A message from paradise

Bali truly is paradise, and the yoga retreat is better than I could ever have imagined! I'm here blogging on the centre's only computer (the retreat is called 'escape the world' so the whole idea is that you're not blogging and on facebook the whole time hence my near total absence these days!). I'll be back in the UK in a week or so where I'll post some photos from the trip before returning to Madrid. In the meantime here's a link to my 'wanderlist' (travel wishlist) which Alex and Mina have posted on their wonderful blog, Sending Postcards, where they document their travels round the world.

Super express post!

From Changi airport in Singapore - about to board for Bali! Posts might be a bit sparse over the next couple of weeks - will depend if I can get to an internet cafe between all the yoga, massages and eating :-)

I take back everything I said about Primark

I'm in the UK as of several days ago, and I've finally got around to buying some clothes for my Bali trip. I didn't want to spend a fortune on travel wear and despite saying I wouldn't go anywhere near the place, I found myself in cheapo superstore Primark. I don't know what happened, but 1.5 hours later I emerged from there 60 pounds poorer but with approximately 10 new items of clothing bundled into a bag. I've always been a firm believer in 'you get what you pay for', but seeing nicely cut classic white tees at only 2 pounds that rule went straight out of the window. I was like 'who cares if they fall apart in two months!' I sincerely hope they are not made by children - a discreetly placed notice in the shop suggests they aren't, but the very fact the placard is there arouses suspicion. Also in my haul were pumps in black and metallic peach at 4 pounds, long floaty dresses, 2 quid leggings and some housewarming presents for my brother's new place (2 cushions for 6 pounds!) The only thing I'd say is that you have to rummage, you have to get past the idea of shopping being a pleasant experience for all the senses and you have to forget about attractive merchandising. Also, you definitely can't dress head to toe in stuff from here without being a little, er, flammable. But seriously, there is some nice stuff here. Viva bargains!

For Madrid dwellers who are interested there is a Primark in Carabanchel's chavvy Isla Azul shopping centre.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was my birthday. My, wait for it, 33rd year on Earth! This is the first birthday I've had with my family in the UK for a few years and it was a really nice relaxing day. They had prepared a Lebanese meal for the occasion - homemade felafel, sambusek (a kind of samosa), hummus, baba ghanoush (aubergine dip), Greek salad, flat breads and baklava complete with candles. You know how I love to get all 'deep', so I'll be writing about my take on the passing by of years when I get a moment, but for now, here are some photos of the meal :-)

Hummus, ful medames (fava bean stew), and more

Felafel - this time made with broad beans as well as chickpeas, which gives a nice nuttiness

Sambusek in the making... stuffed with ground lamb and pine nuts