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.

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.

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 !