The Museum Tour

Yesterday, I decided to take you for a museum tour. You were reluctant to go, because none of your friends or cousins could join us. I was a bit sad, because that means you didn’t think that you would have fun, just going with me. But I knew that you would, like always.

The first museum that we went to was the Textile Museum at Jalan SK Tubun, Tanah Abang. The textile collection was actually a bit pathetic. I wonder how can a textile museum display only such a limited collection, especially when we all know how rich our country is when it comes to textile and clothes. But then, that was expected.

My intention coming to this museum was not to look at the textile, but to let you learn how to make a hand made batik (batik tulis). At the back of the museum, at a pendopo, kids and adults were busy making batik in a traditional way. You began with copying the desired design onto a cloth, put on the hot wax according to the design, color it with any colors that you wish, dry it, and voila, you have created a beautiful hand-made batik handkerchief.


After a quick lunch, we went to the second museum, the armed forces museum, Satria Mandala, at Jalan Gatot Subroto. Needless to say, you were very excited, walking briskly from one room to another.

I like this museum, Apart from the National Museum, I think this is the best museum I have visited in Jakarta. It was quite big, with spacious open air area where they displayed old aircrafts, tanks and other war vehicles. The collection was quite many and well taken care of. Most importantly, when you were inside, the air-con worked very well. The only downside was, there was no tour guide available to take us through the collections. What a pity.

At the end of the day, you enjoyed the day very much. So, going just with mom can be as much fun, right honey?
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Dinosaurs Walk Again

We went to this “Dinosaurs Walk Again” in Plaza Tenggara Senayan last Wednesday. I took a day off for this, and was quite excited for what we might enjoy. In fact, I bought the early bird tickets, because I was so sure that it must be something worthy to see.

But then, I was disappointed. The dino simulator ride, which I expected to be thrilling, turned out to be a small machine that can accommodate four kids only, so you can imagine the long queue. The dino train ride was so pathetic, with a similar quality that you can find in a kampong’s fair. The fossil dig was quite okay. The so called ‘3D Dino Movie’ was also no different from a ‘layar tancep’, and no 3D glasses were provided!

The only thing worth to see was the robotic dinosaurs with its sounds and lighting effects. But then again, it was a small area. We can see it all within just a 15 minutes walk.

Well, that was all from me, from my point of view, an adult who always expect something out of what she has spent. What about you? As always, you enjoyed the day, you did not care about the pavilions that offer things that do not go with the dinosaur theme, you did not complain about the poor quality of the entertainment and the un-organized lay-out. On the contrary, you asked if we can go there again one more time! Oh well, so much for my expectation….

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KidZania!

At KidZania, we had a blast!

Gio Tampi's mom was kind enough to organize a group visit to KidZania last Monday. So around 52 kids from the second and third grades with their mom or nanny were all ready standing in a queue from 1.30 pm, while they only open the gate at 3 pm....

I was actually quite worried that you would feel tired even before we enter the playground. With all your friends around you, how could I expect you to stand still and quiet for 1.5 hours?

But it was worth waiting. KidZania was not only educative and fun for kids, it was also entertaining for adults, especially when you got to watch your loved ones enjoying themselves in the various activities.


And here are the activities and professions that you experienced during the five hours playtime: being a fire fighter, gas station attendant, F1 racer, dentist, constructor worker, supermarket cashier, riding on a bus tour on your own, getting a health certificate before obtaining your driving license and F1 racer license…. And I can tell that among the various activities, what you enjoyed most was when you were able to draw kidzos money from the ATM. Wow, I could see your face beaming with excitement!

Some tips for parents who are taking their kids:

1. Book and pay in advance.

2. When you already have a reservation, you can just come in half an hour before the opening hours. Don't panic and try to rush in, there's plenty of time to wait at the main arena, after entering the main gate, before they actually open the pavilions for activities

3. Although they say that it's ok for kids to go in without an adult, I wouldn't recommend it, especially for first timers and kids under nine. The situation there was just so hectic and there were just no attendants that ensure the kids know what they are supposed to do and feel secured. (in fact, I just got an SMS from Rafi’s mom that he hurt himself while playing, and they did not give him proper care)

4. Wear your most comfortable shoes/sandals because you will be either standing watching your kids or running around with them for five hours!

Nonetheless, for you and me, five hours just flew away like a flash. There's so much to do, so many profession to be. So, KidZania, we definitely will come back.

KidZania, We Are Coming....

Tell me and I forget
Teach me and I remember
Involve me and I understand

I read the above in an article about KidZania in today’s Kompas. How true it is!

I’ve heard about this edutainment theme park since months ago, and I just can’t wait to take you there. In fact, just a few days after last Lebaran, we went there, coz a friend informed me that they are already open. But the guards told us that it is still being prepared and will only be ready for public by early November.

According to its website, KidZania is a kid-sized replica of a real city, with streets, buildings, retail and different vehicles going around the City. Here, children play adult roles and they learn how to be a doctor, a pilot, a construction worker, a private detective, an archeologist, an F1 driver and over 100 other professions and occupations.

Doesn’t it sound exciting? I just hope that it will turn out like what I expected, a place where you can learn while having fun, where you can gain knowledge and experience that can help you shape up to be a rounded person.

And today, finally, I saw the half page announcement ad in Kompas, KidZania will be officially launched on November 24.

So, KidZania, we are coming……!!!

Father and Son Day Out

Last week-end, your dad took you to a one-day-cruise to Pulau Ayer. The trip was organized by the Jakarta Toastmasters Club #4067, where your dad serves as the Area Governor.

In case you were wondering why I did not come with you and your dad, here are the reasons.

First, I’m not too keen on traveling by boat. I would enjoy the breezy wind, but since I don’t swim, I might feel uneasy every time the sea gets a bit rough

Second, I’m not so much of a beach-type-of-a-person. I’m not too crazy about getting a sun tan, or riding a banana boat (for a very obvious reason!)

Third, I would like you to spend more time with your dad, without me. So it’s kinda father and son day out

Fourth, I also want to have some time on my own, catching up with my good buddies that I haven’t seen for months

Anyway, it seemed like you really enjoyed the trip, you met a new friend - Rayhan - and won several prizes from the games they organized during the trip. And you were so impressed by the Phinisi that took you to the island. So I guess it was a good day for all of us.

XX

Picture of you and Rayhan, with Phinisi as the backdrop.

The Kite Museum

Another three days to go before you are back to school. I called a few friends and relatives, wondering if they’d like to join us to spend the day. But I guess I was a bit late in calling them and everybody seemed to have their own plan already.

Well, what the heck, we’ll have fun even if it’s only the two of us, won’t we? We decided to go to Museum Layang-Layang - the Kite Museum, in Lebak Bulus area. And it turned out to be worth visiting.

The entrance fee is Rp10 thousand per person, a more reasonable price compared to the National Museum which I think is so under-priced. The tour started off with a video show about various types of kite. Then we went in to the display room that showcases different kind of kites, from different places in Indonesia as well as from other Asian and European countries. And we were amused by the tiniest kite in the world, which was only about 1,5 cm long.

Next, you were given a chance to make your own kite. Kak Hendra, the tour guide, was extremely friendly and helped you made one with Ben10's Ghost Freak and Four Arms drawing on it. We also saw how big kites were made in the small workshop they have.

And we found out that there’s going to be a Kite Festival this week-end in Rancamaya. Sounds like worth going too, isn’t it?

Jimbaran, this one's in Ancol

Yesterday was a holiday, and without any plan, we went to Ancol Dreamland. We haven’t been there for quite some time, but you still remember every corner that you have been to.

We got there just in time for lunch, and your dad suggested that we try this resto that he heard about the other day on the radio. Jimbaran Resto is located a bit further away, not far from the Ice World. Unlike the other parts of Ancol where it was packed with people, the beach where Jimbaran is was nice and peaceful.

Though so hot, we decided to sit outside, looking over the calm blue sea and enjoying the breezy wind. The sun shined so brightly that it made a glittery reflection on the sea. And while waiting for the food, you and your dad strolled along the beach, chasing crab and collecting seashell. It was really a lovely sight seeing you laughing and running here and there on a beautiful beach backdrop. And when they start playing the Balinese traditional music, it felt like we were actually in Jimbaran, Bali. It must be more beautiful if we were there in the evening.

Before going home, we stopped by at the old vessel playground near A&W resto, and we bought this power ranger watch. Costs me only Rp15 thousand, but you really have fun and were so proud wearing it. Hmm, I bet you like it as much as you would have like the Ben10 watch that I couldn’t get you.

Mekarsari

Today, you and I and your bude Diana, went to Mekarsari, a modern fruit garden and agrotourism, located in Cibubur. We arrived at about 10.30, went around a bit with our own car before a security guard asked for a dispensation card. Apparently, personal vehicles are not allowed to drive inside the compound.

So, we went back to the front office and bought a ticket for a tour ride around the 264 hectare complex. Our first stop was the melon nursery, where you can actually hand pick the melon of your choice straight from the trees. You were quite thrilled and tried some samples of different kinds of melon. We also stopped at the salak (zalacca palm) nursery, where I bought a kilo of your favorite fruit.

Along the way, we saw several other fruit nurseries, greenhouses and also the Puri Tirto Sari Waterfall Building, some spotted deer and a beautiful, colorful Lotus Garden. There was also an outbound arena where they have flying fox and other stuff. You wanted to stop there but unfortunately it is open only on weekends.

The tour ride took us about an hour, and we were back at the front office just in time for lunch. Thank God they have KFC there, so it was quite convenient for us. Before going home, we bought some merchandise and some other fruits at the fruit store.

All and all, I think Mekarsari is an “ok” place. It’s quite clean and in order, but not as exciting as I expected. But most importantly, you had a good time there. I can tell by the way you keep on talking and giggling along our way home. I’m glad I decided to take another day off today. It’s worth it.

Citos

I believe many would have the same opinion that Citos (Cilandak Town Square) is one of the most convenient place to hang out in Jakarta. I used to come here regularly with a buddy and really enjoyed the day just sipping glasses of cappucinos while surfing the net.

Yes, in addition to its nice, comforting ambiance, what I like most about this place is that we can connect to the net from almost every café. My favourite spot is Mister Bean Coffee, where they have comfortable sofas and a lot of electric plug. This is very important for those who come to browse the net, so they won’t have any problem when their computer battery is down.

So this Sunday morning, I took you to this favorite place of mine. We enjoyed a good breakfast at the Coffee Bean, before moving to Mister Bean ‘cause the Coffee Bean apparently does not have any electric plug for me to charge my Viao (too bad, Coffee Bean, you guys should have thought about this…..).

And on Sundays, Citos usually have a special program for children. Today, there were clowns and a lot of children games and a Lego promotion where they let children play with it. Lego is one of your favorites, so you were really having a good time.

Hmmm, I love this place, it’s a perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday. I’m glad that you like it too.


Picture taken from here

A Visit To The National Museum

This might be a bit late, but I think I need to put it here as a record. After all, not every kid has the opportunity to have their picture featured in Kompas, the number one daily in the country.

Yes, the picture here is your picture, with your cousin Annisa, when we were visiting Museum Nasional (also known as Musium Gajah, because of the big elephant statue in front of the building), during your school holiday last January 2007. I think it was the last day of your school holiday, and I haven’t really taken you anywhere. So, I took a day off but wasn’t sure where to take you…., and suddenly, the idea popped up, why not go to the National Museum and also the National Monument? And to my surprise, you were really enjoying your tour!

The tour guide at the Museum was very friendly and really tried to make the tour interesting for kids like you. However, the questions you kept on asking were “Why is this thing broken? Why is this thing not mended properly? Why is there no lamp in this room?”. I couldn’t help but smile. You were not really interested in the things they displayed there, but more to the orderly of the museum. And it was the National Museum that we are supposed to be proud of.

Come to think of it, we shouldn’t be too surprised. You know how much they charge for the entrance fee? Rp750,- for adults and Rp250,- for children under 17!!! Cheaper than the parking fee! I think they put it low so that people will not be hesitant to come and visit. But you know how our people are, the more you pay, the more you appreciate and the less you pay, the less you appreciate. So, I don’t think it works. If we were to pay higher (I’m sure tourists wouldn’t mind paying a bit more), they can use the money to mend the museum more properly, have more tour guides, adding more collection and perhaps have a good promotion program that will make the museums a more popular place to visit.

What do you say?

A Super Duper Time at Disney Lantern Fun-tasy

Last night, we went to the Disney Lantern Fun-tasy. And I know that you enjoyed a super duper time there. From the very beginning when we arrived there at 4.30 pm until we went home at 7.30 pm, you couldn’t stop laughing, wiggling and humming. You tried all the games, and patiently stand on a queue. You bravely tried the high slide and wall climbing, but your favorite game was the ‘magnetic suit', whereby you wore a special suit that made you stuck to the wall. You also made a new friend, Shelly, whom we shared a table while having dinner at HokBen stand.

We arrived home at about 8.30, and as usual we had a little chat, played a little game, and you dozed off soon after I told you a short story about Cars. However, at about 11.30 pm, I was awaken by your cough. And I realized that you threw up, poor darling. I think you caught a cold, because it was a windy night. So I changed your cloth, gave you a glass of water and cuddled you up. And a guilty feeling slowly creeping up on me while I was hugging him to sleep. I’m so sorry that I didn’t bring you a jacket to protect you from the windy night. I should have known better. With all those activities, you were all sweaty, and it was really windy ...... Well, I learned my lesson.

(Written on August 18, 2006)