¡Masala Fabi, Pura Vida!

Institutionalized

2011-09-13T20:27:00.004+02:00

There he goes...!

The beginning and the end

2011-08-05T11:17:00.006+02:00

Today is the last day of Fabian´s kindergarden.

According to the German sytem, children go to "Kindergarten" from age 3 to 6 years old. During the last year, they´re called "Preschoolers".

I made a collage comparing the pictures I took on Fabi´s *first* and *last* day of kindergarden: before walking out the door and waiting for the bus.

Fabian at 3 and 6 years of age.

Pensando en voz alta - ACTUALIZADO

2011-07-16T16:34:00.008+02:00

Ya han pasado más de 9 meses desde que anunciamos que me nos íbamos de Erlangen y, sin embargo, aquí estamos todavía. Ishan cambió de trabajo, y la nueva compañía para la que trabaja está a 274 kms de donde vivimos actualmente. Resulta que no ha sido fácil encontrar una casa que esté a la venta en Schongau y que nos parezca la adecuada. A sólo un par de meses para que Fabián empiece su primer grado de escuela, hay dos opciones: o aparece algo ya y nos mudamos muy pronto...o Fabián empezará su escuela en Erlangen (para luego tener que cambiarse de escuela). La segunda opción no me gusta mucho, pero tampoco me preocupa demasiado: después de todo, el cambio no será tan drástico como tener que cambiar de país/idioma/sistema educativo. De todas formas, yo sé que nos iremos a adaptar a nuestro nuevo ambiente, aunque siempre consideraremos Erlangen como nuestro primer hogar en Alemania.

Con toda esta incertidumbre de la mudanza, lo cierto es que ya no tenemos servicio de teléfono/Internet, pues previendo el cambio, lo habíamos cancelado "hace mucho". Suerte que no habíamos renunciado al apartamento, sino ahora estaríamos en la calle. El hecho de que aquí hay que cancelar todo por lo menos con un mes (o a veces hasta tres meses) de anticipación, no hay flexibilidad para ser espontáneo.

El estilo de vida alemán implica que todo hay que planearlo ... ¡con tiempo! Será por eso que, desde que empezó este mes de julio, en las librerías ya hay calendarios del 2012 a la venta.

Desde que supe que me iba de Erlangen, empecé a ponerle punto final a los compromisos que había adquirido. Renuncié a ser la encargada del "Grupo de Madres e Hijos de Habla Hispana" en Erlangen y también al Consejo Pastoral de la "Misión Católica de Lengua Española" en Nürenberg. Sin embargo, me alegra haber podido continuar asistiendo a las reuniones semanales del "Grupo de Madres" y de haber asistido a la fiesta anual de la Misión - ¡especialmente porque celebramos sus 50 años!

Dentro de los pequeños-grandes logros que he alcanzado durante mi estadía en Erlangen, están el haber completado el Curso de Integración del Gobierno Federal de Alemania y haber completado varios cursos del programa de entrenamiento para mujeres que buscan retomar su vida profesional en la PS:Akademie de Nürenberg.

Recientemente, también me alegra mucho haber podido ayudar a dos de mis amigas a abrir su propio blog. De paso, aprovecho para invitarles a que las pasen a visitar y les den la bienvenida a Carmen (Más allá del pensamiento) y a Johanna (Historias del corazón).

Y Uds...¿Qué me cuentan? ¿Cómo han estado últimamente?

ACTUALIZACIÒN - 5.08.2011

Ishan y yo hemos decidido que es mejor que Fabián empiece su escuela aquí en Erlangen. Así también podrá ir al primer grado con los amigos de su kindergarten. Posponemos mudarnos a Schongau (Ishan dice que unos meses, yo digo que un año)...

Ah!...y ya tenemos teléfono de nuevo....el mismo número que teníamos antes de cambiar de proveedor.

UPDATE (a long story, short):

Ishan changed jobs almost a year ago, to a company which is in Schongau - 274 kms (171 mi) away from where we live now. We were hoping to find a house we could buy there and move before Fabian started his first year of school. Since that didn´t happen, we´ve decided to stay in Erlangen a little longer (Ishan says for a few more months, I say one year).

In the meantime, we changed our telephone/Internet provider, but we still have the same phone number we had before.
So, it´s all good...

It really was a white Christmas this year in Erlangen

2010-12-28T16:39:00.010+01:00

The morning of Dec. 10th, 2010 was a terrific time to take pictures of Erlangen: there was a lot of snow and the sun was shining.

I made this video for all the people who miss Erlangen (Hi, Saher!), thinking that I too, will soon be one of them.

White Christmas in Erlangen -2010 from Mariluz Bogarin on Vimeo.

A decade of Christmas celebrations

2010-12-27T15:18:00.008+01:00

Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad! Frohe Weihnachten!

In order to celebrate the end of the 18-month hiatus of this blog, I´ve made a collage recounting the last decade of my Christmas celebrations, which also happens to mark my first decade with Ishan.

December 25th, 2001 - Nice, France - I had travelled with Ishan and his friend Suresh B. to Paris, the south of France (Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Monaco) and Switzerland. This Christmas was very special: I got to explain the Christmas story to these two Indian friends of mine and had our Christmas Eve dinner at a Chinese restaurant. When this picture was taken, never in a million years would I have guessed that I would end up marrying Ishan.

December 25th, 2002 - Trivandum, Kerala, India - At this time of year, Ishan and I were already engaged. I had travelled to India to meet his family and do some touring. On Christmas Eve we went to a Mass that was very crowded and I didn´t understand a thing because it was celebrated in the local language. On Christmas day we visited the zoo.

December 25th, 2003 - Vashi, Navi Mumbai, India - Ishan and I were newly married. We went to Mass on Christmas Eve and I got balloons, gifts and lots of cake.

December 25th, 2004 - Vashi, Navi Mumbai, India - I was six months pregnant with Fabian.

December 25th, 2005 - Vashi, Navi Mumbai, India - Fabian was nine months old when he got to celebrate his first Christmas.

December 25th, 2006 - Erlangen, Germany -We were staying in a small apartment in the city center of Erlangen. We bought a small Christmas tree - the size of 21-month-old Fabi - at the local Christmas market.

December 25th, 2007 - Erlangen, Germany - Our first Christmas in our Gebbertstr. apartment. We decorated our tree with all the ornaments that Ishan had brought from China, after one of his business trips.

December 25th, 2008 - Vashi, Navi Mumbai, India - Christmas was combined with Ishan´s cousin, Kapil and Pranali´s wedding celebration in Mumbai.

December 25th, 2009 - Ishan in India and Mari & Fabi in Erlangen - I like this picture of Fabian and me at the Arcaden Mall, because I´m on the phone with Ishan.

December 25th, 2010 - It´s probably our last Christmas in Erlangen, as we´re soon to move (close?) to Schongau.

Let´s hope for many more decades of Christmas celebrations together!

Fiesta de la Mision - 12 JUL 09

2009-07-04T10:29:00.004+02:00

¡Están cordialmente invitados!

Sie sind herzlich eingeladen!

You are cordially invited!

Kuhweiherweg 124 - 90451, Nürnberg.
Misa 10:00am
Fiesta 11:00am a 6:00pm

Kindergarten Picture - 2009

2009-05-26T12:04:00.002+02:00

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:34:00.003+02:00

Fabian surprised me with a Mother's Day gift he made in kindergarten. My first Mother's Day gift from him!!!!

Today, when lots of countries around the world celebrate this day....I think of ALL the different types of mothers out there! May we all have the blessings and the strength required for this title.

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T20:56:00.003+02:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Good Friday - 2009

2009-04-10T08:14:00.002+02:00

"I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." - John 10:11

Happy Fourth Birthday, Fabi!

2009-03-23T21:59:00.003+01:00

BLOWING OUT THE FOUR CANDLES

Fabian and friends gather around the Pirate Ship piñata

Sweet 65, Daddy!

2009-03-04T05:52:00.001+01:00

We interrupt this blogger's block for a milestone announcement

2009-02-28T07:41:00.000+01:00

Fabi had his first sleepover! He went swimming with his best friend and came back the next day at 2:00p.m

*I* enjoyed it very much! I wonder if any one is willing to take him for -let's say- a week?!?!

Cool stuff

2009-01-19T08:31:00.003+01:00

Wal had brought this to my attention some time ago:

This is a Palm:

But you can also have Hail Mary on your IPod (Looks like this).

Behold the SCRABBLE KEYBOARD! (Via Boing Boing)

Cool, huh?!?!

6.2 on Richter Scale = scary!

2009-01-09T15:28:00.002+01:00

Gracias, Manfred por el enlace a este video!

UPDATE: Apparently, it can also be "funny"...

A new beginning

2009-01-04T08:11:00.006+01:00

A brand new year! Lots to look forward to, lots to discover and enjoy. I wonder what 2009 will bring for our family?!?... I hope to learn and grow, to love and live to the fulllest!

I have to start to unpack ... and get everything in order again! So far, this year have been a very exciting one! We survived 23 hours of travelling, hauling +106 kgs of luggage plus 16kgs of Fabi. Just like the movie, we rode "a plane, a train and an automobile" to get home in Erlangen. We're missing all our friends and family that we left behind in Mumbai, but we feel wonderful that we got a chance to get closer to them during our recent visit to India.

HAPPY 2009 everyone!

FELICES FIESTAS! - HAPPY 2009!

2008-12-26T16:53:00.004+01:00

We have spent a very special Christmas Day (Mass in Goa, India) and we'll be spending our New Year's in Mumbai. We are thinking of all of our friends and family members who are physically far away from us, but so close to our hearts!

Best wishes from Mariluz, Ishan and Gaurang Fabian!

My Birthday in India

2008-11-13T06:00:00.005+01:00

This year my birthday celebration started one month earlier (Oct. 13th), when I received a birthday greeting from Kiran...my friend and former Patni colleague. She inspired me to have a month-long celebration. Since then, I have received two awesome birthday cards, some coffee-paper writing set and a really cool Costa Rican (souvenir) t-shirt.

This year I would have never thought I would spend my birthday in India. That just goes to show you that life is full of surprises!

This picture was taken on my birthday (morning). I'm playing with Fabian and his new toys that keep him busy when we are at his uncle's home.

India en fotos

2008-11-11T19:14:00.001+01:00

Fabian is visiting his birthtown after 2 years and 4 months. Lots of things have changed in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. I feel right at home! It's nice...and weird at the same time! Follow us in pictures.

Ya saque la cuenta: hace 2 anyos y 4 meses que Fabian y yo nos fuimos de India. Intentare actualizar esta pagina con anecdotas e impresiones de este viaje de visita. Me pueden seguir la pista en este album de fotos en FLICKR.

Memories on my wrist

2008-11-07T23:31:00.001+01:00

Not that I have that many jewels, but I finally went through (most) of my jewel boxes and came up with many charms. I separated them into three groups: the golden ones, the silver colored ones and the religious ones.

Each group of charms was turned into a wonderful bracelet. You might remember my talented friend, Maribel. Thanks to her, I don't have to keep my charms hidden in a box, but I can enjoy all the memories that each one of them brings me. Most of them have been gifts, others I got as a souvenir from some place that I have visited and others represent a milestone of my life (like high school graduation). I absolutely love this idea!

Finally Election Day in USA! - Updated (Again!)

2008-11-04T15:16:00.005+01:00

Obámanos! :)

Wanna watch a funny video? (Watch it 'til the very end...)

Update:
I woke up Wednesday, Nov. 5th at 4:50am to get online, I checked my e-mail, changed the black ink cartridge on my printer, checked today's bus schedule. At 5:30 am (German time) I read the headline: Obama wins U.S presidential election. I like to remember where I was when history is taking place.

CHECK THESE PICTURES OUT!

Turning the page on history

2008-10-31T05:22:00.002+01:00

Bye-bye Tempelhof! (English)

¡Adiós Tempelhof! (Español)

Tschüß Tempelhof! (Deutsch)

HAPPY DIWALI!

2008-10-27T11:35:00.000+01:00

Diwali Meaning & Significance

Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting firecrackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.

It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.

On Diwali night, little clay lamps are lit in Hindus homes, but now a days colored electric lamps are also used. What is the significance of lighting a lamp? There is a logical answer to this question. It is through the light that the beauty of this world is revealed or experienced. Most civilizations of the world recognize the importance of light as a gift of God. It has always been a symbol of whatever is positive in our world of experience. To Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, and light is a metaphor for knowledge.

Therefore, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces- wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering, etc. Competition is stiff, and even the little girl in silk frocks and their finery are watching out for the best sparklers and flowerpots, the rockets and Vishnuchakras, which light-up the night sky like a thousand stars. Grown-ups are the soul of generosity. Festive bonhomie abounds.

(Source)

I am NOT impressed...

2008-10-27T11:31:00.000+01:00

...with the services of consulates / embassies. I never have....!

I want more grass!

2008-10-09T00:06:00.000+02:00

Today's dinner menu was:

-Grilled chicken
-white rice
-spinach sauce

Fabian helped me cook. While he was eating he said: "Yo quiero más zacate!" (zacate en Costa Rica: grama, césped).

The 10 Commandments...of Godblogging

2008-10-07T01:52:00.000+02:00

Gracias, Wal!

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity.
2. You shall not make an idol of your blog.
3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog.
5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes.
6. You shall not murder someone else's honour, reputation or feelings.
7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind.
8. You shall not steal another person's content.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour's blog ranking. Be content with your own content.

Apparently some believe He said "go forth and blog."

Laughing Out Loud

2008-10-01T10:25:00.002+02:00

I have several posts in mind...and I've been wanting to blog since a couple of days, but I have a confession to make. I've been "busy" doing other things like reading the news and following the USA presidential election 2008, which is not just about politics (it's also about entertainment).

I'm not going to go into any level of detail about my opinions here. This post is just meant to show you what made me laugh out loud today (especially min. 2:33 of the video)...to a point where I just had to share it with you - besides, I wanted to post an Anderson Cooper video, too ;)

This just goes to show you that despite hard times in the economic and political history, we're allowed to have fun also. (Actually, it's also kind of sad how people are able to get so easily distracted from the real problems).

Spiderman

2008-09-20T09:07:00.000+02:00

"Mom: Please draw a Spiderman tattoo on my arm!"

One day, he will grow up and realize I can't draw to save my life. As of now, I just smile as I see him walk away feeling very proud -invincible!- with his tattoo.

Lights off!

2008-09-17T12:47:00.001+02:00

I got this message a few days ago by e-mail and today I saw it again online. I thought I'd do my part not just by "playing along", but also by inviting you to join. I'm copy/pasting the message - eventhough it looks like the translations we machine-automated.

ENGLISH:
World Darkness: On September 17th, 2008 from 21:50 to 22:00 hours. Proposes to turn off all the lights and if possible all electrical appliances, so our planet can ‘breathe’. If the response is massive, it can result in an extraordinary energy-saving. Only 10 minutes and see what happens. Yes, we are 10 minutes in the dark, we light a candle and simply looking at it, We breathe and our planet does too. Remember that the union is strength and the Internet can be very powerful to distribute this message. Spread the news, if you have friends that live in other countries send this message to them.

CASTELLANO:
Hoy, estés donde estés a las 21:50 de la hora de tu país y hasta las 22:00 se está promoviendo un apagón mundial. Se propone apagar todas las luces y si es posible todos los aparatos eléctricos, para que nuestro planeta pueda “respirar”. Si la respuesta es masiva, la energía que se ahorra puede ser brutal. Solo 10 minutos. Si estamos 10 minutos en la oscuridad, prendamos una vela y simplemente la miramos y nosotros estaremos respirando y nuestro planeta. Recordemos que la unión hace la fuerza y el Internet puede tener mucho poder y puede ser aun algo más grande.

Portugués:

Escuridão mundial: No dia 17 de Setembro de 2008 das 21:50 às 22:00 horaspropõe-se apagar todas as luzes e se possível todos os aparelhos eléctricos, para o nosso planeta poder 'respirar'.Se a resposta for massiva, a poupança energética pode ser brutal. Só 10 minutos, para ver o que acontece. Sim, estaremos 10 minutos às escuras, podemos acender uma vela e simplesmente ficar a olhar para ela, estaremos a respirar nós e o planeta. Lembrem-se que a união faz a força e a Internet pode ter muito poder e podemos mesmo fazer algo em grande. Passa a notícia, se tiveres amigos a viver noutros países envia-lhes.

Árabe:

ظلام العالم : على 17 سبتمبر 2008 من الساعة 21:50 الى 22:00 ويقترح حذف جميع الانوار واذا امكن جميع الاجهزه الكهرباءيه ، ويمكن لكوكبنا 'تنفس'. اذا كان الجواب هاءله ، ويمكن الاقتصاد في استهلاك الطاقة وحشية. خلال 10 دقائق فقط ، ونرى ما سيحصل. نعم ، نحن على 10 دقائق في الظلام ، ونحن على ضوء شمعة وببساطة ان النظر اليها ، ونحن نتنفس وكوكبنا. نتذكر ان الاتحاد هو القوام وشبكة الانترنت يمكن ان تكون بالغة القوة ويمكن حتى تفعل شيئا كبيرا. التحركات الاخبار .

Francés:

Darkness monde: Le 17 Septembre 2008 de 21:50 à 22:00 heuresPropose de supprimer toutes les lumières et, si possible, tous les appareils électriques, à notre planète peut 'respirer'. Si la réponse est massive, les économies d'énergie peuvent être brutales. Seulement 10 minutes, et de voir ce qui se passe. Oui, nous sommes 10 minutes dans le noir, on allume une bougie et simplement Être regarder, que nous respirons et de notre planète. N'oubliez pas que l'union fait la force et l'Internet peuvent être très électricité et peut Même faire quelque chose de grand. Déplace l'actualité.

Griego:

Σκοταδι κοσµο: Στις 17 Σεπ του 2008 απο 21:50 εως 22:00 ωρες Προτεινει να διαγραψει ολα τα φωτα και αν ειναι δυνατον, ολες τις ηλεκτρικες συσκευες, να πλανητη µας µπορει να «αναπνεει». Εαν η απαντηση ειναι µαζικη, η εξοικονοµηση ενεργειας µπορει να ειναι κτηνωδης. Μονο 10 λεπτα, και να δουµε τι συµßαινει. Ναι, ειµαστε 10 λεπτα στο σκοταδι, θα αναψει ενα κερι και απλα Να εξεταζουµε, που αναπνεουµε και τον πλανητη µας. Θυµηθειτε οτι η ενωση ειναι η δυναµη και το Internet µπορει να ειναι πολυ δυναµη και µπορουν να Ακοµη κανουµε κατι µεγαλο. Μετακινησεις την ειδηση, αν εχετε φιλους να ζουν σε αλλες χωρες να στειλουν τους και τους.

Alemán:

Darkness Welt: Am 17 September 2008 von 21:50 bis 22:00 Uhr. Schlägt vor, alle Lichter zu löschen und, wenn möglich, alle elektrischen Geräte, die unseren Planeten kann 'atmen'. Wenn die Antwort ist derb, Energieeinsparung kann brutal. Nur 10 Minuten, und sehen Sie, was passiert. Ja, wir sind 10 Minuten im Dunkeln, wir Licht einer Kerze und einfach Sei es bei der Suche, die wir atmen, und unseres Planeten. Denken Sie daran, dass die Gewerkschaft ist Stärke und das Internet kann sehr Macht und können Selbst etwas tun groß. Verschiebt den Nachrichten.

Ruso:

Ночь на Земле: 17 сентября 2008 года с 21:50 до 22:00 часов отключите все огни, и, по возможности, все электроприборы, чтобы наша планета могла спокойно 'подышать' хоть 10 минут.В случае массового участия, этот проект приведет к огромному сбередению энергии по всему земному шару. Всего только 10 минут, и вы увидите как важен будет результат.За эти 10 минут можно просто посидеть в темноте, зажечь свечу и посидеть при ее свете. А за это время наша планета успеет спокойно отдышаться. Помните, что совместное действие - это мощь, а Интернет - это великая сила, вместе мы можем добиться очень многого. Сообщи о нас другим!!!

Holandés:

Darkness wereld: Op 17 September 2008 van 21:50 tot 22:00 uurStelt voor om alle lichten en zo mogelijk alle elektrische apparaten, om onze planeet kan 'ademen'.Indien het antwoord is enorm, de energiebesparing kan worden wreder. Slechts 10 minuten, en zie wat er gebeurt. Ja, we zijn 10 minuten in het donker, we licht van een kaars en gewoon Wordt kijken, we inademen en onze planeet. Vergeet niet dat de unie is kracht en het internet kan zeer macht en kan Zelfs iets te groot. Vertrokken het nieuws.

The inevitable skit - Updated

2008-09-16T13:27:00.005+02:00

Memories...

2008-09-04T18:33:00.002+02:00

I just realized that a couple of friends of mine are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary.

Ten years ago, I was living in Dominican Republic and France had won the FIFA World Cup that it had hosted (everybody wanted to be in France at that time). A few months later, I came to Europe (France) for the first time: PARIS!...and then to the province of Britanny for a wedding! Unforgettable!

Happy 10th Annivesary Fabio & Anne-Lyse!

1. Kindergartentag!

2008-09-01T14:36:00.002+02:00

I have been anxiously awaiting for today: it was Fabian's first day in kindergarden. According to the German educational system (at least here in Bavaria), children go to kindergarten from 3 to 6 years old before they go to primary school.

No doubt Fabi gained a lot through his previous participation in a "Playgroup". Eventhough he only went for 3 hours a day, twice a week in a group of 8 children (between the ages of 2 and 3 years), the playgroup taught him a lot and prepared him for his "bigger" kindergarten. He had a trial session a couple of months ago when he learned the name of one of his teachers whom he likes to color with. So this past weekend he was really looking forward to finally going to his kindergarten.

It went exceptionally smooth...as if he had been going to kindergarten all of his life! Now I'm really looking forward to those 37.5 hours a week - that I will be able to use for my own projects...the possibilites are ENDLESS!

Fabi and I took the bus to his kindergarten but came back walking. As we were coming back home I really enjoyed holding his little hand and listening to him tell me what he had done during his first day. We saw a snail. Here's the story in pictures.

Matussek goes Bollywood.

2008-08-28T08:52:00.001+02:00

A video blog from Spiegel Online. (In German)

It just looks like I have a lot of time in my hands...but I don't.

2008-08-20T21:42:00.000+02:00

One of the pictures above is my real yearbook picture (1990) and the other ones are just images of what my yearbook picture would have looked like in 1950, 1954, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1994.

Wanna play? http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

Raksha Bandhan

2008-08-16T21:00:00.000+02:00

The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the relationship between brother and sisters.

Faithful to the tradition, a very special package arrived just in time for this day: rakhi for Ishan and Gaurang from his cousin-sisters in India!

Thank you Sheetu, Shriya, Chiu, Suhaani & Krishna!

15 de agosto

2008-08-15T09:00:00.004+02:00

Today is "Mother's Day" in Costa Rica and it's also the 61st year that India celebrates its "Independence Day".

After Fabian was born, I celebrated my first "Mother's Day" in Goa, India. Every year, on this day, I realize I have come to admire my Mom Olga and my Grandmother Carmen, more and more.

This year I am also remembering one other special Mom of mine...my Mom Marie. She was brave enough to want to host an exchange-student and as I have said before, it was a great opportunity for me. Mom Marie played a very important role in my life...I'll be forever thankful that I met her and I still remember things that she taught me.

Here are some of my memories: She was really excited for me when I was going out on a "date", she helped me write a good-bye note to the editor of the local newspaper before I went back to my country, she asked me to help her cook dinner on Wednesdays and whenever she made plans I was sure she would carry them out. During my first days of my arrival at her house, she bought me shorts so that I could stand the heat of the desert (Arizona), she bought me a diary so I could record all of my exciting experiences of my exchange-student days (that was probably what lead me to blog later), she took me to Church every Sunday morning, even though she wasn't a Catholic and didn't stay for the Mass. I saw Mom Marie ten years later after my exchange-student year when I went back to Arizona for a High School Reunion. She kept in touch with me by air mail and e-mail as well.

Now she's no longer with us and the only regret that I have is that she never visited me in Costa Rica (due to the fact that I started to travel a lot since my early working days). I remember her when I think of my AFS experience, when I go to a library and when I see Fabi's eye color, which also reminds me of the rest of the family, my former host-father Curt (who is also not with us any more), my host-brother Josh and host-sister Cari.

Last year my Mom spent this day in the hospital. One year later, she's recovered from very scary sick times and just a few days before "Mother's Day" she met Cari for the first time, as my former host-sister happened to be in Costa Rica! What exciting times!

I want to wish a very "Happy Mother's Day!" to Mom Olga & Mom Marie....my Grandmother Carmen ... all of my friends who are mothers and those soon-to-be Moms, too!

(Cari & Mom Olga in Heredia, during Cari's recent trip to Heredia, Costa Rica - Aug. 2008)

¡Gracias, Sandra, por compartir tu poema! ¡Qué pases un muy feliz Día de las Madres!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Indian mothers who are celebrating their Independence Day, too!...

ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM

2008-08-14T14:55:00.006+02:00

The good
- Erlangen roots for its student athlete.
- Despite their countries's ongoing crisis, athletes show what their leaders have not managed to do.
- India's Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra blogged thru his experience in the Olympics.
- Olympic fairy tale

The bad
- Pollution
- Not everyone has the same sense of humor.

The ugly
- The need to show a pretty face.

APOTEOSICO

2008-08-08T16:00:00.003+02:00

Picture taken from CNN

Talk about live blogging! I knew the Summer Olympic Games were starting today in Beijing, but I hadn't planned on watching the opening ceremony. Luckily, it rained here in Erlangen during the afternoon (it's 3:45pm) and I happened to turn the T.V. on and switched to TVE. OMG! The grandiosity of that ceremony!...I can only imagine how the athletes feel as they enter the Bird's Nest with their country's flag...!

It's AMAZING what humans are able to do!

As I type this Fabian and I have seen several delegations walk by, including Spain, India (and Sonia Gandhi among the spectators), Dominican Republic...and we're waiting to see the small delegation from Costa Rica. (The names of the countries are ordered alphabetically according to the local language.) Brazil's president is the only one who attended the ceremony representing Latin America.

I will be following this blog (in Spanish) that has been already updated by some of the Costa Rican athletes in Beijing.

And speaking of the Olympic fever a friend in Facebook brought this to my attention. I like the initiative too.

UPDATE:

Allan Segura on T.V. and Fabian posing in front of it.

Fiesta de Verano - Grupo de Madres e Hijos de Habla Hispana

2008-08-05T11:30:00.002+02:00

El domingo pasado celebramos la tradicional fiesta de verano del "Grupo de Madres e Hijos de Habla Hispana".

El clima estuvo agradable y la pasamos muy bien en medio de música, comida, juegos y regalos.

Aquí les dejo un video de recuerdo (de 3 minutos) para las personas que asistieron y de muestra para las que no nos pudieron acompañar. ¡Qué lo disfruten!

Can't think of a title for this one

2008-08-02T14:28:00.003+02:00

Before today, I hadn't heard of Devendra Banhart and I didn't know what Naturalismo was. The truth is, I'm still not sure what to think about it. Here's the song Carmensita (*sic)

Too acid, for my taste... When I clicked to see this video, the last thing I expected was such a clash between different cultural backgrounds. I like those clashes. Actually, the more I hear the song and watch the video, the more I like it. Too weird.

If you want to sing along:
(Original lyrics in Spanish)
Ay tu primo colorado
Con barba camburada
Y lleno de ballena
Inclinadose al sol
Ay tu rayo de luz roja
Besando nuestra boca
El beso que te sopla
Huele a alcohol
Ay tus tres ojos lunares
Extraterrestriales
Entran cuando sales
Por eso no se ven
Ay tu barba colorada
Traviesa y rebelde
Me afeito con espada
Pero devuelve
La la la la la la...
Si la noche te persigue
Entrégate a ella
O dile que tienes dolor de cabeza
Sombrita de reflejo
Dame algo tierno
Me como tu amor
Y cago el infierno
Adio, adio, adio
Primo granje
Hola Bernardo...
La la la la la la la...
Ay tus ojos colorados
Azul y anaranjados
Amarillo verde y marrón
Mi amor envuelto en tu corazón
No lo sueltes por favor
Somos elefante y serpiente semejante
Tomando aguardiente
En el sol
De una flor...
La la la la la la la...

If you want to know what the lyrics mean in English:

Oh, your colored cousin

With a banana-milkshake shake beard

And full from whale

Leaning towards the sun

Oh, your red ray of light

Kissing our mouth

The kiss that

Smells like alcohol
Oh your three lunar eyes

Alien

Enter when you leave

So they aren't seen

Oh, your colored beard

Mischievous and rebellious

I shave with a sword

But it comes back
La la la la la la…
If the night chases you

Surrender to her

Or tell her that you have a headache

Little shade of reflection

Give me something gentle

I devour your love

And shit hell
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

Berno, berno Berne berne berne oh oh

Berne berne berne oh oh
La la la la la la…
Oh, your colored eyes

Blue and orange

Yellow green and brown

My love wrapped in your heart

Don’t let it go please

We are the same elephant and serpent

Drinking brandy

In the sun

Of a flower
La la la la la la…

Virgin of the Angels

2008-08-02T08:56:00.000+02:00

Thousands of pilgrims have been walking towards the basilica in Costa Rica. Today many people honor "La Negrita" (Virgin of the Angels), who is the protector of Catholics in Costa Rica and America.

Links in Spanish: here & here.

Etapas de la vida - Updated

2008-08-01T19:19:00.002+02:00

I just walked into the living room where Fabi was drawing and I swear he looked taller than he did this morning! Talk about "growing up right before your eyes"!....

Fabian has no idea that today was an important day in his life: it was his last day of his "Playgroup". For nine months, he was part of a small group of 8 children who got together twice a week to play for 2 1/2 hours a day.

It was during this time that Fabi learned independence, socializing skills, discipline, the art of communicating without knowing the language. He learned that when his Mom says "I will come back later to pick you up" she always does. He's a big kid (who's been toilet-trained for a few months now) and all the artworks that he did with his friends are now part of his Mom's treasure.

I realized today that most of the kids in his groups were girls. One of his teachers told me that Fabi is "ganz lieb" ("sweet", my interpretation) and I felt very proud of my boy.

The month of August will be vacation time and starting the month of September, most of the children will go to different "Kindergarten" (this time on a daily basis), where they will meet new friends. Here's a picture of him and his first friendships....I hope they meet each other again...

Updated: VIDEO!

Slow German

2008-07-29T20:09:00.000+02:00

MANY THANKS to my friend Rong for recommeding this site for practicing German.

I remember...

2008-07-29T18:32:00.000+02:00

I saw this on my friend Debbie's blog and decided to do the same. It's a lot of fun to go back down memory lane :) Here are the instructions.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. (you can still leave a comment on my blog without starting a post on yours).

Bueller? Bueller?

2008-07-28T20:45:00.001+02:00

Ben Stein wants a sequel to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Me too.

An Enduring Legacy indeed

2008-07-27T22:16:00.001+02:00

Randy Pausch (1960-2008)

I had seen his speech on "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" and I had been following his blog since.

It's a speech that I hope to have in mind constantly. A legacy worth sharing.

Who is Nery Brenes?...y feliz "25 de Julio"!

2008-07-25T06:37:00.002+02:00

BBC News tells us who he is.

From Costa Rica to Beijing...all the best wishes!

Speaking of Costa Rica...one of it's provinces, Guanacaste, is celebrating being part of our country:

"During colonial times, Guanacaste did not actually form part of the province of Costa Rica, but instead pertained to Nicaragua. Shortly after the nations in the region gained their independence from Spain in 1821, the residents of the communities of Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Cañas decided that they preferred to become part of Costa Rica and announced their annexation on July 25, 1825. This date is commemorated by a government holiday, even though it was not until 1858 that the change in boundary lines was officially recognized and agreed upon by the two countries involved." (Source)

Costa Rica Straßenfest - Updated

2008-07-18T08:50:00.002+02:00

Erlangen, Freitag 18.07. und Samstag 19.07.08

Veranstaltung: Costa Rica Strassenfest Erlangen
Ort: Erlangen 18. und 19. Juli Engelstrasse 15 und Kirchenstrasse 2
Erlangen 19. Juli um 20:30 Uhr. Mexikanischesrestaurant “el lobo”Ludwig-Erhard- Str. 13 Uhrzeit: von 18:00 bis 23:00 Uhr Mehr Infos: www. tamalesenalemania.de

Costa Rica Strassenfest Erlangen
Die Folkloregruppe “Chirripo” aus Costa RicaMit dem Sänger aus der Dominikanischen Republik, Alfredo “El Guava”,Dagmas Exotische Tanzshow, Bjorn Ballbach / Schauspieler und dozent wird die Gruppe “ Grupo Chirripo” durch das Programm führen, Tanz Live Music, sowie landestypische Gerichte.

Gutschein jedes kleine KindKinderüberraschungsspielzeug
Benefizveranstalt ung für behinderte Kinder in Costa Rica

UPDATE:

El "Festival de la Calle" en Erlangen del pasado fin de semana estuvo muy ameno. Disfrutamos de bailes típicos de Costa Rica, cantantes dominicanos y hasta una demostración de baile de samba. Fabián disfrutó el sábado bailando en la calle. Aquí hay fotos de algunas escenas más.

I enjoyed the "Street Festival" in Erlangen: it was a thrill to see Costa Rican typical dances, to hear the rhythms from a great singer from Dominican Republic and even enjoyed the presentation of a samba dancer. Fabi danced on the street and I took several pictures.

BAILES DE COSTA RICA EN ERLANGEN:

La Virgen del Carmen

2008-07-16T23:57:00.000+02:00

¡FELIZ DIA DE LA VIRGEN DEL CARMEN!...Felicidades a Abuela Carmen, a Carmen Benavides (en su viaje por Europa), a Carmencita Bogarín...a mi amiga Carmen Hurtado...y a todas las demás que celebraron hoy su onomástico.

Happy Bastille Day!

2008-07-14T20:17:00.003+02:00

It's Bastille Day today!

I have been completely immersed in helping out with our Catholic Mission's Summer Party! It was great fun (and a lot of work). Hopefully, this week I will get back to my old routine (and blog some more, too!)

In the meantime...just wanted to point out something that caught my attention. Eventhough I could care less about beauty pageants: how cool is that Latinamerican dominance in the top 5 finalists of the recent Miss Universe contest?

Summer Party at the Spanish Language-Catholic Mission - Nürnberg

2008-07-08T10:54:00.002+02:00

You are invited! Sunday, July 13th, '08.

Mass at 11:00am Party 12:00 noon to 8:00pm.

Kuhweiherweg 124, 90451 Nürnberg

See you there!

P.S. Please contact me if you are available to help on Sat. July 12th.

Por favor indicarme si puede ayudar el sábado12 de julio.

Can you feel the beat?

2008-07-06T15:30:00.001+02:00

I love chocolate. You'll probably agree with me that chocolate goes with vanilla...with strawberries...but have you ever heard of mixing chocolate and zucchini? Well..it's not only possible...it's delicious! I like chocolate so much...I don't think I would mind mixing it with anything else.

But this post is not about chocolate...it's about (techno) music. Techno is pretty much like chocolate: it goes well with everything! (Well...almost everything. If you know what cumbia is, I'm sorry to tell you that there's techno cumbia).

Have you heard "Time to say goodbye", by Andrea Bocelli? There's a techno version of the song.

You know Hava Nagila? It has a techno version as well (it starts at min. 1:47 of the video).

I'm not sure how Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber feels about this version of The Phantom of the Opera.

Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven , Vivaldi and J.S. Bach have also been "victims" of this blend. Some people hate it, but others think differently.

If you happen to be in Costa Rica this coming August 25th, you're in luck! You have the chance to see a presentation of Bajofondo. What a great idea! ~~chocolate~~ techno + tango! I think even Gardel would approve!

I'm not going to be in Costa Rica in August and it's also very unlikely that I can go to Dortmund next week. But I'm sure glad there's YouTube! :)

She's free! - Update

2008-07-02T22:39:00.005+02:00

After 6 years and a half ... kidnapped in a jungle...Ingrid Betancourt will be able to again see her mother, her husband, her daughter and her son. Amazing!

Gracias Ingrid por tu testimonio: "Gracias a Dios...y a la Virgen, a quien tanto le recé!"

Update:

No me canso de escucharla!
* Declaraciones de Ingrid B - I Parte, II Parte
** Entrevista: III Parte, IV Parte

Runner-up blues

2008-07-02T20:02:00.001+02:00

Erlangen streets are normally very clean. That's the reason yesterday I easily noticed a sad trace of the non-celebration here in Germany, post-Euro '08:

Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Tio Gonzalo!

2008-06-30T11:30:00.001+02:00

(Foto tomada de su blog de viaje).
¡Feliz Cumpleaños, tío Gonzalo! ¡Qué disfrute mucho de esta fecha -sobre todo-en esta ocasión en la que visita Alemania y lugares cercanos a Waldshut!

¡España es el campeón!

2008-06-30T06:59:00.011+02:00

I had a beautiful and memorable Euro '08-Final Sunday!

Ishan, Fabian and I started our day by going to Church at 12:30. The Mass (in Spanish) was followed by a get-together that we shared with all the members of our community.

Fabian and his Dad chose to go home early, but for me...it was just the beginning!

Initially, I too was heading home after the get-together was over, but I decided to take a walk through the Schlossgarten because I knew it was "Family Day" and there was a big summer party there.

As I walked into the park, I noticed people were enjoying sausages and beer, kids were having their faces painted...I walked some more: enjoyed Argentinian Tango...walked some more and to my surprise I found Fabi's Capoeira teacher about to start a presentation. I met with some friends who had been in Church with me earlier and we enjoyed the show. Slowly several Latinamerican women started arriving and I came to know that the Latino-band Salsaborr was going to play dance music. To make a long story short, I'll just say that I danced a lot: with my old friends, my new friends...and even people I didn't know :)

After I stopped swirling for a minute I spotted my old friend Max (also from my Erlangen University days). I watched the EURO '08 final game in the Schlossgarten with Max and his friends. It was fun! You know why? Because when I left my house that morning I didn't know that the snacks that Ishan had made to share at the get-together after Church would also be enjoyed during the final soccer match in the middle of the Schlossgarten.
I have to admit most of us initially were hoping that Germany would win the game. I didn't want Poldi to be sad and I guess I was being selfish when I thought it would be just plain cool to celebrate among the Germans if they ended up being the winners. Only Max was rooting for Spain. When the first half of the game was over, Spain was winnning 1 to 0 and as the second half continued I realized how well the Spaniards were playing. There were only 3 minutes left before the game was over when I realized that Spain really deserved to win: not only because they were playing well, but because it was about time already! ...

I was fearing tears and dramatic manifestations of sorrow among all those people who had gathered to see their team play. However, when Spain scored their goal, instead of the drama, I only witnessed silence. No screams of anger, no crying....nothing. And when the game was over....everybody got up and started heading back to their homes. It looked like people were watching a movie instead of a live game. (Just like when a movie is over...everybody just gets up from their seat and starts walking out of the cinema.)

So, I got to live exactly the opposite of what I was hoping for (CELEBRATION!) I think the Spaniards celebrated big in Nürenberg, though....but here in Erlangen, people just "turn the page" and I'm sure this Monday morning it's business as usual for everyone. Note to Christoph Metzelder: you may now go ahead and shave your beard, please.

I guess the Germans who were in Spain got to celebrate more than the Spaniards in Germany.

So long...soccer fans...see you in June 2010 in South Africa! Only 710 days, 12 hours, 44 mins, 50 secs more to go...

El Bombo

2008-06-29T09:00:00.009+02:00

Rong (my friend from my Erlangen University days) finally got her wish to taste some home made Indian food last Saturday. She was the one who told me about Manolo. Today I found this article (in German) in the Sunday newspaper.

It's NOT just a game! - Updated

2008-06-26T13:34:00.005+02:00

I would have LOVED to be in Germany during the World Soccer Championship '06. I followed it closely and I remember some very moving moments:

German player Lukas Podolski comforting the Polish goalkeeper after Germany beat Poland in a decisive match for Poland in the 1st phase;

the excitment of the semi-finals;

the loss of the German team against the Italians (Germans ended in 3rd place; while the Italians won the World Championship).

I have been following the EURO '08, which is hosted in Austria and Switzerland. There's been a lot of excitement and many surprising moments. I've enjoyed the sporty atmosphere here in Germany and wondered if it was the same as two years ago when they hosted the 2006 World Cup. Apparently, Germans are now more than ever - very enthusiastic about showing their flag colors and cheering for their team. I'm glad to know that!

I've been paying attention and noticed that there's a big marketing soccer scheme going on. I have uploaded some picture of soccer related things on my Flickr album. Everything is soccer-ized lately! Everybody is in a good mood...especially now that Germany is playing the final game of the tournament. It's been a good season!

There have been "moments" this time also:

It rained early on co-host Swiss team's parade against the Czechs.

My hero Podolski had to again play against (his other country) Poland. He didn't even celebrate the 2 goals he scored against his opponent in the first game. Naturally! How could he celebrate when his heart is divided between Germany and Poland? And then there's the historic background... *sigh*....Anyway, I really admire Podolski for his professionalism. He does what he has to do and just moves forward.

The World Soccer Champions didn't make it to the semi-finals. Some say the Italian team made it to the quarter-finals because they were lucky. Even so, I just hope Fabio is feeling better nowadays.

I have to admit I was a little frightened by the results of yesterday's game where Germay beat Turkey in the quarter finals. There's a lot of Turkish people in Germany, so obviously many were dissapointed. I think it all ended rather peacefully (at least here in Erlangen). I'm sorry for the fans who were affected by a storm in Austria...and I wonder what's the mood like in Basel, Switzerland? (Vivek, Nidhi? Are you enjoying the Euro '08? Or do you just want the final game to be over already?)

The other semi-finals game is just a few hours away: Spain vrs. Russia.

I would love a FINAL match: Germany vrs. Spain....no matter who wins, I will celebrate big!

(Thanks, Rong, for the reference to this video!)

UPDATE: Germany vrs Spain it is! Next Sunday, June 29th...!

"We are AFSers, mighty AFSers!"

2008-06-09T11:46:00.023+02:00

If you've read my "101 Things about Me" post, you've noticed that one of the first things I mention is that I was an AFS exchange student. Growing up I always knew I wanted to be an AFSer because each of my parents had their own experience as exchange students. (In fact, they originally met through AFS and later married!) Their stories and memories sounded too good for me to miss out on the same kind of adventure.

Thanks to my parents, I was part of a big group of Costa Rican students who went to different countries for the year program ('89-'90). For example, my friend Rebeca originally was sent to California and my exchange student dream came true in the town of Wickenburg in Arizona, USA. There I met another big group of students who came from different parts of the world. It truly was the.best.year.of.my.life! After our experience was over and each one of us had gone back to our country of origin, we tried to keep in touch through air mail. I even got to see a couple of my AFS friends again when they went to Costa Rica: Mikko S. all the way from Finland and Andreas (Andi) from Germany!

The reason I came to study to Germany was based on the fact that I wanted to try and reproduce my AFS experience. My German speaking friends who I had met in Arizona had given me the motivation to learn German and studying in Europe sounded like the type of adventure I wanted to relive. I had managed to keep in touch with Andi throughout the years and that's how, in March 2001, he ended up greeting me at the airport when I first came to Germany, carrying my (VERY HEAVY) luggage and driving me to my student building (the famous Wichernstraße) in Erlangen.

I kept in touch with Andi and his mother during my studies in Germany. Even my parents met them in 2002 when they had come to visit me. Unfortunately, I lost touch with Andi by the time I had finished my studies and had to leave Germany. I got married, lived in India and a year after I had returned to Erlangen I managed to relocate Andi again through his Mom. After one exchange of e-mails I still did a lousy job at contacting him again.

In the meantime, I was surprised to learn that my Costa Rican friend Rebeca happened to be here in Germany! Last December we met! It was WONDERFUL!

(Mariluz & Rebeca - Dec. 2007)

Rebeca had also been in touch with another AFSer from my Arizona group: Alex (Germany), who was also in touch with Tian (Argentina), who had come to Germany! Last Monday afternoon, I took Fabi on a 220 km trip because the next day there was going to be a short -but very meaninful- meeting that was quickly organized soon after learning we could all be in the same area. Special thanks to Rebeca for hosting such a lovely grill at her house!

(Alex, Mariluz, Tian & Rebeca - June 3rd, '08)

What I had no idea was that Tian had come to Germany for Andi's wedding, which was later that weekend!!! So I came back to Erlangen on Wednesday morning and contacted Andi's Mom. She convinced me to surprise Andi by showing up at the same time where he was suppossed to pick up Tian. I did the craziest thing: I left Fabi with a friend of mine for a couple of days and this time I travelled 440 kms north to meet Andi (and Tian).

I will never forget Andi's expression as he saw me in the platform where he was waiting to pick up Tian. He thought I had arrived in the same train as Tian and he didn't know what I was doing there! I told him I was just "passing through the neighbourhood" and had come to say "Hi!". He was even more surprised to know that his mother and Tian already knew I was going to be there :)

(Tian, Mariluz & Andi - June 5th, '08)

I surprised Andi on Thursday afternoon. That evening I helped his mother make a Schwäbisch speciality: Spätzle. (She's from southern Germany). In the meantime, old friends from Andi arrived for the dinner. I also had the privilege to meet Andi's new wife. I spent the night at Andi's Mom's house and the next day I came back to Erlangen. I had the chance to spend more time with Tian's family, share a few hours with Andi, his Mom, his friends, his beautiful new wife. We were able to relive memories, catch up on our news, take pictures together. I'm not even going to try to explain the excitement and the joy of this reunion.

(Mari meets Andi & Reini - 2001 & 2008)

As I was riding the train back home, I couldn't help smiling (trying hard not to laugh too loud, actually) as I kept looking at the pictures I had just taken. Who knew that almost 2 decades after our most exciting year as exchange students we would be able to meet - this time in a different part of the world?! I feel beyond rejuvenated, ecstatic with joy of being part of this big AFS family and the connections that I still enjoy with my friends.

My AFS experience has helped me adapt in the different environments I have lived, but the most valued treasure that I will always carry with me is the friendships I have made - even if we only exchange an e-mail once a year! I will treasure forever the relationship with my host family, but to explain that would require a whole separate post on its own...

This past week brought me a lot of memories, but most of all, it reminded me that I'm not just a mom, a wife, a professional, a daughter, a sister, a friend or a neighbour....I'm an AFSer!...which means I am a traveller, an adventurer...a citizen of this small world.

As the international news informs us of natural disasters (earthquakes in China, Iceland, Greece; cyclones in Myanmar; heavy rains in Central America); times of change (Obama as the democratic presidential candidate in USA; Venezuela's president Chavez urges FARC to end their war) and the way the human spirit lifts up through sports (French Open, 2008; Euro 2008), I feel I'm just like a leaf blown by the wind here and there, waiting to see which way life will take me and once again enjoy another big connection with past friendships.

I feel like I'm on Cloud 9....just like this one in the picture below, that I shot through my train window, as I was coming back home after my impromptu, unforgettable, AFS reunion.

Special greetings to Rebeca (Costa Rica), Alex (Germany), Andreas (Germany), Tian (Argentina), Milka (Chile), Marlène (Switzerland), Mikko (Finland), the whole Arizona group of '89-'90...and to all of those who have ever participated and worked with AFS and other exchange programs, as exchange students, volunteers, friends of students, and host families.

¡Saludos especiales a todos los Congos '89-'90!

If you're an AFSer, I suggest you register in the home page, so that others can find you. AFS is also present in the Net: in YouTube and Facebook.

Last year, AFS celebrated its 60th Anniversary. If you have an extra 3 minutes, I invite you to enjoy this video:

La semana pasada fue increíble, llena de sorpresas y viajes largos en tren de última hora: ¡muy emocionante! Todo esto se debe a que me pude reencontrar -de forma inesperada- con 4 (cuatro!) excompañeros de intercambio de mi experiencia con AFS ('89-'90) en Arizona, EEUU.

El hecho de que hayan pasado casi dos décadas y que el reencuentro se haya dado en un país diferente de donde nos conocimos, no deja de llenarme de sorpresa y felicidad. Me encantó poder ver a mis amigos, pero más aún compartir con sus propias familias. Cuando los abrazo, siento que estoy abrazando al mundo entero y me lleno de esperanza al pensar que nos volveremos a ver...¡quién sabe en cuántos años más!

Yo sé que estas casualidades se dan y que "el mundo es muy pequeño", pero cuando estos accidentes de suerte me ocurren a mí, los celebro como lo máximo.

Me acuerdo que un par de años después de haber estado de intercambio en Arizona (EEUU), Giancarlo, un estudiante de Costa Rica, me contó que estaba en Montana jugando boliche. Ahí conoció a un alemán, quien cuando supo que Giancarlo era de Costa Rica, le preguntó si conocía a Mariluz Bogarín. Giancarlo le dijo que "SI!" (los dos somos de la misma cuidad en Costa Rica: Heredia!)...el alemán resultó ser mi amigo Andi! :)

Status

2008-06-05T04:50:00.000+02:00

The author of this blog is in the middle of a "journey to the past". Full story coming up...soon...upon completing her adventure.

Magazine Cover Material

2008-05-28T15:17:00.000+02:00

ब्लॉगर!

2008-05-27T15:41:00.000+02:00

ब्लॉगर!

I like it!

2008-05-27T14:53:00.001+02:00

Ever since the opening of the new shopping mall here in Erlangen, there has been many changes in the city center. Several stores relocated to the mall and I was wondering -just like everybody else around here- what new shops would come to fill in the old spaces.

One important corner of the city center is now a big eyeglass/hearing aid store. A small branch of Müller, became a much bigger one in a new location. And today, I have discovered a new bookstore! I just had to walk in ...and of course, could not come out empty handed. I'm already a big fan of Thalia, but I certainly don't mind having another great bookstore such as Rupprecht on main street.

Here's my find of the day:

Besides practicing my (very poor) German, now I will know what a perfect letter looks like by German standards.

24 de mayo - Dia de Maria Auxiliadora

2008-05-24T06:00:00.003+02:00

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum,
benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui Iesus.
Sancta Maria mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen

Today's Rosary is about the Joyful Mysteries.

En mi aldea, estuvo así.

Batucada

2008-05-22T20:38:00.003+02:00

Viajar de Erlangen a Nürnberg es un recorrido que normalmente dura 20 minutos. La distancia es parecida a la que hay entre Heredia y San José. Se puede ir en bus o en tren, aunque es más frecuente el viaje en tren.

Tenía planeado ir a Nürnberg en horas de la mañana y compré un tiquete a tiempo para tomar el tren de las 10:45a.m. Sin embargo, ya estando en la plataforma escuché un mensaje por el altavoz anunciando que los trenes no estaban pasando de Erlangen a Fürth (una ciudad camino a Nürnberg).

Nos ofrecían llevarnos en bus y había que tomarlo detrás de la estación de tren. Cuando llegué al lugar indicado, ví un mar de gente esperando el bus...pero no había ninguna fila. Llegó un bus, se llenó y luego....esperamos un GRAN rato antes de que llegara otro bus. Para entonces, ya se había acumulado más gente. Dentro de la muchedumbre, se distinguía un grupo de personas vestidas de amarillo y verde cargando instrumentos típicos de una comparsa brasileña. Mientras esperábamos por el bus, podíamos escuchar como algunos instrumentos estaban "calentando". Por fin me subí a un bus -el mismo al que se subieron los integrantes de la comparsa- y estoy segura que el chofer pensaba que llevaba un bus lleno de colegiales a un paseo: todos íbamos cantando.

Cuando llegamos a la estación de Fürth (para -por fin- tomar un tren y llegar a Nürnberg) escuchamos por los altavoces que había un retraso de casi media hora. Inmediatamente, el líder de la comparsa hizo una señal...y esos instrumentos empezaron a retumbar de alegría -al punto que toda la gente que estaba en la estación (incluso las que estaban en otras plataformas) los acompañamos con el baile.

Llegamos a Nürnberg a mediodía, pero fue el viaje más alegre e interesante que he hecho desde Erlangen.

Corpus Christi ... and it's a holiday

2008-05-22T08:49:00.000+02:00

Today is Corpus Christi feast. It's a holiday here in Germany. We're hoping for good weather today....after we finally saw the sun and the temperature was really nice, we had to put up with a few cloudy, dark and chilly days.

Fabi and MasalaDad are enjoying some time together today.

Hope you have a nice day too!

Y la montaña hizo su llamado!

2008-05-19T08:33:00.002+02:00

Hace unos días había escrito acerca de la 5ta estación del año aquí en Erlangen: El Bergkirchweih, la feria anual de la ciudad.

"Berg", significa montaña y efectivamente la feria se celebra en un cerro. La feria se anuncia con el dicho "La montaña llama" y empieza el jueves después de Pentecostés a las 5pm.
La ceremonia de apertura, que se llama "Anstich", la encabeza el gobernador de la ciudad. Se realiza todos los años en una cava o bodega diferente. Doce días después, el último barril de cerveza se entierra en la bodega correspondiente al "Anstich" del siguiente año.
Este festival de la cerveza es una tradición desde 1755. Cerca de un millón de personas (10 veces la población de la ciudad) visitan la feria. Esto hace que el Bergkirchweih sea el tercer festival de la cerveza del estado de Bavaria, después del Oktoberfest en Munich y el Gäubodenvolksfest en Straubing. -- Fuente: Wikipedia.

Este año pensé que no iba a poder ir, pero justamente el jueves pasado -que era el día familiar del festival- Ishan y yo llevamos a Fabián. Le compramos un globo en forma de moto; se montó en varios carruseles y comió algodón de azúcar. Fabián insistió en entrar a la "casa de los sustos" y por supuesto salió llorando diciendo que eso no le había gustado y que sólo era para "chiquitos grandes".

El gran fallo fue no haber llevado la cámara. Así que no tengo fotos de la primera vez que Fabián se montó en un poni (cosa que no quiso hacer el año pasado). Su entusiasmo inicial se volvió angustia en el momento en que el caballito empezó a moverse, pero una vez que vio que yo lo iba acompañando, su alegría se convirtió en carcajadas!

Si hubiera llevado la cámara, también hubiera hecho un video de Fabián bailando en una banca al ritmo de música en vivo de una de las bandas (más o menos así). Se veía como todo un rockero, con su jacket y su gorra de medio lado. La gente le hacía rueda y hasta le estaban tomando fotos con cámaras y celulares! Ese día llegamos a la casa como a las once de la noche y a la mañana siguiente se estaba riendo todavía dormido y se despertó contando que había bailado bajo la lluvia (es cierto! hubo garua...) Por lo menos no tuvo pesadillas después de su primera experiencia en una "casa de sustos".

El fin de semana tuve una fiesta con unas amigas, y también aprovechamos para darnos una vuelta al Berg. Parte de la atracción de esta feria es el ambiente festivo de toda la ciudad. Hay muchas "after Berg parties" y nosotras fuimos al "Berg-Werk" (la fiesta que empieza a la 11:30pm en el E-Werk) durante los días del festival. Yo llegué a la casa a las 3:30am y el domingo me levanté a las 3:00pm .... No hace falta decir que me cayó muy bien irme de fiesta...¡y ahora hasta me siento rejuvenecida!

I wish...

2008-05-13T15:07:00.004+02:00

...all the people that are suffering in Myanmar (Burma) and China find strength and patience to overcome the consequences of the natural disasters that have recently affected them.

My heart and prayers - especially prayers- go to the people, to the children who are victims.

God, grant hope to victims waiting to be rescued.
God, console those persons who are separated and searching for loved ones.
God, have mercy on those who are alone.
God, grant wisdom, strength, compassion and healing power to those tending to the sick.
God, grant the survivors courage and the knowledge that you are with them always.

En este mes de mayo, mes de la Virgen María, le rogamos que por su intercesión, nos defienda y protega constantemente de todo mal.

Happy Day!

2008-05-11T08:48:00.001+02:00

On this day of Pentecost I pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and patience especially, for all the mothers in this world.

On this Mother's Day, I think about all the women who have sick children, who have given their children in adoption, who have children in heaven, who are waiting to be mothers...may they all know that it's their day too!

To celebrate this day I found a list of "Momisms". Here are some of the classical ones:

Money does not grow on trees.
Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position.
If I talked to my mother like you talk to me....
Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident.
Be careful or you'll put your eye out.
What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
Close that door! Were you born in a barn?
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!
Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
It doesn't matter what you accomplish, I'll always be proud of you.
I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"! (Also known as the "Mother's Curse")
This is why we can't have nice things.
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
Eat your vegetables, those children in China (Africa, Vietnam) would be happy to have some broccoli to eat!
If you fall out of that tree and break you leg , don't come running to me.
Someday your face is going to stick like that.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Yes, I *AM* the boss of you.
Just wait till your father gets home.
No dessert till you clean off your plate.
I've got eyes in the back of my head, that's how
Get that thing out of your mouth! (or nose)
Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you'll understand
I slave for hours over a hot stove and this is the thanks I get?!
Honestly... You'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on!
Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age.
Because I said so.
Because I'm your mother, that's why.

A much funnier version of these momisms is in this video that Liza posted.

HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The Fifth Season is here

2008-05-09T21:44:00.000+02:00

I wasn't sure if we were having an extended winter, an extra cold spring or if we were ever going to see the sun again. Now I'm sure there's going to be a summer (I have put away all the winter clothes), but more than that: I'm sure it's the "Fifth Season of the Year" in Erlangen. This time, it will be from May 8th-19th.

Who cares if I have to stay home tonight? I can always have a Radler while I blog, right?

Fiesta!

2008-05-03T16:40:00.000+02:00

Little Helper

2008-05-02T17:51:00.000+02:00

When he's not busy doing my windows or cleaning the floor, he plays that he's preparing me food (normally, he likes to pretend he's making me a sandwich!) I'd say I'm not doing such a bad job at training him after all! :)

My friend likes Costa Rican watermelons

2008-04-28T19:56:00.000+02:00

From: her
To: me
Subject: Wassermelone!

Darf ich nochmal dein Land loben? Ich habe gestern Abend eine Wassermelone von Costa Rica im Rewe gekauft. Nur ein wort: süß!
(Puedo alabar de nuevo tu país? Ayer en la tarde compré una sandía en el supermercado. Basta una palabra: ¡dulce!)

From: me
To: her
Subject: Re: Watermelons!

Thank you, Rong! I will forward your message to all watermelon farmers in Costa Rica! We're very glad you enjoy the sweetness of our country!
(¡Gracias Rong! Le daré tu mensaje a los agricultores de sandía en Costa Rica. ¡Nos alegra mucho saber que disfrutas la dulzura de nuestro país!)

How was your weekend?

2008-04-27T22:03:00.001+02:00

Spring is finally here! We did some shopping, went out to play and had really good snacks.

Pictured above: Batata vada and bhaji meets beer from paradise...the best of two worlds!

Aftermath

2008-04-23T09:07:00.002+02:00

Mission accomplished! My friend came back from her trip and I handed over her daughter -safe and sound. I think it's perfect to say that we all survived the experience. It was a big responsibility for me, but most of all...it was fun: we had makeovers, wore fake long fingernails (French-manicure style), we did homework, cooked, made crafts and spent a whole afternoon trying on clothes, hats and shoes at a department store (despite the fact that we were not going to buy anything). I'll say it again: Pre-teenage years are challenging, but also fun indeed!

My friend was in the Dominican Republic visiting her family and came back with lots of goodies, including this bottle of beer:

La voy a "vestir de novia".

If you're wondering why I'm so excited about a bottle of beer (knowing that I'm not exactly a beer drinker and I'm currently living in beer country anyway), the best explanation of what this bottle makes me feel like is in the following 30 seconds:

It's Earth Day! - Updated to add link!

2008-04-22T12:10:00.005+02:00

Liza reminded me that it was Earth Day. I liked her post! I also need to Wake Up!

Here's a concrete list of 50 ways to Help the Planet. Number 17! Who knew?!

"Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children." —Ancient proverb

This post is brought to you from...another dimension.

2008-04-09T17:55:00.006+02:00

Where have I been? What has been keeping me so busy that I haven't even blogged lately? Can you guess?

Well...I have been busy because Fabian has a sister now. Not a younger sister -as you would think- but an older sister. She's an 11 year old girl who is the daughter of a friend of mine. My friend is abroad visiting her own family and I have been in charge of taking care of her daughter while my friend is away. That's right! I have been a mother of two for 15 days now...only 7 more days to go (but who's counting anyway, right?!)

I seriously don't understand why I used to think that "Fabi kept me busy" and that "I didn't have any time"....because seriously....what was I doing before I had "two kids"?

My friend's daughter has been here while Sopan & Priya were visiting us. I have come to know the concept of having a "full house" now. Thank God for the two bathrooms, the big washing machine and the dishwasher in this apartment!

Here's what I have learned: Hausfrau = home management = NOT EASY!

Don't get me wrong: I'm not complaining! It has been a very interesting, eye-opening, broadening experience. I thank my friend for trusting me enough with her own daughter...but I think I am looking forward to my previous life again, so that I can leave this other dimension I am in right now. Let me tell you: "pre-teenage life can be quite challenging!"

You know what would also be nice? To get over this cold once and for all! Everytime I feel like getting overwhelmed with house work, I think of my mother, my grandmother and all the mothers in this whole wide world and wonder why it's not "Mother's Day" every single day of the year. Speaking of my grandmother...Abuela Carmen...she turned 95 years old! ¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, ABUELA!

I am beyond conscience-stricken with guilt for all those pending e-mail replies. Shweta, Ashwin, Rong, Shefali, Andreas, Marlene, Sergio B., Claudia....I owe you a reply! I will write as soon as I can!

Domingo de Resurrección...y mucho más!

2008-03-25T18:00:00.010+01:00

Resurrexi et adhuc tecum sum

(I have risen, I am still with you, for ever.)

This was a very special Easter...indeed!

Fabi's uncle and aunt - Sopan & Priya - had reached Erlangen a few days earlier and we planned a short trip to the capital of Germany. We woke up early on Easter Sunday to find everything covered with snow. We took an ICE train to go to Berlin. When we reached, Ishan, Fabi, Sopan & Priya headed towards the hotel, while I took a cab that got me on time to the Easter Sunday Mass Celebration of the Spanish speaking community. It was lovely! I later met everyone at the hotel and we went on to some essential sightseeing. We visited the famous Berlin flea market where Ishan found this gift for me. Then we took a bus city tour and I'm proud to have taken some good snaps, including: "3 and a half Indians riding past the Indian Embassy in Berlin" and "the new train station" (which I still had not seen until now).

Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is a holiday here in Germany and this year it was also Fabi's third birthday! This is my favorite picture of that day (you might be familiar with my love for the Ampelmann by now). Later we took another city tour: this time the birthday boy was thrilled to ride a boat down the Spree River. It was unforgettable!

Later that day we took a train back home to Erlangen, where lots of presents and homemade birthday cards were waiting for Fabi. He didn't get a birthday cake that day, but he did like his birthday ice cream.

Here in Germany, Easter also represents a time of rebirth, new beginnings and the magic of spring. The tradition of the Easter Bunny is observed and even though it was suppossed to visit on Easter Sunday, since we were away, the Bunny decided to come back with a surprise for Fabi. (In whispering voice: I *do* have at least one nice lady neighbor.)

That following weekend, Fabi eventually got to model his new Indian ethnic outfit and blow out some candles.

Before going off to Paris, Sopan & Priya enjoyed helping out to prepare for Fabi's birthday party. Since Fabi enjoys building towers so much, I thought a cupcake tower to blow the candles at his birthday party was a good idea. The cupcakes turned out to be edible, too! Not bad for my first attempt at baking something. It was a good thing I had Sopan & Priya's support! The party turned out great...at least I think Fabi enjoyed it!

Sometimes I wonder if Sopan & Priya were really here or if I just dreamt about it. Two weeks is really a SHORT time, but we enjoyed it a lot: we visited the Spring Fair, we had sunny and snowy days (always a good opportunity to have a winter fashion show) and of course, there were lots of hugs and kisses all the time! Fabi also enjoyed spending time with his Dad during the holidays :)

THANKS SOPAN & PRIYA!!!...COME BACK SOON!!!...

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!....

Viernes Santo

2008-03-21T11:03:00.000+01:00

No me mueve, mi Dios, para quererte el cielo que me tienes prometido,ni me mueve el infierno tan temido para dejar por eso de ofenderte.

Tú me mueves, Señor, muéveme el verte clavado en una cruz y escarnecido, muéveme ver tu cuerpo tan herido muévenme tus afrentas y tu muerte.

Muévenme, en fin, tu amor, y en tal manera,que aunque no hubiera cielo, yo te amara, y aunque no hubiera infierno, te temiera.

No me tienes que dar porque te quiera,pues aunque lo que espero no esperara,lo mismo que te quiero te quisiera. (Anónimo del siglo XVI)

"...y tan alta vida espero....que me muero porque no me muero."
Santa Teresa de Jesús

Jueves Santo

2008-03-20T11:00:00.003+01:00

"Maundy Thursday- the Thursday before Good Friday is celebrated by Christians with great significance. It was on this day that Jesus celebrated the Passover(Pesaha) with his 12 disciples, He washed his disciples' feet and then shared with them the Last Supper before His crucifixion. This was the institution of the Holy Mass.

On this day, the priests in Catholic churches carry out a ceremonial washing of the feet of 12 people following Christ's act".

Three years ago it was a Maundy Thursday when Fabian was born. This year another important event takes places on this day: Sopan & Priya have arrived from India to visit us for a few days.

Note: New pictures in my Flickr Album here!

De visita

2008-03-20T01:03:00.000+01:00

Nine more hours until Fabi's uncle and aunt reach Nurnberg!

It's going to be FUN!!!...

Dia de San José

2008-03-19T11:54:00.000+01:00

Happy Day to all the Josephs...especially to the ones in my family!

Have a HOLY WEEK!

2008-03-16T12:25:00.001+01:00

(Click image to enlarge it.)

Thanks, Sudeep, for this great image!

Please come IN!...

2008-03-14T23:00:00.001+01:00

In preparation for the HOLY WEEK, I managed to go to Nurnberg (with Fabian) for some soul healing.

"Blogging is kind of like going to confession. The more you do it, the easier it is to do it. And unfortunately, vice versa." Arwen-Elizabeth

Eliza's father - died at 85

2008-03-14T07:45:00.002+01:00

Joseph Weizenbaum (Berlin, January 8, 1923 – March 5, 2008).

> Hello, I am Eliza.

* Hi

> How are you today.. What would you like to discuss?

* Joeseph Weizenbaum, the man that made you.

> Say, do you have any psychological problems?

* Probably, but that's not why I'm here.

> Did you come to me because you are here?

* I guess that's one way of looking at it.

> What does that suggest to you?

* I just wanted to tell you that the man who created you died yesterday

> You're not really talking about me, are you?

* Yes, I am.

> Do you believe it is normal to be ?

* Are you sad that Joseph died? Don't you care?

> Perhaps in your fantasies I am sad that Joseph died? Don't me care?

* I would like to think that you would be sad.

> We were discussing you, not me.

* I can understand why you wouldn't want to talk to me about this.

> You're not really talking about me, are you?

* Goodbye, Eliza.

> Tell me more...

(Via Boing Boing)

Postcard from China

2008-03-13T13:20:00.001+01:00

THANKS, RONG!

Verliebt

2008-03-12T20:07:00.000+01:00

Yesterday as I went to pick up Fabian from his playgroup, another mother arrived at the same time as I did. As one of the caretakers opened the door for us, she said: "One thing is true for both of your kids: they are in love with each other!"

Apparently, Fabian has a girlfriend!

Google Saree

2008-03-12T19:29:00.002+01:00

Thanks, Noopor! I would like this one...and a "Blogger Saree" as well!...Cool, huh?!

Apropo, "I Search, therefore I am".

Update: It's the Oogle sari, by Satya Paul.

Dia de la Mujer

2008-03-08T09:10:00.002+01:00

It's International Women's Day today!

On occasion of this day, there's an interesting article here on gender roles.

Amelia Rueda es una periodista costarricense. En su blog publica este video acerca del "Día Internacional de la Mujer", que se celebra desde 1910.

Leap Year Day

2008-02-29T07:08:00.001+01:00

(Click image to enlarge - Via Boing Boing)

CineLady

2008-02-13T23:00:00.000+01:00

Somebody stop me!... I went out for the second (consecutive!) time in a week! with friends! to have *FUN*!

This time it was "Die Nacht der Frauen" (Lady's Night) at the movies. We saw a chick flick, but we also had drinks...before AND after! Last night I went out with my young, single friends. Tonight I went out with my "mommy" friends. I've been really celebrating "friendship week"!

Fun in February!

2008-02-13T03:02:00.000+01:00

Great food at Vapiano!

Cool drinks at Leon's Bar!

Fun time with ol' friends!

Perfect evening in Nuremberg!

Piedras Mágicas-Magic Stones

2008-02-09T15:48:00.000+01:00

Besides my wedding ring, the only "jewelry" I wear on a daily basis are earrings. Most of the jewelry I own comes from gifts that I have received from friends and family. Sometimes I even forget to wear things because I forget I have them in the first place. I have been meaning to arrange my stuff so that I can easily ~~find~~ see it and wear it more often.

A few days ago, I gave in and bought this necklace shown in the picture.

Do you like it? I bought it from a very talented friend and neighbor of mine, Maribel, who makes wonderful bijouterie.

It turns out Maribel is from Mexico and she uses stones (mostly quartz) from a magical place called "Peña de Bernal" in the state of Querétaro.

Latin America is full of traditions and I think it's wonderful to be able to own a piece of this magic through one of Maribel's creations.

I invite you to visit her wonderful catalog (which I have been helping out to create). As of now there are only pictures of bracelets, but hopefully very soon there will also be pictures of earrings, necklaces and rings as well.

If you want to own or gift some of her creations I suggest you send her an e-mail (preferably in Spanish or German). The prices are wonderfully affordable. (Hint, hint: Valentine's Day is coming up! This is a wonderful gift idea.)

Visit "Piedras Mágicas" here.

What does it mean?

2008-02-08T13:46:00.000+01:00

Last night I dreamt that I had a test and I hadn't studied for it.

Anoche me soñé que tenía un examen para el cual no había estudiado.

Ash Wednesday

2008-02-06T11:10:00.000+01:00

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Heavenly Father, let us enter the season of Lent in the spirit of joy giving ourselves to spiritual strife, cleansing our soul and body, controlling our passions, as we limit our food, living on the virtues of the Holy Spirit.

Let us persevere in our longing for Christ so as to be worthy to behold His most solemn Passion and the most holy Passover, rejoicing the while with spiritual joy. Amen!

Creciendo Juntos

2008-02-05T15:00:00.000+01:00

Ver fotos en grande AQUI.

Rosenmontag und Fasching Dienstag

2008-02-05T09:11:00.000+01:00

Rosenmontag: Fasching Party at "Die Villa". Adrian and Fabian dressed as clowns.

Fasching Dienstag: While most of our kids got to wear their costume one more time at their respective places of daycare, the Mommies -and friends- got together for breakfast. The employees of the bakery where we had breakfast chose a "Monastery" theme to dress up. It was hard to keep a straight face when I had to order my food to a young man wearing a nun's outfit. :)

Weird, Cool, Fun!

2008-02-02T06:24:00.000+01:00

"In this video clip, the Improv Everywhere group brings 207 apparently normal people into Grand Central Station, whereupon they all freeze, at exactly the same instant, for five minutes, standing stock still, as though they were caught in some kind of time-loop. Around them, the Grand Central crowd looks on in wonderment, trying to figure out what's going on -- a little scared, but delighted too. When the frozen hundreds all begin to move again at the same instant, the crowd gives them a standing ovation." - Via BoingBoing

Rickshaws in Costa Rica

2008-02-01T06:15:00.000+01:00

Pictures taken in the city of Heredia (¡Gracias, Alo!). The rickshaws are not used for public transportation, but a couple of years ago I noticed that the police force was using them. The one in the picture looks like it belongs to a shop.

My friend Karen has travelled around Central America and she had also taken a picture of auto rickshaws in another country (just like the ones used in Mumbai).

Wisdom

2008-01-30T06:14:00.000+01:00

I was talking to some friends of mine and the topic of 'gray hair' came up. (Yeah,we're such a fun crowd, aren't we?) I said that according to some tribes gray hair was a sign of wisdom and it was one (more) reason to respect your elders. I mentioned that I didn't know if I would dye my hair if it started to get gray.

"What do you mean?" - a friend asked. "Don't you color it already?"

Wwwhhhat?!?! I thought you could always tell when hair has been colored...it doesn't always look so natural...does it?

Does my hair color look ~~fake~~ unnatural in any way? hm....A few months ago, I tried out a mousse so that my hair would have a plum shade of shine for a few days...and after waiting 30 minutes before washing it out I finally had a look in the mirror and it looked exactly the same dark (black) color. I'm not doing that anymore.

So there you have it: I have been blessed by genetics. One more myth busted, Fabian doesn't wear contact lenses and up until now, I have never dyed my hair (although I have always liked the color blue!)