cut lakeisha

#ClspTravels : Finally, Jogja!

Tips 8:30 AM

Yogyakarta.

I was very excited. I finally decided to go.
Visited Artjog (one of the biggest annual art exhibition in Indonesia), I went there with train (which is my first experience using it), and there are a lot of street foods I want to try since I don't know when! Went there with my friends and one of my cous, stayed for 2 nights, one night on the train. I had fun - we had fun! And after I made my London Clip, I was hooked on making some more, so here comes my Jogja clip ; Mlaku di Yogyakarta

From the clip

1. Prawirotaman

One of the streets that have a lot of wall paintings/graffiti that can be your photo spots!

2. Angkringan Kopi Joss

Address : Jl. Malioboro

My Rate : 3.5/5

This is the first street food that I tried while in Jogja. The foods are satay, but not the usual satay. There are squid, fish, sausage, chicken, beef, egg satay, even the horse meat! While eating the satay, you can choose the kind of rice (sego kucing, sambal teri, sego jamur, etc). The portion is very small, maybe 2/3 until your tummy is full. One of the legend menu is the Kopi Joss and Es Tape Susu. The good thing from this street food is they’re cheap, I can’t remember the price but per satay is Rp2.000 – Rp. 5.000 if I’m not mistaken, and they taste good!

3. Bakmi Jawa Mbah Hadi

Address : Jl. C Simanjuntak No.1, Terban, Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55223, Indonesia

My Rate : 3/5

Got this recommendation from one of the uber driver that took us from places. To be honest, I’m not a big fan of bakmi. There are two types that they got here, which is the boiled and fried one. Both are nice, but for me, nothing special. Maybe if you like bakmi you should try because from what I read, this one got a lot of fan! Oh, if you’re confused when getting here, yes, they located inside a gas station!

4. Gudeg Bromo

Address : Jl. Affandi no.2a

My Rate : 4.7/5

Even though I really like sweet, I don’t like gudeg (sweet unripe jack fruit) because it tastes weird for me. BUT, gudeg bromo is an exception!!! My friend told me that this gudeg was terribly delicious, so I gave it a try for myself. They only open from 23.00-05.00. I slept first before I went here and arrived at 01.30-ish am. There were already a lot of people & gojek queued on the line. I had to wait 30mins before I got my meal. I chose the gudeg, shredded chicken, and the tempe bacem. I didn’t pick the krecek because it was spicy. I also request only half portion of the rice because they’re putting a lot of rice on a portion. So when I taste this gudeg bromo, it was very very very delicious!!! Everything is just on the perfect tasteeee. I really recommend you guys to try gudeg bromo while you’re in Jogja!

5. Sangkring Art Space

Address : Jl. Nitiprayan No.88 RT. 01 / RW. 20, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Ngestiharjo, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55184, Indonesia

My Rate : 4/5

This art space has a wide room that makes us feel in a very big location. The indoor part fills with paintings. While the outdoors part more of the wall paintings and also installations. I personally really like the outdoor because they got interesting paint color on their walls. The paintings are visually nice, but what missing is, they don't have the story/description of each painting. Well maybe we could ask, but yes! Worth a visit

6. Malioboro

The well-known street in Jogja, there is a lot of street food and also batik shops around here. If the weather’s nice, it would be great turning round using becak

7. Kebun Roti

Address : Jl. Bougenville No.7-11, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

My Rate : 2/5

I went here because a recommendation from my friend, he said that this place has delicious breads - also said by the review I read online. So everything’s here are organic. And to be honest, the taste isn’t as good as I expected before, but maybe this also could be the one that people looking for. Healthy bread with lots of choices

8. Ciao Gelato

Address : Jl. Dr. Sutomo No.46, Baciro, Danurejan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55225, Indonesia

My Rate : 4.5/5

I really like this! Compared to Tempo Gelato, the choices of flavors are less than it. But I personally like Ciao Gelato more than Tempo (both are yummy tho!) The price is also more expensive than Tempo, maybe Rp.3. 000-Rp. 5.000 higher. The place here is comfortable. Unfortunately I forget which flavors did I buy, but all I can remember is that the taste meets my personal expectation!

9. Sate Klatak Pak Pong

Address : Jalan Imogiri Timur Km. 10, Wonokromo, Pleret, Wonokromo, Pleret, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55791, Indonesia

My Rate : 4/5

When the usual satay use bamboo, Klatak use bars of bicycles and have 3 times bigger size of meat than the usual one. I came here at night, like an hour before they close around 10pm that I didn’t have to queue at all. Ordered the Satay kecap, satay klatak (served only 2 satay per portion), tongseng kambing, and gulai kambing. For me, the klatak tastes not so good yet not so bad. But the tongseng’s very recommended!

10. Tengkleng Gajah

Address : Jl. Kaliurang KM. 9.3, Bulurejo, Minomartani, Ngaglik, Minomartani, Ngaglik, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55582, Indonesia

My Rate : 4/5

Every time when I travel, I have to make sure that the last food that I eat must be delicious. Luckily my friend brings me here. This is not elephant meat but the size is very big that they have to use elephant as the symbol of the size! I only ordered 1 tengkleng gajah and 1 gulai kambing for my 2 friends and me. We shared our food together and no regret on eating here!

TRAIN

!!!!! I know maybe it seems too much, but as you can see from the video, I was very happy because I’m a first timer! All the things that relate to the train are not my responsibility. Anyway, you can buy the train ticket through traveloka & other online platform, or directly from alfamart. Now to share the information, I paid Rp. 71.500 for my economy ticket from Kiaracondong Station (Bandung) to Kutoarjo Station (Almost Jogjakarta). It took 7 and half hours. Many of my friends said that I wouldn’t bear sitting on an economy class train. But the fact is, I was totally okay! It wasn’t bad! I feel enjoy using the train. Maybe that's also because it wasn’t crowded when I went to Jogja so my group has our own long chair per person (normally, the chair consist of 2-3 people) eheh. Oh anyway, I still have to use Prameks (kind of train) which costs Rp. 8.000 from Kutoarjo station to get me to the central station of Jogjakarta. So the total price is Rp. 79.000. I gotta say, it was an experience for me! And I definitely repeat on using train someday, beside it’s cheaper, it’s also enjoyable – you can waste your time by sleeping or getting closer with your friends/families thru chit-chatting, playing cards, etc.

HOTEL

I stayed with my cousin in a hotel named Adhistana, which is located in Jalan Prawirotaman II No.613, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55153, Indonesia. My rate would be 5/5! The price is Rp. 600.000 per night. So I paid Rp. 300.000 for my room with great amenities! I really recommend this hotel because the place is strategic, the interior is nice, the room is very comfortable, and mine was with 2 beds & 1 bathroom. Oh anyway, their soap is sweet-scented I’m a fan of their soap! I got breakfast on the morning in which was useless since I was fasting, but from what I saw, they serve good food! Last but not least, there are a lot of spots to take pictures, whether inside or around Adhistana hotel!

TRANSPORTATION

Uber to the rescue everyday!

TIPS : every time you want to eat nor go to places, don’t be lazy to google it first to know the opening hours so you won’t waste your time!

Thaaaaaaank You for reading!

An Open Letter To My Best Friend, Raissa Imandari on Her Birthday

Friends 7:11 PM

I don’t really know what makes us close, but whatever the reason is, I'm so thankful that you are my best friend

To my dearest Raissa Imandari,

You're a person that can make everybody comfortable and in love with you. You're kindhearted, humble, cheerful, loyal, and..duh i cant mention your amazing personality one by one. Your attitude makes your surroundings feel good. Even though you’re younger than me, you have to know that you've taught me a lot - from small to big things, from the unimportant to important points, and from love to life stories.

Here, I want to remind you that you're a smart woman with good behaviors that have a lot of skills. You're talented (I mean, look at your paintings, design visuals, your dance talent!), you're valuable, and you're lucky to be you. You're truly a blessing! Sometime, people have to be reminded so they can appreciate themselves, right?

Now let me start with a small token of my gratitude for being by my side in this whole time and making it all worthwhile

Thank you for being your parent’s daughter so that we went to the same school and we knew each other. Thank you for always sticking with me, I know at some times, it is very hard to keep up with me, but you always did. You always tell me what should I actually do and how should I actually act. Thank you for having a good taste in neither fashion nor music and influence it to me. Thank you for introducing me to good and comfort food, wasting time with my family and me. Thank you for being a strong person that I inspire much. Thank you for being the one who I can always rely on. Thank you for your interest in dancing that makes us both closer. Thank you for always sharing your story.

Thank you for being you and for letting me be me

We've shared moments together,

That time when you were my junior in the elementary school and xlash likes to asked for your foods

Entered the same junior high

Was in the same audition for being the modern dance member

Arranged the choreography together, managed to did a fast learning by both of our movements

Went to pim and hang together every Saturday

Bali & those things we did

Sending supports and help deciding on choosing senior high

Was separated and getting much closer

Had a valentine dinner with coordinated dresscode

Trained ourselves with dance class 2 sessions per week

Hanged out with both of our boyfriends

Accompany you driving with your dolls

Buying each other gifts in a random time with no special occasion, not to forget with letter on it (I still keep all of them!)

Those countless sleepovers and girls talks

When you cried and share the stories to my parents, also conversely

Sharing our dreams and tell the opinions

That time when we went to our graduations and congratulate directly

Busy on thinking each of us birthday party concept, and it’s always you’re the one that busy on my birthday

Buy flowers every Sunday

Gallery hoping and art markets

Cried in the airport and moving on to chats and video calls

Planned a holiday trip each time you got home

And so on...

Well, you and I don’t know yet where this next year will take us, but I hope wherever it will be, we can always share our stories together

Today, you fulfill one more year of life. I’m wishing that you’d be shower with happiness and loves. More opportunities & chances come and develop the better self of you. Of course, I hope you have a great year ahead and company by health. Surround by people that appreciate you as much as you do to feel the good in return. Enjoying each of small activities and love what you do. I also wish that you’ll be known as the person you wanted to be. Oh, and being the Minister of Finance in the future, right? In this case, you have to divide your time between work, family and ME. If it’s like that, I will be sincere, tihi! I hope we always have each other's back! Well, the other wishes would be from you and I’m here will help by saying “amin” in each of your prayers.

To another fun and successful years, Happy Birthday Ray

Forever & Always

Your person, CLSP

#ClspTravels : Visiting a friend in London

Tips 3:57 PM

Five years ago I went to London and what reminded the most of London was Oxford Circus Station. As I stepped out from the station, I was in Oxford Street, a super crowded situation in front of my eyes. So grateful for coming back to this city and have the same excitement in the year of 2017.8 Days felt so fast. The main purpose of this trip was to visit Tamara, also to explore more about London ; the places & foods. I don’t mean to exaggerate but somehow London felt like home, Maybe, it will even be mine in years ahead. Thank you for always bringing me good memories, London. This time, mostly because of the warmth that Tamara & her friends gave to me while i was there.Here is my London short clip, as a personal reminder of my good memories, and maybe to give you inspiration for places to go while in London!

From the clip

Brick Lane is a thrift shop that only open on Sunday. There are a lot of graffiti and paintings around the street which can be your photospot
God's Own Junkyard is a must visit!!! a bit far from the central but worth the distance
La creperie de Hampstead only open from 13.00-23.00 and i fell in love with their Garlic Cheese
Ahi Poke "build your own bowl". The steps :

Choose your bowl : small/regular
Base : quinoa/rice/brown rice/even combination of them
The fillings : salmon, tuna, shrimp, mushroom
Sauce : Sesame shoyu (the famous), sweet ponzu, sriracha mayo, and black chilli
Topping : fried onion, edamame, radish, red onion, chillio grapefruit, avocado, etc!

My choice was the small bowl with the combination of quinoa and rice, double salmon with sweet ponzu sauce, topped with fried onion and edamame!

Camden Market is also a place to thrift, but you'll be surprise with the wide range selections & price of it *my thrifted jeans as seen on the video was only 10 pounds!

Four Seasons has the most delicious Duck in town!!!!! believe mee
Busaba is known for their chilli beef jasmine rice, and get very crowded after mins they open their resto
Sketch is so damn beautiful but also the most expensive restaurant among the others
Just Brothers is a regret. Pricey and not yummy at all for us
Primrose Hill is the place that i felt very happy and comfortable, simple park that will soothe you
Borough Market has a lot of cheeses, bread, and another good food. Try the scallop, oyster, grilled cheese, any bread with truffle & mushroom spread!
Flat Iron close my trip with such a tender meat!

Exclude the clip
Since my memory was full back then i have to delete several of the footage but you should come to the place i mention below!

Joe & The Juice - try the power shake, i drink this each day!!! you can tell how much i love the juice
Bao - The chicken's nice but if you eat pork maybe their classic will be your choice
Selfridges - Be focus on what to buy, their goods will catch your eyes!
Harvey Nichols - shop, more hype compare to selfridges
London Eye & Big Ben - because why not?

FLIGHT

Since there are a lot of my friends asked me about my London flight & UK Visa, I think I’ll share here to help you out!

Right at the time after my parents let me go to London alone, I searched for flight ticket in any web I could possibly look. Actually, back then I was planning to queue in Garuda Travel Fair, which costs about Rp. 8.000.000+- round trip to London from Jakarta. But my plan was changed when I know it’s complicated (for me – to queue from the dawn, accompanied by the credit card holder, etc). I was in luck, randomly opened up traveloka and there i think London was calling me, lol. A day before that, I also saw traveloka but the price was very different. So what I got is a round trip package promo from Malaysia Airlines, which only costs for Rp. 8.061.200 on May 6^th – 13^th in which I think not significantly different from the price I have to pay if I queue in Garuda Travel Fair. I directly contact my parents and bought the ticket. Seriously it’s very cheap (normally it costs above 10 mio) and I was very lucky. Lesson learned : if you saw a super low price for travelling, I highly recommend you not to think much! Moment is memorable and the city’s calling you!

IG & Line@ you should follow if you’re looking for a friendly price : @Rajatours, @travelrack

Now the next question, what does it feels using Malaysia Airlines?

Well to be honest, I was afraid of going far alone and using MH ehee. But after the flight, it was all okay and just the same as my other trip. So I have to say that it’s also nice using MH airline. If I have to comment, it would be about the few choices of entertainment they got, compared to other airline I’ve used (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Garuda, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific)

VISA

My fault was when I didn’t directly take care of my Visa after I bought the ticket. I went to Japan weeks after I bought my London ticket and when I got back home from Japan, it only left about 3 weeks before my day to London. I was in Hong Kong international airport and butterflies all over my stomach when I knew it takes 21 working days to get my UK Visa. I look for any alternatives that I could do. Contact several travel to help me, look the normal guide from VFS, reading blogs and other sources. And the conclusion was: I couldn’t make it with the normal way, I need to use the express one.

*VFS UK offer 2 choices for the visa, which is normal (21 days of working hours) and express (3-5 days of working hours). By working hours, it means weekend is not concluded and 5 pm is the last time each day they proceed the document. The difference between them is of course on the price. The normal price is about 2mio and the express is about 4mio. All informations are provided here http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/indonesia/

There are a lot of documents that need to be filled before applying the Visa and I was panic so I chose to use travel service to help me. On Tuesday I arrived at Jakarta and on Wednesday I went to Dwidaya to take care of my Visa. At that day, Dwidaya told me to complete all the documents from birth certificate, family card, identity card, student ID card, and many more docs. On Thursday I directly went to Dwidaya again to give all of my documents. But unfortunately, there was still few documents needed. Since my parents got divorce, I also need to give the divorce papers, letter from biological dad et cetera. *if you’ve changed your name, they will also ask for the letter and details*. It was very very very complicated. But I finally finished all of my documents on Saturday. The number I have to pay is Rp. 3.400.000 including the translate service. Few of the documents need to be translated to English and it costs Rp.200.000 per document if I’m not mistaken. Next thing is I have to wait until they call me to the VFS office. On April 19^th I was contacted by Dwidaya that I have my schedule to VFS on April 26^th. At least I have my schedule so I can be calmed a little bit.

The day came, I went to VFS and pray they can proceed my visa faster, it was only left a week before I go to London. You can tell how nervous and pessimist I was. The process inside VFS starts with going into a big room filled with all of the visitors that want to apply for their visa. I took number before I went inside and when my number was being called, I told the person in charge that I’m going in a week so please do whatever it takes to make me go. I really beg him. Oh and on the desk, I need to pay for the express service which costs Rp. 3.128.400. After that, I went to a smaller and private room to have a biometric data collection. Taking picture of my face and fingerprints.

As I’ve mentioned before, it takes 3-5 days of working hours to proceed the express way of the visa. I started to calculate when it should be done. It must be counted a day after I went to VFS. So if I count from Thursday, the fastest possible result will be on Tuesday and the longest will be on Thursday while my flight schedule is on Saturday.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday were not counted since on Monday we have a national holiday. But unfortunately, until the 4^th of May, Dwidaya have not contacted me through anything. So I called the person who’s in charge to take care of my visa and praise the Lord, an hour after I asked him, he told me that my visa was out and I can take it on Friday.

My visa journey really makes me stomachache each day! Can you imagine the feeling of going to London on Saturday and still don't have the visa on Thursday? I bet you don’t want to know & feel the feeling!

Concluding from the detail prices, I need to pay Rp. 6.528.400 to get my visa from the express service. The price is different with the one i've mentioned on the VFS part because I use the service from travel in which i need to pay them too. But i don't know the detail calculation. The different is around 1-2 million on the express service

Tips from me is please do complete all of your documents and take care of your visa before you go to London. Don’t waste your money on the visa hahah. If you want to be practical, you can use the travel service with or without using the express way. But if you still have time, I really suggest you to manage all of the data alone by following the VFS guideline.

OTHERS

I have to say that London is expensive, mostly on the foods and shops. But if you're travelling to London, just don't forget to bring to card. Credit card is more recommended than debit. It's easy to get to the ATM there so you don't have to bring a lot of cash in the beginning since you can take it from the machine. But of course, it depends on your choice & necessity.

When i arrived in London, i made my oyster card for tube & bus pass. I paid 50 euro for a week

Bought my phone card there for a week. I used Three which costs 30 pounds for 12/20 gigabytes i forgot so soooorry

TIPS

Citimapper application helped me a lot while i was in London. I highly recommended you guys to download this app whether you're going to London or other city that available from them. The map, direction, and time are all accurate

Thanks for watching & reading my post! Pardon my grammar, i hope you get what i mean!
<3