The Chaos

It's a poem by Dutchman G. Nolst Trenité (1870-1946) contained around 800 'challenging' words.
This version has some mispronunciations in British English, that being said, I like the way she did it.

Java Jazz Festival

On Thursday when I was asked if I go to JavaJazz, I said that I choose Focus & Book Fair this weekend. That was until my cousin asked if I wanted to join her on Friday night.

We arrived at PRJ Kemayoran rather late. The President had arrived earlier to see Herbie Hancock. We went to see Bobby McFerrin. I enjoyed his performance. He collaborated with his son, Taylor, and also with our own Dwiki Darmawan and Balinese Gamelan. It was fab!

On our way to see Julliard Jazz Trio we met a journo who happened to be my cousin's friend. He asked permission to use my pic of Bobby McFerrin for his piece. Since people were already queueing up for Al Jarreau, I accompanied my cousin standing in line for a while before catching up LLW (Lesmana, Likumahuwa and Winata) at Hall A3. They collaborated with Dira Sugandi & Maurice Brown. 

Afterward, I saw Julliard Jazz Trio. Ron Carter's interpretation of You Are My Sunshine was wonderful. When they finished, I was torn between The Manhattan Transfer and Medeski, Martin and Wood who started 15 minutes apart. I went to see Manhattan Transfer first, but only stayed for 1 song before going to see MMW.

I saw MMW back in Melkweg before, I might be biased but I think they played better in Jakarta. Then again I was in a weird place/situation back in the days. Had a great time watching them. For some reason, I saw relatively more foreigners watching them than when I was watching other performers. While waiting for my cousin I saw a bit of D'Sound and Robert Randolph.

I have to note that sound-wise, North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam are much better than Java Jazz. During Bobby McFerrin show we could hear the music from the next hall which was rather annoying. He also experienced mic problem while singing one of his songs. I didnt enjoyed Robert Randolph that much because it was too loud for my liking and I was already tired.

Old Hollywood Make Up Tutorial

By the look of it, they used golden ratio when putting on make up. Good thinking.

Back to the Beginning

It's been three years since I was here. Had enough traumatic experiences in this place, but also plenty of good memories. After all, this is the place my family called home for at least 3 decades. My grandfather helped spearheaded the education sector. His uncle was the first doctor, my father set up 10 public clinics all over the place. Heck, I was made in this place!

It's interesting talking to people I used to work with. Weird enough, it was the Balinese, not the locals who remembers me more. This is the place where connection is crucial in my line of work. The fact that I was the granddaughter of, the daughter of, still gives weight. Honestly, I am always weary to drop names when it comes to work, but I have to acknowledge that it is needed every now and then to get things done.

Welcoming Abhi

I started my Saturday on a Maternity Surgery Room in the middle of Jakarta. I'd promised Dian to take pictures of the birth of her first child since we found out about her pregnancy. The caesarian was scheduled on Saturday morning but was rescheduled last minute to Saturday 00:00 because the doctor detected contractions.

Her Ob/Gyn is a friend of mine from way back when, so it's easy to get an approval. Normally, only the husband is allowed to be in the OR during the procedure.

Armed with a handy cam, a tripod, 2 DSLR and a compact camera, Johnny & I went in to the OR after changing our wardrobe. To my surprise, they didnt require us to scrub in. Back in NL when I had to take pictures in the OR, I had to scrub in too.

By that time the doctors were about to start the section.

It took only 14 minutes from the start to the time the baby was born, but it took longer to close her up again. Johnny was in the state of euphoria as soon as he heard his son's cry, he started calling his son's nick name: Abhi, and completely forgot to take his son's pictures until I told him to. It's so lovely to see the reaction.

It's a privilege to be part of the birth of someone and I thanked Dian and Johnny for letting me be a part their son's birth.

George Abhimanyu Aruan was born at 00:14 on February 18, 2012.
Both mom and son are well.