My Master's Journey in Germany

So I haven't talked much about my master's thesis that has taken me approx. 7,5 months to finish. It was quite overdue, due to several shortcomings happened along the way. Well, might say it was probably normal compared to my bachelor's research which took 10 months to complete (but it turns out to be my first publication, thanks Ibu Endah :')). I think if I were asked what would be the most important thing in taking higher education, I wouldn't say it's a hard work that play a major role but I'd rather say it's a persistence that keeps me going.

Let's put aside any motivational phrases here, for we want to be more realistic. We all live in different circumstances in which no one knows what will happen. So generalizing that everyone will experience the same things would be invalid (and putting Instagram-worthy phrases will be then, lame). That's why I said the most important thing is to be persistent. Persistent to achieve the goals you've set before in whatever condition. That's it.

Since I'm majoring in resource management, my master's thesis was more about (drum rolls) economic analysis. For someone whose previous educational background is focused on natural science, I found myself quite inferior in the field. Yes, I have several professional experiences in resource management, but it couldn't stop me from feeling dumb if I had to argue with my team (supervisor and colleagues) - most of whom had resource economics background.

The fact that I had to take one extra semester to compensate my 6-months leave that I took to do my internship last year, has become a little pressure. Apparently, taking the remaining courses, doing the master's thesis, and going through a process for a job position at the same time was more challenging than ever. Not to exclude a personal-emotional matter happened some time ago. But again I'd say it's persistence that keeps me progressing, even at slower pace, at some points.

I can still recall my first weeks being a master's student, having an "after-class session" at Schneiders, fixing my poor German, and drooling over Indonesian foods I missed the most. I can still recall the day I left Bayern to do my six-months internship in Nordrhein-Westfalen. I can still recall the day I got a bouquet from my team in Essen on my last day with tears flowing on my cheeks, because I am forever in their debt. And I can still recall the days I had to begin my research project with a broken feeling.

Long story short, it was a tiring, remarkable journey. I will definitely devote this to those being my support system during these ups and downs. The time I can finally feel that distance doesn't matter, if the people you love are just one call away. Also the best people I found here in Germany that I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I once said that resigning from my previous job in Indonesia and pursuing one of my life goals outside my country is one of the best decisions that I will never regret in my life, regardless of twists and turns. The knowledge, the precious experiences, the pride, the bitterness that I will pass on to no one but my children. 

I would definitely say yes to anyone asking for my opinion whether or not they have to go. Of course, at their own risk. Of course, without exaggerating that living/studying/working abroad will be always lovely. 

Because in the end,

It was all worth it.

Because the dream is finally yours.

Love,


F

A Colorful Monochrome: Greetings from Düsseldorf

This morning, I was strolling around the downtown of Düsseldorf to find an interesting thing or two. One year ago, this city was a stranger when I first came, not more than a boring monochrome trying to catch my attention. I was too busy, probably.

A year later, I found the city by the river stole my heart in a second chance.

It's colorful, it's pretty.

It's saying, 

"Welcome back, gorgeous."

I checked my phone and replied an unanswered text: "I love you too, I'm finally here again."

Greetings from Düsseldorf,

F.

Partnachklamm (Garmisch - Partenkirchen)

My last trip to Partnachklamm. Should I put some life quotes here? Or any instagram-worthy phrases maybe?

Sedikit Tentang North Rhine-Westphalia

Sedikit cerita tentang enam bulan lamanya menetap di barat laut Jerman

Musim Panas, Warna, dan Cinta

Di musim dingin, orang-orang berjalan terlalu cepat, entah apa yang dikejar. Mungkin kedinginan

Di musim dingin, langit selalu abu-abu, semua memutih, semua diam

Di musim dingin, bahkan seringkali aku tidak bisa merasakan tanganku sendiri

Di musim dingin, aku rindu matahari, aku rindu rumahku yang penuh matahari

Di musim panas, semua berwarna

Seperti buku mewarnai yang tadinya kosong, satu persatu semesta mewarnainya dengan gembira

Keringatku yang menunggu untuk keluar selama delapan bulan terakhir, akhirnya menemukan salurannya

Di sana berwarna, di sana ada cinta

Salam dari Niederbayern,

F

Berlin

Berlin might be my least favorite city; it's crowded, busy, not-so-friendly, a typical big city you don't want to live in. But Berlin, one of the most historical cities in Europe has something to bring me back, someday.

Being destroyed back in early 1900 and led by capitalism and communism, Germany suffered from its gloomiest era in history, there's no sign that this country would be one of the strongest countries in the future. I found myself walking down the gap between the greyish blocks in the Holocaust-Mahnmal; the memorial of the murdered Jews. Confusing, desolating, and distressing at the same time, but that's the point. Our tour guide said it was the feeling the designer would like to build, the feeling of loss. 

The Berlin Wall, the sign of separation between the east and the west has been a symbol of disconnection for a long time. Imagine you're separated from your loved ones without knowing when or how you're gonna meet again, we all know how it feels.

The Brandenburger Gate, the Adlon Hotel, and the bunker where Hitler killed himself are parts of their history, the scars that have yet to heal. It's interesting to know that I grew up with Berlin, since the German reunification in 1990 and the fall of Berlin Wall. The country is going strong, Berlin has grown up since then. The city with its skyscrapers, headquarters, edgy arts, musics and movies makes it the sexiest city that every young head wants to live in, but without a doubt that Berlin would ever forget its root and history.

That's what I've learned; living away from home for more than half a year has made myself less judgmental. You know, I came from the society where judging people is common and acceptable. Right and wrong are based on what people see and hear, a conclusion comes without confirmation, no space for explanation.

Berlin with its cosmopolitan appearance might be wrong for some people, but take a closer look then you'll find out that Berlin is actually trying to get rid of their dark times though it still can't shake off the old.

And so it changed, while others never tried at all.

Double Exposure

"Ada hal-hal yang lebih indah dilihat jika digabungkan dalam satu bingkai, abstrak, tapi lebih ada rasa."

Olympiapark, Munich & Zurich Lake, Zurich 2014

Florian Cafe, Venice & Voettinger Strasse, Freising 2014

Central Zurich, Zurich & Olympiapark, Munich 2014

Bodensee, Konstanz & Zurichsee, Zurich 2014

Sendlinger Tor, Munich 2014.

 The window's view from my apartment when it was raining and sunny.

Starnberg See

Saya gampang sekali jatuh cinta, sayangnya (atau untungnya) bukan pada sesama manusia. Saya gampang jatuh cinta pada tempat-tempat yang yang bisa membuat saya tersenyum tanpa alasan yang pasti. Tidak harus yang paling indah, tapi cukup bisa membuat saya ingin selalu membicarakannya berkali-kali dan kembali lagi.

Satu setengah bulan sudah saya tinggal di selatan Jerman. Tinggal di kota yang masuk jajaran 10 kota termahal di dunia, tinggal di sebuah kota dimana lebih mudah dan cepat bagi warganya untuk pergi ke Austria atau Swiss dibanding pergi ke ibukota negara sendiri, Berlin. Kepadatan kuliah, tugas, dan proyek membuat saya belum sempat ke luar dari negara bagian Bayern ini. Lagipula, saya toh masih akan lama menetap di sini, jadi saya pikir tak usah terburu-buru mencicipi setiap penjuru Benua Biru ini. Saya memulai piknik saya ke Starnberg See ketika saat itu, cuaca Munich masih bersahabat. Bersahabat untuk ukuran saya adalah ketika saya masih bisa membuka coat di luar ruangan dan tidak harus memakai boots. Starnberg See (See dalam Bahasa Jerman berarti Danau) adalah salah satu danau terbesar di Jerman. 

Dan cuaca baik di Eropa memang baiknya dirayakan dengan satu scoop gelato.

Love,

F.