

But, Where to go?

source: 99traveltips.com

I would love to travel around Europe. But budget wise, Asia is a better option for now. Since I will have to quit my job. Also, husband will need to be sure of the internet in places where we are going because he has to work remotely. This is one of the advantage of traveling with him because he can work while travel as long as we are sure the internet connection is good.

We have been back and forth on our decision to pick a place to stay or travel (if we are gonna do it). At first we were so firm on our decision to travel to Seoul, Korea. Since I know the language, i have some friends there, and we both love the foods. But these days, my decision has been shaken by the fact that I have been there 3 times already. I want to try to go to other places. I was thinking Europe before finding out the budget was sky rocket price. Recently today, I was thinking Australia or New Zealand, but then again stuck in budget. India? We were too scared to go there despite India has always been in my heart. Plus I heard internet is not great there and we kinda need fast internet for my husband's work.

Just today, I told my boss that I would quit working to travel. I gave the office one month notice starting from today. I haven't told my teammates nor my friends. They might find out if they read my blogpost soon.

Here is my Pinterest Tab on Travel related stuffs: Wanderlust

Up till now, I still haven't reach my decision on where to go. If you have any suggestion please leave a comment bellow. We are planning to rent a room or cheap studio apartment in places that we visit since we are planning to stay 2-3 months there. A place with good internet and great foods.

Social Travel 101 with Peeta Planet

Hi guys,

I am glad to tell you that I was being invited by the coolest Social Travel show ever, Peeta Planet, to their small get together in Intercontinental Hotel Jakarta. They were visiting Jakarta for their finale for Season 2 of Peeta Planet trip. I guess saving the best for the last, huh? ;-p

Spoiler: Peyman visiting Coffeewar in Jakarta

I was surprised that they would invite me, because I rarely wrote my blog nor do I have a lot of followers on my social media. Turned out they also invited Jakarta cool people, I guess I was one of them then. (Shut up, let me have this moment!) Yes, I am a cool Jakartan.

Anyway, Mohammad and Peyman introducing us to a new cool way of traveling which is 'Social Travel' in the event. I have a lot of curiosity. I am not sure what 'Social Travel' means, not even sure it was a fun way to travel. But after a while, I learned that 'Social Travel' might be a best way to travel. I mean being a tourist is boring right? Following the group leader here and there, visiting same places with all other tourists and they were everywhere. You can't even enjoy the awesome place you want to visit because tourist were everywhere. So, why not try a new way of traveling. Don't be a tourist, Be a Social Traveler!

Oooops I haven't told you what 'Social Travel' is? Well, it is about time you should know. Social Travel (in my understanding) is a way to travel while connecting yourself to the locals. You will find place to stay, to visit, and what to do by asking locals recommendation. Why I think it is nice? Well, for a long time, traveling has become a way out of our regular boring life (boring job, boring school, or whatever it is that you want to get away from for a while) and a way to satisfy your curiosity of the outside world. But, would it more satisfying to travel through the eyes of the locals? They know the best place, they know the best food, they know the history, that's what makes it interesting. We get to connect with random people with various background. We open up to stranger and we might learn so much for them. That's just screaming 'Awesome' in my ear. I got to do this someday, very soon I hope.

Now that you know about Social Travel, did you know Peeta Planet? I am sure you did, but if you don't know them yet, you should totally check them out. They have a really cool Travel show on Dubai Television. Here is the link to their website and YouTube page; peetaplanet.com and YouTube Peeta Planet

I accidentally find out about them when I was looking for video about Seoul on YouTube. They were filming about Seoul through the locals eyes. I have been to Seoul before and I love it so much. I was so glad that they didn't just show us a tourist destination, they took it to the next level. They visited a startup small time company too. I was so immersed when they were doing fabric painting scene. The only time I saw that was on Arirang culture related show. To actually see it in travel show is something new for me. Refreshing, don't you think?

Are they boring? Definitely not boring at all. They have good sense of humor. Muhammad and Peyman are brothers, not just fraternity brothers. They will find a way to tease each other and they do it quite often. It was adorable. They are also the most down to earth person I have ever met. Always smiling, polite, and nice. Who would not like those combination? I also love their outfits. Somehow they manage to pull it out in a very manly way.

Sometimes, when you watch something on TV or YouTube, you feel disconnected with the MC. But Peeta Boys will not make you feel like that at all. They are super friendly, super warm to people, and pretty cheap in giving away smiles. All Peeta Planet crews were very friendly and down to earth personality. I adore them so much for this good quality traits. That's what makes them the best at social travel show, they know how to connect with people.

So guys, if you are not hooked yet by what I said about Social Travel. You should definitely check out their videos on their YouTube channel or their website. They will show you how fun it is to do Social Travel instead of being your regular tourist self.

I wish they would do an episode in India, or a lot of episodes, I won't mind. I wanna know how they will show India from their point of view. I am sure it will be great. It will be a great intro for me and a  way to encourage me to finally visit India, a place that I always feel longing to go (not just to meet Shahrukh Khan, I promise).

Enjoy your weekend, Happy People! Stay Safe, Stay Awesome!

Suci Park

PS; Picture of Tapas Collections from Intercontinental Jakarta who hosted the event. Drooling time...slluuuurp!

December Wish List: Holiday/Christmas List

Hi Beauties,

Do you have any wish for upcoming holiday? Whether you celebrate Christmas or not (I am not celebrating) but I like the idea of Santa or someone that comes with plenty of gifts (dad, boyfriend, fiance, husband, brother, bestfriend, gay friend..yes they exist in a real world too and wouldn't mind getting us gift..hehehe) I believe I have been a very nice daughter, sister, girlfriend, friend, and neighbor. It is only fair if you hear my wish Mr.Santa. So, here they are;

1. Glam Glow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment (cost 40$ on Amazon)

2. Glam Glow Brightmud Eye Treatment (cost 45$ on Amazon)

3. Cosmetic Makeup Brush Professional 24 Piece Set with Bag by Salon Designs (cost 30$ on Amazon)

3. Celto Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Case and Screen Protector (cost 10$ on Amazon)

Those are my wishlist that I have been wanting to get and already told it to boyfriend who is currently back at home in the States. Like some of you who might already read my post about EM Life Palette. You knew already how wonderful the 'giant' was. He bought it for me and took a picture of the unboxing process while on the phone with me, so I can gave him instruction of how far he could unbox it. Since his family celebrating Christmas and he asked me what holiday gifts I want, so i gave him this wishlist and he promise he will get it before January when he visits me.Can't wait for him to start order it and unbox it again..hahaha I will definitely nag him again to take better pictures.

Apart from all that list, I made my own wishlist that I will buy one by one or two by two on my own after getting paycheck of course..hehehe..Here they are;
1. Maybelline Color Sensation (your left to right and top to bottom: Frozen Berry, Neon Red, Fuchsia Flash, On Fire Red, and Vibrant Mandarin)

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo (Bad to Bronze and Tenacious Teal)

3. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama (Eggplant)

4. Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer

Source: All the pictures is taken from their website
www.maybelline.com
www.glamglowmud.com
www.amazon.com

PS: He has been this wonderful. Don't you think I should buy something for him? Let me know in comment section if you have any idea what to buy for his welcoming present. Any idea please. You will definitely help this damsel in distress.

Luv,

Suci Park

Beachy Holidays, Tips and Tricks (Plus Win a trip to Guspan Island)

Hi Beauties,

In the mood for a holiday? I know I do. In this post I would like to share tips and tricks I learned on my own or I got from any other sources on how to stay awesome on your holiday.

1. To Protect your Shiny Healthy Hair under the sun and after playing with sea water
Tips no.1, I got from a friend of mine who works in Bella Magazine as an editor. She was kind enough to share her secret of having that shiny healthy look hair despite of her always running around like a bay watch model in beaches that she visits almost twice a month. Her tips was that always use a bit of Sunsilk Leave On before and after playing in the water.  As you might already know, (I heard it from my hair therapist) that the salt water is quite dangerous to your hair. He never explain why, I just believe him and I am just glad that a friend of mine told me this trick on a trip to Pari Island last time.

2. Protect Your Skin from a Skin Cancer
Always, always, and always use a sunblock because both UVA and UVB can be a cause of skin cancer and wrinkles. Pick one that is best for you. Any brand will do. What you have to pay attention to is the level of your chosen sunblock (SPF 30, 40, 45+, or 50). The higher the better, tho for me SPF 30 or 40 will do the job. To be honest, I haven't choose mine. I usually just use anything I can get in drugstore.

3. Shimmery Lotion for your Shimmery Looking Legs
Wethere or not you are wearing bikini, but I like to expose some of me less hairy legs out under the sun while enjoying the scenery of the beach. Recently I found quite a number of Body lotions which has shimmery effect. For now, I am using a Bodyshop product.

There goes my ritual on my beachy holidays. I wrote this article also to let you know about this awesome competition run by the coolest travel agent in town, Expat Travel. Visit their Facebook here;
Expat Travel

They have this competition to win a trip to Guspan Island, a private island locates in 1000 islands. All you have to is just to spread the words about Expat Travel and follow their Facebook page. Here is a picture of Guspan Island and how cool it is to spend vacation with them.

I have been to 2 trips with them and I had a lot of fun. Try these beauty tips on your trip to Guspan Island with Expat Travel.

Enjoy Chikas,

Suci Park