The Host - book and movie

Image taken from www.imdb.com

Another fiction-adapted-movie, The Host is written by the famous Stephenie Meyer. I read the book almost 2years ago, right after the final book of Twilight saga. I expected the storyline to be somewhat similar with Twilight (heart-wrenching romance with intense action and good looking characters) but it isn't. The Host falls into sci-fi genre, with a mixture of romance in it...very much of drama (that I dislike at most of time but I like this one). Unlike any other imaginary stories (like by Neil Gaiman which his imaginary worlds are pretty hard to grab), Stephenie Meyer used the present (the world that we know) as the setting. However, The Host happens in the far future

The book cover (Indonesian version)

It is about the utopian world where people lives in harmony. No more war...famine...death due to sickness...violence...simply a perfect world to live in...with a price of your life (or probably your consciousness). It is told that the earth has been invaded by alien parasites called soul (which is depicted in bright sparkling sort of 'leech' with lots of tentacles). Soul is kinda immortal (centuries-long-life will be the correct term since soul can be killed as well). Soul can be transplanted into any other body (not necessarily human - can be animal or any living organism). So in case a body has outgrown its age and die, soul can be moved to another living body and retain whatever memory and knowledge obtained. Once the soul invaded the body, it takes over everything...the memory...the knowledge...the feeling...basically the whole lot of your body and you-yourself (your soul/consciousness) would be disappeared (so now you know why the title is The Host). The host (distinguished by silvery circle on the eyes) will continue living as the person before and bring peace and harmony in life. However, apparently not every human welcomes the soul. These few humans fight back...and now, the only war happened is between the host and human resistance.

The Host retell the story of a soul called The Wanderer (Wanda in short) which was put inside Melanie (being caught while she is searching for her family). However, instead of disappeared, Melanie insisted to fight Wanda. So both minds...both souls were living in a single body. Wanda was supposed to help finding the remaining human resistance, however, after few months, Wanda was more overwhelmed by Melanie's feeling toward her brother - Jamie and her lover - Jared. Torn in between Wanda's loyalty to the society and Melanie's love, Wanda began the journey to find Melanie's family...not to report them to the official seeker but to be with them.

Upon her verge of death in the desert, the human resistance captured her. The human didn't believe her story and tried to kill her, however, upon some time, Wanda succeed in getting trust from the human resistance. The only problem was Jared, her lover wanted Melanie back...without Wanda inside her. Meanwhile, Wanda fell in love with Ian (which definitely despised the thought of sharing their intimacy with Melanie). At the end, Wanda finally resigned, to give back the body to the rightfull owner and help human resistance in freeing the hosts without killing the souls.

It is a beautiful story about love, loyalty, about how you live your own life. I admitted, it would be pretty hard to understand if you didn't read the book (my hubby kept asking me questions why was this and that). It was a challenge to interpret 770pages of story into 2hour movie. Anyway, I could say that the movie leans on the fiction and it was something that I've expected before watching.

Sekar Kedhaton & Ansor Silvery - Magelang, Central Java

The fine detailed wooden door

The Balinese gate

The garden and mini pond

When we were on our way to Borobudur, we passed few big restaurants and silvery craft showrooms along the way (definitely eye-catching) but for our lunch, we chose Sekar Kedhaton. A Balinese-Javanese restaurant with Indonesian and international menu (only selected pasta and sandwiches - ah they have vegan menu too) is on the stategic location. So, it was no surprise to see few groups of foreigner tourist having their meals here. In the front area of the building, they display the handicraft and various silver craft to choose for yourself or for the sourvenir. I managed to buy some for me as well (ehm...actually I chose and my hubby paid for them 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】). A bit pricey compared to the ones we saw @Malioboro street but the quality is better.

Craftmen in work

The inner Joglo building

Yummy appetizer

Adjacent to it, there is Anson silvery artwork in process. We could see how the artists twisted and shaped the silvery thin lines into various beautiful pieces...simply amazing. I was astounded seeing how their big callaous fingers miraculously did some sort of magic with the silver. It was such a tedious job...no wonder, each piece could be considered artfully priced. Bigger showroom is located on the 2nd level, where you could simply browsing and enjoying the beautiful silver craft. Jewelry to ornament, display artwork to cutlery...all are made from silver.

Iga Brongkos

Ribs Soup

My girl chose pasta

Moved a bit to the back of the building, we chose an indoor seating in Joglo building (it was raining at that time) , with open view to the back garden. We saw several private bungalows in U-shape surround the garden and mini pond. Part of the building was made out of sandstone (batu paras) with wooden pilars. Some stony statues were scattered around the garden, like Garuda (mythical eagle) and Ganesha (Hindu's God of success with elephant-headed)...which reminded me a lot of Bali. Especially the gending (traditional Javanese music) played in low sound...sounded like those Balinese gamelan. Classic chandeliers were hanging low with its dimmed light...adding solemn atmospher to the restaurant. Batik and wood craving ornaments add a nice touch as well. The staffs were all friendly...sure a lovely place to relax for a while.

The handicraft showroom

The 2nd floor silver showroom

We order ribs soup (sup iga) though had a little bit more fat to my taste but I liked it...the soup was rich in taste and the portion was big. We also tried Iga brongkos (honestly speaking, I just didn't know the english term for this dish) brought us a delicious surprise as well...it was our 1st trying it and we are craving for it now :-) Though the chili provided wasn't as spicy as we prefer, however I found no complaint since all dishes were superb! It was a bit pricey (for Jkt and Jogja' standard) but again...we were allowed to indulge ourselves once in a while. 

The Croods movie

Image taken from www.imdb.com

Sounds strange...just as strange as each character in this movie...as weird as the prehistoric world that they lived in but hey...strange things have certain place in my heart *winking*. I decided to put this movie into my watchlist since I saw the trailler for the 1st time...cute...very cute...not in a way of pretty tiny things that I adore but ah it was quite difficult to explain. Perhaps you would understand me if you watch this movie.

Another work from DreamWorks (ehm...this big name ensured that I would love the animation with color-blast details), it is a story about cave-family (if I may call them) which lived in the rocky terrain and led by Grug (voiced by Nicholas Cage). Upps...how rude of me...forgot to introduce the Croods. Well...meet Grug, the overprotective father who busied himself protecting his family (hardly could blame him but he made such an annoying father). He banned exploration and curiosity and encouraged them to always be afraid. He said...'fear kept you alive'. Living in a cave (sometimes for days), they spent their day sleeping and telling stories. Then there was Ugga, the loving and understanding mom for their 3 children. Eep is the adventurous daughter with well-built-body (did уσυ see her muscle? And what big thights she had 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】) She had an ability to jump from cliff to cliff as well as trees that would put shame to the olympic gymnastic atlet. Then, Thunk, the only son which took everything his father said...made him into a scaredy cat son. And the last, Sandy, the female toddler with big teeth (appeared like a fierce dog at the first time) and capable to run (or gallop in her case) faster than a cheetah...very adorable toddler *winking* To complete their family, there was Grug's silly mother-in-law as well.

The movie was opened when a new day came and the Croods were preparing for their breakfast after 3days caving in. I wouldn't have imagined how much effort and struggle and teamwork required just to have a breakfast at that time...so dynamic...awesome! It was an eye-opener for such an opening. I felt I have to keep my eyes open so that I wouldn't missed a thing. Suddenly, the next morning wasn't the same since the end of the world was started. The cave was crushed due to earthquake, pushed the Croods to fall into the colourful world (beauty didn't cover for this amazing world) with its unique creatures (such as tiny bluish mammoths or pretty bird flock in pink which was quite beastly). In this new world full of wonder and danger, the Croods was helped by Guy, a smart and very civilized caveboy who taught and showed how to escape from the ever-collapsing-world of their into the promising land of 'tomorrow'.

This was an awesone movie...the special effect was superb...I liked this better than the Oz. During the show time, laughter often erupted from the audience (including me and the family)...from the rumbling laughter of adult to high shrilling voice of the children. All were delighted to see what would happen to the Croods, scene after scene. Me and my girls especially loved the scene when the 1st shoes was about introduced...wow...even as a cavegirl, she indeed had a fashion style. I kept wondering how her animal-skin-clothes could stick to her body like her second skin :-) I liked how she stomped her feet when she was throwing her tantrum (geez...even cavegirl do it ‎​Ħǎː̗(^▽^)ː̖Ħǎː̗(^▽^)ː̖Ħǎ). I laughed so hard seeing how picture was taken at that time (such a pain "̮ wk°wk (′▽`) wk°wk "̮ ) But I wasn't comfortable with the skinship between Eep and Guy (especially Guys was always bare-top)...I was prepared to answer my girls' question on this :-)

In a funny way, they taught us about what family means and what counted for each other. Its heart-wrenching scene before separation between Eep and her father, it made me realized that parent will do anything...just for the sake of their children. With their naivety, this almost-100-mins-movie showed how we should live our lifes...never be afraid...keep moving forward...follow the light. Anyway, tomorrow is only a day away :-)

The Whisperers by John Connolly

Synopsis

The border between Maine and Canada is porous. Anything can be smuggled across it: drugs, cash, weapons, people.

Now a group of disenchanted ex-soldier has begun its own smuggling operation, and their cargo is stranger and more terrifying than anyone can imagine.

Anyone, that is, except private detective Charlie Parker, who has his own intimate knowledge of the darkness in men' hearts. Brought in to investigate an apparent suicide, Parker discovers an epidemic of death among the former combatants.

Somebody - or something - is driving men to take their own lives. And to defeat it, Parker must form an uneasy alliance with a man he fears more than any other...

I say...

Ehm...after reading the synopsis...I almost put the book down on the shelf. I'm not a big fan of horror or spooky things but since the genre is thriller...I give it a try :-)

1001 Arabian Nights - romance fictions

I didn't know what was gotten into me...suddenly I was into romance fictions (yes...the kind that gives easy reading for two hours...enough to take my mind elsewhere). Anyway, it wasn't an ordinary week but I had a specific theme for it...1001 Arabian Night stories. Again...not the ordinary stories that you normally read for your children on bedside...since there wasn't Aladin nor magic lamp but still suitable to be read at nite...on the bed (just as the way I read these)

Since it was Arabian Nights theme, so almost all of the stories have similar plot and character. They have hot...steaming desert with Prince or Sheikh or Sultan to rule. Most of them were categorized as DnD (dark and dangerous), handsome with mountains of wealth, as well as a mountain size of ego in the package. Due to their royal blood, most of them always get whatever they wanted (especially women who were so willing to do his bidding) and everything they said become rules. Then meet the women, all were headstrong, who were not used to bend under anyone's command especially from an arrogant ruler.

The following were the titles that I read (in alphabetical order), and I put stars to measure how much I enjoy it (1 star is worst - 5 stars is the best imho). I liked Heather's story a lot since it offered something different compared to the others...it was about time traveller however I hated the ending. It was an anticlimax after such a good story. Anyway...I welcome you to try the titles below and let the Arabian's magic work on you too...sim sala bim ^^

• Emma Darcy - Traded To The Sheikh **
• Kim Lawrence - The Sheikh's Impatient Virgin **
• Lynne Graham - The Desert Sheikh's Captive Wife ***
• Mardi Ballou - Heather and the Harem scroll ***
• Penny Jordan - Prince of the Desert **
• Sandra Marton - The Sheikh's Convenient Bride **
• Trish Morey - The Sheikh's Last Gamble ***

Oz the Great and Powerful movie

Image taken from www.imdb.com

Another mind-blowing piece from Disney, Oz - the Great and Powerful. This beautiful movie was opened with classic black and white movie...transported us back into the early of 19th century. James Franco as Oscar Diggs (he had such a mouthful name - I hardly catched all of them) or well known as Oz, was the magician of travelling circus or a con-man (in truth). He had big ambition to be famous and great, but unfortunetely the big chance skipped his fate until he tried to run away from the strongman of the circus for flirting with his wife. Using the stolen hot-air-ballon, he flew directly into the eye of storm and in the face of death, he promised to change...to become a better person.

Then the screen was changed...just like entering a time machine...we were transported into brilliant colors of world...flowery and musical too...the Land of Oz. Definitely a promising land to feast on eyes and ears as well. Oscar stumbled upon Theodora (Mila Kunis) who believed that Oscar was the prophesied wizard sent to defeat the wicked witch (who poisoned the previous king). Then Oscar was introduced to her sister, Evanora (Rachel Weisz) at the Emerald City. Evanora asked Oscar to steal and break the wicked witch's wand, and afterward Oscar would be acknowledged as their new king (with mountains of gold were another benefit too). Unable to contain his greed, Oscar agreed and went to the dark forest.

Who would have guessed that the great con-man was actually deceived? Evanora was the real wicked witch and framed Glinda upon the death of the previous king. Luckily, Glinda was able to convinced Oscar, the true story behind the wicked witch. On the other hand, Theodora was tricked by her sister and lost her heart (her ability to feel kindness) and turned into an ugly greenish witch with pointing nose...pointing black hat...and of course the flying broom (now we all know...why witch was always depicted as such). Oscar, after seeing the power of wicked witch, decided to leave. By all means, Glinda couldn't encourage Oscar to help them...but the living china doll ensured Oscar that he could be any kind of wizard, including the 'invention wizard like Thomas Alfa Edison'. Heart-feel encouragement of the china doll changed Oscar and he, with his 'wicked' mind, planned and carried the battle against the wicked sister witch.

I Ŀ♡√Ɛ this movie...I Ŀ♡√Ɛ the land...the music...the special effect...I Ŀ♡√Ɛ Oscar's dimples when he smiles (geez...he is cute isn't he...totally adorable)...I even Ŀ♡√Ɛ the fine detail of the living china doll. Too bad, the merging between Oscar and the china doll (the animation) wasn't smooth enough but...I decided to enjoy the movie and ignore those little things. This movie is just like life...it isn't smooth and glass clear...it has its own ups and downs but WTH...just enjoy it. Quoting it from the movie: believe in yourselves...that уσυ have something more than what уσυ think уσυ are. Have a wonderful and brilliant life *cheers*

Pullman Central Park - Jakarta

The hotel corridor (see the unique show cases displayed?)

Animated ant colony...my girls loved to play with them all

Valentine has never been a special day for us...so when we spent the Valentine's weekend here, @Pullman, it was purely a coincidence. Since the last time, we came here, I had always wanted to spend a night here...just to see and have the feeling :-) and I had that chance...finally.

The cool lounge at 1st floor (near spa area)

The ceiling lamp...fancy isn't it?

As known, Pullman CP brings out the hip feeling, from its design to the knick knack around the hotel. Just look at 'the bunk', a contemporery cozy lounge across the reception area. With colourful light (set in dimmed) and various pop arts...sure attract everyone's attention right from their first step into the lobby. Covered in grey and donned with wrought-iron, steel, and aluminium give off the industrialism ambiance. The unfinished touch on either the wall, ceiling or flooring adds certain charm effortlessly. Like the digitalized ant's colony which detect your movement...sure gives a modern touch to the design as well.

The king sized plushy bed

Hotel directory in such an usual way

The room is standard in term of the size, design and appliances. Though the island-bathroom in the middle of the room is quite unusual...especially with glazed thick glasses as the partition. Complete in-room facilities are offered here, from high-end tea bag, coffee/tea maker, safe deposit box, complete toiletries, bathrobe, iron and the table, hair drier, even they provide yoga mat and a set of dumbbells for your daily workout.

Accessories and ornaments in the room...very chic

state of the art electrical appliances as well

Wooden floor for the shower room...nice...wouldn't get cold feet here

The hotel provides gym and spa, swimming pool (separated baby pool is available), zen garden with scheduled free yoga practice, restaurant, bakery and cafe lounge, as well as business center and meeting rooms. The unbeatable advantage of Pullman is the location, a merely 1min walking to Central Park Mall, which can be considered as one of the biggest mall in Jakarta. Shopping and dining options are for you to choose. Password-ed wifi is also available, though we couldn't get connected during our stay.

The view from our room - the neighbour's apartment

No fancy sweets here...they offers you fresh welcoming fruits

All in one, we enjoyed our stay here :-)

Garden walk (right in front of Collage)

Perfectly laid sun-decks

Nice pool...quite big   :-)

View from the swimming locker room

Zen garden

The gym and locker room (female one)

Hearty breakfast @Collage

I love the blink-blink curtain...awesome stuff   :-)

Ah Poong, Eat and Eat @Sentul

View across Ah Poong (dont mind my girl...she was facing the sun hahaha)

It was a bright Sunday (unusual in this rainy season) when we decided to visit Sentul. I knew there was a new Eat and Eat opened in Dec last year and I had been wanting to try it. I (and my family) Ŀ♡√Ɛ the concept of Eat and Eat...I call it - classy foodcourt - because it is more to it than few selected yummy foodstalls. For me, good food with cozy and unique design is the best. We (especially my hubby) can spend 15mins just to browse thru the stalls...making decision on what to buy is difficult since we want all (〃▽〃) 哈 哈 哈 . In brief, I was really looking forward to this new establishment @Sentul

Unique robot in the Eco Park

Wire-crafted car...awesome isn't it?

It was easy to find, just take the U-turn (on the roundabout) then left-turn, after Sentul highway exit. You wouldn't miss it since they had big banner displayed right before the roundabout. But finding a parking lot was quite hard...we parked quite far...about 800m from the main Eat and Eat's gate. Luckily, there was another gate, for Eco Park which was closer. The entrance for Eco Park was free, with open view toward the Eat and Eat, separated by small river. There was development in progress on the left side while on the other side of Eco Park, there were few science exhibitions (the ones that you normally see @Science Center) surrounded by clustered garden (sorta zen gardens). There were few 'unique' statues as well. Too bad, some of the science exhibitions weren't properly maintained and weren't functioning at the time of our visit.

The Eco Park

The river

Using the wood bridge (there were 3 bridges available), we crossed to Ah Poong, the given name for Eat and Eat here. It means floating...since the main building of the foodcourt was in the shape of ship. Surrounded by river, the management also provide several boats for visitor to row and drift leisurely around the river bank. Some boats were even furnished with fruits (I didn't know whether the fruit was real or not)...which reminded me of floating market in Kalimantan or Thailand. Nice touch :-) There were 2 main building of Ah Poong, both were crowded. We spotted different kind of foodstalls here but too bad, no empty seat nor table was available so (after several mins trying to find place)...we half-hearted decided to find our lunch at somewhere else. Perhaps, someday (not during weekend or holiday), we can visit and try the food here *crossing fingers*

The crowd at Eat and Eat

Jack the Giant Slayer

Image taken from www.imdb.com

I love reading...all kind of book, including children story book. Fairy tale to fable, picture book to bedtime stories, including the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Though not one of my fav children story, I do happen to have few versions of this story, in hardcopy and several others on my tab (to entertain my girls). But none of those captived my attention as Jack The Giant Slayer, the 2hours movie.

The recently released movie, this story merged the story of Jack with a bit of LOTR's touch (well - the giants reminded me of the orks of LOTR). It was about Jack, the son of farmer who grown up hearing the story of giants and The Great Eric (who - in the story - defeated the giants). The same thing happened to Isabella as well, the sole heir of the kingdom. Both of them, separately, yearned for some adventure, which incidentally met and later fell in love.

Jack was given few 'magic beans' in return of his horse. While he gave shelter for the running-away-princess from sudden storm, one of those beans, incidentally grew into sky-reaching-beanstalk...taking the princess to the giants' place. Jack, in between of his responsibility and chance for adventure, voluntered to come with the trained soldiers to save the princess. There, Jack was trying to save the princess and prevent the bloodbath-war between giants and human. How Jack could do it all...well...I would better leave it to you to watch it by yourselves.

The hightlight of the movie is there were several moments which I hold my breath (I am kinda a faint-hearted person)...especially the scenes involving giants. Several times, I said my thanks...for not choosing the 3D version one...I wasn't sure my stomach nor my head would be fine after watching it. But the animation or special effect was top of the top...awesome. They created perfect setting for the story...I was totally wow-ed :-)

Lastly, I kinda like the moral of this story. It tells us that it is perfectly fine to try things out...to make mistake...because all of it will make the better of us. I hope you enjoy the movie :-)