TRAVEL: Shanghai - donghua university chinese language scholarship september 2014

Shanghai

1-2^nd September

My flight over from Dublin to Abu Dhabi was delayed by and hour so I was only in that airport for 2 hours. Bit of a hectic journey as I left Belfast at 4.30am! The flight over was okay as I slept having taken some Diazepam, watched the other woman which was hilarious!

Once I ‘d got through the visa queue at immigration I aimed for the taxi, told that the bus that was possible to get to the school didn’t exist, and although quoted 200RMB by one women another tried to persuade me to get one at 550 before I haggled it to 350. I did neither and opted for going downstairs and getting a metred taxi at 180RMB. I soon as I arrived I had to leave my luggage in the building, and exceedingly tired get my student card (What a picture!) and register. Had to pay 500rmb for a room deposit! 50 for a month internet and another for a canteen card. My room is small and hostel like, on the 12^th floor, and I’m also meant to get a roommate at some point. My hot water usage is tracked and if I use it all up in one semester I need to pay for more!  My air con needed sorted and the fridge reeked, the loo has a whiff of sewer about it. It’s also very hot, sunny and humid! Least I am able to get Wi-Fi downstairs in the lobby and “coffee room” (there’s no coffee but it’s a nice sort of lounge area with booths) my Vpn on the laptop won’t work and I can’t even skype as that got made illegal last summer! China now has its own silly version? Got a metro to Xujiahui as I have left my laptop charger in my boyfriend’s house in Belfast, well done there Kelly! It’s an expensive area but filled with some amazing architecture for the malls. In particular the one I went to “Metro city” haggled my charger down to 210 from 280 RMB. I wandered around a bit passing a catholic French façade school established in 1850, Xuhai school. And also walked around Xujiahui Park marvelling at some black swans. Not the happiest about everything, but at least better off than my friend Rosie who just arrived at her university in Wuhan and has been told nothing!

I got my internet password sorted the next day at the dodgy run down student resources building. Here I met a few girls, 2 Danish and 1 Hungarian who all study in Denmark, we went to Lianhua road to find farmers market and were unsuccessful however it was good to socialise and afterwards had my dinner with the Danish girls in the canteen. Not the most appetizing though, rice and veg and I unfortunately had to scrap off bits of meat.  Spent my night skyping, researching VPNS and looking for a fashion internship in shanghai.

Wednesday 3^rd September

Didn’t sleep till 4, it was way too warm. Got up and showered after 10.30 and emailed some more shanghai designers before exploring the campus. My classroom looks modern and okay, I passed the shanghai fashion and costume museum and explored around the sports areas, the gym looks impressive from afar, but looking in it seems more like a gymnasium, I later found out that many students pay for memberships for a gym elsewhere.

I asked for my fridge to be looked at, used the Wi-Fi finding it wasn’t working I went back to student services and they gave me a different password, yet my other one works for my internet, confusing! Got a vpn sorted, paying $8 a month with safervpn. Had a plain lunch of rice and pak choi from the canteen.

I then explored the surrounding area trying to find shanghai mart as it was recommended for fabrics. It’s fantastic! Full of read to wear clothes, designer products for buyer, materials and accessories to order or buy, I took some photos and got some cards, very informative!

I went back to the hotel to double check about the fridge and to use the internet before getting the metro to Naxiang station to look at Nanxiang ancient town. 

It is not easily signposted at all, and there seemed to be only Asians, so, my advice, turn right upon leaving the station, go straight, the road with begin to curve and you will cross a highway. Continue straight to Dehua road, Past a couple hotels, you will come to what seems like a barrier gate, with a small opening, continue on, for maybe 10-15mins and eventually you will find it, there’s a sign eventually saying that its nearby, once you pass a school. 

It’s a small area, of old buildings with traditional Chinese style roofs, there was a temple and some gardens but both were closed when I arrived there, closing after 4.30 pm. It was nice to look at, and there were lots of different vendors and shops, 

I went into a nearby shopping area where some small Chinese children took a shine to me, being the only white girl around, they followed me and started speaking Chinese, I didn’t understand, but said a few phrases to them, like hello and my name, they instantly took this for fluent Chinese and got very excited. I left but later on around the area I found another girl who seemed to have followed me, it was quite cute. DO NOT use the toilets though, it’s the worst kind of squatting toilets, the ones that have no doors and are just hole, sanitary towels were amongst it too, not appealing!

I had a quick look at the mall beside the station but it wasn’t very interesting before getting the metro back to the university. I went online for a while before meeting up with the Danish girl. We went to a fun bar/restaurant called “Perry’s” there are 4 in Shanghai apparently, it was ladies night and it was packed. The place is like a doodle pad with writing everywhere, along with flags. There were several people up dancing around the bar area and the music was good. You can drink, have food and smoke shisha. It seems like a very popular international student place. 

Thursday 4^th September

Today I had my medical, good thing I didn’t get one at home or I would have had to pay twice! Filled out a sheet, asking everything to: was I pregnant, had I previously had the plague to have i got aids….got bloods taken, paid 470 RMB got an x-ray, and ECG and then bullied by an angry Chinese lady who made me hold a spoon to my eye and read very VERY small Chinese lettering and to tell her whether it was up or down…I passed but it was hard! Chilled in my room before heading for Shanghai Museum.

No-one seemed to give the right directions, I got out at the wrong exit to begin with, however, and found myself confused at the beautiful People's square, one lady assumed I was looking for the shopping plaza and lead me to Han city, the place I have been before that does all the excellent and cheap fakes! Good to know!

Eventually I got on the right path (the opposite way I was headed) and passed the huge Shanghai theatre, where I previously went and saw the amazing Shanghai acrobatic show. The museum itself is on beautiful grounds and holds various artifacts, the first floors holds ceramics dated from the earliest BC, some ceramics over 2,000 years still had visible paintwork. Pieces under 1000 looked so good and so skilled that they’d be purchased now. Of course the porcelain was fantastic, delicate, beautiful, colourful and artistic. On the other side of the ground floor the Buddhist/Chinese culture was shown through statues, was interesting to see having spent so long in Buddhist Thailand.

Upstairs held beautiful calligraphy pieces, from writing to paintings, a delicate skill. Seals were explained, originating in China, and there was also a currency exhibit along with jade. My favourite of course was Chinese costume, showing the different styles of the ethnic groups.  Some were heavily embroidered, others thick and long for warmth, colourful, simply designed or heavily bejewelled. There were also some interesting and sometimes scary opera masks too!

After the museum I decided to walk the famous Nanjing Rd starting at the west end. Full of high design shops, it was very fancy, I felt so poor just looking at them, from cars, and watches to designer handbags and clothes stores, names such as Ferrari, Gucci, Prada and Cartier highlighted the street in huge signage. I passed the beautiful Jin’ang temple and took a stroll round its park, finding a private resting spot among some rocks before deciding that my feet were too sore to go on (I walked over 3 stations!) I spent my night relaxing and begging forgiveness from my feet. 

Friday 5^th September

Today was the induction day. Thankfully starting at half 10 (mornings are most definitely the hardest, tiredness, the realisation that I’m so far from those I love and that I cannot talk to them for ages,(7 hours behind me) the loneliness.) It was on until 12. We were given an introduction into the school international services, the rooms etc., and the clubs we can join. Missing class is taken very serious, miss over 1/3 and you can be disqualified from your exams that year or expelled! Thinking of perhaps joining street or Latin dance, and maybe the shanghai experience club as they take you on adventures. It seems that perhaps classes will only be in the morning.

Had lunch with the Danish students. Rice and spicy tofu (chilli pieces had to be scrapped off as its just not pleasurable!) before getting my first months allowance (200rmb more than I expected) getting my insurance card and heading for Sijing.

My map app unfortunately wouldn’t find the ancient town for me, and the map I had wasn’t very good (Google maps) fortunately I had a brochure with the name in Chinese. At least that’s what I thought. I ended up directed, and in, some sort of army show, full of men (of course) and families looking at huge Chinese tanks and even a plane! So random!

So I decided after this to use the picture and Chinese symbols for Anfang Pagoda. After asking several people and checking I was going the right way for 20 minutes I arrived beside it and a bridge, only to find that although it was way before 4.30 (the closing time) that it was closed! So annoyed! Got a few pretty pictures and went for a stroll in the nearby park which was full of small ponds covered in huge lily pads. There’s so much going on in Shanghai that it’s nice to find the older parts or the parks to get away from the hustle and bustle.

I looked in a few shops on my way back, which were pretty good, particularly the shopping mall across from the station, selling very cheap clothes, in particular cheap tops for 25rmb. I may actually be back for them!

I then made my way to Shanghai HongQuio station to pick up my ticket for tomorrow to Wuhan. (Reasonably easy, I lined up in the queue and showed my passport and the ticket number I was given beginning with E) I can get my return tomorrow from either Wuhan or shanghai and I won’t have to pay the 50rmb handling fee. Although I could get the metro tomorrow I think I will get the taxi as it’s all quite confusing and I don’t want to get lost and miss my train! On my way home I spotted someone with Durian (my favourite fruit from Thailand!) I peeked in to the nearby fruit shop and they have some, not the cheapest but I will just have to treat myself. YUM!

Back at the dorm I was shocked to discover that I now have a roommate. A Korean girl called Taiyung. She seems nice, she is staying for 2 years and seems to have brought everything with her, from mirrors to a clothes horse, and she bought a Wi-Fi router and gave me the password on my phone! Well prepared. She seems friendly and I’m hoping we will get on ok. She was going out with some other Koreans for a drink which suited me as I needed sleep, and when I was getting up to leave the next morning, she still was not in by the time I left (5am) perhaps she stayed at a friends as she knew I was leaving early or maybe she is a mad party animal. We shall see!

Got my taxi very quickly to the station (50rmb) and went through security. I bought my return ticket having written down exactly what I wanted from the site (you can only purchase 3 days in advance)  found my gate easily, got a drink from the vending machine before boarding at 6.15 finding the car and seat as written in the top right corner of my ticket.

Tired I slept in odd positions, the child or person behind me kept kicking the chair (is it horrid that I imagined slow deaths for their cruelty? haha!) and I discovered the joys of using a squatting toilet on a high speed train

Saturday 6-8^th September WUHAN

Arrived about 12.30 pm in Wuhan station Rosie met me, hadn’t seen her since November, if it wasn’t for me suggesting and egging her on about the scholarship she wouldn’t have applied. We got a bus towards her university stopping at Wuhan east lake park – Moshill and paid a student’s entrance of 30RMB.

It was a huge park! Lots of places to go, things to do and see, we climbed up to a building dedicated to a Chinese general marshal with a large statue outside it admiring the views below (and sweating profusely may I add) walking and climbing instead of taking the cable car.,(thankfully it wasn’t as smoggy in the park thanks to all the plants and trees) the bugs in the park were huge, from beautiful large butterflies, to huge mega sized scary wasps and beetles. We continued, passing a log slide that looked very fun but we had too many bags to do, and climbed the pagoda style building (so many stairs) we spent ages chatting and it felt like we hadn’t seen each other than in a week rather than several months. On down to the grass park like area we found that you could rent Segway’s which looked great fun, and got some photos with some local Chinese outside a gateway. We admired the small lakes and lily pads everywhere, and a garden of bonsai, seeing one the size of a small tree, clearly very old.

Once we were done and our legs and feet had had enough, we got another bus and got off at her university, Wuhan University of Geosciences. A very large campus, I was only in one half of it as the other half is across the road. A 6 floor building she lives at the top and has to climb the stairs as there is no elevator. The reception area was poor and the maintenance had fallen, if it wasn’t for the people sitting at the desk you could think it was abandoned. Her room is small, she shares it was a girl from Suriname (South America) called Sarida. They have queen sized beds that I later learnt felt like wooden planks. Their aircon isn’t working and they had to buy a fridge. The shower works but it is a wet room bathroom. Mine seems the better accommodation of the two.

We showered off our sweat before meeting the two other Suriname students, Darys and Afsol; two friendly, funny guys. They don’t particularly looked southern American, as Suriname has quite a mixed culture; they seemed to all speak quite a few languages. Sarida has Indian heritage and Darys has Malaysian. Afsol and Sarina are Muslim so we to dinner in a Chinese Muslim restaurant. I had some delicious garlic spinach and tried some spiced green beans. Dared Rosie and Afsol to eat the fish eye and brain, was near sick when Rosie did it right beside me (even though I egged her on) I can’t abide things being done to hurt eyeballs (I couldn’t watch the laser eye treatment scene in final destination!)  I felt quite at ease soon enough and we briefly went to the bar “prison” to chill before heading back for some sleep.

 Sleep did not come easy however. The herd bed and lack of aircon along with an oncoming cold resulted in a restless miserable night, for me and Rosie; I also awoke to mosquito bites, brilliant.

An early breakfast and a jog was not on the cards the next morning, I felt awful! I briefly sat at the bank for some Wi-Fi, to message my boyfriend and family as Rosie and Sarida still have not got theirs, though they organised it earlier in the week.

Sarida, Afsol, Rosie and I got on a bus (with a long journey) to the Hubei Provincial museum, free in. A huge place, it offers free water, air con and western toilets with we used happily. It has about 4 floors along with some side building exhibits. We looked round the first four, and discovering surprisingly that the first was all about Napoléon Bonaparte, with actual artefacts from that time. It was very busy and quite interesting as I never studied the Napoleonic wars in school. We learnt about the wars, the wives, the generals and his family. He tried to commit suicide at one point and failed as the medication he used was out of date! I presume that the Chinese have an exhibit about him as they admire his military and politic skills; perhaps they see communist ideals in them?

On the floor above we saw jade artefacts, pottery and ceramics and learnt all about the first men of China, with ancient skeletons and tools etc.

It was all very interesting. Afterwards we went to McDonalds as Sarida already hates Asian food and she’s only been there a week.

Chinese men seem to take to this “new style” of pulling their skirts up, exposing their stomachs like belly tops, it’s quite gross and they seem to do it everywhere  =/

Tired, we all got on the bus and mainly dozed before heading back to the university dorms and having a nap. Miraculously, the mechanic seems to have finally come when we were out and the air con is finally working. Glorious! Later, having failed to find the canteen which Rosie has a card for and passing the interesting “fossil trees” area of her university. We found a fast food sort of place where you get rice and choose what else you want. I got a delicious vegetable and tofu scoop and some spicy vegetables mainly onions (hopefully they sweat out my cold, my nose literally has not stopped running the whole day and the soothers I got, a Chinese version are disgusting and taste of aniseed, thankfully I was able to get some sweet orange ones later)

This was 6 RMB! And I got a free omelette soup, plain but tasty! And a delicious lemon ice tea. Such a great meal! We then met Afsol who wanted food (the toilet I used in his restaurant didn’t lock so I had to use the toilet “crouching tiger hidden dragon style”) we then met Darys and his friend, they’d been at a meeting and got some Moon cakes as tomorrow is the Mid-autumn festival  and there is a full moon. They went and got street food, and while we sat a random Chinese man sat at the next table (“my English name is David”) and asked all about Rosie and I and explained what he did and how he needed English white girl teachers for his school, paying 600RMB a week for 4 hours work, he said Rosie and one of the guys could do it, getting their emails. It was creepy at the start “I have car I can show you about, show you nice views on way to school” haha. But they may actually consider it. Chinese stare way too much, and it’s got to the point where I just stare back, doing so earlier on the bus an old Chinese man started talking to Afsol as he could speak some Chinese, apparently I have yellow Chinese skin. Class…

Also lots of them keep saying hi. Clearly the only white English girls about #whitegirlproblems

Had a much better sleep thanks to the aircon! Up at half 9 we went around the local area while Rosie and Afsol got bikes and we picked up the passport pictures we took last night (£1.50 for 8 such a bargain!) we met Sarida and Darys at the metro station and headed to the Hubei bund area. Full of some cool shops and a whole area on wedding dresses! We spotted an adorable pet squirrel in one of the windows!! We went to the Wuhan beach area (Bund) the waterfront. It was so smoggy you couldn’t see the other side of the Yangtze, and the sky was grey/dark blue. We had literally just dipped our feet in to the perfect temperature water for a downpour to start. Never seen people move so fast in my life, it was hilarious! To top it off, a man was halfway across the river swimming with his bags when this happened, must have been crazy for him. It was refreshing for us though. The puddles were warm and you could even see steam rising from it! Crazy!

Made our way to the station to begin going through after the others had just left for the guy to realise that the ticket date said 14^th! FUCK! Need to be back for class starting in the morning, what the frig! I panicked, couldn’t get through to anyone and kept saying I need to go to day, looking lost and sad they understood when I asked if I could change the ticket. Thankfully one took me to the upstairs ticket office and got it changed for me for 6rmb. Train is now 4.30, however with no seat. Spending 6 hours on the floor behind some allocated seats (I feel even more like a bum than ever but I was NOT standing for 6 hours!!) thankfully, after sleeping in awkward positions on the floor (there was a Chinese lady doing the exact same across from me) sneezing, coughing etc., the woman in front took pity on me and told me to take her seat when her and her on left, so for the last 1-2 hours I had an actual seat. I even made it back on time around 10.30 to get the metro back to the campus

FASHION: Belfast fashion week launch August 2014

Belfast fashion week launch August 2014

The week run up to Belfast fashion week launch, interning with Cathy Martin and the gang at CMPR in Holywood.

Having eventually found the new location of CMPR headquarters having gone via train, I soon discovered that I’d left my laptop charger behind.

However I was given lend of one and told to begin counting stock that could be used as part of the goody bags for the launch.

I must have counted hundreds of products. Facial care samples; make up, tan, shampoos and conditioner. It seemed never ending. I also began writing up a list.

I continued this the next day and was joined by two more interns, the guy, helped me begin to construct the goody bags. Nearly 200! Adding in new stock such as; vouchers for food, cinema tickets, hair products and more. Unfortunately for me, after all my counting, everyone was told they could have a few things before it was all chucked in together in a big barrel. Ever feel like you’ve wasted a day?

After my hour lunch break (where I strolled around the small town, finding an old graveyard and church and a cool shop which had B- movie pillows) I spent the rest of the day doing a mailing list and messaging Facebook invitees to RSVP to the event.

More clothes arrived after this as well and we began putting them on the rails.

Wednesday was spent borrowing clothes. I met Cathy in town having picked up some dresses for the show from Lizzie Agnew (my current bridal design employee)

Before Cathy and I went to different stores borrowing some of the latest fashions and trends that could be used on the models for the show. 

Originally she planned one look, but in the end the models had 2. 

We borrowed from house of Frazer, Una Rodden, Marks and Spenser's, along with several other brand names and local designers, having already received stuff from Next and Superdry, Marie Claire millinery and others.

Back at the headquarters, Cathy began putting outfits together for the models while a dress and model plan was written up. we then al headed to Belfast were the launch was being held the new Belfast fashion week headquarters were in "live church" near the Dublin road cinema. Hidden in a gateway courtyard, it’s very large and full of rooms, with a warehouse feeling but decorated in a kitsch fashion with lots of cute boards, fairy lights and upcycled furniture.

WE were given a brief tour and told where things would be, the stage, the models, the sushi bar, were the goody bags were to be kept and then given out, were the drinks would (Belfast fashion week is always sponsored by West Coast Cooler) etc. it was all very pretty and seemed like a great hidden gem to host.

Dressed in the team's them colour of navy (I borrowed and outfit) I arrived in the rain and cold unfortunately at 8 o'clock. We began promoting the event on social media while the models were in hair and makeup and we awaited the clothes form the CMPR headquarters along with the goody bags. Once they arrived at 10 we set the clothes rea up back stage and filled the goody bags with west coast coolers. 

The Asos delivery had been ordered late and we were still waiting on its arrival, in a panic one of the girls remained behind. It arrived at 11.45 to Holywood, the show was meant to begin at 12. In a mad dash over the 2 items were placed on the rail and were able to be used!

The models got dressed in some outfits and got some press launch photos, before changing into the first round of styles for the show. 

Instead of a typical runway show the models were on pedestals and only moved when the styles were being presented. 

Disaster struck, 5 minutes in, one of the models fainted!! 

With each model change there was a mad dash to redress them, clothes were strewn everywhere, no organisation and utter mess!! 

Took forever to get it all sorted and by that time the models were borrowing some random pieces for some interviews and photo ops; a messy disaster and a mad rush.

We were unable to find a dress for ages either and, although told we could go home after we were told to return to base and begin organising the clothes to the fashion brand.

It was a bit disorganised and hectic, especially as this morning along with the Asos delay due to a late order. Cathy changed the outfits for the models.

However, on the outside it all went swimmingly and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

You never know what happens backstage until you work in it, nor do you know the pressure, organisation and stress that goes into the events. 

A great experience and look into the business side of fashion along with fashion shows, model dressing, styles  and trends

TRAVEL:Spain and Tangier July 2014

Tuesday 22nd July Costa del sol

Hola! Flying from Belfast City, or “George Best” Airport. Had a rather strange hot chocolate there, an Italian one which had a rather strange coffee like taste to it? The flight attendant who checked our passports before boarding had awful “scoosh” brows (why do people do this to themselves, they look silly!)  Took off at 1.50pm, a quick and quiet flight we arrived and picked up our luggage very quick. Flying over the sand like Andal Mountains was a lovely sight, nearly 6pm local time we easily found our grandparents who came to pick us up and take them to their apartment in Costa del Mijas, near Miraflores. The journey to it seemed to be the quickest yet, and seemed like I’d only made it yesterday as all the sights were so familiar having been going since I was 7. A hot 31* at night after unpacking and having a tasty “batido vanilia” vanilla milkshake, I did some lengths in the pool with my sister before heading to the very popular “Da Bruno” and Italian restaurant with several versions all along the locality. Very popular and quite tasty, I celebrated the safe flight with my favourite Spanish cocktail, Pina Colada. It took a long time before we were served as it was so busy, which was very unfortunate as we were starving! Luckily my “Gnocchi” in 4 cheese sauce was fantastic! Writing this now I am actually salivating in recollection!

Queso – cheese  leche – milk el vaso – glass   tortilla – omelette el pan – bread  el platano – banana el ajo – garlic  helado – ice cream bocadillo – sandwich

Wednesday 23rd July   Mijas

Nothing is better than lazing in the sun reading (the Nelson Mandela Autobiography which is absolutely superb may I add!) before going to the pool for a dip and some laps to cool off and returning to the sun, we bought some Lemon juice today to naturally lighten our hair, and of course using some heat products as it dries out. The pool was full of young kids enjoying the fountain that gets turned on twice a day, jumping through it and splashing about, something I used to love myself, I felt so old thinking about it! Hoping to be able to do 50 lengths in one day before I go! At the local shops had a “café Bonbon” not the healthiest, milk, condensed milk, coffee, sugar and sometimes cream too, but tasty! The shops have changed ever so slightly as to be expected with the recession, but it’s still the same at heart. We went to Mijas, a white Spanish town in the mountains famous for its Donkeys. We got some lovely photographs of the views and a natural stone, almost peddled looking church before going round the shops and getting some trims. Rebecca (my sister) got a fabulous organza and lace princess dress with laser cut butterflies all over it. The butterflies were coming off slightly in some places and needed a couple stitches, so I haggled it down from 10euro to 7! A very Hot 38* after a much needed cold drink we headed back to the apartment to relaxing after book the day trip to Tangier Africa, (approx. 60euro)
Later we had dinner beside Cappobeno beach, sharing veg tempura and then veg Paella with Rebecca and Nan, while getting the wrong sort of customer attention from a certain waiter! (Some men make it too obvious) joked around and taught my gran some funny slang words for boobs and bum: “bagunas” boobs, and “badonka” bum!


Que hora – what time is it?   Quantos es? – how much is it? Rebejah – sale  reduccio - reduced

Thursday 24th July Malaga

Got a lift to Feungerola and then got the train to Malaga, a quick and easy 45minutes (though not as clean and tidy as it was a few years ago) it was quite empty and a cheap 14 euro for two return tickets.  We got off at the main station which we’d never been to before, it’s also a shopping centre.  A cooler 27 in the shade we first headed to the main shopping area, under cooling high raised canopies from her we went to the Malaga cathedral (3euro for a student) it was beautiful inside, high ceilings, thick columns, neo gothic décor and stained glass windows. As usual the interior size took me by surprise, the alcoves each dedicated to a different saint.

On our way to Museo Carmen Thyssen we passed a “drunken sailor” and an armless beggar, the sailor called to us, it was early afternoon! Had some tasty iced drinks in a café, I had a delicious orange and vanilla blend, very creamy. The museum was more of a gallery, holding some beautiful art pieces, mainly romantic and impressionist works from around the 1800s based on Spain, the people, country and culture. There were some very realistic sea paintings and one of a woodland that looked like a photograph even close up, fantastic remarkable skill by an artist named Emilio. There was also some strange sculptures from old churches, such as a very creepy Jesus crying blood from around 13th century.

After we browsed some more shops we rested in the “jardina” near the “marina” close to the main shopping street.  Traumatically however, while walking back beside the main road beside the gardens my eye caught the sight of a man hosing something, however it didn’t appear right, I then took a proper look, telling my sister in disbelief, and a man was wanking in the park, in broad daylight, facing the cars!! We’d seen the man while we’d been reading. Traumatised! Rebecca wanted to tell the Policia, but what could u even say! Who knows the Spanish word for masturbate?! Never in my life have I experienced this before! Thankfully it was kind of funny as we were far away but we may not have been! There are some strange people in the world!
We did some shopping on our way back to the station and looked around the shopping centre (see yet again more weird sex things, a goo egg for men to pleasure themselves with)
Got picked up in Feungerola and headed to Elviria for some dinner to a Japanese restaurant called “Mecca” my granda was a bit anxious about it, not really understanding it, however we all enjoyed the podded peas they gave us for a snack, my sister and I had some delicious spring rolls (they had shitake mushroom in them!) some Aubergine Maki ~(which had a creamy sauce in the centre, very tasty) along with some stir fry veg, rice and veg tempura which my grandparents also had a bit of along with their own teriyaki. We all enjoyed it so much we all vowed to return. We even got to keep our lovely chopsticks! We all had a good laugh too as there was a very strange English man wearing white Austin powers glasses and a diamond stud earring who sort of resembled a gay Jimmy Saville and kept putting his scarf on his head like a turban

Billette – ticket Me Gusta – I like me No gusta – I don’t like

Friday 29th july
went to the nearby Calahonda area, full of shops and restaurants. got some great books to read all for 1 euro from the charity book shop. had some delicious freshly squeezed orange juice from the local cafe and made full use of the free wifi. Back at the apartment we enjoyed the sun and the cool pool, thankfully less busy and empty of kids today than previous ones. Then we went to Feungerola for some shopping! heading straight to my favourite shoe shop across from the bus station and purchasing some awesome black and leopard print wedges on sale for 22euro, instantly wearing them.   also made the unfortunate decision of wearing short shorts and recieving lots of leers from men.. got very excited in the fabric store as there was a great sale on with lots of fabrics which could be made into lavish designs!  got tshirts for my brother and boyfriend from my favourite shop "burska"
meeting our grandparents at the main square in front of the church, we headed to an indian for some dinner having some delicious onion bhaji's and samosa which very delicious cheese and garlic nan bread! the korma and balti were very tasty too (we all shared our food) and finished it all with a complimentary lemoncello (our choice)

feungerola town was absolutly buzzing with people tonight, then again it was a friday night. its definitely becoming quite the upcoming place for teens by night and families by day, affordable with shops, restaurants, beaches, a water park and zoo!

manana - tomorrow hasta luego - see you soon  beunos noches - goodnight

Saturday 26th July  Tangier
ready at the pick up point near our apartment for 7.15am. We had a few more pick ups on the way, going through Marbella etc, we passed the famous Gibralatar rock looming in the distance before arriving and boarding our ferry at Peurto Tarifa. The company we were with was one which i had used before "Rusadir travel" with a heart symbol. We got stuck with several different American tourists on the trip, many of which had loud obnoxious voices and opinion (I am not a morning person, nor do i like over enthusiastic people, they make me want to punch something, especially if im tired!) our departure was late (a regular occurance apparently) it was only about 45 minutes to an hour in travelling, a fast ferry that quickly went through the 16km over the gibraltar straits.
MoroccoTangier , was not what I expected, first off, it's a Muslim Country, everyone is Arabic, not Black (a tad rascist I know) They speak French and Arabic, it wasn't overly hot and the buildings and areas seemed quite run down and not in a very Arabic style.
It's the last few days of Ramamadan so it was quite empty. Firstly we drove around the more wealthy areas having acquired 2 more tour guides who spoke english, French, German and Spanish, one of which was wearing traditional Muslim garb. There was a combination of different nationalities on our tour, Swiss, Spanish, American, Dutch, and German and British too.
We finally stopped for some photos and to take a Camel ride, it felt quite natural and easy. And a bargain for a euro each! it was only a short ride, where we were led by a local. There were of lots of peddlars, we travelled onwards, passing the presidental palace, before stopping at the M'dina and looking around the casbah. it was very run down, peeled faded paint on the buildings and all the streets were very narrow and maze like, with the buildings rising up on different levels, very confusing, thank goodness we had a guide. There's lots of peddlars who follow the tour and harass you to buy wares and you try to barter them down as low as you can.

WE stopped for lunch, going upstairs to a restaurant full of different styled items, old 19th century ceilings and lights mixed Moroccann with lamps, seats and paintings and then with a few random French and Islamic styled wall decor.  Our lunch was included in our trip, drinks however, were not, but Rebecca and I had some cans in our bags which we drank. we had a watery Moroccan spiced soup little with vegetables and clearly a touch of cinnamon in it, with some tasty flatbread along with a hot fruity spice sauce with a sheeshkabob,  (tasty if you dipped the bread into the sauce and then into the soup) or the main we were served traditional delicious couscous with vegetables and a chicken leg, it was very fluffy and full of flavour! followed by a delicious Moroccan tea and a honeyed biscuit (very sticky and super sweet!) All along, while we ate Arabic music was played by a traditional band, seated on cushioned on a slightly raised platform, adding a great atmosphere to the simple eating experience.

After our lunch we went to a carpet making and silverware store where we were seated and shown the different carpets, and the seller explained how they were made and how long it took to make (always by women and it took from 3 months onwards depending on the size and how many women worked together to make it) It was all very expensive and so we didn't buy anything (though of course some of the pretentious Americans did) Outside I bought some magnets from the peddlers, they intimidated Rebecca., but they seemed to flock around me. It was such a contrast from the last Muslim country I was in during Ramadan. Dubai is so full of Glitz, glam and style and very strict here one of the couple in the group held hands and many others were in shorts with their arms and shoulders on display.

Our last stop before the return for the port was a purple pharmacy, we were given a quick demo of everything, and we learnt that Eucalyptus was good for colds and headaches but also hangover, also, drinking water for 18days with 3 strands of saffron can lower Cholesterol for up to a year. Here we got 3 for 2 on the tea we had earlier, for 10euro a scented musk cube that last for 24 hours and repels mosquitos, a spray to help aches, pains and in particular arthritis, Moroccan spice mx and black lacquer eye kohl all for 35 euro. Outside I bartered down matching blue and silver necklace and bracelet down to 4euro.

We were then guided back through the Kasbah and unfortunately came across a local with a chained capuchin monkey (how cruel!)  The security at the port was pointless, we put our bags through the scanner and no one paid attention to it!

Tangier is strange and not what I expected, it’s quite dirty and grubby: edging on the poverty line. It was quite empty due to Ramadan and as it’s a Muslim Country it’s quite sexist and segregated, for example the public toilet is only available for women to use during the day and men at night.  Earlier in the day Rebecca tried to touch a nearly dead cat which easily could have been rabies infected it looked so dreadful.  Yet surprisingly on the ferry there was a middle aged Muslim woman with her mother who was breast feeding in public!  I couldn’t understand this, especially since some Muslim women won’t eat in public or do so behind their Burka face covering. Arrived back in Spain after 5 and headed back up to where we were dropped off. Texted my grandparents to let them know (I didn’t text them from Morocco as texts were 40p with calls at £1.25 p/m and received at £1.50 p/m. Had a pleasant drink later in Georges bar and had a look at the local night Bazaar.

Sunday 27^th July Istan

A very hot morning, we went to the local bar, “George’s bar” and enjoyed a delicious antioxidant acai smoothie having just finished the Nelson Mandela Autobiography, a fantastic, moving and inspiring read which I plan on reading again soon! We then took a trip past Marbella up the mountains and winding roads to Istan, and old Moorish town in origin, a typical Spanish white mountain town The views along the way were breath-taking, looking down from the mountain road  to the valley and blue crystal reservoir below. Higher and higher we climbed until I began to think we had lost the way as there was barely any mountain road left, until finally we say the sign, and round the corner, hidden was the white town of Istan; an array of white houses stacked over different levels peeping in amongst the brown and green mountainside, with some huge villas high in the distance and small old abandoned shack size homes further below.

It was very hot and sunny but with a charming breeze, we had a drink and looking down over the views before Rebecca and I went exploring. Here the water runs pure and drinkable through the mountain down to the reservoir, we could drink straight from the fountains in the street. The first place I’ve ever known to be able to do that in Spain. We passed an 18^th century church, seeing only a few people, it was a very quiet and relaxed area, and the people whom we did pass were all Spanish.

As we walked along we could hear the rushing water underneath us, we strolled down admiring the wild countryside I thought of Washington Irvine’s “Tales of the Alhambra” down to the first main viewpoint passing a crematory cemetery. The view was beautiful, the sight of the reservoir far below in the sunlight was dazzling, an azure blue colour, which appeared so close, yet in reality was far below.

Later we went to “La Cala” where the fair was on, it’s last night. There were lots of stalls among the seafront were I got a beautiful necklace. Unfortunately the restaurant we went to was awful, and my stomach felt a bit iffy the rest of the night. It took nearly half and hour until Rebecca got her soup, which was cold and had to be reheated, very unprofessional, not to mention not very tasty.

The area was full of locals, the fair was full of bright lights and décor, we got some cute bows from a stall, it was buzzing with kids, with live music, full of stalls, games and rides. Rebecca and I played against some kids in lazer tag, they ganged up on us, and although Rebecca tied first with one of the kids I came last! It was vitalising, I felt like such a kid running around in the dark with my laser tag gear. We then met up with my grandparents again and persuaded a slightly tipsy gran to get a photo on the metal donkey, we weren’t taking no for an answer, very funny!!

Monday 28^th July

I thought I’d been lucky so far, but not today, I got burnt, around my armpit? An especially hot 37’ today but thankfully with a slight breeze we booked our tickets to Rhonda and had a cold refreshing drink in the nearby supermarket café, the Spanish drink brand “Kas” tastes exactly like Fanta. We went to the Miramar shopping centre to try and escape the heat; they even have a Primark now! Unfortunately though Gag (my granda) began to feel dizzy and couldn’t see straight, too much sun and dehydrated we spent ages making him sip water and trying to cool him with wet cloths before security had to escort him and us to a taxi in a wheelchair leaving the car behead (which they collected the next day) had a swim at the apartment and while the others went to Miraflores I went to George’s bar to use the Wi-Fi, had a tasty hot chocolate (I love the milk here, very mild)

Tuesday 29^th July RHONDA

Our coach picked us up at 8.50, unfortunately our driver had a very dull voice that made you feel very relaxed and sleepy, your mind easily wandered. especially in between switching from English to German. We stopped for a stroll around Puerto Banus discovering we were on the same trip as the German mother and daughter from last time, and the annoying American and her son (who looked much older than his 14 years and would rather not be with his mother, especially as she just talked about her wonderful daughter) She definitely knew how to talk, especially about her and how amazing she was, and her wonderful ballerina daughter, she didn’t like early motherhood as young children are too clingy, Charming. She tried to get me to add her on Facebook, giving me her personal card. Strange! After a half hour stroll along the marina (in which the American couldn’t understand why we had stopped at this “village” (It’s one of the most famous and fanciest areas of costa del  sol, though unfortunately as it was so early everything was shut!) we got back on the bus and made our journey through the mountainous lanes up nearly 3000ft above sea level, overlooking, the mountains and hills raised high and low around us, brown and green bushes and trees covering the area with the well-known Spanish white towns darted amongst it in the distance, beautiful. 

Our first stop was the famous Rhonda Bull ring, the largest in Spain, even with the protective barrier up to stop the bull attacking audience overhanging feet. This one (there was an older one in the old town but it has been built over) was built in the 1700’s, it holds 5,000 people and is the most expensive. There’s even a royal box!

We were shown were the bulls were kept, why this cruel practise was allowed - large land size needed for bulls that farmers don’t have, bulls only are kept alive until they are 7 as it’s just too expensive, and if not used at 7 for bull ring killed before for cheap meat or breeding, selling at 7 for 6,000 rather than 1,000. 10 are chosen for a match and 1/10,000 live and can live the rest of their days freely (sort of like gladiator)

Only one person has been killed in Rhonda’s bull ring, however more people die during the running of the bull festival which kills up to 15 a year along with people entering a bull’s territory.

The different “shaving” techniques were explained, the horns shorn depending on if the matador is on horseback. A matador begins from the age of 14/15 and at the top of their game they can make up to 8million a year (in effect they begin like a famous Hollywood star)

In Rhonda the matador cannot leap the fence to escape the bull, if he does so he forfeits the prize. (The bull can jump up to 2m in height!) They can hide and protect themselves behind a small wooden barrier, of which we saw was covered in marks from bull horn attacks.

It turns out the bull is colour blind and is not aiming to attack the red cloak but is in fact aiming for the feet, the matador uses the cape to cover his feet.

We visited the museum attached to the bull ring, finding out bull games originated from BC with the Iberians that lived at Rhonda.

After this (thankfully losing the Americans as they spotted friends) we walked over the “New Bridge” (which is in fact quite old) over the deep gorge, a wondrous sight! The bridge led us into the old town inhabited now by only 900 people, full of beautiful old houses and villas

We visited a beautiful manor house with spectacular views over the surrounding area, with a beautiful fountains and floral garden courtyard with Andalucía tiles. The interior was just as beautiful with its 19thC tapestries, religious inner courtyard and antique Baroque furniture.

Next we went to the Plaza that covered the old bull ring (we were absolutely boiling by this point with the lack of breeze and intense midday sun!) where the old church and basilica sat facing it, one that in fact held a bishopric and had a lavish gold gothic exterior apparently.

The next manor house we went to was entered from a small pebbled street, the “Bodegas la sangre de Rhonda” wine interpretation centre. Here we did wine tasting straight from the barrel and fountain, favouring in particular 2 sweet wines which even Rebecca liked, the dry wines however were disgustingly sour!

We then had our own chance to explore the area, having some delicious Rhonda tapas a vegetable mix in a tomato and saffron sauce a bit similar to ratatouille. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go to the romantic museum and instead paid in look into the old church “Colegiata Santa Maria la Mayor” admiring its interior ornateness, full of real lit candles. Afterwards we made our way back towards the bus, browsing the shops on the main shopping street (which is apparently over a Km long) I would definitely return to Rhonda, perhaps you could get a bus from Marbella.  The journey alone is worth it for the sights.

Once back down and having lightly dozed my “siesta”  and made a stop in the old town area of Marbella which I’d never really explored before, wandering through Orange square, the town hall, the old fortifications and the old church  and main church. I shall have to explore these at some point! Once back at the apartment I cooled down in the pool before heading to Feungerola with Rebecca for some shopping, my favourite fabric store there was having a sale and I purchased a couple Metres of different fabrics. Ha d a delicious “Fresa” slush puppy and then a relaxing well needed bath back at the apartment before bed.

Wednesday 30^th July

Another very hot day we went to La Cala market, which is open every Wednesday until 2pm, a place where haggling is customary. For example I haggled down an old bracelet for Rebecca, got a lovely red and green handbag for 5euro and a beautiful silk peacock feather design silk scarf for the same price. The market was full of people, held in the same place that the fair had been the previous 

week. We had a drink in the local Irish bar before getting some clothes in the Chinese fashion shop. I felt like I was going to melt, the thermostat was reading mid-30s. I had a much needed swim at the apartment and later headed up again with Rebecca and Gag to find it the fullest I’ve ever seen it, absolutely full of kids!

We went to Marbella for dinner, heading to orange square and browsing the shops we got a t-shirt designed and printed especially for my brother (Rebecca choose some anime show)  for 19Euro, (he was very happy when he received it back home!) We had dinner in the square starting with a delicious Pina colada which seemed to quickly go to my head; I dipped bread into Nan and Gags pil pil sauce, (delicious!) before we all shared vegetable Paella which was incredibly enjoyed by all. A lovely Spanish night! The only problem was that the waiter was a bit creepy round me, calling me beautiful etc. yet later on introducing his new born to us; Spaniards are quite odd at times! We stayed until late, after midnight. and got some lovely photos in orange square

Thursday 31^st July

Got up early to go shopping in Miramar which is full of all sorts of shops, including a very large Burska (my favourite Spanish clothes shop, found in a few other European countries too) it was having a summer sale and I got some clothes from it of course, along with pull and bear. We got picked up and stopped halfway for a refreshing drink overlooking the sea as there had been a traffic accident which was slowing everyone down, it cleared by the time we were done and then headed to Calahonda for our hair appointments. I was getting my roots down, along with a trim and a curl. My hairdresser was clearly gay from his attitude and he kept saying “perfecto” we he seemed to do something that pleased him.  He added argon oil to the bleach and later but some over the blue, which slightly faded it but it’s still visible (it was originally purple!) he explained that some of my hair was broke at the front due to bleaching and that I need to be careful (I look like I have a cows lick and a mini fringe at times since it’s grown out a bit) I was there for longer than the others, 2 hours, but my hair was nice, Rebecca’s was fantastic looking in particular and she was very happy to not have to stand and get it cut like usual as it's very long, in fact, the hairdressers got down on her ands and knees to trim it!

We headed to the fancy “Aventa” and had a tasty Pina Colada, the restaurant had a lovely sea and beach view and was very fancy, it held some ridiculous modern art for sale for an absolute fortune, i'm a fine art sort of person, I dont see any skill in modern art at all.

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We got ready at the apartment before heading to “villa Toberia” beside the famous “club Marbella” A very fancy expensive Italian restaurant its beautifully decorated in the courtyard, the interior and the garden, full of wall motifs, roman statues and fountains, got some great photographs. – Very high market, normal pasta dishes and starters were around 20euro and some French wines nearly 3,000!! We sat in the charming courtyard to begin with full of flowers, wall fountains and roman busts (many of which I recognised from my trip to Italy) one of the fountains outside ha huge Koi Carp, around 20, some were definitely bigger than my dog! 

The atmosphere was great, we moved to the garden and patio area for our dinner having snacked of a garlic dip with cucumber, celery and carrot. There was live piano music from inside accompanied with song, the waiters were attentive and the food was alright (overpriced and nothing special, you go for the atmosphere, the beauty and to be seen) some waiters were too friendly, I thought this was to impress my grandparents but I am beginning to think Spanish waiters are just strange  It set me at ill ease to be honest, one was professing his adoration to my beauty while another wished to marry me, these were late middle aged unattractive men, please leave me alone thank you, this is not a Jane Austen Novel! Rebecca caught one checking my cleavage, how unprofessional! The owner came over (apparently he often chats to Nan and gag) he also had a look and placed his hand on my shoulder precariously close to them, not professional or pleasant! He thought Rebecca in her cute dress from Mijas was aged either 15 or 12 and would not believe she was 20, he gave us advice that we should “go for a man that is good on the inside not just the outside”

Had delicious hot chocolate and got some more photos before posing for some more photos and paying the very expensive bill. We got complimentary drinks in which I choose a baileys. 

Soon we departed with everyone in great humour, however back at the apartment Nan and Gag wanted to continue on, this was after 1am. So while they had a drink with the neighbours Rebecca and I went for our traditional night time swim before we left Spain. Unfortunately the lights were off and it was cold but I am happy to say I achieved my goal of doing 50 lengths in a day J

Friday 1^st August

My crazy grandparents partied until half two last night and needless to say

were not feeling the best. Rebecca and I got the bus to Feungerola around 10.15 for some last minute shopping, buying yet again more materials, and I bought stuff from pull and bear (there’s a first for everything) we headed back around 1 for some final packing before heading to the car rental after some final swimming and sun bathing. The rental guy drove us to the airport, Gag was not feeling well for the whole journey with uneasy breathing (he suffers from emphysema)  Rebecca’s hand luggage was 3kg over and the woman at the desk was going to charge us 45euro to book it on, don’t think so! We moved some things about and later put them back in her suitcase. Got some liquor 43 for 14euro and a litre of Smirnoff for 12. The final day always goes in so quick, and of course, when we landed it was cold and wet, typical!

Adios amigos, Hasta Luego