http://evissima.blog.co.uk/en-UKMokoFeed10http://evissima.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/fa/3a260a282dcb8ca0cd3c1445b40cf5_160x200.jpghttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/11/10/shaking_it_in_warsaw_salsa_festival~3276881/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2007-11-10:/2007/11/10/shaking_it_in_warsaw_salsa_festival~3276881/Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:21:51 +0100 <p>Here I am again, dancing at the London Salsa Festival... It's great coming here! a fantastic combination of meetings with friends and hot salsa nights (with music from one of my favourite salsa DJs - Henry Knowles). </p> <p>We were dancing in Ground Zero last night. The club was heaving! Probably cause it really can't accomodate that many people. The venue was airless - with all off us grasping for air between spins, shines and complicated footwork. </p> <p>I was soon to find out the heat wasn't the worst I'd go through that night...</p> <p>My friend (who I'm staying with) decided to leave early, at 3am, leaving me with a new cloakroom ticket (no pockets!!!), her mobile phone (battery running dangerously low) and no house keys (we took only one set as we were sure we'd get back together), assuring me she will definitely hear me coming back home...</p> <p>At 5am, after a rather miserable dance with a guy who doesn't know his 2s from his 6s, I decided I've finalliy had enough and it's time to head home (my friend's home). I grabbed my other friend - offered her a ride in my cab (she was staying in the hotel on my way) - booked a cab and left the club.</p> <p>Taxi arrived promptly with a rather jolly, chatty driver who offered us candy seeing how dehydrated we were. Chatting on the way, Ola casually mentioned that maybe I should crash at her hotel, as it was far closer and more convenient, and she had a spare bed anyway. I declined, and insisted I made it to my friend's place. I got to my destination at some 5.15 and started ringing my friend's other mobile. I was ringing, and ringing, and ringing.... and every time I tried the phone was crying quietly, urging me to charge it. At 5.35 it was obvious I'm not getting in that way and looked at my options. I could either spend the few hours till the morning on the staircase, or go back to my Ola's hotel. The 2nd option presented a bit of a challenge as the battery was flat by that time and I could not call for a cab any more. I decided (hoping for the best) to head to the nearest tram stop and check whether I could get there by tram.</p> <p>Luckily I didn't have to wait too long! Number 1 tram arrived almost immediately to take me to my destination. 10 minutes later I was at my friend's hotel and pleading with the receptionist to give me her room's number. Despite the late/early hour he let me call her room and after two series of rings she finally picked up. I was given the key and made my way to her room. Surprised as she was she offered me the other bed and at 6am we both went to sleep.</p> <p>Tonight, I hope, I'll be a bit luckier!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/11/10/shaking_it_in_warsaw_salsa_festival~3276881/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/11/10/shaking_it_in_warsaw_salsa_festival~3276881/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/01/19/french_alps_skiing_what_a_delight~1585360/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2007-01-19:/2007/01/19/french_alps_skiing_what_a_delight~1585360/Fri, 19 Jan 2007 23:32:39 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1111544" title="Wow - so beautiful!"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/544/1111544_e3cd268eba_m.jpg" alt="Wow - so beautiful!" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="448" height="336"></a><br> About a week ago I've discovered skiing.</p> <p>A while ago - when the leaves on the trees were just turning that beautiful shade of bronze that I love - a friend from Warsaw suggested that I joined her and some of her friends on a ski-trip to French Alps. Of course, of course! I jumped on the occasion! I've always wanted to try skiing and the only things stopping me before was the fact I wearing glasses and was filled with that irrational fear that I was surely going to hit a large tree that would suddenly appear in front of me...</p> <p>Well - no longer so!</p> <p>I've arrived at Grenoble on Saturday evening - my flight late by at least 45min. - slightly relieved cause I knew my friend's flight was delayed as well. Well - it worked out perfectly! We've arrived at more or less the same time. Only to find out that my girlfriend is tottaly pissed (a result of her surreal fright of flying trigerred by watching much to many disaster movies on Discovery). We then proceeded to the car rental office, to find out that there is no car there waiting for us (5 of us to be precise). Apparently we booked it but haven't confirmed the reservation... We spent about an hour there agonizing about prices and sizes of the two available cars (beginning of the skiing season) without reaching a solution (someone once said that indecision is common amongst the intelligence). Finally we've decided to take a bus to Grenoble-City and try to get a better deal there (it was pretty late by that time....). Not surprisingly, there was no car hire open there and no trains running in our chosen direction so we hired a cab to take us to Superdevoluy.</p> <p>It took 2 hours to arrive at our destination - two hours of looking at snowless hills around Grenoble. With my friend - still "under influence" - shouting out every time she woke up: "la neige" (snow) rather disapointedly. We arrived to a party in a full swing with vodka generously poured round the table. It was long after midnight before we finally went to sleep.</p> <p>The next two days I spent learning the basics - first trying it on the tiny "bunny" slope and then on a slightly higher slope. I decided to book a couple of hours with an instructor - asked for a tall, dark and handsome option. Well... he was two out of three, his name was Sebastian and he managed to teach me all the basics... or so I thought at the time. We were skiing till 5 - then dinner and party. Two discos to chose from - not much of a dancing experience - but the large amounts of vodka drunk before leaving the chalet helped to appreciate their rough beauty.</p> <p>The third day I attacked the proper ski lift and tried skiing of a large hill - it went pretty well although I did realize there is at least two things my instructor didn't teach me - how to fall without twisting my limbs out of the sockets and how to get up without almost breaking my thumbs... Well.... I've learned that on days three and four (respectively). I went down the slope quite a few times and discovered that my knees decided to give up on me as well. Knees or not I made it to 2200m and did the first long ride down the mountain</p> <p>The fourth day was much more enjoyable - I kinda thought I got a hang of it at last and started to enjoy the scenery a bit more - it's much easier if one stops falling every 5min. Skiing was fun - a few breaks - with lots of mulled wine definitely helped the experience (also keeping me warm). And it was getting better and better... On days five and six I saw some beautiful views as I could look up and admire the nature around me - instead of looking at my lovely pink skis. My knees were in much better condition too - it seemed it was that firs slope with it's tiny moulds that made them worse. Or maybe I was a bit immune to the pain by then (haven't had that much alcohol for a long time) as I also managed to do some wild dancing in the evenings.</p> <p>The last day of the trip was definitely the best! I felt like I finally got the hang of it all and felt much more comfortable with a bit more speed and even starting taking turns with my skis in parallel! I felt pretty confident and that was probably why I decided to go down that long slope so fast - far too fast for an unexperienced skier! Well anyway - it all happened pretty fast - I was going down and knew I had to gather enough speed to go up the hill ahead of me... Half way through I panicked - thought I was going far too fast and probably wouldn't be able to break in time - would go up that slope and instead of stopping go right down the next one - on full speed. Mistake! I started breaking the only way I thought I could in such situation (snow-plough) and ended up falling over and hitting my head really hard against the icy slope. I was pretty sure I really hurt myself as I heard a little crack on the side of my head. Minutes later I knew the crack came from my broken sunglasses... I managed to get up and felt the side of my head swelling fast. I managed to ski down to the little restaurant at the bottom of the slope. Actually skiing that day felt so good I went down that slope 4 more times!  Managing to fall on my tail bone in the meantime - slipping on the ice outside the toilet! Uhhh, that hurt - to the poing that I stayed there on the snow for quite a bit screaming - with my friend helping me up - trying to do her pants at the sime time (Isn't she a darling!). Later on she admitted she was amazed to alwas find me fall in the most unexpected moments... and always on the flat ground....</p> <p>Day seven was all about going back home - we got up pretty early to clear out of the chalet. Our friends got into their cars and on their way back to Warsaw and we back in a cab to Grenoble. We spent a few hours wandering the streets. The city has that specific atmosphere that one can only find in old European cities. I absolutely loved it! The old townhouses, little squares, churches.... And all this bathing in a glorious sunshine - a perfect day!</p> <p>A perfect holiday actually... Weather-wise (sun shining bright 5 out of 6 days!) and in general! I#m rearing to go again - and soon!<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1111521" title="2nd day fun"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/521/1111521_bd27ce4f0d_m.jpg" alt="2nd day fun" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="448" height="336"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1111522" title="On top with Madita!"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/522/1111522_c529ab65d7_m.jpg" alt="On top with Madita!" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="448" height="336"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1111523" title="Wow - so beautiful!"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/01/19/french_alps_skiing_what_a_delight~1585360/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2007/01/19/french_alps_skiing_what_a_delight~1585360/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/wow_i_can_t_believe_it_s_been_so_long~1383559/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-11-29:/2006/11/29/wow_i_can_t_believe_it_s_been_so_long~1383559/Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:43:39 +0100 <p>It's Wed night again - I can't believe how fast this week is passing - no wonder I'm getting older so quickly!</p> <p>Thought about going out to dance tonight, had such a great time last weekend and would like to keep it going, but instead I'm (so far) stuck at home - being reasonable and trying to think about packing for the trip to Warsaw (not doing very well - not packed a single thing).</p> <p>I so miss the sunlight these days that the very thought of getting on the bus in the morning to get to work is unbearable... So, I've been cycling - even when it rains. It's still better!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/wow_i_can_t_believe_it_s_been_so_long~1383559/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/wow_i_can_t_believe_it_s_been_so_long~1383559/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/05/02/eilat_jerusalem_tel_aviv~771085/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-05-02:/2006/05/02/eilat_jerusalem_tel_aviv~771085/Tue, 02 May 2006 17:26:44 +0200 <p>Tonight is my last night in Israel - and I loved absolutely every aspect of this trip!</p> <p>I arrived last Thursday morning on an overnight flight from Stansted to Tel Aviv. The security at the UK airport was a bit of a surprise (even after warnings from friends). I assumed that being a tall blond - with a rather innocent look - I'll pass through with flying colours... The first stop was at the check in - my pasport was taken away - someone was checking me in - whilst I went through a long process of security checks - no stripping - but I did have to take off my shoes. Managed this without getting upset. Even had enough time to run to the money exchange counter to get shome sheklas (I think this is the spelling) and do a little (little being the operative word) shopping. Israelis seem to have adapted the manana attitude from the Spaniards as even though on the check-in slip it said we were supposed to be at the gate at 21.40 nothing really happened till 22.40. Then I got picked out from the crowd - made their job easier - once again, being a tall blonde - finding me. I followed a young woman to a special room - where, once again, I was asked to take off my shoes and the belt and was scanned for weapons. Nothing too abusive - but took a reasonable amount of time. After that I was asked to leave everything in the room (including the wallet, phone etc.)and follow my guide back to the gate. </p> <p>At that point the mayhem with 100 children has started. I have never seen so many children getting on one flight - I could see my plan to get a good sleep through the night fading away quickly, and quietly prayed that I'm not seated by a yelling baby. Before that happened though I had to wait for my hand luggage to turn up. It did eventually - after most of the child-bearing hord came through the gate and onto the plane.</p> <p>Got to my seat to see that it was already taken by a huge Jewish guy. He moved reluctantly after an explanation from the stewardess. </p> <p>Didn't get any sleep that night of course, so when I arrived in Tel Aviv, I was not only stressed (I had to find out how to get to the coach station) but also extremely tired.</p> <p>After an hour's wait on the platform under the Ben Gurion Airport of Tel Aviv I got onto the train that took me straight to the city's main train station. Found the coach stop without much trouble - using my faint knowledge of Russian (everyone here speaks the languade!) - and was there on time, which cannot be said about the coaches! We waited and waited and then almost 1 hour later they turned up. As I knew that the trip to Eilat is going to take at least 5 hour I convinced the driver I need to sit in the front seat where the guide normally sits. It worked beautifully - only I couldn't get any sleep. On the coach I met Rami and Dror - salsa instructors from Tel Aviv and Liri - also from Tel Aviv.</p> <p>We've arrived in Eilat at 5pm. I registered and picked up the keys to the room - found out that the room I got wasn't double as I requested but quadruple! The good twist on the whole thing was that I managed to get a refund of Waldek's (my friend from Poland who pulled out last minute)charge for the whole trip! Hurrrayyy!</p> <p>The congress was absolutely fantastic - everything I expected and more. Pool parties, the parade, the atmosphere, the swimming at midnight, the jacuzzi in the afternoon, the parties during the night - the lot. Absolutely fantastic. The food was amazing too.</p> <p>I spent my days there swimming in the morning - going to a couple of workshops - more swimming - jacuzzi - more swimming - dancing and coolind down in the pool. I met some fantastically warm people - everything I I heard about the place turned out to be true.</p> <p>Today is the third day of our after-congress trip. On the first day we went to the Dead Sea - we had about 3 hours at the hotel by the beach - lunch first then a dip in the sea. I have never experienced anything like this. The waters of the Dead Sea are so salty (I think 40% salt, 60% water) that even when you are tring to go under you cannot. It is also very difficult to swim cause your body cannot immerse in the water so you end up kicking the air. We were told that the water there is very healing and cures most skin diseases...</p> <p>After that we went to a Beduin camp for the night. The first attraction was the camel/donkey ride into the desert. Each of us got onto a camel and a donkey and we rode off (guided of course by Beduins). I got to ride a camel twice (every time a different one) as some of the people weren't that keen on it. My second camel was slightly bad tempered and kept kicking. Eventually we had to get off cause the experience got rather unpleasent (not to mention dangerous). I switched to a donkey. That was much more peaceful and very much like riding a little horse. When we got back to the village we were shown our tent and were greated by a member of one of the tribes, who, whilst we were served tea and coffee (Beduin style) explained the culture and habits of beduin people - he told us about changes that took place within the last ten years and how that affected their tribal system. After that he invited us to the supper. Once again we had some lovely food and retired to our tent.</p> <p>The night of our stay in the Beduin camp was also the night of the finals of the European basketball Cup. Some of us decided to go to the nearest town to watch the game - Israelis lost by four points only which made everyone in the pup a bit bitter...</p> <p>We left early next day to go to Jerusalem. What an amazing place - three cultures closed within one city. You can almost feel the history with the tips of your fingers... We spent the whole day walking around - admiring the sights and ended up in the biggest market in Israel for lunch - I got the biggest shawarma I ever had and some falafel. Stuffed myself insane again! I think it is because the food here is so good, of such high quality and so fresh that I cannot stop myself from stuffing my face. Have to slow down considerably. We left Jerusalem at about 5pm to go to a hotel in the mountains - beautiful sights - gorgeous place. Some of us left the luggage in our rooms and we went to a footbal pitch (Lior - the producer of the congress bought a ball before we left Jerusalem). I was a one man support team - as I didn't bring any trainers with me.</p> <p>Today, instead of going to Cesarea, which was originally the plan, we went to some place not far from Tel Aviv for some team activities - paintballing amongst them. I can still feel the bruise on my left calf.</p> <p>Now everyone has retired to their rooms for a bit of rest before the after-party tonight. I'm still here and not very sleepy so I guess I'll pop out to get some icecream and water and go up to the roof to chill out and then get ready to party.</p> <p>All in all so far it's been a fantastic trip - and I'm definitely planning to come back next year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/05/02/eilat_jerusalem_tel_aviv~771085/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/05/02/eilat_jerusalem_tel_aviv~771085/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/04/15/can_t_believe_the_relief_and_the_surpris~730429/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-04-15:/2006/04/15/can_t_believe_the_relief_and_the_surpris~730429/Sat, 15 Apr 2006 21:22:04 +0200 <p>I have finally managed to close on the flat I planned buying in Warsaw. It's my first and was born in lots of pain! But now it's mine - and only mine - well - sort of - really the bank owns it until I pay for it.</p> <p>I managed to lose quite a lot of money on the bad currency exchange - where's my beginner's luck I wonder...</p> <p>Now - I'm simply waiting for previous owners to move out so that I can repaint, put my stuff in and look for some tenants. Thinking I might keep it without renting it out for a while - maybe a trip or two to Warsaw... Tempting!</p> <p>I was to go out tonight but decided against it in the end - really want to go to Scala tomorrow night and thought if I do two nights in a row I'd be dead.</p> <p>I've invited a few friends to come over for an Easter breakfast tomorrow - that means cooking and baking tomorrow morning - so probably staying in is a good idea!</p> <p>Happy Easter everyone! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/04/15/can_t_believe_the_relief_and_the_surpris~730429/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/04/15/can_t_believe_the_relief_and_the_surpris~730429/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/12/it_s_gorgeos_snowy_and_sunny_and_brrrrr_~636122/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-12:/2006/03/12/it_s_gorgeos_snowy_and_sunny_and_brrrrr_~636122/Sun, 12 Mar 2006 14:30:44 +0100 <p>I'm back home for a few days. What a change from a mild english aura. </p> <p>Here it's snow everywhere - with more snow coming - according to the forecast. It's nice and sunny though - that makes up (in a way) for the bitter cold. </p> <p>I left London on Wednesday evening - managed to catch my train to Luton and got to the check-in on time - EASY! After a short browse in the tax-free - that is no longer tax free for me - after getting tempted and yielding to the temptetion (g - I'm so weak...)and managing to break a bottle of the newest Jean Paul Gaultier scent I made my way to the gate only to find out that our flight will be delayed by at least 2 hours. We got a three poundsvoucher each and got sent back to the waiting zone. That - of course meant: no ladies night that we've planned with my friends. They were to pick me up at the airport and we were to indulge in lots of humous with vegetables, wine and gossip.... Instead I've touched down at half past midnight and ordered a cab to take me to my friend's place. Went almost straight to bed - well after an hour of hellos and such...</p> <p>Thursday was bound to be one of those crazy days and the fac thatI completely ignored how much I had to do in the morning didn't help. I got up really late and had a long lazy breakfast, followed by a rather speedy (considering I was dragging a suitcase) walk to the estate agency. Popped into my agent's office before seeing my mortgage broker to let her know I'm in the country and when I'm leaving. Found out that since I'll be in Warsaw on 15th March why not close the deal then, sign all the bank papers and sign the deal. </p> <p>I guess that's still to be decided - lots is up to the bank - but it is quite possible that thanks to the energetic approach of my agent I'll become the proud owner of the flat on Okopowa sooner than I thought that would be possible.</p> <p>I managed to catch a bus to Lublin just after midday and was there by 14.45. That gave me enough time to see a friend - pass her the bottle of perfume that I got for her at the airport - exchange some money and catch a bus home. Just in time to make it to the dentist on time!</p> <p>The visit at the dentist didn't go exactly according to the plan. We did't manage to do much and he decided I need a mini surgery. He managed to book me an appt on Sat and we parted - late in the evening.</p> <p>It's Sunday. My upper lip is huge and it still hurts - would probably hurt much more if not for the painkillers. This is supposed to subside within 3 days after the surgery - and I admitt it is much better now. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/12/it_s_gorgeos_snowy_and_sunny_and_brrrrr_~636122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/12/it_s_gorgeos_snowy_and_sunny_and_brrrrr_~636122/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/07/hurray~620005/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-07:/2006/03/07/hurray~620005/Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:44:29 +0100 <p>It feels like the pain days are over.</p> <p>I celebrated it with an early morning crash with a car on my way to work - still slightly shaken. </p> <p>I was cycling to work this morning and the person in the car in front of me started breaking quite suddenly - didn't leave me enough time to break - or rather I didn't break hard enough - I guess an aftermath of an earlier accident when I tumbled over the handlebars and onto the road... Now I'm really careful with my front break - obviously too careful. I didn't get hurt luckily - managed to land on the road without hitting anything on the way - swearing shamefully. The bicycle (for all those who always ask about the bike) is fine too - had to straighten the seat though - got twisted somehow.</p> <p>Lucky me (I guess)!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/07/hurray~620005/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/07/hurray~620005/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/06/tell_me_why_i_don_t_like_mondays~617119/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-06:/2006/03/06/tell_me_why_i_don_t_like_mondays~617119/Mon, 06 Mar 2006 12:15:09 +0100 <p>And I thought it's all over...</p> <p>Well it isn't - my body decided to do a re-run - I guess to see how much more pain I can take. So, back to doctor's first thing in the morning - and back to stuffing myself with meds - I hope this time I'm going to see some results. This blog is getting unbearable to read - even for myself.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/06/tell_me_why_i_don_t_like_mondays~617119/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/06/tell_me_why_i_don_t_like_mondays~617119/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/it_s_gone~615252/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-05:/2006/03/05/it_s_gone~615252/Sun, 05 Mar 2006 18:51:53 +0100 <p>And that's all I'm going to say!</p> <p>What a relief! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/it_s_gone~615252/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/it_s_gone~615252/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/not_over_yet_when_does_it_stop~614411/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-05:/2006/03/05/not_over_yet_when_does_it_stop~614411/Sun, 05 Mar 2006 13:53:53 +0100 <p>I sort of hoped it's all over yesterday when the pain subsided and yet it's back today.</p> <p>I simply hate the way it makes me feel - not only the physicall aspect of it.... I feel far to vulnerable for comfort...</p> <p>Can't concentrate on anything so I'm watching TV almost continuously.</p> <p>Have to go out to get some meds but can't face standing up, walking just yet - will try to give it another hour or so, see what happens.</p> <p>No man is an island I guess - one needs back-up. I wish my bro was here...</p> <p>About time to cheer up - it's getting so f... grim </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/not_over_yet_when_does_it_stop~614411/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/05/not_over_yet_when_does_it_stop~614411/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/04/pain_is_stupefying_fact~611772/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-04:/2006/03/04/pain_is_stupefying_fact~611772/Sat, 04 Mar 2006 12:42:01 +0100 <p>I can't believe myself - I shouold have taken the painkillers last night and have a quiet night instead of suffering all the way through. Relaxants didn't help in the way I expected and I ended up waking up throughout the night. </p> <p>It's all gone - thanks to an ingenious thought - and I the relief is so surprising I can hardly believe it.</p> <p>Hopefully next time (please no!) I'll be less of a hero and much smarter. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/04/pain_is_stupefying_fact~611772/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/04/pain_is_stupefying_fact~611772/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/03/it_s_mine_mine_mine~610729/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-03-03:/2006/03/03/it_s_mine_mine_mine~610729/Fri, 03 Mar 2006 22:30:40 +0100 <p>Finally a fruitful trip to Warsaw. To tell the truth I felt positively sick of coming back with a big fat zero of a result....</p> <p>I'm buying a small studio flat, more or less in the centre of Warsaw, situated on the 11th floor of a block of flats with an amazing view of the city.</p> <p>Now all that's to be done is getting the mortgage sorted, and closing on it in the beginning of April...</p> <p>And in the end of April off to Israel - I can't wait. I'm so excited - I booked the whole thing - the congress and the tour - I'm planning to have a whale of a time. Not so sad I'm not going to LA now.</p> <p>I've had a not so great a day today. Went to have a check up in the morning - the usual dougts set in again. Why do these people make me feel so anxious?<br> Later on I got the "painters" in - and that completed the misery. even the nap at lunchtime didn't help much - well not for long anyway. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/03/it_s_mine_mine_mine~610729/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/03/03/it_s_mine_mine_mine~610729/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/02/07/salsa_in_blackpool~543627/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-02-07:/2006/02/07/salsa_in_blackpool~543627/Tue, 07 Feb 2006 20:21:26 +0100 <p>Wasn't that just a treat!!!</p> <p>But let's start from the very beginning...</p> <p>Friday after work I rushed in to quickly shower and run out to catch my National Express to Blackpool. Tick - managed to do that - just!<br> I have never flewn in a company of so many people that I know - the flight itself seemed like a salsa party about to explode...<br> We've arrived in Blackpool at some 21.10 after a 40min. long flight with Ryanair. The terminal in Blackpool looks a bit as if someone put it together in a hurry, but it did it's job (we got out luggage all right) - so no complaints.<br> We queued for a cab for about 10 min. and left for the hotel. We = me and Ola.<br> We were getting ready when my friend from Poland - Waldek - arrived - he took much longer - albeit much cheaper route - and came on a coach.<br> We made our way to the Winter Gardens at around midnight only to find out we've missed all the shows. Not to worried we went into the main room to join the party.<br> I was amazed when I saw the room - it is simply beautiful. One feels that salsa comes home in this place... It is simply stunning with it's casetons on the ceiling and chandoliers.<br> All in all I had a wonderful time - learning new moves during the day - walking on the beach - dancing through the night. I will definitely go back next year!!!<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=280033"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/033/280033_a612f67bc2_m.jpg" align="" alt="Eva & Ola" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=280042"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/042/280042_cc1c8f93e1_m.jpg" align="" alt="Eva. Peter & Ola" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=280050"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/050/280050_1f812dcdd4_m.jpg" align="" alt="Eva & Ola" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=280055"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/055/280055_6377dd3ea3_m.jpg" align="" alt="Eva, Waldek & Ola" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/02/07/salsa_in_blackpool~543627/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/02/07/salsa_in_blackpool~543627/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/22/the_weekend_is_nearly_over~496936/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-01-22:/2006/01/22/the_weekend_is_nearly_over~496936/Sun, 22 Jan 2006 23:30:13 +0100 <p>Saturday class went well - I think. It was really fast - and the fact that I was wearing my going out shoes - and not my practice shoes - didn't help.</p> <p>It was really fast paced and I feel I won't be able to stick around unless I put an enormous amount of work in. I was sturggling and left after 2 hours as I didn't think I'd benefit any more being as tired as I was. I thought the class will take 1h - it was planned for 2.5-3. </p> <p>Ola has second thoughts about going to Los Angeles - wrrrrrrr.....</p> <p>I went to see my friend Ola afterwards - she lives very close by. We had a nice salad for dinner, talked (men mostly - of course) and decided to go to Prodigal (a relatively new Mambo city venue). Neither of us really enjoyed it - still by the time we got the message through to one one another it was 1.45. We went back to mine and after a snack straight to bed (with an ambition to get up early and go shopping). Eventually got up at 11 and left the house at 1. </p> <p>No - I didn't buy much! (Probably cause I got really tempted on Friday and ended up with a pair of sexy boots and some belts).</p> <p>Actually only some underwear - and even though I tried some things on - there was nothing I liked enough. Got back home at some 6pm, cooked my tomorrow's lunch and sat down to watch The Virgin Queen. </p> <p>No plans to go out - I've got some strange muscle pain under my shoulder blade - the effect - I think - of standing in front of a fan for too long. Need a rub and some hot body for the night...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/22/the_weekend_is_nearly_over~496936/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/22/the_weekend_is_nearly_over~496936/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/20/almost_the_weekend~487788/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-01-19:/2006/01/20/almost_the_weekend~487788/Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:06:28 +0100 <p>Had a rather uninspiring day at work. The amount of work keeps increasing and I'm struggling to keep up. </p> <p>Flirting at the workplace definitely helps - although is time consuming and I have to hold back so that at least some stuff gets done. Great way of breaking the day. And without my usual fix - rather satisfying. </p> <p>Another visit at the hospital tomottow. Noone to take me there - will have to take myself I guess. I only hope I can be a bit tougher and help myself from falling apart when I talk to the doctor. Or - hey - maybe I won't have to speak to him - after all it's only a scan this time and I might be spared...</p> <p>Enough of that - it's so late and it's a pilates night - let's get going. I can visualise what my body will look like after 4 weeks of this regime... I guess I'm keeping that skin-tight dress.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/20/almost_the_weekend~487788/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/20/almost_the_weekend~487788/#commentshttp://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/17/the_very_first_post_from_a_blog_virgin~481091/tag:evissima.blog.co.uk,2006-01-17:/2006/01/17/the_very_first_post_from_a_blog_virgin~481091/Tue, 17 Jan 2006 21:53:59 +0100 <p>Well... there has to be the first time for everything, they say, so here it is.<br> I had a rather slow day - mostly due to the fact that I went out last night. Not a bad night - but couldn't really get into it so lefft quite early. Buses were on diversion once again as they closed Oxford St. to (this time take off the Xmas decorations) - had to take the longer route home. Got quite upset with 2 bus drivers but made it back home by 1.30am. Not bad going.<br> My thoughts tend to drift towards the coming congresses - I'mg getting quite excited about Britfest, and contemplating Izrael and LA...<br> Have to get back to pilates - it's bound to make me feel better. Make my back muscles stronger. Better get to it. The thought of holidays should do the job.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wave.gif" alt=":wave:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/17/the_very_first_post_from_a_blog_virgin~481091/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://evissima.blog.co.uk/2006/01/17/the_very_first_post_from_a_blog_virgin~481091/#comments