Today was my last day in Yogyakarta for this trip. I went exploring the Malioboro street. All I found along the street was the gift; shirts, keychain, bracelet, many thing which are very unique related to the city. Repeated items for different sellers would be find along the street. Don’t forget to try Yogyakarta Becak. A traditional vehicle.

I visited Kraton Yogyakarta, a place for Sultan lives. Not really much to say, because I didn’t pay for any tour guide. But the picture will tell you my visits.

Some frame in Kraton Yogyakarta. Place for people gathering.

A wall, consisting a story of kingdom's fighting.

A room, which shows the personal information about each Sultan

An entrance gate from Alun-Alun Utara

That’s all my trip for this time. I left Yogyakarta using Indonesia AirAsia QZ7557. The flight was arrived earlier in Jakarta. Only 45 mins.

So, Yogyakarta was a destination for cultural sights. If you interested in it, Yogyakarta has more and more tourism destionation to explore. Because the time limit, I just visited the place ever mentioned before in my post. Once again, thank you so much Sekar, Mas Adi, and Tedy for accompany me during my trip.

See you, real soon.

So, today was another part of my journey. I took almost an hour TransJogja from the Malioboro shuttle to Kentungan shuttle, northern side of the city. Then continue my travel to Kaliurang area, which the Ullen Sentalu Museum located. I took a minibus as a public trasnportation route Yogyakarta-Kaliurang, the fare was really flexible, depends on the distance. From the Kentungan to near the museum, about IDR7,500. You need to take about 800 meter walk until you reached the museum. So, from my experiences, if you want to travel conveniently to the museum, you should rent a car or at least a motorcycle.

The minibus

Inside the bus

This is the entrance gate, the domestic tourist fee is IDR25,000 included a museum guide (it’s really recommended for you to hear the explanation so you would understand everything clearly), 50 mins museum tour, and a special drink. For international IDR50,000 is needed to pay, so the guide will use English during his/her explanation.

Ullen Sentalu Museum Entrance

Ullen Sentalu Museum is a private museum that was initiated by Haryono family and now is managed by Ulating Blencong Foundation. It was established in 1994 and officially inaugurated on March 1, 1997, coinciding with the date commemorated every year as a historical day for Yogyakarta City. The inauguration was done by KGPAA Paku Alam VIII, who was at that time the Governor of Yogyakarta Special Province. (Ullen Sentalu Museum)

No picture taken allowed inside the museum, but you could find many memorable things related to the story of Mataram Kingdom story. The details you haven’t understand before, should be asked to the guide, they should really know about it. The other name of the museum is Javanese Culture and Art Museum. This museum is privately organized, but the quality is beyond most of the public museum I ever visited in Indonesia. We should be proud of it. World-class museum, really.

:)

The trip to the museum which really hard was all worth. A-half-day trip was gonna be something left in your life experience. So, I went back to the hotel for a moment rest, then continued to explore Malioboro street. I just take a look at some things along the street, and then entered one of the store which was well-known, Mirota Batik. It sells many handicraft as Yogyakarta’s specialties souvenirs. So, everything you’d like to find, will be found here, and it’s cheaper.

Malioboro's ambience

I met a woman who making batik in the store, and what a WOW. She did it very fast and neatly. I adore her.

The woman is Membatik

As my walk along the Malioboro street was heading to the Vredeburg Fort, I visited it. But unfortunately, they already closed. The entrance fee was just IDR2,000 (also while all the buildings opened), so I just explored the park, and the things outside the showroom.

Vredeburg Museum Entrance

Around the park in the Vredeburg Museum

Not really far from the museum, I found Yogyakarta Batik Monument. The monument explained each pattern of batik that Yogya has. You could easily read each pattern together with the explanation.

Yogyakarta Batik Monument

At night, I was picked up by my very nice friend, Tedy Setiana Muslich (@TMuslich). He is a famous radio announcer in Yogya, Swaragama FM. He took me to Oseng Mercon in Ahmad Dahlan street. It’s a very hot and spicy. For anyone who like the hot and spicy meals, you should try it. Chicken, Dove, Duck, in fried or grilled.

After the dinner, Tedy took me to take a short city tour. He explained some of the important  till unimportant places around Yogya. Anyway, what a day. I love Yogyakarta.

Indonesia AirAsia Aircraft Airbus A320

This was my very first experience fly through Terminal 3 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, it’s new and modern building. I was using Indonesia Airasia Airlines heading to Yogyakarta QZ7556, also my first. The boarding was on the time, and the take off also. The aircraft was surprisingly comfortable, without none of expectation before. I arrived in Adisutjipto Airport, Yogyakarta about 7 am. The flight only took around 1 hour from Jakarta. Overall nice flight.

Adisutjipto Airport, Yogyakarta

I took TransJogja, a shuttle-to-shuttle bus provider, first heading to Prambanan Temple in Sleman area. Prambanan Temple was located in the border of Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Special Region) and Surakarta (Central Java). The TransJogja was actually the same with TransSarbagita in Bali island, because they have no special way, like TransJakarta. The ticket fare is IDR3,000 for all destination, one-time travel.

TransJogja bus and shuttle

This is what I called development, I feel proud of my country which every city has concern about their each development, so they could afford the convenience of tourist both domestic and international. I found it started many international tourists coming to Yogyakarta, since I believe Yogyakarta offered different specific tourism objects.

Entrance info in Prambanan Temple Complex

Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temple was one of Hinduism temple constructed in 850 CE by Rakai Pikatan. The temple should be in many numbers, since the giant earthquake shoke Southern Yogyakarta in 2006, Prambanan collapsed. Less than 10 biggest temples were remained. Now, they still reconstructed and I really don’t get how could they probably make the temples back to their origin.

Me in Prambanan Complex

After my super tired and tanned journey to Prambanan temple, I was picked up by Sekar, my nice friend, also with his brother, Adi. They took me around, and first destination was Bakso Sido Semi in Kotagede area. ‘Bakso’ means meatball. I ate a bowl of meatball and also a mungbean porridge, their specialties. The price for a bowl of meatball is IDR6,000 and the mungbean porridge is around IDR4,000. The kiosk building was old, located not really far from the complex of Mataram Kingdom Gravery Complex.

I did my Friday Prayer in Mesjid Besar Mataram Kotagede (Mataram Big Mosque, Kotagede). After the prayer, we continued our religious tour inside the gravery complex. So, Mataram Kingdom was ruled all Java until Nusa Tenggara Island, in the past. You could imagine, how big the kingdom was. Before entering the complex, we should obey some rules, including not allowed to take any picture inside the complex plus we should wear a traditional costume. Here they are.

The uniform you should wear before entering the complex. Sekar with me.

In this complex, they were all of the important person of Mataram Kingdom, so, the people in the area were supposed to be very respect the soul buried here, so the rest of the visitors coming. The ceremony were took about 45 mins to be done. So, if you would like to find inner peace by praying for the ancestor soul which you adore most, go get here.

The ceremony entering the graveyard

In front of the building. Very spooky.

After all first interesting destination visited, I checked in to the hotel in Dagen Street, 10 mins walk from Malioboro area. The room was nice, new, and modern.

All Seasons Yogyakarta

That’s all for my trip for today, Have a nice day.

Ya, Alhamdulillah, saya akan segera memasuki tahapan atau semester terakhir dalam jenjang pendidikan sarjana yang sedang saya jalani. Senang atau tidak, saya akan segera menjadi seorang sarjana *yeay*. Namun, pilihannya adalah proses seperti apa yang akan saya pilih untuk saya jalani sebelum menjadi seorang sarjana?

Pendidikan sarjana di institusi tempat saya mengabdi, membutuhkan waktu 4 tahun (atau lebih) sampai seseorang mahasiswa layak dinyatakan sebagai seorang alumni, dan kenyataan ini, mudah atau tidak, sedang saya jalani.

Memasuki semester 8 (dan semoga menjadi semester terakhir) di ITB, saya disambut dengan kewajiban menyelesaikan Tugas Akhir, atau untuk jurusan ilmu sosial biasa dikenal dengan Skrispi. Well, untuk banyak mahasiswa, topik ini menjadi ‘momok’ yang tidak ada habisnya, tapi tidak akan mungkin dihindari.

Proses perjalanan seorang mahasiswa menjalani kehidupan perkuliahannya akan membentuk pola pikir setelah lepas dari bangku kuliah. Seberapa besar sistem pendidikan di bangku sarjana akan mempengaruhi kualitas individu seorang mahasiswa akan terlihat dari apa-apa saja yang telah dilaluinya, baik itu sistem organisasi, struktur kepanitiaan dengan berbagai keribetannya, dan naik-turun menjalani proses akademik yang menjadi mutlak bagi tiap mahasiswa.

Dengan bangga, saya katakan, saya sudah melalui tujuh semester pada jenjang pendidikan sarjana saya, bagaimanapun hasilnya. Dan sekarang, saya lagi dapet ‘kejutan’ di salah satu tahapan yang harus segera saya lalui. Tugas Akhir.

Sejak awal diajar oleh seorang dosen muda di semester 3, saya sekejap terpesona dengan beliau. Pola pikir yang tidak semua dosen miliki, cara mengajar yang tertata namun berinovasi, dan sebutlah semua hal lain yang membuat mahasiswa merasa betah duduk di kelas dan memperhatikan penjelasan seorang dosen. Itu dari saya, sisanya, silakan bertemu sendiri dengan beliau, Prof. Satria Bijaksana.

Sejak beberapa bulan yang lalu, saya memutuskan untuk menjalani Tugas Akhir saya di bawah bimbingan beliau, dan Alhamdulillah, beliau menyetujuinya. Sekarang, saya sedang memasuki masa baca-baca paper dan materi-materi pendalaman terkait ilmu tugas akhir.

Banyak orang berpikir bahwa tahapan untuk menyelesaikan tugas akhir adalah menentukan topik, mencari dosen yang sesuai dengan topik, dan kemudian menjalani prosesnya. Namun, sejak beberapa waktu lalu, saya memutuskan untuk melakukannya tidak berurutan. Saya mencari dosen yang saya rasa akan menjadi pembimbing terbaik untuk saya, dan sisanya akan menyesuaikan menjadi menyenangkan, seharusnya.

Di detik ini, saya masih belum menyesal atas tahap-tahap yang sudah dilalui. Mari kita tunggu beberapa bulan lagi, saat Tugas Akhir saya selesai.

Wish me any best luck. And so all of you!

2011, was another year for everyone which undeniably occur. So, everyone should have been experienced their own story, taken advantages of everything detailed, and gained lesson of each point in the day of the year. The proportion and impact would be at your very own control.

Some people said, the year of 2011, was “my year”. Where many of unexpected dreams came along the reality, which at last I realized them as ‘long-time-ago-dreams’. I will not point each of the things happened in my life, since the things were not everyone’s interest, and I am okay with that fact But the thing is, being grateful for each simplest thing in your breathe, will bring you into a bigger pleasure of life which you would never expected or arranged before. Just keep our mind being grateful, for every good and bad happened.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

We went to the terminal 1 Madrid-Barajas International Airport to back home to Indonesia using Qatar Airways. We had last good bye from Mr. and Mrs. Theo, Mr. Fahmi, Sandra and Malindra, and Mr. Herry, the proud family of Indonesian Embassy in Madrid. Once again, thank you so much Señor y Señora for having us as part of the family while our stay in Spain.

Sandra, me, Alin. Thanks!

Ah, how could I possible to describe my feeling of leaving this beautiful country. I am having many good times during my stay and visit since my first day in Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo. This trip will be my biggest motivation to pursue another dream, that the country has taught me. The beautiful buildings, the friendly freezing weather, the Spanish people, the mollejas, the Metro train, were all memory would never been forgotten. The Batik Workshop which has been successfully delivered will be the real thing I could do as Indonesian people in the name of Putra Putri Batik Nusantara, together with my super partner, Sheila Purnama Bulan, to promote and to spread the amazing history behind Batik and the technique.

I left Spain with full-glad-hearted, and hopefully it won’t be my last time visit Spain.

The flight QR070 to Doha were ready to board. Adios y Muchas Gracias, gente!

I arrived in Doha International Airport after 6 hours flight. The connecting flight to Jakarta were on tomorrow morning, at about 8 am. Fortunately, Mrs. Molly from ministry already booked a night hotel in Doha, so, finally I stepped on Doha’s land. My passport was stamped also, yeah! The hotel named Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel located on Dafna, Diplomatic Distric, about 20 minutes from the airport.

Arrived in the hotel, we were dinner a super delicious Arabian and Asian food. How I love being in Arabian hotel because of their food served.

Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel Lobby

The room was suite, another luck.

Suite room; living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom.

This was my another first time in the city of Doha, no matter I couldn’t explore the city very much, but at least, I could see the night city wonderful view of Doha. Asalamualaikum, see you tomorrow!

Doha in the Morning

Today, I finally joined the rest of the group which have been separated for some days because of another duty ahead me. I was living in Indonesian Embassy in Madrid, while Mr. Ramli’s team together with Mrs. Mien R. Uno, Mrs. Enny Soekamto, Mrs. Dian Tanjung, and the rest of the team were in the house of Indonesian Ambassador for Spain, Mrs. Wieke. So, I were picked up first, before picking up the other, about 45 minutes far from embassy to the ambassador’s house.

Mr. Gibravil, Mrs. Molly, Ms. Sheila, me, and Mrs. Myrna in front of Wisma Duta RI Madrid

We gathered to have a tour to another city in one of another province in Spain, named Toledo. Toledo was the first capital city of Spain, in past time. Toledo was first built since Greek history time, until at year of 700s, the Arabian came to governed the city for about 300 years. In the 11th century, Toledo was opposed by the King of Spain, and finally the kingdom ruled the rest of the city and country. Until the end of 15th century, Toledo became the center of education and art. Catholic, Jews, and Moslem were lived in harmony, until the city ruled by the king, the rest of the Moslems and Jews remained in the city should converted to Catholic, otherwise, they will be intimidated and soon leave the city. We could see ex-Mosque building also in the city as the prove of Moslem existence during past time. About an hour trip from Wisma Duta to Toledo.

Plaza de Toros, Toledo

Some point of Toledo

Toledo has been recognized as the first World Heritage Site from UNESCO, and nowadays, every court regarding on religion held in this city.

New archaeological's site revealed

Damascinas and Armaduras were the collectible items from the city. Damascinas were actually a technique of steel paintings coming from Damascus. They created the pattern into many devices, such as sword, table clock, necklaces, etc. The sword was the most collected item from Toledo. Some of the items were coated by gold with the price setted. Armaduras is the uniform made from steel for fighting during the war, to cover all of your body.

After walking buy some souvenirs in souvenirs shop and also in Artesania de Toledo, we went tour the city. Mr. Fahmi Noor Syafaat from embassy took us to the spot where could possible to take photos with the background of the city’s panorama view. The city view was incredibly amazing. Subhanallah.

Panorama of Toledo

Me in Toledo

Smileeeee

After taking pictures, we got to take some walk around some parts of the City. The buildings and the road were really compact, different with Madrid or Barcelona which have been constructed in modern way, Toledo remains ancient. Toledo was actually has modern style of living, but they kept the buildings traditional. If you wanna buy souvenirs, buy them in the central city of Toledo, the price was half from Madrid and Barcelona, but unlucky us, Mr. Fahmi did not allow us to shop anything since we didnt’t have enough time to rush for another destination.

Around the compact city of Toledo

Sheila and me, also in Toledo

Another beauty of Toledo

The group were leaving the wonderful Toledo heading to Madrid. Planned to visit Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, and Sol, which three of these places already visited by me since couple days ago. So, I decided to leave the group as well as find another destination.

I directly went to Sol to find luggage because mine brought from Jakarta already full, and also bought final items to relatives in Indonesia.

I went to the embassy using Metro. On the way before arriving in the embassy, I went to Arturo Soria Plaza to grab some needs. The price in this plaza were actually in the level of medium up to high. But, I was glad to find Supermercado (Supermarket) for daily needs.

That was the end of the 7th day, which will be the last day of exploring Madrid. I should make a final packing before tomorrow morning flight. Buenos dias.

Finally with a full-hearted Sheila, Rieke, and me went and must have visited the Palacio Real, the palace for the king and family in the earlier history. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) is the largest palace in Europe. The actual name is the Palacio Oriente (East Palace), but it is hardly ever referred to by that name. It has 2,800 rooms, over 110 (main) doors, 870 window, 270 balconies, 44 staircases and a banquet hall with a table that can seat 140 people. It was used by the Kings and Queen of Spain from 1734 until 1931. It was originally commissioned by Felipe V in 1734 and construction took 26 years. During that time two more kings, Carlos III and Carlos IV also influenced the design and decor. The current King of Spain, Juan Carlos I lives in the more modest Zarzuela Palace outside of Madrid, but the Palacio Royal is still used for state occasions (http://www.ctspanish.com/communities/madrid/palacioreal.htm). It has Opera Park in front of the palace used for held an classic musical opera show to entertain public around the palace. Also labyrinth plants, which is really beautiful.

Rieke, Sheila, and me around Opera Park

In front of Palacio Real, Madrid

Palacio Real inside

Right besides the palace, there is a Catedral de La Almudena. The entrance fee was 6 €, it has museum and a dome for tourist recreation. The same regulation for all the museum I ever visited in Spain, we were not allowed to take any of pictures inside the cathedral. Many philosophy came from the building of the cathedral, lucky me for having Rieke as an good Catholic, then she explained me many stories behind the things seen. On the dome, we should go up using stairs, and panoramic view was the price for energy to climbed up the dome. The view of some part of Madrid city. Beautiful. Lucky Rieke, the cathedral having Mass Service on 12 pm. She went to the mass, as the only Catholic between three of us, then we accompanied Rieke to the room and for my first time been in a Holy Mass service, and was in Spanish.

On the Cathedral Dome

Madrid's view from the top of cathedral

After the cathedral tour, we went to a food shop near Opera, Nice Cream and Coffee. Finally after many times hunting, I found churros and ate it with chocolate dip. Delicious Spanish churros priced 2.10 € for 3 pcs, but additional 20 cents if you want to dine in.

Opera was located not far from Sol, then I escaped for shorty 30 minutes to buy some bags for my sister and my mom.

We almost late going back to embassy. Today is the third day, also the last day for Batik Workshop in Museo del Traje. The enthusiasm were incredibly incresing. The participant were still 30 people as the maximum capacity was it. But, if I was counted right, it may up to 100s pieces of clothes were being painted in this final session. The upmost moment was when a woman brought her own bolster cover, very huge.

Batik Workshop Day 3

Mr. Gibravil, Mrs. Adiyatwidi (Indonesian Ambassador for Spain), me, and Sheila

And that was all our Batik workshop. I was really proud being Indonesian which having Batik as culture which should be conserved. Anytime you see Batik in anywhere, you should remember, how beautiful Indonesian Batik with the pattern and history behind it. Try to love Batik, from the beginning of the process, until you find out yourself falling in love real deep with Indonesian Batik.

Thank you so much for almost 90 persons of participant of the Batik workshop, the Spanish, the Indonesian in Spain, and other nation who has incredibly amazing with ability of Membatik, and also all the workshop team from Embajada de La Republica de Indonesia. Hopefully the technique which has been delivered and taught will be an opening stage for conserving Indonesian culture and loving ours endlessly.

At night, we went to Indonesian Embassy to attend the celebration of successfully been held the event of Batik promotion, through fashion show by Ramli in Madrid-Barcelona and also 3-day workshops. There were so many Indonesians live around Madrid coming to celebrate our success. Mrs. Wieke (the way we call the ambassador) gave speech, she’d thank us for the initiative and commitment to hold the event until the success point. Mr. Ramli also thank the ambassador and all of the embassy staff who already worked really hard to pursue the perfectness of our event. The dinner was held to familiarize each other as Indonesian, and closed by karaoke by anybody who’d like to sing.

While Mr. Ramli's speech

All delegates from Jakarta! Front row from left: Mrs. Sri Herawati, Mrs. Ida Hastuti, Mrs. Myrna Ratna Maulidiana, Mrs. Molly Prabawaty, Mrs. Enny Soekamto, Mr. Ramli, Mrs. Adiyatwidi, Mrs. Mien R. Uno, Mrs. Dian Tanjung, Mr. Gibravil. Back row from left: Mr. Jimin, Mr. Chunradus, me, Ms. Sheila Purnama Bulan, Ms. Devinca Ana Sanya, Ms. Rini, Ms. Rina Syafri Suri, Ms. Paula Verhoeven, Ms. Nurul Fadilah, Mr. Tri Laksono Aprilliyanto

Once again, thank you so much. Ms. Krisnawati Desi, Ms. Ajeng Pratitie, Mr. Fahmi Noor Syafaat, Mr. Mario Nikita, Mrs. Laela, Mr. Theo and Mrs. Ella Theo, Mr. Chandra D. Irianto, Sandra Saffira, Malindra Syach, Ms. Tasya, Ms. Desy Maharani, Ms. Marly, Mr. Herry, Mrs. Par, for all who already sacrifie many things until the event successfully done. Thank you so much.

Today is gonna be the second day for the Batik Taller (Spanish languange for Batik Workshop) in Museo del Traje, and also we are gonna have a fashion show by Ramli, the master designer coming from Indonesia with his Batik. Before all of the preparation regarding to the workshop and fashion show, we went to a must visit museum in Spain, even in the world. It named Museo del Prado, somewhere near Plaza de La Cibeles and Banco de Espana.

Today’s team were Sheila, Rieke, Mr. Jimin from ministry who is very calm, and me. We were took the autobus number 53 destination to Sol, but we informed to took the Plaza Cibeles shelter. Taking the bus was took longer time than train, eventhough the station of the train was way further from our place. About 45 minutes, we arrived at Plaza de La Cibeles.

Post Office Headquarter

Plaza de La Cibeles

Metropolis

The museum was located about 700 meter from the shelter. So, we should have some 20 minutes walk from the shelter.

The entrance fee is 12 €. Opened from 9 am. The museum was the place for 7000 paintings, but only 700 was exhibited. Fortunately, we had Ms. Ana, the official museum guide to explain us the story behind each painting. And this was the first time, I extremely amazed with thing. Ana explained us very fluent in English, so we understand each of the story of the painting. An hour museum tour was opened my eyes, and no wonder they kept those paintings in a museum and the entrance fee was not cheap. Oh ya, we paid Ana, the guide, of about 50 €, it’s all worth to pay, you would gain many infos which you wouldn’t get by reading the explanation from reading the sign near each painting. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any of the pictures. So, if anyone really interested in the story behind the painting, you’d better google some things. The museum was the perfect. I was amazed, super incredible.

Museo del Prado, Madrid

In front of Museo del Prado with Mr. Jimin

After lunch, we hurried to Museo del Traje, to prepare our 2 events. The first which was started on 4-7 pm was the Batik workshop. The participant of the workshop also from public, the same with day 1. The enthusiasm was increasing from the previous workshop. I was really honored and glad spreading my culture and tradition to foreign people then they seems really interested doing it.

In the middle of the workshop, I should prepare the rehearsal for tonight fashion show. This was my very first time had the runway abroad, since I am not a catwalk model. The models brought Ramli’s batik design, which also incredible.

Rehearsal

There were about 4 models from Spain, 10 models from Indonesia including Sheila and me (Indonesian Youth Ambassador of Batik) and Ms. Rieke Caroline (Runner Up 1 Miss Tourism Queen Int’l of The Year 2010 from Indonesia). The funny thing, I wasn’t that nervous. You may imagine how supposed I was nervous at the moment, since this was my first.

Opening sequence

Look the seniors coming out after us

Beautiful Tante Mien R. Uno with a very stunning Indonesian Kebaya with Batik sarong

Spanish Model wears Batik

Davis also.

Paula Verhoeven

Me in first cloth

My last cloth

Devile

All models with Mrs. Wieke (Indonesian Ambassador for Spain), Mr. Ramli (the designer), and Mr. Sapta Nirwandar (Vice Minister of Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)

Thank you, Mas Ramli.

The Indonesian Splendid Elegance fashion show was successfully done. The event was continued by the cocktail party. And that’s wrap for today. Adios!

Today we planned to some places. Let’s see how many places will we visited today. The first destination was Parque del Retiro. It was like Central Park in NY, a super huge garden in the center of the city of Madrid. We took Metro from Arturo Soria station down to Retiro station, about 8 station including 1 transfer. Arriving in the park, and all I could say just, “Oh my God!” it was really huge and European. There were playground, a gazeebo for oldies do sport, many statues, a big lake, and many shops. My planned visit this park was just to taking a picture and felt another part of Madrid’s people daily life. These all the pictures. Watch my photos then you would also feel been in Madrid

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 1

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 2

Playground at Parque del Retiro, Madrid

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 3

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 4

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 5

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 6

Parque del Retiro, Madrid with Sheila

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 7

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 8

Parque del Retiro, Madrid 9

Right across the park on one of the side, there was a Madrid Cathedral. We didn’t enter the church because lacking of information whether we allowed to enter the church or not. It was one of difficulties touring in Spain since not everyone speaking English.

Madrid Cathedral

After almost 4 hours exploring Parque del Retiro and Madrid Cathedral, we was planned to visit Palacio Real, the palace for the Spanish king. Mario was trying to tell me the easiest way to reach the palace, he told me to use the train or bus to Opera. We was using train that time, to Opera. But, after exiting the Opera station, which was about 4 stations after Retiro, we couldn’t find the palace, no sign direction, and almost impossible to ask people on the street. We took pictures around Opera and gratefully Opera was located not really far from Sol, the center of shopping district. Sheila and me got explored Sol one more time.

We found castanas, one of winter meal in Spain, 15 castanas for 3 €.

The black one is Castanas (read: kastanya)

Having really late lunch on 4 pm on Istanbul Doner Kebap. I ate beef kebap, for about 6,45 €. Delicious kebap.

Istanbul Kebap in Sol

Beef kebap

At 9 pm, we arrived the embassy to have a dinner. Fortunately, Fahmi already came from Barcelona, and he took us to a restaurant near embassy, VIPS.

I ate strawberry toast croissant, cost 5,00 €.

Strawberry toasted croissant

Hmm, I explored Madrid till got super tired, but still, super fun. Alhamdulillah. See you on another around of my exploration in Madrid.