hello 2013!

Too bad the holidays have ended... but the new year has come! That means, it's a new start to plan all those little things you never got to do in the last year. Note to self. Last year of course was one of the best as baby Mikaela arrived and that just doesn't beat anything. Even our long-planned-booked-flights family vacation got threw out the window since I was 8 months pregnant by the time the departure date came and obviously was not allowed to fly. You see, I didn't know I was pregnant when I booked the non-refundable flight tickets. No regrets though, we can do it this year!

Anyway, we spent the last days of 2012 at Sentul, West Java - a lush green area just before Bogor that wasn't just a refreshment to the eyes but also the soul. We stayed at a resort on new years eve and spent the first day of the new year entertaining my first child - riding horses included. Here's some of the pictures if you'd like to see. I hope you too spent new years with your loved ones.

last weekend

We went to Bogor last Sunday with my sister in law's family. Even though it's only an hour drive away, as always, the vibe is totally different: cool, relaxing, and refreshing. We headed straight to Kebun Raya Bogor (Plant Conservation Gardens), a lovely lush green space where we can admire the trees, plants, the lovely palace, historical pieces, and had a light picnic in the light sun. How I wish we had a park like this in Jakarta. The entrance ticket includes free entrance to the botanic gardens and the zoology museum. We were so lucky because the whole day was sunny, quite a rare treat since Bogor is famous as the 'rainy city' and I've always experienced rain every time I go there. But not last Sunday. After sitting and wondering through the gardens, we headed for a traditional Sundanese lunch at De Leuit, and topped off the outing at Tajur, the local bag industry complex just before heading home. Bogor never fails to refresh me, even if it's just for half a day. 

a day at dufan

Dunia Fantasi amusement park at Ancol is still as fun as the last time I visited (approx 6 years ago) :) Last Tuesday was a nice sunny day and we thought it would be nice to take Fabian here and see what rides he could enjoy. Not much though, having his height be below 100 cm, whereas most rides have restrictions that the minimal height is 100cm. Not to worry, he still got a chance to ride the Gajah Mlbedug (Elephant Ride), Komidi Putar (Carrousel), Perahu Air (Water Boat), Istana Boneka (Doll Palace), and Rumah Miring (Crooked House). The husband tried some extreme water rides, but I myself have either grown to dislike a few (or maybe most) rides or am just plain 'chicken'. Overall it was a great day. We enjoyed the fun and heat!