House Problems

Not everything has been a bed of roses, specially when it comes to our rented room. Renting is a problem around the world, either because of the landlords or the tenants. In our case (considering that we are nice tenants) the landlord is a major problem. Has far as we understand he is a Pakistanese completely broke only focused in getting the rent.
It has been ok until the house started to have problems, for the last two weeks we don't have continuous hot water and now since Thursday no Internet connection. Despite our calls nobody has come to see it and regarding Internet I called the provider and is a payment issue.
So this weekend we all discussed and decided to take the matter in our hands. We called a maintenance company (charging 120 pounds per hour) that told us we had to buy a new heating system. (electrical based) And so we'll do that. We called an Internet provider with monthly contracts (yes, monthly renewed) and we'll install a new line.
Of course we're deducting all expenses in the rent, which means we are not paying rent for the next three weeks...
We also decided that if this does not work we will all move from the house.
The funny thing is that the incompetent landlord is already telling the other tenants that I'm managing the house. Could he be more ridiculous?
I'm thinking in charging a management service fee...


Posted in the 'Cloud'

Benfica for sale?

This morning while I was warming up with the lads for the weekly 11aside match I noticed a new guy wearing some Benfica official shorts. Well, I'm normally not very excited for spotting Portuguese people, but Benfica is Benfica so I went to him and said: Ahh Benfica!!! Strangely there was no answer. And again: Benfica!!! Bug it, no reply again not even a nod! Hey mate nice shorts you have there, great Portuguese team, been there?
Can you imagine the reply???
Benfica hey? Don't know them, these were the cheapest shorts I could find!!
Huuu that arse!!!! Had a special pleasure when unintentionally (really...) I hit is balls with a shot!!!!
Yes for a change Benfica lost today! We came from 0-2 to 3-2 powerful victory!!!


Posted in the 'Cloud'

CouchSurfing

For those who are not familiar with this concept, CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.com) is a huge community (around 2 million already) of people around the world that offer something that has been among us since the beginning of human traveling: Hospitality. The idea is that you register yourself in the website giving the possibility of receiving people at your own house or simply be a guide in your own city. The payback is that you can also use that kind of offers in 2 millions places around the globe. (including the arctic)

This community has grown so much that know has thousands of activities and interest groups inside which result in gatherings for all tastes. Spontaneous gatherings for some drinks and chat, a ping pong tournament tonight, a salsa dance class, a pic nic in the park or simply visiting the city.

Last week we went to a gathering that takes place every Sunday night in a nice clube located in Leicester Square. Like all CS meetings it is the opportunity to meet travelers around the world. So it was, we met a brazilian living in Australia, an Indian guy that showed us a paradise in thr North of India and offered is brother's house to stay, a very weird Austrian guy, the nice and young organizer an au pair from Spain, and there it was, the globe travelers meeting randomly. The place has also a dancing floor, so everyone with its own style started to dance... the king of dance floor was the Indian with all his Bollywood funny style.

Ahh and we also have free food!!!! Nice!!!

Que Parva que eu Sou

Today was a Portuguese day. We went with some friends to see "Deolinda" in concert. Deolinda is a very curious band with folk and fado influence that has enjoyed rocket success in Portugal. They are great in concert specially due to the strong performance of main singer, Ana Bacalhau. The concert was in a nice jazz venue in the charismatic Camden Town. They are now even more famous due to a song were they criticize the hard times for youngsters to get a job in Portugal, it is called Que parva que sou (how silly I am) and you can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8lo82tXbWU
It was a lovely evening of the London Portuguese community. :D

January Monthly Report

Finally a positive month, January. We earned all our wages (it should be normal... but it ain't), Sara had a new job and despite having some visits we are on track for most of our categories of spending. It also in January that we bought my Bartending Course that was 500 quids!!! Otherwise the month would have been much more positive.

Expenses - Budget 1600 Pounds - Reality - 1600 Pounds
Income - Budget 2200 Pounds - Reality 2700 Pounds
Result - Budget +600 Pounds - Reality +1100 Pounds

Status = -1250 Pounds


The course is not considered in calculations because it is not a need but a future investment. 

Winter 2nd Phase!

So while everyone at home (Portugal) is having a warmer weather, we the Londoners are going back to cold Winter!!! Everyone tells me, get used to the long Winter, it will be grey and rainy until late Easter.
It's bloody cold in the morning and in the evening so we are still using caps!!! And funny ones...

Happy Go Lucky!

I decided to deliver my CV in some community pharmacies in the area. I was prepared to ear a lot of No! answers because the job market in London in my area is full. But the luck knocked on my door! One of the Pharmacy managers got interested in my situation and offered himself to train me into the English system. I'm working as a volunteer in the pharmacy in exchange for knowledge while I'm waiting for the process of registration within the regulatory body to be concluded. This is a great opportunity to me because I get some experience as well as contacts within my area. At last, I'm feeling lucky... :)

Comic Relief

On the 18th of March the Comic Relief day is celebrated here in the UK. This concept started more than 20 years ago in a Sudan refuge camp. The idea was simple, to get a whole bunch of comedians to make public laugh while they raised money to help people in need. Then in 1988 this idea or red nose day started and they raise around 15m£ with it. So in that day we can see a lot of people using the funny red noses with different themes. Mine was the pirate nose, Sara got the geek one. :D
The site is http://www.comicrelief.com/ and in the pictures you can see us preparing the day as well as it all started in Sudan...

In 1988 in one of the biggest refuges camp! 

Always ready to help the others! :D

Movie: A morning at the Museum

The other day I decided to take advantage of my spare time and went to visit one of the most famous museums in London: The Natural History Museum of London (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/).

The collection is so large that one morning isn't enough to appreciate it. So, I chose the Red Zone, which is dedicated to the history of our Planet and our relation as Human beings with it. While visiting this part of the museum, I had the feeling I was in an interactive Sciences class, remembering the birth of our Solar System, the evolution of life, the geology of earthquakes and volcanoes (I used to had this wish of becoming a volcanologist...). The gallery also dedicates one part of the exposition to modern times and makes an interesting reflexion about the (over)exploration of the Earth's resources.

But the part that I enjoyed the most was the Orange Zone and it's Darwin investigation centre. It's just one of the most important collections of specimens and where scientist conduct a series of studies about evolutionary theories and discover new species. I even had the opportunity of listening to one of the scientist of the Darwin centre in a lecture about History's important figures for Science. This is located in a new arquitectural structure called "Cocoon" (look at the pictures).

The founder of the museum, a man called Hans Sloan (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/science-of-natural-history/biographies/hans-sloane/index.html), was a remarkable collector and most of the things that you can find on this part of the museum are his legacy. He traveled to Jamaica where he collected the most strangest things, as well as delicious specimens that still today influence us. Yes, I'm talking about the cocoa plant! And yes, I'm a chocolate addict...

I still wish to explore more of the fantastic museum and, of course, take a picture with the famous T-Rex! But this will be a new chapter on the blog :)

Visits from Portugal...part II

In the last weekend of January we had the visit of my mum, aunt Sao and cousin Sandra. First, I went to Kings Cross to pick up my French family (they came via Eurostar) and it seems it was a lucky strike that they came to London! I'll explain: my aunt didn't took the correct documentation and when asked about her ID card, it had expired! But they smiled and the guy at the ticket office was pitty of them, so they managed to pass the French border. Uff! The worst part was when they arrived the English side... They weren't that nice but, in the end, they successfully "landed" their feet in Her Majesty's ground :) Though with one warning: never to travel again without correct documentation! It was quite a laugh when they told me their adventure!

Then, the next stop was to pick up the rest of the family: my mum! She was really concerned that we weren't waiting for her at the airport because she was traveling alone and she doesn't remember the last time she spoke English (Mami, say Maria Carrey!!!). So, there we were, waiting for her at Gatwick airport! All went well and she even got some hints about places to visit and cultural aspects from a guy that fancied my mother during the trip (so charming...!)

They spent the hole weekend visiting the most important monuments and places in London (some of them I haven't visited yet), such as the Big Ben, Tower of London, and of course the important department stores Harrods and the psico-fashion store Abercrombie. Women! :) Because I was working at the restaurant, I couldn't participate in their walk through London but the smiles on their faces were enough for me. And I got my mum's caresses! So good, I missed her so much! Now, I'm expecting the visit from the rest of the family (yes, dad, you need to loose your fear from flying...)! Siss, Bro, you need to come and experience the magical London with me!!!

Subtitles:

1st photo: Me, Joao and my Mum in Harrods, in front of Princess Diana's statue.

2nd photo: two "babes": my Mum on the left and my aunt. Look at their smile!

Back to School!!!!

Like my Bartending mentor used to say, in life focus on a few things and try to be the best!!! Much influenced by american spirit (and training, he lived there for many years) he is in some way right. I simply say, if you want to do something, then do it the right way. 

So, after some months having some bartending  experience I decided to go up the ladder which means for most of skills in life to go for studies. I decided to do the International Bartending Course from the School I was told to be the best around: Shaker UK. http://www.shaker-uk.com/  

Because I did no have holidays in Hospital I had a terrible week because half of the course is theory and studying. I had to know all the origins, fabrication methods, tastes of all spirits and bitter available. Spirits are basically 5: Tequila, Gin , Vodka, Brandy, Rum. Bitters are alcoholic drinks with lots of herbs infusions to "spice" up cocktails. The most famous one is Campari. Made of neutral spirit and infused with orange peels, created in Italy. 

Then we had a lot of practical stuff and the final examination which was tough. I kinda of freezed while preparing a Cosmopolitan. I messed a little on the quantities (50 mls instead of 25 ml for juice) and when doing the great flame my orange peel jumped from my hand to the jury. Well... it couldn't be worse... but in overall I may narrowly pass...(with theory exam) the result takes 3 weeks to come. 

You can see here one of the teachers and also jury doing a perfect Cosmpolitan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWxAlMP52xU

It was an awesome week, very intensive close to the best in the trade. Now I hope to quickly profit from this financial and personal investiment. We'll see...

Lovely different Breezes

During a class day! We had allways to try the drinks.. :D

Practicing the Cosmo Flame

The practical examination!

3 seconds after the peel was on the jury...fuck!!!

Our first visitors!!!!

Very soon after we arrived to this adventure we had our first visitors, Tiago Joana and Rui. As always it was a short visit, but it was enriched with great concerts, The National and Arcade Fire.
I remember meeting my editors friends in a cosy bar in Soho and getting very impressed in cocktail preparation. It was probably one big sparkle for what is yet to come. :D
Happy days they were and hopefully they will visit us in another country.
I expect when coming back from the trip that you have bought Leya already. Rui was also here staying in a old friend of ours, but unfortunately I can't find the pictures of Sara's birthday dinner. Rui you have to come again, pictures are a must.
I still remember this picture as it was yesterday!!!!
See u soon!

Tiago showing his Evil side :D

Free Traveling, so they discovered!!!

Family in Oxford Street

My parents decided to make us a visit to London and in good time they came. Despite beeing a bit cold it was a warming visit that we all knew it would be difficult to finish.

Most of the time in London was spent Underground

 It was the first time in many many years that my parent traveled alone without any fixes planned by travel agencies and without a huge group. And you know what? They loved it!!!
Free traveling is the best feeling ever. They could decide what they wanted to do, they could decide not to do anything or simply walk around the city without having to go to all landmarks.
I think that they understand a little bit more my trip dream....

From the 30th floor of my Hospital

It was great to be altogether again and we had great moments, specially trying to locate restaurants with my Iphone. :D
See you soon!! Luv u guys

December Monthly Report

Sorry for the delay guys, but you all know that closing the financial year always takes time. :D

So December had some extra house Investment (hummm so going to Ikea with Sara had the same result... ahahah) and some visits of friends which we deeply apreciated. And also Sara's salary is only came on January.

Expenses - Budget 1600 Pounds - Reality - 2100 Pounds
Income - Budget 2200 Pounds - Reality 1700 Pounds
Result - Budget +600 Pounds - Reality -400 Pounds

Status = -2350 Pounds

January is as today positive. Let's see how it ends.

Meeting traveling enthusiasts!!!!

Yesterday we went for a drink and a jam session with a British couple (he is half new zelander) which I met on another event. They are very nice and very exciting about traveling. It is not difficult to understand, they are about our age and they had already traveled for 4 years, in Asia, Africa and South America.
They have exactly the same approach that we want to have, to travel light with no strict plans and to stay in places as long as you want. This means that despite traveling for so long they don't know so many countries. They spent 4 months in Tokyo, 2 in Mocambique, several in some parts of Asia like India, almost a year in Australia so it is a even more layed back approach.
It was a great evening and we will learn a lot with them!!!
The thing is, they traveled for 4 years... and are still so eager to continue.... imagine that!!!!!

Finally some English Football!!!

Desperate to play some football last week I found that in our Clapham Common Park 200 mts from our house has not one... not two... but 12 football fields (11 a side) in the South part which we did not see before. (and also 10 tennis courts) So I asked around and there are two ways of playing.
One is creating a team and join the Amateur London League http://www.londonfootball.co.uk/ which is an amazing organization with professional referees, mid week matches and even a cup draw. For me this was difficult because I don't know enough people to assemble a team so the second option was perfect for me, it's called Flexifootball http://www.flexifootball.com/index.html . In this case we just login pay 7 pounds and we are included in a 11aside match every weekend. We can even play Saturday and Sunday matches.
So this weekend I played in a full English team (I was the foreign very expensive acquisition) against a team of Ecuadorian guys. It was a typical match between anglosaxonic and latin football. A very tight 4-4-2 tactic for us, and a loose 3-5-1 tactic where most of them were lost in a tactical perspective. 1-1 at half time but we won at the end 4-1 thanks to very good counter attacks.

I played left midfield which is a new position for me, and I definitely have to buy some leg pads because I was kicked several times. Like typical south Americans they have a very bad loosing attitude...

The Italian job

Well, for those who didn't know, I have an Italian Job... No, I,m not playing the Godfather... :) Since December that I'm working in an Italian restaurant in Clapham. My team mates are all men so I fell like a princess: they carry for me the heavier stuff, they let me go home earlier, take me to the bus stop... Well, all the privileges a girl wishes!

The Italian restaurant is a cozy place where you can eat pasta till you can't! I work there as a Barrista, meaning I am at the counter, preparing the drinks and supporting the waiters at the tables. Because we don't have a washing machine I was converted into one. In some nights, I believe I have washed over 100 glasses (and broke a few in the operation...).

Here are some photos of the restaurant, where you can also see our dear friends Goncalo and Teresa (commonly known as "Gonzolinos") that came to visit us before Xmas. Goncalo loved the cocktail I prepared :) Hope to see you soon!

Visits from Portugal...

In December , we had the visit of our dearest friends Marisa and Linda to our new "life address". Although the time was scarce, it was enough to ear news from Portugal and to give them a warm hugh. We hope to see them again, next time for a longer time.

We are receiving lots of request from our friends and family to visit us. Lucky us!... January will be fulfilled with Portuguese visits!

So good... I want mooore!!!!

Football rules anyone???

Today finally I got my football debut. I managed to play with some guys from Hospital who play 3 in 3 weeks (better than nothing) and we went on a 7 a side match. I was really excited because is one of the things I miss most from my older life in Portugal. It was a good match, the played well even though being English, but the rules were just amazing for grown ups. First the goals were 1 meter high, second there were no lines, just walls which means that the game never stopped, no corners no throw ins, just rebounds like in ice hockey, and third nobody (neither defenders or attackers) could go inside the goalkeeper area. I was shocked!!!!
Every time I entered in the goalkeeper area it was a fault. For god sake!!!!!!!

Next after the match we had another typical English behavior. Instead of going to eat a great beef in a restaurant because we were supposed starving, we went for some paints to the pub. So the energy drink was substituted by a nice paint of Carlsberg chatting all around football. Ohh this lads from London !!!

Happy New Year Folks

I had to run from my Pub to Sara's, but I made it 8 minutes before 12!!! But I made it and so for some minutes she stopped working for the moment. Happy New Year !!!