Staycation

This weekend I decide to stay at a local hotel that just opened its premise last year. Santika Mega City Bekasi is conveniently located at the toll exit of Bekasi City. Furthermore, the hotel sits on top of a big mall. However, despite its strategic location, I was surprised that the hotel itself is tucked away from the main street and that the windows offer no view except the adjacent wing and a slight peek into the mall’s cinema. Pretty disappointing, but I guess this hotel is not built to satisfy the holidaymakers. I’m pretty sure weekdays see more customers coming in to do business at this suburban city of Jakarta, Indonesia.

However we do need to give credit when it’s due. The ambience is pretty calming, the service is good and the food is delicious (well, coming from a culinary amateur who knows no other comments except ‘delicious’ and ‘excellent’). 🙂

The lobby is on the 5th floor

Do you need an explanation? 🙂

Another view

Spa herb collection. Tempting. Very tempting.

I should opt for Aston for the next staycation.

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For more takes on this week’s photo challenge, click here.

Happy New Year 2017

Some say that 2016 was the worst year ever. Yet during the first hour after the clock stroke at midnight, we saw terror unfolding in Istanbul leaving scores of people dead and many more injured. Is this a sign that the worst year record is ready to be broken?

One thing I know for sure: we cannot change the world singlehandedly. We can, however, start the change with ourselves and inspire others for the sake of the world.

Therefore, I pray that the world will be a better place, Southeast Asia be more prosperous, your family be happy, and you be content. Happy New Year!

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Image credit to the owner.

Merry Christmas, Aseana!

Greetings from Jakarta, Indonesia. As we are approaching the end of 2016 and starting the festivities with Christmas, allow me to wish all Christians in Southeast Asia a happy and joyous Christmas. Despite the recent upheaval with other people due to misunderstandings in politics, Christians have so far been able to freely worship in the region. I pray that we can continue to freely (and publicly) worship without hindrance.

As for those who are not celebrating Christmas, I wish you a happy Christmas Discount Festival. Hahahaha.