What Romance and Alcohol have in common.

Somehow and sometimes, Romance and Alcohol share the same characteristic; you should enjoy responsibly.

They said

I heard several economics students said that the business students are less smart than they are. In fact, we just simply have a clearer insight toward wealth creation.

What Scotty said.

I was just recently watching the third season of Brothers & Sisters. On an episode, at the end, Scotty Wandell said something to Kevin Walker. And the phrase that he said, does really strikes and knocks me down. I just feel that the phrase is totally address me for who i am lately. It wakes me up, somehow.

The phrase was :

"Kevin, i don't love you because of how much money you make, or because you can take care of me. I love you because your heart is bigger than your very annoying brain." --Scotty Wandell.

Me

"Don't compare me with anybody. I'm a man of myself."

--Arif Nindito.

Berkata seorang pria muda.

Berkata seorang pria muda di dalam hatinya :

"Biar ku kejar dirimu di dalam Mercedes ayah mu, dengan sepeda Sparta ku.."

Warm tea during a pouring rain Sunday afternoon.

Now, i finally understand why Europeans are big fans of tea and coffee. It is Sunday afternoon, at the beginning of December. Rain is pouring down outside, with the temperature of 10 degrees celcius. It is not a really good weather for Sunday. Yes, it is not. But i think i can't expect a better day during early winter in this lowlands of central europe.

Dark clouds and grey sky. Cups of warm early grey english tea, accompanied with a piece of chocolate croissant, with melodies of Saint Germain des Pres Cafe sounded smoothly from my iTunes. A combination that will perfectly warm your body as well as your soul. What a mellow Sunday afternoon.

Relieve

I've been suffering for cold since like two days ago. For the last two days, i practically done nothing except eat and sleep. Cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. I have it all. I've been attending no class since Monday.

Last night, after dinner, i logged on into my facebook to just seeing around. by coincidence, i saw one of my ex-girlfriend was still online. i chatted with her, asking why she still up at like around 3.30 a.m (her local time). we chatted about several things, especially about the future life. i told her that lately, i've been interested in a girl that seems just too sophisticated for me. This young lady is coming from a very decent family background, nice person, well-behaved and i assume that she's a good muslimah, as well. Me as a person who always been optimistic, prudent and visionary, sometimes and somehow feel like being nobody by this circumstances. Somehow during these times, i feel like being delusional about this young lady.

Then she said to me, "Nobody knows how the future will be.. Good luck then with that young lady". I told her that's the different between men and women by citing my favorite quote from a German writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He said :

"Girls we love for what they are; Young men for what they promise to be."

It took like two seconds before she replied with, "you are a promising young man kok.. hehehe.. lol". i replied with even bigger laughter. but to be honest, the second i read it, it was totally relieving. i even felt like being injected with a tremendous spirit booster. it was awaking. it was just feels so good to read that phrase. somehow, it was calming, as well.

And she was right. Nobody knows how's the future gonna be like. Whom you gonna end up for the rest of your life with. That's what i believed as The Almighty's destiny. Just live it up with your best efforts. I gonna always remember that phrase. The phrase that not only relive my cold, but also relieve me from my scattered few weeks. Thank you. Your words relieve me.

It was calming me last night to go to bed. And it boosting my mood and new spirit by the time i woke up this morning. It was magical. I don't know why and how. Just a magical single phrase by another young lady. I said to my self, let me fight and finish this cold and get back to my classes and school works. Let me get myself back. Myself who always been optimistic, prudent and visionary. The Arif Nindito with the restless fighting spirit, the real me. Let me first conquer my world, and after that, i'm going home. Let me go home.

doesn't matter.

doesn't matter that people don't like who I am, what I'm doing. I keep going strong.

Tanda Tanya.

I am not angry, i am not complaining neither. I just don't understand.

At some points, you just simply not understandable. Don't say that i haven't try to understand you. This post is a prove that i still keep trying to understand. At some points, i just don't get it. The way you think, the way you act, the way you process the thoughts about circumstances.

I am not a psychology student. I am a business student. But i don't think i have to major in psychology to understand the behavior of a friend of mine.

I heard you very clearly. And i also think that's the best. I am not expecting more, i am not wanting something special, nor keeping a feeling. No, i am not. If that's what you are afraid of, then i am telling you that i am not. Really.

Is it that hard to just go normally ? We are good friend. I believe we are. But in some particular points, i just simply don't get it. I am clueless. I believe that, avoidance, ignorance, and neglect doesn't help. You don't need to explain if you don't want to. You don't need to tell me neither, if that's what you want. Takes as much time as you wish, as you need, as you want. But you have to know that there is someone out there who simply can't get you, sometimes. And that person is me.

Is there anything i can do to make it better ? to understand you better. to comfort you better. to suit you better. I never mean to irritate you, in any sense. Because i also don't want to be irritated as well. Just tell me what you want me to do, what i need to do and how to do it. For the sake of normal friendship, please. Let's have a mutual understanding.

The Poker of Love.

I just heard a story from one of my best friend about his current love life. He is currently in a feeling toward a girl who already got a boyfriend. Dilemmatic, maybe. But one thing. He said :

"Sometimes, girls can play very nice in this game. They don't want to raise the call, they don't want to fold it neither. They just want to check it in the bet."

Sounds good, right ? I call it as The Poker of Love.

My November.

For most of the time, November is always special for me. Maybe because i were born in November, or maybe because it is just simply special. People talk about this month in movie, like Sweet November, and song, November Rain.

And this November, i experience many exciting things. I celebrated my 20th birthday this month. For the first time, i celebrated abroad. The school works was intense and become more demanding. I do quite a lot of shopping. To be honest, i financially bleeding this month. I went to Den Haag quite often this month, three times. Eat out too much. I'm broke, but i'm happy.

Especially this weekend, it is very enjoyable. I've been struggling with school works since Monday till Thursday eve. Then i finally finish my work on Friday morning, went to the Mosque for Friday prayer, then hit the gym. On the friday night in Family Trimo's house, there's a family gathering before the parents departing to Hajj by the following morning. It was nice. Although i feel a bit tired after the gym, we talked, we eat, we laugh, we pray together. We together circled around in the living room to read Surat Yasin, pray for the best of the pilgrimage.

On the following day, in the morning, i went to the Schipol Airport. And at night, i went to Den Haag to attend Daniel Sahuleka live performance. The performance was intimate with approximately 100 attendance in a small-but-nice theater of De Rogentes. It was touching. The melody, the soul of the songs, the lyrics, the ambience. Daniel has brought my feeling to the sense of harmony with his magnificent combination of wonderful voice tone and guitar melody.

The vibe was so strong. He delivered many of his hits brilliantly. Songs like Don't Sleep Away, If I Didn't, I Adore You, You Make My World So Colorful, Anak Kecil, Jakarta, etc. being delivered with vigorous emotions. Soulful.

This is my November. The weather is messing. It's raining a lot, it's wet. The scent of the rain is what i like for the most. The school work is intense, but the concert is great as well. It's not winter yet, but summer is over. It may turns me wet outside, but it always warm me inside. It's November.

Between Amsterdam - Den Haag.

This one is extracted from a conversation between two friend on their blackberry messenger.

--

The Boy: You got it
The Boy: Stanford..
The Girl ♣: Skrg rajin2 kuliyahnya
The Girl ♣: Kyk gw2 gini
The Boy: Biar cepet nikah..
The Boy: Hahahah
The Girl ♣: Hahahhaa
The Girl ♣: Hahhahaa
The Girl ♣: Jd pace nya sama deh
The Boy: Hahahah
The Boy: Nice..
The Girl ♣: I'm eating rite nwow
The Girl ♣: So nice
The Girl ♣: Its still raining outside
The Boy: What do u have for dinner ?
The Girl ♣: So happy
The Girl ♣: Porridge phiphiiiiii
The Girl ♣: Oh and strawberry juice
The Boy: Sounds delicious..
The Boy: Its pouring here as well
The Boy: I'm waiting for my train to den haag
The Girl ♣: What do u want to do in den haag
The Boy: Gue udah bilang sama lo belom sih kalo gue jadi perwakilan Presidium PPI Amsterdam
The Girl ♣: Waaah belum

The Boy: Ada debat sama perwakilan bem seluruh indo gitu
The Boy: Mereka lagi studi banding ke belanda
The Girl ♣: Trs
The Girl ♣: Ooooo
The Girl ♣: Waw

--

The Boy: Jadi nanti kalo lo mau masternya di stanford, ya gue nanti bilang sama kantor gue buat ditugasin di kantor cabang san fransisco aja..
The Boy: Hahahahahaha.. =))
The Girl ♣: Asik
Arif Nindito: Haha.. Emang enak ya dreaming..
Arif Nindito: Mumpung masih muda ini gapapa banyak2 mimpi deh gue.. *nerd*
The Girl ♣: Iya
The Girl ♣: Its okay to dream
The Girl ♣: Tp klo wan kenobi
The Girl ♣: "Be careful anakin,dream,they betray you"
The Boy: Hahhaha
The Girl ♣: Hahha cakepbh ya
The Boy: But my dream guide me..
The Boy: That's my dream that made me sitting here on this train right now
The Boy: That made me stay on this bad weather country..
The Boy: Hahaha..
The Girl ♣: Oooh that's sweet hahhaha
The Boy: ;)

--

So, keep your dream alive.

When it getting rough.

i want to figure out what i made of. push it to the limit, or maybe exceed it. life will getting rough ahead, keep being logical, rational and focus. so, let's start get accustom to uncertainty. since life itself is uncertain. nothing certain except death. one more thing to keep in mind, you will never walk alone. at the end, it's a matter of self proving.

for those my beloved persons still at home, just watch me and support. i am here, outside our home door. in the real world that i still don't know where it will takes me. i am sorry if they talk too much about me. i'm sure they love each of us equally. i'm gonna be okay here. therefore you guys, please just be good at home.

it will be the nicest gift on my birthday. especially this year, i turn from 19 to 20. nothing can't be better except a taste of real life. just watch out. welcome real life with all of its tastes ! you wanna play rough on me ? i will play even rougher toward you !

Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

Good times for a change
See, the luck I've had
Can make a good man
Turn bad

So please please please
Let me, let me, let me
Let me get what I want
This time

Haven't had a dream in a long time
See, the life I've had
Can make a good man bad

So for once in my life
Let me get what I want
Lord knows, it would be the first time
Lord knows, it would be the first time

--

Lyrics by Stephen Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Biarkan Aku Berlari

jangan tunggu aku

aku akan tetap melaju

mau gapai mimpi ?

sekarang saatnya

dua puluh masih belum hari ini

ini dia, masa muda

biarkan, jangan batasi

tetap akan aku lewati, pasti

masih banyak yang ingin kucapai

tidak pun sedikit yang ingin kugapai

biarkan aku terbang

selagi masih ada ruang

tak ada batas tuk bermimpi

ini hanya soal keteguhan hati

jaga api itu agar tetap menyala

terus membara di jiwa seorang muda

aku akan pulang,

tapi belum sekarang.

--

dengan bara menyala tuk gapai asa,

Arif Nindito.

I really sorry i can't be there at your funeral, grandpa.

Inalillahi wainaillaihi rojiun. I just tried to sleep last night when my phone was ringing disturbing me. It was my cousin. She was crying, informing me that our grandfather has just passed away several minutes before.

Several days ago, i heard that he was hospitalized. But then two days ago, i heard that he was already okay. What can we say, it's destiny.

I realize that sometimes, distance keep you apart from some moments in life. It's just been almost two months since i arrive here in Amsterdam, and i already missed two moments, indeed. First, i already missed the togetherness of Idul Fitri celebration at my father's hometown in Medan. The whole family attended. Why by the time i were still there, only some family members going back to Medan for Idul Fitri and in contrast, by the time i'm here, the whole family were there ? It's just happened. It's meant to be.

And now, for the second time, i will miss my only left grandfather's funeral. He is my grandfather from my father. My grandpa from my mother already passed away in 2005 when i was in the first year of high school. Fortunately i don't miss both funeral. In fact it's is not all about the funeral itself, it's all about the feel that you shared with the rest of family members if you are there. I really want to fly back to Medan, if i could. But it seems unfeasible. Even if i could afford to buy, let say, an immediate ticket to fly back to Indonesia with EUR 1500 or even EUR 2000, in this very moment it doesn't help. There's something that money can't buy. Even if i can afford that, i will still simply miss the funeral though. The fact is that the flight to Kuala Lumpur takes about 13 hours and from Kuala Lumpur to Medan will take like 45 minutes. It takes almost a half of the day to just travel, changing planes, and so on. Even if i fly with my private jet (i wish i have it), still. I will still miss it. It's priceless.

That's what i refer as distance sets you apart from life moments. I believe that every single moments in life are meant to be. i believe that there's no such thing as coincidence. And this moment is also meant to be. I just meant to be to not be able to see you for the last time.

I really sorry i cant be there at your funeral, grandpa.

You are a real man. Truly inspiring, bleeding for your family, warm and takes life as a gift. Although we are not spending too much time together, i totally understood that you are someone. I can learn many things from you. Before i depart to pursue my degree to Netherlands, i already visit you and ask for your prayer. I saw you on my farewell testimonial video, but really sorry that the last time i saw you. I wish i could see you for one more time. You are a great 86-years old man. May Alloh SWT erase all of your sins and bless all of your good deeds. Rest in peace Mr.Kartowirono, for sure, we will miss you.

In the name of the distance that sets me apart for bearing you to your last rest place.

--

atas nama jarak yang memisahkanku untuk menggendongmu ke tempat peristirahatan terakhirmu,

Arif Nindito.

What a Dinner.

I fell asleep after having my crappy sushi this afternoon. It was 2 PM, then by 6 PM i waken up because i was hungry.

I was thinking that i would not have meat for tonight. Since the previous two nights before, i was not really succeeded to have a nice dinner with meat. Then for tonight, i decided to have Salmon.

It should contains protein, carbohydrate and fiber. So i checked my fridge, then i get my salmon off the freezer. Fortunately i just bought a instant ingredient for fish from Albert Heijn this afternoon. Put the salmon on the plate, pour the "powder" on it, then defrost it for around 5 minutes on microwave. Moreover, i boil the vegetables as i heat up my frying pan for the salmon. I prefer to use butter than cooking oil. After the salmon ready from de-froze, then that's the time for the potato to get into the microwave.

As in my any other cook, i make sure that the thing is well cooked, but not over cooked. Fish is easier to detect whether it is cooked yet or not rather than the meat. Then the veggies is ready, as well as the potato. Wait couples of minutes more for the fish, then there it goes.

And do you know hoe it taste ? it's just perfect, mate ! It was one of the most successful cook i ever made. And for dinner, few glasses of multi-fruit juice would be a perfect companion.

No girls to be with for dinner ? no problem. As long as i still have my dinner ready, i'm alive ;D

Today's Sushi

This morning was a bit messy. I got a class to attend on 9 AM this morning, but the fact is that i went to the bar last night until about 1 AM to have a chat with one of my Bulgarian friend, Nikolay. I was not late, but the consequence is that i was not be able to have my breakfast before go to class.

I had Introduction to Management Research, this morning. The class discussion was a bit lame. I was expecting something "more mature" comments from my Ducth fellows in my class. In spite the fact that some of them are doing pre-master program, sometimes, i found that their comments was too lame. like a kindergarten pupils.

Of course i was starving during the class. I paddled my bike relatively fast on my way back home. Although the sun was finally made to show up after two messed up days of raining, it was a bit cold today. I hit the Albert Hijn, restocking my fridge with some usual groceries. Moreover, i also bought sushi there. It cost me like 8 Euros.

I wrote this post while having my sushi. You know what, the taste was not good. The rice is lack of commitment ;D and the fish is not really fresh. But what can i expect from an 8 Euros supermarket's sushi ? nothing. It makes me miss the time i spent with my friends in one of the most popular sushi restaurant in my hometown, Jakarta. Yes, it was Sushi Tei. I missing the moment i spent with you there, guys.

Indeed, i miss the sushi. But, i miss the moment more than i miss the sushi ;(

Looking to that picture, then you will found out that i don't have any chopstick at my house here. Then i enjoying my crappy sushi today with PENCILS !

Ticket Lost.

It's been a week. I tried to figured out where is my KLM flight ticket to Jakarta. I end up today with the fact that i miss it somehow. it should be somewhere, but i dont know where it is. i lost it. meaning ? i am not going home that soon ;D

think about it

Happy = Give More, Expect Less.

A Perfect Saturday

September 19th. Saturday. 23 degrees, sunny and very warm. Just a perfect weather for Saturday. I woke up at around 10am after fall asleep again since around 6am after sahur this morning. Dishwashing, taking a shower then go to the city center to meet a friend from Den Haag. Today is weird. Since a week ago, Amsterdam got an average temperature of around 15 in the afternoon. and suddenly today, it got 23, which is very warm. i even don't need to put my jacket while riding my bike to the city center.

After i met Laras at Ledseplein, i went to two of my favorite english bookstores at Spui centrum. American Book Center at Spui 12, and Waterstone's at Kalvestraat 152. Those stores are housed in very nice buildings, both of them have 3 floors. Very nice ambience, really cozy, and have tremendous collection. Those store seem like to be my favorite spot for the next following years. ;) Today i bought "High Fidelity" by Nick Hornby. It seems like fun, light, and entertaining. Recently, I prefer that kind of book instead of my typical book of business, economy, and what so ever it is.

By the time i exit the American Book Center at Spui and walked to Kalverstraat, i suddenly attracted by the totally happy music i heard from the street. It was an old man with his big music machine ! The music it produced is really happy, unique and pumped up my mood. It is very cheering, though. I gave him EUR 1, and he replied with very big smile. I am happy. This very city is exciting, lively. Amsterdam got its own vibe in its own way. And i can say, i start to fall into it. i start enjoying Europe.

Moreover, tomorrow is Idul Fitri ! I will miss my mother, siblings and the rest of the family by tomorrow. And of course, i will miss the food also. Although this is my very first time having Idul Fitri away from home, it is still, Idul Fitri.. Let's Celebrate !

It is Just Fine.

Anda pernah ditolak ?

Saya jelas pernah..

Karena saya laki-laki,

Kalau "menolak" itu kerjanya perempuan..

Well, i have something to be spilled out of my mind about this "being rejected issue".

I several times saw couples of my friend being really down after being rejected by some particular girls. Then i started questioning, why are he so down after that brave moment. He replied "I felt somehow, embarrassed.." Then i continued "Why you felt embarrassed ?". He carry on "I don't know, i just felt somehow want to disappear for the time being. I really like this girl, but she refuse me.."

Okay. I try to understand his circumstances, as well. I know that it is not easy to face that. But, i have my own thoughts about this particular issue.

According to me, there is nothing wrong with being, let say, rejected. Since there's nothing wrong to confessing your feeling toward someone, and there's also nothing wrong with not having the same feeling towards someone.

The message is, for you boys, it is totally fine to confess that you like or love a girl. On the other hand, for you girls, it is also totally fine to say to him that you are not feeling the same way.

Do i have make it clear ?

Moreover, i also imagine that, asking a girl to be your girlfriend or asking her to have a relationship with you is like asking somebody to go picnic with you. First, you have to tell her where you'll go. Then try explain to her, what's the feature of that place. If it is a park, then why make this park special. And if it is beach, then explain to her why you should go to that beach. What's this picnic is all about. etc. But at the end, she got her full right to choose. Whether she want to go with you or not. Am i right ? Maybe she got somewhere else to go or something else to do.

So, the point is, you already have a courage and full efforts to ask her to go with you. In spite the fact she decided to not going, then it is just fine. Totally fine, right ? You have do your best efforts trying to convey your purposes, you already gather totally enough courage to confess it, and most importantly, you've been honest to yourself. In fact she's got her own choice, her own preference, her own decision, you can't push it. You sell it your dream, and she doesn't want to buy it, then it is just okay. You still can sell it to another person who maybe more interested and sharing the same dream with you.

The bottom line is, being rejected is not a moment of embarrassment, it's a moment of pride.

Nyoman Aditya Prakasa

Dit, cepet banget sih perginya..
gue kaget pas kemaren malem dikabarin lo masuk rumah sakit karena kecelakaan mobil.
dan sempet ga percaya pas tadi pagi dikabarin lo udah ga ada.

emang kita ga terlalu deket sih ya dit,
tapi gue inget kita pernah jalan bareng ke PIM sama Pamung sama Rangga Gandina

lo salah satu orang paling ramah yang pernah gue kenal dit. suer.
tiap ketemu orang di koridor kampus, pasti lo tegor..
dan yang bikin special buat gue, lo afal nama nama panjang gue,
dan selalu nyapa gue dengan nama belakang gue
"Hoi Nindito.."
jarang banget dit temen gue yang nyapa gue dengan manggil nama belakang gue,
malah mungkin cuma elo di kampus..

sayang kita ga sempet ngobrol sebelom gue berangkat kesini,
tapi waktu itu kan gue udah kasih tau gue mau pindah ke belanda.

kecepetan dit,
umur kita baru 20
tapi gue tau lo orang baik, makanya Tuhan mau buru-buru ketemu lo.
tenang dit, ini Ramadhan.. Lo pasti dapet tempat enak disana.

sekali lagi Tuhan kasih liat ke gue kalo takdir emang ga bisa ditolak,
even cuma satu detik pun.
ga bisa lebih lambat satu detik, dan juga ga bisa lebih cepet satu detik.
tua, muda, sama aja.
dimana aja, kapan aja.

sori gue ga bisa ikutan ngelayat,
nanti kalo gue liburan ke jakarta, gue bakal ziarah ke makam lo.

selamat jalan dit,
Alloh SWT pasti tau apa yang terbaik buat kita semua.

--
with my deepest condelesence for Nyoman Aditya Prakasa and his family members,

Arif Nindito.

Years of Gentleman

Sky is still so grey this morning, and I am still a teenager by the time i write this. Yes, i am still 19. I just wanna share some thought in my head about last few months of my life. I wanna share my thoughts about my current issues and also maybe few about the future.

The consequences of being a type-7 person for me is that you can't stop thinking about your life, your dream and your future. Some people might say it is silly, but for me, i found it as the thing that make me alive. Thinking, dreaming, making a plan, then stick to it, is already in my nerves since i was a junior-high-schooler.

I consider my self as a person who having a very high level of self-serving bias. That according to my psychology class' professor, is healthy for me.

The last few months was quite rough, let say. After i received my acceptance letter, I have to totally struggle to past the Cost Accounting class in the short semester as my last attempt to make my transfer. I also have to undergone some financial process issues in my family regarding the funding of my future study. And yes of course, i undergone those few last feel-quite-blue days before i depart here.

Well, finally i am here right now. I finally, and again, living what i've been planned. And this very moment of life has been a quantum leap in my life history.

I am finally took a full control of my life, now.

Although in some sort it is not always be that nice, but most of the times, yes it is nice to have a full control of you life with you. This circumstance is always followed by one word; RESPONSIBILITY.

Once you gain a full control of our life, you have to always bear in mind that you have to be responsible with it. You should carry a huge amount of responsibility that you can pay to your stakeholders. You should be able to be responsible for every decision you make, regardless on what condition you made that decision, at the end, you have to be responsible for your call, anyway.

As i said, you should be able to be responsible to your stakeholders. In case of me, i have to be responsible for my decision to studying abroad that cost my parents lot of money. I have to be responsible to my study, to my parents, to my life, and more importantly, i have to be responsible to God. God already gave me a although not perfect, a wonderful life. God also give Priceless worth of health. And last but not least, God also already gave me, although not that brilliant, a working mindset.

There is no reason to not be really grateful. And there is also no reason to run away from the responsibilities i have to carry on. I already made my call, then i will be fully responsible for it. This is what i called as The Years of Gentleman.

Puisi Malam Ini

Malam ini Amsterdam hujan lebat
Suhu langsung berhianat turun tak bersahabat
Menggigil di tepi jalan negeri rantau
Ibu, aku rindu.

14 Ramadhan 1430 H / September 4th 2009.
Damrak, Amsterdam Centrum.

--
Atas nama angin dingin laut utara,

Arif Nindito

When the Sky is Grey

What a shitty weather that Amsterdam has today. It's a catastrophic combination of pouring rain, heavy wind blow, and sun light. What kind of weather they're having here. According to accuweather.com which I always check every morning, the temperature for today is 15 degrees (highest) and 11 degrees (lowest). I guess it would be another particular student life day of mine.

I started my day by woke up late. I just skipped the shower and directly go to class by bus and metro instead of bike. The earliest class here starts at 9.00 a.m, not like in Depok where the morning class usually start at 8.00 a.m (that's better actually). The thing is, the latest class here finish at 8.00 pm, whereas in Depok, the latest class i guess finish on 6.30 or 7 pm, something like that (this one is not good).

After the class, i planned to go to the Student Information Center which is apart from my faculty in Roetersstraat. I tried to take a walk, but it seems to cold for me to continue my journey since it is raining. Then I initiated to take the metro (subway) from Waterlooplein to Neiuwmarkt. It works, basically. But, after i got off the Niuewmarkt station, i have to go to the direction that i thought i knew. Again, i have to stop by in front of a kiosk because the fcuking rain. All i wore today is just a polo shirt and my became-favorite all season jacket. Jeans and a pair of white Converse. I walked through some narrow street and i got a bit lost. Guess where i've been ? Yes, it's redlights. Shit. It is 11.30 in the middle of the day, it is cold outside, and i got lost in redlights ! perfect. There are already some girls trying to market themselves in this very early and rainy afternoon ! Moreover, of course, the smell of marijuana is always around the redlights.

After i changed my appointment with the city's government regarding to my residence permit, i should go to Central Station to take the bus home. I am just too lazy and too miserly to spend an Euro to go by tram to central. In fact, it is not that far, by the way. Therefore, i have to bear the consequence of getting wet because of the rain is came again. WTF ! It is raining, stop, sun light, raining again, heavy wind blow, raining again, sun light again, and raining again. Oh my God, this city is having odd weather as they said on the Cultureshock! book i read. This time is no mercy, i am freezing. My jeans is wet, my shoe and shocks is wet, and of course, my nose it totally wet. I would like to buy an umbrella, and i saw people having problem with theirs, then i thought that in these days, there is no such good enough umbrella to bear the wind.

In spite of the odd weather, i started to fall in love with the city. It is just a perfect combination of urban living and the settings of classical and historical city of Amsterdam. The city is living. Street performance in Dam Square and Museumplein, fresh flower seller in the sidewalks, hot coffee smell in pedestrian, buzzing bicycle in the street, it is totally nice in its own fashion. I went inside two bookstores and two shopping center on my way back home just to avoid the rain. I took the bus, and by the time i get off the bus, yes, it is raining again.

That's the story of my day for today. How's yours ?

Inter-Religion Discussion - Chapter One.

Today, i was just having a dinner with my new international fellow students. Well, i am not really having dinner, since i was still fasting this evening. There are a Bulgarian, two Dutch, a Swedish, two Latvian, and a German sitting on our table.

As usual since the first day of the orientation days, every time they are having meals and drinks, i always not consuming one since i am fasting. And today, again, i say that i am not ordering yet. Then, they start questioning the thing that i do, i mean the fasting thingy. They are wondering why i should control my hunger during the day from the sunrise till the sunset although it is summer, and it is a long day. They also questioning me about the five times prayer a day. Moreover, they also asking me about Indonesia as the biggest Moslem country in the world. And many more.

And here, i should explain it. It feels good to share what you know and understand, and also having people telling their opinion. Although it is not easy since, i am explaining my belief and it may reflects the whole religion. For me, this is my first time to got a chance to involved in such inter-religion conversation and i enjoyed it so much.

Moreover, on this occasion, i am the object of the question. I mean, they are questioning me, and i tried to replied. As one of my friend, Erwin, said : the thing that become our biggest enemy now toward this issue is the stereotyping and prejudice. Therefore, on this occasion i try to deliver the message :

Every person got choices. Every one has their own right to choose about what they want to believe in. The only thing is, no single human in this earth having a right to force what he/she believe to others with any mean. Then, we should respect each other.

And after that, everyone on the table are agreed upon me. Then i come into the conclusion that, it is not that hard to live side by side with people from different culture, religion, race, color, and what so ever it is, as long as we still have a will to learn, understand and respect each other.

Nasih Anak Rantau - Chapter 1

Last night was my first night staying at my dorm room. And this very morning is my first ever sahur being alone. I get used being away from home during my time in Depok, but, at least during Ramadhan, i always have friends to go sahur together. On this point, i miss Zilqi and Budi so much ;D

Moreover, last night, i finally met my flat-mate. He is an Italian, named Daniele. And guess what, he cook. Great right ? He told me that almost Italians can cook. He seems nice, not so messy with things, and tidy enough. Well, i assume that he is as tidy as me ;P

This very morning i just put some pre-cooked rice and semur daging to the microwave. Waiting like five minutes, then i ready to eat. Sitting alone at the dinner table while looking a cruise ship passing by in the front of my window. I enjoyed with to the fullest. Although it would be a lot better if i have my mother, siblings or friends here.. Haha..

It's Summer, and it's Ramadhan.

This is my first Ramadhan ever in Europe. Totally different settings of environment to do fasting here. Since it is summer, the day last for a longer period. We start sahur at around 4.15 in the morning, then the subuh prayer start at 4.25. The fasting itself last for about 16 hours. The maghrib time is at around 21.00, when you finally get sunset. What a period if i compared with my fasting time in Indonesia that only last for at max around 13 hours. That's for the physical side.

Moreover, from the psychological side, it isn't get any better. Again, it is summer, people ! Beaches are packed with people sun bathing under the clear sky. And yes, bikinis. Sometimes topless. That's what i got here. So, this is a brand new experience for have fasting here in Europe. Just enjoy and endure ! Hahaha..

Fortunately, i have relatives here in Amsterdam who closely involved in Indonesian Masjid nearby the area where they lived. Therefore, i could still hear the adzan, somehow. Doing tarawih, if i wanna. And ofcourse, break the fast with free.. ;D

Happy fasting, people !

The Honeymoon before the Homesick

Today I went to den hagg reporting to Indonesian embassy regarding my arrival here. Well, den hagg is just like one hour or one hour from and half by train or car, but today, I went there by motorcycle !

Not like my ride with motorcycle in Jakarta, my ride here is officially a motorcycle ride. Wearing a full package safety jacket including the pant, and full face and locked helmet. I get used to ride for like 80-100 km/hour with my scooter or motor bebek back there in Jakarta. But riding for 80-100 km/h with Honda CBR 600R is another story. With those huge 600 cc of engine, you can really feel the torque and the acceleration and also the wind.

Indeed, the journey to den hagg with motorcycle is almost the same time compared to with car or train. In most of European country, motorcycles are allowed to enter the highway. And then for the first time, I was riding in the back seat but I have to dealt with a very strong wind that made me having neck-ache. ;D

After finished the “lapor diri” thing in the embassy, I prefer to go to the Schaveningen beach to enjoy the view before the Ramadhan start. Come on guys, you know what I mean. ;P Today is a very bright summer day, temperature is nice for sun bathing. And yes, here in Schaveningen, today I got the view. Some bikinis girls and few topless women laying in the beach. Not bad for a honeymoon phrase before Ramadhan. The Honeymoon just before the Homesick.

36,000 feet above.

I am currently writing this from 36,000 feet above sea level during my flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam that will stop over in Hong Kong. I am flying with Cathay Pacific CX667 on Airbus A330-300. Well, for those of you who questioning what the f i've been doing since August 14th, this blog post is the answer.

 

Let me inform you a bit about my background. I was born as a son of a airline staff. My mother has been working for Garuda Indonesia for nearly 19 years. As the consequences, my family, always have several free tickets to travel each year. The most frequent travel of me and my family is to Medan - North Sumatra, since my grandparents still live there. Nevertheless, we also quite often travel internationally. In short, as long as we want to fly to the cities where Garuda Indonesia has flights to those cities, easily say, it wouldn't be any problem.

Unfortunately, for this very moment, i would like move to Amsterdam. As we know, our lovely country has just released from a airline travel ban issued by EU aviation commission. For your info, the ban has already put into effect for about 4 years. In fact, the damn ban already released yet, doesn't mean that suddenly Garuda Indonesia could fly there. There are several technical issues have to be taken care of before the national flag carrier possibly fly there. Therefore, few weeks ago, i already issued a ticket from a corresponding airline of Garuda; KLM.

Since both Garuda and KLM has an cooperation agreement, the staff and its family of Garuda are allow to fly with zero fare, which i only pay the tax and charges for around USD 41,00 for flights from Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur-Amsterdam-Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta.

What a price, right ?

Once again, as the consequence of paying only USD 41 to travel that far, i will always be listed as a stand by passenger every time i fly. Then here is, the story began.

At the beginning, I planned to depart on August 14th with KLM. My friends already gathered at the airports, but finally, i disappointingly can't make it that day since the flight to KL and AMS was totally full and even over. So that night, i have to going back home. By the following morning of August 15th, i tried again to make my fortune. But once again, i failed to fly. They said, this is peak season baby.. ;P they even don't give the seat to the paying passenger, what the f with no paying passenger like me.. lol.

I was quite disappointed since I can’t go as I already planned. Although school will commence on August 26^th, I don’t know why I think I need to be there far in advance. That’s what we defined as, sometimes, you want something that you don’t need. ;) I spent the next two days at home, since based on the reservation information I received the KLM flight was overbooked until uncertain time, so there is no chance for me to board. I enjoyed the independence day of August 17^th by watching the state ceremony on TV.

In the afternoon, I tried (again) to go to the airport to try my luck for that day. Well, It worked. Me and my mother were successfully flied to Kuala Lumpur, where I have to re-check in for the flight to Amsterdam. By the time I arrived in KUL, I only got around 45 minutes to get all the things done. We should first go into the arrival hall, which is located separately from the gate where the plane was parked in Terminal C. We got to go by aerotrain. Then we should passing through the immigration, then go to the departure hall in the 5^th floor of the building. But for that day, it was seemed like my luck was just running out. By the time I got to the check in counter, the officer said that the flight was full then I can’t continue my journey to Amsterdam. We were grounded. Therefore, we decided to stay in Pan Pacific Airport Hotel KLIA to easily check the flight to the airport since the hotel is in a walking distance from the terminal.

Unfortunately, the normal rooms were fully book there, then we have unintendedly stay in the pacific club room that cost us MYR 1,300 per night ! In fact, I am sure that God still love me. I showed my mother’s ID to the clerk then he gave us special rate for the airline staff which we only have to pay for MYR 525 per night. More than a half price, right ? ;)

I stay in Kuala Lumpur for two days from August 17^th until august 19^th. We tried every night to depart, but we didn’t make it. Until finally my mother call to Jakarta, and one of our relative told my mother that there is a flight available with Cathay Pacific from Jakarta-Amsterdam via Hong Kong. Suddenly, my mother made a call that I will travel by myself by tomorrow with Cathay to Amsterdam. Indeed, we decided to fly back to Jakarta with the very first flight of Malaysia Airline. Afterward, I arrived in Jakarta at around 10.20, went to Garuda Indonesia local office, repacked my baggage into one lighter luggage, so I can travel more conveniently. Moreover, the rest of the luggage will be brought by my parents by the time they can make it to depart to Amsterdam with the USD 41 ticket. ;P That afternoon, one of my uncle come along to the airport to make sure that I would really depart. After repacking the luggage, we had lunch at the airport lounge, then my boarding time is ahead. I should go. My mother hugged me for around a minute, then saying “Good luck ! Come home with pride..”. I really touched by that phrase, but I am just can’t come out with tears.

Finally I departed to Amsterdam with a very amazing journey. CGK-KUL-CGK-HKG-AMS. What a journey ! Then here I am, finishing this blog post from 34,000 feet above the sea level, sitting in the seat 63A on Boeing 747-400 of Cathay Pacific. Overall, this journey is just unforgettable. A journey that worth to tell by both my mother and I to our next generation. ;D

Amsterdam is two hours away right now. Wish me have a nice landing at Schipol, people. I really contented with the service of Cathay. The meal is reasonably okay and the red wine is good. Hahaha..

D-1

I opened my eyes this morning at around 7.30AM, then i recognized that i only had about five hours of sleep. Last night, i went out with few best friends from high school to a movie to watch Pelham 123 then continued with some late night conversations.

I will depart by tomorrow. And by the time i woke up this morning, i realized how much i love my current life. For sure, my life isn't perfect. Though, i can say that i really enjoy every single pieces of my life recently. Then i realized how lovely it feels to have a loving-although-not-perfect family. A superb mother, really hard working father, unique siblings, great-and-supportive friends, challenging-and-dynamic study environment of FEUI, relatively cheap living expense in Depok, and not necessarily say the decent facilities given. I think it is save for me to say that i feel content with my life and i think it's enough for now. It is my comfort zone.

Then the question raised is that, "why bother to move, brother ?". Sometimes i also rose this basic question to my self. Why bother to leave if you already contented with your current life condition ? sometimes, i had no answer. but most of the time i answered it with "to be better".

Therefore, the definition on "be better" may vary from person to person. We could be better in any aspects of our life. Then, let's scrutinize it to the phrase of "a better future". How do you define "a better future" ? does it means being wealthier, smarter, happier or what ?

With no intentions of being cocky (although it still sounds cocky), Faculty of Economics - University of Indonesia already promised me more than just a decent future of life. And i thought it already offered me more than what does it takes to succeed in the jungle of Indonesian economic and business community. It's like a passport to excel for some reason.

It's a mini Harvard of Indonesia.

Not necessarily saying the magical-and-somehow-collusive connections of the yellow jackets thingy. But yes, it really works, fellas. To be more cocky, let me share you some potential highlights of FEUI. We have both international and national superb caliber of networks. You'll never know who the hell would standing in the front of your class as the lecturer.

He/she could be a minister, businessman, entrepreneur, economist, statistician, mathematician, or even a financial market bastard.

the same thing applies for your fellow friends. You'll never know who they would be in the next five years. So basically, FEUI is a perfect networking field for me.

Then most of you including me will ask, "hey fella, with those good damn things in ur life, aren't you should think that's enough ?". It maybe yes, maybe no. I don't want to stay in my comfort zone for too long. Since i believed that people who never leave their comfort zone would never succeed. So, it's all about leaving your comfort zone. Well, it is also a part of a bigger system malfunction that effect my life. Why ? maybe i can say that if Universitas Indonesia (UI) that almost every indonesian citizens be proud of is ranked among world's top 50 universities, then i don't have to bother to take off my ass abroad. As i cockily elaborated, FEUI already gives me more than what does it takes to succeed. at least, locally.

But most of the times, people are never satisfied. We were born with needs, wants, obsessions. And especially for me, i was born with dreams.

Yes dude, it's dreams that take me to where i've been right now. As Anis Baswedan PhD, said as his life philosophy, "I have a dream, and I share my dream". It perfectly suits me. Men are measures by what he dreams of. For me, dreaming is self-actualizing. There is no boundaries to dream.

To wrap up, i'm moving because of four reasons. First, i have to leave my comfort zone. Second, i am about to chase my dream. Third, i am actualizing my self. And fourth, yes, i am not enough, yet. Being competent locally is not enough for the prudent-and-cocky Arif Nindito. I want to compete globally. And the only way to do so is by going global.

Studying abroad will never promised you a happier life. Although maybe, just maybe, a more rewarding income. Being happy is not necessarily the same as being wealthy. It depends on what values you hold. So many people are damn rich but they are not happy.

Studying abroad, ideally, would gives you more holistic perspectives. It will shape the way you see things that finally leads to more knowledges. And believe it or not, knowledge leads to power. But once again it depends on the person. Only people who willing to learn will learn, otherwise, they will never actually learn although they seem like so.

In the end, as Uncle Ben in the spiderman said,

"With great power must come great responsibility"

Since knowledge leads to power, then come the responsibility. Knowledge demands for application. Having much knowledges without apply it to the society is useless. According to prophet Muhammad SAW, the greatest men ever is the men who could be useful for others. Then it's our call, with knowledge we can be useful for the society or be useless for them. We think, we act.

It's already more than lengthy as a blog post, but i just burst it off from my vigorous mind. I have to finish some immigration matters and more importantly finish to pack my luggage. That's it for this woke up blog post.

--

For the people i care and love for the most,

Arif Nindito.

Let's finish this, first. Cost Accounting.

By 11.03 AM this morning, it's finally over. After i put my exam paper to the exam supervisor, the Cost Accounting exam is finally over. With one 40% weighted forsaken problem, and three 20% weighted problems, it gives me enough headache this morning. I hope i will not meet this course again and ever.

I can't say that i had paid my best effort to this, but i can say that at least i'm tryin' ;D. For now on, just sit and wait for the God's will to finally determine whether i can pass it. For sure, i should pass it since it was the last burden before i depart. Finally, let's go holiday, people !

Manado Trip

I had a trip to Manado for the first time during July 9th - 11th 2009. This is my first time being in Manado, North Sulawesi and my second time being in Sulawesi island, after Makassar few months ago. I traveled with my mother and also with my beloved siblings, Dito and Danti.

My trip to Manado started with a torturing very first morning flight. We woke up at 3 am, continued by check in at around 4 am, and finally the plane took off at around 5.15 am. For God's sake, this is the earliest flight i ever toke in my lifetime, so far. Flight to Manado takes about two hours and 50 minutes and we landed in Manado at around 10 am (Manado is GMT +8). On the first day of my stay in Manado, i prefer to stay in my hotel room. I did nothing except sleep and watching TV while saving energy to go to Bunaken the next day.

During the second day of my stay, we shuttled to Bunaken with a traditional wooden cataraman ship. The trip to Bunaken island took about 45 minutes from port of Manado. The water was relatively quite, a bit windy for sure, but in overall it was fine. After arrived in Bunaken island at around 10.45, we directly go to the stall that offering diving equipments. I put myself gearing up with wet suit and snorkel, as well as fin shoe. Since it was our very first time to snorkel, my mother hired two guides for the snorkeling. They are locals, named Juan and Rudolfo.

We continued finding a spot to go underwater. It was located east bound from the port, not so far. After comprehended the basics explanation by Juan and Rudolfo, i got into the water. That afternoon, the water felt quite warm. With relatively high salt, it gives perfect insight underwater. It only took sometimes for me to get used with the techniques. I can go solo discovering the reefs and its awesome creatures.

I found snorkeling at Bunaken very interesting. And it, for sure, would be more interesting to have scuba diving there. For the first time experience, my trip to Bunaken was real great ! As a diving spot, Bunaken has a lot to offer. As a tourism spot, Manado and North Sulawesi has even more to show. There are so many places around Manado that we can visit and enjoy. Minahasa tour would give us pictures of different image of Manado, for instance. Moreover, according to me, this city and province has a huge potentials that, not yet, well developed. There are still so many business opportunity opened that can significantly contribute to the income of the locals. Unlike Bali, Manado is still reasonably quite. There's no bustling tourists riding motorcycle around the city, at least yet. The beach is also still quite private. I hope the people could maintain and keep the water beautiful as it is right now in order to keep attracting tourists, both local and international tourist. If you are looking for some unusual, quite, and enjoyable vacation, i bet you can try Manado. At least for me, i still can enjoy a peaceful vacation without any bustling noises in Manado.

Last but not least, if you are budget travellers (like me), i considered Manado as "value for money" destination. Although some top star hotels in Manado are starting to charge its costumers in USD, there are still plenty of choice to stay. You can choose to stay on some hostel or even wooden cottages located in the island of Bunaken. They are offering more reasonably price to stay. Moreover, for snorkeling, you can expect to spend around IDR 200,000 - 250,000 (around USD 20) including equipments. But of course, there's additional fees for the shuttle boat and the underwater pictures taking service.

In conclusion, for those of you get bored with usual vacation spot like Bali, you should try this place, fellas !