This is my world online. A place to share my thoughts and feelings...A place for you to get a glimpse in my inner world:)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
those moments
sitting in the park today with a book, trying to catch the last bits of sun listening to Summertime thinking how fast the summer went as always yet not regretting it is gone!just enjoying the aftertaste of it. the warmth of the light on my face and the love in Ella's voice the smooth narration of the book and the people passing by then, something happened as if time and space expanded and the world shrank into me and i could feel it contained within myself Is this God? I dunno...But it felt so right and natural :) And yes...God bless talented people that inspire me lately. Macy Gray for example...her cover of Creep just gives me the shivers!It is so beautiful. Sad, but the kind of aesthetical sadness.
Alanis Morisette has that Lyrics in "Ironic" : "Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you When you think everything's okay and everything's going right And life has a funny way of helping you out when You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up In your face"
This week I had a proof of that. I was all in that happy positive blue-sky-no-clouds mood, loving everyone and being generally happy. When I recieved some not-really good news - that I need to give money. A sum I cannot afford at the moment. So suddenly - everything came crushing down, clouds start gathering, i become gloomy and worried etc. It is really amazing how worrying - in most cases - unnecessarily about some things can really change our whole perception of life. It is so human to concentrate on some daily hiccups that we meet on our path...and so stupid really, cause in most of the cases - solution can be found... Anyways...as I was walking in the centre of Sofia, all looking down and engulfed in my own black thoughs, suddenly a girl stops me at the traffic light. "Hi Sve", she says. I look at her - What the...I don't know who she is! She sees my bewliderment. "Yeah, we do not know each other", confirms the girl. "But I read your blog and I find it nice". Do you believe me this very moment made my day? Like, just when I thought that - whenever u are down - something really nice shows up as if to say "Hey, life is beautiful...don't forget it". And...it is in general. I flew paper-lanterns for the first time. The event that I was organizing went well, people were happy :)Me - even happier. There was so much positive energy around it. I spoke to Anca and Stef - closest friends and colleagues from India. And for a thousandth time thanked God I did not return there at that time. And today - we spent some quality time lazying around, cooking, drinking wine and purring in the sun with the girls from work. It is really a blessing to have such amazing people around me.
I made it out of the darkness again. I carefully wrapped the memories and images and put them in a drawer to be used later on for my supposed-to-be-written book. You need to distance yourself from personages and places you are writing about.
Now there is only light and happiness. Happiness is here and now. The past had to happen that way, not any other. The future - it will come in the best way possible. But the precious gem to hold in my hand is NOW. To be healthy and young, free,inspired and loving. Thank you for all those amazing gifts!
Every day i travel in the metro to go and come back from work.I enjoy observing people there.It's a whole new world... Here is a picture from a photo-session a friend of mine made for an art-project.
...as Dexter would say :) I was totally freaked out two days back when a doctor told me that I might "have to undergo surgery". Thank God,it was a false alarm...:) Yes, I am healthy and I will not let any doctor claim the opposite! These people feel as if obliged to tell ya there is something wrong with your health. As if, you will feel bad, if they don't find anything wrong... Also, I might be reaching the end of my so-very-long-visa-waiting process. Hope it happens soon and I manage to go back to India in 10days :) Yupee! I have been incredibly calm end relaxed these days. Maybe it is the spring :) And...another proof was given of the "Law of attraction". Twin-souls always "feel" each other, no matter where they are. As a body everyone is single, as a soul never.
spring is coming and inspiration tags along... here is a coolage I made today
a leather bound journal a nice light and healthy breakfast funny patchwork rabbit-like doll colourful cushions warm, Maroccan style interior and this fragile-looking NY girl,that is cuddling in her coat against the last winter-chills of March
I woke up today to see the snow cover everything. Under the white cover, the world is a bit more beautiful and calm. More divine. Looking at the snow fall makes me feel God. Every little, perfect snowflake is a material evidence of His presence. I wonder what it is to live in a place where it never snows. A bit sad...maybe. Thinking that some of my friends have never seen snow and people here are complaining that "the snow is awful cause it causes traffic jams". And I am just dreaming of making a snowman and walking with someone down a long white path...the only noise being the sound of our boots in the snow. Snow goes well with the music of Mercan Dede, by the way
Thanks to Megan, I have started reading the "Law of attraction". I have never liked self-help type of books, yet this one is something quite different. If I cut the self-help part, the book actually helps you understand one of the laws of the Universe: Whatever your inner being desires, sooner or later comes into your existence. That is why, I guess, people say "Careful what you wish for". If you do not understand the power of wishing, or you are not sure what you wish for...things happen to you and you continue wondering "why they happen like this". It turns out that we need to teach our souls to wish, and thus create our realities. Sometimes, this is hard, as circumstances or people delude us into believing that we want something which actually we do not. Or, not being quite clear on what we wish for, we turn out to get something that is not quite what we wanted. Certain recent happenings in my life have convinced me of the exsistence of the Law of attraction - both in small, daily things, as well as in bigger events. Now I need to improve my wishing "skills"...and learn to be patient and trust. That's the hardest part.
I have always had the habit of stricking conversations with strangers.In trains and buses, on the street or in cafes. I don't know why it happens, maybe there is something in me that makes people feel comfortable with having a random talk. And I find these random conversations really charming...Maybe because, when meeting people by chance, knowing that you might probably not meet them again, makes both you and them more honest. And the conversations are more real. Talking with strangers is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of their world, of different aspects of life itself... And it is so exciting to share the positive emotion of a good-hearted chat. One of the small, daily pleasures of life I love:)
Back to Sofia. walking the same streets that bring so many memories. breathing the air that seems fresh and clean. sipping a large cappucino in my favourite Onda opposite the Russian church. recieving unexpected calls. meeting unexpected people. spending time with close friends. smiling. a lot. the look at people's faces when they first see me. having my schedule full with meeting people. drinking wine and eating cheese. making tentative plans for concerts, parties, trips. nothing has changed much in Sofia. it is grey, dirty...a little sad. nothing has changed... except me.
I would like to thank God for this year, cause it has been, truly, one of the most amazing years of my life. I saw and experienced so much beauty in every form of it - in places, in people, in music, in colours,in tastes, in aromas, in moments. I discovered that I am capable of loving again. And suffering the pain of love. I learned lessons about the world, about life, about love and myself. I was up and down, I laughed loud and cried so hard as if my soul was torn apart. I made stupid, painful mistakes. I forgave people, and loved them, despite circumstances. I hoped and I prayed. I may be got a step closer to the Divine self... Thank you, God, for bringing all this my way. In the new year, I wish for good health for me and my closest people. I wish to find the stregth in me to be a better person. I wish to find the inspiration to create beauty around me and inspire smiles on people's faces. I wish to always find a good word to say to warm a heart. I wish to find the love for life and for people and the excitement of meeting every new day with a smile and new hope:) Happy New Year to everyone!
Woke at around 4 in the morning. I could hear my soul wailing somewhere far. Metaphorically. In fact it was only the street dogs. Suddenly I felt at peace and happy. Woke up and decided not to wait for the others but head for Delhi straight away. Dressed. My Bulgarian tee, the favourite green and white duparta,the hat that is not exactly mine. And the black coiled earring. Just one. As a statement... Went to Landmark and bought a thing i love for a person I love. I love giving presents :) Got on the bus to medical. Listening to Ostava. Started reading "Shantaram" and loved the style. Peeped into the book of the girl sitting next to me. Maths. I had to meet Ricardo and Pauline at Dilli Haat. Was wondering where to go, then the idea just sprang up in my mind. Of course we should go to Dilli Haat. Waiting for them in the sunlight, jotting some names in my gift-list for home...trying not to forget someone and visualizing the meeting with these people. Then, Ricardo and Pauline came, we strolled around Dilli Haat. Devouring the variety of colours and shapes. Scarves, wood, fabrics, leather, kites,jewelery, paper...a see of beautiful items that have caught the spirit of India. I thought of how much I will miss India when I go... We had lunch at one of the restaurants. Huge portions we couldn't finish though I shared mine with a very fat cat and a skinny dog. Remembered how Neeraj told me how he loves the place.*Inner smile:) Remembered how I went there first with Andre and was fascinated. *Inner smile :)We moved to Sarojini market...the familiar crowd and mess, and the memories of waiting for Julie to do her last minute shopping. Pauline bargained furiously for a pair of earrings.We saw a belly-dancer costume. Remembered Pondy trip and the hilarious "dancing night" at the hotel. I really need to learn Indian dances, I made a point to myself. Then, we headed to CP...said goodbye to the guys. Knowing I will meet them someday...somehow:) Walked on the road where we walked together last Sunday. Remembered how beautifully confused and excited u were...Indulged in the pain of the memory. Thought about what Vesi said..."let yourself be sad". Strolled around, listening to Niyaz, thinking of the time we will spend with Vladi when I am back. Simply being happy of where I am. Got into a Coffee Day, ordered a latte and opened Shantaram again. Observed people around as I love doing...Saw that the B8ulgarian lady - Mariana had called me. She happened to be in CP as well...so can we meet for coffee? Thought how much I love accidential meetings. They just make my day :) Mariana was with her husband - the Austrian diplomat and the two kids - a 9-year old girl and 12-year old boy. Pleasant surprise that they greeted me in Bulgarian:) Then - the excitement of speaking my mother tongue to someone I meet for the first time, but I know I connect to. Conversations about life and love and India and Delhi. Where will I live next? Cairo? Istanbul? Funny I never thought of Istanbul in this way :) Sharing pleasant moments and a sinful chocolate cake with this amazing family that has lived here and there... I had to go back to Gurgaon...so I got into an autorick...The driver was nice. Tried to explain me where the cabs stop in Hindi. I believe I should learn a bit of Hindi. As a part of my endeavour of digging deeper into the great Indian soul:) Would be nice to talk to people just like that... Then, I was quite anxious if I will manage to catch the right bus but luckily it came very quickly :) Sat down and had a random (but pleasant) conversation with an Indian boy. I like conversations with strangers in buses and trains :) Just a perfect day...and the happiness of the moments is still lingering in me...
I cannot cook. I used to bake cakes and cookies when I was at school. Loved it:) But somehow priorities changed, time became less, I moved out of home. And never got into cooking... However, India sort of sparkled my interest in the art of cooking. Many reasons I guess. First being that Indians are such foodies. You can hardly resist getting into cooking when everyone around adores food and knows how to cook! Besides, I am kind of tired eating in the same food-court every single day. A diet of chinese noodles-rice-mcDonalds-subway is not the best one can have. I am experimenting now. It is rather amusing...I just love mixing spices, putting unexpected ingredients into the dish. Raisins. Honey. Pomegranade. I guess in the beginning I will need a lot of guideance...But when I get better I will definitely put cookbooks aside. Who needs them anyways? It's an art. And all you need is inspiration, love and someone to share the end result with :)
Ok...this is what happened to me in the last week... On Saturday I was a model, ramp-walking in front of all Alcatel-Lucent in NCR employees and their families (around 2500 ppl). Being groomed, dressed up etc etc. It was so much fun!:) I had late conversations with what i believe is a God-sent ambassador. He saved me from ruining the happiness of someone that means a lot to me.Made me realize once again how hard it is to really love. And how far I can go for love... Emo, my ex-team mate from the Bulgarian MC called in and we met and chatted for this and that. People we know and their lives around the world. Our own amazing lives...Feels good to meet someone that u have shared so much with in the past :) I had a wild Friday night out with some colleagues. Almost went to extremes...I needed that! Today I met Alcatel-Lucent global CEO - Ben Vervyaawen. Very energetic and charismatic man! Had breakfast with his wife who is so nice :)No star-attitude, very pleasant to talk to... I also made a decision to move to Delhi. Try to shift my social circle a bit. A friend of a friend from Bulgaria called. She is gonna live in Delhi for the next 4 years. And she seems quite a nice person. So exciting I am going to have someone that speaks my language here :) All in all...pretty amazing :) Now what is left - to get peace of mind...seems to hard at the current state of affairs. I am more and more learning how to use mind control over feelings...Let's see how long I will manage...
This is officially our new favourite song. Anca's and mine that is... Enjoy :)
How I wish you could see the potential The potential of you and me It's like a book elegantly bound But in a language you can't read just yet
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
There are days when outside your window I see my reflection as I slowly pass And I long for this mirrored perspective When we'll be lovers, lovers at last
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart I will possess your heart
You reject my advances and desperate pleas I won't let you let me down so easily So easily
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
You got to spend some time, love You got to spend some time with me And I know that you'll find love I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart I will possess your heart
The author in “Almost Single” said somewhere something like “Shoes are a blessing for women, cause no matter how many kilos u loose or gain they still fit you.:)” I don't understand what it is about women and shoes. I somehow do not seem to have that "fetish" for shoes that other girls do. I am somehow unable to spend indecent amount of money just for a pair of beautiful shoes (which are in most cases very uncomfortable also)... I do not have matching shoes for all my clothes. And I usually break my shoes very very fast... No, it is not that I do not like beautiful shoes. I do!!! My favourites are the ballet type and the very light strap sandals indeed. But...I just am not crazy about shoes. Maybe every girl has a craziness of her own. Mine is for accessories... Or maybe I still haven’t found a Prince, Charming enough to buy me a pair of crystal slippers whenever I wish ;) In any case - Paolo Nutini's "New Shoes" always gets me in the dancing-jumping-smiling mood :)As a pair of new shoes does, by the way...
the succulent red drops the taste...not very sweet, but so fresh i somehow think pomegranate would be as good ingredient for cooking as it is for love any good recipe anyone?
I have been writing a lot about love in this blog lately... I just don't understand why people take it so literally when u talk about love. It spreads so much further than being in a relationship. Maybe the word has lost its meaning of so frequent usage...Every moment millions say "I love you" without even meaning it.But what does "Love" mean anyways?I do not know. Or rather...I only know one of its faces. Here is a song for you:
Will those feet in modern times Walk on soles that are made in China? Feel the bright prosaic malls In the corridors that go on and on and on
Are we blind - can we see? We are one - incomplete Are we blind - In the shade Waiting for lightning - to be saved Cause love is noise and love is pain Love is these blues that I’m singing again Love is noise and love is pain Love is these blues that I’m singing again, again, again
Will those feet in modern times Understand this world’s affliction Recognise the righteous anger Understand this world’s addiction
I was blind - couldn’t see What was here in me I was blind - insecure I felt like the road was way too long, yeah Cause love is noise and love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Love is noise and love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m singing again Love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m singing again, again, again, again, again, again
Cause love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Love is noise, love is pain Love is these blues that I’m feeling again Come on, come on, ah come on, ah come on Now come on, now come on, now come on Now come on
Will those feet in modern times Walk on soles made in China? Will those feet in modern times See the bright prosaic malls? Will those feet in modern times Forgive me all my sins Love is noise Come on
Just spent the most amazingly lazy Sunday in my life so far. Anca and me whent to Bisha's house for dinner yesterday... Got totally high on wine (and a bit of Baileys). Bulgarian rakia was the absolute hit, everyone taking shots (although i told them they should drink it slowly)...the alcohol in it being around 50 degree...it is easy to grasp that everyone was so happy and smiling and high in no time ;) Then...after the alcoholic devastation, we woke up at around 1 and were about to leave...but then we had lunch...then chai and sweet conversations ranging from matrimonials to what are our plans for the near future and from Indian sweets to politics and Dracula (Anca is Romanian after all) and business plans. Then, when I almost believed we are starting back for Gurgaon, we decided to have dinner...Ridz's cousin Suhil who is working in a hotel, made this amazing mutton with coconut juice...All in all this guy was pretty much spoiling us - making pancakes, tea, chicken soup :) All in all - we did nothing but chill the whole day... It was probably the first time that I have had such a lazy day...and I loved it :)
The colourful kites in the fading Jodhpur sky. Freedom re-defined. Marble as thin and subtle as a whisper. Simple daal and rice eaten with fingers and thus so delicious. Blissful mornings with coffee and meaningless conversations with meaningful people. The colours of Rajastan. Melancholy of fading splendour. Being tired from too much beauty. These people. Their smiles, their gestures,their words. true moments of fleeting happiness I just managed to catch :)
it has been raining restlessly for the past almost 20 hours it's like livin in an underwater world the only thing that i am thinking of the whole day is a nice, cosy place a cup of thick hot chocolate and long easy-going conversation about life with someone i have just discovered tomorrow we are all going to this amazing Mocha place - i fell in love even before i have stepped in the whole melancholic mood of this week that went down the drain like a dream makes me think of an ella fitzdjerald song that boris had given me.
Everytime we say goodbye, I die a little, Everytime we say goodbye, I wonder why a little, Why the Gods above me, who must be in the know. Think so little of me, they allow you to go. When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it, I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it, There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor, Everytime we say goodbye.
When you're near, there's such an air of spring about it, I can hear a lark somewhere, begin to sing about it, There's no love song finer, but how strange the change from major to minor, Everytime we say goodbye
On a Saturday morning, a list of 45 things that really make u happy...
1. Falling in love. 2. Laughing so hard your face hurts. 3. A hot shower. 4. No lines at the supermarket. 5. A special glance. 6. Getting mail. 7. Taking a drive on a pretty road. 8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio. 9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside. 10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer. 11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry). 12. A bubble bath. 13. Giggling. 14. A good conversation. 15 The beach 16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter. 17. Laughing at yourself. 18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they LOVE you 19 Midnight phone calls that last for hours. 20. Running through sprinklers. 21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all. 22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful. 23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS 25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you. 26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep. 27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner). 28. Makiig new friends or spending time with old ones. 30. Having someone play with your hair. 31. Sweet dreams. 32. Hot chocolate. 33. Road trip with friends. 34. Swinging on swings. 35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger. 36. Making chocolate chip cookies. 37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies. 38. Holding hands with someone you care about. 39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change. 40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you. 41. Watching the sunrise. 42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day. 43. Knowing that somebody misses you. 44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply. 45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.
I used to love Brian Adams when I was in school. Today I was listening to his songs and loved the lyrics of this one, so I am sharing with u :) *** I wanna be your t-shirt when i t's wet - wanna be the shower when you sweat I gotta to be the tattoo on your skin - ya lemme be your bed baby - when you climb in I wanna be the sheets when you sleep - lemme be the secrets that you keep I gotta be the spoon - ta stir your cream I wanna to be the one that really makes you scream I wanna be - your lipstick when ya lick it I wanna be - your high heels when ya kick it I wanna be - your sweet love babe - ya when you make it From your feet up to your hair - more than anything I swear
I wanna be - your underwear
I wanna be the itch that you scratch - wanna be your chair when you relax I got to be your razor when you shave Wanna be the habit that really makes you crave I wanna be - your hot tub - when you're dippin' I wanna be - your bathrobe - when you're drippin' I wanna be - your cocktail baby - when you're sippin' I just wanna be right there - more than anything I swear
I wanna be - your underwear
Wanna be your sleepin' bag - baby slip inside Let me be your motorcycle n' take ya for a ride - alright I wanna be - your hot sauce - ya when you're cookin' I wanna be - your sunglasses - hey good lookin' I wanna be - wanna be the one - ya stick your hook in' I just wanna be right there - more than anything I swear Oh ya I wanna be - your underwear
Some time ago Peter was joking that he will start a business with rickshaws-on-demand. You just dial a number and a luxurious rickshaw comes at your door!:) Now, it seems that this brilliant business plan is already being realized by some people... I want to try it as soon as possible ;)
One thing I really hate about Indian TV channels is that commercials are so much and so annoying you can never watch a movie properly without being interrupted. However, lately I just love that Vodafone commercial. Cute doggie, ain't it, yar ;)
Recently Alcatel-Lucent launched an advertising campaign I just really love. It is built on our commitment to facilitate non-stop communication across the world. The people in the campaign have various jobs – musicians, designers, architects, travel agents , but one thing is in common – they are all using innovative communications solutions to be ALWAYS ON. The concept of being always on appeals to me very much. Indeed, before I came to India, I was so much ON-line that it was getting a bit scary. However, it is now more than ever that I realize what great difference modern communication tools like internet make to our lives. Not being able to communicate with certain people as intensively as you are used to can be painful. Not being able to blog regularly can be annoying. Not being able to visit your favourite web-pages every day can put you in an information blackout. Yet, however strong is my need to be always on…it is sometimes better to just grab a beer, sit under the stars and spend some time just talking to people… What is your perception of being ALWAYS ON?
Yesterday we celebrated Holi or Festival of Colours. It is a holiday all across North India that marks the beginning of spring and it is among the most colourful and amusing of all holidays in the country. On Holi everyone here plays with the colours of the rainbow. Coloured powder is available for 10 rupees everywhere, so are water-guns that people fill with coloured water :) To be prepared for the colourful war that was about to burst during the day, we put some old clothes and put some coconut oil on our bodies so the paint didn't stick ;) Unfortunately our landlord and his brother took us by surprise and ...you can see what we were like before we even left for the real party :) The real party was in a farmhouse near Delhi...with a nice lawn and pool. We had drinks and food included in the entrance free and a DJ...so it was the party anyone could dream of. Of course it went mad at some point, after we had "bang" (lasie with marijuana) served. The pool was full of people dancing and the water had the incredible colour of...something indescribable :) (i don't dare to think what the chemical elements in the water were :) ) Well...I don't believe I am going to play with colours again...it is a bit too messy. Yet it was a life-time experience I would recommend to everyone :)
...simple things. Long conversations over a huge cup of Mocca with a German girl that I didn't know a month ago (Thanks Kat:)) Hearty laughs over the stories of a Spanish guy I just met. Driving back home on a bike. Writing an e-mail to my friends on the balcony, with the wind blowing. My new set of bangles. The challenges at work. Having spent 1500 Rs on books (Lonely planet guide on India and Love in the time of cholera). The anticipation of reading Khaled Houseini's "A thousand splendid suns". Not knowing what will happen to me in one year and still being sure I have so many oportunities. Having seen Jodha Akbar- a naive 3-hour long love story, I didn't understand any conversation in, as it was all in Hindi. Learning something new every day. It is so simple and beautiful. Then...why do we go and make it complicated.
It has already been two weeks that I have been a part of the Corporate communications team of Alcatel-Lucent in India. I still have not undertaken any major project, I am still learning, asking loads of questions... The job is rather interesting and my "bosses" are for sure people I can learn a lot from, both from personal and professional perspective. So far, I have been more involved in External communications, mainly dealing with some press-conference and interactions. It is rather interesting to be on exactly the opposite side - that of the PR/Communications people, that need to communicate a clear message to the public. And even if they do...journalists can still destort the story (aaah, how nasty I have been to some PRs, now I realise ;)) And, Alcatel-Lucent has quite a bunch of interesting stuff to communicate indeed. For example - a new security technology, called Laptop guardian, that helps protect confidential company information from being stolen (in case you loose your laptop), or the Femtocell, which allows people to get a good wireless signal within buildings where they are a lot of people using the same network. Yet, what people always focus on the "bad news" - loses, people leaving, stocks prices falling down, job-cuts...Phew...Yet, this is perfectly normal for a huge company to have these when merging...And it is totally up to the people how they deal with change, ain't it?
Question is - what percentage of the people really have ownership and are willing to "deal with", rather than just switch to another job.
You wouldn't expect me to write for such things while in India, would you ;) Well...truth is that I needed to buy some things, as I didn't take too many clothes from home. And you have to somehow fit into the local style, right:) The "mall street" is rather close to my place, so I took a cycle-rikshaw and was there in 10 minutes. I was just buying some Hindi-phrasebook in a large bookstore, when I saw two of the AIESEC trainees here - Natalia and Ania from Ukraine. And...there it began - six (yep, you read it right) six hours of wild shopping. We managed to visit 3 of the malls. It was rather interesting for me, as although malls look the same all over the world, here there was a traditional Indian fabrics and dresses section in each of the garment stores. And it was so colourful and beautiful...And, unlike malls back home, prices were indeed quite reasonable :) I bought some nice shirts and shalvars :) Scarves...of course... I am strating to really fall in love with the place!
It has been I long time since I haven't updated this blog. The reason is one – no time for blogging, as I am in India already. I arrived in Gurgaon (some 20 minutes by car from Delhi) early on Thursday morning. My first adventure was getting to my place, as there was noone to pick me up at the airport. It was a bit scary to travel in a taxi in the dark, deserted streets of a completely unknown town. But – all's well that ends well and I reached safely and was met by Andre (I felt a bit guilty on waking him up), my collegue that will be working for Alcatel-Lucent in Bangalore. Honestly, he is really precious – helped me a lot in my first days...Just now it is that I fully realise how important it is to help someone integrate when on a traineeship. And this is, undoubtedly done best by other trainees, who have experienced that before. I already had some taste of Delhi nightlife, as Friday night we went to a very nice club – Urban Pind. AIESEC interns seem to hang out there a lot...and there is always a bunsch of colourful expatriates I was told. During the weekend we explored Delhi and went to a craft-festival in a nearby city – Faridhabad. It was so awesome – colourful, crowded and beautiful. And it was really huge – we were going around the place for 4 hours! I am slowly starting to arrange things for my stay here and getting into daily work routine. It is really interesting – i already attended some of the meeting in the Corporate communications department. I still need to do so much reading, but I guess I will handle it fast. And the people at work are really positive and friendly, which makes learning easier :) Well, this is about the end of my update. Actually, a strange melancholic mood is overcoming me the last two days – maybe because I am starting to miss home. Yet, I will get over it – a huge adventure lies ahead :)
Not so many of us have a noble background. If you have ever dreamt of becoming a Duchess or a Vicount, but your family tree somehow doesn't allow it, visit this site. Being an aristocrat has never been so easy, eh ;)
Do you remember the times when there was snow for Christmas? I haven't seen a "white Christmas" for two or three years now...And there is something really magical and beautiful in the snowy Christmas. Anyways, today I realised that if you have a very strong desire for snow - your dreams come true. Therefore, to bring some magical Christmas spirit, I invite you to sing along with Bing Crosby:)
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Where the treetops glisten, and children listen To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white
It has already been two days and i still cannot believe it! Everybody was telling me how hard it is to find a proper AIESEC traineeship, that it takes so much effort and long months of sending e-mails. Well, I got matched to the first position I applied. Maybe it is beginners luck :) Maybe it is destiny! Ta-da-dam! Alcatel-Lucent in India, here I come. One year in Corporate communications in one of the most amazing countries in the world. Working along with a Brazilian guy and a Lithuainian girl as AIESEC trainees in Bangalore and Chennai. Challenging myself. Learning a lot. Living a different culture. The journey will start in less than two months. I have always believed that there are roads that have to be followed.This is such a road. It might be difficult, unexpected, uncomfortable, dirty and long. Yet I have already stepped on it and I will walk till the end. Sure it will be an exciting journey!
I used the last day of my vacation and convinced my parents to go on a short trip to the Sokolovo monastery and the etnographic museum Etara. Here are some pictures:
The church at Sokolovo monastery
The famous fountain, built by Kolio Ficheto
Traditional bread and salt (veeery delicious) at "Etara" restaurant
Recently I came across a very nice compilation of popular songs. But not just another boring "Best" CD, yet a very fresh one. Cause all the songs are made in the style of Buena Vista :) So, even the melancholic Coldplay might sound quite lively :) Enjoy!
As you might know part of my job is to read newspapers. And look what I found - an article dedicated to me :) In case you feel as self-centred as me or just if you want to see how it feels to be a journalist - click here. Enjoy and remember - do not manipulate the readers!
Today was a really wonderful day :) After the Trabi show, I finally found time to read some papers (yes, I am working at a newspaper, but rarely have time to red one ;)). Then, with my collegue Assya (a very talented designer by the way)we went to a folklore festival organized in the city centre. It was rather cool, there were groups from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Italy, Venezuela, China, Korea, Armenia. The guys from Venezuela really made me go crazy. I just feel I need to learn Spanish and all kinds of latin dances. I love salsa ( although in the last month I haven't been to serious with my salsa lessons). Then, after Chambao and Belen Maya I got so inspired to start with flamenco. And with Gotan project - tango :) Anyways - the stupid thing about the festival was again the organization. First - mineral water was sold at a double price. Second - nobody thought that someone from the 500 people gathered around the park might need a toilet. Or a bench to sit. I wonder when we will learn to do things in the proper way in Bulgaria...
Today I went to a show, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this legendary East German car - The Trabi. For those of you that know something - no need to explain. For all the others who are seeing that "thing" for the first time - Wikipedia has some interesting stories to tell. Who said small cars aren't in fashion ;)
Not quite fitting into the "beauty standards" of the age, I have often wondered how it feels to be really beautiful and exercise the power of beauty upon others. And I really do not mean being sexy and using sexual power, although my suspicion is that is one of the main driving forces of the contemporary world :) I truly believe that seeing beauty makes people better and more honest. Yet, as God has not given all of us physical beauty - we should learn how to show our inner one (yep, my strong conviction - even the ugliest has some inner beauty). Of course - that does not mean not to take care of our appearance ;) One good step from quite an unexpected side are the ads of Dove. In the world of cosmetics, where everyone is flawless, every product makes you perfect and age and wight are the biggest sins, these guys have created some very nice campaigns to show that "well, not everything what u see is what u get" and "beauty is skin-deep". Enjoy the videos and keep the belief that beauty can be found even at unexpected places :)
The following video is the exam performance of a very ambitious young guy I happened to know through Internet. He is studying in the National Academy for Theatre and Film and wants to be a director. Recently he won a prize for a new, unpublished novel. He also enjoys making photographs. Here is the video, which I think is quite fresh :)
This summer proves to be quite full of concerts. As if all popular bands, singers and dancers just decided at once to come to Bulgaria (I do not see what took them so long. Maybe, after the EU accession they thought it is safe enough :) ) Names like Iron Maiden, Marlyn Manson, Placebo (for the second time), Chambao etc etc. Well - for most of the people in western countries it is normal to see them, but they just used to avoid Bulgaria, cause the market is to little and the prices of the tickets-too low. Anyway - I am going to take advantage of this cool concert-packed summer. I already went to see Belen Maya, the incredible Flamenco dancer that has inspired Carlos Saura to make "Flamenco". She was really unbelievable! Then, I went to an INXS concert, but I didn't like it, cause the new lead singer looks more like the lead singer of a boy band than anything else. Plans for the future include:
On the 18th of June - Placebo - I want that so much, as I missed the first concert! Problem is, I am travelling back from Poland...who knows if I will reach on time...Keeping my fingers crossed!
On the 23rd June - Yamato - the drummers of Japan. Promises to be really great. I already reserved some tickets and going to buy them tomorrow :)
On the 11th June - Chambao in Plovdiv - I love that music, I hope I get a chance for a day off :)
Well, a bit too late from my side, but still - before midnight! Happy 24 may - Day of the Slavic alphabet. Or, if I should say it: Честит 24-ти май :) And because of that - Google today is written like GoogЛе :) Ah, I love that!
Recently I registered at a very cool site, called Postcrossing. The idea is that you send postcards to random people around the world you do not know. So, I sent two cards - one to a woman in Finland, and one to a guy in Switzerland. Today I got the great news that my card has arrived in Switzerland and the following answer: Helle Svetla. Thank you for the nice postcard. The eye is very beautiful. I like it a lot. I must give you quite. Swiss chocolate is really very good. If you want, I can send you 2 bars of chocolate. Write me your address if you want. Many greetings from Switzerland. Daniel
I am happy that it reached its destination and waiting for a card to reach me now :)
Well, I have been a bit lazy this week in blogging.But I will try to sum it up in one post. It has been quite a strange week for me - without a proper desire to work- i guess there are times like that that you can heardly concentrate. Yet, seems it was good in terms of my job - as I understood from my boss my salary is rising (just a bit:P) and this - in a way - means they are satisfied with my work. I also understood that in future I will have to write extensively in the i-net isssue and keep a real estate blog. Seems like a great challenge to me, so I am gonna give it a try. I was a bit disappointed with some stuff happening in the office, but, as I talked to friends they all told me that it is like that everywhere... But, my word was not for work though.
Social life:) This week seems to be quite full, compared to previous one. And really nice. On tuesday, I went to a very pleasant Cuban night in one new place - Tea house. It was like a dream come true - Cuban music (not only salsa),Cuban food ( i ate ham with caramel and pineapple:) ) and ...of course RUM! No pics of course, I was too busy to enjoy!Just one, made by my collegue - to give u an idea of what the place feels like. Then, to skip the working week ...friday night was an experience - we went with a friends to eat Chineese. I once again thought how much I love the Chineese people for that wonderful food:)After, we moved to a place that I cannot call exactly a bar, as it is a bit too underground. It is called "Hambara" (something like a "Barn)and it lit only by candles. I met some people I haven't seen for a long time.And we had a few nice drinks and talks.
Later, we moved to a disco - "Alcohol". It was cool, though crowded and the music was strange - too much techno.However - we really had a good time there as well. Saturday was tres legere - again walking around, shopping, eating sweet stuf ...mmm:) And today - a wonderful ending of the week. I went to drink coffee at one of my favourate places - ONDA. Met a friend there,whom I thought gone abroad. The evening was full of beauty, as we went to watch the Bulgarian ice-skating champions - Albena Denkova and Maxim Stavisky. They were marvelous!So much beauty and grace...it was as if I was in another world. Besides them there were some other couples - an Italian one (these guys, I can bet, were born on ice!), a Russsian one (he was swinging the girl in such a dangerous way...I couldn't watch), an Ukrainian one ( they did amazing acrobatics, I have never imagined that someone can balance on ice like that). There were also some other Bulgarian skater - they were also pretty talented. And two funny French guys. One of them danced pretending to be a 3-year old girl.He had this pink ballet skirt - so funny:) Of course, my camer was not good enough to make proper pictures, but soon I hope to receive some from friends I was with. But just if you have some time...and to give you a very little idea of the experience I had - see Albena and Maxim perform their free dance at the 2006 olympics. Enjoy! And have an inspired week, full of beauty:)
Are you feeling a bit stressed lately? How much time are u spending with your friends and loved ones? Do you actually take time to think bout that? Well, it seems that some good people have invented the "Slow down week" which happens to be just next week:) What better time to stop and enjoy life - over a cappucino with friends, a long walk or a good book. Check the flash of the "Slow down week" here :)
Here are two nice things I found on the internet:) The first one is a website called "kawaii not", which I learned means something like "not sweet". It has some really cute cartoons, with some really nasty ideas behind them.Check it out:) The second site is of the conceptual photographer Dave Nitsche. A bit freaky, yet I like it:)
I am posting a video of one of my favourite Bulgarian bands - Ostava. It is called "President" and it was released just before I became a Member committee president. Is't ironic:) Enjoy
