Culture Shock in Jakarta

Culture shock is a feeling a person may experience of a period of time due to a lot of stress of understanding the new culture and social environments. Culture shock is not only experienced by people who emigrate from one country to another, but it is also experienced by people who move from rural area to urban area. Culture shock is natural and lasts temporary. Most culture shock is experienced by people who travel less or people who spend much time surrounded by family and friends.

I have experienced culture shock when I moved from a small city to Jakarta. I severely struggled with many aspects of life here. I found it hard to make friends; I even withdrew from society and closing up myself. Moreover, doing simple things like going to church, work or shopping was challenging for me in Jakarta. I was likely to feel anxious, insecure and homesick. I was always sad, misunderstood and the worst part was falling physically sick frequently.

Marriage and Me

Few weeks ago I had a mini-reunion with some old friends. It was nice to find out that some of my friends were married, some were engaged and the only single girl was me. We had some chit-chat and the most irritating topic was about marriage. They were talking about their children, about how great their life was with their children and husband, doing kitchen matters and so on which I didn’t even care about all those scary things. Since the conversation got boring and intimidating, I put a simple smile and left. On my way home, I kept thinking, why do people want to live in a cage? Why do people out there decided to get married? Is it for financial stability? Is marriage becoming a ladder to upgrade their social status? Or is it merely for legalizing sex? I have been very sensitive every time my friends or especially my relatives told me to get married soon and have children before I turn into 30. My understanding about marriage is different than theirs and marriage is not my top priority in life.

Life is good

You know that Jakarta and never ending tasks could be the best soul destroyer. In August i was on top of stress level: a lot of  backlogs, boring cubical, i woke up with dark heavy eye bags, less sleeping quality and feeling like everyone around me was making a mess. I had been like a monster, feelin alone even unwanted. Really i need to off from the most polluted city in Indonesia. Well then i decided to really unwind, away from Jakarta for a while. First thing came in to my mind was a trip to Bali. So, straight from it, i booked air tickets and hotel to stay.

Taman Safari Indonesia

I did an amazing journey yesterday. Me and my friend, we went to Taman Safari Indonesia. It was our first time. It was crazy since we both never got there and we didn’t know what transportation to take. But I’m gonna tell you how to get to Taman Safari Indonesia by public transportation from Jakarta and how much money you will spend (minimum) there.

Paper Quilling

About few days ago i got an event invitation. It was about paper quilling. About whattt?? Paper Quilling. Hmm what’s paper quilling i wonder. So, i searched on google about paper quilling and this is the review:

Paper quilling is an art that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is wound around a quill to create a basic coil shape. The paper is then glued at the tip and theses shaped coil are arranged to form flowers, leaves, and various ornamental patterns.

Life Lessons

I’m gonna quote an article by Liyakat Shah written in the Jakarta Post last February 2012. This one is beautiful and I almost everyday read this one to remind me that I still have compassion in my life

This is the quotation:

“So many people in this world attempt to set world records to have their names recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records. But instead, let’s try these odd things to record our good deeds to open the gates of Paradise.

If you have dozens of clothes of different colors, give them to the needy.

If you have a variety of delicious, aromatic food at home, give some to the hungry.

if you drink cold, clean safe, filtered and oxygenated water, share a glass of water with the thirsty.

if you have dozens of pairs of shoes and sandals, give some to a person who walks barefooted.