Applying Visa To Scandinavian Countries in Indonesia (VFS Global)

My Schengen visa in Swedish

Earlier on Monday, I went to Kuningan City Mall to apply visa to Sweden. I know it sounds weird applying visa in the mall instead of embassy, but since June 25, 2014 the Embassy of Sweden has a new rule on its visa application submission. Actually, the embassy is still in service once a week to receive applicants (every Tuesday; 08.30-11.30), but it will take way longer (+/- 15 days) to issue a visa via embassy. However, if you go directly to the VFS Global which is located in Kuningan City Mall, you can get your visa on hand in three working days (if your documents are complete; medical travel insurance is the most important document). The faster service sure implicates in extra fees charged to the applicants #asusual XD. The Schengen visa costs IDR 1.000.000 and the service/logistic charge is IDR 326.000. As for me, because my sole purpose to visit Sweden is for study/education, I don't have to pay the Schengen visa fee #hurrah #swedenisawesome. Other European countries might have their own policies in the waivers of visa application fees. Hence, I only need to pay IDR 326.000.

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1st Anniversary: Life is (not) just a bowl of cherries

Source: http://tinyurl.com/p45qyd8

It's been a year since I married him, my husband. Yep, today marked our very first wedding anniversary. Time flies, eh?! Do you think we have our anniversary celebrated? Nope, he's now still visiting his family in TangSel, and I'm still lying in bed (while stubbornly typing #grin) due to a fever dan cold #dizzy.

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I'm not gonna say that we've always been in seventh heaven for this past 365 days. There's sad and cranky moments, but more of joyful moments have happened. We're getting understand each other, we're getting good at reading each other's moods and gestures….well, we're basically getting cling on to each other a lot. 

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Last time we have our conversation, my husband asked me this question, "How many percent do you think you've known me?". I was jokingly answered "85%". And when I asked him the same question, he answered "more than 90%" and I immediately revised my answer to "I'm 90% too", followed by his pinch on my cheek and our laughs.

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We might not be a perfect couple, but we're aiming to get closer to Allah every day. Reminding each other, supporting one another and promising to (still) be a partner after this world. Happy anniversary, my love :*! One year down…lots more to go :)

First mission: Colloquium

My colloquium ppt
(designed by my dearest hubby :))

"Alhamdulillah…all praises to Allah", it's all I can say. Another chapter has been through. Even though colloquium* doesn't sound like a deadly word, but having it experienced is surely awesome. A killer moderator lecturer, gives it a nerve-wrecking twist #grin.

Honestly, I typed and presented my research proposal in English not to impress the colloquium attendees, as almost all of them (particularly my classmates) have noticed my superb English ability #tongue. Moreover, nobody obliges the graduate students in BAU to type or present their proposals in English. The thing is, I'm pretty confident with my English ability, thus I'm almost always did my assignments or presentations (or even exams) in English. That's why making and presenting my research proposal in English is just an ordinary thing. Ergo, "excellent English and this is the best research proposal I've ever seen so far" praises by the killer moderator lecturer doesn't really surprise me; I considered the praises as a bonus for my hard work in preparing it.

I would actually thank my saddening Taiwan study experience as a series of events that moulded that very confidence of mine. I would never become like this without that experience. I would not step into so many challenging doors without that confidence. So, thank you…again :). First mission, accomplished.

*Colloquium is a presentation of one's research proposal before conducting a research. It is attended by an appointed moderator lecturer, academic/research advisors and fellow colloquium participants.