In my line of work now, I dealt almost everyday with rich family. Be it native Indonesians, chinese indo, indian-indo, or foreigners all together. My company runs in service industry. Targeting to 'supposedly' sophisticated level of community and educated industry.
However, after meeting with many of rich kinds, I come to aware that most wealthy Indonesians are so spoilt, uneloquent with words, bad attitude, and very surprisingly so uneducated and unsophisticated bunch of walking LVs. We do run in service industry, but do not interpret us being ur slaves. The different gap between the white collars and sportmums/busy dads are too overwhelming, they thought they are the boss of us.
To my shocking believe, this suburban I'm currently placed in northern Jakarta, has enormous number of labor-y rich kinds. Why I said labor-y? They are non-corporate bunch of rich family and started off in trading industry. All kinds of trade. Not only the luxury items.
Therefore you can only imagine how disallocated I was (and AM!) to face these wealthy kinds. They are rich, no doubts. Billionaires, trillionaires that I'm sure. But the attitude and language are them blue-collar workers!
I'm sure they've been around the world. Met many westerners and interact with other -more sophisticated- cultures, but to my very surprise, they never implement or reflect that high-class attittude into theirs.
These kind of Indonesians, are the wealthy lower-class. If my ego lands on this office carpet, they def not my peeps. I'm more high-end than them bunch. They may have all the LVs, but I bring sophisticated and class.
Fck off bitches.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Sinyal Bagus XL, Nyambung Teruuusss...!
Attitude
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
CGK - SIN - PNH - SIN - CGK
The journey started 28 March and ends 2 April, 2011.
This was for US Education training, in short, work thing.
I won't say much about it, who would wanna make a journal about work?
Instead, I'll write about Phnom Penh, the city, the culture, the people.
There would be many missing out on this story, just because I only spent few hours out of 6 days there. But here is what I saw...
The city landscape is much more proper than Jakarta. They have many beautiful clean green gardens. Although traffic is crazier than Jakarta, but lacking population may yet endangered pedestrians (if any). Most of them are on wheels, be it cars, motorbikes, or tuk-tuks (or locals said rhenmo).
Don't get me started on cars. Cambodians (or locally said, Khmer) love to drive huge SUVs or Jeep, and they're not the cheap ones. On tourist areas, I saw many Hummer and Lexus (Toyota gak level ya bok?).
Whilst, on the commoners side, they don't have public transports as buses or train or anything like mikrolet. They have Tuk-Tuks. Even these Tuk-Tuks are not commonly ride by the locals. My colleague and I had this conversation, and we assume that locals who ride tuk-tuks are those mums or elderly, or those who goes to Pasar (market) often. Just as we, Indonesians, rode Becak. You won't see youngsters or even white-collars rode Becak as transport. This generation prefer to drive, on motorbikes or taxis. Although in Indonesia we still go by buses, train or mikrolet for transportation; of those Khmer doesn't have.
The tourist area in Phnom Penh are not many. I reckon you can explore the city in 1 day that would cover all. Out of those some, I can only cover: Sisowath Quay, russian market, sihanouk blvd, sothearos blvd, and diamond island.
(cityview from Nagaworld Hotel level 12)
Confused on what souvenir and traditional food we can bring home, I ask our local colleague for some tips. Surprisingly, they couldn't even think of what to buy. Except for Silk and handmade crafts.
One also wonders, what are their main food? is it rice, or noodle, or bread? Our local friends could not answer as well.
Although on street hawkers we saw many barbecue place, sandwiches place (with baguette!!), and sweetened fruits on jars (manisan buah). We didnt taste any of street hawkers food, just because I'm unaware of what the meat and what ingredients they put. They smell awful too sometimes, pardon, like urine.
We were surprised that they drive on the left (as American and French do?). I have to say, most of them. Because I saw some cars have right-side drivers. So, mix? This adds to no traffic lights at some tourist area, equals confusion. They, however, have lots and lots roundabouts! Crossing roads in Phnom Penh frustrates me, what's worse, we don't know which side to look! So that adds the adrenalin rush.
Walking can be an adventure itself in Phnom Penh. For farther area, we took Tuk-Tuk. It's almost like Delman but on motorbike. We went to Russian market by Tuk-Tuk from Nagaworld Hotel, took us $6 for 6 people! I'm not sure if it's cheap or not.
Oh right, they use twin currencies. You can mix your US$ currency with their local Riel. Say for example, you bought food for US$3.50, you can give your $3 and .50c in Riel (thats about 2000 Riel). For change smaller than $1, they will always give you in Riel. For Indonesian, having Riel would be easy. They don't have cents. Riel is only 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000.
I'm amazed by their cash registers! They have 2 currencies applied in the machine. But what's more mind-boggling is that the locals can calculate easy in their mind the mixes between US$ and Riel!! For someone lousy at math, this I find very amusing. :p
So Cambodia for me is very interesting in their on way. Pardon my conclusion, but I find it doesn't have a sense of direction, given everything of twos (the currencies, the roads). Culturally speaking, they have rich culture, but they don't explore and promote it. They only have their silk. Handcrafts and stones are also two most sought souvenirs, but as Indonesian, we have those too. Also, traditional food, what are theirs? Locals don't even know.
In such a way, Indonesian are more developed compared to Khmer. However, in other ways, in much more simplicity, Khmer are "nicer" than Indonesian. Places are moderately clean (at least for tourists area). So just because they have very clean and green gardens, Phnom Penh has more pluses than Jakarta in my checklist. Oh! and the way Khmer lives. I find most amusing was that they all (by all I meant, youngsters, kids, parents, elderly, everyone!) still hangout doing nothing at riverfront, or garden, or empty field. They play sports, they run around, they dance, they chat. They still socialize in simple ways! Blimey. I have extreme appreciation to Khmer in this manner. I mean, to compare to Indonesian, Jakartans specifically, people won't socialize unless there are cafes, restaurants, or movie event nearby! Especially families. Where would you see mom, dad and tots or babies play on gardens, run around? Not in jakarta they don't!
I'm already planning to go back for a real holiday this time.
and not forgetting SIEM REAP! :)
Cambodia
Alhamdulillah. I'll be going there this end of march, for work thing.
Which is quite exciting. Although, some plans need to be diverted.
Yeah, planning was never part of my life, why start now.
After a month
Yes, just an update for future me.
Howsa hangin' after a month in my new role at work. -- Yeah, this is basically the tagline.
well, in brief.
Sucks, but now i'm more sure that I can do this.
Now I know who ticked me off easily.
That'd be my effin HR.
She's uneducated, seriously.
At least, not as highly as I am. Yeah, I'm bragging my academic standards.
Why?
Cos that lady is just plain dumbo.
I mean, just today.
The phone at my branch broke down, she all panicky. Why? cos she's the country director's bitch that what she is. So if anything goes wrong in my branch, she needs to know and just go crazy by herself. Just go nuts, without solution. If we in this branch give solution, she'll be unhappy. Ok lady, whateva.
That lady and the other marketing dude are 2 impotent but crucial character in this company. But hey, I have no massive grudge with the dude just because I had no work related matters to do with him. Unlike the dumbo lady.
After a month,
If anything unrelated to her, I know I can do it well. I am working to achieve the company's target. At least I am trying.
The other grudge would prolly my coworker, whom I had not yet have any connection. There are only 3 of us, the other 2 have known each other from previous job. They kept YM-ing with their friends from previous company, and kept chatting about those people. At first I was quite annoyed by it, but I'm too busy to get annoyed over trivial thing. Soon they'll be outta topic of previous coworkers anyway. I don't think myself as outcast on this, because simply, I don't care. Which is good.
After a month,
I've been doing additional tasks that I may not have been doing in previous role. Though this come at costs. I didn't get included in one of the tasks I love most on my previous role. That is, networking (and free luncheons/dinners!!) with clients. Consequently, I lost my privilege to earn extra overtime due of that. This particular task will be handed down to my coworker. Lucky bastard.
After a month,
I know I can do this job.
Just keep away dumbo from my line of duty, then I'll be working emotionless.
Yeah, keep keep her far away from me. Otherwise, I might snap and kill her.
Love xx
November milestone
All I can say now is, Alhamdulillah.
Fear would be an understatement. I'm scared shitless!
I'll be leaving my comfort zone of 8 months to a different unknown space. Me?! This rookie noob?! In my head, only 1 question keeps repeating. Can I do it??
I guess to know my rants I have to start from the beginning..
It started a week ago. On monday.
Human resources lady asked me a question I had never expected. An opportunity for promotion, at a new branch.. A senior position. I'll be managing a branch, along with a junior staff?! A noob like me???
Of course bigger paycheck and higher position intrigue me. As for career-wise, who would decline opportunity? It doesn't ever come twice.
A week of disgruntled battle between logic and heart. Logic won. But I guess, heart didn't entirely loose either. I want this. I'm just doubting my capabilities.
To cut story short, I've accepted the offer. I guess they will make official announcement by monday. 1 November, the pinpoint that will change the rest of this year.
Then comes..
12 november, my first ever business trip. My only concern is my mood swing. I don't have good socializing skills, that I admit. A full-on week training with travel around NSW state. Visiting schools and colleges with colleagues and competitors from all countries. I wouldn't know what to and what not to say on a business trip. Aacck this is so nerve-wrecking!
November, you're killin me!!! But I'm not ungrateful. I am blessed by many great things happened and is happening this year. Alhamdulillah ya Allah.
No one knows their present from their past. Does it make sense?
I meet my challenges tomorrow morning.
This sunday is coming to an end.
Bismillahirrohmanirrohim... I'm collecting all positive energy towards me, preparing my state of mind for tomorrow and the rest of the year.
Memoirs of the day
Today was my 2nd day after being relocated to South Jakarta branch.
With hesitant, I accepted the relocation. Insisting only for a week.
At the back of my mind, I know management would consider extending my stay. I have no say.
The work envo is extremely different and location if Frikken far!
If I to stay here permanently, I have to sacrifice my social life. Which I have no intention to do so atm.
Basically, the branch only have 8 people in 2 storey home-office building. Only for 2 days but the people do not speak to each other. Well, they spoke.
But not chat. not a friendly chat at least. All about work work work. That kills.
Maybe because manager and supervisor are all in one room. We don't have cubicles. Just one massive open space and chomp us all into it.
I don't mind temporarily placed there. Please not permanent.
I'd go crazy there I'm sure. I have found my comfort zone back in head office, but why you move me?
Up to this moment, I'm finding job that suits me best. That I don't need extreme adjustment in any means. At this branch, I need massive adjustment, mentally.
I grew tired for changes and adjusting. I want comfort.
GAH! lemme out lemme out.
Or you'll find me hopping places again. Which I don't particularly fond of, but if I have to --just to find that comfort-- I will hop places.
Can you meet me halfway?
Gay friend in Jakarta
So get this.
I've never had a gay friend before. Well, there was this one ex-colleague, but back then he didn't know I know. Top it off, we weren't that close, so he doesn't count.
Anyway.
This gay friend I'll be speaking of (or rather, write of) is still in-the-closet. Not so much in the closet as his behavior goes, but he hasn't dare to come out, out. Means, he doesn't say it out loud.
His daily attitude has shown that he's curious to this world. He doesn't shy showing his interest to men to our colleagues. Oh, did I say he's my current colleague? Well, he is.
He doesn't say he's gay, or we saying it to him. So to my understanding, he's borderline.
At a point where he couldn't hold his urges, but another he couldn't proudly to come out. Social and family wise. Not that he's married, but towards his parents and siblings. Often times, I just wanna say OK for him to come out. On the other side, I wouldn't want his mum to kill me if she finds out I pushed his son to come out.
I was awestruck when he texted me only to ask 'how to approach guys'.
Dude, eventhough we both after men, but you're talking to the wrong crowd. If i knew how, those straight men won't be getting married to other girls. Hmm.. maybe he and I should buy lots and lots 'How To' books.
But anyway, everytime I asked if he's serious or if he really wants to find a same-sex partner.. A jokester -I think- would instantly answer: Nah, just mucking around.
But no. his answer had me convinced.
It was like this: 'I don't dare'.
Give him few nudges, I bet he'd dare to come out and maybe then leave Indonesia. To be free of prejudice and judgment eyes.
Not that I'm judging or nosy to even blog about him here, but he's interesting in my circle. I've never had a gay friend, or those even close to the gays. Their crowd's not weird, but sometimes if you're not bestbuds with them.. you kinda have to know the mood around.
That's what I'm feeling always.
He and I aren't bestbuds. Knowing he's still in-the-closet, the comments I told him couldn't be too blunt either.
It's kinda difficult. I have to tiptoe - in supporting but not too much.
This is why my gaydar ain't working properly in Jakarta. Too many gray areas.
He is or he isn't.
Metrosexual men aren't helping either! I say if men want to be Metrosexual, there has to be law that insist them to be married first. Ergo, fading the gray areas. These men just confused us single ladies to finding the right Mister!
Are you confused too?
Hello Yellow Julio?
I meant, Hello July! But Julio rhymes more with yellow. not that it matters.
So.
HELLO !!!!
Seems ages ago I've blogged here! Jakarta made me numb. I had nothing to write and can't be bothered to even think a topic. Not even my very own daily journal.
Twitter also the main reason for this hiatus.
Apparently, 140 characters is enough for my rants. Kind of makes your brain dumb for a bit since it's been idling for few months.
What's happening in my side of town?
Well... I've nailed a job I wanted. It's been going for 5 months now and I enjoyed every bits of it! The bickering, the craziness, the learning, the knowledge, the training, the excitement. Yeah, all that jazz. This is my training ground, my stepping stone. So I have to make the most of it before I could leap elsewhere.
The office only have about 20 staff, including the big boss to office boy. Quite small office when compared with my previous company. Having small environment as this could have its good and bad.
Good thing, we know each other quite well. Even me as newbie, I sort of know each personality of people at work.
This however leads to the bad.
Some staff at work seems to have rot in that boring job but too lazy to or couldn't getaway from it. Hence the work they should be doing isn't 100 percent.
The Job desk seems to overlap from one person to another.
For example, what just happened today and frustrates me to infinity was today when a senior staff told me to do HER JOB, which is not part of my job description and is not part of my department.
There's also a marketing officer.
Whom I don't think he has the SOUL to be a marketer. I've been surrounded by real marketers for years, and I don't think he even qualify to be one. From my observation, he's too introvert to be a marketer and too slow. But the big boss seems to have a very fond feeling towards him considering she kept praising him during my interview.
I often feel impatient when seeing him. When did you ever see a marketer only sits his huge butt in his office all day? Marketer should be out and about! Mingle with clients and fishing customers for sales.
I'm eyeing for his job, but after much thought... If I do ever get his job description it wouldn't be at this office!
As I said, the place is my training ground but it wouldn't be my bread and butter.
Surprisingly, in my position, there's someone who've been there for almost 10 years! Shocking.
I'm still tiptoeing at this job, but so far I've no major complaints.
I'm still eyeing for Melbourne. Hopefully, someday, this job will take me there.. :)
For now,
I'm good.
Sang Pemimpi
Ijinkan saya meminjam 2 kata itu dari Gigi.
Sepertinya di akhir minggu ini, itulah yang terjadi pada saya. Si Pemimpi besar, yang akhirnya mendapatkan secuil dari impiannya itu.
Akhirnya si pemimpi berjalan di jalur yang benar. Alhamdulillah ya Allah, langkah kaki ini sebentar lagi akan menyentuh rute yang sesuai keinginan hati.
Semua berjalan bagaikan kilat.
Seperti mimpi.
Terimakasih ya Allah. Terimakasih..
You have given me the biggest blessing this year.
escape
Every time things go berserk and unpredictable....
Outcome don't reflect expectation.
The urge to runaway is high.. intoxicate.
I left once due to uncertainties..
expectations failed me.
and the urge is back.
Must I to escape forever more?
the morning is suddenly suffocating
Don't want to feel sad or disappointed.
the words that've been planted in my head.
in my heart.
not comforting enough when it really hits.
they hit hard.
I thought I was prepared, for this.
for anything.
Apparently I'm not.
now it ache...
Between A aNd Z
on the eighth floor we gathered.
one by one came in and Hellos were introduced. From twelve to one, six were accumulated.
to our surprised... Aussie was our playground.
Interesting.
but of course, the label was "Australia and New Zealand".
for the long 4.5 hours, I felt being in Uni full of students with Aussie accents. or at least, trying to.
I felt comfy, instantly.
crowd will be tough.
at least, i'm determined. therefore, i have to aim the target without whinging.
Pray for me on this one.
to enter that staircase building just at the end of Casablanca bridge. :)
She said...
Think Globally and not only from personal experiences.
don't all about talk..
Think outside the box
but innovative.
Leadership marched upfront.
translates: aggressive but not intimidating?
seems tough.
but ready for new challenge.
Dare me.
Wednesday wish
if i were to wish Wednesday to be mine, will this be granted?
the last Wednesday wish was unpretty sight.
I wish Wednesday to be mine.
it's my early christmas wish
tho i don't celebrate.
the controversy
the one thing I've been so cynical about when referring to Jakarta.
the one thing I'm not really so proud of about Jakarta. (note on Jakarta, and not Indonesia!)
the one thing I'm eager to avoid when planning my whole weekend.
this one little thing, so sudden becomes a part of my daily life.
oh the irony.
I've bluntly say to many that Jakarta's full of Malls.
The capitalism overbearing.
and look at where I'm now during most of the days?
ha!
How karma can make you eat your own words, dear.
Now I'm obliged to become the typical Jakarta teens. Hopping from mall to mall.
not just weekend! weekdays are also urged to do so.
How contradicting to my own principle!
becoming "Anak Mall" that is.
Oh my forehead...
I'm sorry for having this tag stuck on you.
*sob
watchuwan
when you want things so badly, you tend to screw things up horrendously.
Things you wholeheartedly desire may not be the things you'll end up getting.
heart race, eyes rolling, brain processing and mind praying.
Tears and brain had worked up to the ultimate level, you'd think you get brain damage.
I want Wednesday.
Can i have Wednesday in my arms, God?
it's animal planet.
seems don't fit if iTunes present me with Belinda Carlisle. It just don't suit well with the mood.
Push rewind and turn to Katie.
Noonan, that is.
Now it's perfection..
Who says only Gemini who likes to flip-flops, twist and shout things. uncertain of things. fidgety midgety. Taurus can too. When this heart has settled, something around you would persuade to the opposite. What'd you get? an unsettling mind.
a dragon came knocking on doors.
inquest for a dialogue...
Minus the blazin' fire of course.
a prospect?
maybe.
honey, let's keep it for tomorrow.
Tonight,
Let's celebrate.
it's a Swanny party. at our cozy burrows. all of us, you and I, the lads and ladettes.
Feels like homecoming. in the arms of familiar acquaintances.
don't get too comfortable too much.
you're not a wombat.
choose now.
do you wish the dragon stay?
or take the garuda home?
