My Hometown: 'My Summer Paradise' Tanjung Pinang

That moment when the airplane landed at this city deeply etched in my memory. It was freezing cold inside, until the door opened. Swoosh! The heat wave literally killed the temperature. Thus, I rushed to get off from the plane as soon as possible lest I died inside. The balmy wind and scorching hot sun with clear blue sky greeted my skin. Closing my eyes, I deeply took my breath and savored the clean air with the taste of tropical sea. "Welcome back to the summer paradise," I whispered to myself while suppressing my grin. *say la-da-da-da-da~*

Hi, I  am taking a long summer break from university. Therefore, I'm back to my hometown. A little and oh-not-so-well-known city in this tropical land.

Daily smiles from the sun and long stretch of white sand beach is all here with wide choice of local delicacy to choose from! Be ready to be spoiled! Let's start with the basic geographical details.

Capital: Tanjung Pinang (丹戎檳榔)

Island: Bintan

Province: Kepulauan Riau (Riau Archipelago)

Country: Indonesia

Population: ±200.000

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanjung_Pinang

Here is the quick little and random facts of this city:

1. The Chinese here speaks in dialect, mostly in Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka along with Mandarin.
2. Singapore is only 40km away with speedboats.
3. Unspoiled natural white sand beaches and range world-class resorts are 40km away with cars.
4. Cheap!! (unless in IDR) and hot weather
5. Surrounded by sea
6. The downtown area resembles Singapore in 70's era.
7. There's no cinema here.
8. Cheap!! (unless in IDR) and hot weather
9. You can literally shut tourists mouth with foods—so tasty that they can't complain—it's the onl thing we can be proud of.
10. People here are religious.
11. Most Chinese here are fluent in both Mandarin and/or English.
12. Cheap!! (unless in IDR) and hot weather
13. Multicultural is a part of us.
14. Chinese is everywhere, therefore this city can be considered as Chinatown—I made this up
15. It's so hot here. Like very and extra hot.
16. Our 'shopping mall' can't really be considered as one.
17. Cheap!! (unless in IDR) and hot weather
18. Free from pollution.
19. We know more about Singapore than Jakarta—for Chinese.
20. Foods here are what we can be proud of.
21. Cheap!! (unless in IDR) and hot weather
22. It's not a really tourist area.
23. It's an excellent choice to retire here.
24. Life here is peaceful and slow-pace.
25. Again, it's cheap! You will not break your bank here.
26. You have to come here to experience it yourself. There's more story of this city.
27. I can be your tour guide for free here—only if when I am here and available.
28. It's the most popular destination after Bali for the beaches and resorts in Indonesia—the resorts area, not the city—Truthfully, I was surprised when I learnt about it.

Really, I am not good at promoting. I was thinking of writing a killer article of this city, but turns out... Haha... I just want people to know more about this secluded little tropical gem. Most tourists don't really fancy the city, except the resorts away there. Really, you have to experience it yourself. Come and live like a local to acquire your love for it. If you happened to be at one of the resort at Bintan, come here! You just need the right guide to savour the taste and find precious things here!

It's late already. Time for zzzzz.... See you!

Your Weather Personality is Balmy

Above all else, you like weather that is not cold. You always rather be 'too hot' - if there even is such a thing. You don't mind a little humidity with your heat. It's good for the skin. You really dig the feel of the warmest summer day. You have a laid back personality, and you're never in a rush to get much done. You're content to hang out in your swimsuit all day. You like the concept of 'island time' - even if you don't live on an island. You think adhering to schedules is oppressive. You don't like a lot of hardship in your life. Warm weather means no shoveling snow or putting on gloves and a scarf. When the weather is warm every day, you feel like you're on a permanent vacation. And that's a pretty fab way to live!

What's Your Weather Personality?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

My Trip to Singapore: Visiting Dentist - Part 2

As I've mentioned before, it took me three appointments to finish all the treatments. Here are some problems:

First, there are two teeth that needs to be treated right away. There was cavity under the filling, due to the previous dentist didn't clean it throughly enough before filling the teeth. It shown on the xray as well as my teeth, where it visibly looked black under the filling.

Second, one of the front teeth, looked "dirty" and couldn't be flossed through. Still the same problem, it hadn't been cleaned properly before being filled. The filling was not done properly, thus it couldn't be flossed through.

Both of the teeth had gone through canal treatment. But, the x-ray shown that the previous dentist didn't clean and filled it properly, therefore I was in high risk of infection.

Damn it, I will never ever go back to my dentist at Indonesia. Thanks to the horrible works, I've to burned a biiiiiiiggg hole on wallet to get them fixed. Argh! But... at the same time, I can't afford to keep going to Singapore dentist. It's sooooo expensive. First-class treatment and service comes with first-class price. Aaaaaa......... Let's continue

Third, a new cavity formed in between teeth. Even though I flossed it regularly and making sure it was cleaned throughly everytime. Oh well... (Y^Y)

Forth, replacing a really old filling.

Fifth, the initial treatment, scaling and polishing.

So, Dr. Lee fixed everything flawlessly. I didn't hurt at all during filling. I though that pain was normal, until I went to there. No pain, miraculously. I can floss through my teeth now.

Eve after scaling and polishing, there was no pain. I can even went out to eat not long later without any pain or sensitivity inflicted. Hohoho~

The best part of the service was... mirror! Haha! I was given a mirror to see for myself the progresss of the treatment, as well as Dr. Lee explanation. In my opinion, only dentists with high-credibility will do that *clap*

Oh man, how much I love how my teeth look like after finishing the treatment. I got complimented a lot.

Dr. Lee indeed is a genius. Thanks God that I met him (TvT)9

As for the cost part... ugh... *jump off the floor*

*revived* When I go back to Jakarta later, I must find a part-time job. Must save up for the next appointment next year. My parents couldn't afford it anymore, so, I will earn the money myself. I refuse to go anywhere than that after the horrible experience from my country's dentists *goodbye, never wanna see you again~*

Hopefully I can earn enough though. (Y^Y) as for the orthodotic treatment... I don't think I'll ever earn enough...

Breaking news:

I told my friends about my experience. Most of their friends  went to Singapore or other country to recieve dental treatment. Guess what? All of their dentists are annoyed with the works of Indonesia dentists, which are not good at all and problematic. That explains the denstistry standard in my country. Bad works and money-minded dentists with expensive fee is a common sight here. Of course, not all Indonesia dentists are like that. The are a few geniuses and kind-hearted one with passion for their jobs and patients dental health.

I love my country, Indonesia. I hope that, as years goes by, the dental and medical industry will be better and better towards the first-class standard. :)

You Are Sensitive

Of all the types, you are the most self-aware and intuitive. You truly get what is going on. You thrive when you are able to be as creative and imaginative as you want to be. You don't do well with limits. Some people may think that you're a bit moody or tormented, but you can't help but be very keyed in to the world around you. You do your best to live a unique and beautiful life. You are a bit self-absorbed, but then again, who isn't?

The Scribble Circle Test

Blogthings: If Quizzes Are Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Take Quizzes

My Trip to Singapore: Visiting Dentist - Part 1

<Typed on 13th July 2013>

I am in Singapore now, for holiday. I came here yesterday (12th July 2013), right after back to Tanjungpinang at 10th July. Hahaha...

It's been a year for exact, since I came here. Ironically,  I left Singapore last year also on 12th July.

Today I had an sudden appointment with a dentist here. My Mother commented something about my teeth yesterday, and asked me to go together with my Aunt since she's going to dentist also today.

The clinic is located somewhere at Orchard (I wonder if I should tell the exact location or not). When I first stepped into the clinic, I feel very 'suaku' (like a country-bumpkin).

I was greeted with an aquarium near the entrance. The interior is aesthetically pleasing, with the modern and minimalist design. Since it was in the highest floor, the view from the window is green (typical Singapore) and scenic! There is a kiddy room and a refreshment room (free drinks, anyone?). I don't know how to describe those in words, but one thing for sure is it gives off the modern, sleek, high-class yet homey ambiance at the same time. 

I sat comfortably on the sofa until suddenly the automatic curtain moved to reduce the sun glare. I know there's nothing new here, but it's my first time experiencing this, okay! I've never thought that a clinic can be this high-class (and hi-tech). Too bad, I didn't take any picture, even though it took me three appointments to finish the treatment.

Since it was my first time there, one of the receptionist lady came to me and gave me a form to fill in. Three pages long (._.) It's important to record the patients profile and medical history, something where I don't encounter back in my hometown, where you just go there, put your name and go for the treatment. Talk about professionalism.

My dentist is Dr. Lee. He is a very professional and fatherly dentist. It was my Aunt turn, before me. I went into the room with her, and she introduced me to Dr. Lee. I had a short talk before I was taken to the other room by a nurse for X-ray.

X-ray? I thought that was only for orthodontic treatment? I was explained by the nurse that this is compulsory in order to extract information about my teeth. There are two types, one small one and one bigger one. And with a concerning look, she told me the price of each x-ray. "Crap! That was so expensive!! Argh!!!" I yelled in my heart. I nodded hopelessly. But it's okay, for the sake of my teeth. After the X-ray and scaling & polishing, I will be free. Or so I thought.

"Your teeth is so crooked, you need to use braces," the nurse told me truthfully.

"I've been planning to do it, but I'm not sure where to go," I honestly answered. I've read too many unfortunate cases about these in my country and not to mention the $$$.

The nurse thought something was wrong with the X-ray, when it shown my teeth. Turns out, it was my teeth that is too overcrowded, therefore it looked weird. Wow... the power xray. I give a serious thought about orthodontic treatment after seeing the X-ray.

The x-ray taking process was fun lol. Yiruma's music was played to soothe (my) mind. So, not long after, it was my turn. I was brought to another treatment room. Just how many rooms here I wonder.

Dr. Lee explained everything about my current teeth, jaw etc health and my past treatment. I was surprised to learn about the condition about my teeth. Ouch...

You Are The Brain

You're the type of person who's always on, always churning. You are alert and quick to react. You like to stay busy. You are responsible but also demanding. You take up a lot of energy. You are someone of deep mystery. There's a lot below the surface that's hard to figure out.

What Internal Organ Are You?

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

It Will End Soon

It's 02:04 AM, and here I am, typing the new entry after forgoing my blog for almost 6 months. 12 hours more and I'll be sitting in the class for my exam. The subject is Microeconomics with the total of 4 credits. So, what am I doing at here instead of swotting up? -,-)a

Well, since I can't sleep and this blog crossed my mind suddenly, I decided to... to... whatever. (._.)

Life hasn't been interesting yet interesting—what am I talking about.

Half of this year has gone, and many things have happened, with ups and downs. Mostly downs, I guess. I am not improving as a human (._.). Instead, this is the worse of the worse. What have I been doing? I don't know either. Forget it.

The second terms will end soon. I still have to sit the exams for 4 subjects from 2nd-5th July. Honestly, this term feel so short. Like it was just happening yesterday, the first day where I opened the door and everyone turned their head to me. And poof, it's time for last term exam. Hahaha...

It begins smoothly—kinda—until midterm. I got two C's, and I immediately lost all my spirit to study for the particular subjects. They are Business Statistics and Microeconomics. Ha! When the results had published, I was sent in shock. C? C??!! C??!!!!!! Business Statistics is kinda easy for me, and I am one of those few that always finished it the first when doing exercise. It was expected for a group of us to get an A, but C emerged instead. How could this be?? Probably I was—we were—careless. And as for Microeconomics... well... most people got D or E, and I am considered lucky to get C though. -,-) Since then, I don't feel like attending both classes. But... NO! I don't plan on giving up yet. Be C or D—no C or D please—later, I will fight till the end.

As for the Microeconomics exams later, I will do my best. If I just give up, I'll get E and regret it. No no no~ That's my style. Just do it, and it will eventually pass. Just another four days, and everything will pass soon. 加油!

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it! You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing. Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities. And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Sakura Mitsutsuki - SPYAIR from Carlos Chacon on Vimeo.

Happy Belated New Year

I've finished all of my assignments. When I thought I've done everything, there was still more than I thought. Thus, I decided to complete all of it in order to relax all day tomorrow. Well, not really relax though, I still have works to do, and giving my final project a last touch before printing it.

The feeling when you've finished working is so calming and inspiring, no? This happened to me. It eventually pump me more adrenalin to work more. The more I worked, the more I accomplished. A good sign though. 

I've actually neglected my blog. Again. This is no good. Let's get it started again *I've said these many times and in the end the mistake cycles repeated*

Look at the time now. Tsk tsk tsk... It's morning already. It's time to get my zzzzzzz. Ready to welcome another chapter soon as I wake up. :)

Oh, last but not least is: Happy belated new year! :p May you have another great time this year! I am sure you will!! :D Let's work harder!! ^^

You Appreciate Thoughtfulness

You are both talented and giving. You are always going out of your way to make things pleasant for others. You are responsible and restrained. You've gotten far in your life from being disciplined. Right now, you value your friends most. Friendships are where you draw your strength and support from. You are ambitious and a real go-getter. You are always thinking of new ways to improve yourself.

What Does Your New Year's Eve Say About You?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Miracle, Luckiness, or?

Few days ago, a miracle befell on me. At the last post where I said I worried about getting D or E for the most important subject for my major, well, real unexpectedly, turned out to be the best. Today, the lecturer commented that only a few people managed to get an A and I was the highest (he mentioned the score, not my name). Thanks God! It immediately lifted my mood. Hahaha...

I am contented, but it is not enough. I mean, it's not that I'm ungrateful, just feel a bit not too satisfied, as I didn't study even a bit. I got this A effortlessly. I knew that I could have done better. Well, at least, considered my 'hard work' of dragging myself to the campus when I was so sick to take the test paid off then. :p
I am really grateful. Well, this is not the first time. But, this is the first time that I feel so thankful. I know that I cannot keep counting on 'luckiness' to survive (or improve). Must work harder! Hard working people attract luckiness the most. And keep on praying. :)

Talking about luckiness, many people think that I am lucky for having the brain and multi-talented, so I don't need to work as hard. This is absolutely wrong. Talents and brain need to be polished, or it'll stay average as hard work beats talent. Trust me! Yes, I have the brain and I am multi-talented, but I am lazy (is improving though, very slowly). I actually can do faaaaaarrrrrrr more better than this. This is nothing. Compared to those who works hard polishing their potentials, mine is real nothing like dust. My laziness is the problem that kept me for being average. Some people will kill me for making myself sounds so average. Well, I really am just average, folks. No kidding!

Many people would kill to be in my place, yet here I am, keeping my diamond talents left in the dust. This is why I think I am such a failure and average, or under-average, and perhaps, some people dislike me for wasting my talents. Some even commented that they don't like people who get high grades effortlessly without trying. Instead of envying or disliking people like me, why don't you just focus on making the most of what you have? :)

You Are a Four Leaf Clover

You are a peaceful and calm person. You're a bit of a flower child, and you love to be outdoors. You have a quiet energy that builds over time. You lay the groundwork for months or years before you act. You know that results rarely come overnight. You charge ahead slowly and stay motivated. You like to have a plan in place before you start anything new. You are very organized.

What's Your Lucky Charm?

Blogthings: We Have a Quiz for Almost Everything

12-12-12 Heart-To-Heart

So... When was the last time I posted on my blog? -,- Been so busy that I actually have no time to blog. Ckckckck... No good. Must learn a better time-management in order to squeeze in some blogging time. Easier typed than done, seriously. Hahahaha... I haven't been feeling too well lately. Too tired perhaps. Assignments waiting!! ><

Allow me to vent off my emotions :/

I recently just recovered from fever, which occurred on the mid-term test. It was on one of the most important subject for my degree. Aish... I surely will fail miserably. Not to mention that most of the results for all subjects were not good enough (or rather, WORSE). Got two Cs. The worst grades in my history. I should have been more careful back then. I should have taken a good care of myself then. I should have study like there's no tomorrow then. Yes, regrets always come at the end. Seeing the results makes me feel so blue. Argh! I feen like giving up, feel like throwing everything aside and jump off from the sky. No more GPA 4 for me. :'(

It's not the bad results that actually saddens me. I am not the type who cares about grades. But now, I care because of my parents. They work so hard day and night in order to send me off studying at here. It's not cheap at all. Now, look what I've done! Some trashy grades like those! How am I suppose to face my parents? :( I have NOT do my best! I feel like a failure daughter. :(

Some people told me to do my best on the final exams later. Seriously, I have no spirit to do it. I mean, I have no confidence towards myself. :( I don't think I can do it. :(

Must push myself harder... harder, harder, harder, harder and harder. ><)o

I really am sorry, Papa & Mama. I am sorry for being such a failure. I am sure that you two have been praying for my studies, and these rubbish-like-grades are what I can show you. I haven't told your the results of my exams. I am scared. :(

Final exams is around 1+ month away. This is hell. Can I cope it? Can I attain straight As?

;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(;(

Buck up! Be optimistic!! Sorrowing won't make things better!!! What's done is undone!!!!!

You gotta run and solve your problem, instead of sitting around waiting for it to haunt you!!!

Ugh ><

:,(

You Need Success to Be Happy

You are a responsible and serious person. You like to do things well. Reaching your goals is very important to you, and you don't like getting sidetracked. You feel great when you are mastering new tasks and solving problems. You believe in hard work. Nothing makes you feel worse than feeling like you are doing a bad job.

What Do You Need to Be Happy?

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds