This the best note I've ever been tagged by my friend.

He tagged me on this post on my commencement day, APRIL 9TH 2011.

"Now when I think about my just-ended-college life, and after i look back to the last 4-and-a-half years of the so-called higher education, I only have a few things to say.

I may haven't show a considerably good performance when it comes to general expectation. But really, I feel like I did my best on this. And an average C+ is indeed my best, i admit that. There are no regrets whatsoever in myself about that.

If I say that I haven't learned anything useful in the last 4.5 years, or if I say that I am just not good in this field, or even If I say that i hated the subjects, i'd call myself a hypocrite. I'm indeed in denial. There are at least some part of my study that made it through my deepest consciousness and made me feel like I can do most of the stuff i learned.

But, it's just the refusal of being Institutionalized that drove me to think, act, or do things that are just 'abnormal' to the mass judgment. I am indeed scared as shit to imagine myself dependent of a title, standards, or a system-wide quality check that limit myself to do things I want. I am scared as shit to imagine that one day on the outside world, I am forced to join the society the way I didn't plan on doing.

The truth is, being in a higher education institution -especially in this country- does that to us. We're an instant institutionalized individuals. Some people made it to the extremes thinking that they're actually holding the key to the world, where in my perception it just could be the key to their own doom. And before we realize it, we're dependent on this institution. We suddenly feel like the world is a lot easier when we were back studying some subjects like Concrete design, pavement design, structural analysis, operation management and all of those curriculum mumbo-jumbo.

I am one of the few people to have different view on education in this country. Education is agreeably a part of making a better living, but it's always more about self-enrichment. It's hard for me to find myself surrender to systems, social assumptions, dogmas, and habits that are just questionable in basic. I can't follow public assumption which say that after all this, i need higher degree, i need to get a job to make paychecks (money -in fact- is NOT always about paychecks), or i need to do this, that, and all of that ooh's or bla-blas...

The way I see it. Now It's a chance to me to do whatever I want. I'd give back to the community in a way that are just best for me. This is an ideal, this is my belief. And for whatever reason I refuse to give up on that ideal. Giving up on an ideal is just another sign of being institutionalized."

Happy Graduation day folks! Your days of living just indeed started...

as posted in: http://kezkezkez.posterous.com/

Rihanna

(Left to right: Arif, Rini, Me, Zulfi)

Rihanna is a circle consists of 2 girls and 2 boys. Actually. "Rihanna" stands for Rini Novelia Suawa, Zulfi Rahardian, , Arif Afriyanto, and Sita Ariana Pangestu (me). We have been friends since we were in the second grade of junior high school. We spent our teenagers time in same junior high school and senior high school, except Zulfi. He were in Taruna Nusantara High School while three of us were in SMAN 1 Bekasi. We gathered again in the same institute: Institute Technology of Bandung. Rini took material engineering as her major. Zulfi took industrial engineering as his major. Arif took metallurgy engineering as his major. And I took civil engineering as my major.

We have had several times of togetherness. Most of our togetherness time spent with karaoke. Our favorite place to karaoke is NAV Ciwalk. The anthem for our karaoke time was 'Umbrella' by Rihanna. Most of songs we sang were oldies songs. My ever after favorite song is 'Torn' by Natalie Imbruglia.

(Karaoke at NAV CIWALK)

Beside karaoke we used to spent our time by having dinner together and sometimes had GJ time. We also love taking pictures. The one acted as photographer was Rini.

(In Arif's Room)

(October 2010 Commencement Day of Rini and Zulfi. Where was I?!?)

Now, all of us have already had our own path.
Rini: She is an English teacher (trainee) at Pinglin Junior High School now.
Zulfi:He works as key account executive at PT Nestle Indonesia
Arif: He works as TKWT at PT Antam Tbk
Me: I will work in PT Freeport Indonesia

Hwow,,, I do miss our togetherness.
I do really wish we will have chance to gather again.
Singing together.
Having dinner together.
Laughing together.
'Sleeping' together.

Hopefully, time will never erase the memories and the friendship among us. Just like the lyrics we used to sang together'

"Because when there's sun shine we'll shine together. Told you I'll be here forever. Said I'll always be your friend. Took an oath and stick it out till the end."

I LOVE YOU GUYS.

Malin Kundang

Once upon a time there lived a fisherman family in the coastal area in Sumatra. That family consisted of the father, the mother and a son named Malin Kundang. Because of the wistful economic, the father decided to earn the life overseas by sailing across the the sea.

Then lived Main Kundang and his mother in their shack. One week, two weeks, a month, two months even one year long had passed, Malin’s father didn’t come back. So that his mother had to take over the responsibility of Malin’s father in earning life. Malin was a smart boy but he was also a corner boy. He often chased after hens and stoke them with a broom. One day, when she was chasing hen, he stumbled by a stone and his right hand was injured. The scar on his right hand couldnt be disappeared.

Growing older, Malin Kundang felt pity of his mother’s that had worked so hard in earning life to raise him. He thought about earning life overseas and becoming rich. Malin was attracted by the offer of ship’s captain that had transformed from needy person to rich person.

Malon Kundang told his willingness to his mother. Formerly his mother disagreed about that, but Malin continued staying on with his idea. Finally Malin’s mother gave her permission even with heavy heart. After preparing stock and equipments, Malin went to the port accompanied by his other. “My son, when you had been success and become rich person, do not forget your mom and this hometown,” said Malin’s mother with tears.

Gradually the ship Malin took became more and more far away. During the voyage, Malin learned a lot about art of navigation from the experienced ship crews. In the middle of voyage suddenly the ship was attacked b he pirate. All the commodities was robbed by the pirate. Even almost all of the crews and the people on the ship were killed by the pirate. Malin Kundang was so lucky not being killed at that incident. He was hiding in a small room covered by wood.

Malin Kundang had been floated on the ship before that ship reached the coastal area. With his last energy Malin walked into the nearest village near the coastal area. Arriving at that village, Malin was helped by the villagers. He told about what had happened. The village where Malin drifted ashore was a prosperous village. With his toughness and persistence in working, gradually Malin had become rich person. He had many merchant ships and more than 100 crews. He also married a young lady to be his wife.

The news of Malin Kundang becoming rich and having been married was extended to Malin’s other. She was so grateful and happy because of her son success. Starting from that time, every day Malin Kundang’s mother came to the pier, waited for her son coming home.

After several years married, Malin and his wife sailed with a big an beautiful ship and also with many crews. Malin Kundang’s mother saw that beautiful ship entering the port. She saw the two persons standing above the deck. She believed that they were his son and his daughter in law.

Malin Kundang debarked. He was welcomed by his mother. After being close enough, his mother saw the scar on the man’s right hand. She totally convinced that that man was Malin Kundang. “Malin Kundang, my son, why have you gone without giving any news? She said while hugging Malin Kundang.

But what happened next? Immediately Malin Kundang disengaged the hugh and pushed her till she felt down. “What such a cad you are. How dare you admitted as my mom” Malin Kundang said to his mom. Malin Kundang pretended that he did not recognize his mom because his mom was so old and wore frayed clothes.

“Is she your mom?” asked Malin Kundang’s wife.

“No, she is only a beggar admitting as my mom just to ask some money,” answered Malin to his wife.

Hearing that statement and being bady treated Malin’s mother became so angry. She never though that her son would be that insubordinate son. Because her anger had reached the peak, Malin’s mother raised her hands and said,” If he were my son, I cursed him becoming stone.”

Not long after that curse, the wind blowed so hardly and a big storm happened cruised Malin’s ship. And gradually, Malin’s body became stiff and stiffer. Nad finally his body was transformed into a statue.

Introduction of Lombok Island

Lombok Island is one of main island in West Nusa Tenggara Province ('Nusa Tenggara' refers to the island east of Bali). It consists of four regencies (kabupaten0; Mataram City, West Lombok, Central Lombok, and East Lombok.

The climate of Lombok is perfect with annual temperatures ranging from 21 degree Celsius and 31 degree Celsius. It has only two seasons, the dry from May to October and the wet from November to April.

Lombok is dominated by Mt. Rinjani (3800m), a towering volcanic range at its centre. There are water spring a number of rivers from the southern slopes of Rinjani, hot spring at and on to east of it, and a number of waterfalls around its slopes.

In Lombok, the most significant tourism and recreational activity is found in Senggigi beach and surounds, around Mt. rinjani for trekking, and in the western and southern coastal areas for diving, surfing, sunbathing and fishig.

Approximately 90% of the 3 million population living in Lombok are indigenous Sasak people. In western Lombok, descendants of Balinese reside following Hindu beliefs and intricate ceremonies. The Sasak people are predominantly Muslim. In addition, Buddhist and Arab cultures are found mostly in Mataram. The ancient Wetu Telu religion that still exist around the old mosque of Bayan, north of Mt. Rinjani, and Rambitan (or elsewhere) in southern Lombok are significant in the island's culture. The diversity od people provides the region with a rich tapestry of dialect and diverse range of languages, traditional dance, music and rituals.

Lombok is well known for its beautiful pottery making, cloth and basket weaving.

My Dreams and Obsessions

1. Being a good moslem woman

2. Being a good mother for my children

3. Being a good wife for my husband

4. Being a lecturer in university (hopefully in ITB)

5. Being a professional in geotechnical field

6. Being able to consider 'him' as normal friend

7. Bring my mom umroh and Hajj

8. Experiencing sky diving and paralayang

9. Having a kindergarten

10. Having ASEAN tour (minus Malaysia)

11. Having diving license

12. Having driving license

13. Having good ability in Deutsch language

14. Having good ability in Japanish language

15. Having (fairly) good ability in Spanish language

16. Having language course institute

17. Having moslem european man as husband

18. Having twin babies

19. Meeting Francesc Fabregas

20. Meeting Mesut Ozil

21. Owning a coffe shop

22. Owning a large comfortable wooden house

23. Owning a public library

24. Owning a publlisher company

25. Owning a Supermarket

26. Owning Ford Everest

27. Owning Green Pearl Karimun Estillo

28. Owning orchard and kitchen garden

29. Publishing my own novel

30. Seeing all my siblings having bachelor degree

31. Taking master degree in Deutschland

32. Visiting Netherland (esp. Keukenhof Garden and Red District)

33. Visiting South Korea (esp. to meet Eui Jin)

34. Visiting America (esp. New York, San Fransisco)

35. Visiting Australia (esp. to spend little time with him)

36. Visiting Austria

37. Visiting Belgium

38. Visiting China

39. Visiting Croatia

40. Visiting Deutschland (esp. Berlin and Bremen)

41. Visiting Disneyland (in Hongkong or Japan)

42. Visiting England

43. Visiting France (esp. to have romantic night in Paris)

44. Visiting Greece

45. Visiting Italy

46. Visiting Japan (experiencing shinkansen)

47. Visiting Komodo Island

48. Visiting Portuguese

49. Visiting Wakatobi

50. Watching El Classico games in Santiago Bernabeu or in Nou Camp

51. Watching final of European Champion League

Rossy Goes to Campus Review

A few days ago, on February 26th 2010, I attended a talk show titled "Rossy Goes to Campus: ITB". That talk show was organized by Cabinet of Keluarga Mahasiswa ITB (Studenta Executive Boards of ITB) and Rossi Inc. The theme for this talkshow was "Mewujudkan Indonesia Tangguh/Realizing Tough Indonesia". FYI: Rossiana Silalahi is a well known presenter in Indonesia. She was a news anchor of Liputan 6 SCTV. She was also the first Indonesian journalist/news anchor who got opportunity to interview president of United States -Bush Jr., 2003- in the white House. Now she has her own show that broadcast in Global TV.

The opening of "Rossy Goes to Campus" was a performance by LSS (Sundanese Cultural Clubs) ITB. They performed rampak kendang -Sundanese traditional music assemble. Rossy Goes to Campus was held in Sabuga and was divided into several session. The first session presented 3 famous figures of Indonesia. They were:
#Karen Agustiawan - Director Executive of PERTAMINA
#Andi Mallarangeng - Minister of Youth and Sports Department
#Wimar Witoelar - A Columnist and Ex Spoke Person of President Gus Dur

Rossy talked about the career with Karen Agustiawan. FYI: Karen Agustiawan is the youngest and the first woman who can be the director of PERTAMINA -Indonesian Biggest Oil Company. There were several tips Mrs. Karen gave to us. According to her there are 4 keys to reach success. I can't remember all. What I can remember is the key number 1: strong self determination. Each of us has to have it to be a tough individuals because to only tough individuals who can realize the tough Indonesia.

Karen Agustiawan also shared about her life when she was an ITB students. One of surprising fact was she used to be a DJ (disc jockey) at that time. WOW,,, It proves that ITB students couldn't always be related with bookworm, nerd, studyholic or any other similar words like those. According to me she is a good role model of a woman who can balance her career with her family stuffs. She has a very sweet relationship with her sons (and also with her husband perhaps).

With Andi Mallarangeng Rossy mostly discussed about reformation in PSSI (Indonesian Football Federation). She supported what youth and sports ministry had done in the case of PSSI chairman election. She also campaigned about the reformation in PSSI board. Well, I agree with that campaign. STOP POLITICIZATION IN PSSI!!!

With Wimar Witoelar, Rossy discussed about the inter-religious harmony in Indonesia that has been gradually decreased nowadays. Overall, Wimar Witoelar is a nice person to talk with. He talked about serious thing in fun way. I like him!!! Btw, intentionally or not he told me that he would make a new political party: POB: Partai Orang Biasa. That party would nominate Sri Mulyani as candidates in next president election. Well actually I don't know wheter he was serious about that or no.

In the break session, there was an entertaiment presented by UKA (Aceh Cultural Club) ITB. They performed Saman Dance. It was so cool.

The next session presented some several guests too:
#Anung Promono - Vice-Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives
#Basuki Tjahjadi Purnama - The first Tiong Hoa person who had been elected as regent (in Bangka Belitung) and Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives
#Dede Macan Yusuf - (ex)Actor, (ex)Model,Vice-Governor of West Java Province

(Wimar Witoelar still sat among them).

In this second session the topic was: the role of youth in Indonesian politic. They understand why politic has been considered as a bad thing for youth. But according to them that it would be such a shame if youth don't want to participate in politic because youths have very strong power to reform the ugly face of Indonesian democracy. Actually politic is not a bad thing. The bad things were the player on that system. So that's why they eager us joining political stage of this country. Most of them praised ITB students and alumni. In statistical number, there are 5-7 ministry that are alumni of ITB in each cabinet of Indonesia.

Dede Yusuf gave a different suggestion for us. According to him. It wouldn't be needed if all youths becoming politician. He wisely suggested us to be focus and excellent in the field that we love most. I love that suggestion.

For the session break, KPA (Angklung Club) ITB showed their talent to make the melody of Viva La Vida (popularized by Coldplay).

The next session presented:
#The director of Sinar Mas Group
#Tri Mumpuni - the developer of micro hydro power plant in several remote villages
#Director of BNI 46

They were so inspiring for me. With their works and creativities they have proved that Indonesia is tough and can compete with other nations. We should be proud of our nation.

For the closing of this talk show Glen Fredly entertained us by singing aroubd 5-7 songs such as: Kala Cinta Menggoda, Rasa Sayange, Kisah Romantis, You Are My Everything, etc.

Overall, two thumbs up for this talk show. I promise to be a tough person participating in realizing Indonesia Tangguh.

SUGARTOWN

SUGARTOWN
Zooey Deschanel
OST. 500 DYS OF SUMMER
(first sung by Nancy Sinatra in 1967)

I got some troubles but they won't last
I'm gonna lay right down here in the grass
And pretty soon all my troubles will pass
'cause I'm in shoo-shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo-shoo
Shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo Sugar Town

I never had a dog that liked me some
Never had a friend or wanted one
So I just lay back and laugh at the sun
'cause I'm in shoo-shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo-shoo
Shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo Sugar Town

Yesterday it rained in Tennessee
I heard it also rained in Tallahassee
But not a drop fell on little old me
'cause I was in shoo-shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo-shoo
Shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo Sugar Town

If I had a million dollars or ten
I'd give to ya, world, and then
You'd go away and let me spend
My life in shoo-shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo-shoo
Shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo, shoo-shoo Sugar Town
la-la-la-la

To see the cute video clips of this song you can click the links below:

• Sugartown - Nancy Sinatra
• Sugartown - Zooey Deschanel, stop motion picture

Which one is the best according to you?!?

WORLD

WORLD
FIVE FOR FIGHTING
TWO LIGHTS

Got a package full of Wishes
A Time machine, a Magic Wand
A Globe made out of Gold

No Instructions or Commandments
Laws of Gravity or
Indecisions to uphold

Printed on the box I see
A.C.M.E.'s Build-a-World-to-be
Take a chance - Grab a piece
Help me to believe it

What kind of world do you want?
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Should there be people or peoples
Money, Funny pedestals for Fools who never pay
Raise your Army - Choose your Steeple
Don't be shy, the satellites can look the other way

Lose the Earthquakes - Keep the Faults
Fill the oceans without the salt
Let every Man own his own Hand
Can you dig it baby

What kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece
Be careful what you wish for
History starts now...

Sunlight's on the Bridge
Sunlight's on the Way
Tomorrow's Calling

There's more to this than Love

What Kind of world do you want
What Kind of world do you want

What Kind of world do you want
Think Anything
Let's start at the start
Build a masterpiece

History Starts Now

Be careful what you wish for
Start Now

Note:
I've fallen in love with this song since the first time I heard it. Two thumbs up for the song writer and also for the singer.
To see a piano version of this song you can click the link below:
World (Piano Version)

RESOLUTIONS

My Resolutions in 2011 are:

1. Getting bachelor degree from Civil Engineering Department Institute Technology of Bandung

2. Going abroad for vacation or working

3. Having my own income
#By becoming young educator for Indonesia Mengajar Batch 2
#Working for one of geotecnique lecturer or soil mechanic laboratory

4. Having A2 Deutsch certificate

5. Having IBT TOEFL score >90

6. Mastering 1 more languages after Indonesian, English and Deutsch. Option: Spanish or Japanese.

7. Completing writing 1 romance.

8. Having min. 100 books

9. Loosing my weight -> Becoming less-than-52kg girl

Strawberry Swing

STRAWBERRY SWING
COLDPLAY
Viva la Vida (Death and All His Friends)

They were sitting, they were sitting in the strawberry swing
And every moment was so precious

They were sitting, they were talking in the strawberry swing
And everybody was for fighting
Wouldn't wanna waste a thing

Cold, cold water bring me 'round
Now my feet won't touch the ground
Cold, cold water
What you say?
It's such, it's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day

I remember we were walking up to strawberry swing
I can't wait 'til the morning
Wouldn't wanna change a thing

People moving all the time
Inside a perfect straight line
Don't you wanna curve away?
It's such it's such a perfect day
It's such a perfect day

Ahhhh....



Now the sky could be blue
I don't mind
Without you its a waste of time
...could be blue I don't mind, without you it's a waste of time
The sky could be blue, could be gray without you I just slide away
The sky could be blue, I don't mind, without you it's a waste of time.

Note:
I do really love this song.
This song has been so much inspired me to curve away.
To see the cute video of this song you can click the link below:
Strawberry Swing official video

Army/Military Service in Korea

South Korea is one of the countries that implement conscription for its citizens, men aged 20-30 years who physically and mentally healthy. Each of these men have to undergo the program for 20 months. According to several (male) Korean friends (male), that period will be the most unpleasant pleasant time in their lives because it will cut their youth time, a period in which they normally use to have fun. Once obtaining a warrant for conscripts some will feel as if their world collapses for a moment. For example my friend Jae who always looks cheerful all of a sudden he got irritated when I asked when he would join Army Service. It seems that the topic is sensitive to the Korean guy who has not been on Army service.

What do they (Korean men) do in army service???

First of all they have to quit school or from work for a while. Then they are required to fill out a form where they wish to be placed, naval, air force or a soldier who helped American troops. But most of them end up as the army. Basic training they received about 4 weeks in training camp, after that they just transferred assigned to the unit they choose to continue with the remaining time before conscription to 20 months ahead.

Army Service be one important factor why the sense of brotherhood among the Korean guy is very close and tight. In addition, there is interesting thing that I gain about army service. One of simple way to distinguish whether a guy that has or has not been in army service is by observing their body shape. If someone has OK/good/awesome body (strapping, athletic, good arm) I can guess that he had joined army service. If his body is not OK, I will guess that he hasn't joined army service yet, hehe. exception for Korean actors, has or hasn't joined army service they have good body shape like won Bin on the picture below. Kyakya,,, I love Won Bin.




* Einegelberose *

Counting The Age in Korean Version

For calculating the age, the formula used by the Korean people is: current age = current year - birth year + 1. Plus 1 is there because of all newborns are considered 1 year old. So, I who was born in the year 88 according to the Korean people, my age is 24 years old this year meanwhile in normal calculation my age is 23 years old. Haduwh,, I feel getting older?!? So I won't follow their formula, *hehe*

Oppa (오빠) or Ahjussi (아저시)?!?

Just as the people of Indonesia, the Koreans also use some terms to call another people particularly to call people who are older. Here are some common terms that they use.

# Oppa (오빠): a call from one girl to older brother or to a guy who is older than her (until about 10 years older). 'Oppa' is also intended as a lovely call from girl to her boyfriend or a guy she likes.

# Eonni (언니): a call from one girl to older sister or to another girl who is older than her.

# Hyeung (형): a call from one guy to a older brother or to another guy who is older than him.

# Nuna (누나): a call from a guy to a girl who is older than him.

# Ahjushi (아저 시): a call for a man who is much older than the caller. The word is commensurate with the word 'uncle'.

# Ahjuma (아줌마): a call for a woman who is much older than the caller. The word is commensurate with the word 'aunt'.

# Songsenim (선생님): a call for teachers.

# Sunbae / Sunbaenim (선배): a call from junior to senior or to more experienced person.

Some of my Korean friends invited me to call them the 'Oppa/ 오빠 'but because in Indonesia the pronunciation of ' Oppa ' refers to 'grandfather' none of themI call' Oppa '. Moreover, 'Oppa' sounded a little bit sassy in my ear. Maybe I'm just going to call someone with 'Oppa' if and only if he is my boyfriend, hehe.

There's something funny related to the selection of the word 'oppa' or 'Ahjussi' to call an older guy. So for example like this, if there is a guy who is 13 years older than me and I call him 'oppa' It means that according to me that guy is OK/good looking. Meanwhile, if I call him the 'Ahjussi' It means that according to me that guy is not OK. * Hehe *

So 'Oppa' and 'Ahjushi' can be used to distinguish the quality of the face of a guy. * Hehe *

So It's a nature thing that park Hae Gun was a little bit irritated when I call him wit 'Ahjussi' *hehe* *peace*

# Einegelberose #

Me and My Korean Friends

In the Global Village Habitat Indonesia-POSCO program, I "infiltrated" into the group 8, which consisted of:
1. JEO/ WOOYEONG -> The Leader /The Big Nose
2. KIM/MINJI -> The Vice Leader /The Red Hair Girl
3. PARK/HEEGUN -> The Oldest /Ahjushi / Gun n 'Roses
4. HONG/HYEONKI -> The Chubbiest /SLR Guy
5. PARK/JIWOO -> The Tooth-Braced Guy
6. PARK/GYEONGSOK -> KIMONG/The Most Handsome One
7. YOO/JAEYUNG -> The Youngest
8. KIM/SUNJAE -> The Warming Up Instructor/Look-Look-Look
9. LEE/EUIJIN --> The Translator
10. KIM/SOHYUN -> The Brown Hair Girl
11. HWANG/YUNJEOUNG -> The One Who Asked me to The Pool After Welcoming Dinner
12. JEONG/SUHYUN -> The Calling Mother
13. PARK/MIHYEON -> Coconut

Because their names sound very similar I give nicknames to each of them. Thank God I was incorporated into the group whose members were nice, funny and friendly. For a moment I felt a bit insecure because my skin is the darkest among them. Luckily my group did not contain of (super) slimy girls (like in Korean series I ever watched) so that I didn't feel being inferior among them. *hehe*

(Left to Right: Gun, Kimong, YunJeoung, Ji, EuiJin, Me, Jae, MihYeon, SuhYun, MinJi, SohYun, Sun, HyeonKi, WooYeong)

Being acquinted with 13 new friends made me want to discuss about Korean name. Here is some information that I can share with you guys.

Korean Names consist of two parts, the family name and first name. In the Korean language, '이름 / ireum' usually refers to a family name (성 / Seong) and forename (명 / Myeong) collectively.

If a foreigner (nonKorea) wants to have Korean name then he/she must undergo 'Changseong' which literally means 'what is creating a new family name'. But contextually 'Changseong' means 'civil administration procedures so that foreigners become citizens of Korea or the process of reporting to the head of the clan name of the relevant government units, in the village, village heads and sub-district, once approved by the court.

There are about 250 surnames in Korea and 3 surnames that most widely used (which covers nearly half of the population and the most preferred by foreigners who naturalize theirselfves) : Kim, Lee and Park.


According to an article I red from a blog [sorry I forgot the blog address], most Korean names have 3 syllables that fits perfectly with the date of birth (YY/MM/DD).

Family Name: shows the last number of births year.

0: Park 1: Kim 2: Shin 3: Choi 4: Song

5: Kang 6: Han 7: Lee 8: Sung 9: Jung

Middle Name: shows the month of birth.

1: Yong 2: Ji 3: Je 4: Hye 5: Dong 6: Sang 7: Ha 8: Hyo 9: Soo 10: Eun

11: Hyun 12: Rae

Last Name: shows the date of birth.

1: Hwa 2: Woo 3: Joon 4: Hee 5: Kyo

6: Kyung 7: Wook 8: Jin 9: Jae 10: Hoon

11: Ra 12: Bin 13: Sun 14: Ri 15: Soo

16: Rim 17: Ah 18: Ae 19: Neul 20: Mun

21: In 22: Mi 23: Ki 24: Sang 25: Byung

26: Seok 27: Gun 28: Yoo 29: Sup 30: Yon

31: Sub

Because I was born on July 18, 1988 so my Korean name is "Ha Sung Ae". Sounds a bit funny huh?!? *hehe*

But actually it does not as simple as that. For example, according to the rules above, I can guess that the birthday of my friend named PARK/JIWOO is February 2 but in fact, he was born on 2 April. *DengDong*

Based on my conversation with my friend, Hwang/YunJeoung about name after marriage, the information I've gathered are:
# Children will inherit the paternal family name.
Example: Hwang/YunJeoung (f) is married to Park/HeeGun (m) their children will become Park / ... ..., eg: Park/Haeri
# The husband's family name will not be attached to the wife.
For cases like the above, Hwang /YunJeoung will not necessarily be called 'Mrs. Park '. People will more often call her with HaeRi Emma, which means mother of HaeRi.

So that's all I can share to you guys. Hopefully what I've writen can be beneficial to anyone who reads this blog.

If anyone wants to correct, please leave comments. I'll always be open for critics and advice.

Best regards,
* Einegelberose *

And The Story Beginned

The story begins on Wednesday, January 18, 2011.

After having done with my academic guardianship matters , I along with Mute and Santus went to Bandung Super Mall. We planned on taking the Primajasa bus BSM-BSH with the schedule at 3:30. With the estimated travel time required was 4 hours approximately we would arrive at the airport at around 8 o'clock PM. We make an appointment with the people from POSCO and Habitat at KFC. We had to pick up the arrival of Korean volunteers who would arrive at 10 AM.

I, Santus and Mute arrived around at 8 PM. While waiting for the people from Habitat who still were on the way, we had dinner at KFC. At 9:30 PM the people from Habitat and POSCO came. Some of were Miss Leah and Miss Hera from Habitat Indonesia, Mr. Yong from the POSCO's CSR and Mr. Jin from Habitat Korea (Anjoy,, He's such a gorgeous guy). There wass also Eddy, (ex) UI students receiving scholarships from POSCO.

The participants from Indonesia put into different groups. Eddy went into group 2. Santus went into groups 6. Mute went into group 7. I went into group 8. Pffffhhh hopefully I'd get a nice group.

After several minutes of small talk, we finally welcomed the arrival of around 100 Korean volunteers. 100 volunters?!?

Yup .. (more than) 100 volunteers. I didn't think the amount of they would be so many. At first I thought there would only be 20 or 30 Korean volunters.Looking at the around 100 Korean people directed me into a great shock. HWOW ... HWOW ... They look very similar to each other. They are so typical: black and straight hair, white skin, narrow eyes, tall and athletic body (for the guys), slim body (for girls).

From the airport we were all transported by bus to the inn in Bogor. I'm with friends from other Indonesian werere in a bus with a staff of POSCO. In the bus we met with one of the staff named Mr. Choi. Because his English is very bad, sometimes he asked Mr. Chan to be a translator between us.

One of the things we learned from Mr. Choi wass about the number and order number in Korea.

Korean language group has 2 pieces of vocabulary, the first is the native Korean language and the second is a Korean-Chinese (formerly Korean used to use Chinese writing because Korea did not have its writing itself). So for numbers there are also 2 languages, one is the original Korean language and one is Korean-China. Both group can not be used carelessly, for example to say what time it is, how many, age, etc. are usually followed by native Korean numbers and for how many pages, the sequence of numbers, year, month, day, etc. using the Korean-China numbers.

Native Korean numbers:
1 = hana
2 = dul
3 = set
4 = net
5 = tasot
6 = yosot
7 = ilgob
8 = yeodol
9 = ahob
10 = Yeol
11 = yoel hana
20 = seumul
30 = Soeren
40 = maheun
41 = maheun hana
50 = swin
60 = yesun
70 = ilheun
80 = yeodeun
90 = aheun


Derivatives of china numbers

1 = il
2 = i
3 = sam
4 = sa
5 = o
6 = yuk
7 = Chil
8 = pal
9 = gu
10 = sib
11 = sib il
20 = i sib
30 = sam sib
40 = sa sib
50 = o sib
60 = yuk sib
70 = sib Chil
80 = sib pal
90 = gu sib

when it's up to 100 all numbers become equal. There is no authentic form of Korea or any derivative China

100 = baek
1000 = chon
10,000 = man
100,000 = sib man
1 million = baek man
10 million = chon man
100 million = oek

For additional information, for currencies, in Korea they use Won. Won ranges between 10-13 rupiahs.

We had late dinner right after arriving at our hotel. I haven't wondered anymore why Korean girls have slim body because I saw they were eating very little. HWAH ... if they can lean on it, I certainly can. The spirit of the diet program have flared again.

Finished eating, all Koreans bring their plates and glasses into the sink area. My Indonesian friends and I started to follow what they do. Whereas in normal days, we will allow the dishes and glasses are lying on the table because there will be waiters who would take care of them.

The night was getting late. After a super late dinner, we rested in our own rooms. Santus and Mute are in one room (room 108). I got a room to my own self (room 107). Because I was so reluctant of sleeping alone, I went bed in room 108, slept together with Santus and Mute.

Pfffhhh,,,
Hopefully, tomorrow and beyond would be a series on fun days.