Life Style

I t was already evening when I sat on the porch of my parents' house in my hometown. The air still retained the warmth after a day of exposure to hot sun, but there was relief from cooling breezes in the evening.The house is still as I remember it-the walls are made of adobe, painted blue and white, with teak wood accents on the doors and windows. There was a small roof in the courtyard where motorbikes were parked outside to repel the rain. There is a takbir sound coming from the distant mosque, which is indeed far away, punctuated by the ringing laughter of children playing in the compound. Every now and then, there is a deafening explosion of firecrackers in the air accompanied by the explosive laughter and the shrieks of excitement. The scent of "opor ayam" and "rendang" wafted from the kitchen, combined with the fresh aroma of just-steam-cooked "ketupat". Already, the pretty large, lively wooden dining table is decorated with glass containers fill...

H omecoming trips (mudik) are an extremely precious ritual for the majority of people since they can visit their families and enjoy Eid. Unless you prepare, however, traveling during the peak season will be stressful and exhausting. Preparing in advance will make a smooth, enjoyable trip. The following tips will assist you in preparing for a comfortable and secure homecoming trip. Choosing the Best Means of Transport The most crucial initial decision when planning a homecoming trip is the mode of transportation. The travel mode has its advantages and disadvantages, therefore, it depends on distance, budget, and personal choice in making the perfect decision. Private Cars : Riding by private car offers you freedom, with the ability to determine your own time and route. Nevertheless, a detailed inspection is necessary prior to departure to prevent break-downs during the journey. Ensure that you inspect the engine, brakes, tires, and fluids, and you should also have a spare tire and tools...

Forgetten melody Alana stood at the door of the long-forgotten music hall, her fingers trembling as they passed over the worn brass handle. The town had forgotten this building for many years, but she never had. One note, played many years before, still resonated within her very bones. She hesitated. The hall stood condemned for ten years, abandoned to rot under dust and silence. But something deep within her had brought her here tonight. Moonlight filtering in through the broken windows cast eerie shadows over the marble floor, the impression that phantom musicians from the past still inhabited the vacant stage. Taking a deep breath, she stepped within. The air was heavy with the smell of wood, mold, and distant traces of metal residue like rust or forgotten memories. Dust swirled in the faint light, cloaking the grand piano in a deep sigh. She moved toward it, her heart racing as she leaned forward and placed a single finger on a key. The note rang out soft, hesitant. Then another. A...