Your Bio

I am so grateful to have been able to experience life the way that I did. I strongly believe that the most important thing one can do to oneself is to know what one wants and know where one wants to be. Once you know what you want and where you want to be, put 150% of you into the effort of getting there.

Long time ago, I stumbled upon this beautiful writing and this has been my guiding light ever since.

"Ideals are like the stars. Just like the seafaring men whom in the
blackest of night, always look up to the sky to find stars to guide them
safely to the shore, that is how our ideals to us. We may never achieve
them, but they may bring us to safety ." - by Anonymous.

I choose being positive, decisive & determined. I am glad that I am that.

These pictures you about to see are the story of my life. From the day I was born till the very minute I am writing this. However, there are still many empty albums for I am still in the process of obtaining and uploading them.

If you want to know me, this is a good place to start. I celebrate my life by creating and remembering moments. Moments of happiness, sadness, fulfilled, contentment or despair. My life is about creating my own chain of moments to create my own history. I am hoping that it would be a history which I will always be so content of whenever I look back at it and reminisce about.

Mi vida es un placer!

(Picture in this Bio was taken in mid June 2003)

Featured Galleries

Pictures from my assignment in Bangkok, Thailand :

Pictures from my assignment in Bangkok, Thailand

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 6:35pm PST

Chicago, Illinois : All pictures are by me.

Chicago, Illinois

All pictures are by me.

Updated: Apr 27, 2005 7:44pm PST

Maxus - YPF project : Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The wilder side of my South American tour of duty.

Maxus - YPF project

Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The wilder side of my South American tour of duty ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2004 10:04pm PST

Galleries

75 years of Mickey's InspEARations : State's street 75 years of Inspiration. Celebrating Walt Disney. Sunday Jul 18, 2004, we went to State street to take pictures of Mickey the mouse. Though we are two adults but this cute mouse always brings the child in all of us. Enjoy the pictures.

75 years of Mickey's InspEARations

State's street 75 years of Inspiration. Celebrating Walt Disney. Sunda ...

Updated: Aug 11, 2008 12:14pm PST

Nicole :

Nicole

Updated: Oct 14, 2007 6:43pm PST

Bali honeymoon, August 2005 : We never had any honeymoon after our wedding in 2001. So in summer 2005, we decided to take a break from everything and went to Bali to enjoy ourselves. We loved our time together there.

Bali honeymoon, August 2005

We never had any honeymoon after our wedding in 2001. So in summer 200 ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2006 7:25pm PST

To be printed :

To be printed

Updated: Feb 18, 2006 5:28pm PST

10 y.o and beyond :

10 y.o and beyond

Updated: Feb 04, 2006 2:34pm PST

My Mom's childhood photographs :

My Mom's childhood photographs

Updated: Jan 31, 2006 7:58pm PST

The Ozbalkan family visit to Chicago, January 2006 : Esra, Zumre, Barbaros and Can of the Ozbalkan family came to visit us for a week in January 2006. We had tonnes of fun! From going to the Museum and aquarium, to a shopping marathon in three different outlets, to eating steak as big as Shaquil O'Neal's shoe-size, to actually being there to watch the Bulls game at the United Center. It was my first time watching live basketball game. In fact, it WAS a really exhilirating experience (for a novice like me). At the end of the day, everybody is happy. On a lighter side, our lingo of the week are: - Ne var you? - Open Mahmut - Ewallahhhh... (ok, I am not sure of how to write this one. But it sure was fun to use it in a conversation) *smile*

The Ozbalkan family visit to Chicago, January 2006

Esra, Zumre, Barbaros and Can of the Ozbalkan family came to visit us ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2006 5:12pm PST

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 16 Agustus 2005 :

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 16 Agustus 2005

Updated: Nov 15, 2005 5:00pm PST

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 7 Agustus : Hari Minggu tanggal 7 Agustus merupakan hari penting karena hari itu diselenggarakan upacara Nganyut. Upacara ini merupakan upacara penutup dalam rangkaian Karya Ligia ini. Sesuai dengan judulnya, yaitu Nganyut, di hari ini semua menara-menara diturunkan dari altar. Kemudian diarak ke pantai dan kemudian dibakar. Acara hari ini sebetulnya sudah dimulai dengan pemberian makan, yaitu bubur yg dimasak pada malam/subuh. Acara Masak Bubur itu selesai kira-kira jam 5. Semua kemudian pulang ke rumah masing-masing hanya untuk mandi dan berganti baju. Beberapa yang beruntung, bisa juga melakukan makan pagi sebelum berangkat kembali ke Piyadnyan. Bagi yg tidak sempat melakukan makan pagi dirumah, disediakan bbrp penganan kecil beserta teh dan kopi di dapur umum. Jam 7 pagi orang-orang sudah kembali berdatangan di Piyadnyan untuk meyaksikan/mengawasi kegiatan menurunkan menara-menara dari altar. Semua barang-barang yang tadinya terletak di altar akan diarak ke pantai Ujung untuk kemudian dibakar dan dihanyutkan (thus the name Nganyut) ke laut sbg wujud pengembalian para arwah kerabat dan nenek moyang ke surga. Kegiatan arak-arakan itu sendiri biasanya merupakan kegiatan yang ramai dan menyenangkan. Ramai karena banyak melibatkan orang untuk mengangkat setiap menara. Ramai juga karena sambil mengarak menara itu, mereka kadang berteriak-teriak dan menyanyi untuk menghilangkan rasa penat. Selain itu, gamelan music Bali juga tidak ketinggalan meramaikan acara arak-arakan ini. Setelah sampai di pantai Ujung, boneka-boneka lontar yg menjadi simbol individu yg diupacarakan, diturunkan dari menara-menara itu. Kemudian, dilakukan persembahyangan terakhir sebelum menghanyutkan mereka ke laut. Selain boneka-boneka lontar itu, semua sesajen juga ikut dilempar ke laut. Kadang jika keadaan ombak tidak baik, digunakan juga perahu-perahu untuk menghanyutkan mereka ke tengah laut. Tapi hari ini kebetulan ombak cukup tinggi dan besar sehingga tidak diperlukan perahu untuk menghanyutkannya. Menara-menara yg sudah kosong kemudian dibakar dan dibuang ke laut juga. *Talking about pollution!* Namun sama halnya dengan sesajen yg dibiarkan untuk bisa dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat setelah upacara selesai, barang-barang berharga seperti kayu, bambu ataupun barang berharga lainnya biasanya juga diperebutkan oleh masyarakat setempat. Kegiatan ini agak berbahaya karena dilakukan pada saat yang bersamaan dengan api yang mulai membesar dan membakar menara-menara tsb. Kegiatan ini tidak boleh dilakukan sebelum pembakaran dimulai. Bokap dulu bilang bahwa jaman dulu, kegiatan pengambilan barang berharga ini adalah saat-saat yg paling dinanti-nantikan oleh masyarakat. Karena segala perhiasan yg (sekarang) terbuat dari kertas emas, jaman dulu terbuat dari emas asli yang mencair pada saat dibakar. Bisa dibayangkan bagaimana ramainya kegiatan rebut-merebut ini.

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 7 Agustus

Hari Minggu tanggal 7 Agustus merupakan hari penting karena hari itu d ...

Updated: Nov 14, 2005 4:09pm PST

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 6 Agustus : Hari Sabtu tanggal 6 Agustus merupakan hari yg meninggalkan kesan khusus bagi gue. Acara hari ini termasuk unik dan berbeda dari hari-hari sebelumnya. Jika acara di dua hari sebelumnya terkesan serius dan sakral. Acara hari ini bersifat lebih relaks dan ringan. Acara foto bersama dipagi sampai siang hari, dan acara tari-tarian dan memasak bubur dimalam harinya. Acara foto bersama dipagi harinya bisa bersifat bebas (tergantung kemauan dan keinginan individu) ataupun bersifat formal (yang diatur oleh panitia). Gue dan Bokap hanya menghadiri acara foto bersama sampai jam 11 pagi. Salah satu temanku akan datang dari Jakarta siang itu untuk ikut menyaksikan kegiatan upacara ini. Jadi kita berdua harus meninggalkan Karangasem sekitar jam 11.30 supaya bisa menjemput dia jam 1 siang di Ngurah Rai. Dengan dibukanya jalan baru By Pass yang menghubungkan secara langsung Denpasar - Klungkung, waktu tempuh Denpasar - Karangasem yg biasanya memakan waktu antara dua setengah sampai tiga jam, bisa ditempuh dalam waktu satu setengah jam saja sekarang. Acara dimalam hari dibagi kedalam dua golongan. Acara yang pertama adalah: Acara tontontan yang melibatkan tari-tarian. Baik tarian persembahan keluarga yg sifatnya spontanitas, maupun tarian yg ditarikan oleh profesional dancer. Didalam budaya Bali, kegiatan menari merupakan bagian yg terintegrasi dengan kehidupan sosial, budaya dan agama. Sewaktu kita semua masih berada di rumah nenekku, tanteku yg pengajar senior di ASTI, sudah memilih-milih tarian apa yang akan ditarikan oleh kita-kita sebagai persembahan malam itu. Dari keluargaku hanya ibuku dan tanteku yg nomor dua yg tidak akan menari. Ibuku tidak pernah sempat belajar menari Bali waktu kecilnya. Sedangkan tanteku yg nomor dua sedang tidak berada dalam kondisi fisik yg prima malam itu. Beberapa menantu perempuan nenekku juga akan ikut menari. Acara bagian kedua malam itu adalah acara Pemasakan Bubur. Pemasakan bubur ini konsepnya pada intinya sama dengan the Last Supper yang diadakan oleh Tuhan Yesus pada malam akhir sebelum Dia disalibkan. Perbedaannya disini, para kerabat dan keluarga yg sudah meninggal pun dianggap hadir disana dan perlu disediakan bubur. Ibu dan Bapakku hanya hadir sebagai penonton saat pemasakan bubur ini. Mereka tidak ikut memakan buburnya. Sedangkan saya? Zzzzzz.....zzzzz... dilantai ditempat orang-orang datang untuk meminta kopi/teh dekat dengan Dapur Umum. Saya, teman saya dan sepupu saya tidur berjajar bertiga disana dengan hanya menggunakan tikar dan selendang sebagai penahan rasa dingin (yang tentunya tidak mempan untuk mengusir rasa dingin tersebut). Tidak kuat menahan kantuk. Menurut Nyokap, semua kegiatan ini berakhir baru jam 5 pagi.

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 6 Agustus

Hari Sabtu tanggal 6 Agustus merupakan hari yg meninggalkan kesan khus ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2005 4:37pm PST

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 4 Agustus 2005 : Tanggal 4 Agustus merupakan acara puncak Karya Agung Ligia. Pada masa persiapan yang panjang yang mendahului upacara Ligia ini, masing-masing keluarga yg masih hidup mempersiapkan boneka yang terbuat dari daun lontar untuk setiap anggota keluarga mereka yg sudah meninggal. Setiap boneka tsb diletakkan kedalam bokor, semacam shallow bowl yg ukurannya lebar dan biasanya terbuat dari kuningan atau aluminium (kalau jaman dulu terbuat dari emas dan perak). Bokor yg bagus kualitasnya biasanya memiliki ukir-ukiran yg banyak dan detil. Selain boneka-boneka lontar, juga dipersiapkan kain-kain yang akan dipersembahkan sebagai pakaian bagi yg meninggal. Tidak seperti boneka yg dipersiapkan secara bersama-sama oleh keluarga besar dan hanya diperlukan satu saja untuk setiap individu yg sudah meninggal, kain-kain ini lebih merupakan persembahan dari keluarga yg masih hidup kepada mereka yg sudah meninggal. Jadi kadang disekeliling satu menara, bisa disaksikan banyak sekali kain-kain yg bergantungan. Kain-kain ini biasanya digantungkan di gantungan kayu yang berukir. Kemudian gantungan2 kayu tersebut digantung di belakang masing2 corresponding menara di altar. Acara hari ini dimulai dengan persembahyangan dimana intinya adalah memanggil mereka yg sudah meninggal untuk turun kembali kedunia dan masuk menempati tempatnya masing-masing, yaitu Boneka Lontar tersebut. Kemudian boneka beserta bokor tersebut dinaikkan ke tempat duduk sementara atau "singgasana" yang akan menghantar mereka kembali ke nirvana. Namun kali ini, ketika mereka kembali lagi ke nirvana, tempat atau posisi mereka di nirvana akan lebih tinggi dari tempat darimana mereka turun sebelumnya. Tempat duduk atau singgasana itu berupa menara-menara yg sudah dihiasi dengan beraneka ragam dekorasi. Dari dekorasi binatang sampai dekorasi hiasan-hiasan. Sekarang, semua dekorasi itu terbuat dari kertas emas. Dahulu dekorasi itu dibuat dari emas murni. Upacara hari ini disebut puncaknya karena hari inilah para arwah kerabat dan nenek moyang secara resmi memulai perjalanan mereka ke tempat baru di nirvana, suatu tempat yg akan membawa mereka lebih dekat lagi ke moksa. Acara Karya Agung Ligia semacam ini sudah pernah gue alami dua kali. Yang pertama adalah tahun 1978. Lebih megah, lebih agung dan rasanya lebih sakral. Binatang-binatang yg dipakai untuk sesajen juga masih binatang hidup, seperti misalnya dalam kasus penyu Bali. Gue inget sampai gue kuliah masih bisa dijumpai di pasar-pasar Bali sate yg terbuat dari daging penyu meskipun sudah semakin jarang dan mahal. Sekarang, penyu Bali sangat dilindungi karena terancam punah. Oh btw, gue enggak pernah tega untuk mencobai sate penyu itu jadinya sampai sekarang gue enggak tau gimana rasanya itu daging penyu. But I don't think I miss a thing.

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 4 Agustus 2005

Tanggal 4 Agustus merupakan acara puncak Karya Agung Ligia. Pada m ...

Updated: Nov 10, 2005 5:18pm PST

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 3 Agustus 2005 : Puncak Acara Karya Agung Ligia adalah upacara yg dilakukan berturut-turut selama 5 hari. Yaitu dari tanggal 3 Agustus sampai dengan 7 Agustus 2005. Pada tanggal 3 Agustus dilakukan dua acara yg berbeda, Purwadaksina dan Pengambilan Air Suci. Didalam acara Purwadaksina ini, pada intinya (menurut amatiran spt gue ini yg sangat kurang dalam sekali pengetahuannya) adalah introduction untuk acara Puncak pada tanggal 4 Agustusnya. Seluruh keluarga berdoa dan kemudian melakukan acara mengelilingi tempat upacara secara tiga kali dengan membawa semua sesajen yg akan dipersembahkan keesokan harinya. Sedangkan acara Pengambilan Air Suci, is self-explanatory. Setiap upacara keagamaan di Bali membutuhkan air suci. Air suci yg diambil pada hari ini merupakan air suci terakhir yg harus diambil. Letaknya sangat berdekatan dng tempat upacara. Sebulan sebelumnya sudah dimulai upacara2 pengambilan air suci lainnya dari beberapa Pura kuno yg sangat disucikan, yang letaknya tersebar di seluruh penjuru Bali. Yap, perjalanannya panjang utk bisa mengadakan upacara seperti ini. Maksud dan tujuan dari upacara Ligia ini adalah: - Menaikkan arwah nenek moyang ke tingkat yg lebih tinggi, yg lebih mendekati Surga. - Menjadikan nenek moyang Dewata dan Dewati sehingga mereka bisa didudukkan di Merajan (pura) Keluarga untuk dipuja setiap hari. Utk point yg pertama, orang Bali percaya bahwa ada beberapa tingkatan yg perlu dilalui para arwah untuk bisa moksa atau mencapai surga. Semakin sering diadakan upacara Ligia, semakin dekat para arwah kesurga. Sampai kapan hal ini harus dilakukan? Hanya rumput bergoyang yg tau. Krn waktu gue tanya, mereka juga gak bisa kasih jawaban yg pasti. Sedangkan point kedua, setiap keluarga di Bali, regardless their caste, selalu memiliki Merajan atau Pura Keluarga. Kedalam pura inilah semua arwah nenek moyang di duduk-kan supaya lebih dekat dengan keluarga yg masih hidup. Mereka yg sudah di Ligia kan itu kemudian mendapat gelar Dewata (laki) dan Dewati (perempuan). Mereka dipercaya juga memiliki kekuatan untuk melindungi keluarga yg masih hidup. Adalah wajib hukumnya untuk keluarga yg masih hidup utk memuja Dewata/Dewati ini melalui pemberian sajen pada saat-saat tertentu setiap hari.

Karya Ligia - Puri Agung Karangasem 3 Agustus 2005

Puncak Acara Karya Agung Ligia adalah upacara yg dilakukan berturut-tu ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2005 4:29pm PST

Footnotes from Bali Vacation, August 2005 :

Footnotes from Bali Vacation, August 2005

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 8:47pm PST

Bali vacation August 2005

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 11:08am PST

Fourth of July 2005 : My brother in law invited us to his place for a BBQ and Forth of July celebration.

Fourth of July 2005

My brother in law invited us to his place for a BBQ and Forth of July ...

Updated: Jul 04, 2005 9:49pm PST

Hot sunny summer day in Chicago : June 23, 2005. Eventhough the weather was predicted to be super duper hot, me and Ira decided to go to Grant Park, Millenium Park and by the lake. Just to catch some glimpse of the preparation for 25th Taste of Chicago. What a scorching day today!

Hot sunny summer day in Chicago

June 23, 2005. Eventhough the weather was predicted to be super duper ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2005 8:59pm PST

Jalan2 ke Garden Botak 5-10-05 D :

Jalan2 ke Garden Botak 5-10-05 D

Updated: May 11, 2005 6:58pm PST

Beautiful playdate day chez Frenchie's (Santi's) :

Beautiful playdate day chez Frenchie's (Santi's)

Updated: May 06, 2005 10:29am PST

Chicago, Illinois : All pictures are by me.

Chicago, Illinois

All pictures are by me.

Updated: Apr 27, 2005 7:44pm PST

Armandnya Miss Ira R. :

Armandnya Miss Ira R.

Updated: Apr 20, 2005 3:16pm PST

Pictures of Philip PP taken on our visit in March 2005 :

Pictures of Philip PP taken on our visit in March 2005

Updated: Apr 02, 2005 11:37am PST

Toronto :

Toronto

Updated: Mar 31, 2005 1:55pm PST

Toronto visit, March 24-29 2005 :

Toronto visit, March 24-29 2005

Updated: Mar 31, 2005 1:45pm PST

The arrival of Philip PP :

The arrival of Philip PP

Updated: Mar 12, 2005 7:57pm PST

Friends during my study in Boston : In Aug 1995 I went to Boston to pursue my master in Adult and Organizational learning. Little that I knew that it was the best decision I ever made in my life. It changed everything and it opened up a new world.

Friends during my study in Boston

In Aug 1995 I went to Boston to pursue my master in Adult and Organiza ...

Updated: Mar 04, 2005 2:59pm PST

My truffles collections :

My truffles collections

Updated: Feb 24, 2005 11:30am PST

Keithnya Ake :

Keithnya Ake

Updated: Feb 15, 2005 11:28pm PST

Newborn until about 5 y.o :

Newborn until about 5 y.o

Updated: Jan 27, 2005 6:00pm PST

Tea Time - Chez moi! : The title of this album could be "Tea Time", but the photos are of my friend's daughter's. Cutie pie Nicole! Just look at her smiles and attitudes and I think you'll agree that she is one cutie pie. These pictures are taken during our tea-time get-together at my place today, Jan 20 2005.

Tea Time - Chez moi!

The title of this album could be "Tea Time", but the photos are of my ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2005 9:10pm PST

Tsunami disaster Dec 26 2004 : I downloaded these pictures from Netscape.com for my own library as a reminder of this horrific tragedy.

Tsunami disaster Dec 26 2004

I downloaded these pictures from Netscape.com for my own library as a ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2005 1:42pm PST

"Tahu Goreng" Playdate Party chez Santi's :

"Tahu Goreng" Playdate Party chez Santi's

Updated: Dec 29, 2004 7:18pm PST

Galveston, Texas. : In November 2004 I flew to Houston, Texas. It was a good opportunity. I got to spend time with hubby and my relatives at the same time. My Uncle (Om Partha) and Aunty (Mbak Wiwit) were in Houston on business trip. Unfortunately, we were not lucky, weather wise. During those short time, we had only one bright and clear-sky day. We (me and Mbak Wiwit) used that day to explore the Strand Historic District in Galveston, a little island off the coast of South Texas. Galveston is located a comfortable 50 miles south of Houston. Having said that, the pictures that I took are all about the historic shopping district in Galveston. The buildings and ambience in Strand Historic District is very Victorian-era like. With very detailed & elaborated wall decoration and low rise building. Enjoy the scenery of the buildings. :-)

Galveston, Texas.

In November 2004 I flew to Houston, Texas. It was a good opportunity. ...

Updated: Dec 24, 2004 9:01pm PST

Saturday Nov 6, 2004 :

Saturday Nov 6, 2004

Updated: Nov 06, 2004 9:48pm PST

Mother and child :

Mother and child

Updated: Oct 14, 2004 3:43am PST

Wilmington, Delaware

Updated: Sep 30, 2004 7:21pm PST

Washington D.C.

Updated: Sep 30, 2004 7:21pm PST

Houghton - Upper Peninsula, Michigan (album A). : One week in Sept 2004, we went up north to visit the place where my husband worked for 7 years. The place called Houghton (my husband taught in Michigan Tech University). It is located in the most north tip of Michigan peninsula. It is for this reason that that particular part of Michigan is known as Upper Peninsula (UP for short). Given its geography place Houghton has a very harsh winter and it seems that it is the most isolated place on earth. Though it may be true, Houghton (and Upper Peninsula for that matter) still offers a dream place for everyone who is hungry for adventure and back-to-nature experience. This is not to mention that UP has the best chinese food in midwest I know so far. In short, we truly loved our time there and we will return in the future. In my opinion, Houghton and UP in general is a very good place for family vacation. Besides, it is the place where my dear husband called home for at least seven years, and he too enjoyed his time there.

Houghton - Upper Peninsula, Michigan (album A).

One week in Sept 2004, we went up north to visit the place where my hu ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2004 6:31pm PST

Houghton - Upper Peninsula, Michigan (album B). : One week in Sept 2004, we went up north to visit the place where my husband worked for 7 years. The place called Houghton (my husband taught in Michigan Tech University). It is located in the most north tip of Michigan peninsula. It is for this reason that that particular part of Michigan is known as Upper Peninsula (UP for short). Given its geography place Houghton has a very harsh winter and it seems that it is the most isolated place on earth. Though it may be true, Houghton (and Upper Peninsula for that matter) still offers a dream place for everyone who is hungry for adventure and back-to-nature experience. This is not to mention that UP has the best chinese food in midwest I know so far. In short, we truly loved our time there and we will return in the future. In my opinion, Houghton and UP in general is a very good place for family vacation. Besides, it is the place where my dear husband called home for at least seven years, and he too enjoyed his time there.

Houghton - Upper Peninsula, Michigan (album B).

One week in Sept 2004, we went up north to visit the place where my hu ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2004 3:14pm PST

Batavia - Tempo Doeloe :

Batavia - Tempo Doeloe

Updated: Sep 18, 2004 3:48pm PST

Marcela and Craig's first baby :

Marcela and Craig's first baby

Updated: Sep 13, 2004 5:49pm PST

Playdate Aug 31, 04 :

Playdate Aug 31, 04

Updated: Sep 02, 2004 10:33am PST

Istanbul in the horizon :

Istanbul in the horizon

Updated: Aug 19, 2004 2:14pm PST

Hagia Sophia (known as Aya Sofya for the locals) : The "Church of Holy Wisdom," Hagia Sophia is among the world's greatest architectural achievements. More than 1400 years old, it stands as a testament to the sophistication of the 6th-century Byzantine capital and was of paramount influence on architecture in the following centuries. The vast edifice was built over two earlier churches and inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537. In the 15th century the Ottomans converted it into a mosque: the minarets, tombs, and fountains date from this period. To help support the structure's great weight, the exterior has been buttressed on numerous occasions, which has partly obscured its original shape.

Hagia Sophia (known as Aya Sofya for the locals)

The "Church of Holy Wisdom," Hagia Sophia is among the world's greates ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2004 1:56pm PST

Fishing villages around Bosphorus :

Fishing villages around Bosphorus

Updated: Aug 19, 2004 1:49pm PST

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi). :

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi).

Updated: Aug 19, 2004 1:32pm PST

Toronto visit. August 13-16, 2004 : Freddy just bought his first new home! It is a beautiful home with big yard and lawn. I am really happy for his accomplishments. Anddd... we also learned that there will be a new addition to his family this December. We hope that everything will be a smooth sailing from now till then.

Toronto visit. August 13-16, 2004

Freddy just bought his first new home! It is a beautiful home with big ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2004 4:10pm PST

The day we officially became husband and wife in front of GOD Almighty : The day we got married was the day we had been waiting for. It was not easy to get to this day. The last hindrance was the Sept 11, 2001 tragedy. We were stuck in Singapore. Not able to fly to US because of the stoppage of flights. In Singapore, when we were very frustrated from uncertainty, my Mom gave us a wise words. She said "Maybe you two will be very happy in your life. Perhaps that is the reason why you have to experience all of this." Bless your soul Mom. Thank you for the wisdom. We hope so too.

The day we officially became husband and wife in front of GOD Almighty

The day we got married was the day we had been waiting for. It was not ...

Updated: Aug 11, 2004 6:47pm PST

Mas Keith dan Mas Joe : I was introduced to Santi and Ake by Ira around 3 months ago. We became friends almost instantaneously. When time & schedule permit we meet over lunch at someone's house and we always exchange laughters and food. Of course, whenever we meet they always come with their bosses, the cute little Joseph and Keith. Here are the pictures of our little bosses (they always boss their Mummies around. Their requests are commands for Mummies). But no one can turn down a request from such cute little creatures.

Mas Keith dan Mas Joe

I was introduced to Santi and Ake by Ira around 3 months ago. We becam ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2004 10:03pm PST

Raichandani's baby boy : Born on Sunday, June 20th 2004.

Raichandani's baby boy

Born on Sunday, June 20th 2004.

Updated: Jun 23, 2004 5:09pm PST

Austin, Texas :

Austin, Texas

Updated: Jun 21, 2004 8:25am PST

Houston, Texas :

Houston, Texas

Updated: Jun 21, 2004 8:24am PST

Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas :

Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas

Updated: Jun 21, 2004 8:23am PST

San Antonio, Texas :

San Antonio, Texas

Updated: Jun 21, 2004 8:22am PST

Different colors of the sky :

Different colors of the sky

Updated: Jun 18, 2004 1:11pm PST

NYC :

NYC

Updated: Jun 17, 2004 1:46pm PST

Project Outing: Club Med Nusa Dua Bali. May 1997 :

Project Outing: Club Med Nusa Dua Bali. May 1997

Updated: Jun 17, 2004 12:27pm PST

Friends from work at different personal and/or office events :

Friends from work at different personal and/or office events

Updated: Jun 17, 2004 12:23pm PST

My very first project - GARUDA : When I was in Boston, getting my Master, I was recruited to join Andersen Consulting in Jakarta. I was elated. I got a nice job offer and I was going home to my sweet heart too (fortunately he is my ex now). Upon joining the office in Jakarta, I was immediately assigned to Garuda project. What a fun team we had then. With people from more than 4 offices in South-East Asia and Australia it was indeed a FUN (and hard) project. We worked hard and played hard together.

My very first project - GARUDA

When I was in Boston, getting my Master, I was recruited to join Ander ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2004 12:21pm PST

Recipes :

Recipes

Updated: Jun 09, 2004 5:45pm PST

Claudia Ong's Baby Shower. June 5, 2004 :

Claudia Ong's Baby Shower. June 5, 2004

Updated: Jun 05, 2004 9:34pm PST

In and around the Bosphorus :

In and around the Bosphorus

Updated: May 26, 2004 7:20am PST

Dolmabahce Palace :

Dolmabahce Palace

Updated: May 26, 2004 7:14am PST

Various sceneries of Istanbul :

Various sceneries of Istanbul

Updated: May 26, 2004 7:09am PST

The Blue Mosque :

The Blue Mosque

Updated: May 26, 2004 6:46am PST

People of Istanbul :

People of Istanbul

Updated: May 26, 2004 6:18am PST

Galata Tower :

Galata Tower

Updated: May 26, 2004 6:15am PST

Egyptian Bazaar (known as Misir Carsi for the locals). :

Egyptian Bazaar (known as Misir Carsi for the locals).

Updated: May 26, 2004 6:13am PST

Archeology Museum :

Archeology Museum

Updated: May 26, 2004 6:10am PST

Kiz Kulesi (Leander's Tower). : A small distance off shore from Uskudar (in the Asian side of Istanbul) this tiny tower is a very well known Bosphorus landmark. This white small tower was built in the 18th century. The tower is known in Turkish as the "Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi)," after a legendary princess, said to have been confined here. A prophet foretold that she would die from a snakebite; the snake duly appeared from a basket of figs and struck the fatal blow. The English name of the tower derives from the Greek myth of Leander, thus the name Leander's Tower, who swam the Hellespont (the modern day Dardanelles) to see his lover Hero.

Kiz Kulesi (Leander's Tower).

A small distance off shore from Uskudar (in the Asian side of Istanbul ...

Updated: May 25, 2004 12:45pm PST

Covered bazaar (or Kapali Carsi).

Updated: May 25, 2004 12:16pm PST

Yerebatan Sarnici (basilican cistern) :

Yerebatan Sarnici (basilican cistern)

Updated: May 25, 2004 12:14pm PST

The supposed-to-be Ira's babyshower - Chez Ake. April 6, 2004 : The gathering was supposed to be a babyshower for Ira. But she didn't want it. She said it is better to have a babyshower after the baby is born *Aduh, lu buat gue bingung aja non*. Ake cooked a DELICIOUS gudeg. Oh man! How long has it been since the last time I had gudeg? Three years sajah! Ake, you are amazing!. Busy with Keith but still managed to cook delicious food. Hands down to you girl friend. It was a lot of fun. Not to mention the babies!! Babies are beyond cute. Buat gue pengen punya 10 jadinya :-D

The supposed-to-be Ira's babyshower - Chez Ake. April 6, 2004

The gathering was supposed to be a babyshower for Ira. But she didn't ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2004 3:42pm PST

Boston, MA : I lived in Boston for 1,5 years in 1995-1996. I was there to get my master degree in Organizational Learning.

Boston, MA

I lived in Boston for 1,5 years in 1995-1996. I was there to get my ma ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2004 5:38pm PST

Collection of postcards of Indonesia :

Collection of postcards of Indonesia

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 7:43pm PST

Grand Canyon

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 4:46pm PST

California

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 4:31pm PST

Las Vegas

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 4:27pm PST

Niagara Falls

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 4:26pm PST

Florida : Summer 2003 we flew to Florida with one purpose, looking for the most virgin beach in Florida. Turned out there are several of them. Most of them are on the west coast (of Florida).

Florida

Summer 2003 we flew to Florida with one purpose, looking for the most ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2004 3:35pm PST

Other friends I get to know during Singapore assignment :

Other friends I get to know during Singapore assignment

Updated: Mar 15, 2004 11:12am PST

Sept 11, 2001 : Sept 11 morning, we (me, hubby and my Mom) left Jakarta for Singapore. The plan was to continue our trip to US the following morning (Sept 12). We had plan to have dinner with hubby's team members that night. Around 10 pm, Singapore time, one of our friend received a call from his friend in the US, that something terrible had happened in NYC. Hubby got very nervous because his brother lived in NYC. Long story short, he later learned that his brother was on his way to New Jersey when all hell broke loose, and we also learned that we were stuck in Singapore for at least another 7 days due to no-fly zone. My Mom said, "There were many obstacles for you both to be married, maybe this is a sign that you will be happy for the rest of your life together". Amen Mom. AMEN!

Sept 11, 2001

Sept 11 morning, we (me, hubby and my Mom) left Jakarta for Singapore. ...

Updated: Mar 15, 2004 11:10am PST

Pictures of Freddy and his fam in Toronto : Ashley was born when I was in South America, Ecuador to be exact. At that time her parents still lived in Palo Alto. Since the first day she was born, she has already been a joy. She was such a sweet little baby. As she grows up becoming a pretty little girl, she really loves to be photographed. She knows how to smile at the camera whenever her Daddy aimed his camera at her. She is a natural. I love her because she is my niece. Now, her parents live in Toronto, Canada. Soon Ashley will have a sibling.

Pictures of Freddy and his fam in Toronto

Ashley was born when I was in South America, Ecuador to be exact. At t ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2004 5:36pm PST

Our trip to Bali December 2000 : In December 2000, before hubby went back to Chicago after finishing his 1.5 years assignment in Singapore, we took a time to go to visit my extended family in Bali. He met my aunties, my grandma and the place where my Mom comes from. My Mom flew from Jakarta to join us in Denpasar. I was so proud to introduce my Mom's family to him.

Our trip to Bali December 2000

In December 2000, before hubby went back to Chicago after finishing hi ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2004 5:32pm PST

Maxus project : Maturin - Venezuela, my door to South American adventure. Maturin is a small oil town located 45 minutes flying from Caracas. You can not get anymore adjusted to South American culture than staying in Maturin for 2 months. Paella, blaring music in the parking lot every (and the whole day of) friday, dancing, corn dishes, cerveza and exotic foods. Here is what I observed while I was there: 1. When you have somebody coming to clean your apartment, that means you also invite them to clean your refrig. Don't be surprise to find three or four of her friends sitting and feasted the heck out of your food (and they still manage to give you the innocent smile). 2. Electricity went out frequently (yes! even in the office). 3. It takes days to set up an appointment with someone only to find later that nothing will ever happen at the scheduled time (or things happen 2 hours later than it is supposed to). 4. Forecast for the week: Monday: Jakarta Hot; Tuesday: Africa hot; Wednesday: Hot; Thursday: Hot as h***; Friday: Hot and humid; Saturday: Just plain hot; Sunday: Sunny and super hot.

Maxus project

Maturin - Venezuela, my door to South American adventure. Maturin is a ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2004 9:44am PST

Central Java : My father comes from a little town about 2 hours from Yogjakarta. His townhome is known as tobacco town. I still remember vividly how my grandma (she & my grandfather from my Dad died more than 10 years ago) opened her storage room every morning during tobacco season to start the buying and selling of tobacco. The smell of tobacco was fresh every morning. We are not talking about one or ten kilos, but bulk! Tonnes! Imagine that smell. Somehow, I loved the fresh smell of tobacco in the cold morning (but I don't smoke at all). Those are beautiful moments. These are pictures of Central Java that I took during two lattest trip to Parakan. Aug 2001 and March 2003. Everytime I am there, I never miss their traditional salad, kuluban. Simple yet very tasty and healthy.

Central Java

My father comes from a little town about 2 hours from Yogjakarta. His ...

Updated: Mar 12, 2004 3:45pm PST

Pictures of Bram and his family (Nungki and Samuel) in Jakarta : Samuel was born when I was in Singapore. We were born on the same month, November. He was on the 13th and I was on the 7th (different year of course. Very faaarrrrr apart). I didnt watch him growing up because when he was only 9 months, I left Jakarta (again-and this time for a long haul) for Chicago. He is always on my mind though. He holds special place in my heart too, for many personal reasons, but mainly because he is my nephew. I hope that the future will bring many happiness to him and hope that life will treat him well. He is a very smart child and he is very well-behaved (but still, he is an industrious boy with such high curiosity to explore his world).

Pictures of Bram and his family (Nungki and Samuel) in Jakarta

Samuel was born when I was in Singapore. We were born on the same mont ...

Updated: Mar 12, 2004 3:41pm PST

People of Bali : These are not my photographs. I collected them from internet. They remind me of home.

People of Bali

These are not my photographs. I collected them from internet. They rem ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 8:35pm PST

Pictures of Indonesia : I downloaded these pictures from various sites in internet. They are not mine. Though I have them in my album, doens't mean that I am claiming them as mine.

Pictures of Indonesia

I downloaded these pictures from various sites in internet. They are n ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 7:52pm PST

Singapore's Fort Canning Park : History: Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is now a park overlooking Orchard Road. It contains memorials of Singapore's early history dating back to the 14th century and Sir Stamford Raffles' personal bungalow. Look out also for the Spice Garden, a small replica of the original 19-hectare tract Raffles established in 1822 as the first experimental and botanical garden in Singapore. Fort Canning is also a popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays and open-air ballet. Info for history copied from online source: http://www.newasia-singapore.com/index_main.html.

Singapore's Fort Canning Park

History: Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 6:45pm PST

Singapore's Botanical Garden : Singapore botanic gardens History: Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore and a keen naturalist, set up the first Botanic Garden on Government Hill at Fort Canning in 1822 mainly to introduce into cultivation economic crops such as nutmeg, clove and cocoa. This Garden was closed in 1829. The Gardens at its present site was founded in 1859 by an Agri-Horticultural Society, and was later handed over to the government for maintenance. Today the 139-year old Singapore Botanic Gardens is a star visitor attraction for the sophisticated traveller as well as the local resident. This Gardens possesses an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Info for history copied from online source: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/parks/sbg/par-sbg-his.shtml

Singapore's Botanical Garden

Singapore botanic gardens History: Sir Stamford Raffles, the found ...

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 6:29pm PST

When life was only about eat eat eat and cry : Me as baby - when life seems much much simpler and sooooooooo easy!

When life was only about eat eat eat and cry

Me as baby - when life seems much much simpler and sooooooooo easy!

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 4:27pm PST

10 y.o and beyond

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 3:16pm PST

5 y.o until 10 y.o

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 3:12pm PST

5 y.o until 10 y.o

Updated: Mar 11, 2004 3:12pm PST

Friends and events during SEA STRIPES project - Singapore 2000 - 2001 :

Friends and events during SEA STRIPES project - Singapore 2000 - 2001

Updated: Feb 29, 2004 10:35am PST

Other friends :

Other friends

Updated: Feb 03, 2004 3:04pm PST

January 1, 2001. Fullerton hotel, Singapore : Starting January 2001, Andersen Consulting is history. We decided to break away from our mother & sister company (Andersen Worldwide and Arthur Andersen respectively). We changed our name and transformed into a different firm altogether with a brand new name, Accenture (means: Accent on the Future). A manager from one office in one of the scandinavian countries, came up with the name, joined the internal competition for a new name and he won. At first I hated this new name cause it is just a mouthfull. I can imagine that folks in Tokyo office will have difficulty pronouncing it the right way. Our Jakarta office, already "modify" it to 'Aksentur' (pronounced exactly as it is written). Nevertheless, it is our identity now. Take it or leave it. In Jan 1, 2001 partners in Singapore office celebrated the new identity by throwing a big party at Fullerton hotel. They all took part in the celebration. Some of them did body painting (yes, they did it in front of the crowd), hair-coloring (with green or purple or whatever. And they are permanent colors!), goind bald and other crazy stuff. We had a blast at that party.

January 1, 2001. Fullerton hotel, Singapore

Starting January 2001, Andersen Consulting is history. We decided to b ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2004 3:01pm PST

Pictures from Marching Band Competition - June 1985

Updated: Feb 03, 2004 2:42pm PST

Photos of Singapore :

Photos of Singapore

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 6:45pm PST

Friends and events during CSC project :

Friends and events during CSC project

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 6:43pm PST

Pictures from my assignment in Bangkok, Thailand :

Pictures from my assignment in Bangkok, Thailand

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 6:35pm PST

Kuala Lumpur : What did I remember the most about my assignment in Malaysia? Nothing beats its Nasi Lemak. You see, I never had a meaningful time to spent going around in Kuala Lumpur. It was always a one or two days of meeting or convention. So my life was from airport - hotel - work the following morning - project dinner (if not directly going back to the airport to flyback to Singapore) - hotel - work again - and airport. So, though I have been in KL for several time I never did have good time to experience the city. Nevertheless I had the time to capture the main landmark, the Petronas Tower. One thing that I loved about their new intl. airport was the little cafe they had at the end of SQ's check-in rows. Since I hardly had enough time to catch my dinner (btw, the 45 minutes of flying between KL and Sing hardly enough time to serve anything), I always gave myself a treat there by enjoying their Nasi Lemak. Somehow, I really loved it. The new airport was awesome but it was underused in my opinion. Soooo humongous. They had ambition to beat Changi Intl airport.

Kuala Lumpur

What did I remember the most about my assignment in Malaysia? Nothing ...

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 11:08am PST

Marching Band Competition 1985

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 10:49am PST

Marching Band Competition 1985

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 10:49am PST

Marching Band Competition 1985

Updated: Feb 02, 2004 10:48am PST

Celebrating the union between man and wife : Three hours after we completed the ceremony, we came to Swiss Otel for reception dinner. I haven't had any friends yet cause I just came three weeks earlier. My husband has several friends and colleagues from work he would like to be present at the dinner. We had a nice small crowd (I never wanted big reception anyway). Total 25 people and that is already including our families.

Celebrating the union between man and wife

Three hours after we completed the ceremony, we came to Swiss Otel for ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2004 3:01pm PST

Introducing Hubby to my extended family : Sept 9, 2001. Hubby (then fiance) came to Jakarta to be introduced to the extended family (which normally consisted of my parents' siblings' family) and then together we flew to the US to be married. The day we flew to US happened to be Sept 11, 2001... *story to be continued..*

Introducing Hubby to my extended family

Sept 9, 2001. Hubby (then fiance) came to Jakarta to be introduced to ...

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 8:45pm PST

My trip to Bali with friends from Singapore_Aug 2000 :

My trip to Bali with friends from Singapore_Aug 2000

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 8:01pm PST

Project outing to Phuket, Thailand :

Project outing to Phuket, Thailand

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 7:53pm PST

Kite Competition : This a friendly kite competition in Singapore that I helped inventing. During my 15 months assignment in Singapore I got to know very many interesting people from various office.

Kite Competition

This a friendly kite competition in Singapore that I helped inventing. ...

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 7:50pm PST

Various friends and events during Maxus project :

Various friends and events during Maxus project

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 7:39pm PST

Various faces whom I've come across in my life :

Various faces whom I've come across in my life

Updated: Jan 29, 2004 5:08pm PST

IUC friends :

IUC friends

Updated: Jan 28, 2004 10:56am PST

My short trip to Tokyo for assignment

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 10:00pm PST

Gathering with old friends during my home visit March 2003 :

Gathering with old friends during my home visit March 2003

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:54pm PST

My bestest friends in life :

My bestest friends in life

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:42pm PST

Friend from different group at my church in Jakarta :

Friend from different group at my church in Jakarta

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:36pm PST

Dinner at Shia's house :

Dinner at Shia's house

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:23pm PST

Kikie's wedding 1997 :

Kikie's wedding 1997

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:21pm PST

Marcela's wedding :

Marcela's wedding

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 9:08pm PST

My first Change Management training in Chicago : A two weeks training to assimilate new joiners. March 1997.

My first Change Management training in Chicago

A two weeks training to assimilate new joiners. March 1997.

Updated: Jan 27, 2004 8:47pm PST

Maxus - YPF project : Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The wilder side of my South American tour of duty.

Maxus - YPF project

Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The wilder side of my South American tour of duty ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2004 10:04pm PST

Maxus - YPF project in Quito : I was assigned to work for this client from Dec 1998 - May 1999. Ecuador can not be seperated from the history of evolution by Darwin. When Darwin did his famous observation in 1835, that eventually resulted in his infamous evolution theory, he was doing it in Galapagos island. Situated off the west coast of Ecuador, the island is famous for its giant turtle and its finches. Its capital city, Quito is located 2850 m above the sea level and located in a valley at the foot of the active volcano Pichincha. Quito's old city, or known as El Centro Historico in spanish, has been declared as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1978. The weather in Quito is always nice and mild, or springlike, eventhough Quito is located only 13 km south of the equatorial line.

Maxus - YPF project in Quito

I was assigned to work for this client from Dec 1998 - May 1999. Ecuad ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2004 9:53pm PST

Visit from some old friends : Some old friends from Singapore visited us in May 2002. Jennifer Kao, Karen Ong and Kian Sin. They stayed at our house for 4 days. We really enjoyed them being with us.

Visit from some old friends

Some old friends from Singapore visited us in May 2002. Jennifer Kao, ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2004 9:10pm PST

My family's visit to Chicago : In beginning of Sept 2003 my Mom visited us from Jakarta. She stayed with us until beginning of November and flew to Toronto to visit my little brother. She came back to Chicago in beginning Dec and flew back to Jakarta mid of Dec 2003. Overall she was happy to have been able to meet me and Freddy.

My family's visit to Chicago

In beginning of Sept 2003 my Mom visited us from Jakarta. She stayed w ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2004 8:06pm PST