Barcelona y Madrid

With lots of places visited and tons of amazing things happened, it would need a dedicated, separated medium to tell all about my Iberian Peninsula journey. Yea, it's still about that. Sorry not sorry, but I just can't get over it yet.

But this one is different.

This needs a special place in my blog.

Because this is what made my Spanish trip, Spanish.

Football.

Yes. Yes. YES!!!

Would I not talk about it?? I'm a lunatic if I don't. This is Spain, for the love of God, the place where football runs in everyone's blood. The site where stars were born, nurtured, and sky-rocketed to the highest rank of football empire. And ultimately, the home of the world's two biggest football giants!

Even if I'm the biggest arch-nemesis of both clubs, I'd still seek for their presence anyway. Spot the people wearing their jerseys, buy any unnecessary tidbits, or come to their official stores—I definitely would! But hey, it's not Vicky Amin if he didn't do it all out. And so, he was not just spotting the people wearing their jerseys, buying any unnecessary tidbits, or coming to their official stores.

He paid pilgrimage to the stadiums.

Freaking both of them.

I didn't even think twice. The second I arrived in Barcelona, letting all the city's atmosphere came rushing inside of me, I bought the tour already.

I just, cannot NOT to. This is Barcelona we're talking about. Just listening to the name reminded me of all the maroon-blue-covered players with their first-class La Liga vibe. Some people even know the football club more than the city itself so... I'd be damned if I leave the city not visiting

Camp Nou.

So it was December 26th, 2018. I left to the stadium so early, because I know I'd need more than 3 hours for this tour. It was cold, but I didn't care. I had to walk a bit from the nearest train stop, but I didn't fvucking care. Because even from the front gate, passing under the majestic signage of the football team, and entering the outer precinct of the stadium which was still like 500m away, I felt like all the struggle was paid off already. It was also still empty. Because opening hours was not yet there. So I had to wait, in cold crisp air, alone, while others were in either couples or groups. But still I didn't care, and just breathed the air as much as I could because hey, that was the air that Lionel Messi usually breathed in!

When finally visitors were allowed to enter the front building, walked through the aerial tunnel connecting the front hall and the main stadium, the air of wonderment came rushing in. Museums of the club's history was the first to welcome me, with tons of amazing stories I never knew much from Barcelona FC before, about how it all began from the grassroot, from commonfolk, and how it became a vessel for the proletariats to shout their voice. Amazing stories which really made me subconsciously in love with the club. Then came the trophies. The wall of fame, the jerseys from time to time, all those elements that made Barcelona FC like it is today. Until finally, of course, came what everyone there came there for.

Now I know that THAT motto has a deep meaning.

The Pitch. The Heart of Camp Nou.

I swear all the hair in my body stood up like spectators celebrating a goal in the stadium, while I walked out of that outer museum edge, through the opening double door into the bright winter light, when wind blew and the colors of blue and maroon filled my eyes. I'm no fan of Barcelona FC but I'm a human. With emotions. And appreciation of something colossal. So I have to claim that, it was one of the most amazing experience I ever felt in my entire life.

It took me more time in this place than the museum, to just stay there by the spectators seats, just sit, watch the greenery blend well with the club's colors above it, enjoy the magnificent historical view with some strangers that were also blown away. I made some small talks with other visitors, shared our common amazement towards the whole stadium, took photos of others and asked others to take photos of me, and it all just add up to the whole package.

I walked out of the stadium thinking that I would not ever felt the same shit towards a football stadium like this, ever again. Because this was Camp Nou, for God's sake, home of the world's biggest football club. Of course the feeling is grand, and no other would ever beat that.

But of course I was wrong.

For whenever we talk about Barcelona FC, we cannot forget the fact that it has its eternal rival that will shadow their every moves whenever they go. And that includes a trip to the stadium.

Yes. Real Madrid FC.

And its home which I also visited,

Santiago Bernabeu.

December 31st, 2018. With a not-so-high expectation, and this motive of "alright I'm in Madrid let's get this over with and visit the HQ of the club because if I don't I'm an idiot" I found my way to the stadium. It was located right in the heart of the city, not somewhat near the outskirt like Camp Nou. The path towards the building was dodgy, because visitors had to climb some sets of outside stairs, all concrete and grey-like, wasn't at all grandeur like its Barcelona counterpart. Got welcomed like this, in such non-dramatic fashion, really, I underestimated it at first. Until I reached the end of the stairs, and got to see the pitch from above.

It was quiet unexpected. I was hoping to arrive at some appetizer part of the stadium, like museums or what not, but here I was, on top of Santiago Bernabeu, with the whole view of the stadium in front of my very own eyes. I must say that I loved this surprise, and I actually spent so much time here in just the very first part of the tour. After this, the route suggested us to explore the top part of the stadium, including its commentators' box, VIP visitors seats, and cameramen corners.

After that, we went down the stairs again to enter the museum. And here, I had my second surprise. No, none of the stars of Real Madrid was there. And no, none of the inside of the museum was outstanding. The collections was more or less similar to Camp Nou. It was how they showcased it though, that took me by surprise. Because it showed how Real Madrid sits on a different level. It showed class, it boosted  pride and sophistication, it screamed "Royal" as their name suggest. Barcelona might be a club that's owned by people, but Real Madrid appears as if the club OWNS people. I always take granted on how people boasted Real Madrid as the richest club in the entire globe until today, when I actually felt how expensive they are as an entity, and how proud they are of that. And the glorious anthem of "Hala Madrid" repeatedly playing throughout the galleries oh God, I swear I never got goosebumps that real!

Museum sections slowly faded, replaced by the actual stadium facilities. Baths, showers, massage rooms, locker rooms with the players' actual stuff hanging around their spots, and, finally, the tunnel. The actual tunnel where them players always run to battlefield. The actual tunnel that led us, players and visitors, to the main section of Santiago Bernabeu.

Losing words.

And my underestimation simply just gone.

Crazy. Crazy how I started the tour with "meh" yet ended it with "fuck". Again, I'm not a fan of this club, yet I felt like one just by visiting its home, and not even seeing them in action nor at least meeting one of the players. I felt so bad for underestimating the whole experience even before it started.

So was it better than Barcelona's Camp Nou?

The answer is, I can't tell.

Barcelona and Real Madrid, along with their headquarters, sit on a different level. Both have prides so high I'm sure real fans wouldn't ever want to even think of getting near the rival's basecamp. But those prides are totally different. One is bound by common struggle, the other is bound by common interest.

Fortunately, I'm neither one of their fans.

Fortunately.

Because having this privilege,

I got the chance, and the guts, to see both their homes.

I got the chance to role play and imagine if I was their fan.

I got the chance to explore them in totally neutral way,

Without having the pressure to answer the question of

"Barcelona or Madrid?"

The Iberian Tales

Once upon a time,

Back in the end of December 2018, there lived an I imbecile boy saying that his "rEsIGnATIoN m4RkeD ThE eND oF 2o!8". Well that stupid guy knew nothing much about his own life, as the milestone didn't really mark the end of that year. No, not even close.

Because little did he know, little DID I know, that the trip following my resignation would turn out to be the yearend's highlight.

I B E R I A   2 0 1 8

Yes, I made it.

Spain, oh mi dios! I've been learning the language for years -though on and off, hot and cold, cheering for its national team for some times, dreaming of visiting its amazing cities, savoring its finger-lickin-good foods, and I finalmente actually freaking made it!

And the timing couldn't be more perfect. A year end trip to celebrate not only the uh, year end, but also to celebrate my freedom after working my ass off and bleeding at the agency for two and a half year straight!

That being said, I had all the time I wish to explore. Fvck those jatah cuti I've been crazy saving and strategically distributing throughout the year, fvck those dreads of getting permissions from my bosses, fvck those guilt for leaving my team to work, FUCK IT ALL HAHA! So yea I kinda lost it.

21 days, for God's sake.

21 fucking days, 3 countries (+2 transit countries), 6 cities (+3 transit cities LOL WTH!?), 10 flights (FUCK I JUST REALIZED HOW OUT OF HAND THIS WAS HAHA), 3 interstate and intercity trains, 1 ferry ride, 7 hotels and AirBnbs, LORD! I must admit that this was a fucking ambitious trip but HEY I DON'T CARE, I'M NOW FREE!

Those facts alone are just enough to make this trip THAT fantastic eh? Well, as ambitious as this trip was, the answer is no -- there were lots more spectacular stuff happened during the trip.

The Itinerary

It began with Barcelona. Gosh, even typing the name makes me feel good. Now can you imagine how I felt to start this amazing trip here? THAT Barcelona, with its beautiful Gaudi things here and there, with its strong Catholic vibes, its ultra-giant-world-class football team, and its intriguing internal problems, oh how I couldn't believe myself throughout my stay. And to be here during Christmas, spending the day inside Sagrada Familia which soon would be the world's largest church, I don't know what else would be the best way to do this...

Then on to Lisbon. Western Europe's other giant. With its classic European beauty, its amazing histories about itself, about its exploration around the world, done by big names I usually just read in text books, then its vibrant seaside life, fish dishes, trams, hillsides, and pastries and on top of all, its OVERALL PORTUGUESE VIBES! Man I've been to Macao three fucking times already, exposed to the claims that they had the authentic Portuguese atmosphere but of course, it was nothing compared to the REAL visit to Portugal. It might only be five days, a rather short time to experience a whole country, but believe me, it was uncanny. I was so attracted to stay longer for the new year celebration, but I couldn't. Because I wouldn't ever miss the party in

Madrid. My next stop, and probably the one that left the biggest impression for the first leg of my trip. Because why, it's the capital. Okay Lisbon is too, but Spain is the bigger country. And so Madrid had it all. From history with its amazing buildings, squares, and old Toledo charms, to nature with its parks and hilltop views, then the city life, the night life, the sporting life with Spain's other gigantic football club, and finally the new year celebration that wrapped it all, WHOA! Someone please stop me otherwise I'll literally write second-by-second details of my visit to Madrid...

Okay the NY celebration was actually my last gig in Madrid -which details I'd tell later down below. Exactly the next day, first day of 2019, I moved to Cordoba, entering the second half of my Iberian Trip which would now be less Christian and more... Moslem. Seriously, I never thought I'd discover such strong Islamic vibe in the country so strong of Catholic that is Spain. Cordoba changed my whole perspective of the country, and during my stays there, I must admit that I felt like I wasn't in Spain at all. It was like a whole new world. Peaceful yet striking at some points. Serene yet keeping a very dark, breathtaking stories under its historical sleeve.

Just when I thought I was totally blown away by Cordoba, Seville resumed its sister city. This was yet another sweet Islamic surprise I really didn't anticipate at all prior my departure for Barcelona. Palm trees, sunshine, Arabic-like palaces complete with Islamic histories, all blended way too perfectly with typical European promenades and efficiency! And oh please don't get me started on the foods because I must say that this round was one of the best compared to the other cities!

Finally, it all ended in Marrakech. The real taste of an Arab world, with no more Spanish touch and European safety, because now I was in Africa. AFRICA, FOR WHOEVER'S GOD'S SAKES! This one turned out to be very emotional because, not only it marked the last stop of my trip -not so last, because after this I'd have to return to Seville only to catch the flight back to Barcelona, because that's where I'd fly back to Abu Dhabi AND NOW YOU KNOW WHY I HAD THE SUM OF 10 FLIGHTS IN THIS TRIP EH? :)- and not only because this was the fifth and final continent I had ever landed on, but also because the whole stay in Marrakech was so full of surprises that every corner seemed to be so freaking amazing! The souks, the tajines, the teas, the desert vibes and striking sunlight despite its winter wind, the modern sides I thought I'd never spot in an African country, the international tourists crawling about the place I thought would be dodgy, OH GOD STOP ME!

The Tours

Lol no, it's not that tour bureau where I was escorted here and there by a guide for my whole trip.  I will never want to engage with those. So by this "Tour" I meant, the additional tour I joined in almost all cities I visited! Mainly, the walking tours.

The free walking tour -that most large European cities usually have- led by real locals, yes, that kind of tour. I did that in Barcelona, in Lisbon, Madrid, and Seville, let myself soak deeper to each respective amazing back stories, got exposed to places most typical tourist would miss. Uniquely, those tours were run by the same operator called Sandemans -whom also ran the one in Paris, which I also joined last year- and they had this amazing deal where I could get a free tour if I collected stamps from doing the free walking tour in at least... four cities! What are the odds, eh!?

So four stamps I got, from those four cities, which I redeemed with this amazing food tour in Seville which is believed to be the origin city where most Spanish culture flourished. And speaking of Seville as Spain's cultural city, I also did the bullfighting stadium tour which was a bit random, but yea full of cultural stories! I didn't get to see the real match though, which I'd say no to anyway if I actually could because, well, I'm a bit against this animal cruelty thing... but anyways!

That wasn't it. Additionally in Barcelona and Madrid, I did some other tours. Not about traveling this time, nor historical not culinary either. It's of course, the sports tour. Yes, say no more, I did the stadium tour in both cities. Because hell yea it's the homes of the world's two LARGEST football club ever! Even if I am not the fan of the club, which no I am not, OR, even if I am the fan of the clubs' arch nemesis, STILL I'D GO! I must say that I had to pay quiet a lot for these experiences, but really, it was all worth it! But you know what, I guess I'd just spare it for now. I'm going to write a dedicated post about these amazing tours so, let's get back to the trip!

The Celebrations

One sole trip, passing through both Christmas and NYE, well, could anything go wrong in this amazing timing? The real-time Christmas celebration took place when I was in Barcelona. Spent the whole evening getting myself swayed by street-choir performances, and half the Christmas day at Sagrada Familia, and then for the rest of the trip -save Marrakech, of course- Christmas vibes and trees and bells and lightings lingered all along here and there and everywhere!

Then came the New Year's celebration. I was in Madrid during this time. Madrid. En la Puerta del Sol. One of those places the media always cover every year for its iconic New Year celebration, aside New York's Fifth Avenue and Sydney's Opera House and Taipei's Taipei 101. Yes I was there, along with thousands other people, mostly, thankfully, were locals. Starting from 9PM the access to the square got filtered with security -of course!- so I got stuck for almost 2 hours just standing in the middle of the alleys, waiting for the gates to open and for those people in front of me flowed in.

9PM, I made it to the square. It was so cold but everyone seemed to be very excited, so I got worked up too! Those locals were ready with their 12 grapes, which based on their tradition should be eaten one by one along with the twelve-ring of bells jingling at midnight. And yes, I had mine too! I was aware about this tradition and so I bought my own grapes just before going to Sol.

12PM. Bells rang, and people started eating their grapes. It was really amazing that, at other places, people would go crazy on the first bell but here, it was so dead quiet for 12 seconds, people busy focusing to sync eating one grape at one ring. 12th bell rang and there it was, the craze of a new year hype, with people cheering, trumpets blowing and of course, fireworks cracking -- one of the most beautiful I ever seen so far.

Wanna hear something amazing? Spain has two time zones: GMT+1 for the main peninsula areas and some other major cities, and GMT+2 for the Canary Island. Being a good capital as it is, Madrid ALWAYS celebrates both time zones and so, one hour after midnight, which I was still amazingly there at the Sol, the clock rang its 12 bells again, people started eating their grapes again, and new year finally came to the region of Canary Island. And it's crazy that the fireworks happened too! Afterwards, music came and the whole square turned to be a city-wide dance floor. Gosh, I don't know if I'd ever experience such thing (again) somewhere else!

The People

Well, this is probably what made my trip reached its pinnacle of being such a wonderful journey. From the very first second of my departure to the very end, I encountered so MANY amazing people from all walks of life! Some relationships with them only lasted for as long as our conversations went, while some others stayed even until I returned home.

The biggest portion came from the tours. Of course. Each of the walking tours consisted of a very big group, maybe 30 people tops. It was just so nice to have a small talk with them, exchange itineraries, encourage each other to visit each other's countries, and so on and so on! Some of them I met twice, I remembered it was an American family of three, which father was the active Teacher's Pet of the group -he always asked question, answered trivias sent by the guides, made jokes, you know, that typical alpha dad, the mother was as active, and their daughter was so so. We first met in Lisbon, then parted ways then apparently took the same tour in Seville!

But the most intimate one was the food tour in Seville -the free one I told you about. It was originally a paid tour, so only a few people joined. There were I think only 5 of us, and it was such a pleasant evening going around from one restaurant to another to try Spain's less popular food and tapas, and getting to know each other even better because there were not so many distractions!

I also had a chance to meet some Couchsurfers, which I made real friendship with, both in Spain and in Morocco. One of which asked me out for a nightclub in Madrid, an opportunity I would NEVER MISS for anything! It started really humble, only me and that guy from London, and then apparently there were others too, some Spanish girls and a Georgian girl -not American Georgia, please take note, and a Croatian guy. We then moved to a bigger club with better music, and the gang got bigger too, with an additional Croatian guy, some Germans and Frenches, even a Taiwanese!

We danced and danced and drank and drank, talked and talked and showed off our moves. I was so secretly filled with joy because, hey, three hours ago I didn't even know these people exist in this world, and now I was standing in a line to one of Madrid's hottest nightclub, talking with a Croatian guy about our shared love towards Taekwondo and letting myself be convinced to visit his country for the famous setting of Game of Thrones! It was so hard to leave them, and they seemed bummed when I said I had to leave, but it was almost 5 already, and I had a stadium tour to do in like 5 hours, so yea, I had to let go of my Nighttime Madrid Dreams.

See?

It was really, REALLY, that good.

More than worthy to be the best trip ever.

Oh how I'm getting tired to claim the trip I just finished as "tHE bE5t Tr!P eVeRr" but seriously, what else can I say? It's always becoming the best trip ever. No matter how dull some parts be, that my previous trips could be considered as a better trip, since I just finished this one then it is simply the best trip ever.

But I don't think there were flaws on this one.

21 days, 3 countries, 6 cities, endless amazingness.

I swear I never did this before, and will I ever have the chance to do this kind of trip again in the future, one never know.

I was totally right when I said that the trip following my resignation, would turn out to be the yearend's highlight. And apparently an amazing opening to a new year as well.

So let's just leave it here.

This Iberian Tale of mine,

Ended oh so well inside out.

That the boy lived the journey

Lived happily ever after

Gracias, Dos Mil Dieciocho

2018 was "Year of Preparation"

Well at least that's what I said when I welcomed the year.

Initially it was about preparing to living abroad. Preparing for masters degree, preparing for working somewhere outside Indonesia, preparing for THAT!

But then as you know, life usually has its own, preparation.
So instead of preparing for those dreams I've been dreaming for,
I ended up preparing for something else this whole year.

Which apparently, was

Preparing for Greater Goods

As it turns out the term was beyond just around traveling context, or career context, or of course way so far from academic context—it's about all of those, in one.

Let's take a short, one year ride back to the beginning of 2018.

It began oh so pleasantly. In January I just finished my trip to France. My first ever European trip, which I couldn't really successfully move on from. Too grande, too beautiful, and I gotta admit that this trip, along with the fact that I was on the brink of getting tired of my work, made me think that this year would yet be another one dedicated for traveling. And oh was I so true about that!

Throughout the year, after France, I did six fucking more trips! SIX, for God's sake! I didn't even know how I could cope with that! Financially, bureaucracy-wise -giving the fact that my EX-company only grant me one annual leave per month, and more than that would mean that I got my salary cut- not only about the policy, but about getting the permission for my boss, because, HELL, what I do at work, it's a team work so the more I traveled the more I ruined the pace. But then again, I underwent all six trips nicely, with not much drama -as far as I know... So yea all those trips, I guess it helped me prepare myself to be oh so much better in the world of traveling. And negotiating, and compromising, and hard working, GOSH, a lot, really!

Like my trips to Bali. Oh yeah, I did twice of them this year. One during the religious day of silence, and the other one is for a friend's friend's wedding. See those motives, really uncanny, eh? People who don't travel a lot see me as a very avid traveler, that I now am on the stage that I go to Bali no longer for holiday purposes, but for something, greater!

Then my trip to Korea, who seemed to be normal, actually, but giving the fact that it happened two months from Bali, and a fucking three weeks after Macao, damn, my colleagues start questioning me if I was overpaid -which pissed me off, actually, because it wasn't for my salary cuz I had one of the suckiest paycheck on the company so it totally thanks to my saving skill in which I didn't go out and hangout and buy food and snacks as much as they did, GOSH, I feel like I wanted to slap them for saying that.

So yeah, back to my trip to Korea. It was my annual trip, actually, so like any other annual trips I ever done, I haven't been there. But it turned out to be so amazing, so socially and personally powerful that my five-month streak of can't-seem-to-move-on from France suddenly vanished! I did stuff people don't usually do when in Korea, made friends out of my solitary holiday, and it was always been fun to see how people would react the way I travel.

The same thing applied to my trip to Japan, too. Which happened five months after Korea, and only a month after my second Bali. At this stage I really didn't care about how my friends would react anymore, because I think I was already hinting of leaving the company anyway. I didn't care about how many days of leave I needed to request, how much works I needed to abandon, FUCK, I didn't care anymore! And it turned out to be one of the most refreshing escape I ever done. And on top of that, this trip to Japan was to fulfill my thirst of F1 -yet another fucking uncanny reason to visit Japan I bet not a single Indonesian had ever thought about it before, and to have this amazing social visit here and there -which I'm pretty sure NO ONE could ever equal the way I treated Tokyo as if it was my hometown.

And here's one more trip I didn't know would leave a mark on me. I didn't even see it coming: Macao. Not as a traveler, but as an influencer. Gosh, those days of being treated as royals... I just discovered how life as influencers were totally amazing. At first I thought this could be the life I wanted. I've been working so hard building my travel writing career, and being a travel influencer could be the peak of all, and all this shit of "preparation" blah can switch from preparing what I've always tried to prepare, to preparing myself in becoming an influencer. Turns out, it was a silly consideration. The trip opened my mind about how, -should I use that word?- well, unsuitable a life as an influencer to me. The trip eventually prepared myself to become a more, let's say, pure, unfake, and smart traveler I knew I would always enjoy being.

And that, leads us to other things I achieved this year. My fifth book, the one with Australia. It was out this September. Followed by my FIRST EVER DestinAsian article, on October, right before I flew to Japan—see? All this year was all mostly about traveling! And these works specifically, they helped me prepare to be the more ambitious travel writer I've always dreamed of becoming.

But hey, that didn't mean that I ditch work at all. To my surprise, I actually did well on my advertising side. My ideation skill got honed, my presenting skill got loosened, some of my thoughts and ideas were actually come to life that really helped building my portfolio, I got more chances to work with the company's high-ups and with clients, I won pitches, but as the cherry on top of everything, it was when I made it through to Young Spikes finals. It's the fucking major proof that I'm a worthy adman, and it helped me preparing myself to be a better one.

But again, as I mentioned before, it was money that had me thinking twice to stay. My urge to learn and do more of ideation and advertising grew oh so big, and hell yeah Ogilvy could provide me even more. But I got to be realistic, so out was I of Ogilvy—a decision so big and so brave, but I know it's a part to prepare that GREATER GOODS for me so, yeah...

The resignation marked the end of my 2018 journey.

I quitted the company with no fixed plan of what to do, and which company would take me, after this. I just wanted to show the world that I had all the courage to do whatever I thought I was afraid of, and to show that my preparation had been completed that I'm now ready to embark something greater.

So here I am in Madrid, in the middle of my 21-day-long Spain-Africa journey which is the longest I ever done, waiting for the clock to strike twelve and 2018 turns to 2019, unemployed yet celebrating my bravery to move on.

But before that,

Muchas gracias, 2018.I really enjoyed this year!

Whoa.

I've never ranted this much about my achievements.
But I'm sorry I can't help but being so proud of myself.
Because I've done such great preparations all year long.
And I know next year, something big is coming along.

Guess it's time for some
Redemptions?

End of Group B: Fvck

Sorry.

I just don't know what other word to say.
Because that's what I kept saying during the games.

End of Group B

POR vs IRN | ESP vs MOR

Pic's from here and here.

You know when it's the last match day of a group stage, both games between four contenders are aired at the same time. It's meant to keep all teams from losing their will to fight, but to me, it means the drama gets doubled. And of course to feel that, I have to watch both. So enter the week where I turn on two screens at a time. Yes, I'm that freaky.

So, Group B. It's been a hell of a journey for all of them, eh? Two giants, one Asian star, and one underdog whom apparently powerful despite having no luck in winning the first two matches. The last match day of this group saw an opportunity still opened for both the European giants, and Iran. And that's why this ending would become really dramatic.

And it was a real SPOT-ON decision.
Despite the twice-more screening-hassle.

Honestly, I wanted Iran to proceed. Be it with Portugal or Spain, I don't care. I hate both so it's no use to pick who I'd like to fail anyway. And my fellow Asians did play good, too! They got robbed first by the end of first half -I’m so mad but it was a good goal by Quaresma so... yea- but that’s all! Overall they did good defense that Portugal made no other goal, good attack too that Portugal found it difficult to finish as the winner.

Then the craziest thing happened at the second half. Ronaldo, as usual, pulled his “OMG I’m fouled” trick -this is what I really hate from him. He is a good player, really, but I just can’t stand his drama. Between him and Messi, whom I hate too by the way, I prefer the latter because he’s damn clean! The referee decided to review it on VAR, and congrats Portugal, it was a penalty. Of course Ronaldo took the chance. He hit the ball, and... NO GOAL OMG FUCK I SCREAMED SO LOUD REALIZING THAT THE BITCH’S DIRTY GAME FAILED ALLAH KNEW BETTER WHO TO HELP! An Iranian GK, named Ali Beiranvand, whom apparently a runaway kid from Tehran, blocked a freaking PENALTY KICK FROM THAT RENOWNED CRISTIANO RONALDO! Swallow your pride, star, you’re a Messi—you remember the opening match of Argentina against Iceland right??? It felt the same, ONLY MILLION TIMES BETTER BECAUSE THE STAKES WERE HIGHER! Phew, okay let’s move on... to the other match.

The phenomenal block! I swear I never screamed so loud before. Pic's from here.

Morocco, surprisingly, played freaking awesome too. Well, not surprisingly, because it was quiet obvious from the beginning. They were only unfortunate by conceding an OG when against Iran, and lost against Portugal -which score was only 1-0 anyway, so it was still really good! Facing Spain, they were like beasts, and they scored the first goal! And guess what made this feel even better? Because it happened thanks to Ramos’ error. It was the first, it was nicely executed, and it was taken from Ramos feet and scored in front of his face! SUCK IT YOU FOOL!

The moment I believed Ramos began to get the karma he deserved. Pic's from here.

It wasn’t long until Spain made a comeback. Moroccan meddled defense was taken advantage by Isco, and there’s the goal for Spain. HOWEVER, Morocco made another comeback! Oh God, why did they just show their power when they were already unqualified??? After a series of attacks, they scored one more goal through En-Nesyri’s header and BOOM, gone are Spain’s hopes.

But you know I wouldn’t highlight these matches if it just ended like that right?

With this situation, Portugal and Spain would go through because they originally just needed a draw. But entering stoppage time, Iran were rewarded a penalty due to Portugal’s handball. Fuck. I didn’t see this coming man, IT WAS STOPPAGE TIME FOR GOD’S SAKE! Some guy named Karim Ansarivard took the chance, looking so nervous, AND I WAS TOO OH GOD THEY’RE MY FELLOW ASIANS AND MUSLIMS! It was really a knee-shaking experience, because the odds were obviously against Iran but PRAISE ALLAH ALMIGHTY THE PENALTY WAS CONVERTED! Iran was now the group’s runner up, sharing the same points with Spain but less conceded goals!

An unexpected comeback from Iran. I swear I never once felt so enjoyed
watching a match full of penalties before. Pic's from here.

HOWEVER.

As Iran were preparing for the penalty, Spain -I don’t know what kind of a lucky charm had Ramos been using for the team- made another goal through Iago Aspas... HOWEVER, as the Spaniards were celebrating, the linesman was apparently raising his flag—yes, baby, IT WAS A FREAKING OFFIDE! Oh my God I swear my heart just popped out of my ass and now it’s back. Iran just scored their penalty I couldn’t imagine unimagining them on the next—HOWEVER!!! YES ITS STILL ON NOW YOU UNDERSTAND WHY I FIND THESE GAMES CRAZY RIGHT?! Spain couldn’t just accept it they convinced the referee to review the VAR and so he did, and... oh God I swear it was only two seconds but it felt forever.

The goal was given.

And that’s how I lost my faith in rooting too much for a team. Within seconds, Iran’s chance was gone... Oh, Allah. Seriously, why? They would proceed if Spain's goal remained declined. Their successful penalty and the decision of Spain's goal happening on the very same time, just because both relying on VAR, IT WAS CRAZY TREMBLING! But frankly, it really was entertaining. Not a fan of the result, especially looking at those Iranian players in tears oh God sometimes I hate watching football because of this... but again, it's the match that matters. The whole games were unbelievably unexpected!

And this was just the second group.
There are other big teams on other groups,
Waiting to show some fvcking good dramas.

FVCK, I CANT WAIT!

Match Four: Equally Strong

It's only the tournament's second day.

And the fourth match of World Cup 2018.

But a big battle already took place in Russia.

Portugal vs Spain

Group B

Two men that stole my attention that night. Pic's from here.

While others are debating over who will win this match, I'm arguing with myself over who should lose instead. Yea, it's the battle of personal emotion to me. Because it's between Portugal, the nation whose main hero is my all-time loathed guy, and Spain, the team whose captain played really dirty against Liverpool's dearest treasure in this year's crucial Champions League final.

However.

I'm trying to be professional here. All emotions aside, I think it was a game well done. Especially on Portugal's end. Or should I say, Cristiano Ronaldo's end? Because darn, it's quiet obvious that the team is still putting all the responsibilities on his shoulder only. It's good that he was on fire that night. Can you imagine if he wasn't? If Portugal's constant god of un-luck came around to shower his misfortune over the team? Not only will Portugal lose to Diego Costa's dominance, but the blame will be on Ronaldo. It's a pretty risky situation for the guy, actually. He wins, he wins it all, he loses, he loses it all. Nothing in between.

And I guess it's pretty unfair. Portugal needs to learn to survive without the icon. It's his fourth World Cup, for God's sakes, and if they're lucky enough, he'll still be around for Qatar but I think that's all. No more for 2026. Portugal has to find a way.

Now about Spain. Well, I don't have much to say for them. I think they're not in their best shape. Because to only get a tie with 10 men against one Cristiano Ronaldo? They could've done better. But they can't be blamed. They just had a shocking coach replacement only two days before the kick-off, so... it's quiet clear that the adaptation played a major role to the team's performance. Plus, at the end of the day, it's statistic speaking. 3-3 only meant that both teams are on the same level.

Also, I didn't quiet mind for Ronaldo taking the highlight and praises after the match. Because he was that good -and I'm tired of hating him, duh, 2010, 2014, I should grow up. As a matter of fact, it's quiet nice to see Sergio Ramos being pissed. My hatred towards him is still fresh that even though eight years ago I was one of his supporters, this year I desire to see him in grief -and if God allows, it'll be by Mo Salah.

Well it's proven.

My hatred for Ronaldo,

And for Sergio Ramos now,

Is equally strong

¿Listo Para...?

These past two weeks, to me,

Had been so, how do I say it, oh!

Artsy.

Why I don't know. Maybe because last week I went to see Stomp. For free -sorry I can't stop bragging about this miracle. Then yesterday, I got to see some other dancing performance. This time it was even bigger. Even more elegant, swag-less and felt more artistic. To make it more dramatic, it was held in Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

A flamenco from Spain.

If it wasn't that, I might not be interested to come.

Apparently I've been a fan of this dance even before I knew that the performance is called "flamenco". Well I must thank Tom and Jerry's episode "Mucho Mouse" for that. The very first time I was exposed to the adorable clapping hands dance. I can't recall how old I was back then, but I'm pretty sure I was young enough as I used to dance along as a dancing matador with my brother being the bull. Many times.

Then four years ago. World Cup 2010. I bet you won't ever forget how phenomenal song "Wavin Flag" was. Crazy remarkable and I must say, along with "Waka Waka", World Cup 2010's theme songs were all better than -it's so hard to say this- 2014 Pitbull's "We Are One". It was adapted into many other languages including Arabian, French, Indonesian -pft, Grecian, many many more and of course, Spanish. Sung by David Bisbal, he did a very little flamenco claps for the clip. Very little, but really inspirational. I still even see the clip until today.

So would I miss the show?

Of course not!

Just me trying to imitate what I just watched

I enjoyed every single bit of the dancer's movement. Every single bit. I enjoyed the tunes, the drum beats, the oh-so Espanol guitar plays, man! Who would've thought I could actually see the real flamenco performed by the professional dancer!

And it was, that, damn, inspirational. Not that I want to start practicing flamenco lol no -although yea, I really find the clapping part of the dance extremely fancy and arrogant in a good way damn I want to try doing that everyday. It was inspirational because, it makes me wanna know more about Spain. I adore the language. In fact, I'm learning it right now. And I wanna adore more about it.

Well it's not only that.

It was also inspirational because,

It makes me wanna do something off my habit.

Watching shows like that, is really not my thing. This also became the major reason why I missed the real Broadway shows along my stay in New York. Well yea, because I didn't have that much interest. Yet.

But after Stomp, and especially after Flamenco, I just realized that I actually have a thing in this. Well I'm pretty sure I won't fall for every single kind of shows but, at least now I know I can stand sitting in front of a stage, shutting up for one or two hours and enjoying a show.

"One of my friends, a New Zealander, went along to GKJ. Once she got into the inside building she was practically amazed by the interior. Then she said something that lingered really good in me. This is so un-Jakarta.

What she meant was the building. But what I interpreted,

Was the habit of me watching a live show like that."

It's so not me, really.

Yet I enjoyed both shows.

Maybe I'm ready.

World Cup 2014 First Half

The 20th World Cup's group stage had over.

It's only one hour left to the next round's kick off.

The knock out round.

So far the cup has served very entertaining games. So many hell-based groups, underdog teams gone wild, big ones returned home, many surprising stuff happened only on the first round of the tournament. You guys of course knew everything about what happened in Brazil, but then I just don't want to forget the moment so I'm gonna recall anyway. I have summarized some of surprising moments happened in this World Cup that according to me personally, were mind-blowing. And here they are.

1. Spain was the first going home

The defending champion, the last one standing on the previous cup, the last one going home from South Africa, had to be declared as the FIRST TEAM eliminated from Brazil. Even before Cameroon and Australia -whom to me, gave more fight than Spain did. I knew this would eventually happened to Spain, they're just too overwhelmed. But still, lol, I never expect them to be the very first one leaving.

2. Costa Rica survived one of the hells

This was totally unexpected. People kept saying that Group D was hell. For three of the previous champions, to one another. Leaving Costa Rica as the underdog, shouldn't be given shit about. But then everything's flipped. Group D was literally hell, but the hell itself was Costa Rica. Who won two matches and one draw. Being the champ of the group, giving dusts to the remaining three. I seriously can't wait for what happen next.

3. Ghana tied Germany, USA tied Portugal

No doubt, the second set of Group G matches were the best games. I mean, Ghana who lost to USA, could have a draw match against Germany and USA who eventually lost against Germany, could have a draw match against Portugal. To make it better, their draw matches were not such no-goal matches. Both ended 2 against 2, with very dramatic scenes and stuff!

4. Algeria qualified to the next round

Out of all the underdogs succeeding to enter the round of 16, I might say that Algeria's the one people had been taken granted of. They're like, the underdog's underdog. And this is literally their first time ever, entering the knock out round of the World Cup. Oh Allah they're so becoming my fave team, seriously. But next one will be against Germany. I'll give some money for charity if Algeria can beat them :)

5. What else but... Luis Suarez

I was surprised about the biting incident. I was surprised about how actually foolish he was, acting all plain dumb like Chiellini would say nor complain nothing. I was surprised that the punishment given to him, the ban of total 4 months of all football-related activity, plus 9 international matches, was the biggest and the harshest FIFA had ever granted so far. But what I was surprised the most was, the fact that I'm not the only one, even not the only Liverpudlian, that hate Luis Suarez's overall attitude.

http://grantland.com/features/world-cup-questions-knockout-messi-neymar-suarez/

Skill-wise, he's definitely one extraordinary football player ever born. But behavior-wise, he's below scum. I never liked how dirty he always plays. Even if it gives benefit for Liverpool. He's just plain filthy. And I was more than happy to see him punished that hard. He. Just. Deserves. It. And I. Hate. Him.

And Back to his game versus England, it was actually hurting. Because Suarez was in there, stripping his fellow Liverpool's honors, scoring both goals, and on top of that, what pissed me off the most, he came to Captain Gerrard and cheered him up like there was nothing happened. I mean, what the hell??  If only somebody else scored the goals, what he did was really respecting. But he was the one crushing them!! That act was seriously offensive to me. So now following his punishment, I personally would love to say "EAT THAT BAN!"

Okay that last one was purely personal.
I'm a little bit too carried away about him.

So I guess I'm done now. Brazil vs Chile next.

Bem-vindo, segunda rodada

Despedida, Matey!

So the World Cup is finishing its group stage.

We knew several teams were kicked out early. But last night was like the official-est time for those losing teams to say goodbye to Brazil.

To be honest, I never felt this much entertained only by watching the very first round of the cup. There were too many un-favorited squads, turned out to be crazy good. On the other hand there were also top teams who umm, ended up unsatisfying.

As for those teams I cherished, I'm going to craft posts as my sign of dedication and salutation to your entertaining games. Also being my farewell to you, and your other group-mate.

This one, is for

Australia & Spain

Group B

Last (night's) game. Pic's from here.

Australia was the one I had my hats off. They've been playing good, actually. Especially against the Dutch. Their quick revenge goal and their first ever leading moment when they were one goal ahead from Netherlands, it showed much about their true ability. It's just, the last two goals made by Persie and the other guy -I forgot, caused too much pain in their asses.

While Spain, yaaaaa, I never planned to go for them since the beginning anyway. I knew they'd make mistakes. The same squad with World Cup 2010, the over-amount of stars, it was just... Too much. Get a grip, ex-champ, you held too much pride and arrogance. Time to start over.

Nice games. Both of you.

Really entertaining, Australia.

And enough being on top, Spain.

I'll see you guys in four years from now

With more of my smart-ass critics and stuff.

G'day, Amigo!

A Star Is Born

Glad to see you guys celebrating like crazy

Glad to hear that you guys finally made a new history

Glad to know that your first final was great

Glad to support you on this World Cup

Vamos, La Furia Roja!

all images belong to www.zimbio.com