DORA on the ROAD

Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts. Yes that was right! During our first trip to Bali, we decided to visit the famous and picturesque place, the Tanah Lot. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It was part of our schedule on day 2 to visit here before exploring the long sandy beach of Kuta known as the surfing paradise. Ticketing office Me and my friend Adine basically took a slow walk around the compound, passing by a maze of street food stands and souvenir shops before we reach the place. The traditional entrance to most Balinese temple and sacred places - the split gate The impressive stoneworks A different angle We visited the temple the week of their celebration of Hari Raya Gulungan and Kuningan and spotted several devotees praying in the temple. Quiet moments of prayer in the inner courtyard Stunning blue skies crowned this fabulous visit and made us take more...

By the time I reaches 3-0, healthy behaviors become my habit. As my work requires logging long hours in front of a PC or checking test papers, making lesson plans on my desk, I need to stay active and eat healthy while not depriving myself of all the fun. Running is more than a good way to get in shape, have a nice healthy glow, have a good sweat but also it always give me a great sense of accomplishment! I've joined 6 running races this year and I find running like eating a bag of cheesy popcorns, where it's nearly impossible to stop after just one. So as 2014 draws to a close, I cannot help but to look back at how my year of running has gone. Here we go……….. First 5K Run? Pocari Sweat 5K Run. This was my first 5k run last May without any proper training nor workout. I'm not really into sports since childhood. So this run become a battle against my body and mind. Imagine how I endured a lot during the run. I have a lot of walk breaks than running =D. There ar...

Quotes of the Day: "If you don't at least give a try, you'll never know...you'll never change". - Doraemon, from the movie, Stand By Me Yeah, that's right! Through these quotes and with some little help from my friends which really inspires me to get out of my comfort zone and try to see the beauty around me. I've been here in Jakarta for almost six years, but I'd never tried to get lost in the thousands of places and food options in the city . Most of the time, you'll see me wandering on the same place such as Citraland or Central Park Mall. Not because I'm fallin' in love to the place but that was the only place I know and comfortable with since then. Sounds funny, isn't it? Huh! Recently, my visa application was having some backlogs that cause me or most of the expats here to spend the holidays away from their families. Well, that was a sad fact, literally. On the lighter side, these gives me opportunities to go around Jakar...

When the calendar rolls over into December, one can't help but feel a tinge of excitement by the oncoming of Christmas. Christmas time is in the air again where lots of people are busy decorating their Christmas tree and putting up their colourful garlands on the wall. Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes The pressure of Christmas shopping, wrapping and exchanging gifts.... Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Nor even become one of the fun victim of dear Santa =D Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Smiles and laughters on every faces...... Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Quick selfie and charming group photos.... Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Photo by: Marylou S. Emienes Every year it seems that Christmas becomes more and more commercialized. The season has become more about shopping than worshipping. May we all not forget to stay focused on the real meaning of Christmas - and th...

This week, me and my other pals are delighted to be able to get a chance to watch the Ramayana Betawi "Rama Jadi Raja", performed at the magnificent Gedung Teater Jakarta in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Jakarta Pusat. It was such an amazing stage performances which explores the romance and adventure of Rama and Sita in traditional masked dances accompanied with gamelan music. Each part was brilliantly acted and I was really thrilled with the stunning movements of the dancers!!! Feels like dancing too! =D Betawi culture was also incorporated in the show by infusing humour into their conversations. You will never be left wondering what just happened or falling asleep in your seat during the show. I found myself laughing throughout the show and I was not expecting Ramayana Betawi to be hugely enjoyable and funny show. If there's one point of criticism I have for this production is that it was played in Indonesian language where I find it hard ...

We went for a 2 mile run today with my friend Vika and right after the run, we passed by to the newly open restaurant 'Kiter' to have some refreshing drinks. The owner encourage us to try their best selling drinks, Pineapple - watermelon green smoothie with bok choy. The first time I've heard of tossing leafy greens like Bokchoy to a smoothie, I must admit, I was skeptical. What? I wasn't sure if the vegetables would add strange taste or have lingering bitter taste into it. I once gave it a try, and I was hooked! It taste good, seriously! I can barely taste the vegetables. The flavour is balance with the natural sweetness of pineapple and tartness from the watermelon. This gonna be on my favourite lists for sure =D The green smoothie there are truly the best that I've had! No wonder, my friend Vika, have always reiterated the need for us to try this place. Highly recommend you to try it too! ;D

Thoroughly enjoyed the "Catch Me If You Can, The Musical" performances at London School of Public Relations last October 26,2014. The impressive cast is composed of extremely talented, young students who are really into performing arts. I have to say that I was not disappointed from start to finish. The show made me laugh and cry along with the cast especially when Frank Abagnale Jr. the main actor, called the FBI agent Carl Hanratty, the night of Christmas where he has no one to talk to. Huh! Feels like I feel the same way too....missing my husband back home. The show is based on the hit 2002 Dreamworks film which starred Leonardo DiCarpio and Tom Hanks. A musical that tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With his boyish charm, he successfully poses as a pilot, doctor and a lawyer. It focuses on the Tom and Jerry kinda musical game show played by FBI Agent Carl Hanratty who chases Frank to the end.....