Rumah Mertua Boutique Hotel - Jogjakarta

The deluxe room

The small living room 

Early of this week, my friend asked me bout my staying @Rumah Mertua, a small boutique hotel in Jogja. Rumah mertua (or parent-in-law's house) doesn't give off a nice feeling...geez couldn't they find a better name for it (recalled my-not-so-good-moment staying in my-in-law's house 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】). That was what I thought innitially when my hubby suddenly mentioned this hotel. He reasoned that since we were in Jogja, then at least we should stay at somewhere which gives off the Jogja's feeling (meaning: which has Jogja's signature building structure and facade).

Welcome drinks and snacks...so homey

The rambutans that being hand-picked by the hotel staff...directly from the tree across our room

Skeptically, I did my research and to my surprise, I found the hotel was quite nice (at least from the pic on their website) and almost all of recommendations were good. I booked for a nite (well, I thought if it didn't turn out as good as the pic, we would just slept it off for a nite) thru booking.com (the rate is a little bit higher compared to the similar small boutique hotel) and I received a fast confirmation email from Rumah Mertua, asking bout pick-up and other arrangement. I had to give them thumbs up for a very fast response on every questions that I asked. I would have doubled my thumbs up when I found out that the hotel was only managed by 2persons plus another one as house keeping (on shift)...geez...what superb employees that they have there. Effective and efficient! Even with very limited number of person, your stay there will still be comfortable (just don't expect somebody will wash your car or run a silly errand for you...ehm makes me wondering...would they if I asked???).

The dining room

The skinny corridor

But the small number of employee is indeed efficient considering the number of room they have there. They only have 11rooms between standard and deluxe rooms. Deluxe comes with en-suite bathroom (shower - not bathtub), small living room and front terrace facing the garden. The bed is big king-sized, enough for 4 of us...plus they provide bolsters too уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! . They use thin batik for bedsheet and blanket (since we found no other blanket inside the room) which felt good and cold. So, if you are planning to stay there during rainy season, just ensure you requested thicker batik :-) The facilities provided are limited, only TV and mini bar (with beers instead of softdrink cans), with limited toiletries as well (they only provide 2 soapbars so bring along your own complete toiletries and hair drier too). Though they don't provide coffee and tea maker inside each room, they do provide free-flow of coffee and tea (delivered right onto your room door with fragrant steaming cups...ehm heaven).

The front terrace of deluxe room

Took a peek shared living room for standard

Deluxe is built next to each other but no worry, privacy is still well-kept between each room. The open front terrace allows the guest to mingle and have small talk with the neighbour guest (most of them were long-stay-guests)...or even with the hotel staff (they are very friendly and helpful). Standard rooms are located at the back of the hotel. It is a room only with bed, while the living room and bathroom are shared among the other guest (so it is kinda like a hostel...a pricey but comfy hostel...though I have never spent a nite at the hostel before).

Blooming lotus

At the front, there has mini foyer serves as the lobby with mini reception room as well (and mini Kois pond too). But the dining room are quite big, with different seating layout, some are outdoor near the garden. The dining room truly brings out the feeling of home, where you could dine or play or simply sit there doing nothing. This homey and cozy atmosphere are etched into the design and setting of the hotel, including its rooms. The whole hotel (excluding its main wooden-joglo-lobby building) is donned in yellow and teracota old classic tiles, giving a warm vibrant. Yellow with brown gradation is dominant everywhere. In the heart of the hotel is the small pool surrounded with tropical garden. Sure it is tranquillity with only an exception of the bugs (so please for those who is sensitive, bring along the bugs repellent and some bug-bites-ointment)

American breakfast

Delicious fried noodle for Indonesian breakfast

The only drawback of this lovely hotel is the location. We drove there with the help of Google Map (luckily, Google Map knows the exact location of the hotel, since we couldn't find it using other GPS map). The hotel is located on a small street (barely enough for two cars)...about 5-10mins drive from the main street (you can't drive fast here since the road isn't well-paved and there are lots of turns, you wouldn't want to take the wrong ones here). There is no public transportation or beca (the traditional three-cycle vehicle) around so getting somewhere is quite tough for guest who don't have (or rent) a car/bike. The hotel provide shuttle service to the nearest street and several sightseeing spots, but you can also opt for renting a bike too. And for those who drive, please be kindly informed that the parking lot is limited too, max 5 cars at top :-)

Morning snack and fruit platters

Lastly and again, the size of the hotel doesn't compromise its services. They provide free wifi (ask for password during the c/i) and free breakfast for two persons, with humble American breakfast or fried rice/noodle to choose (all were yummy...including the snack too). And to complete your relaxing days here, they also offer spa services too :-)

Breakfast on poolside

What are you waiting for...remember...they only have 11 rooms   :-)

Fave Hotel - Jogyakarta

This was our 1st time to try Fave Hotel, a budget hotel under Aston management. Since we arrived @Jogja quite late and we thought it would be such a waste to spend a very short time (only for sleep) in one hotel that we normally use. The location was pretty easy to find...thanks to the GPS but considering the turns we took...I bet it would be hard for those without GPS unless they are frequent of Jogja and know all the street like those lines on their palm *winking*

The corridor beside resto

When we arrived around 10pm, the lobby was still crowded. Looked like there were lots of group like us, who just reached Jogja by that time. But the reception was quick (I was sceptical when I saw the large number of people loitered around @the lobby). The hotel is small (the room too) with en-suite bathroom, separated by glass. With its signature color of pink-purplish (I don't know what color is that), it is quite funky. With furniture and amenities keep in minimum (so you gotta bring your own complete toiletries - but in case you forget, they provide it with extra charge), the room looks pretty bare and basic while the lobby and the public place are cheerfully decorated with fancy wallpaper and pop-art.

The pool

Though small, they have a swimming pool. Instead of sundeck, they put the simple dining table and chair by the pool side. For meals, they have Lime coffe shop and lounge, with buffee as low as IDR 25k per pax only (what...so cheap). They also offer spa service which can be taken inside the room. Despite all the minimum facilities, I did like the free wifi that can be accessed around the hotel with a very high speed уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! I downloaded lots of apps 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】. Another plus point was that they provide lots of power outlet...suitable for us who have brought along at least 9gadgets altogether (๑'⌣'๑)づ. On the other hand, the downsize was the poor plumbing installation which running water from the next door can be heard pretty clear from our room (so keep your voice down...hush hush).

The small but clean room

Overall, for a night-stop, this hotel would do perfectly. It's still new and clean...and definitely within your budget (๑'⌣'๑)づ

Indrayanti Beach - Gunung Kidul - Jogjakarta

Sunset on the Indrayanti beach

It was quite a long way from Jogja, roughly 2hours drive on a smooth and scarced traffic. With unclear direction (our GPS couldn't find Indrayanti beach) and dark cloud hung low...we were almost gáve up going there. More ever when it started to rain...lucky...we decided to continue. Thru the long twisting road, we saw only few hostel available (so don't expect starred hotel). The same could be said for restaurant, though you could find small foodstall along the way. The last 15mins was quite secluded since we saw no house at all...only a bike or car passed us by. So, check your car condition before you come here (we saw a broken-down BMW there). Believe me, you wouldn't want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere...especially here.

Lines of humble gazebos

Fínally, when we reached the beach area...we saw many beaches there...like Sundak and Indràyanti, to name few of the famous one. We decided to stop at Indrayanti which was more crowded and better-maintained. The place boost a white-golden-sand-beach that stretched for about few hundred meters. Although not as big as other famous beach, i found the place was quite beautiful, with big rocks on both, the right and the left sides (marking the beach). The beach was quite clean, all thanks to Indrayanti beach management. And for your comfort, you could find humble wooden gazebos along the beach line, take a shade from the scorching sun while slurping your coconut drink. They provide home-stay rooms but too bad, I couldn't check on the room since it was occupied during our visit there. Since it is home-stay, don't expect too much in term of comfort and facilities.

The starfish we found

Lots of shells here so careful with your feet

There is only 1 place which sell food and drinks here (there are several food stall across the beach but no outside food and drink is allowed inside the Indrayanti beach). Next to it, is the toilet and shower room built up from the decayed(?) wood planks...honestly...it was quite scary (i meant the wood) but the water is clean. They also offer watersport but you gotta check with them since the wave is pretty strong and big during rainy season. All in one, it a place worth to visit while you are nearby

A place of our own :-)

Sundak beach, few mins of walking distance from Indrayanti

Tanjung Pasir Resort - Tangerang

At the pier...waiting for the boat to cross us to the island

It was cloudy with quite strong wind this morning when i had my daily swimming. The pool surface was rippled...in a way that reminded me of the rippled lake of Tanjung Pasir Resort. I didn't know why and how we came here...I was asleep during the entire journey *blame my allergic medicine which I took a nite before* But, when I came around, I found myself somewhere with green swaying paddy fields on both sides of the road. Whoah...I was kinda feeling dejavu *we passed lots of paddy fields during our roadtrip to Jogja* Catching the banner here and there, I found we were at Teluk Naga, Tangerang. Dumbfounded, my hubby told us that we were going to Tanjung Pasir Resort. He didnt know bout the place neither but he trusted the GPS. Ehm...I heard that name before but couldn't quite pinpoint what this place is all about.

So I sit back and enjoyed the trip. The road isn't big (just enough for 2cars) but the traffic was light with several cars only but plenty of bike (only a bit of traffic around the traditional market). As long as you are patient and careful, you will be fine. After about 30mins off the highway (exit Dadap), the paddy fields around us changed into fish and prawn embankment pools. And within 5mins, we were arrived at the designated place.

The resort is huge in term of the areal, with several man-made islands. To cross to the island, there are either wooden bridge (too bad we didn't take any pic here) or rope-pulling-boat. It consists of hotel ground, several cafes and/restos with fishing lakes as its main attraction. They also have children playground though small and swimming pool nearby the hotel. I'm not fond of fishing...can't find any attraction in setting the fish-bait and wait for an ages for something to catch on. But I saw quite lots of people (some with their family) were enjoying the moment. It was a relaxing place with rippled of water...breeze of salty wind. A place where we can fully relax and enjoy the calm scenery. A perfect place for your weekend especially if you like fishing   :-)

The fried banana was quite good but the french fries was pricy (small portion costs us IDR 30k)

KBPA Desk Calendar

Cute tree isn't it?

There was something that I always look forward on each new years...the desk calendar of KBPA. Perhaps you have been wondering...what's so special bout this calendar. Well, last year was the first time I got it and it surprised me. The package was big and heavy...made me wondering what was inside it, beside the calendar. It turned out to be a beautifully designed desk calendar. They made each month calendar into a paper picture frame, designed with a specific theme related to the particular month...what a lovely and creative idea. My girls were having lots of fun cutting and sticking and drawing picture on those frames.

You can play with this shower   *winking*

Yeah...move the paddle...

And my hubby brought another home few days ago and I was excited to tear up the package. Again...i found another lovely and creatively designed desk calendar. This year's one is much better than the last year. It is simple in cutting and design, with green and blue as the dominance colors. But it's much more than being a simple desk calendar...it moves my art-brain into gear *geez I could use some idea from this* This year, KBPA encourages us to be the change agents for the better world. There is a cute caterpillar with a little twist turns into a pretty butterfly. There is a bicycle with moving paddle. There are lots more...all are uniquely designed in paper cutting and 3D-form, to create our awareness bout our environment. KBPA sure puts lots of thought and action into it. I would love to put more picture here but better stick to 3   *grinning* And please be kindly informed that all picture here are belong to KBPA

Last year's picture frame

After I flipped it several times, played with its papery art, and read about the initiatives, I realized I have been doing 3programs out of the recommended-5-programs. And I'm sure you could do much more :-) Let's be the change agent for our better world

Am looking forward for the next year's calendar *grinning*

Fifty Shades Freed – by E L James

Synopsis

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intriqued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all – love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

I say…

Finally, the final book of Fifty Shades (my hubby was pretty much relieved – seeing me finished this book LoL. He often glanced worriedly to me when I was so engrossed in this book). The intensity of the sexual activities are less than the previous books but those still burn you inside out   J  Here, EL James more focuses on the root problem between Grey and Ana, about their deepest fear of losing one of them, about the uncertainty of the future, and about the dark shade that always overshadowing their relationship.

All those problems faced by them, are bringing both of them more closely instead of tearing them apart. Another thumbs up for EL James for creating such emotionally wrenching and sensual story and ending it all in a way that make me wanna re-read the trilogy again. 

Though Fifty Shades is completed now (wonder whether EL James would write the 4th book *crossing my fingers*) and yet you still haven't quenched your desire of this kind of genre fiction, no worry, as I see there are several titles released with a hint of BDSM too. You could check the Sylvia Day's Crossfire series (Bared to You - wait for my review soon and Reflected to you), Haven of Obedience,  or The Diary of a Submissive, to name few of them. Even the old erotic fiction of Anna Rice's Sleeping Beauty and The Beauty's Punishment are being reprinted. It seems Fifty Shades has set a path which was no author in the past (only selected one) neither had courage nor knowledge to explore and write this kind of story. Again...bravo :-)

Bared To You – by Sylvia Day

Synopsis

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness…

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.

Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart…

I say…

I read this based on my friend’s recommendation. She said, this book was pretty similar with Fifty Shades (which I just completed at that time). And after reading it, I think this book is not on par with Fifty Shades, in term of the plot and intensity of the problem. Perhaps, if I had read this book before I read Fifty Shades, then my opinion would change…probably   J

Bared to You can be considered the first book in Crossfire series (I don’t know whether it is a trilogy or saga but the second book was released with title of Reflected in You – which I haven’t gotten a copy yet). The characters are well-defined, 2 childhood sexual abuse survivors with their own secret in the closet, threading a thin line of ‘normal’ romantic relationship. On this book, Eva bares almost all her dark past, her nightmare while I guessed, Gideon will have his turn on the second book. Beside their dark past, both of them – especially Eva, still have to deal with Gideon’s exes and possesiveness.

Since this is my first book of Sylvia Day, I am not sure whether she specialized in erotic romance or not. The sexual scenes are quite hot but not in a surprising way like 50 shades (sorry…if I always compare these books – it is hard not to do so when the paperback cover and even the synopsis sounds the same) but Sylvia Day is good in twisting and describing the emotion of the characters. Overall, this book is pretty good when you need a steamy night   *winking*

Fifty Shades of Grey – by E L James

Holiday is over and for some people, they have resumed their daily routine sometime in last week. My girls start their school tomorrow and finally, I can have all morning to myself again *thinking of my swimsuit and art-box and books and...heaven*

While some of you brood over the monday...catching yourself searching the calendar for the coming holiday, let me cheer your Monday up with this tasty book that I read a while ago during the holiday.

Be ready and buckle up...this book will take you on an unexpected rollercoaster :-)

Synopsis

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this mand and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too – but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational business, his vast wealth, his loving family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secret and explores her own dard desires.

I say…

Whoah!!! *let me take some deep breath*

It is disturbing yet piqued my curiousity

Unexpected and mean but still sexy and sassy

It is simply an amazing book   

I’ve never heard of E L James, including this title until my friend kept nagging me bout this book. He said, this was a good book and I should read it. So, when I found this trilogy (Fifty Shades Trilogy) on 30% discount, I quickly bought a set. Even, after I bought it…I left it on my desk for few weeks before I started to read. I didn't bother to check the review as well...*my fault*

At first few chapters, it felt like a normal romance fiction and since I liked the characters a lot and the complicated plot…I kept on reading until…the part of Red Room of Pain (quoting from Ana’s term). I quickly turned back the cover and found there in big caption with smaller font size, that this book is categorized into erotic romance genre. Well, that explains the steamy scorching sexual activities that kept me going on and on (I burned a week worth of my midnight oil for this trilogy LOL). Even though I wondered…does Grey (or Mrs Jones in this case) always put minimum 2 condoms inside all of his pants’ pocket in his closet…apparently he never run out of those foil packages and magically, whenever he wants and wherever he is…he always has it *geez*

The revelation about the Red Room of Pain was quite a shock to me. I’ve never read any BDSM fiction nor seen a movie before, yes – I heard that term before but reading it in a descriptive way was far way beyond my imagination (please google it for more info). Google, wiki and dictionary were my best buddy during my reading time, I consulted them a lot, especially for BDSM terms and tools, I even searched for the picture LOL (well, I didn’t know what flogger was…but now I do). I felt like Ana, stepped into another 'dark' world with no point of return…trapped by this book purely because of my curiosity (yes – I was pretty curious bout this BDSM).

Overall, I loved it…I loved how the author build the emotion and bonding between reader with the characters on the book (right from the early chapter). I loved the plot with intense physical contacts. I simply loved it (but that doesn’t mean that I love BDSM though). Can’t wait to write my review for the second book   

Warning: this book contains explicit sexual so this book is not meant for the faint-hearted   one *grinning*  I think this book should come with an age and health restriction LOL

Happiest New Year of 2013

Hi! How’s the new year? And how’s the year-end holiday? Me? Actually I’m still on my holiday mood – yes – I took my few weeks of holiday…travelling…mall hopping…reading…eating…playing  games (mostly never leave my bedroom unless we are going somewhere ha ha ha). So, it is quite a hard to will myself to open my laptop and start writing for my blog again (kinda neglected it during the holiday…I was fully taken over by the-lazy-me).

But no worry…once I write…all words are flowing effortlessly from my fingers…so make sure to visit again sometimes next week since I’ve drafted quite lots of post re to places that I visited and books that I read   J    And before I sign off, I wish for a better year ahead for all of us.

Cheers

Aston Imperium Purwokerto

The reception area

 Awarded as the best hotel in Purwokerto by Trip Advisor, this newly opened hotel brings fresh and comfort for both business-related-guest and leisure-traveler in Purwokerto (a small district in Central Java – about 4hours drive from Jogjakarta). During our one-day-stop-over there, I would say that the hotel deserves the award (it was quite hard to find another hotel which offers more or less the same service and comfort as Aston). With its sleek and minimalist design – along with selected pop art item displayed, the hotel gives off the modern and chic vibes. Look at the indoor pool with open view to Mount Batur, covered by cute circling awning or the plush seating area in the vast and high ceiling lobby. All are served and provided with smile of the staffs.

The lobby

The restaurant...I luv the ceiling

My humble breakfast   :-)

Strategically located in the heart of Purwokerto, the hotel is quite easy to find. Few mini-markets are available within walking distance, not to mention the food stalls that offer local delicacies, are scattered around for you to choose. But if you are short on time for exploring the area, the hotel has restaurant and coffee lounge that provide not only local but international menu as well (and it was cheap – compared to the similar menu in Jkt). Beside resto, Aston Imperium also provides meeting room, gym and spa facilities. The pool is not too big, with separation between the children pool (knee-depth) and a deeper one (around 190cm).

The cold swimming pool

The pool view from the bedroom

The room itself was clean and sparsely decorated and furnished, but I liked the double queen beds (enough for 4 of us). The space was adequate (not too big and yet not too small as well) with complete facilities like cable tv, coffee-tea-maker, SDB, mini bar, as well as basic amenities. One thing that I liked the most was the fast free wifi which was available (you can easily access it wherever you are, no fussy for login and logout...no fussy for remembering your user ID and password). I couldn’t find a thing for complain…except the inflexibility which pool towel has to be returned on spot but I could live with those LOL   J   Surely, I would love to try another Aston hotel elsewhere.

The simple bedroom

Reached – by Ally Condie

Synopsis

Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.

The wait is over.

One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most – family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion.

With exquisite prose, the emotionally griping conclusion to the international bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose.

I say…

I have to say that I was pretty upset with the ending of this Matched trilogy. Perhaps the ending was different with what I’ve imagined it before. And unconsciously, I was reminded of Hunger Games trilogy with pretty much the same surprising (lame) ending. Those 512 pages tells the days of Ky and Indie as the pilots in the Rising, Xander’s part in the Rising as well and Cassia’s unexected way of revolution in the Gallery.

The plot moves slowly, from one character to anothers, until the end (geez…I was sleepy reading it – the book didn’t give me the excitement like the previous ones). Without new problem except the mutation plaque, I consider this as the most boring book within Matched trilogy.

Fifty Shade Darker – by E L James

Synopsis

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking though, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Ana cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Ana learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

I say…

The second book is not as surprising and disturbing as the first one, since Grey and Ana compromise the terms of their relationship…that means more normal but still hot sexual scenes. On this book, Grey bares his despair, his vurnability and weakness, the ugliness of his past and the passion for Ana, showing the trueself of him. This book also tells another side of Grey…among those fifty shades of his, Grey being cheerful, witty and fun. But is that all or there is something darker still lurking in his closet?

On the other hand, Ana is on her own struggle…her fear of her dark desire, her jealousy over Grey’s exes, her freedom against Grey’s possessiveness, her and Grey’s safety as well. Despite all of it, the book has a nice sweet ending. And for the first time, Grey run out of condom LOL (EL James never ceases to amaze and surprise me ha ha ha luv it)

Lets move onto the third book   J