A blue ship

When Willow woke up from a nap between the two towers of her university one day, the big Roman-arched windows gave her a beautiful view over her new city. The landscape was covered by a soft coat of fog, and this in turn resulted in a rather blue colour. Way out there, Willow had her eyes fixed on a big, blue cargo ship. It was loaded with containers, right next to the tall pipe. It seemed lying so peacefully at the dock, caressed by the fog. It made Willow feel calm as well. But only for a moment. She suddenly remembered that she could not possibly be looking at a ship, as the ocean happened to be miles and miles away. A port was also out of the question. Realizing that she must have been a whole lot more tired and overworked than she had thought, she started to worry.

When I woke up this morning...

...I put on my helmet and started the engine of my little plane. I needed some fresh air and a new perspective, so I decided to fly away. With the cool, fresh air in my face, I looked down on golden fields of corn, enormous forests where deer were grassing, I saw farmers taking a break in the middle of the day and neighbours chatting together. I went over the wild mountains, and it started snowing. But as my little plane is a very good one, it didn't matter. Feeling free like a bird, I took another round. Hearing nothing but the noise coming from my engine, my thoughts sailed away on waves. Flying through a beautiful rainbow I had nearly reached my destination. Ones down on the ground, I was greeted by a "Hello Willow", a kiss and a warm big hug. "I've been missing you, Tito", I said. On my way home in my little plane, I felt butterflies in my stomach.

A new blogger has been born!

She calls herself CattyCanadian and her brand new blog can be located at Birdie's Heart. She tells us that she was "raised on Lego, humbled by paper." CattyCanadian is a wonderful person to be around, she spreads so much joy and happiness to the world and she happens to be a devoted fellow cat-lover.

Welcome to the blogging world, my friend! I'm looking so much forward to follow your blogging. xox

Going to the hairdresser

Going to the hairdresser might sound like something really easy. Well, in a new country it does actually require some research and preparation. Firstly, you would want to have a hairdresser recommended. After all, it's about your appearance. Then you might want to research the costs. Not all hairdressers charge the same for doing the same job. Then finally you need to update your vocabulary. Going through the dictionary, you memorize terms you think you might need.

Ones being there, the hairdresser doesn't necessarily use the words listed in your dictionary... So you do your best to understand, and when nothing else works you just smile and say ¡sí! Explaining how you'd like to have your hair is surprisingly difficult. Getting a long, lovely head-massage to start with and a 20 minutes job with the hairdryer in the end, you feel refreshed. And when the people in the saloon tell you how pretty you look, well, then you feel pretty. It's nice feeling new and attractive.

On the loose

Some weeks ago, Spanish journalists could report a story about an unfortunate man having lost his pet. This would probably normally not have reached the national news, but the unusual thing about this pet, was that it happened to be a black panther. Keeping exotic felines is also in Spain highly illegal, so the man's name was of course not revealed. Witnesses could report having seen a rather large black cat cross the highway, and then having disappeared. Weather or not the man was ever reunited with his kitty I have no knowledge. Neither if any of them were put in a cage as a result of the incident.

Winter is on it's way

I've started to freeze in the morning, freeze in the evening and freeze during the night. My hands, feet and nose are affected, and I'm on a constant high from drinking one cup of tea after another. I've been told you should fight cold from the inside, and it does help, but only as long as there's somthing left in the cup. I believe I need a man to keep me warm.

Tito, you may come back now.

What can be better than a book fair?

Lots and lots of wonderful books: small books, big books, children's books, adults' books, books with pictures, books without pictures, books in Spanish, books in English, books in French, cookbooks, massage books, books about the Pope, books about I-Ching, books with stories, books without words, books which are considered classics, new books, old books, books written by famous authors, books written by less famous authors, interesting books, not so interesting books...

8 books for € 32. A librarian's dream-come-true.

Going away for a day

Travelling is wonderful. Being on the bus before sunrise, Astrid J. and Willow were ready to explore a new place: Córdoba. The city really has a lot to offer, be it impressive architecture like the Arab mosque Mezquita (which the Catholics managed to destroy by converting it into a catholic cathedral...), the ancient Jewish quarter or it's city wall.



The Mezquita

Taking a stroll through the beautiful botanical garden, we did get to see some pretty exotic stuff for a Northerner: Green peppers still being attached to their bush, trees with ripe oranges, lemons and mandarins, palm trees with tiger stripes and a variety of cactuses in all shapes and sizes.




A trip to a tapas bar is probably inevitable, and Astrid J. and Willow were very well pleased with the food, the beers and the delicious cheese pudding bathing in a raspberry sauce...




Having a piña colada tea at one of the Arab Teterías is definitely a nice way of ending a wonderful day full of impressions, sun and experiences in Córdoba. The atmosphere is perfect for relaxation and good conversations.




A trip to Córdoba is something I would recommend and I'm sure I'll return one day.

All Souls' Day

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Author unknown

Although you're physically gone, I still get to meet you in my dreams sometimes. You've always had a special place in my heart, and when I think about all the amazing times we have spent together growing up, I cannot help but smile. Today I've lit a candle for you in my window. Love you always. xox

What I would have liked....

...being given one day where I could have been treated like a real lady: receiving a massage while listening to soft music, having flowers sprinkled all over my body and being dressed up in a fancy evening gown afterwards. Then my wonderful Prince Charming would have taken me out to a romantic candle-light dinner on the sea-shore, kissing my hand as we meet and complimenting my stunning beauty....

Reality: I have a whole appartment to clean, homework to do and my Prince Charming is miles and miles away.

*Sigh*