Abdul seems to know exactly the Bandung’s city map, so in less than 30 minutes his car arrived to the Upper Dago from the train station. He stopped his car on a park ground of small restaurant which is written “Badali, Original Sundanese Meatballs”. Well, it’s been a long time a go since my last time eaten Sundanese meatballs.
“Let’s get a table for us.” Abdul asked me while he went out the car first. I followed him then, carrying my backpack since there is my precious laptop. And the suitcase I left it on the car trunk.
Abdul already has been served by the front office, and he seems to discuss the table. And, the service officer nodding her head, while his hand showed to a table which is a little bit inside. Abdul returned his body, looked at me, and waved his hand and calling me.
I accelerate my walk from the car. Getting into the direction where Abdul went to, a table which was showed by the resto’s crew.
“Here’s the menu, Sir. If you’re ready to make an order, please call me, Rani.” Said the waitress while giving 2 sets of menu. Abdul was sat down when I arrived on the table.
Not long enough, the waitress went away, and I sat on the chair across Abdul.
“What do you want to eat, Bil?” Abdul asked while reading the menu.
“I think a portion of meatballs and noodle is great, Dul. Or you had another suggestions?” I answered while reading the menu also.
“Mmm.. it’s good though. In this place, all the meatballs were great. So that’s why I got you here. And what do you want for the drink?”
“I’d prefer strawberry juice of course. All of Bandung’s strawberries were good, right?” I put the menu to the table. Abdul looked at me for a while.
“I think you’re right. It’s been a while since my last time I drank strawberry juice.”
Abdul waved his hand and a waitress came by again. Rani. The waitress which gave us the menu.
“Ready to make an order, Sir?” Rani asked. She’s carrying out her mini notes and a pencil.
“Yes, please. I’d like to order two original strawberry juices, one dry noodles and a full tendon meatballs, and one special meatballs and noodles.” Abdul answered.
“Is there any, Sir?”
“I think that’s all for now.”
Tags: Billy Koesoemadinata, Daily, juice, strawberry, strawberry juice, The Journey, The Meatballs, The Noodle, The Strawberry Juice
9.45, St. Hall
Gia is preparing all of her hiking equipment even the train wasn’t stopped on the station. Her friends which is on the next seat, was doing the same thing. They seems not wanted to lost each time at all.
I just watched on silence. What for I’m in rush? I have estimated that I’ll take care everything about this Bandung chances after lunch. Because anyway, the appointment itself was on 1 p.m. on the office of I’m visiting for.
Not long enough, the train was stopped on the station. Gia and her friends, prepare to get off the train. They just stand in front of their own chair, and waited to get into the front hall, and get out.
“Nice chat, Bil. Hope, I’ll see you soon. Maybe on my next hike?” Gia said that just before she went out the train, while I’m just sitting on my seat.
“Well, probably. Anyway, thanks for the great conversation for almost three hours. I bet this is the longest conversation that ever made, because it’s ranged from Jakarta to Bandung!”
Tags: Billy Koesoemadinata, Conversation, Daily, old friend, Story, strange, The Journey, The Strange Coincidence, weird
The Argo Anggrek train have been gone for 30 minutes from Gambir. It’s been a while. I bet I’m not on Jakarta area anymore, and toward Bandung right now. It’s also have been for 30 minutes I spent talking with Gia which is sitting right next to me.
Gia is one of many my college friends. We’re on the same university, but on a different department and faculty. I just knew her when I participated on some campus activities, and we’re on the same committee. She’s an interesting girl, energetic, clever, and always cheerful. Like right now, we’ve been on conversations for 30 minutes, but she seems to be on the mood for talking.
“So, you’re always hiking like this?” I asked.
“Yes, I am. Because sometimes I’ve had some kind of ‘feelings’ which I know, it isn’t good for me. It’s also a coincident, about two days ago I called some friends, and these two responded about hiking to Bandung.”
Tags: Billy Koesoemadinata, Conversation, Daily, Journey, life, Story, The Conversation, The Journey
6:45. Gambir.
I went directly to the platform after I paid the cab. Platform 3. There will be a train which will take me to Bandung that morning. I’m not use to take the train this early from Gambir, but I hope it’ll be quite empty. Well, so I’ll be easy to get on it.
I saw just a few people who are going to the Platform 3 with me. Great. It could be empty as well. It could be, less people who are using the Argo Anggrek train. It could be, all the passengers already on the Platform 3.
Less than 5 minutes, I’ve arrived on Platform 3. And yes it is, Argo Anggrek train already there. And, the platform was quite empty.
I read the ticket on my hand. I searched for the seat number, and the coach number. 3rd coach. Seat 3A. And, I looked into the train coach upon me. What a coincident, it’s 3rd coach. Great! I went directly to the nearest door.
When I stepped into the 3rd coach and searched for my seat, I heard voices which somehow I knew. She’s just only seconds away from me. Actually I wanted to find her, but well, just let it be. There’re still important things besides looking for the voices. Anyway, it could be only my feelings.
Tags: Billy Koesoemadinata, Daily, departure, diary, station, Story, The Departure, The Journey, train, train station
That morning I wake up late. Well, 30 minutes later still be called as late, right? So, I always wake up at 5 o’clock, but that day I wake up 5:30. And, after wake up, I immediately go to the bathroom.
About 15 minutes, I finished bathing and brush my teeth. I recheck all my belongings. Started with checking my luggage, backpack bag containing a laptop, and the train ticket. Argo Anggrek. 7 o’clock. Gambir. Okay, I think everything is ready.
I went out of my apartement, and lock it. Then while walking on the hall and took the luggage and backpack in the back, I press the Monica’s number on my cellphone.
Once. Twice. Tone sounds three times before finally I heard the voice Monica.
“Hello, Love. Are you leaving?” Monica responds.
“Yes, I am. I just went out from the apartment, and now going to the lobby.” I answered.
“Okay, then. Be careful on the road. You get the taxi to Gambir, ‘eh? And your bike would be kept on garage of the building, right? ”
“Yes. Just calm. I’ll let you know later when I’ll go from Gambir. ”
“Take care, babe.”
“Okay, honey. Love you.” I said.
“Love you too.” Monica answered. And then I hang up the phone connection.
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Tags: Billy Koesoemadinata, Daily, diary, Story, The Journey
