Hi, everyone.
I know that it has been a long time since I wrote something here but I am back and have the full intention of updating this site 4 times a month.
I will be adding more stories and may start talking about my life and work. Watch this space.
If you have any suggestions or ideas of topics/themes/genres you would like me to touch or write about leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you 
Lots of love xx
Today I realised how lucky I am. I am part-taking in a journey I didn’t really choose, it was handed to me and at the time I didn’t see its magnitude. Now, sitting on some steps facing the Canal Grande, I can see that this is a blessing I didn’t think I needed. I am here and I cannot believe it. Happiness comes in waves and it surprises me – can this really be happening to me? Finding the perfect accommodation and fantastic housemates so quickly after I was told it was impossible – it was the second gift. The first was arriving to the town without a problem. A foreign land surrounded by people with a different mentality yet so welcoming. Work has turned out to be great, I still need to get used to it but, geez, this is wonderful. The town itself is so beautiful and Pinterest worthy.
Before moving here when I told others about my trip and new upcoming life they were super excited and awestruck, however, I didn’t feel that excitement. Don’t get me wrong I was happy and I had worked hard for something like this to cross my path but because this was not my initial dream I didn’t feel that passion or satisfaction that others thought I would be experiencing.
It didn’t take long for me to feel that spark of awe and happiness. I keep realising how self efficient I am and that I am always cared for by my G-d. Since arriving a day hasn’t gone by where I don’t feel happy and blessed. I catch myself loving the moment and savouring it because I know that you can’t hold on to it for too long before another moment comes. I feel happy, something I was only feeling sporadically in London. Now I feel alive and motivated to create and recreate my life. This wasn’t my initial path but somehow it is preparing me for my dream path. I will get there and in the meantime I will enjoy every second of this moment for it is happening for a reason and it is great.
I have six months of this, and more if I wish it, so I will take advantage of every opportunity and hold it dear to my heart. I will be open to new people and adventures, and I will try my hardest to always say yes.
I write this not to boast but to encourage you to try something new even if it isn’t in your perfect or planned agenda. New opportunities led you somewhere and that somewhere may just be where you need to be right now. Progress is impossible without change.
Just jump!
Isobella wore it proudly, and why wouldn’t she. It belonged to her grandmother and was made out of Korea’s finest materials. Every time she touched the silk she smiled, it smelled of old and new and it was now hers. For year she had admired it from afar. But now that she was getting married it was her turn to wear it proudly. And on this cold autumn morning she did just that.
To make the game more exciting I will not assign a story to a particular person. You can choose who best suits the story (click here for pictures). Let me know in the comment section below. Enjoy! 🙂
– Corpus Christi? Why would you name your child that?
– Why not? It’s a beautiful name.
– Veronica, it is not a name for a child. A town? Yes. A book? Why not. Your dog? Hell, it could work. Your car? It’s cute. But your child? No. Do you want me to write an essay on why it is a terrible idea?
– Knock yourself out. It’s my child and I’ll name it whatever I want.
– This is worse than when those twins were name ‘Fish’ and ‘Chips’. Get a grip of yourself. Think of her school years.
– People can call her ‘Corrie’ or Chrisie’. Oh, how sweet.
– Yes, it will sound sweet to the ears of bullies. Why can’t you call her ‘ Fiona’ or ‘Helen’. You know, normal human names.
– Jin Hyuk is a human name, Nompendulo is another human name. Inti is a human name. Yet you would never use it. Too strange for your name game. Corpus Christi is beautiful name. I will name my daughter that and that is the end of it. Oh, here comes Michael. Let’s not talk about this anymore.
– So guys it looks like I am going to Oxford. I got in, can you believe it? Oh, so surreal. This letter arrived today telling me which college.
– Congratulations!
– Yes, congrats. Tell us the name of the college!
– Where are we going to party and drink you under the table?
– Corpus Christi. Isn’t it great guys?! Such a nice name as well.
To make the game more exciting I will not assign a story to a particular person. You can choose who best suits the story. Let me know in the comment section below. Enjoy! 🙂
I just got fired and this stupid idiot wants to take my picture? Just great!
‘The blazer is from Liberty Yes.’
Maybe I should return it. I’ve only worn it 3 times. Thank goodness I didn’t wear it to Eric’s party. It would have been destroyed. That reminds me I have to pick my shoes up from the cleaners.
‘The pants too.’
I should have said trousers, pants sounds so American. Can this day be over already. I should have never slept at Tracie’s, psycho cow made me late. Who doesn’t set an alarm in this day and age? Doesn’t she have to work? Of course not, sugar daddy pays for everything. Maybe I should find a cougar. Oh, the thought of it alone gives me goosebumps.
‘This is from Shoreditch High Street.’
Ha! It’s actually from a local charity shop. Oops. Maybe I should return it too. I wonder if they do refunds without a receipt. I have to look through my bank statements. Damn, I think I left those at my parent’s house. I will call them tomorrow, I should ask them to help with the rent for a bit. Perks of being the youngest child. I should send my nan a ‘get well’ card as well. I am sure she will send me some cookies with her reply. Oh her cookies would make everything better.
‘Yes, that’s fine. Thank you. Actually mate, could I have a smoke. Thanks, I left my pack in my office. Cheers.’
I wonder if it’s not too late for a McDonald’s breakfast.
To make the game more exciting I will not assign a story to a particular person. You can choose who best suits the story. Let me know in the comment section below. Enjoy! 🙂
‘ So, what do you think? Can we get married tomorrow? I don’t want to wait any more. Tell me now so I can start making some calls.
No? Why the hell not?! I am not rushing anything. You are slowing my future down. Then why are you with me? Boy, I am not that good of a kisser. Are you kidding me(?) My bothers would never get involved so don’t bring them into it. Maybe that happened because of your aunt and your cousins. No I did not say that to them. I value you and your work I would never say that to people. Stop looking for excuses to fight so you can walk off and leave me here, yet again, without an answer. Look at me. I said look at me! I don’t mean look my way with your sad puppy eyes I mean actually look at me. Do you like what you see? Would you be sad if I walked away? Would you be jealous if another man asked me out? Do you want to be with me?
Forget it. This is giving me a headache. This is turning me into a woman I do not want to be. Yes, you are turning me into a crazy cow. I have to get away. I need to breathe. Don’t follow me or call me. Yes, I am breaking up with you. Your doubts and confusions are killing me. If you loved me you would know you wouldn’t have to write an essay to find out. Leave me allow, I am no longer you girlfriend. You don’t have the right to touch me. Yes, I am being childish because this whole thing is childish. We have been together for over 11 years – Â I was there for milestone after milestone, and when tears rivered your cheeks and your legs gave out. But you’re right you are not for me.
You have now given me your answer so goodbye.’
Actually you are right you have given me an answer.
Whilst looking at these pictures did you make up stories about these people. You don’t know them yet I am sure you made a quick judgement about their style and what you think their world is like.
Get as creative as you want and post in the comment section below some of the stories you made up for these people. In the following weeks I will post some of the stories I came up with so stay tuned.
Gabriela
Situated in the hip area of Northern Bogotá, La CandelarÃa is the place to go for alternative
food and events. Nearby you have an array of museums, including the world famous Botero
Museum, as well as great gastronomy havens. This area of Bogota is the go-to place for
tourists and backpackers but do not be surprised to see locals enjoying an empanada or two
on the streets. You can reach La Candelaria by bus, taxi or tranmilenio, Bogota’s fastest and
most used, although most hated, form of transport.
Here you will find a great view of Monserrate, an old church situated on top of a mountain
overseeing Bogota. The streets here are very steep so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Once you have caught your breath back from climbing the steep streets you will be
rewarded with the oasis that is La Totuma Corrida.
Enter the building, which once upon a time used to be a house, and you will find a tourist
centre and artisan shop. Follow the small corridor, take a deep breath and go up a few more
steps, and here you will find three rooms all adjoined by added windows and missing doors.
Hanging from the ceiling you will come across colourful art which matches wonderfully with
the vibrant décor and colour patterns of the restaurant. At La Totuma Corrida you will find
that more than one sense will be awakened.
After choosing from sitting on a chair or on the floor using a pillow, on the menu you will be
presented with a fusion of authentic Oriental dishes and some of Colombia’s favourites. For
example sushi with plantain; strange combination but an explosion for your taste buds. The
experience at La Totuma Corrida is not for an all Japanese feel but about how well Japanese
food can be complimented with Colombian delicacies.
You can pick from noodles, rice and an array of meats. There are also vegetarian options
and how much food you want depends on your budget and hunger. I have been here three
times and even though the décor has changed the quality of the food and atmosphere have
not. Some dishes are served in bowls made of dried coconut shells which gives it a unique
twist to eating Japanese food with just chop sticks.
I encourage you to try any dish for you will not be disappointed with the portions and the
flavour but above all you should try their renowned lemonade. Made from fresh lemons and
mint, it is sour enough to refresh you but sweet enough to make you order a few more.
Prices vary from expensive to very affordable; again it all depends on budget and appetite.
Happy Hour every Monday between 4pm – 7pm = all you find on the bar sushi. Another
great reason to visit La Totuma Corrida.
After finishing all the food you can handle the climb down the stair and the steep street is
actually a good idea.
You can discover all that La Totuma Corrida has to offer – Carrera 2 No. 12B-90 Callejón del Embudo – La CandelarÃa, Bogotá, Colombia.Estacio de Transmilenio – La Aguas.
Funny name for a girl, you may say but my Icelandic grandmother had chosen it and no-one was going to argue with a woman who was as tough as the horses from her country.
You pronounce it ‘th’ but you have to spell it þorn, which again raises some eyebrows. For many years I was ashamed of my name and particularly its spelling. My Italian grandparents, on the other side, could not understand why this name was chosen. To them it sounded crazy and vulgar. They argued with my parents and eventually came to an agreement, my name would be þorn Sofia; how charming.
Growing up in an English speaking country where this letter was introduced by the Anglo-Saxons many years ago you would think that at least one person would know it but that turned out to not be the case at all.
When I finally found by vocation in life it turned into my worst enemy. As an actress this name was popular with the casting team but not the directors or producers. I was called in for auditions just so they could meet the person who owned this strange name. The audition then consisted of long minutes of questions about my name and how I felt about it. One director pulled me aside and told me he would hire me if I changed my name – my future was opaque if I carried on using this name. For a few days I thought about it, I even wrote a list of possible names.
However, one Friday night whilst trying to escape my own destructive thoughts I went to a house-party. There I met an old professor who upon hearing my name asked if it was spelled with a þorn. He laughed at his joke and was about to walk away when I said yes. He stopped in his track and looked me straight in the eyes. Needless to say he fell in love with my name and I with him. Was it real love or just admiration from his side and appreciation from mine? We are still to find out.
by Gabriela Villafradez
The wind that blows the hairs on your arms whilst you hold me remind me that this moment is real. That the emotions running through my body are not make believe but that you are actually here declaring your love for me and planning our future together.
I look up at you and admire your features. They are so pristine and innocent making me weak at the knees. Your words are just as strong as your vocal cords, such a wonderful contrast to your youthful smile.
You carry on talking not noticing how much you are affecting me. It doesn’t matter, I kiss your cheek and carry on listening to you. You look down at me as say “Te quiero, amor mio. Por siempre sere tuyo” – ” I love you, my love. I will forever be yours”.
I squeeze you harder and carry on enjoying the sunset. I take your left hand and kiss it. After so many months apart your army service seems like a sad film we watched together a long time ago.
I breathe in and exhale with ease, and the tranquillity of the evening takes over the mood. Love at its finest and purest.
My Reading Hammock 