Maria in Brussels!!

What really matters...

2006-12-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

Again, the much awaited time to go home has finally come..... and this time round... I hope all will turn out ok... due to certain circumstances, I needed to come home 1 day earlier.. BUT I am in Poland on Monday and Tuesday for work... I arrive from Warsaw at 6:30pm and my next flight is at 8:00pm. Hope will turn out to be ok.....

Cannot wait to see my family and friends...

The snaps below are pics of a few of my cousins!

This is what really matters in life...

I feel lucky!

2006-11-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

I just want to thank all the people who sent me warm wishes and greetings from practically all over the world! It's amazing how an sms, an e-card, an email, phone call makes a person feel elated and lucky that I have friends like all of you..

Thank you so much for making me happy! I am indebted to all of you....

TGIF: Big Time!!

2006-11-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

Finally, Eureka.... the weekend is here and I promised myself that I will not engage in a lot of studies/extra readings/application forms till the end of this year! A break is much needed!!

what's in store for this weekend?
- Dinner with a maltese family!
- Dinner celebrating the birthdays of 2 amazing Brazilian friends
- Shopping
- Why not start writing Christmas cards?
- and finally update my blog with New York pictures and adventures!

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND EVERYONE, WHEREVER YOU ARE!

Only 1 sleep to New York!!!

2006-10-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yes the time has finally come...... about to start to pack for my vacations to New York... Jen can't wait to see you!!!

Will see my brother and niece too!!!

Great week to everyone!! Will be back with heaps of pics

xxxx

Wake me up when September Ends...

2006-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

maybe it was lack of inspiration, lack of time and will to write on a public platform and more the urge to write personal reflections, maybe it was also a tragic event that really marked my life, the loss of a true dear friend... that I still cannot seem to digest... but yes, all these happenings led me to blog less frequently....

Summer is nearly gone by, new apartment, sharing it with someone special, living in a peaceful area of Brussels, same job, same good old friends that I love spending time with, same good old Maria with lots of travels mainly during July and August... now its more chill, study French and some other readings)....

Next trips to look forward to are New York in Oct/Nov, Rome in December and Home to Malta for Christmas....

I didnt blog much about my travels... but here are some pictures of my time in Malta, Paris and Rotterdam...

My favourite beach in Gozo - ir - Ramla il hamra

Ratko and I... sightseeing in Gozo :)

Ratko and I in Paris

From Paris with love....

From Malta with love..

Nicole's in town..

2006-09-22T03:14:00.000-07:00

Yet, again my dearest friend Nicole will hit the town and for a welcome, we are organizing a fully fledged Girls night, which believe me at the moment I am in dire need..Its been a while since I went out with the girls, dancing till the wee hours of the morning.... and just having a laugh!

Sarika from Amsterdam is also coming to visit!! Actually my first guest in my new apartment!! :):):)

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kimmy..

2006-09-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

Am really looking forward to tonight as finally after I guess more than 2 months.... I am seeing Kim again!!!!!! So many things to talk about...so many updates....... :):)

Having 2 great friends over for dinner is bliss....

:):)

in November I am going to.....

2006-09-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK

my 27th country as I have never been to the US before!!!!

Granted, I didnt travel as much as him or her......but hopefully one day I will bridge the gap! :):)

Jen....just 2 months more

Mila il suo nome e'

2006-08-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

one thing I missed from Malta, is the Italian TV and the sweet memories of the Japanese cartoons shown in the Italian channels... mainly Italia Uno... :):):) Just watched Mila e Shiro....ohhhh I remember waking up at 7am on Saturdays to watch Gorgi, Mila e Shiro, Milli, Olli e Bengi....

Those were the days :):):)..

Apologies to all the "non italians" out there who have no idea what I am talking about :)

The present

2006-08-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.”

There are so many quotes that can describe my life at this moment in time.... It has been quite a tough fortnight for many people as we have lost a gem, a diamond, an angel that God wanted back in heaven.... One thing that this special friend taught me is how to enjoy the present and how to laugh when it hurts most!

The present - what am I up to????

- I am currently in Malta enjoying a 10 day vacation! Ratko came with me for the first 4 days. We really enjoyed it and we are planning to go back together in April for longer time!
- I might be based in London for work for the next 2 months... lots and lots of travelling... but should definitely be a great experience professionally
- I am moving in to another apartment, 2 mins away from metro, one spare room/study room, and also 2 mins away from Goncalo and Andreia
- Bought my ticket to New York in December as my brother has a performance there.. I will be going with Ratko.... Jen am coming SOON!
- Starting intensive french classes "work permitting" and thinking of indulging myself into some learning again, preparing for the winter! :):)
- Loving my time here in warm and fuzzy Malta....

2006-08-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

"Guys, keep your sails tight as much as possible"

Thank you........

How I missed the rain!

2006-08-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Early Tuesday morning, I wake up look outside my window, and realise that its raining! I cannot believe that I am saying this, but I really did miss the rain, the fresh feeling when you go out, the cosy feeling that you would just want to stay home and watch a dvd whilst sipping tea..... the heat wave is over, however not for me....as I will be heading home to Malta.. once again in exactly 11 days...and counting..

After weekend trips to Malta, Netherlands, Scotland, Paris I will finally be spending a much awaited weekend in Brussels....

Boban is in town and Babsie is coming on Friday to spend the weekend here......... '

Have a great day, wherever you are!!

Brussels...my home sweet home

2006-07-24T01:22:00.000-07:00

When I say home sweet home, its usually when I am back in Malta, but today, after a 12 hour trip, I can actually scream out loudly!! I had a family reunion in a magical, magical place in the UK, in the highlands, in the land of whisky. It was a very very short trip, but loved every single second of it, apart from the 24 hours of travelling.....

My travelling back home today commenced at 10am - 4 hours train, 2 planes 2 taxis, 1 car ride, 1 bus ride.... 12 hours later I am home :) :) beaming withjoy.....

Pictures of this trip are yet to be downloaded.............

Peace!

Of World Cup, Back home and AI Transition Party!

2006-07-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

I just arrived back home from Rotterdam, spent a fantastic weekend with Ratko and friends that I met there!!! There were sooooo many people from AIESEC Czech!! Remind me of the good old times!!

So, once again have not blogged in a while and needless to say, I was thrilled with the outcome of the World Cup!! Grazie Azzurri!!!! I watched it back home in Malta, at my brother's place, big screen by the pool......what a celebration!!!

As is the norm with my posts lately, I will let the pics do the talking :)

My favourite beach in Malta

The photo finish World Cup final......

From Malta with love :)

Home is where the heart is..

2006-07-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

and home is Malta...... I cannot wait to take off tomorrow.... its again, been too long since I went back to the rock.... this time, all the family is home, so I get to see my niece!!!!!!

Crystal clear sea

Glorious food

People that I love ever so dearly!!

Malta, SEE YOU TOMORROW!!!! :) :)

Forza Azzurri!

2006-06-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

Fratelli d'Italia L'Italia s'è desta Dell'elmo di Scipio S'è cinta la testa Dov'è la vittoria Le porga la chioma Chè schiava di Roma Iddio la creò Stringia moci a coorte Siam pronti alla morte.. L'Italia chiamò Stringia moci a coorte Siam pronti alla morte..L'Italia chiamò, sì

Hoping for this evening!!!!

FORZA AZZURRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As promised :) My Istanbul experience!!

2006-06-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

"If one had but a single glance to give to the world, one should gaze on Istanbul"

- Alphonse de Lamartine [1790 - 1869]

and that is precisely how I felt and for a multitude of reasons!

- The warmth of the people - always ready to help, their hospitality is second to none!
- The history, the Mosques, the Harem: Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia Church, Blue Mosque
- One of the best nights of my life: picture this - sitting down on a couch in a terrace, covered with blankets, overlooking the breathtaking view of the bosphorous sea together with the majestic Aya Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque, at night ..what a sight. I remember I didnt want my eyes to blink, as I knew that such a surreal sight is precious!! Of course, whats more important is the company, and I had the honour to have Vladan by my side... to talk about everything....life, love, work, ambitions, dreams, fears...
- One astounding thing happened on Saturday night, Yes, I did run into someone on Saturday night...I thought that that would be practically impossible..... - such a big city... how can I bump into someone I know? Yes, it did happen.....

Prior to my trip to Istanbul, I wanted to meet some people whom I know and live in Istanbul...one of the people that came to my mind was Tugba, but I of course knew that thats impossible as Tugba is finishing her international MC term. Oh I was wrong, so, on my way up to a terrace of a club, I bump into Tugba and I could not believe my own eyes........ whats even better is that she told me that she will start a traineeship in Belgium in June or July!!!! Great great news...I also met the current MC that happened to be partying there together with Tugba

We were a group of around 14 people in Turkey, mostly trainees from DHL

On Saturday night we went to Taksim to party the night away. It was a pleasantly warm evening, streets packed with people, amazing atmosphere, music, food.... good positive spirits

One of our numerous boat rides..... :)

more boat trips :)

The Harem - impressive history, buildings, art and decor....

gorgeous sunset..

Met Nino after 3 years!!!!

I spent most of my time catching up with Vladan..... he is my newly acquired brate (brother in Serbian!!)...Hvala ti for being who you are.... I met Vladan 6 years ago in Spain, so this was 6th anniversary of being super friends!!

A picture of a mosque at twilight

Istanbul was one of my best trips ever..... There is something special about the city, something that you dont feel in any city.....reasons for this? the rich history mingling with the present, the hustle and bustle in the streets, the sunshine and warmth, the mediterranean feeling, the link between asian and europe, the fact that even though its a HUGE city you still feel that the city is organized....the hospitality.....

maybe it is special to me because I am a "southern" girl myself and it really feels like home.....

I cannot end my post without Thanking a few special people such as my adorable Ozler and her perfect friends - Aslisah, thank you so much for hosting us.....

Hvala ti Nino for your patience with me and Vladan and all the group......Cant wait to meet you again!!

On the run - From Istanbul to Barcelona

2006-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I have no time to blog about my fantastic experience in Istanbul as this evening I am off to Barcelona!!! :)

Promise to be back and blog about my 2 trips!!! :)

Breathtaking viw from the Galata tower!

From Istanbul, with Love :)

Istanbul Beckons!!

2006-06-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I can merely sit on my chair ... I need to go home and pack and rest before a super albeit short trip to Turkey..... It's been years since I wanted to visit...and the time has finally come!!!

TURKEY HERE I COME!!!!!! :) :)

Highlights of Prague

2006-05-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Trying to go back to Prague once a year is turning out to be successful. The best part is reuniting with all the people that made my stay in Czech so special!

I also got the chance to meet Jenny!!! Last time I saw Jenny was IC 2004 in Canada. She is busy helping maintain the andel blog and just came back from Cameroon! A new nomad that I met is Erik . I will be meeting Eric in Istanbul on Saturday, together with many other people!

Danka, was as always, an angel! Danka Thank You so much for everything!!

From Prague, with love :)

More pics to come :)

Praha, my second home

2006-05-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

It is very comforting, coming back to my second home. The last time I was in Prague was when I came for Khalil's farewell party/weekend. I've missed this place so much, the streets I used to walk through everyday, the smazeny syr (fried cheese), the svickova (special meat with cranberry sauce and dumplings), the pivo :), the magical atmosphere, funnily enough I missed the clean metros and the efficient transport system, the familiar faces, the new and current MC, the smiles, the memories, the laughs all make Prague a very very special place for me.

Having a business trip in my second home is bliss.....

What's a goodbye without a bit of reminiscing?

2006-05-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hvala ti!!

Now off to prepare for Praha.... 2 hours to go!!!!! :)

Wish I'm still there...

2006-05-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

16 days to Istanbul!

2006-05-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Love such emails that are coming my way!!!

Hi Everyone

Glad to hear that you are all going to Turkey. If you don't know already, I am from Izmir/Turkey and I will be in Istanbul from May 31st to June 5th. I am organizing a dinner in Istanbul for Saturday (June 3rd) evening. The dinner will probably be in Nevizade, a very lively and traditional place with lots of pubs and restaurants. We will get a fixed menu including:

-a big variety of cold starters
-warm starters
-main course (options will probably be chicken, meat and fish)
-fruit or dessert
-ANDDD unlimited alcohol (this includes house wine, beer, raki (our traditional spirit) and soft drinks)

The Mighty Ardennes Trip!

2006-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

These are the 21 people that rocked to the Ardennes/Kayaking/BBq trip! It was a weekend full of fun, laughs, beers, food, 25 Kms of Kayaking, BBQ, late nights ... all in the perfect setting of nature, streams, rivers, lush green surroundings, cows, sheep!

A view of our 3 cottages and the little stream

Goncalo and the BBQ :)

Our talented guitarists...... Vlad and Michal!

Eduardo and myself were the Core OC members..... Edu, thank you for all of your support :) :)

our Friday night party

From Thy le Chateau, with love :)

Next Destination PRAHA on Sunday since I have work on Monday. Cannot wait to be back to my second home!!!

Peace.