tirzaputri-blog

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❤ RUSSIA ❤

When I was in high school, I used to write down in school book some top countries to be visited in future. The first one was United Kingdom, just because I love their football. Then in 2012 I've visited UK. Next, Russia! This country attracts me so much! I've been learning language, culture, people, moreover in 2015 my thesis was about Russian. But please don't ask me Why I choose Russia. I have no reason for it! Well sometimes love is indescribable anyway! HA!

For me it's better NOT to announce goal to everyone. Because every time you tell to somebody what your goal is, you feel like satisfied as if you already achieve it, meanwhile it just distraction for you not to gain some effort to achieve your goal for real.

So few years ago I had a promise to my self that I NEED TO VISIT RUSSIA. It's not dream. It's goal, it's ambition and it's promise. As time goes by, from high school, university student, internship, finally I got my permanent job in 2016 with lovely Emirates which I believe makes me easier to go abroad. 

Previously when my Russian friends visit Bali, before farewell they often said "Tirza, come visit Russia." and I confidently answered "For sure! I would love to visit Russia!" These sentences were not empty chitchat but it's meaningful because it's my promise. 

Early 2017 I've started to look for Russian visa requirements, prepare annual leave and I've told myself that I could complete my promise this year. Surprisingly I've received my visa in September then in October was the first time I bought Emirates ticket with staff price. It called ID90, so basically as airline staff I entitle for 90% ticket discount worldwide!

A little bit sports for my heart before go to Russia, actually not really about visa but the danger status of Agung Volcano in East Bali, if it erupted - it would ruin my plans too of course!  Praise The Lord, the day which I've waited for seven years finally came! I flew from Bali to Moscow via Dubai on 13 Oct 2017.You know it's always interesting to do something for the FIRST time in your life. Started from first time solo traveler outside Asia, first time on board jumbo Airbus 380 and definitely first time in my life to STEP my feet on world's largest country, Russia!!

That feeling after I went out Domodedovo Airport like.. $#@!*&#(@&*#$*?| "Ya Tuhan ini beneran banget aku di Russia sebatang kara?! I thank God for His approval to achieve my goal.

Most of local people in Russia doesn't speak English and most of subway/street signs in Moscow are Cyrillic. So fun and challenging right? I expect to get reflection of Russia in general by visit its capital city, that's why I decided to enter Russia in Moscow. First impression of this city was good. The traffic was acceptable (as its not so different like Jakarta, even Moscow has better public transportation). Moscow metro/subway station design for me is the best one the world! Nice parks and good enough sidewalk for pedestrian (if I compare to my home country). Visit Red Square was a must, because there're many historical museum and Church surrounding. Unfortunately, I only able to visit State Museum.  But it describes a lot of Russian history from ancient era until nowadays. I wish I could stay in Moscow longer so I could discover more.

Next city of course Saint Petersburg. I took Sapsan Train from Moscow and the journey was about 4hours. Since first day I landed in Russia, I’ve never seen sunshine so I wasn't surprise when I arrived in Saint Petersburg the temperature even lower as it's world’s northernmost large city. If Moscow is Russia's political/economical, then St. Petersburg known as Russia's cultural capital. I was super amazed with the architecture style in Saint Petersburg. My local friends took me to have sightseeing city tour, I thought most of building which we have passed were museum but in fact this city maintain the historical architecture even for shopping mall, hotel or restaurant! Although I had only limited chance to come inside to museum in Saint Petersburg but the sightseeing tour by car and walk around were very good choice to enjoy visual beauty of the city and try to understand the history! Anyway thank you for reading until this paragraph, it’s just a story in general. My feelings are overwhelming :D will be too many if I write more specific. You can message me anytime on instagram or twitter if you would like to response this post :)

Overall my impression of first visit in Russia is incredibly amazing! I thank you for all local friends in Russia who warmthly welcome me in cold weather. You're all part of my promise completion in memorable trip. See you soon! :)

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The Beauty of Waiting

It’s all started when my contract was finished with an airline from Hong Kong.

FIRST. I’ve applied for my favourite airline on their website. This airline is from Middle East, I can say it’s the fastest growing airline with great innovations and awesome marketing strategy through sponsorship mostly in sports. Three weeks passed and I still haven’t get any news from them.

SECOND I’ve tried to apply to same airline where I have worked before but for placement in Jakarta. I got chance to interview plus other assessment. As a person who has ever worked for this airline before, people thought it’s easy to pass such assessment. But they’re wrong. I’ve failed! I’m sure it’s not because I don’t have enough experience, but because I was too honest during interview. I supposed not to give details answers for questions which were not about professional background. Dear jobseeker, be careful. You will absolutely be rejected if you’re too honest about yourself. Some interviewer likes the employee to be liar as long as your answers are good to be listened. Once you’re questioned about your personal life or family, I advice you to avoid this trap and just keep focus to question about professionalism. Remember it’s not a chit chat! It’s not an infotainment! It’s a job interview!

After this rejection I’ve tried not to disappointed at all. Because I believe, my God has better plan. I believe He provides me better airlines for my future.

THIRD It’s been 6 weeks since I’ve submitted my application to my favourite airlines but still no answer. As seen on their auto reply email , if after 6 weeks I didn’t get any interview invitation then it means I didn’t pass CV screening.

However, I’ve decided to apply AGAIN to this favourite airline but for a position in Jakarta. After 2 weeks I’ve received a call from them to come to interview in Jakarta. Meanwhile at that time I was in Bali. I didn’t wanna miss this chance! I took flight to Jakarta just one hour after sunrise! I thank God for this chance! I went to their office directly from Jakarta’s airport. I couldn’t resist my tears once I’ve arrived their huge office! My favourite airlines ever! Calm down Tirza, calm down! Till my return to be interviewed by country manager, airport manager and finance manager. The questions were so professional! I adore this airline even more! Well 3 weeks passed after interview but I haven’t got any news from them. Sigh…

FOURTH. Never give up! It’s been 2 months since I had no job. I’ve searched for job vacancy on website. All I’ve done every morning was just look on many websites for job vacancy in airline. Till I’ve found a job vacancy in an airline from the most expensive city in the world. One week later I’ve received a call and invited me to join their written test and interview. This one was the most “crowd” assessment ever. Because there were 10-15 candidates. The written test was challenging, maybe a bit difficult for someone who has no background in aviation industry. Then the interview was so memorable. The country manager and sales manager did ask me about my professional background. Most memorable thing was when the country manager told me something motivational, he’s so wise, down to earth and I believe he’s such a kind leader. As they’ve said, if after one week I had no good news, it means I couldn’t go to next process. Fine, it’s been 2 weeks and still no news so let’s move on for another job vacancy!

FIFTH. In sleepy afternoon I got surprised by a call from my favourite airlines! As usual I always feel nervous every time I got call from them, especially this one from Bali. I was even more shocked! They’ve invited me to an interview in Bali for position which I’ve applied 3 MONTHS AGO. I definitely flew to Bali again. Until interviewers were front of my face I still didn’t understand why I’ve invited for interview again. Well, the country manager even said “Hello nice to meet you again!”. They asked me details about my professional background and in every answer I gave, there’s always next question like why or how. I should confess that this interview was the most difficult interview ever! More nervous than my thesis presentation. They said the result will be informed in 2-3 weeks.

Source: instagram.com/emirates

Just 5 days after that interview, a staff from my favourite airline informed me that I’m the selected candidate and they sent me offer letter. I absolutely agreed with it. Then few days letter I did medical check up in pointed clinic. I was super optimist with the result!

Until suddenly I receive a call from an airline from most expensive city in the world. I thought they already reject me since it’s been 3 weeks after I had interview. The kind and down to earth country manager whom I’ve told you before, called me and asked to resend my cv. A day after another staff called me for medical check in that week but I wasn’t available for that since I was in Bali instead of Jakarta.

I was so confused with this circumstance. Dear God I still don’t understand where You will bring me. But I always keep in my mind that all your plans are for Your Glory and You always right. I know You want my faith grows even deeper.

Two weeks passed after medical check up in my favourite airline but still had no idea about the result. Until one day I’ve tried to contact the staff and she said everything’s fine just need to wait for official contract from head quarter in Middle East. I’m so grateful with it! That awesome day was 29 March 2016 when I’ve finally received the answer from my prayer. I’ve signed that important document from my favourite, yeah it is Emirates Airline! Glory to God in the highest! I thankful for my parents and sister who always pray for me and also supports from my friends. Hard work is important but also feed your faith with hope and prayer. Thousand hands might try to drag you down but remember God’s hand is the only one which can bring you to the top.

It’s just the beginning for my full time career, I believe I can face any kind of challenge in any situation. Because I know my God is always with me in difficult time and in victory.

God bless you all!

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5 Things You Need to Understand About Kuta Area

Kuta - Bali known with beautiful sunset on the beach. But this pic shows you real view before you get to Kuta Beach. I've ever lived near this area and used to pass it almost everyday.

I wanna share you 5 hidden meanings from this pic.

1. MONEY CHANGER You can easily find it in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak area. Most of them built not in proper building, just in "tiny box" and they can start their business. They offer interesting rates without commission to attract tourist. BUT IT'S A TRAP! They have tricky hands. They count money super fast manually! From what you see everything is fine, until you arrive at home and recount the money..it's totally different from what they've counted! Be careful! Better to change money in official bank or trusted money changer like Central Kuta Money Changer and Wahana Money Changer.

2. RENT MOTORBIKE The best way to explore bali is by motorbike/scooter. Last year, I've tried to rent a scooter for one day. I've walked around that area for about 2km, asked about 10 places to rent scooter. But they rejected me with many strange reasons! They said... : -The owner was away so scooter couldn't be rented -Scooter only provided for foreigner, -Scooter only provided for long term rent, -Scooter only provided for those who live in Hotel! OMG!! I felt so annoyed when actually they would rent it for me but once they knew I live in boarding house instead of hotel they suddenly ignore me! Dear tourist congratulations you're spoiled by them! However always check the condition of vehicle before you rent it, make sure the registration number is valid and match.

3. TAXI Usually the driver drives so slow when there's no passenger and doesn't even care about traffic. I recommend you to use Blue Bird Taxi, based on my experience the driver has better attitude and always use argo meter honestly. Well nowadays you even can order Uber Taxi or Grab Car easily with fixed price. But keep be careful to enter some area with online taxi, because some local driver community not allow online taxi to enter their "territory".

4. SHOPS  For shopaholic, those little shops along the street might seems attractive. Try to ask prices from a shop to another shop to compare then get better price + sharpen your bargaining skill!

5. SIDEWALK Last but not least, as Indonesian please forgive for most of us park or even drive vehicle on sidewalk. Pedestrians not only annoyed by it but also by pickpockets. Please put your valuable things in bag with closed zipper and wear your bag exactly front of you! Always aware with stranger who tries get close to your body!

I'm not ambassador of a brand and not all business owner in that area doing scam. I'm just telling you things which ever happened to me and my friends. You can double check on Google to look for another point of view. Good luck!

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HIDDEN CANYON IN BALI

Beach is super mainstream in Bali. Volcano is challenging enough. Waterfall is interesting, and here we go..CANYON in BALI !!

45 minutes driving from Denpasar to this stunning canyon. Located in Beji Sukawati, Gianyar-Bali. Upon arrival welcomed by local youngster to register name and ask for donation. They also suggested a guide to accompany every guest (without fixed price, tips is up to guest). First I refused their suggestion, because bad memories about what have happened in Batur and Aling-Aling waterfall still remain in mind. IDR 50k was given as donation and I thought this was enough for them to not offer a guide to me.

Journey was started after that registration desk, but a local guy seemed following me. Well after 10 minutes walk he’s actually the guide. Beginning of this journey, river has crossed smoothly with rope on the big stone. Afterwards first giant canyon welcomes every guest as below!

I’m super grateful I can enjoy this super awesome God’s creation!

Because it’s rainy season, flow was higher than usual (at that time about 70-80 cm) and more difficult to walk against it. Journey wasn’t end yet, we’ve crossed river again and started WALL CLIMBING! What an interesting activity! Unfortunately I didn’t prepare any climbing equipment, just with my sandals and sometimes I took them off.

If you really want to feel the sensation of real “wall climbing” and “river cruising” then you need to finish full journey without back track. I’ve realized that the existent of guides were needed for guest without any experience with this condition. They were really helpful, sometimes pick up someone on their back who couldn’t cross the river or even make a “bridge” with part of their body so people can pass. Below is picture after 1,5 hours journey, the best dry place to take rest.

After 10 minutes rest, we continue another 30 minutes to back to the post

Gotcha! Found this “dry canyon”!

Last but not least, here’s the view along 15 minutes till you finish at the post.  At the end I gave IDR 30k to the guide who was really helpful and he wasn’t aggressive to ask more than that (unlike other guides in my previous posts). Overall I’m satisfied with this stunning canyon! Recommended to be visited during dry season and prepare yourself physically especially for girl. Have fun!

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Officially Bachelor in Tourism

The day which I have been waiting for 4 years! GRADUATION! Started with a scholarship from Education Ministry of Indonesia collaborated with Trisakti Institute of Tourism. I’m so grateful, at least I didn’t need to ask my parents to pay for my education every semester. I’ve done a thesis about “Analysis of Russian Tourist’s Socio Economic Characteristic and Expenditure Pattern in Bali” and I’m a Cumlaude of Bachelor Applied Science in Tourism. I thank to God for all He has done in my life. Special thanks also going to my parents, for always supporting through their powerful prayer. My dad always working hard for me, my mom and my sister. Meanwhile my mom always reminding me that we live not because we are great but because God's words. They're both always sounding me and my sister that they might different with other parents who can spoil us with any facility, they just can always teach us good attitude and a knowledge about God.

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Raung Vulcano

Привет всем! It's been awhile since my last adventure, I'm still busy with thesis. Few weeks ago I flew to Bali and it's still due to working on my thesis  I flew return by myself as usual. But two days before I wanted to fly back to Jakarta.. OMG AIRPORT CLOSED! Due to Volcano Eruption!   As seen on news Ngurah Rai International Airport was so crowded like a concert with thousands audience! But PRAISE THE LORD! Till the day I flew, there was no problem at all! It was on time and flew smoothly!

Look what I've got! If we notice on the picture, there’s something different above the clouds. Clouds are white but above them is little grey. I was wonder what’s that? Till I realize.. that those things are volcanic ashes!

EXTRAORDINARY VIEW from 30,000 feet above sea levels! The mighty RAUNG VOLCANO with its last eruption in East Java.

Meanwhile, the condition of Raung Volcano is still showing fluctuations till right now I'm writing this post. I really respect all staff in airport with their hard work. It's not easy to handle such unpredictable situation with thousands passengers who have different emotional and demands.One thing that I always remember, When God bring us to it, We can go through it!!

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Исследование для дипломной работы

Привет всем! Я делаю исследование про структуру расходов россиян на Бали для степени бакалавра по специализации туризм. Пожалуйста помогите мне заполнив эту анкету. http://goo.gl/forms/SQFg6HPncV Спасибо за ваше время!)

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Aling-Aling Waterfall

This awesome waterfall located in Sambangan Village, SuksadaSub-district North Bali.

As most  of my adventure experience, I knew this place from internet and of course helped by google map to get there.

Me and my friends were start the journey from Sunset Road, Kuta at 10 am. Had 2 stops in Bedugul area to enjoy the panorama and lunch.The road was good but the weather in Bedugul area was unpredictable. 

“Local Rain” happened few times. Fun though, when we already took our rain coat on but 1km ahead was not  rain at all. Arrived in Suksada Village around 1:30 pm.

It’s my second time to visit Aling-Aling Waterfall. About 3 months before, when I’ve been here, the entrance fee was only 5,000 IDR and if you need guide to try attraction on waterfall like cliff jump was 30,000 IDR  (as written on ticket) no matter foreigner or local. But after 3 months, many local guys around the entrance. A bit surprised that they charged foreigner’s entrance fee 150,000 IDR including attraction and this price was not written on the ticket. Speechless!

After long discussion, finally we got 75,000 IDR for each foreigner including guide for attraction and life vest and FREE for me :O I understand that the village or locals need more income, but please do it professionally and more organized so travelers will not feel ripped off. I have no words anymore to explain about this thing which often happen in Bali.

There’s always a dark side behind beautiful place!

These are main waterfalls in a row! But forgive me I can’t remember all names :P The first one is Aling-Aling Waterfall, Second is... hmmm... forgot! it’s where people can slide through waterfall. I did try to slide from waterfall, and jump from 5 meters cliff near it. You can see the video on instagram

Third is Kembar Waterfall aka Twins Waterfall (Two Waterfalls next to each other) where people can jump from the of  top waterfall (about 10 meters)  

This journey makes me love waterfall more than beach and make me realize that Bali is not only about beach! :D  

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Sekumpul Waterfall

It’s the most beautiful waterfall in Bali for me. Located about 45 minutes from famous Bedugul Temple, this waterfall will spoil you with magnificent view, fresh water and breeze wind! The best time to go here is in dry season, because in rainy season the river will be brown and the path will be slippery. First I came here in 2013, it was quiet, with hundreds of stairs and to get closer I had to cross the river. But a year after, it’s a little bit surprising, once I get close to the entrance, young local guys tried to shout the tourists out “Hey! Parking Here!” In fact, that area was far enough from the waterfall  (about 30 minutes walk) Well I already knew their trick, of course I ignored them and just drive until I found a parking area which closer to waterfall (about 15minutes walk). If I stop where young local guys were, they would just force us to use guide and not allow us to visit waterfall by ourselves. Actually it’s easy to get to waterfall, you will not get lost. You just need good stamina to go down and up by hundreds stairs.

Afterwards, since 2014 they started to take entrance fee 5000 IDR per person, oh well, the path gets better and they built a bridge so visitors don’t need to cross the river to get close to waterfall. But another thing that I don’t like.. local people burnt most of forest there, it’s not green anymore! Even when I was there, some part of forest still being burned, you know it’s so annoying when you enjoy the magnificent view of waterfall with fresh water, but when you take breath… smells of smoke! Hope Sekumpul Waterfall still can be saved instead of being exploited.

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New "Playground" Detected!

Located in South Nusa Dua, Gunung Payung Beach is worth to be visited.

No crowd and absolutely more beautiful than Geger, Pandawa, Blue Point, Padang-Padang, Green Bowl or any other beach surrounding.

You can swim, surf and sunbath till drop! But I prefer to enjoy the view from the hill. Don't be surprised if when you're on the hill suddenly a giant shadow come closer, gotcha It's a paragliding! Hundreds of stair will deliver you to the beach.

For those who afraid of sun, insects and being tired are not recommended to visit this place.

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Haters Will Confess You Can Walk on the Water Because You Can Not Swim

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Batur, where's your hospitality?

Start our journey from Kuta at 1:15 AM by motorbike, we had 2 stops in our way and arrived around Batur at 3:30AM. We were stop in parking area where most of tourists who want to hiking park there. We just park and took our helmet off but several local people approach us and told “Do you want to hike to Mt. Batur?” We answered, “Yes we do.” One of them said “If you want to hike Mt. Batur you need to pay IDR 350K!” And my friend said, “But we don’t have that much money.” Then that local guide replied, “If you don’t have money don’t come here! Go home! Everybody needs money”.

What a nice welcoming from local people! Actually we already thought that area is not so good to start hiking, not only too touristic but also to many annoying local guide.

It’s not done until that, when we tried to look for another road to hiking, those local following us until we stop somewhere like in a guide office. We said that IDR 350K per person is too expensive, especially it’s not official price! We tried to ask other tourists who were on their way to hike but their local guide seems ask them to ignore us, even those tourists afraid to smile and stare at us! Such a mafia with victims! Another local guide shouted to us “It’s not about money but more to safety!” Then if it’s more about safety, why didn’t they all allow us to enter just for free?? I know a registration for people who want to hiking is important for safety. But added with crazy unofficial price just ridiculous! Finally we got conclusion for IDR 100K per one person and start to hike at 5AM.

It’s so awful when local’s hospitality changed into money orientation, they just like killing their own business slowly and make bad reputation about their village. I wish in the future the system of entrance fee would be better mantainced and local guide be more organized with good attitude!

From Bali with Love. Stop The War! Russia♥ Ukraine♥

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Bocah Kampung Main di Waduk

Due to surfing is too mainstream in Bali then fishing in a dam is great idea. We got more pictures instead of fish. Inspired by a picture on website about Beautiful Dam, we decided to visit Tukad Unda in Klungkung, East Bali. In afternoon many local kids fisihing around, we've tried to get close to the dam through right side, instead of left side where we were. But those kids said, "Be careful, better do not go there because of gangster will ask you a lot of money." Oh well, such a sign... So we avoid to come to that side. However it was fun! This place is famous as a place for pre-wedding and calendar pictures though ;)

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West Bali National Park

South, North, East, so finally I've "conquered" West Bali! Hahhh!

What did I find? Mixed monsoon forest, mangroves, savannah, coral islands. Several wild animals and BABY CROCODILE! You know how it feels when you suddenly meet crocodile in wild life, although it's just a baby but... his parents?

Stunning view from top of the tower made me paralyzed! From the picture, this tower looks like somewhere in East Asia with Spring, another different side of Bali..

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Leave your worries, take your backpack & get tanned!

First time to be solo traveller, really sharpen my individualism skill. Explore the island by bicycle, wake up early to catch the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen and snorkeling every day! However the hardest part was only when I wanted to take selfie! ;) But it could be an excuse to meet new people and build new friendship. Thank you Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air!

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Volunteer

Since I had job training in Qantas Airways / Jetstar Airways, I realize that my big passion is in aviation. In this Australian Company, I did many interactions with passengers due to mainly I stayed in Service Desk as Passenger Service Officer. Communicate to people from different country, different culture, different language and different social status are simply make myself grow!

Continued second job training in Cathay Pacific Airways / Dragonair for one year I got many experiences as Cargo Officer, Reservation & Ticketing Officer and Airport Service Officer. I’m proud I could join when Cathay Pacific Airways got award as World’s Best Airline 2014 in Skytrax version.

So what do I really do as ground staff in an airline?

In reservation & ticketing division, of course it’s related to reserve & buy ticket, arrange a flight, reconfirm, rebooking, and stuff like that. If there’s a flight disruption in this division also have to make flight protection, especially for passengers who have tight flight connection.

As airport service officer, many things to do! Start from administration about flight data such as general declaration, passenger manifest, telex, flight briefing sheet, meals request, record left behind item from cabin and many more! I also face passengers with their problem in airport, mostly excess baggage, then missed flight, drunk passenger, etc.

How about Cargo? It’s interesting either! Have to deal with the agent about good price and good allotment for the shipment. Mainly the commodity which be sent are live animal, valuable things, garment and fruit. It’s cool to see the process of the shipment, using container/ULD and have special space in aircraft.

I often call myself not as trainee, but volunteer.  Because I work for free. Actually it’s difficult to me, but all I can do is just thankful because I know God is doing something for my future.

Regardless from plus and minus to work in airlines, I’m glad when my passengers depart and arrive safely to gather with their family, although I have to live far from family