Last night, Euro 2008 began. I was expecting the complete show of the opening ceremony, but it turned out to be only 20 minutes shown on TV. While I was waiting for the first match to begin ( I am not much into football, I watch it when I want to) I switched the channel and watch this movie.


I was wondering what kind of movie it was, yet I found the word "Krakatoa" when a map was shown in the movie, then I know it was a movie about "The Eruption of Krakatao ( now it is spelled "Krakatau"- the most active volcano still if I am not mistaken). This docudrama is indeed great. Apart from the fact that it was such a terrible moment that I am sure it will never be forgotten by many, the special effect is quite good.

The massive explosion,which could be heard 3,000 miles from Krakatau and killed almost 36,000 people is described clearly in the movie. The scenes of the hot ash covered the island, the tidal wave and the eruption itself are able to get you the idea of how massive the explosion was.

May all the people died in the Krakatau Tragedy ( 1883) find peace. And those who try to document this event be blessed by happiness and health. Amin

This docudrama was produced by BBC in 2006.

Here are some comments on the movie ( taken from http://imdb.com):

1. A fact-based account of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait near Java, an Indonesian island. The eruption and its effects (including tsunamis and a super-hot ash cloud) took over 36,000 lives. The story follows several characters throughout the ordeal, including a Dutch official, his family, and his native clerk; a ship captain, his passengers and crew; a lighthouse keeper and his family; and a Dutch scientist in Indonesia to study the regions volcanoes. Included are narrations from diaries and journals of the survivors. The special effects are pretty good for a film of its kind, and unlike most made-for-TV fare, this docudrama actually has some good acting.

2. This is an excellent account of the events surrounding the eruption of the volcano at Krakatoa and the devastation that followed. Taken from the diaries of survivors it demonstrates the strength of the human spirit and the instinct for survival when this destructive force of nature is unleashed upon them. There are so many poignant moments - the bravery of the ship's captain as he battled the tsunami, the mother who thought she had reached safety only to suffer a cruel blow in the aftermath of the tragedy and the woman who left her home to look for her dog - a decision which saved her life.Great acting, special effects and direction - unmissable


3. The lighthouse featured in this gets destroyed by a huge tidal wave and we see how a ship copes on the rough seas. Luckily, all survive.The special effects in this are fantastic, especially the scenes where Krakatoa is erupting.

For another version of this disaster, I recommend 1969's Krakatoa, East of Java with Maximilian Schell and Diane Baker.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791318/usercomments

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakatau

Lu2Ar

Bagi Anda para pencinta kuliner seafood, sepertinya ini bisa jadi acuan yang amat sangat membantu. Tersedia 23 resep masakan variasi cumi yang sebenarnya belum saya coba semuanya. Koleksi reesep dari Demedia ini menarik juga penyuguhannya karena dilengkapi dengan step-by-step photos. Tidak ada yang pengolahan masakan yang rumit di resep ini terlebih lagi tidak ada bahan yang susah ditemukan di resep ini. Jika Anda tinggal di luar negeri, saya rasa bahan-bahan dari resep ini pun mudah ditemukan, singkatnya bahan-bahannya STD - alias standard, tetapi menghasilkan masakan cumi yang luar biasa mengena di lidah. Demedia menerbitkan 10 jenis buku resep lainnya seperti ;
1. Aneka masakan ikan nusantara
2. Aneka Jajan Pasar Populer
3. Aneka Pepes Populer
4. Aneka Masakan Manado
5. Variasi Masakan Udang
6. 23 Menu Rumahan Praktis
7.Cake Praktis Panggang dan Kukus
dan masih banyak lagi. Saya rasa, jika Anda pencinta culinary art, buku ini wajib menjadi hiasan lemari dapur Anda.

ISBN :(13) 978-979-1471-19-0
979-1471-19-3
Penerbit : DeMedia Pustaka
e-mail :demedia57@gmail.com
Banyak Cinta untuk Anda semua,

For those who are seafood culinary art lovers, this book can be your helpful reference. 23 recipes of squid, which I have not tried all, are here in the book. Completed by step-by-step photos, the recipe book published by deMedia, can be such a great help for the beginners. Speaking of ingredients, deMedia does not publish recipes in which the ingredients are hard to find, so don't worry!. Demedia also publishes other recipe books as I have mentioned above.Sadly, they don't publish the English version, so anyone who does not speak Indonesian, but would like to try Indonesian dishes you might have to translate the book(s) by yourself. ( Note : there are also some imported recipe from other parts of Asia in the book)

Interesting! How different is actually men and women. Men and women are equal but they are not identical. They are equal in the case of getting jobs, education, etc, yet they are totally not identical; the physical features are different, the hormonal things, the voice, the brains etc. The authors have travelled all around the world ( Indonesia is one of them) to gather data for the book. Having supported by many references has made this book become interesting to read. Let me quote a bit from the book "we find out that the number of female pilots all around the world is less than 1 %, but when we tried to discuss it with the people from the airlines, many of them feel reluctant as they are afraid of being gendered as a result "no comment" is a common response of the question". The 403-pages book discusses about how the brain structures of men and women affect their acts. It is also said that women have better skills in communicating with others ( related to their brain structure: left and right hemispheres) while men are better in spacial skills. This book is not complicated to read, even it discusses about hemispheres.
I would say this book is worth reading for your knowledge. It's fun to read and it's true ( at least that's what I can see in real life). Buy this book, and you will get the answers of the questions you have been wondering about especially about men and women.
( Note : I put some photos from the book to ensure you more)

http://luluone.multiply.com/photos/album/16/Men_And_Women_Through_Pictures

the link doesnt seem to be working here so please copy paste the link above

ISBN :979 333 00 1 5



Lu2Ar

Having seen and read the book for the first time, I found the book informative and interesting. It is published by lonelyplanet. It is the Indonesian version that I posted here, yet other versions are available. The Indonesian version gives you detailed information about places to visit in Indonesia. Not only does it mention the places, but also gives you maps to help you find the places easily, the hotels including the prizes and how to get to the places, and many things. I was amazed of how detailed information they put in the book. They also mention about political history and other cultural strories. In my short travel, I noticed many foreigners carried the book on their way therefore I strongly recommend the book to those who like to travel and explore Indonesia and other destinations outside Indonesia. Even I myself who is still in Indonesia, would really like to have this book. I think I really should grab more if I travel outside Indonesia. Should you travel to Indonesia or anywhere on this planet, make sure the book is there with you! I hope this DOES help you. Lonely Planet the world's best guidebooks, travel advice and information!


http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Lu2Ar

RAMAYANA BALLET

Malioboro, Sultan's Palace ( keraton Jogja) are all identical to Jogja.

Hanum         : Oh, yes I have been to Jogja

Brandstoetter: Oh where have you been?

Hanum         : Malioboro, Sultan's palace, and two must-see temples - Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Brandstoetter : Hmm, have you seen Ramayana Ballet?

Hanum : What's that?

Okay, the conversation above is just an illustration of a person who has been in Jogja, but has never seen Ramayana Ballet.

If you think Jogja is only Prambanan and Borobudur temples then you might need to go back to Prambanan once again. This is not only a temple;I'd say the greatest temple and the most beautiful one, but this is where Ramayana Ballet is performed every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Ramayana Ballet, a story adopted from India but performed in a Javanese dancing with a great Karawitan playing ( karawitan - a musical performance with a set of Javanese musical instruments called gamelan.) is worth seeing. The story of Rama Shinta performed beautifully with the background of Prambanan Temple that is seen clearly as some lights are located near the temple.

Entering the main entrance you will be welcomed by a friendly usher wearing a complete Javanese attire who will make sure that you find your seats. Some seats are available; VIP seats ( sofa seats), and special ( stone with cushions seats). I'd say sitting on a stone with cushion seat is more comfortable than sitting on a sofa. Entering the Prambanan area, there is a box filled with booklets about Ramayana Story provided in 6 different languages such as; English, Indonesian, French, Deutsch, Dutch, Spanish and Italian. But, do not expect too much with the foreign languages as some languages are not grammatically written.

Taking pictures is allowed during the performance. Only that each camera is charged Rp. 2000. I guess this is okay as this is a part of a maintenance of the temple too. As you might  know that the temple has been severly damaged because of the earthquake. I guess 2000 IDR means nothing compared to having this temple forever. So, I do not really complain too much about paying this and that.

During the performance, many foreigners use this moment to take some photos. According to many people, the performance is really great. The last time I went there, it got long applause.

After the performance, you are given 5 minutes to take some photos with the dancers. We used the chance though, but we did not get the chance to take some photos with Sita, the Princess.

There is even a ten-minute coffee break, then you can exchange your coupons with soft drinks depending on the price of the tickets you buy.  Near the coffee break area, which is outdoor, you can enjoy the karawitan playing. You can enjoy your ten-minutes break ( sorry I forgot to take some photos) while listening karawitan.

Some people I met said that after having watched the performance, they are in love with Gamelan. Many of them decide to buy CDs of gamelan or Karawitan ( sinden version). If you want to buy some gamelan CDs, a CD store in Malioboro Plaza is the right place. The thing I regret is that I did not even buy the gamelan CDs!! aarrrghh!!!

These are some of my suggestions if you want to go there to see Ramayana Ballet / after watching it;

1. Read the booklet before watching it.

2. Take special seats is not a bad idea at all.

3. Find information about when and what time it is played. ( it is usually at 7:30 PM)

4. Arrive there 45 minutes before as you can see the preparation of Ramayana Ballet plus have dinner nearby.

5. It is more beautiful if you see the performance during the full moon.

6. To make your memory of Jogja last, buy gamelan Cds.

This is what I can write about Ramayana Ballet. May this information be useful for your trip to Jogja. Should you need any information, PM me! I will be your online tour-guide exploring the beauty of Jogja.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sita

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majapahit_Empire

Lu2ar