Happy New Year!!!

World, friends, everyone... Happy New Year!!!!! I got too much champagne I guess, but it feels good! LOL May all your wishes come true, may all your fears disappear (champagne helps, trust me!) and have a wonderful, beautiful, loving, lucky New 2013!!!

Life is short...

Remember this?

Life is short,
break the rules,
forgive quickly,
kiss slowly,
love truly,
laugh uncontrollably,
and never regret anything that made you smile.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did.

So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore.
Dream.
Discover.

~ Mark Twain ~

And I'd say: don't be afraid to do all this.  :) Have a different and wonderful New Year!

Snake edition: ladies

Ladies... the Snake year is coming. This is a New Year's edition of my ramblings, dedicated to fashion outbursts. LOL No, it's going to be stylish just like the Snake requires it to be: sleek, exploring, sly, enigmatic, bold yet elegant, secretive yet seductive... with an unexpected twist. Colors: black, ivory, indigo blue, dark green, the sea patterns, metallic. And keep the dress as close to the body as possible! LOL

 

(my favourite! Lanvin!)

Patterns, patterns...

 

 

 



 

 

 



On the other hand, you can knock the whole party down, ignore any style experts and shoot for the ultimate piece of shorts! LOL

 

In this case I find the dress absolutely unnecessary. The shorts will do the job. LOL

Whatever the clothes, don't forget your jewelry. Choose one piece but make it bold.

 

 

And most important: don't forget the Snake is a mythical creature, a keeper of many treasures and of ancient knowledge, a master of transformation, an award winning actor on the universal stage, a subject of both passion and hate, one who will never go unnoticed if she doesn't want to... We are not indifferent to her. We may admire her or fear her but we can't ignore her presence. ;)

Near the end

What an interesting end of the year I'm having. First, I found out that "Side By Side" was actually shown right here, under my nose and right on my birthday (!!!) while I was fighting the gone mad powers of nature in Tuscany. True, there was no presentation here and this festival is totally uknown to me (and I tend to know the festivals quite well), and there was no proper publicity, otherwise I would have known the movie was going to be here but still... Oh well. Another city, another time.

Then I'm meeting people I haven't seen for fifteen years at the local market while I'm picking apples and bananas... Those people happen to be old flames. Ended up in a piano bar listening to heartbreaking stories in which I played the leading role. Of course, there was nothing true in them, I'm not that mean. LOL But the bar was really nice. I love piano bars. Starting to wonder what to expect in the remaining three days. And do I really want to know? Yes. I do. It should be a big and nice surprise but I can handle a hint or two in advance. :)))))))

(the snow melted, sadly, but at night the city still looks beautiful)

P.S. Someone has bought the dress I wanted to get for the New Year's Eve. I'm very disappointed. It was only one. And there is no other indigo-dark-night-blue dress like that. :(

Pushkin, Winter Morning

To me winter is very much Pushkin poetry and Russian memories. I choose "Winter Morning" for today as I look outside and the snow has covered everything, the air is filled with sparkling snowflakes, the streets are still white, and the city lies bewitched by some late magic. This is one of my favourite Pushkin poems, a gentle and very touching tale of someone who is more than a friend which I think virtually impossible to be translated but I found a relatively good translation too in the link below the original.

(If you have the chance to get on a Russian "trojka", please do! One of the most romantic ways to celebrate winter ever!)
А.С. Пушкин ЗИМНЕЕ УТРО

Мороз и солнце; день чудесный!
Еще ты дремлешь, друг прелестный -
Пора, красавица, проснись:
Открой сомкнуты негой взоры
Навстречу северной Авроры,
Звездою севера явись!

Вечор, ты помнишь, вьюга злилась,
На мутном небе мгла носилась;
Луна, как бледное пятно,
Сквозь тучи мрачные желтела,
И ты печальная сидела -
А нынче... погляди в окно:

Под голубыми небесами
Великолепными коврами,
Блестя на солнце, снег лежит;
Прозрачный лес один чернеет,
И ель сквозь иней зеленеет,
И речка подо льдом блестит.

Вся комната янтарным блеском
Озарена. Веселым треском
Трещит затопленная печь.
Приятно думать у лежанки.
Но знаешь: не велеть ли в санки
Кобылку бурую запречь?

Скользя по утреннему снегу,
Друг милый, предадимся бегу
Нетерпеливого коня
И навестим поля пустые,
Леса, недавно столь густые,
И берег, милый для меня.

http://www.russianlegacy.com/russian_culture/poetry/pushkin/winter_morning.htm

Have yourself...

a Merry Little Christmas, of course... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ6yQgBvuoI

After all, it came... all the same. Just like in the Grinch story. I wish you all faithful friends, happy ends, merryments... May the Fates allow you a smooth sailing. :) Merry Christmas!

No hidden (Christmas) catch?

This "holiday season" has all chances to win the prize "most hated of all times" if it goes on like this. I feel like Grinch. My son was sick and I hardly managed to heal him somehow. I am sick. I almost lost my thumb and in fact, don't know yet what will happen with it after all the antibiotics are done. Hopefully all my five fingers will remain where they are and in good condition. More than half of my friends here are a/facing separations, divorces; b/having violence issues at home, or c/being sick themselves or their kids are sick or both. All our party plans are ruined, as a result. Work projects were thrown out the window due to health issues. Some next year plans related to my son's first school year across the ocean seem quite impossible at this point... And, uh... What Christmas? What else is hidden in Santa's oh-so-big bag? I'm not sure I want to know anymore.

So... I'm hoping for no hidden catch, no strings attached... Depeche. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8S249dr-jY

Their performance here which I couldn't work on as I was currently on the other side of the pond is one of my biggest professional regrets. There are very few names I'd love to work with, they were among those, and we just went different ways at the time... I love them. As well as this song which, of course, has nothing to do with my Christmas ramblings but on the other hand, Christmas is supposed to be about love, no? And not every love but pure love. The one they say has no requirements, no expectations, doesn't envy or lie, doesn't know jealousy or games... Same one.

Highways, choices...

Among my most "favorite" expressions is the famous "My way or the highway". Aside from the obvious arrogance and lack of proper manners it betrays, it's a sign of non really existing but marching "boldness". Many times I've tried to explain to people there is a significant chance they are placing their bet on the wrong number. Imagine, there are some of us who actually like highways. We would choose the highway any time. Imagine there are those of us who feel free on the highway and not on your way because your way may turn out to be a narrow sidewalk walking which we can't breathe. Sadly, those people never think of this possibility in advance. They feel in "control" declaring such dusty phrases.

But, as Frank Sinatra once sang, "I've travelled each and every highway, And more,much more than this, I did it my way." Which would be priceless if it didn't turn into a war. But it does. Then comes the inevitable reflection and the equation's final result is not always positive. May be sometimes it's worth abandoning all roads, highways and sidewalks and hit the woods. Without a direction or a path ahead. If only both sides could swallow the pride and the unnecessary words. If you can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m0dJXtwwiY

Or it may be just holidays approaching (again!) and against all traditions I'm becoming more stubborn and not at all embracing the Christmas spirit.

Classic winter

I said "Hi" and "Bye" to J.Lo. lately and after being exposed to all this abundance of... um... abundance, I realized I needed something sharp, and fresh, and strong, not vodka though.

"Simplicity is the work of a genius", as we all know. And winter, in its white and clean clothes is the quintessence of simple, stylish, pure beauty. Here is a winter greeting from me to all of you with glorious Vivaldi in Venice performed by amazing Federico Agostini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGdFHJXciAQ I don't know why but of all Vivaldi pieces, this one touches me most. It's actually nonsense to discuss it at all. Words are dying here.

Speaking of Venice, I haven't had my wish yet and I haven't been to the carnival there... Santa, please, make a note this year! :) I also missed the screening of "Side by Side" in Poland in this... whatever it is city where planes don't fly from here LOL, I haven't had my dreamed New Year's Eve yet, and overall, seems to me someone has been lazy lately. And he wears red clothes and eats far too many cookies. Less eating, more working, I suggest! :)

Beauty queens

One of the benefits to be a moderator of a Moms&Babies forum is to be part of the annual nominations. Each year, prior to the holiday season, tens of thousands of moms fight for the crowns of the Best Cook, Best Vacuum Cleaner, Diaper Changer, Christmas Decorator and so on. It's meant to be fun. However, contrary to what many people may think, the most anticipated and desired category is the Golden Mirror in which, of course, the title won is a Beauty Queen but there is little beauty in manners when things come to competition. :))))))))))) Somewhere among the diapers and the wet wipes, the moms are eagerly getting ready, booking photo sessions and attending beauty procedures. Each year the battle is bitter, hair extensions and artificial nails fly around. Being a moderator, I've always been far too serious (mean!) for anyone to even think of putting me in any of those. What was my surprise when I went to check what the gals are doing today and saw my name (!!!!) in this exact bloody battlefield named Golden Mirror. LOL On one hand, it really made me laugh which was good because this wasn't a very good day otherwise. On the other hand, there is absolutely no way I'll ever get involved in the hair pulling and scratching thus I threatened them I'll participate with my newest Halloween series! :))))))))))

If this doesn't scare them, I don't know what. By the way, I (apparently) survived the Halloween party at home but at one point realized we, the moms, had already drunk one bottle of wine and were on the second one in a desperate attempt to pretend we didn't hear or notice what was going on around. I'll have to recover from that now, just after "this" trip to Italy. Um hm. Oh, and these teeth are terribly uncomfortable! I feel for all poor vampires out there. LOL I hope you had a funny Halloween! :)

One I'll remember

This birthday of mine is one I will surely remember for long! In fact, I'm happy we came back alive. LOL From the very beginning, as soon as we stepped off the plane, things went in such a way that I felt like I was truly in Wonderland where everything is weird, at best. I had booked a four-door car considering the child seat I needed for my son and the space such a gadget usually requires for the parent to comfortably put the child in and take him out. Naturally, the car was two-door and I had quite a wrestling with the car seat which didn't want to get in (they gave me the biggest one they could possibly find, probably a vendetta of a kind) until I finally kicked it (literally) in and things were even worse later when I had to push the front seat forward and fold it each time my son needed to go in or out. Not to mention the buckling adventure and the pose I had to hold to do it.

Leaving the airport I found out I was not able to call or message my friend in Pisa. For reason unknown, my cell phone provider had decided I didn't need roaming abroad. Surprise, surprise. There we were, in a part of the country I didn't know, on a road I hadn't driven, with no connection to our friends. Stopping at every gas station proved to be pointless as they a/ didn't know English, b/ were closed (beware the time between 2 and 4 pm in Italy!), or c/ didn't have cards or phone. This last excuse seriously annoyed me as no one will ever convince me these stores had no landlines. Being already mad, I decided I'm driving the highway to Bologna, phone or no, rain or no (at this point it was already pouring), and will reach my friend's house even if I have to ask every person in Pisa about it. Good plan. Finally, at the fourth or fifth gas station on the highway I found a British man (thank you, whoever you were!) who gave me his cell phone and I managed to call my friend and let her know we were already 100 kilometers on the way. Relieved and hopping happily under the pouring rain, I started the car again only to find out the gears didn't work properly and I couldn't go out of the parkade backwards. Ta daam. After about five minutes of trying to switch, running back to the store to look for the British man who had already gone, and having a heated conversation with the lady in the gas station who told me there was no mechanic anywhere near (strange gas stations on this highway, no kidding!), I went back to the car determined to take it out of the parkade. I did. Don't know how but it surrendered.

No more adventures all the way to Pisa, excluding the pouring rain, the curtain of rain actually that allowed everyone to see only about ten meters ahead and the stop lights of the car in front, so we drove the highway at no more than 70-80 km/h, the missed road signs, the pissed off child who was mad at the weather, and the dark streets of Pisa where we got lost on the way to the train station. Finally founding it, I had to run around again in search of a phone to call my friend but I succeeded and she came to pick us from there. Safe and comfy in her old stone house, with a good red wine in hand, I could relax and start planning my birthday (next day) when we were going to the town of Lucca and the Pinocchio Park.

Rising and shining, I, as a true birthday girl, pretended I didn't notice the storm outside, the turned over flower pots in the garden, and the streams of water running down the window, got dressed, drank coffee, grabbed my son and cheerfully marched to the parking at the front. What I saw made me gulp. Right across the whole parking the tree, that had stood there for fifty years or more, had fallen, uprooted, blocking the road ahead. My friend stared at it unbeliavably, not able to speak or move, until she finally declared from then on my arrival should be referred to as "the day she was born, came and the tree fell". Nice. I'm already a Pisa legend. The entire neighbourhood was there in half an hour to see the woman who brought the cyclone. Aha. Here are my friend and my son with the fallen tree (everyone brought their cameras and my son had about twenty photos taken with each neighbour separately LOL):

 

 

Naturally, going to Lucca and further had to be postponed until someone came to cut the trump in pieces and move the tree away. "No storm can ruin my birthday," I said to myself bravely and went sightseeing and shopping. Surprisingly, no brick wall fell upon us, no earthquake happened, and we survived the Tower Of Pisa and the mall. I guess the powers that be gracefully gave me a short break to catch my breath. Only one tiny detail: the moment I got back in the car, the rain stopped, even sun broke through the clouds sometimes; the moment I showed my face out the clouds gathered with lightning speed and the drops started. Very funny, no doubt. My coat was soaked and no umbrella could save it. Everyone was kidding I should be kept inside at any cost. See how the dirty devils are hurrying up to get together again? Even the top of the tower is hidden. Ugh.

 

 

 

In the afternoon I, being as stubborn as I am, took my son to the Marina di Pisa and from there for a drive along the coast, looking for a beach to have a walk at. It all ended when I opened the door of the car, the wind caught me and stuck me to the side window like a fly, stole my favorite scarf and I had to chase it down the street leaving my son alone. Enough said. Back to Pisa and the fireplace which my friend had forgotten how to use but since I came it became a necessity.

 

Still, we started our journey to Lucca and Collodi (where the Pinocchio Park is) on the next day. It doesn't make sense to say it was raining again, does it? Lucca is a beautiful place, absolutely breath taking with the stone wall surrounding the city, but we couldn't get out of the car at all. On top of that, leaving Lucca, we found ourselves in a huge traffic jam which looked quite suspicious. I went out to check what's going on only to face the annual marathon. Great. Half an hour, then moving ahead a bit, then fifteen more minutes, then moving ahead a bit, then eating lunch in the car, then... Frankly, all was working against us but it was already hillarious and people were calling my friend to check what was "it" today! After the last marathon runner had passed, we continued our journey to Collodi.

 

The Pinocchio Park is a wonderful place, more like a tribute to the author and the character than like Disneyland. There are pieces of art everywhere, chess figures, pirates' cave, ship, labyrinth, modernistic whale spiting water, hidden roads, many flowers and bamboo, huge trees, but it was all so wet that we could hardly walk around, our clothes brushing the leaves and getting wet all the time.

 

 

 

After that we went to the Butterfly House which is on the other side of the road and is located in the gardens under the Castle of Carlo Collodi. Both the castle and the gardens are absolutely gorgeous!

 

 

 

The Butterfly House, however, was a bit of a disappointment. We expected to enter and see hundreds, if not thousands, of butterflies flying around. The truth is we saw about ten only after we found them under the leaves of the many bushes. Still, there was a nice movie about the life cycle of moths and butterflies and my son was very interested.

 

Mission accomplished, we started our journey back to Pisa and I had enough time to sightsee and even found my favorite house somewhere on the road between Collodi and Lucca. Hidden behind an iron gate, hardly seen in a secluded garden, it was a dream come true. :)

 

To make the long story short, we almost missed our airplane on the way back and reached the check-in desk ten minutes prior to closing, after an hour of driving country roads behind tractors and diggers, and trucks, and horses. Honestly, Italy is beautiful, I'd gladly return some day but I need to recover from this trip. LOL Of all my journeys in many countries, this one was the most challenging, hillarious, absurd, and memorable one. Memories are not very bright though. I hope next time it will be much easier, so I can enjoy the country instead of fighting against nature, people and whoever is out and up there. :))))

 

P.S. Happy Halloween everyone! May your wildest dreams and fantasies come true tonight! :)) I'm having a kids party at home in exactly five hours to top the crazy week I already had! Hopefully, I'll survive. LOL

Just before we leave, Rolling Stones, Alice in Wonderland and more ramblings

We're leaving in two days, three with today, and for the first time in thirty years or more I don't really anticipate the trip. I had dreams about it, I had wishes related to it, hopes, ideas... Now, today, it looks like a silly way to spend a birthday... Childish. This is to answer your questions do I feel Saturn on my Sun. Oh, yeah, I do. We're having daily meetings and fighting on a regular basis. He presses down, I'm kicking up. LOL It could have been funny but it's about power and testing. We'll be stripped down to the bone. All our dreams, desires, wishes, what we think we've done and who we think we are. Finally, it's up to us if we'll fall or rise. And shine. ;) He says "Pay!", I say "Give!".  :)

It feels like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djfSvI043dI


But... at the end of the day, at the end of a day like today, when the moon is up and glowing, when the times of struggle seem so far, when all noises are gone and earth is falling asleep, I read to my son "Alice In Wonderland" and I choose to greet myself and you with one of the best love poems ever written... because at the end of any day, nothing else matters and nothing else is stronger or will ever be.

        They told me you had been to her,
          And mentioned me to him:
        She gave me a good character,
          But said I could not swim.

        He sent them word I had not gone
          (We know it to be true):
        If she should push the matter on,
          What would become of you?

        I gave her one, they gave him two,
          You gave us three or more;
        They all returned from him to you,
          Though they were mine before.

        If I or she should chance to be
          Involved in this affair,
        He trusts to you to set them free,
          Exactly as we were.

        My notion was that you had been
          (Before she had this fit)
        An obstacle that came between
          Him, and ourselves, and it.

        Don't let him know she liked them best,
          For this must ever be
        A secret, kept from all the rest,
          Between yourself and me.'

A Love Letter

Sometimes things work in a bizarre way. That's how, years after I first saw it, I got a love letter today. And, mind you, it's from John Galliano, not one to miss. ;) A change of perfume is certainly something unusual for me as I've been using Miss Dior Cherie for ages and never thought of another one, so... When signs come, one must pay attention. In my local cosmetic store, which doesn't sell brand name perfumes in general, I saw the box and just grabbed it. I guess I truly miss this man and it looks like my love for his genius will meet the test of time ... Ouch.

Here is my long desired little letter, cuddled in the initial aroma of strawberries (I know they shouldn't be there but they are!), not the ones I buy in the store but the ones I find under the leafy green in the woods in early summer; then comes this slightly sharper tone that makes me think of midday elegance without the sweetness of early croissants, something that reminds me of wrapping paper in an old-fashioned clothes store where many perfumes have been sprayed and with the time became one, and finally, I can feel a hint of Miss Dior in this one too, when the evening approaches and there is a bitter-sweet scent on my skin, like a date long expected that brings the shivers but is also, oh, so threatening, there is insecurity and anxiety, how will it go, when, will I be on time, when, where... The final notes of this perfume are seductive and insisting. There is no escape here, only surrender. And that is why I am writing to him my love. :)

It's a bit weird that at the same time, for the last two days, I've been bombarded by messages, ads, hints and reviews of "Fifty Shades of Grey"... I mean... Apparently, I'm terribly and hopelessly romantic but this is one book I won't continue reading (I stopped somewhere close to page 50) and I've been religiously deleting all these messages in a desperate attempt to remain in the world of love letters when people actually thought what they were writing and to whom, and there were stamps with Victorian roses on them... Or strawberries. :)

Catch a star!

I haven't seen a shooting star for years. Partially, because I'm usually too sleepy to wake up at night and partially, because I've missed all notices about them lately. But this time I got it on time and as there are no accidents, I'm planning a warm blanket and a long night on my terrace on the 20/21 of October! :))))) On top of that, it's only days before my birthday, I'm not going to miss the chance this time. LOL

*Image courtesy of maricarthik.com

The Orionids, parts of the Halley Commet, will burn, explode and perform quite a show in the skies: http://phys.org/news/2012-10-orionids-planets-constellations-brighten-october.html . Fireworks from the Universe. Did you make your wish list yet? ;) I intend to be greedy this time. LOL

The truth is...

I was reminded a quote today:

“The truth, my friend, is..
we hide because we want to be found,
we walk away to see who will follow,
we cry to see who will wipe away the tears,
and we let our hearts get broken to see who will come and fix them.”

The truth is... we're playing a very silly game. Making everything complicated while we can just be honest. Yet, I don't deny there is beauty in being found, caressed and fixed... There is something mystical, magical in it. If we're found. But the quote is spot on. So true.

Smile!

Today is World Smile Day. :) The motto this year is: "Do something nice. Help someone else smile". Share your tenderness and make someone's day brighter. And don't forget that there is beauty in everything and everyone. It may not always be bright as spring tulips but may be bitter as autumn wind, yet beauty is still there. It's like when you meet someone and you want to tell them "I know your pain." And it may be worth thousands of other words or confessions.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Birthday countdown and Saturn in Scorpio

Here it is, another birthday post. LOL This time it's mine though. Exactly one month left. It's been a strange year... Quite fast overall. A roller coaster sometimes. Insecure, risky, exciting, disturbing. Funnily, nothing major truly happened but the restless feeling was there all the time. It felt like I was watching a giant puzzle being arranged around me and many people coming, going, doing things or not doing them, talking, running, moving, and I was somewhere on the side but I could sense the speed of it all. No one knows where it leads, of course. I'm yet to dig in my own Solar Return for next year.

More important, I'll be in Pisa for my birthday, planning some good time and I definitely need to change the environment for a while. Presents will be received at my current address, please. Boxes with ticking mechanisms inside and bottles with suspicious content will not be opened. LOL Letters and birthday cards are welcome! (why don't people write any of these anymore?)

On to the more serious stuff. (so to speak :)))) Many of us will host Saturn on our Sun next month, returning after almost 30 years. I'll be among the first. As soon as he enters Scorpio he will make his presence known as my Sun is at 3 Scorpio conjunct Uranus. What to expect? Responsibility and structure. As Darwin once said:

"Nature is calling a siren song and not to answer is not to belong."

Those of you who will have an aspect between Saturn and Moon or Venus may very well hear this song pretty loud. The urge to take a step further in personal life may become hard to resist. Saturn is a strong guardian and if you follow this urge and his advice, you may find yourself in a completely new stage of your life but it should be good for you. If you have an aspect Saturn/Moon or Saturn/Venus in your natal in a sign where it will be aspected, this will be true for you too as transiting Saturn will unlock it.

However, if he aspects a planet like Uranus in your chart, like he does in mine, what will most probably happen is an earthquake. Uranus will not tolerate the discipline Saturn requires and these two will clash severely. Because Saturn's lessons are a must, it's a good idea for all of us to try and channel Uranus's rebellious energy in something else, like sport or art, or anything that will allow Saturn to do his job without the need to beat us on the heads.

As about Saturn on our Scorpio Sun, first of all, this is going to be long, so get ready. He will turn retrograde and come back, and then cross over again. Check what natal aspects you have between Saturn and your Sun as this will give you a clue if you are prepared for this test. I have a square in my natal and I'm pretty much aware of how this energy works. I've also had enough time to learn to deal with it. What it has brought me in the past were new responsibilities, both professional and personal. It wasn't bad! On the contrary, it was related to wishes fulfilled and many things happened exactly as I wanted them to be. Don't forget squares are not only friction, they bring resolutions to problems too. Chances are, if you have a square, opposition or conjunction between Saturn and Sun in your natal, you will do fine with this transit as well. If you have soft aspects, then you may need to work harder and learn how to find solutions for your problems.

Finally, check in which house Saturn will hit your Scorpio Sun, or Moon, or Venus, or Mars. For me it will be the 9th and I've already found travelling becoming more difficult, obstacles appearing but when I persuade, it all works out. That's Saturn - he will put obstacles in the way to check if we really want this and if we keep pushing, he will let us pass. The 9th is also about further education, distant travel, second marriage, contracts, publishing, planning, moving, etc. All related to broadening our life in every possible way. Explore which house will be affected in your chart and stay positive because this should bring rewards!

Child & Il Divo

That's my killing combo today. It's my son's first day in child care here and instead of biting my nails at home, wondering how he'll do and in what language he will communicate, I'm sitting here, in the empty hall, checking my cell phone every two minutes if the teachers have called me to pick him up already and watching how the stage builders are trying to break the equipment. One of those days when all around is irritating. Everyone is going out of their way to do everything in the wrong way. On top of that, I woke up at 4 a.m. while I'll have to be awake till no one knows when to see all the stuff cleared from here and gone. I wish the end of the day will be more cheerful than the beginning.

Ah, so it was! Glorious evening. We were stuffed up to the last row on the balcony. I'm feeling good. We did well. :) In fact, we were so damn good and we knew it. LOL Fantastic job by everyone and great performance by the guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1eH1u7D214
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7sIHcZejBE

Happy Birthday, Matey!

OK, I know this starts looking like a "Happy Birthday" blog but I couldn't and I wouldn't miss the opportunity to congratulate my most favorite volleyball player of all times! A fantastic player, a great person, it's been a pleasure to know him and to watch him! This is a tribute to Matey Kaziyski, an amazing athlete and a decent man. Featuring videos by our great Slaveya Kotova.

The Emperor of world volleyball: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRbP9RfC878
Kaiser Kaziyski http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R36SVkXJ7Qg&feature=plcp

So many nicknames for only one existing word: talent.

I'm sorry I'll have to miss the Trentino game on the 25th of October as I had to change my plans and will arrive in Italy a day later but in November we'll definitely be there to watch some beautiful volleyball. :)

And as far as I'm concerned, which is a lot, if it takes a revolution, then let it be a revolution but Matey will be back in the national team even if it means the whole board will be out. And we won't miss them, by the way. We haven't given up and the war is yet to begin. This was just practice till now. ;)

The best of Matey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DheXFcQLNUk

I wish him strength to remain who he is and a glorious year ahead. Because he deserves it.

Happy Autumn!

Here she is. Golden and still warm. We're having a beautiful first autumn day here, the sun is bright, the skies are this deep blue one can see only in fall, and life looks just good. For no particular reason. :) I chose Robert Louis Stevenson for today and his "Autumn Fires" because what is coming our way is going to be an autumn to remember. Fiery for sure, deep, emotional, there will be ground shaking and hearts breaking. One thing we won't lack will be excitement.

Autumn Fires

Robert Louis Stevenson

In the other gardens And all up the vale, From the autumn bonfires See the smoke trail! Pleasant summer over And all the summer flowers, The red fire blazes, The gray smoke towers. Sing a song of seasons! Something bright in all! Flowers in the summer, Fires in the fall!

Italian adventure part 2

Looks like my Italian (mis)adventure may turn into an adventure, after all. :)) The credit card company went out of its way to issue a new card and send it overseas on time which was fantastic. The flight carrier, however, went out of its way to make my life difficult. This is the first and last time I fly low cost, I promise. I don't even know why I decided to try this. With all the taxes I'll have to pay for changing my reservation, I'd have successfully bought two tickets at regular price from any carrier around Europe. But... It's a done deal. Adding the distance I'll have to drive from Forli to Pisa and back, the problems with booking a child safety seat and the fact that I have absolutely no idea of the road... Typical. Very typical of me. :))))

Anyways, birthday in Italy is in the cooking. Pinocchio Park as well. Also, Butterfly House, the town of Luca and some coast driving. My friend told me the beaches will be empty at this time of the year which is great. I love autumn beaches. A bit more than a month left and counting. :) I only recommend checking twice before you decide to book a low cost flight. It may end up as a very high cost one.

Tough love?

Yesterday I received this (published with the consent of the author):
"What to do when he is aggressive?"

I am by no means an expert on relationships, there are tons of such people out there, so you may consider going to a specialist because, as far as I know this - being in such a relationship, may be a sign of deeper problems and some of them may be long "forgotten". The only thing I can say and is true for me is: With the right person you're happy. With all others you're strong.

This I know from personal experience. As soon as the "be strong" chord breaks in, the best way is out. It doesn't even need to be aggression which is a very serious issue. Anything that makes me feel like I need to be strong, is actually pulling me out. Because I don't want to be strong, I want to relax and be happy. As simple as that. We make it complicated coming up with thousands of excuses to stay in while it's actually very, very simple. Happy - yes or no? There is no middle way here. I also don't believe in relationship wisdom preaching of constant compromising, being rational and so on. This may be someone other's way and that's fine if it makes them happy but I don't believe it. Love, or at least my love, is never rational nor do I want it to be such. Love is above and beyond any rational thoughts. Love and dreams have much in common for they both break rules. And rules were created by people, don't forget that. Trust yourself, listen to your heart and follow. You may, and inevitably will, fall a couple of times. May be even a few. May be more. You will be hurt. But then you will stand up, I promise. We've all been wounded. This, however, should strenghten your faith in yourself, not weaken it. You are beautiful and strong, and you deserve the best. Don't be afraid to dream! Dare. Make it big and take a leap of faith. Only we see our dreams as "big" or "small". Those who sign the papers up there don't care at all if you're dreaming big or small. To them it's all relative. Time, space, differences. It's all created by us but it exists only here. Its power is limited. Yours is not. Let your hair loose and get wild. :)

A man who is strong enough to hit you is not strong enough to caress you. That's it.

Love yourself and all will work out miraculously. Promise. :) 

OK, it seems it's one of those nights when I get what I need via quite unexpected sources. LOL Music, that is. Music for manifestation. :) So... As you dream big and let your inner self celebrate You, why not get a drink and just dance... Forget all around. It's a New Moon night, guys. All is possible and sky is the limit. Enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co5gaJjTZkY Don't push too hard, don't cling. Just indulge in your own dream. Feel it. 

By the way, in accordance with the song. I've been invited to particpate in a ball. It's not my first time, it's a charity initiative but last time I was part of it was many years ago before I moved to Canada. Guess it's time to dust my dancing shoes which I hung up on the nail then. Or, even better, take my old favorite satin ballet shoes out of their box... And hope for a better partner this time. LOL

Side by Side - not on our side

... of the border, that is. I was checking the movie blog: http://sidebysidethemovie.com/blog/ and it looks like I'll have to catch the plane to USA to watch the movie. That's certainly an interesting approach but it somehow looks a bit overwhelming to me. LOL Could it be possible, and I know everything is possible :))))), to present the movie at some other European festivals? I can think of at least two straight away. And the countries are worth visiting. :)))))

Meanwhile, I've been following TIFF closely and I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna miss next year's festival. Next fall - Toronto, hi again, long time no see. :)))))

But while I'm still here - upcoming Il Divo performance. Yummy. Being an event organizer is not that bad actually. :)))

* I'm editing this post to let you know that Side by Side will open this festival in November: http://www.pluscamerimage.pl/pc2010.php?dzial=102378 . Meaning that if you have a way to reach this city (because from where I am it's pretty much impossible), you can see the movie as well. :) The friend of mine who sent me this says it's a so-so town, some architecture to consider and not much else to do. But if you're going for the festival, you'll be fine. :) On the other side are the totally ridiculous flights to get you there but you may be lucky to catch Ryanair, I guess, if they fly from your city. Because if you have to use LOT, as I'd have to, you're not only going to pay a fortune for four hours in air but will have to wait at the airport as much as I usually wait on a transatlantic flight. Brrr. Good luck if you decide to go.

(I can't help but wonder why do they choose such spots for these festivals? Is it to encourage the audiences to rediscover trans-border bycicling? "Getting there" should always be a major consideration when organizing an event. But what do I know about it. Of all major European cities and festivals, this one... I mean, I'm sure it's great and they have a history with this festival which is touching, but since there are so few showings of the movie in Europe announced, and no one knows if there will be more, at least one of them could be somewhere where we, those who live in major cities and have no connection to minor such by air, can arrive without sleeping at the airport to catch a half-an-hour flight to the countryside. That's plain silly.)

Autumn and Paul Verlaine

There is nothing better on a golden autumn afternoon than picnic and reading. I did both today. :) Greetings with one of my favorite poets - Paul Verlaine, and his "Nevermore".

Nevermore

(Poèmes Saturniens: Mélancholia II)

Memory, memory, what do you want of me? Autumn
Makes the thrush fly through colourless air,
And the sun casts its monotonous glare
On the yellowing woods where the north winds hum.

We were alone, and walking in dream,

She and I, hair and thoughts wind-blown.
Then, turning her troubling gaze on me,
‘Your loveliest day?’ in her voice of fine gold,

Her voice, with its angel’s tone, fresh, vibrant, sweet.

I gave her my answer, a smile so discreet,
And kissed her white hand with devotion.

– Ah! The first flowers, what a fragrance they have!

And how charming the murmured emotion
Of a first ‘yes’ let slip from lips that we love!

 

 

This website has a wonderful selection of his poems translated in English: http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/French/Verlaine.htm

Events - an aging story

Event management certainly starts to lose its charm after ten or more years of doing it. In the beginning, especialy if one is lucky to start with talents like Brown, Sting and Paco de Lucia, it's all absolutely fantastic. Working behind the stage of such performances is a dream come true if you're not into the outer glamour but like to know the inner dynamics and how the whole mechanism works, where the lights are and why, what the floor is made of and why and so on. Which has always been fascinating to me and I learned all I could learn in about four years. But from then on, it starts to go down. Neither the lights nor the floor materials develop that fast and chances are in, let's say, five years of constant work you will know all that could be known about this whole show that is actually a fantasy behind which many people push many buttons.

Then come your other priorities and you start wondering how to accommodate a child in a 16-18 hours working day. Because when a group is on tour the stage has to be cleared past performance, so the trucks with the equipment can start their journey to the next city. And sometimes the elevator breaks. Or the driver is absent. or one of them. Or all of them went to a bar. Or the equipment is so much that the dawn rises prior to loading it all. Then you go home and your husband (if you have one) looks quite hostile. If you don't have a husband, your child throws stuff at you. Nope, not a good thing.

Or you just have a day like the one I had today when you're re-reading this almost 100-page contract and every ten pages or so you are kindly reminded the water must be San Pellegrino! With exclamation marks. Many times, many marks. I swear, I'm on the verge to throw it in the garbage. On the other hand, can't help but laugh. What would happen if they stop making San Pellegrino? No star, no event. LOL

But, of course, there are enough talented people with whom it's a pleasure to work. Although, I'd rather prefer to organize my best friend's wedding which she's been awaiting for nearly five years... Time wasted. And she'll definitely have no requirements what brand of water I'll provide. But she may make my life tough regarding the wine... No way to avoid pain in this profession, I guess.

Italian (mis)adventure

Looks like September will be turbulent. I had planned a trip at the end of October to celebrate my birthday in Italy and take my son to a couple of theme parks he'd love. This was before I learned my credit card had been involved in a fraud attempt (!). Naturally, I had to find out this in the middle of the night having a quite troublesome conversation with a lady back there in Canada where my card was issued. Now, I have a blocked card, a no-one-knows-when new one to be issued and a cancelled trip because both the hotels and, most important, the rental car can not be booked without it. More so, they can't be paid with a friend's card or anything similar, it must be the driver's card. Great.

However, you may like to go sometime. It's a wonderful trip towards Lago di Garda, the "city with painted walls" Trento, the Pinocchio theme park close to Pisa and the Butterfly House which is next to the Pinocchio park. :)

http://www.gardalake.it/
http://www.visitgarda.com/en/garda_lake/
http://www.visittrentino.it/en
http://www.pinocchio.it/eng/pinocchio/
http://www.pinocchio.it/eng/butterflyhouse/

I wish you have none of my experiences on the way there. :) I'm so... disappointed and I really don't want to face the conversation with my son.

On the wrong path. Or may be not.

I've written many times about fear. It's present in almost all my stories because I meet it on a daily basis. Last night, which marked the end of my summer vacation and the "get back to normal" moment, I was having drinks with my best friend who has been in a tricky relationship for over four years now. On and off, not going anywhere really... She had to give this speech on "what if I am alone for the rest of my life" to defend her choice to not risk it and get out of this... I didn't really try to argue with her again because I've figured out she doesn't want to be reminded there may be other options out there. She truly wants to stay where she is and spend the days hoping. Hope is good. Hope is powerful. It's a flame that never really dies. I also hope someone will cross her path and take her on a completely different journey. But it makes me sad that she gave up dreaming. On the other hand, my dreaming has taken me on a wrong path again, so who am I to preach about it? Stumbling is not the greatest way to walk. But I can't help it. I do dream. And as years pass, my dreams tend to become bigger and even more difficult to turn into reality. Or so it seems from where I stand now...

It's complicated because on one hand, growing old brings wisdom and inevitably makes it easier to be who we really are. Meaning, if I like someone now, I have no problem saying so. Self-confidence at this point of life doesn't depend on others' approval anymore. On the other hand, time brings a bit of pessimism because I can look back and see what has materialized and what hasn't... Overall... I'm a lucky person, I should say. Much has become a reality. But now... I have absolutely no idea how things are going to work out. I made a wrong choice. I turned in the wrong direction. I put myself in a place where I'm thousands of kilometres and a day of life time away from my dream. Time and space are relative but from this living room here they look like a mountain that blocks my vision ahead. If it's insurmountable, I don't know. How long it would take to climb it, I don't know. And most important, I don't know why I always have to choose the hardest to achieve. Why, why, why...

But I'm not afraid which was the theme of our conversation yesterday. I don't understand why she is afraid. We've known each other for 13 years and I still don't get it. I read the cards for her last night and reminded her part of the description of the Page of Wands: "Inner fire that can drive away fear and replace it with fury." That inner fire may very well be her hope but I somehow think what is needed is something warmer, even hotter. Something that shakens our whole life and existence when we see it, think of it... Like I woke up this morning and in my mind this song was playing... A song related to my dream. And another day starts when I have to run errands, take care of my son, smile, talk, meet, greet... While on the inside I feel like burning. If there is really a mirror somewhere up there that reflects our thoughts... then I may be on the right path after all... regardless how it seems to me now. It may be the longer and more difficult one but no one ever promised me it would be easy.

I think I'm on my way to a new story... It's somewhere in my head. A bit blurry still but taking shape. A story about the wrong paths. Or the "wrong" paths.

Ideas for spending the Earth Hour today

Here are some tips and hints how to spend the Earth Hour: http://lifestyle.sympatico.ca/home/celebrate_earth_hour_things_to_do_in_the_dark/1ab1678f

Enjoy and join! :)

Earth Hour

Don't forget to turn off the lights and limit or stop using the electricity for one hour this Saturday. :) http://www.earthhour.org/ I think it's not only a great initiative but also a nice way to spend an hour at candlelight and spare yourself the TV, the computer and all similar enemies of communication and romance. :)

Pret-a-porter for Haute Couture?

Um... http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9033311/Paris-Haute-Couture-Christian-Dior-springsummer-2012.html Continuing lack of imagination for Dior. Safe, stylish, safe, nicely put, safe... Excellent craftmanship, glorious fabric, poor imagination if any. A collection good for pret-a-porter. Haute couture? Like 2012? Where? We've seen all this. No newness here, no spark, no trend, no... power! Power of the mind to explode via the clothes, to burst in vivid, bold presence. No. Nada.

But the Fall/Winter is much worse, I can't even look at it, it's terrible, really. It's bo-ring.
http://www.millionlooks.com/fashion-shows/fall-winter/unimpressive-christian-dior-fall-winter-2012-2013-collection/

I really don't see this going on for much longer. Either I'll stop looking at their stuff or they will bring back Galliano if not possible to find a proper replacement. This is all so sad.

Adagio

One of my favorites! An adagio for you! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w77SFM7Fksc&ob=av2e

A friend of mine reminded me today about this night when we went to see the guys in Winnipeg. It was a glorious performance in a not so glorious environment. Unfortunately, I can't forget the sweaters, the jeans and the smell of hockey around. Not to mention the hot dog and the popcorn. We looked like black swans there in our LBDs. I'll never understand how people can attend an event like that in such a... disrespectful way. But that's me, I guess. Next time I've promised myself to put on a bareback. :)))) And not go to a hockey venue to lsiten to opera voices!

Unbreakable silence

*Picture courtesy of www.ideachampions.com

Today is a new day. And quite different from yesterday. I've been reading my Tarot and it made me think of... things. Is it really possible to connect to someone via... your thoughts, your energy, your dreams even? Do time and space exist as a barrier or is it all surmountable? Why do we remain silent when we want to shout it out loud and claim what we crave, breaking all rules and laws of physics? What are you silent about, what do you keep to yourselves and why? I know I don't trust myself and my ability to truly attract this... . Why? Because I've been raised according to the laws of physics, not of love. To be raised under the laws of love is to be given extreme power. While I remain silent, days, months and years pass. And if something doesn't change this somehow I'll turn back one day and I know I'll be bitterly sorry for all words left unspoken. I can't deny the fact that it's pathetic and cowardly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnEmE8qanG8&feature=autoplay&list=PLC45A0F374B06A0A5&lf=mh_lolz&playnext=4

Restless... and New Moon

I never expected the second progressive New Moon in my life to be like this. The closer I get to the exact degree (two degrees apart at this moment), the more restless I get. I can't decide what to do, where to go, how to channel or transform this ocean of energy that's threatening to drown me. It has, of course, something to do with this big blue fellow Neptune, on whose head the Sun and the Moon are dancing their tango but I wasn't prepared. I need to do something. I'm exercising two hours daily and half an hour later I'm ready to climb Everest. Or rather... do something very foolish... something I've never done in my entire life. Because I'm in general old fashioned. So, I'm really curious to see if this whole thing will make me bold enough to go against myself or will it bring the messenger in front of my door instead. In full armour. Prefer the latter!

Lately it's been like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlJy_Cb21Lw
... and like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvz_gW5C2cY&ob=av2e By the way, I love driving, it makes me feel free and alive. And in the night is so... magnetic! Like the whole world belongs to me and is in standstill, waiting to be conquered! And why not? :)

Meanwhile, got my certificate for a Pilates trainer... after five years of wondering should I or shouldn't I. Now looks like a Pilates studio would be a nice thing to have, no? :) Also, decided to go for horseback riding holidays in Barbate, Andalucia. That's also a result of this crazy astrological time. Was lazy, now wanna go riding all day. Can't imagine what will happen when these two cosmic lovers hit the exact degree of the date. Ay, ay.

What the...

I - am -  speechless. Touche! LOL

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/social-sex-offers-free-lifetime-membership-hollywood-celebrities-ashton-kutcher-jude-1631223.htm

If I ever saw an innovative marketing approach, that's it! :))))))))) Law and Kutcher, go for it, guys! It's once in a lifetime chance! LOL

Costa de la Luz

*IMage courtesy of www.infozaispania.es

I kind of feel like not going to Malaga, Marbella and that sort of places. For some reason I want to go somewhere vast and wide, where I can enjoy the horizon, possibly away from any cheerfully drinking crowds. Therefore, I looked at the other side of Andalucia - a bit north and south of Cadiz which is the airport I intend to use. I also want to pamper myself because I'm so deserving it. LOL Which explains why you'll find my list of hotels more on the luxury side this time although I've tried to include some reasonably priced aparthotels and villas too. However, the list is missing the hundreds of family hotels and very nice hostels you can find in the fishing villages in this part of Spain. I think even in July and August you can safely land there without being afraid there will be no place for you to stay. I have also stayed as close to the beach as possible because I'm feeling lazy lately and am not willing to drive or walk too far this summer. My focus is strictly on sleeping, sunbathing, writing, reading and exercising. :)

*Image courtesy of www.resortsinspain.com

Here is what I've bookmarked for myself in terms of accommodation, going from north to south (above and below Cadiz on the map):

Islantilla
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/parador-de-mazagon.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX66

Mazagon
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/parador-de-mazagon.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX66
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/mazagonia.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX72

Matalascanas
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/vime-tierra-mar-golf.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

Sanlucar de Barameda
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/abba-palacio-de-sonanes.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX14

*Image courtesy of www.peninsulartours.com

Chipiona
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/brasilia.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/playa-de-regla.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/monterrey-costa.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/apartamentos-marina-luz.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

Costa Balena
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/costa-ballena-beach-golf-thalasso-convention.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/spa-playaballena.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

Rota
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/duquedenajera.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX8
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/playadelaluz.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/apartahotellaespadana.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

*Image courtesy of www.sobrecadiz.com

Novo Sancti Petri
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/barrosa-palace.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX10
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/melia-sancti-petri.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX20
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/barcelo-sancti-petri.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX38
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/valentinsanctipetri.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX39
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/andalucia-playa.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX54
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/aparthotel-las-dunas.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/aparthotel-sol-sancti-petri.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/aparthotel-novo-sancti-petri.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

*Image courtesy of www.travel-destination.net

Cohil de la Frontera
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hipotels-gran-conil.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX13
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/almadraba-conil.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX19
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/fuerte-costa-luz.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX27
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/flamenco-conil.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX36
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/conil-park.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/apartamentos-el-roqueo.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/flamenco-conil.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/villas-flamenco-beach.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

*Image courtesy of www.littlehotelsofspain.co.uk

Roche
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/confortel-calas-de-conil.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

Los Canos de Meca
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/casa-meca.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4

Zahara de los Atunes
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/colores.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX21
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/avenida-playa.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX37
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hacienda-cabo-de-plata.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4;srfid=ad2a24bad818b5dc9c7c45a6c664ca9aX73
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hotelito-el-varadero.en-gb.html?aid=339753;label=slbr_costa-de-la-luz-bEA9pCEgZvsfDIkd_JWN7gS10713955905;sid=9a932d14b8a98e8def62e4820b6b835f;dcid=4
Although the links here are from Booking.com, I strongly suggest you check Expedia, Orbitz and Venere too, together with your local operators. Promotions are different and at this price it's worth to do some research.

*Photo courtesy of www.sovereign.com

For general info on the Cadiz province, check: http://www.andalucia.com/costa-de-la-luz/cadizprov.htm , especially the links on the right which will guide you through the villages, give you info on entertainment options and weather (wind there can be really bad!).

For more hotel deals and some guidance, check:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HACSearch?geo=187431&inDay=9&inMonth=03%2F2012&checkIn=dd%2Fmm%2Fyyyy&outDay=11&outMonth=03%2F2012&checkOut=dd%2Fmm%2Fyyyy&searchAll=true&adults=2&cat_1=1&zff_0=1&geo=187431&refineForm=true&hs=&sortOrder=popularity&availability=&tb=0&add_location_input_filter=&prng_0=0&l1currency=1&propType=on&trating_0=0&zfc_0=0&zfa_0=0&unear=&snear=&nameContains=&zfb_0=0&zfb_0=0
http://en.escapio.com/list/225/07.08.2012/14.08.2012
http://www.cntraveller.com/guides/europe/spain/costa-de-la-luz/where-to-stay
http://online.destinia.com/online/index.php?request_type=1&tipo_de_buscador=2&country_code=&direct_pay=&remite=destinia&referer_page=http%253A%252F%252Fdestinia.com%252Fen%252Fbeaches&location_code=COAST_66343&multicon=&gestor_id=&access_intermediary_type=&login_user=&type_form=&num_rooms=1&num_adults=2&num_children=0&num_babies=0%2C&num_rooms_1=&num_adults_1=&num_children_1=&num_babies_1=&num_rooms_2=&num_adults_2=&num_children_2=&num_babies_2=&language_code=en&checkin_day=7&checkin_month=8&checkin_year=2012&checkout_day=14&checkout_month=8&checkout_year=2012&regimen=&selected_regimen=&category=&requested_regimen=&date_unix=1330857593&filter_name=&serial=-&action=request_availability&search_string=&search_num_results=&search_id=&rand=257855992&av_t=&customer_nationality=30044
http://holidays.easyjet.com/HolidayResults.aspx

*Image courtesy of www.secretdestinations.com

For holiday rentals try:
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/Spain/Costa-de-la-Luz-Cadiz/Costa-de-la-Luz/r2502.htm
http://www.casamundo.co.uk/spain/costa_de_la_luz/
http://www.gamasl.co.uk/Spanish-vacations/Costa-de-la-Luz.htm


I haven't decided yet. I'm not sure which part of the coast I want to go to and I'm not sure what I'm willing to compromise with - the comfort of the hotel or the distance from the beach... Or airport. It's very tough to be lazy these days, very tough. However, the area is not only breathtakingly beautiful but very rich in culture, so a trip or two to the nearby historical cities will be mandatory! :)

*Image courtesy of www.europropertyspain.co.uk