Happy New Year 2009

Jakarta Bandung Yogya

Bali

Tagged by Sherry

I got tagged by Sherry and  here is her link  

The rules are:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Well..., now I should write something about myself. It's not easy job, but let me try:

1. I enjoy my life, love the world and hopefully the world will love me by giving me a change to travel around it and to explore all the beautiful things on it.
   
2. I love traveling and hoping that I can still do it for the rest of my life.
   
3. I stopped doing exercise for almost 3 months coz I was so lazy to leave my comfortable couch (meaning watching television after work was nicer than workout). The result was bad that I gained weight so quickly and I feel not really fit anymore. Finally after hardly convinced my self that doing exercise is one of the best ways to maintain healthy and happy life, I managed to go to gym again!
   
4. I love good food especially Indonesian,Chinese and Japanese food. Actually almost all oriental food including Thais, Vietnamase (loempia...what else) and others.
   
5. I like to listen to the music....any kind..and still keep a dream that one day I have a chance to learn and to play piano.
   
6. I'm very moody that's why I need to tell myself again and again to stick to these wise sentences, otherwise I will lose the focus and feel unhappy: "The sky is the limit" and "Don't worry be happy".
   

And I'll be glad to tag...

1. Elok
   
2. Rose
   
3. Lina
   
4. Donna
   
5. Dian
6. Marlene
7. Vita
   

Lake Toba, Samosir, Berastagi and Medan (North Sumatra)

The province of North Sumatra stretches across the island of Sumatra between the Indian Ocean and the Strait Malacca. It borders Aceh province on the northwest and Riau and West Sumatra provinces on the southeast. It has an area of 70787 km². The province contains a broad, low plain along the Strait of Malacca coast. In the south and west, the land rises to the mountain range that runs the length of Sumatra; the mountains here are dominated by Lake Toba, formed from the caldera of an ancient volcano.

Medan is the capital of the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Located in the northern part of the province along the coast, Medan is the third largest city in Indonesia. The city is bordered by Deli Serdang Regency to the east, south, and west, and the Strait of Malacca to the north.

Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a lake and supervolcano, 100 km long and 30 km wide, and 505 m. (1,666 ft.) at its deepest point, in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a surface elevation of about 900 m (3,000 feet). It is the largest volcanic lake in the world. In addition, it is the site of the 75,000-year-old supervolcanic eruption, the largest in the last 25 million years; where it staged a massive climate-changing event that scientists believe might have wiped out much of humanity.

Samosir, or Pulau Samosir, is a large volcanic island in Lake Toba. Lake Toba is located in the north of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
The lake and island were formed after the eruption of a super volcano some 75 000 years ago. The island was originally connected to the surrounding caldera wall by a small isthmus, which was cut through to aid navigation.
At 630km², Samosir is also notable as being the largest island within an island, and the fifth largest lake island in the world.
Samosir is a popular tourist destination due to the fantastic vistas it offers. The tourist resorts are concentrated in the Tuktuk area. The island is the centre of the Batak culture and many of this people's artifacts remain on the island.

Source: Wikipedia Travel

River Kwai, Floating Market, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya & Koh Laan (Northern Thailand)

These pictures were taken during my trip to North of Thailand in 2002.

Economic recession coming soon?

It's not a good news what I heard lately. People begin to worry for what gonna happen here. They worry if they can not pay the mortgage anymore, even worse losing the job. It seems that we will face hard and tough time the coming months.

I think by myself is it so bad? Don't we deserve to enjoy life even the world is facing recession? I do really hope that in good and bad times I still can enjoy life and doing things that make life more beautiful.

Dear friends, I hope that all of you just like me still enjoy life even unpleasant period coming soon.

Cheers,
Dewi

Necklace Workshop

I stopped by after work this evening to see my colleagues who were following the Necklace Workshop. Hopefully I can join them next time.

Disco & Classic Party at Lexion

Clubbing with my colleagues and friends last night at the Lexion.

Singapore - Amsterdam

Start:	Dec 19, '08 11:45p
End:	Dec 20, '08

Denpasar - Singapore

Start:	Dec 17, '08 09:00a
End:	Dec 18, '08

Amsterdam - Denpasar (Bali)

Start:	Nov 29, '08
End:	Dec 16, '08

Finally holiday again:)

Discotrain Party Back to 70's, 80's & 90's

Start:	Oct 18, '08 9:00p
End:	Oct 19, '08 04:00a
Location:	Lexion - Westzaan Zaandam

Dé Disco & Classics Party's !!

Bij de Disco & Classics Party staat de zaal te schudden op zijn grondvesten, het dak gaat er af.

Compleet met Glitterbollen, Disco Verlichting, Rookmachines, Gratis Gadgets, Gratis Snacks en natuurlijk onze Top Jocks; DJ-Odyssey, DJ-SL en diverse gast DJ's wordt dit dé ultieme herbeleving van de jaren 70, 80 en 90.

De Disco & Classics Party is een avond met herkenbare Disco Krakers, in een ogedwongen sfeer. De Disco & Classics Party is lots of fun, en uitgaan met leeftijdsgenoten (alleen toegang boven de 25 jaar).
Disco-Train is weer even die "goede ouwe tijden" beleven.

Trijntje Oosterhuis - Don't Say That You Love Me

Trijntje Oosterhuis Sings Burt Bacharach -That's What Friends Are For

Face in the crowd - Lionel Richie & Trijntje Oosterhuis

Andy Meriem Mattalatta - Mudahnya Bilang Cinta

Mudahnya bilang cinta
Hanya karena suka
Tak terasa terlena
Banyak hati kecewa

Kalau kau memang sayang
Pasti ada tandanya
Bila dibelai rindu
Hatimu pasti tau
Ada cinta di sana

Kata cinta dipuja
Rangkaian mutiara
Tapi bila ternyata
Hanya di bibir saja
Bisa jadi bencana

Memang kau perlu waktu
Tanyakanlah hatimu
Kalau terasa hampa
Bila tiada berjumpa
Pastikan itu cinta

Tak terasa terlena
Banyak hati kecewa
Karena kata cinta

MEERLIVE 2008, Friday 15th August - Jeroen van der Boom

Start:	Aug 15, '08 8:00p
End:	Aug 16, '08 01:00a
Location:	Raadhuisplein in Hoofddorp achter De Meerse

MeerLive is hét muziekfestival van de Haarlemmermeer en omgeving. Dit vierdaagse evenement is één van de grootste gratis toegankelijke festivals van Nederland. Ieder derde weekend van augustus vindt Meerlive plaats in het hart van de Haarlemmermeer, hét economische hart van Nederland. MeerLive is: onder het genot van een hapje en drankje naar live muziek luisteren en vooral voor u als ondernemer dé kans om nieuwe contacten te leggen.

Gay Pride Amsterdam 2 August 2008

Amsterdam Gay Pride 2008 (Canal Parade) on Saturday, 2nd August

Amsterdam Gay Pride 2008 will take place from 31 July to 3 August 2008 under the slogan, ‘We are Amsterdam Pride’.

The highlight of Amsterdam Pride will continue to be the illustrious Canal Parade on Saturday 2 August between 14:00 and 18:00. It is the only Gay Pride event in the world that takes place on the water, with over a half million onlookers on bridges, boats and water banks.

The colourful boat ‘procession’ will follow a route from the Westerdok onto the Amstel, Zwanenburgwal, Oude Schans and Oosterdok.

A unique aspect this year is that the minister for the emancipation of homosexuals, Mr. Plasterk, will join the Canal Parade.

Amsterdam Gay Pride will offer many festivities including street parties, sporting events and a film festival. Most street parties are held around the Rembrandtplein, along the Amstel Canal between the Muntplein and the Amstelstraat, on the Reguliersdwarsstraat and the Zeedijk. 

Last year Amsterdam Gay Pride drew in a record amount of visitors. Some 400,000 people watched the Canal Parade, where a record 72 boats took part. For the first time there were also boats with heterosexuals, gay youths under 16, city boats and the mentally handicapped.

Amsterdam Gay Pride 2008 (Canal Parade) on Saturday, 2nd August

Start:	Aug 2, '08 2:00p
End:	Aug 2, '08 6:00p
Location:	Westerdok (near the Central Station) and the route follows Prinsengracht and the Amstel to Oosterdok.

It is the only Gay Pride event in the world that takes place on the water, with over a half million onlookers on bridges, boats and water banks.

Postcard from Nathalie & Arjo

Dear Nath & Arjo,

Thanks yach postcardnya. Keren lho ternyata Nice, apalagi waktu lagi sunny day. Semoga liburanmu disana menyenangkan. Kalo sempat ketemuan yach, kangen nih. Telponmu ternyata udah ganti ya say...aku nyoba kirim sms tapi failed.

Kalo teman teman mp ada yg punya no hp Nath yg baru, tolong pm ke akyu ya teman. Thanks.

Cheers & big huge,
Dewi

Old Timer Gathering at Maxis Muiden - Holland 13th July 08

Jalansutra

http://www.jalansutra.or.id/

VirtualTourist.com - Travel Guides, Maps, Photos, Forums, Deals, more

http://www.virtualtourist.com/

Hostels & Youth Hostels Worldwide

http://www.hostelworld.com/

Chic Club Hair Studio - Bangkok Thailand

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

My hair dresser when I was in Bangkok. I let them to do rebonding (hair straightening). They used Shiseido and it took around 4 hours. I paid 2,500 Bath for this treatment. It worth to try it as the result was good. Next time if I go to Bangkok, I will visit them again.


Address:
Siam Square Soi 5 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
Tel:
work662-6584147

Rikka Inn - Bangkok Thailand

http://www.rikkainn.com/index.html

Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum - BaliPod - Interactive Indonesia Information

http://balipod.com/

Kick Off Meeting 2008

Symphonica in Rosso 2008

SYMPHONICA IN ROSSO 2008 Presenteert Lionel Richie

Start:	Sep 9, '08 8:00p
End:	Sep 9, '08 11:45p
Location:	Gelredome Arnhem

Marco Borsato zette in 2006 voor het eerst een reeks van 10 overweldigende Symphonica in Rosso shows neer die het publiek sprakeloos achterliet. Paul de Leeuw nam in 2007 het stokje van hem over en maakte er een even groot spektakel van dat voor iedereen naar meer smaakte. En er is meer! Ook dit jaar vindt in het Gelredome in Arnhem Symphonica in Rosso plaats met als hoofdartiest niemand minder dan: Lionel Richie!

Al meer dan 30 jaar behoort deze zanger, songschrijver en entertainer tot de muzikale top.
Met tijdloze hits als All Night Long, Running with the Night, Hello (Is it Me You’re Looking For), Say You, Say Me, Dancing On The Ceiling, Sela, My Destiny en Angel heeft hij een repertoire opgebouwd dat werkelijk iedereen kan meezingen.

Symphonica in Rosso is meer dan zo maar een concert. De show vol muzikale passie en dynamiek heeft een allure die in Nederland bijna nooit wordt vertoond. Vele gastartiesten zullen met Lionel Richie het podium betreden. Ook dit jaar worden de artiesten begeleid door het 40 koppige Guido’s Orchestra!

Uiteraard zal Lionel Richie net als Marco en Paul voorgaande jaren, gasten meenemen naar het Gelredome in Arnhem. Twee daarvan zijn nu al bekend! Lionel koos zelf voor twee Nederlandse vrouwen met een internationale reputatie, namelijk: Trijntje Oosterhuis en Candy Dulfer.

Clubbing at Lexion, Westzaan Zaandam

Wild Birthday Bash
31 mei 2008
Dance And Sports Against Violence
Dress code: black or white

Dinner at Wong Kee, Buikslotermeerplein Amsterdam

Good food
Reasonable price
Clean and fancy restaurant
Friendly service

Birthday Card from Dian Lantinga, Thank You!

Wah surprise banget hari ini. Begitu buka surat ada kartu yg depannya pake majang fotoku. Dari siapa yach.... deg degan juga. Ternyata setelah dibaca, dari kak Dian, Stadskanal. Thanks so much ya kak Dian sayang, udah buatin kartu yg begitu special dan inget ultahku lagi.

Jangan kuatir, nanti pasti aku ingat kak Dian kalo acara makan-makannya. Kak Dian mau datang nggak? Aku tunggu lho... Thanks juga buat Berend and Chris, mudah mudahan lain kali aku bisa mampir ke sana lagi.

Pria Peduli Bangsa Itu Meninggal

Mengenang almarhum Sophan Sophian yang meninggal karena kecelakaan motor gede di Ngawi, Jawa Timur dalam usia 64 tahun. Salah satu aktor besar Indonesia dan politisi yg sarat idealisme dan sangat mencintai bangsa dan negaranya. Semoga arwah beliau diterima disisi Tuhan Yang Maha Esa. Amien.

bleeding rose theme by missrebel86

This is kinda, theme by request, some of you wanted some theme, more Gothic, so I chose this photo.
If you notice any flaws, feel free to change the code (&then, publish it, please) and of course feel free to use it! :-)
Enjoy the rain and rose.

1) Select the "skyline" theme from the Multiply theme selection page for your personal page.

2) Copy and paste the CSS code below to the CSS page on your setting page. The link for the Custom CSS page is this one: http://multiply.com/setup/pages/upload-css

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The code:

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Shira's birthday in Rotterdam Friday, 16th May 08

Shira is one of good friends of mine. I know her for very long time around 7 years. Yesterday was her birthday. I did not have a plan to go to Rotterdam actually. I called her and wished her a nice and wonderful birthday. She's been living in Rotterdam for couples years and I haven't seen her for so long. I decided to go there and celebrated her birthday with some friends. Here are the pictures.

Happy birthday Shira, may all your dreams come true!

Zaanse Schans, Noord Holland 11th May 2008

Enjoying the sunny day and long weekend, we decided to visit Zaanse Schans one of the famous tourist destinations in Holland.

The area was named 'De Zaanse Schans' after an entrenchment which was erected in 1574 to hold back Spanish troops at the beginning of the Eighty Years War between the Netherlands and Spain. People work and live in the Zaanse Schans: they feel at home in the area and keep alive the glory which this industrial district saw in the golden age. Visiting the Zaanse Schans, you will see a situation characteristic of the landscape of that district until late in the nineteenth century. The dikes were probably built as early as the thirteenth century, the first villages were built along these at a later date. Until late in the last century these were typical 'dike-villages'.

There is an "outdoor" museum displaying a typical working farm along with windmills and barn animals, definitely worth the time spent.

Armin v Buuren-Love you more

Armin van Buuren - The Sound Of Goodbye

Armin van Buuren - Burned With Desire

Piña Colada

Ingredients:
Bahan :
2 oz Light Rum
Piña Colada Mix
Splash of Pineapple Juice

Directions:
Cara Membuat :
Masukkan rum, pina colada dan jus nanas dengan potongan es kedalam blender. Dan blender dengan kecepatan tinggi dan tuang kedalam gelas. Anda dapat menambahkan potongan buah nanas dan cherry sebagai pemanis tampilan minuman ini.

Once (Dewa) & Vina Panduwinata - Lagu Cinta

Vina Panduwinata - Biru

Vina Panduwinata - Sejujurnya (2006 hit single)

Clubbing at El Punto Latino Leidseplein

I was invited to attend Eder's Farewell Party at El Punto Latino in Leidseplein Amsterdam on 25th April 2008. Eder left the company and will work for Orange. We will miss Eder a lot as he was such a nice and sweet colleague. Good luck Eder!

Koh Samui Thailand, 28 March - 4 April 2008

I met Sarah, a sweet and friendly girl from Taiwan during my holiday in Koh Samui.

Ko Samui (or Koh Samui, Thai: เกาะสมุย) is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. It is Thailand's third largest island, with an area of 228.7 km² and a population of 47,874 (2006)

History

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".

Until the late 20th century, Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.

, Samui has a population of about forty-five thousand, and lives on a successful tourist industry, as well as exports of coconut and rubber. It even has its own international airport, Samui Airport, with flights daily to Bangkok and other major airports in Southeast Asia. While the island presents an unspoiled image to the public perception, economic growth has brought not only prosperity, but changes to the island's environment and culture, a source of conflict between local residents and migrants from other parts of Thailand and other countries. [1] Reflecting Samui's growth as a tourist destination, the Cunard ship MS Queen Victoria (a 2000-plus passenger ship) will dock at Samui during its 2008 world cruise.

Geography

Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E). It is surrounded by about sixty other islands, most of which comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park, but also include other tourist destinations Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan.

The island is roughly circular in shape, and is about 15km across. The central part of the island is an (almost) uninhabitable mountain jungle (peak Khao Pom, 635m) and the various lowland areas are connected together by a single road, that covers the circumference of the island.

The old capital is Nathon, on the southwest coast of the island, and remains the major port for fishing and inter-island transportation. Nathon is the seat of the regional government, and the true commercial hub of the Samui locals. It has a charming pace, and is almost small enough to walk everywhere. The old Chinese shop houses along the middle street whisper of an exotic history.

Each of Samui's primary beaches is now also nominally considered a town, due to the number of hotels, restaurants and bars that have sprung up in recent years.

Beaches

Samui is visited mostly by holidaymakers wanting to "get away from it all", and its main appeal is its funky rural beach communities with white beaches and clear & warm seas, and it has a few exceptional ones to choose from. Ko Samui is hardly "away from it all" anymore, but rather a cool and bustling international island resort.

Chaweng Beach covers a large portion of the island's northeast coast, and is easily the most crowded and tourist saturated region on the island. The beach itself, while beautiful and clean often suffers from seasonal overcrowding as ever increasing numbers of visitors discover the island.

Set back about 100 meters from the sand the one way beach road in Chaweng has developed into a bustling international tourist town packed with every kind of resort, restaurant, and bar (ranging from busy traditional family-run open air sea food and noodle Thai at Ninja, through exclusive Thai-Californian fusion food at Jeff Lord's Betelnut to Irish Pubs and American Fast Food places McDonald's and Starbucks), Fine art, tailors, and souvenir shops, markets and wild, rambunctious, or chilled out nightclubs.

It gets ultra busy on the beach road at night with a crazy and colorful mix of pedestrians, motorcycles, and 'Song Taos', or small truck-taxis carrying people up and down the village. Chaweng is a jumping place with people exploring the shops (which also stay open late) and dancing the night away. There is plenty of nightlife, and Soi Green Mango is ground zero for a raging club and bar scene that only begins to simmer down after two AM.

In the summer months the waters in Chaweng can occasionally have some wind swell & surf, so be prepared for strong rip tides or side shore currents. The waters are shallow, but inexperienced swimmers should either stay close to shore or swim with other people.

Also on the East coast is Lamai, just south of Chaweng and smaller, but Lamai's beaches are clean and occasionally less crowded than Chaweng. Lamai was the original destination for travelers to Samui, and compared to Chaweng the town is a bit more tawdry and low budget, but it has its own distinct charms.

Greater Lamai is actually a large and beautiful valley, and as one travels inland away from the beach village the landscape is striking. Lamai has some pretty outrageous 'social' bars in the middle of town, and the once a week all girl Muay Thai boxing matches always seem to draw an eclectic crowd. Lamai has a lovely old Wat(temple), and is also the location of two of the most endearing original spas on the island, one on the beach, a hipster paradise called 'The Spa', and the other called 'Tamarind Spa', which has long been the class act on the island.

In the center of the North coast of the island, Maenam offers spectacular views of Ko Phangan to the North, and the Ang Thong National Marine Park to the East. The waters are calm and clean, being protected from the North Easterly currents by Ko Phangan. Because the sans are golden rather than white Meanam is usually much less crowded than Lamai or Chaweng, and Maenam's restaurants and bars still retain much of the local Thai flavor as well as being more reasonably priced, or even inexpensive. Overall Maenam is quieter, more relaxed, with local Thai community still pretty much intact. Meanam is also home to the Santiburi Resort, still considered by many to be the premier hotel on the island. The major golf course on the island is also in Maenam.

Bophut is the beach/bay just to the east of Maenam. Its lifestyle is relaxed and more traditional than the larger communities, referring to itself as Fisherman's Village. Bhophut's laid back vibe is popular with the more chic sort of travelers, and has a number of pricey but very good French-owned cafes and restaurants.

Bang Rak, just two kilometers east of Bhophut, and part of Bhophut 'province' is also known by the name Big Buddha Beach, after the 19-metre gold tinted statue of the ancient spiritual master which overlooks the entire bay (Big Buddha). Bang Rak is quite close to the airport, and is one of the calmest beaches, though the huge sweep of its jade colored waters are often a bit murky. Bang Rak is the jump off point to sister island Ko Phan Ngan, and the ferry goes every day.

Choeng Mon is one of the smallest of Samui's tourist beaches, but lies in a secluded bay on the northeastern tip of the island, making it perfect for those who want peace and quiet. It doesn't have much of a town but there are a number of small restaurants and a couple of shops, in addition to some very luxurious (and expensive) hotels that surround the bay...and it is only five minutes north from the bright lights of Chaweng.

Ao Tong Takian is a small cove north of Lamai beach. It's long been popular among stoners and hip tourists for its inviting white sand, and is also known as Silver Beach. Here you will find five resorts: La Mer Samui Resort, the Samui Yacht Club (with no yachts or sailors at all), Tong Ta Kian Villa, Silver beach, and Crystal Bay. This used to be a relatively unknown spot. There is great swimming here if the local fishing boats are not around. Be a careful if you are walking in the water, as Tong Takian has a lot of sharp rocks.

Nathon on the Southwestern coast is the island's main port and the beaches here lack the beauty or deep water found on the east coast of the island. The city of Nathon offers great shopping with some of the best prices to be found anywhere on the island, as well as some truly good local restaurants, including a fantastic place on a side street where you can get a low priced Chinese Duck lunch. The open-air food market is piled high with inexpensive and fresh local produce. Some of the shops in Nathon are really offbeat, selling umbrellas, computer parts, stationary, and cheese in a single shop. Banks and Travel agencies here make it happen for travelers, and the ferry to the mainland and point beyond departs from this port.

Lipa Noi is really the only useful swimming beach on the west coast, and its wide sweep of sand is the last quiet place on the island. Lipa Noi faces due west and looks directly into the stunning Thai sunsets. It won't last long, but this is the part of the island where you can still feel like you are free from the tourist circus. It's really romantic, and there is not much to do.

Tong Krut on the South West corner of the island is currently one of the quieter areas of Ko Samui and is being proposed as the site for the islands future mega-yacht harbor.

Tourist attractions

* Big Buddha is a twelve-metre high statue of the Buddha, which lies at the top of ceremonial dragon-steps at the Wat Phra Yai. Samui also has a number of other impressive temples, including Wat Khunaram, where the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who died in a meditating position is on display.

* The Grandmother and Grandfather rocks on the south end of Lamai beach are an occasional source of amusement for tourists due to their striking similarity to a vagina and penis.

* The mountain jungle in the interior of the island is an excellent day out, and is home to a number of impressive gardens built by legendary Samuian farmer Nim Thongsuk, the impressive waterfalls at Na Muang, real working rubber plantations and the most amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago. The roads in the jungle are an adventure in themselves, and tourists normally take a tour with an experienced local Samui driver/guide.

* Muay Thai boxing takes place regularly at the island's stadiums in Chaweng and Lamai.

* Numerous animal attractions are dotted around the island, including a crocodile farm, monkey theatre, elephant trekking, a snake farm, an aquarium and a butterfly garden.

* Most visitors to the island take a day trip out to the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park at least once on their stay in Samui. Boats leave Na Thon several times a day.

* Ko Pha Ngan has a full-moon party at the appropriate time each lunar month, and tourists in Samui often hop a slow ferry or speedboat to the nearby island to join in the dusk to dawn high energy dancing and drinking marathon.

Natural Wing Spa & Resort - Koh Samui Thailand

During my holiday in Koh Samui, I stayed at Natural Wing Spa & Resort. I had wonderful and peaceful time there. The staff were very nice and friendly. Please check their website, should you need more information.

http://www.naturalwing.com/

~ Bale Bale Spa - All Out Spa ~

http://www.balebalespa.com/index.php

Siam Relax Spa at Siam Square Soi 5 Bangkok

http://www.siamrelax.com/home.html

Bali Spa Treatments

http://www.balinesespa.com/Balispa/bali-spa-treatments.html

Toshugu Shrine, Nikko - Japan 26th March 2008

The Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Ieyasu and two other of Japan's most influential historical personalities, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Minamoto Yoritomo.

The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings set in a beautiful forest. Initially a relatively simple mausoleum, Toshogu was enlarged into the spectacular complex seen today by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu during the first half of the 17th century.

Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan, where simplicity has been traditionally stressed in shrine architecture.

How to get there

Toshogu and Nikko's other main shrines and temples are located a 30 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride (300 Yen one way, 500 Yen day pass, covered by the Tobu free passes) from Tobu and JR Nikko Stations.

Farewell Dinner at Hi Bi with Rie-san & Mama-san, Tokyo 26th March 2008

Cheap Hotel Bangkok Airport Thailand - Suvarnabhumi Airport - Queen's Garden Hotel | New Bangkok Airport

http://www.queensgardenhotel.net
Very close to Suwanabhumi Airport, a simple style hotel providing cheap, good transit accommodation

The Queen’s Garden Resort, Bangkok is a 4 storey building hotel, located about 5 minutes drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A short drive away are some local restaurants and Wat Lat Krabang. The Queen’s Garden Resort provides modestly furnished rooms and simple facilities including an internet corner. It is suitable for airport transit stays or short stopovers.

http://www.agoda.com/

http://www.agoda.com/
Agoda offers many ways to save even more with our special deals & promotions on many popular hotels.

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) Hakone - Japan 25th March 2008

Lake Ashi (Japanese: Ashinoko) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone.

The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from Moto-Hakone, from the Hakone Detached Palace Garden and from the sightseeing boats cruising the lake.

Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours.

Two companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats, operate boats between Moto-Hakone and Hakonemachi at the lake's southern shores and Togendai and Kojiri at the northern shores.

A boat cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes roughly 30 minutes and costs 970 Yen. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on the pirate ship shaped Hakone Sightseeing Boats but not on boats operated by Izuhakone.

how to get there

From Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto

Frequent buses connect Odawara via Hakone-Yumoto with Moto-Hakone and Hakonemachi at the southern end of Lake Ashi. The one way journey from Odawara takes about 50 minutes and costs 1150 Yen. From Hakone-Yumoto it takes about 35 minutes and costs 930 Yen. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on Hakone Tozan buses but not on Izuhakone buses.

There is also a frequently served Hakone Tozan Bus line from Odawara via Hakone-Yumoto to Togendai at the northern end of Lake Ashi (covered by the Hakone Free Pass). The one way journey from Odawara takes about 50 minutes and costs 1200 Yen. From Hakone-Yumoto it takes about 35 minutes and costs 1020 Yen.

A slow and scenic way of approaching Lake Ashi from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto is taking the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora, followed by a cablecar and ropeway ride to Togendai at the northern end of of the lake. From Togendai one can continue by sightseeing boat to Moto-Hakone or Hakonemachi. The whole journey is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

Kamakura Japan 24th March 2008

Kamakura is a coastal town in Kanagawa prefecture, less than one hour south of Tokyo.

Kamakura became the political center of Japan, when Minamoto Yoritomo chose the city as the seat of his new military government in 1192. The Kamakura government continued to rule Japan for over a century, first under the Minamoto shogun and then under the Hojo regents.

After the decline of the Kamakura government in the 14th century and the establishment of its successor, the Muromachi or Ashikaga government in Kyoto, Kamakura remained the political center of Eastern Japan for some time before losing its position to other cities.

Today, Kamakura is a very popular tourist destination. Sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, Kamakura offers numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments. In addition, Kamakura's sand beaches attract large crowds during the summer months.

The Great Budha of Kamakura, Japan 24th March 2008

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha that is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan (the largest is located in the Todaiji Temple in Nara).

The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside a large temple hall. However, the temple buildings were washed away by a tsunami tidal wave in the end of the 15th century, and since then the Buddha stands in the open air.

How to get there

The Great Buddha is located a 5 minute walk from the Enoden Railway Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura main station. The Enoden is a streetcar-like train that connects Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa. Its terminal station in Kamakura is located just west of JR Kamakura Station.

Dinner at Gonpachi Restaurant in Roppongi Tokyo, 23rd March 2008

We closed our one day trip in Tokyo with dinner at Gonpachi Restaurant in Roppongi. Thank you very much family Kaga for everything. Thank you for showing me some interesting places in Tokyo and treat me so well. I feel more than welcome.


GONPACHI (Traditional Japanese Restaurant with Great Atmosphere)

House Specialty is "Soba" – Japanese Noodles served cool, hot, in soup, roasted, you name it and "Yakitori" – Japanese Skewers of everything. Both are available at very moderate prices.

The kitchen is located in the middle of the restaurant with a counter around. The best tables are located at the "Smokers Mezzanine" on the right side. There are nice cubicles for two, three or four persons where you can see the kitchen and the entire restaurant. There' great atmosphere, even if you are a non-smoker, so try it at least once because you won't regret it. Anyway, with the smell of the Yakitori grill and the Soba cooking, you don't smell the cigarettes smoke.

Gonpachi Restaurant is located in Roppongi Street (direction from Shibuya - right side) from the Roppongi Crossing, past the level of the Roppongi Hills Complex after the corner of TV Asahi Street (They have a beer garden at the entrance)

Tel: 03 5771 0170
Ask your hotel for a reservation, the restaurant is normally full.

Omotesando Tokyo, 23rd March 2008

Shopping around Omotesando Tokyo.

Lunch at a Sushi Bar in Tokyo, 23rd March 2008

Having lunch together with Rie-san and her family at a Sushi Bar in Tokyo is one of the wonderful experiences during my stay in Japan. Thank you very much family Kaga for your kindness and hospitality. I feel more than welcome.

The East Gardens of Imperial Palace, Tokyo 23rd March 2008

Today, I have appointment with Rie-san and her family. Rie-san was my colleague when I worked for NEC. They pick me up at 9.20 am and took me to some interesting places in Tokyo. One of them is the East Gardens of Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public, except on Mondays, Fridays and some special occasions (see links below). Admissions is free of charge.

The East Gardens are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist.

Edo Castle was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Emperor Meiji also resided there from 1868 to 1888 before moving to the newly constructed Imperial Palace.

A wide lawn and the remaining foundation of the former castle tower can be found on top of the hill, where the castle's innermost buildings once stood. The castle tower was completed in 1638 as the tallest castle tower in Japan's history. But only a few years later in 1657, it was destroyed by citywide fires and has not been rebuilt ever since.

Meet Okamoto-san & Minowa-san in Tokyo (22nd March 2008)

This my first time to visit Tokyo and even still had jet lag, I had a good time yesterday. We (Okamoto-san, his daughter, Minowa-san and me) went to Imperial Palace, Asakusa Temple, Akihabara and Shibuya. I forgot to bring the SD card for my digital camera and did not make any pictures. All pictures were taken by Okamoto-san. Thank you very much Okamoto-san and Minowa-san for your time, kindness and hospitality. Hope to see you again!

HOTEL ASIA CENTER OF JAPAN

http://www.asiacenter.or.jp/eng/index.html
Asia Center of Japan is ideally located in Akasaka which is not only one of the most prestigious residential areas in central Tokyo, but is also minutes away from the nightlife in Roppongi and the business centers of Aoyama.

Together with our 173 quality guest rooms at affordable rates and 6 meeting rooms of various sizes, we at Asia Center of Japan offer a special brand of hospitality. Whether you are a travel weary businessman or a fun seeking traveler you are sure to find us to be the perfect choice of accommodation during your visit to Tokyo.


Hotel Facilities

Parking lot (B1, 1F)
1,500Yen/per night
Public phone (1F)
available for international and domestic calls
Coin internet computer (1F)
10min./100Yen
Ice dispenser (1F)
free
Washing machine and dryers (3F,5F)
(each 200 Yen)


Coin internet computer (1F)

To the top of this page
Room Facilities

Body soap / Face towel / Night gown(Yukata) / Refrigerator / Shampoo /
Bath room / Writing desk / Tea pack / Bath towel / Airconditioner /
Desk light / Pot / Hand towel / Telephone / Hair-dryer

*There are shaver, comb, tooth brush, shampoo hat, and ladies set (cotton, cotton bud, hair-band) at the front desk(free of charge). *Television (Regular Channels, NHK BS1+2, and BBC are free of charge) -Pay TV channels 1,000 Yen per/night

movie plus


Service

Free Mineral Water (Front/Lobby)

Internet connection
Free
Copy service
20 Yen/per piece
Fax service
160 Yen + fax charge
Home delivery service
only domestic
Massage(Masseur)
5,000 Yen
Laundry service
Laundering/Dry-cleaning

Free high-speed internet connection in every guest room

All the rooms have high-speed internet connections which is free of charge.Please check the Instruction Manual for the connection (Please acknowledge that we will not be able to support your set up or answering technical questions).


Restaurant

Enjoy a moment of relaxation in our homely dining hall and compliment yourself with a refreshing drink and a hot meal, specially prepared by our talented chefs.

Restaurant Fuji

photo
photo
Breakfast Buffet
945 Yen
Bread
Salad
Scrambled Egg
Bacon
Rice
Miso Soup
Laver
Fermented soybeans
Roastfish
Pickles
Fruit Juice
Coffee and Tea

Meeting Rooms

Six meeting rooms are available for all your party, meeting, and seminar needs. We cater for all numbers and purposes.

Reservation
Phone: 81-3-3402-6111
E-mail：reserve@asiacenter.or.jp

JAPAN RAIL PASS

http://www.japanrailpass.net/
JAPAN RAIL PASS... The Key To Convenient Sightseeing In Japan.

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is offered by the six companies that make up
the Japan Railways Group (JR Group).

Who is eligible for a JAPAN RAIL PASS?
1. You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing,under the entry status of "temporary visitor."

"Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc." If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS


Caution:
Even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order, to be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS, the exchange cannot be made unless you have "Temporary Visitor" status; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as "Trainee," "Entertainer," or "Reentry Permit," you cannot change the Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS. Please note that according to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, "Temporary Visitor" status differs even from other types of stays that are also for only short time periods.
Examples of the "Temporary Visitor" entry
status stamp

2. You are a Japanese national living in a foreign country,

a.who is qualified to live permanently in that country, or
b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.

Note: Persons meeting conditions a or b above must be required to show proof of same at the point of purchase of an Exchange Order and obtaining a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Also note: The former condition about a Japanese national "who has been living in a foreign country for ten or more years" is discontinued from 1 April 2004 purchase.

Wild Birthday Bash 2008 at Lexion Westzaan

Start:	May 31, '08 10:00p
End:	Jun 1, '08 06:00a

Wild Birthday Bash 2008



Wild Birthday Bash
31 mei 2008
Dance And Sports Against Violence

United By Sound

Be Yourself - Be Respectful - Be Our Friend - Be There!

Op 31 mei 2008 is het weer zo ver, dan trekken we weer alle registers open voor de Wild Birthday Bash 2008! Het feest zal beginnen om 22u en dit keer doorgaan tot 6u. De dj's voor deze editie, verdeeld over 4 zalen, nemen jullie mee op een reis door de muziek met Club - House - Electro - Minimale Technu - Techhouse - Techno en Trance.



United By Sound Arena Minimal Cave - hosted by NU!
22:00 - 00:00 JeffreyT 00:30 - 05:00 Stephen J. Kroos
00:00 - 01:30 Praveen vs Black 00:30 - 05:00 Neos Deos
01:30 - 03:00 Miss Melody vs Melvin Warning 00:30 - 05:00 Omar Zarrouk
03:00 - 04:00 Melvin Warning 00:30 - 05:00 Mounir Gros
04:00 - 06:00 Miss Wendy
percussionist: Sammiro
mc J

Rainbow House Electro Theatre
00:00 - 05:00 dj Benjamin & friends 00:30 - 02:00 Olivio d'Eclipse
02:00 - 03:30 Le-On
03:30 - 05:00 Le Gidéon


Ook dit keer werken we met verplichte gastenlijst, waarbij de entree vóór middernacht GRATIS is. Daarna vragen we EUR 10,00.

Vergeet niet het feest in je Partyflock agenda of Hyves agenda te zetten!

Holiday - Koh Samui Thailand

Start:	Mar 28, '08 08:00a
End:	Apr 5, '08
Location:	Koh Samui

Holiday - Tokyo Japan

Start:	Mar 20, '08 3:15p
End:	Mar 27, '08
Location:	Tokyo