goofydreamer

Some Hellos For The New Ones

November 13, 2016November 15, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

Hi guys, just wanted to drop something short here bout’ what I’m feeling right now. It is not a secret if you used to live outside country (or you’re one of those who is living like me) that it never has been easy living billion miles away from your family, best friends, and loved ones. You may say internet can bring them closer but still, only on your iPhone’s screen.

Sometimes I can be so fractious if I’m missing my best friends outside there. Though I never cry, I swear, but forgive me if you find glazed eyes. But you know something that is more important than bemoan about it? Being grateful cause I still have kind humans called best friends. And this time around I want to be more grateful while I’m keeping my old best friends and say hello for new ones.

Last week Sunday I had almost two hours catching up with my Austrian friend, Andreas, on the phone. It is always nice to talk to him but the last time I was stoked when I could finally see his face again through Skype (this sounds cheesy right? after 3 years away from Skyping). And this Sunday, I had a pleasant conversation with my Spanish friend, Judith, after a while since we met in Japan. She made my day when she dropped a message in Facebook days ago cause I felt it was a bit difficult reaching her through e-mail before. There was one sentence she sent that made me thought how lucky I am could meet her and became friends. You guys know my buddy Teppo? I believe he’s enjoying a camp somewhere in Finland :) It’s been a while I never drop hi to my super talented good friend. And hi Hiromi! It was so good finally talked with you on your birthday two weeks ago, we really have to sit and enjoy chocolate mousse together from Joël Robuchon if I visit Tokyo again :).

“Talking about friendship, I have one thing I believe. We will always have a certain time to meet, know, see, talk and share things in life with our friends. We all never know when we will be separated yet what we need to do is to enjoy every second of our friendship and create moments and memories that will last forever. Just remember that kind humans you can called best friends is a gift”

Hope you won’t have glazed eyes like I do right now. Oops.

Food Lodge

Mornings With Chia

November 8, 2016November 8, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

People like me can be so discipline by saying no to MSG though somehow, a tin of Hot & Spicy Pringles can be an evening sin I do once in a while. If you are a strict person and straight for everything about super food and healthy living, maybe we can be a friends. I trust we will be a very, very good friends.

Recently I keep trying to be straight to what I eat in terms of healthy living. Come on’, I’m not that bad right if I tell you that since two and half months I fried my food two times and it wasn’t deep-frying. I swear, I bought a bottle of 900 ml pure vegetable oil and last for almost 2 months. MSG? You won’t find it in my kitchen (sst, my colleague has, a bag! OMG). I have a big bottle of spring water beside my bed, always. Been eating raw more often, O oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice on it, as simple as this. Brown rice, please! (bought 1 kg for a pocket reason last time, but I love how basmati brown rice taste), a cup of warm lemon water early morning, keep sugar as sparse as possible though OK, I always paralyze for yummy desserts. Those are most of the good things you can hear from me. Oh wait, did I tell you that berries will always be my forever friends? Like you know, I’ll do anything a whole-hearted. And the latest one is chia seeds?

Been enjoying those tiny cuties cause I want you to call me ‘you are among’ cool kids in Instagram and Pinterest by posting it on social media. Oh come on’, don’t take it seriously, you guys know I love to sound goofy by throwing cheesy jokes, huh? But let me tell you something, by the time you put 1 oz in a cup, pour water and leave it overnight in the fridge, and find them become jelly-ish the next morning, add yogurt or fresh smoothie, or even warm thick milk with cinnamon, slices of fresh colorful fruits, you are ready for a bowl of fruitful ~~instagrammable~~ breakfast. How about smoothie bowl?

Travel

Kyoto | 3

November 6, 2016November 7, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

“It’s hard to forget you, Kyoto. Even till hodiernal”

I tried as much as I could to enjoy my last night in Kyoto. I did pretend to myself that I wasn’t that tired after my side trip to Nara, struggled looking for halal food like a headless chicken in Minamijodocho, and a little ‘homework’ I brought along. I arrived at the hostel around 9pm, dropped my things on the bed, took bath and went to the kitchen to take a cup of dessert I left in the fridge. I met with two young ladies from the UK again at the lounge area and as usual, we shared our journey that day, where we went and other interesting stories from our sightseeings. It wasn’t only with two of them I had conversation that evening.

I also met with a gentleman named Simon that sat on the couch beside those ladies. We suddenly acquainted ourselves and shake hands. Funny enough, I had a little awkward moment with Simon after I asked where he came from and said “Oh German”. Had no clue if my voice tone “Oh German” sounded like I underestimated him. Trust me, what I had in mind when I said that words was “Germany” reminded me of my long-time plan years ago to study the language and there was nothing happened till today so I found it funny for myself. When I shared this story to my best friend who used to learn German, he said that some German men are surprisingly sensitive, oh now I see. They’re a bit different with their neighbor, Austrian, that I know is so much friendlier.

An awkward moment that taught me to learn more about European and their cultures, noted.

“I woke up in Kyoto with a cheesy wish; having a magic wand”

Final day in a city that stole my heart made me a bit melancholy. Like I wish I had a magic wand that could be used to stop the time, changed the day on the calendar and made my stay in Kyoto three days longer.

I woke up by 6am and re-packed my things (this what I called ‘homework) before I checked-out. I had no time to lollygag that morning even just to have a cup of hot tea. I went straight to Kyoto station to drop my new goodie bag ~~filled with mostly souvenirs, sigh!!~~ and my clothes in a locker and took train to JR Inari Station to explore Fushimi Inari. It was a good time to pay a visit to the important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto in the morning. When I arrived around 8am and stood under the giant Torii gate at the entrance, I was like “oh this is the famous orange guy I used to see in Instagram and I finally here”.

I was so excited to experience the most Instagrammable tunnel in Kyoto that has thousands of vermilion torii gates with less tourists. And it was another opportunity indeed to photograph the tunnel itself though I had to admit it wasn’t that easy capturing those vibrant orange colors only with an iPhone. I felt like I wanted to swing my magic wand and had Sony a7R in my hand then. Mindless dreaming, I know.

As far as I know, most foreign visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine is to explore the mountain trails. I did it too though it wasn’t till up “UP”. I didn’t mind to do morning exercise by walking on the trail then ~~I’m lying~~ but you know something, when you only have dorayaki for breakfast and sure you’ll be okay to have a pleasant day hike then I can say you’re significantly different from me (read; fake backpacker). I’ll make confession on this post, when I was at Fushimi Inari and walked alone along the upper precincts, it made me felt a bit eery. I couldn’t imagine a mysterious air could be on the various graveyards and miniature shrines along the path in the late afternoon or evening.

At Fushimi I met with three backpackers; Matt who is originally from Birmingham, spent seven months traveled in Asia before went for his master (how I kept silent when he told me how awesome Nepal was which reminded me how many times my best friend, Maya, blandished me to accompany her to that country), Joel who is Canadian that moved to Taiwan six years ago to teach English and currently working there (sure, he speaks Taiwanese and Chinese fluently, me too – Rúguǒ nǐ wèn wǒ yīnggāi wèn shuí – you see?) and another one OMG I forgot his name :P (since he was the only one that spoke Taiwanese with Joel and barely shared stories with me).

I closed my trip at Fushimi with the chessiest thing I ever did ~~in my entire life~~ to a very new friends (read; iPhone selfie like teens!). I’m deeply ashamed right now ~~that’s why I didn’t blow the picture below :P~~ if I remember why I did that :| though it was just like “can we have a moment before we go guys?” sort of, then.

KYOTO3#10.jpg

I left Fushimi Inari past 10am and took train to Hankyu Kawaramachi Station to the next destination which I found later was a dangerous place: Disney Store. It was the easiest meeting point I and Aria had agreed the day before when I shared how exhausted I was, looking for halal ramen somewhere near Nara. I arrived at Disney Store thirty minutes earlier and paralyzed with those stuffs. I felt awry and sorry to myself that I couldn’t even say no to Stormtrooper mug, Darth Vader key chain, and other small stuffs till I got a voucher 25% discount for the next purchase. Aria was laughed on WhatsApp when I told him that the store was dangerous esp for a person who used to be a loyal Mickey Mouse fan years back.

I was so relieved when I finally met Aria with his wife, Atrida along with Kenichi, their cute toddler in Kyoto. It wasn’t only that, I was relieved after I gave the voucher to Aria cause if I didn’t, I would need one more goodie bag for those stuffs. Moonstruck.

Before I entered Disney Store I went to the restroom on the sixth floor and couldn’t resist to photograph an afternoon scene on one part of Shijo Dori street. Somehow I love how the composition of those vehicles was on the picture.

The fact that it was Friday and Aria deliberately took a day off from his part-time job made me felt grateful. One, sure it was an opportunity I finally met him and his little family in another part of the world. Two, I could still go for Friday prayer with him and again, in another part of the world. For me it always be an experience every time I can pray outside Indonesia especially in a country where mosque can be sparse found.

I must write this here, another reason why I felt so happy that day was the fact that his wife, Atrida, is kind of person who is very open-minded. It is the easiest way to guess kind people by the way they smile from the first time you meet them. And Atrida was just like that, very welcome and inspiring in the same time cause ~~OMG~~ she got her PhD from Kyoto University months ago in a very young age (I asked Aria and Atrida to share some stories while they were lived in Kyoto, I’ll share that too on this blog. Though in the moment they’ve come back to Indonesia, I promise, their story is interesting).

Aria and I prayed at イスラーム文化センター (Kyoto Prayer Hall) located at the basement of the Islamic Kyoto Centre. A very small space yet special cause it is the only mosque you can find in Kyoto. After we finished praying, Aria asked me which way we should take to our next destination. Either we walked straight or came back to see Kanogawa River where we passed on our way to pray, in case I wanted to spend minutes to see the famous river in Kyoto. I said wherever we were convenience with I was OK, then we went back to the river. Aria and Atrida told me how beautiful Kamogawa will be in spring where all you can see is “those greens will be all pink and you can imagine how your day will be under the cherry blossom trees”. “I’ll come back for that season, buddy” an answer I said with a smile on my face and an imagination for my Hanami picnic.

Sometimes I have no idea how life spreads surprises. At Kamogawa where we met with fellow Indonesians after Friday prayer, Arya introduced me to Fahmi, a PhD student that surprisingly is my best friend’s best friend, Ayos. After Fahmi shared memories he had with Ayos in the same university I and Aria went too, I asked him to take a picture together and sent to Ayos. He was so surprised how we met just like that in Kyoto and said “it was like serendipity“.

I like how “serendipity” just like that (and the best reason why I had to write it on the picture below when I realised that Zara-tee made me looked a bit fatter than the actual, no way!).

Right after we spent an hour at Kamogawa river, we took bus to a sushi restaurant called Musashi Sushi for a lunch. That is the best thing when you have friends who are living in a country you’re traveling to. They can take you around to the best spots and share so many stories about the people, the places, the culture and the food. What do you expect more in the afternoon in Kyoto rather than having fresh sushi for lunch with good friends?

Aria and Atrida told me that Musashi is one of the must-try sushi restaurant in Kyoto, it’s affordable, reliable and fun and their sushies are fresh indeed. Even though I can find kaiten-zushi at sushi restaurant in Indonesia, but experienced it in Japan was another impression. I could see how sushies are made more than just a ‘food’, but it is a revered form of art.

Sushi done, we moved to Pontocho. Though we couldn’t see much in the afternoon, but I still remember vividly how beautiful the alley was. Pontocho could be one of the main reason why I love Kyoto more than Tokyo, those traditional restaurants, shops, tea houses, no cars allowed and no modern buildings. It’s kind of magical place I will definitely revisit if I travel to Japan again.

Next time will be in the evening where I can see is my imagination of Japanese street like I have imagined before; a narrow alley after rain, cold, fluorescent lanterns, Japanese kanji, and Geisha.

Pontocho wasn’t the end of my trip in Kyoto. Aria and Atrida brought me to one of the most famous tea store in Kyoto, Tsujiri. If I mentioned that Disney Store was a dangerous place where Japanese ‎¥‎ could fly away to the cashier, Tsujiri was more than dangerous. In fact it’s kind of place where you are allowed to say ‘I don’t care, please take all my ¥‎”. You really can, Tsujiri matcha is the main reason why I think it is worth it to spend Japanese ¥‎ because the products are amazing. And for me and Aria who used to study Product Design would be on the same page to say that Tsujiri’s packaging design is absolutely spot on. EVERYTHING is well-designed.

I was puzzled when I was there. Not because I was worried about my Japanese ‎¥‎ cause I had to come back to Tokyo for two more days but “where would I put all those teas in my suitcase if I bought too many? without destroying the beautiful packages? All I saw there was BEAUTIFUL indeed OMG”. I said to Aria that one of my mistakes when I traveled to Japan was I brought a small suitcase and he said “I’ve told you, Zis”.

Tsujiri done, we strolled casually at Gion then moved to Kyoto Marui. It was another dangerous place where again, you are really allowed to scream “I don’t care, please take all my ¥‎”. No, I’m not trying to tell you lies but if you are there you’ll say the same, trust me.

Aria and Atrida brought me to Loft, where you know, if you are like me who can be crazy for some well-designed stuffs, you will always cheat yourself because you’ll never say no to take some stuffs for yourself (oh hello Toy’s Story iPhone case! why I left you in Indonesia…). Aria was very kind when I was in Kyoto but he wasn’t really ‘REALLY’ KIND! because he pushed me to another dangerous place where I realised I’ll never be a real backpacker called Seria, 100 yen shops that is so much better than Daiso I went at Takeshi Dori.

Kyoto Marui was the last stop and the end of our small reunion in Japan. I had only seven hours with them but it was one of the highlight of my trip if I may say. Aria and Atrida (and you too cutie, K) was very VERY kind when I was in Kyoto. It was a moment I won’t forget, also their hospitality I won’t take for granted. Atrida used to write on her Instagram page when she shared her first trip to Tokyo after three years lived in Kyoto just few days before she and Aria flew back to Indonesia that three things a person would need to travel are money, time and health. Sometimes three of them can’t meet on the same thing called an opportunity. And for me, had a short time in Kyoto and met them in the end was a very, very beautiful opportunity.

I had to say goodbye to Kyoto and took Shinkansen back to Tokyo by 8pm. I was almost late cause I had to look for one more Starbucks tumbler for my very best friend, Maya, as promised. Fortunately I was still on time on my way back to Kyoto Station. Inside Shinkansen, I never stopped smiling and gazing through the window, There Is Much More To This, All To Well, and Dear God on my playlist, with a box of bento for my dinner.

There days in Kyoto was one of the best life experience. Even though I really wish I had a longer time but there was nothing I regretted for any single thing I couldn’t achieve during my short stay. All the memories of Kyoto will stay forever in my heart and mind.

Kyoto, you will be one of my favourite city in this world.

Family, iPhone, Travel

To (Kem) Bali

November 1, 2016November 1, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

…then, let the memory of it sticks forever…

Raise your hand if you’re on the same page with me; we all need sharp camera to make memories. I mean, we are living in an era where capturing a moment is as easy as eating cheese cake. Please stand in the same line with me if you are having a crush with a little handsome guy called an iPhone7. Okay let me make this clearer, who doesn’t want the new iPhone and it’s JET BLACK?

I was almost, yes ALMOST, made a decision to spend my saving money for next year trip last Sunday. When I went to a store after I had a Chinese food for lunch ~~that I believed it cooked with MSG~~, I saw the new iPhone was displayed and for minutes my mind was wondering how the camera would capture the beauty of Hallstatt. If you don’t have a clue what kind of dessert it is, it’s not dessert buddy, Hallstatt is a very charming village in the heart of Europe. Imagine you’re standing, ensuring you are not dreaming, because you lost words and can’t help yourself capturing the beauty of The Salzkammergut with a very-very clear camera from the new iPhone. I bet you will compete with me standing there and I’ll get 10K more pictures than you.

Ok let me continue the story. One minute later, I patted my chest as a reward cause I SAID TO MYSELF: HELL YEAH I’m still walking on the right track till today. I mean, I don’t mind buying a thousand dollars plus for an iPhone IF I’m kind of person who has no clue what should I spend my stacks of gold bars for. Then, I could easily decide to buy two, one for me and one for you. It could be three, another one for your friend, buddy. I said I won’t take a bigger iPhone here but I won’t mind for 7+ this day. I apologize if my preamble for this post is too-long and about the new iPhone. Okay I’ll be serious right now, on this post what I want to share is the memories from my family trip to Bali. And what I love from the memories here is the fact that I spent four days with my mother and my siblings, -minus my dad- and we really had such a good time together. We spent five days in Bali, two nights in Seminyak (sure I picked boutique hotel!) and two nights in Ubud.

Food Lodge, Recipes

Strawberry & Kale

October 29, 2016November 13, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

You know one song on X that I love SO MUCH apart of ‘Photograph’? Guess what? Sure you won’t know, you had no clue too that I can sing ‘Photograph’ very well? Acoustic, please, I sing better with that version. Ok, let me not keep it as a secret, it’s ‘I’m A Mess’. Well most of you will agree that ‘Thinking Of Loud’ is one of the masterpiece, right? I love that song too. Though one of my favourite singer in this ENTIRE WORLD, oh this sounds too-much? sorry, I mean Ed is still resting from the industry and screen-world (I think I should try the second one though I know I’ll fail, no point) but I won’t be bored watching his acoustic version of ‘Baby One More Time’. He’s talented indeed, sorry did I mention that JB is so yesterday? Mendes sings better, right?

Nope don’t get me wrong, I won’t fool you by wondering why the title of this post is Strawberry & Kale but I’m preaching about Ed. Sure, there is no correlation in between. I just want to let you know that Ed has a very, very genuine music talent, you know ‘Love Yourself’ right? Das weißt du besser. JB, give thanks to Ed! Guys you must note this, I can sing that song very -I said VERY- well. Trust me.

OK. THIS. IS. ENOUGH. Hör auf damit!

Let me not wasting your time with my random thoughts, just wanted to share food-lodge I took with my OMG I know it’s time to get my new camera and proper lenses, I shouldn’t be like a snail to get it in my hand (the good news is; I have the budget, tho it’s not a7R ii *crying*). For now, hope you don’t mind for some scenes of today’s breakfast that I’m sure a toddler can even make it. You must trust me for the last sentence.

iPhone, Travel

Kyoto | 2

October 5, 2016May 30, 2018by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

“In Kyoto, I was strolling so casually”

The sun was high when I gazed out to the window. I could feel it though I was inside, trying to wake myself up completely by 6.30am. I was a bit tired yet I had to experience Bamboo Groove as my first destination on my second day in Kyoto. I had a conversation on the phone a night before with Aria, my friend that lived in Kyoto then (he’s back for good to Indonesia at the moment). He suggested to come as early as I could if I wanted to get beautiful photographs at Bamboo Groove. He said it won’t be too many tourists if I came in the morning before 9. As I remember, it was our first conversation since we graduated from the university seven years ago ~~(7? damn I’m old!)~~.

I finally arrived at Bamboo Groove few minutes after 8. The morning sun wasn’t friendly enough to me. It was worse cause I wore black jeans and D&G-ish Zara (had no option but I rushed and just found they were the clean ones). When the sun kissed my skin I swore I won’t do the same mistake if I travel on summer again.

Aria was true. It was well worth to wake up earlier and finally explored Bamboo Groove when it was quite. Like I couldn’t imagine how I would enjoy Bamboo Groove if I found many selfie sticks surround me (cause it could be happened in the afternoon). Though I still felt the sun and the humid, it didn’t stop me to breathe easy, felt the gentle breeze and the wind rustling in the bamboo leaves. And it was a serene morning indeed.

At Bamboo Groove I met with Judith, a solo female traveler from Sant Feliu de Guixols, Spain, who spent three weeks exploring Japan. We met for the first time at the entrance and at the bamboo path later on when we faced the same problem a solo traveler always has, looking for somebody who can take a picture of you through your own camera (you guys too?). Speaking and sharing few things with Judith was truly made my morning. And lucky me, she dropped a post card and wished if someday we can meet again either in Spain or in Indonesia.

It was a simply joy I’ll always remember, Judith.

“iPhone pictures below do not do justice ~~unless I captured with A7R then!~~. Arashiyama Bamboo Groove is a must if you have a chance to visit Kyoto”

After spending two hours at Bamboo Groove, I moved to the most important temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, Tenryū-ji Temple. Located just right after Bamboo Groove, it is mandatory to pay a visit to Tenryū-ji which registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I have to tell you this, I know I should put more attention reading the history of Tenryū-Ji while I was there yet my eyes were more tented by all those beautiful straight lines I could find everywhere surround the temple. I wasn’t wowed by the temple itself ~~and struggled to ensure I took symmetric pictures of the lines~~ but stood and wondered how beautiful the zen garden would be either in spring or in autumn.

You know sometimes I’d say, “Oh buddy, money is not everything” to people but sure you could SLAP MY FACE if you were with me in Kyoto on summer then. You would find me easily gave up being, “Oh I don’t mind to be a backpacker, huh?” and lied “This is an exception because true, summer is crazy hot!” and decided to spend my Japanese ¥ for a big bowl of shaved matcha ice along with two mochies beautifully wrapped with cherry blossom leaves.

I entered a matcha cafe right in front of Tenryū-Ji’s gate and spent an hour with cute green-guys as captured below. I remember when I went to the cafe upstairs, the first time I had in mind was I must have a seat by the window, guess what? yep, for picture purpose. Since I had a nightmare when I found my mirrorless didn’t work in Tokyo, seated by the window where I had bright natural light was significant cause I only had my iPhone 6 in hand ~~(hello 7! sigh!)~~. Oh come on guys, should I just sat and enjoyed my matchas without taking picture of them ~~for this blog ? How possible?~~

I admit I was so shy when I was rearranging those trays to get the right composition for my picture when two Japanese women were enjoying their shaved ices beside me. You may say I shouldn’t do that cause it might be rude ~~(MAYBE??)~~ yet I’m such ~~how garish this might sound~~ a typical Instagramer nowadays when it is so IMPORTANT to snap our food before we eat them, huh? No I’m kidding. What I was thinking just to have them for my own file so that I’ll remember it as one of the memory when I was in Japan.

Don’t worry, two women beside me were typical Japanese, they were so polite and even smiled at me when I was asking to the younger woman (the older one seemed like her mother, I guessed) this question: “Konichiwa ~~haik~~, do you speak English? may I ask you, are these leaves can be eaten, too?” ~~(sure I was smiling like oh GOD, WHAT A SUCH A STUPID Q?)~~. But when she did answer in English, I was so pleased at least I didn’t just eat the cherry blossom leaves without knowing ~~and I would~~ ~~look like a fool~~ if they could be eaten or not.

After an hour spent in the cafe I putted on my headsets, played Rather Be, and continued my sightseeing to the central landmark of Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge. Many restaurants, small shops, and attractions can be found nearby. Though the weather in the afternoon was super-duper hot, I was enjoyed every step I took. A little trick I did when I felt too-hot was stopped by the shops and enjoyed the AC. It helped for my body indeed but not for my eyes.

Stopped by two shops with a will to chill but left with some souvenirs in my hand. ~~Japan was dangerous, tho.~~

Here are some Arashiyama scenes via iPhone while I was strolling casually before headed to Nara.

Nara was my side trip with no expectation cause what I wanted just to spend the rest of that day at Nara-Koen Park. There was one thing I learnt from my trip to Nara. If I have places to see it is important to fuel myself with good food so I’ll have energy to move around.

When I was inside the train heading to Nara station, I was looking for halal restaurant nearby and my iPhone told me to stop to the next station which was JR Kyobate station. Without thinking that I would spend time an hour or two, I decided to look for a place to have a proper lunch before I went to Nara Park. I found two, one was Indian restaurant (oh, I didn’t mind for basmati rice and chicken curry) and another one was halal Japanese ramen restaurant. I picked Japanese one for a distance wise, and thought a bowl of ramen in the afternoon wasn’t a bad idea.

Stepped at Kyobate station I found myself as if I was in the corner of the country. It was very quite place. I could barely imagine how I would spend my lazy afternoon at one of those Japanese houses with a cold matcha and some dark chocolates if I had a couchsurfing host.

Even though it was past 3 and the sun was still high, it didn’t stop me looking for a halal restaurant called Naramachi Jinniyah. I enjoyed my walk to the restaurant located at Minamijodocho though I almost gave up cause ~~hell ya~~ the summer sun was suffocated me. Ten minutes walked and guess what? I stood in front of the restaurant with CLOSE sign on the door, plus my flat face, plus my screaming tummy, plus my salty sweat, plus a little feeling “what the hell I was looking for” and just look at the selfie I took below was my cheesy reward cause I failed looking for halal food.

After I stopped by at Lawson in Kawaradocho for two slices fried chicken (yikes I ate part of the chicken I hate the most (read: skin) like a real hunger!) with a bottle of cold matcha drink and a vanilla cream puff, I decided to take a train back to Nara station.

When I arrived at the station my tummy was screaming for a real food for the second time. I felt like I was OK cause I took enough light food from Lawson but I forgot that moved around burned calories and made me hungry more often. I had to ask my iPhone again where I could find a restaurant with halal food on the menu but first, I stopped at Nara City Tourist Information Centre right away after I saw prayer room sign (as I wished I could find prayer room easily like that in Japan).

After I prayed I decided to walk straight to Nara Park since the day was still bright. Strolling in the afternoon in Nara could be one of my best time in Japan. Just I wished I had enough time and sure, a happy tummy then. I was a little worried if I couldn’t visit Nara Park cause the sky was cloudy and gray yet I smiled for second to admire the orange-ish afternoon light as captured below. My worry was true cause in the end of my side trip, I finally flunked to visit a home to hundreds of freely deers. I had to admit that I couldn’t manage my time precisely when in Nara but hey, it shouldn’t be regretted cause I finally found an Indonesian fried rice at one restaurant at Konishico for my dinner.

I knew it was like incomplete journey that I couldn’t see how cute those deers at Nara Park but at least, I could bring two deers home for my beloved best friend. And it was enough to end my very short visit to Nara.

~~I didn’t take only deers but ah, I shouldn’t say it here how I spent my Japanese ¥ in the evening at some souvenir shops at Nara before I came back to my hostel in Kyoto.~~

P.S. FYI, I’m kind of person who always try to avoid eating my own food when I travel to another country cause it’s definitely an opportunity to experience local food. But that day, it was an exception for my dinner ~~since my tummy screamed since afternoon like crazy~~. And, I had more and more picture I took at Arashiyama and Nara but I didn’t want to boom you with too many pictures here. So more to come!

Creativity, iPhone

In The Mood Of Flatlays

October 3, 2016October 5, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

It was started on Saturday night when I wanted to just drew something with watercolor because it’s been long since I attended basic design class years back. Been trying few times and found that it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Even just for a simple object like a leaf (sounds like I need serious practice). So it ended with abstract lines using red color. Why red? Cause it felt like I missed somebody outside there then (everyone was wondered who is E that I always mention on my Instagram page?).

From an abstract drawing to few flatlays-play, I thought I shouldn’t share these only on my IG page but here too.

As I wish my day-off today could be more and more longer. Unfortunately it’s 10:03PM already.

Creativity

September’s Inspirations

September 18, 2016October 4, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

Pablo Picasso used to say this, “every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up”

I’m not gonna preach about how to be an artist to you guys :) though I do agree with the statement above. Everyone has their own ‘creative’ side in different ways and it grows if you let it grow.

Your creativity will step forward by keeping your imagination grows, too. And it is a good thing when you can expand your creativity by looking for

And on this post I’ll share some inspirational people that inspired me a lot recently. Most of them about photography.

“Oh, the Goddess of the most exquisite blog in the universe if I may say. Everything about Park&Cube is on point. Yes, EVERYTHING”

Shini Park, the founder of Park&Cube is definition of amazing. Super ~~supersuper~~ talented and her job is such a dreaaaaaaam job!

The content, the photos, the art direction, the fonts!, the lay-outs, and how she writes her posts is KILLER. Distinct and very tasteful. It’s hard to say if I’m not a big fan of her work. I mean, you guys know so well that I’m the biggest fan of Alice Gao, but Shini is one of a kind. Honestly, I knew Shini’s blog when Alice posted about her trip to UK and finally met Shini in person. Since then I fell in love with Park&Cube. I guarantee you will spend hours reading her blog (what are you waiting for?).

And you know what I love the most from gorgeous bloggers outside there, they’ll inspire you how they grow. I used to read Alice’s stories when she moved to NYC to pursue her passion in photography, capturing many coffee-shops and her food with an iPhone and her Canon, until she’s on her stage today. And I found ‘that’ too when I read Shini’s old posts. Looking at her old photographs and her recent ones makes me think ‘you imagine what you desire’.

“If you want to cry by looking pictures above, don’t worry, YOU ARE NOT ALONE”

I almost cried when I saw Teppo posted –“oh I don’t have words to describe it!!”- amazing sceneries from Greenland where he spent a whole summer this year. Two reasons, number one, how breathtaking the Greenland is (and it’s on the same earth you and me are living guys!). Two, Teppo is extremely talented, NO DOUBT. The last reason is the most thing I adore from him. He has sharp eyes for beauties indeed.

Oh OK, I probably have to tell you this ; I might call it “hate?” no, that’s not it, “jealous”? I don’t think either. So, what is the word then? mesmerize? I don’t know. When you know somebody and feel that ‘oh my God, he’s still soooo much younger than me and that’s not fair!” (I assume you know what I mean). A little bit ‘jelly’ with Teppo cause he’s still young and full of talent in photography I must confess, but good news is we became a friend from Instagram (still remember how I screamed when he sent me a photograph of ices floating on the sea in Greenland through WhatsApp!).

I’m still looking forward to let Teppo shares his experiences and indulgences in photography on KitKat :)) oh come on, don’t tell me you are not following my buddy in his Instagram?

“Noah Mills’s Instagram shows his talent in photography”

I’m not following Paris, Milan or New York Fashion Week, though I love to see how wild and crazy creativity in fashion world are. If you’re among of those ‘fashionista’ who always get a front-row invitation or you’re a real fashion blogger, you must know who Noah Mills is.

Since I found his Instagram through ‘explore’ page, I found that he always post beautiful pictures from his daily life. He’s not like those models or public figures, oh let me make this clear, I do hate ‘so-so’ public figures who post pictures with their endorse products on Instagram. If they are nicely captured that’s not a problem, but if it’s tacky post, oh come on I know I shouldn’t say this since that is their right on an era like this but I have a right too to speak my mind, nah? :)

Noah is different. I felt like he maintains his page on a simply yet tasteful way. Even when I saw a cup of his morning coffee in a black and white stripes cup placed on a wooden table, it was so artistic. If you are in doubt with my opinion, look at his page here. Let me know if we are on the same page!

“I didn’t pick inspirations only from Shini, Teppo and Noah. I still have three people who for me, their stories and passions are inspiring too”

Katerine, a Russian who fell in love with Japan and it’s culture shares her love for that amazing country on her Instagram. Read her interview too on this page.

Are you a dessert person ~~I’m crazy with dessert~~? Love sweets and stylish decorated cakes? You must know Caroline Khoo, open this page and tell me she’s blown you away with her craft like she did to me!

And the last one is Audrey, a traveller and professional travel blogger on thatbackpacker. She shares a lot of travel stories that I trust, it will tease you to pack your things and explore this world more often. You may like to read her ‘post-uni blue’, it’s so interesting!

iPhone, Travel

Kyoto | 1

September 15, 2016February 20, 2017by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

“Who never heard Rather Be? A song that won Grammy 2015 for Best Dance Recording? You? :)”

Honestly speaking, first time I heard that catchy song when my ~~silly~~ best friend, Yuriko, sent me a hilarious lip sync video with Rather Be as a back sound. My ears were quickly catched the rhythm and I JUST LOVED IT. When I asked him who sang the song?, I knew he would abuse me ~~(and he did)~~ cause both of us are always compete “who is the hottest music sensation right now?”. I didn’t know who sang the song till he gave me the band’s name, Clean Bandit feat Jess Glynne. Since then, if I need mood-booster in the morning, I’ll let Rather Be resonant in the air. Oh, the scene in the clip is in Tokyo, one reason I loved too.

I made a reservation for Shinkansen at JR office a day before I off to Kyoto. I chose 10am in the morning since I knew I would be so tired after I went to many places. At least I could wake after 8 and I would still have time in the afternoon to explore Kyoto on my third day in Japan.

Since I had to take a train from Asakusabashi to Tokyo Station I gave myself enough time in the station. I didn’t want to gamble then, cause I knew Tokyo Station is super-duper busy with all those people that spread all over the place. Confusing yet fluttering. If you are there for the first time, it is safer to give an extra time before you enter the train esp for Shinkansen. It is not funny if you have reserved a seat to Kyoto or Osaka or other destinations and you are late. Learning to be discipline as Japanese is a good thing, at least if you are in Japan as a tourist.

Experiencing Japanese bullet train was memorable. Traveling with Shinkansen for the first time might be a bit challenging since you have to make sure all details for your journey is understood. You just need to ensure which platform your train will off from, what is your car number and your seat, and when will you off to your destination. If you are still new with Japanese train, don’t be hesitate to ask the officer you can find in the station in case you’re confuse with your platform ~~cause in Tokyo Station people is walking and running just like marbles~~.

I was off from Tokyo via Shinkansen Hikari by 10:03 sharp and it took only 2,5 hours to Kyoto. For me it is a mandatory seating by the window. Enjoying the view while having breakfast with fresh-packed sushi, almond crush Pocky, green tea roll cake, and a cup of caffè latte inside Shinkansen? I couldn’t ask for more. Maybe it was a proper ‘proper’ camera I missed since capturing the scenery with an iPhone was a waste ~~(you ask a clear picture inside a bullet train that running at speeds of up to 320 km/h?)~~.

“Sometimes, we just fall in love on something with no reason needed”

Just like Rather Be, I didn’t need a reason why my heart fell in love with Kyoto. From my first step, I felt I had an affair with the city thenceforth.

On a quite afternoon where I took train from Kyoto Station to Kujo Station, I finally arrived at Minami-ku Higashikujo where Lower East Nine Hostel is located. I dropped a nylon bag which was filled with my clothes for the next two days and went straight to explore Nishiki Market. Some ‘Kyoto-scenes’ around my hostel via iPhone.

Arrived at the one of Japan’s most iconic market made me thought ‘why I didn’t leave my wallet in the hostel’. At Nishiki, your sense will compete seriously (not to mention that you better keep your wallet save from ‘visual-temptation’). Especially those mini-and-super mini cuties which spread all over the souvenir shops. Not only those, you’ll find beautiful handmade cookware, ceramic plates (I could be so crazy if I were a real food stylist!), yummy street food, delicious teas, fresh fishes and friends, oh look at those mini octopuses ~~that you’ll always find on my table every time I have a treat at Sushi-Te in Indonesia~~, Japanese kimonos, and even pairs of limited Adidas shoes (I was saved from the last one!). You shouldn’t worry if you feel hungry after exploring this market cause you’ll find a few of sit-down restaurants along.

My next destination after Nishiki Market was Gion, the most exclusive and well-known district where you could find geisha, if you are lucky. What I had in mind was a perfect evening scene where I could find old-styled Japanese houses and dreary light from Japanese lantern on the street. But I was quite exhausted ~~after chasing some souvenirs~~ on my first day in Kyoto. So I changed my mind to skip Gion at night and thought it wasn’t a bad idea to come back to hostel by 4pm.

There was no single regret though I couldn’t spend an evening at Gion. I remember vividly how it felt when I was staring at the window in the hostel after I bathed. It was around 6pm, heavy rain just stopped, the road was quite, I found dreary light from those street lamps, and I felt that ‘feeling’ when I was so grateful for an opportunity to visit somewhere new, an opportunity to experience something new, and an opportunity for being alive.

After I enjoyed my dinner, I continued my evening-ritual before I went to sleep ; checking my next destination for the next day, complete with the map and subway lines. As I mentioned on this post, what I loved from my hostel in Kyoto is the loungish sitting room upstairs. I spent the rest of my evening there with a casual conversation with two Indian young ladies from The UK. How did I know where they came from? from their British accent which is very familiar with the English I use here. Poor me I couldn’t remember their names but we had an interesting conversation till I had to say goodnight to recharge myself for the next adventure.

When I entered my room before 10pm, I realised it was a mix room for boys and girls cause I didn’t see any travelers when I arrived in the afternoon. Spending my first night in Kyoto, I met with my roommates, Joe and Svewn who first met in the hostel, too. Joe is a Chinese young man who currently lives in Canada studying logistic while Svewn is a young lady from New Zealand. I didn’t really have much time to share stories with Svewn cause she was sleeping when I was having a conversation with Joe.

It was past 11pm and both of us were still sharing about our life experiences, places we had explored while we were in Japan, and some future-plans. I tucked myself with a thick brown blanket ~~damn that too cold AC~~ while listening to his stories why he decided to study logistic. He traveled to Japan three weeks for his summer break before he went back to China to see his family. It was a pleasure meeting with different personalities from different parts of this world indeed. When I met with Joe even just for one night, he inspired me a lot to explore and travel more often. We ended our conversation after midnight when both of us were really exhausted and our beds were waffing at us.

P.S. The only thing I regret the most from my trip to Kyoto was I didn’t even ask Joe and Svewn their contacts. I totally forgot ~~I shouldn’t be that fool~~ to exchange our contacts before we were separated. Joe and Svewn were moved to another district while I was still had two more days in Kyoto. It was such a qualm I knew cause by then, we could keep in touch wherever we were. Just to let you know Joe, Svewn, it was a pleasure we could meet in Japan guys, wherever you are, be happy and don’t stop exploring this earth while we are young. Cheers, Azis.

iPhone, Travel

Tokyo | 2

September 11, 2016September 30, 2016by Azis AbdulLeave a Comment

“Is this 6am already?”

When you woke and found the day was so bright, it could be a sign to wake up earlier the next day. A question I asked myself ~~almost~~ every morning when in Japan was “how could I slept only four to five hours and found the dazzling light from the bathroom’s window by 6am? Is it 6am or 9am?”. It could be worse if you have nearsighted like me and found a harsh light early morning. Was it because I traveled in summer?

Talking about summer in Japan is YES! It is extremely hot. I’ve been living in West Africa for years so I know what is the meaning of “HOT” weather. But in Japan, summer can be unrelentingly humid. Though I had SPF50 and SPF25 with me, Japanese summer still made my skin three shades darker. If on my first day I wore my Zara jacket during the day at Sensō-ji and Tokyo Tower cause I forgot to drop it in the hostel, I already gave up on the second day. Comfortable sheer tee is a must for summer and no jeans please, khaki shorts is much better. A side from the humid, there was nothing precluded me to enjoy Tokyo.

“Oh OK, day two was meant to be “morning guys, here is my cute caffè latte” moment on my Instagram page”

On the second day, I left my hostel before 9am and took train to Shibuya station. I trusted Google map would drive me to a place where I could sit down and enjoying my morning coffee. I was hoping that dessert in the morning wasn’t a sin, too. Coffee and dessert could be a friend forever, at least that is what I have in my own dictionary.

When I arrived at Shibuya I was following every steps based on what Google map told me. I must confess that I’m not bad if you ask “Are you great reading a map?”. Yes, I’m not that bad but in Tokyo, where internet is extremely swift, I had to make sure that I didn’t run out of battery even I brought my power bank. I needed my iPhone and internet ‘ready’ when I had to move to the next destination. It could be a reason why I was lost and couldn’t find the coffee shop I’d been eyeing to spend my morning at.

I thanked God that Zara, Topman, Adidas, and H&M weren’t open yet when I was faffing in the morning. If not, I would call myself a liar cause “hey Azis, you said you wanted to do light travel but brough pieces of Zara home?”

Yet I was a liar that day for some pieces from Uniqlo. Apologise.

Day two, I was still relied on Lawson and those supermarkets where I could find something easy for breakfast. Dorayaki and a cup of Starbucks latte was in my hand before I sat down to enjoy matcha shaved ice and a warm chocolate croissant at St Marc Cafe Shibuya. If you just visited this blog, you must know that I’m a huge fan of croissant :). It was still humid but drizzling outside there and I stayed inside a cafe where the smell of fresh croissants was in the air.

Talking about Shibuya, it would be a shame if you travel to Tokyo and not take a walk across the famous intersection. It was an experience indeed when I was among “the scramble”. It was like marbles spilling out of a box by the time the lights turn red. Either in the afternoon or clear evening, pretty sure it’s mandatory experiencing Shibuya crossing.

After I experienced by myself I went to the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the crossing’s north side. It was a time for me to observe the “chaos” down there and took some pictures with my iPhone. Cloudy noon with grey lights made it a bit challenging capturing this crossing with no proper lens. But I found that is quite interesting with a cut-out effect, nah? (click on the image to zoom).

I was enjoying my raspberry iced tea while having a conversation with a middle-age woman from Australia (a country that has kangaroos :P) at Starbucks. She took two days off from her group and enjoying Tokyo by herself before went for a day tour cruise to Mt Fuji the next day. It was so good we had a short time sharing our stories and few random things we loved about Japan.

Right after Shibuya crossing I moved to Harajuku, the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. I didn’t spend time exploring Takeshita Dori and just took 2 pcs ~~too-sweet~~ crunchy puff pastry from Croquant Chou ZakuZaku for lunch before heading to one of the most popular shrines in Japan, Meiji Shrine.

“I love the fact that in Tokyo, as busy as it is, we can still find a huge greens at Meiji Shrine”

At Meiji Shrine I realised that I didn’t take single picture of myself in front of those landmarks. This could be one reason why I should have selfie stick, no? Thanks to iPhone’s front camera for two selfies but I said “come on, being a little garish in Japan is not a sin Zis, ask that man to help you with one or two shots under the Torii gate”, and I did :) I asked an Indian man after he asked me to take picture with his family, that I knew they live in Malaysia after his grandma was guessing if I speak Melayu.

Two hours spent at Meiji Shrine and I had to move to find halal food. Sweet snacks, pastries, and those ice creams couldn’t satisfy me. I needed a time to sit down and enjoy heavy meal because in Tokyo, everyday seems like an exercise day. I mentioned on this post what I did was half-half. Half of me wanted to explore places as many as I could, another half was enjoying every moment out of my itinerary.

I must confess that I didn’t do serious research for halal food before I flew to Tokyo. Much better to look at the nearest location where I stood that day though it was a bit difficult yet challenging. Google map told me that the nearest location for halal food was at Ōyama-chō district. Well, I didn’t mind for Turkish food cause hey, I would find rice right? :) ~~typical Indonesian~~. I took train to Yoyogi Uehara Station and I just realised it showed Tokyo Camii Mosque on my iPhone.

When I arrived and checked my map just to make sure I was at the right place, I was wondering where was the restaurant. While I kept looking I entered to the mosque and aw, it wowed me. The restaurant is in the ground floor while the mosque in the first floor. After I prayed ~~and took some pictures of course~~ I found that, “OMG the restaurant just closed and the Turkish food in my mind disappeared instantly”, I didn’t regret anything. For me, as a moslem, it was interesting I accidentally paid a visit to the largest mosque in Japan (will post the beauty of Tokyo Camii separately :)).

“Don’t call me Azis if I’m easily give-up for something I’m looking for. Mark my words :)”

From Tokyo Camii I took train to Shinjukugyoen-Mae station to find halal food for my dinner. I promised to myself when in Japan I had to try authentic Japanese food as much as I could, and ramen was among. It was past 7pm till I found the location of a restaurant for vegan and halal noodle called Halal Ramen Ouka. It is a very small restaurant where you really have to wait to get a seat. And I had to wait an hour+ till I could sit down and finally had a ramen for dinner. Here is the best shot of the ramen from my iPhone, I’m a bit fastidious if I have to photograph my food but for this one, it was an exception.

“I’m thankful for my brain that can capture moment vividly with all the details”

I still remember all the details behind the ramen picture above. When I was waiting for my seat outside, there was a bunch of five Indonesians were waiting to have a dinner too. Three women and two men. Two of them are working and other two are studying in Japan, the last one was a traveler. How do you know Zis? Oh come on, they spoke Indonesian so I understood :D. Funny enough I kept silent and wondering in mind like “oh girl, you can’t laugh that loud in Japan, and this is past 8pm already”. You may think that Azis is introvert? Can’t talk to people? Is it not exciting if you meet your people in another part of the world? It is.

But wait, I’m not introvert :) I used to be, but how can I survive in West Africa where vibrant people live if I’m introvert? I’m very open person chiefly when I travel. I love meeting people from different countries, I love making friend. I love learning something from you, guys. But manner is important and it depends on you as a person, wherever you come from. So in my opinion, when I found someone laughed at 8 pm in Tokyo? No, for me it was not appropriate. We really have to be mindful where we are, right? I feel more comfortable having conversation with an Indonesian lady that works in Ouka restaurant rather than joining ‘the loud team’ :P

And I still remember vividly too, when it was raining before I entered the restaurant. All those street lamps, the street scene, the rain drops, conversation I had with a father and his 20+ old daughter from Qatar and a stylish European couple. How could I still remember the huge strawberry pattern on the guy’s shirt? he was so damn stylish with light brown khaki short while the lady wore a short embroidery bralette top with high waist slim skirt in red and black. They are blonde so both outfits were looking so fantastic on them. I’m very visual so all those details were sticked on my mind :P.

I ended my day two in Tokyo with a bowl of hot spicy ramen, cold matcha, and authentic Japanese ambiance when it was still raining outside. Was it a better idea than that?