Paris, je t'aime

Summer 2014

Meet my good friend, Alaia Issany <3

Was wandering among some of the main attractions, stopping for café lattes and generally loving every corner of this gorgeous city. We are living in Montmartre, Paris and I remember I was worrying about taking metro in Paris. Would it be safe? confusing to navigate? but fortunately the metro was a cinch to figure out. And I felt completely safe on the trains and in the stations. And as for getting lost,  Google maps app works in Paris too. It was a lifesaver in Paris in my opinion (cuz you do not ask people on the street) lol

Montmartre is the home that nurtured most of the great artists and writers living in France for over 200 years. Picasso, van Gogh and countless others lived and worked in these streets in Montmartre.

Sacre Coeur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You can go inside and go up to the top of the dome for a view of Paris, but I did not do that. It is just around my sister's flat, made my way up the many…many steps. Workout every single day!  You can get a very pretty view outside the church, my friend Alaia and I loved to just sit there and enjoying the view.  You can do the picnic as well! ;) 

And here's my other friend, David. We strolled around Montmartre and managed to get some delicious cheesecakes from Berko around Montmartre, very famous cheesecake place and indeed was stupidly good. If you happen to be in Paris, you need to try the cheesecake! after that we stopped by Rue Saint-Anne the little Tokyo thats what people call it. Located near many city landmarks and tourist attractions, like Louvre, and the Opera, Rue Saint-Anne is a wonderful street to visit for lunch while out sightseeing or shopping. The closest Metro stop is Pyramides

We took a walk to The Louvre the biggest museum in the world with thousands of square feet of space and million of exhibit. It houses pieces from classical times to the 19th century. It was summer going on to autumn. The weather was really nice:) 

There is an ever-present line outside this great, traditional Japanese restaurant, always a great sign for any dining spot. They served a variety of handmade udon. The tempura udon-a steaming bowl of delicious broth, topped with tempura shrimp; zaru udon- cold noodle served with dipping sauce; or the curry udon. The many also includes side dishes, like pickled veggie. The udon is well worth the wait.

K Mart is a grocery store stocked full of Korean and Japanese products. My friend David Young and I stopped by to pick up some korean snacks and soju. He never tried korean food so I managed to get him some goodies. "Soju tastes like chinese medicine HAHA", David said. LOL

 You could find fresh produce, seafood, noodle, sake, spices, and much more. And also the cafeteria or the to-go food shelves for a quick lunch. It's open for Monday to Sunday, 10.00AM to 9.00PM. It is Rue Saint-Anne

Had a second meet up with David Young. This time I came over to his. I forgot how we came up with an idea of the second meet up but that time my friend, Anne had an appointment with her "boyfriend" and she currently checking her new flat so yeah I gone out with her from my place. David wanted to show me the other side of Paris (not typical Paris). It was at Bibliothèque, I just took the RER and was there in no time! Time has passed so quickly and it was very far away from my place. I couldn't find a wifi and my phone was about to die soon. Borrowed Anne' phone to text David. Got his call and I waited for couple mins in MK2 Bibliothèque, luckily there were lots of food trucks and great attractions. MK2 is a cinema, probably the biggest cinema I have ever seen. It's not in the mall, but the cinema alone is very huge. I didn't get the chance to take picture because it was too crowded and I was on my own so yeah.. (oh I did manage to see David an hour later, he came by a bike he rented :p)

Here's the one I been telling you about. This is what we call it as Bibliothèque Nationale de France aka The National Library of France. I never thought I would see this side in France. I thought I could only see old victorian buildings around, but this is different, if only you could see this view in real life, you would say wow too! that time was very windy and cold crazyyy! David and I spent couple hours here, amazed by its view here. You should come and see!

It carries a sense of monumentality and visual iconicity that is, of course, familiar to Parisians, but the library is distinctly modern in affect and progressive in ethos.  Classical arcades, stone carving, and ornamental expressions of wealth and power are replaced by the glass, steel, and weathered wood, and the understated  of the urban masses and a throwback to midcentury ideals.

And this is Docks de Paris. The river facing façade features a glass covered steel tube structure that is inspired by the flow of the river and its pedestrian promendades. The rood has also been developed using wood decks and grassed area. The front façade addition serves as the buildings circulation system allowing visitors to move between levels. Inside the new building will feature a variety of programming including galleries, retail shops, the french fashion institute, and cafes. And this' what I was doing with David, he brought me here to see some art galleries. Was a lovely night!

When Paul stopped by and enjoying his indomie after 1 year HAHAHA #indomieforlife

Starting to enjoy my stay in Paris because there are lots of hidden gems in this city. Thank you so much for the hospitality Alaia, David, Paul, and Nicko. So very thankful that I get to know them for years. See y'all very soon! x

I Love pancakes

FOOD

Starting with savory, as dinner, pilling our plates full of thin crispy crepe style pancakes with everything and anything you could imagine before moving onto American style sweet ones for dessert - again with piles of chocolate, cream, fruit and of course maple syrup, lemon or sugar. I am planning on having pancake feast, but beforehand wanted to share my favorite…classic American pancakes with tons of chopped bananas inside - basically I made a huge pile of pancakes (I ate some already lol) and wanted to share them with you..so here goes. This is so unplanned pic / took it while I was eating (taken by instagram story).

Those of you who are comfortable making pancakes, you need to know why my pancakes always failed. I always loved baking cakes but for pancakes, I have been trying making it since last year and It took me some time of failing pancake making to finally succeed now. It always turned out to crepe or prata bread consistency that would certainly make you laugh! :p

You will need:

*The Pancakes*

- 1 1/2 cups flour

- 3 tablespoons sugar (I'm using palm sugar)

- 1 tablespoon baking power / baking soda (add more if needed)

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 or 2 cups milk (I'm using low fat)

- 1 egg (whisk)

- a little bit of butter if needed (i don't use butter)

Let's get making:

Step one: add the flour, baking power, salt, sugar into one bowl. Mix them well.

Step two: add the egg (whisk), milk and mix them all together into a batter.

Step three: Whisk the batter until they form well.

Step five: Heat a non stick frying pan and add a little bit of butter / coconut oil into the pan. Pour the pancake batter into the pan, wait until the first side is lovely golden and bubbly on top, then flip to cook the other side.

Step six: Pile up your pancakes onto plates and add toppings of your choice. I stay with the clean choice without sweet toppings! YUM <3

Enjoy your pancakes with your loved ones!

YAS I DID GET CAST!

JANJI TOBA THE MUSICAL

The best moment in 2015

When you are called in for an audition, the people present including a handful of a complete strangers. Someone asked me to sing couple songs (National & Bataknese songs included). I knw nothing about Bataknese songs so I decided to sing a gospel song lol so embarrassed. A few days later Debby called me for a role! and here's my story :)

Rehearsal/fitting tiiiiime! at Viky Sianipar Music Center, Manggarai Tebet

Take Vocal

This production tells a tale of how lake Toba appeared. Originating from North Sumatra, this classic Indonesian Folktale is chosen in hopes to raise the Indonesian' love for their culture.

A man named Toba who lived in North Sumatra. One day, he saw gold coins appear in the banana leaf where he kept his fish. His life changed when his fish morphed into a beautiful long-haired lady named Tiosmasna. They made a promise that he will never tell anyone that she is a fish, or else their children will later be descendants of fish too.

Bad things happened to them, Toba yelled to Tiomasna and Samosir (their son), "you stupid child of fish!". Right then, lighting struck the coconut tree and loud thunder rolled. Toba froze as he realized that he had broken his promise to Tiomasna.

She left the house and ignoring Toba's apologetic cry. As she walked away, her foot prints gushed out water, creating a pool. The water grew larger and larger until it became a lake which was named after Toba.

The show takes place in Ciputra Artpreneur, Lotte Shopping Avenue.

Very proud and happy to be working with the legend, Indrodjojo Kusumonegoro aka Indro Warkop. Avery humble, talented, friendliest friend and father himself. oh and also with Cindy Carolina aka Cindy AFI, Rony Dozer, Gita Bhebhita etc..

oh this is my dad and mom (not pictured) and 2 of my friends, thanks for coming! <3

Meet my good friends! this was an after show picture, YES we were crying :)

*One of the best moments that made my 2015 better*

Food & Beaches

A REVIVING BREAK 2016

The other week I decided to carve out some relaxation time, I needed to escape from the city but I did

not really want to travel too far away. I was daydreaming sitting by the beach all day, which is where  BALI came in. After getting so much recommendations, so I decided to pack my bag for a short getaway. Actually my sis asked me to, together with some other friends.

My sister chose Swiss-Belhotel Petitenget, Seminyak as the first choice. We booked a room for the best deal ever and I now understand the attraction. The room we get was very spacious and it really felt like our own personal getaway.

Hop on to the Greek restaurant called NOSTIMO in Petititenget, Seminyak and that was awesomely good. Found out that this restaurant is just across my hotel and owned by a very good lovely person, Alex Filippides. He takes his greek cuisine very seriously. 

We talked a bit and had some drinks. Such a lovely treat! The lamb souvlaki was amazing..oh and the pork belly with pita wrap was also stupidly good as well. They brought a really authentic Greek taste I loved it so much. Probably the best service I had in awhile! Cannot wait to visit again at first chance, and you all need to try it out. Highly recommend!

Potentially the best vegan food I have ever eaten 

My inner snob retreated in surprise at how old this restaurant looked, but I was glad I changed my mind because I was blown away by the food. This restaurant called Warung Eny, in Seminyak.

My sister and I ordered Ayam Betutu, Sate Babi, and Nasi Campur Bali. A place like this is still great for some gastronomic adventure but not for a romantic date. Plus you get a REAL Balinese barbecue where coconut husks are used instead of charcoal. This explains the great flavor in their barbecued food. Best of all, it is affordable! ;)

Best time in Bali <3

                                               

From Amsterdam to Amersfoort

Meet my family 

Summer 2014

The weather in Amsterdam was awesome! Took a walk down immersing myself in the gorgeous weather and I was astonished by the people as well. The Netherlands is also ranked as one of the top 10 "happiest" countries. So thankful that I get the chance to visit some of my Dutch friends in here. The thing I love the most about The Netherlands is people in here speak decent english AND I speak dutch as well so communication was not a problem here.

During my stay in Amsterdam, I chose a hostel instead of hotel just because It was way cheaper than a hotel room AND I get to meet new friends of course! Flying Pig was the best choice for me. It's in Nieuwendijk 100, Amsterdam, Netherlands. During the day it's a busy shopping street in Nieuwendijk, to become very quiet after the shopping hours. The Dam Square is also closeby. I never had breakfast in Flying Pig but pizza for dinner and it was freakin' good and the beer was also great! The Flying pig only accept people above 18 and under 40 years old.

They have enough space for you to crash one of the many comfy couches. For all of you coming over in the summer, they also have a little terrace attached to the smoking section so just put on your flip-flops and chill out in the sun. Since I do not smoke, it's very important for me, the smoker no longer allowed to smoke in areas where people are working. You can smoke in the smoking area connected to the bar, chill out on pillows and chatting to fellow guests and staff. Good times! Highly recommend!

I managed see one of my cousins, Crista when I was in Flying Pig. She was strolling Amsterdam with her friends and happened to see me before we left for Amersfoort. Oh It was her first time going to the bar/hostel because at that time she was still 17 so she had to act like an adult in front of the staff lol

I never get bored of dutch street food, especially FEBO!! It's just too good to resist and I came back here again the next days. When people ask does Amsterdam offer a fast, cheap, and yummy snack? YES, and it is FEBO. It's a fast-food franchise that serves up its snacks in "automat"-style vending machines. It's a simple process: you walk up to the window of the tastiest-looking treat, drop the correct amount in the slot, open the door, and take out your snack.

Febo is still best known for its croquettes. I really love Kalfsvleeskroket for those who love beef and for a non meat option, you can try the delicious Kaassouffle and it's a fried cheese nugget. And I also did enjoy my option of fancy dining or any kind of restaurant in Amsterdam. They knew how to serve good food with a good deal :)

I strolled down the Bloemenmarkt flower market which is the only floating market in the world. There are 15 stalls in this block-long flower market and you can shop for flower bulbs, seeds, accessories, souvenir, and everything else that is related to the flower trade. I just remembered I have missed seeing the annual festival  in Keukenhof. Aaaahh…what a waste! I hope I get to see it next year!

Many of Amsterdam's most famous attractions can get pretty busy at peak times but does not mean you cannot squeeze them into your travel itinerary. I cannot miss van Gogh museum when I was in Amsterdam just because he's one of my favorites artists and thank God I had the chance to visit. 

The museum has a large collection of works by van Gogh's contemporaries and works that influenced his own style, including his collection of Japanese prints. Must visit museum in Amsterdam!

Ended my trip from Paris to Amsterdam. It takes just 2 hours to get to Amersfoort from Amsterdam, which meant it was just a perfect destination for a weekend trip. Amsterdam is a vibrant city and definitely filled with lots of hustle and bustle, but I found myself feeling oddly relaxed more when I was in Amersfoort, a small looking pretty town which I spent most of my trip.

Biking through the tiny little alleyways was one of the most amazing parts of my stay. I felt like a kid again, full of adventure and awe! and let's not forget about the local food. My Kuku aka my aunty made the best meatballs, pizza and some other indo food as well.

"THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO SOMEONE IS YOUR TIME"

My sister, Vanessa and I had a generally lovely time visited our family back in  Amersfoort, the Netherlands. And I left feeling much more inspired.

Advice of the day-take the time and make the time to relax with your loved ones.