and amidst all the to and fro, someone can say hello, here we go

So last week I had a trip back to Luwuk again, but this time I stopped by Makassar before heading back to Jakarta. This is my first time in Makassar, and I think it was pleasant. On some spots, it felt like Jakarta. And God knows I can live anywhere that feels like Jakarta :D I need lights, noises, and crowds. I stayed at the Pantai Gapura Hotel, which I think was nice, but Laila thinks it's Putri Duyung Cottage circa 80s (which is kinda true, too). Ate a whole Kerapu by myself at this place called Kayangan, and it was good. Ate grilled Konro at this place called Karebosi and was disappointed. Took a walk around Fort Rotterdam, and you know how I have soft spots for old buildings--and this one is well-taken care of.

Another thing that was new on the trip was this time I had to accompany Mr. Ignas Kleden. I used to think that he was just a colleague of my boss, but then again I'm ignorant like that. Turns out, he's pretty much a big deal. I thought he'd be this old stuck-up academician, but he was far from it. He was laid back, undoubtedly smart and open-minded, and funny. He reads poems, he speaks Latin and Germany, he plays church organ, and he had his fair share of seeing the world! Sounds like I'm having a crush, huh? Well I am, I want to be his daughter!

With Pak Ignas Kleden in front of Fort Rotterdam

I should've had around 6 more trips with Mr. Kleden, but it turns out, looks like I only have room for one more. Maybe working with him will be one of the few things I'm gonna miss from my job. ...Gasp, right? But that's another story for another time.

Another highlight from my trip with Mr. Kleden was he introduced me to the wonderful world of poetry by Rabindranath Tagore (I know, I know, where have I been. Please don't be a snob and yawn). So to wrap up my brief post, I'm going to quote several lines that have already become my favorite from Mr. Tagore,

"It is a game of giving and withholding, revealing and screening again; some smiles and some little shyness, and some sweet useless struggles.

This love between you and me is simple as a song."