Wednesday, April 29, 2009

THE NEW ZEALAND MAPS

This is the New Zealand Maps with English and Maori names, pictures taken at Te Papa Tongarewa.








AT TE PAPA MUSEUM


This is a kiwis display at Te Papa museum




Sunday, April 26, 2009

TE PAPA TONGAREWA


Te Papa Tongarewa, which translated as "For Things Precious" is an institution proud of all things kiwi. It is situated on wellington's beautiful waterfront, the museum has quickly become a 'must see' on any visitor's itinerary.


Opened in 1998, the museum represents a state of the international art facility dedicated to showing New Zealanders country, the here and now, as well as the then-and-there. Te Papa is big, at 36,000 square metres and six level, far too big to take on one visit. But if you don’t have the time or opportunity to come back again and again, you can take an informative one hour guided tour of Te Papa (admission charges apply).


There are rooms and 121 interactive exhibits in Te Papa, and some of them specifically targeted at children. There are also new multimedia adventure, where you can create the action or venture into Our Space. it's fun. Visit Te Papa our space here to discover the interesting images and clips.


Everyone leaves Te Papa with their own set of favourites. Te Papa is open everyday. General admission is Free.


THE COLOSSAL SQUID IN WELLINGTON


The colossal squid has caught the world's attention. This female colossal squid is the most massive invertebrate ever discovered, with 4,2 m long and holds the record for the world's largest eye measuring 27cm in diameter, and weighting 495kg. Nearly half a tonne!.

The colossal squid was landed by the New Zealand fishing vessel, the San Aspiring, in the Ross Sea in 2007 and gifted to Te Papa by the Ministry of Fisheries.
Stored for a year in a freezer in Te Papa’s Tory St facility, it was defrosted in April 2008 and examined by a team of international scientists,

with marine biologist Dr Steve O’Shea (Director, Earth & Oceanic Sciences Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology and Colossal Squid expert), leading the way.When you are in Wellington, dont forget to visit Te Papa and come face to face with Te Papa colossal squid. You may explore the life of a squid through computer interactive or watch the documentary on their television. the admission is free.

For further information about colossal squid exhibit, you are welcome to visit Te Papa website here.


Oh, yeah, do you know what's the difference between Colossal and Giant squid? Find out the difference: click here and here.




Friday, April 24, 2009

ANZAC DAY

This Friday after I got off the train n walking through the railway station foyer, I saw a women dressed in military uniform. She was smiling and just standing near the wall. Two men approached and gave her small money, and picked a small red paper poppie. In the Lambton Quay, again, I saw men and women wearing different but similar uniforms - some of them are old, maybe retired already - were distributing the paper poppies. I wondered what they were doing, then I realised. It was relating to Anzac Day!


What is Anzac Day? Anzac Day is one of New Zealand and Australia national public holiday. Anzac Day (every 25 April) is served as a day of commemoration for those who fought and lost their live for their country and to honour returned servicemen and women. Back to 1916, 25 April is observed as the anniversary of the landing of the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in April 1915 - the soldiers were known as Anzacs - who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I.

In New Zealand, Anzac Day is observed with remembrance services until 1 pm, followed by a relaxed holiday afternoon. Shops are close between dawn and dusk, and open afterward at 1 pm. There are dawn services in every city in New Zealand, held in local war memorial places. The commemorative services begin before dawn with marches through the city. This year 2009, the Anzac Day Wreathlaying Ceremony is held in National War Memorial, Wellington, with television covered of it.

The ceremony contains the following features : introduction, hymn, prayer, an address, laying of wreaths, recitation, the playing of "The Last Post" by a lone bugler, a minute of silence, "Reveille", and the playing of both New Zealand and Australian national anthems.

Anyway, I think Anzac Day is similar to heroes days or "Hari Pahlawan" in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has designated November 10th as a Heroes Day to honor those who died, mostly ill-equipped young men, in a clash against heavily armed British troops during their short-lived occupation following Indonesian independence.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES TO INDONESIA

Embassy of Australia in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16, Jakarta Selatan 12940
Telepon: +62 21 2550 5555 - Fax: +62 21 2550 5467

Embassy of Canada in Jakarta, Indonesia
World Trade Centre, 6th Floor Jalan Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29-31
Jakarta 12920Indonesia
Telephone: (62) 21-2550-7800 - Fax: (62) 21-2550-7811

Embassy of Croatia in Jakarta, Indonesia
Menara Mulia, Suite 2801 Jalan Gatot Subroto Kav. 9-11
Jakarta 12930Indonesia
Telephone: +62 (21) 525-7822/7611 - Fax: +62 (21) 520-4073

Embassy of The Czech Republic in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. Gereja Theresia 20, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat 103 50
Tel.: (62-21) 3904075-7 - Fax: (62-21) 3904078

Embassy of France in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. M. H. Thamrin No.20, Jakarta Pusat 10350, Indonesia
Tel (62)(21) 23 55 76 00 - Fax (62-21) 23 55 76 01

Embassy of Germany in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin 110310 Jakarta, Indonesia
Tel.: 021-398 55 000
Fax : 021-390 1757
Fax consuler/visa: 021-316 22 84

Embassy of Iran in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 110, Menteng, Jakarta 10310
Phone : +62-21-31931378, 31931391, Fax : +62-21-3107860

Embassy of Italy in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jalan Diponegoro no.45, Menteng, Jakarta 10310
Tel. : (+62- 21) 31937445, Fax : (+62- 21) 31937422

Embassy of Japan in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin 24, Jakarta Pusat (10350)
Tel: +62-21-31924308 Fax: +62-21-31925460

Embassy of The Netherlands in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan 12950
Jakarta Selatan - Jakarta Indonesia
Phone:+62-21-5248200 - Fax:+62-21-5700734 +62-21-5275975

Embassy of Singapore in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Block X/4, KAV No 2 Kuningan,
Jakarta Selatan 12950
Tel: +62-21 29950400 (Mainline), +62-21 5201489
Fax:+ 62-21 5201486 (General), + 62-21 5202320 (Consular Section)

Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta, Indonesia
Menara Rajawali, 9th FloorJl. Mega Kuningan Lot #5.1
Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950
Phone: +62-(0)21-2553 5900, Fax: +62-(0)21-576 2691

Embassy of Switzerland in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl.H.R. Rasuna Said Blok X 3/2, Kuningan
Jakarta-Selatan 12950, Indonesia
Tel. +62 21 525 60 61 / +62 21 520 74 51 - Fax +62 21 520 22 89

Embassy of The United Kingdom in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No 75Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Telephone: (62) (21) 2356 5200 Fax: (62) (21) 2356 5226 (Political)

Embassy of The United States of America in Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, No. 3 - 5, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Telephone: (62)(21)3435-9000; within Jakarta 3435-9000
Fax: (62)(21) 385-7189

General Consulate of The United States of America in Surabaya, Indonesia
Address: Jl. Dr. Sutomo no. 33, Surabaya 60264
Phone: (62-31) 295 6400, Fax: (62-31) 567-4492

For a full listing of foreign representatives to Indonesia, click here and (here and here, without websites)

Monday, April 20, 2009

FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE TO NEW ZEALAND

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Wellington
Street Address: 70 Glen Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
Postal Address: PO Box 3543, Wellington 6140
Telephone: (04) 475 8697; 475 8698; 475 8699
Facsimile: (04) 475 9374

Australian High Commission, Wellington
Street Address: 72-76 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 4036, Wellington 6140
Telephone: (04) 473 6411

American Embassy, Wellington
Street Address: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Wellington 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 1190, Wellington 6140
Telephone: (04) 462 6000- Facsimile: (04) 472 3537

British High Commission, Wellington
Street Address: 44 Hill Street, Wellington 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 1812, Wellington 6140
Telephone: (04) 924 2888; (04) 924 2889 (Consular)

Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Wellington
Street Address: 2-6 Glenmore Street, Wellington 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 17-257, Karori, Wellington 6147
Telephone: (04) 472 1382 (Reception)

High Commission of Canada, Wellington
Street Address: Level 11, 125 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 8047, Wellington 6143
Telephone: (04) 473 9577Facsimile: (04) 471 2082


For a full listing of embassies, you can visit New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (click here)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

NEW ZEALAND EMBASSIES OVERSEAS

New Zealand High Commission - Canberra :
Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Consulate : Tel. (612) 6270 4211 / Fax. (612) 6273 3194

New Zealand High Commission in Ottawa, Canada :
99 Bank Street, Suite 727
Ottawa,Ontario K1P 6G3, CANADA
Tel: (613) 238-5991
Visa Information Tel: (613) 238-6097
Fax: (613) 238-5707

New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, China :
1 Ritan Dongerjie , Chaoyang DistrictBeijing 100600
People Republic of China
Tel: 0086-10-8532 7000 / Fax: 0086-10-6532 4317

New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia :
Sentral Senayan 2, 10th Floor, Jl Asia Afrika No 8,
Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta Pusat 10270
Tel; (+62) 21 2995 5800 / Fax: (+62) 21 5797 4578

New Zealand High Commission in London, UK :
New Zealand High Commission
New Zealand House
80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: 0044-20-7930-8422
Fax: 0044-20-7839-4580

New Zealand Embassy, Washington, USA :
37 Observatory Circle, NW
Washington D.C. 20008
United States of America
Telephone: 1 (202) 328 4800
Facsimile: 1 (202) 667 5227

For a full listing of New Zealand embassies and consulates in other countries, you can visit New Zealand Embassy website. (click here)


Friday, April 17, 2009

INDONESIAN EMBASSIES OVERSEAS

Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Australia
8 Darwin Avenue,Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Tel. + 612 - 62508600 / Fax. + 612 - 62736017

Indonesian Embassy in Vienna-Austria
Gustav Tschermakgasse 5-7, A-1180 Wien, Austria
Tel: +431- 47623-0 / Fax: +431 479 0557

Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa-Canada
55 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 1E5
T: 1.613.724.1100 / F: 1.613.724.1105

Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland
Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia c/o Consular Section
Kuusisaarantie 3, 00340 Helsinki
Phone: (358-9) 477 0370 / Fax : (358-9) 458 2882

Indonesian Embassy in Paris, France
Ambassade d’Indonésie - 47-49, rue Cortambert, 75116 Paris
Tél: 01 45 03 07 60 / Fax: 01 45 04 50 32

Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, Germany
Botschaft der Republik Indonesien, Lehrter Str. 16-17,10557 Berlin
Tel. : 030-47807-0 / Fax : 030-44737142

Indonesian Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands
Tobias Asserlaan 8, 2517 KC Den Haag, Netherlands
Tel: +31-070-3108 100 / Fax: +31-070-3643 331

Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa
949 Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, Tswane, Gauteng
Phone: +27 12 342 3350 /Fax : +27 12 342 3369

Indonesian Embassy in London, United Kingdom
38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW
Telp. (020) 74997661 / Fax. (020) 74914993

Indonesian Embassy in Washington, United States of America
2020 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036, USA
Tel 202 775 5200 - Fax 202 775 5365


For A full listing of Indonesian Embassies, consulates and permanent missions in other countries :
- with website: click here.
- without website : click here .

Thursday, April 16, 2009

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS IN WELLINGTON

When you are in Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand, don't forget to visit the historic Parliament Buildings. Parliament's Visitor Centre is open everyday. It is in the ground floor foyer of the Beehive (also known as the Executive Wing), you come in through Parliament’s main entrance between the Beehive and the steps of Parliament House, and follow the signs.

You can get free tour guided by specially trained staff, depart on the hour from the Visitor Centre (the Beehive). Tour duration is one hour. Tour visitors must check their belongings into secure storage before joining a tour, so please arrive 15 minutes before the hour. Tour route/times subject to change. Groups of 10 or more need to book.

The Parliament Building is located on Molesworth Street, Wellington, and only 5 minutes of walk from the Wellington railway station. In the sunny day, a lot of people spend their afternoon to eat their lunch or sandwich in parliament grounds, or just sitting on the green grass park enjoying the sun and chatting with their friends.



For further information, visit the Parliament website here.

MOSQUES IN INDONESIA

If you want to make a trip in Indonesia especially to see all 'Houses of Allah' (mosques), besides Masjid Istiqlal and Masjid Kubah Mas, here are some of mosques that you might like to visit :

1. Masjid Baiturrahman, Banda Aceh (Click here and here)
2. Masjid At-Tin, Taman Mini, Jakarta (Click here)
3. Masjid Agung, Demak (Click here)
4. Masid Raya Makassar, Makassar (Click here)
5. Masjid Agung, Surabaya (Click here)
6. Masjid Atta'awun in Puncak-Jawa Barat, surrounded by nice tea-plantation area. (Click here and here)

KUBAH MAS MOSQUE


One of the largest and the magnificent mosque in Indonesia is Golden Dome Mosque (Masjid Kubah Mas). Owned by a business woman from Serang named Dian Juriah Maimun Al-Rasyid, this mosque is also known as a Masjid Dian Al-Mahri.
The domes, the pillars, the chandeliers, and the ornaments are covered by pure 24 carat gold. The materials used, such as gold, chandeliers, and granite were imported from Italy, Spain, Norway, and Brazil.

The mosque was built on 80 hectare land. It features of fruit trees and flowers planted around the mosque, halls and a huge parking area. Since the mosque was opened for public, lots of people from Jakarta and outside Jakarta come to see it.


Not far from the mosque, in the same area, there is a huge open hall. Many people are having picnics there, they are spreading their mats, sitting on them, and eating their food brought from home. Near the hall, toilet rooms are available.

ISTIQLAL MOSQUE

As the country’s large muslim population, Indonesia has many beautiful mosques. Masjid Istiqlal (Istiqlal Mosque) is the biggest mosque in South-East Asia, made from alabastar marble. (Click here to see the mosque pictures). This mosque is located on the North-East corner of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta on the historic Lapangan Banteng.
The name “Istiqlal” means “freedom” and the mosque can hold up to 250,000 people, but you usually won’t see that many people here except on the holiest days of the year – eid Fitr and Idul Adha/mubaroq. If you’ve never seen a mosque on the inside before, then this would be a good one to start with as the scale is truly huge. The mosque also provides facilities for social and cultural activities, including lectures, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, bazaars and programs for women, youth and children. If you do want to visit, remember to wear long pants.






Besides Istiqlal Mosque, Indonesia has a magnificent mosque that is located in Sawangan -Depok, South Jakarta, called Masjid Kubah Mas (Golden Dome Mosque). It takes 2 hours by car from Jakarta. Since it was opened for public, this mosque has been one of the favourite destinations and attracts lots of visitors. Everyday, you can see lots of people from Jakarta and outside Jakarta come to visit, by car or bus.

Monday, April 13, 2009

CUBA STREET CARNIVAL, WELLINGTON


The 2009 Cuba Street Carnival celebrated 10 years to the day since the very beginning, It was held on 20-22nd February 2009. It's living up to its reputation as NZ's largest FREE music festival. There were lots of stages planned throughout Cuba Street and Courtenay Place on Saturday 21st February 2009.


Lots of bands and DJs performed at the day and night event. Many of Wellington's famous bars were coming out onto the street with great line ups and a parade along the streets. The event attracts national and international interest. The first Cuba Street Carnival in Wellington was held on 21 February 1999.







Sunday, April 12, 2009

USEFUL WORDS, ENGLISH - INDONESIA

GREETING
English Indonesia
How do you do? : Apa kabar?
Good morning : Selamat pagi
Good afternoon : Selamat siang

Good evening : Selamat malam
Good night : Selamat tidur
Goodbye : Selamat tinggal
Bon voyage : Selamat jalan
Fine : Baik
Welcome : Selamat datang
Excuse me : Permisi, maafkan saya
I'm sorry : Saya minta maaf
No : Tidak
Yes : Ya
Thank you : Terima Kasih

PRONOUNS & TITLE
English Indonesia
I : Saya
You : Anda, kamu
We : Kita, kami
He/She : Dia
They : Mereka
Mr. : Bapak
Miss : Nona
Mrs. : Ibu

QUESTIONS
English Indonesia
Can you help me? : Bisakah menolong saya?
How do I get there? : Bagaimana untuk kesana?

How far? : Berapa jauh
How long will it take? : Berapa lama?
How much (price)? : Berapa harganya?
What is this/that? : Apa ini/itu?
What is your name? : Apa/siapa nama anda?
When? : Kapan?
Where? : Dimana?
Why? : Kenapa? Mengapa?
Go up : Naik
Go down : Turun
Turn : Belok
Right : Kanan
Left : Kiri

Front : Depan
Behind : Belakang
North : Utara
South : Selatan
East : timur
West : Barat
Up : Atas
Down : Bawah

USEFULL WORDS & EXPRESSIONS
English Indonesia
A little : Sedikit
A lot : Banyak
Beach : Pantai
Beef : Daging sapi
Chicken : Ayam
Cold : Dingin

Crab : Kepiting
Drink : minum
Do not have : Tidak punya
Eat : Makan
Exit : keluar
Female : Perempuan/wanita
Fish : Ikan
Fruit : Buah
Have : punya
Hot : Panas
Male : Lai-laki/pria
Meat : Daging
Money : Uang
Mutton : Daging kambing
No : Tidak

Please : Tolong/silahkan
Pork : Babi
Prawn : Udang
Salt : Garam
Shop : Toko
Sugar : Gula
Toilet/WC : Toilet/Kamar Kecil
Trishaw : Becak
Wait : Tunggu
Want : Ingin/mau
Water : Air

LOCAL CUSTOMS, DO'S AND DON'TS

Some countries have their own local customs that are often different to other countries. When visiting Indonesia, you should observe local customs and practices. For your information, here are some common courtesies and customs as follows :

Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling.
A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". You should reciprocate the salam.

It is polite to call before visiting a home.
Shoes must always be removed when entering a home.
Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.

The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.

Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors.

Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.

Toasting is not a common practice in. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

TMII, Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park


Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions. Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centrepiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady.

It also has its own orchid garden in which hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. There is also a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. The special interest here at Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia. A richly decorated building in Balinese architecture, it houses contemporary arts, crafts and traditional costumes from the different regions of the country.

Cultural performances, events, and even local delicacies from the provinces are prepared regularly, especially during weekends and holidays, to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The park is open seven days a week, giving guests ample time to explore and enjoy the sights. And if a day tour is not enough, visitors can spend the night at the 'Desa Wisata' or 'Wisata Remaja' serviced accommodations.

JAKARTA, INDONESIA

Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia. As the Capital City, Jakarta is a melting pot of representatives of more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages. As one of 33 provinces in Indonesia, DKI Jakarta covers 637.44 square km area.

As the Capital City of Indonesia, Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia, equipped with the modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. As Indonesia's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport that located in Kemayoran - Jakarta, serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights.

When you go to Jakarta, you can visit some of the popular tourist destinations in Jakarta such as :

- National Monument (Monas)
- TMII (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park), Theater Imax Keong Emas (Golden Snail Theater)
- Jaya Ancol Dreamland (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol) : Sea World, Fantasy Land
- Pulau Seribu Thousand Island
- Sunda Kelapa Harbour
- T.I.M (Taman Ismail Marzuki) Art Center
- Ragunan Zoo
- Museums : Central Museum, National Museum, Jakarta History Museum, Shadow Puppets Museum, Ancient Inscription Museum, Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, 1945 Struggle for Freedom Museum, Maritime Museum.