Taman Surga

Aku tidak akan share pengalaman di dalam taman surga atau yang disebut Raudah. Taman surga yang disiapkan buat semua pejiarah yang ingin berdoa kepada yang Khalik. Segala hal bisa terjadi di sana. Tersaruk-saruk semua berebut ingin masuk dan memohon ampunan. Menyampaikan segala pesan untuk bumi dan akhirat.

Bagiku bukan soal prestasi bisa memijakkan kaki di dalam taman surga, atau bisa sujud di saf pertama (bagi jemaah perempuan) pas di belakang pembatas sehingga tidak terganggu oleh pejiarah lainnya. Bukan soal bisa atau tidak melakukan ketiga sholat sunnah yang disarankan. Bukan...bukan...

Bukan soal sempat atau tidak menyampaikan salam kepada Yang mulia Rasulullah... Ato menyapa kedua sahabat sejatinya. Hal ini tidak perlu diperbandingkan antara satu pejiarah dengan yang lainnya. Bagiku semua mempunyai keinginan yang jelas, dan pasti berusaha keras. Bukan soal berkompetisi mendapatkan kesempatan, atau melakukan dengan kualitas kekhusukan... Bukan! 

Siang itu, bahkan sebelum aku bisa ke Raudah di Nabawi. Suamiku, Putra, minta izin untuk sholat. Aku duduk bersama dengan ketiga anak kami. Detik berjalan. Aku seperti biasa mengawasi semua orang yang hilir mudik. Berbagai bangsa, dengan berbagai warna dan ribuan cara. Ada yang sendiri, ada yang berkeluarga atau bersama teman... Sambil aku merekam semua dengan kamera, detik dan menit berlalu. Udara panas berhembus. Kami masih menunggu. Berbagai kegiatan dilakukan oleh jemaah di Nabawi. Setelah sholat para lelaki menjemput istrinya, merangkul anak-anaknya. Mungkin ini adalah spot terdamai bagi setiap rumah tangga. Kedamaian Madinah dan Nabawi menular, membuat manusia enggan untuk bersiteru. Aku rasa, semua hati terbuka di sini, semua jiwa ingin merangkul kekasihnya. Seakan rasa kasih sayang Rasulullah menular. Aku melihat pasangan tua, kakek dan nenek, mungkin dari Pakistan. Kulit mereka kering. Sari yang digunakan juga bukan yang mahal seperti yang sering kulihat dipakai ibu-ibu arisan di Indonesia. Wajah mereka sudah keriput. Tapi kakek itu sambil berbicara memegang tangan si nenek. Kedua ya berdiskusi. Ntah soal apa, hanya angin yang tau. Begitulah cinta, jika dijalani dengan benar... Maka akan abadi sampai akhir hayat... Aku yakin kakek nenek itu waktu muda pasti juga punya masalah. Mungkin ketika usia mereka sudah tua juga. Tapi mungkin usia memang mendewasakan manusia. Dan dengan rasa cinta mereka, membuat mereka akrab satu sama lain. Pernah tidak melihat dua manusia yang saling menatap ke relung mata? Begitu dalam, ...dan rasa di hati hanya mereka yang tau. Gosh, enough about that romantic moments :) ...

... Terus kami menunggu...

Sampai akhirnya sosok yang aku kenal itu datang. Mengenakan busana sholat Melayu berwarna coklat muda. Matanya mengarah ke aku. Senyum dan mata itu terlihat berkaca-kaca. Jarang aku melihat ia menangis...sangat jarang. Ini lelaki kuat berhati baik yang selama ini aku kenal. Ini lelaki yang mengajarkan banyak hal tentang Islam, tentang kehidupan, tentang kesabaran, tentang berjuang... Tubuh tingginya tiba di dekat kami. Aku salam cium tangannya dan mangajaknya duduk bersama. Anak-anak sibuk terus bermain. Kami kemudian hanya berpandangan. 

Pelan ia bercerita, bahwa ketika hendak masuk ke dalam Raudah sebenarnya mereka sudah akan menutup pintu, tetapi entah kenapa penjaga pintu itu mebiarkan ia sendiri untuk masuk. Jalan dengan tenang tanpa harus berhimpit-himpit. Ia menceritakan luapan perasaannya ketika pertama kali mendapatkan kesempatan bersujud di taman surga. Air mata menggenang lagi, aku jadi ikut menangis... Kami saling berkisah tentang perjuangan Rasulullah. Kami terus saling berpandangan. Tidaklah layak bagi kami untuk berpelukan di situ mengingat ini adalah tempat yang begitu suci. Tapi tangannya menggenggam tanganku... Ini adalah lelaki yang baik hati, yang berulang kali menyelamatkanku dan menerimaku... Jujur, tidak ada perasaan yang lebih menyenangkan melihat ia mendapatkan kesempatan ibadah luar biasa itu. Aku merasa senang melihat kelegaan hatinya, yang telah berbicara dengan Penciptanya. Ah, Julesta Putra, ...segala doaku untukmu, ... 

Ya Allah, terima kasih telah memberikan ia kesempatan. Terima kasih Engkau menyediakan waktu untuk imamku yang baik hati ini. Ya Allah, mudahkanlah jalannya....jalan ia di dunia dan dimanapun, sebagaimana Engkau memudahkan langkahnya masuk ke taman surga. Lelaki ini sudah begitu lama denganku, sehingga aku hapal setiap langkah dan geraknya. Bisa membaca pikirannya. Begitu juga ia terhadapku. Rahasia apapun di antara kami tetap terungkap, karena kami sangat saling mengenal, dan sangat saling mengerti. 

Ya Allah, lindungi ia, tinggikan derajatnya, ... Bahagiakan dia, ... Sejukkan hatinya yang kuas tanpa batas. Mudahkan pula jalanku, jalan keturunannya. Jadikan kami kekasihmu bukan hanya di taman surga, ... Tapi di sisi Singgasana muliamu.

Menjelang siang di Taman Surga

::// jaurinatara

Madinah, Negeri Damai

Sudah hampir setahun perjalanan ibadah umroh kami jalankan. Memang benar kata pepatah, tiadalah yang lebih mahal di kehidupan ini selain waktu yang hilang di depan mata. Perjalanan umroh keluarga, yang mungkin menurut beberapa orang biasa saja, akan tetapi merupakan perjalanan tak terlupakan bagi kami... Bagiku, bagi suamiku dan anak-anak...

Kejutan Rezeki

Siapa sangka rezeki datang dari mana. Ketika aku baca kembali tulisanku ketika pertama kali berhijab, ada doa kecil di sana, doa untuk bisa singgah di kota Sang Pembelah Bulan... Kota Kekasih Segala Umat, dan rezeki itu datang tanpa disangka-sangka. Kami akhir ya bisa berangkat sekeluarga, ... Anugrah yang luar biasa. Alhamdulillah. Setiap malam kami melihat tayangan ritual umroh dan sejarah jejak para Rasul serta perjuangannya di kedua kota di tanah Haram tersebut. Kadang aku berpikir, mungkin inj bagian dari doa-doaku yang dikabulkan Allah ketika membaca novel cerdas tentang Rasulullah setiap pagi di pos satpam kantor...atau doa suamiku juga? Atau doa anak-anak? Yang jelas, siapapun itu, doa tersebut dianugerahkan ke tangan kami. Alhamdulillah ... Persiapan demi persiapan dilakukan dalam waktu yang singkat. Jujur, aku sedikit takut, ... Mengingat semua yang pernah aku jalani dalam hidup ... Takut karena sering mendengar hal konyol dari mereka ya g pernah ke sana, bahwa akan selalu ada balasan... Ya Allah, pikirku, ... ampunkan hambamu ini.. Kasihani kami... Begitupun, aku persiapkan semua untuk perjalanan. Aku sempatkan buat buku panduan umroh untuk kami, ya karena suka desain, di desain sesuai dengan selera masing masing penggunanya... Sampai jahit baju untuk keberangkatan! Yes :) jahit sendiri dong! .... Biar hemat! Hee hee... Belum belanja segala kelengkapan, ... Mulai susu formula, pampers, susu anak-anak, kaos kaki, manset, ini dan itu... 

Tapi untuk saran bagi yang akan berangkat..., sebenarnya tidak perlu kuatir dengan kelengkapan. Di sana semua ada dan murah!!! Baju banyak! Abaya banyak! Baju ala Arab untuk laki-laki (namanya top) juga banyak! Dan semua di jual di sekitar hotel. Makanan juga berjibun, mulai dari susu, keju, yoghurt, ice cream, nasi kurma, lauk... Semua ada! Buah-buahan...minuman segar, jus mangga... You name it! Semua tersedia ... Jadi koper juga tidak perlu di-isi padat-padat. Lagian toh baju yang kotor sedikit jika dicuci kering dalam waktu kurang dari sejam! (pengalaman pribadi) 

Walau banyak juga bawaan kami karena membawa tiga anak, tapi mungkin pengalaman sebagai light traveller membuat kami juga realistis dan praktis ketika packing. Walhasil 4 koper tidak terisi penuh. Padatnya juga karena bawa pampers Dzar, ... Yang mana juga sedikit konyol seolah olah di Mecca sana tidak ada yang jual pampers. Begitu juga dengan ihram. Membawa dua pasang ihram untuk suamiku. Ternyata di sana juga banyak banget. Tapi ya kalau disuruh kasih saran, bawalah ihram yang tipis kalau musim panas, dan bawa satu oasang juga tidak apa.

Kami berangkat dengan paket yang cukup menarik. Tawaran 16 hari di sana ternyata terasa singkat. Untung adik ipar sendiri yang punya travel, sehingga agak mudah bagi kami untuk pengaturan dan persiapan. Yah, hitung hitung, ibadah juga, daur rezeki sesama ipar juga :) 

Langit Jingga

Ya ampun ketika berangkat memang anak-anak menjadi tantangan yang luar biasa :) . Tantangan yang menyenangkan ... Baby Dzar aktif luar biasa, terlalu gembira dengan perjalanan jauhnya yang pertama. Begitu juga Dasha dan Aqila, walau berusaha tenang. Mereka cukup baik dengan sekali-kali menghafal ayat-ayat dalam buku panduan. Kami berdua harus menjaga mereka ditambah Ummi yang juga ikut serta. Perjalanan terasa biasa bagiku, ya mungkin karena sudah terlalu sering naik pesawat jarak jauh. Tapi anak-anak...wah! Mereka seperti dapat lotere terbesar, main rumah-rumahan di pesawat. Ganti channel bolak-balik, makan bolak-balik... Dan yang paling lucu ke toilet bolak-balik karena suka dengan susunan di toilet!! Ugh... Kadang kami hampir hilang kesabaran, tapi kadang jadi geli sendiri... Tiap berapa menit Aqila merasa harus ke toilet. Sementara jika Aqila ke toilet Dasha juga ikut. Nah artinya baby Dzar akan heboh mau ikut juga. Waduh, ... Untung suamiku itu penyabar luar biasa ke anak-anak. Walau baby Dzar pake acara ngamuk, ga mau pakai seatbelt, nangis sampai muntah, tapi ya teuteup.... Nikmat juga...

Tiba di Jeddah, setelah perjalanan 8 jam dan transit di Kuala Lumpur memberikan kelegaan yang luar biasa. Cuma sedikit miris melihat petugas imigrasi di bandara yang sedikit kurang bersahabat dengan pendatang dari Indonesia. Tapi, kadang terus terang aku tidak bisa sepenuhnya menyalahkan mereka, karena sering sikap kita, jemaah dari Indonesia, suka sembrono, berantakan, dan tidak mengerti banyak hal. Kami membantu di sana-sini, karena kasihan juga melihat muthawwif yang sudah hampir hilang suara untuk mengatur sana sini... Dan pada akhirnya semua teratur juga, bisa duduk manis dalam bis menuju Madinah, ....perhentian pertama di tanah Haram. Kami sekeluarga duduk di row paling belakang. Suamiku mengajarkan beberapa sejarah Islam, ... Kami membahas soal agama, hal yang sering kami lakukan di Medan, di rumah, tetapi kali ini terasa lain ... Kali ini terasa jauh lebih dekat.  Dekat dengan sejarah, dekat dengan perjuangan Rasulullah, merasa satu nafas dengan semua ciptaan Allah ... Anak-anak terlelap, baby Dzar tetap dalam gendongan abachnya.... Dan tak lama, aku juga terlelap di bahunya, bahu lelaki pelindungku...

Tiba-tiba, aku dibangunkan...walau masih letih, telinga tetap secepat kilat menangkap pemberitahuan bahwa kami akan memasuki Madinah... Semua penumpang terdiam, mendengarkan panduan doa oleh sang ustadz... Mengikuti sebaik mungkin, ... Bait demi bait, ayat demi ayat, ... Waktu itu menjelang fajar di Madinah.... Aku melihat beberapa jemaah berjalan, abaya dan burqa mereka dihembus angin yang lumayan kencang. Sepasang suami istri berjalan, sedikit terhuyung, menentang angin, menuai pahala dalam langkah-langkahnya menuju Nabawi.

Jantungku berdegup kencang, Ini lebih gila dari perasaanku dulu ketika pertama kali menginjakkan kaki di benua Amerika! Jauh lebih gila, ... Kami kemudian tiba di dekat hotel, turun dari bus. Seketika aku merasakan dinginnya angin pagi Madinah. Tetapi dingin yang menyambut, ...lembut lantunan ayat Al Quran terdengar, ...dan hal pertama aku lihat bukan Nabawi, ... Tapi langit jingga Madinah. Warna jingga itu tidak bisa dilupakan. Aku seperti hanyut dalam suasana dan kuasa Allah. Jingga yang tidak sama dengan warna langit ketika matahari terbit atau tenggelam di belahan manapun di bumi ini. Ntahlah, mungkin hanya aku yang merasa begitu, tapi warna langit jingganya begitu menarik jiwaku. Sambil menunggu yang lain turun dari bus, aku hanya bisa mengucapkan Alhamdulillah dan Subhanallah berkali-kali. Kerongkonganku tersekat menahan tangis, karena ya Tuhan.... Baru di Madinah saja rasanya sudah kurang layak untukku, mengingat semua kekurangan dan dosa, apalagi surgaMu ya Rabb... Doaku singkat, hanya meminta supaya awal dan proses ibadah kami berjalan lancar dan dalam ridhonya. Peluk kami ya Rabb ...

Saat menunggu check in ke hotel, aku seidkit ngobrol dengan Ummi... Tiba2 kami berdua teringat Daddy. Aku smalaikan ke Ummi, jika bisa mengulang waktu, aku akan menerima tawaran Daddy untuk berangkat haji. Cuma mungkin aku waktu itu terlalu muda. Ummi, dengan mata berkaca-kaca, cuma mengatakan bahwa waktu tidak akan bisa kembali. Yang penting adalah kami sudah berada di situ...bersama-sama...dan dia untuk Daddy mudah-mudahan akan terkabulkan. Semoga beliau dilapangkan kuburnya, diterangkan di sana, ditinggikan derajatnya, dan amal ibadahnya diterima Allah. Bagaimanapun, Daddy adalah orang tua yang luar biasa bagi kami, kekasih kami, tempat berkeluh kesah, tempat belajar, ... 

Payung Tanpa Hujan

Setelah membereskan perlengkapan, mebereskan anak-anak kami berjalan menuju Masjid Nabawi. Masjid berwarna putih krem itu menungggu. Ini beda dari yang dilihat di televisi. Berbeda dari apa yang sering kita dengar dari cerita traveller yang pernah di sana. Berbeda dengan apa yang kita baca di internet, lihat di majalah... Sangat berbeda. Kali ini Nabawi menunggu kami. Menungguku. Ketika tiba di gerbangnya, kami sebagai dua orang yang belajar arsitektur membicarakan keindahan masjid itu. Bagaimana perkembangannya sejak dulu yang dibangun oleh Rasulullah, hanya sepetak kecil disebelah kamar Aisyah. Hari ini Nabawi menjadi saksi tangis dan senyuman begitu banyaknya umat manusia. Payung payung putih terkembang sebahagian, melindungi mereka yang beribadah, dari matahari yang terik, tetapi bagi kami tidak menyengat. Hanya panas, tapi panas yang setiap insan terima dengan ikhlas. Suamiku mengajak baby Dzar masuk ke section laki-laki untuk sholat. Sementara aku berjalan dengan dua anak gadisku ke section perempuan. Deg degan ... Jantungku berdegup lebih keras dari rasa pertama jatuh cinta, atau ketika menghadapi ujian mekanika teknik, deg degan yang sangat nikmat... Yang aku rasa, hanya aku dan Dia yang tau. Tapi aku masih belum menangis, ... 

Pintu megah itu terbuka lebar dan seorang perempuan memakai niqab hitam memeriksa tas setiap tamu yang masuk. Jujur aku sedikit gugup karena membaca cerita kadang kita tidak diberi izin masuk kalau membawa camera, atau benda-benda yang tidak layak. Tapi ternyata perempuan petugas itu begitu ramah. Hiasan henna di tangannya, dan gelang emas yang melingkar di lengannya yang tertutup kain niqab membuatku berpikir, ah, ... Perempuan ya tetap perempuan... Keindahan ada pada wanita itu. Ini sama sekali jaih dari tulisan-tulisan yang kadang memberikan review yang jelek. Subhanallah, katanya ketika melihat kedua anakku. Aku tersenyum. 

Tiba di jalur untuk sholat. Aku mengajarkan Dasha dan Aqila bahwa mereka harus tertib, sholat dan berdoa untuk hal-hal yang penting bagi mereka. Tiba waktuku untuk beribadah. Ibadah kali ini juga berbeda. Aku merasa seperti di interview. Seperti melamar pekerjaan, atau menyatakan perasaanku, tapi dengan emosi yang masih sederhana. Hingga sujud pertama mengingatkan aku bahwa di masjid yang sama, hanya beberapa langkah, terbujur kekasih Allah yang teramat mulia. Bersamanya sahabatnya yang setia. Dan aku runtuh di situ. Semua perjalanan hidup berputar putar di sekitarku. Malu yang luar biasa mengingat semua kesalahan, keserakahan, keculasan, .... Malu karena rasa bangga yang hina, malu karena kemunafikan ... Ya Tuhan, ya Rabb... Ampunkan aku, suamiku, orang tuaku, saudara-saudaraku... Jauhkan anak-anakku dari langkah yang salah. 

Sujud kedua, juga sama.... Berputar putar. Tau rasanya bagaimana terbang tanpa sayap? Tubuh terasa ringan tak terkendali, seperti terhisap ke dalam medan magnet? Ingin bisa mengendalikan perasaan, tapi tidak kuasa. Karena memang tidaklah kekuasaan itu di tanganku... 

Begitu seterusnya. Doaku random, merasa waktu begitu sempit. Doaku random, mencoba mengingat kira kira siapa lagi yang harus aku doakan. Begitu banyak hal yang penting, begitu sempit waktu. Begitu singkat waktu untuk berterima kasih, atas kehidupan yang aku miliki.

Tiba-tiba aku baru sadar akan dua gadis kecilku yang duduk resah melihat ke mataku yang basah. Bukan tangis ketakutan saja, tapi tangis bahagia karena hari itu pertama kali aku dekat dengan Rasulullah... Begitu jauhnya selama ini. Aqila bertanya, "Amie, ... Amie gak apa apa?" ...resah kakaknya menenangkan Aqila,"Hush, Amie lagi berdoa tu..." - Aku kemudian memanggil mereka mendekat dan menjelaskan bahwa kami begitu beruntung bisa berada di Nabawi hari itu. Aku menjelaskan bahwa tangis bukan saja simbol kesedihan, tapi juga ketika kebahagaiaan. Tangis diciptakan agar melegakan perasaan. Dan hari itu aku ingatkan kembali mereka bahwa tidak ada kekayaan lain di dunia ini selain mereka dan bahwa keinginan aku dan abach mereka tidak lain kecuali mereka menjadi ksatria-ksatria Islam yang siap membela agama, masyarakat, menjadi pemimpin, menjaga sesama keluarga.... Dasha mengerti. Aqila masih bingung.

Setelah itu kami berjalan keluar, untuk menemui suamiku. Dari jauh aku lihat dia mengawasi Dzar yang berlari ke sana ke mari. Ternyata. Ia sudah menunggu lebih dari satu jam.... Begitulah, ... sholat 2 rakaat dan doa di Nabawi bisa begitu lama - karena mungkin kita manusia merindukan kedekatan itu. 

Ya Allah, jaga cinta kami.... Engkaulah payung itu, yang melindungi kami walau tanpa hujan...

Tapi benarlah apa yang dikatakan dalam Novel pembelah bulan, dana cerita para ulama, bahwa Madinah adalah negri yang damai. Kedamaian itu terasa sampai ke tulang sum-sum...merambat di dalam nadi. 

Pagi pertama di Madina

::// jaurinata 

no deal, just go with the flow...

....So when really do we call someone as our best friend? When actually the ‘best friend’ status can be given to a person? Does it begin just because the 2 has secret that they share? Darkest secret even? Or does it start because the two has similar admiration or hatred? Or does it start because one of them had poured their heart out to the other? Or as what people claim, does it start with simple conversation?

Well, let me tell you about a friendship. This is true story. A friendship that does not apply differences in any perspective, but more focus in respect, forgiveness, giving comfort, understanding, and simply run their life and share with each other. It was all started in an art class.

Often they see each other in hallway without even realizing that one will be the best bosom friend of the other for a long, long time. This writing is kind of hard, maybe you will not feel the essence, because I am trying to summarize 20 years of friendship in one short story.

That afternoon they realized that they have same watches, Mickey-mouse watch. Both started to chat about their watches and began simple conversation about their artwork. Just ordinary conversation.

Days passed by.

One day, one of them wore jeans with lots of drawings on them. Then they both turned out in the same English class, so they chatted about the drawings on the jeans. That day, after school, one of them invited the other for a glass of milk and cookies. So they walked along the small streets, enjoying spring and talked about trees, then had milk and cookies in a warm kitchen. It was just simple.

Day after day, they found similarities in perspective, ideas, but also with tons of differences. They came from very different culture, different religion background, different community, different in many things. But the focus was the similarities without neglecting the differences so they can respect each other difference. The differences were used to gain more knowledge about each other, about life, about people. The differences, I think, had made them to, often, try to understand others, that no-one is the same in the surface of earth. Both had adapted to ensure the comfort of the other. Cried together, laugh together, share everything together.

Can you imagine how hard it is for an American to train her dog not to kiss her Indonesian Moslem friend? But she did! Or ensure that this Indonesian need real breakfast and cannot eat pork? She did! She provided all that, by thinking in advance what is culturally fit to her Indonesian friend.

Can you imagine how hard it is for Indonesian to understand that American drink milk? (gosh, believe me, Indonesian don’t drink milk that much in those years)?? But she did! She had milk at her home, she also had shrimp chips for midnight snacks or fried cassava to replace French fries on movie days. And toilet paper! Believe me, this simple stuff can be frustrating if you are not use to them.

Many more cultural differences…many more background differences...

This might sounds nothing, but adapting to each other for a long time can be challenging. Imagine asking for space to do prayers, 5 times in a day, at her American friend’s home. Specific requirement is clean and quiet. It was all there!

Then to ensure that the American happily celebrated Christmas, the joy was also shared, at the Indonesian Moslem's little apartment. They did Christmas tree hunting together.

Trying each other’s dinner, putting up with different background mothers (ha ha, we love you Moms!) who often get crabby in American style, or Indonesian style, dealing with their favorite fathers in the whole galaxy with super different background, which enriched them as children, to learn from both parents. One was a lecturer, the other used to work with trains. What other cool combination can you find?

They often took this certain flower, took off the petals and made wishes. They often looked up at the stars and made wishes. Looked into milk bottle and made wishes for some coins to buy French vanilla ice cream. Goods were not the issue. Money was never the issue. The whole issue is how to share and keep things balance among them. How so both can have ice cream, .. or to buy funky stickers in Shadyside.

Secretly, they have their own games. Yes, people might call it stupid today, or even scary weird, but at the age of 16, they still played house, pretended to have English tea party with their imaginary English friends, biked around the city, put flowers on their shoes, hop around dry leaves in autumn, enjoyed snow-flakes in winter, threw stuffed animal up and down the second floor window, peeked into a house with a romantic red colored wall and grand piano, cried so hard over Anne of Green Gable movie (God! That Gilbert character is just….), ate 100 soft spring rolls hot from the oven, or had “stop sucking your teeth” competition.

Arguments? Yes, of course it happened. But somehow simple word “sorry” was enough. Then basically both smiled and start to be friends again. The only long argument was when they misunderstood their meeting point on a Halloween day. It last 30 minutes, and that was too because of the biking distance from the spot to that American home. That evening both just dumped their bike, then went quiet and worked on pumpkin carving. I can say 10 minutes later they laughed over it, thinking they were so stupid.

Oh, they also knew each other stupidity. Over guys. Over work. Over family. But it did not make the love and appreciation became less. Instead, good words were given to each other. And when words don’t work, they gave space to each other. They understand when to give each other time to heal.

There was no terms and conditions. And simply no transaction. It was just about sharing. In their friendship NEVER ONCE they said they felt sorry for all the mistakes happened in their life. Even when one might made mistakes to another. Never once they hide a lie, or not admitting faults. They realized that to make a relationship stronger, it is about confessing, then forgiving, then understanding the other person, then provide strength, in advises or complains, followed by deep sigh and warm friendship hugs. It was NEVER, NEVER, NEVER about transaction, because friendship IS NOT business deal. When you start to expect too much from the other, then it won’t be called as best friend anymore. No need to have great expectation, because if you believe the other person is your best friend, then he/ she will show the effort. There is no contract for best friend. It is more about thinking that the other soul is your soul.

No empty promises among best friend.

Other secrets? They often spent time just appreciating sunset, or stars, and make wish upon them. Cried, yes, they shed silly tears a lot, over way too beautiful clouds, or white silky winter outside the window. All of those beauty basically brought them to wish that they will never be parted by heart.

They were then separated by oceans for nine years. Letters were sent, transformed to email and other technology.

But guess what? The power of imagination and dream will lead you to your dream, as long as you believe in it. After nine years, they found a way to see each other again, …and again, …and again. And the first meeting after separated nine yrs, was just the same as before. They still did the same rituals.

And yes, now they are in mid 30s, and yet, they still stopped for a couple of long minutes on a highway to their old town five years ago just to look at the dark sky with millions of stars. Yes, they still cried over romantic movies, still share their ice cream and yoghurt, or exchange sweaters. It was just like that....But it was beautiful!

Again, no demands, no blames, no regrets, no terms and conditions, no transactions or deals. Just simple friendship.

Today, the Indonesian and the American is trying to live the legacy to the girls (daughters of the Indonesian). To make them as free spirit, free individuals, make them feel comfort to dream and to live their live by appreciating others. One teached the girls from distance, one from near. Set good samples and convey good friendship story to them. Wishing for them to have soul mate too as they grow.

And I have the feeling they will see each other again pretty soon.

Me.

PS. This one I can assure you will always end up nice, Insya Allah. There are other version of friendship too, also stupidly beautiful. Some start with crying in a campus toilet by the mops and the brooms, another started with a conversation that started by “Hey, we have the same sign!” – how they end up next? Who knows….after all Aquarian should really be like water, just go with the flow...

Out with you, you and you (BIG Family Trip)

Finally, the whole big family managed to go for fun! Aduh.. sumpah! pelajaran yang sangat berharga bagi kami untuk bawa grup yang cukup gede liburan! Kompilasi manula dan balita. Well, akhirnya kami bisa juga liburan sama, impian yang udah lama terpatri dalam otak dan hati kami, akhirnya.. Walau capek, nahan emosi :), tapi.. asooy geboy.. !!

Perjalanan mungkin meletihkan, tapi senang rasanya mereka bisa melihat sedikit perbedaan (nnggg.. mungkin banyak perbedaan) antara dataran Sumatra dengan dataran melayu di negara tetangga. Papa akhirnya ngomong.. "Lah, kenapa dengan kita? Kok buat jalan aja gak bisa ya? Parah..." sambil geleng-geleng kepala.. aku dan Ummi tersenyum simpul.. akhirnya tau juga kenapa kami selalu marah dengan negri ini. Sebenarnya bukan niat mo marah, cuma kecewa dengan apa yang seHARUSnya bisa kita raih, tapi kita lalaikan begitu saja...

Penang membuka begitu banyak kenangan bagi Ummi. Aku dan Putra kadang terdiam dalam langkah kami. Mikir.. seandainya semua bisa ikut.. seperti yang dulu direncanakan.. tapi ya rejeki tiap orang beda-beda.. sepanjang kita mau ambil hikmahnya..

Bagiku.. kehadiran semua yang ada saat itu cukup membawa nikmat!

Weekend at Karo Higland

Weekend is too good to be spoiled to think about work place at all time or annoying issues you face in your daily life. Thus we decided this weekend to go to Brastagi and simply just chillin' out(yeah, yeah.. while Abach is also having his meetings there). We almost forgot how nice the weather is up there among the flowers, fogs, mountains, and the organic farms at the foot of Sibayak.... and how much of valuable time we miss everyday with the girls.

Padang, I need that Old District to be Restored!

Another annoying view for my sights seeing the potential in Padang city. I finally traced the historic area in Padang, at least the small bit of it. Definitely untouched and just left neglected. That afternoon I had a chance to walk along the road and area of Batang Arau river, sad to see the old shop houses were simply filled by cement, cement, and cement! If only we can see and ralize more of these rich potentials. It's all right there! The hills, the kampung, the river, fishermen boats, old shop houses! A potential that a country like Singapore, even Malaysia (gosh, imagine other advance countires) would just dig and develop.

And here I am.. sitting on a stone by the sidewalk, calming myslef from getting angry to whom I dont know to blame. Government? yes. Communities? yes. Architects? yes. But again, what to do?

Well, by posting all the pictures, hopefully one will actually do something, I hope.

Padang, a place behind isolated by Barisan Hills. If those policy makers can only see...

... and ACT!

Concert in Palembang!

Ozomatli and Slank in Palembang!

Yep, who would actually knew that I will take part in organizing our mega concert in Palembang. Collaborating a Californian Band and The number one rock band from Indonesia, Slank! The night I saw 50.000+ audience gathered in Benteng Kuto Besak, where we held that free concert, made all my preliminary frustration just evaporated! :) Now I know whatit takes to organize big events.... (and sshhh......how much money one can make when become an EO!)

"Cinta itu putih, itu suci... " Maaan... never I thought organizing artists will be major challange! From simply providing simple drinks, to doing presentation in front of the sponsor to get support! Frustration, excitement, anger, blast in happiness, back to frustration, sick! well, that were sort of my feelings organizing this event. I learned a lot! of why people want to support, why people want to be supported by a band, how many of those just want the names - and refuse the work! (eh, that standard right?I face that everyday with a lot of people!) but, yeah.. it's a lesson and experience I will not trade for anything. Not only the fact that I enjoy the band, but also another dictionary to my hobby in learning people's behaviour!

For sure I know though, if no cool band available, then you have to have prestige name behind you. Then, support will flow!

The humble members of Ozomatli just dear to the heart! Silly, friendly, and definitely funk!

We did in Kampung Kapitan for the fishermen communities, then for the orphans and the 'big Mama' at BKB!

Can't wait to do it again. But no more of the song "Ku Tak Bisa Jauh" please..!!!! heard waaay too much of it. :0)

More bands? Okay! We'll take'em!

Kampung Kapitan, Palembang

Okay, so the name is Kampung Kapitan. I broke my heel on the boat! My favorite orange shoe! - I can say it is worthed to again have a chance to see it. Rather than hanging out with associates. I thanked 1000 times to be with people who admire the beauty of this Kampung!

Kids running around, old buildings, Colonial mixed with transformed Malay houses, and the atmosphere of dwellers along Musi River.

Perfect time! Perfect get away! Wish can take more photos though!

Sacred Legacy Exhibition in Medan

Well, working at Pol Econ port folio does not mean I am stuck with no connection to art any longer. Thank God for that! Lots required to get the business done, especially in programming, decorating, and producing items that actually, in some ways, sort of full fill my desire in art and craft.

I was given the responsibility to set upthe opening in both Medan and Palembang, as well as the set up in Medan. This exhibiton drew attention of hundreds of public eyes. We invited schools students, media group, government officials. The pictures just spoke hundred of words in their stillness -

However, behind the scene, I have to put 2 thumbs up to the collegues who supported me in the project. Kudos to Henni, Kamal, Suhadi, Ucok and Eka! This is the people who I can count on for team work. In this blog I would like to show my appreciation to them. It was a relieved to know there are people who are actually working for the sake of getting the job done right, with professional result, and worthed to many. In my eyes these are people with value.

Some of the samples of craft and work that I designed for the Sacred Legacy Exhibition at Sun Plaza and another opening in Palembang.

Who knew? next job will be event organizer.... (NAAHHH!!!)

Sama siapa lagi bicara kalau nggak dengan Dad..

Dad, sudah cukup lama tidak bertemu

Sepertinya aku tahu sekarang susahnya menjalani hidup - jika tanpa iman dan prinsip

Tapi dunia seperti ombak besar Dad, menerjang dari segala sisi - membawa ke pasir pantai

Sayangnya pasir siang itu panas...

Kadang Dad, ingin bertemu untuk bertukar pikiran

Kami ingin hanya menumpahkan.... yah .. anak-anak yang tidak punya tiang....

Hanya sekedar untuk menenangkan hati, kata demi kata yang sering menyadarkan

bahwa semua bukan milik kita

Hingga aku malu... sama pemiliknya...

Dad, mungkin mungkin senang di sana. Kadang kami membicarakan senyummu

Membicarakan kekuatanmu, membicarakan uluran tanganmu,

yang selalu menjembatani dan menjadi pintu damai kami

Dad, sampaikan salam kami padaNya - agar kami juga nanti bisa duduk bersama

Minum teh sama, dan aku... ya ... aku akan lagi bercerita seperti dulu...

mungkin soal teman, soal sekolah, soal kerja... dan dia..

dia akan duduk mendengarkan Dad...

mendengarkan setiap uraian kata dan amanahmu... untuk menjagaku

Mungkin nanti Dad tidak perlu menjemputku dari kerja, atau diantara tumpukan kertas..

memesan nasi soto... dan diantara kerja, mendengar keluhan... mungkin nanti akan lebih indah

Mengingatmu Dad paling tidak membuatku, membuat kami berpikir, bahwa kekhilafan yang kami ciptakan, kemarahan yang hadir, emosi, nafsu.. semua itu seharusnya bisa kita hadapi.. dengan otak, dengan perasaan, dengan tidak membiarkan harkat dihina, dan dalam jalurNya...

Hanya saja Dad, semoga uraian ini membuat aku, membuat kami, semakin kuat dan dewasa

Semoga saja membuat kami bisa membuka hati mereka yang juga gundah....

Seperti kegundahan kami pagi ini....

Recycled

Sarah Anna of Wallingford

It has been almost 20 years of friendship between me and Sarah Anna - and 'little - not so little anymore' Polly. The friendship that was only started by simple mickey mouse watch and bead bracelets. It was in the IB Art class in Schenley, 8th period, in between jeans, pottery and paint - we actually got to become the longest and most multi cultural friend.

The conversation continued over some great home made chocolate chip cookies of Wallingford, made by Sandra and fresh milk in the kitchen.

I remembered Polly came home in her white shirt and shorts that summer and zoomed to the TV room, which again by surprise we both found that we have this craze for Sesame Street show - why not! we are the kiddiest high school girls at that time - but we ejoyed it.

Now, me with kids, a husband. work, and running around between dishes and laundy... all grown - Sarah Anna with her Four Starr Frame Shope in Stonington, photographies and bird nest hunting.. also grown. Indeed we hardly put any flowers on our shoes anymore, or play with water sprinklers, or share some coins for french vanilla ice cream... Today, we share the peach, art work, drive (gosh.. never imagine 20 years ago that we would actually change our bike rides to car rides - will never give up biking though!), organic yoghurt, talk about life, politics, guys, family, religion, work.. EH! work ...(sigh), laws .... just about everything! But the magic is still there!

Coming back to the U.S. in 2000 was a BIG surprise. Never imagined it - then coming back again in 2004 was another surprise.. and recently, just last September.. it was like an omen!!! and.. the magic is still there! Just like meeting at Yum Wok intersection and right away go to Shadyside for window shopping or look at cool cards. And yet.. we found ourselves still love each other greatly - and yet we found ourselves, when we are together, never become grown ups! We are still the same girls from 20 years ago who just love each other so much - from the heart and mind.

Sarah Anna! miss you bunch!

Short Stop in America Land

Sarah and Sarah and

Sarah...and peace!

'Sarah Anna', again the name that immediately strike into my head as I got the info for the training in Washington DC. The training, splendid! would be valuable, the reunion! That is also not less important. Soon after arriving in DC, immediately my head was filled with thousands of little plans. Call Sarah, set meeting with Sarah, tell Sarah hotel info, call Hoa and Nga, plan a day with Hoa and Nga, or even more.

The day at FSI was as always, busy as students and just love seating there in their yard watching the geese walking here and there. Late summer breeze was blowing into my face and there I was, talking with FSN from Palestine and Netherland, from Afghanistan and Israel.... , Tokyo and Seoul.. it is amazing, here we are working for the same institution and we can keep the peace there. If only the world can be transfered with the peace in our little FSI community.

Then there she was, Sarah! We were just too happy and thrilled but the reunion was not all that dramatic since we had to follow another car to go to Hoa and Nga's. Anyway, DC is DC.. but what was fun was the walk like the old days. And also was fun to again enjoyed the cusine of House of Hoa (Hoa..I want more recipe!..nope.. fix that.. I want more spring rolls!) hee hee

Returning to Stonington was pretty calm. Simply went to Four Starr Frame Shop, attended a cocktail party at Howard, bake some ginger bread cooklies (Sarah did that really), stamping 200 postcard.

The trip was ended by solitair trip to San Fransisco. I love the city! Reminds me of what Dad always said: Go to Golden Gate! Awesome! and it was...

Our Brothers': Malaysia and Singapore :)

Another Exploration with You

Another Exploration was in 2006 and 2007 when Putra was just about to depart for USM. We thought, hmm.. this is about time we should just explore some part of the neighboring country, Malaysia and Singapore. It will be just like college again, more just like college since we will not bring Dasha and Aqila along. Thanks to Air Asia, we managed a pretty cheap trip across the Melacca Strait. Then another exploration was with the girls, making sure they can adapt to our travelling style.

Looking back to 2006, as we arrive at Kuala Lumpur, it was just totally 'go with the flow' we did not have any hotel reservation - simply took the shuttle from the LCCT to Pudu Raya Station. Cool! We arrive at nigth and starved with hot meal. Luckily food was no problemo in Kuala Lumpur, even with the strong spices we can handle (we thought) as we dived into the cuisine of Nasi Mamak. Ayam Chappati, briyani rice, teh tarek - we were all set. I was totally fit, even though the rain was soking my outfit, but I was fine - we were just like happy kids with the rain.

Scrolling the isles of Bukit Bintang area, we finally found what became out favorite guest house - Eight Hotel (Hotel Delapan) - the coziest guest house for us. Located on Tengkat Tong Shin Road, in front of it are lines of restaurants. The management often put out tea light candle on its porch at night, just easy atmosphere to chat.

Kuala Lumpur was great, we explored Genting Higland as well, to prepare to take the girls there, which we did later on by August 2007. Even though many have said Genting is tacky, but to me, I think it is fine! Hey, where else can Medanese take their kids to experience rides, correct? Certainly not to Jakarta I say, too far!

In 2006 we tried the bus to go to Singapore. In 2007 we took the train from KL Sentral - which is much more convinient. Teh train took 10 hours, which allowed us to sleep in. Arriving in the morning for immigration check then proceed to hotel.

Our option in 2006 was in Little India. 2007 was changed to Bugis Junction area, much closer to lots of food and hang out to see the city. Definitely a place to go to.

We tried below:

Penang:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to Sungai Penuh Station around RM 30

If arrive from KL: at Sungai Penuh Station, taxi to Cititel is RM 30

Where to eat: Sup Kambing nearby Cititel

Place to stay: Cititel (with voucher booked from Medan you can get better rate)

Where to go: too much! Rumah Nyonya, George town, Bukit Bendera, Komtar, Feringhi, Tj. Bunga

Kuala Lumpur:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to LCCT to Pudu Raya Station (there is a new shuttle that hit directly to Bukit Bintang) around RM 8-9, every hour

Where to eat: too much, just explore!

Place to stay: well, we have experience staying at Hotel Delapan (we love), Allston Genesis (so-so)

Commuter: Monorail is located nearby, just walking distance.

Where to go: China town, Shops at Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Batu Cave, Petronas Tower, and many more...hey, easy! just browse through the internet :)

Advise: don't worry if you arrive late in Bukit Bintang, it is packed almost all night long 24/7!

Singapore

If arrive by train: then take the closest MRT from the train station (will update you on the name later) and go to wherever your hotel is located

Where to stay: we are cheap, as long as hotel has nice bed and bedroom we are fine. Damn! Singapore can be so expensive. So we stayed at Fragrance in 2006 and Seven Storey in 2007

Where to eat: Now this you have to be careful. As Moslem, we chosed Halal restaurant. There are a lot though in Bugis Junction. They even have Ayam Penyet. In fact, my first time to try Ayam Penyet is in Singapore. Crazy heh?

Where to go: get some nice shower, take a walk on pedestrian, which you can not do in Medan - We went to the Marina, then to Merlion, then to China town, back to Little India. Not to forget Science Center (is definite for the kids), Sentosa Island, temples.. gosh! Just too much, we have not even get them all done. We will though - why not!

Commuter: MRTs are available -and cheap - strongly recommended

Advise: Get worry if you arrive late in Singapore, even though it is very safe to wonder the city at night, but hey, not too many place I know are open at night, except bars.

That Magical Toba Lake

After a long while it is about time to return to Samosir island - do you know that this island is a super volcano that went off about 70.000 years ago. The volcano among the 5 (or 6?) in the world - and on the spot there the great grand daughter of King Sisingamangaraja is still running the Toledo Hotel.
Arriving at Parapat, then took the speed boat I could feel the breeze in my face and see the fog on the top of the mountains. the water that splashed on to my face feel sooo nice.

Right after lunch immediately we rushed to Pusu Buhit, where we can see the view of Toba lake from top then drove back through the country road passing Ambarita and Tomok.

Visit to a small village of the Ulos maker is something.. the rainbow colors of a more modern design seen from one corner to the other. Meanwhile more earthy color are made for the original design.
What a trip... should return again and stay longer :o)
and below are some shots from the inside of the Batak house....

It was all started by the meeting at Star Buck at Sun Plaza that somehow led us the conversation that we need overseas outting - in order to broadened our knowledge (as for me agian and again.... hee hee) and shopping skills.. (yep, we all agree on that!, especially for Ai! GO AI!!!)

From buckies we rushed to immigration office and tried to get the passport to be done as soon as the next day.. all the efforts and smiles, flirts and even begs,... just to get them done.. ha ha... and the next 4 days no one can work 'normally' anymore' everyday, which somehow were filled with outside intruders... were used to order tickets, hotels... change money and last minute shopping for soaps, flip flop and light towel. It was a fun week.....

Air Asia memang top! dan tinggal di Medan memang bo'i bagi yang mau ke daratan tetangga... it's like... Melayuuu buanget gitchuu lho! .. the bird is there waiting.. and the heart was pounding.. (we wont mention why.. ) but it was Kun-T who was dealing with us on the departure.

As usual... it's like claiming the territory - we all had to make a 'quiet transit' at LCCT airport and then took a long drive by cheap 9RM shuttle in town

Here are some of the great pictures (after I had this battle in my head, I finally able to decide which pictures to be posted... hard man!)Introducing KL to Adek and Ai was fun... of course the first and second day were all filled with complain of our own place home.. why can't we at least be neat - funny! same color, same language, same root... and only a strait away.. it's only an inch in the map for God sake! but why are we so different - well... hopefully by the time we are going back we can take this to be told to others - and to take actions in our surroundings

Before taking the train to KL, we had quiet a fight with the evil taxi driver (tips: never agree to pay extra ringgit for each bag, be sure to have a guy with strong deep voice like Kun-T when he is angry, be sure to have 3 girls like us to scream all over the taxi driver... and... take of the lisence plate if the taxi is about to zoom off - but again, be sure you see the taxi card up front at the dashboard) otherwise, you would be screwed like we did.

Singapore was wet..

but we manage to shop.. shop til our pants drop.. buoooy.. talk about walking... it was nice - and indeed.. we need lots of H2O.. but the lunch and all the meals were great.. thanks to another dude Kun-S hee hee.... well.. we let them to show their respect to girls.. ha ha.. no.. really.. we were 'TOKEK' (TOurist KEre tapi Keren...hee hee)

The cable car to Sentosa island was a great ride - we got to see the port and other ships from top - then by the end of the day was entertained by the laser show at the big fountain (what do you call that again) - then the next day was spent all around Singapore until we heard that Kun-S had to return.. hmmm.. just the three of us to spend one more day in Singapore before returning back to KL..

The whole trip can become a comic to be told in details... but for sure this is the beginning of many more journeys hopefully... and to understand that..................... some people just LOVE to BUY SHOES... ha ha ha......( sike )