Tell Me How Was Your Last Trip To The Sea, Will You?

Best friend,

We rarely talk about the sea or anything in between. If ever, it was never interesting for me. 

The sea is a giant liar, separates the souls, leaves you heart-broken. The sea is an affirmation of a distance, a heartless boundary, a lonely place. 

In a simple way: I didn't find myself there.

How are you, old friend?

I heard some news about you, including the story about you and the sea.

Now I know that interest is inevitable. They come to you. Now I believe that when you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.

So, tell me how was your last trip to the sea, will you?

Because now I am interested.

P.S Can I find you in the sea? You know where you can find me, it's still the same: under the trees, in the shady place.

Because I miss our laughter.

Sincerely,

Your friend

Picture taken in Peunaga Beach, Meulaboh, Aceh.

Life on Site

Begini,

Selama lebih dari setahun aku bekerja seperti ini, aku sampai pada satu kesimpulan: Aku lebih bisa menghargai pekerjaanku, mengapresiasi apa yang aku raih, terlepas dari berbagai macam cobaannya.

Kenapa?

Aku seringkali bekerja di remote area. Jangankan sinyal internet, sinyal telepon pun kadang harus pintar-pintar mencari spot yang bagus, itupun kalau beruntung. Nyaris tidak ada hiburan. Salah satu yang bisa dilakukan untuk mengusir bosan dan kesepian adalah bercengkrama dengan sesama pekerja atau bahkan orang lokal. Di sini, aku belajar tentang kesederhanaan dan kekeluargaan.

Orang-orang lokal yang dipekerjakan untuk pekerjaan kasar seperti mengangkut batu bara misalnya, membuatku menyadari bahwa aku masih terhitung beruntung dan patut bersyukur. Membuat aku benar-benar menghargai pekerjaan mereka dan pekerjaanku sendiri. Bahwa yang terpenting dari suatu pekerjaan adalah bagaimana sudut pandang kita: apakah kita mau terus-terusan mengeluh atau mau menikmati.

Karena kalau aku mengeluh, malu rasanya melihat ada orang lain yang berusaha mati-matian melakukan kerja apa saja untuk menyambung hidupnya.

Belajar tentang keputusan, keberanian, dan menghargai waktu. Tapi yang paling penting adalah belajar menghargai setiap pekerjaan, kerja keras, dan jerih payah. Aku punya beberapa teman yang menghabiskan waktu kerjanya di tengah laut, di anjungan minyak, atau bahkan di hutan sekalipun. Semuanya wanita dan semuanya kujadikan inspirasiku. Bagaimana mereka menghargai pekerjaannya dan nyaris tidak pernah ada keluhan yang terlontar keluar atau kalaupun ada, mereka memilih untuk tidak memperlihatkannya.

Karena sekali lagi, semua adalah tentang pilihan.

To R & R

Hello, R

You know, disturbance is inevitable, but downfall is optional. You can't expect the storm to stop, but you can expect yourself to be fine. Be a home, be the place everyone belong. Be good, be the most wonderful friend everyone ever stumbled upon --or if you can't, just stay there and be a horizon where everyone would leave their heart. Some places might become lonely and even lonelier, but you'll be tough as I know.
Be strong, that's why I gave you the name Rakata.


Hello, R

Play your role, for everyone who's trying to reach you. They may fall, they may be hurt, but please secure them with your warmth. Don't be cocky, know how to deal with your beauty. Be a friendliest friend, be a paradise in everyone's heart. Some things might be hard and even harder, but you'll be great as usual.
Be tough and splendid, that's why I gave you the name Rinjani.


To R & R,

Do not whine. Later if you have questions, find the answers by your own. I can't help you, so does your father. The only person who can do it is yourself. This is something you have to work out on your own.
But don't be scared, don't think about yourself too often, because you and you are parts of the scenery.



P.S I hope you can stand with the cold.


Warmest hug,

Me,
hours before my morning flight

Picture taken in Muara Wahau, East Borneo