Namira And Galih's Engagement

Those who know me well must've heard the beautiful name "Namira" coming out of my mouth at least once or thrice. In arabic the name Namira means elegant, pure, pretty, and fine. Namira, my niece 🥰 She was born when I was still in highschool and I became the happiest aunty on earth eversince. The day Namira was born I officially became TANTE ITA. I was so thrilled to have her in my life. I showed off my pretty niece to everybody I know. If you don't believe me just ask my big sister, Namira's mom, my Teteh 🙂 I mean... I've always love babies because they're so cute. But Tante Ita's niece??? She was the cutest of them all! 😘

As years goes by I watched Namira grows from a lovable baby girl to a pretty, smart, successful young woman and a loving big sister. At 27 years old Si Kaka already has a promising carreer, her own place, a business and 2 adorable kitties, Abby and Ryuji. And... Well she actually has a lot more but I don't want to embarrass Si Kaka by writing everything down 😜 Oh yeah and by the way... Namira's life became merrier when her younger sister Alyna was born.

Namira and I might not see each other as often as we want to. But I try to be there for her whenever she needs me. Ocassional gossiping does happen every now and then. Online and offline. From boyfriend problems to family dramas 😉 And of course, a certain someone is always über happy when her Kaka Namira spends the night at our house 🤗

And then on Sunday the first of October 2023 was the day when my beloved niece got engaged with her longtime boyfriend, Galih. E N G A G E D. 

Oh. My. God. 🥲  My baby niece is engaged!!!!! I still can't... Oh god... Anyway... It was a lovely and intimate event in Medja Restaurant, Bogor. Galih's parents and some of his family members were there. While from our side, everybody was there except the busy ones: SiBapa, Eza, Bit and Alyna. A couple of days before the event, Teteh asked me to make a speech. She explained that usually the one who makes it is an extended family member of the bride-to-be. Like an uncle, an aunt, or a cousin. The second Teteh said to me that I should be the one to do it I was like 😱😱😱 Nooooooooooo!! It's not because I don't love Namira or I don't want to be a part of her engagement. It's just... It's too much for me! I'm sure I'd cry before I even made the speech. Just thinking about it already made my eyes teary 😭🥲 Seconds later a certain name very close to home came to mind. A very special someone who is excellent at making speeches and loves her Kaka Namira a lot. Yup. My Precious Godsend 🥰

First thing first, I told Namira about my concern. She totally understood my feelings and immediately said yes to my brilliant idea 😉 Then I asked my Precious Godsend whether she was into it or not. Without any hesitation she agreed. But while she was preparing the speech Kukka asked: 

"Are you sure it's okay I'm the one who's doing this? I don't want Kaka Namira to think that I take it as a joke. But I really do want to do it and in Bahasa Indonesia." 

Aaaaaaaaaaw Bebinya Bubuuuuu... 😘

On the evening before the engagement day Kukka wrote the speech with love, plus a little bit of help from Bubu and... Here it is 🥳

To me that Sunday in Medja Restaurant was a perfect day 🥰 

EID AL-FITR MUBARAK! SELAMAT LEBARAN!

 On this blissful day let us share love and kindness,

exchange hopes and pardons,

in every kind of gestures.

Apologize with humble words and sincerity.

Let our hearts forgive those who've hurt us,

Although no sorries are said nor heard.

Be the one who makes your loved ones smile.

Those who are next to you and miles apart,

and they who've left to the afterlife, In sha Allah.

May ALLAH SWT. has mercy on us for all our wrong doings.

May ALLAH SWT. opens the doors to new beginning, love, 

health and prosperity.

May ALLAH SWT. shows us how to have better souls,

now and later on in the hereafter.

Ameen Ya Rabbul Alameen.

HAPPY EID!

-Ica Farika Kukka-

19th

 I knew you were the one, 'cause when you farted I stayed.

And when I snored, you came home to end your busy day.

Then there was always time for you to sing and I sway.

Happy 19th anniversary, Muniku 🥰

Many times I wonder how you put up with me.

Then I remember, oh I put up with you too!

Well you know what they say. 

If you want to see the rainbow, you gotta put up with some rain.

Kukka's Birthday Surprise ... Not!

Well... It didn't go exactly as planned but still... She was pretty surprised 😄 Today is my Precious Godsend's 14th birthday. Days before I already told The Dynamic Duo, Dewi and Yuli, to come extra early. There were balloons to be hanged and Indomie Goreng as birthday cake to be made. And like always there were always some drama 😂 Like... It turned out I ordered 4 ZEROS instead of a 1 and a 4!!! 🤣 Luckily I had an idea to make a big flower out of the Zeros, added with small colorful balloons in the middle. I also just realized that I forgot to buy the 1 and 4 birthday candles!!! And there were no more birthday candles left in the kitchen drawer. I texted Ari ASAP and told him to buy the candles on the way here. Like always, he texted a couple of dumb questions and sent me a picture of which candle he should buy:

I mean... Really???? 😑😑😑 But I was too busy arranging the balloons to be pissed or even commented about it. I did ask whether there was nicer ones. He said no. Okay. Then Dewi, Yuli and I kept pumping and arranging the balloons. Some popped and made really really loud sound 😂 The 3 of us were shocked and worried that Hubs or/and Kukka would wake up before everything was ready. I think some balloons popped because of the hot temp, some because Dewi pumped them too big. A couple of the balloons also popped when Dewi tried to hang them on the window bar. I was really worried she would fall down from stool bar 😅

Of course lots of laughters were involved while Moochi was looking at us and the balloons with big eyes. He didn't like the balloons at all 😸 While Dewi and Yuli took care of the balloons, I made a short Happy Birthday Playlist on Spotify. The plan was to play the songs when Kukka came out of the bedroom and EVERYTHING WAS READY! Buuuuuut..... Suddenly the bedroom opened aaaaaaand there she was! The Birthday Girl!!! 😂 Dewi, Yuli and I were like "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!" 🤣 

The Birthday Girl's eyes were opened wide and sparkly. She also had that cute and pretty smile on her face. I immediately hugged her and asked "Kok udah banguuuun??? Kan tadi malem udah sengaja dibolehin tidur maleeem!" Yeah... I let her sleep past midnight the previous night. I thought it would make her wake up around 8:30 am which would give us more time to prepare. Still with a wide smile on her face she said "I'm so sorry...." 😄🥰😘 So while The Birthday Girl was still busy looking at the balloons and answering my questions, Dewi was preparing the birthday "cake": 2 Indomie Goreng with candles on top 🥳 Before blowing the candles I turned on the songs I've chose from Spotify such as: some random Happy Birthday Song by Cocomelon, Happy - From Despicable Me 2: Pharell Williams, Selamat Ulang Tahun by Jamrud, Happy Birthday - Dance Mix, and Birthday by Katy Perry 😂 Then it was time to blow out the candles. Bubu, Dewi and Yuli sang Happy Birthday and I must say that our voices were bad 🤣 But I'm pretty sure The Birthday Girl didn't hear us because she was mesmerized by the Indomie Goreng Birthday Cake 🥳

Seconds later The Birthday Girl (and Bubu 😋) were enjoying the überdelicious Indomie Goreng. That was all she wanted. 2 Indomie Goreng for her 14th birthday. No money, no toys, no cellphone, no... Oh I don't know! New clothes and make-up?? 🤪 If it wasn't for me I'm sure she also wouldn't come up to ask her Bapa for Robux. 2 Indomie Goreng. That's it. After she finished her birthday present, Dewi gave Kukka a big bouquet of the snacks she loves: Chitato, Pocky and Sari Gandum. "Ini dari Mba Dewi dan Kevin ya, neng!" said Dewi while handing over the bouquet. Kukka was thrilled 😊 

I was touched by the attention Dewi gave for my baby. This is just like what happened on my birthday. Yuli who was sweeping the floor said "Maaf ya neng Mba Yuli ngga bisa kasih apa-apa...". I patted Yuli on the back and said "Mba Yuli udah ngurusin kebutuhan Kukka setiap hari. Udah lebih dari cukup." My girl hugged Yuli and said "Iyaa! Terima kasih Mba Yuli!" How can I not love this Precious Godsend of mine über alles? 🤗🥰 

And then finally after the whole thing was almost over, her Bapa woke up. We gave Kukka the other birthday present she wanted: Robux.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think last year she asked for the same thing 🙄 Sometimes I just don't get this girl... 

And of course there's another family member who didn't want to be left out from the party and gave Kukka a present too...

Mooooooocccchhhiiiiiiii!!!!!

Happy 14!

Fierce as a lioness. Gentle as a lamb. Firm and funny. Curious and brave. Your voice surely lights up every corner of my heart. Your presence assures me there's such thing as new hope and millions of miracles. Every day I see you become much more than a teenager. More of a young lady with a mind of her own. Arts, opinions, plans and dreams. Some are shared, more still waiting to be heard and seen.

My Precious Godsend

My love, my life, my everything. 

That special day is here again. 

The day The Almighty sent me a wonder. 

The day when I felt über lucky ever since. 

A mother's prayer is the best gift one could get they say.

Accept my neverending prayers, my most sincere amens.

Be kind, be helpful, be grateful.

Share nice words, polite hellos and genuine smiles.

Those things will make your life more than just okay. 

I wish you a very happy and blissful day.

  Bubu's Bebi, 

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY 🥰 

46th Birthday Getaway

It was super short but it was very nice 🥰 I'm talking about our... Well... Family tradition if you will ☺️ The 3 of us like to celebrate things by spending time away from home. Even if it's just for 1 night and a couple of kilometers away. After a lot of browsing on my part we decided to celebrate my 46th by spending 1 night in Hotel Kempinski 

But let's start from the beginning. And by the beginning I mean June 22nd midnight 😊 Starting from 00:00 am my phone kept getting messages from friends and families. Beautiful prayers, very loving and thoughtful wishes, funny "Happy Birthday" gif, and everything else. Some I replied immediately but mostly I did it in the morning since I really had to go to sleep 😄 But not before I whispered "Alhamdulillah. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You Allah. For everything." Then I finally went to sleep with a smile on my face.

The next morning I woke up late. Mostly because I was still too sleepy from replying all those lovely messages. I was even too sleepy to give Moochi his breakfast! Poor boy 😄 Eventually I did wake up and went out of the bedroom to turn on my Mac. Suddenly Dewi and Yuli, our faithful assistants, came in and sang Happy Birthday 🥳 Dewi had this big bouquet of Indocafe Coffeemix and Yuli carried a plate of donuts with burning candles stuck in them. I was stunned. I cried.

I cried even more thanks to Dewi and Yuli's thoughtful wishes for me. It was genuine and very personal 🥲 While blowing the candles in tears I couldn't stop thinking what a sweet gesture it was. It must have cost them quite a lot of money. But from our assistants' expressions I could see that they were happy because I was very surprised. So I guess The Dynamic Duo knew for sure that it was worth every penny 😊 After lunch and a long goodbye to Moochi it was time for SiBapa, Kukka and me to go to the hotel. 

Our room number was 515. When we opened the door I was immediately surprised by the colorful balloons on the bed. There was also a big Happy Birthday writing on the window and a plate of yummy cake on the table. It was great 😊 And the surprises kept on coming! Like a long plate of delicious sweet treats and a monopoly board! The day went on with daddy - daughter swimming time and me ordering room service #BURP Later that evening my loved ones went out while I was enjoying me-time in the tub. When they came back... 

IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!!!!! 😆🥰

I was totally surprised by the giant burger they gave me 😆 I spent the rest of the night hugging it. I think Kukka didn't expect me to like their birthday present that much. Because she said "You really do like the burger huh?!" YES! 😆 The next morning after having a big breakfast it was time for us to go home. Too bad that we could only spent 1 night because Hubs has lot of work to do. But better than not at all, right? 😉 I might have skipped lots of things here but one thing is for sure. 

I am very grateful for everything. I'm 46 and I decided to count my blessings rather than some ugly troubles that are not worth my time, my health, and my happiness. Last but not least, I would like to thank you again, my friends and families, for the love and neverending support, and also to Hotel Kempinski for the lovely birthday treats. May God bless you all. Amen 🥰 

46

 Today I open my eyes and see things with my heart.

I grasp the chaotic debris of my shattered self 

and catch a glimpse of the shining lights, 

which fill up the unharmed parts of my soul.

I'm crushed, I'm broken.

I'm blessed and I'm stronger.

Today I'm 46 and I accept the good and the best,

the worst and the unforgiven.

With serenity and for the sake of my sanity,

I'm welcoming the next chapter of my life

with lots of love, gratitude and new hope.

Amen.

ICA - FARIKA - KUKKA WISH YOU

    "MAY YOU BE PART OF PEOPLE WHO RETURN TO PURITY AND PART OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GRANTED GLORY" 

SELAMAT HARI RAYA IDUL FITRI 1443 H

MOHON MAAF LAHIR DAN BATIN

THIS PRECIOUS DAY SHALL BRING 

PEACE, JOY, AND HAPPINESS 

TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES

*THE ICA LAWENDATUS*

Eighteenth

Since we've spent the night making rhyme, 

Continuing it today should be sublime. 

18 years of ups with downs is no crime, 

Consider it like sparkling water with lil bit of lime. 

Fresh and chilled and served in our prime, 

Now let's add more US rather than I'M. 

More patience and love, let's fill our home with joyful chime. 

May the adventure last forever, exciting for a lifetime.

 

HAPPY 18th ANNIVERSARY, YOU 😘

Dear Kukka: Welcome To Teenhood!

"I know! You say it all the time!"

That's what I get whenever I look deep into your eyes and say "I love you."

"I know! You say it all the time!"

That's what I get whenever I shower you with kisses and say "I love you."

"I know! You say it all the time!"

That's what I get whenever I hug you tight and scream "I love you."

"I know! You say it all the time!"

That's what I get whenever I whisper to your ears "I love you!"

Well guess what young lady?! Just because you're officially a teenager now it doesn't mean I will stop saying it. Ever. On the contrary I will say it again and again and again and again. Especially when you have a rough day at school, tough times with your friends and when you have your heart broken for the first time. I will definitely be here for you and say "I love you." a million times and more.

Happy 13th birthday my precious Godsend!

Have a blast being a teenager! 

Know your boundaries, keep your mind and body happy and healthy.

Enjoy life and be grateful!

Keep on blooming to be the most beautiful flower, inside and out.

Most importantly remember that you are my number one.

Forever and always.

Oh and like I always say:

"One day you'll understand."

I love you.

45

Well hello there FORTY-FIVE!

To tell you the truth I had some doubts that I would make it this far. 45 years old. Despite of all the unfortunate events I've been through, I actually feel pretty good about myself. Maybe even better. Why? Well where should I start?

June 22nd, 00:00 o'clock I was at home with my loved ones, covered with a big warm blanket on a comfy bed. I'm healthy, considering. No seizures, no headaches. Then my phone kept on beeping because families and friends started to shower me with heartful birthday wishes. From distant family members to ex boyfriends, from loving friends to acquaintances. Some sent me long and meaningful messages. Some sent me cute emojis and colorful GIFs. One friend I know, a director I used to work with, even sent one a day early 😆 I was especially psyched when I received a message from dr. Rocksy, my neurologist. The first thing that popped in my mind was "Well I made it this far is because of you too. So thank YOU!" 😄 From midnight to midnight again I still received birthday wishes in every apps I have on my phone! I tried to reply every single one of them but please forgive me if I did miss yours 😅

Anyways on my birthday morning I went out to the patio, enjoyed the fresh breeze and the beautiful colors in front of my eyes. The first thing I felt was feeling grateful. I remember once I've stumbled upon this quote "If we do not feel grateful for what we already have, what makes us think we'd be happy with more?" 

This year there was no spending nights in our favorite hotel, no birthday cake and candles or birthday dinner or lunch. We did went out to get my birthday present though. That was the only reason we left the house 😆 Before bed we snuggled together and watched Luca, which btw is a very nice movie. And that my friend, is more than enough for me 🥰

As for my so-called plan for the year ahead, first thing first: accepting reality, not questioning too much, happy thoughts and taking things easy. I also want to be more around people who make me less worried. This is particularly important to me! Less "What ifs" and more "Let's!" All my life I feel like I'm always worried... "Takut ini." - "Nanti itu." - "Gimana kalo nanti gini." - "Awas nanti gitu." It's tiring and evidently it's eating my brain alive bit by bit. The second I'm worried or anxious about something, certain parts of my brain hurts. Like for real! My frontal and temporal lobe hurt. It doesn't feel like a normal headache. It feels more like something sharp is poking the brain, again and again and again. AND THEN a giant rock falls on the top of it and stays there until... Well... In my case until I take my pills. So you see? I don't want to add more pain and huge burden to my injured brain. Most importantly I don't want to pass on this particular bad habit of mine to my cheerful daughter. And hopefully by having a positive mind despite of all the bad things in life that is happening right now, let's just see if it does any good to me. And to you too. Fingers crossed.

Bonus: I've stumbled upon this article about How To Stop Worrying. Worth to read.

Dear Kukka: Happy 12 & Welcome To SMP Pembangunan Jaya!

Well... I don't care how old you get. You will always be our SiBaiyi. 

Whose cheeks I kiss, sniff and bite every second every day. 

I will always hug you as tight as I can, 

and shower you with kisses no matter how annoyed or angry you get. 

You are a gift from above. Our precious godsend, forever and always. 

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY! :*

Extra special things happened on this year's birthday. You received so many presents! SiBapa gave you that Nintendo thing including the game Animal Crossing which you've always wanted. By the way your reaction was priceless when we gave you the present. It turned out it's because you didn't expect it but you did know what it was. I guess the shape of the box gave it away huh?! :)) 

And then like it couldn't get any better, your uncles joined in and spoiled you to the max by sending you more presents! Uncle Ferry and Uncle Harry gave you Yooka-Laylee and Pokemon Shield to play with your new toy. Like I said "Dimanjaaaaa!" :p 

Anyways SiBapa and SiBubu also want to congratulate you for officially being a junior high student :) Congratulations! I bet it is going to be another adventurous year. Not only for you but also for SiBapa and SiBubu. Considering that you have to do practically everything from home because of this vicious virus... To tell you the truth I'm actually quite sad that you have to start your new phase of life this way. The "New Normal" way they say. Well I don't like it!! :( I like the NOT normal way. Wait. Or is it the old normal way? :)) Why? Well I would love for you to meet your new teachers in person and make new friends face to face. I would love to see you run around and explore your new school with those curious eyes of yours. I would love to hear your stories when you come home from school. Or even kissing the sweaty-smelly Kukka! Unfortunately everything has to be done via screen nowadays. Internet, cellphones, apps and computers etc. But if that's the best way to do than so be it. Better safe than sorry, right?

You being a 7th grader is a very big challenge for me too. SiBapa keeps reminding me for the gazzilionth times to leave you alone. To let you do your things on your own. To give you some space. To give you bigger responsibilities. He told me to stop nagging you to do your homeworks. SiBapa said I should not interfere with your daily school things. If you forget something, if you miss your assignments, if you get bad grades, if you get left behind, it will be on your hands. Not mine or Bapa's. And if that's what you deserve, than so be it. Tough? Yes. Mean? Well... Not really :)) It might feel and looks like it sometimes but... To put things short and simple just remember this: you reap what you sow. That "future consequences are inevitably shaped by present actions" - dictionary.com.

Life is an adventure and that is best lived boldy. 

So go have fun with your new teachers and friends, be grateful and polite, stay healthy and always be happy! 

I love you :*

Dear Kukka: Congratulations!

YOU ARE NOW OFFICIALLY AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADUATE!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!

After all those ups and downs, dramas, tears, laughters, frustrations, celebrations, tensions, surprises, adventures and everything in between in Sekolah Cikal Cilandak and Sekolah Alam Tangerang, you, my forever-baby-girl, are now off to the next level of your life: JUNIOR HIGH. 

Good God!!! 😅 I'm still having a tough time to believe it. No. To PRONOUNCE it even!!! To say it outloud whenever later on people ask me what grade you are in now. And I would answer "Oh my daughter in first grade...junior high!" 

Don't get me wrong. I'm obviously very happy and excited about it. But to tell you the truth, I'm also kinda nervous. I mean... Come on... You? In junior high? Considering what an adventurous and headstrong girl you are, I bet junior high will be...a blast? 😬 And as I wrote before on the previous post, your teacher, Bunda Rurie said: "Kukka memiliki keyakinan diri yang kuat dan tidak mudah diatur." 😂 Okay, okay, I'm such a drama queen but so what?!?!?! I AM YOUR MOTHER! It's God-given nature to feel and act this way toward your child. And it's totally normal for you to be annoyed and think "Argh! Okay! So what?!?" 😆 BUT!!! Like I've always said to you... 

One day, when you do have a child on your own, you will finally understand why I can't stop hugging and kissing you, why I get angry whenever you do things just for the sake of doing it when I know that you actually can do so much more, why I can't stop biting those smooth, beautiful yet thankfully still chunky long legs, and most of all why I'm having these mixed feelings about you going to the next level of your life. But for sure, babycakes, wherever you are, I'm very proud of and I'm with you all the way.

Ich liebe dich, Mein Ein und Alles. 😘

Thank You Sekolah Alam Tangerang

It's official. Our baby girl is an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADUATE. YEAY! :))

Kukka already received her certificate days ago. But this morning the kids, parents and teachers got together via Zoom and had a Lepas Kenang moment. It took quite an effort to get all families together on screen. When the families were ready every student had to say a few words about the time in Sekolah Alam Tangerang. Kukka prepared her speech just the night before. It was 16 sentences long and I must say I'm very proud of her :)

You can tell that Kukka was very serious when she wrote it. The speech was about her feelings as a new student in Sekolah Alam Tangerang, about her struggle, her likes and dislikes, even about the dramas when she had fights and said bad words at school :)) And yes, it was in Bahasa Indonesia and Kukka did it all by herself. Woohoo! That's another part which makes me, and very possibly also her teachers all proud and full of tears of...joy? :) Afterall they were the ones who patiently taught Kukka from Monday to Friday for 2 years. Bunda Rurie, Kukka's teacher also wrote a description of Kukka which I think is totally spot on :))

"Kukka anak yang suka menggambar. Kukka juga suka designing, animating dan drafting karena Kukka memiliki ide-ide imajinasi yang tinggi. Kukka memiliki keyakinan diri yang kuat dan tidak mudah diatur." -Bunda Rurie-

Well yeah... That's SiBapa's girl alright :)) Especially the "tidak mudah diatur" part. I wonder where she got it from :p Anyways personally it was also a very emotional moment for me. Not only because now I have to accept the fact that my kid is an elementary graduate. Practically a teenager. But also because I have to say goodbye to the mothers who have been so nice to me these past couple of years. The moms who have been very patient, very helpful, always reply my questions day and night, and obviously they are fun to be with. I can't even imagine how to get through Kelas 5 dan Kelas 6 without them. I really hope our friendship will last long :)

Finally I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the teachers in Sekolah Alam Tangerang. Because of you, Kukka has become a better person and hopefully everything she has learned in Sekolah Alam Tangerang will be a valuable asset for her future. Oh! And also thank you to Pak Amsari the school security man, who always greets me with a friendly hello and a wide smile :) 

And this is a video beautifully done by Bunda Audrey, Elang's mom. Text and narration by me (which SiBapa & Kukka don't believe at all that the voice-over is MY VOICE -_- )

Kukka Goes To Hanoi

So... It started with a phone call from a number I didn't recognized. I almost ignore it like I always do to unknown numbers. But this time I decided to take it. It turned out it was from Skaci, Kukka's computer course. The first thing that popped in my head was "Uh oh... What did she do?" :)) Skaci told me that Kukka was chosen to compete in ASEAN Cyber Kids Camp 2019 in Hanoi along with Cloudine, another student from Skaci. I was like "...HUH...?" ASEAN??? Hanoi??? Kukka???" I asked her to repeat everything from the beginning. Slowly. :)) It took a bit of a time before I told Hubster about it. Because... Well... Kukka did win the Skaci Bintaro Cyber Kids 2 years in a row but I didn't expect this to happen. 

Anyways after that surprising phone call, the commotion began. Starting from discussing whether or not we should let Kukka go to Hanoi alone (with Cloudine & 1 Skaci chaperone) to finally deciding that I do have to come along with her to Vietnam. The (next) biggest problem was right on those dates when the event was held, August 12th - 15th, Hubster's schedule was packed. Really. I saw his timeline and there's no free time at all. Finding the right person to go with us was not an easy thing. Why not just me? Well... You know :) Or not? Well... There's always a possibility that I might get seizures like...anywhere? Plane. Hotel. Tourist sites. I could even get lost!!! I still get lost in the middle of my favorites malls for god sakes! This is so annoying -__- So yeah... I really had to have a chaperone of my own :)) Now... I can't really remember how this idea came and who had it first, but after lots of well-thought-out discussions Hubster and I finally decided that I should bring Dewi along to this trip. Yes. THAT Dewi. Our maid. She's been with us a long time now which means we can trust her. Dewi knows my condition and has experiences how to treat me if anything happens. She's smart, healthy and quick. Dewi also has great initiative to do this and that. Basically she was the best person to come along with me and Kukka to Hanoi. It was Hubster who told Dewi about the news. I don't really remember exactly what Hubster said but when he did Dewi surely was very surprised and obviously happy. Next was making a passport for Dewi since she didn't have one. I had the duty to find the best deals of airlines tickets and hotel. We decided to take the same planes, Singapore Airlines, and stayed at Melia Hanoi, the same hotel with the kids and Ibu Sofie, the chaperone from Skaci Pusat. And so the adventure began.

Day 1, August 12th

When we arrived in Hanoi a guy from the event picked us up and took us to Hotel Melia Hanoi. His name is difficult for us to pronounce and too hard for me to remember :)) But he is a very nice guy. The minute we all sat comfortably in the car he gave us a box of Vietnamese local cake. They look and feel sort of like mochi. But more colorful. Anyways... After exchanging phone numbers I finally understand the chaperone's name: Dan Le. But still. I couldn't pronounce it correctly. :)) On the way to the hotel we passed by some historical buildings and famous local places. Dan Le gave us informations just like a tourist guide would do. But I didn't pay too much attention because all I wanted was take a shower and just lay down on the bed. AND SLEEP!!! :)) Yes. Those were the first things I did when I finally got in the bedroom which I shared with Dewi. Kukka stayed in the same bedroom with Bu Sofie and Cloudine as she supposed to. I told Kukka again and again that the fact I was there shouldn't change a thing. That she should...pretend that I wasn't there. Just because I tagged along didn't mean that she could sleep in my bedroom and be with me all time. I told Kukka that me being there in Hanoi with her was for my (and her Bapa's) peace of mind. That...at least I was in the same city, the same time zone, the same country with her :)) Then after an evening stroll to a restaurant named Quan An Ngon and back to the hotel,  Dewi, Kukka and I decided to go to sleep. Because we needed it. Very much. Zzz....

Day 2, August 13th

Alhamdulillah I had a very good sleep. I don't think I woke up even once which I usually do since I'm taking the necessary pills. Then at 6am in the morning, when it was time for me to take my morning pills I heard "Selamat pagi Bu..." I almost jumped out of my bed!!! LOLOLOLOL!!!! I TOTALLY FORGOT THAT DEWI WAS ON THE OTHER BED NEXT TO MINE!!!! Dewi laughed and thought I was being hilarious. Well... The shock was real!!! :))) Then it was time for breakfast. My favorite moment. My baby and I met in the restaurant. She said she had a pretty okay night sleep :) BTW this was Dewi's first time enjoying breakfast buffet in a hotel. I told Dewi that she could eat whatever she wanted which was served on the buffet. She was like "Huh??? Ngga bayar Bu???" My mistake :) I didn't explain how things are working in a hotel. I guess it was because I assumed that everybody knows :D Minutes after I told her that everything is free, the food, the drinks, the dessert and other stuff, Dewi ate a lot! :)) She basically tried every single thing in the buffet, I had to remind her that we still had 3 more mornings/breakfast times. After breakfast I saw this lady on the Buffalo Tours tourist desk. Her name is Nham Thi Van and her english name is Lucy. Lucy is probably the first and only person in Hanoi who I can understand very well. Her english is excellent! Because I could understand her very well, after I booked a half-day trip to Ha Long Bay, I decided to ask Lucy about other tourist sites in Hanoi. Thanks to Lucy, Dewi and I finally had a tourist map! :)) She circled and written all the places that we should visit. Starting from the hotel and back. Meanwhile this day was Kukka's first day in ASEAN Cyber Kids Camp in the hotel's Function Room. And since I already booked a tour for tomorrow, today was the only time Dewi and I could walk around the town and buy souvenirs. Most importantly Mom's wish: a handbag :) 

But first thing first: The Vietnamese Women's Museum. It's on my list and was worth every minute of it. After that Dewi and I went to the Red Bridge on Hoàn Kiem Lake. 

The park was beautiful but the weather was too damn hot for me to be on the famous bridge. And there were too many people taking pictures on it. Just looking at the crowd made me dizzy already. So I took some pictures with the red bridge as the background. Just for the sake of having a proof that I was at least NEAR that bridge. Right??? Right???? :)) I took some time to relax on the park bench right next to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the shade under the trees, looking at the people here and there. It was really nice. I think I even managed to snooze a little bit. I can't really remember where Dewi was. I think she did manage to be on the bridge after I told her to go. She made sure I was okay  and bought me a sausage stick for snack. Then the journey continued. It was already noon and I thought it was time to look for some souvenirs. So we went to this area which is apparently quite famous for buying souvenirs. Luong Van Chan Street. I walked passed lots of souvenirs shops but none of them felt right. For example, shop A is too expensive while I considered shop B's owner to be rude. Why rude? Well... I don't want to spend my money in a shop where the owner just sit around on a leaning chair, sweating and "offered" me by pointing the stuff with words that I couldn't understand. She didn't even bother to stand up. No thank you. So I continued to walk and walk again with sweat all over my body. After about 3-4 shops I finally found this souvenir shop which has nice goods and most importantly the young lady in the shop was polite and friendly. After I looked around and finally set my heart on cute notebooks for Kukka's friends and a gorgeous handbag for Mom, it was time to bargain. The bargaining was quite tough because of the language. It was hilarious too. The three of us, the shop lady, Dewi and me used everything to be able to communicate with each other. English, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Sunda, Bahasa Jawa, Vietnamese, Google Translator, fingers, hand gestures, drawings, calculator... :)))) At the end, the young lady gave up :))) I got everything I wanted and didn't have to spend too much. At least not as much as if I went to other souvenir shops. Finally my heart was at ease so I decided to go back to the hotel. After all... The next day would be Ha Long Bay. I needed all the energy I could have. I even ordered room service for dinner so I wouldn't have to move my butt :))

Day 3, August 14th
While the girls were getting ready to impress everybody with their presentation, my destination was Ha Long Bay. Ah yes... The second you hear that name you'll be thinking of this beautiful place ALLAH has created. To be honest I was a bit worried because I did read here and there that Ha Long Bay now is not as beautiful as it used to be. That there's a lot trash in the water etc. But... When I got there........ WOW. I said good luck and goodbye to Kukka and Cloudine then I got into a luxury bus from Buffalo Tours with Dewi. The bus was full of tourists #DUH. Mostly old couples. The guide's name was... Well... I only remember his english name: Ben. Ben's english is very good. Very understandable :) He's funny too. Ben explained almost every historical building we passed by. The first stop was the pearl farm on the way to the harbour. Ha Long Pearl. OH. MY. GOD. The pearls....... EXQUISITE!!!!! I really wanted them all!!!! Even the smallest one caught my eyes but of course they're very expensive. Even the tiniest earrings cost about... Oh nevermind :)) And so the journey continued. Next destination was the harbour. We got into a cruise ship, one of Genesis Cruise. I recommend it. Worth every penny. Seriously. Anyways... Our cruise stopped at Hang Luón or Luon Cave and it was time for kayaking. Yes. :)) At first I hesitated because it was a medium-sized kayak (10 adults) but then I thought "I'M HERE!!! MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT!". I got in with Dewi and 7 other passengers from the Genesis Cruise and 1 kayaker. We caused quite a ruckus when we got into the kayak. It turned out it wasn't that easy!!! The kayak kept swaying left and right everytime a passenger stepped it. And all of us screamed like it was the end of the world :)) Ben said some passengers did fall down into the water and that story certainly didn't make us feel any better :)) Then we all finally sat down and the kayak moved slowly. All of us listened to Ben carefully and enjoyed the breathtaking view. The kayak moved in to Surprise Cave. When we were in the cave I wondered how it would be like to spend the night inside :D Then we passed by The Monkey Island. It was beautiful AND funny. Why? Well... First of all it's beautiful because the island itself is full of lush trees in the middle of serene water. It's stunning. Aaaaaand theeeen... The monkeys! They were just...there. Minding their own business. I saw a mother with her baby. Then there were these 2 monkeys hanging from the trees. The funniest part of it was the fact that it felt more like they're the one who are watching us. Not the other way around :)) It's like "Oh hey! Humans!!! Aaaawww..." :))) 

Next was Ti Top Island where you can climb on 400 stairs and if you get to the top of the island you can get the best view down into Ha Long Bay. You CAN. Me? I COULDN'T :)) I caused quite a ruckus here. Before we got out of the cruise Ben already warned us about the 400 stairs that we have to climb to get up. He also reminded us about the heat. So if you think you couldn't make it, just stay in the cruise, enjoy the cold drink and wait for us, he said. Dewi reminded me to think it through. I felt...challenged? I said again and again that I could make it. I would just walk slowly and take my time, I said. Dewi gave up. I think not only she was worried that something might happen to me, but also IF something happened, she would be the one who is responsible for it :)) So yeah... I joined the others and took about 5 steps on the steep stairs. Did I tell you that the weather was very very hot??? Yeah... Okay. 5 stairs more or less. Then I started to shiver. My eyes were blurry and my hands were shaking. Still I thought I could make it. But then my sane self warned me something like "Hey you! If you keep doing this and somewhere in the middle of these steep stairs you get a seizure... You are a danger to other people. You fall down, the person behind you will be next and so on. There are old people here. Think about them" ................. I gave up. I told Dewi I would wait for her in the ship. As if walking back down the stairs didn't already cause a lot of trouble... Our cruise ship already got off the dock because it would be harbouring on the other side of the island!!! It took Ben, the people on the harbour, a very loud speaker and the people on the cruise to come back just to pick me up. Sorry guys... :D Oh yes! Did I already say that IT WAS VERY VERY HOT?????? :D When I got back in the cruise ship the first thing the crew did was giving me a wet towel :D GOD! At that moment all I could think about was the bathtub back at the hotel. But the experience was totally worth every drop of sweat. So while Dewi and the rest of the gang were "fried" outside, some old couples and I were enjoying cold drinks and leaning on comfortable seats. I don't know how long it took until they came back looking like they just got beaten up by sunrays LOL!!! Dewi kept saying that it was the best decision for me to go back to the ship. By the way the most annoying part of this whole trip was the lack of communication I had with Kukka. Although I already connected to the local operator, the signal was bad. All the time I was having fun I also couldn't stop thinking about my baby back in the city. After all... Today was Judging Day....  

And theeeeen finally at 16:05 I received the news from Ibu Sofie - Skaci. "Alhamdulillah dapat SILVER". WOW!!! I was sooooo surprised and obviously proud! I mean... The fact that Kukka was chosen to be one of the kids who represent Indonesia in this event was already a big prize itself. I didn't expect her and Cloudine to win an award. Not to mention Silver!!! Ibu Sofie called and I spoke with Kukka on then phone. She sounded very happy and I think the first thing she asked me was "Are you proud of me?" My precious Godsend :* I couldn't wait to go back to the hotel and shower my baby with kisses. After taking a long bath of course :D So yeah... When Dewi and I finally got back to the hotel, my baby came to my room. I hugged and kissed her like crazy! And of course. The most important part of this winning thing was the fact that if she won any prizes, her beloved Bapa would buy her Robux -_- She reminded me again and again about this. #SIGH 

Anyways since it was the last night in Hanoi, I decided to get an extra bed for Dewi and pushed the twin beds together so that Kukka could sleep with me. While I decided to stay in the room and rest, Dewi asked for permission to go out. She said "Kapan lagi Buu..." :)) I think she came back around 11pm. We flew back to Jakarta the next day and alhamdulillah we arrived at home safe and sound. Healthy and happy :) 

Dear Kukka: HAPPY ELEVENTH BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Eleven years ago an angel came down to brighten our life up.

Beautiful, caring, funny, mischievous and smart.

All lightness that can make the gloomiest heart instantly bright.

Along with a pack of toughness to make everything just right.

Her curiousity turns every day an adventure.

Lots of questions about this and that.

Loads of opinions about who, why, when, where and what.

One thing is certain because it has always been there and will forever stay.

It's our endless love for this blossoming flower.

Our precious Godsend.

Our Kukka Aiko Farza.