Saigon 2007 : Floating Restaurant

Wisata kuliner Vietnam... Saigon ....

Saigon River Floating Restaurant

It was a ship modified into a triple-decker restaurant. The most popular menu was seafood, indeed, as we are floating on the Saigon River. Overall taste was good, not extra ordinary though (the shrimp makes me allergic). The gala dinner lasts for about 90 minutes. And after a long horn blew, the ship is moving departing from the port to circle the Saigon River delta. It took about 40 minutes to get to the embarkation point. During the cruise, we were entertained with an Indian dancer and the Saigon Lady of Fire show. I saw a real-life romance there, the dancer and her manager.

Saigon "Lady" of Fire show

While enjoying the cruise, I stood on the deck and the view was ‘humanity’. I saw a family of boat people. I saw raw material carrier docking under yellow argon light. I saw family boats with Myanmar flags. And I was aware that one of the orifice of Cu Chi tunnel is under this river!

Rohingnya Boat from Myanmar

Good sea food and flowers for our dinner

Saigon 2007 : Ho Chi Minh Opera House

Saigon...

The Opera House was a leftover from French colonial government. It is now functioned as a gathering place for socialite community and foreign diplomats. Cultural show and performances are often played especially in the weekends and yes for those fancy people only. Not interested, next!

Saigon 2007 : Sheraton Hotel

Saigon...

Sheraton Saigon is one of the fanciest hotels in the country. Established 25 stories, it’s the tallest structure in the Saigon river delta.

My room was on the 19th club floor. A 62m square studio has a huge decent bathroom with double washbasins. Settled on the South corner, my view was Ho Chi Minh capital with harbor tip on the left hand side. The rising sunlight in the morning looked gorgeous at this angle!

my room studio

the bathroom with various aromatherapy herbs

On the 21st floor club lounge, there is a loft for light meals and internet corners, restricted to Starwood Privileged and Club Floor guests only. The hotel has a famous nightspot on the 23rd floor. The clubhouse is one of the fanciest where celebrities are spending the nigh time during weekends. The outdoor restaurant on the same floor gave another thrill; dine in the open space at stunning 23-level high.

Rex Hotel, one of the fanciest in town as seen from my room balcony

downtown Saigon view from my room

One thing that bothers me was the fact that this hotel has no parking lot on its basement. I didn’t aware where they put the guests’ cars, must be somewhere nearby. And for our tourist coach, they charged 25,000 VND (US$1.6) for half an hour parking!

Located in the heart of business and tourist district, Sheraton is the landmark of HCMC where all tourist hotspots are available within walking distance from the hotel.

The closest one is the Vietnam House, a gothic restaurant where 90% of its visitors are foreigners, including former US president. Along the road—which I could not remember how to pronounce it—many silk stores displaying traditional Vietnamese gown. My friend bought one for VND 350,000 (US$21.85). Within 100 radius from the hotel, we can spot Louis Vuitton boutique, the Opera House, a branded mall (at the ground level of the hotel) and Gloria Jeane’s Coffee where I met Marcus, my old friend.

Saigon 2007 : Tan Son Nhat Airport

Saigon....
5 Dec 2007

The arrival hall

The nite was just fell when we touched down the long and spooky runway of Tan Son Nhat. Local time showed 18:40 when we landed with SQ186 from Singapore.

On the right hand side of my window, there were silos—ex-war bunkers—which were functioned as operations barracks of the airports. Fire engines, securities and many logistics supplies are located underneath those silos.

the bunkers

Far on the right, it’s read “Tan Son Nhat International Airport” sign in a gloomy blue neon. The plane was arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule, thanks to the tail wind pushed us faster than it supposed to be.

Commercial area

The arrival hall was a brand new showcase. HCMC would like to give a warm welcome to its guests. Immigration process took no longer than five minutes, served by fresh-grad youngsters from a government academy, I think. The immigration guy was chattering to his friend asking whether Indonesian visitors need no visa… (in Vietnamese but I can overheard and interpret it though). Seemed unsure, he stamped my passport anyway—yeah I got a good guy face, much more valuable than entry visa.

Down the escalator to baggage claim area, we picked up our load. A lotus flower neon box says “Welcome to Vietnam” catching everybody’s attention while waiting along the conveyor belts.

Baggage claim area

I heard it’s not recommended to take taxi from the airport and therefore we booked an airport shuttle from the hotel, it’s a minivan with large windows able to carry around 12 people (and quarter a ton of luggage for sure!). The 7 kilos distance to the downtown Ho Chi Minh was driven in about one hour amidst a busy-hour nightmare traffic.

Chaotic traffic on the way to downtown HCMC

The idea of this airport is pretty much similar with that of Singapore's Changi. Modern and simple. There's row for check in located in the main hall. The airline sign is indicated on a flat screen hang in above the counters. Unfortunately, there is no commercial area at the departure hall. There's only one fast food restaurant and the rest was nothing.

check in counters

boarding lounge

executive lounge for SQ passenger ; good food, nice view, cozy sitting


this indoor garden is pretty much similar with Changi


restaurant of all Asian delicacies, along with rows of souvenir shops at the 2nd floor after immigration check point

I am gonna miss this airport someday....

Bali Budget Holiday 2007 : Nikko Beach Sawangan

Beyond Travel Book : Nikko Beach Sawangan If you are wondering where this place is…. It’s a disguised piece of beauty, located south of Benoa, about 45 minutes drive from Kuta or Denpasar. White sandy beach, strong waves paradise for surfing and the cool wind breeze is just perfect for contemplating.


Caption: sweet escape…. This shore line ends in a high cliff with old temple on top of it, seems have been long time abandoned. If I happen to visit Bali again, this place is on top of my must visit spot, for sure! I would stay a lil longer, spend another minute.... and again.

Bali Budget Holiday 2007 : Where to Stay in Kuta

As part of budget travel, I chose The Oasis Hotel located just a few hundred meters from Kuta Beach. The Oasis is located at Jalan Bakung Sari, right ahead the Kuta Art Market, Kuta Square and Discovery Shopping Mall (Centro Beach). Along Bakung Sari Street, you can find souvenir shops and cafes, also Joger t-shirt counter.

The hotel has 70 rooms. The first floor has a direct access to the pool and private terrace. Make sure you got this part of the Oasis.

About the price, it has an affordable rate of its class. For a US$33 net per room/night it includes daily breakfast and welcome drinks. Airport transfer is available at additional US$10.


Most of the guests are coming from Japan, Taiwan and Australia, some Netherlands and some locals. Youngsters from Japan are very noisy at night, as they like to swim in the mid of the night! But the swimming pool is really cozy. It span across the length of the hotel, so every room in the first floor can access it.


The restaurant could accommodate like 100 or so people having breakfast at the same time. Right above the restaurant there is an open hall for an occasional performance.


One lack of this hotel may be its small parking lot and very narrow entrance access. It was just exactly fit to a minivan or SUV that you need to bend the mirrors inside to keep it unscratched when entering the hotel area.

After a long day tour, I like to spend my time sitting outside the Starbucks at Hardrock Megastore area. It’s just 300 meters away from the hotel, crossing the Kuta Square road.

Bali Budget Holiday 2007: Departing Jakarta

The journey starts from here, Terminal 1C of Domestic Departure where I lined up with hundreds of holiday makers. I can see how their faces expressing fed up-ness to this bustling metropolitan life. And it is time to break it free.


I use electronic ticket of Adam Air with a special check-in counter so I don’t have to waste any time queuing. I left home early 9:00AM and got no chance to take any bites. A ‘nasi goreng’ would satisfy my stomach, but look at the price: it’s Rp.33,000. There’s not much choice of place to eat at domestic terminal. The one I took was right in front of security check before entering the boarding lounge.


My flight is KI-332 CGK-DPS of Adam Air B737-300, which scheduled to board at 11:00AM. Half an hour before boarding time, I entered Gate C7 where my plane was scheduled to take-off on time. Exactly at 11:00AM boarding call was aired and passenger walks to the aircraft. I saw some Adam’s orange birds line up at 1C terminal.


At 31,000 feet I saw Mount Bromo on the right hand side of my window, where the plane took sharp turn to the right ready to cross Bali Straits just 30 minutes before landing.



At 12:54AM Bali Time, the Captain announced that we are preparing for landing. We are right above the Bali Straits while descending. Everyone’s face suddenly brightens up and some people shouted “Bali…. I’m coming”. 13.12AM Bali Time, the plane touched down at Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s a unique landing strip where some parts of it is extended towards the ocean.

The Five Times

Thanks.

I feel no more regret,
I feel no longer jealous,
I feel fulfilled,
I feel protected, I
am happy.

The Dinner and the Ballad Songs

I am now having dinner, alone--wait, not really tho, coz I got special company, a band with ballad songs. It seems so in line with the heartfelt I am now trying to console.

The band with the ballad songs takes me away to the deep hollow of my ol day's grand despair. It's the Hawking's black hole that sucks me in along with everything remains. Just leave nothing behind.

I am sitting alone eating my getting-cold-dinner, but it's warm in here. I listen up to those kids singing ballad songs, they're strangers, but so friendly familiar. I hesitantly leave the place coz I have to move on. I got to leave the comfort I had been long for. I got to. I can.

At the BIP having dinner.
Good hainan rice and that jellied drink.
The nite of 26th of July.

Happy Birthday to Me

It's been 25 years now, I breath the soul into life. One third of my lifeline had been passed, perhaps, not to be in vain. Yet I feel hollow deep in the niche search for an answer.

I step my narrow sidewalk, alone and lonesome. I've been thru ordeals and worst thing in live. I've been so pathetic that no more sentiment could ever portray it. I've been the poet with ever unfinished story. I've been a wreck that nobody won't ever to see.

It was.

Happy birthday to me.
On my 25th anniversary.
July 24th 2007.

Soulmate

I spotted her while I was having breakfast at Hyatt that day, Friday 27th of July. The time showed 8:00AM. She ordered tea, got some bites while typing messages on her 9300.

You created me to be far from a romantic guy. And therefore you send me this kind of lady, for my company. I know I’ll be choked for saying love to a girl. Then you create such an independent creature able to capture love emission wordlessly.

Charming, independent, powerful. Her conveyance is perfectly portrayed by adorable Bonito Pond in Portugal. The most beautiful lake I ever discover in my lifetime. It’s an orifice to my thirst of watery nuance.

You are a friend for life. You’re the soul mate.

Genesis 25

It's the genesis of a mankind.
25 years in the making, and now it blossoms.

July 24, 2007.

Bonito Pond

It was the most beautiful pond I ever seen. So clear that the fish struggling for one month to go upstream to get into this place. Spawn, elderado and the monkey who carelessly throw the fruits down the lake and yet causes another miracle.

Chandra's Taste

It was not so blazing that burn out their lust. But it’s warm enough to console a three month winter just through a smile. A young couple in love. (9/05/2006 19:15).

Angka Bicara

"Bicara apa angka-angkamu hari ini?" It was the most awaited greeting over the phone out of my bustling days.

It was you who wrap up my agenda of today... and tight me down to sleep.

It was you who virtually coexist with my solitude.

It was you ... only you.... there in the shadow.

It was you, the untouchable.

You Give Me Wings....

Sometimes it’s hard just to be yourself
I know you know
So close to tears wanting to give up
I felt all alone.....

But now you’re here right by my side
And I just want you to know

You give me wings when I’m falling
You lift me up when I’m down
Taking me high touching the sky
Yeah,you make me fly...

Now I am stronger than I was before
Because of you
I feel so alive and I’m wanting more
I can’t believe it's true
and now you're here,right by my side
Don’t ever let me go.....

You give me wings when I’m falling
You lift me up when I’m down
Taking me high touching the sky
yeah,you make me fly...

Ooo baby, woah wooah
Come fly away with me.....

You give me wings when I’m falling
That’s why I’m saying to you
Whoa...

You give me wings when I’m falling
When I'm falling
You lift me up when I’m down
When I'm down
Taking me high
taking me high
Touching the sky
touching the sky
yeah,you make me
You make me fly.....

You give me wings when I'm falling
Whooa yeah
You lift me up when I'm down
When I'm down
Taking me high
Taking me high
Touching the sky
Touching the sky
yeah,you make me
You make me fly.....

you give me wings

Hady Mirza

It's an Ordinary Miracles Today

It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Sarah McLahlan

Survivor

The Survivor
23/10/2006 13:00

He taught me how to bear the unbearable, and I could. He consoled me thru the worst moment ever in life, and I survived. He prayed for me to tranquil this restlessness, and I got relieved.

And now you got to bear the unbearable, yourself, I could not help to sustain. And now you may experience the worst moment of your life ever, I may not even survived. But pray for you I could to console you by means of my own and His way.

Coz you are my mentor, by the way you survived.

On remembering Hatta.

Stamford Breakfast

Having breakfast on the rising Esplanade view. Gorgeous! Swissotel the Stamford 22/05/2006 08:15AM.

Crash Boom Bang

If it's just a li'l crush, why it last over the years. If it's just an admiration, why it beats my heart o... so violently.

But if this called love, then why words frozen up when I stand right beside you.

Matter of fact, I am afraid to love you. Too terified to have your love in return. Yet definitely I am dying to have your undecided silence.

Chasing Drift

You're the one that stimulates me to write a lot more than any other inspirations.

We just meet once in a while, or so. Not enough to share all stories and rememberance. Not enough to touch hands and feel the warmth of your skin.

But your heart emits more words than any phrase can express. But your smile transmits eternal warmth that I could not resist.

There you are, away of far away, but there inside you are, dwelling and reverberating. Chilling yet anaestheting.

You are the paradox, enough to chaos all establishments, all logical ingredients. But there I stand for you, always yes I admire you.

You are my star.