Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Manado Story

So, last December I was appointed to help Lui coordinate annual conference on Feb 2010. Only less than 2 months time to prepare, big deal.... Just have to figure out something new and fun to do in Bali. So, I thought...

But then, I got all nervous when I was told we're going Manado. W..Whaaat?? Completely alien place, I've never been to Sulawesi my entire life... What are we suppose to do there? What with the infrastucture? What with limited Garuda flight? What with no EO available? And should I emphasis that we only have short time to prepare... Pusyiiingggg...   

Since there's no turning back and no saying "NO" to the so called "tugas mulia", we have left with no option but to work real hard with passion and all that we got to make it happen.

I wanted to write down the journey for the pleasure of my future reading, but I don't have the patience. I'll just cut it short. 11-13 Feb 2010 was period of anxiety and supreme nervousness. 
- Arranging 100 people to fly to Manado. "No, my furthest air travel is 1.5 hours!! I'll be freaked out being on air for over 3hours!! Too many turbulence above Sulawesi!! 5AM in the morning is weird flight schedule!!
- Manage 100 people to jump in Bunaken water. "No, can't swim!! not interested in watching fish and their underwater world!! afraid of getting in the boat!!" were amongst what they said when we first offered. 
- Ensure 100 people get all the luxury they use to have in Bali. "Any 5star hotel there? Are the toilets clean? Any well rated restaurant? I don't do physical activities, but it's got to be memorable, great and relaxing!

Despite all the "fine" requirements and without the help of any EO we manage to pass those 3days successfully. I was fully content with the teamwork, the fun we had and feeling proud of what we accomplished. We broke the record, to be the first department having conference in Manado. We also manage to enjoy it!! Some of the participants had even patted our back and thanked us. And I feel like saying "No, you don't have to do that, really...as long as good news spread and no complain, we really are satisfied ^_^"

So, conclusion: Manado is a must visit place before you die!! And these are my favorites:
- Grilled Fish Head @ Sukur Jaya: Super Yummy!!! No fish head had tasted better!! Actually all the food they provide were super!!
- Bumi Beringin Restaurant: Great view both during the day & evening. The main dishes & desserts are okay but the beverages are not recommended.
- Kenari Crab in Black Pepper @ Wisata Bahari: though Makassar had better, you should have this one as well.
- Snorkeling in Bunaken was S U P E R B!! I couldn't swim, but I felt like olympic swimmer hehehe. I will definitely be back with my family (once Gaizka's older)
- Banana Fritter with Sambal Roa near some sport stadium. They will change your perception of having banana with something savoury & spicy!! FAB!!

Hopefully I won't be chosen as committee for next year... I will be praying real hard for that.....

posted by Ira @ 3:40 PM 0 Comments

Monday, February 08, 2010

Tick tock...Tick tock...

Clock is ticking and just realised I've abandoned my pages here for quite sometime olredy.
2 months into 2010...terasa sekali sibuknya. Karena siap2 mau ke Manado, Karena dapat tugas mulia untuk jadi koordinator planning 2010. Tapi kadang2 sibuk bisa terasa sedap juga, mungkin karena udah kelamaan nyante ya hehehehe.

Time flies real fast... baru kemaren bikin rencana buat 2010 ternyata 2010-nya tinggal 10 bulan lagi...huhu... Padahal masih banyak yang harus dikerjakan, termasuk salah satunya cari2 playgroup buat Gaizka. Maaf ya nang, that have to wait until end of the month. Mo beresin eskul2 dulu ni... Harus sabar2 juga kalo jarang lihat bunda di rumah ya... Maaappppp

posted by Ira @ 10:10 AM 3 Comments