I’m dreaming of a… Swedish Christmas

I just got off the phone with the Swedish Embassy. And I just really can’t get over how rude that particular embassy is. They act like they are the freaking MI5! I had no problems with the Swedish Embassy in London, but every time I need to communicate with the one here, I am aghast at how rude they are. Let me just disclose the fact that the people I deal with there are not the Swedes, but locals working for the Swedes. Don’t get me wrong; I love the Swedes, hence why I made a call in the first place.

Let me give you a background and motive behind the call. I rang them up to find out if there were any events that the Swedish community might have for Christmas or perhaps for Santa Lucia. Similarly to what the Spanish community have here, or even the Swedish community in London. However, this is the phone conversation I had which I absolutely did not expect.

Me: Oh hello, I was wondering if there were any events for Christmas?

Bitch on the line: What about?

Me: Errrm, well I was wondering if the Swedish community perhaps had an event to which I could go to? Something for Christmas or Santa Lucia?

Bitch: But, who are you?

Me: (WTF!?) What do you mean?

Bitch: Who is this?

Me: (Like you would know me?!!!) Umm, my name is Monica…? I’m not with any company, I am just inquiring really.

Bitch: Why is it you want to know?

WHAT THE HELL?? I all of a sudden felt like a criminal for wanting to celebrate some Swedish Christmas cheer!! I’m not asking for a fucking visa you know! Perhaps some mandelmusslor or a bottle of gurka!

Me: (Errr, well I would like to terrorize your people for the recipe of Janssons Frestelse, Bloody hell!!) Errr, because I realise that 13th of December is Santa Lucia and it's Christmas and I thought perhaps the community might be having some events. (Obvously!)

Bitch: But why?!

Me: (WHAT DON’T YOU GET!!!??? – I decided to use the relative card…) Well I have my in-law who is Swedish coming down , and it would be nice to take them to a Swedish event here.

Bitch: Who is your in-law?!

Me: (Like you would know him!!! Good god woman!!!) Look, I just want to know if there is an event or not with your embassy.

Bitch: You must be invited by the ambassador to be part of his guest list.

Me: So it’s not open to the public then?

Bitch: No, only for the ambassador and his guests.

Would it have killed you, to just say that in the bloody first place???!!!

It reminded me what an awful experience it is getting ones visa and dealing with these bastards. Oh well… guess I will just have to stick to whatever Spanish events there may be. Joke is, I am not even related to any Spaniards. (Yet.)

Oh the joys of the third world.

The Fresh Bread of Bel-Air

I stumbled on a place that may as well put an end to my endless search for decent bread in this country! This French boulangerie is called Lartizan. Whilst having dinner at Mickey's Delicatessen, we were served a bread basket (which by the way, we had to pay for) that had an assortment of which seemed to me as, proper breads. I had been let down the last few times, yes, even from The Pen bakery. As I reached for a piece, I was given a ray of hope when the I felt it's hard crust and moist center. It isn't Borough Market quality, but damn well close enough.

We found out that right next door to the restaurant was the French boulangerie and they bake their own breads and pastries right in their shop. I was rather impressed with the selection, but even more so that they had samples with their respective names (see 3rd photo), making it easier to choose from. Smart! After oohing, ahhing and drooling, I finally made a choice which seemed the closest to Poilâne. Hopefully, it will taste as lovely as how it's wrapped.

Missing Out on Lights Out & Blue Skies

more photos

"The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus were among London landmarks plunged into darkness to raise awareness of global warming.

Lights across the city were switched off for an hour on Thursday night to encourage London's three million households to conserve energy.

The Lights Out London campaign aimed to have all non-essential lighting turned off between 2100 and 2200 BST.

It followed similar campaigns in cities including Sydney, Paris and Rome.

It was the first time the lights at Piccadilly Circus had been switched off since World War II." - BBC News

Around 200 aspiring artists take to their easels in Trafalgar Square, central London, for Blue Sky Day. Some of the most inspired pictures from the event will be hung in the National Gallery in an exhibition sponsored by travel website Expedia.

Ship Wreck

"Fire today ravaged the Cutty Sark, turning the 19th century tea clipper, permanently moored in south London and one of Britain's most important maritime treasures, into a blackened wreck.

The Cutty Sark left London on its first voyage on February 16 1870, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope to Shanghai three months later. But the ship made only eight voyages to China in the tea trade."

17th April, 2006 - Greenwich, London

The news of a historic landmark of London goes into flames, really saddened me. I guess it is because just a little over a year ago, I was sitting right infront of it with a friend and you never think a year later it could be destroyed. Even if it is said that only 50% of the ship has been destroyed, it is still 50% of history that is gone too.

Homemade Green & Black's Champo

Champorado is a typical Filipino dish that can be eaten at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It is basically chocolate rice porridge that is made from glutinous rice, sugar, cocoa and milk. Growing up, we normally would buy the champorado mix at the supermarket. But I learned from my sister that it was dead easy to make and decided to give it a go.

I have come to the conclusion that Champorado originates from Mexico (Galleon Trade connection, I assume). Champurrado in Mexico is a warm thick chocolate drink which they drink for breakfast. It is made from masa harina, piloncillo (small blocks or bricks of unrefined solid cane sugar), water or milk. Just like the Philippine version, their Champurrado is also available as a mix in the supermarket. (Must ask Paula to send me some!)

The best way to have the Philippine Champorado is chilled the next day, which is exactly how I will have it tomorrow. Yum!

Nostalgia

Ixora Coccinea also known as Dwarf Santan or Jungle Geranium, but to me this flower is simply known as Santan. I was in my grandparent's drive way and saw how perfectly this round cluster of Santan formed. My grandmother explain that it is 'spring' and this is why all the flowers have bloomed so beautifully. 'Spring?' I thought to myself, 'it is 33 degrees and in the height of summer!'. I was immediately reminded of the summers when I was a child and I would sit on the grass, by the Santan bush in my grandmother's garden. I would then pull out one stem among the cluster, remove the pin like part on the top of the flower from its tubular stem, invert and sip on the juice of the flower. It's amazing how seeing simple things like these can bring back memories from 20 years ago.

Hummus Bi Tahina

East meets Middle East! One of the many things I miss about living in London is the diversity of food. True, British food isn't anything to write home about, but the people who have migrated there have at least brought their food along with them. I would have Hummus quite often when I was living there. Me and the guys at work would regularly go for lunch to Hummus Bros at Wardour Street, and have their Lamb with Hummus and Pita Bread. Extremely good. Occasionally, I would simply buy a tub of Hummus from the shops and drizzle some olive oil in and eat with a baguette. Something I learned from my Arabic friend. Well, if Mohammed won't go to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed. So today, I made my own Hummus bi Tahina. I must say, I was rather proud that it came out quite good. Here is my "Idiot's Guide to Hummus".

Taho

The photos above are reminiscent of my childhood. Every morning or afternoon you would either hear the Taho man's clown hooter sound off or him simply calling out "Taaahhhhhooooo". My nanny would make sure she would catch him in time to buy me my favorite "street food", Taho. Most Taho vendors walk with two buckets balanced by a wooden plank on their shoulders, some (like my Taho vendor) rides a bike, which makes it quite tricky to catch him! I used to love watching the Taho man prepare taho with his two aluminum buckets with its compartmentalised ingredients. One bucket just for the Tokwa or Tufo (Bean Curd), another bucket divided into two sections for the Sago or Tapioca Pearls and the last compartment is for brown sugar syrup known as Arnibal. It is usually served to you quite warm, but some people do like eating Taho cold. The Taho could have possibly come from Chinese influences, as they have something identical, if not similar, called Douhua.

Ever since I arrived here, I have been craving for Taho and have been quite vocal about it too! Yesterday morning, when I woke up I heard his clown horn go off and my mom rushing to tell me that he was outside our house and asked me if I wanted some Taho. My immediate reaction reminded me times of my childhood, grabbing 20 pesos (£0.20) and a glass, (plus, this time, my camera) and rushing out the house giving it to the Taho man. I think he must have thought I was crazy for photographing him but it was hard not to. It tasted as good as I remembered it to be, and it will always remind me of happy memories of my childhood.

Día del Libro 2007

21 de Abril 2007 : Día del Libro (International Book Day 2007)

¿Qué vas a hacer en la próxima semana? El Instituto Cervantes de Manila, lo abrirá los puertas a la publica por una día. Todo el dia Feria del Libros, seguido por alguno de la tradición espanola.

What are you doing next weekend? Instituto Cervantes Manila, will open its doors to the public for the day. A whole day of the book fair, followed by some of the Spanish traditions.

Sandy Is A Star

An email that I received today from my one of my closest friends, Sandy Officer, had that on the subject line. Having no clue what is was about, I re-read the subject again out loud to myself and looked at it quizzically before clicking on it. It was a quick email with a bbc link. Did a quick browse of the page and saw her photo in the article! Well done Missy Officer! I am sure if I was there, we would be celebrating at Wax by now! haha!

Mi Ultimo Adiós

Adiós Londres.

Te quiero.

Te echaré de menos.

Tiene mi corazón.

London - Last Few Days Pt2

Canary Wharf

National Gallery

...and the one thing I wont miss -- the pigeons

London - Last Few Days

So the countdown begins. I am trying to make the most of my last few days here in LDN. My day was made up by meeting friends, trying my favorite food places for the last time, endulge in art galleries and just capture every moment I can of this city which is beloved to me.

Numero Uno

The Apple Mac Store - on Regent Street. This is one of the many shops I am going to miss in London. Ooh-ing and ahh-ing the newest apple gadgets in store. Watching and learning from the free workshops, has been the best way to pass time on certain days. Lots of purchases made as well as memories. This is my temple, I will miss the visits I made religiously.

Numero Dos

Sacred Cafe - I have gone on endlessly about this cafe. This has got to be my favorite cafe in London. I love the coffee and the music they play, the friendly vibe of the place. Today, I went to have perhaps my last cup of Cortado and my Nata (Portuguese Egg Tart). I was THISCLOSE to buying their t-shirt, but unfortunately they didn't have my size. Haha! This is how much I love this place.

Numero Tres

The Sights - Walking along Westminster, I just can't get eough of the London Eye. It was an amazing experience being up there. The view you get of London is just fantastic. It's just as beautiful appreciating it from a far.

Numero Quatro

Museums - I went to see the Dali Museum today, as one of my last few art fix. I was rather impressed by his work. I only have seen a few of his paintings, which I found very interesting. Usually, I don't think sculptures are anything great. However, seeing Dali's surrealistic works makes me appreciate sculptures. They're very interesting, because they have so much meaning and metaphors involved. The first image is the Space Venus, where Dali pays homage to the female figure. He says the beauty of the flesh is temporary and will vanish, but the beauty of art is timeless and eternal. This sculpture is devided into two parts to reveal the egg, symbolizing life, renewal, continuation and the future. I adore this concept. The second image is the Novelty of Time. You will notice, a lot of Dali's art has the melted watch draped over something. In one of his works called the Persistence of Memory, it is said that the Dalinian time is not rigid, it is one with space... fluid. This watch no longer "keeps" time. The speed of our time depends only on us.. Beautifully said. The more I know about him, the more I love his philosophy. And the last image which is the Space Elephant. It is said that it is moving through space towards the heavens, legs stretched out and more delicate in the weightless atmosphere, the space elephant carries an obelisk, symbol of the progress of technology. There is one more sculpture which I thought was fantastic, it was the Homage to Newton, Dalí honours Sir Isaac Newton for his discovery of the Law of Gravity, symbolised by the celebrated falling apple, which is represented here by a sphere of metal attached to a line. In this form, the apple loses both its impermanence and its capacity for regeneration. Dalí implies that the living being, Sir Isaac Newton, has become a mere name in science, completely stripped of his personality and individuality. To represent this transformation, Dalí has pierced the figure with two large holes: one that portrays the absence of Newton's vital organs, while the other clearly displays the lack of mind. What remains is only symbolic representation. Wow! Seeing other aspects of his exhibit like his illustrations, I had wished that I had read Don Quixote before seeing this exhibit. He had done illustrations of the story. It would have been quite nice to put two and two together.

At the start of the exhibit, Dali's quotes are found on the walls. At first when I read them, I thought that very clever but didn't mean as much. That is, until I got to "know" him better. I couldn't resist to write some of them down. I know Dali wouldn't have mind me "stealing" some of his words, you will see why by the end of this post. For now, I leave you with some of my favorite Dalianian quotes:

"There is less madness to my methods than there is methods to my madness."

"An artist is not one who is inspired, but one who can inspire others."

"Ideas are made to be copied. I have enough ideas to sell them on. I prefer that they are stolen so that I dont have to actually use them myself."

"For me love must be ugly, looks must be divine, and death must be beautiful."

"The envy of other artists has always been the barometer of my success."

Snow

There were predictions of snow in London. But after 3 years of living here, promises of snow, promises of sunshine. You start to think, "yeah whatever". This morning however was a pleasant surprise. I woke to my sister telling me to look out the window. It was like a winter wonderland. I didn't think I would get to see snow one last time before leaving England. As always, I was like a little girl in the candy store. I love seeing snow and being around it. It feels so crisp and romantic. It can make any place that normally looks like some piss-pot place look beautiful. I walked towards the station, taking a few snaps, hearing the crunch of snow under my shoes. Ahhh, lovely. Until reality kicks in. As always, with a little change in weather, the transport system goes in to a choatic shock during rush hour.

It was nice to know that even residence of this country, still love and enjoy a bit of snow. The people I got to speak to in Canary Wharf were telling me how lovely it was to wake up to snow. I got an email from a friend decribing how beautiful it was to see the trees lined with snow. Ironically enough, I had taken just that particular picture earlier in the morning. I'm crossing my fingers that it snows again tonight.

On another note, I was able to finally see one of Almodovar's most talked about film -- Habla Com Ella (Talk to Her). This is the second Almodovar film I have seen so far, the first one being Volver. Both were good, but both were -- as the Spanish say rara, weird. Weird in a good way. His films are interesting with different levels, but it can tend to be rather (what's the word...) -- perverse. Dispite that, I still think it is quite good and a breath of fresh air, compared to the normal hollywood rubbish being produced.

Come on snow!!

LDN - Either you love it, or hate it.

The weather in London yesterday had been it's best in weeks! The sun finally was out and the weather was cool, it felt like spring rather than a miserable winter's day. As it is my last few days in London, I decided to make the most of it and enjoy the day and see the sights.

I met a friend for lunch at Westminster, then I headed towards the Tate, snapping photos of the city. Wish I had a SLR or even just a better camera! haha! My mobile camera is quite good considering, but photos will never compare actually being there. Feeling the vibe of the city, strangers speaking to you, the sun and cold at the same time. As I was walking, I was aware I was having a wonderful day and enjoying myself, even if I was experiencing it alone. Sometimes having someone with you could make the experience worst, or better.

I started to think about how people feel about this city. I came to the conclusion that perhaps people react to London like how the would react to Marmite. "It's either you love it, or hate it". I personally loath the stuff, it tastes like feet! What is wrong with good ol' Jam? But back to London, I do love it. I see London as how some women have a man they can't fall out of love with. It's not perfect, it sometimes if not often will let you down, but it has a charm that you haven't found anywhere else. You try and get over it, but there is just something that feels so right when you are together. That's how I feel about London. It lacks the luxury of back home, but it makes up in other ways. It's not the cleanest, but which big city is? The only difference is that London, will let you meet people from all over the world without having to travel. It will let you go into shops and restaurants and make you feel like you have been teleported to Spain or Italy. I guess one will never really value this city, unless it is taken away from you.

One For The Road

Prinsess Tårta, a traditional cake in Sweden. Also known as the princess cake. This is my favorite cake because it has everything I love in a cake. Soft sponge cake - good. Thin layer of jam - goood. Cream filling - gooood. Covered in marzipan - goooooood. Yum!

This is one of the many things I will miss in Europe. Even if I am not in Sweden, I am still able to get it from the Swedish temple - 1K£@. Spent the afternoon there yesterday purchasing some home stuff, preparing for my departure. My sister tempted me by saying "one for the road?". As if I was going to say, no.

EDIT: I feel really proud, and I must share this with you. The photo I took of the Prinsess Tårta above, has been awarded on Flickr a Flickr Gold Group Award. WOO!!! What a compliment!

The Itsu on Regent Street

I was walking along Regent Street this week and I noticed that they had closed down the Itsu in Piccadilly. Itsu is a chain of sushi restaurants in London. Early November 2006, after the controversial incident of Mr. Litvinenko falling ill due under suspicion of trace of a radioactive substance Pollonium, Itsu became internationally known for this political press. Consequently, this branch of this sushi bar was closed down because it was believed to be the reason of former KGB's death. I would occasionally go to this sushi bar and I can't begin to imagine what it could have done to their sales.

Speaking of Litvinenko, I read today that Johnny Depp is to produce a film on the life of the former Russian Spy. I think this could rather be interesting, Mr. Depp.