Longchamp

Logo Longchamps, originally uploaded by Clemaul.

I now drive a tornado red Golf. And what better reason to buy a matching longchamp bag. Coincidentally the current colours available include the red the shade of which would complement the car colour. Time to shop ladies!

What books do I want as gifts?

Borders for all!!!!, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

1. The best kept secret by Jeffrey Archer
2.Attic Term by Antonia Forest
3. ANy book by Angela Brazil ( except the youngest girl in the fifth because I have that already)

Fried rice

Fried rice, originally uploaded by The Food Pornographer.

This isn't a picture taken by me. But It's a lovely one. And I'm borrowing it as a topic for my post this evening. AJ was so sweet today she brought friend rice ( and fried chicken) in a container for my lunch. This was her food during Sahur and as she had some left over she packed some for me. Sweet!!! The worst fried rice I've ever had to pay for was at Ah Tuan Ee restaurant at the curve. It came in lumps which when chewed revealed white bits with zero taste. Obviously made with freshly cooked rice rather than overnight rice. ( See even I....of the can't-cook-cathegory know this basic rule) We've never return since. I'm sure it must have been a once-off and I'm sure their food is still nice. But as I paid quite a bit for that plate of lumpy rice...I've decided they do not deserve me as a customer any more.

To do list.

To do list., originally uploaded by AlwaysGottaBeKay.

Just about to sit down and do my to-do-list. This evening, I met up with 3 out of my 4 mentees. It's a program where you are given a set of students who will travel the year with you as their mentor. There's a file with a time-line and dates with this job so you're not totally left to your own devices.

Part of the discussion was the SWOT analysia: Strength, weakness, Opportunity, Threats. I suggested doing a to-d0-list to solve the lack of time issue. Good advice? Only if the list is a do-able and sensible one.

Reading this will make you run better

Running made simple....(not), originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Found this book at Borders. I haven't been running since the start of the haze. Now that the skies are ( on certain days ) clear...I've lost my drive to clock in the kilometers.

I'll start again soon. Promise!!!

Kek Lapis

, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Kek lapis is a multilayer cake. The consistency is different from the crepe cake. ( speaking of which coffee expresso sells some nice crepe cakes ...okay I'm deviating) First introduced when we bought it from Begawan Solo years ago in Singapore. Then Auntie M shared her recipe with mum and we enjoyed a few years of good kek lapis. It's time-consuming so we didn't have it all the time. Saved only for special occasions as the layering means you will have to take a spoonful of batter each time, pour it gently over the layer before stick it in the oven with an overhead grill and wait for it to brown. Count the layers and that is equivalent to the trips you will have to make to the oven. Hard work indeed!

Traffic stinks

Picture from Istock photo

The traffic jam this week and the week before has been horrendous. On average I spend 1 hour 15 min to 1 hour 30 minutes traversing through town with a distance of roughly 12 km....a journey which can take as fast as 15 minutes on a good day.Sitting in an almost stationary vehicle with the foot periodically on the brake alternating with the accelerator is tiring. My patience is tried with the naughty drivers who drive ahead only to cut in sometimes rather viciously. It would take a very special person indeed to deny them.

Monica McInerney

My second book, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

My first book finished ( the house of memories) I then searched hungrily for a second book by Mcinerney. Very happy when I found the LAST copy of what will be my second Mcinerney book.

McInerney was born in Australia and grew up  in a place called Clare Valley in South Australia. She lives in Dublin currently. Her other books include.
1. A taste of it.
2. Upside down, inside out
3. Spin the bottle
4. The alphabet sisters
5. Family baggage
6. Odd one out
7. Those Farady sisters
8. At home with the templetons
9. Lola's secret
10. The house of memories

Sunday evening in KL

Lovely contrast in colors, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Sunday was an exceptionally sunny day. No hint of haze despite a few haze-laden-days in the week before. Here we are at the Curve, last visit was 4 months ago if my log in at foursquare is accurate.We saw loads of raya cookies, Kek lapis, Baju kurungs ranging from the traditional to the ultra modern peplum versions ( yuck) as well as the bling bling ones ( yay) and for the non-edible stuff...I found the book I was looking for at Borders. ( Next post will be about that) Happy!!

Pale legs

Pale legs, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I've been wearing main baju kurungs the last few months. So I'm guessing the legs would have regressed to the sickly pale colour they once were. ( See picture above).

Showcased are my pale legs in my most comfortable black ecco shoes bought some years back. And still serving me well. One of the rare times I got my size at the shop.

Despite having two Ecco shops ( one at the Gardens and the other newer shop at KLCC) I still can't find my size.

Ecco is a Swedish manufacturer but was founded in Denmark.

Tendon set

Tendon set, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

This comprises battered shrimp and vegetables. The rice has fine bits of fried sweet crunchy garlic, I had this for dinner yesterday with WNN. She had the sushi set with sashimi. We called in advance to book. Having being stashed at the very back in those romantic ( snug but claustrophobic cubicles) we have since chosen to be safe rather than sorry.

How do you make a macaroon?

What's the correct pronunciation....first it's a macaron....pronounced "mac-ah-rohhn. It is a airy pastry which is made into a sandwich with a filling which gives this pastry its main taste. The filling may be butter cream (yum) or ganache ( another french term depicting chopped chocolate and heavy cream mixture).I'm still not sure whether I've tasted the best but I will tell you what I like about the Vanilla macaron from Nathalie Gourmet. The main plus point was the lack of ultra-sweetness when you bite into the filling. The pastry was crunchy and when it entered the mouth, it stayed for a bit allowing some chewing before dissolving nicely.

The first macaron I tasted which liked was in Jakarta where we mistakenly took 1-week old macarons which were put for decoration at the milk and cornflakes table. My first macaron was from Whisk at Empire Shopping Centre with KN. That was sweet and I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. Fast forward a few years and here I am, obsessed with finding the perfect not-too-sweet macaron to eat.

For a simple french macaroni, here are the ingredients:
1. Sugar
2.Almond
3 Egg white
4 water

( Looks easy so far....never mind the fact the last time I baked was more than 10 years ago)
When I google Macarons, the word Laduree would pop up. ( A 151 year old Patisserie in Paris) Apparently it's the best place to buy perfect macaroons. But here is the good news: Laduree has open its first shop in South East Asia ....in Singapore. It opened in April 15 2013 ( yay) at Takashimaya. The macarons are shipped from Paris, 3-4 times per week. And one of the two counters is located near the Jo Malone counter. ( Another favourite item) The shop front looks like the orginal in Paris...they kept the same mint green colour.

They cost S3:80 per piece and your minimum order is six. ( Ouch!)

And looky look....they sell such cute tote bags too. I want one for christmas. Anyone?? The price ranges from S30-78 depending on the size. Aren't they something you would carry? I want I want I want

Ladurée is located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, #02-09 and Level 1, Tel: 6884 7361. Prices start from $3.80 per macaron to $266 to a box of 70 macarons.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Macaroons

Strawberry & Black Pepper Macaroons, originally uploaded by Swamibu.

Being unstuck in traffic makes you euphoric and the endorphins are the only excuse I have for walking into Nathalie Gourmet ( having walked pass it over the last few years ) and buying not one but 4 macaroons for my own consumption.

Nathalie's gourmet was initially in a place hidden from most folks. This was before the second phase of solaris came up. Due to the split level architecture of the Publika set-up, Nathalie Gourmet can be seen from the open space where "the social" and "Bens" are.

I've had KN tell me this place has decent macaroons. I've had an aunt tell me she would drive all the way here to get stuff from Nathalie's and I have read a few blogs raving about how perfect the macaroons are.

I bought four different flavors and here is my review.
1. They're expensive so be prepared to fork up money for it,
2. The macaroons are displayed in a glass shelf making it difficult to take decent pictures.
3. The container is clear plastic and the macaroons kept knocking about making a little "tap tap" sound as I walked from Nathalie's to BIG ( to get some crackers) and to the car. The first inkling that the macaroons are stiff.

Okay a review of the 4 flavours.
1. Vanilla. The BEST. Because it was  not sickeningly sweet.
2. Salted caramel. A burst of sweetness unfortunately the saltiness came a bit later after I'd been shocked by the sugar high.
3. Pistachio: Less sweet than salted caramel but still a tad too sweet for my liking
4. After eights: Best to stick to the orginal after eights if you're yearning for one. This wasn't as nice as I thought it would be.

* the texture of each macaroon was perfect. You can taste how light and firm it is. And as you bite into it, it crumbles correctly rather than into a sorry mess.  So I'm thinking, Nathalie's has the perfect texture of macaroons which makes it famous. In her interview she justified the high cost by stating " it took me 4 years to perfect the macaroons"

George Alexander Louis

He has been named:) Let's now have a look at Willian's full name: William Arthur Philip Louis.
Prince Charles's full name: Charles Philip Arthur George

SO he gets the George and Louis from his father and paternal Grandfather
Kate' s father's name: Michael Francis Middleton
Kate's brother's name: James William Middleton

So I'm guessing they really like the name George:)

Baclava

Baclava, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I had this during the "buka puasa" dinner.It was absolutely mouth-watering and exactly what my taste buds were yearning for. Here is a blog ( CLick here) with gorgeous pictures of WHAT else you can buy from this shop.


And the shop may be found here:

Damas Sweets

Open 11am - 11pm, 7 days

12 Jalan Mamanda 5

Ampang Point

68000 Ampang

Selangor, Malaysia

(Opposite HSBC Bank)

+6 03 4266 4646

Peter mayle's latest book...

Peter mayle's latest book..., originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

A whopping RM 53 ++ for a paperback! Would you buy this comfortably? It was wrapped. Found at Kinokuniya KLCC. I'll look for it at either TIME or MPH....( cos I have a discount card for both).

Mayle's best seller ; "A year in Provence" was an excellent book. I read it the first time in university and I enjoyed it very much. His second book "Toujour Provence" wasn't as enjoyable. And I believe I have another of his books...The vintage caper. I read on the net, that the Marseille caper is a follow-through from this book. If so....it is just as well I didn't buy the book at this escalated price. Sam Levit doesn't entice me so it'll have to come down in price slightly before I buy this book. I like Mayle 's writing so I know I will eventually own this book.

Craving for coffee

Craving for coffee, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I haven't gotten around to buying a proper strainer. And drinking bits of coffee put me off coffee for a few days. Oh boy...the sluggish feeling as a result is unpleasant. Most mornings I feel like a lump of duvet. Rather useless. The instant packet coffee tastes weird. Have my taste buds been upgraded unknowingly? Dang! Strainer this weekend...must remember!

Baby Cambridge leaves for home

Here are HRH(s) the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, leaving the infamous Lindo Wing with Baby Cambridge. ( Yet to be named) Kate is seen wearing a Jenny Packham dress in pokka dots looking radiant. ( Packham is a British Designer so once again Kate does the appropriate thing) Her hairdresser arrived earlier ( to do her job....) and so we see Kate's hair done in a relaxed manner. This suits her better than the curls we sometimes see at the ends of her hair. William obviously wore a cornflower blue shirt to match the theme of the day.

If you remember....Princess Diana left the hospital ( with Willam ) from the Lindo Wing in a pokka dot dress too. Coincidence!! Or planned!! Up to you to decide!

( Charles had more hair back then...and in comparison to William....now)

Baby cambridge is a boy

Furniture for kids, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Finally, the Duchess of Cambridge has delivered. Such feverish expectation in the last two weeks its a wonder she got to hospital without a single photo being shot and plastered on the front page. So despite her "accidentally" saying the word Da--- during her walkabout...she has a son instead.

Congratulations Wills and Kate!!! Now let's see what names you will give your son.

Here are some observations during her pregnancy:
1. She only gained significant weight towards the end of pregnancy. ( fuller face and bigger arms)
2. She's one of the lucky ones not to develop those grotesque huge ankles. How she walked in those pumps of hers shows her determination not to appear "frumpy". I think wearing flats is perfectly acceptable and with the right outfit you won't look frumpy at all
3. The inflamous blowing up of skirt just before entering a chapel for a wedding shows Kate likes ehr skirts short and is rather proud of her legs. Why else would you wear a dangerously short skirt.
4.William has lost a lot of hair:(


*picture taken in Honkong at one of the shopping malls which lead to the harbour

Five Fingers

Let's deviate from my batch of Indonesian pictures ( in the last few posts) and talk about this brilliant korean drama series which I completed over the weekend. It's called 5 fingers. And it features some rather brilliant piano playing by two brothers; Ji Hoo and In Ha. It's the second drama series I've watched which doesn't have loads of soppy heart wrenching scenes. ( Although discs 5 and 6 made me cry so much I had to drink loads of water to hydrate self) Wiki describes this ( inadequately I must say )as brothers who have difficulties. Understatement! It centers around family feelings most of which are natural and you can identify with these feelings pretty well. Even the unfair feelings and sense of jealousy.

The picture above is of Ji Hoo ( the elder brother ) playing the piano with Da mi ( the common love interest between the brothers but don't worry this is just the side story line, there are other aspects to entertain you.)Hong Da Mi was played by Jin Se Yun. And interestingly, she plays the piano for real in this drama. Apparently she has learnt the instrument for 6 years and still plays at home.  Another interesting fact is, she was not cast originally. Ham Eun Jung was initiallly slotted for the role and appeared in earlier  adverts promoting this drama. Like Hollywood, scandal followed and she was replaced.

* The flu caused lost of shopping time during the weekend. But I can gladly report to be 98% recuperated. Docking off 2% for the nagging cough which comes in bouts with a miniscule amount of phlegm

My gift for speaking

My gift for speaking, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

More batik to bring home. This was my gift for speaking at the conference. I can't wait to send it to the tailors to get a dress out of it. That's right...I'm going to get batik dresses now. Inspired by the lovely dresses I bought from Batik Keris

Interesting language

Interesting language, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Did you know that mengantri was " lining up"?? Interesting word. Found at Starbucks in the university campus

Jam packed

Jam packed, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Tanah Abang was filled with Batik. SPoilt for choice. And let me say the stitching is very neat and the quality good. Would I go there again? Maybe...and this time I would wear something light...bring a bottle of water....and go super early so I can check out the shops outside ( which I think would be significantly cheaper)

So many clothes....so little space

So many clothes....so little space, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Imagine looking for stuff through this minimal space. I did find a top when I walked pass this. It caught my eye. I tried it on over my T-shirt and looked ridiculous but I bought it anyway.

The bookstore in the university

The bookstore in the university's, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I would like a bookstore like this in the campus. It sells archie comics ( Yay) and Hello magazine ( double yay).

Amazing natural light!!

Amazing natural light!!, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I love this building. It was PP who pointed out that this building needed no artifical lighting at all. It's built in such a way that the light strems through naturally. This picture was taken around 4:00pm local time at the main entrance to the library.

Sosis

Sosis, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Don't you agree saying" I will eat a sosis this morning" sounds fun and light. Love the word. Sosis sosis sosis sosis

Laduree

Laduree, originally uploaded by stribs.

I had a nightmare last night. I was in a shopping centre in Singapore ( odd I know I should at least be patriotic and dream of shopping malls in Malaysia but you cannot control your subconcious I'm told) And was walking aimlessly pass a few shops. I went from LG to the ground floor. I ended up in a clothes shop and was busy taking pictures in that shop ( Don't ask what was interesting)

Then I decided to look for Laduree because there was a branch available in this Singapore Shopping centre. I couldn't find it initially but we walked and walked.

Next scene ( yes we dream in scenes like a play) it's late, the shops are closing. For some odd reason, you have to leave the building through one of the shops which has a secret door behind some clothes. Everybody is rushing back. It is only then, I realise I left my camera and car keys ( why would I drive in SIngapore when my license expired yonks ago) in the first clothes shop. I rush back only to find it locked. I burst into tears. And I wake up:)

NIghtmare!

Batas Aman

Batas Aman, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Taken at the Tanah Abang commuter station as we waited for the trip back to the Universitas. At this point, laden with some shopping wares....and filled to the brim with tales of our travels, we were tired BUT satisfied

Obral!

Obral!, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I bet you'll be wondering what the heck "obral" means. When I took this picture...I thought it meant "tudungs". 10.000 rupiahs roughly translates to RM2 ++ .You know, I regret rushing through ( okay actually I was pushed through the crowds by elbows and handbags and pushed pass all these delectable shops where I now believe we would have had very good deals.

* Obral means clearance sale

Breakfast

Breakfast, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

It's nice to travel with a large group of fun people to a conference. WE had breakfast together when we coordinated our wake up times. PP wanted the best of both worlds without compromising the carb intake for the morning. Ingenius!

Fridge magnets for sale

Fridge magnets for sale, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I found this really odd. Firstly, I believe Jakarta does not have to rely of trinkets as a means of revenue. It s next to impossible of buy a decent ( cheap) fridge magnet in town.Got a bit excited when got through the immigration and saw a shop selling fridge magnets inside the airport in Jakarta. They sold not only magnets of Jakarta...but most other countries. I spotted a fridge magnet of the Notre Dame and some other country I forget now. This is truly taking the sale of fridge magnets to a totally different level.

Nice and friendly folks in the commuter

Nice and friendly folks in the commuter, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

This was taken en route back from Tanah Abang...heading to Pondok Cina. We were dehydrated. ( We exercised great self control not buying the drinks sold along the way ...because having diarrhoea would have severely hampered our shopping energy) And also a bit hungry. We arrived back at the Universitas in good time ...and managed to get a lunch pack too. The crowd in the commuter were nice and organised. And as you can clearly see...there were enough seats. This is the coach reserved for ladies. Clean and nice.

Tanah Abang crowd

Tanah Abang crowd, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Another post on Tanah Abang. This was the huge crowd of people there. It's amazing, there were a few women who shopped at the stalls to the left and to the right. Imagine bargining and trying on clothes and preening self while being jostled by the elbow by many many many people. I found the floating blue leggings a pleasing distraction from the heat and crowd.

Nasi Rawon

Nasi Rawon, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Served for breakfast on day two of stay in Jakarta. I 've never heard of this. Neither had anyone else when I asked around that morning. I took a picture but didn't eat it. Lured away by lucious omelettes and delicious soya milk instead. It's only now when I look at my album that I wonder what this is. Here's what I found on google.

Nasi Rawon is a traditional East Java Beef Soup. It is served with these condiments that you see in the picture;salted egg, mint leaves, bean sprouts etc. The soup is dark in colour because of the spice used which is keluak,(Pangeum edule,) This gives the soup a nutty flavour. Pretty interesting dish.

Macaroons

Macaroons, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

These were in the centre of the drinks table. It looked nice. The taller one in our group stood on tippy toes and took one macaroon. we split it. Tasted quite nice. Crunchy and importantly for me, not overly sweet. We asked the waiter (AFTER) whether this could be eaten. And this was his answer" Enggak di makan". We're still alive with no tummy upset. ( This would be my second macaroon e-vah) I may have written this before; I do not like macaroons they are to me like biscuits which have been exposed to air and lost their crunchiness.

But these macaroons which we cheerfully pinched without so much as  a "May i " tasted nice. The tall one who stood on tippy toes said it tasted like "Laduree macaroons". High praise indeed.

Bakso

Bakso, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Wikipedia tells me Bakso is "Indonesian Meatball".I beg to differ...I think the texture is different from meatball which tends to disintegrate in the mouth as you chew. The bakso I had was tougher and chewier and it was served with this delicious concoction of simply noodles plus veg plus bis of chicken. I enjoyed this meal very very much

I'm not sure whether this is Bakso Solo or Bakso Malahg. We had this in a small shop opposite Giant in a shopping mall about 5 minute walk away from Mercure Hotel Sinatumpang.

* I hope I didn't eat too much borax which apparently is added to the bakso to make the consistency better :P

Interesting fridge magnet

Interesting fridge magnet, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Found this fridge magnet in Jakarta's airport. First lemme state: if you're thinking of buying fridge magnets as mini gifts for you friends back home, you may want to re-think the idea. There aren't many types readily available in shopping malls in town. I bought most of mine at Batik Keris and it cost around RM10 each.

This interesting fridge magnet ( picture above) cost a whopping RM20. SO I did the next best thing...which was to take a picture:)

The jam is Jakarta was as promised. Something to remember for years. We took 3.5 hours to get to the hotel from the airport.

Teh botol....we don' t have it in Malaysia

Teh botol....we don't have it in Malaysia, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Produced in Indonesia. This is flavoured tea. I was there for too short a while to get used to this. The sosro brand is apparently a well known brand in Indonesia. The name is taken from the Sosrojodjo family name who own the company. This bottle has been redesigned a few times. I think it looks very much like a coca cola bottle.

Long line to buy a ticket

Long line to buy a ticket, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

This is us, at Tanah Abang train station. Just look at the crowd standing in line to buy a ticket. Be careful, if you're slow to move forward, someone will stand in front of you and it would be acceptable. The place was swarmed with locals. We didn't see any caucasians in sight. I guess one of the reasons would be the signs which were all in bahasa Indonesia. How lucky we are....to have a national language a bit similar to theirs. ( Enough to read and translate signs at least altho having a bargaining dialogue or asking for a SIM card and its various packages is impossible)

Indonesian HELLO magazine

Indonesian HELLO magazine, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I regret not getting AJ to buy this for me at the UI campus. Saw it on the first day but decided it was heavy ( yah right) to buy and carry about the whole day so decided to buy it at the airport. AJ was good and went for the last day of conference so theoretically I could have asked her to buy it for me.

(No they did NOT SELL Hello magazine the Indonesian version at the airport. so disappointing.) What a pity ...what a pity. But never fear..I've found the Indonesian Hello Magazine website:) Here is the link!

Did you know the Hello magazine was first launched in 1988?

Longchamp at the airport

Longchamp at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

What a lovely selection. Different types of longchamps for you to drool over and hopefully buy. I spot
1. La planetes, ( the black at the top right hand corner)
2. Coin purse le pliage
3. Le Pliage women's Pouchette

* Longchamp is much cheaper at this airport. Prices comparable to Paris

Longchamp at Pondok Indah Mall

Longchamp at Pondok Indah Mall, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

It won't be complete if I didn't post re Longchamp bags. I'm going to confess to buying two bags BEFORE flying off to Jakarta. My chinese kiasu-genes warned me I may not have enough time to shop en route home. ( and I was spot on) The colours I chose were mustard and electric blue.

Here is the Longchamp shop at Pondok Indah mall Jakarta. When I visited the shop, the ladies were busy unpacking the new spring colours. ( WHoooop!!!) I had a nice time admiring self with each different coloured bag in the shop.

Thick tea

Thick tea, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

The day after the cultural night performance and dinner, one of us succumbed to gastroenteritis. True to being doctors and thinking we're invincible, it was hard to find a panadol between us never mind a pill of lomotil or indeed anything remotely useful. So we did a sensible thing by thickening the tea. And it worked:) Buffet breakfast at Mercure Hotel, Sinatumpang Jakarta:)

Batik from Jakarta

Batik from Jakarta, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Aren't they absolutely gorgeous? I spent quite a bit of time taking it and opening up the clothe and preening self in front of the mirror. The sales persons were so friendly and patient and allowed us to mess this neat arrangement. We really did mess it up rather. I bought number 2 and 4 from the right bottom. ( and a lot more not shown in this picture)

This was at a shopping centre very near the hotel. Not posh but some bits reminded me of Sungai Wang Plaza. So you can imagine what its like. Filled to the brim with interesting stuff if you bother to comb through you'ld definitely find some treasures.

* Today is Thursday. In Malaysia, this means Batik day for us government servants:)

Barbie dolls in different colours

Barbie dolls in different colours, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Also found at Tanah Abang, something foreign Barbie dolls arranged neatly on a flat surface supported by a motorcycle. Imagine 40 people walking some in oppositie directions each walking with determination ( ie pushing insistently to increase the pace) along a narrow path flanked by barbies on the right and batik on the left. And maybe you will appreciate this picture more. It was a major feat taking this shot and not being squashed to death by the inpatient crowds determined to make their way to the end.

Interesting head scarf for kids

Interesting head scarf for kids, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Also found this at Tanah Abang. Head scarf with pigtails. Uber cute yes?I haven't seen this in KL yet. So perhaps its time for someone to import this in ....before Hari Raya. This will start a new trend.

Tanah Abang station

Large crowd as we arrive at the station, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Righto!! Here's a scene of the train station as we got off and attempted a quick exit from the station only to be greeted with THIS. If only we knew how much worse it was going to get...I think we may have been tempted to just leave the place. Thankfully...none of us were psychic...and all of us were game for a sweaty journey to the mall

Things you can design with Batik

Things you can design with Batik, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Jakarta batik shopping was an eye-opener. They are creative with their batik. Unlike Malaysia where we use batik for long baju kurungs or jubah....the Indonesians make a variety of stuff; blouses ( of different types to suit different age groups), dresses ( various designs not just the boring wrap-arounds, jackets ( again different designs from formal types to playful designs) Here is a picture I took when we ventured on the commuter to Tanah Abang. Not recommended for the faint-hearted. The walk from commuter station to mall was prolonged. We literally pushed through many people. And we got pushed by equally many people. A very good experience. So no regrets!!

A bit about Tanah Abang.It's in central Jakarta and it hosts the biggest textile  market in South East Asia. ( A pity we never got to experience the vast textile ) I think we may have been  in the Tanah Abang market. Because we got off at the Tanah Abang station and the market is within the same area.