Weddings, peonies, a bit of music...

I waited a while before writing about the past Depeche Mode concert because I really didn't want to sound insane. LOL What can I say? As always when a dream comes true, it was quite a bit surreal, like both believable and unbelievable, standing there, two days ahead, watching the stage building and trying to imagine how it will be, how it will look, feel, smell... Nothing I could imagine was even close to what happened in reality. I was once again reminded that my mind is so limited and this is so sad. The good thing is that apparently another mind somewhere out there has such imagination! I hadn't planned to work at this event, yet I had to, for a couple of days but it was a blessing in disguise for which I'm so grateful now. And it was cool to be serenaded at the sound check when the audience is missing, the stadium is empty, and only we, who were working there, were listening. I will remember this night. It would be impossible to forget. :)

Meanwhile, a friend of mine announced her upcoming wedding and, naturally, put me there, at the front, to organize it. LOL I'm not very much into weddings but... a friend is a friend. I wanted to avoid the usual white/pink (or peach)/red theme and chose creamy white and chocolate brown for her. Wishing them both a smooth and sweet journey together. :) And peonies. I love peonies. They are lush, seductive, aromatic, long-lasting, gentle, they are like a whisper on a hot summer night, like a soft touch of velvet, like a cake with rum or a Turkish coffee. Delicious and intense. :)

I'm still at the stage where I'm trying to picture it in my mind and browsing for palettes and ideas. It should be a bit old fashioned, yet elegant, may be bronze, or old silver...

I really like the process of creating the event in my mind, of walking around and taking photos of things and colors I'd use, of creating the pattern and then fitting the objects in it. It's my favorite part.

Creamy white peonies for the bride. :)

Speaking of peonies, on our way back from the Rila mountain yesterday, I found myself into Wonderland:

These are wild peonies in the forest. The whole place carried their aroma, it was magical. If you ever come to this part of the world, the trip to the Rila monastery and the lakes is worth it. :)

Sofia Int'l Film Fest

Not much time left till SIFF starts, two months, will pass as a blink of an eye. If you're around and haven't been to SIFF, it's a good place to be. :) http://siff.bg/index.php?page=page&id=2&lang=en Unfortunately, the dates are the same as the dates I booked for a Paris trip... Now back to change the booking. Looks like my travels these days are all troublesome!

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.

Orange and bitter chocolate

I've switched to winter mode. LOL It means I watch holiday romantic movies, eat lots of liquor bonbons and skate regularly. That's to make up for the calories intake. LOL Part of the spirit is my favorite traditional Orange and Bitter Chocolate Cake. There is something about this combination of aromas that screams "Christmas!" to me. And it's about a happy Christmas. :)
Here it is:

Products:
  100g soft butter
  130 g whole milk yogurt
  100 g sugar
  2 eggs
  300g all purpose flour
  1 tbsp. baking powder
  juice and grated rind of 1 large orange
  100 g dark chocolate chips

 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare your cake form buttering the bottom and the walls. Mix the butter and the sugar well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing continuously. Add the yogurt, the orange juice and rind and mix again.

Sift the flour with the baking powder and add in parts to the egg mixture. Lastly, add the chocolate chips.

Pour the mixture into the form. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if ready with a wooden stick, which you push deep into the the center of the cake - it should come out dry.

If you want to make it look more festive, sprinkle with icing sugar or cover with a mixture of melted dark chocolate and orange peels. But I prefer it as it is - it's aromatic and sweet enough. :)

Now, next on my list - what should I watch this season... And where to go for the holidays... Hm. I'm kind of thinking of Saint Petersburg. A beauty!

*Photo courtesy of http://stpetersburg-guide.com/

New discovery

I have spent many happy days in the United Kingdom but only today found a website about the Isle of Lewis and fell in love! Check it out: http://www.isle-of-lewis.com/

The not-so-usual way to seek truth

OK, it is a not-so-usual day in life, fall is my favourite season, I'm feeling refreshed, revived, reborn! Could it be a birthday approaching? In general, no. It's been a long time since birthdays stopped being really exciting and turned into "New Year's Eve" #2. Meaning, I am obliged to laugh, smile, giggle, eat and drink, and be merry. What if I don't feel like that? Everyone seems worried if not angry. They say people like that can spoil everyone's celebration. Huh...

Anyways, it is the Tarot I was going to tell you about. For some reason unknown I feel like looking into the future when the year becomes older. It's like staring at the night sky on Christmas. So, I ask my Tarot.

I have two Tarot decks. The first one is The Truth Seeker tarot (scroll down for images of the cards): http://www.janetboyer.com/Truth_Seekers_Tarot.html ; the second one I bought very recently after I was stricken by few of the images, The Universal Tarot by Giovanni Caselli: http://tarotwench.com/sharmancaselli.jpg .

When I bought the first one, I was truly amazed by the art. As important as this is, it s much more important for the cards and the owner to form a connection. This really happened and recently I was proven that my truth Seeker's Tarot is working for me. I felt like I had to read the cards one day, and I did. The question I asked was related to something that was bothering me. However, the cards I took out were all about loss and theft. I was confused as I couldn't relate them to my question. Later that day I tried again with a different question and the result was the same. Next day I lost my credit card. It was the first time that I truly realized what was quietly sleeping in the golden-yellow box.

However, I have always felt quite challenged by the Truth Seeker's Tarot. The Minor Arcana lacks images to help the reader and sometimes the overall feeling I get is controversial. Or I simply get a positive overall feeling from cards supposed to show difficult times. To solve this issue, I started looking for a deck with clear images on all cards to help me learn better. The Caselli Universal Tarot hit a nerve somewhere inside me. It was the Empress card that made me feel like someone was reading my heart (photo courtesy of http://www.oephebia.com/.

I knew this place where she is now. I know these fields, I even know where my house is, and the Mediterranean is on the left of the painting. The green massive seen on the left border is a vineyard... Is this magic? Or is it how Tarot should really work from the very beginning? I wonder.

Since I bought the deck, I have asked many questions and have made reports, and saved the readings as I usually do, so I can follow up and see if I did the reading well, or if the cards told me the truth. Somehow this deck excites me. I hope our connection will lead us all where we want to be. Do you have Tarot or would you like to try it? I would be happy to hear about your experiences. After all, it is not the future telling that made Tarot famous but the method of teaching arcane truth. And that is far more challenging for a materialistic world as ours.

Next deck I'm going to buy will be the Traveller's Tarot!

Featuring the Balkans: Sofia, Bulgaria

Our team starts series which will feature different regions of Europe we know well. We will also point at fall activities/festivals you may enjoy. In general, September and October are great months to travel South Europe. The weather especially in September is still very warm, so don't be afraid to book a beach vacation. Locals do that and you can trust them. I don't remember the last time I've been to the beaches in August. Usually I am there in September. The water is well heated by all the hot days over the past two months, the crowds are mostly gone but there are enough tourists to create a pleasant buzz, all bars/restaurants/facilities are working, and last but not least - the deals start at this time.

We are starting with Bulgaria - a well hidden tourist destination for North American tourists but already very popular with West Europeans, many of which bought second homes there. The capital is Sofia which happens to be the home city of a member of our team, and here are her short reviews and tips for the visitors of Sofia.

If you’re planning a trip to South Europe, you must stop at Sofia and enjoy the atmosphere of a vivid capital, neither too big nor too small. Despite the fact that 1.5 million people live there, Sofia is among the European capitals that succeeded in saving their quiet Southern spirit. When I walk the streets of my old neighbourhood (Lozenetz) today, I breathe again the aroma of the lime trees in bloom, children are still playing on the street, soccer balls are flying around, birds are fed from the windows, squirrels gather food for the winter, cats are lazily stretching on the stone fences while the dogs anxiously walk around. It is the late summer and early fall when I love to go back home though. September and October are the months when a true traveller will hit the warm stone streets. The crowds are gone, the tourists are long left for home or are tanning at the Black Sea beaches. While Sofia, as most capitals, never feels really empty, the fall is a quite, comfortable time. Its bouquet of scents is the one of abundance – roasted red peppers, pumpkin with honey and walnuts, chestnuts in the open fire, lime tea and red wine.
There are four things I would say you must do in Sofia. The first one is to go and watch the Guard in front of the presidency when they change the patrol. In summer uniforms: http://images.ibox.bg/2009/07/12/karaul/430x283.jpg , http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/13717424.jpg and in winter uniforms: http://www.dnes.bg/images/photos/0025/0000025928-article.jpg
The National Guards Unit of Bulgaria is the successor of the Personal Cavalry Convoy of Knyaz Alexander I, founded in 1879, when on July 12 the guards escorted the Bulgarian Knyaz for the first time. These guys are chosen among thousands of applicants. They must be similar in every way – height, stature, age, looks, etc. They are not allowed any piercing, dyed hair or tattoes while in service. They can not wear any rings, bracelets, watches, etc. – nothing that would make the uniform look ridiculous as it is after all a copy of a centuries old uniform. They are not allowed to move any part of their body while at post in front of the presidency. They are the elite. They are not only warriors but great performers too. Even “West Point” awarded their marching with a medal for excellence. Their uniforms are made by particular tailors, specializing in this, from the best fabrics. On their hats they wear an Alexander star and real eagle feathers. Each button on their coats is made of best quality metal, each detail is handmade for the particular man and must fit ideally. The uniforms are ironed three times a day, the boots made of first class leather must be shining anytime, the feathers are to be brushed before putting the hat on – this is only the easier part of being a guard. The most difficult is the marching and parade training. The guardians make complicated figures using their marching skills and their weapons during official parades. It takes months of everyday practice to polish these performances. They also have a great orchestra which supports their marching performances.This year they celebrated 130 years since the guardians army was founded. We all love them and are proud of them, and wish them many more years of admiration from the public.
The second thing I recommend is the National Historical Museum in Boyana – a former village and present suburb of the growing city. Going there will not only allow you to see some of the most remarkable treasures of the Ancient Greek and Thracians but will also give you the opportunity to walk in Vitosha mountain – a national park too and a former volcano. The museum was moved from downtown in order to grant visitors with more space and beautiful natural surroundings. There are manicured and landscaped gardens around too as well as cafe, restaurant, souvenirs shop, etc. Here is the official website of the museum in English: http://www.historymuseum.org/?lang_id=1&PHPSESSID=c28c17b60d50b90486c5578c2a13157aa.

While in Boyana, absolutely don't miss the Boyana church - part of the UNESCO world heritage. In the church you will have the chance to see the portrait of one of the most beautiful women in Europe at the time - the Bulgarian Tarnovo queen Desislava. Tarnovo was the former capital of Bulgaria. The portrait was made by a team of unknown artists but they remained in the history as the Boyana Master. Here is the church website: http://www.boyanachurch.org/indexen.htm
Third, and one of my most favourite, visit the Alexander Nevski cathedral – an amazing church with beautiful paintings and painted glass works, and with some of the most fabulous saints icon in the Orthodox world. Often, you will have the opportunity to see there an ancient icon displayed for religious people to pray to it. Such icons rarely leave the monasteries where they are usually kept but when they do, they always are displayed at the cathedral in Sofia for at least two days. Here is the cathedral in all its glory -one of the most photographed objects in Southern Europe: http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/3664/800pxalexandernevskicatzs5.jpg . Also, on this photo: http://www.eko.bg/uploads/Sofia_AN.jpg you can see that the cathedral is surrounded by the famous “yellow paved” part of Sofia. These paves have been there for centuries, they are crazy expensive but we all are glad to pay for replacement with new yellow paved stones and save this part of old Sofia as it has always been.
And last but not least, don’t miss the traditional (and I emphasize that!) Bulgarian cuisine. While you can certainly go to McDonalds, KFC, or any pizza shop on the street for many days, save one evening and enjoy supper as all South Europeans do – long and abundant. There are not that many proven good traditional restaurants in Sofia as the true Bulgarian cuisine requires longer preparation of the meals and fresh produce. One of the restaurants I recommend is “Murafeti” : http://murafeti.com/galeria.htm The website is naturally in Bulgarian but if anyone needs contact info, click on the last button or give me a shout and I’ll translate. The restaurant has live music too -authentic Bulgarian folklore which made the country worldwide known – think of movies like “Arizona Dream” or the fact that Bulgarian folklore song flies in the space aboard NASA ship to represent the Earth. Another great one (and among the oldest): http://www.vodenitzata.com/home_en.html And one more: http://www.kashtite.com/index_en.html
My advice on the menu – there are a few things you should not miss. One is the homemade fresh baked traditional Bulgarian bread (you may see pictures on the websites of the restaurants). Second, the traditional cold soup “Tarator” recipe for which I have given in this blog and which is made of natural Bulgarian yogurt (did you know that Bulgaria is indeed the country where yogurt was invented? That’s why the bacteria that makes the milk sour is called Bulgaricus). Third, the famous bean soup with mint – definitely go for it, it is absolutely fantastic! Fourth, the highly praised and much loved “Shopska Salad” – tomatoes, cucumbers, green and red bell peppers, onion, fresh parsley, olive oil and first class Bulgarian cow cheese on the top. For the main dish, choose between meat prepared on “sach” – a ceramic thick plate placed directly on the fire (be careful as it will be brought to you still cooking which is the entertaining part); vegetarian dishes like zucchini in yogurt sauce or eggplants in tomato sauce; “gjuvedze” – eggs, cheese and fresh vegetables prepared in the oven in a small individual ceramic pot, to mention just a few. For dessert, try the traditional (and healthy) yogurt based options – with wild berries, with fresh fruits and honey, or with honey and cheese. In the fall, don’t miss the stuffed pumpkin!

Some tips: Bulgarians, like many Europeans, are not going to ask you how you are immediately - they are not rude, just reserved a bit. Smiling at everyone is not common, save it for your friends. If you need any kind of help, rely on them, they will do what they can. Don't go to night clubs without the advise of a local. Avoid districts at the west and north ends of the town, keep close to downtown, south and east are save and wealthy. Be careful with thieves, especially in the crowded streets and public transportation. Otherwise, use the public transport - it is good, the subway is a great deal, clean and neat. Bulgaria is still very cheap for most foreigners - a taxi from the airport to downtown will cost you about 15-20 dollars and it's a long way. A three course meal can be found at 10 dollars. Alcohol is cheap too - do go to the store and get some Bulgarian wine, many of them are award winners and well known. If you have more questions or comments, please post them.
And welcome, we love guests! In any case, I strongly advise everyone to go to the countryside too – in any country that is where the true atmosphere is to be felt. We will continue the Featuring the Balkans series with some fall celebrations in the countryside you may want to see/attend.

Some really good links for travellers

Good morning to all the world or Salut tout le monde! :)
I happened to read Independent today for some travel news and found a very helpful article which lists the 50 best travel websites in the world - great stuff! http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/the-50-best-travel-websites-1644467.html?action=Popup
Then I couldn't help it but visit virtually my all times favourite Provence in her warm heart where the Luberon mountain lays. http://www.theluberon.com/ The website is a very neat and very user friendly way to get an idea about the places, attractions and lifestyle, together with some really impressive accommodation deals. Check it out if you're thinking of a true Provencal vacation.
Finally, the blog that supported the above mentioned website: http://provencediary.typepad.com/. It is idle now but many of the articles are actual and describe the Provence area in a way only an insider who lives there could do.

I don't think I have mentioned a country I've lived at for five years until now. Greece - the core of the mythological tale of ancient Europe. As a person born in the area, I have never been able to ignore the whispers from old times. I highly recommend Greece, and especially the Northern part around Kavala, to those who are seeking emerald waters and still not well known beaches in small fisherman villages. In the mornings you will get your fish straight from the boats, or you can later visit one of the small restaurants across the beach and try out one of the most delicious cousines in the world, in my humble opinion. Here is an article, bright new, on Greece islands: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/try-some-vintage-greek-islandhopping--jump-aboard-the-first-ferry-out-1752133.html

Sun, Italy, wine and pasta

Since the sun is rejecting to show up in Toronto, I'm in the mood to make the day sunny for myself and for the men in the house. Travelling Italy, and especially Tuscany, was a life-time dream filled with sun, impossibly green fields, warm rivers, and late night drinks on terraces built centuries ago. Sleeping was a waste of time. Those were the days when the whisper of the vines in the night sounded secretive and seductive. Those were the times when walking on the beach at night and dancing till dawn around open fires on the white sand was routine. Finally, those were the long lunch hours when I fell in love with pasta and Italian cuisine.

So, to connect this poetic beginning with my prosaic cooking, here is my sunny Italian pasta recipe for today:

Fussili with anchovy and olives

one clove garlic

olive oil

one can of anchovy (I buy the Millionaire's anchovy little can)

olives (I use half of a regular can medium sized olives)

fussili

salt (optional)

diced tomatoes from a can

oregano

Bring the olive oil to the heat and when hot add the sliced garlic. Let it release its aroma for just a minute or it will burn. Add the anchovy and the olives which you have cut in pieces. Cover with a lid and let all these simmer and exchange aromas for a while - 10 minutes is more than enough. Keep the heat low to medium, it is easy to burn the garlic and the smell is terrible. Finelly add the tomatoes and the oregano. Cover and let all cook for half an hour. Salt is optional as usually the anchovy is very salty, so it is up to you.

The fussili are to be prepared as usual - in lots of water with a pinch of salt. I personally never boil the pasta as I've seen it here in North America. In the restaurants here pasta is always overcooked. Besides making it taste worse, overcooking the pasta turns it into a calorie bomb! So, follow the Italians and me, cook it al dente - if the package says 10 minutes, make them 8. Al dente pasta requires more from your body to digest, therefore it uses more energy and less pasta will stick to our thighs. I swear on this. I eat pasta at least two times a week, usually three times. Never in my entire life have I gained weight of pasta.

Enjoy with cold white wine, dry. If you're in the mood, let me send you to Tuscany on one of these stone terraces. Everything tastes different there!

*Photo courtesy of www.classicaltours.net

Promoting via today's social media and my memories

Just wanted to share a great meeting I had with the even greater Shesconnected staff. You can see the link to the website on the left panel. It is a place where busy women can connect with other busy women. Very comfy and relaxed environment which I prefer to the more hectic and frantic Facebook or MySpace. Just my preferences, of course.



After I met with these nice and smart people, I couldn't help but think how much promotion has changed since I graduated (I know, I sound like my grandma!). We were wowed by Internet then and now everyone is clicking, chatting, twitting, etc. while walking, running, eating, and so on. While I appreciate the enourmous freedom it gives us, I'm also a bit concerned for human communication. Maybe because I'm a person of the south and what I love are the long suppers, even longer drinks after sunset, and of course - the meaningful or funny conversations. Hopefully, my son will have the chance to learn the same.



Anyways, my point was Shesconnected is a very nice place, and it gives me the opportunity to share without being attacked. :))) Check it out.



And last but not least, have I ever shared how I felt the first time my feet touched the fertile land of Provence? No? Then I'm sharing it now - I was breathless. The air wouldn't leave my lungs and I felt it painful. That's how I remember my Provence - like a sweet pain. Then I threw myself between two rows of lavender and my father took a picture of me. You know, they say a picture takes away your soul. It is true - my soul remained there, in this lavender field forever. My biggest problem - I can't forget it nor can I stop longing for it. Reminds me of a first love. Never consumed, ever desired.



For more lovely pictures of France and all over the world, visit this website (where this photo is taken from): http://www.voyagevirtuel.co.uk/provence-riviera.en.php You can even send any of these photos like a postcard for free.



I'm celebrating this memory today with



Eggplants in tomato sauce



2-3-4 eggplants (choose deep coloured but still hard ones)

1 kg tomatoes (preferably the plum ones)

2-3 cloves of garlic

fresh parsley

all purpose flour

1 teaspoon of sugar

salt



Cut the eggplants into circles half an inch thick. Salt them slightly and roll in flour, they should be well covered. Bring oil (preferably olive oil) to high heat (5-5.5 on my stove) and fry the eggplants. Never deep fry vegetables. Use really high heat and keep the eggplants or any other vegetable in it only for 5-7 minutes. This will keep the vitamins inside and the fattening oil outside. The eggplants are ready when they turn golden, don't wait till they become brown. Meanwhile stew the garlic in some olive oil (4-5 tablespoons), add the grated tomatoes (I use my blender to turn them into puree). Bring to boil. Add the sugar and the salt, wait to boil again and finally add the parsley. Now remove the lid and let it boil at low heat for at least half an hour, it should thicken.

Put the fried eggplants on a big tray and pour the sauce on top of them. let it rest for about an hour. Run to the bakery for some warm baguettes and enjoy with many friends, on an outside table with cold white wine!

I feel like running away.

Have you seen the "Runaway Bride"? That's how I've been feeling lately. There are three more months of studies ahead, a part-time job which turned out to eat far more time than half a day, a house to care for, and most important of all - a toddler to look after. I need a break. Desperately. I know writing fragments is unprofessional but this one pleases me. It is dramatic.



Aside from the hectic everyday life, I'm feeling guilty. I had to send my son to a daycare and despite the fact that I found what I believe to be the best existing centre in the city, I still feel a lump in my throat every day. It is me who is lonely and needs him. I can hardly wait to 5:00 p.m. to take him back. Sometimes he is playing and doesn't feel like going home yet and I feel so proud and sad at the same time. He is walking his own path already, I know. Where does my path lay I wonder?

Have you ever had the feeling that someone/something is pushing you back only to make you realize you're going in the wrong direction? What do you do then? Change your ways or keep going like you always did? Tell me!

I tend to think that negative trends are trying to tell me something. I've been in the middle of such for the last two years and can't help but feel like I must make a turn and look for other opportunities, elsewhere. It scares me though. Because this time I think it will be a major change. Roots will have to twist and ground will be lost, cracks will appear...

I'm in a travelling mood again, does it show? My dreams won't leave me alone. As usual my travelling is not simply vacationing but means new life, new places, new people, all from the beginning, and so on. Some people tell me they envy me. Others just shake their heads in contempt. I can't figure out how to treat my own folly. Still, I adore these dreams. They keep me standing on my feet when all around seems dull and lacking perspective.

Have you ever found yourself at a place where you suddenly realized you belonged there? Would you share the story? Were you able to leave? Forever or did you go back there?

It seems I will go back, sooner or later. This restlessness is so well known to me. I've felt like that before. It always ends the same way - something is ruined, another comes to life. There is a little of nostalgia, of course, but the overwhelming happiness covers it with golden patina. Until the next dream hurts the eyes with its unbearable honesty. And "the road goes ever on and on," as my most favourite author Tolkien once wrote.

Meanwhile I translated a book - teen fiction. Hopefully, it will be published and will bring success to its author. I miss writing. I've been coming up with different stories for my son and may be some day will sit and write them down. As about the book I started about a year ago, it is still in my head but somehow words don't come out smoothly these days. After days of heavy thinking, I decided it needed a break.

Me too.