Paris Je T’aime

I always remember one of my favourite films when I heard about France. The title of the film is “Paris Je T’aime” (Paris I Love You). Actually, this film consists of 18 short movies. Different actor and actress, different director, different script-writer, different setting, but same theme: Paris. You’ll feel that you’re travelling around Paris when watching this film. Why? Because, this film serves you several beautiful places around Paris. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Paris (or more) after watching this film.

My favourite short movie in this film is a story about the young French Boy and Moslem Girl. They met at the street that next a big river in Paris. The boy helped the girl that slipped because of the little stone. After that, they talked very close. This is the conversation between them that makes me very like this short movie.

Franois : You have a beautiful hair. Why are you forced to cover it up?
Zarka : I’m not forced. It was my choice.
Franois : Too bad. Because you are pretty.
Zarka : Thanks. But, do you mean that with it I’m ugly?
Franois : I didn’t mean that.
Zarka : You and your pals only insult women. Why do you talk like that, even though you know they don’t like it?
Franois : . . .
Zarka : It’s enough that I find myself pretty. When I wear my headscarf, I feel I have a faith—an identity. I feel good, and that’s also beauty.

***

Desperate Supermodel

Schedule for today is photo session for “Passion for Style” magazine at 2 p.m. And… what time now? What?! 1 p.m.! Oh, darn! I must arrive there as soon as possible! I need taxi!

I take my cell-phone and call Blue Bird Taxi. The taxi will arrive to my house in 15 minutes. While waiting the taxi, I put my make up in front of my big classic mirror. Look at my reflection, what a perfect face. I stand up and try to pose, and… yes, this sexy body makes every man stare at me. They want to touch me, I think. But, I’m not as cheap as they though. I’m a super model. Only a lucky guy who is able has me full.

The taxi has come. I take my Luis Vitton’s bag and wear Manolo Blahnik’s stiletto, also Dior’s sunglasses. Yes, Bandung is so hot this afternoon, I can’t stand it. I sit on back seat taxi after locking my own little house. My Peugeot is repairing at auto service station and it will be done tomorrow.

What time is it? 2 p.m.? Wow, I’m on time. Maybe because there’s no traffic jam at Bandung now. I arrive at “Passion for Style” Office. For your information, “Passion for Style” Magazine is one of the biggest and precious fashion magazines in Indonesia. I’m really grateful that I can be a cover model for the next month.
I’m welcomed by Disha, assistant of editor magazine. She leads me to the photo studio.

“Do you know Febrian Palevi?” asks Disha.

I crease my forehead. “Is he a photographer?”

“The best photographer that we have in this business,” says Disha.

When Disha said “the best photographer”, in my mind, Febrian is a 50 years old man with gray’s hair on his head. But, I see Disha’s expression when she said “Febrian Palevi”, she smiled brightly. Hm, it makes me curious. Maybe I’m wrong to guess the appearance of Febrian.

“There he is. Febrian!” greet Disha.

I’m seeing a young, athletic, and tall guy. He wears a tight white T-shirt and black skinny jeans. Is he Febrian? The hot one? Oh, yes, he is!

Febrian is staring at us while preparing his camera. He rises and approaches us.

“You must be Vivian Adelia, the supermodel,” Febrian is shaking my hand gently. Somehow, it feels that there is an electrical wave from his hand that makes me really adore him. Gosh, he’s so damn charming. And I think he’s 29 years old. Perfect!

“And you must be Febrian, the best photographer,” I smile.
“My pleasure you know my name.”
“Oh, Disha told me…”
“Yeah,” says Disha. “Vivi, you can come in to the make up room. There’s our make up artist who stand by for you.”

I’m walking to the make up room. I don’t know whether Febrian is still staring at me or not. Therefore, when I sat down in front of big mirror with ten lamps on the frame, I have the make-up artist not to close the door. Why? Because I’m able to see Febrian is preparing his camera and the settings for photo session in the mirror.
After the make up is done, Disha comes to the make up room while brings four Anne Avante’s kebayas. I had wear Chanel’s blazer, Dolce-Gabbana’s shirt, Vera Wang’s wedding gown, and other kind of stuffs. But, I think the best clothes that I’ve ever wear is kebaya. Kebaya makes me feel so beautiful and sexy.

I’m walking to the photo set. Again, Febrian is staring at me.

“You’re very beautiful,” says him.
I can’t hide my smile. “Every body knows it.”

The photo session begins. Febrian takes my photo very quickly. I approach him whom sees the photos on his laptop. Wow, the results are amazing! Kebayas that I wore were look so classic but classy. Now, I know why Disha calls Febrian as the best photographer.

“Are you busy after this?” asks Febrian suddenly.
“No,” answer me.
“Do you mind to enjoy some coffee at Starbucks with me?”

I’m a little bit surprised that he’s very aggressive. But, ya… no wonder! Every man always likes that if they face me.

“Sure, why not?” I take his offer.

An hour later, Febrian and I are at Starbucks Coffee at Bandung Indah Plaza. We have talked a lot: music, film, magazine, holidays, etc. you know what? I think we have the chemistry mysteriously.

No, I don’t see my bastard ex-boyfriends in front of me. I see Febrian now.
No, I don’t see Febrian, I see a perfect guy in front of me for my life now.

My heart has empty for two years. There’s no one can fill my emptiness. But, when first time I saw Febrian, I know that he can fill me.
What time is it? 7 p.m.? I must go home now. Febrian will take me home by his black Ferrari.

We’re walking to the basement. Febrian opens the car’s door and let me in. When he will start the car, we look each other. I know that he wants to make this moment is unforgettable. His face closer and closer to my face. I close my eyes. His right hand touches my left’s cheek. There’s something cool of his hand. I’m shocked and grasp his arm. A little thing that doesn’t visible until now: a ring on his finger. Febrian wears a ring. Is it a wedding ring??

Spontaneously, I slap his face. I have been cheated by Febrian. He’s married! But, why he flirted to me? And, he would kiss me a minute ago!

I get out from his black Ferrari and yell, “BASTARD!!!”

I walk to exit door.

I wipe out my tears.

This is my fault. I’m too easily falling in love to someone. Maybe because of that silly thing I’m still single at 27 now, even though I’m a supermodel.

I look back, and the Black Ferrari is gone. Arrgghh, it should be that I didn’t look back. It makes my tears fall again.

I think Febrian is just not that into me.

[ ]

Raden Ajeng Kartini

Kartini is one of the most famous women in Indonesia. She is the first who try to fight Women’s right in the post. Because of her struggle and big influence in Indonesia, she is categorized to be one of the heroines and the most well-know woman in Indonesia.
Raden Ajeng Kartini was born in Jepara, April 21st 1879. She was a daughter from The Regent of Jepara, Raden Mas Adipati Sastrodiningrat, and also a grand daughter from The Regent of Demak, Tjondronegoro.
When Kartini became an adult, she saw the women’s fate was full of darkness, emptiness, hopelessness, and just being men’s ornaments. So, she tried to change it. She socialized with ordinary people (not the riches one) and developed her ideas and ambition which would reorganize women social status. She had slogan like this: “We must make a history, we must decide our future which are suitable as woman, and we must get enough education as much as men get!”
In 1903, Kartini was married to Raden Adipati Joyoningrat, The Regent of Rembang. A role from her husband increased her activities in education. And because of his help, Kartini could build Sekolah Kepandaian Putri (Girl’s Accomplishment School) and she taught about woman’s accomplishment like sewing or other woman’s activities there.

Kartini passed away in 1904 when she was 25 years-old. Yes, she was too young and full of passion to die. But, her fights and dreams still exist until now. It’s proved that in developing period like now, those are some women who hold the important roles not only in the government but also in private domain (bidang swasta).

So, Kartini’s fights have been succeed to replace the women on the suitable “place”. She also raised the women from the dark side into the bright side, as suitable as her famous and phenomenal book, “Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang”.

* * *

Translated and edited from
http://pkk.pemkab-tanjungjabungbarat.go.id/

ANTI ISRAEL DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUED

In Jakarta, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy to stop exporting oil to the United States, which is Israel's leading ally.

In other cities like Sukabumi, West Java or Jombang, East Java, demonstrators expressed their opposition to Israel's offensive against the Gaza Strip by calling for a boycott of American goods, urging Muslim unity and raising funds for the Palestinians.



source : metrotvnews.com/indonesiathismorning

He Wants to Meet Kachiew!!

It has been 4 months since I studied in Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia University of Education) Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. I have so many new friends who always make me happy every single day.

Let me introduce one of my funniest friends. She is Citra Dewi Saraswati. You can call her Kachiew, but she will be happier if you call her “Kachiew Geulis” (Beautiful Kachiew). She is really tomboy. If you don’t know her, you’ll think she is a boy.

Do you want to know a funny story which involved her?

Okay, let me tell you. One day after Listening Class, I saw Kachiew was so busy with her cell-phone. She replied the message quickly and smiled. Hm, what was happen?

Suddenly, Icha—one of my classmates—said loudly, “Guys, Kachiew will meet a boy!”
“With who?” I asked.
“A boy who study in Faculty of Technique and Profession. He was in the same team with me when Orientation Week,” explained Kachiew.
“Oh my God… really? Cie cie . . .” I said.
“No, no… It’s not like that!” Kachiew rejected.
After that, Kachiew, Icha, Kidung, Yana, Chae, Dian, and I went to the parking lot in front of Faculty of Language and Art (out faculty). “The Boy” whom Kachiew would meet was there. Because my friends and I were so curious about “The Boy”, we had been pretending not to be Kachiew’s friends.
Four minutes later, there was a red motorcycle approached Kachiew.
“The boy is coming!” I said.
“Hm… nothing special about him,” Icha complained.
“Except the motor cycle, I think,” I replied.
After chatted about five minutes, Kachiew approached us with a book on her right hand.
“Guys, look at this,” said Kachiew.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“His English homework.”
“WHAAATTTT???!!!” We yelled together.
“Be quiet, guys! Let’s do this homework,” said Kachiew.
“So… he is…” Yana confused.
“He doesn’t miss you? He just needs your help to do his home work? Oh my God! That hurts, Kachiew! That hurts!!” I complained.
“It’s alright, guys!” Kachiew laughed.

So, after that, sometimes when my friends who are in the other faculties suddenly text me or call me, I always consider that probably they just want me to do their English home work. I don’t want it! Except they promise me that they will treat me Chicken Noodle someday! Hehehe… ~

First Time at UPI , , ,

When I was second grade at 24 Senior High School, my friends and I participate in drama festival at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia University of Education). I never had visited UPI before and I was so curious. After arrived at UPI, I swore that I didn’t want to continue my study there because UPI is so far from my house at Cibiru, Bandung.

But, I don’t know this must be called “fortune” or “bad luck”, I was accepted at UPI now with the major English Language and Literature. The next day, my friends—who accepted in UPI too—and I went to UPI for the registration. After that for the first time we explored the whole UPI. I knew UPI is big, but I was shocked that UPI is bigger and huger than my imagination! There are so many new buildings from each faculty (including Faculty of Language and Art, I study there) that makes me feel that I’m the lucky one who is able to study in this university. There is a unique garden too. It’s so quiet and matches for you relax your mind, chat with your friends, or just walk around there. And the mosque is so huge, unique, and beautiful! So, you can take a pray with peace, calm, and cool.

Moreover, when I knew that UPI is the 4^th rank at the best university in Indonesia after Universitas Gadjah Mada, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and Universitas Indonesia, haha… I’m really proud because I can study inone of the best university! But, if I remember the journey from my house to UPI needs two hours and a lot of money, sometimes I get bored and tired.

Ranna on UPI's Logo

But life must go on! Every single day, I try to motivate myself. Hopefully, I can survive in this leading and outstanding university!

Soulmate = Pembawa Esensi Romantis?? Check this out!!

Gw juga baru ‘ngeuh’ soal itu waktu gw nonton Oprah Show. Entahlah episode berapa, tapi yang jelas waktu itu Oprah mengundang pengarang buku best­-seller “Eat, Pray, Love”, Elizabeth Gilbert.

(kurang lebih beginilah percakapan antara Oprah dan Elizabeth)

Saat itu Oprah bertanya, “Apa kau menganggap bahwa suamimu adalah belahan jiwamu?”

Kontan ia menjawab, “Sayangnya bukan.”

Terdengar suara “hm...” panjang dari penonton. Ia melanjutkan kalimatnya.

“Percaya padaku Oprah, belahan jiwa tak selamanya memberikan esensi romantis ketika sang belahan jiwa datang ke dalam kehidupan kita. Dalam kehidupanku, sang belahan jiwa datang justru memporakporandakan hidupku. Ia menghapus kehidupan lamaku yang depresi berat akibat bercerai dari suami pertamaku, lalu ia mengajarkan cara bermeditasi ketika aku di India. Dan... di sinilah aku sekarang!”

“Jadi belahan jiwamu adalah sahabatmu, bukan suamimu?” Oprah tersenyum—tanda ia menemukan suatu hal baru, begitu juga para penonton.

“Ya, tentu saja. Suamiku—yang aku nikahi di Bali—adalah partner hidupku yang terbaik. Tapi untuk belahan jiwa, sahabatkulah yang terbaik. Aku dulu juga sempat bingung. Aku baru saja bertemu dengan sahabatku ini—dan suasana sedihku tentu saja masih kacau balau. Dan ia membuat hidupku tambah kacau balau dengan memaksaku keluar dari kesedihan dan juga mengubah cara pandang hidupku. Awalnya sangat tidak nyaman, tapi sekarang... Oh My... aku bersyukur telah bertemu dia di India... Dialah soulmate-ku...”

You know what?

Akhinya gw bisa menerjemahkan perasaan sesungguhnya sama “dia” setelah nonton Oprah Show... Ternyata gw emang sama sekali gak FALL IN LOVE sama “dia”... Tapi yang jelas, peran “dia” sama persis dengan sahabat Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat, Pray, Love” itu...

Mengobrak-abrik hidup gw...

mengubah cara pandang gw soal hidup...

and.. voila! Semenjak ketemu sama “dia”...

gw jadi manusia yang baru...

manusia yang lebih dekat dengan Sang Maha Kuasa...

Have u find ur soulmate??