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jeromesky2003's Homepage http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:37 EST Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:37 EST Zorpia.com PART 66: Farewell to Another US Trainee & My... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109333   PART 66: Farewell to Another US Trainee & My Departure   JANUARY 8, SATURDAY             Bayu picked me up from Surabay bus station and brought me directly to the restaurant where there will be another farewell party for their trainee bound to India (Iâ€™m sorry again I forgot her name).           This was my second farewell to Aiesec University of Surabaya (US) members as well.       JANUARY 10, MONDAY             â€œAll my bags are packed Iâ€™m ready to goâ€¦ Iâ€™m leaving on a jet plane; donâ€™t know when Iâ€™ll be back again. Oh, babe, I hate to goâ€¦â€             Bayu, Fadil, Marshell & Fego delivered me to Surabaya International Airport which is just a 15 minutes ride from Fadilâ€™s place. I got one more hour before departure.           After checking in the airline counter, the Immigration Officer wonâ€™t let me in. He told me that I have to pay the Fiscal Fee of Rupia 1 Million (USD 117)!!!           I called on Fadil to help me explain. We argued that I am a foreigner and fiscal fee is only for Indonesian. But he said that I stayed more than 6 months with KITAS Visa (Temporary Resident Blue Card) so I have to pay. Fadil said that a few months ago, they had a Chinese Hong Kong girl who stayed more than 6 months in Surabaya and left without paying any.  They checked all the references, books and laws inside the office because the man in-charge is not on-duty during that time. I said Iâ€™m running out of time, the plane might leave without me. So I ran to an atm to withdraw some cash (because I have no Rupia bills anymore, I have changed all in to US dollars already) and Fadilâ€™s mother gave me USD100 which is no help also at this time. But I was happy that I can replace this â€œunexpected last-minute illogical bureaucracy expensesâ€ with the money that Fadilâ€™s mother gave me when I get back to manila to deposit it to my bank account.             I left Indonesia with a slight grudge. Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109333 Wed, 06 Apr 2005 03:11 EST PART 65: Farewell to AIESEC University of... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109332   <h1>PART 65: Farewell to AIESEC University of Brawijaya Malang</h1>  JANUARY 7, FRIDAY              In the evening, Rico arranged a farewell party dinner for me with the rest of the Aiesec UB. Dito and I rode with Fajarâ€™s motorbike to go to the place. As we all know, 3 passengers in one motorcycle is a No-No. We passed by the streets fine, but when we are about to reach the restaurant by making a U-turn, just a few meters away at the U-turn slot were some policemen. Dito, without a helmet, and me as the third guy, had no choice but to JUMP OFF the motorcycle even while it was running 20kph. We jumped to the bushes of the island to cross the other lane and walked to the restaurant. Fajar just went on and we were not noticed. What an experience even in my last night in Malang.             After dinner, the guys went to Irwinâ€™s place for a drink. Aiesec UB has a new trainee staying temporarily at Irwinâ€™s dorm before he moved to his apartment. This guy (Im sorry I forgot his name) is Turkish but lived & grew up in Germany where he joined aiesec.     JANUARY 8, SATURDAY             The next morning, Ricky, Irwinâ€™s friend drove me to Ditoâ€™s place coz he said he lives near there. From there, Dito & I went to the university where I met 2 Dutch guys, Peter & Margariet, whose having their own exchange program (not by aiesec) in another department. Then I waited for the rest of the guys to pick us up, have lunch and get together for the last time. This was my last meal in Malang.             Rico, Wily, Dito, and Agung (without Bagus coz he was in Jakarta) all took me to the bus station to go back to Surabaya. Rico gave me a gift â€“ a big box that Iâ€™m not suppose to open till I get to Manila. Then I give them a warm hug, as they are my own relatives.             I was hoping that I will come back to Indonesia this March but in case I wont be able to return, I said my last â€œGood-Byeâ€ to my dear friends who treated me well.   Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109332 Wed, 06 Apr 2005 03:10 EST PART 64: Al Akbar & Jawi Temple JANUARY 7,... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109330   PART 64: Al Akbar & Jawi Temple   JANUARY 7, FRIDAY             This morning I was going to Malang. But first, Fadil brought me to Al Akbar, now the largest mosque in the whole Java next to Al-Istiqâ€™lal in Jakarta. It was just a quick tour because this is my last chance to visit this holy site. I have seen it many times from a far when I pass by the highway to the south. But this time, I went up to the minaret (tower).             On my way to Malang, I stop over at Pandaan town just to see and have a picture at the JAWI Temple. A Majapahit King, that succeeded the Singosari Kingdom, visited this temple. It is believed that the name of the island of â€œJavaâ€ originated from this temple.     The History of Jawi Temple             Jawi Temple is located in Candi wates, village, Prigen district, Malang Regency, Negarakertagama named it â€œ Jajawa â€œ ( 55 : 3 ) or  â€œ Jawa-Jawa â€œ.           Jawi Temple was built by Kertanagara (Nag.56:1). It is concluded this temple was built during the last period of Singasari, the 13 th Century. In the matter of function and relation to the archaeologists. Some archaeologists contend Jawi Temple is the funeral temple for Kertanegara according to Negarakertagama which mentioned the King built the temple where was he consecrated. But some others archaeologists stated Jawi Temple is not for Kertanegaraâ€™s tomb by reason that Jawi Temple was built during Kertanegara still alive. Moreover, Sthapaka did not explained Jawi Temple belong to a group of Singasari Temple which is clear for Kertanegara . If we see, the relief described a man who will do Pradaksina, a ceremony relating to the worshipping of god (Dewayajna), it can be concluded such temple is a worshipping temple. Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1109330 Wed, 06 Apr 2005 03:09 EST PART 63: FAREWELL TO AL MUSLIM & AIESEC... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1061353 PART 63: FAREWELL TO AL MUSLIM & AIESEC UNIVERSITY OF SURABAYA JANUARY 4, TUESDAY Aiesec arranged a farewell Dutch-treat party for me with most of its members and former officers in a steak house. The president and I made some exchange gifts, chit-chat with the people, made some speeches and took pictures. JANUARY 5, WEDNESDAY The students of Grades 4 to 6 conducted a simple farewell program for me. Prayers, speeches, gifts, coins and sweet smiles were handed to me by my children whom I taught and played with for the past 7 months. Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1061353 Mon, 28 Feb 2005 13:47 EST PART 61: NEW YEAR IN JAKARTA DECEMBER 30,... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1061345 PART 61: NEW YEAR IN JAKARTA DECEMBER 30, THURSDAY I took a plane to Jakarta to spend the New Year expecting that it would be more lively and fun rather than if I stay in Surabaya. Without knowing where to stay, I clicked on some names in my cell phone. The Filipinos cannot accept me for they had some visitors already. Ika, the girl who had her traineeship in Manila, just got married last Dec. 26, met me in Plasa Indonesia but cannot take me either. I accidentally met Ariel from Bandung with his girlfriend in that mall. And the relatives of my friends from different Aiesec are not available. Some guy from friendster accepted me. Well, what do you know Friendster works! DECEMBER 31, FRIDAY I traveled alone to some parts of the city that I havenâ€™t been before, the northern part â€“ Kota, Malaka and Sunda Kelapa. I took different modes of transportation. The BUSWAY has a special designated lane and runs through the city from North to South. The BAJAJ is a rickshaw version of the Tuktuk in Thailand. GLODOK is the Chinatown, which I did not dare to visit. Its crowded, narrow busy streets can bring me to oblivion. I stayed on the bus to reach the end terminal that is KOTA. This was the old capital during the VOC and Dutch occupation. Just a few meters ahead are the Fatahillah, Serejah and Puppet Museums. The VOC shipyard was turned into a restaurant and souvenir shop. Across it is the Lookout Tower. I tried to get inside the Sunda Kepala by taking a bemo but it was later that I realized that I was no longer in the port area and the vehicle was running towards east out of the city. I got lost!!! Nah. I just got off the bemo, crossed the street and took the bemo going to the opposite way that brought me back to the Busway terminal. Then I just proceeded to Plasa Semanggi to have dinner. In the evening, my new friends brought me to Senayan Park and Sports complex for the New Yearâ€™s Party Celebration. There were live band performances, on the other side was techno/house music and the other part was hip-hop/rnb. Talking about some party. Those places were not crowded for they fear of some mischief or bombings, and the President announced to â€˜lay lowâ€™ to sympathize with the victims of the deadly tsunami. There were some fireworks displays and blowing of improvised horns at the strike of midnight for only 10 minutes or so. But there were no firecracker exploding in the streets, big or small, there were no people shouting and jumping, no merry making, no feast on the dinner tables, and no beers and drunkards. JANUARY 1, 2005, SATURDAY I called the airline to transfer my return to Surabaya on this day rather than staying in Jakarta for 3 more days. There was nothing to do for me anymore. -------------------------------- PART 62: LAST JAUNT IN SURABAYA JANUARY 3, MONDAY Fadil and I went to the Immigration to fix Exit Permit papers. After that, he took me for a last stroll around the city where I stayed in for the past 10 months. Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/1061345 Mon, 28 Feb 2005 13:33 EST PART 60: A review of my Religious Tours ISLAM http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/946995 PART 60: A review of my Religious <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Tours</st1:City></st1:place><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ISLAM (Orthodox) â€“ Grand Mosque in <st1:City w:st="on">Bandung</st1:City>, <st1:place w:st="on">West Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> Al-Istiqâ€™lal & At-Tin in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Jakarta</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> Atta-Awun in Puncak south of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jakarta</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> ISLAM (Javanese) â€“Wali Songo (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place>, Gresik, Lamongan, <o:p></o:p> Tuban, Demak, Kudus) <o:p></o:p> Yogakarta (Keraton) Palace, <st1:place w:st="on">Central Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> ISLAM (Chinese) â€“ Cheng Ho Temple in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> Cheng Ho (Sam Poo Kong) <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Grand</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Temple</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:City w:st="on">Semarang</st1:City>, <st1:place w:st="on">Central Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> ISLAM (with mysticism) â€“ at Anyer, people from Banten in <st1:place w:st="on">West Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> HINDU â€“ Bali<o:p></o:p> HINDU â€“ Tengger, East Java<o:p></o:p> HINDU â€“ Singosari around <st1:City w:st="on">Malang</st1:City>, <st1:place w:st="on">East Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> HINDU â€“ Majapahit, west of <st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City>, <st1:place w:st="on">East Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> HINDU â€“ Gedungsongo Hill in Bandungan south of <st1:City w:st="on">Semarang</st1:City>, <st1:place w:st="on">Central Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> HINDU â€“ Prambanan in Yogakarta<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> BUDDHIST â€“ Borobudur in Magelang, <st1:place w:st="on">Central Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> BUDDHIST â€“ <st1:place w:st="on">Yogyakarta</st1:place><o:p></o:p> BUDDHIST â€“ 1 in <st1:City w:st="on">Malang</st1:City> & 1 in Blitar, <st1:place w:st="on">East Java</st1:place><o:p></o:p> BUDDHIST â€“ Singosari town, northeast of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> BUDDHIST â€“ Quan-Yin & 4-Faced Buddha Shrines in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> CATHOLIC/ CHRISTIAN â€“ Grand Cathedral in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Jakarta</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> Dutch Reformed Church in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Immanuel</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Church</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Semarang</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> <st1:place w:st="on">Bali</st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> CONFUCIOUS â€“ 1 <st1:City w:st="on">Temple</st1:City> in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City><o:p></o:p> 4 temples in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Semarang</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/946995 Sun, 02 Jan 2005 08:40 EST PART 59: WALI SONGO â€“ 9 JAVANESE MOSLEM... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/935315 PART 59: WALI SONGO â€“ 9 JAVANESE MOSLEM SAINTS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 17, MONDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             The husband of the owner of the school was kind to provide us with a transportation and offered 2 of his friends to accompany us for they know the roads better than us and told us stories about the Wali Songo. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City>:<o:p></o:p> SUNAN AMPEL (Raden Achmad Rachmatulloh) is the son of Ibrahim Al Ghozi Jammaluddin Husein. He came to Java from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region> together with his father and brother to replace Maulana Malik Ibrahim in 1419. The Majapahit king gave him the title Raden Susuhunan because he came from the aristocrat family and Sunan because of his good deeds.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> **Side trip** <o:p></o:p> **HOK AN KIONG Temple in <st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City>â€™s <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> town. This temple was built by Chinese merchants in the 18th century for Mazu, patron goddess of sailors.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> **KAMPUNG ARAB (Arab community) around the Ampel Mosque.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Gresik: 20 km North-east of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> MAULANA MALIK IBRAHIM was one of he earliest missionaries in Java from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Persia</st1:place></st1:country-region> and was buried with his family in Desa Candipuro in 1419. He was replaced by Sunan Ampel.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> **Side trip** <o:p></o:p> **TAMAN MAKAM PALAHWAN (Heroes' <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Cemetery</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>)<o:p></o:p> **MASJID AGUNG GRESIK (Gresik Grand Mosque)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Giri:<o:p></o:p> SUNAN GIRIâ€™s tomb is a popular pilgrimage site, located in an ancient Muslim heroesâ€™ cemetery on a hill guarded by two Hindu guardian statues in the town of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Giri</st1:City></st1:place>, 3 km south of Gresik. To approach his tomb, there are long concrete steps infested with beggars and shops.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Paciran:<o:p></o:p> SUNAN DRAJAD (Raden Qosim) was Sunan Ampelâ€™s second son. He was highly respected for his social activity. His words of wisdom reflected this charitable nature: â€œGive cloth to the naked person, give food to the hungry person, and give a stick to one whose road is slipperyâ€. The entrance and front panels of the main tomb are greatly ornamented and carved in a distinctive fashion. Close to the tomb is a small museum displaying fragments of gamelan (Javanese musical instruments), Chinese wares and drum.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> SUNAN SENDANG DUWUR is located in the Maharani cave. We didnâ€™t go inside, just passed by the main road leading to the cave.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> **Side trip** <o:p></o:p> **WISATA BAHARI LAMONGAN (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Lamongan</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Theme Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Ocean World)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tuban: 98 km from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> SUNAN BONANG (Raden Makdum Ibrahim) was the eldest son of Sunan Ampel. It is said that Sunan Bonang did not marry and left no descendants, thus he devoted his life to spreading the religious message of Islam. He also assisted in constructing the Masjid Agung in Demak. His tomb is unique in that ancient porcelain Arabic and Chinese disks were found adhered to the walls.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> **Side trip** <o:p></o:p> **JAMI MOSQUE was built in 1894 AD in the Persian style.<o:p></o:p> **TJOE LING KIONG is a Confucius temple.<o:p></o:p> **We had late lunch in this town and I tried the crab curry which is so spicy even for the two elderly.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p> Back in <st1:place w:st="on">Central Java</st1:place>â€™s northern coast (see Part 49), I have visited:<o:p></o:p> SUNAN KALIJAGAâ€™s Grand Mosque in Demak<o:p></o:p> SUNAN KUDUS in Kudus town<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Too bad SUNAN MURIA is still far from Kudus and its located on the foot of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mount</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Muria</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> and <o:p></o:p> SUNAN DUNONGJATI is located in <st1:place w:st="on">West Java</st1:place>. I miss the chance to see these 2 saints.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Therefore, I have visited 7 of the 9 Sunans.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/935315 Wed, 29 Dec 2004 21:56 EST PART 58: â€œCOLDâ€ CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 24,... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/935313 PART 58: â€œCOLDâ€ CHRISTMAS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 24, FRIDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I went to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> for Christmas. There was a miscommunication between Rico and Bagus, so both of them went to the bus station to pick me up. Hehehe. Sweet!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Bagus and I had dinner first, and then Rico and I went to attend the Holy Mass in a Church buil by the Dutch. Just across is another Catholic church - the first church built in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Malang</st1:City></st1:place> (20 meters beside it is a mosque).<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -    I dont see the colorful Christmas lights, trees and stars on the street<o:p></o:p> -    I dont hear carolers singing on the street<o:p></o:p> -    I dont smell â€˜bibingkaâ€™ and â€˜puto bungbongâ€™ (Filipino rice cakes & pudding)<o:p></o:p> -    I dont feel the â€œSpirit of Christmasâ€ as compare to my country<o:p></o:p> -    I still see the people happy inside the church <o:p></o:p> -    but I see cops securing the churches from any misfortunes that might happen<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             At midnight, its just me and Rico drinking beer while talking stuff (Im suppose to be dining table with my family for â€˜Noche Buenaâ€™). After which, I went to bed.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 25, SATURDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Since we donâ€™t have much to do, we woke up late. I asked Rico if he can take me to TUMPANG, 25 km east of <st1:City w:st="on">Malang</st1:City> to see the last 2 temples that I havenâ€™t been to in this former <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">SINGOSARI</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">KINGDOM</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. It was raining from the time we left <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> until we got back in the afternoon. I drove the motorcycle going back to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> but my hands were cold and I couldnâ€™t see the road, so we have to take a rest until the rain stops.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> JAGO or <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">JAJAGU</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">TEMPLE</st1:PlaceType> was dedicated to a form of Tantric Buddhism and was erected to honor King Wisnuwardhana of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Singosari</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> who died in the mid-13th century. The temple has a long sequence of narrative relief carved in the so-called wayang-style based on Jataka, the Ramayana, and other unidentified legends.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> KIDAL TEMPLE was built to honor Anusapati, the Singosari king who died in 1290 AD. The base is decorated with statues of the mythical Garuda bird on three sides. On the north he is carrying a goddess, maybe Dewi Sri; on the east he holds a kendi or water jar, probably a reference to the story in which he had to find the elixir of immortality to ransom his mother from slavery; on the south side Garuda is carrying a snake.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             In the evening, I was joined by Wily, Dito and Bagus to have a dinner outside. It was raining earlier so there are only a few people on the streets. After they went home, I just watched t.v. till late.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 26, SUNDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Bagus took me to Marshelâ€™s place but I was late. The family went out already for lunch. Then he took me to his friends where we had â€˜brunchâ€™ before he took me to Zilvaâ€™s place. She offered me to visit her with Rico but Rico couldnâ€™t leave the house. Since nobody from Zilvaâ€™s place can take me out back to the main road and Bagus has to leave back home, we just dropped by for only 5 minutes then Bagus took me where I could ride to the bus station.<o:p></o:p>             Back to Surabaya, Fadilâ€™s brother, Ari, picked me up from the bus station and took me their place coz tomorrow morning we are leaving early to visit the graves of the 5 of the Wali Songo (Nine Saints) of Javanese Moslem.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/935313 Wed, 29 Dec 2004 21:54 EST PART 57: MOJOKERTO â€“ Majapahit Kingdom... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/908657 PART 57: MOJOKERTO â€“ <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Majapahit</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Legacy<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 19, SUNDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I asked Fadil if he can take me Mojokerto together with some of the students and teachers from Al Muslim. The owner of the school was so kind to provide us with transportation and a driver.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> TROWULAN, 35 km from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City>, was the site of Javaâ€™s most powerful kingdom - Majapahit. Founded in the late 13th century, its famous patih or Prime Minister, GAJAH MADA, claimed suzerainty over an area larger than modern <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Trowulan Site Museum was a large collection of objects collected from the area, including stones and terracotta statues, local earthenware pottery, keris, and Chinese porcelain. The ancient city was extensive, and major monuments are scattered over an area of several square kilometers.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> SEGARAN POOL (Kolam Segaran) is found nearby where legend tells of a king disposing of golden dishes to the surprise of his guests as an ostentatious display of wealth.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> PENDOPO AGUNG (Grand Pavilion) is believed to be the site of the main building of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Majapahit</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Palace</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and now houses many artifacts discovered in 1970s.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">BAJANG</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">RATU</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">TEMPLE</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, a brick gateway 22 meters high decorated with narrative relief from the Ramayana and other stories, has undergone a complete restoration and completed in 1991.<o:p></o:p> The gateway has within its entrance, illustrations of a beautiful giant head, believed to date from the mid 14th century. This temple was built for the memory of Jayanegara, and was mentioned in Negarakertagama book.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">TIKUS</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">TEMPLE</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is believed to be the site of the ritual bathing pool of the royal family. It has makara-shaped stone spouts and a brick motif symbolizing <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Semeru</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. In other books, it is shaped like <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Mahameru</st1:PlaceName> in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p>             Made in 13th or 14th century, the temple was completely covered by ground after the fall of the kingdom. Rat houses were found during the excavation in 1914 that is where the name TIKUS (rat) came from.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">BRAHU</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">TEMPLE</st1:PlaceType> can be found 10 minutes drive northwest of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Tikus</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Temple</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The red brick temple is the largest standing structure remaining from Majapahit.<o:p></o:p>             Brahu came from the word â€œabuâ€ means â€œashâ€ and is believed to contain the cremation remains of King Brawijaya.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> --------------------------------------<o:p></o:p> The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">BRANTAS</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">VALLEY</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Brantas</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> has been a vital trade and communication route since the earliest period of Javaâ€™s recorded history. Hundred of years before Islam, Hindu-Buddhist kings were already diverting the waters of the Brantas to develop elaborate irrigation systems. Around the complex of active volcanoes, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arjuna</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>, Kawi and Kelud, flourished important ancient civilizations, and the area is rich with archeological sites dating from the 8th to 15th centuries - a â€œgolden ageâ€ of Hindu-Javanese art and culture.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Political power shifted to <st1:place w:st="on">East Java</st1:place>:<o:p></o:p> -   following the sudden decline of Central Javaâ€™s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">MATARAM</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in the early 10th century;<o:p></o:p> -   a powerful ruler named SINDOK then established a capital southwest of present-day <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p> -   <st1:City w:st="on">KEDIRI</st1:City> in the western <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Brantas</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> briefly became the islandâ€™s dominant kingdom in the earl 11th century<o:p></o:p> -   power shifted again to SINGOSARI in the eastern Brantas basin in 13th century (1222)<o:p></o:p> -   this move was merely a prelude to the rise of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">MAJAPAHIT</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">KINGDOM</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in the northern part of the valley at the close of 13th century<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/908657 Thu, 23 Dec 2004 02:36 EST PART 56: PHILIPPINE EXHIBIT DECEMBER 13 â€“... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/908648 PART 56: PHILIPPINE EXHIBIT<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 13 â€“ 17, MONDAY to FRIDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             The Social Studies teacher asked me if I can help her with her lectures about <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on">South East Asia</st1:place>. I said I can make an exhibit in my office about <st1:country-region w:st="on">Malaysia</st1:country-region> and the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. I have magazines, newspaper clippings, maps, photos and a power point presentation. But the power point is in English, so I asked the son of the school owner to translate it in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I shall make a short example of my lecture. And for my Indonesian friends, here is a small information about my country:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Filipina adalah 3 Daerah Besar: Luzon, Visayas dan <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place><o:p></o:p> Tarus di pembagi lagi ke daerah-daerah kecil: Daerah 1 sampai 13<o:p></o:p> Setiap Dearah adalah provinsi-provinsi<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ibukota: Metro-Manila<o:p></o:p> Itu bukan cuma satu <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">kota</st1:City></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p> Adalah kota-kota besar (cities) dan kota-kota kecil (municipalities)<o:p></o:p> U$D 1 = Philippine Peso 56 = Rupia 9,200<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Banera Filipina, artinya:<o:p></o:p> Biru â€“ damai<o:p></o:p> Merah â€“ perang<o:p></o:p> Putih â€“ suci<o:p></o:p> 3 bintang â€“ 3 daerah besar<o:p></o:p> 8 sinar matahari â€“ 8 provinsi-provinsi yang perkelahian yaitu orang Espanyol<o:p></o:p> Jika ada perang menetang orang asing, kami terbalik bandera untuk merah yang di atas.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   300,000 tahun yg lalu, terjadi migrasi dari daratan utama dan <st1:place w:st="on">Kalimantan</st1:place> melalui jembatan daratan<o:p></o:p> -   Pada tahun 500 S.M. (B.C.) terdapat catatan perdagangan dengan sesama bangsa asia seperti orang Hindu dari Jawa dan <st1:place w:st="on">Sumatra</st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   (1521) Ferdinand Magellan menemukan daratan baru dan menamainya â€œKepulauan de San Lazaroâ€<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   (1564) Miguel Lopez de Legaspi dikirim untuk menjajah kepulauan dimulai dari Cebu kemudian membangun <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Manila</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   Roy Lopez Villalobos memberikan nama baru â€œFelipinasâ€ sebagai penghormatan kepada putra mahkota Spanyol Philip II<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> JOSE PROTACIO RIZAL (Palahwan Nasional)<o:p></o:p> Dokter, Negarawan, Guru, Pelukis, Pemahat, and Penulis buku yg berjudul â€œNoli Me Tangereâ€ (Jangan Sentuh Saya)  dan â€œEl Filibusterismoâ€ tentang bangsa spanyol yang  kejam.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Andres Bonifacio<o:p></o:p> Memimpin kelompok pemberontak di berbagai yang 8 propinsi<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Jenderal Emilio Aguinaldo<o:p></o:p> Menjadi Presiden Filipina Pertama, Proklamator Kemerdekaan, dan membangun Republik Filipina pada 1899 dengan bantuan orang Amerika dan Andres Bonifacio. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   (1972) Ferdinand Marcos, Presiden terpilih pertama, memberlakukan darurat sipil sebagai respon atas yang disebut dengan â€œpemberontakan yang konsistenâ€ menjalankan pemerintahan diktator, dan mundur setelah 8 tahun<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   (1983) mantan Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. membentuk Koalisi anti-Marcos, dibunuh di bandara udara ketika kembali dari pengasingan di Amerika<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -    Corazon C. Aquino, janda Benigno, menjadi presiden pada 1986<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   Marcos tinggal di MalacaÃ±ang dan kemudian dijungkalkan oleh PEOPLE POWER (KEKUATAN RAKYAT) setelah 20 tahun berkuasa<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -   Marcos diberi tempat perlindungan di <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:State> tempat dimana dia meninggal<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Samut-Sari (Gado-Gado):<o:p></o:p> Carabao (Kerbau)<o:p></o:p> Nipa Hut (Gubuk) <o:p></o:p> Calesa (Dokar/kereta kuda)<o:p></o:p> Tarsier - hewan primata terkecil<o:p></o:p> Barong - Pakaian Nasional<o:p></o:p> Jeepney - Raja Jalanan (King of the Road) seperti â€˜bemoâ€™<o:p></o:p> <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Toyota</st1:place></st1:City> Tamaraw FX - sebagai taxi modern (Toyota Kijang)<o:p></o:p> Tricycle - sepeda motor gandengan samping (sidecar) seperti â€˜bajajâ€™<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Special thanks to:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Chong/ Darrren from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Malaysia</st1:country-region> (now in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Poland</st1:country-region>) for giving me the maps and magazines before I left for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ari, for translating my power point presentation and the LCD projector.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Al Muslim Social Science teachers, School Principal and the proprietress for giving me a chance to represent my country to the young students.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/908648 Thu, 23 Dec 2004 02:18 EST PART 55: TENGGER HIGHLANDS At the center of... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899122 PART 55: TENGGER HIGHLANDS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             At the center of this upland massif lies an ancient caldera measuring 10 km in diameter â€“ sheer, grass-covered cliffs surrounding a black, windswept â€œsea of sandâ€. Four smaller peaks rise 300 â€“ 400 meters from the center of this crater floor; the one on the left is a smoldering mound of cinder and ash that erupts every few years. This is BROMO.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Javaâ€™s highest peak, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mount</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">SEMERU</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> (3,676 meters), looms over this desolate lunar landscape just 20 km to the south. An active volcano, Semeru erupted violently in 1983, wiping out two villages in its southern slopes. Smokes come out from its mouth oftenly.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Local myths affirm that Bromo is the home of the Tenggerâ€™s most important guardian diety â€“ an ancestral spirit named JOKO SEGER. He is thought to have given his life for the well-being of his descendants, when he was snatched from his parentsâ€™ arms as the fled the angry volcano. Fittingly, he is seen as both a benevolent provider and a fearsome destroyer.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ---------------------<o:p></o:p> TENGGERESE<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             The upper slopes of this highland massif are home to some 40,000 people â€“ the TENGGER JAVANESE â€“ who are the only group on the island to have preserved a Hindu priesthood since the collapse of the Hindu-Buddhist <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">kingdom</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Majapahit</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> about five centuries ago. After Islam swept Java, Majapahitâ€™s aristocrats and priests took flight to the small Hindu principality of Blambangan at Javaâ€™s far eastern tip, and to neighboring <st1:place w:st="on">Bali</st1:place>. Many commoners are said to have sought refuge in the Tengger highlands.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             While the liturgies of Tengger commoner priests recognize Siva as the supreme deity â€“ with Brahma, Visnu, Mahadewa and Iswara as his associates â€“ many Tengger traditions reflect local beliefs. This is evident in the ceremony held each year during the last month (Kasodo) of the Tengger calendar, when the faithful make a ritual offering to Joko Seger in Bromo.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> ----------------------------<o:p></o:p> KASODO FESTIVAL<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Thousands assemble in the sand flats beneath <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Bromo</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> at midnight in the middle of this month, most bearing small offerings of vegetables, flowers, money, or even live chickens. The 28 priests of the Tengger region begin the rite by burning incense, anointing the assembled offerings, and invoking Siva and other guardian deities. The throngs push their way up <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Bromo</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> to throw the offerings into the caldera, ensuring the welfare in the coming year.<o:p></o:p>             The Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme god, Hyang Widi Wasa, followed by a classical ballet performance. The story recounts the legend of Roro Anteng and Jaka Seger and is performed at the open theater in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">village</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Ngadisari</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>                         The Legend of Kasada Ceremony<o:p></o:p>             <o:p></o:p>             According to legend, the Kasado ceremony dates back to the time of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Majapahit</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, during the reign of KING BRAWIJAYA. The queen gave birth to a daughter named RARA ANTENG who married JOKO SEGER, a young man from the Brahma Caste.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> These two were among those who fled eastward from Majapahit as the religion of Islam expanded into Java during the 15th century. Settling in the Tenger range, Joko Seger and Rara Anteng ruled the region jointly under the title Purbawisesa Mangkural Ing Tengger. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The word â€˜Tenggerâ€™ itself is said to have been derived from a combination of the last syllables of the two rulers names: â€œTengâ€ and â€œGerâ€. Another meaning is derived from â€œTenggering Budi Luhurâ€, meaning eternal peace and high morality.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> For some years, the region flourished under their leadership, yet the king and queen were unhappy for they had no children. The decided therefore, to climb to the top of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Bromo</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> to pray for help. Moved by the depth of their faith, the god of Mr. Bromo assured them of offspring, but with the condition that the youngest child must be sacrificed into the crater of the volcano.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> After giving birth to 25 children, the time came for Roro Anteng to keep her promise. Since they were reluctant however, they were threatened with catastrophe. At last, they were forced to comply with the godâ€™s wishes and their 25th child, named KESUMA, was thrown into the crater. As the child was sacrificed, a voice was heard to echo â€œMy beloved brothers and sisters, I have been sacrifice b our parents to appear before Hyang Widi. Be in peace and live prosperously, never forgetting to worship. As a reminder, I ask you to perform annual ceremony on the 14th day of Kesada at the time of the half moon to bring an offering of crops and livestockâ€.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   -------------------------<o:p></o:p> VISITING BROMO<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> One can take the route from Probolinggo - Sakapura - Ngadisari (altitude 1950 meters).<o:p></o:p> Or take the one which is more difficult, the one which I took, Pasuruan - Tosati - Wonokitri - Penanjakan.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> TOSARI was one of Javaâ€™s most popular hill stations during Dutch colonial times, and thought the old hostelries were destroyed during the revolution; new hotels are now being built here.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> WONOKITRI has cheaper accommodations. Along the way you will see farmers bringing vegetables to market. The valleys are much narrower and deeper here than in Ngadisari, and the neatly cultivated hillsides are covered with brightly painted houses.<o:p></o:p>             Wonokriti has won government awards for its development programs, and the cleanliness of the village is impressive. The local Balinese-style temple was one of the first to be built in the Tenger highlands in the 1970s, when the population â€œrediscoveredâ€ its religious ties with Hindu Bali.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> PENANJAKAN (â€œThe Promontoryâ€), with an altitude of 2775 meters, offers a breathtaking view. From this vantage point high above the Bromo crater, the full girth of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Semeru</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> is visible 30 km to the south. Ancient Javanese Hindus believed this Pananjakan â€“ Bromo - Semeru axis to be the center of the world; from Penanjakan you will understand why.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> My journey to Bromo is an unforgettable experience that offered cool respite from the tropical heat and the urban bustle of the lowland. Plus I got the chance to prove myself that I can travel without any help from friends. BERANI (brave)!!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899122 Mon, 20 Dec 2004 05:28 EST PART 54: MT. BROMO â€“ I went alone DECEMBER... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899120 PART 54: <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">MT.</st1:PlaceType> BROMO â€“ I went alone<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 11, SATURDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I gave a lecture speech to teachers for the third time. After that, I met with the Elementary and High School Science Teachers for future planning and handed over the books which I compiled as their Handout Supplement for teaching academics, Science Club and Science Fair.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> As I went home at noon, I was having second thoughts of going to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">MOUNT</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">BROMO</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. No one was available to accompany me. I packed up already since last night. I took a nap before I can decide.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> When I woke up at 3 pm, Iâ€™m still hesitating if I should go or not. Then I had anxiety attacks. Sakit purut! I have to use the toilet. <o:p></o:p> â€œMake up your mind. Make up our mind. I will go alone, I can do this aloneâ€.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I put on my clothes, grabbed my bag, closed my room and headed for the street.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I AM THE UNLUCKIEST MAN ALIVE!!!!<o:p></o:p> PUTANG-INANG BUHAY NA ITO, SOBRANG MALAS KO!!!!<o:p></o:p> YA, AMPUN!!! MENGAPA AKU BAGINI???<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 3:30 pm<o:p></o:p> -    I took the wrong bemo (public transpo) going to the bus station. I got lost in the city where I live for the past 9 months!!!<o:p></o:p> -    1.5 hours was wasted just to get myself to the bus station<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 5:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    At the bus station, I sms Bagus if he is available on Sunday & Monday, I will take the bus to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> instead. He will be busy on those days, he said. So I took the bus to Jember.<o:p></o:p> -    The bus was full and hot! I donâ€™t use air-con bus so I can save some money & I can smoke.<o:p></o:p> -    My destination is PASURUAN town 15 km east of <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City>. But I got off the bus too soon. I was in BANGIL, a regent town, still half an hour to Pasuruan town proper.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 6:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    The next bus I took was full - as in I was standing on the door in the front section of the bus<o:p></o:p> -    As I moved in, my right leg is on the hood of the engine<o:p></o:p> -    The bus conductor collected a fare (Rp 5000) which is higher compare to the amount I paid on the first bus from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City> (Rp 4,500) although this is only half of the total distance that I will travel<o:p></o:p> -    Thatâ€™s ok, at least I asked him nicely to remind me where I should get off in Pasuran (the main terminal) to hitch for the next ride - which he did not!!!<o:p></o:p> -    I missed the terminal by few meters after I asked the man beside me - damn bus conductor!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 6:30 pm<o:p></o:p> -    I was feeling hungry. I must control my body with my mind â€“ Will Power â€œI will not eat until I reach my final destinationâ€ which is Wonokriti (50 km from here)<o:p></o:p> -    A â€œcoltâ€ is bigger than a bemo or L-300 van. It will take me only 1 hour to reach my next destination, PASERPAN (or Pasrepan) town, 25 km.<o:p></o:p> -    I was seated in front next to the driver so that I would see whatâ€™s ahead clearly. I asked the driver where I could get the next ride to BROMO after this.<o:p></o:p> -    He said he knows somebody at the Paserpan terminal, an â€˜ojekâ€™, a motorcycle-for-rent with driver that will take me to Bromo.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 7:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    The driver spoke in Javanese language to his assistant and I heard a suffix for the money â€œ-wuâ€. Then the conductor collected Rp5000 from me which I know its over-priced.<o:p></o:p> -    Itâ€™s a common thing to these drivers to over-price tourists (local and foreign). Even if I try to speak in Indonesian language and pretend that I am Indonesian, but I said â€œaku mau ke Bromoâ€ (I will go to Bromo), that rings a bell to their ears, your a tourist -- with money. So they will take advantage of you in any possible ways they can.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -    At the Paserpan terminal, he pointed me to an â€˜ojekâ€™. The fare for WONOKRITI is Rp 15,000 (USD 1.6). We will take a 30 km long and winding road up to the mountains<o:p></o:p> -    Then it started to rain! I had to put on my jacket before we start leaving<o:p></o:p> -    Along the way, I asked all the dieties (dewata, dewa, and dewi) of this region to stop the rain and do not let it rain till tomorrow morning.<o:p></o:p> -    We just started about 30 minutes ago or so when I noticed that he is driving soooooo sssslllllloooowwww. Usually it takes only 1 hour they say. But with his old â€œ<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>â€ motorcycle, it took me 2 hours.<o:p></o:p> -    But driving uphill was nice especially with the clouds, in the clouds and through the clouds<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 8:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    We made a stop over at TOSARI to have dinner. Still about 3 km to Wonokriti. Now I have to pay for the driverâ€™s food, cigarette and gasoline. I didnâ€™t complain.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 9:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    As we were preparing to continue our journey, I havenâ€™t ride the motorbike yet, when the driver drove away leaving me behind!!!<o:p></o:p> -    I said to myself and to a bunch of guys in the street, â€œHow come he could have left me here while I already paid up to the next town, Wonorkriti?â€  They said, â€œToo bad you already paid.â€<o:p></o:p> -    My ass was freezing. My hands were shaking coz its too cold on the streets. So, I asked them if I could stay in a house at least for a few hours because hotels and losmen (inn) are expensive. <o:p></o:p> -    one â€˜ojekâ€™ guy can take me to see the sunrise at the â€œviewpointâ€ mountain then go down to the â€œsea of sandâ€ inside the caldera of the volcano then back to this town for Rp 75,000 (U$D 8)!!! Damn!!!<o:p></o:p> -    After around 30 mins, my â€˜ojekâ€™ came back. He had reach Wonokriti townâ€™s square when he realized that I was not riding with him all along. That explained why there was no reply from me when he was talking while traveling because he was alone. GOBLOK!   BOBO!   STUPID!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 10:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    We arrived at Wonokriti<o:p></o:p> -    my â€˜ojekâ€™ offered his service to take me to the â€œview pointâ€ then back to Paserpan because he said if he leave me here I cannot find another â€˜ojekâ€™ at this time, and I will just add Rp 50,000. But the truth is he has no other passenger going back to Paserpan, he still thinks of profiteering. That sounds reasonable, but do I want to travel to the peak of the â€œviewpointâ€ with this TURTLE-CYCLE???<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> -    We looked for a lostmen (inn) for me to rest for only 5 hours. We need to leave by 3am to be able to reach the sunrise at the viewpoint because this motor is slow. One room for 2 cost Rp 75,000 (U$D8) but the owner of the losmen recommended me to his friend coz I go for cheaper room. Its only Rp 50,000 but Im sure he has a commission from this coz the average rental price is Rp 35,000.<o:p></o:p> -    The house has 9 rooms and it is for tourists who stop-by at their town. The room is ok, with soft bed and warm blanket<o:p></o:p> -    The water is VERY COLD!!! I just had a quick body wash. Record breaking 3 minutes!!!<o:p></o:p> -    A stage was set up in a small quadrangle for tomorrow; itâ€™s a Hindu holiday on their calendar. The local band was covering a song from my favorite band - Peter Pan. They were ruining the song!!! Later on, some amateur singer sang a â€œdangdutâ€ song (modern but itâ€™s the traditional music of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:country-region> with the beat from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>)<o:p></o:p> -    After dressing up warmly and headed for the show, I heard someone on the mic say â€œTermina kasih dan selamat malamâ€ (Thank you and good night). AAAAaaarrrrrgghhhhhh!!!! The lights just went off as soon as I reached the quadrangle.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 11:00 pm<o:p></o:p> -    I went back to my room and sleep instead.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 12, SUNDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 3:30 am<o:p></o:p> -    We left the house and head for <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">PENANJAKAN</st1:PlaceName>, the â€œviewpointâ€, to see the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">breath-taking</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> Bromo during sunrise<o:p></o:p> -    I was wearing long sleeves shirt, 2 jackets, head bonnet then hood from the jacket, underwear, trunks, short pants, then long pants, thick socks and shoes. And I was still chilling!!!!<o:p></o:p> -    The temperature drops 1 degree Celsius every time we reach 100 meters altitude higher<o:p></o:p> -    My hands were numb and my ears are cold.<o:p></o:p> -    The turtle-cycle cant drive uphill that fast. He was on the fourth gear but we were running like its on the first gear. All vehicles, I say ALL, took over ahead of us. GGGggggrrrrrr!!!!!!<o:p></o:p> -    My butt, I shift from left and right because they were starting to sore.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 4:00 am<o:p></o:p> -    Ok, I said, â€œBe patient. I decided to stay with this driver so endure the consequences and just enjoy the travelâ€. I looked around; the mountain has plenty of spirits. I looked up in the sky: I saw my favorite heavenly bodies all in one night sky event: <o:p></o:p>                         The MILKY WAY Cloud stretching from north to south,<o:p></o:p> BIG DIPPER (Ursa Major) in the North, <o:p></o:p> ORION in the West with its sword and shield, <o:p></o:p> SOUTHERN CROSS in the South,<o:p></o:p> the Goddess VENUS Planet in the East with the pre-dawn lights drafted on her background, and<o:p></o:p> a Meteor (falling star) - this was 2 days before the meteor shower in <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 5:00 am<o:p></o:p> -    There were around 60 people in the viewpoint area waiting for the sun to rise<o:p></o:p> -    The sky was clear and there were no fogs covering the volcano because it didnâ€™t rain since last night. My prayers were answered by the deities<o:p></o:p> -    I take pictures every 5 minutes<o:p></o:p> -    My hands were freezing and I cant feel the camera button<o:p></o:p> -    I was talking to 2 Dutch girls on my left when I heard a girl from behind say, â€œAyan na ang sunrise, oâ€ (Tagalog for â€œthere comes the sunâ€)<o:p></o:p>             I looked back and say, â€œPinoy!â€ (short for â€˜Pilipinoâ€™)<o:p></o:p>             â€œUy, Pilipino ka rin?â€ (â€œYou are a Filipino too?â€)<o:p></o:p> -    There were 3, 2 girls and 1 guy are working in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jakarta</st1:place></st1:City> as English teachers too. They were on a vacation and will proceed to <st1:place w:st="on">Bali</st1:place> after this.<o:p></o:p> -    I asked if it is possible for me to spend the New Year with them so at least I would feel like Im home (in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:City>). They are willing to accept me in their humble home. YEHEY!!!! <o:p></o:p> -    This is what Filipinos abroad called â€œbayanihanâ€ (arm-in-arm) or â€œdamayanâ€ (empathy).<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 5:30 am<o:p></o:p> -    I asked the ojek to drive me back to Paserpan coz I donâ€™t want to go down to the â€œsea of sandâ€ around the crate anymore.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 7:30 am<o:p></o:p> -    I was in Pasuruan already and took the bus to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City>. Its hot again. I havenâ€™t removed the extra clothes under my pants.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 9:00 am<o:p></o:p> -    Fadil picked me up from the bus station and brought me to my boarding house.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899120 Mon, 20 Dec 2004 05:26 EST PART 53: AL MUSLIM: HALAL BI HALAL, MALANG:... http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899119 PART 53: <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">AL</st1:place></st1:State> MUSLIM: HALAL BI HALAL, <st1:City w:st="on">           MALANG</st1:City>: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">BAND</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">CONCERT & BADUT</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">TEMPLE</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 4, SATURDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             We had â€œHalal Bi Halalâ€ at school â€“ a celebration of Idul Fitri because they just met again after coming from their own hometowns. There were singing and dancing from all grade levels. The teachers also asked me to sing which I did, but only after all the parents had left. Too bad all the pictures in Fadilâ€™s computer were accidentally erased including the pictures which I took with my camphone. And I deleted all those pictures after transferring it to that computer. So, I copied pictures from othersâ€™ camera. I used traditional Asian-Muslim clothes.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             After exchanging â€œMohon maaf lahir dan batinâ€ or â€œMinal Aizin Wal Faidzinâ€ (My apologies for my sins) with the school owners, administrators, teachers, staff and parents from all levels, I went to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> - again.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             â€œSOUNDRENALINE â€“ Make Music Make Warâ€ is a concert tour with performances from famous band. I have to see this. This is the third location this year. Last year was in <st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City> for <st1:place w:st="on">East Java</st1:place> region. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I have chosen that over Aiesecâ€™s â€œMeet the Parentsâ€ in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. Sorry guys, I have forgotten about that because I forgot to transfer my Tasks from my old cell phone. When I found out about Soundrenaline, its Pop Culture. Aiesec is about culture, right?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Bagus picked me up from the bus station and brought me home where we waited for Wily to pick us up. Later, Agung joined us for dinner, then by Ociet and Tanti, the only girl. Wily drove us back to Bagusâ€™ place and talked about almost anything. After an hour, Rico arrived. Then Wily went back home.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 5, SUNDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Everybody went to school for New Membersâ€™ Training. I followed an hour later.<o:p></o:p>             After that, they cleaned their office. Crazy people especially their president, Rico. Hehehe!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Agung, Bagus, Rico and I went to Dieng Plaza, a small mall (ok, itâ€™s a complex) for late brunch (breakfast-lunch) at 2 pm. Agung has to go home, Bagus will go to his girlfriend, Rico and I will take a rest at Ditoâ€™s place before he takes me to the Soundrenaline Concert but its gonna rain.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             At Ditoâ€™s, yep, it was raining. So we all took a nap.<o:p></o:p>             Rico drove me to the townâ€™s football stadium at 6pm to watch the SOUNDRENALINE CONCERT. He has to go to church then will come back for me. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Boldly, I bought a ticket, entered the gate and squeezed through the crowd. Just imagine the stench from sweat. Fearless, I took out my cell phone overhead and took some pictures and video clips. Anyone could grab it from behind. Luckily, no one dared.<o:p></o:p> There were 4 stages kept apart from each other inside the stadium. Two of the stages were for rock bands. The band members just transfer from one to another. The two other stages were playing different genre.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             After two hours, Bagus was already home and Rico was on his way to pick me up. He took me to his place to get some stuff, had dinner from a sidewalk vendor, and then went to Bagusâ€™ place for the night - again.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> DECEMBER 6, MONDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I was absent at work for the N-th time.<o:p></o:p>             Rico had a class at 7am but Bagus was vacant so we only woke up when Rico came back.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Oh Rico, my sweet Rico. He was so kind to drive me to a temple that I have been looking for â€“ <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Badut</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Temple</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. It was reconstructed but incomplete.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> CANDI BADUT is located in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Karang</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Widoro</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Village</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Built for Sang Resi Agung Walahajiridyah, king if Gajayana, in 682. This temple is older than that of Prambanan in Yogakarta.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Not far from it is GREGA KATOLIK SANTA ANDREAS (Saint Andrea Catholic Church)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I sms Fadil if he can pick me up from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:City></st1:place> bus station. He was joined by Marshel, Nency and Natalie. They asked me how come I am still alive. Someone got electrocuted while it was raining during the concert and died. That happened when I was still at Ditoâ€™s place. I didnâ€™t know about that.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Back in my boarding house, one of my peers also watched the concert. He said he also got electrocuted on a separate occasion. It was raining, the lights went off, and then his group got electrocuted because they were standing on a wire. But they managed to jump off and cheat death.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899119 Mon, 20 Dec 2004 05:25 EST PART 52: BERT, YOU ARE CRAZY!! NOVEMBER 22 â€ http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899117 PART 52: BERT, YOU ARE CRAZY!!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 22 â€“ 26<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Just as usual. Here are some pics of the students in Al Muslim.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 27, SATURDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I gave a lecture speech to teachers as I planned before the holidays. <o:p></o:p> Then I stayed up late at school uploading the pictures and the first part of my stories in my weblog. It was raining from noon till evening (these were the days when the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> was battered by storms with names starting with U, V and W). After I sent you an email with the link to my Zorpia and turned off the computer, I looked outside the window, it was still raining and its dark. Its past 6 pm! Walking from my office to the main road is around 400 meters.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I called Fadil and asked him if he can pick me up. â€œWhere are you, Bert?â€<o:p></o:p> â€œIn my office. I cannot go out.â€<o:p></o:p> He lives near my school. His mother asked him to invite me for dinner. When I saw the dining table, its not dinner, itâ€™s a feast. There was a small gathering earlier with his motherâ€™s friends for â€œHalal Bi Halalâ€ (where friends and family meet and celebrate Idul Fitri at this time after they come back from their respective hometowns). <o:p> </o:p>             â€œOohhh, I ate too much. Im getting fat since Idul Fitri.â€<o:p></o:p>             â€œBert, if you are fat, what would you call me?â€ ask Fadil.<o:p></o:p>             I didnâ€™t say anything.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             His mother packed more food to share with my board mates and the caretakerâ€™s family. Then Fadil drove me home but we picked up Marshell on the way. He lives 40 meters away from me remember? (but when was the last time he visited me? First was when I moved in here. After a few months, he came to ask of I have an extra diskette. This is the third time he came to my boarding house after a month and a half).<o:p></o:p>             When we arrive in my boarding house, it was empty. The guys went out coz it Saturday night. Only the caretaker and her daughters were here.<o:p></o:p>             After Mars had some dinner, I asked him to take the rest because no one else will eat those foods here and our fridge is broken.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Back in my room, it was so quiet but its only 9pm. There was serenity inside the house and I can only hear the raindrops outside my room. I could have gone to sleep early, butâ€¦<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I sms Rico, â€œI want to go to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> now. Can you pick me up at the bus station when I arrive there? If you donâ€™t reply, I wont go.â€<o:p></o:p>             He replied, â€œJust sms me when you arrived at the bus station. Where will you sleep?â€<o:p></o:p>             To Dito, â€œHave you arrived in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City>? I will go there now. Can I stay at your place?â€<o:p></o:p>             â€œBert, Im still at <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jakarta</st1:place></st1:City> airport. My plane was delayed and I will leave 9:30â€. Poor Dito.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             9:30 pm -   I packed up. Put on my jacket, walked out in the street and hitched a cab to the bus station.<o:p></o:p> 10:00 -   The bus was half full. But there were 5 guys who got in and sat separately. Frightened, I put my phone into silent and hid it under my pants. OK, it was inside my underwear. Hey! It has a silk casing, okay.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I arrived 11:00 after an hour and Rico arrived at 11:30 after playing Play Station. We were not sure if Dito has already arrived, so we went to Bagusâ€™ place first. He was not replying to my sms and call. He fell asleep early this time. (Oh yeah, I could have just stayed at home and have been sleeping tight in the cold weather right now).<o:p></o:p>             Last option is to call Dito. Ya! He just arrived at his boarding house too! It seems like Dito has no other choice but to let us stay for the night.             Rico and I brought some beers.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 28, SATURDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             We woke up late. Rico went home and will come back for me later.<o:p></o:p>             Dito ran out of coffee mix and he doesnâ€™t have drinking water. He is fasting today to pay for the days he missed during Ramadan. I have to buy outside.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             Rico and I had lunch at a small warung. Then he took me to Wilyâ€™s place just for a short chat then I was introduced to his family. I wont elaborate what we have discussed about.<o:p></o:p>             Finally, Rico took me to the bus station and head back to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Surabaya</st1:place></st1:City>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             When I told Fadil that I went to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Malang</st1:place></st1:City> late night just to chat, drink, sleep and eat, he said, â€œBert, you are crazy!!!â€<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/899117 Mon, 20 Dec 2004 05:21 EST PART 51: BACK TO REALITY. I WANT MY MOMMY! NO http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/876806 PART 51: BACK TO REALITY. I WANT MY MOMMY!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 22, MONDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I thought today was the last day of the holiday. Everybody went back to school, although half-day. I just stayed home; cleaned my room, washed my laundry, checked emails and retired early. But I cannot sleep. All the happenings were still fresh in my memory. I miss everybody. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 23, TUESDAY <o:p> </o:p>             I went back to school after 2 weeks. Everybody was still fresh from his or her holidays. We are back on â€˜eating modeâ€™. I was still lazy. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 24, WEDNESDAY <o:p> </o:p>             I woke up with small pain in my neck. I felt a swollen gland under my left jaw and it was hard to swallow. I think it was my sub-lingual salivary gland which is close to the Eustachian tube opening connecting to the ear. Nevertheless, I went to school. By noon, I cannot eat properly. Every time I swallow my food, my body twists and gasps for breath. One of the administrators brought me to a clinic outside the school, but the doctors will arrive after an hour, that is after our working hours. Hence when I got home, I just bought some throat medications. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 25, THRUSDAY <o:p> </o:p>             It got worst. I was reluctant to take breakfast and lunch but I have to - with an agonizing facial expression. By noon, I felt feverish. The heat was coming out from my eyes that made me cry. My eyeglasses had steam. Plus some teachers tried to comfort me but talking made me cry more. So, I asked permission to the principal, â€œIbu, saya tidak bisa masuk besok karena saya adalah sakit.â€ (Madame, I cannot come (to school) tomorrow because I will be ill). Who among you have ever predicted that you would be absent for work because of health conditions? ME!!! <o:p> </o:p> I went home early, rushed to my bed and measured my body temperature 38.6 degrees Celsius. When I woke up, I was hungry. I didnâ€™t have any food supply and I cant go our coz it was raining. I went to the kitchen to boil some noodles. I was shivering!! Plus I have to endure the pain when swallowing. The Ibu Kos (caretaker) said use jacket, which I did. <o:p> </o:p>             Desperately, I need antibiotics. I donâ€™t want to ask anyone from by boarding house because its non of their problem and perhaps Im not a guest. I sent sms/text to Fadil to send someone to bring me medicine. He said Marshell is on his way.<o:p></o:p>             <o:p></o:p>             Oh my sweet, Mars! He called and asked me this: â€œBert, do you want me to take you to a drug store to buy your medicines?â€<o:p></o:p>             GGGggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! â€œI am sick, I have a fever and weak. Im shivering and its raining outside!!! Can you buy it for me instead?â€<o:p></o:p>             After he gave me the medicines, I stayed in my room - alone.<o:p></o:p>             <o:p></o:p>             Where is my family? I WANT MY MOMMY!!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> NOVEMBER 26, FRIDAY<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>             I felt better in the morning. I went back to school with a jacket and my medicines.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personal http://www.zorpia.com/jeromesky2003/journal/876806 Wed, 15 Dec 2004 03:51 EST