60th Anniversary of Chinese Republic

Umm,, i'm sorry, i should've written about this huge event earlier.

But anyway, i'm such a lucky person to be in Beijing and witness this anniversary. It was held in the 1st of October 2009, and they've prepared this celebration since months before. They need a lot of time, because this celebration is a way for Chinese people to give the proof to their elder people that China has grown into a huge country. Also, because this celebration included the army forces, artists (singers, dancers, acrobatic players, martial art players, etc), athletes, important people from the government (including China President, Hu Jin Tao, himself).

(Chinese flags were everywhere)

As we all know, Beijing was the host of Olympic Games 2008. It was huge, rite? and for Chinese people, this 60th celebration is even more important than the Olympic Games. Because, it's about their country, their pride, achievements, and identity. They were really devoted for this event. Since September 2009, i've seen a lot of Chinese people, young and old, wearing red cloth in their sleeves, helped to maintain the security. They are the Chinese Volunteer, and yep, they're not paid for this. They were just proud to do this for their country. For this case, i have to say that i admire their nationalism and loyalty to their country.

(They secured and sterilized the roads)

Day October 1st 2009, they had a celebration in Tian'anmen Square. The army forces marched and there were internal events for the govermental and military officers. They closed many subway stations and big roads around Tian'anmen, since they needed to move big equipments for the big celebration party in Tian'anmen at night.

The night celebration was closed for public. Only important people from the government, army, education institution, former soldiers, teacher and some other (lucky) representatives can join the celebration. It was broadcasted widely on TV, so most Chinese people stayed at home with their family and watched TV. The celebration was totally awesome. You can see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOxGc0Ye7mw

But i didn't want to stay at home and watch TV! they had fireworks party, for God sake! and it was the biggest fireworks party in China history, and the biggest in the world at the moment. Since i'm soooooo into fireworks, i managed to go out at night with Putu, Ky, Martyna and Coby to see the fireworks. We found a pretty good place near Beijing Railway Station where a lot of people also gathered to watch the fireworks.

(Ky, me and Putu watched the fireworks)

It was great to be the witness of something historical. The fireworks were great, Chinese people really had invented some cool shaped fireworks. I saw some shapes that i never seen before. I just love fireworks a ton! I also felt the excitement of people. They were shouting something like, "Great man Mao!", they were really appreciate their hero and always remember him.

(the situation in which we watched the fireworks)

Here are some fireworks that i saw (pictures taken by Martyna):

How to Survive Winter (for tropical people :D)

Yippieeee!! it's winter in Beijing!
...
brr.

Heheu, it's my first winter. Like i've told you before, i had my first snow. But, winter is not just about cute stuff like snow, it's also about 0 until -4 degree celcius of temperature, and yet they still haven't turn on the heater until this note is written.

(my school during winter)

For me, winter is also about survival heheu. For the first time of my life, i feel so damn cold. While writing this note, i sit under my blanket and coat. Actually, people's rate of tolerance to cold weather is really vary; depends on environment, health condition, (probably) body mass, etc.

But, i'm a petite girl with not so many flesh attached to my bones, plus, i spent almost all my last 4 years in Jatinangor, which daily average temperature is about 27 degree celcius. And now, i'm experiencing under 5, 0, until -4 degree celcius. Well, in Indonesia, i only find this kind of temperature inside my fridge.

But, i can tell you how to survive this freezing temperature, first, here are some fashion tips;

(my winter style)

1. Wear multiple clothes under your coat. I used to wear tank-top, t-shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, sweater, jacket/blazer, and finally winter coat. Only with this kind of combination, i can feel a bit warm. Ow yeah,, make sure you have really thick winter coat with you.
   
2. Wear double scarf. I recommend one of them made from wool. Just to make it fashionable, try to match both scarfs with your coat. They sell cute scarfs for only 10Y- 20Y in shopping places. Such a fun.
   
3. Wear tights/ legging under your jeans/ throusers. Believe me, it helps a lot.
   
4. Own a pair of glove. Choose ones with a layer inside, cause it'll be warmer.
   
5. Own a pair of boot. I suggest the material is from leather or any other hard material, because they won't absorb water. Mine is velvet and i still have some water inside my boots when it's really wet.
   
6. Own a hat. It's really cold when your ears are exposed. They sell various hats here, my favorite is beanie because it's warm and fashionable. If you don't like hat, you can use the hood in your coat.
   
7. Wear socks, anywhere, anytime, except for bathroom for sure.
   
8. Recommendation from my friends; head, hands, and feets are parts of your body that will lose the body temperature easiest. So, make sure all of them are covered.

(say BRRRR)

And any other tips...

1. Take subway; it will be a lot warmer inside the subway,, hehehe
   
2. Eat, eat a lot! especially carbs. Carbs produce energy and energy produce body heat
3. Drink a lot of water to hydrate yourself, because your skin will be really dry during this time
   
4. Don't take shower with cold water, u'll freeze at the time
   
5. Keep coffee, tea, or chocolate in your room. So, you always ready everytime you need hot drinks! :D
   
6. Avoid parks; it will be super freakin cold there
7. Be careful when you step on ice caps on the ground. I slipped once last week and i still have some bruises in my a** >.<

So, that's all from me! i enjoy this winter since it's a part of my adventure, and i'm glad that i'm given the opportunity to experience this :D

AIESEC GIP Testimony

I was asked to make a testimony about my internship in Beijing, China, as the part of AIESEC Global Internship Program's promotion. Momon, the current VP Comm of AIESEC LC Bandung said that they're gonna make a poster of me :D (yeah, i'm THAT famous lol)

So, here's my testimony:
"It was September 2009, when i took Development Traineeship and joined the "Education for Sustainable Development" Program also known as "Hello China" Project in Beijing, China, for two months. It was the biggest project in China, and i was so proud and happy to be part of it.

It was just great. Development Traineeship is a really good way to develop your creativity and proactiveness. I was working in Beijing no.9 Middle School, educated the students about sustainable development and arranged some English activities for them. Every week, me and my friends developed creative ways to campaign the issue in such fun way.

The whole team of this project consisted of 13 people from 8 countries. I was working in the same school with two girls from Russia and Poland. Working in such international environment helped me to develop my horizons and soft skills in communication; trained me to have broad international mind and to be tolerant and flexible.

AIESEC GIP has helped me to develop not only my professional skills but also my personal skills. I found more about my self during this internship and i thank AIESEC for that. To know more about my experience you can check my blog in www.meandmylittleadventure.blogspot.com"

Keep Holding On

"Keep Holding On"
by: Avril Lavigne

You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold
And it feels like the end
There's no place to go
You know I won't give in
No I won't give in

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

So far away
I wish you were here
Before it's too late, this could all disappear
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Hear me when I say, when I say I believe
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever's meant to be will work out perfectly
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

La da da da
La da da da
La da da da da da da da da

Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Keep holding on
Keep holding on

There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

My Trainee Friends

(ESD training)

This autumn, we have 13 trainees working for Sustainable Development issue. These 13 trainees come from 8 different countries. We attended the same training in the 4 first days in B&B Inn, Shaoyaouju District.

I really like all my trainee friends. I can simply say that we are so different, but we get along really well. We made friends, and really enjoyed spending the time together. For me, they are really inspiring people. I can just learn something for each of them, too bad that some of them have to go other city for internship and i can't meet them again.

But I can introduce you to my friends ^_^ here are they;

(le-ri: Frank, Slava, Fany, Ky, Putu, Dominic, Martyna, Mira, Me)

The picture was made in a restaurant near the Beijing Zoo. I don't know the name of the restaurant since it was written in Chinese, but the foods are great and pretty cheap.

Okay, start from left side...

• Frank Bosman: He's from Netherlands. He is working in Xi'an, that's why I don't see him a lot. But once he was coming to Beijing and we went to the zoo together.
• Slava: She's from Russia and she's working in the same school as me, Beijing no.9 Middle School. She's pretty, sexy, fashionable, really nice, and she's a great dancer... but sorry guys, she's married :D. She has Chinese grand-grand father and she really loves to shop.
  
• Fany: She's Indonesian. She's from Jakarta but she is now studying in Malang. She was working in Beijing Royal Camford School. She finished her internship earlier and now she has already returned to Indonesia.
  
• Ky: Her full name is Tu Manh Ky and she comes from Vietnam. She has really unique accent and she's pretty quiet. She is working in Beijing Royal Camford School.
  
• Putu: She also comes from Bandung Indonesia. We took the same flight and we're gossiping about everything :D. She's working in Beijing Royal Camford School. She's an accountant and this internship is actually a time for her to have fun before she start her job.
  
• Dominic: Or Ho Joon Jang. For me, it seems like he has 3 nationalities; Korean, American, and Japanese. He's studying in Waseda University, Japan, grown in US, but he's actually a Korean. Eventough he's Asian, his English is flawless. He works together with Putu.
  
• Martyna: She's my roomate in Beijing no.9 Middle School. She studies Philosophy and Politics, and she's really smart and nice. She has broad knowledge about world's important events and people. She's interested at Chinese culture and art. She also speaks Chinese.
  
• Mira: She comes from Germany, and she was working in Xi'an. She finished her internship earlier because she needs to take a test in her university. She had bad experience in Beijing when somebody exchange her 100Y money into fake one, poor Mira :(
• Well, that's me ;D
  

I have some other friends...

(le-ri: Aaron, Dom, Carey, Michelle, Me, Martyna, Chris)

The picture was taken in bar 9.9 in Sanlitun. Sanlitun is a bar street where you can find various bars, clubs, etc. It's the place where the foreigners gather and have fun.

Okay, start from the left side...

• Aaron: He lives in Australia, but he's actually Malaysian, so he can speak some words similar as Indonesian. He attended the training but actually he's doing the Education Traineeship, because he teachs English and he's paid for that. He's an AIESECer.
  
• Dom again
• Carey: She comes from Canada and she's working in the same school as Aaron. Carey is really pretty and sweet. She had pretty tight schedule with her school but finally she managed to arrange some payment with such schedule.
  
• Michelle: She's a funky mama :D Michelle comes from Canada and she's teaching in the same school with Aaron and Carey.
  
• Me again
• Martyna again
  
• Chris: He comes from US and he has already returned to US. Chris is really nice and friendly. He wanted to be called "Mr. Ganteng" but always ended up call himself "Mr. Gentong" wkwkwk >.<

(le-ri: me, Putu, Jarek, Viola)

• Jarek: He comes from Poland and i only meet him during the training because he was working in Da Lian. He's Viola's boyfriend.
  
• Viola: She comes from Poland and she was also working in Da Lian with Jarek. Viola and Jarek have been together for 7 years and they're probably the cutest couple i ever met.
  

(le-ri: Me, Nguyet, Putu, Carey)

• Nguyet: She comes from Vietnam and she was an English teacher in Vietnam. She was working in Da Lian.
  

Owkay,, actually, i made quite a lot of friend here but i don't have their pictures. Maybe i will tell you about them in other note.

I really learn a lot from my friends here. My impression about them are; nice, open minded and educated. Really, most of my friends are really smart; they read a lot of book and have their own statements about world issues and so on. Also, i used to think that my English is pretty good, but my friends, they speak perfect English, eventough for some of them English is not native language. I'm encouraged to fix my English here. Now, I can use grammar better than before.

To work in such hetero environment like this train me to be open minded and flexible; as well as be strict to my own personal limit. The most obvious character of my friends is that they really have big curiosity, they dare themselves to learn and try new things, and they always try to find proper information about everything. That's awesome for me.

All i can say when you need to mingle in such international environment, you have to be extrovert, open minded but also culturally sensitive. Remember that each of you come from different places and have different culture. What's good and funny for you could be different for them. It's really a huge fun to be the part of this team, i learn a lot, and i really like them :D

The Miraculous Snow

Normally, snow falls in China in December.

So, i didn't really hope that i would see the snow in Beijing, even though now is atumn- winter season. But honestly, i really wanted to see the snow. I've seen it only in TV and it was always pretty and interesting. I've never seen real snow in my life.

It was the 29th on October when Slava said to me, "Hey you know? you will see the snow. It'll be snowy two days later". I was so excited, but some people told me that this is too early for snow, and probably there will be only a little bit snow, and it'll melt rapidly. So, still, i didn't really hope.

But in the 1st of November, after Halloween Party, i felt so cold. I check the yard from the window, and it was all white! yet the snow was falling quite hard. It was so beautiful, just amazing, as i always thought. From now on, snow is one of my favorite things.



When we were out for lunch (Me, Martyna, Slava, Putu, Ky, Michelle, Dom, Aaron and Dennis), there was a lot of snow on the street. We threw snow balls to each other, and i touched the snow; it was really delicate and nice. Snow is awesome.

I felt pretty bad the night before this "snowy day". I thought about some other things; my failed trial, how the world seems not working in a proper way for me, how i feel to be treated unfairly by fate, some bad things that i think i don't deserve... and so on.

I felt a message sent to me through this snow. It was like a present for me, not to be sad, not to lose the hope, because if God intend, anything, even something that you think impossible, will happen anyway. Because logically, i won't be able to see this snow, but suddenly it comes in the beginning of November in Beijing, it was kinda weird for everyone.


I felt like the snow was sent specially to me ;p. I'm having pretty bad time and i'm pretty sad, but i'm not gonna give up. If God able to send this snow miraculosly to Beijing while i'm here, God must also be able to grant my little simple wish. I shouldn't stop believing.

Trick or Treat!

(Creepy Jack O' Lantern)

I never had a Halloween Party before. It's not something popular in Indonesia. But we got the invitation to celebrate Halloween at Aaron's house. It was pretty interesting for me; because i haven't been in a Halloween party, or a House party. Again i say, both of them are not popular in my country.

It was October 31st evening when i finally decide my Halloween costume. I had a dress and black tights, then i found a mouse-ear headband. So, i would be Minnie Mouse. It was easy, simple, and obvious. Plus, this headband only cost me 8Y, i found it in Pingguoyuan.

(A widow, walking dead (?), 70s girl, and Minnie Mouse)

When we arrived at Aaron's there was a lot of people that i don't know. Most of them foreigners, they come from different countries, and they were in Beijing for internship as well. For my surprise, some people dressed really seriously; i met a SWAT guy, a really scary corpse bride, a hot mama, and so on. Our friend, Michelle, who stayed in the same house with Aaron, decorated the house pretty nicely. Well, at least they had some pumpkin lanterns, cute fake spiders, and so on.

(Bathroom party)

I'm not sure... but maybe there were more than 30 people attended the party. What i like from house party is that it's a really good way to know people. When you're mingling and having fun, it's really easy to open up and create relations. I also learned that some people would be really weird when they're drunk, or high. Thankfully, they had a lot of juice and soft drinks, so, it was still great for me.

(She's creepy, isn't she?)

I had quite a lot of fun. They had pretty nice music to dance, i met a lot of new people, learned something, and finally found a couch and thick blanket to sleep when i already tired. I shared the couch and blanket with Martyna and Slava.

Sure there were stuffs that i like and dislike about partying, but as long as you're being open minded, and realizing your limit, you will survive and learn something anyway.

(me and my costume :D)