tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80258016330804494552024-03-17T06:52:28.256+00:00Kiki's ParlourA blog about fashion, beauty, food, travel and other such things of utmost importance.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.comBlogger404125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-47932259290422106292016-03-31T23:56:00.002+01:002016-03-31T23:56:46.960+01:00Watercolors Of Brazil X<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCAhyOr3lg/Vv2i5R0DQcI/AAAAAAAAEKI/RcyZs4qfBTYYn02sj3PTOxwqm3fDG6aQg/s1600/brasil%2B%25283%2Bof%2B7%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCAhyOr3lg/Vv2i5R0DQcI/AAAAAAAAEKI/RcyZs4qfBTYYn02sj3PTOxwqm3fDG6aQg/s1600/brasil%2B%25283%2Bof%2B7%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
I opened the window hoping for some sunshine. Alas, it was still chucking it down.<br />
"Never mind"; I thought to myself..."I'm still going to the beach. I came here for a tropical holiday and damn me if I'm gonna be stopped by insignificant events such as this torrential downpour."<br />
By the time I was beach ready (sun protection, Havaianas, bikini, sunglasses and other beach paraphernalia), the rain stopped and the sun decided to come out after all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUy8_RJyYJgUiZQostXDa761HSfyvvTIshtl3foV9f1MW9xrnN5beh3scEH-7R85x2d3coZXC7-yainMfgeZosdFCVFGwi2BbHikS2CxTI92yJJDU8onZnQp1cINWimVUvNnYX3RWc0Y/s1600/brasil+%25287+of+7%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUy8_RJyYJgUiZQostXDa761HSfyvvTIshtl3foV9f1MW9xrnN5beh3scEH-7R85x2d3coZXC7-yainMfgeZosdFCVFGwi2BbHikS2CxTI92yJJDU8onZnQp1cINWimVUvNnYX3RWc0Y/s1600/brasil+%25287+of+7%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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I decided to take the local bus to the Trindade beach which was a few km away from the one I was staying on. The German joined in.<br />
The bus turned out to be a rollercoaster ride from hell. The driver clearly thought he was on par or possibly above Ayrton Senna, the legendary racing car driver. He was accelerating and overtaking every which way and all of that whilst on the curvaceous, steep, narrow country roads.<br />
The German turned pale.<br />
There was nothing to it, but distract her: "Say, would you call this a jungle?", I asked a stupid question pointing my arms in the general direction of the jungle stretching everywhere around us.<br />
She looked momentarily confused before answering: "Most definitely."<br />
"I bet it's full of monkeys, anacondas, jaguars and tiny teeny frogs.", I continued.<br />
The German started looking even more pale, but luckily we have reached our stop and tumbled out onto the pristine, picture perfect beach...all white sand and blue ocean.<br />
"This is heaven"; I thought.<br />
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We spent a whole day there and headed back to our beach at dinnertime.<br />
The bus back was more crowded than I thought humanly possible. People were sitting on driver's dashboard, exits, stairs and every single inch of space was filled with heaving throng of people.<br />
"They clearly haven't heard of any health and safety rules. This whole line would get shut down immediately in England."<br />
With that thought I squeezed in the tiny bit of space still left on the dashboard and hoped for the best.<br />
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I wore:<br />
Bikini: Vix (<a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=505116541&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> )<br />
Shorts: FCUK (<a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=513826489&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> )<br />
Sunglasses: Whistles (<a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=512170063&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> )<br />
Headband: Accessorize (<a href="https://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=509268866&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> )<br />
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-91241246717423723202016-03-09T22:13:00.001+00:002016-03-09T22:14:12.343+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil IX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The torrential rain that greeted me upon my arrival to Paraty showed no sign of stopping.<br />
Still, I was on holiday, it was carnival (Still! Carnival in Brazil lasts for a week or so.) and I wasn't just going to sit around in my hotel.<br />
I phoned the German girl I met on the coach: "Shall we go to the beach?"<br />
"But it's raining!"<br />
"Yeah, but it's still kinda hot."<br />
"OK then".<br />
<br />
We decided to meet by the pharmacy on the main square.<br />
"I have a problem.", the German announced the minute I arrived.<br />
"What kind of problem?<br />
"Erm...diarrhoea. Could you help me buy the tablets? I thought since you speak Portuguese..."<br />
As we entered the pharmacy I tried explaining the problem to the lady behind the counter: "Do you have anything against...erm....erm...going to toilet?"<br />
The pharmacist looked at me blankly.<br />
"You know...problems with toilet."; I said again and motioned in the general direction of my arse.<br />
Another blank stare.<br />
By this time a queue was forming behind us.<br />
"Problems! TOILET!"; I said a bit louder.<br />
"DIARRHEA!!! DIARRHEA!!! I need tablets for diarrhea!!!"; shouted the German losing all the patience.<br />
"Eek...what are you doing? I tried to put it delicately so that not every soul in the pharmacy becomes familiar with your problem."; I looked at the German horrified.<br />
"Well she understood 'diarrhea', didn't she? Besides, I don't even care anymore. I just want it gone."; she said.<br />
And with that we strolled towards the beach. <br />
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Since Carnival was still happening, we decided that we should certainly pay a visit to a street party later on. There'll be music, dancing, debauchery, drinking and...rain, by the looks of it.<br />
<br />
We dressed up to the nines, bought some cheap raincoats to cover our finery and hopefully keep us dry and headed towards the nearest music source.<br />
There was a girl dressed just in a tiny, teeny bikini dancing barefoot to the deafening rhythms of samba drums. All luscious hair and glistening coffee skin, not caring for the crazy rain nor the crowd that gathered around her.<br />
I looked around me. The Brazilians were doing a brisk business of selling the flimsy, crappy, made in China raincoats to all the foreigners. <br />
"Looks, foreigners are the only ones wearing these raincoats.", I motioned to the German. "Brazilians are just getting soaked and they don't care."<br />
"Hmmm...and these raincoats are shit anyway. It's not like they're really keeping us dry, is it?", said the German.<br />
We took the raincoats off and immediately got drenched. Our clothes were wet, our hair was wet, the make up melted and run down our faces.<br />
And not a single f**k was given.<br />
<br />
Later on in the evening, the German nudged me:"Look, how come Brazilian girls still have their make up on? And not just that, but it's flawless."<br />
I looked around, "Ah, but they are Brazilian. Other rules apply."<br />
And with that, I continued dancing.<br />
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-17083939809901341942016-03-05T22:05:00.001+00:002016-03-09T22:17:54.583+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil VIII<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VH1omczS6fk/VttLUVA8vvI/AAAAAAAAEIc/vDW92PQxaws/s1600/brazil4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VH1omczS6fk/VttLUVA8vvI/AAAAAAAAEIc/vDW92PQxaws/s1600/brazil4.jpg" /></a></div>
The coach to Paraty was ready to leave.<br />
"Any minute now, I'll be on my way to a sunny, beachy paradise."; I thought to myself.<br />
But no.<br />
I continued sitting in my seat for another half an hour thinking there's no reason for panic. After all, this is Brazil. They do things in their own time and never mind the timetable.<br />
In the next few minutes, however, everyone got ordered off the coach.<br />
"Off, off!!"; yelled the officials.<br />
I knew then that maybe I should panic after all.<br />
<br />
Everyone got off the coach mumbling and grumbling.<br />
In the general chaos I spotted a blonde head of hair. She also spotted me.<br />
"Do you speak ze English?"; she asked. She was German.<br />
"Yes, bruv.", I answered nonchalantly.<br />
"Do you know what's going on?", she continued.<br />
"No, but I will find out."<br />
I scanned for the nearest official and strode over determinedly.<br />
"What's going on?"<br />
"The battery of the coach is not working. We're waiting for a different coach.", the official said.<br />
"And how long is that gonna take?"<br />
"Only God knows", she shrugged.<br />
Frankly, the most baffling thing to me was that the coach had a battery.<br />
It was also clear that this was going to be a long wait. I better make friends with the German.<br />
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In the next 5 hours, the German and I visited all the shops inside the coach terminal multiple times, ate several ice creams and quite a few sandwiches and told each other our respective life stories.<br />
Finally it was time to board again.<br />
"In you go, in you go!!", yelled the officials.<br />
"But wait...this is the same coach.", I looked at the official quizzically.<br />
"Yes, yes!!!", she tried to wave me off.<br />
"What happened to the new coach?"<br />
"It's not coming."<br />
"So do you have the new battery for this coach?"<br />
"No, we tried to fix the old battery."<br />
"So, you fixed it?"<br />
"Sort of. Good luck. Hahahahaha If you make it. Hahahahahaha"<br />
And with that the official saw us off.<br />
The German had a look of sheer panic on her face: "What does she mean if we make it? This would NEVER happen in Germany. "<br />
I wanted to tell her that this would never happen in the UK either, but then I though better of it and shut my gob.<br />
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As soon as we boarded the coach the second time, the sky opened and torrential, tropical rain rushed out of the clouds.<br />
I got comfortable in my seat and readied myself for a good snooze session.<br />
The Brazilian men behind me had other ideas, however and started chattering to one another at extremely high volume and at the speed of Duracell bunnies.<br />
"This can't be f***ing happening!!! I can kiss my sleep goodbye.", I thought. "Still, I can look at the scenery if nothing else."<br />
We were driving through lush rainforest and sleepy villages. All the while the rain was relentless.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, the coach came to a halt.<br />
"The BATTERY!!!", I jumped up in my seat thinking the haphazardly fixed battery finally gave way.<br />
Alas, we were stuck in the traffic jam. IN THE JUNGLE!!!!<br />
"Is this even a thing? A jungle traffic jam? I've truly seen it all now.", I resigned myself to the fact that I will get to Paraty around midnight the way things were going.<br />
If I get there at all, that is.<br />
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Eventually, running about 7 hours behind schedule, we made it to Paraty.<br />
It was raining so hard that it looked like entire town was doing an ice bucket challenge. Streets were rivers and taxis were nowhere to be seen.<br />
The German muttered to herself yet again that this would never happen in Germany.<br />
Eventually, a taxi arrived.<br />
"I will take the German to her hotel, but I won't take you!", the taxi driver pointed in my direction.<br />
"What? Why?". Perhaps he didn't like the look of me? Or maybe I stunk?<br />
"Your hotel is just 5 minutes walk away."<br />
"But it's chucking it down. And I have luggage.", I motioned towards my already soaked bag.<br />
"NO!"<br />
"I'll pay you double!"<br />
"NO!"<br />
"Don't you want my money???", I was desperate.<br />
"NO!"<br />
And with that, he took the German and speeded away.<br />
"Fuck! What now?", there was no way I could have walked as the rain was the worst I have ever seen in my existence. Plus, there were no streets, just rivers.<br />
"Perhaps a boat will come along.", I tried to comfort myself.<br />
It was dark, it was late and I was sitting in a small Brazilian town's bus station waiting for some sort of rescue while the rain of Biblical proportion was hammering everything in its way.<br />
<br />
After about half an hour, another taxi came.<br />
"Senhor, senhor!!!! Please! I know my hotel is just around the corner, but please take me. I'll pay triple!!!!", I started waving frantically.<br />
"Triple??? But it's just around the corner.", he looked at me incredulously.<br />
"Just take the money and drive!"<br />
I pushed some crumpled up notes towards him, opened the door and, before he could protest, sat in his taxi and refused to budge.<br />
It worked.<br />
Shortly afterwards, I was standing at the door of my hotel...<br />
<br />
I wore:<br />
Bikini: <a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=490291843&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vix</a> (<a href="http://api.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=512333857&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">top</a>)<br />
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-85196435517977064242016-02-05T21:20:00.000+00:002016-02-05T21:56:55.697+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil VII<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7igMPT-mQkI/VrUKOQmximI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/XwcRwG5Fz3k/s1600/brazil%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7igMPT-mQkI/VrUKOQmximI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/XwcRwG5Fz3k/s1600/brazil%2B%25286%2529.jpg" /></a> "I need to go to the beach", I announced to my husband.</div>
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"We've been.", said he, undoubtedly thinking of the very inadequate beaches of Santos.</div>
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"PROPER beach!!!", I quipped: "I'm off to Paraty. You're coming with."</div>
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"I can't.", protested Husband.</div>
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"Suit yourself. I'm going."</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ln92qYLLA/VrUKO0RVKuI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/sIKAHZgMaFw/s1600/brazil%2B%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31ln92qYLLA/VrUKO0RVKuI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/sIKAHZgMaFw/s1600/brazil%2B%25288%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Buying the tickets to Paraty online proved <span style="color: #0000ee;">to be a challenge to say the lea<span style="color: #0000ee;">st so I trekked across the city to buy them in person. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">"1 <span style="color: #0000ee;">ticket to Paraty", I dem<span style="color: #0000ee;">anded.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">"Single?", asked the ticket dude.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">I pondered for a bit. It would be nice to stay in paradise forever. Then again, my cats w<span style="color: #0000ee;">ould<span style="color: #0000ee;"> miss me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">"No, return.", I answered and handed over <span style="color: #0000ee;">R$58.</span> </span></span>That<span style="color: #0000ee;">'s 10 quid to you and me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">The process of buying <span style="color: #0000ee;">the ticket and choosing the seat took around 25 minutes. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">If that <span style="color: #0000ee;">was</span> England, a queue <span style="color: #0000ee;">that formed behind me would be o</span>rderly, but silently <span style="color: #0000ee;">and inwardly raging. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLqCVWgpeDM/VrUKvLVVfhI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/VggOfP5KQMc/s1600/brazil%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLqCVWgpeDM/VrUKvLVVfhI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/VggOfP5KQMc/s1600/brazil%2B%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> The bus ticket said <span style="color: #0000ee;">"CONV". I took that to mean convention<span style="color: #0000ee;">al...ie<span style="color: #0000ee;">. no <span style="color: #0000ee;">a</span>ir <span style="color: #0000ee;">c</span>on <span style="color: #0000ee;">which in turn means it will be<span style="color: #0000ee;"> boiling</span></span> hot inside<span style="color: #0000ee;">. I</span> dressed accordingly<span style="color: #0000ee;"> which meant not m<span style="color: #0000ee;">any clothes and certainly no layers. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Alas, somehow, in Brazilian wisdom, <span style="color: #0000ee;">"C<span style="color: #0000ee;">ONV" meant executive <span style="color: #0000ee;">class and air con was set on <span style="color: #0000ee;">Antarctica<span style="color: #0000ee;"> so Brazilians can enjoy the se<span style="color: #0000ee;">nsation of wearing thermal sweaters in the bus.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frS-J7r4PeA/VrUKNy62dNI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/tPXHLC41QFg/s1600/brazil%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frS-J7r4PeA/VrUKNy62dNI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/tPXHLC41QFg/s1600/brazil%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Boarding the bus was a formal affair. Like checking in and boarding the plane, but MORE formal. Intercity Brazilian travel was clearly serious business.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Just before the bus arrives, several uniformed <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">functionaries</span> show up at the gate<span style="color: #0000ee;">, set up an official </span></span>looking speaker podium, painstakingly check all the tickets and documents, ask for a signature (here, here<span style="color: #0000ee;"> and here), check all the bags <span style="color: #0000ee;">and other important business.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">The bus itself was lovely. Better than anything we have in Europe. <span style="color: #0000ee;">Big and comfortable s</span>eats that <span style="color: #0000ee;">recline almost completely horizontal<span style="color: #0000ee;"> and plenty of room. Which is just as well as the journey turned out to be a journey f<span style="color: #0000ee;">rom hell.<span style="color: #0000ee;">..</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl3q61FdAMg/VrUKOuNGu4I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/zbNhu8BNMoo/s1600/brazil%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl3q61FdAMg/VrUKOuNGu4I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/zbNhu8BNMoo/s1600/brazil%2B%25287%2529.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span> P<span style="color: #0000ee;">.S.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Yes, I'm aware I have been absent from the blog for quite a while<span style="color: #0000ee;"> and that I'm just picking up where I left o<span style="color: #0000ee;">ff. However, Brazil photos and stories are too good not to share. Once I <span style="color: #0000ee;">finish t<span style="color: #0000ee;">hat I will <span style="color: #0000ee;">explain myself. :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-51080132165123085162015-05-09T21:22:00.003+01:002016-02-05T21:29:04.140+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil VI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F56qOAW1f7k/VU5idVcwmsI/AAAAAAAAD9w/tUNHpkKGM6U/s1600/brasil.jpg" /> "Honey, what time does the Carnival start?"; I asked.</div>
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"11."</div>
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"In the morning?"; I was hopeful.</div>
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"No, night."</div>
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"WHAT???? Well, what time does it finish????"</div>
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"7am."</div>
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"Are you kidding me? I'm never going to survive that. My days of all night raves and such are well and truly over. I think I'm gonna stay in and have a cup of tea instead."</div>
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"Ah, no, you won't! You made me buy front row seats at an inflated price so now you will be going to that Carnival come rain or shine. NO cups of tea for you, Madame. Get a move on."; The Husband put his foot down.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBfXRXyl0U4/VU5ibdSuUcI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/o3g6cEpuGBI/s1600/brasil-3.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2At2O8OZJ4nT6XfvD1ikC73YGU3MbUrxrMgqnAOXGuEDmUcnQ82hfnOEt5v7AzLxJRXe1JeRe-lkauAfUdbUxzaA7tQFggHwBm1xY45zlyWLNkyAeaUSQCvQ0vYsW5z59XHvWFRVo6ZA/s1600/brasil-4.jpg" /></div>
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We arrived at the Sambodromo.</div>
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"Here are our superior seats!"; I said and plonked my bottom at the front.</div>
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Some Brazilians had other ideas, however. The minute the parade started, and fueled by alcohol, they started pushing, shoving and elbowing their way to the front, generally ignoring the allocated seating and going as far as to stand right in front of my seat completely obscuring my view. </div>
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I wasn't having any of it. If they could be rude, hey, I'll give as good as I get: "Yo, yo, yo!!! You can't just barge in and stand in front of me. See this chair? MINE. Space in front of the chair? Also MINE! And, no, you can't stand ON my chair when I momentarily leave it, so jog on, lady!"</div>
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Once I took care of the seat jumpers, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Carnival was worth every penny.</div>
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And even though I managed to survive until 7am, I didn't manage to outfeather the Brazilians. :D</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxgZ2WRX9_cQG0souue-u2RAV5k9Ou0jXuW0imgq0MlXGU-6v2pdJWCd2X3hgC7A0ELaeWHR-pwnqDPH5UGbkX_jLpb8I1xtwySEVI8LUvsRO9vtJs3trqpb06Ze4YJL2kBaJzNTzpUQ/s1600/brasil-7.jpg" /></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-153313669452110962015-05-06T22:45:00.003+01:002016-02-05T21:32:05.939+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil V<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTy635cZKac/VUpkmiUO45I/AAAAAAAAD8I/dC8y_HfpfvI/s1600/brasil-6.jpg" /> The day begun extremely well...I woke up and saw some miniature monkeys playing in the trees outside my window.</div>
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"Oooooooohhhhh....monkeys, monkeys......OH MY GOD...there be mini monkeys in them trees there!!!"</div>
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"There are NO monkeys in the city, woman!"; The Husband rolled his eyes.</div>
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"Babe, I'm telling you...there are monkeys there."</div>
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I swiftly grabbed some bananas and hurried downstairs.</div>
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"Monkey, monkey!!! Come here. I got some bananas for you!!! Come!"; I called.</div>
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Surprisingly, 3 mini monkeys casually came over and started eating banana out of my hand. I was overwhelmed. I wanted to put them in my pocket and run. They would be my babies and I would be their human mom.</div>
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The idyllic scene was interrupted by a passer-by: "Do you have monkeys in Spain?"; he asked in all seriousness.</div>
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"Spain??? I'm from England, bruv. We have monkeys in a zoo."</div>
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"Not on the street?"; he continued.</div>
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"NO."</div>
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"What about birds?"</div>
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"Well, we have birds. But not colourful ones. Just...y'know...pigeons...also known as flying rats."</div>
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"Oh."; he said, undoubtedly feeling sorry for the lack of colourful fauna in England, and continued on his merry way.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPiRa81GKXM/VUpkli0zFwI/AAAAAAAAD74/h05t3-wNLTQ/s1600/brasil-3.jpg" /></div>
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I then stopped in a neighbourhood cafe.</div>
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For a coffee, obvz.</div>
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"Would you like some "<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nega+maluca&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=SYVKVfvHFYWy7QaNlIDIBA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMIu5CqwoWuxQIVBVnbCh0NCgBJ&biw=1680&bih=874" target="_blank">Crazy Nigga</a>" cake to go with your coffee?"; asked the lady.</div>
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I nearly spluttered my coffee all over the coffee shop: "I'm sorry...you wh...you what??? What cake???"</div>
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"Crazy Nigga cake!! Freshly made today!"; she was offering me what looked like a chocolate cake covered in chocolate sprinkles, adding helpfully: "It's a traditional Brazilian cake."</div>
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"And it's called Crazy Nigga?"; I was incredulous.</div>
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"Yes."; she said beaming from ear to ear: "It's delicious!"</div>
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"Ummmm....I'll have a slice. Thank you."</div>
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Political correctness clearly hasn't made it to Brazil. The cake, indeed, was delicious, but they really should rethink the name.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3J8cqtaut-U/VUpklav3-AI/AAAAAAAAD78/xNcFYoLpTD0/s1600/brasil-5.jpg" /></div>
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Straight after my daily coffee and cake fix, I turned to my husband and announced with a serious face: "I need feathers and fruit in my hair."</div>
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"You what?????"</div>
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"Feathers and fruit!"; I said matter of factly.</div>
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"What's wrong with you woman? I'm pretty sure you didn't exhibit any signs of madness when I maried you."</div>
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"Well, it's carnival tomorrow, remember? We bought tickets. And even though I won't be parading around naked covered in strategically placed glitter, I figure I could at least have some feathers and fruit on my head. Also....ummmm...I found this cool shop on internet that sells stuff like that."</div>
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"You can pluck the chicken and glue some fruits from supermarket. It'll be the same."; he laughed.</div>
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I rolled my eyes and put my foot down: "No!!! I need these accessories. I came ALL THIS WAY and now you want me to be FEATHERLESS for carnival!!!! It's unheard of!!! You're mentally torturing me."</div>
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He gave in.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGk_680oILs/VUpkoQczlOI/AAAAAAAAD8g/3_6aJkbsXFA/s1600/brasil-8.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nB-ku-9xPYk/VUpkpH4Q2II/AAAAAAAAD8k/_OkE5M_AMgQ/s1600/brasil.jpg" /> </div>
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I walked in a small atelier selling wacky headgear and started perusing. </div>
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Straight after me, a breathless Brazilian girl run in shouting: "Have you got anything Carmen Mirandaaaa?????"</div>
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She plonked a big plastic fruit basket on her head and admired herself in the mirror.</div>
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Not to be outglittered and outfruited by Brazilians, I reached for the nearest plastic, glittery fruit headpiece too.</div>
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"Are you taking the piss???"; proclaimed The Husband.</div>
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"Erm..."; I dropped the fruit basket and picked up a rose crown a la Frida Kahlo.</div>
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"It's still too much. Where on earth are you gonna wear this once the Carnival is over, eh??"; he said.</div>
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"Erm...Mexican themed parties...?"; I answered.</div>
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"Oh yeah. Because London is full of those, right?"</div>
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I bought the crown anyway.</div>
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Now if anyone knows any Mexican parties coming up in London, holla!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtI2FjKeyvU/VUpknjb-AlI/AAAAAAAAD8U/8fh75YJBUEg/s1600/brasil-7.jpg" /> I wore:</div>
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Blouse: Zara (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471341693&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Rose crown: <a href="http://cancanacessorios.com.br/" target="_blank">Can Can Acessorios</a></div>
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Shorts: French Connection (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=476169194&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Shoes: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=476402822&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bracelet: Ottoman Hands (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470625014&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Linking up with: <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/2015/05/festivals-celebrations.html" target="_blank">Travel Tuesday</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thefashioncanvas.com/category/trend-spin-linkup/" target="_blank">Trend Spin</a>, <a href="http://honestmum.com/brilliant-blog-posts-7th-may-2015/" target="_blank">Brilliant Blog Posts</a> & <a href="http://www.happinessatmidlife.com/" target="_blank">Throwback Thursday</a> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-65795192726151172032015-05-05T14:54:00.002+01:002016-02-05T21:31:50.694+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil IV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlbMFQrFExs/VUjA8o-h4wI/AAAAAAAAD5k/nzyX8pHjVCg/s1600/brasil-2.jpg" />"Let's go to Santos!"; suggested The Husband.</div>
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"What do they have there?". I was eyeing him up suspiciously. </div>
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"They have Santos football club and Pele museum"; he beamed.</div>
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"Erm...how about NO." I wasn't having any of it.</div>
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"They also have the beach." He clearly saved his winning card for last.</div>
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I perked up: "Beach? Let's go. When are we leaving? I can pack in half an hour flat!!!"</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVubwtHXmfo/VUjA74QlXuI/AAAAAAAAD5U/ubHJ7ZTHTLo/s1600/brasil-10.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjC0Mfd8oM4/VUjA8x7SiBI/AAAAAAAAD5g/yOPNklEnX7A/s1600/brasil-11.jpg" /></div>
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We arrived to Santos. The city was charming, but the sea was a murky grey colour and fringed with even greyer sand.</div>
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"Bleedin Nora, man!!! This is not a beach. It's dirtier than Blackpool beach after 200 hen and stag parties stampede through it." To say I was disappointed was an understatement. </div>
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"Erm...they also have a coffee exchange museum and an antique tram that takes you through the city." The Husband was quickly doing some damage limitations.</div>
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It worked.</div>
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I sampled the coffee (and cake...you always have to have a cake) at the city's coffee exchange and took a delighful little tram ride. We also visited Botanical gardens, saw some massive guinea pigs and spied a few interesting birds.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78JYf6t6h1c/VUjBCX0DyAI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/2xgX4BJR_c8/s1600/brasil-4.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UgZoF2FBTxk/VUjBCMXaN0I/AAAAAAAAD54/THqzJjfHQNA/s1600/brasil-5.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcD00icQLPo/VUjA_C44ECI/AAAAAAAAD5s/sRMWda3w7Ag/s1600/brasil-3.jpg" /></div>
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All that sightseeing made us ravenous so we opted for a pizza.</div>
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Brazilians love to big up their pizza saying it's best in the world so naturally I had to sample these delights.</div>
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That's not to say I wasn't sceptical. Everyone knows that the best pizza comes from Italy. End of. Amen.</div>
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I was right. The pizza that arrived was swimming in oil and imitation cheese.</div>
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"Good Lord, no! I can't be eating this abomination. I think it's time to get out of here."</div>
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With that we made a swift exit from town, just stopping to fill the car with gas.</div>
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This being Brazil, of course, you do not leave your car to do anything yourself, oh no.</div>
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One of many gas attendants will do everything for you. We were the only car in the gas station and there were about 20 attendants.</div>
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I compared that with England where the norm is one...possibly two workers per petrol station.</div>
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I could only conclude that Brazil is clearly a country where they love to keep people in employment. Even if those people have fuck all to do. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHlTYNXHfM8/VUjBCt0rN8I/AAAAAAAAD6I/NYa8_g0t2Ck/s1600/brasil-6.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5RzIKoVXf8/VUjBDPs7GkI/AAAAAAAAD6E/3i3Jjb8z2d0/s1600/brasil-7.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQAVEkDQHvHnv2e2jr2z83xXaeihIGTWvlqA371xvGQ559OTdTael6LiwVj-e9qYdta8-GIXF65S6vrd953rlpY5HomELTzQOSvgMI8OaRYDcG8rHWqdSphkeChNXnF7joInxLQLD5cQ/s1600/brasil-8.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktNhfzqaFa0/VUjBElRrG5I/AAAAAAAAD6c/_LMnkXuUKFo/s1600/brasil.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KvMx7ejFzUc/VUjBcfUvPOI/AAAAAAAAD6k/5wJrOP-Wmx8/s1600/brasil-9.jpg" /></div>
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I wore:<br />
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Sunglasses: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=451393058&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Top: Zara (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=476738157&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Shorts: French Connection (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=476169194&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Hat: Accessorize (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471088466&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Sandals: Birkenstock (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=444544280&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Rings: Dogeared; Kris Nations (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471909669&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bracelets: from Israel; Ottoman Hands (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470625014&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Linking up with: <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2015/05/style-sessions-fashion-link-up-spring-outfit-ideas.html" target="_blank">Style Sessions</a> , <a href="http://www.thirtysomethingfashion.com/tsf/monday-mingle-i-got-stripes/" target="_blank">Monday Mingle</a> , <a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/2015/05/04/mommyhood-giveaway-link-up/#more-13902" target="_blank">Let It Shine</a> & <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-60008065031543443682015-04-26T22:34:00.000+01:002016-03-09T22:18:56.479+00:00Watercolors Of Brazil III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuMXlKI4wos/VT1OuFUv58I/AAAAAAAAD4g/DKn1RBlUL9M/s1600/carnival-brazil-4.jpg" /> "Oh, look...the world famous Brazilian carnival is on. We obviously need to go and see that. It's in EVERY bucket list you will ever read. We NEED to go!"; I instructed The Husband.</div>
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He had no choice but to agree.</div>
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In typical Brazilian fashion buying tickets online was not an option with foreign bank cards. We had to physically go and buy them from the venue. Why make it easy for foreign visitors when you can make it difficult? </div>
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The journey involved taking the bus, underground and finally a mini bus to the other side of town where Sambodromo (stadium built specially for carnival and samba schools parade ) was located. </div>
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The underground was light and airy and somewhat superior in design to the London one. </div>
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Other than regular seats, there were also priority seats....the usual...preggo ladies, disabled people, elderly people and...my favourite, obese people. Obese people's seat was quite a bit wider than your regular seat and to sit in it you had to have an mbi of at least 40. I wondered who checks if your mbi is just so. I couldn't help thinking the fat seat is a novel idea, but also that maybe, just maybe they can also go easy on them Kentucky Fried Chickens. </div>
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Since all the regular seats were taken, I sat in one of the priority seats.</div>
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Not for long!</div>
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At the next station the door opened, the people started pushing and shoving and a semi-old dude started yelling at me before he even entered the carriage: "Yo, yo, yo.....I want that seat. Can I have it? It's a priority." Like a young, lithe gazelle he swiftly and expertly manoeuvred towards me and I had no choice but to get up. </div>
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I was gonna get up anyway, but I wasn't quite prepared for all the yelling, shoving and demands for the priority seat. I perceived later that this behaviour was the norm in Brazil. So unlike London where, even if you're in later stages of pregnancy, you will stoically stand on your feet, just casually shooting occasional evils towards the person pretending to be asleep in the priority seat. You will never, ever, under no circumstance ask for the aforementioned seat, not even if your life depended on it. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JAMv0r69tW0/VT1OrrPaukI/AAAAAAAAD4I/C8J7uezzM1M/s1600/brazil-carnival-7.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aC1HAiAQYuU/VT1OtKnVENI/AAAAAAAAD4U/qT9WXEvc_Go/s1600/carnival-brazil-2.jpg" /> After what seemed like an eternity, we made it to station where Sambodromo was located. </div>
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It was a bustling station teeming with people.</div>
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With the corner of my eye I spied some Gringos. </div>
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(Brazilians helpfully call every foreigner gringo. Unless you're Asian. Then they will call you Japa even if you happen to be Chinese or Korean.)</div>
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The gringos I spied where miles away, but I could still tell they're foreigners. I don't quite know what it was that set my gringo radar off...maybe their general sweaty disposition in a hot, tropical climate or the shoes that were just a smidgen better than those that the rest of the crowd at the station were sporting. </div>
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"Do I look like a gringo?"; I asked The Husband.</div>
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Without hesitation and all a bit too quickly for my liking he said: "Yes!"</div>
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"What???? WHY???? I don't want to look like a gringo!!!"</div>
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"But you're pale."; he said unflinching.</div>
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"What????? But I went to two sunbed sessions prior to coming here. This is me looking TANNED!"</div>
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We continued walking to Sambodromo in silence.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yAAeySa6Ns/VT1Os1o-e7I/AAAAAAAAD4Y/rMy40Me8Wjg/s1600/carnival-brazil-3.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmhZoFl4m_I/VT1OvEU_BAI/AAAAAAAAD4o/4ZliHlyw83k/s1600/carnival-brazil-5.jpg" /></div>
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Tickets for carnival varied in price.</div>
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"I'm getting the front row tickets. I don't want regular seats."; I announced.</div>
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"Sweetie, I'm sure you can see just as well from the balcony seats. Maybe even better."; The Husband was worried for his wallet. </div>
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Considering that the tickets cost the equivalent of a 2-3 days worth of top festival extravaganza back in the UK, I could hardly blame him.</div>
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Still..."No. I want FRONT ROW seats. This is a once in a lifetime kind of event. I didn't come all this way to sit with Joe Bloggs at the back. Uh-hum. No Sir. Just No."</div>
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We bought front row tickets.</div>
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This better be worth it.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhjzCMFo0X8/VT1OwILNIII/AAAAAAAAD40/TNRUi9CSW4Q/s1600/carnival-brazil-6.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlFdFKOdxnQ/VT1Ow2H95MI/AAAAAAAAD44/vsVy53bKNg8/s1600/carnival-brazil.jpg" /></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-34794323244432327832015-04-23T01:43:00.001+01:002016-04-01T21:34:17.231+01:00Watercolors Of Brazil II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5v_eWWVFaX8/VTg0H6sNB9I/AAAAAAAAD2c/dY3b785oH0o/s1600/brazil-10.jpg" /> While The Husband was going about his business, I decided to explore Sao Paulo neighbourhood we were staying at. That pretty much meant shops, restaurants and...nail salons. There were so many nail and beauty salons my only conclusion was that beauty in general and nails in particular are BIG business in Brazil. </div>
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"Nails!!! R$20!!!", screamed posters in the windows.</div>
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I did a quick currency conversion in my head: "Blimey! That's only about £5. I think I'll do my nails every day!"</div>
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I entered the salon:"Ya, I'd like to do my nails, please."</div>
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"Of course. Pick a colour."; said the nail lady.</div>
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I picked the brightest, brashest, neon-est (yes, I know that's not a word....) colour I could find.</div>
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"This!! And could I please pay before you paint?"</div>
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"Of course"; she said and then proceeded to paint before taking payment anyway. Oh well, perhaps it was lost in translation.</div>
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"Do you want a cappuccino?", asked the nail lady.</div>
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"Yes!"; I was excited...I'll get nails AND a cappuccino for a fiver. </div>
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She brought what I can only describe as a SHOT of cappuccino. No Starbucks like massive cups here, oh no. This was the smallest cappuccino ever. With ton of sugar already added, of course (Brazilians like their coffee sweet and their sweets and cakes even sweeter). </div>
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I downed it in one and looked at my hands. The whole process of prepping and painting the nails was completely different than in England. </div>
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"Perhaps it's some kind of weird Brazilian nail art."; I thought to myself.</div>
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The end result was the same, however, and I left salon happy.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpYTcW5xNhM/VTg0H9Gs4MI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/0V4X-Es6K3w/s1600/brazil-11.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3LJJ0nMlJE/VTg0H13NB_I/AAAAAAAAD2U/Y1vkQsH31YQ/s1600/brazil-12.jpg" /></div>
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Feeling encouraged and emboldened by my very very bright nails I decided I should get some shoes to match too.</div>
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I spied a perfect pair in a nearby shop: "Do you have these in my size?"</div>
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"No....but we have size smaller!!", the sales boy beamed happily.</div>
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"Mmmmkaaayyy...I think I'm good, thanks. No need to bring size smaller."; Brazilian logic baffled me.</div>
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Eventually I settled on another pair, paid and went to grab the shopping bag with my new purchase from the counter.</div>
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The sales boy looked at me completely horrified: "No, Madame, no!!! I will WALK you to the door with your shopping. Let me....". With that he whipped the shopping bag out of my hands and making polite small talk walked me 3 metres to the shop front door where he ceremoniously handed me back my shopping. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtTxLw8V0DI/VTg0JVQAwTI/AAAAAAAAD2k/xdZmbUA7En8/s1600/brazil-3.jpg" />Next stop bikini shop...</div>
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I perused rails upon rails of brightly coloured, small bikinis.</div>
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"Hmmmm....these are clearly for size 0 girls."; I thought.</div>
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"Erm...excuse me...do you have this in...you know...my size...erm...for....erm...big boobage area?"; I held up a tiny, but very pretty bikini followed by a forlorn look down at my rather larger tittage to illustrate the point to the shop girl. Clearly, finding a bikini in Brazil is going to be a challenge.</div>
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Shop girl took one look at me and then said loudly and PROUDLY:" Yes, we have XL!!!"</div>
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Ground swallow me now. Am I really a size XL in Brazil???</div>
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She then took out a garment that clearly did say XL on it, but it would still struggle to cover even just your nipples. I looked at it horrified.</div>
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"No. Just no. I'm from England, bruv. We like our bikinis with a touch more coverage. Back AND front!!!"</div>
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With that I exited the shop and headed straight to the nearest patisserie. I might not have tits and ass for a Brazilian bikini, but I will always have a space in my belly for more cake. :D</div>
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I wore: </div>
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Top: Jaeger (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=454926406&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Denim shorts: French Connection (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=472481869&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Espadrilles: Soludos (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=466092573&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Sunglasses: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=476022664&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bracelet: bought in Israel</div>
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Rings: Dogeared, Kris Nations (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=474231932&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471909669&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.happinessatmidlife.com/2015/04/throw-back-thursday-fashion-link-up_22.html" target="_blank">Throwback Thursday</a> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-17676769158039603012015-04-19T01:53:00.001+01:002016-04-01T21:34:45.471+01:00Watercolors Of Brazil I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_e8M1Sq9t0/VTLvD39JEVI/AAAAAAAAD1U/J45YxIoZr-A/s1600/brazil-5.jpg" /> "I need to go to Sao Paulo.", announced The Husband.</div>
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"Awesome. I'm coming with.", I counter-announced.</div>
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The day of departure arrived. One hour before I was due to leave my house for the airport I still didn't begin to pack my suitcase.</div>
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"Can you please at least attempt to pack? We will miss the flight. What's wrong with you?", asked The Husband. </div>
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"I don't know where to start. It's overwhelming."</div>
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The Husband rolled his eyes and told me in no uncertain terms that he's going to Brazil with or without me.</div>
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"Fine! I'll pack.", I said and placed the first pair of shoes into a massive suitcase.</div>
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Naturally, when we finally rocked up to the airport, our check in was closed.</div>
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The Husband was looking at me murderously. Me? I was just grateful that he didn't have any weaponry on him in that particular moment. </div>
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"What do you mean...the check in is closed?", I asked the airport worker.</div>
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"It's closed. You're late."</div>
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"BY ONE MINUTE!!!!" </div>
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"TRAFFIC!!! Traffic was really bad.", I begun to lie.</div>
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"OK. But you better run!!!", the airport worker bestowed his mercy upon us.</div>
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"We also reserved the seats..." I begun, but he stopped me in my tracks..."We gave your seats away. COS YOU WERE LATE!"</div>
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We were stuck with dreaded middle seats. On a 12 hour flight. </div>
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"Ya, excuse me....I would like to BUY an extra legroom seat.", I asked an air hostess.</div>
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"Nah. No can do. You need to do that at the check in or online.", said the air hostess.</div>
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"But the check in was closed!!! And the extra legroom seats are empty. Please!", I was desperate.</div>
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"NO!"</div>
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I wanted to simultaneously scream and punch the air hostess in the face, but I was worried that I would be escorted off the plane and consequently appear in Daily Mail under headline of "Neurotic bitch from hell air rage passenger punches air hostess!" so I admitted defeat and shuffled back to my seat.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXwEVyP-emY/VTLvEclZOXI/AAAAAAAAD1g/4QA8ST6304Q/s1600/brazil-2.jpg" /> After the jolly 12 hours of me trying to contort my 5'8'' large frame in a variety of awkward positions into a seat meant for midgets we finally arrived to Sao Paulo.</div>
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"Yes! We're here! Let's go!! Brazil....lalalalalalalala...lalalalalalalala...Brazil....Brazil...Braziiiiiiil"...I sung. </div>
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Husband just rolled his eyes and started walking ahead so no one can associate him with the crazy lady...aka me.</div>
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As I stepped off the plane looking for a non existing exit sign, I noticed a man pointing towards an exit instead. </div>
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"Well, that's one way to create employment" I thought to myself and hurried towards the immigration and customs.</div>
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Customs decided to single us out for extra control. Big signs were declaring that no foreign plants are allowed to be brought into Brazil.</div>
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As an avid watcher of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Security:_Australia%27s_Front_Line" target="_blank">Nothing To Declare</a> ", I panicked: "Are muffins plant material????", I asked The Husband.</div>
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"Are you mental?" he rolled his eyes.</div>
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As it turned out muffins were not a plant material and we were allowed into the country.</div>
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Sao Paulo was rainy and grey.</div>
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"Great. What's the point of leaving London when the weather is just the same on the other side of the world.", I thought.</div>
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Actually, it was perfect day for indoor activities...such as eating...and shopping. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWO5ZJrmfPI/VTLvGeGH4uI/AAAAAAAAD1s/S4Vfzlpd3Mo/s1600/brazil3.jpg" /> "Let's get some money out.", I said.</div>
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Little did I know that I will have a minor nervous breakdown trying to find a cash machine that will deem me worthy enough to take my foreign card and cough up some money.</div>
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The 1056th machine I tried seemed to be able to cope with foreign cards.</div>
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"Yes!!! Money!!!", I announced.</div>
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I then looked left, then right, then left, then right again, then left, then behind....</div>
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"What ARE you doing???", asked, by now exasperated, Husband.</div>
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"Why, only scanning for potential robbers."</div>
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He rolled his eyes and pointed to a heavily armed security guard.</div>
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"Oh."</div>
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I took the money out.</div>
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"Let's hit the shops and restaurants!" </div>
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First things first!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL1-HpSdujo/VTLvDj3KM6I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/JENQk8knD7g/s1600/brazil-4.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5uh4vPWb5I/VTLvFfpAonI/AAAAAAAAD1k/NqxAIyjH5vw/s1600/brazil.jpg" /></div>
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I wore:</div>
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T-shirt: POP Cph (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=468468433&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Jeans: Mango (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470199179&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Sandals: Schutz (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=451831146&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Name necklace: oNecklace </div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/visible-monday-153-flowers-are-blooming.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-68195018576348157602015-04-09T14:23:00.001+01:002016-03-09T22:26:42.544+00:00Statement Coat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-za_alAyHV_w/VSZ5f9bap6I/AAAAAAAADz8/4jV76eg7jyI/s1600/statement-coat.jpg" /> Still in coats, but those of a lighter, transitional kinda weather variety. Yes!</div>
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I wore:</div>
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Coat: Studio 4 (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=460576831&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Sweater: ASOS (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=452812169&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Jeans: Mango (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470199179&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Clutch: Accessorize (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470200473&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Shoes: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=474291571&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bracelet: Gorjana (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=469373978&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Nails: OPI "Tickle My France-y" (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=452816836&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA-SNlHL1sk/VSZ5gPaJdHI/AAAAAAAAD0A/r1bzJgbdnoY/s1600/statement-coat-2.jpg" /> </div>
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Linking up with: <a href="http://www.happinessatmidlife.com/2015/04/throw-back-thursday-fashion-link-up_8.html" target="_blank">Throwback Thursday</a> & <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2015/04/what-i-wore-86/" target="_blank">What I Wore</a></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-68305041326675469252015-04-06T02:32:00.004+01:002016-04-01T21:35:43.593+01:00Wrapped Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvsW-Mm51jA/VSHeSZFDJGI/AAAAAAAADy8/LxThMKsS3K4/s1600/wrapped-up.jpg" /> Looks like London didn't get the memo that the spring begun. </div>
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Still rather cold here.</div>
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I wore:</div>
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Pashmina: bought in Nepal (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=395978139&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Coat: <a href="http://www.vjeravilicnik.com/#welcome" target="_blank">Vjera Vilicnik</a> </div>
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Sweater: N.Peal (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470603149&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Jeans: Mango (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=470774224&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471285639&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Trainers: Nike Pegasus (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=458162516&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here in red</a>, <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471491546&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">red-orange</a> and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=469385535&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dark pink</a> )</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/visible-monday-152-groovy-paisley.html" target="_blank">Visible Monday</a></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-44528136875638989912015-04-04T00:56:00.003+01:002016-04-01T21:37:21.774+01:00Keep It Simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgO5fLAFv4w/VR34mrxu9KI/AAAAAAAADx4/-6u0UcutdLU/s1600/grey-coat.jpg" /> I wore:</div>
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Coat: Boden (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=463281986&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )<br />
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T-shirt: POP Cph (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=471959774&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Jeans: Mango (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=472590466&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Shoes: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=463645222&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Watch: Olivia Burton (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=24071891&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuxVnyTTX3w/VR34mOOr2CI/AAAAAAAADx0/SqLo_803u00/s1600/grey-coat-2.jpg" /></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/rain-bow-sweater-fun-fashion-friday.html" target="_blank">Fun Fashion Friday</a> , <a href="http://mummysgotstyle.com/category/fashion-friday/" target="_blank">Fashion Friday</a> & <a href="http://stylelixir.com/category/fridays-fab-favorites" target="_blank">Friday's Fab Favourites</a></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-36470555636504248042015-03-30T04:00:00.001+01:002016-04-01T21:40:29.590+01:00Hello Sunshine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fl_Pyv-CLtU/VRi473SuhII/AAAAAAAADuQ/9o5xYiFXvBE/s1600/printed-skirt.jpg" /> Here I am...just casually hanging out on the rooftop. Behind me is a skyline of...Sao Paulo! Brazil!</div>
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All of that is yet to come on the blog so stay tuned... :)</div>
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I wore:</div>
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T-shirt: POP Cph (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=439792480&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Skirt: ASOS (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=458877912&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Clutch: Accessorize (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=472522953&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Shoes: Whistles (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=439273217&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Rings: Kris Nations; Dogeared (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=474231932&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> ) </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgveM0ay0tY/VRi48RCFBdI/AAAAAAAADuU/1MrrxHcgvKA/s1600/printed-skirt-2.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6P7S1tLdoGprjcTCfhHSLPsYihMaokSjyG34Go6_5zzI3i1kNUeXAGf8fpOSoL_SVMQZblVYT4iUdcrdkyl6WjsZEbUyPuZYqUvMR8cdjk2X4KZFkdfu3HyNfnos8lqjnqKD68Y3asM/s1600/printed-skirt-3.jpg" /></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-60965263901684332532015-03-29T19:11:00.001+01:002016-04-01T21:42:54.728+01:00Israel Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwFXxTt8X5s/VRg3rtSJdAI/AAAAAAAADtM/yVUXSj89Wgg/s1600/israel-3.jpg" /> <b>Sleep:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.peer-hotels.com/" target="_blank">Peer Boutique Hotel</a> </b> </div>
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When traveling, I tend to give preference to smaller, family run establishments over the big hotel chains and this trip was not an exception. </div>
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This charming find is perfectly located between the beach and the Carmel market in Tel Aviv and is within easy walking distance to most points of interest in town.</div>
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The rooms are a little bit on a small side, but functional, comfortable and very tastefully decorated in romantic vintage style. </div>
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The breakfast is served 24-7 which is awesome if you're felling peckish and it's late at night.</div>
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The best thing, however, must be the charming and very helpful owners and staff who go over and beyond of what is expected. </div>
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They also have a resident cat and that's always a win in my book. :)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s78TsxWE9Ng/VRg3saQsTcI/AAAAAAAADtY/bBSaC5oWmuc/s1600/israel-6.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EZT3zTZsD8/VRg3qJo-z-I/AAAAAAAADs8/omAGxLOnnx0/s1600/israel-4.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y5QV0eufus/VRg3tRGWWuI/AAAAAAAADtk/ddvcTG6_Lpk/s1600/israel5.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Eat:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://noirgroup.co.il/restaurants/cafe-noir/about-cafe-noir/?lang=en" target="_blank">Cafe Noir</a> </b></div>
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Gorgeous little bistro in the centre of Tel Aviv serving classic home style food. The portions are rather big and the food is tasty. They also have a good selection of cocktails and other drinks. </div>
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The atmosphere is very European and relaxed and the service is efficient, but friendly. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NE05SXgFVWE/VRg3suog_OI/AAAAAAAADtc/xaeSnzwkgQk/s1600/israel.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNZkPqIkzgw/VRg3rJ1-ymI/AAAAAAAADtI/OZp3iBtvmQw/s1600/israel-2.jpg" /> <b>See:</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem" target="_blank">Jerusalem</a> </b> </div>
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It's one of the oldest cities in the world. Every corner of this place is steeped in history and, if you're staying in Tel Aviv, it is easily doable as a day trip. I do, however, recommend that you stay longer than one day if at all possible. It's an amazing city with lots to see and do. </div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/6959-Sunday-Funday-Linkup-The-Ballerina-Trend,-Easy-Brunch-Frittata-and-More.html#extended" target="_blank">Sunday Funday</a><br />
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-47708644394054327822015-03-26T01:35:00.003+00:002016-04-01T21:43:22.936+01:00Israel-The Land Of Milk And Honey V<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoZfeRQD9dc/VRAgQ2zIxnI/AAAAAAAADr4/-VEoHtoXSYI/s1600/israel-8.jpg" /> "Right, we are going to the Church Of the Holy Sepulchre first", announced the guide the moment we got to Jerusalem.</div>
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I thought to myself that I really would rather see a Jewish quarter first, but hey...I wasn't in charge.</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre" target="_blank">The complex</a> was huge and, as an important religious site, shared by several Christian churches (Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic).</div>
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After all, Jesus was said to be buried there.</div>
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Once inside I first noticed the eerie atmosphere...each denomination was singing their own songs and doing their own rituals. At the same time! It could have been cacophonic, but it was actually rather soothing.</div>
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In one corner, the devotees of the Armenian church were prostrating themselves on the marble stone, touching it with objects and falling into a trance like state.</div>
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"What are they doing?", I asked the guide.</div>
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"This is where Jesus laid.", he said.</div>
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I thought I better touch the stone just in case and prostrated myself right across the marble slab. I rubbed my clothing onto it for good measure too. You know...just in case I follow the wrong denomination and Armenians are the righteous followers.</div>
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We then proceeded to wait in the queue with other Catholics in front of a giant square stone inside the church.</div>
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Once we got inside this smallest of the spaces, there was a glass encasing with a rock under it.</div>
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"What's this?"; I asked the guide.</div>
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"This is where Jesus was buried.", he said.</div>
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"I thought he was buried under that marble slab...", I started.</div>
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"Well...", he shrugged.</div>
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I thought to myself I better touch the rock inside the glass encasing inside the square stone inside the church too. Just in case. Gotta cover all bases when it comes to afterlife. I don't wanna ruin my chances with Lord Jesus.</div>
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I went around the church touching this and rubbing that for what seems like an eternity. </div>
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Eventually, it was time for a visit to the Bazaar and, finally, a Jewish quarter.</div>
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It was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabbat" target="_blank">Shabbat</a> and it was unusually busy as the devotees were preparing themselves for prayers at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall" target="_blank">Western Wall</a>. The atmosphere was electric. People were singing, dancing and being very joyous.</div>
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The guide told us we can go all the way to the wall and to write our prayers and wishes on the paper and stick it inside the crevices in the wall.</div>
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"Aha...", I thought: "I have a whole list of things to wish for!!!".</div>
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I begun scribbling furiously. </div>
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I tried to insert my wish list into the crevice in the wall, but, alas, there was no space. Every single surface, crevice, nook and cranny were covered in colourful papers. I tried again. No luck. Then I got one of the chairs dotted around, dragged it to the wall, stood on it and stuck my wish list high up. </div>
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"Closer to God"; I thought. </div>
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And with that, our visit to this holy city was over.</div>
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"I guess I'm gonna be in God's good books now.", I thought to myself and rubbed my hands with glee.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9l0veSoYhvo/VRAgNOn7kkI/AAAAAAAADrY/lImFVrT3rX4/s1600/israel-4.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQroiEsNrHc/VRAgJ-XfsZI/AAAAAAAADrA/ITzR3g_wTjk/s1600/israel-2.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUWie1e-PKU/VRAgKw7_CqI/AAAAAAAADrI/cDcWbUQSlDs/s1600/israel-10.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1LlI-Vn66128eX8plBmYVGsrtZzZLhvW14WRxr9QLFyTXpDwmmFY0lTuMIoNlepTzhCzTn5OTlOgO-jhKm2i3yTbAsmdolHw8nwqHLVrj_OigGkJRO31kkNY65MgSCBorZ4ZScfZVBo/s1600/israel-6.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6HIQs6DSOk/VRAgP_R-beI/AAAAAAAADrw/Nfz1p5hfAgg/s1600/israel-7.jpg" /> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-62214938030402494922015-03-23T14:41:00.002+00:002016-04-01T21:43:47.927+01:00Israel-The Land Of Milk And Honey IV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tD1vBXo9CV8/VRAgNxRLh9I/AAAAAAAADrg/Sr9r6lFOlm0/s1600/israel-5.jpg" /> I was bleary eyed and guzzling my second coffee cup already. It was early. And I and a handful of other wedding guests were on our way to Jerusalem. </div>
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Our guide finally arrived and announced: "Hello everyone. Today we'll be going to Jerusalem and (dramatic pause) WEST BANK!"</div>
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My mind raced: "West Bank???? WEST BANK???? Bloody Nora, but that's a war zone. It's the place I see on the news, not the place I visit. Will they be taking us to Hebron to throw some stones???? Aaaaaaarghhh! This is not what I signed up for. "</div>
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The guide then continued as if he could read everyone's panicked expressions: "We'll be going to Betlehem. The place where your LORD JESUS was born. It's quite safe."</div>
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"Well, if you say so, bruv."; I thought.</div>
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We were bundled onto the bus and taken across barren landscape. In the distance I could see the wall dividing Israel from Palestinian territories. It was huge. </div>
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We arrived at the checkpoint. At that point we left our Israeli driver and guide and were taken over by their Palestinian counterparts.</div>
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"We're not allowed in.", explained the Israeli guide. </div>
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And just like that, we were in West Bank. </div>
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Betlehem was bustling with morning shoppers and kids going to school. </div>
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I wanted to have a look around, but we were immediately taken to church complex and told not to wander around. </div>
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Palestinian guide gathered us around little corner of the church and proudly announced: "And this, my friends, is where your LORD JESUS was born."</div>
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As if on cue, millions of cameras flashed. After all, it's not every day you get to see baby Jesus' birth place. </div>
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Truth be told, I was more interested to see what's outside and how people lived in this, very newsworthy place, but the tour was all about Jesus. At least, the older members of the tour party were interested.</div>
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"Imagine!!!"; they exclaimed: "We are standing in the same place were Jesus stood!!! I think I'm going to cry!"</div>
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I took some tissues out at the ready, but the promised tears from the elders were not coming. </div>
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There was just enough time for a few more camera clicks and then we headed to Jerusalem... </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-81014692392049182962015-03-09T14:32:00.002+00:002016-04-01T21:44:12.170+01:00Israel - The Land Of Milk And Honey III<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DP3ks63o19o/VP2rM_eqYYI/AAAAAAAADqE/GEWCv4GhnfY/s1600/israel-3.jpg" /> My hair was looking frightful so I decided to pay a visit to a hair salon. </div>
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I found one that looked presentable and entered. </div>
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"Yeah....I need my hair done."</div>
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"No problem.", said the hairdresser and quoted an outrageous price even by London standards.</div>
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I was already in the salon and there was no going back so I agreed. I'm easily swayed like that.</div>
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The hairdresser begun faffing with my barnet and making small talk: "Where are you from?"</div>
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"Croatia."</div>
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"Ah, Korea...very nice."; I was baffled, but he continued completely unfazed: "You don't have the eyes, eh...?"</div>
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'No, I don't have "the eyes" because I'm not from Korea'; I thought to myself, but I didn't want to spoil his excitement about possibly his first "Korean" customer so I kept quiet. Besides, he did my hair justice and I needed good hair for tomorrow's visit to Jerusalem. I couldn't very well go to an ancient city overlooked by Gods of all Abrahamic religions with shitty hair. That's just not done.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5uFhM6g4nM-4oqyegCy6lz6UR7p2nYg110tI_PuxynM8LcMqD-hhwX3mLHByozv_8FzUibv1aavOqJ6ZA8b0WXjJhOiGs3szIQi_6E56r4dLOHRVIoTQWhWvQAmHtm9_yt2uOAuJQTw/s1600/israel-4.jpg" /> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-21808852551902949372015-03-04T13:42:00.001+00:002016-04-01T21:44:33.896+01:00Israel - The Land Of Milk And Honey II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwrL7biw2x0/VNAgI4S3G9I/AAAAAAAADno/Pv619BfJjeE/s1600/israel-4.jpg" /> It was the day of the wedding. </div>
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I was as nervous as if it was my own wedding day so I went for a leisurely walk along the beach to calm the nerves. I then returned to my hotel, shovelled the make up on and headed to the venue.</div>
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"They better do the chair dance. It's the sole reason of my travel to Israel."; I thought to myself.</div>
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Once in the venue, I swiftly found the chair with my name on it and sat my ass down.</div>
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"Ah, no...once the bride enters, you stand up and whoop and holla.", said the random Jewish geezer to me. </div>
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"You wha..?? This is not a hip-hop video."; I looked at him incredulously.</div>
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I decided he must be drunk and continued to sit down. </div>
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The bride entered....the rabbi began to sing an upbeat, contagious song...and the entire room started swaying, whooping, hollering, clapping, dancing and clambering to get a better look at the bride.</div>
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The bride was dancing too.</div>
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This was already way better than the boring Catholic ceremonies where everyone is dead serious, tears are shed and the priest tends to go on for at least an hour til everyone falls asleep.</div>
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"Dayyum...I wish I had a Jewish wedding ceremony."; I thought to myself, completely ignoring the fact that I am not Jewish.</div>
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The rabbi sang a few more upbeat songs, the groom stepped on a glass, happy couple were officially married, the chic venue was swiftly transformed into what can only be described as a nightclub and then the real party begun.</div>
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To complete the effect, the guests were even given glowsticks and other raving gear.</div>
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I furiously waved my glowstick around. The Israelis knew how to party and I wasn't going to be outdone. </div>
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"I'll show them some London style.", I thought and threw some grandad dancing shapes on the dancefloor. </div>
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P.S.</div>
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I didn't have my DSLR at the wedding venue, but if you're curious to see photos from the wedding as well as other photos from Israel, check out my <a href="https://instagram.com/kristina_jelcic/" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a> (and scroll down a bit ;) ).</div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-31430301348183614852015-01-26T14:51:00.002+00:002016-04-01T21:44:55.598+01:00Israel-The Land Of Milk And Honey I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOSTQKlvu8U/VMZOqzxXT0I/AAAAAAAADmo/nHud8ZvIdKQ/s1600/israel-2.jpg" /> My excitement was reaching fever pitch. I was going to Israel, the Biblical land of milk and honey. On my own. </div>
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The Husband dropped me off to the airport: "Look, I think they're going to Tel Aviv as well."; he pointed in general direction of an Orthodox Jewish family rushing through the airport building. </div>
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"God, you're so presumptious. They might be going on a family holiday to Malaga."; I dismissed him.</div>
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The Orthodox Jewish family took their places at Tel Aviv boarding gate. </div>
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"Oh, they're not going to Malaga after all."; I was mildly disappointed.</div>
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I looked around. There were Orthodox Jews everywhere. Some of the men got up to pray and were busy readying themselves with great seriousness. They were wrapping what looked like high performance bands (<a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/585574/tefillin-shel-yad" target="_blank">Tefillin Shel Yad</a>) around their arms and placing what looked like Go-Pro cameras (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tefillin" target="_blank">Tefillin</a>) on their heads. Jewish praying was clearly a high intensity sport.</div>
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I was strangely soothed by presence of that many pious, religious people. The plane was unlikely to go down with quite that many believers on board.</div>
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I could truly relax...</div>
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Halfway to our destination, the air hostess got up and announced that back galley is now open for prayers. As if on cue, the entire Orthodox male contingent got up, put their long black coats and hats on, wrapped themselves in scarves, took their "athletic" equipment and occupied the back galley. They were rocking back and forth and praying. The terrible and extremely curious human being that I am, I rotated my body for 180 degrees, craned my neck and STARED! </div>
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The rest of the flight passed uneventfully. Mostly because I was asleep.</div>
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Upon arrival to Tel Aviv, a stern immigration official enquired about the purpose of my visit.</div>
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"I came for the wedding, bruv! JEWISH wedding!!"; I said.</div>
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He changed his demeanour, smiled and waved me through: "Enjoy!"</div>
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I breathed in the fragrant Mediterranean air and thought to myself: "Tel Aviv, this is going to be awesome!"</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.fabfatale.com/2015/01/sunday-funday-bloghop-and-linkup-party-4/" target="_blank">Sunday Funday</a></div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-42400305358867749282015-01-24T03:16:00.001+00:002016-04-01T21:45:24.095+01:00New Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqH2JZ5_tLI/VMMEVlO8uUI/AAAAAAAADmE/nF2voKfOYJs/s1600/new-hair.jpg" /> "Cut a fringe"; they said.</div>
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"You'll look younger"; they said.</div>
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So I cut it.</div>
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I wore:</div>
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Coat: Boden (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=459301145&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Necklace: Heart.It </div>
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Dress: ASOS (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=464959405&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Tights: Falke merino blend (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=451610085&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=446532111&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Shoes: ASOS ( similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=459792021&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Rings: Ottoman Hands (here in <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=462619106&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blue</a> and <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=466313065&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tiger eye</a> )</div>
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Nails: OPI "Tickle My Francey" (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=452816836&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJcypvKucNY/VMMETlNKwgI/AAAAAAAADl0/5kpHIgOrcUY/s1600/new-hair-2.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMiEF5KVHOY/VMMEUcQU9WI/AAAAAAAADl8/eZV4HKt_hl4/s1600/new-hair-3.jpg" /></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/fun-fashion-friday-new-link-up-party.html" target="_blank">Fun Fashion Friday</a>, <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2015/01/valentines-day-ideas.html" target="_blank">Friday's Fab Favorites</a>, <a href="http://mummysgotstyle.com/breton-stripes-for-little-boys/" target="_blank">Fashion Friday</a> & <a href="http://www.rachelthehat.com/search/label/passion%20for%20fashion" target="_blank">Passion For Fashion</a><br />
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-78029816693567771642015-01-10T03:33:00.000+00:002016-04-01T21:47:15.025+01:00Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb2JwJnOlB4/VLCa9vebjOI/AAAAAAAADk0/-w62JwxgQoE/s1600/black-dungarees.jpg" /> Going away for a mini holiday next week and I can't wait. Hope the weather is not as dreary as it is in London.</div>
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I wore: </div>
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Sunnies: Ray-Ban (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=453022007&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Sweater: N.Peal (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=459555242&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Dungarees: ASOS (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=463510288&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Watch: Olivia Burton (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=454999927&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Ballerinas: Bloch (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=463538146&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> , also <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=463538280&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here in pearl</a> )</div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-73812303118917414572015-01-07T00:09:00.002+00:002015-01-07T00:09:17.355+00:00Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMnqe43rdEE/VKx3mcqvGBI/AAAAAAAADkM/y17Z0jEb2ag/s1600/rose.jpg" /> </div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjXDXmy2nVM/VKx3m5nFwXI/AAAAAAAADkQ/-L1hctfxHWA/s1600/roses.jpg" />Sitting indoors taking random photos of roses, drinking cocoa and preparing for a client photoshoot tomorrow. </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-56221081278659958492015-01-04T02:11:00.001+00:002016-04-01T21:49:01.335+01:00Grey Beanie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DQZCrQbupU/VKia8dkhBoI/AAAAAAAADjg/H33dPquZcWQ/s1600/pom-pom-beanie-3.jpg" /> A sartorial combination almost identical to the one in the previous outfit post, but different accessories give it a completely different, more casual look.</div>
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The new grey pom pom beanie is from <a href="http://blue-melon.com/gb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Melon</a> who specialize in hats. My one is super snug and warm as it's lined with fleece. </div>
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The white leather Converse complete the look. </div>
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I wore:</div>
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Beanie hat: Eisbar @ Blue Melon (<a href="http://blue-melon.com/gb/product/boho-lux-dark-grey-fur-bobble-long-hat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Coat: Boden (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=459301145&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Sweater: N.Peal (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=459555242&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Jeans: Mango (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=454228372&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Leather trainers: Converse (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=422111532&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=446532111&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> )</div>
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Rings: Dogeared, Kris Nations (similar <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=461628165&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> & <a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=459401662&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Lips: Nars "Manhunt" (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=68271227&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> )</div>
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Nails: OPI "Honk If You Love OPI" (<a href="http://www.shopstyle.co.uk/action/loadRetailerProductPage?id=445272503&pid=uid7264-25814208-67" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here on sale</a> as part of the set)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yqhxMHbLpTU/VKia9yt2IcI/AAAAAAAADjo/yhyBVsQb66M/s1600/pom-pom-beanie.jpg" /></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6f5Q9sqabY/VKia7_OraJI/AAAAAAAADjc/IWp1-mi7ebQ/s1600/pom-pom-beanie-2.jpg" /></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://stylelixir.com/2015/01/design-a-life-you-love-blogging-for-a-living.html" target="_blank">Friday's Fab Favourites </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/2015/01/05/january-stitch-fix-review/" target="_blank">Let It Shine</a> <a href="http://www.mispapelicos.com/search?q=Share-in-Style&max-results=20&by-date=true#.Un00_vkqWht" target="_blank">Share In Style</a></div>
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<a href="http://stylelixir.com/2015/01/leopard-scarf-and-burgundy-coat.html" target="_blank">Style Sessions</a> </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025801633080449455.post-91418331591122864862015-01-02T20:06:00.000+00:002016-04-01T21:50:48.590+01:002014: A Year In Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6N6C8Igl6Ak/VKb1bphHULI/AAAAAAAADi8/auQvOBWjxc0/s1600/2014-retrospective.jpg" /> 2014 was...OK....not great, but certainly not awful either. </div>
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I traveled....to York....where I stayed in a medieval haunted house and ate cakes at Betty's Tea Rooms; to France...both Paris and Alsace region; to Germany...where I enjoyed traditional German foods and to tiny Whitstable...only a shortish drive from London where the beach is "catastrophic" (according to my Mum), but the town is cute. More travel to come in 2015 with the first two trips only 2 weeks and 4 weeks away from now. :D</div>
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I cooked...a lot...mostly sweet stuff to appease my sweet tooth. All that cooking and baking didn't help my weight though so as I enter 2015, I enter it dieting. </div>
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I photographed...a lot of people...cute models, gorgeous mamas to be, but most importantly, I photographed Jean Paul Gaultier who is as charming and funny in real life as you imagine him to be.</div>
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I shopped...probably a bit more than I should and I discovered Dr Organic snail gel (yes, really) that does wonders for your skin. All that shopping resulted in wearing a lot of inappropriate clothes (sequin skirts in daytime), not that I care...</div>
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I was visited...here in London by both my mother and one of my brothers...and that made me realize that I too should try to go home to Croatia more often as I miss my family.</div>
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Most importantly, I was healthy and loved.</div>
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I wish us all an amazing 2015. </div>
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Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907468813380727167noreply@blogger.com10