I once told you that I really like traveling. I think I will do that if I have enough free time.
This week, we in Indonesia are on a long holiday because of the Chinese New Year and Isra Mikraj celebrations, which are national holidays. Since Thursday, I have actually been in Jakarta. I used my time to meet some friends and have a fun chat at a Japanese restaurant.
Me time, chatting with my friends in Jakarta.
In February, I will take leave and plan to visit my youngest son in the neighboring province, Riau, and continue my journey to my birth province in West Sumatra. I will encounter many interesting things on my trip. I’ll tell you, wait, yeah?
If I was at home, I used my time to garden, clean the house, and write. I usually burn aromatherapy fragrances so that our living room becomes more pleasant.
These five things have been a part of me for years. They keep me motivated and calm among many unpleasant things out there:
1. Cooking
Cooking. I am good at cooking Sumatera cuisine that’s famous for curry and fried dishes. My mother taught me to cook Rendang, Chicken Curry, Dendeng Balado, etc.
2. Gardening
I have a collection of plants in the front and back yards. Most are tropical plants, including Hoyas, Philodendrons, Succulents, and Caladiums. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent most of my time in the garden. I also grow spider plants, sansevieria, and golden pothos, which are good for purifying polluted air.
3. Cleaning the house
I never consider this as a regular household chore, the benefits are so many for my family and my peace of mind. A clean and tidy house gives positive energy to all of us. I feel calmer and ready to continue my days after cleaning or tidying up unused items in the house.
4. Pouring out ideas, experiences, and journeys on journals, and my social media, including blogs, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
5. Writing Articles
I am a regular writer for several mass media in Jambi, and occasionally write scientific papers in several national and international journals.
Life is not always smooth. One needs a mechanism to survive by having positive hobbies or activities. Thank goodness I have these five good things. All seems simple to others but for me, it’s important to maintain sanity.
I once quit a post that provided me with a comfortable facility and a higher income. I decided to leave with two considerations; the work atmosphere did not inconvenience me, and I wanted to pursue a doctorate education.
If I quit the post, I would have to move into another government office without a position. Yet, I would have more time to apply for a scholarship.
My father disagreed. “Why do you leave a job that many dream to have?”
Fortunately, my husband supported me. He was aware of the pressure I faced in my office. He promised to fund my study if I failed to get a scholarship.
Years passed, and now I am grateful for making that decision. Pursuing education benefits me including enhancing my way of thinking, knowledge level, and career. That is one of the best decisions ever.
She was called a soft-hearted and radiant woman. She had an important role in supporting her father in teaching Islam. Despite her young age and just left by her late mother, she earnestly cared for and entertained her father when the Mecca people were against his teaching.
Her perseverance in accompanying her husband Ali, a famous warlord of that time is also touching. Only limited literature tells about her; they praise her as a steadfast and humble woman.
Meeting her would explain more. I want to know the beauty of her face and the refinement of her character that made her loved.
Malam ini aku sampai di Kota Tungkal. Kota ini berada di pinggir laut, berada di Kec. Tungkal Ilir Tanjung Jabung Barat. Ini bukan kunjungan pertama, telah berulang ulang namun tidak pernah lama sehingga aku tidak sempat mengeksplor wilayah ini dengan baik.
Aku langsung menuju warung makan favoritku di pertigaan jalan Ki Hajar Dewantara. Di sini kulinernya khas Arab dan India seperti martabak kari, nasi minyak, kebab, nasi goreng dll serta minuman rempah dan teh tarik.
Nongkrong di pertigaan kawasan pasar, keramaian bagian kota ini begitu hidup malam ini. Kicau burung walet bersumber dari bangunan bertingkat di sekeliling kota, suara kendaraan bermotor dan tausiah ustadz dari corong masjid saling berebut frekuensi.
Nah, ini gambar pertigaan jalan di depan restoran tongkrongan kami. Ruang atau gedung di atas toko tidak dihuni manusia, melainkan burung-burung walet yang berisik di malam hari. Bisnis (air liur) burung walet termasuk andalan masyarakat di kota ini.
Kembali ke restoran, di dindingnya tersusun foto-foto syekh dan habaib dari penjuru dunia. Aku bertanya ke pemilik restoran apakah dia memiliki hubungan keluarga dengan mereka? Dia jawab tidak. “Saya dan keluarga pecinta para Habib,” jawabnya. That’s the reason why many pictures of Syech and habaib there.
Selain dipengaruhi budaya Arab dan India, makanan Tungkal juga bercita rasa Cina. Itu terlihat dari aneka hidangan seafood. Di beberapa lokasi di kota berpenduduk sekitar 73 ribu jiwa ini terdapat klenteng dan pekuburan orang Cina yang megah dan berwarna seronok. Sentimen anti Cina tidak terasa di sini. Entahlah kalau di akar rumput. Perlu tinggal lebih lama di sini kalau ingin dapat gambaran yang sebenarnya. Aku melihat penduduk etnis Cina menyatu dengan warga sekitar, tidak terlihat elitis seperti di kota besar.
If you want to come here, below the map to reach this resto. Spending your evening and taste the meal.
MALAM ini terinspirasi untuk mulai menulis lagi. Banyak kisah yang tersimpan, bisa menjadi gunung api. Yang kesenangannya menjadi sebentar karena cepat terlupakan. My life is blessed, I need to thank and share it with my circle.
Perjalanan ke berbagai tempat dan bertemu orang baru mengingatkanku bahwa masih banyak perjalanan indah dan menarik yang bisa kulalui jika aku menginginkannya dan mempersiapkannya dengan baik.
my thoughts on the environment, travel and life reflections 