Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 14,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 5 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

1. Free winter trip to South Korea and got new family.
2. Free ticket to watching live Music Bank at KBS Hall.
3. Free ticket concert for KPop fest, Hallyu star, and 2PM Hands Up Asia tour.
4. Budget traveling to Singapore, Phuket, and South Korea.
5. Past the last day at 2011 with my family member at Medan.

Hopefully, that I could achieve new experiences for 2012, especially find “the right man” for the rest of my life. Happy new year everyone, may Allah always blessing our life. ;D

Insadong

Finishing our breakfast at 9 AM then heading to Insadong via subway to catch the bus to Nami Island. How to going to Insadong by subway? From hyehwa station (line 4) take subway to Oido station and alight at Dongdaemun Station, then transfer to line 1 to Guro Station then alight at Jonggak Station. At Jonggak station turn to exit no 11 and find Tapgol Park, when I search some information about shuttle bus to Nami Island it was said that adult fee around KRW 7.500 (one way) and KRW 6.500 for children. Arrived at Tapgol Park, I couldn’t see any bus around there, so I’m headed to Tourism Information near the wall icon of Insadong (actually it was ceramic paint that showed 5 green mountains along with 2 moons in white and red combined with blue sky as background). The lady at information centre told me, to going to Naminara Embassy at Insadong-gil, I called Sonia to remember the way to Naminara Embassy, then we found the office at 2^nd floor in a building. The lady at Naminara Embassy told us that the shuttle bus already went to Nami Island at 09.30, we missed it, she asked us if we would to make a reservation for tomorrow morning, but I had another backup plan we would going to Nami Island by train.

the icon of Insadong

Get off from office I found a restaurant that attached Lee Seung Gi and Han Hyo Jo scene at K-Drama Brilliant Legacy, ohhh it was a scene their 1^st date hehehehe, then I took picture of it, then heading back to Jonggak station. Nami Island could be reached by train at Gyeongchun line, the only subway station that connect to Gyeongchun line was Sangbong station (line 7), there was direct transfer from line 1 to line 7 at Dobongsan station, but it would make us passed through 28 stations, of course it was wasted our time, so I decided take subway to Soyosan station (line 1) then alight at Seokgye station then transfer to line 6 , take subway to Taereung station alight there, then transfer again to line 7 to Sangbong station, it was only passed 15 stations, and it means I saved more travel time. Arrived at Sangbong station then transfer to Gyeongchun line, and carefully reading the sign board because there was also another train to Jungang Line. At Gyeongchun line take train to Gapyeong station.

Drama Location from Brilliant Legacy

Evidence

Time Travel from Sangbong station to Gapyeong station about 40-50 minutes, and usually this KORAIL full of elder, so if you didn’t get empty seat you would stand whole time, but since interval between trains was about 20 minutes so it would be better to jostle with others hehehehe. Inside KORAIL, it seems citizen would spend their weekend on vacation at Nami, a lot of teenagers and some couples brought out picnic basket, some boxes pizza, cooling box, etc. The three of us couldn’t get empty seats, so we ended up standing whole time near the door.

What to do for spending time there, no other choice, we started our observation, also became instant commentator for fashion. The result of our observation, actually 4 boys whose sat near us in matchmaking trip with 4 girls that sat right in front of them. Huwahahahaha, we just recognize it until 15 minutes for noticing their act and expression since we didn’t understand what their talking about. For vacation, the boys usually wear shirt and jeans combine with hat and scarf in the neck and for girls some of them wear skirt and mostly wear hot pants shirt and sneakers. Honestly, I’m totally envy to see them looking good in everything their wear, maybe it’s just because they had milky white skin or it was really because they had special fashion taste? However, 10 thumbs up for South Korea fashion style.

Gapyeong Station

40 minutes later, we arrived at Gapyeong station then most of passengers also alight here. I prefer took a cab to Nami Island than using shuttle bus, because too many people waiting for the bus. It cost only KRW 3.000, then again I told Sonia to sit beside driver heheehehe. When we arrived at Gapyeong wharf, I wonder why so many people gathered here, it turns out there being held Rainbow Music Camping Festival 2011. Before getting into ferry which brought us to Nami Island, we should purchase admission visa to enter Naminara Republic, special fare for foreigner was KRW 8.000 including round trip ferry.  After getting roundtrip ticket, we had to wait a while and make some lines. When the ferry arrived at lakeside, all passengers board the ferry carefully. We move to front side for getting best view. About 15 minutes across the lake, then finally we arrived at Nami Island.

Getting Entry Visa

It feels different, when I came here at winter whole area getting brown, but today everything turned into green. We took some pictures at front gate, then before start exploring Nami Island, we move to restaurant and ordered chicken barbecue for 3 persons, we paid KRW 13.000 for each person. Since today also weekend so the restaurant getting more crowded than usual, we didn’t get table indoor, so we choose table outdoor facing the fishpond.  The waiters keep coming to our table for setting side dish, burning the charcoal and set up the fire. Meanwhile, chicken with barbecue flavor coming, Dinda took the scissor to cut the chicken then Sonia helping her with clamp, while me set up chicken pieces in to grilled. There was no chimney near us to suck smog from the grill, that’s why we look so pitiful struggle to avoid smog come in to our eyes, however I ended up looking more busy then anyone else because I have to grilled the chicken, avoid smog, and kept eating because the chicken absolutely delicious. After 15 minutes we already finished half portion, but our charcoal looks very grieve, so we called the waiters to set it up again. Unfortunately he didn’t understand what we want, and he took out our charcoal because he thought we already finished eating. The funny thing was we also misunderstanding about him, we thought he took the charcoal to change it with new one and set up fire again. After 10 minutes he never returned to our table, we called the waiters again, after tried to explain everything to the waiters, and he still didn’t get it, he brought the duty manager who can speak English, then the duty manager apologized to us and ordered his employee to prepare our charcoal again.

Chicken Barbecue

After lunch we exploring all sides of Nami Island, unfortunately I couldn’t find “the wing” statue, which I could posed like I have a pair of wing. After taking picture in some spots, we going back to the wharf and waiting for ferry to send us to Gapyeong wharf and continue our trip to Petite France. In front of Nami wharf, the visitor already making line, and we follow the line, unfortunately we got line with so many ahjumma and ahjussi, and from them we smell alcohol, maybe they had party with lot of soju’s at this bright day. While we talking about bad smell from soju, suddenly an ahjussi came near Dinda, we don’t know what he talked about but suddenly Dinda back being hit by this ahjussi, maybe he still out of his mind *yups it’s soju effect, Dinda who still surprised about this accident suddenly being quite, and at this moment his face became red and then she shouted “JANCUK!!!” and it made us suddenly laughed, how come she cursing in someone with her mother language, even I never imagined she would told these word. Although I really didn’t know what the meaning of this word, but it absolutely the worst word from Javanese ethnic, moreover she cursing with cute expression that made us burst laughed, then we heading to ferry. The ferry looks like more crowded than before, we move to front side where some country flags flown.

Summer at Nami Island

When ferry started moving, the ahjussi who hit Dinda’s back before suddenly want to approach us again, so we plan to avoid this drunken man, knowing the previous situation would happen again another ahjussi and ahjumma drag him far from us, another ahjussi and ahjumma approach us and apologize about this matter. What a dangerous thing if you met a drunken man, then this ahjussi asked me where am I came from, then I answer “Indonesia” he seems knowing it by reply “Indo?”, “ya, In-do-ne-sia, Bali”. Then he bit surprised when I said about “Bali”, after all Korean people only recognizing Indonesia when we mention about “Bali”, *feeling a little upset but still smiling to them. Arrived at Gapyeong wharf, we tried to find taxi around the area, but we couldn’t find it, then briefly we asked an ahjumma whose alone sitting near the parking lot, with some body language I asked her “where to find a taxi here?”, she pointed the uphill road near bus parking lot, then voilaaa we found taxi and started back to Gapyeong station, taxi fare from Nami to Gapyeong station only KRW2.400.

Arrived at Gapyeong station, take the train to Cheongpyeong station. Outside Cheongpyeong station, you would find information centre, then we asked the lady inside the box info, how to get to Petite France. The Lady gave us some brochures in English about Petite France, although her English was very bad, but I still understand what she told me, he draw a map to get to Cheongpyeong bus terminal, it was about 5 -7 minutes walk from here. Shuttle bus to Petite France actually ordinary city bus that only 8 times leave from Cheongpyeong terminal bus, From Cheongpyeong Terminal, take a local bus bound for Goseong-ri.* Local bus Info: 06:30, 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:20, 15:20, 17:30, 19:30  be careful watching the time schedule for this bus. Because of my lack brain, I forgot to bring out the draw map from the lady, I just remembered that she said I had to turn left at the 2^nd intersection, but we already turn left at the first intersection, so it made us lost the way, the road very empty, not much citizen in this area, I wonder what they doing right now, until we bump group of mid school students. One of them tried to help us, but the rest seems unhappy to help us, and forced this child to say “no” for everything we asked. “Damn it!!!” struggling to find another citizen we bump into a couple of students, this girl looks want to help us while her boyfriend a bit unwilling to do it, maybe because of lacking his English. We helped her to explain this is right and left by body language. Maybe because we already take the wrong way, that’s why she also a little frustrating explain the direction. Then an old man approach us, and willing to take us to terminal bus, *fiuhhhhh finally we reached the terminal bus.

Our problem has not been completed. We asked some citizen about this bus, unfortunately no one know about this bus, I decide to visit counter ticket inside bus terminal, the lady officer told me there was no need ticket for this bus, so I thought this bus was for short trip. She also helped me write down the sign for this bus in Hangeul at brochure. The city bus that take us to Petite France had no sign in English, so we should mix and matched the Korean Syllable from brochure info with sign in front of the bus, it would be better if I could read Hangeul, I started regretting my self unable to read it, I’m start feeling uneasy how to acknowledging this bus, then bravely I asked an ahjussi whose wearing uniform and handing paper schedule with my poor English. “Annyeonghaseyo ahjussi, which one the bus that going to Petite France?(showing him the brochure)” , I said. “aahhhh igeo, alj*&*%&%*@#%^&**wkjvj” , he said. Like in cartoon film, a big question mark appears in my head, when I look his face I tried to interpret his answer by expression scanning, it seems that the bus hasn’t come yet. Based on brochure we should catch this bus at 15.20, looking at the time it was already 15.10, with my uneasy face walking back to terminal and sitting on the building stairs. My watch showed 15.20, I am heading towards that ahjussi again for asking the bus again, he still answer that the bus hasn’t come yet, but from his gestured it could said that he would told me if the bus arrived. 5 minutes later, the ahjussi approach us and guide me to the bus that taken us to Petite France, before enter the bus I gave him my best grateful towards him by said “gamsahamnida” so many times, because I am really thankful for his kindness to stranger like us, I hope you always being bless well ahjussi.

This bus only filled by 6 persons which is 3 of us, 2 korean man whose wearing suit, and a mid school student. Suddenly, Sonia realized that the mid school student was the one whose forced his friend to avoid our questions about terminal bus before. Aigoooo, our crazy brain really want to beat this kid, but we realized that we couldn’t do that here, just beause we were pissing off by him, hehehehe. Scenery along ride to Petite France absolutely peace and warm. After 20 minutes riding local city bus, we arrived at Petite France, FYI bus fare only KRW 1.100 one way. What a relief, Petite France not really crowded today, we paid for admission fee KRW 8.000/ person, then I started imagined whole scene that located here.

Entry Fee

Petite France

Petite France

From Running Man scene episode 40 with guest Nickhun and Taecyeon, I move to main atrium at the front side which said Amphitheater, taking some pictures then heading to whole building one by one, still imagined playing hide and seek with Kim Jong Kook at the entire area, than finally I found some scene pictures inside the building. Whole photoshoot for Running Man, Secret Garden and Beethoven Virus attached there. I am really grateful to Allah who gave me whole this experience. Alhamdulillah ya Allah. After exploring entire sides of Petite France before20.00 KST we decided to wait for the bus at bus stop. What a relief we didn’t the only one whose waiting for the bus, 2 korean man that ride the bus before also waiting for the bus. Maybe, I’m too worried that we would missing the bus, so honestly we waited the bus about 20 minutes before the exact time. Finally the bus arrived, I am so tired now, then without hesitation I fall asleep on the way back to Cheongpyeong terminal, and realized that I am sleeping peacefully without realizing that we already arrived at Cheongpyeong terminal. Hahahahaha.

A bit dizzy and still not fully awaken, I started walking to the opposite direction, but it turned become the wrong way, at the half way Dinda realized about it and told us to going back to Terminal, but Sonia extremely convinced us that she’ll guide our way back to Cheongpyeong station, but still at the halfway she suddenly not really sure bout it, then we decided to follow Dinda and gave try to her to guide us, maybe about 3 times we walking forward and back again trying to find the right way, because we didn’t recognize the road well and it was already dark, I thought it because our condition absolutely tired. After following Dinda, voila we arrived again at station hehehehe. 10 minutes later the train arrived at the cheongpyeong station, we straightly enter the train and got empty seats. We still had to transfer again at Sangbong station to ride subway to myeongdong because I would bought some SPAO products as my promised to mb shinta.

Arrive at Myeongdong at 10 PM and some street vendors prepared to packing their stuff,we decided to walking around at myeongdong to get some snacks there and stop by at Etude House for bought some parfumes,also I try to find SPAO store by asking Etude’s shopkeeper, unfortunately she said that SPAO store already closed at this hour, after bought some parfumes at Etude, we heading towards Myeongdong subway station, on the way Dinda bought stick potato cheese flavored, it cost only KRW 1000 but the taste absolutely delicious, I also stopped at vending machine and bought Chilsung Cider which is Gumiho Favorite Soda (from K-Drama My Girlfriend is Gumiho), Dinda and Sonia curious about the taste, after testing mine both of them also bought it. Arrived at street vendor that near myeongdong station Dinda bought ddeokbokki while I’m heading to 7Eleven for getting ice cream. After filled up our stomach, we heading back to hostel.

Chilsung Cider

After left key room at receptionist, we walked slowly and tried not to make some noise because everyone still sleeping. We move to the bus stop and tried to stop any cab which pass by. Actually, the road still empty at this time, citizen started their activity at 8 or 9 AM. I keep praying and hope the bus still waiting for us. Thankfully, a cab stopped in front of us, he asked our destination, I said “Sokcho Express Bus Terminal”, but he looks couldn’t understand it until Sonia pointed the map, and tried to explained that we would going back to Seoul, then he said “ahhh, Basse, xjfhdjnjbsyug%@#$&$%#@,Seouuuuul”, then I replied him ”Ne, Basseee, Bassee to Seouuul” Ok, I a bit familiar about this situation, the driver nod, and start to increase the speed. 10 minutes later we arrived at Express Bus Terminal, it cost only KRW 3.900, the driver smiled to us, so to be thankful, I bowed to him and said “Gamsahamnida ahjussi, jinnjja Gamsahamnida”, then we leave him alone.

At ticket box, an ahjumma asking how many people would travel with her hangeul, I showed her my finger for 3 persons, then she gave me the tickets. Alhamdulillah we make it on time, the bus would going to Seoul at 7 AM. We make it guyssssss!!!!! After put luggage on the bus storage, enter the bus, then sit on this comfortable seat again, my sit number for today was 11, right beside the window again. Good bye Sokcho, thanks for this amazing trip, I would remembered all my poses at Mt.Seorak with Sonia and Dinda, and other ridicules thing that we made.

At Sokcho Terminal Bus, on the way back to Seoul

Goodbye Seorak

Oh God, I’m very excited today, I would met ”CNBLUE”, it was for the first time in my life something like this happened. Oh ya, I received another email from KBS staff, I should be there at 2 PM or they would cancel my free ticket to enter KBS Music Bank. Even, they send me a little map how to go to KBS Office by subway, it quite far from our guesthouse at Daehagno area, but it was also made my heart beating fast and couldn’t hardly wait to go there, “calm down Un, you could be there on time” (that’s what I say in my heart). I should sleep now, to make a fresh look, it would be bad if I appeared with dark cycle on my eyes.

I wake up couple hours later, when I found that we stuck on traffic jam. I tried to find my current position, after looking outside, ok we already reached Seoul, but still on highway above Han river. Sonia and Dinda as usual still sleeping in peace, then I started sleeping again until we reached Gangnam Express Bus Terminal. There was 3 line pass through Gangnam Express bus Terminal, line number 3,7, and 9, according subway map, the fastest way to Hyehwa station was getting subway line no. 3 to Daehwa station, then transfer at Chungmuro station line 4, then getting subway to Danggogae station, Hyehwa station only 3 stations ahead.

at Express Bus Terminal Subway Station

At Gangnam Station, We searched for ticketing machine and purchase T-money card. T-money was like pre-paid card, you could easily recharge amount of your card at vending machine or at convenience store, T-money was like electronic money for simple payment while using bus, subway, local train, even for payment at convenience store. T-money cost only KRW3000, I recharge for KRW 10.000 on it, so I could traveling using subway more easily and simply, because I had to use subway so many times for next 3 days.

Dinda and T-Money

Time travel between Gangnam and Hyehwa station about 40 minutes included time transfer at Chungmuro and struggle pushing our backpack up and down the stairs. Unlike Singapore, Seoul had so many stairs. When you planned travel with low budget and purposely using subway, please prepared your foot to up and down long stairs around Seoul subway station. Another traveling tips that most important was please kept your maps (map to guesthouse, subway, or other destinations) on your gadget (Ipod, Ipad, tablet or handphone) , it was more effective than kept open and fold your paper map on the way.

Alight at Hyehwa station, turn right going to exit number 4. When reach the road and found Family mart that opposite with Baskin Robbins turn left until found Watsons Beauty, cross the road and turn right, Backpacker Mr.Sea about 50 meters ahead, I’m quite familiar about this place. Arrived at backpacker Mr.Sea guesthouse, there was no one at receptionist, but a female guest told us to make a call to phone number that attached in the note because he left for a while. Without any hesitation, I take the phone that hang on the handle, mean while I heard someone voice, “yeobseo??”, then I answered “hai, Mr.Sea it’s me Nurul, I emailed you before that I changed my visiting date, I already at your place now, but it seems no one at the receptionist, I would like to check in right now, would you come back for moment, please?”, then he answered “Sorry, I’m at US right now, just wait for a while, I would call my staff to meet you right now, maybe he still slept at this time, just wait there ok?”. “Ok, I’ll wait here, thank you”, I said. Mean while a Korean young man approached us with his swollen face from outside. “Sorry, are you Nurul?” he said. “Yup, I already booked a private room for 2 days via hostel bookers”, I said again. “Ok, wait for moment, I need time to prepared your room, and if you’d like to use toilet, you could use the one at downstairs” he said again.

While waiting for our room, me and Sonia busied with our phone which started out of battery and trying to find electric resources, then an American young man appeared, he made us startled for his appearance, because without hesitation this man sit on the chair in front of us then turn on computer at common room, while we sit on the floor and still busy with our gadget, until Mr. Sea’s friend (I can’t remember his name let’s call him Mr.X) call me and gave me the key and receipt notes.

Our room at the second floor, so we need to move our luggage to outside cause there was other accessed door. Mr. X told us how to open the room, locked it, and show us the laundry machine, he told us we could use all equipments for free, if we found some problem then he would came and helped us. This pink room consists of 2 beds, double bed and single completed with pillow and blanket, a toilet, kitchen set, laundry machine, and AC. So far my friends never complained about my choice, but still the best room was at The House Hostel Sokcho.

Private Room at Mr.Sea Backpacker

Private Room at Mr.Sea Backpacker

Because I had invitation from KBS, so I must separated with Dinda and Sonia after lunch, I gave them detail itinerary for today and map so they could explore it by themselves since all spot around Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Gwanghwamun, and Cheonggyecheon stream. For lunch, as planned before, we would eat Chicken Dakgalbi at Yoogane Restaurant in Myeongdong area. Heading to Myeongdong at 11.30 AM, and I just found out there was Hello Kitty café on the way to Hyehwa Station, I told them that we must visited this place, on our way back later.

at Hyehwa station

Since Myeongdong and Hyehwa station at the same line, so it made our time travel more effective, Myeongdong station was 4 stations ahead. Alight at Myeongdong take exit number 5 then here we were, Myeongdong was must visited place for shopping, there was also so many cafés and restaurants. However Myeongdong always crowded with foreigner all the time, after straight towards shopping area, at the center you’d found volunteer information center with red shirt. I asked them Yoogane restaurant, the volunteer man said “turn right, after found another intersection, then turn right again, Yoogane only 100 meters after intersect”. After thanks to both of them, we moved to Yoogane, and voilaaa, we arrived there. Enter the restaurant, the waiters said “Eoseo-oseyo, Myeot bun-isimnika?”, before his talked back I make 3 marks with my finger to said for 3 persons, then he replied “Jamkanmanyo”. We waited for moment, while the waiter prepared our table set, then he invited us to table at the right side near the mirror wall.

I love this place, cozy and clean, also the price was reasonable for spicy chicken roasted with rice only KRW 9500. Dinda started took some pictures with her DSLR camera, so do I but with my black pocket camera. Before the waiters prepared big hot plate on the table, he gave us aprons to cover our clothes, then he turn on the fire, started poured seasoning some vegetables and ddokkboki, then last but not least chicken roasted. When the plate cover was opened by the waiter it means, the chicken already cooked well, and we could started eating. “Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, allhumma bariklana fiimaa razaqtana wa qina ‘adzabannar”, then we started eating happily. So Delicious. I’m truly sorry if I made you all drooling right now.

Chicken Galbi

Let's eat them all

After lunch we decided that we would met again in the night at Gwanghwamun Plaza, Just in case they didn’t received any message from me, then we would met at guesthouse, Dinda and Sonia started shopping then I had to go to KBS Office alone. But, when I out from the restaurant, I made mistake, after turn left I should turn left again, but I straight forward instead. So I couldn’t found Myeongdong station. After realize that I took the wrong way, I went to opposite direction, and finally found Nature republic as myself sign to mark that it was closest to Myeongdong Station. Enter Myeongdong Station and swiped my T-money over designated card reader on the right side of turnstile and go through. It was already 13.30 PM, I hope that I’m not the one whose late and missing some performances.

According to the map which sent to me by KBS Staff, the nearest subway station to KBS IBC (Shin-gwan) was National Assembly at line 9, based on subway map, I should transfer on Dongjak station, the only transfer station between line 4 and 9

Map to KBS building

While transfer at Dongjak station, suddenly I felt loneliness, it much better if I could treasure this event with some friends. Then, I could see most people in this subway wear formal outfit, and me as usual dress casually. I really hope someone would head to the same destination as me, so I kept looking around subway, and tried to find some K-pop fans, but failed. From my seat I could see Hangang river, and it reminds me another memory in winter at Hangang bridge. Alight at National Assembly station, while looking around this station was so quite, and almost empty, I thought I’m the only K-pop fans whose ride subway to go there. Ride the elevator to exit number 4, then here I am at Yeoido area, right at the end of elevator there was sign said “Kpop King Wang Jjang Contest”, I follow the sign and confirm the sign to the map, looking around again, why there was no people around me? So I kept walking toward the road then across the street then turn right, but I couldn’t see the parking lot that was told on the map, getting a bit frustrated then suddenly a young pretty girl passed by beside me, I decided to ask her help, “excuse me, do you know where is KBS IBC building?” I said. “KBS Building? I’m also on my way to there” she said. “hoo, really? Then are you going to see Music Bank?”, I asked. “Yes, exactly, don’t tell me that you were one of the 100 winners that being invited?”, she said. “Yes, I am, did you get the invitation too?” I asked again. “yaaaa”, she said. Then both of us laughing and screaming, then I introduced myself to her, her name was Nana from Japan but she was really resembles Shida Mirai, a Japanese cute actress the main cast at 14 Sai no Haha, Seigi No Mikata and Shokojo Seira. Nana guided me to KBS Building, we walked in hurry since it’s already 2PM, arrived at KBS IBC building, the security bowed to us then he check my belonging, I asked him location for King Wang Jjang, he smiled to us and told us to straight forward, then we arrived at the event place, a woman helped us to registration desk, then I showed to them my passport, their gave me a name tag, coffee voucher, merchandise, and snacks + mineral water ,after gave them my signature as my attendance, then me and Nana separated because Nana had to prepare herself for King Wang Jjang contest since she was one of the contestant. Then I sat on left side obviously to get the best sight spot I had to sit at 1^st row, but since it prepared for VIP guest, so I sat at 3^rd row.

King Wang Jjang started from 14.20-16.50 at KBS Open Hall, and Music bank started at 17.00-19.40.

After attending KBS Music Bank concert, we agreed walked together to subway station. It was already 8PM when we arrived at National Assembly subway station. The station no longer empty, it was so crowded unlike before. My Blackberry phone already out of battery, I couldn’t receive any message from Sonia or Dinda. 4 girls with scarf chatting on subway, so many people staring at us, while we only make conversation using English. Me & Mb’Dewi must alight at Dongjak station while Hikmate and Zai would continue using the same train to their home. Arrived at Myeongdong station,we met Mb’Dewi friends, I forgot her name then let’s called her Mb’ indah, then Mb’Dewi guide me to K-pop store which sold all K-pop stuff such as DVD, posters, photo book, and other official stuff from any K-Pop idol. I would like to buy FIRST STEP CD of CNBLUE, HANDS UP by 2PM and THE SECOND MINI ALBUM of KWILL. The price at this shop extremely cheaper than others, me also got 3 posters for free. I just remember that Ina and Fenny also wanted “IN THEIR ROOM” by JYJ and “FIRT STEP” by CNBLUE, so I ended up bought so many thing and had to brought all of it along back to guest house.

Honestly, I had expectation that Sonia and Dinda already back to guesthouse but since I made promise to them to met at Gwanghwamun Square to see fountain there, so I told Mb’Dewi to wait me at Cheonggyecheon stream for 20 minutes, cause I also want to join them, and soak my foot at that stream, I dream about it like a crazy, I had to make my wish come true. Mb Dewi and Mb’indah turn down the stairs and rest at Cheonggyecheon stream, and I heading to Gwanghwamun Square to met my friends alone. Walking alone like this, I felt happy and free, since no one knows me here. Arrived at Gwanghwamun Square right in front of Admiral Yi Sun Shin statue, then I started looking around the square for finding my friends, pass through statue of King Sejong the Great and taking some pictures then heading to the end of square until in front the gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Still can’t find them then I heading back to Cheonggyecheon stream, on the way back I only see “romantic scene” at this area, you know what I mean right? Even, when I tried to make Selca with background King Sejong statue, there was a couple got captured by my camera. -__-“.

I decided to walk faster to avoid unexpected scene again, then I arrived at Cheonggyecheon safely. I found mb’Dewi and her friend soak their foot under the bridge. I joined them and soak my foot too. Feeling more relax, all my stiff already disappear after touched by cold water.

While chatting, I could seen a young man take some pictures of us from distance. I told mb’Dewi about this matter. Maybe, he found out that I told them about what he done, suddenly he stopped taking picture and approach us. I don’t mind if he would take lot of pictures but why he had to approach us?? Right in front of me a young Korean man with his DSLR camera smiled at me and gave me his name card “Excuse me, my name Park Sang Hoon, I’m a freelance of NEWSIS local media, would you mind if I take some pictures of you guys for my material topic”, that he said. Then I said “I don’t mind if you take any pictures of me, how about you guys?”. “Me either, I&^@^^$#@#”, Mb Dewi started make conversation in Korean language with him. Me and Mb’indah continued enjoying cold water. Then Mb Dewi told us to help him make a good picture, like candid camera, we tried to act as usual and pretend that we didn’t know where the camera was. You know that I’m very narcissistic person in front of the camera. So after taking some pictures with his camera, I also wanted to make a good picture of me at Cheonggyecheon stream, since this place also my favorite landmark, after got some selca, I took a picture to remind me about Park Sang Hoon, a nice cameraman. He promised that he would upload and gave us the result, I look forward to it.

Cheonggyecheon Stream taken by Park SangHoon

It was already 11PM, I had to catch subway to Hyehwa station. Mb’Dewi and Mb’ indah heading back to their home and I going back alone to guesthouse. I’m a bit hungry now, I haven’t got my dinner, so I bought ice cream and some bread at GS25 on the way back before arrived at guesthouse. As imagined Sonia and Dinda already at guesthouse, I found them with lot of stuffs, I thought they had so much fun shopping at Namdaemun and Myeongdong, it was relieved to know that they could found way back to guesthouse heheheheehehe. I charge my phone and turn it on, then I received so many mentions on twitter about my appearance at KBS Music Bank today, Mb’shinta cropped my picture and spread it through twitter. Hohohohohoho. I’m sorry I couldn’t replied it right away, so before showered I replied all of mentions, and can’t stop smiling when staring at FIRST STEP album on my hand

Me & Park Sang Hoon

I’ve planned to make another trip to South Korea in summer, however it have been planned 1 year ago with my workmate Sonia, then 2 weeks before our departure date I got twitter mention from my workmate whose really infatuated with Super Junior Kim Heechul also K-Pop addicted, her name is Shinta Anindhita aka @shintasuju. Shinta told me there was an event to celebrate KBS World the 8th Founding anniversary and will give out the tickets to Live ‘MUSIC BANK’ for International K-Popers  who planned on visiting South Korea at 1^st July, and they will randomly draw 2 group of participants and give a chance to take a photo with one of the artists performing on that day!. It can be my once in a lifetime chance!.  it was a coincidence I’m still at Seoul until 3^rd July. Shinta sent me a link to KBS Music World TV Facebook account, and there was some terms and condition that I had to fulfill. Here is the even eligibility:

1) International K-pop fans who live outside of Korea and have been already planning on visiting Korea around July 1st/ either alone or as a group

———Requirements———————————————————————————
- Has to be over 18 (born before July 1st, 1993) : send us the copy of your ID card (driver’s license will work too ) – u can cover all the other information except the birthdates, nationality and your name
 - people over 15 (15-18) will be eligible to apply only when one of parents are attended
 - This event is strictly for people who already have planned to come to Korea around July 1^st

2) Foreigners who love K-pop residing in Korea/ either alone or as a group

——–Requirements————————————————————————————
- should be a student or working in Korea (Please disclose where you are belong to: ex. which school you go to, Which company you work for)
- has to be over 15 (Born before July 1st, 1997)

>>  How to win free tickets? – It’s simple and easy as ABC! ;D   <<

“Send us a picture of yourself with a congratulatory message to KBS World on 8th founding anniversary or to Music Bank on their expansion into 72 countries!”

Comment, feedback, suggestions, warm cheering messages, etc! All of them are welcome~!

In a picture, make sure you show us how much you are into Korean culture esp Kpop and artists
It would be good if you can take picture with your collection of Kpop CDs, posters or placards that u’ve made

Send us an email to kbsworldevent@gmail.com including your pictures, a copy of your ID card (showing your birthdates), letter and basic info of yourself (Name, Country, Job, etc)

We will draw 100 lucky winners!

1) For those who lives overseas, we will draw winners everyday around 6pm and contact them individually via Email
2) For applicants who reside in Korea, Winners will be announced after 23rd.

[Prize]

TICKET TO THE MUSIC BANK FIRST HALF YEAR END + KBS World 8th founding Anniversary SPECIAL EPISODE!!!

You will never get a chance like this!!!

Don’t miss this opportunity to see your favorite Kpop stars’ sizzling performances rite before your own eyes!!!

Again, 2 group of or individual participants will get photo time with K-pop Artists!

[Closing date]

June 23th, Friday (12:00, KST)

More event will be coming up! So, always stay tuned to KBS World ;D

However, so many times I read about the event eligibility, there was nothing wrong, and I could fulfill it except one thing, I don’t have any collection of Kpop CDs, posters or even making a placard, it was impossible for me to make it. I try to call my ex housemate Fenny (another K-pop & K-Drama addict also a fan of Super Junior Kyuhyun), I know she had a bunch of it. Unfortunately, she had going back to her hometown in Cirebon, and she couldn’t send me her K-pop collections.

Maybe, I should give up now, I don’t have anything to participate, even I couldn’t show them how much I addicted about South Korea, then my mind full of my summer trip itinerary and about how to get  free ticket KBS Music Bank.

1 week before departure date, I opened KBS World TV facebook notes, then there was another announcement post at 14^th june 2011.

“LIVE ‘Music Bank’ invites international K-pop fans to the center of the K-wave fever, “Music Bank”!

…………………………………….

Prior to the entrance to the Live ‘Mubank’, KBS World will host a ‘K-POP Dance&Singing Contest’ as one of the ceremony during the KBS World’s 8th founding anniversary Exhibition.

………….

Also, Those who apply to participate in the contest will have priority to the free ‘Mubank’ ticket over who don’t.

Let us know if you wanna participate!”

………………………

Send us a picture of yourself with a congratulatory message to KBS World on 8th founding anniversary or to Music Bank on their expansion into 72 countries!”

Comment, feedback, suggestions, warm cheering messages, etc! All of them are welcome~!

In a picture, make sure you show us how much you are into Korean culture esp Kpop and artists

It would be good if you can take picture with your collection of Kpop CDs, posters or placards that u’ve made

Send us an email to [kbsworldevent@gmail.com] including your pictures, a copy of your ID card (showing your birthdates), letter, basic info of yourself (Name, Country, Job, etc) and Willingness on participation in ‘K-POP Dance&Singing Contest’ (Form: will participate/Song title/# of people participating)

We will draw 100 lucky winners!

1) For those who live overseas, we will draw winners everyday around 6pm and contact them individually via Email

(Don’t be disappointed if u don’t get any email at the end of the day from us. Since We will keep adding more winners as the closing date approaches)

………………………

You will never get a chance like this!!!

Don’t miss this opportunity to see your favorite Kpop stars’ sizzling performances rite before your own eyes!!!

[Closing date]

June 23th, Friday (12:00, KST)

After reading whole notes, it seems I don’t have any fate to meet one of K-Pop stars in Korea, even in my second visiting to there. I can’t dance and I can’t sing, I know how bad my voice , That’s why I‘ve been chosen as Discipline Committee female coordinator, even become the most sharp and mean between my team because I had loud of voice(I never been a singer in my entire life). So I don’t have opportunity to get free ticket. How pity I am?

But, I ever heard a word from someone, “You never know what would happen next, until you try it by yourself”. I started to memorize lyric of “Love Light” by CNBlue, but it seems ridiculous when I heard my own voice with recorder (it was a bad voice that I ever heard heheheheehe), then I decided to give up bout participate in singing contest. But I’m not giving up getting the free ticket, with some courage I send an email to kbsworldevent@gmail.com along with my old photo using Hanbok, visa scanned, and my detail passport.

Here was my email for KBS World:

Hi KBS World,

Congratulation for 8th founding anniversary, and expanding into 72 countries, I’m really happy i could watching your program from my lovely country.

My name is Nurul Huda but my nickname is Uun, if it’s difficult to say my name just trying to spell “U” “U” “N” .
I’m female solo traveler from Indonesia, working as Telecommunication Engineer at Government Company.
I’ve been loving about Korea since junior high school, and my dream come true to visit South Korea at February this year and for completing my dream I come again last June until July to South Korea for exploring another famous place like Busan, Sokcho and Jeonju.
It will be pleasure if i could win Free Ticket for Music Bank, since I’m a fan of CNBLUE, SUPER JUNIOR, and F(x) hohohoho.
I couldn’t participate in dancing or singing contest, because my voice really bad and I can’t sing properly also I can’t dancing too, but I try really hard to get this free ticket.
If you ask me about my favorite program, I’m a fan of 2D1N Variety Show also the members (Kang Hodong and Lee Seung Gi).
Please pick me to be a winner for completing all my dream and could take pictures with CNBLUE.

Gamsahamnida

Best Regards,
-UuN-

I sent this email at 23th June, it means the last chance to get free ticket. I look at my phone every time and hope there was an email from KBS, until my departure date to Kuala Lumpur, I haven’t got any email yet, till that time I just thought that I couldn’t got free ticket.

However, at our last day in Busan I got email from KBSworldTV and the attachment , they said:

Congratz you’ve just won the ticket to the Live ‘Music Bank’
Please fill in this form and send back to me asap
Make sure you come to the building by 2PM
If you miss any of our pre-events, we will cancel your winning
Please be understanding

Emergency Contact Number  :  010 5017 XXXX

I still can’t believe bout this, I sent a poor picture to them which only edited by tools “paint”, how could it be? Ok, this is fate!!! If Allah said “Yes” then it happened. The attachment made from new version of Micr. Office document and it can’t be edited via Blackberry phone, I just can open and read the document. At the bus heading to Gangnam, I copied and pasted whole attachment and filled it up at body message.

Here was my replied email:

I couldn’t fill in the attachment, because the doc is new version, so I sent the detail directly by email.

■ For those who are not participating in the contest
- name : Nurul Huda
- nationality : Indonesian
- Age : 24 years old
- Gender : Female
- Contact info : +62-811-840-XXXX
- Arrival date (Only for overseas fans) : 28th June 2011
- Your favorite kpop Artist and why? :
CNBLUE, their songs are very unique, and has the character that remarkable.
Jonghwa’s voice is very strength and manly, also the songs that he wrote was very meaningful.
Jonghyun’s voice is very soft, especially when he sang “arigato”. I love it, very much.
Minhyuk’s hand has talented that very powerful and enjoyable when hit the drum.
And for Jungshin Chingu, I like his finger when played the bass beautifully.

For F(x), their songs is always easy listening and entertaining, almost all MV very colorful
- Have a smartphone? / Have a Twitter account? : Yes, Blackberry, @uun_n
(There will be an event using smartphone&twitter)
** You must bring your ID card to participate in the event and to get your ticket
**You have to come to the KBS iBC (pronounced as ‘Shin-gwan’ in Korean) by 13:30PM on July 1st!

I had to sacrificed my billing phone to activated Blackberry Internet Service (BIS) at Korea, lucky me there was a promo fare for BIS in Korea from my provider Telkomsel only IDR 50.000/day.

The next day, I got replied from KBSworld again:

Thanks here’re few things you should know about the schedule on July 1st
Please read and follow as it’s written there
Thanks ahead for your cooperation

[ Notice ]  K-POP King, Wang, JJang Contest

■ For K-Pop Contest Participants

1. On July 1^st, please arrive at the KBS IBC (Shin-gwan) by 13:00.

(Please check the attached map file for detail information)

2. You would get extra points for preparing costumes, props, and make-ups.

3. You “must” bring your ID card (w/ name, birthdate & picture) for Music Bank ticket.

4. You are welcome to bring placards for your favorite K-Pop stars.

5. There will be an event using Smartphone. So if you have a Smartphone, please bring it with you.

6. Before the contest begins, there will be the preliminary to select the entrants moved up to the finals.

————————————————————————————————————-

■ For the Rest of the Event Participants

1. On July 1^st, please arrive at the KBS IBC (Shin-gwan) by 13:30.

(Please check the attached map file for detail information)

2. You “must” bring your ID card (w/ name, birthdate & picture) for Music Bank ticket.

3. You are welcome to bring placards for your favorite K-Pop stars.

4. There will be an event using Smartphone. So if you have a Smartphone, please bring it with you.

—————————————————————————————————————

[Emergency Contact Number ]

English: 010-6553-5449 / 010-3695-XXXX

Japanese: 010-5151-XXXX

Chinese: 010-9163-XXXX

After got replied by KBSworld, I can’t stop smiling all the time until the Big Day to Music Bank.

At 1^st July 2011, when I arrived at KBS IBC Building and headed to receptionist, I showed my passport to committee, then they gave me a name tag with my National Flag attached , snack and mineral water, Coupon for free coffee at Americano café , some souvenir and rundown event for today.

Name tag

The MC

When I sat on the chair, I realized there was a woman using scarf just like me, she sat next beside me her name was Dewi Sri Rahayu, without realizing that her name was so Indonesian, I introduced myself in English, then we talked to each other with English, then a while she found it first “Hey, we came from the same country why we had to use English here?”, Dewi said. “Then why you have to starting again with English? Huahahahahahaha Ya Ampunnn iya ya mbak, sama2 dari Indonesia kenapa kudu ngomong bahasa Inggris? Aq lupa restart lidah mbak, seharusnya pas tau mbak dari Indonesia langsung ubah opsi jadi bahasa Indonesia”,I said. In K-Pop King Wang Jjang contest, 100 winners from around the world gathered here, I made friends with K-pop fans from Canada, Malaysian, and Morocco. K-Pop fans from Canada (4 persons) sat behind me, while Zai (Malaysian) and Hikmate (Morocco) sat next beside Mb’Dewi. For Your Information, Zai and Hikmate also a muslimah and they also wear scarf . Among 100 Winner K-pop fans whose attended this event there was only 5 person whose using scarf including me, Hikmate, Mb’Dewi, Zai, and an Indonesian female who sat far from us (I don’t know her name, because she kept clinging with her friends).

Me, Hikmate, and Zai

Mb’ Dewi, Zai, and Hikmate lived in Seoul for study, Hikmate also worked as English teacher at High School in Seoul, Mb’Dewi besides being a Korean Language student, she was also become PR of new Girl Band Blady. All of them could speak Korean fluently, even they chat to each other using Korean language not English, so the one who kept silent whole the time was ME!!!!. I hate it so much, I don’t understand what they talked about, that’s why deep in my heart I made a promise to my self I had to start learn KOREAN LANGUAGE.

King Wang Jjang Contestant one by one going to stage, I don’t know how they get all confidence at that stage, if it’s me maybe I would fainted there. Hehehehehehe. Most of them perform dancing cover with SNSD songs, a guy from Singapore singing Beogosipda OST Stairways to Heaven his voice was incredible good, a girl from Singapore performed dance cover Black & White by G-Na, and a girl from Philippine with her cowboy hat performing Lonely by 2NE1 with her guitar, some of them performed solo dance from other K-Pop stars.

A reporter came to me, and asking my name, he was from others media who would publish the news for this evening, he asked me to talked about this event, so he gave me the microphone, hmmmm I never being interviewed before, for a while I lost my confidence, but the reporter already started gave me sign and told me to facing the camera, then here I said “Hello, my name is Nurul Huda, I came from Indonesia, actually my purposing to South Korea for traveling but I got invited by KBSworld TV to see Music Bank for free. I am really happy being invited by them, since I’m a fan of CNBLUE, Super Junior and F(x).Thank you so much KBS world, thank you so much Music Bank, I hope you could invite me again next year. About this event, it was really surprised to know that so many people around the world whose love Korean Music and song, I just thought Korean wave only at Asia, but it seems already through Europe. KBS congratulation on your 8^th founding anniversary, Chukaeeee(swaying my hands)”, then I ended up my interviewed, the reporter smiled at me and told me to write down my name and my nationality in his notes. Then he bowed to me also the cameraman bowed to me and said “Gamsahamnida , thank you so much”.

After being interviewed by local media

After all contestants performance, suddenly INFINITE pass through King Wang Jjang area then going to the stage and giving congratulation words for KBS World and make a dance from their song BTD or Before The Dawn. Seoul citizens make some noise when their performed because it was unexpected scene, so it was a bit crowded near the stage. Hahahahaha.  Then after MC announced the winner goes to a Girl from Singapore whose perform cover dance Black & White by G-Na, The President of KBS scrolling Ipad and announced the winner of Twitter Event goes to someone who also attending the event here. Then time for Lucky Draw, I wouldn’t talking bout this much, because I didn’t get any prize from it, how lucky them whose got Photo Time with k-Pop stars which performed today.

INFINITE at King Wang Jjang Stage

INFINITE at King Wang Jjang Stage

stilll INFINITE

still them huahahahahaha

At 4.50 PM, the committee started to gather the International K-Pop fans and told us to make 2 lines, me, Hikmate, and Zai at the first line. Hikmate looked so nervous to meet her idol TVXQ Yunho, and don’t ask how fast my heart beating, this is so unbelievable event. An Indonesian girl came to South Korea purposing to travel but got a chance being invited by KBSWorld TV to enter KBS Music Bank 1^st July for FREEE. I’m so lucky girl!!!!

Before entered KBS Hall, committee gave us ticket, actually this ticket showed my seat numbered and section, but since I couldn’t read it so, I just kept it. Before entering the hall, right outside the door there was 6 bodyguards, like in a movie complete with their suit, a black tie and a white earphone, and their face looked unfriendly at all. The bodyguard scanned our body used scanner device, check out our bags then let us to enter the hall. Since I didn’t know where should I go, I just kept following Hikmate, because she said that her seat number was next to mine. Entering the hall makes my heart beat fast more, we move to the center section and sat at 4 lines from front stage, however this place was very good for seeing around the stage.

MuBank Ticket

Me and King Wang Jjang MC

KBS Hall was round shaped catwalk with 2 stages at the front (near the audience) and the back near the big screen. It would be better if whole K-Pop Star keep walking from the back stage to the front stage as I wish. Before Music Bank started on air, one by one artist made rehearsal. I could see IU rehearsal singing Good Day with her dancer, when APINK & Boyfriend doing rehearsal, some Music Bank staff put 3 standing microphones and drum set at front stage, I wonder there would be a band rehearsal, but wait who else going to performed today on KBS Music Bank except CNBLUE?? Ohhh God, it was special day for me. Right after APINK & Boyfriend ended their rehearsal, Jungshin going to front stage right IN FRONT OF ME, Oh My God I couldn’t believe this, then Jonghyun with his killer smile bowed to us who screaming behind them, and Jonghwa also doing the same thing. How do I write about this, it can’t be written too simple. CNBLUE performed Intuition, and I can’t stop screaming, yelling out Jonghyun’s name, then even at the rehearsal like this CNBLUE performed very seriously, sometimes Jonghyun showed up his guitar skill to audience behind him, then I found Jonghyun smiled at me, Jonghwa & Jungshin chingu also did it,and they see me too, it made my heart stop beating, unfortunately Kang Minhyuk trapped in his drum set, so I couldn’t gave him my cute smile . After rehearsal all members bowed together for audience at the front and back, mission completed all off them looking at me and smiled, it was the beneficial become differentè according to using scarf among audiences. I proud with my scarf, they recognize my different look. It was easy to catch us among the audience, 2 girls using scarf at the center section ,4 lines from the front stage. The distance between me and Jonghwa only 3 meters ahead. If I didn’t care about bodyguards whose kept surrounding the stairs and the hall, maybe I would jump to them and told “Sainijuseyeo”forced them to sign my CD Album.

Next The Vocalist (Wheesung, Kim Tae Woo, Eru, and K-Will) rehearsal, there was a man standing at front stage again, then I screamed again when I found out that man was K-Will (King of OST drama) before music started he kept bowed to us 3 times, because he felt guilty that he should stand with his back to us, it called politeness, before his started singing K-Will turned back to camera and smile at us for long time. He even swayed his hand and I replied his swaying and I called his name, then he smiled at me again and again. There he was, K-Will with his gold voice and politeness to us, I remember the way he smiled, and the way he bowed. Started from there I officially falling in love with his politeness. K-Will sang Heartsore Story and he looked bit nervous in front of us, hehehehe I heard his tremble voice while sang the first line.

from my seat

Right after The Vocalist ended sang Friday Night, G-Na came to the stage sang her own song Black&White, continued with T-Ara performed Loly Poly, then Kim Hyun Joong was most familiar with Baek Seong Joo for me, appeared at the stage with his black sunglasses and sang “break down”, for a while the stage empty and we could seen some K-pop stars prepared again to the stage, here they are most attractive Girl band F(x) performed Hot Summer, while 4Minute also prepared to going to stage after F(x). When 4Minute finished rehearsal 2PM Nickhun ,Taecyon and Junsu standing at front stage and smiled at us also bowed, wohhh I’m so lucky to be here then 2PM Junsu moved to left side and Wooyong still prepared his microphone with Music bank staff and moved to right side, I didn’t care about Chansung and Junho whose also ready at the back stage. I called Taecyon oppa “Taecyon saranghaeyeo”and sway to him, Taecyon oppa smiled to me and replied swaying, Nickhun exchange place with Taecyon then I called Nickhun name and said “Nickhun-sshi saranghaeyeo”and he also smiled to me, and he stared at us then found out that our style of dress different from others. When the music started, they started singing and made whole fans put their hands up and followed the rhythm.  It just rehearsal but I felt it just like the actual concert. 2PM ending their rehearsal with gathered at the front stage, right in front of my eyes, what a good scene . Then TVXQ ending the rehearsal with their song “Keep your Head Down”, OMG uri Changmin in there, I’m a bit disappointed because they didn’t make a move to front stage, so Changmin couldn’t see me. T_T

I can’t take any picture in the hall because it was prohibited, some K-pop fans hide their pocket camera and secretly tried to get some pictures, but it ended up with the bodyguards catch them, and forced them to going outside hall, taken their camera and deleted whole photos on it. I wouldn’t sacrifice my camera to the bodyguard, my photos in this summer trip haven’t transferred to harddisk yet.

After rehearsal all stars, then some fans whose still outside could get in the hall but have to standing around the stage, I’m satisfied with my place here, I’m at the centre that I could seen whole stage, didn’t have to move to other place again, Hikmate also felt the same thing, she also thought that it would be more tired for standing there, although at standing area you could hand shake with the stars.

Before MC Hyun Woo and Kim Min Ji started this Special Event, at The Big Screen they showed us K-pop wave in Europe, also some video record about SM Town in Paris, and some testimonies from K-Pop lover around the world. I never imagined that foreigner from Europe really like Korean songs, specially when I show some people cried and couldn’t believe that Super Junior in front of their eyes singing “Sorry Sorry”, hmmmm unbelievable effect. Navy already stand at front stage, before the video ended up. She smiled at us then bowed.

Some fans at the standing area gave her some support, then Navi started singing “Diary” using her white dress and red layer skirt so beautiful, then she moved to right side and heading to other stage. Before Navi ended her song the MC already stand by at the left side and introduced 8eight with their song “Close that lip”, although I’m not familiar with 2 performers before, but I was enjoyed it then MIGHTY MOUTH featured Soya entered the stage and started make audiences dance with their song “Fiesta” it felt like we were at Hawaii for vacation, ckckckck they could brought that feeling here. Rainbow on stage, 7 girls with blue silver uniform with tight and skinny pants sang “Sweet Dream”, this girlband wearing high heels for dance and to much swaying their hip.

Next was SISTAR another Girl Band, they sang “How Dare You”, I just focused to the stage and I thought their dances too aggressive for me, then suddenly at 30second their at that stage, I could seen one of the member felt down on the stage, then without hesitation I suddenly laughing because of that moment, I never imagine somebody would felt down on the stage like this. Maybe, It kind difficult to dance with their high heels, but Hyorin whose felt down at the stage kept singing and smile, I wonder how she felt for today. After SISTAR performance, next girl band on the stage was SECRET with their song “Starlight Moonlight” they tried to look cute and childish with this song, but I could enjoyed it, they wore combination dress white and blue. Suddenly special change performance, SISTAR sang SECRET song “Shy Boy”, but I thought it didn’t suitable for them, since I had felt that their image would be aggressive girlband, but when SECRET performed “Ma Boy” , they didn’t look to aggressive and still showed their cuteness, even though I’m not their fans either nor ANTI SISTAR, it just what I thought ok, so don’t blame me.

Then after special change performance the stage become dark, and INFINITE already on stage with their song BTD or Before The Dawn, I never heard this song before but it easily to remember, specially the chorus part. I’ll download this song later at my office. Suddenly, G-Na appeared on the stage and dance with 7 boys, this was another special performance, G-Na become a model and followed INFINITE dance. Maybe today would be much special performance since today also special event, then APINK came to the stage and sang “I Don’t know”, me also never heard this song before but I’m tried to enjoy again, then suddenly BOYFRIEND joined APINK and they make dance couple medley. They looked good since everyone match to each other dance moving, and BOYFRIEND started singing their song “boyfriend”, this one also another special featured.

After they performance, the big screen showed us live broadcast CNBLUE fans from Japan whose gave their support to CNBLUE, and they sang the song “intuition” while some staff prepared musical instruments for CNBLUE performance, mean while during live broadcast from Japan, CNBLUE already on the front stage, and they looked very happy and proud to see their fans whose came to support them. I also yelling out Jonghyun’s name so many time to make him looking back to me, whose standing right behind Jung Yonghwa. Then here they are, they gave me another fan services with turn back, bowed then smile and swaying their hands. LOVE IT SO MUCH.

Min hyuk started hit the drum then they sang “intuition”, as always Jonghyun gave us another fan service to showed up his guitar skill, Yonghwa focused to the song and make some free style improvement while singing, then it ended with so much fun, I can’t take my eyes of Jonghyun, he was really an Ulzzang. It can’t be said with a word how happy I was there.

Continued with special change performance The Vocalist, Wheesung sang “Countified and Immature”, Kim Tae Woo sang “My Heart is beating”, K.Will sang “Heartsore Story”, and Eru sang “Personate”. Ckckckck one more time I could enjoy K.Will performance, then all of them gathered at the stage and sang Friday Night, it looks funny to see K.Will the only one who couldn’t dance, sorry I had to laughing for you, don’t be sad your voice still remarkable and unforgettable, recently I could only seen you at We Got Married because you’ve became commentator at that variety show, I’m really happy to see you right in front of my eyes, even you smile and waving your hand to me, it’s too much, and I’m very satisfied for all of it.

Now G-Na turned to the stage and sang Black & White with her dancers, she was looked like Barbie wearing pink mini dress and black heels long booth, I’m quite considering her performance since her song could be heard along Myeongdong when I go there before, it made me curious about how this girl called Barbie doll and if she didn’t go under plastic surgery to get her perfect body, then now I had to admitted it. Suddenly, before her song ended INFINITE join the stage and replaced G-Na’s dancers then they dance together.

Then T-ARA comeback stage and sang Loly Poly with their 70’s style, since I only familiar with EunJung and Hyomin face, so I don’t care about the other but something made me confused, at the stage I could see Eunjung didn’t wear hair band, but at the big screen Eunjung wear red white hair band, also Hyomin didn’t tie her long hair, then I realized at the screen right now was not always LIVE broadcast from the stage. If it’s continued like this, maybe I couldn’t appeared at the LIVE screen.  L

Mean while after 70’s old style, it’s time for Kim Hyun Joong performance, uri Baek Seong Joo at the stage with his sunglasses, Hikmate really love him, she screamed so many times during Hyun Joong perform, I only could laugh, because I thought that I’m the only one whose always made crazy scream during MuBank, and it relieved to know that my friend also do the same thing, wkwkwkwkwkw. Another special change performance made by 4MINUTE and F(X) but it also wasn’t LIVE broadcast, since they only showed us video while 4MINUTE sang Pinocchio and F(X) sang Mirror Mirror only at big screen. Finally, F(X) appeared at the stage and they sang their new song “Hot Summer”, I love this girl band so much, even I could followed their dance, it was so happy to know KhunToria couple attending this event. Even tough KhunToria didn’t make any special stage together. Some audiences shout out Amber’s name the rapper in this girl band. Victoria wearing red long pants, as always Krystal wearing silver mini skirt. Maybe it just my opinion Victoria always look polite, beautiful and she had unique face, unlike Krystal that seems “SNSD” prototype, or it just my comment as anti’s SNSD.

Next, 4MINUTE performed Heart to Heart, their song also always emerging and could be heard at any store along Myeongdong and Namdaemun area, but I really didn’t know the member for this girlband, maybe they had to appear at my favorite variety show to be acknowledged by me, hehehehe (just kidding). Then, it’s time to put our HANDS UP, as planned before, Nickhun and Taecyeon standing at front stage, Junsu and Wooyong at left and right side, while Junho and Chansung at opposite stage. Oppa we met again, Nickhun and Taecyeon gave as fan service again with their smile. How come, Nickhun got his baby face at that age and Taecyeon really got a beast icon. Hahahahahaha. As always , Taecyeon also showed up his strength and tortured other member with his action standing at Chansung and Wooyung back, poor them, hehehehe. I hope no one would showed up their abs by ripped their clothes because it was so old fashioned now.

At this moment I recognized the flying camera near me, so I couldn’t hold my feeling and I smile at swaying my hand to camera, YESSSSS, I GOT CAPTURED!!!! Then before the song ended all of them moved to the front stage and ended their song there, Finally I could seen Junsu, Junho, Chansung and Wooyong smile, they bowed to us, ahhhhhhhh happy happy happy, I’m so happy now.

For last performance, TVXQ performed their song “Keep Your Head Down”, although I’m not remember the whole lyric, but I’m quite familiar with the dance, OMG YunHo oppa and my Changmin in there wearing black grey uniform, because they performed at the opposite stage I could only gave my LOVE SIGN to them from my seat, it was not the end in the middle of song me and Hikmate unified to lift our hands up and swaying to left and right, to being recognized by them,  then back camera captured us again. It so much fun, to make some actions here, while Changmin sang his part I couldn’t hold my body and tried to followed his moving. Hikmate also focused with her bias Yunho. They closed this event perfectly. Then whole performer going to the stage, TVXQ, Nickhun, IU, CNBLUE, all of them gathered at the first row, I started to call Jonghyun’s name again, heheheheehehe. After said some congratulation word, whole of them leave the stage.

Thanks God I could got this experiences, I got some friends from other country, I got some learnt from this today. Before leaving KBS hall, I met again with Mb’Dewi and she took my picture at KBS hall, it would become evidence that I’m really at KBS hall.

at KBS Music Bank Hall

Outside KBS hall, me, Hikmate, Zai, Mb’Dewi decided to going back together by subway. Mean while, Hikmate got a phone call, she looks so excited receiving that call, and after her ended the conversation with her friends, she told me “Nurul!!!!! we appeared at KBS World Music Bank so many times, you should watch it again”, she said. “Really? when we appeared, i just realize got captured once while 2PM performed”,  i said. “My friend told me we got close up during TVXQ performance”, Hikmate said.

Waiting Room at Gangnam Express Bus Terminal

At  5.30 AM we could see, some citizen started their activity, some people wear rain coat and boots, because it’s rainy outside. I’m headed to toilet and once again I realize that this toilet also clean, when I washing my face some woman headed to big mirror at the toilet, then put make up and lipstick on their face,  the most important thing to heal drowsiness face is eyeliner, Korean girl really like smoky eyes style, and they didn’t even put any attention to me whose keep staring to them , then before I got scolded by them I going to outside and searching something to eat, but citizen just started open their shop, I found  food stall selling jajangmyeon and ramen but all written in hangul, so I didn’t know if it contains pork or not. Ahhhh I’m so hungry right now, so I’m back to waiting room again. Dinda and Sonia already wake up, then for early breakfast Sonia gave me biscuits which she brought from Indonesia. We out of stock mineral water, then me and Dinda start searching convenience store. Dinda already found GS25 close to hall where bus parking, there was also magazine stall, at GS25 we bought 2big bottles mineral water that cost KRW1200, the shopkeepers was an old man, I found it interest watching CF from cashier video there was Jokwon, Im Seulong, Changmin, and Jinwoon for advertising model hehehehe it was called hallyu effect.

At 6 AM headed to ticket counter for foreign, we purchased ticket to Sokcho, first express bus to Sokcho at 06.30 , fortunately we got discount it cost only KRW17.000 , normal fare about KRW23.300. At ticket you could see platform number to find your bus, so no difficulties at all to find your ride although you didn’t knew Hangul. We spent 25 minutes before departure time for taking pictures, and observation citizen. At rainy days like this Seoul citizen still looked fashionable, one by one I noticed from top to toe everything  looked very match and cute. Only at Korea you could seen rain boot in pink, peach or yellow with stylish ribbon.

Gangnam Hall

5 minutes before departure time we headed to platform 17, there was a driver stand beside the door, we gave our baggage to him, and another thing that I realized all driver must wear suit complete with black tie and white gloves and make it very formal. My seat number is 15, just like express bus from Busan, this bus also very big, wide, made from leather and perfumed, I am very satisfied for the services.

Ticket, Platform, Hall, and the Bus

Time travel from Gangnam to Sokcho about 2,5-3 hours. There was only 7 passengers in this bus. The bus departure on time at 06.30, you couldn’t found something like this in Indonesia. Yeahhh Indonesia never been on time. Wowww, it’s heavy rain in Seoul, hopefully it’ll end before Sokcho. I couldn’t enjoy scenery on my way to Sokcho because of foggy, so I decided to sleep again. 1,5 hours already pass, I woke up when the bus stopped at the rest area. It reminds me rest area in Cipularang. I had to go to toilet, and changed “something” (according to woman stuff), ahhhhhh it still rainy outside, I used my coat to cover my body from rain, it works. I noticed the bus driver outside the café enjoyed his coffee. I want it too, something that could warm my throat, but not coffee I couldn’t drink it, I want a hot milk or hot chocolate to gained my energy. Unfortunately, I realized that I left my wallet in the bus so I couldn’t buy hot drink. T_T. I run toward the bus into the rain, why it hadn’t stopped yet (sighhh). Dinda and Sonia still sleep tightly, I want to do the same thing, so turn on my Ipod again, select Korean playlist then Jonghwa’s voice accompany me to dream world.

At 9 AM I shocked and suddenly woke up because my alarm keep ringing. Aissshhh I forgot turn off multiple alarm which set before. Actually, the alarm would be ringing at 7 AM, to remind me for taking bath before head to work, so in Indonesia it still 7 AM now. The drowsiness still hang on my eye, but when I take look at the window, the rain had stopped and I could see riverside, what a nice scene. I want to wake up Dinda and Sonia but they look too tired. I brought out my pocket camera and started taking some good pictures.

Beside riverside there was hill and mountain in green, though some fogs still hang on the sky, but it makes the landscape more fascinating to see. Claudia Kaunang was right, riding bus to Sokcho was unforgettable experience, I didn’t got bored anymore. Between hills there was some house and villa with unique architecture, there was also 3 sides windmills, behind the hill. Because too happy and enjoyed the landscape, I didn’t realize that my mouth opened too long, I hope there was no bugs come in hehehehe. Once presented with row of hills and then I could seen row of mountain, very unique because it was rock mountain which called by Seoraksan.

At 09.30 KST arrived at Sokcho Express bus terminal, straight to bus stop, there was some driver cabs, just like in Busan, they approached us and asking about our destination. I showed them the House Hostel address, but they avoid us and gave it back to us. This situation made us confuse, why they refused us? Is it too far or too near? According to Claudia’s book “3 Juta keliling Korea” it’ll cost only KRW4.400, it means, the distance was average not too short or too long right? Then we tried to catch any cab that pass in front of, luckily an old man stopped and I gave him paper address, and he told me “ne, chamsimannyeo” and he opened the store luggage. I won’t seat beside driver again, so I told Sonia to seat at the front side, hehehehehe (devil friend mode ON)

At the cab, I kept staring to displayed cost and pray it won’t cost more than KRW5000. 10 minutes later, the cab stopped right in front of the House Hotel, I looked in the displayed monitor KRW4.500, yessss \(^_^)/ as per estimate. The driver helped us pull out our baggage, after bowed to him and said “Gamsahamnida”, we move to cute entrance the House Hostel. Alhamdulillah, Thank You Allah, I finally could reach this place. I had emailed Mr. Yoo, the manager of this hostel about our changing arrival date. In my mind, I keep thinking  what kind of Korean man that I would meet here, when I emailed him, he was very friendly just like June, which very helpful, I hope so.

The House Hostel Sokcho

A man with his thick round glasses approached us.

Mr.yoo: mm, can I help you miss?

Me: Oh yeah, my name is Nurul, I already booked a private room here for 3 persons(showed my booking paper).

Mr.Yoo:  Oh Nurul-ssi, yeah I emailed you before, sorry your room have not prepared yet, so would you like to wait, because I have to give you some information about Sokcho, excuse me, where do you come from?

Me: Indonesia

Mr.Yoo: Is it your first time to Korea?

Me: No, this is my second time to Korea, but also first time to Sokcho

Sonia: but the two of us is our first time here, so she(pointing in me) become our tour guide *grin

I make self observe about Mr.Yoo while he explained to us about transportation to go to Mount Seoraksan, the bus stop position, BBQ all you can eat, convenience store, and some necessary things. Mr. Yoo seems very nervous towards 3 beautiful woman like us (over self confidence), he kept looking back to us and sometimes cough, and said “sorry” many times then showed us worried expression which could be interpretation he worried that we couldn’t understand what he said, honestly his English quite good and could be understanding . After explained it, made some graffiti on the map, he gave us 3 name card for each person, in case we get lost.

As planned before, we would like to take bath before start up our activity today, I used to be the one who had take bath because I had to do so many things in bathroom (another woman stuff, don’t ask). After prepared all my stuff and covered it with towel, I ask Mr.Yoo the bathroom which could be used by us. Share toilet at 1^st floor was in front of storage room. When I enter the toilet, I’m really shocked, is not ordinary toilet. As informed by Claudia in her book, Mr.Yoo managed his hostel wonderful cute, this small toilet very well managed and perfumed, the lamp button specially had cute sticker rabbit with green wall (my favorite color), floor made by natural stone, the door colored pink. I couldn’t explain it in word, you should experienced it by yourself.

The House Hostel

The House Hostel

The House Hostel

The House Hostel

After showered, it’s time for breakfast, unfortunately there was no bread in the kitchen, I’m extremely hungry now. Sonia told me, maybe it was taken by another guests in this hostel, because she leave some breads for me before. I had no choice, I made a cup of tea and charge my phone and camera in family room, my weapon before heading to Mt.Seorak. At 11.30 KST we started to search some foods, once we taught about having sushi at the place which showed by Mr.Yoo, but we not sure about it, also I don’t like sushi. Then we decided to buy Pizza Hut for breakfast at Rodeo street. I just found out that Lee Seung Gi is brand ambassador of Pizza Hut, I could seen so many pictures of him holding pizza. Hehehehehe. This café is just opened so we were the first customer today. The waiters showed us the menu, we asked her which one not contained pork and lard. She pointed us some of them, then we choose a large size pizza with beef and cheese. Honestly, it cost more than IDR 300.000  and obviously over budget plan. But since we were very hungry so we thought it doesn’t matter to spend some money for some good Pizza. Unexpected thing, even we didn’t regret about spending money for this pizza, because it taste very very yummy. Ahhhhhhh, I couldn’t explained it again into some words, I’m not exaggerating. I still remember how it tasted, you couldn’t find it at any Pizza Hut store in Indonesia. Large size Pizza with cassava at the outer side, special cream cheese, also beef cutlet in it. Unforgetable delicious. It cut into 9 pieces, 3 pieces for each person. Because I haven’t eat anything from hostel, obviously I’m the one who finished it. Dinda and Sonia still spare one piece to take away.

Lee Seung Gi

Unforgetable Pizza

After late breakfast we moved to bus stop, waiting bus number 7 which heading to Mt.Seorak, after waiting for 10 minutes the bus came, it cost KRW1000. Time travel to Mt.Seorak from Rodeo street about 35 minutes. Fortunately, there was a little fog, clear sky, and fresh air. Like countryside girl, I opened the window and turn out my hand, it feels refreshing and cold although in summer season like this. Suddenly, the bus stop beside the river, I thought there was something went wrong, but it’s just because the driver want take some pictures of Mt.Seorak from long distance like this. Actually, it was a good place for taking pictures, thanks a lot to bus driver which consider traveler like us who excited about scenery, for your information when heading to Mt.seorak area there was only 6 passengers.

Otw to Mt. Seorak

Reached Seoraksan National Park, Dinda would bought slipper, she felt uncomfortable with her flat shoes. Luckily there was souvenir shop which sell slippers. Paid for entrance fee KRW2500 @person, then start explore this park and got some memorable shots, then heading to cable car station. Return ticket KRW8500 @person. Follow the queue line to ride cable car, the staff took and scanned our ticket through barcode scan machine, and invited us to giant capsule. Before gate closed, 2 staff at the gate bowed to us until we leave them.

Cable Car Ticket

Subhanallah, though it wasn’t my first time riding cable car, but still I always amazing about Your creature for human brain to made transportation like this. Inside cable car there was a monk whose kept staring us. Maybe, because of too excited, we weren’t heard that he want talked to us. Sonia made video with her pocket camera. Dinda and me taking photo from above. The cable car reach station 10 minutes later. Alight from cable car, there was many tourist to this place, I found 2PM poster as brand ambassador for wardrobe, without hesitate I told Sonia took my picture with them, although there was an ahjumma sitting beside me, then took some pictures from here before heading to Gwongeumseong (860m) as the first peak of Seoraksan.

me & 2PM

To reach Gwongeumsoeong, there was provided stairs made from wood and rubber to decrease slippery. On the way to the peak, we met a cute kid and her parents, she could speak English although she was still young around 5 years old, I guess. After changing our nationality info, we took picture with her, so cute. The clear sky completed our climbing, the fog that seen before already gone when we reached Gwongeumseong. The scenery from this place was very awesome, it’s really worth to visited guys, you couldn’t found it at our country. Another photo session started from here, till my pocket camera battery drop. Satisfied about sightseeing and photos that we brought, we heading back to guesthouse, and made some sleep on the way back.

Mt.Seorak

At guest house, Mr. Yoo guided us to 3^rd floor, he gave us private room completed with 2 bunk bed, a mini refrigerator, TV, computer, AC, fan, and hair dryer. While charging our battery, and take some rest, we decided going to sea side near Seorak Sunrise Park. There was something I curious about, lighthouse at the edge submarine dock and a big stone that shaped 3 side star. While watching TV I found Lee Min Ho at K-Drama City Hunter, even though I haven’t seen it, the story seems interesting, so we made promise to ourselves, that we would downloaded it after back to Indonesia. Getting Seorak Sunrise Park by bus no 7.1 it cost only KRW1000, then alight in front of The Ship Hotel, then another photo session started again in this park, also we had opportunity enjoyed sunset at Sokcho, then heading back to guesthouse before completely dark.

Private Room

On the way back to guesthouse, Dinda wanted to try on bicycle and looking around Sokcho and Rodeo street, then we decided to borrow Mr.Yoo bicycles for night tour at Sokcho (for your information Mr.Yoo had around 15 bicycles for his guests and it’s FREE). Reached the House hostel, we met other guests whose also came from Indonesia. We realize it after our ears heard their children in Indonesia language, wowwwww after 3 days in Korea, finally we met our neighborhood here, they also came from Jakarta. I made some conversation with them, and talked about how we got here, while Dinda and Sonia bugging Mr.Yoo’s dog and struggling to take out bicycle from warehouse.

After successfully removed bicycle from warehouse, then headed to restaurant Wang (BBQ all you can eat)  that recommended by Mr.Yoo. Honestly, on the way to get dinner we got lost and didn’t found the restaurant, so at the quay we ask citizen which pass by, but still they couldn’t explain it in English. We decided to find it ourselves and take opposite direction, voilaaaaaaaaa we found it. After parked our bicycles, an ahjumma invited us to sit inside restaurant, and provided BBQ stuff. Dinda picked some meat and seafood, to make sure there was no pork in our plate, we asked the owner to point the meat. She removed all pork from our plate, then we take another seafood as exchange. The owner provided the grill then put aluminium foil then put our food there, however I’m really hungry, right after cooked well, I picked beef and fish then eat all of it in one shoot. For your information again: all dessert is FREE here, this dinner cost KRW 9000 for each person, you could take all the ingredients until your stomach full.

our dinner at Mr. Wang Restaurant

Our grilled always fast burned, while other customers enjoyed their cooking and drink soju with relaxed , we still struggle to make it cooked well, until other customer that sit beside us, help us how to cook it well or maybe she couldn’t stand it watching our burnt foil. Hhehhehehe (gamsahamnida ahjumma). However, we need to make our stomach full tonight, of course for better sleep. Then after finishing our dinner, last trip for tonight was heading to Rodeo Street, so let’s pedal the bicycle as fast as could. When reach Rodeo streets, there was too quiet and dark unlike Seoul, no citizen going out at this time, so we decided going back to hostel, and packing our stuff to heading back to Seoul tomorrow morning.

Rodeo Street

Wowwww, today was great, everything goes well as planned before. After showered, as usual Sonia made notes for daily expenses. Have a nice dream, tomorrow will be BIGDAY for me, because I would meet CNBLUE, TVXQ, 2PM, F(x), and the most gorgeous voice from K-Will.

When I’m turned on my Ipod, the driver get in, announce something again, but I didn’t care what he talked about, I’m still scared when thought if I lost here, I couldn’t back to Seoul, I couldn’t back to Indonesia, I’ll became beggar, ohhhh it’s scary thing. Then I’ll fall sleep again until we reached Busan at 02.30 AM. It’s already midnight, so there was no public transportation, June already told me that I had took cab to his place, if it cost more than KRW20.000, he said that I should called him, and he would negotiate for me to the driver, but I wouldn’t gave him more problem, so I’ll tried my best communicated with the driver cab. They  approached us, and asked us with hanguk , most of them said “oeddi ga?cniowyrndfbvjhdsfrt*&#@#$)%@@#$%^^&”, I gave them June’s address and his cell phone number. An ahjussi straight made a call to June for convince his place. Let’s called him “Melow ahjussi”. He persuaded us to follow him, from his gesture it seems like he knew June’s apartment, so before get in his cab I asked him how much the fares for 3 of us. Maybe, because when I asked about the fares with sign “3” with my finger for 3 of us, he thought that I would pay KRW30.000, because he still didn’t get what I tried to say, so I write on my ipod KRW20.000, but he refused it, and he still write 30.000, then I write again KRW25.000, but he still want 30.000.

We tried another driver but all driver avoided us, mean while a man with so much tattoo in his hand who looked so strong and seems like mafia approached us, asked us our destination, and straight carried out our luggage, then we started panic, because we hadn’t made some offer but this crazy man straight took our luggage and this man looked so scary, he even tried to fight with another driver.  Of course we didn’t want got in dangerous situation there, so I told this crazy man that I had agreed with mellow ahjussi. Then we took back our luggage and told mellow ahjussi that we would ride his cab. Mellow ahjussi helped us brought our belonging, then he started up the cab, and then we leave that place. Even though the cab fares very very very expensive, but we thought it was better used mellow ahjussi cab’s, because mellow ahjussi more friendly than that crazy man.

Mellow Ahjussi

Mean while, mellow ahjussi asked me if it’s ok if he turned on CD player, then Korean music accompanied us through long road in Busan at midnight. When I’m tried to listen the song, I knew this song, it was one of OST Endless Love, very sad K-Drama starring with Song Hye Kyo, Won Bin, and Song Seung Heon, it’s very old K-Drama, although I couldn’t remember  the lyric but it’s very familiar in my ear, then another ballad song is “bogoshipda”one of OST Stairways to Heaven, another sad story starring with Choi Ji Woo, Kwon Sang Woo, Kim Tae Hee and Shin Hyun Joon, yeah, I’m a Korean Drama addicted, hihihihihi. Then ahjussi tried his best to make conversation with me, he asked me did I knew a bit Korean language, because he used to talked with his language, I still didn’t get it until he told me “annyeonghaseyo for saying hi or hello, and gamsahamnida for saying thankyou”. So I replied him, “ohh, arasso ahjussi, I just knew alittle word in hangeul, mianhae, annyeong, gamsahamnida, saranghaeyo, jinjja, jeonmal,igeo, ireum, eodi, that’s all, I learned it from K-drama”. The ahjussi smiled to me, then he asked permission to smoke because he felt sleepy, then we allowed him. He asked my name, then I told him my name and my nationality, he thought us came from Pakistan, ckckckckckck maybe it just because I used the scarf, he told me “ ippeoyo”, the meaning is beautiful huahahahahahahahaha (trying to seduce me hehhhhh, sorry I’m not interested with old man, that’s what I’m said in my heart honestly).

It already 20 minutes, we haven’t arrive at June place, I’m started worried again. Mean while, the cab stopped not far from police car that parked in the right side. The ahjussi told us to out of the cabs, and told me “Neo Spa”, but June place wasn’t Neo Spa, it was NEOSPOT, but ahjussi convinced me, it was the right place. I told him to call June for picked us if it’s the right place, then he talked with June, I just heard “Ne,Ne,Ne”.  After paid him, we walked crossing the entrance tried to find gate D, right in front of the gate June appeared . It so happy to see him, June was the owner of Forjuneteller’s Zen Backpackers. He told me why I wasn’t called him, he thought I wouldn’t came to his place. I just told him “It so long long long story, I’ll tell you later, ok?”. Then June guided us to his apartment at 15^th floor, teach us how to use key for open the gate, using elevator, and told us password to enter the room. It’s already early morning exactly at 03.20 AM, June gave us Busan maps then told us some stuff in his place, such as bathroom, kitchen, direction to subway station, and seafood restaurant near Hyundae beach, and the famous bakery shop in Asia named OPS.

Note from June to help us avoid pork and lard

It’s time to rest but I remembered that I haven’t pray maghrib and isya’, then started searched timetable prayers schedule in my bag, according to Korea Muslim Federation, isya should be done from 09.44PM-03.18 AM, it’s already passed isya time, but I had to pray no matter what, I thought Allah would know my mistaken, and would forgive me, because I didn’t intend to forgot, I just wondered I could pray more focus when I reached Busan.  After prayed it’s time to sleep for recharge our energy, although it’s already morning.

Private room at Zen Backpacker's

I couldn’t sleep well, I woke up at 7AM, then showered and breakfast with free toast. As told by June last night, we could leave our luggage in his place but should put it at balcony, because we already check out. According to my detail itinerary, this morning we would visited Haedong Yonggungsa Temple at east Busan, it may take 1,5 hours to get there, but the show must go on, I don’t care how long it would take, if it worth to visit. During our breakfast, we met Shinae, a Korean girl who stayed at June’s apartment too, 3 foreigners from German, and a boy from Pakistan who traveled alone. While waiting the elevator, Shinae already in front of elevator, she was also going to Seomyeon station. Shinae traveled alone to Busan but she would meet her friends in Seomyeon station before heading back to Seoul. Shinae guided us to Seomyeon station. She was a bit surprised  how came we knew about June’s place, because it wasn’t well known in this area, so I told her that I knew it from Claudia Kaunang’s Book.

Me, Shinae, Sonia heading to Seomyon Station

Arrived at Seomyeon station, I had to purchase 3 one day pass tickets at vending machine. When I insert my money KRW10.000, the machine didn’t accept it, and keep refused my money. Shinae also thought maybe it because my money came from Indonesia. Although it’s not a good reason, we tried it 5 times, until Shinae realized something, this machine only accepted currency under KRW5000, so this is reason it couldn’t accepted my KRW10.000.huahahahaha, after purchased 3 one day pass tickets(1 tickets = KRW 3.500), it’s time to separate, Shinae headed opposite direction with us.

Got some troubles with vending machine

We move to line 2 (green line) heading to Haeundae Station it would take 40-50 minutes because metro would through 16 stations. Reached Heundae station via exit no. 7 , and find bus stop to take bus no. 181 which heading to Haedong Yonggung Temple. The bus only accepted  small currency, so make sure you prepared KRW 1000 and some coins. Just because Dinda and Sonia haven’t small currency so we going to GS25 near gas station to buy soft drinks. Me & Sonia picked Pocari Sweat, while Dinda pick local soft drink, I don’t know what the named of it, but I saw Hyun Bin Picture as ambassador. So I asked Dinda, did she ever tasted it before, and without hesitation she answered me “NEVER”, then she told me she picked it only because there was Hyun Bin oppa picture. huahahahaahahaha  what a lame??? Then we heading back to bus stop.

Waiting for the bus

At the bus stop there was digital board which notifying bus numbers and time arriving. Mean while bus no 181 stopped in front of us, enter the bus and insert KRW1000 and 2 coins KRW100 into plastic box beside driver. Dinda couldn’t see bus fares that taped in front of the box and she only put KRW1000 into the box, that’s why the driver keep yelling in his language to us and unfortunately we didn’t know it. Travel time to Haedong Yonggungsa 20-30 minutes, inside the bus we took seat at the back side, this is the best place to exploring people and commenting about their expression. I just thought, some people in the bus maybe would be familiar with this place, and I would followed them if someone talked about Haedong temple, but no one in here press stop button when we reach haedong gate, until the driver told us the road at the right side is the only way to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. I still remembered, articles in the blog said there was uphill road to the temple, I guided Sonia and Dinda to the uphill road, some passengers took the opposite road from us, but I don’t care bout them, I’m sure the uphill road is the correct one.

Heading to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

I knew about Haedong Yonggungsa when I searched by google, I found it from Malaysian female blogger whose lived in Seoul around 3 months for couch surfing. Haedong Yonggungsa temple is landmark at easternmost Busan. Reached at temple we were greeted by 2 statues with red eye. Those things look like angry to us, but I’m still keep taken picture with them. Straight forward we found another statue, there was shio(China zodiac) character. Entering main gate to the temple, we clearly heard sounds seems like praying to Budha and smell of the sea. To achieve the edge of temple that was closed to the sea we should down the stairs, and turn left at the end of stairs. There was path to piles of stones, and a good place for taking pictures. From this side, we could see  the temple like stand at the edge of the piles stones.  Everything in this place was perfect, except the toilet, I was going to toilet to check my pants is there any stain of blood, because I felt like had menstruation. But when I’m entering women’s toilet strong smells of iron and sea was made me felt dizzy and gag, so I decided to out of toilet and run away from there.

After finished taking some pictures, while passed by bridge a Korean girl asked me to take her picture, so I help her, then for exchanging she helped us too, and take our picture. She asked our nationality and how come we reached this place, oh sorry this girl was named Hwui Eun Jung. I told her about us and itinerary, then she liked to join our trip back to Heundae area. Hwui was 22 years old and an agricultural student at university in Seoul, she was said it wasn’t famous major in South Korea. Yahhhh, all of us known the famous one is art.  Before leaving Haedong temple, we took another picture at bus stop, and we met again with the same passenger as before when we ride bus no 181. At the bus, Hwui gave me her phone number and facebook account, to keep update our position. Hwui would like to meet again when we reached Seoul, because she found interesting to meet a new friends from another country whose love South Korea like us. May be it has became habit, Korean people was too kind to foreigner like us, Hwui couldn’t joined lunch with us, but she willing to guide us to Kumsoo Puffer Fish Soup, a famous Korean fish soup restaurant that recommended by June. From Haedong to Kumsoo, I didn’t paid attention to direction because I trust Hwui will guide us to the right place.  So on the way to restaurant we kept talked about K-pop, k-Drama, and K-variety show that very famous for Indonesian netizen, and she kept surprising when I called out all I know about  K-pop & k-drama collection, huahahahahaha.

Dinda, Me, and Hwui

At the Restaurant, we got a bit nervous, don’t know why. We took table at the left side, then an ahjumma greeted us, I gave her a note from June, then she read it, nods, and gave me sign “OK”. Then we ask the menu which one is the fish that hadn’t contain pork and lard, of course with some kind of body language. : D. Then after a while some side dishes already set on the table, there was a tofu, kimchi, a little fish, and mushrooms. We already hungry, so we kept took the side dishes little by little until our yummy fish soup arrived. When the soup arrived, I found it weird, there was no fish, all I can see was a lot stem of vegetables.  But I tried testing the soup, it was incredible yummy and fresh, I swear to God this was my first time tested this kind of soup. At Indonesia I could said that “Gulai Kepala kakap” is the best one but today I had another experiences this fish was also very good. If you going to Busan you must try it. This soup cost KRW 10.000, it was appropriate for all services in this place.

Side Dish

It’s time to continue our trip, Heundae beach was near from our position, but we have to visit OPS bakery that also recommended by June. We bought 2 bakeries, with strawberry jam and cheese. Arrived at Heundae beach, Sonia already tired and she decided to wait at the park, me and Dinda tried to step our foot at the sands of this beach. This is the second time visited beach at another country.

It was already afternoon, we decided to keep heading to Taejongdae, although  June didn’t recommended this place because today to much fog, so maybe we couldn’t seen anything in there. But the show must go on, I’m really curious about this place, the place where famous to commit suicide.

According to the map, there was bus no 30 and 8 heading to Taejongdae from Nampodong station exit no.6. We waited the bus only 3 or 4 minutes then bus no 8 stop in front of us. There was no empty seat so we had to stand at the bus. Mean while another passenger out of the bus, so I sat on the empty seat at the left side, 3 rows from the back. Then at the next bus stop, an ahjussi enter the bus, I provide him my seat but he refused to sit on my seat and told me “Gwencannayo” it means “it’s ok”. But the bus moving very fast so the ahjussi kept  unstable while standing in front of me. Until at the bend of the road, the ahjussi fallen and I help him collected his belonging. I felt guilty, all passengers looking at me and him, so I stand and move to other side, then he sat on my empty seat, luckily another passenger out from the bus so there was another empty seat and I sat there. Before reached Taejongdae, that ahjussi out of the bus, and he told me “Gamsahamnida” and swing his hand. What a weird ahjussi, huhhh?

Arrived at Taejongdae, it’s so many fog around the area, June told me there was a shuttle bus which brought us around Taejongdae area, unfortunately when I asked people around us, they told us the shuttle bus hadn’t operate today due to a lot of fog. We had even thought for going back to Nampodong and looking around Jagalchi fish market, but we already here, why we have to give up. So we decided to walk the uphill road to Taejongdae. According the sign board to reach lighthouse it was 2.3km in front of us, it means there was a long road to heaven. When we walked forward, there was 3 man whose also heading to lighthouse, maybe because we already too tired, so we kept wondering if it still far or not. We asked them, is it still far to reach lighthouse? but they also didn’t know, because this is their first time too. So we still move forward, but when there was a hope that we already near, it’s still far away, but we keep got another motivation when we bump in to another visitor whose still on fire running on the road. How come 3 young ladies could be defeated by an ahjumma that already in her 50. It would be more embarrassing if we couldn’t make it until the light house.

Uphill road to Taejongdae

After 30 minutes walk, yattaaaaaaaaa we made it “BANZAIIIIII BANZAIIIII”. The light house is here. I’m in hurry and I couldn’t be more patient to looking around lighthouse, so I going down the stone stairs which wet and slippery. When we made our steps there, an old lady talked to us, she was said something important and keep pointing opposite direction, but we couldn’t understand it. So we kept going down. When we reach a wood bridge we realized there was another way in front of us. Maybe it was something that ahjoemoni wanted told us.

All scenery from this place incredibly wonderful, that’s why I named it a long road to heaven. Yup, we already tired but we got the same price for all our hardship. A white light house, seashore, crags, cruisers, and orange sun are like painting at the blue sky. Subhanallah, thank you Allah, for all that You gave to me, I could seen another Your Greatness in this world. We rest about 30-45 minutes. No other except taking pictures.

Taejongdae

It’s already evening, we should heading back to Seomyeon. While we turn down the hill, the fogs also going down, so it became a bit dark. The weather also became really cold. The trees covered by fogs. This forest looks like the forest where Edward Cullen jumped from one to another tree (sorry, a little hallucination came up), But there was really cold scene and spooky. I hope Edward Cullen and his colony not pop up in front of us, or a group of wolf not tried to catch my leg.

When we reach the entry gate it’s already dark, we’re headed to parking lot and found bus number 88. The Driver said we should wait at the bus stop, we couldn’t entry now. With all residual energy, we trudged to the bus stop. On the way, we could see seafood restaurant at the left and right side full of family or group of people. They eating, laughing, chatting, some how I wish my family was in here. Hikssss I miss my family so much. Huaaaaaaa TT^TT. Then my stomach started singing. It’s time to dinner. We planned made noodles at June place. It was the best point to get the fast dinner.

Bus number 88 stopped at the bus stop and we enter it, fortunately the bus still empty. Although we couldn’t doing all in the itinerary but we satisfied what we got today. It’s ok I couldn’t going to Jagalchi fish market, Shinsegae Centum City, Gwangalli beach and Dongnae Foot & Bath Spring. I just keep positive thinking, maybe Allah had another plan and will bring me to here again sometimes. We were so tired, so we fall asleep at the bus and at the metro.

Arrived at guesthouse, While Sonia and Dinda cooked noodles, I straight to shower because my sweat made my clothes really wet and I had menstruation too. So it may take a long time to clean my body. After showered, I cooked my  “Indomie Kari Ayam”  and turn on my blackberry phone, then a big surprise came into my email.

“Congratz you’ve just won the ticket to the Live ‘Music Bank’
Please fill in this form and send back to me asap
Make sure you come to the building by 2PM
If you miss any of our pre-events, we will cancel your winning
Please be understanding

Emergency Contact Number  :  010 5017 9170

This email, sent to me by KBSWorld TV, I couldn’t believe it. I won free ticket to Live Music Bank. I knew, you’ll get curious, how come I won this lucky ticket. I would tell you in my next story, just be more patient.

After received it, I told Dinda & Sonia about it. How lucky am I ? Thank you Allah. There was attachment on it, I had to filled up all data required for registration, but my phone couldn’t edit the attachment, so I turn on June’s computer, and try to open my email from there, but the attachment still couldn’t edited, it’s already 10PM, we should going to Busan Terminal. So, I would send it by phone and without filled up the attachment, just reply it in body message.

Busan Express Bus Terminal  (Napo-dong station) connected to metro line 1. Luckily, Neospot apartment which closed to Seomyeon station was at the same line, so we hadn’t transfer to any line, I could sleep until the end of station. Busan Terminal at southernmost metro line 1, we would pass through 15 stations to get there. At the Busan Express Bus Terminal we bought bus ticket KRW 36.000 for each person. We would departure at 11.30 PM and arrive in Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Seoul at 4 AM next day. It’s time to sleep again, after send our luggage to storage baggage, we entered the bus. From there we could saw other passengers waiting their bus. Sonia even told me, “look at that man, he had western face but he could speak Korean fluently, and fortunately he was very good looking”. -__-Ckckckckckckckcck yups, it was natural for young lady like us couldn’t avoid any handsome man.

The waiters take my order then gave my change. Behind me there is a woman whose very familiar, after thought awhile, i recognize that lady is Sahrul Gunawan wife with her child and babysitter. I’m trying not to look nervous in front of her. ckckckckck. It’s not important thing right? she even didn’t know me, why should i being nervous. My late lunch arrived, i ate it all, without considering anything around me, because i’m very very hungry. While i’m still ate my chicken mozarella with french fries, Sonia called me and told me that she’d arrived at gate 2D, then i’m heading to gate 2D to meet them.

The funny things start from here, after completing self check in at AirAsia counter, we move to immigration counter. Sonia told me immigration officer at my line and her line quite handsome. ckckckckckc, she’s still noticed about it. Then heading to waiting room. Unfortunately our flight delayed about 30 minutes. Because of our hand luggage to much, we decided to sit near the boarding gate for getting first turn to enter airplane and drop our luggage at the cabin baggage. A few moments later, announcer told us to enter the airplane. It’s boarding time, good bye Jakarta, see you next week.

At the airplane we slept tightly, not purchased anything because we were very very tired. We arrived at Kuala Lumpur LCCT at 10 PM, according to my itinerary we should bought tickets for  skybus to KL Sentral. A lady shout the ticket price to passenger in the airport. We bought 3 tickets from her it was RM8 for each ticket. We heading to the yellow bus outside the terminal. Time travel from KL LCCT airport to KL Sentral around 45 minutes-1 hour. Arrived at KL Sentral, according to my itinerary there is should be a counter that sold coupon for using taxi. But there is no longer counter that still operated at this hour. A Malay taxi driver asked me, where we’ll going, i told that we’ll going to Anjung Guest House. After made some offers with him we ride his taxi to Anjung Guest House. Taxi cost about RM40 because it was midnight fare.

On the way to Anjung Guesthouse, we passed by Ancasa Hotel, it was remind me my first trip aboard with my parents 5 years ago. It seems very dramatic,   at that time we used to stay at the hotel which cost 15times more expensive than this guesthouse. hohohohoho.  The driver told me, with my appearance (because i’m using hijab and we are all women) i’m not suitable for staying at this guesthouse, because too many foreigner staying at this place. But i don’t care about it, coz i only need a clean & cheap room to take a rest before continued our trip to Seoul tomorrow. Enter to Anjung a chinese man greet us, i gave him my booking number, and he straightly processing our payment. He asked me about my purposing to Kuala Lumpur, so without any suspicion i told him that we in transit before going to South Korea. The manager very friendly, he’s also told us about her niece whose very interested about South Korea like us. I told him that he should visit Korea before he die, because South Korea very very very worth to visited hehehehehehe.

After show us the room, toilet and direction to the convenience store we brought our belonging to the room. I straight for shower before sleep while  Sonia and Dinda had dinner outside guesthouse. When we start going to bed, we couldn’t sleep because air cond is too cold for us, we kept increasing temperature but still felt too cold. so we decided to turn it off , then we slept at midnight after chat.

Honestly, we’d planned wake up early in the morning for started our trip exploring Kuala Lumpur, in my itinerary i wrote it off that we would going to Petronas and KLCC but because we’re so so so so sleepy, so after Shubuh we slept again and woke up at 9AM. We had limit time for catch skybus at KL Sentral. After check out we took taxi that parked in front of Anjung. AnIndian driver asked us where we heading to, I told him we’re going to KL Sentral. After making some offers we agreed at RM30, then disaster started in this stupid taxi. Indian driver was seems like mafia or gangster to us.

Not far from Anjung the driver stopped the car then having conversation with another Indian male, after talked their changing something and pay something, we didn’t know what they talking about. I don’t like this feeling. Then he enter the cab and start to move again, around 5 minutes later, this stupid driver stop her car again and had conversation with another Indian male. Ohhh, God what happened with this cab. Then after awhile he started to move again, because it’s already afternoon the traffic quite busy. He drove the cab very reckless, I made text to Sonia whose sat beside the driver, and Sonia seems not comfortable at all with this situation. So many times i kept watching the street, God please help me, I didn’t want end my life in traffic accident like this. Meanwhile, we stuck on traffic lights, when the lights turn into green,the driver didn’t start move, a car behind us started push their horn, but this stupid driver not woke up, until i yell at him “SIR!!!! IT’S GREEN, LET’S MOVE”, then me, Sonia, and Dinda looking to each other and give the same expression “WHAT THE HELL WITH THIS DRIVER”.

After reached at Kl Sentral, and gave him the money,we started looking for aerobus shuttle. I still heard Dinda cursed him with Javanese accent,  couldn’t find the shuttle bus we asked cleaning service near us, and he told us to turn left until found the elevator , the shuttle bus at downstair.  It’s already 11 AM, the yellow aerobus right in front of us, after paid the ticket RM8 we put our belonging in baggage case under the bus, unfortunately this bus already full at the front side so we keep moving until the back side. Then 5 minutes later the bus start heading to KL LCCT and we went to sleep again.

1hour later.

Arrived at KL LCCT, straight to restaurant for having our breakfast and lunch, this is what we should do while we traveled with budget limited. heheheheehehe. For late breakfast and early lunch i choose Nasi Lemak and Mineral Water.After finishing our meal we move to departure terminal, looking into Flight Information Board for knowing counter check in number, our flight D72682 to INCHEON counter check in at S39. Before heading to check in counter, we have to print out our boarding ticket at “self check in counter”, then heading to counter S39 to confirm and got stamp.

Before going to immigration counter we pass through security check,an AirAsia officer tried lift my backpack, Sonia’s suitcase, and Dinda’ sling bag, then he allowed us brought our hand carry baggage to airplane, it means we passed measurement test (hand carry not over than 7kg). After got stamp at immigration counter, we should wait at gate T18. While waiting for boarding time, we pull out our devices and recharge them at electric station near prayer room, before boarding time we have to pray dzuhur jama’ taqdim with ashar, because we would arrived at Incheon at 10PM KST.

When we finished our praying, we move to gate T18and there were queue passengers which heading to airplane, then we followed the queue, and step outside terminal to the airplane.

Our seat number is 51 which end of row, so we had so much space to put our baggage in the cabin. this strategic position made us completely happy because we could seen the empty seat to take over, also we could observed others activity in this plane. hahahahaha. Honestly, Sonia had another mission, she was influenced by my words that stewards in this flight usually very very very handsome, because i had this experience at last winter, so after fasten our seat belt Sonia kept watching and looking for a handsome stewards, unfortunately there is no a handsome steward today. hahahahahahahaha. Travel time from Kuala Lumpur to South Korea is about 6 hours, so all of us had prepared something for spending time in the airplane. After finished our meal which booked on the website before, we fall sleep.

6 hours later……

We arrived at Incheon International Airport timely 9.15PM KST, as usual take off our pocket camera and pose!!! Hana Dul Set!!! ANYYEONGHASEYO!!!!! Welcome to South Korea

We hadn’t so much time to catch latest bus to Busan, so after took some pictures at the airport straightly turn down using elevator for ride skytrain to immigration counter. Passing immigration counter at 9.45 PM heading to 1st floor, i already distribute tasks for everyone, and after completing tasks we should gathered at Tourism Information Counter.  Sonia head to Tourism Information for getting Visitor Saving’s Card SEOUL SUMMER SALE 2011 special with SUPER JUNIOR (this card exclusive for foreign who visited South Korea during Seoul Summer Sale June 24th-July 31st 2011). Dinda had to find G25 convenience store and bought Seoul City Pass + Card, and i must going to ticket bus counter and bought 3 tickets to Busan.

I leave them and headed to Ticket Counter, 2 ladies at this counter ask me what could they do for me. i asked her about express bus direct to Busan from airport, then she take her bus catalog, took a note and write down “10 C, late night bus 10.20PM KRW46.600″, she said i should going to exit 10C, the ticket counter for Busan Express Bus also in there. Before going to exit 10 C, i should met them first, so when i arrived at Tourism Information Counter, Sonia success her task, but Dinda couldn’t found the convenience store, we hadn’t so much time, let’s headed for catching bus to Busan. We run from exit number 4 to 10, it’s not easy guys, exit no 10 very far, we only had 15 minutes now. After struggling brought our luggage run to exit no.10 C, we arrived at ticket bus counter 10C in time. Paid the tickets for 3 passengers, then we wait the bus at the bus stop, 2 minutes later, the Limousine Deluxe Bus arrived in front of us. I asked the driver with my poor korean language “Ahjussi, igeo bass se to Busan”, then the driver smiled at me and said “Ne, Busan dhfao#$%^$&*^&&%#hf”, i only understood that he said “Ne” it means Yes, and “Busan”, so i put our luggage at Bus Baggage, and enter the Bus and find out our seat.

The Limousine Deluxe Bus is extremely clean, perfumed, and the most unpredictable thing that the seat is very very very large and comfort, it’s like a bed in the bus. I’m not exaggerate, KRW 46.600 that i had spent for this bus very very very worth it. The driver double check our ticket,  told us to fasten our seat belt, yups there is a seat belt for each seat in this bus like in the airplane, after he explained about something but i couldn’t understand what he was talked about, because he’s used to speak in his language. I only understand when he said “Ne, Annyeonghaseyo, Gamsahamnida” in the end of his words, then he turned off the lamp and started the bus leave Incheon and towards south, and off to Busan.

Click to view slideshow.

This trip already planned last year, when Sonia gave me detail info about National Holiday that had been signed by 3 Ministry in our country, I’m very excited for looking cheap flight to another country by AirAsia, at 10th Nov when AirAsia held promotion new flight to Incheon from Kuala Lumpur, with so much conversation between me and Sonia via Gtalk, finally i booked 3 tickets one way  KUL-ICN for 28th June 2011 only IDR1.845.000 3 passengers, so each person should pay IDR 615.000,-. Don’t worry,  I’ll attached my booking itinerary in this post so you could calculate  fares for all flight that i booked.

I knew, that all of you would ask me, why i booked only for one way not for round trip? the answer is very simple, it’s all because  money matters, the fare for going back to Kuala Lumpur from Incheon for 3rd July at date day is very expensive, so we decided to be patient and looking for another promotion next day. I know it would be risk if we couldn’t find the cheapest flight. But, I know God will help us, like someone said “There is a will, There is a way”. Then AirAsia gave our dream come true. A week later another promotion came out,  at 15th Nov we booked flight ICN-KUL for 3rd July 2011 about IDR 2.473.245,- 3passengers, so each person should pay IDR 824.415,-.

Then we waited until 1 month to get promotion flight from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, at 15th December AirAsia gave another sale fare only IDR 367.000,- for 3 passengers , so we decided to book it for 27th June 2011. It almost complete, our home work only for getting flight back from Kuala-Lumpur to Jakarta at 4th July. This experiences has gave me learn that we should be patient to looking for the cheapest flight.

As planned before, i had responsibility creating detail itinerary for our additional document for getting entry visa to South Korea.

1st itinerary that i made for South Korea Embassy:

SUMMER TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA

June 27^th    : CGK –  KUL by AirAsia

June 28^th    : KUL – ICN arrive at Incheon International Airport 21.30 Then Heading to Bus Stop 4b 1^st floor for catching bus to Seoul Express Bus Terminal/ Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Latest Bus at 23.10) Going to Busan by bus.

Ø Fees:

- Incheon-Gangnam : KRW 10.000

- Gangnam-Busan : KRW 32.800   

Total : KRW 42.800

June 29^th      :  Arrive at Busan, check in Forjuneteller’s Zen Backpacker Hostel. Take some rest here.

- Explore Busan: Gwangalli Beach Dongnae Foot Bath Hot Spring, Shinsegae Centum City

- At night Heading Back to Seoul by Bus

Ø Fees:

- Hostel : KRW 23.000

-Taxi fares to guesthouse   : KRW 20.000

- 3 Meals : KRW 15.000

- Subway Ticket : KRW   3.500

- Busan – Gangnam : KRW 32.000

Total : KRW 93.500

June 30^th    : Arrive at Seoul, check in Mr.Sea Backpacker Hostel. Take some rest.

- Prepare heading to Gwanghwamun Station Exit no.6 beside Donghwa Duty Free Shop for going to Jeonju by Free Shuttle Bus from KTO.

- Explore Jeonju: Rodeo Street, Pungnamun Gate, Jeondong Cathedral, Jeonju Hanok Village.

- Heading Back to Seoul at 04.00 PM by Free Shuttle Bus  KTO.

- Joining Seoul Night City Tour

Ø Fees:

- Hostel : KRW 18.000

- Subway Ticket : KRW   3.000

- 3 Meals : KRW 15.000

- Seoul Night City Tour Bus  : KRW   5.000

Total : KRW 41.000

July 1^st       : – Check out from Mr.Sea Backpacker Hostel going to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal for catching Bus to Sokcho

- Right after arrive at Sokcho, check in at The House Hostel

- Prepare to visit Mt. Seorak by bus.

Ø Fees:

- Subway Ticket  : KRW   3.000

- Gangnam – Sokcho : KRW 25.000

- Taxi to Hostel : KRW   5.000

- The House Hostel : KRW 20.000

- 3 Meals : KRW 15.000

- Seorak Ticket,Bus, Cable car  : KRW 12.000

Total: KRW 80.000

July 2^nd       : Heading Back to Seoul by bus

-  Check in at Mr.Sea Backpacker Hostel

-  Explore Seoul joining Seoul City Tour : Gyeongbokgung Palace, Chandeokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon stream, Gwanghwamun Square, Dongdaemun.

Ø Fees:

- Taxi to bus terminal : KRW   5.000

- Sokcho- Gangnam : KRW 25.000

- Hostel : KRW 18.000

- 3 Meals : KRW 15.000

- Seoul City Tour Bus : KRW 10.000

Total: KRW 73.000

July 3^rd       : -Check out Hostel

- Explore Seoul by subway : Namsan Tower, Apgujeong, Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Itaewon.

- At Night heading to Incheon International Airport by AREX

Ø Fees:

- Subway Ticket  : KRW 10.000

- 3 Meals                 : KRW 15.000

- AREX                    : KRW 13.300

Total                        : KRW 38.300

July 4^th       : ICN-KUL arrive at 05.30 AM

-         KUL- SIN at 08.00 by Tiger Airways

-         SIN-CGK buy ticket on the spot.

Total fee: KRW 368.600 ≈ IDR 3.133.100

For accommodation, i already booked in 3 places, they are: Forjuneteller’s Zen Backpacker Hostel at Busan, The House Hostel at Sokcho, and Mr.Sea Backpacker hostel at Seoul by www.hostelbookers.com . I personally recommend this site to help you find a better hostel in another country. If you booked hostel or guesthouse with www.hostelbookers.com, the deposit only 10% of fares, so if something happened in the future and you couldn’t stay at hostel which your booked, you only lost 10%  not all your budget for accommodation, because they only would charged when you arrived at their place.

For getting amenities and privacy,i want booked a private room with triple bed at all hostel, but when i searched for Forjuneteller’s Zen Backpacker Hostel at Busan, all private room already booked. So we  didn’t have any options except stayed at dorm room. Around 1 hour after submitted my booking and payment, June the manager of Forjuneteller’s Zen Backpacker Hostel emailed me and asked about my arrival time and suggest me for using private room. I told him that we would arrived at his place around 2 or 3AM early morning, and making deal that we would took the private room which suggested by him.

Here with I attached all my booking confirmation.

Next, preparation for document visa required.

1. South Korean Application Visa Form.

2. Passport which still valid min 6 months before expired date.

3. Copy of passport, only at part detail identity and address.

4. Copy of Taxes Card .

5. Photo.

6. Statement Letter from your company including employment salary and tax records in English.

8. Ticket Resevation.

9. Hostel Reservation.

10. Copy of bank saving  at least  3 months.

11. Travel detail including budget required.

We planned going to South Korean Embassy at 30th June 2011, i intend to run out from the office for submitted our document to Korean Embassy at The Plaza Buildings 30th floor. I’m not alone going there, Sonia also run from her job to submit her document too. We met at The Plaza lobby and straight to 30th floor, while we arrived at Korean Embassy, there are so many travel agent whose brought a bulk of documents. Wewww, it’ll be took long time until our queues number displayed on digital screen. We sat on the bench and re-check our document again.

30 minutes already passed. Digital screen displayed our queues number. We move to submit document counter, a lady took our documents,doing check document required, then told us to pay IDR 270.000,- for each entry visa. After gave the payment to her, she gave us receipt letter no: D-30-79-80. She told us to come again at 6th June for getting our visa.

It’s only took 3 days to manage this entry visa, it’s not difficult at all.

All preparation almost done, we still waiting confirmation from Korea Tourism Organization about our Free Shuttle Bus ticket to Jeonju, it said that the ticket would be sent 10 days before our depart date. Application for free shuttle bus had been submitted at 10th March 2011 for 3 persons using 2 different email, so the boarding ticket would be sent at 20th June 2011. I got boarding ticket at 20th June but only for me and Sonia.

I didn’t get any boarding ticket for Dinda, so i asked KTO about this matter, and they said that Dinda didn’t lucky for getting free boarding ticket. It made me feel bad for Dinda, reconsider about this problem i decided to change my itinerary. Then about 2 days i change my detail itinerary and decided not going to Jeonju and contact the guesthouse about my changing arrival date. Fortunately, we shouldn’t made another reservation for switching our arrival date. They would handle it for us.

and voila……. after struggling with maps, books, webs, google, wikipedia, KTO and anything about South Korea, i made final detail itinerary for my guide.

Here is my final detail itinerary for Summer Trip to South Korea. I would like to apologize, because i made it in hurry, so i made it with mixed language so you may getting confuse while reading it.

Detail Itinerary Summer Trip to South Korea

27 Juni 2011

CGK-KUL QZ 7696 7 PM-10PM

sebelum pintu keluar dekat old town coffe ada loket yang jual tiket bus ke KL Sentral yaitu skybus dan aerobus. Halte bus dekat pintu penerbangan domestik gak jauh dari Mc.D. Perjalanan KLLCCT ke KL Sentral 1 jam. Tiba di KL sentral bus akan berhenti di ground floor. Disini ada loket penjualan kupon taxi. Untuk masuk ke dalam KL sentral bisa naik escalator atau lift ke lantai 1. Lantai 2 ada loket penjualan kupon taxi & tempat penitipan barang . Naik taxi ke bukit bintang beli kupon taxi RM 13/RM15.

Menuju ke guest house daerah bukit bintang: Istirahat, besok pagi jalan2 ke KLCC & twin tower, setelah itu balik ke guesthouse, check out dan naik taxi ke KL Sentral, kemudian naik SkyBus ke LCCT.

28 Juni 2011

KUL-ICN D72682 1.45PM-9.25PM

Keluar dari INCHEON langsung di arrival gate (lt.1),beli T-money di GS25 atwpun Family Mart di Incheon ngambil kartu diskon di KTO, kemudian  beli tiket bus di bus Ticket Counter, kemudian menuju exit 4B dekat information , menuju halte bus.

Plan A:Incheon-Busan: 1st floor 10C KRW 46.600 last bus 22.20

Plan B:Incheon-Gangnam: 1st floor 5A/11B bus no 6020/6009

1st floor 4A/10B Gangnam Express Bus Terminal

Gangnam-Busan: last  bus 02.00

03.00 AM

From Busan Central Bus Terminal (Nopo Station) metro line 1 get off at Seomyoen Station Exit 7 or take Taxi From Busan Central Bus Terminal fare about KRW 20.000 to Zen Backpacker.

Istirahat, Shalat, Makan, & Mandi.

29 Juni 2011

BUSAN TRIP 08.30 AM

-Makan di Yoogane Dak Galbi (Seomyeon station line 1 –> Busan station 6 stops arah Sinpyeong station)

-Taejongdae

take bus no 88 or 101 at Busan Station or no. 13,8, 30, or 88 at Nampodong (8 stops) and Jagalchi Market (9 stops). Jalan

Setelah di Nampodong/Jagalchi/Busan Station  pilih line 1 ke arah Nopo Station turun di Seomyon station, pindah ke line 2 menuju Jangsan station turun di Heundae station .

- Haedong Yonggungsa

Tiba di Heundae station(line 2)  keluar dari exit 9. To get to Haedong Yonggungsa take bus no 181 and walk.

use the same route for going back to Heundae station.

-Heundae Beach exit at Heundae station

Selesai istirahat di heundae beach, pilihan ada 2 ke shinsegae Centum City atau ke Dongnae Foot & Bath Spring

-Shinsegae Centum City (Centum City Station line 2)

Dari heundae station line 2 ke arah Yangsan Station turun di Centum City Sation (3 stops)

- Dongnae Foot & Bath Spring (Oncheonjang station metro line 1, exit no 3, walk 10 min)

Dari heundae station (line 2) ke arah Yangsan Station turun di Seomyeon station (16 stops), pindah ke line 1 di Seomyeon station  ke arah Nopo Station , turun di Ocheonjang (8 stops)

atau dari heundae station ke arah Yangsan station turun di Suyeong station (5 stops) . Dari Suyeong station pindah ke line 3 ke arah Daejeo station turun di Yeonsan station (4 stops) trus di yeonsan station pindah ke line 1 arah Nopo dong station turun di Oncheonjang (4 stops).

- Gwangalli Beach (Gwangan Station line 2)

Dari Oncheonjang station (line 1) ke arah Sinpyeong station turun di Yeonsan station (4 stops), dari Yeonsan station ke arah Suyeong station (line 3) turun di Suyeong station (4 stops) dari Suyeong station pindah ke line 2 ke arah Yangsan Station, turun di Gwangan Station (1 stops).

-Gwangalli Beach langsung balik ke Guest House Seomyeon station exit 7.

Dari Gwangan station line 2 ke arah Yangsan station turun di Seomyeon station (10 stops) keluar lewat exit 7.

-Dari Guest House kembali ke Seoul naik metro lagi, Seomyeon station line 1 ke arah Nopo station, pemberhentian terakhir. Ke Busan Central bus terminal. Naik Bus ke Seoul.

30 Juni 2011

Mt. Seorak

Tiba di Gangnam Express Bus Terminal .

Cari loket penjualan tiket Bus ke Sokcho khusus Foreigner. Harga tiket KRW 24.400. Dari Terminal Gangnam menuju Terminal express Bus Sokcho sekitar 3 jam 10 menit. Dari Terminal Bus Sokcho naik taxi (INGAT JANGAN NAIK TAXI WARNA HITAM) Taxi sekitar KRW 5000. Check in di The House Hotel. Sebelum Pergi ke mt.seorak Tanya Mr. Yoo Restaurant Wang yang ada BBQ all you can eat.

Menuju Mt.Seoraksan naik bus dari halte dekat hostel no 7 atau 7.1 Tiket bus KRW 1000 sekitar 45 menit, Tiket Masuk Mt.Seorak KRW2500. Cable Car KRW8500 roundtrip. Naik ke  Gwongeumseong saja 860 meter, kalau ke puncak Ulsanbawi butuh waktu 2,5-3 jam sekali jalan. Kuil Sinheungsa atau Air Terjung Biryong (1,5 jam jalan) .

Dari Mt. Seorak lanjut ke Rodeo Street untuk jalan2, kalau gak sanggup ya langsung pulang ke Guest House. Kalau masih sanggup juga bisa ke Teddy Bear Farm dari Intercity Bus Terminal naik bus 3.1 turun di Hakseopyong station. Fee KRW 5000.

Balik ke Guest House dan istirahat. Besok pagi2 balik ke Seoul. Pukul 6 pagi.

1 Juli 2011

Naik taxi ke express bus terminal Sokcho, beli tiket ke Seoul, selanjutnya naik Bus sampai ke Terminal Bus di Gangnam.

Tiba di Seoul Express Bus Terminal/ Gangnam masuk ke subway station pilih line 3 ke arah Daehwa. Turun di Chungmuro station (7 stops ). Dari Chungmuro ambil line 4 ke arah Daegonggae turun di Hyewha station (3 stops) exit no 4 ikutin peta yang di hape, menuju  Mr.Sea Backpacker guesthouse.

-Check in di Guest House, istirahat sebentar .

Explore Seoul.

GuestHouse-Gyeongbokgung/Deoksugung-Gwanghwamun-Cheonggyechon stream-Hongik University- Coffee prince Café-Hello Kitty Café-Trick Art Museum- Banpo Bridge Hangang Park –Myeongdong (SPAO) -Namdaemun Market

Hyehwa station line 4 ke arah Oido turun di Chungmuro station pindah ke line 3 arah ke Daehwa station, naik subway turun di Gyeongbokgung station exit 5. Jalan kaki ke Gyengbokgung Palace.

Kalau ke Deoksugung palace dari hyehwa station naik subway arah ke Oido, turun di Dongdaemun station(1 stop) pindah ke line 1 arah ke Guro station turun di City Hall station (4 stops) exit no 3.

Kemudian dari gyeongbokgung/Deoksugung jalan kaki ke Gwanghwamun Square lanjut ke Cheonggyecheon stream.

Subway terdekat city hall exit 4 line 2 ke Sindorim station turun di hongik university station (5 stops) exit 9  / exit 5/exit 4

Coffee Prince exit 4 turn right into seven springs corner and pass the intersection at 3 way intersection turn left a walk about 100 meter on the road above the playground and walk towards the road on the right side walk about 500meters until you find coffee shop on the right

SantoriniSeoul Trick Art Museum( Seoul-si Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong 357-1 Seogyo Plaza B02-01) Exit 9 walk straight for 200m towards starbuck coffee fee entrance  KRW 10.000

Hello Kitty Café you could ask citizen.

Kembali ke Hongik University station menujuexpress bus terminal ambil line 2 arah ke Seongsu turun di Euljiro-3 ga Station ( 7 stops) pindah ke line 3 naik subway arah ke Suseo turun di Express Bus Terminal (9 stops) exit 6 15 menit walk to Hangang Park at Banpo Bridge.Moonlight Rainbow Fountain jam 8Pm 9.20PM.

Kembali ke Express Bus terminal pilih line 3 arah ke Daehwa Station, turun di Chungmuro Station (8 stops) pindah ke line 4 menuju Oido, turun di Myeongdong exit 6 , SPAO walk toward Pascucci turn left at Pascucci and walk straight for a little over 80m. atau ke Namdaemun Market buat beli oleh2.

Dari Myeongdong Station line 4 balik Hyehwa Station arah Daegonggae turun di Hyehwa station (4 stops)

2 Juli 2011

-Seoul- Nami Island-Petite France

Naik Bus Dari Guest House ke hyehwa station line 4 ke arah oido station turun di Dongdaemun station (1 stop) pindah ke line 1 Arah ke Guro station turun di  Jonggak Station exit 11 ke Tapgol Park. Naik Bus ke Nami KRW7500

Dari Guesthouse jam 7 pagi menuju Sangbong station (line7).

Hyehwa station line 4 ke arah oido turun di Dongdaemun station (1 stops) . Dari Dongdaemun station pindah ke line 1 arah ke Soyosan turun di Seokgye Station (8 stops) . Dari Seokgye station pindah ke line 6 arah ke Bonghwasan Station turun di Taereung Station (1 stop), dari Taereung station pindah ke line 7 arah ke Onsu Station turun di Sangbong station (3 stops). Untuk prjalanan ini diperkirakan (30-40 menit)

Dari Sangbong Station pindah dan cari Gyeongchun Line INGAT JANGAN NAIK YANG EXPRESS dan JANGAN ke JUNGANG line. Beli tiket di loket di Gyeongchun line , kemudian naik train arah ke Chuncheon. Turun di Gapyeong station (11 stops), naik taxi ke Nami island (KRW 3000) or shuttle bus perjalanan sekitar 7-10 menit. Setelah sampai di Namiseom . Beli tiket KRW 8000 (tiket masuk + round trip ferry).  (1 jam) Nami Island 7.30 Am-9.45 PM

Keliling Nami island + Makan siang sekitar 3 jam.

Kembali naik ferry , dan taxi ke Gapyeong station. Dari Gapyeong station naik yang kearah Mangu/sangbong turun di Cheongpyeong station(2 stops) . keluar dari Cheongpyeong station cari shuttle bus kearah Petite France . Masuk Petite france KRW 8000, buka dari jam 9 AM-6 PM. (20 menit)

Tiba di Petite France, jalan2 sekitar 3 jam. Jam 4 or 5 sore kembali ke Seoul. Dari Petite France naik bus lagi kearah Cheongpyeong station. Dari Cheongpyeong station naik train ke Sangbong Station.

Turun turun di Sangbong station (9 stop), pindah ke subway line 7 arah ke Jangam Station turun di Taereung Station (3 stops) , turun di Taereung station pindah ke line 6 naik subway arah ke Eungam Station turun di  Seokgye station (1 stop), dari Seokgye station pindah ke line 1 arah ke Guro Station, turun di DOngdaemun Station (8 stops) .

Kalau masih sanggup jalan2 keliling di Dongdaemun exit 2. Tempat shopping yang murah2.

3 Juli 2011

PLAN A:GuestHouse-Seoul Station (titip tas)-Namsan Tower – Apgujeong- Lotte World- Ttukseom park – Seoul Station

Dari Hyehwa station naik subway ke Oido turun di Seoul Station (6stops) menitipkan barang di loker kemudian menuju Namsan Tower.

PLAN B:GuestHouse-Namsan Tower – Apgujeong- Lotte World- Ttukseom park-Balik Ke Guest House- Seoul Station

-Namsan Tower

Dari Hyehwa station langsung ke Ke Namsan tower ada 2 pilihan naik bus atau naik cable car, kalau mau naik bus dari seoul station naik subway dulu line 4 arah Daegonggae turun di Chungmuro station (3stops). Exit     naik bus ke Nseoul tower no 2 or 5 warna kuning.

Kl naik cable car . Dari seoul station Pilih line 4 kearah Daegonggae turun di Myeongdong (2 stops) exit 2 or 3 trus jalan kaki. Ke cable car loket. From Myeongdong subway station, Exit 3, walk up to the hill behind Pacific Hotel until you reach the cable car station. Cable car return fee 7,500 won.

-          Apgujeong

Dari NSeoul Tower naik bus lagi ke Chungmuro station. Di Chungmuro station pilih line 3 arah ke Ogeum Station turun di Apgujeong station (6 stops). Exit

- Lotte World

Apgujeong station line 3 arah ke Ogeum station turun di Seoul Univ station (4 stops) pindah ke line 2 arah ke Seongsu turun di jamsil station (7 stops). Exit

- Ttukseom park, Guest House, Seoul Station then Airport.

When i tweeting in my twitter account that i would going to Singapore again, some followers ask me, why i have to go there twice?. The only answer i told them is because i have to become tour guide for my workmate and complete my passion for visiting Universal Studio. Actually there is also a little pain that i want to reconcile in Singapore.

As you know i haven’t visited Universal Studio yet in January, so this is my chance to make it. I’ve booked flight with my high school friend Djatu at Feb 26th CGK-SIN and Mar 1st  SIN-CGK by AirAsia that gave us lowest fare about IDR 616.000 for roundtrip. I think this one is also best fare for going to Singapore that time.

My workmate, Mrs.Suzie knowing about my leave to Singapore, and she asked me to booked the same flight as me for 4 additional passengers . Because she is my closest workmate in the office, so i booked the same flight for her, but she have to pay extra fares because she didn’t got any promo for those flight. I never experience about traveling with kids, for your information my workmate brought her kids, 2 daughters and a son. I think it shouldn’t be a problem if i’m going with those kids. Next day another workmate in difference office also want to join my trip, her name is Ega, actually she is my junior at college.

The day has come, i had packed all my belonging with my Red bag last night. The Red one that i bought in Mustafa Center. After crosscheck my belonging , and make sure everything complete including passport, ticket, money,and hotel voucher.

Because of money matters, the best way to go to Soe-Hatta airport is by DAMRI bus from Gambir rail station, budget traveler should know about this hehehehehe. Actually, i have  some options to go to rail station: if i took public transportation like busway it may about 1 hour to go there, if i used bajaj to go there it’s only IDR 10.000 differences fare from taxi fares. So the best choice is by taxi, I took blue bird taxi from my dorm to Gambir rail station as usual, i’m quite realistic about public transportation in Jakarta.

After 15 minutes road to Gambir rail station, and direct to DAMRI terminal, and decided to sit on the back row, 5 minutes later the driver start the engine and ready to airport. At this time i take my Blackberry phone from my bag and sent bbm to my friend Djatu about my position and i asked  about her position right now, because Djatu lives in Karawang which is more far from Cengkareng than me. She said that already at the highway Cengkareng, and will be arrived soon. I asked her for crosscheck  important belonging like passport, ticket & voucher hotel, and then disaster came to us.

Djatu leave from her dorm without brought passport and now she will reach the airport soon. I told her to persuade someone that could bring it to airport right now, we still have 1,5 hours before departure time. What a stupid thing if you want to travel abroad but didn’t bring the passport instead. (>_<”)

Suddenly i heard her voice become so weak and about to cry. I try to comfort her by saying “everything will be ok, your friend will come before departure time”. I know it will be a little bothersome for her, because she thought packing your stuff for traveling 3 days abroad is trivial thing, and now she realizing, it wouldn’t be like this if she packed her belonging carefully.

My workmate Ega, Mrs. Suzie and her kids arrived not long time after I arrived at Terminal 2D Soekarno Hatta International airport. I told Mrs. Suzie about what happened just now. Since the traffic to the airport isn’t good either, it seems Djatu life saver couldn’t make it.

30 minutes already pass…..

1 hour already pass……

I asked Djatu, is it ok if we check in first without her? because it will be more troubles if we didn’t check in right now. She is agreed and we move to counter self check in.  The Air Asia self check in counter also full of people, i could see a group of doctors that will going to Bangkok (actually i spy on their paper ticket, that’s why i know the destination), some foreign couples and  local citizens that should going to another country for their own business. After standing about 20 minutes,now  my turn to push this touch screen counter, completing all data requirement, and print the boarding pass. I’m not lucky today coz i didn’t get a seat close to the window which is number A or F.

Before going to immigration counter, i come  outside to inform Djatu that we should going to immigration counter right now, it means i have to leave her alone here, until her passport came. She agreed to me, and told me, if she couldn’t catch the airplane right now, she would bought next flight to Changi airport, and i have to pick her up at Changi Airport later. Before going back in to the immigration counter, i convinced her that i would going to Changi airport after our dinner, and make sure  to send me a message before leaving Jakarta.

Once again i have to run, run, and run run again.

It is not an easy job to comforting your friend whose had sadness & worry when yourself will going for vacation. I’m also feeling a little guilty for her. Why I didn’t remind her about passport last night? Before through immigration counter, I must teaching the kids to complete immigration card by them self, coz this is they first time travelling abroad. After complete all of it, i told them not being panic and stay cool, calm, confident  when the staff asking about their purpose leaving Indonesia, just answer “traveling with my mom”, that’s it.  I let them going before me to make sure everyone through the immigration counter without any problems, and then my turn. Every time I pass through immigration counter i always feeling free, don’t know why ckckckckcckk.

After all, we’re going to waiting room, and have to passing security check once again. Another trouble came, Suzie’s daughter brought some bottle of body lotions and body wash that up to 100ml.  I had told them not to bring it last day, but why they still bring it out,then with regretful face they leave The Body Shop products in security check counter.

At 02.20 PM all passengers Air Asia flight number QZ 7784 made queuing in front of the door. Since we got difference seat, so i told them to search their seats by them self.  I forgot about my seat number, but i still remember that i sat at D section, it means not beside of the window, seat at E section should be empty coz it’s belong to Djatu, a young woman seat at F. What a relief when i know the person next to me is a woman. Before turned off my phone i send a BBM to Djatu, “I’m in board right now. We’ll fly soon, don’t forget to send me message before you go”.

After praying, the Airplane take off with  little jolt.

I really want to sleep, and leaving all my pain in Jakarta, yup a little broken heart. When i’m trying to close my eyes, a woman next to me with her oriental face asked me about my purpose leaving. Let me named her Vivi.

Vivi: alone?

Me: yeah.

Vivi: Traveling?first time to Singapore?

Me: traveling, this is my second time, and you?

Vivi: I just transit in Singapore. I want to go to Kuala Lumpur, but didn’t get any good price to go there,so i took flight to Singapore first and going to Kuala Lumpur by bus tonight.

Me: Ohhh i see.

Vivi: I want to meet my second boyfriend there.

Me: oh ya? what happened with your first boyfriend? don’t you feel guilty by  cheating between 2 men?

Vivi: i want to break up with my first boyfriend, he is too protective and possessive.

Me: (rising my eye brow and make frown, this girl really talk active and extrovert, i guess her blood type is A, like me ) Oh i see, good for you, in one time you could dating 2 men.

Vivi: Don’t you have a boy friend?

Me: No, i haven’t.

Vivi: Oh i see, but your face is so gloomy, i just felt you have a kind of broken heart.

Me: (Damn!!! she know it, trying hard to make a smile) oh ya, how can you felt like it?

Vivi: Your expression told it.

Me: hohohoho, just a little disappointed.

Vivi: hmmmm, it’s ok, i also thought, the best way to forget our sadness is traveling. i’m a little hungry right now, would you like to order some beverages?

Me: Yes, i will.

Vivi: Let me give you some advice, don’t order rice,noodle or sandwich, the taste is very bad here. I’ll order Cheeze Pizza.

And then the flight attendant passing by our seat, and take our order. Because i’m so hungry , i decided to order The Cheeze Pizza too. After finishing our food, we fall asleep, then slept peacefully.

After 1,5 hours in the board, we arrived at Changi International Airport 04.00 PM Jakarta Time, because there is difference time between Jakarta and Singapore so now is about 05.00 PM Singapore Time. According to my guide book “500 Ribu Keliling Singapura”, we have to ride skytrain to go to Terminal 2 if we want to go to MRT Station at Changi.

Passing security check for several times and trying to smile to the imigration staff and then we arrived at MRT station. After bought 5 EZ link cards at the ticketing office, i teach them how to top up their EZ card, and heading to Geylang because Djatu already booked the hotel there.

We stayed at Fragrance Emerald Hotel no.20 Lorong 6 Geylang, Singapore which booked via www.agoda.com. If you search the cheap hotel in this area, there are so many of them. I heard this area also Red Light District, but i don’t care about it since i came  here only for vacation not for doing something bad, but we must extra carefully. My previous visit in January also staying at this area and we haven’t got any bad experiences.

For this visiting we booked 3 superior rooms, for 3 nights, which are 2 rooms booked under my name and another one under Djatu’s name. So we only get 2 rooms now since Djatu haven’t arrived yet. How much i should pay for 2 rooms and 3 nights??? it’s only IDR 2.633.706 then dividing for 4 persons. One person should pay IDR 658.427 for staying 3 night. That’s the cheaper i got for staying at the hotel.

After completing data guest and asking for wifi password, the receptionist give us 2 keys, and guide us to the lift because our room at 3rd floor. The Superior room is very clean, our room at 306 & 307. We should take some rest before dinner at Bugis Junction. Ega & me decide to take room no 307, Mrs. Suzie and her kids will be using room no.306 temporary until Djatu arrived at hotel. Tonight at 7 Pm we decided Chicken Rice for our dinner. I guide them to Chinese restaurant which stick “Halal” certification and No Pork No Lard in their food stall.

Mrs.Suzie complained to me, because this food isn’t appropriate her taste. I told her, i really like this food because this one is cheaper and yummy, she should try it first. I told her this one is the best Chicken Rice in Singapore, so many tourist will visiting this restaurant at night. She trying hard not to complain about food. If she want to join my trip, so she should following my rules, especially about food, transportation, and walking tour, because i’m budget traveler. So  she have to understand my condition too.

I didn’t got any mood for using my camera today, so there is no picture for this time. After finishing our dinner then heading to Changi airport to pick up Djatu. Around 9 PM, i met Djatu my lophly friend in MRT Station Changi Airport. The Ticketing Office already closed, so Djatu has to using MRT single journey ticket to go to hotel . I help her to get the ticket from ticketing machine, and then we’re heading to the hotel by MRT again.

When arriving at the hotel, Djatu ask her keys at receptionist and she got the room 308, right besides my room. So we arrange the people for each room, 308 for Djatu & Ega, 307 for me & Mrs. Suzie, 306 for the kids. After take bath and pray, i watched tv at the hotel and bustle with my blackberry phone, what else if it not to check my email and updating my twitter. hohohohoho

27 February 2011

Today is walking tour, i planned for going to Orchad Road, Merlion park, Esplanade,China Town and Mustafa Center. Starting tour at 8 AM from Geylang Bus Stop to catch bus no 7 heading to Orchad Road. The kids really like to trying double deck bus, so we have to wait more longer to get it. The Bus arrived in front of us, we going inside the bus and going up to the stairs and seat on the empty chairs.

Actually this is also my first time trying double deck bus, so i forget to remember our destination, because i’m prefer using MRT. So without knowing everything, we get down from the bus near Dhoby Ghaut Interchange Station to buy 1 EZ link card for Djatu. Bacause i’m the tour guide for this trip so i prepare Singapore map that i took from hotel, and trying my best finding the shortcut to Orchad road. You can guess what they doing, not trying to help me, they only chit chat and taking some pictures . I think  Djatu & Ega found out my difficulties, then trying to help me. Maybe i’ m a little regret why we should took the bus, while using MRT is the best choice.

After looking at the map several times, searching the sign board and through some buildings, roads which are odd for me and not written in my “guide book”,finally  i found the Orchad Road.

Finally, i found you

Then my angry disappear, i could find this way, suddenly i praise my self. I told them i never using bus, so don’t be too greedy for using the bus, because i’m not really certain about when and where we should going down. So, i won’t take responsibility if we get lost.

Because we only got a bread for breakfast, and the time about 10.30 AM, i think it’s time to take some good meal. I guide them to Wisma Atria for earlier lunch. I order Nasi Lemak my favorite menu at Food Republic, and they order the same thing like me. Alhamdulillah no complain at all. They ate peacefully. Mrs. Suzie told me this meal is very good, the kids also like it. Djatu and Ega also like it. hehehehehe

Finishing earlier lunch, i gave them 2 hours for shopping, coz it won’t comfortable to each other for just following my shopping taste. We decided to gather at ION Orchad. I only want to check wallet and high heels prices in Charles & Keith Store at Wisma Atria, because i had decided to buy something at Changi Airport with my remaining money at the last day. Ega bought a cute hand bag for her mom at Charles & Keith Store. Djatu bought a white flat shoes at Tangs. Me??? I only bought 15 chocolates at Lucky Plaza.

Before all tour member gather at ION Orchad, i bought  ice cream that named “uncle ice cream”. 1 dolar to get this ice cream, i really like it. Then heading to Esplanade and Merlion Park. I never get bored when visiting this landmark. Unfortunately, Merlion statue at Merlion Park is covered by construction materials right now, they decided to build a hotel there. So, we just sightseeing and took some pictures without Merlion Statue. Then Heading to China Town for bought some souvenirs and get some rest at Masjid jamae Chulia.  Next destination to  Mustafa Center, they want to go there for bought traveling bag like mine “The Red”. So i have no right to forbid them not to buy it since this bag is really comfortable. We decided going to Little India by MRT. Then another disaster came.

Farah (Mrs. Suzie old daughter) shopping bags lost at nowhere. They tried to remember everything before heading to MRT Station China Town, maybe it was left at the souvenir shop or at Masjid. We’ll waiting at Chinatown station while farah & her mom heading back to Masjid for searching the bags.

God helps us, the shopping bags already found. Straight going to MRT Farrer Park the shortcut to Mustafa Center. As usual, this area full of Hindustan Ethnic. Trying hard to avoid them, and Mustafa Center filled of people. Ega took the same bag as mine the red one, Mrs. Suzie took the Blue ones. Got what they need, then we escape from this place to MRT Bugis for dinner, the sky already became dark.

We going to Bugis near Masjid Sultan, i decide to order Nasi Goreng Seafood, because the food stall didn’t provide Nasi Lemak. Another complain came, i trying to let it go coz i’m really tired right now. After dinner, Reza (Mrs. Suzie son) asked me to going home by double deck bus again. I told him, i don’t know where the bus station and told him don’t complain about what we ride and what we eat, because i’m very exhausting right now.

I think, i couldn’t win against the kid, i couldn’t bear it. So today is the hardest day in my story trip. It will be a good lesson for me. I hope tomorrow everything will be fine since i already understand what they like.

28 February 2011

My passion for visiting Universal Studio already became true. It’s time for have fun guys, forget about everything. The Sadness, Pain, and everything that will make your face gloomy, let’s forget it now.

Yesterday I’m too tired, so after shubuh I slept again until 8 AM, and realize that everyone already woke up and ready to go, then I’m the last person who haven’t take bath right now.

After prepare my self, we decided took our late breakfast at Food Republic at Wisma Atria again, this is the request from them. Like usual, I ordered Nasi Lemak which only SGD 5 and brought out my bottle that filled by water from hotel==> to decrease my expenses of course.

We arrived at Universal Studio Singapore around 10AM by MRT and monorail at Vivo city. Adult Ticket SGD66, it cost a lot to having fun here. Starting from looking around Madagascar, Penguins dance, take photo with King Julien’s, visiting ogre’s house unfortunately couldn’t met Viona & Shrek, ride roller coaster at Enchanted Airways, watching Shrek adventure 4D at far2 away area which the effect is very gorgeous,visiting Jurassic Park, riding canopy flyer,  ride Battlestar Galactica dueling coaster which a high speed roller coaster that has 2 tracks at Sci Fi City, the red and the blue. The Red track is the most extreme riding. I got confident to ride the blue one because it’s not really scary I guess.

After riding the blue track , make me wanna try the red track, but the kids seem too scary to try this one. So, i cancel my plan to ride the red ones and move to Broadway 5th avenue,  there are street performance dancing battle, then taking some pictures with Special character appearances include: Po from Kungfu Panda, Frankenstein’s Monster , Woody & Winnie Woodpecker, Charlie Chaplin, and Betty Boop. It’s time for praying ashar, so we decided to find mushalla  that closed to entry door.

After finishing our pray, we move to Steven Spielberg Studio that performing “how to make major huricane in New York City” this performance is the best attraction i got. You couldn’t think how to move a big ship in to your garage or the feeling your garage would be hit by big flood that right in front of your eyes, the sound effect and lighting is soooo awesome, i won’t blink my eyes for this.

Then move to Pantages Hollywood Theatre for Live Monster Rock, last performance before we going back to hotel. Monster Rock is live music performance starring Hollywood monster like Dracula, Mummy, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, bride of Frankenstein, The Black Cat, etc.Their acting very interesting, specially when they sang  “Nobody” that popularized by Wonder Girls. For dinner, we ate Nasi Lemak again at food republic in vivo city, beside sentosa monorail station. Then heading back to hotel by MRT.

1st March 2011

It’s time to go home. For breakfast we bought rice and snacks at Old Chang Kee vendor at MRT Station Kallang near our hotel, we going to Airport earlier because Ega will be back to Jakarta in the morning, while our flight at the afternoon. I decide spending time going around the airport, listen to the music, and shopping at Charles & Keith Store then i brought a pair high heels, and white hand bag. The prices in the airport more cheaper than in town because exclude GST.

Ok, that’s all about my re-backpack to Singapore,for this trip i spend about SGD200 including Universal Studio Ticket, 1 Hand Bag CK, 1 pair high Heels CK, meals and transportation fees.