365 // Life Journal: Chapter 3: Because We Have Ourselves in This New Place

Hello bello!

Time flies very fast (for me).

It's been almost a month (next Friday will be exactly a month) since my arrival, and I feel His Presence and Guidance are always with me for real. I can see His amazing Love and Blessing in everything I did so far.

Lots people said that the first month would be the hardest month for people who stay far from home. They would get homesick, cry a lot because of missing their family, friends, everything.

But, I can say I didn't feel it!

Well, so far I didn't get homesick or even cry a lot.

I believe it is because He always embraces me with His Great Love and strengthens me everyday.

Furthermore, I always spend my time to do video calls with family and friends. Although it's just a-couple minutes-call, we share everything and we can know each other's story at least. I didn't feel lonely, anyway. :)

So,

On this chapter, I'd like to share LOTS OF THINGS!

Actually there were tons of events I have attended last week and they were EXTREMELY FUN!

But there were only three special events which was meaningful for me, so let me tell them one by one, shall I?

(N.B.: Please forgive me if the post will be the longest post.)

1. PROEF-EET FESTIVAL (4-6 SEPT 2015)

I can claim this is THE GREATEST FOOD FESTIVAL I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!

Like really, there were about 40+ restaurants, cafes, food and beverages stalls ready to satisfy your tastebuds with their signature dishes across the world!

From the savoury ones to the sweetest yum-yum, once will be never enough!

Took places in the heart of Enschede for three days, although the weather didn't support, people still came, enjoyed, and tried lots of food!

The payment system was quite unique as well.

Instead of using 'real Euro', they used 'Duyt'.

1 Duyt is same as 1.25€ and to get them, you can buy at Cassa that were spreaded in every corner of the venue.

I started up with 5 Duyt, but end up with total of 10 Duyt.

(Yes, I spent 12.5€ FOR FOOD IN A DAY. I'm doomed .-.)

The average price was around 2 - 4 Duyt per portion, for small snacks it costed 1 Duyt at least.

They also offered free sample so if you are not sure about their food, you can try first.

I bought 3 kind of dishes from different food stalls and get 2 free samples. Here they are!

1. "Gemarineerde Spare Ribs" by Steakhouse Billy Bob - 4 Duyt (5€)

Half pork ribs with special signature glaze

2. Free Sandwich Sample by Catering & Zo

Green salsa in a top of whole-wheat baguette

3. "Silver Medalist: Gamba's met Twentse Zaligheid en stokbrood" by Euro Entertainment - 3 Duyt (3.75€)

Grilled Shrimp in Skewers with Tartar Sauce and Baguette

4. Free Smoked Beef Sample

Beef-cornet taste-a-like?

5. Patats by Westfälische Wurstbraterei Glöckle 'Spezialitäten' - 2 Duyt (2.5€)

Fresh homemade french fries with cheese powder, topped with mayonaise

They were ALL GOOD! I could see their hardwork and love for food by tasting these dishes. Yummy and made my stomach full. I was full in peace...

PHOTOBOMBED!;;

cc: Melia

2. WELCOMING AND FAREWELL PARTY BY PPI ENSCHEDE (11 SEPT 2015)

Held in The Globe ITC Hotel, there were about 60 Indonesian students and alumni gathering together for the first event by PPI (Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia) Enschede. We greeted to each other, had fun with the seniors and mates, and also had a great dinner. We had (finally) INDONESIAN DISHES such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Tempe Penjes, Ayam Bumbu Rujak, Kerupuk Udang (Shrimp Crackers), Bikang Ambon feat. Brownies, and Es Kacang Merah & Jelly with Santan. I had a very warm welcome from them and I enjoyed the event so much! :)

3. MELIA'S SURPRISE BIRTHDAY! (12 SEPT 2015)

Last Saturday, one of my friend and housemate Melia finally reached her legal age, so Mutia and I made a plan to surprise her in the early morning. We prepared a small choux cake for her and a gift (shawl, a winter hat, and a special badge) and woke her up at 8. She was very surprised, tho.

In the afternoon after having some activities, some of us (Mutia, Febri, Angel, Mulyo, and I) were headed up to Laila Plus because few days ago Melia said that she really wanted to go there to have lunch. Meanwhile, Aldyth (her bf) asked her to buy something so they didn't follow us (LOL!).

After that, they came up and we surprised her for the second time! xD Well, happy birthday to you, Melia! We wish the best for you during in Enschede, and we hope you have the best moment in the last year of college with us. Although we are all far from home, we won't be lonely because we have ourselves in this new place to take care on. :) Love you much!