A Little Step A Day

Major Mass Makeover

2013-01-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

Decorating a wedding, mostly are a big makeover. But this wedding in the coastal area of Semarang- Central Java, took more than that. Located in a half-done building, we have to work covered in dust, hot and moist during the day, cold and windy by the night, to make it look decent for a wedding.

Even some walls are yet to be covered. Some ceiling to be installed. And we're running out of time.

These are our heroes... without them, none of this would ever happen...

And this is when everything is ready.. just in time. Phew!...

Le Bon

2013-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

Bon means 'good' in many sense. And this bar and restaurant that bearing this name is no exceptional. The interior, the food and the service, c'est si bon! ( of course it comes with a price ).

Located within an old building, it blends well with Phillip Satck's and other designer's furnitures and lighting. The eclecticism goes well instead of goes mad. You should try.

for more about this restaurant and bar, visit it's official web, here

and for a nice review, here

This story finished my story about Paris, sadly..

oh well, never mind, there'll always be next time.

So let's visit some more other places before we're too old to do that :-)

BON

25 Rue de la Pompe, 75116 Paris - France

reservation: +33 1 40 72 70 00

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Métro de Paris

2013-01-16T09:45:00.001-08:00

No story about Paris is complete without mentioning Métro or Métropolitain, the underground rapid transit of the city. Famous for its Art Nouveau style ( metro was first opened for the Exposition Universelle in 1900 when art nouveau was à la mode ) the signage is quite something. Unfortunately I dont have much chance to find more signs of Metro, nor enjoy riding this transportation. may be some other time.

For more info about Paris Métro find it here, a brief yet clear overview from wikipedia. If you want to know more, find it here, a nice story with more photos of beautiful metro signs and stations.

Musée Carnavalet - Museum of Paris History

2013-01-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Got a chance to do a quick visit to this museum on my way to work. The Musée Carnavalet's fascinating permanent collection is a must for both history buffs and those interested in learning about Paris' complex history. The collection gives a vivid, visually engaging account of he the city's history, from its foundings to the present day. The museum is housed in a stunning Renaissance-era building, the Hotel Carnavalet, in Paris' lively and elegant Marais district.

Anyone wishing to understand Paris' multi-tiered, complex history would do well to pay a visit to the Carnavalet Museum. Housed within the walls of two Renaissance-era mansions, the Hotel de Carnavalet and the Hotel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau (built in the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively), the Carnavalet Museum's permanent collection traces the history of Paris across over 100 rooms.

The garden is meticulously maintained throughout the year. Beautifully crafted french style, it is a visual bonanza. And one more thing, the entrance is free! If you're a museum freak, you must visit this place, or at least check it first, here, here, and here. Unfortunately, its official web is still under constructions.

Statue of Le Roi du Soleil, Louis XIV will greet you here

Bust of Marie Antoinette

Each room represents a different era

An Exhibition at UNESCO

2013-01-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

If you wonder what kind of work I did in Paris, here's a little peek. Not much, compared to what I normally do in Indonesia,.. but this, for me, is a big achievement. Although I had to collect the material my self, taking pictures, editing, doing the lay out and designing the catalogue and all the graphic designs, setting up the expo until dismantling it. All that sleepless nights and many more. But it pays off eventually. And the exhibition took place where Picasso's mural painting is the background! A little exhibition of Indonesia in the heart of Paris, who would dream of making it.

I have to thank my two besties ladies who happen to be my class mates back in the university. None of this would happen without them. Thanks Mbeb & Inoy. It was tremendous chance, and thanks big time for the help and the opportunity. You're awesome in your peculiar way. Kisses and hugs!

back of the house in UNESCO headquarter

Postcard From Montmartre

2013-01-13T03:18:00.000-08:00

Visiting Basilique Sacre-Coeur and Montmartre is fun, if only it was less crowded. But then, it's what makes Montmartre fun :-)

Eiffel by Night

2013-01-13T00:30:00.001-08:00

Got a chance to climb the tower one cold breezy night.
Paris is indeed 'la cité de la lumière', the city of light.

What Do You See In A Door?

2013-01-12T23:42:00.002-08:00

I see details: Some centuries-old knockers, some signs.
In a door, you'll find some interesting details.

notification of a closing shop

in a church, somewhere near St. Germain-de Près

a polite sign, started with 'prière' ( wish )

cast-iron trellis in an old apartment

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Cafés Parisiens

2013-01-12T09:51:00.003-08:00

cafe de Flore

What is so cool about cafés in Paris? The table is so small you barely have space for your plate. The seat is so packed you can't move an inch. I don't know. But once you sit there, you'll understand its charm. You just want to go back for more: just sitting there, enjoying your time while the world rushes go by is priceless.

les deux magots

crêpes

I A Plu Tout Le Temps A Paris

2013-01-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

Autumn in Paris means rain. It pours anytime of the day, and il pleut à seaux, they say.

Au Bord de la Seine

2013-01-09T11:39:00.001-08:00

By the Seine river, the heart of Paris beats in different rhythm. And lovers, friends, tourists, and antique books and prints sellers find their own best spot to enjoy the las sun of autumn.

Eiffel I'm in Love

2013-01-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

La tour Eiffel, named after engineer Gustaf Eiffel who designed this tower, has become the symbol of the city and the country, and its romantic charm that never ceases, since the day it was erected in 1889 as the entrance gate of 1889 World Fair.

These pictures were taken on my way to work and after work. Yeah, I consider myself lucky, being able to pass this beautiful tower everyday, day and night :-)

View from La Maison de l'UNESCO, where I worked in Paris.
And this is my smoking area: a smoking area with a view!

The Bridges You Want to Fall in Love at

2013-01-08T10:49:00.002-08:00

Paris and its old bridges. Soooo romantic you want to fall in love there. And lock your love in one of its bridge, Pont de l'Archevêché, to seal it forever there. Each bridge has its own name and beautiful story. And there are so many bridges I can't remember each of it without mis-call them. So, do apologies if I coincidentally named the wrong bridge :-)

Le Pont de l'Archevêché

Le Pont Alexandre III

Le Pont Alexandre

Le Pont Notre-Dame

Le Pont Saint-Michel

Pont Carrousel

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Les Parisiens

2013-01-08T09:25:00.001-08:00

It's always lovely to watch people passes by, or seeing what they're doing when they didn't realise it. Especially when you're in Paris. I find the parisians are quite chic :-)

Lovely Lace

2013-01-08T07:40:00.001-08:00

Delicate and fragile, the lacy patterns reigned this wedding, adorned and added more romance to it.

Girly Romantic

2013-01-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

Another small wedding I happen to be part of in the making. A mix of many styles in a beautiful way, misty shabby swatch, sweet french meets modern style.

Going Round The City

2012-12-31T16:27:00.004-08:00

Don't ask me where is these or what is that, because I just snapped from the car, from one place to another for work in a rush. I shoot like crazy sometimes, because I know, I won't visit this city as often as I wish.

Flower Shops

2012-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

I got some chances to visit many flower shops thanks to the job, and I really love each of them :-)

Unfortunately I didn't have much chance to take pictures: I had to run here and there, chasing with time to finish the abundant tasks on time. Oh well, at least I got some to share it here.. voilà!

Paris Buildings in Black and White

2012-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Some pictures are best seen in black and white I suppose, so hope you like these photos as much as I do, too.

Autour de Paris

2012-12-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

Around Paris, you'd only see beautiful old buildings and many more beautiful old buildings. That's why I'm in love with this city.. so pretty wherever you go.

Bike Around Paris

2012-12-31T05:04:00.002-08:00

Some says it's the most dangerous vehicle in Paris :-) but I guess it's the best vehicle to enjoy the city. And they provide nice ones to rent called vélib, (Vélib for vélo "bike", and lib for "liberty") so, what more can you expect?

More of Notre Dame

2012-12-27T05:25:00.000-08:00

Outside Notre Dame de Paris, it's another beautiful sight. Er, I think it's beautiful almost everywhere in Paris, any season :-)

Well, enjoy! :-)

Notre Dame de Paris

2012-12-27T04:03:00.000-08:00

It's still Christmas, and I think it's the perfect time to share these photos of Notre Dame de Paris. There were a mass when I was there, and it gave me goosebumps: the thick fume from the altar went up high, the old chant in latin echoed wherever you go. I felt so tiny within this grand old church, but above all, before God.

This church was dedicated to Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother, thus the name of Notre Dame - Our Lady. I think I don't have to tell you more about this famous church.. I just hope that you'll enjoy these photos. Happy holidays, and merry Christmas to you all once again!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2012-12-16T22:53:00.002-08:00

I've been doing my part decorating some biggest malls in Jakarta, the most elaborate parties in town in the best hotels and other venues. But decorating small places is still my most favourite. Like making christmas decoration for this small concept store - The Living Shoppe - in Magelang-Central Java. I have to do everything on my own.. cutting, arranging and installing all by myself. Creating things, just the way I like it :-)

Making garlands from fabric scraps, cloth hanger and one velvet poinsettia. All I have to do is to knot the scraps on the cloth hanger, tuck the poinsettia on top, and voilà!

Another one is this flying branches. I spray-painted the branches in white, added dried baby's breath- a left over from previous wedding decor, some big bows and few christmas ornaments. a light country-ish christmas, I might say :-) Hope y'all like it.
Oh, and Merry Christmas to you, and you, and you!

An Ode To Cymbidium

2012-12-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

I love this orchid because of its giant shape, and it's almost sculptural it can stand on its own. Too bad that Indonesia can't grow this orchid due to it's climate difference, and I just got the news that we are no longer allowed to import any kind of orchids. So sad. If only we could grow ourself enough orchids - in terms of variety and volume - i'd be more than happy not using imported flowers. But we can't produce it ourself, so it's a bit too arrogant for making such rule, in my opinion. Anyway, there's nothing I can do, and to this beautiful orchid, I bid thee farewell.

venue: the Embassy of Finland - Jakarta