Part 1

Siapa yang tidak kenal pulau Dewata Bali? Pulau yang memiliki keindahan dan kekayaan alam yang sangat menakjubkan. Tidak heran, jika kebanyakan turis mengenal Bali dibanding Jakarta yang merupakan ibukota negara Indonesia.

Perjalanan kami menuju pulau Dewata itu diawali setelah menonton film yang diperankan oleh Riki Harun dengan judul Kirun dan Adul pengen punya pacar keren.

Film tersebut termasuk kategori dewasa, yang pada saat itu juga aku dan sahabatku baru saja mau dewasa. Jadi, sudah cukup matang untuk menonton film itu.

Sejak tamat di bangku SMA dan melanjutkan ke perguruan tinggi, aku dan sahabatku Fikhy selalu menyebut nama Bali.

“Pokoknya tempat wisata yang paling ingin aku kunjungi adalah Bali, bro. Surganya Indonesia ada di Bali,” ucap Fikhy.

“Benar sekali, kaya di film itu, kerennya Bali,” ucapku sambil terbayang tempat wisata Bali yang ada dalam film tersebut.

Singkat cerita, di tahun 2013 kami sudah bertekad untuk berangkat kesana tanpa melalui jasa traveling wisata. Hanya tekat untuk coba-coba dengan keberanian yang cukup nekat.

Tidak ada kisah yang seru kalau perjalanan kami di pulau yang indah itu dipandu oleh pemandu wisata. Sangat jauh berbeda ketika ada cerita lucu dan seru yang ingin diabadikan dalam tulisan ini.

Meski kami tidak berangkat seperti backpacker yang berganti-ganti kendaraan dengan jalur darat, tapi keberangkatan kami diibaratkan semi backpacker.

Jambi-Jakarta dengan jalur darat, selanjutnya Jakarta-Bali dengan jalur udara.

Hal itu bertujuan agar kami tidak terlalu lama dalam perjalanan, karena membutuhkan stamina yang kuat jika menyebrang dua pulau melalui darat. Kami tidak mau stamina kami habis sebelum sampai di pulau dewata itu.

Tidak terasa pesawat yang kami tumpangi telah mendarat di bandara I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali.

Turun dari pesawat udara sejuk yang berhembus langsung dari laut memberikan semangat yang sangat kuat. Ditambah lagi, suara deru ombak yang menghempas baru karang sekitar Bandara, semakin terasa kaki ini menginjak bumi.

Sangking bahagianya kami tidak tau arah tujuan setelah turun. Tidak tahu tempat penginapan, bahkan tidak tau arah-arah tempat wisata.

Ketika itu, terlintas dipikiranku untuk kembali lagi ke Jambi. Karena takut hal-hal yang tidak diinginkan terjadi, bisa saja kami ditipu orang, atau mendapatkan kekejaman disana.

Akhirnya, Fikhy menelpon temannya yang sudah pernah ke Bali, lalu kami diarahkan ke sebuah nama jalan, dan nama penginapan yang murah meriah untuk istirahat.

Alhamdulillah kami mendapatkan tempat penginapan yang tidak jauh dari bandara dan pantai Kuta.

Kami menginap di kos-kosan yang berdindingkan triplek dan dua kasur kecil, dengan ukuran lebar kira-kira 2 meter. Cukup untuk kami berdua meski agak geli karena berdekatan sekali, takutnya dikira orang kita homo, hehe.

Untuk penginapan bajajnya permalam cuma Rp 75.000, selanjutnya sewa motor metik Rp. 50.000 per hari. Cukup meriah, dengan harga segitu bisa puas berkeliling di pulau Dewata.

Sampai di penginapan waktu itu sekitar pukul 17.00 WITA, beda satu jam dong dengan Jambi. Harus diatur lagi nih jamnya, hehe.

Tidak begitu sulit untuk beradaptasi dengan waktu setempat yakni WIB ke WITA, yah meskipun terkadang kalau menonton film di televisi harus lebih lama dari jadwal yang ditayangkan.

Kebetulan kami mendapatkan pemilik kos yang gaul dan ramah.

“Kamu mau kemana nanti,” tanya Abang kos sambil menghisap rokoknya.

“Kami mau ke pantai Nusa dua bang,” jawab Fikhy sambil searching di google.

“Kamu ke arah sana, lurus saja terus,” jawab Abang kos.

“Serius bang cuma ke sana saja, nanti kami nyasar,” ucap ku dengan nada heran.

“Pokoknya kamu tenang saja, buka google map, kalau tidak lihat rambu-rambunya pasti jelas tu. Kalau masih ragu tanya saja orang sekitar.” Ucapnya.

“Kamu tidak akan nyasar kalau di Bali, di Bali aman jauh dari kriminal, tenang aja,” tambah Abang kos.

Cus, hidupkan motor langsung tancap gas. (Bersambung)

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Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean gardeners everywhere can flex their green thumb that much longer to squeeze every last moment out of the growing season.Cooler temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden. You’ll spend less time caring for crops because of the favorable cool weather growing conditions.

Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won’t be as numerous, and weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer weather. Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in precipitation, reducing another time-consuming chore -watering.Veteran or novice gardener, if you’re not ready to give up your garden, here’s how to get growing:

Use transplants: For the timeliest results, buy quality transplants that are already started, so the germination process is complete. You’ll harvest six weeks sooner than growing from seed, with time to spare before the cold weather sets in.Bonnie Plants, the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in the United States, and supplier of 300 varieties, offers a wide selection of plants, perfect for fall; availability of Bonnie’s fall varieties is limited to specific regions, so check your local garden retailers to find plants near you.

Make friends with frost: Cole crops (German for cabbage, as in coleslaw), such as cauliflower, cabbage and kale grow well in cooler temperatures; and they taste even better when nipped by Jack Frost, since frost encourages cole crops to produce sugar, which in turn, makes them sweeter. Unlike cole crops, while tomatoes can still grow plentifully in fall, they are vulnerable to frost, so look for tips on how to cope with cold weather on Bonnie’s website.

The experts at Bonnie Plants offer some fall gardening tips to make the most of the time you have left before winter:* Location, location, location: Plan your fall garden with enough sunlight (six to eight hours per day) to grow and thrive, while allowing for some afternoon shade. Spend time noting the sunniest spots and plant accordingly.* Prep the perfect soil. Just like humans, plants need their own brand of nutrition to thrive. Working in some compost can be beneficial, as well as removing spent plants, and weeds. Freshen garden soil by removing any mulch, then replace it. Straw makes an excellent cover; it’s easily scattered and is also a favorite home for spiders that control pests naturally.*

Consider containers. Container gardening is a quick, easy and cost-effective way to grow your own food at home, plus it’s great for small spaces or urban dwellers who may not have greenspace.Pick your plants. From showy lettuces to hearty cole crops, fall provides a cornucopia of choices. Some good, cool weather choices are:* Georgia collards: These greens are prized for their sweet, cabbage-like flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals.* Spinach: A cool-weather favorite is fast-growing, yielding many leaves in a short time span.* Artwork Broccoli: This variety is unique; instead of producing one large broccoli head, it yields tender, dark green side shoots with bite-size heads and long, edible stems – perfect for stir fry and sautéing.* Bonnie hybrid cabbage: Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K, and fiber.

Water wisely. It’s best to water in the morning, at the base of the plant (soil level) keeping the foliage dry. Water when the top 2 inches of the soil becomes dry to the touch. To test, stick your finger or a pencil about 2 inches down into the soil. If the soil is dry, 2 inches down, it’s time to water, if wet, wait until the soil is dry.Fertilize faithfully. Plants need an extra boost of nutrition for proper growth in the form of a high-quality fertilizer. Always follow manufacturer label directions for rates and intervals since too much fertilizer can be detrimental to plants.Prepare for harvesting.

Once your plants start yielding results, have a plan in place for either eating fresh, or preserving. Who knows, this may be the perfect time to try your hand at canning or freezing to maximize freshness and time. Bonnie’s website has some fabulous recipes by variety, which can expand your culinary horizon!All it takes is proper prep and planning and soon your garden will yield a delicious garden-to-table feast before the first frost hits the ground. For more information on fall gardening and varieties, visit www.bonnieplants.com.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a long list of unprecedented challenges, including the way it has caused food insecurity to rise. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough nutritionally adequate foods to live an active and healthy life.

Fortunately, there are some benefits that can help qualifying members of Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) address this issue. In fact, a benefit including a monthly food card allowance can assist people in purchasing food and beverages at a variety of well-known, national stores.During this Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual-eligible individuals, should consider enrolling in a D-SNP.

If you are eligible for Medicare — meaning you’re age 65 or older or are living with a disability — and meet the requirements to have Medicaid, be sure to look into a D-SNP as some plans may include:* Convenience of a debit card: Qualifying members of D-SNPs with a food benefit may receive a food-card like a credit card. Once the card is activated, you can purchase qualifying items, such as milk, eggs, bread, juices, waters, yogurts, fruits, vegetables and more, utilizing the available balance on your card. However, it’s important to keep in mind that certain items, such as pet food, may not qualify and would need to be purchased with another form of payment.*

Monthly allowances: Some D-SNPs have a monthly stipend, for example $25 – $75, that would be loaded to your card on the first day of each month. Members should aim to use their allotment before the end of each month, as the balance may not be able to be carried over.* In-store purchases only: These food cards often can only be used for in-store purchases and may not be able to be used for online or curbside orders. It’s important to take the proper precautions provided by the CDC when going out to stores, including wearing a mask or face covering, maintaining proper social distancing by staying 6 feet or more away from others, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after you remove the mask.It’s important to note that a food card benefit is a Value Based Insurance Design (VBID) benefit that is only available on certain Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) in certain areas.

Additionally, not all members of a plan may be eligible for VBID benefits. Eligibility will be determined by your health plan provider, after enrollment, based on relevant criteria such as clinical diagnoses or participation in a disease-state management program. For Humana’s Healthy Foods Card, all members of a D-SNP that includes the benefit would be eligible.If you qualify, Humana’s D-SNP plan and Healthy Foods Card benefit may be available in your area. Please visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you’ll be able to confidently select a 2021 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific healthcare needs. Y0040_GHHKY6REN_M

There is no denying that a grilled cheese is the ultimate combination of crunchy bread and gooey cheese. So, if you are someone who considers grilled cheese to be its own food group, you are in luck!Subway is taking grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level with new Fresh Melts.

Guests can enjoy Subway’s newest innovation by upgrading their favorite freshly made footlong into an extra cheesy, gooey and grilled sandwich for $1 more.”Fresh Melts are our latest menu innovation to give guests fresh, smart choices that don’t sacrifice taste or flavor,” according to Chef Paul Fabre, Subway’s senior vice president of culinary and innovation.

“Our Melts are unique because they are grilled, not toasted, so we’re creating the ultimate sandwich that has crunchy bread, melty cheese, and your favorite ingredients for a perfect bite every time,” he emphasizes.The new menu items are the latest addition to Subway’s culinary lineup.The Ham & Cheese Melt features Black Forest ham, fresh tomato, and Swiss cheese grilled to create an indulgent, freshly made choice. If you’ve been craving tuna, don’t miss the 100 percent wild-caught tuna with mayo, fresh onion and melty provolone cheese in the Tuna Melt.

Finally, the Steak & Cheese Melt offers a new twist on a classic favorite, grilled with melted cheese, and loaded with fresh onions and peppers. Of course, bread remains a key element of any sandwich, and Fresh Melts feature Subway’s distinctive freshly baked bread, perfectly grilled.To help melted cheese fans savor and share the goodness, guests who purchase a Fresh Melt online or through the Subway app can order a second Fresh Melt for 50 percent off with promo code BOGO50 at participating restaurants.Making an indulgent choice is easy and safe with Subway’s in-app and online ordering, contactless curbside pick-up and delivery.Visit subway.com for more information about store locations and menu options, to place orders, or download the Subway app.

Summer. The word itself sounds so relaxing and soothing to the senses. And nothing is more soothing in the summer than swimming.

At the very least, there’s certainly nothing more cooling or refreshing than a quick trip to the pool. Indeed, with the temperatures rising and vacations in high gear, it’s prime time to take a trip to the beach or head to your favorite resort pool and enjoy one of America’s favorite summer pastimes: swimming.

To ensure your next trip to the pool is as relaxing and successful as ever, however, there are some essential items everybody should consider bringing. So, whether it’s just a casual day of cooling off, a special summer pool party or family fun day, here’s a to-do list that covers all pool partygoers.

* First and foremost, lather up with suntan lotions. And then bring more in your tote bag so you can reapply after a round or two of swimming. There’s nothing more frustrating when you settle in and realize you forgot your supplies and need to buy more.

* Pack swimming gear. Regardless of whether you’re going to the beach or pool, make sure you have goggles, noodles and other flotation devices. Your time in the water will never be more enjoyable.

* Bring some snacks and drinks. After some rigorous swimming or leisurely baking in the sun, you’re bound to build up an appetite or have a need to quench your thirst.

* Don’t forget your spittoon. Being at the pool in a bikini or trunks can leave one very exposed to say the least. If you’re a smokeless tobacco user, there’s even less opportunity to take a discreet “dip” while you’re taking a dip in the pool.

That is, unless you own a portable spittoon created by Atlanta-based FLASR. These new 4-ounce pocket-sized spittoons are brilliantly designed to allow users to easily open and close with just one hand, making them ideal items to bring to the pool or any other public setting so you can still enjoy your smokeless tobacco. Another advantage to the FLASR flask is its advanced closing mechanism that ensures it stays securely closed when not in use, eliminating the risk of any messy spills or leaks in the pool that come with those gaudy bottles or drink cups of old.

For more information, please visit www.flasr.com.

Today’s sophisticated travelers can enjoy once-in-a lifetime experiences in luxurious locations that are off the beaten path. If you crave the ultimate in adventure, eco-conscious settings, and magnificent service, put these unique destinations on your travel bucket list for 2020.

1. Hangaroa Eco-Village + Spa, Easter Island, Chile (hangaroa.cl). Located on the mysterious Easter Island in the South Pacific (home to mythical Moai statues), Hangaroa allows adventure-seeking travelers to get an inside look at the Rapa Nui culture and history. Guides lead guests to centuries-old archeological sites to unravel the mystery of how the giant, hand-carved heads came to be. Must-sees include the Rano Raraku volcanic crater (home to the island’s largest statue) and Anakena Beach, where Polynesian culture first came ashore 800 years ago. For those wanting something more adrenaline pumping, opt for an ATV to explore the island.The hotel stays true to its eco-friendly ethos. The 75 oceanfront rooms feature handmade clay tubs, stone showers and lots of natural light. After a day of exploring, head to the spa to be pampered with ancient rituals. A new added bonus: Full Experience guests can choose to dine at one of two local restaurants, including Kana Hau, which has a traditional Rapa Nui dance show!

2. The Singular Patagonia, Chile (thesingular.com). Situated in the heart of Southern Patagonia, The Singular is indeed a singular experience.Once a cold storage plant at the epicenter of the sheep farming industry a century ago, the property has been resurrected as a luxury hotel (and a museum)! However, mother nature is the real draw. Just as previous explorers did, guests immediately fall in love with the surrounding awe-inspiring nature, as this bucket list hotel sits on the shores of a Fjord overlooking the snow-capped Andes. Guests feel like pioneers as they explore the area by private boat discovering glaciers and hidden waterfalls. Other once-in-a-lifetime excursions include trekking through Torres del Paine National Park, horseback riding across an “Estancia” with real-life gauchos or kayaking down winding rivers.Any adventure wouldn’t be complete without incredible food. The Singular uses locally sourced ingredients to deliver local favorites with a french flair. Try the hotel’s traditional “Asador” (barbecue), set in a former Blacksmith’s workshop serving a variety of locally raised meats.

3. Careyes, Pacific Coast (careyes.com). Careyes is a destination unto itself where the jungle meets the sea, spanning more than 20,000 acres of nature reserve. A vibrant community of international residents and visitors spread across the property’s Ocean Castle villas, Casitas and El Careyes Club & Residences along the cliffside, Careyes is more than just a beautiful resort. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to commune with nature, explore your sense of spirituality and appreciate the beauty of the earth and sea.Rest assured, all of the unique accommodations are bucket-list worthy. The Ocean Castle Villas feature infinity pools, lush gardens and luxurious furnishings. The beachfront El Careyes Club features five infinity pools, the La Duna restaurant and spacious one- to four-bedroom suites perfect for families or groups. Careyes is an ideal location for a winter getaway, especially at one of their annual special events, including ArteCareyes Film Festival, Agua Alta Polo Tournament and the Ondalinda Festival.

4. Le Torri di Bagnara, Umbria, Italy (letorridibagnara.it/). If life in a sprawling castle sounds appealing, visit this 1,500-acre Italian estate owned by descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte. This restored medieval castle accommodates groups from 15 to 30 people, who enjoy the privacy of a private home coupled with the safety, security and amenities of a luxury hotel.Le Torri di Bagnara has an official hotel license guaranteeing the highest standards, setting it apart from other Italian villa rentals. The estate boasts an infinity saltwater pool, stone barbeque, and vegetable gardens. Savor locally grown ingredients from the estate’s working farm, including extra virgin olive oil, as well as truffles and mushrooms foraged right on the grounds.Special activities include cooking classes, wine tastings, mountain biking, truffle hunting and photography. For families, a kids’ playground keeps the little ones entertained. A must: soar high above the estate and surrounding countryside in a hot air balloon, followed by a gourmet picnic.

5. Costa Rican Vacations, Costa Rica (vacationscostarica.com/). Travelers seeking the ultimate in eco-travel, adventure and luxury can find it all through Costa Rican Vacations, which create complete and customized Costa Rican experiences. A popular place to start is Playa Cativo Lodge on the Osa Peninsula, which fronts a mile of pristine beach offering plenty of wildlife. Use the personal binoculars to catch close-ups of birds and sea turtles, plus a can’t miss, whale-watching tour. Other must-do activities include a private air tour of the Sirena Ranger Station at Corcovado National Park or a visit to Nayara Springs, where the villas have private terraces with private plunge pools overlooking the Arenal volcano.For the ultimate luxury experience, check out Costa Rica’s Four Seasons in Guanacaste, where visitors can expect the ultimate in amenities and service, with offsite adventures, including zip lining, horseback riding and ATV tours.

6. Manoir Hovey, Quebec, Canada (manoirhovey.com/). Manoir Hovey, a five-star Relais & Châteaux resort in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, was built in 1900 and inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.The property is 90 minutes from Montreal and retains its historic charm; most of the 36 luxurious rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces, private balconies, and views of Lake Massawippi.Foodies will have a field day at Manoir Hovey. Le Hatley, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, is ranked among the best in the world, and chef Alexandre Vachon presents modern and diverse menus that showcase regional ingredients.Guests can enjoy the bucolic country scenery and a range of activities year-round, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding in the warmer months, as well as guided speedboat tours and fly fishing.Fall is an excellent time for foliage tours and hiking nearby, while in the winter, guests enjoy ice fishing with a local guide who sets up a sheltered area on the frozen lake, complete with a pizza oven on skis. Complete a bucket- list item with a thrilling dogsledding experience.