Roommate from Hell (Part 1)

Part One

I do not fancy living by myself. Not because of the bill that I have to pay on my own without a sharing partner, but I always have that unsettling feeling that I wasn't alone. I know it was silly for me to think so. I have been dissing the idea. My parents would laugh on me every time I told them how I feel when they left me in the house alone on date night. They said it was a silly thought and I should get rid of it. That is exactly what I did. It has been okay so far living by myself sine I left college dorm. Tho I won't mind having roommate again. I am 25 now and working in a Painting Gallery in Jakarta. It was an easy job. All I have to do is checking the coming and going paintings, making sure all them are written on the catalogue and occasionally sending them to the buyers locally mostly. Not my ideal job, but I am trying to be an actress. This is just a job to sustain my life for now.

The house I live in located in Mampang area. My dad bought the house a long time ago when he was still working as Manager in that Oil Company. He thought that one day I could use the house. Once he got his pension money, he moved back to Bogor with mom. So now, I live there by myself in a 3 bedroom house. I was thinking that I should just share it with 2 other people. Close to where I live, there is a big TV Station with almost 2000 employees. I am sure some of them might look for a place to stay. That will be a great way to solve my problem living alone and helping with electricity or water bills.

I started to write an Ads searching for roommate on several website; Couchsurfing, AirBnB, and Kaskus Forum. Not too long after that, several people started to contact me asking for the location and price. Some of them were not serious enough. There were 2 people interested. One of them was working for that TV station and the other said she is a writer and mostly work from home or from a co-working space as long as there is good internet.

I agree to meet them separately in Plaza Semanggi. One of the girl who works in television company, her name is Nisha, seems like a very nice and outgoing personality. She knew I wanted and been trying to get a job as an actress. She said she might be able to share some casting information if she heard one. I instantly like her and decided she is a good fit as my roommate.

However, Tini sort for Surtini, the other girl, has a very different characteristic with Me and Nisha. She is reserved and most of the time keep it to herself. I guess maybe that is what is like to be a writer. I decided to accept her anyway. Seems like she needed a cheap place to stay and the price that I asked was pretty cheap.

Nisha and Tini immediately moved in a week after the meeting. I was happy with my new roommates. Nisha is pretty outgoing that I would sometimes meet her after work and hangout with her. As for Tini, she prefers to stay at home but she won't disturb any of us. She is quiet and most of the time stays in her room. I am happy with the ambiance and situation in my house.

My room was the located near living room. It used to be my parent's room and it was the biggest bedroom with personal bathroom inside. Nisha's room was the one close to my room and it used to be my room, slightly bigger than Tini's room. Tini's room located near the kitchen, smaller but she doesn't mind. She said it is suitable with the cheap price as Nisha has to pay slightly more. Nisha and Tini share a bathroom near the kitchen. Tini seems to like her room because it is located in the back that the sound for the living room won't bother her. She said she needs a quiet room for her to write her novel. When I asked her what kind of novel she writes, she said horror novel. I asked her if her book is already published. She said it was on a process of editing in a big publisher company. Seems like she is gonna be big, if a big publisher company is representing her.

Life was good for me. Nisha is quickly becoming my bestfriend and she is been helping me with casting information. Job in the gallery has been pretty good. The owner of the gallery is away for a business trip. She is trying to get more paintings from Bali and surrounding area. Most of her buyers are expatriates or foreigners who fancy Bali and Lombok. They would like at least a piece of painting from Bali's aspiring painters to show that they have been to Bali or Lombok. I doubt that they actually know the art of painting itself. Well I don't either.

Usually Nisha and I would watch a movie on HBO or Fox Movies at night after work. On her good day, Tini would join us to watch movie. Sometimes I get curious and ask her a lot of questions since I rarely had a chance to talk to her that much. She would nicely answer my questions, but sometimes she gets quiet when she is uncomfortable with the question. Nisha would roll her eyes if I asked offensive or private question. Like one time, Tini will quietly go back to the room and leave us hanging when I asked her why there is always a smell of flowers from her room. She just smiled and leave for her room. Nisha and I would assume she likes perfume with flowery scent. Once, I went to the kitchen at night to get some drink and I could smell jasmine scent. That would make me shiver. Indonesians believe that a smell of jasmine has a mystic effect and always associated it with ghost stories. Other time, Nisha said she would smell cananga or ylang flower.

Tini could be very weird sometimes, but overall she is a sweet and quiet girl. She would not bother us. So we don't mind her perfume scents. She would sometime clean the dishes when Nisha and I were busy watching movie or sometimes she would buy us sate when she was out. She said sate is her favorite food other than chicken. The sate she bought was always delicious. It tasted better than the place I used to go to. Every time I asked her where she bought it. She always smile and said she could get it for me again if I am craving for it. I am happy with that. Sometimes I brought home some fried chicken from Suharti. She said she likes it, but she knows better place with a better taste. Always mysterious our roommate, Tini. It is amusing to both me and Nisha to have a horror novelist as a writer, her mysterious characteristic must be because she is trying to get a deeper feeling for her work.

That was the introduction to the story I am planning to tell you. This is what happened to me and I hope this would never happen to anyone else. I still haven't solve all the mysteries and the problems too. I wrote this here hoping that I would get enlightenment from anyone with similar experience. This roommate from hell story is an ongoing story of my life. I would try to update it as often and as quick as I can in between work, casting, and other things that I do on a daily basis. Hope you can keep reading my story and helping me finds out what is happening to me and to my life after having roommates. I will see you again on the next update as now I have to work again. A potential buyer already making a prior arrangement to see one of our expensive paintings.

See you.

Singapore: Short Getaway

Several weeks ago, me and husband decided to go to Singapore for a quick and short getaway. We spent 3 days 2 nights in Singapore. We chose to stay in One Farrer Park Hotel as it is close to Little India. Our plan on this trip was to do more culinary tour around Little India, Kampung Glam, Arab Street, and Bugis which are close (walking distance) from the hotel.

One Farrer Park Hotel and Hospital within the same building

Last time we used 3 days MRT card for tourist. But this time we didn't bother to buy it since it was all within a walking distance. 

First day, we came at night due to awesome massive delay of Lion Air. One Farrer Park Hotel was nice enough to upgrade 2 exhausted guest after such delay. It was instantly upgrade our experience for the better. 

Found a cute looking hotel on the way to Arab Street

2nd day, we decided to go to Arab street, Kampung Glam, and Bugis for some shopping and culinary tour. We walked around 30 minutes from hotel to Arab Street.

Bussaurah Street

Middle Eastern Restaurants filled the streets

This street took me to middle eastern. Everything on the street has middle eastern feeling. It was bright and sunny day too. So many restaurants and some gift shops there. We decided to pick a Yemen restaurant.

We ordered all combination of appetizers with Peeta bread. 

Left to right; hummus, falafel, fatoush salad, babaganoush and Peeta Bread on the bottom

This is how you are suppose to eat it, wrap it like sandwich and Yumm!!!

Lunch was supeeer yummy!!! I was not so sure about middle eastern food before. Husband (back then boyfriend) keep taking me to Middle Eastern restaurant but I was not always like it. Till I tried this one. Turned out it was soooo good. Apparently I hadn't eat a good proper and authentic one before.

With all the food on our belly, we went to Bugis Street for a quick shopping in Bugis Street Market. I was going to buy some dresses. Husband was not a big fan of crowded place. He was pouting all the time. So, we decided to go to Bugis Mall instead to get his favorite Chewy Junior. It was my turn to pout since I couldn't buy any new outfits in the market. :-(

Managed to buy this tho; Kaya Ball Durian Flavor

Aaah look how beautiful my Kaya Durian Ball

Last time I visited Singapore, I bought Egglet or Egg Waffle and I thought to myself that soon it is gonna be a new trend in Indonesia (Jakarta). Then not too long after that, it was indeed becoming a hawker trend in Jakarta. I have the same prediction for this Kaya Ball too. Let's wait and see.

Day 2
We were  too lazy to go out early. I was coughing all night long too. Seems like I caught a cold. We only went to Mustofa to buy Muruku snack (my most favorite snack), gifts, and some Indian spices. I am in the mood to cook a lot of Indian foods these days.

Ovomaltine was only Rp.80.000 in Mustofa Center

Food court in a Mall close by to our hotel 

cute decor

Bought this keychains for our apartment keys

Have you heard about Banana Apollo? It was very popular in Little India (Singapore) as one of the best Indian restaurant in town. We went there and they live up to our expectation. The food was served on banana leaf. Everything was super delicious. The restaurant was kind crowded. But we got a funny guy served us. We went back on the 3rd day before going back to the airport. I would definitely come back again the next time we visit Singapore. Seriously this place is a must visit for those who loves Indian foods.

Oooh I miss this foods again!!!

It was sort but enjoyable trip to Singapore. Would love to go there again someday soon.

Hotel Review: One Farrer Park, Singapore

This was my 3rd trip to Singapore and maybe his hundreds trip to Singapore. But it was our 2nd trip together. We decided to take a short holiday to Singapore while extending his VOA.

He let me choose the hotel we were gonna stay, because last time I didn't really like the hotel he chose. It took a long time for me to chose one. Then I saw one on Agoda with a glowing review. The price was cheap 1.7million rupiah/night but it has almost perfect review. We decided to stay in One Farrer Park in Little India.

We were lucky because this new hotel upgraded us from basic room to VIP Club Lounge Room without having to pay extra. I think it was suppose to be around 4million/night in the Club Lounge Room. Yeay me!!! I mean Yeay OFP!

Personal Lounge for Club Lounge Guest to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time, basically any time meal for free!!

Snacks and Foods available almost all the time for Club Lounge Guests

Club Lounge Swimming Pool, pretty small but only for Club Lounge Guest, so it is decent size compare to the big shared one downstairs

Lounge seating area

Luxurious looking bathroom sets

Veranda Sitting area with Great View of The City

Enjoying our Tea Time 

We were the only one eating and probably staying on the Club Lounge Floor that 2 nights

This hotel deserves my vote. Room was cute and comfortable. I love that everything is using technology, from shutting down the drapes to automatic feet light to avoid bumping into things at night. The shower head was amazing. They gave us 2 options. I feel like showering under the hot water rain. Love the bathroom amenities too.

Next time, I would definitely stay there again. Tho, next time we can only afford the basic room. Also, it was only walking distance to Farrer MRT and Mustafa Centre too.
It was wonderful and amazing experience for us. I used to work a lot with Hotels to know a great one when I see it and this would be it. Excellent service, high-tech appliances, wonderful views, cute room and bathroom, great enjoyable food. Me and my partner would like to say personal thank you to the lady in the receptionist (we don't really know her name), Malik and Danial for their kindness and great service. Danial was actually befriending me on Instagram and frequently contacted me there too.  Who would have thought that I would make friend with one of the awesome Singapore people in the hotel. It is like his kindness was not just about service, but it was sincere. 

Hotel Link
Location: 9
Room    : 8
Foods    : 8
Service  : 9
Overall   : 8.5

Ps: Probably they could be better in terms of service in the lobby. Lobby area looked kinda dull and They don't have bellboy (or he was nowhere to be seen) and no one to open the door in the lobby.

Lion Air Massive Delay

As you probably already know about the recent news on Lion Air Massive Delay, we would like to share you what we also experienced on our recent holiday to Singapore.

Our flight JT158 was supposed to depart 6pm from gate D4 (so it says on the boarding pass). As we walked to D4, it was actually occupied by Air Asia and Jetstar. They told us Lion Air is located in D5 now.

Oh well! We went to D5 and they told us it was only for JT160 and JT158 is located in D7. Grrrrrr
We proceeded to D7 just to be told they were already booked for a Japan Airlines.

It was an hour to our departing time, yet we didn't know where the gate is. We were getting nervous. So did other passengers. I saw some of them started yelling at those Lion Air airport staffs. They have been throwing us off like a pingpong ball here and there, D4, D5, D7. We had been walking around back and forth to those gates. Jetstar and Air Asia staffs looked at us with sympathy.

They also delayed our flight for almost 2 hours. All they said is that there were some problem with the immigration. However, this time they gave us food, Hoka-Hoka Bento. I guess they learned something from the previous massive delay case. Still some passengers were already upset about the delay and the gate changing.

It also happened on our way back to Jakarta from Singapore. They moved the gate from A14 according to the boarding pass to A12. Fortunately there was no delay on the flight coming back to Jakarta.

We learned our lesson. No more Lion Air for us.

If you are looking for budget Airlines, maybe try Tiger Air, Jetstars, Air Asia, etc.

FYI, Batik Air is also part of Lion Air Group.