A bucket list.

When being asked, “which one you prefer, mountain or beach?”, I always answered “City!”

Oh, please don’t judge me as a spoilt city person. The main reason I’d answer that is because I just love civilization! I love visiting museums, learning cultures and native languages, exploring local market or simply sitting down at the plaza or park just to feel the neighborhood ambiance.

There are many places I’d love to visit. But if I must choose, here are the top list on my bucket list.

Pyramid, sphinx and The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities,
British Museum
Petra, Jordan
Jerusalem
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – Athens, Greece

Well, all of them, history and culture related. Haha!

I have the same reasons for Egypt, Jordan, Jerusalem and Greece. All of them are one of the oldest civilization in the world. Many great stories, myths, philosophies, and learnings from each of them. We can say those civilization built the way the world we know nowadays. Knowing the reason behind all of those stories or some small details of their thoughts, it already excites me just to think about it.

But why British Museum? Even visiting their website and seeing their online collection already gives me chills. It provides us direct access to 4.5 million objects. Each collection reveal the fascinating stories that transcend time. From china dynasties, Americas stories, and most importantly, I found so many historical objects from my country. They have more than 1,500 objects that is related to Indonesia culture and history. From the domestic tools, weaponry, bank notes, cloths, and figures from several ethnics. Don’t get me wrong. Considering most of Indonesia Museum’s condition and Indonesian people who are not really interested in visiting museums, I should be grateful those historical objects kept in British Museum.

So what’s your bucket list?

Once upon a time…

A memory could bring you a shiver. Either it’s frightening, embarrassing, traumatizing, or exciting. Memory could bring you to a sudden cold feet. It could also strengthen you somehow. Sometimes, I have a conversation with myself just for a self reminder. You know, such as……

“Do you remember on the first time you can ride 2 wheels bike?” You’re so proud of yourself you felt like you could master anything in the world. Don’t stop learning.

“Do you remember that time when your friend approached and complained on something silly you’ve done that could jeopardize your class relationship?” Oh, you were more than silly back then. Don’t let the emotion cloud your decision too much.

“Do you remember when you won that Futsal championship as a captain?” You can be a good leader. Don’t underestimate yourself.

“Do you remember when that Airport guy told you that your luggage was still left behind in Singapore when you’ve just arrived in Amsterdam?” You survived back then. In fact, you were so creative on surviving. And most importantly, you kept calm and just laughed on the situation. Don’t stop surprising yourself.

“Do you remember your first heartbreak ?” Oh, you cried a lot. More than it should be. It feels like you can’t trust anyone. But then you pray and pray and try again. You finally found the one even after several heartbreaks. Don’t ever give up.

“Do you remember when you finally step out of your comfort zone?” You were so brave. Don’t stop believing in yourself.

“Do you remember the first time your parents told you that your granddad passed away?” It traumatized you. It was your first deep sadness. Even before 5 years old, you already understood the meaning of love and family. Keep that in mind, will you?

“Do you remember your feeling every time you’re surrounded by your close ones?” You feel blessed. Grateful. You feel content. Just, don’t forget about it, will you?

A memory. A kind reminder.

A Brief History of…me!

Talking about my personality, we need to have a bit of some steps back. People always thought I’m an Extrovert. A sanguine. But, was I always like that since, say, my childhood ?

I wasn’t that type of little girl who’s always confident. I did not smile when I was on the stage. My voices were barely heard when my friends and I had a vocal group. I never been in a front row. Neither been the one who started a conversation. I was having fun only with my close friends. I rather be spending most of my time in my room, playing by myself or reading books, than meeting my friends outside school.

So how did I change to be present me? There are 2 moments in my life that took a big part of it.

2001. I joined theatre club in my middle school. I still remember how my feet was frozen, my voices were trembling and my heartbeats felt like a burst in my chest. And it was happened during practice only! Thanks to my wonderful friends, I took notice that they seemed fine after they’ve done their reading. I started to practice my breathing technic. It helped to calm the nerves. I found a good rhythm in my heartbeats. I finally can think clearly and put my scattered energy into focusing on the script and stage management. Step by step, I gain my confidence. I applied the same breathing technic into the class. And I apply it again and again until now. Before a futsal match, before a presentation to my bosses at work, or sometimes before I need to start a conversation with a stranger.

2010. I traveled to Berlin. Even though I went there with my friend, I spent mostly of my traveling time by myself. I applied the same breathing technic every time I got lost or had to ask questions in Deutsch. But something struck me hard during this first solo traveling of mine. I saw a very different perspective of the world. Humanity is still out there everywhere. Stereotype could turn out to be a mistake. World is colorful with its people, cultures, religions, foods, songs, etc. I realized it back then, if I’m not open up my mind, I won’t grow. If I’m not pushing out my self to be brave, I’ll learn less. If I’m not stepping out from my comfort zone, I’m not going anywhere.

So here I am now. An ENFP. Sanguine – Phlegmatic. Never tired to try something new (tho, some people might think I’m bored easily~). Still love to spend some times alone to read, write, or paint. Yet, always enjoying every moments to meet new people, have new friends, and listen to their stories. Yes, I’m still easily nervous in front of people often. But when I controlled my breath, focusing my energy, thought the positive outcome, thought about the colorful world, I managed to smile on the “stage” 🙂