Vesak Day

On May 25th, we celebrate Vesak Day. It's one of the most major celebration and important day for the Buddhist. If I wrap it up in much simpler words, "It's like the Christmas for the Buddhist."

I can't say that I'm a good Buddhist. I don't go to the Vihara (place to worship for Buddhist) often. In fact, I only visit the Vihara on the Vesak Day. When I was much younger, I went to Vihara with my dad and sis, and we followed the ceremony procession.
(Even though I would complained that the procession took too long and I begged my dad to took us home because I was hungry. Well, I was a kid back then!)

But nowadays, I skip the whole ceremony, procession, prayers, the whole thing. I no it sound bad, but I get annoyed with large crowd. But hey, at least I still have my heart and time reserved to give my prayers.
I believe no matter where you are, as long as you have the heart and faith, you can always pray.
This is not my excuse!

On this year Vesak Day, as usual, the biggest celebration is held at Vihara Dharmakirti. Probably, the biggest Vihara here in Palembang.

The exterior of Vihara Dharmakirti

Once arrived, first I went to the small Buddha statue that been placed with altar in the front yard. People will burn 3 incenses and then use it to pray facing the Buddha statue, after that I sticked the incenses on the big bowl (not actually 'bowl' but I can't find the exact words) filled with sands.

The rather 'smaller' Buddha statue in the front yard

Then I went through the left side of the building, there is this small alley filled with people, literally! It was so crowded even the ceremony already ended. Plus, that's the only way to reach the main hall.

Along the alley, there is another small Buddha statue with a lot of small stupas on the altar. There is also lots of candles placed on the right and left side. If I'm not mistaken, this is the praying corner dedicated to the family members that already passed away. Usually, each of the candle represent the deceased family member.

The altar with Buddha statue, small stupas, and candles. Dedicated for the deceased family members

After fighting through the sea of people in the alley, I made it to the back side to reach the main hall. The main hall located a bit in the back side. The main hall is really spacious. It's indoor, and it's much cooler than the outside. It has 3 big Buddha statues in gold. I felt quite serene once I stepped in, even there were numbers of people there. 

Everybody who wants to go in, is forbid to burn and bring incenses here. We have to take out our shoes too. People usually pray, or do some chanting, or meditate, or just sit around.
I spent some time here, pray and have a moment there. Took some pictures because I think it's just so beautiful.

Entrance to the main hall

The interior of the main hall

The 3 Buddhas

From the main hall, looking out

The coordinator of the Vihara had provide free lunch for the visitors. They put the food in the way back of the field, and you have to somewhat go down the stairs. I didn't get the food there, because there were way too many people.

This way down to the free lunch

Visitors, enjoying lunch and catching up with friends and families

Oh hey, there's a pagoda too! But I'm just too lazy to climb up

And after that, I headed back home.

This event is a yearly thing that I always try to keep up. The celebration definitely is different from when I was younger. Back then it felt much "conservative", while I think nowadays is much more "lively" and attracts more younger crowds. 

If you are not locals, but happen to visit Palembang during the Vesak celebration (usually it's on the month of May), please join and blend in. You don't have to be a Buddhist. Just feel the experience to get a glance of different side of our people.

Until next year!

"I think Palembang is..."

I spoke to few foreigners who visited Palembang, some for working purpose, some for leisure.
Almost 90% of them said "I think Palembang is nice" when I asked how do they think about this city.

Well, I think they are just being nice to us as locals. The point is, they live in here temporarily and of course they don't want to offend anyone because of their subjective opinion.

I honestly don't like this city. Not hating it. I can't completely hating it since I was born and raised here. I have my beloved parents, my family, and lovely house.

I don't like it because, it lacks of entertainment, probably that's the most reason for me. If I try to dine out, I get less options on the places to go. I only watch movies from 1 cinema in the town. I only go to 1 to 2 malls in here. And we finally have Starbucks in 2013.

I experienced that the way local people joke to each other is somewhat rude. I hung out few times with several dudes that went to same high school with me. And all that I can say is, I'm not going to hang out with them anymore.
The way they talk and joke around, it almost feel like they have to offend someone. I personally think they are not grown up enough.
(Which this topic will lead to the mentality of local people think about getting married at the young age but still like to 'have fun' even they already have kids.)

Local people here, like to bump their body into yours! Seriously! Even the space next to them is still big enough for them to dodge, they just don't want to. They have to hit your shoulder, at least.
And this is the least thing I can tolerate, because I DON'T LIKE PEOPLE SCRUBBING ME WITH NO REASON ESPECIALLY STRANGERS!

You'll probably think that my reason is very naive and selfish. But if you have been living abroad, in those modern city, like San Francisco, New York, LA, Tokyo, Singapore, etc. you'll know that my reasons make a thousand senses.

So, for those foreigners (esp. who live to work here in Palembang), please please please, tell me your HONEST opinion about Palembang!
And if you are scared that your honest opinion is going to upset some people, feel free to spill it out at my e-mail, fjutamulia(at)gmail(dot)com.

It's my Birthday!

It's officially May 17 here in Indonesia (UTC+7). I'm officially 30 this year. Yes, it's my Birthday. Good times is just getting started! :-)

Many of young women whined that being 30 is such a big deal. First, most of them thinks "I'm old". Second, some of them thinks being 30 means your wrinkle starts to show up. Third, some of the singles are getting terrified by not married yet.

Well, I want to take a deep breath and enjoying my golden 30 moment.

First, I don't mind being 30 since nothing I can do about to undone it. Plus, most likely people cannot tell my real age. Most of them always thinks that I'm younger actually. (Not mean to brag, but seriously, it's true)

Second, I think I'm in a good hand of protecting my skin. My mom gives and teaches me to use really good products to prevent those wrinkles. So, thanks a bunch Mom!

Third, I'm still single. Yes, sometimes it feels suck, especially when all of your girl friends are either married or in a relationship. But I don't want the loneliness to become a desperate reason and action for me to find just any guys out there.
I believe one day I'll find it. But until then, let's enjoy what I have at the moment!

So, cheers to the great 30!

It's May!

Oh My God, it's May already?
I spent the first week of May at Jakarta. Same routine like every visits to Jakarta, but much shorter this time. Usually me & my parents spend a week there. But since my sister is sick, so we decided to cut the trip short. Which I don't really mind.

Got back home early, play with the pups, life is good!

Another thing about May, and it's extra special this year because:

1. MY BIRTHDAY, HELL YEAH! 
Yep. It's my 30th birthday this year. I'm not feeling old at all, except few sore in here and there, ha!
Well time sure does fly, isn't it? And suddenly I'm 30. Usually, my aunties will say something like, "What? You already 30? I feel like you were still 17 last year!".
Believe it or not, I'm 30!
(Although I really want to be back to 21...)

2. Star Trek: Into Darkness opens in theater during the week of my birthday.
F-yeah! What a great way to celebrate it with one of my most anticipated movie.

3. Heard that there's a Mexican Food Festival for the whole month in Novotel Palembang.
Mexican food? Really? In Palembang? Never heard in ages that someone is going to introduce Mexican food to our community. In fact, most of Palembang-ers only know tacos. And probably, they don't even know it's Mexican.
But I heard that they're not going to have burrito, which is pretty sad. Out of all of Mexican food, I'm craving for burrito the most.

Of course, I do hope the month of May will turn up even better than my list above.
^_^