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itzreibrary's review
4.0
Tita Larasati finally returned to Indonesia, to Bandung to be precise, after nearly 10 years of living in the Netherlands. She was accompanied by her Dutch husband, Sybrand, and their children, Dhanu and Lindri. This book is Tita's diary in the form of illustrations that tells about everything that she and her family have lived through, starting from the process of moving since in the Netherlands to finally establishing a new routine in Bandung.
For Tita, Bandung is home (even though she was born in Jakarta, she studied at ITB). But for her husband and children, Bandung means a culture shock that forces them to adapt to almost all aspects of life. Taking the angkot feels like an adventure. Eating rice every day is eventually revolting. Indonesia's bureaucracy is slow, annoying, and corrupt. A fast internet connection is a luxury. Lizards and cockroaches roam the house. Not to mention people staring at Dhanu and Lindri in astonishment everywhere they go, even shouting 'BULE!' in their faces. But of course there are also fun things, like house with backyard and assistant who help with house chores.
Tita Larasati's story makes me miss going back to Bandung (although I'm not familiar with ITB since I'm an Unpad student). Tita's illustrations are cute and accurate, bringing back memories. But because this is a diary, there are parts that I think are a bit redundant, like the story of her reunion with unknown people and of when their family fell ill alternately.
All in all, this is a fun and nostalgic book, and of course, collectible.
For Tita, Bandung is home (even though she was born in Jakarta, she studied at ITB). But for her husband and children, Bandung means a culture shock that forces them to adapt to almost all aspects of life. Taking the angkot feels like an adventure. Eating rice every day is eventually revolting. Indonesia's bureaucracy is slow, annoying, and corrupt. A fast internet connection is a luxury. Lizards and cockroaches roam the house. Not to mention people staring at Dhanu and Lindri in astonishment everywhere they go, even shouting 'BULE!' in their faces. But of course there are also fun things, like house with backyard and assistant who help with house chores.
Tita Larasati's story makes me miss going back to Bandung (although I'm not familiar with ITB since I'm an Unpad student). Tita's illustrations are cute and accurate, bringing back memories. But because this is a diary, there are parts that I think are a bit redundant, like the story of her reunion with unknown people and of when their family fell ill alternately.
All in all, this is a fun and nostalgic book, and of course, collectible.
safaracathasa's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
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