I have a dream

23 October 2014

I have a dream. 

And hopefully you have one too. 

Its not a kind of dream that you keep dreaming of since you were a child, or maybe yes it is. Dont think too much, no one have to prepare a complex justification for their dream when someone asking about it. Its a dream, its not big enough if you're not scare of it. 

I almost forgotten when i started loving wandering around. Everywhere. Anywhere. But i clearly remember when i forced myself to experience the things called "solo travelling". Its scary, but addicted at the same time. And started from that scary moment, surprisingly i met with many wonderful people, share about everything and then finally i create my own scary dream. On a one fine day. Amin. 

I quit my job recently. A wonderful and fancy job for most people around me. But that fancy thing bring along the stressful day and take over almost 80% of my life. All jobs did the same i thought, so its not about the job but the choice that i made. And i choose to be happy, even only for a while. As full time traveler. 

Just once in my lifetime, I was dreaming of travel in a long long period, without any single distraction on a job things. I want to feel free and do everything i want. I met many Europeans people who traveled like one months up to two years. Yups, from a month to years. Mine, is not that long. That's not the point, but traveling in peace is all that i want. 

Its sound crazy. They will rigorously asking you with the reason you're leaving your job for a shit named traveling. I'm proud to be Indonesian, but for this i dont want to act like most of them. I wish i did not and never. 

I spent almost 2 weeks for tasting Java Trainlogy, a break and catch up with another 2 weeks ASEAN solo trip. I have to take a break, i'm literally sick girl on traveling. Thanks to my parents who love me to the fullest. Respect and support my decision and my future plan. Simply, they just want me to be happy. And this ASEAN trip, will become my first selfishness. 

The 10 cities and 5 countries within 14 days

Its not Europeans country, i don't know why but i love Asia to the most. I started from Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh - Da Lat - Mui Ne - Ho Chi Minh - Pnom Penh - Siam Reap - Bangkok - Viantiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Bangkok - Jakarta. 

Its tiring, but wonderful. 

Have you ever have a hugs and kisses from an old lady that you just met?  even she can't speak on the same language as you but she tried. Expressing how she was being thankful. Or someone who brings you a hot tea at winter even before you introduce yourself? A happy face of strangers knowing that you are from Indonesia because they've been there and experience a great things then happily to share with others. 

Its not about the destination, but the journey that matters. 

Its not about the money, i wish i can feel those emotion. 

Its not about leaving my country and hometown, but to let myself blend with others on Indonesian's way while respecting others. 

What did i do to make it happened:

1. Be Brave. Take a risk. Nothing can substitute experience. 

Its a famous quote. Sounds silly, but you have to do it. 

2. Save your money. 

Travel needs money. And your life on your comeback needs money till you got another job. Be ready for it!!!

3. Make a plan. Just a plan, not itinerary. 

Attention to details itinerary create expectation, expecting something lead you to the brokenhearted. 

4. Release your soul. 

Just go as a child. Play around and do everything you want. 

5. Smile and share. 

Its a window of the world. 

6. Never forget the Creator. 

Keep do the prayer in any condition. Be obedience on the Lord's will. Insha Allah your trip gonna be one of the marvelous trip ever. 

What happened during the trip? Gonna tell you soon on this site. 

Keep dreaming...

"The world is not a wish granting Factory"

Solo. There's ambiguity on this word. Solo does mean "single" but also known as one of the big City in Java, Indonesia. So, the tittle has the same meaning as well. After leaving Azkaban, didn't mean i found paradise. Another Azkaban in form of sickness trapped me and got me into the fact that yeah "The world is not a wish granting factory."

I have a dream, to be true that was many. One of them is to have a real time to be a full time traveler. And that one encourage me to leave the Azkaban and i manage to do it for the past few weeks and surely on my upcoming solo trip on this early October. Having free time with no worries on job thing is kind of "a free thing" that transform into "everything" but peace. 

As i said, the world is not a wish granting factory. When i have a time, i'm not healthy and fit enough to explore just anything and everything. I got injury on my knee that made the doctor warned me not to have any excessive activity like walking, standing, running and hiking unless i take the surgery. Not only that's creepy thing, the following hard time for bed rest and recovering period just killed me all of sudden. 

But its me. Rather than taking the surgery with some reason that i couldn't tell here, i got back to my initial plan and make some rearrangement to make it wise enough for a sick, silly girl like me. Maybe its time to explore Indonesian Trainlogy, its been a long time since my first ride to Jakarta 8 years a go. 

Train in Indonesia (I prefer used Indonesian Trainlogy) has been reformed several years a go.  Especially in its operational aspect. No changes from my first ride, all of the couch are hard seat (No sleeper train available in Indonesia) and divided into three class, economic, business and executive. The main changes are 1) Air conditioner (AC) available at all classes, the difference only on the seat design and comfort 2) There's no outside snack traders allowed 3) Online booking and 3rd party booking available 4) ID card on check in gate is a must!!

I took my first rode last month during JFC and take the third, fourth and safter. Many ride for sure. Economic class. And i do love it. It reminds me a lot to my trip in India in 2012, and damn i missed the sleeper one. 

Solo - Central Java

I took Jaka Tingkir train, a weekly train leaving from Senen to Purwosari at 11 PM only on Monday. Non subside economic train that previously as additional couch during Lebaran Holiday. Economic train, no matter the distance, commonly cost 50K-65K per ride for one way journey, but this one cost IDR 95K. Unintentionally booked this train, but i love the train schedule that allowed me to have a sleep since its depart on midnight and arrived at 9 AM in Purwosari. 

Why Solo? 

Actually, my ancestor coming from Solo. My grandfather moving to Surabaya during the war, and unfortunately we never going back to Solo then. Other than that, i just want to visit one of the calming city with the hideous monarchy in Java. After Jogjakarta for sure. 

The second,  i have a mate, best friend who moved and lived here and we have not meet yet since her first baby born in Mojokerto almost 4 years a go. Hah, what kind of a friend am i? I stayed at her place, accompanied with one of my mate from Surabaya. Then, like the old days we enjoy the city. 

1. Shi Jack. 

Its kind of Angkringan Jogja with "Pure Milk" as the main favorite menu. 

2. Javareeyan Gift shop. 

Its a gift shop of course, located next to Shi Jack

3. Mie Anglo 

Noodles cooked in traditional method; like Mie Kadin in Jogja, but i prefer the one in Jogja. 

4. Sop Ayam Pak Min 

The lovely Chicken Soup that makes me want more and more. Its also available in Jakarta if i'm not mistaken. But taste this one in Central Java make it more special because of the special recipe and chef that almost original. 

Second day, we went to Keraton Surakarta, Pasar Klewer, queuing for Tengkleng but we give up then, having meatball for lunch, and Serabi Notosuman as a closing before i headed to my next destination. Yeah, its kind of marathon trip therapy. 

Madiun - East Java

I took Logawa from Purwosari to Surabaya, but finally i decided to get off at Madiun since i have another friend to visit, Nenek. She just move to Madiun for work with her baby, Hagia that not yet meet me since she was born. Poor girl hahahhah... And since i have a lot of free time, its not too much to make a visit even only in a short time. 

She took me from the Airport and drive me to her home before she went back to the office. Yeah, i came on working day and during office hour. But she promised me that its not gonna be too long and we can have our special culinary of Madiun for dinner. Nasi Pecel and Nasi Jontor. Double!!! 

I went back to Surabaya on the next day and she bought me another special culinary of Madiun, Bluder and Pecel as a gift. Arrrgh,  i love you Nenek ^^ 

So this is it, Jember, Solo, Madiun. Thanks for being friendly with my sickness during my trip therapy and hopefully i'm ready for the upcoming trip. Ganbatte!!!

Jember Fashion Carnival 2014 at a glance

What is Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC), its kind of Jember (one of famous city in East Java, Indonesia) grand exhibition and carnival presenting combination between art and fashion show. Not only local products, organisation and creative art participate on this event by opening stall at the exhibition area located in Jember Central Park (Alun-Alun Jember) but also special performance are available to attract visitor such as painting, dancing (both modern and traditional) and DJ performance. 

How to get there? 

Its better to start from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. 

1. By Train 

I think it was the most comfortable way to reach Jember. From Stasiun Surabaya Gubeng you can take Logawa or Sri Tanjung for economic train with cost only IDR 50K or Mutiara Selatan wth cost around IDR 80K-180K (depend on the seat class). Its only take 4 hours, so i dont think we need the expensive one. In addition, all train in Indonesia currently served with air conditioner, only the seat comfort-ability that matters. 

The best thing is, Central Park, Mosque and Convenience store is on walking distance from the train station. 

2. By Bus.  

From Surabaya, you better to take direct bus from Bungurasih Terminal to Jember. It cost around IDR 30-50K. 

3. By flight

Garuda Indonesia currently have direct flight from Juanda International Airport to Jember with cost around IDR 300K-500K for flying around 30-40 minutes. 

Some public transportation available in the city with cost IDR 4K for 6AM up to 10 PM, and IDR 7 K for ride outside those schedule. Ojek and Tricycle available around the city almost 24 hours if you knew the spot ^^

Day 1 

And finally, after hearing some stories of some friends; i got the opportunity to visit Jember Fashion Carnival XIII this year. I have a plan, but it seems remain as a plan since i did absolutely nothing. No ticket, accommodation, itinerary bla bla bla. I almost throw this plan away, but at the very last moment i decided to go. 

Its started with a rush hour on Friday morning, 22 August 2014. I tried to get my flight from Jakarta to my hometown, Surabaya but it was too expensive. Its Friday night actually, so no wonder about it. I have to come home by today or very early tomorrow morning to catch Logawa train to Jember. I thrown flights from the option, and still there's no cheap train ticket available. 

Its 10 AM already when i found not too cheap train ticket departing at 3 PM today. Yups today. And i take it. Hah!!!

I packed 2 t-shirts, sleeping bag, disposal and toiletries. 2 pcs t shirt to change during my stay in Jember. Sleeping bag to keep me comfortable during my stay that absolutely everywhere since i have no hotel booking at that time, and trust me, all hotels are fully booked during JFC. I tried to make a CS once, but its so unexpected and unplanned, what do i expect then? Disposal to reduce my belonging and toiletries to make me stay fresh even though i have no idea where i can take free shower with no pre-booked hospitality. 

Day 2 

Arrived in Surabaya Pasar Turi around 3 AM, early in the morning, i planned to take a sleep at the entrance hall of the station but after almost an hour laying on the long chair at the departure hall, my father called and took me home. Lucky then, i have around 7 hours at home for rest and get some food before heading to Jember. My train departed at 3 PM. 

It was a short trip i thought. Spending 4 hours in the train doesn't feel that miserable for the economic passengers. I was seated next to the old lady that not talking too much, short question and go back to sleep. So am i until the train stopped at Jember station around 7.30 PM. Yeah it was late around 30 minutes. 

I walk towards the exit, have some pic of the station and heading to the Central Park. I stopped by at the chicken noodle stall and have my dinner. Alone as usual. And after having my meals i spent the night visiting central park and look at what i found there!!!

Almost midnight, i walked in front of the grand mosque but it was locked. I decided to go back to the station, try to find a comfortable spot to spend the night but nothing. The departure hall itself was quite small and already full with two lines of long chair as a waiting room (half of it are occupied by the overnight train passenger), a small office for customer service, a small bank office and three cube for the ticketing office. I went outside and found two guys sitting on the right side of the entrance. Two huge backpacks were sitting next to them. I remembered their face at the Surabaya station hence i push my courage to say hello. 

It was Lutfi and Andy, a truly nature backpacker from Jogja and Surabaya. A pro hiker i thought, since they talk many about mountains and nature. They love hiking, but trust me, they hike in their own way. Randomly they make a visit to some summit or mountainsides area, get off from one station and another, but only the big station, after that.. they walked!!! 

We talked a lot for a while, until i open my sleeping bag and sleep. Yeah, i spent my first night in Jember with them, in front of Jember train station. 

Day 3

I woke up early in the morning (3.30 AM)  since i need to go the restroom. FYI, restroom are located inside the station and after passing the departure gate that means impossible for me to pass since the gate itself not yet open. The first train will be departed at 5 AM. Lutfi woke up at that time while i packed my belonging and have a farewell, saying that i have to go, heading to the Mosque for both restroom and praying. 

The mosque already open, some local folks are heading to the mosque for Fajr praying. I reached a huge area for woman and found some folks especially women were sleeping there. Gosh, i'm not the lucky one then. Lets try for tomorrow #evilsmile. 

The mosque has a huge chamber for rest and pray, and also the main hall for Jamaah. Some restroom also available accompanied with a clean toilet and huge number of clean water. Its kind of my paradise at that time. Finally, Shower and Fajr praying!!! 

I spent most of my time in the mosque since the carnival itself will start around 11 AM and the Grand Carnival started at 1 PM. One by one, the ladies who spent the night at mosque left. Only me,  and old lady that i met at Fajr jamaah (i suspect she was living in the mosque since i met her everytime i got back to the mosque), and another girl who still stay slept next to me. 

Her name is Rina, she told me. A college girl from Bandung who just arrived at 2 AM this morning. Same as mine, she said that visiting Jember was out of plan. Initially she and her friend, Moga, were heading from Bandung to Labuan Bajo. Uwooooooowwwwww!!! 

I end up having my breakfast with these two rascals (hahahah), since all of us have no plan, we just stick to the Central Park till the Carnival begin. See, who said i'm solo traveler. A companion always be there ^^ 

We came by to the must visit and famous spot for the JFC to have some pic and again, i found Yoyo and Johan from Jogja and Wonosobo. Hah, we're full team of Power Ranger. 

Rina, Moga and Me, power ranger full team coming soon

Apparently, Moga has spent his childhood in Jember before he move to many cities due to his parent's work. He decided to make a visit during JFC, even has registered for free access photographer of this event. While, the remaining four of us, nothing. 

JFC's event itselves has accomodated with any kind of entrance ticket, for getting free ticket, its better to make a registration 3 or 2 months before this event. Invitation are sold with cost IDR 100K and mostly are sold on pre-sale. 

We strolling around the central park, visit some stall, meeting with the performer and crew and unintentionally i met with Lutfi and Andy at the Coffee stall. Fact no 2 about them, they are coffee lovers. They decided towards Argopuro tomorrow, so it means that i will have a companion to sleep at the station tonight hahahha

The Carnival held at 1.30 - 04 PM if i'm not mistaken, started with Mahabharatha, Tambora, Rain Forest, Stalagmite, Wild Deer, Borobudur, Phoenix, Chemistry and many more. It was wonderful. The pic would talk :p

Tiring and exhausted, we have our mixing of lunch and dinner at the area. Heading to Lestari Hotel (a hotel where Yoyo and Johan's prebooked for this trip) for free shower and air con. Rina and Moga leaving for their Labuan Bajo trip, while myself and Yoyo go back to the train station. Again we met Lutfi and Andy. 

I planned to stay at the mosque, but again it was locked. Lately, after having proper meals for dinner i decided to sleep at Yoyo & Johan's room. No worries, i have my sleeping bag. 

Again early in the morning, its my time to make a farewell to Johan & Yoyo. Grab some juice and chocolate for my breakfast at the closest convenience store and take a tricycle towards the mosque. Its Fajr praying. 

4.30 AM, i walked towards the station. My train towards home will be arrived at 5. As expected i met those 2 rascals in front of the train station. Again make a farewell and get on the train. Goodbye Jember, this short visit taught me a lot. What a story remain a story, lets myself keep it as secret. Because i do believe, everyone has their own story. 

Be safe. Be happy. 

To travel is better than to arrive 

Its My Breakaway

From: Susanti Algiadi/ID/ABAS/PwC@ASIA

To:

Date: 26/08/2014 19:11

Subject: - Its My Breakaway - 

Dear all, 

Finally, its my turn to be part of the alumni

Someone told me that it was a stupid decision

But for me, if you don't have a lot of stupid things when you're young, 

you won't have funny things to talk about when you're old. 

For what its worth; its never too late to be whoever you want to be

I hope you live a life you're proud of

and if you find that you're not

i hope you have the strength to start over

(F. Scott Fitzgerald) 

And me, I just want to be me. 

Because life is too short to be anybody else. 

For more than 5 years,

I called this place as the Azkaban, a place where a happiness has to be trapped under famous Dementor named as a "Dead-line"

A big hole whereas a very specific Patronus has to be defined to survive...

But surprisingly this place make me stay at the longest period of my employment history

Thanks to You, Yes its You...

Nice and great person who helped me passed all of these years. 

On my very last day, let me express my gratitude and appreciation to: 

Pak Haryanto Sahari

For the opportunity to join this firm. For the strong leadership and inspiration. 

I feel blessed  having you as the leader of this firm and so proud of you whenever i see you're praying at your office

The great person never leave the Lord

Pak Boss Luky (Lukmanul Arsyad)

My super best coach ever, thanks for always being a great coach for me even though i'm no longer your coachee.

Sorry, that i never tell you about my resignation plan till my last day

Please don't be mad at me, we haven't take a pic together ^^

Keep cool and humble, and success for both career and life

First year  - Bentoel Engagement Team (2010)

A place where i learnt audit non-banking for the first time. 

Pak Boss Andre Kumalaputra ( AKM), for all of the support and opportunity

Ponco Widagdo aka PWD, thanks for always being a good brother and partner in crime.  

I left first, my half-brain suddenly missing somewhere. 

Lets, again... dive together someday...

Joni Huang, be nice in here ya keponakan nakal. Its not that bad to continue your journey in this firm, so just go on with it

Sagita : I heard that you're gonna follow my path soon? Is that true? All the best ya...

My long-life engagement Johnson & Johnson & Astratel Group

You guys took over almost 60% of my time here, keep cheerful and make sure you meet the deadline ^^

Astratel Nusantara and Subsidiaries 

Chandra : Jangan galak-galak Ko Chan. Aku tak rela ada yang lebih galak dari aku. Sukses ya!!!!

Itha : Kmu duluan ya, tapi tak apa, now we're part of the alumni. 

Becca ; Beda sehari doank kita Becca, wish you all the best with your study and kalo ga ketemu mas Bule, Jackson juga gapape ;p 

David : Exist trus ya Vid, ditunggu video and headline koran tahun depan

Sonny : Duluan juga kamu mah, welcome to my hometown ya!!! 

Nopen : Aku ga nyangka kamu keren banget!!! Queen of GLOW and SUMO, aku bangga padamu Nopeeen!!! 

J-Lo : Deuh bakal kangen sama puding buatan kamu, bikin lagi ya pas engagement taon ini..

Lidya : Berhenti Kepo-in aku ya, hahahha.. but keep praying the best thing for me. Good luck and all the best yaa... 

Eunike : Welcome Back ya !!! 

Irene : Deuh kamu ngeduluin aku, success for the wedding!!! 

Johnson & Johnson & Subsidiaries 

Rini : My last legacy in Medical. I make investment on the right person, right?  Good luck ya, and thanks for your support for the past 3 years. 

If you love it, just do it. There's nothing wrong for being a partner in this firm. Go on Girl!!! 

Momo : Fighting!!!! you can do it Mou, as Momo Teguh said, Lord has his own reason to put you in this engagement. 

Udith : Congrats ya, finally "exceed expectation"  You deserve it Udith. 

Lili : Thankies ya darling, success in chasing your dream and hopefully you'll have your baby soon. 

Yansen : the next PwC Got talent hehehe, pesan terakhirku: hentikan ke playboy-an mu ituuuuh

Yamin : A bittersweet's boy, stay healthy ya biar awet ama Selven. Love yourself first among the Firm and good luck with the next peak season. 

Selven : Yang akur ya sama si Bittersweet's boy, dia baik kok, cuman sering nyebelin aja ^^ 

Juju : Semangat ya Ju, semoga keturutan kumpul2 Suroboyoan-nya

Kezia : No more Galau-ers, ditunggu undangannya 

Nessya; Jangan ikutin becca ya Ness, Kezia jangan, Momo Juga jangan..(lah trus ikut siapa?? )

IncREDibles Family (Incl. the Ex)

Thanks for being my family in this firm, for the support, sharing and laugh for the past 4 years. 

For the top management, Sila, Marcel, James and Ronny, keep up the good work and stay IncREDibles 

My special thanks to : 

Cici Anas : For all sharing and silly moment. Its fun and surely, i'm gonna miss you cici...

Ace : Ace Consultation Service (ACS), heheh, keep awesome ya, blom keturutan ney naik OOT yang roof nya keren abis itu ^^ 

Katchan : the most genius manager in this firm hehehe, the inspiring one :p thanks for everything  but sorry you can't inspire me hahahahah

Melly : Sukses ya Mel, keep being RHCP for IncREDibles 

Jenny : Jangan Dominan2 Jen, heheh.. good luck with your wedding preparation ya.. 

Ael : Thanks ya Ael for everything, jangan bawel2 and semoga sukses persiapan ampe hari H nya. 

Limi ; Jodoh pasti bertemu Lim, good luck dengan pencariannya ^^ 

Ichsan : Nice to know you,  all the best ya and semoga pas ketemu lagi udah jadi fotogenic heheheh

Celpi : Jangan nakal2 ya kamu, keep being hello kitty in every way

Mike : Mr Integrity and compliance, i wish i found someone like you mike, except for the compliance thing hahahha, salam buat Ifa yaaa 

Jaja : Keep shining like a star ya Ja...

Fiona : Jangan bawel2 ya hehehe piss piyoooo...

Ge(L)ee : Team hedon and socialita yang luar biasa, 1st year and still counting yaaa... good luck for all of you 

Batch August 2009 

Wina : Wiiin, aku pergi bukan tuk sementara (nyanyi), thanks untuk se-mua nya, 

semoga cita2 mu jadi ibu rumah tangga segera terwujud (Moga Fahmi baca!!!)

Dan semoga aku masih boleh numpang kalo banjir heheheh 

Cici Linda ; Cici, sukses ampe partner ya!!! good luck with your Royal Wedding hihihi

Reinita : Cik Rei, aku duluan ya... tetep semangat and have fun with your trip next month

Akun : Kuun... sukses ya, bersama cici Linda and Elina, kalian pasti Bisa (Novriani, MIhardja, Budianto & Rekan) 

Elina : Maaph ya, aku udah orbitin kamu jadi artis akhir2 ini, tapi kamu mau kaaan?? sukses ya Lee Min Ji 

Bebek : Jangan ambi-ambi ya Bek.. 

Witarmin : Thanks atas semua bantuannya ya Min, sukses terus buat kamu

Richard Jaya : Welcome Back cuy... 

Jessica International : Keep going international ya Sissy, Ms. Nusantara turun tahta hahahah kapan2 nge-outback lagi kita....

Cynthia Delia : Welcome Back ya Bu, all the best for you and your lil fam 

Upik : Our RM, hihihi, saya pergi duluan, maaph selama ini suka ngerepotin

PPAK - PwC 12

Thanks to all of you, for helping me to pass those hard time 

To cover me during my "Escape Plan"

Especially to Masran & Feliex, for everything (You Know What I Mean) 

To the best alumni of PwC 12, Arto, big thanks for the Alter Bridge Concert, finally  All Ends Well 

To Ivan, Abang, Mas Adi, Daus atas tebengan2 nya; Anta and Kakek Hendry  for sharing and permennya LoL

Sukses ya buat kalian semua 

PwC Cheers 2014

Big thanks for all support and commitment.

 My last project and last performance before leaving the firm. 

Also a big thanks to Hendra, Amel and Mian who trust me on this project, nice client ever!!!

Lets see what's the next. I dare You!!!! 

For my other engagement, Redwood Indonesia, especially Steven Tanggara and Ucup, thanks for sharing and teamwork. 

Sorry not to mention my resignation plan at the beginning. 

And for Jimy Abadi, hold on ya Jim, you can do it!!! 

For Steven Ariyanto, Binyo, Nana, Rina Verdiana, Ato, Gelar... keep dreaming, believe and make it happen!!! 

Novie, kecup buat Sammy ya, keep being outstanding mom and auditor .. Dont be sad, I'm OK ^^ 

and for all mates and colleagues whom i cant mention one by one, thank you!!!

And for Abang, welcome to my Azkaban.

Thanks for being a good friend, a great brother, a nice husband 

and a helpful travel companion. 

Sorry that i left when you just joined this firm, i warned you before...

Good luck and see you soon ;p

Last, quoted from my favourite song ever, 

I'll spring my wings and i'll learn how to fly

Though its not easy to tell you Goodbye...

Out of the Darkness and into the sun

But i wont forget the place i came from 

I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change 

and Breakaway

Breakaway

Breakaway

    - Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson  -

PwC Alumni,

Susanti Al Giadi 

 Mobile: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Email : suntea_edogawa@yahoo.com

www.sunteaedogawa.blogspot.com

The beauty of Jiuzhaigou

A wonderful color of Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou, I read about it once. Saw the picture once. And i fall in love with this place forever. Located in Sichuan Province, Chengdu - China, this place are highly recommended for all natural scenery lovers. Maybe some of you have watched Chinese Kungfu series and movie, theme on that movies mainly taken or inspired by this place. 

It tooks around 8 hours from Xinnanmen Bus Station, Chengdu to this place. Its a long way to go, but its more than just worth it. I booked my ticket one day before to save my schedule. Bus departed around 8 Am and arrived in Jiuzhaigou at 4. You have to spend minimum 3 days to enjoy this place, unless you take a flight. Two days for traveling time and one full day for sightseeing. The area is very huge, if you have more time, its better to stay longer. 

I met with Victor, a russian guy, at bus station. I run into him since i cant escape from the locals who force me to stay at their place.  We ended up to stay at the same hostel, the same dormitory and spend a few hours outside Jiuzaighou before take a rest and get ready to explore tomorrow.  But some people join us at the dormitory, 2 chinese students who bring along a friends guy that soon being my travelmate in Chengdu. 

Its Li Xie and Siao Yue. The two brilliant student from Shanghai, they just graduated and got scholarship in US. So, they want to have this trip before leaving their country. While the French guy, JP, he met Li Xie through CS and plan to have this trip together, surprisingly he plan to stay at the Friendshouse in Chengdu. So we will meet again soon!! 

Victor went out earlier in the morning, lucky for him because its raining when the four us get ready to enter the park. But we never give up, we got our umbrella and raincoat and always ready to chase the best scenery ever. And i thought most of the visitor feel the same way, because the entrance ticket are very crowded at that time. The entrance ticket is expensive, and we envy with those chinese students who got 50% discount at most of the chinese tourism spot. Should i study in China then? 

Every single step of the park was beautiful, very beautiful and the most beautiful. Hahahha.. forestry, small river, wooden bridge, running waterfall, its stunning view everywhere, anywhere. But yeah, the best thing is never easy, even tracking for the whole day seems not enough to reach the whole park. 

The best place for take a rest, JP - Xiao Yue and Li Xie

Me

Me Me Me hahahaha

The wooden bridge and the hills

The waterfall

Its JP - French

Swan Lake

Stunning ^^

Victor - Russian