Kutinggalkan ia separuh jiwaku
yang lama melengkapi cintaku
memeluk segala asaku
Aku tidak pernah ingin meninggalkan ia
tidak pula ingin menjauh dari ia
inginku selalu bersama ia
Ia sang penunjuk arahku
utara, selatan, barat dan timurku
Ia sang peniti waktuku
kala pagi, siang, sore dan malamku
Tapi aku harus berpihak pada waktu
berpihak pula pada hatiku
saat keduanya bertitah padaku
aku harus melepaskan sayap patahku
Aku pergi, wahai matahari
menjauh darimu, wahai bulan
meniti jalan lain, wahai bintang
merajut asa kedepan, wahai kejora
Sampai kita bertemu lagi
di kehidupan ini
atau mendatang
wahai, cinta
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Demi sebuah musim yang bersemu merah
Catatan akhir di Kyoto,
seindah sinar rembulan di musim gugur,
secantik semburat lembayung di musim semi,
seelok warna senja di musim panas,
seputih hamparan salju di musim dingin,
Dan catatan awal di Solo,
seenak makan selat solo sambil becanda
selezat makan tengkleng kambing di bawah gapura
senikmat minum es buah di tengah terik mentari
semantap makan sate sambil mengobrol diatas tikar lusuh
Bedanya?
Disana aku menikmati musim yang indah dan cinta yang mekar
Disini aku menikmati makanan yang lezat dan hidup yang menantang
Viva HIDUP
seindah sinar rembulan di musim gugur,
secantik semburat lembayung di musim semi,
seelok warna senja di musim panas,
seputih hamparan salju di musim dingin,
Dan catatan awal di Solo,
seenak makan selat solo sambil becanda
selezat makan tengkleng kambing di bawah gapura
senikmat minum es buah di tengah terik mentari
semantap makan sate sambil mengobrol diatas tikar lusuh
Bedanya?
Disana aku menikmati musim yang indah dan cinta yang mekar
Disini aku menikmati makanan yang lezat dan hidup yang menantang
Viva HIDUP
Setitik Hikmah dari "Sang Pencerah", Agama itu Hati dan Akal
Semenjak pulang ke Indonesia, aku memilih untuk menonton serangkaian film karya anak negeri sendiri. Disamping promosi teman-teman sedari aku di Jepang, serangkaian review yang kubaca di internet menarik minatku. Maraton itu diawali dengan film "emak ingin naik haji", dilanjut dengan "garuda di dadaku", "merah putih", dan terakhir "sang pencerah". Dan ada sesuatu yang terasa spesial dengan film "Sang Pencerah" yang baru saja kutonton malam ini.
Sang Pencerah bertutur mengenai perjalanan KH Ahmad Dahlan dalam meluruskan praktik agama Islam di Indonesia pada awal abad 20. Terlahir dengan nama Muhammad Darwisy, KH Ahmad Dahlan memulai perjalanannya dengan melakukan haji di kala usianya baru 15 tahun. Haji itu dilanjutkan dengan belajar agama Islam selama 5 tahun. Sepulangnya ia ke Indonesia, ia melanjutkan dakwahnya dengan menjadi khatib Masjid Besar Yogyakarta. Namun, ketidaksepakatan atas arah kiblat dimana KH Ahmad Dahlan memberikan arah yang baru mengakhiri karirnya sebagai khatib. Hampir saja ia berputus asa ketika langgarnya di rusak setelah perseteruan itu. Namun, dorongan kakak perempuannya membuatnya tetap tinggal di Yogyakarta untuk melanjutkan dakwah. Setelah itu, berbagai upaya ia lakukan dalam meluruskan praktek Islam yang kala itu masih kental dengan nilai-nilai mistik atau budaya kejawen. Upaya-upaya itu akhirnya bermuara pada pembentukan Muhammadiyah sebagai organisasi sosial yang bergerak di bidang pendidikan. Pendidikan adalah kunci dari upayanya mencapai apa yang temaktub dalam Surah Ali Imran 4, melalakukan amar ma'ruf nahi munkar.
Dibesarkan dalam lingkungan Muhammadiyah sedari kecil, film ini cukup mengguncang aku. Sungguh dangkal pengetahuanku mengenai lingkungan sosial tempat aku dibesarkan. Dalam benakku selama ini, Muhammadiyah lebih pada mengajarkan nilai-nilai mendalami Islam secara lebih modern, tidak terikat dan sangat toleran. Menjadi bagian dari Muhammadiyah berarti mempraktekkan Islam dari akal. Memakai hati terlalu banyak akan terjembab dalam ekstrimisme agamis yang sayangnya selalu aku salah artikan dengan budaya manut ulama seperti dalam budaya NU. Kembali, aku terjebak dalam lingkaran setan perseteruan NU - Muhammadiyah yang sudah menjadi rahasia umum.
Film ini seolah mengingatkan aku kembali bahwa agama itu dipraktekkan dengan dua hal, akal dan hati. Momentum itu datang saat adegan dimana KH Ahmad Dahlan mengajar untuk pertama kalinya di sekolah Belanda. Saat itu, ucapan salamnya dibalas dengan kentut oleh salah satu murid keturunan Belanda. Dihadapkan dengan situasi tersebut, Kyai Dahlan bertanya kepada semua muridnya siapa yang mau kentut lagi. Saat tak satupun muridnya menjawab, ia lantas menjelaskan betapa besarnya nikmat kita bisa kentut. Kalau kita tidak kentut sementara perut kita terus diisi dengan gas, maka niscaya perut kita akan meledak. Untunglah, Tuhan sayang pada manusia. Sehingga diberikan-Nya setiap manusia alat pembuangan agar ia bisa kentut dan buang hajat. Dengan itu, manusia bisa makan atau minum sepuasnya. Sungguh besar kasih sayang-Nya pada manusia, alat pembuangan itu diberikan secara gratis.
Segratis udara yang kita hirup. Filosofi yang sama yang diajarkan oleh ibu bertahun-tahun lalu. Kala itu, aku dirawat di rumah sakit karena asma yang muncul setelah aku dikagetkan dengan letusan balon gas di taman. Sebuah trauma yang harus kuakui masih bersisa hingga hidupku yang setua ini. Saat dirawat, ibu tiba-tiba bertanya padaku apakah aku tahu betapa banyak uang yang harus dibayar untuk tiap tabung udara yang kugunakan untuk menopang hidup selama di rumah sakit. Saat itu ibu bilang, untuk satu tabung udara, ibu membayar sekitar 15 ribu rupiah. Berarti sudah 60 ribu dikeluarkannya untuk 4 tabung udara selama seminggu aku dirawat. Lantas ibu bertanya, pernahkah aku bayangkan betapa besarnya uang yang harus kita bayar untuk semua udara yang sudah kita hirup agar tetap hidup.
Dan filosofi gratis itu muncul kembali. Untungnya, Tuhan sayang pada manusia. Diberikannya udara itu gratis. Gratis tanpa ada pungutan biaya apapun. Gratis pula alat-alat pernapasan yang kita miliki. Jadi kita tidak perlu membayar apapun untuk bernapas dan hidup. "Oleh karena itu dek, berterimakasihlah terus pada Allah. Allah yang sudah memberikan udara gratis. Cobalah sholat yang bener, ngaji yang bener. Itu bisa jadi ungkapan terimakasihmu pada Allah", pesan ibu kala itu. Sebuah pesan yang hingga kini selalu menjadi pengingat bagiku bahwa agama itu memang butuh elemen hati dan akal dalam menjalaninya.
Cari kebenaran itu melalui akal, baru percayai dan lakukan. Kita menemukan alasan kita sendiri untuk melakukan ajaran agama, sebuah hal yang sebetulnya susah mengingat banyak hal dalam agama yang terkadang harus diakhirkan dengan kata "itu sudah ketentuan dari sana-Nya". Seperti kenapa kita tidak boleh makan babi misalnya. Semoga segala yang gratis itu terus menjadi pengingat kita.
Sang Pencerah bertutur mengenai perjalanan KH Ahmad Dahlan dalam meluruskan praktik agama Islam di Indonesia pada awal abad 20. Terlahir dengan nama Muhammad Darwisy, KH Ahmad Dahlan memulai perjalanannya dengan melakukan haji di kala usianya baru 15 tahun. Haji itu dilanjutkan dengan belajar agama Islam selama 5 tahun. Sepulangnya ia ke Indonesia, ia melanjutkan dakwahnya dengan menjadi khatib Masjid Besar Yogyakarta. Namun, ketidaksepakatan atas arah kiblat dimana KH Ahmad Dahlan memberikan arah yang baru mengakhiri karirnya sebagai khatib. Hampir saja ia berputus asa ketika langgarnya di rusak setelah perseteruan itu. Namun, dorongan kakak perempuannya membuatnya tetap tinggal di Yogyakarta untuk melanjutkan dakwah. Setelah itu, berbagai upaya ia lakukan dalam meluruskan praktek Islam yang kala itu masih kental dengan nilai-nilai mistik atau budaya kejawen. Upaya-upaya itu akhirnya bermuara pada pembentukan Muhammadiyah sebagai organisasi sosial yang bergerak di bidang pendidikan. Pendidikan adalah kunci dari upayanya mencapai apa yang temaktub dalam Surah Ali Imran 4, melalakukan amar ma'ruf nahi munkar.
Dibesarkan dalam lingkungan Muhammadiyah sedari kecil, film ini cukup mengguncang aku. Sungguh dangkal pengetahuanku mengenai lingkungan sosial tempat aku dibesarkan. Dalam benakku selama ini, Muhammadiyah lebih pada mengajarkan nilai-nilai mendalami Islam secara lebih modern, tidak terikat dan sangat toleran. Menjadi bagian dari Muhammadiyah berarti mempraktekkan Islam dari akal. Memakai hati terlalu banyak akan terjembab dalam ekstrimisme agamis yang sayangnya selalu aku salah artikan dengan budaya manut ulama seperti dalam budaya NU. Kembali, aku terjebak dalam lingkaran setan perseteruan NU - Muhammadiyah yang sudah menjadi rahasia umum.
Film ini seolah mengingatkan aku kembali bahwa agama itu dipraktekkan dengan dua hal, akal dan hati. Momentum itu datang saat adegan dimana KH Ahmad Dahlan mengajar untuk pertama kalinya di sekolah Belanda. Saat itu, ucapan salamnya dibalas dengan kentut oleh salah satu murid keturunan Belanda. Dihadapkan dengan situasi tersebut, Kyai Dahlan bertanya kepada semua muridnya siapa yang mau kentut lagi. Saat tak satupun muridnya menjawab, ia lantas menjelaskan betapa besarnya nikmat kita bisa kentut. Kalau kita tidak kentut sementara perut kita terus diisi dengan gas, maka niscaya perut kita akan meledak. Untunglah, Tuhan sayang pada manusia. Sehingga diberikan-Nya setiap manusia alat pembuangan agar ia bisa kentut dan buang hajat. Dengan itu, manusia bisa makan atau minum sepuasnya. Sungguh besar kasih sayang-Nya pada manusia, alat pembuangan itu diberikan secara gratis.
Segratis udara yang kita hirup. Filosofi yang sama yang diajarkan oleh ibu bertahun-tahun lalu. Kala itu, aku dirawat di rumah sakit karena asma yang muncul setelah aku dikagetkan dengan letusan balon gas di taman. Sebuah trauma yang harus kuakui masih bersisa hingga hidupku yang setua ini. Saat dirawat, ibu tiba-tiba bertanya padaku apakah aku tahu betapa banyak uang yang harus dibayar untuk tiap tabung udara yang kugunakan untuk menopang hidup selama di rumah sakit. Saat itu ibu bilang, untuk satu tabung udara, ibu membayar sekitar 15 ribu rupiah. Berarti sudah 60 ribu dikeluarkannya untuk 4 tabung udara selama seminggu aku dirawat. Lantas ibu bertanya, pernahkah aku bayangkan betapa besarnya uang yang harus kita bayar untuk semua udara yang sudah kita hirup agar tetap hidup.
Dan filosofi gratis itu muncul kembali. Untungnya, Tuhan sayang pada manusia. Diberikannya udara itu gratis. Gratis tanpa ada pungutan biaya apapun. Gratis pula alat-alat pernapasan yang kita miliki. Jadi kita tidak perlu membayar apapun untuk bernapas dan hidup. "Oleh karena itu dek, berterimakasihlah terus pada Allah. Allah yang sudah memberikan udara gratis. Cobalah sholat yang bener, ngaji yang bener. Itu bisa jadi ungkapan terimakasihmu pada Allah", pesan ibu kala itu. Sebuah pesan yang hingga kini selalu menjadi pengingat bagiku bahwa agama itu memang butuh elemen hati dan akal dalam menjalaninya.
Cari kebenaran itu melalui akal, baru percayai dan lakukan. Kita menemukan alasan kita sendiri untuk melakukan ajaran agama, sebuah hal yang sebetulnya susah mengingat banyak hal dalam agama yang terkadang harus diakhirkan dengan kata "itu sudah ketentuan dari sana-Nya". Seperti kenapa kita tidak boleh makan babi misalnya. Semoga segala yang gratis itu terus menjadi pengingat kita.
Indonesia: a supermarket of disasters, a theater of jokes, a country of anomaly (part 1- social media)
What you cannot find in another country, you can find it in Indonesia. Not only certain thing, but almost everything. But, what you can easily find in another country, you might find it hard to see in Indonesia.
Recent social media survey on twitter and facebook reveals that Indonesia comfortably sit as world's third biggest user of facebook and tweet producers. In general, it looks like Indonesia is a technologically savvy community that can put themselves as equal as US and Japan. You might also imagine Indonesian carrying their smartphone everywhere, from bathroom to boardroom. But i guess, imagination can be misleading, sometimes..
If you are an Indonesian or ever visit Indonesia then live like normal Indonesian do, you might find it strange how Indonesian could somehow project themselves as very savvy in technology when living savvy with public transportation means you are bound to loose your magic phone. You can only become savvy when you are at home, office, school or supermall. Well, I might not be in Indonesia for 2 years now, but the last time I came back home, that’s how things went. When I was in supermall, there were blackberry everywhere. Everyone seems to have one. pip..pip..pip.. Even when they have their friends around, the hip and hop in facebook and twitter is still as important. Especially nowadays, Jakarta people could be proud for having their own social media called ‘koprol’ (if you ever heard about it) that allows you to find friends whereever you are. Specially in big mall, the only place you can go for spending time and money.
Let say compare to Japan. If you ride a train or bus, there are one rule that you have to follow. To make yourself comfortable, try to do one of these things: sleep, listen to your mp3, playing games, read books, or doing something with your phone. Other than doing that, you are doomed! You cannot standing or sitting idly or asking people to talk like in Indonesia. That is just so no no! So, the most easily spotted activity, phone! Or even better, one can listen to their mp3 while holding phone at one hand and gamebox at the other. Why they do that? because it is safe to do so. Public transportation is a safe place to do whatever you like including showing off your latest most advanced gadget. Plus, the internet in Japan is way freaking fast. me? sleep ;p
Then, why we are in that hot spot of worlds’ third twitter and facebook users? do we really that savvy and hip? Thanks to cheap smartphone widely distributed nowadays, it is understandable. But who are the user? how is the demographic mapping? do people from small city or rural area outside java even knows what twitter is all about? could it be that the real users (for twitter, as for facebook i guess the number is a lot bigger) just several hundred but they tweet like hundred everyday? most likely to be that case.
Then suddenly I remember one day after North Korea huge defeat 7-0 to Portugal in World Cup. I told a friend, If world cup allows such a game, Indonesia should be allowed to join world cup too!. He just answered, “nope, because there are hundreds of thousands of children still suffer from diarrhea (due to bad environment and hygiene)”. spot on! So, while we are having this problems (let me list: disasters, corruption, porn video scandal, health malpractice, FPI, etc), how do we stand in the highspot of newest technology trend? while we are in number 3 for facebook and twitter, we are also in the top spot for being the most corrupt countries in the world. what an anomaly (>.<)
I know we cannot stop using facebook and twitter. It is useless since for me, they are now Indonesian new version of “warung kopi/coffee shop” where people can connect and talk to each other. Indonesian is just social people by heart. The question is, can we use it in a smarter way? for the better of others too? If not, then the anomaly of social media habit in Indonesia will always be an anomaly.
One thing about facebook and twitter, or friendster, or hi5, or multiply, or whatever is that by using them, we make people far from us closer but drive people close from us further. you choose ;p
originally written on 2 July 2010
Recent social media survey on twitter and facebook reveals that Indonesia comfortably sit as world's third biggest user of facebook and tweet producers. In general, it looks like Indonesia is a technologically savvy community that can put themselves as equal as US and Japan. You might also imagine Indonesian carrying their smartphone everywhere, from bathroom to boardroom. But i guess, imagination can be misleading, sometimes..
If you are an Indonesian or ever visit Indonesia then live like normal Indonesian do, you might find it strange how Indonesian could somehow project themselves as very savvy in technology when living savvy with public transportation means you are bound to loose your magic phone. You can only become savvy when you are at home, office, school or supermall. Well, I might not be in Indonesia for 2 years now, but the last time I came back home, that’s how things went. When I was in supermall, there were blackberry everywhere. Everyone seems to have one. pip..pip..pip.. Even when they have their friends around, the hip and hop in facebook and twitter is still as important. Especially nowadays, Jakarta people could be proud for having their own social media called ‘koprol’ (if you ever heard about it) that allows you to find friends whereever you are. Specially in big mall, the only place you can go for spending time and money.
Let say compare to Japan. If you ride a train or bus, there are one rule that you have to follow. To make yourself comfortable, try to do one of these things: sleep, listen to your mp3, playing games, read books, or doing something with your phone. Other than doing that, you are doomed! You cannot standing or sitting idly or asking people to talk like in Indonesia. That is just so no no! So, the most easily spotted activity, phone! Or even better, one can listen to their mp3 while holding phone at one hand and gamebox at the other. Why they do that? because it is safe to do so. Public transportation is a safe place to do whatever you like including showing off your latest most advanced gadget. Plus, the internet in Japan is way freaking fast. me? sleep ;p
Then, why we are in that hot spot of worlds’ third twitter and facebook users? do we really that savvy and hip? Thanks to cheap smartphone widely distributed nowadays, it is understandable. But who are the user? how is the demographic mapping? do people from small city or rural area outside java even knows what twitter is all about? could it be that the real users (for twitter, as for facebook i guess the number is a lot bigger) just several hundred but they tweet like hundred everyday? most likely to be that case.
Then suddenly I remember one day after North Korea huge defeat 7-0 to Portugal in World Cup. I told a friend, If world cup allows such a game, Indonesia should be allowed to join world cup too!. He just answered, “nope, because there are hundreds of thousands of children still suffer from diarrhea (due to bad environment and hygiene)”. spot on! So, while we are having this problems (let me list: disasters, corruption, porn video scandal, health malpractice, FPI, etc), how do we stand in the highspot of newest technology trend? while we are in number 3 for facebook and twitter, we are also in the top spot for being the most corrupt countries in the world. what an anomaly (>.<)
I know we cannot stop using facebook and twitter. It is useless since for me, they are now Indonesian new version of “warung kopi/coffee shop” where people can connect and talk to each other. Indonesian is just social people by heart. The question is, can we use it in a smarter way? for the better of others too? If not, then the anomaly of social media habit in Indonesia will always be an anomaly.
One thing about facebook and twitter, or friendster, or hi5, or multiply, or whatever is that by using them, we make people far from us closer but drive people close from us further. you choose ;p
originally written on 2 July 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
A Note for The Future: When the pain doesn't feel as painful as before
Have you ever felt that your wish is about to end when you fail to enter your dream school?
Have you ever felt that your dream is about to end when you fail to get a scholarship?
Have you ever felt that your future is about to crumble when you fail job interviews?
Have you ever felt that your lovelife is about to break down when your love is one sided?
Have you ever felt that your life is about to end when everything seems to go wrong?
been there, done that!
It felt freaking painful not to enter the dream school
It was so disappointing not to get a scholarship
It was sad to fail job applications and interviews
It was heart-breaking to know our love is one sided
and it felt like a shit when everything seems to go wrong
But....
History repeat itself
Time returns.. Jidai Mawaru...
When the same thing happen again
the pain, the sadness, the dissapointment
doesn't feel as painful as before again
because we learn and we grow
we become stronger..
To experience and to learn
that is my ultimate recipe to face life
Have you ever felt that your dream is about to end when you fail to get a scholarship?
Have you ever felt that your future is about to crumble when you fail job interviews?
Have you ever felt that your lovelife is about to break down when your love is one sided?
Have you ever felt that your life is about to end when everything seems to go wrong?
been there, done that!
It felt freaking painful not to enter the dream school
It was so disappointing not to get a scholarship
It was sad to fail job applications and interviews
It was heart-breaking to know our love is one sided
and it felt like a shit when everything seems to go wrong
But....
History repeat itself
Time returns.. Jidai Mawaru...
When the same thing happen again
the pain, the sadness, the dissapointment
doesn't feel as painful as before again
because we learn and we grow
we become stronger..
To experience and to learn
that is my ultimate recipe to face life
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Walking Through A Thousand Gates
In the memoirs of a geisha, little sayuri met a grown up man who gave her a handkerchief and an ice. She immediately captured by his charm. She then run to Fushimi Inari, where she pass through a thousand gate and make her wish to later become a geisha and to meet the man again. The thousand red gate is Fushimi Inari's own.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Recollecting Japan: Jidai Matsuri 2008
For the past 2 years, I have been trough many in Japan. Many festivals celebrated, great number of friends bonded, and lots of memories shared. Recollecting Japan is my simple attempt to relive the good memory of living life in Japan. Enjoy (｡◕‿‿◕｡★)
********
According to uncle Wiki, Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) or Festival of the Ages is a traditional festival in Kyoto to celebrate the the rich history of the nations. Jidai Matsuri is one of three most celebrated festival in Kyoto, along side Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. Among the three, Jidai was the youngest to be held, although it dated back in 1895. It roots in the devastating situation when the Emperor Meiji left Kyoto to govern the nation from new capital, Tokyo in 1868. For centuries, Kyoto had been Japan's capital where Emperor resided. But, the post was suddenly vacant leaving Kyoto half of its soul. To remember the glory of the nations, Jidai Matsuri was held.
Jidai Matsuri is essentially a parade of costume of traditional Japanese Era. From the era of Kammu Emperor to Edo period. All are being presented in glory (You can see some of the picture in my photos collections). And it held annually on October 22 each year.
For a person who just set foot in Japan, I was extremely exited to see Jidai Matsuri. I was asking many friends to join me and whoala... there were 8 of us joining the parade. Hisashi, Gilly, Mas Meidi, Thyda, Keo, Irene, Kisi, and myself. We choose to go directly there around 12.30, being afraid of not getting a good spot to watch. The place to see, in front of Kyoto Shiyakuso. Good spot, recommended! but make sure to come a little bit earlier than 1.
We were so exited to see it, let alone after we knew that Miss Universe might join the parade. I still wonder to this day, though, how did we get that information. hahahaha... But, dream was not always to be satisfied. Rain welcomed us earlier than the parade! all wet! Thanks God, Hisashi finally bought big umbrella for us to stay safe under. So the parade proceeded and we all saw it. Under the rain ;p
One after another, we were presented by people wearing different costume from different age. Start from Kammu time, Kamakura, Heian, and Edo. It was exiting and entertaining to see the development of tradition and their court clothes over time. How the women transform from elegant long black hair in layers of clothes in Heian period to a simpler Kimono court we saw today. The transformation of man's clothes are pretty interesting too. From ballooning pants in Heian period to long loose man's kimono in sword in Samurai period. Not to mention their hairstyle too.
Still under the rain, I felt an upsurge of excitement in learning more about Japanese culture. So great this single country that it can preserve thousands of years culture and make a good recollection of memories of it. I wish I can see one day a parade in Indonesia that depicts the great culture of the country. In one single parade. For our children to learn the richness of Indonesian culture and for foreigner to see a complete picture of Indonesian rich costumes and culture.
********
According to uncle Wiki, Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) or Festival of the Ages is a traditional festival in Kyoto to celebrate the the rich history of the nations. Jidai Matsuri is one of three most celebrated festival in Kyoto, along side Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. Among the three, Jidai was the youngest to be held, although it dated back in 1895. It roots in the devastating situation when the Emperor Meiji left Kyoto to govern the nation from new capital, Tokyo in 1868. For centuries, Kyoto had been Japan's capital where Emperor resided. But, the post was suddenly vacant leaving Kyoto half of its soul. To remember the glory of the nations, Jidai Matsuri was held. Jidai Matsuri is essentially a parade of costume of traditional Japanese Era. From the era of Kammu Emperor to Edo period. All are being presented in glory (You can see some of the picture in my photos collections). And it held annually on October 22 each year.
For a person who just set foot in Japan, I was extremely exited to see Jidai Matsuri. I was asking many friends to join me and whoala... there were 8 of us joining the parade. Hisashi, Gilly, Mas Meidi, Thyda, Keo, Irene, Kisi, and myself. We choose to go directly there around 12.30, being afraid of not getting a good spot to watch. The place to see, in front of Kyoto Shiyakuso. Good spot, recommended! but make sure to come a little bit earlier than 1.
We were so exited to see it, let alone after we knew that Miss Universe might join the parade. I still wonder to this day, though, how did we get that information. hahahaha... But, dream was not always to be satisfied. Rain welcomed us earlier than the parade! all wet! Thanks God, Hisashi finally bought big umbrella for us to stay safe under. So the parade proceeded and we all saw it. Under the rain ;p
One after another, we were presented by people wearing different costume from different age. Start from Kammu time, Kamakura, Heian, and Edo. It was exiting and entertaining to see the development of tradition and their court clothes over time. How the women transform from elegant long black hair in layers of clothes in Heian period to a simpler Kimono court we saw today. The transformation of man's clothes are pretty interesting too. From ballooning pants in Heian period to long loose man's kimono in sword in Samurai period. Not to mention their hairstyle too.
Still under the rain, I felt an upsurge of excitement in learning more about Japanese culture. So great this single country that it can preserve thousands of years culture and make a good recollection of memories of it. I wish I can see one day a parade in Indonesia that depicts the great culture of the country. In one single parade. For our children to learn the richness of Indonesian culture and for foreigner to see a complete picture of Indonesian rich costumes and culture.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Stars
For each shooting star I saw
I wished you are not my shooting star
Never be my shooting star
As shooting star is beautiful but fade fast
I want you to be my everlasting star
To shine through my whole life
To be with me coloring the sky
My partner for life
I wished you are not my shooting star
Never be my shooting star
As shooting star is beautiful but fade fast
I want you to be my everlasting star
To shine through my whole life
To be with me coloring the sky
My partner for life
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