Winds of change...

It's the end of an era. Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Insert here any other over-used philosophical phrase, the point is, this weekend I commemorate two important events: one is that I'll be 9 years closer to 40, believe or not! The other is to say farewell to the place I've been working for the last 8 months.

It's a big step, I am not only saying goodbye to my old job, I'm going to be working in London, and although I've been warned by my fellow Mancunians to be wary of them 'damn Southerners', I am very excited about the new challenge. Never mind that this confirms the chilling prediction made by my horoscope back in January that “in September I will get the chance to demonstrate my full potential at work” (read previous post for details).

The fact that I move to a new job just when I'm turning 31 and at the start of Fall, my favourite season, it really makes it feel like... Alright, I'll say it: the End of a Cycle and the Dawn of a New Era! (Add echo effect)...


And speaking of which, what a relief that Summer is finally over. It certainly has been one to forget. Nothing like last year's... This time around we had awful weather, not to mention dreadful events including floods, a terrorist attack, kidnapping, senseless violence, Manchester City top of the League... It looked as if it wasn't going to end. But now the winds of change are blowing bringing hail and rain (it's Manchester after all!) and I am looking forward to the new job and exploring the 'Big Smoke'.

It's a funny feeling leaving Manchester. I have grown so close to the city that it almost feels like I'm leaving my home town. OK, so I have not actually mastered the Manc accent and I don't wear tracksuits to the movies; but at least I know you must always greet people with 'Y'awlright?' and I know that things do not get resolved... they get 'so'ed'. You could say that when it comes to Manchester, I'm 'aving it!

I realised how much the city has become my new home when a couple of months ago a friend from the Dominican Republic came here to live. There's nothing like welcoming a fellow foreigner to make you feel like a local. You find yourself showing the best parts and making excuses for the city: “it DOES rain here, but it's never THIS bad... You should have been here last Summer!”

I have been living in England for over a year now, and having someone to pass on my knowledge of the culture is exciting. You get the opportunity to provide essential information such as how to tell from a lager, a bitter and an ale; introduce him to the diversity of British cuisine: chips, kebabs and curry; and advising him never to say 'I support Manchester' when referring only to United.

Wait a minute... Have I really been here a year!? Time flies when you are eating Eccles cakes! Actually, I've been here exactly 1 year and three months. I arrived on June 7th 2006, and this year I wanted to write something to mark the anniversary. I tried to reflect on how much of the British culture I have inside and if it has changed me in any way. But then Doctor Who was on and I forgot all about it.

I'll miss Manchester, though only on the weekdays. Due to visa requirements that prevent Myriam to move as quickly as we would wish (despite the fact the Queen owns her passport!), I'll be coming up North quite often. It will be an interesting experiment, watching life unfolding in the two main English cities and making Richard Branson a bit richer. Watch this space to see how it comes along, I promise to write more often.

Written in the stars

Six months, one day, nineteen hours and thirty minutes after my last post, life in Northern England is evolving in many interesting ways under the refreshing rain and soft wind. And apparently according to my horoscope, and when I say "my horoscope" I mean one of the many versions I happened to read, this new year is going to bring me even more pleasant experiences.

A few weeks ago, New Year's hangover still fresh in my head, I was sitting at my desk on a very slow day. Driven by absolute boredom I picked up a colleague's magazine. Although it was not the kind of literature I would normally preferred, its main headline in bold shining letters pulled my attention: "Your 2007 Horoscope! - What has this year in store for you? Is it love around the corner? Would you get that promotion you have long desired? Read all about here with tips from our advisors!"

It's interesting to see these "advisors" giving recommendations on how to handle your inevitable future. "You will have a terrible accident, call us at this number and find out how you can avoid it. The call will be charged at your standard rate plus connection fee, but the first 15 seconds are free if you call RIGHT NOW!"...

I mean, what's the use? If it's going to happen, what else can you do? "You will receive an unpleasant visitor this week", alright I'll keep my door shut! "Beware of a friend's secret"... guess Friday night is off then!

I admit though that I get curious about my star predictions. I know this may sound as denial, but I read any horoscope I come across just to enjoy the confirmation that it's all rubbish. I can not be expected to take the words of these clairvoyants seriously, specially when I think of this one from back home, dressed like an androgynous Merlin, caressing a crystal ball in a very disturbing way and saying that you're unique despite addressing himself to thousands of people.

Regardless of these evidences, I decided to read what 2007 has in store for me. Among the usual mushy-mushy stuff there was one prediction that stood up from the rest. It said January will bring "new challenges for me at the workplace". This is actually true; two weeks ago I joined an insurance provider as customer adviser, a new job in a new domain. You could say this constitutes a new challenge for me, so I’ll give them that one.

The rest of the prediction went on to say that the next 12 months will bring me a "bigger home space", it talked about a "time for commitment in the relationship" (scary!) and that in September I will get the chance to "demonstrate my full potential at work", whatever that means. Watch this space for news on these predictions.

One interesting thing was the description of my ideal partner, saying that this person would be someone that posses "a gift of making houses look good and owns a special cat". The first statement could be applied to any woman or a builder (!?); but the second one is spot on considering that, it was precisely Myriam, who hand-picked our pet cat Stewart. He is more than special; he is psychotic with a keen interest on jumping into the bathtub whilst we’re taking a shower and enjoys banging himself into walls.

I discarded those predictions as pure coincidence. But then days later, I was faced with what the local Manchester newspaper had to say about Virgo on January the 9th: "There is something about today's date you should remember. If it's a birthday or anniversary you could be arranging a surprise for someone special". Any other day I would have laughed and be amused, but it happened to be the day of our second anniversary together and I was planning a surprise supper for Myriam that night!

This was freaking accurate, I couldn't believed it! Could this stuff be right? Are these real gifted people? How is it possible that all Virgos have January 9th as a special date? I was impressed but not quite convinced yet, until I realised the paper was on to me. Days later, around the time I received the news that my application for a Masters had been accepted, the reading for Virgo was: "News received will be of importance to your current long-term goals. This might be the confirmation of you having been accepted on a training course". No comments…

Needless to say, I am now really looking forward to 2007... And of course, you are all invited to visit once I move to my bigger home space ;)

For a minute there… I lost myself

Well, I am alive and well. Things have been quite hectic these past two weeks, although, now that I try to list the things I’ve been doing, there is not much to say really. I have been working at the bar 6 days per week. The work is alright, but switching from night to day shift in the space of 24 hours gives you a sort of jet lag feeling and drains all your energy. Or maybe I am just too old for this crazy lifestyle :)

The Eraser

I have it! The Eraser by Thom Yorke! Myriam bought it for me, what can I say? She treats me well ;)

First time in my life that I owe a record fresh from released… who’s the coolest guy? :p

Football players, referees and other freak shows

I just came back from watching the World Cup Final, well actually, I only saw the shoot-outs. Myriam and I went to the movies and afterwards we decided to grab a bite at our favourite (and cheapest) pub. This World Cup had already put football in a new low for me and thus I figured that if I was to watch actors flying around and characters with questionable morals, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 2’ was going to be of a better value for my money.

The match was on the screen when we arrived. It was 1-1 and a few minutes away from penalties. I was not surprised, I expected that considering the teams involved. Football has become so boring and ugly it does not deserve the label of ‘beautiful sport’ anymore. It has become a circus show, a mixture of theatre with some flying gymnastics and officials throwing red and yellow cards like confetti. Players faking injuries, diving, harassing referees. Plus idiotic new regulations that look as if they come from a desperate father with no idea on how to control his naughty children.

Italy is the new champion of the world, but it’s a country that has four of its top division clubs being accused of match fixing. Then there were the actions of Zidane, never mind the barbaric reaction, the fact that one of the great gentlemen of the sport reacts in such a way in the last match of his career has to be a wake-up call for the rest. And to top it up, the winner is decided with penalties, a stupid invention based purely on luck. Why they don’t keep playing? I mean, one team is bound to drop dead tired, isn’t it? I bet that players would put more efforts when they know there’s no end unless a goal is scored.

These mind games and tricks on the pitch have become so regular, that people accept them as part of the game. This is what saddens me the most. I am a fan of the sport, true, but for some time now it has been in a steady decline in my preference. This started when I discovered rugby in Toulouse, a sport where athletes face their opponents instead of trying to have them sent off. Where faking an injury would be the shame of your teammates and where fans can sit side by side without having to call the police.

It is ironic that my disappointment comes when I just moved to the city of my favourite club, not that they are any good at the moment, mind you. But then I see that the Mancunian-based rugby team is the current champion of England; it must be a sign! I shall follow it ;)

Day 30: So f***ing special!

Today Myriam and I mark one month of arriving to Manchester. We still have a long way to go to reach the desired status, but we can’t complain. We have all the home appliances finally installed, so at least something is going right!

Today I indulged in a luxurious buy… a magazine. One that features an interview with Thom Yorke, lead singer of my favourite band of all… Radiohead. I went to a newsstand to put credit on my mobile and made the mistake of passing in front of the magazines. There it was, his face on the cover and tempting words such as “the ultimate interview” flashing in front of my eyes.

I held it in my hands for seconds that felt like centuries. How could I justify this expense to Myriam? I putted it back in its shelf, but it kept calling me from the distance… “buy me.. buy me, I’m just a simple magazine… reading is good for you”. It was too much to resist. I took it and when Myriam joined me at the counter I tried (unsuccessfully) to justify myself stating that I deserved a reward for our efforts.

Myriam smiled and said nothing. She knows as well as anybody that is close to me that when it comes to Radiohead I loose control over the two sensible neurons that I owe. It is the closest I get to be a compulsive buyer. I can’t help it. I know I am annoying about it, but their music is the only one that can really affect me. Most people find it depressive, but I find it inspiring.

When I saw them in concert three years ago in Nîmes, seconds before starting I felt that kind of nervousness and awkwardness that a teenager would feel dancing with his sweetheart and dwelling whether to try to kiss her or not.

I am not their number one fan, by far. I don’t have posters or t-shirts of them. I don’t check their webpage regularly and I don’t posses rare bootlegs. I have however, all their songs and lyrics printed out. Indeed, I am a fan of the music they make and the lyrics they write. I admire their political views and I agree with most of them. I am fascinated by their creative process, their originality and by the way they handle fame.

Next Monday, Thom Yorke will release a solo album. I’m thinking of leaving all my money at home in case I pass near a music store. Although, come to think of it, I do need some new music to bear the long daily tram journeys. Hmm, do you think Myriam would buy that excuse?

Day 27: Everything in its right place? Not quite yet, but close!

Today I go to bed with a feeling of being closer to be properly settled in Manchester. Last Friday we got the washing machine installed (finally!), today I opened a bank account (Yeh!) and I also had another job interview for a day work. My bar skills are improving by the day, I don’t make too much “beer head” anymore and I have memorised all the weird mixes. I am actually starting to enjoy the work the there.

Speak English please!

It has been a busy week, I really can’t complain. I have worked the last three nights and little by little I am getting used to running a bar. The only difficult thing is learning all the combinations. It’s amazing the endless mixes that I would never think were possible. There is this thing they call “lemonade” but it’s a sort of seven-up; they mix it with anything: beer, wine, vodka. They also love to add sweet liquor to their beers and drinks. And you won’t believe it, it actually tastes good!

The other thing I’m struggling with is the accents, but I was expecting this. In fact, one the reasons I wanted this job is because it allows me to have contact with different kinds of people and therefore hearing various accents. There’s not a better way to grasp the local accent than taking orders from semi-comatose people. One customer ordered a glass of “vit bin”. I had to ask a co-worker to take the order for me and it was actually white wine!

I have a Scottish supervisor who I don’t understand a freaking word he’s saying. I always repeat his orders just to make sure. Once he said: “take these chairs to the next room and put them in a circle”. But what I actually heard was: “rotate the chairs in this room and then spit on each of them”. People here must think I am a shy quiet person -can you believe that!? It’s because I spend most of the time de-codifying the words. Although, this is not new for me, it happened to me in Toulouse. So I know that more sooner than later the accents would become usual to me.

This reminds me of Norway. There English is an everyday language. I would go into any shop and immediately order in English. It’s like a second language. Even people asking for money on the street speak it. But then somebody would approach me and make a comment or ask a question, in Norwegian of course. Sometimes I would answer in English but other times I would just make an awkward laugh if I see it was a funny comment or I would make sounds like: “hmm hmm”, “ja”, “oh nej!”. I do the same here when someone on the street says something, I would go with: “you're joking!”, “that’s true”, “I can imagine!”.

I actually developed a sixth sense. It started with my family in Belgium when they spoke in Dutch, and I had this in Oslo from watching the news in Norwegian and “reading” the letters that the government sent me. I don’t actually understand but I sense what people are saying. So by memorising some commonly-used phrases I could manage to go unnoticed. I think I am developing a version for the Mancunian accent.

Job: check!

Yesterday I had my first day as bar staff and it went well. I struggled a bit with the beer taps making too much beer heads, but otherwise it was a breezed shift, despite the England-Ecuador game. The bar was crowded but relatively calm. I am looking forward to this job, I have always been curious of what it’s like to be behind a bar. I know most people do this in their early twenties, but hey, one is never too old to try new things ;)

Just minutes ago I received a phone call to offer me a job, which was the second offer of the night. Why is this happening? Do you know when you are single for a while, you start to think that nobody likes you, then as soon as you start going out with someone you found out about a couple of girls that were interested in you. All of a sudden you are fancied! It’s the same with job searching! The good thing is that so far, I’ve chosen the prettiest one ;)

What happens with no money and no TV on Friday night?

You found yourself cleaning the flat. Tonight Myriam and I performed a complete cleaning of the flat. We passed the hoover (my task by the way), we did the bathroom, kitchen, windows, I even took the rubbish out just to comply with the cliché of man’s large range of house duties.

Tonight I received calls from a couple of friends, Srini, as well as Max from back home Dominican Rep. I appreciate their support and encouragement. The weekend looks promising though. I got a call from a bar for a trial this Sunday. An old friend is coming to visit, in fact, Craig is the first British friend I made like 5 years ago (Damn, has it been that long!?). Plus out of the blue, we might get the visit of Myriam’s goddaughter, an international model who will try to squeeze a gig in London -sorry, I had to mention that :)

It will be a busy weekend. This is good, because with no TV there’s no point of staying home.

Day 14: The vicious cycle

Today I got frustrated with the process of settling down. I found a possibility to do temp work for a catering agency but for that I need to have a bank account. To open a bank account I need to provide two utilities bill (water and electricity) to prove that I live where I say I do. Apparently showing a lease contract and a receipt of three months of freaking deposit it’s no good! Now, to have the utilities bill I need to pay for them. To pay for them I need a job…. Is it me, or something is wrong in the process here?!?! Argh!!!

The only good thing today is that they finally delivered the fridge! They still need to install the washing machine, in the mean time, we can now cook food in dirty clothes.

One thing I discovered, our situation it’s excellent to get rid of street salesmen. Today one approached us and said:

- Are you students?
- No, but we might be later.
- Are you working?
- Not yet, we are looking for one.
- How long have you been living in the UK?
- About two weeks.
- Ah, pretty new huh? Well, bye!

Works like a charm!

Day 11: No one can stops us now

Today we got together with Alex, the guy we met a week ago. He was very kind to offer advice on looking for a job, details about studying in this city and how to get around here. The conversation was an energy re-filler. He was in a similar situation a year ago and now things are working out for him. Hearing his experience gave me the push I needed. I’m now starting a new week with high hopes and with a renewed confidence.

Day 10: Get into the groove

Today I allowed myself to feel blue. The job searching hasn’t been successful so far and the freaking fridge is still no where near the flat. I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, I’ve just been properly looking for a job for five days now. I have to expect to be in this search for at least one month. I know I am doing everything I can, just need to relax and be patient. Something good will come my way.

I realised today that Myriam and me I are in a kind of linger estate. We are not tourists but we are not fully active citizens neither. The hard thing about this is feeling out of tune with the rhythm of the city. When you are new somewhere you are always dodging the people on the streets and struggling to find your way through. Once you have a propose, you are synchronised and able to keep the same pace as the rest. I need that propose, that reason to be in Manchester. I know I’ll find it, it’s right there waiting for me to grab it.

Day 9: Ten years after

Ten years ago this day, a bomb planted by the IRA exploded in the heart of Manchester’s city centre. Though no one died thanks to massive police efforts, it did damage several buildings that had to be demolished completely for renewal. The efforts to rebuild the city from the rumble and the people coming together from both sides of the political spectrum, made possible the Manchester we can enjoy today. For that I’m grateful, makes me care about this city even more now.

Day 7: Everything in its right place

Tonight we got home and we got a nice surprise. Most of the bedroom furniture was there and part of the kitchenware. We were so excited we felt like those people in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We were so happy that we started right away to do the cleaning. I have never been so happy to do housecleaning before.

I have always been a bit private with my home. For me, my house is like a fortress, where I go after a day’s work and relax in my own controlled environment. I have always being like this. I am the guy that normally goes to some else’s house for a gathering rather than serve as a host.

I am happy with the one we got, the first place Myriam and I rent together. It’s the beginning of a new era in our life. The flat still needs our touch in some decorations. Once we do that and get the fridge that is still missing from the package, we’ll have a nice nest.

Day 6: Flat, check!

Today we signed the lease for our new apartment! We only had to pay three months of deposit, a bit more than we were expecting, but it’s worth it, because we are actually going to have it fully furnished, including the basic kitchenware and bedroom furniture. However, they are bringing the stuff during the week. We moved in anyways, the bed is there and that would suffice. Besides, we needed to get off paying a hotel.

Day 5: Massive!

We needed a pharmacy and they told us the only place open on a Sunday it’s in the Trafford Centre. We took the bus and I asked the driver how many stops until the Centre. He said not to worry, “you can’t miss it, it’s massive”. And indeed it’s huge, I felt like a dumb tourist asking where to stop. It’s an indoor complex of more than 270 shops, restaurants and cafés. If you can’t find something, it must be here!

Day 4: Football's coming home

You could feel the electricity in the streets, people were getting anxious to watch England’s debut in the World Cup. A part from the crowd, it was actually a nice day. People having fun under the sunshine. The weather is still treating us well. The sun is out but is not too hot either. England won, scrappy win, but still a victory that put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Today we met two interesting people. One is Melanie, a French girl who works at the Alliance Française where Myriam left her CV. And the other is Alex, a Colombian who works at a coffee shop where we stopped for a nice cup of mocha. We exchanged numbers with both of them. It’s always good to meet people that know the ways of the city that you just arrived. They could be of great help later.

Day 3: New World Cup… new country

The World Cup is here! I remember when the previous one started in 2002. I had just arrived to Oslo and was sleeping on a mattress in an empty room. I was struggling with the bus strict punctuality, getting use to the sun rising at 3 AM and adapting to a new interesting country. I can see the parallels fours years later. A new country, new things to learn, and again a kind weather to start the adventure.

Today Myriam and I spent the whole morning visiting apartments guided by Stuart, a very friendly guy that could not believe why we changed the Dominican Republic for Manchester. We laughed, he’s just the first person to ask this, we are expecting this question to come up a lot. We settled for one we actually spotted on our first night here, in a nice neighbourhood, with a church just around the corner (not for praying you see, but it gives the street a calmness that I enjoy). We are waiting on an answer from the landlord regarding how many months we have to pay as deposit. Because we have no history in the UK, we’d have to pay from 3 to 6 months deposit. Ouch!

In the afternoon we went to Piccadilly Gardens, the city main square. We sat on the grass and enjoyed the magnificent weather. I got a call from my brother Eric in Genoa. We talked for three quarters of an hour about life, the universe and everything. I have to say I like my family, so often each one is in four different locations. Some might say it’s sad to be apart, but for me it’s exciting having the opportunity to hear about different parts of the world.

Day 2: Welcome to Manchester

Last night Myriam and I took a stroll in the city centre and today we continued getting to know our home. Our first impression is very good. The city looks youthful and very active without being extremely crowded. I have to say, except for some parts, the city is not one to go around admiring the architecture. It’s a city to get things done and then to go and enjoy yourself. This might be odd to point out, but I am impressed with how this city has taking under consideration people with disabilities. Anywhere you go they have facilities to get around easily. Maybe it’s a national policy, but it’s good to see that it can be done.

About the British, well, so far we don’t understand this reputation of cold and unfriendly. Everybody we have met so far is exactly the opposite. Granted, things are different when you first arrive, but my travelling instinct tells me that this impression has good chances of proving right in the long run. I actually found people here to be loud and talkative, even when they’re sober! This surprised me, I though only Dominicans were that noisy. All and all, I like it so far, sure we’ll find things we don’t like as we get to know more, but that’s part of the game, otherwise it would be too easy.

How to move abroad and make it enjoyable whilst at it

1. Keep your spirit up at all times. It’s a long journey and one that will mean big changes in your life. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and not let yourself get down by the perils of flying.

2. Travel light. It’s hard enough that you are leaving home for a new one to having to deal with too much luggage. Try to take only the essentials, you will always have an opportunity to come back for the rest or just buy new stuff.

3. Choose a comfortable place to stay. This is crucial! You are arriving to an unknown place, you need to set up your headquarters somewhere comfortable and at an affordable price. You have already too much to worry about, so choose somewhere you can come back at the end of the day and relax.

4. Remember your value as a human being. Settling into a new country can be bureaucratic and tricky at times. But remember that you have nothing to fear and things will come your way. Take this example, is when I called a letting agency regarding an apartment:

- Hello, I am interested in an apartment you’re renting.
- Are you an UK citizen?
- No, I come from the Dominican Republic.
- Hmm… Do you have a job?
- No, but I am actively looking.
- Have you worked in the UK for at least six months?
- Nope, I just arrived yesterday.
- How much per month are you planning to pay for a flat?
- What’s the minimum possible?
- (silence)
- Hello?
- Yes, okay, come tomorrow to the agency, we’ll see what we can do.

5. Finally, be prepared to survive the elements. When moving from a tropical weather to a cold rainy one, you need to bear in mind that life won’t be that easy and you need to accept that the weather could bring you down sometimes. Don’t forget to always take an umbrella with you!

Ten things to remember from the DR

In a few hours we’ll be taking the plane Manchester via Madrid. Last night, as I finished preparing my suitcases, I started to think of what I would miss from the Dominican Republic… as well as what I won’t miss. I came out with a top 5 list. Here it is!

The five things I won’t miss from the Dominican Republic

1. The weather. Sticky. Humid. Over 30 degrees. Who in the right mind wants this all year long?

2. The traffic. My brother went to Cairo once and reassured me there are worst places, but I am not convinced yet. Sure there are easier ways to develop a high blood pressure, an ulcer, arthritis and becoming deaf, and that just passing to second gear. Forget a dominatrix, this is the ultimate masochist experience.

3. The SUVs. Jeepetas as they’re called here. I know streets are a jungle here, but it’s insane the amount of SUVs in this country. The most unoriginal car you could ever buy, but for some people it’s a question of status. Others say it’s safer to drive one of those dreadful machines. And I agree, Jeepetas are harmless, but those old public transportation cars going at 40 Kms/h really scare the hell out of me.

4. Reggaetton. Don’t get me wrong, though it’s obviously not my kind of music, I don’t have anything against it. What I won’t miss it’s hearing it everywhere all the time. It’s like an eternal summer hit. It’s freaking everywhere! In TV adverts, political campaigns, they even use it as elevator music now! It amazes me the number of songs that can be made using the same basic beat and scrambling the same lyrics. They told me the female voice in every song is actually from the same woman! I guess that is why they always say the name of the band in the songs, just so you know who you are listening to.

5. Customer service. I can’t imagine anywhere else on this Earth where you actually leave a shop feeling guilty of spending your money. This is how it works in the DR to purchase something, first you have to wait until the clerk finishes talking on the phone updating her best friend regarding the latest stupidity the boyfriend did. Your need of attention is answered with an annoyed look and ignoring this you proceed to implore to her to please take your money and return with a receipt. She gets to work adding a couple of sighs. Everything goes smoothly until there’s a product with no price tag. She reminds you that this is obviously your fault, and forces you to run back and find one with a tag. After apologising and promising this would never happen again, you run out of there. Piece of cake!

But it’s not all bad, there are of course five things, among others, that I would miss. I don’t include family and friends on this list because it’s a natural thing to miss the people you love and I want to talk about things regarding the Dominican Republic itself. These are:

1. Parada 77. As I said in my previous post, this is the one and only bar Myriam and I visited. Our friends got annoyed about this sometimes, but why change when you have the perfect place? this is a bar where drinks don’t cost you a kidney, where you don’t need to dress for a wedding to get in, where Pumas is not the only footwear present, located in the most enjoyable part of the city (the Colonial Zone) and with nice easy going bohemian people. Or maybe it’s true what the song from that 80’s series says, Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…

2. Weekend trips with friends. I will miss those trips around the country. In the last year I have visited more places in my country than ever before. We would take time to find a cheap and cheerful place to go for a holiday weekend only to spend it around a table talking about the most trivial things. Perfect!

3. The unselfishness of people. It’s the thing that makes foreigners falling in love with this country, and although most days you experience quite the opposite, the fact that you can count even on strangers when you really need it makes you not wanting to leave this place. I will never forget when, in a busy intersection, the engine of my car went on fire and people from everywhere came to help me turn the flames off. This happened just a few days ago and it was sort of a reminder of what we are leaving behind. And yes, my car took fire, but that’s another story.

4. Colmados. I recently read an email about the wonders of a colmado (like bodegas, small groceries stores). This kind of shops are found anywhere in the world, but the beauty of the Dominican kind is that they come with delivery service. That, I will miss! Sometimes you arrive home and realise you forgot to buy a nail clipper, or toilet paper, or ice. Instead of having to fight traffic again, you call the Colmado and a guy in a noisy motorcycle comes and delivers this to your front door. If one thing is missing in Europe, it’s this!

5. Barquito, Brugal and Baseball. Three things that can only be enjoyed at their fullest in the DR. Barquito means small boat and it’s an ice cream cone from Helados Bon that includes two scoops of ice cream, marshmallow, peanut powder, marmalade and a cherry… yum! Brugal is arguably the best rum in the world. It is my favourite one and Myriam’s best remedy for her migraine. We’ll miss it tremendously. Baseball I won’t miss it as such, what I will miss it’s the domestic league, especially those games between my hometown team, Tigres del Licey, and Aguilas Cibaeñas from Santiago, second-largest city and regional chauvinists. We finished champions this year and the sight of sad faces from Santiago fans made me feel warm and cosy inside. A happy memory that I’m taking with me.

Thanks for the good times...

This was not just a phrase in blue ink on a wall, this was a show of appreciation to a place that has been like a second home for Myriam and me. This is where we met and this is where we said farewell. Adiós Parada 77! The only bar we frequented, the one place we’ll definitely miss.

Tomorrow evening we’ll be crossing the ocean to another island, another challenge, another life. We said goodbye to the Dominican Republic, to friends and family and to a place that got comfortable, well, comfortable in some ways and annoying in others, but nevertheless, we are leaving home.

That is why we have to leave, otherwise we would be stuck in a comfort zone and that’s not good, the deeper you go the more difficult it is to get yourself up and running. I need something new, a new place to be. I need to give my nomad spirit something to be excited about. I always felt like a foreigner in my own country anyways, but as the phrase goes, Ubi bene ubi patria (Where one is well off, there is his country).

I am not good at goodbyes because I don’t get emotional. Of course I am sad to leave friends and family behind, but I have been through this four times in the last four years that now I see it as a part of life. Obviously I like that constant change. I love arriving to a new place and appreciate the small things. I like exploring my new supermarket to see where they keep the cheese, testing several paths until you find the shortest (and cheapest) to my place, choosing a bar where eventually I would become a regular.

Tomorrow night we’ll be flying to Manchester, United Kingdom. Why we chose that place it’s the result of a long history which I won’t bore you with now. This was everyone’s question. My friends don’t ask me anymore why I’m leaving, they somehow got used to my changes, but they understandably want to know why we chose that destination. It was fun until it got a bit annoying and then I decided just to have fun with it. Yes, seriously, I’m going to try for Manchester United, I heard they are lacking a flamboyant midfielder.

The interesting thing was the concern of people. And you are going just because? Without a job? How long are you planning to stay there? Why if it doesn’t work out? You can get a great job here, you have made good contacts, why leave now? These are exactly the kind of thinking that stops people from going after a dream, or simply quitting a job that they hate.

Mind you, we are not doing something that adventurous. I am not pretending to be this fearless person that leaves everything behind just for the sake of it. We thought about this thoroughly, we discussed several possibilities and even if there is an element of adventure in this, it is the result of wanting something better in life. Of course I am scare of this plan failing, but I am more afraid of staying somewhere just because it’s comfortable when we could be somewhere better.

People, especially Europeans, are puzzled on why we are changing a sunny paradise for rain. Well, the grass is always greener at the other side, no country in the world is perfect and one always has to sacrifice something. And believe me, the sun and warmth are nice when your only complication is choosing between eating at the buffet or going to the hotel restaurant. When you have to get to work wearing a suit inside a crowded bus under a sticky humid weather, the London tube seems like a train to heaven.

The other thing it’s regarding people, oh you Dominicans are so relaxed and friendly, you are not stressed out like us Europeans. This is very relative, when you are tired of the behaviour of your fellow countrymen, anything different looks great. And I for one don’t believe that Latinos are the only fun people in the world. You can have a great time anywhere, it’s just different, sure, maybe a higher level of alcohol would be needed, but you are guarantee to have a great time anywhere.

And it’s with this motivation, this eagerness to know a new culture that we’re saying farewell to this island and moving to another a bit more up north… I’m sure we’ll have the best time, and if not, we’ll sleep better knowing that at least we tried.

One down... who's next!?

Last Saturday we celebrated the marriage of two good friends, Juan married his beloved polish cutie, Marta. Beautiful celebration, simple and warm, only near family members (about 80!) and some of their close friends. We had a table just next to the buffet table and in the middle of the path from where the bottles were coming, we managed to intercept some good booze!


After a serious amount of Zobrowka (Polish vodka) we started to get curious and the main question was: "Who's next!?"... Agggrrr! Why? This is the problem with friends getting married, as soon one goes into the 'hole', the race is on for the next to follow. I am betting against the two females friends of the group to get married before me, but they both say the opposite... let's see who wins, the price is a full dinner for everybody plus spouses (and eventually children!)...

Any good tips on how to get friends married? Please comment!

Friday morning coffee

Not a bad week actually, last Monday an old friend got married and I had the honour to be a witness in their union. It was amazing, we thought he would be the last one of the group to get married. They both have been through so much the last 18 months, but the care they have for each other has kept them strong and now they can enjoy a life together. To Juan and Marta, who I admire and wish them the best.

Work wise it has been calm these past few days, a project in which I worked for three months was due on Monday and now I wait for the prospect of a bigger one. In the meantime I continue with my day job, I can't complain, I have been leaving the office at 6 PM the whole week!

Rugby practice on Tuesday and Thursday have left me with soared muscles... and we didn't even play! Our coach is putting us through an intense physical workout... I never felt so much pain from just running around the pitch, doing push-ups and abs crunches. But it is great to exercise and helps me getting fit for a game we have in two weeks time.

Get rid of that old shirt

Finally! Xmas is over! Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the holidays and spending time with family and friends, I just don’t like Xmas here, one simple reason: the noise! Everywhere you go there is loud music, loud people and loud fireworks... and these are the worst. For Dominicans is not Xmas unless you spend the whole night exploding fireworks, and not the ones up in the sky look-how-beautiful-they-are, these are the sort that would make you jump for cover at the sound of them.

The only way to appreciate these hectic days is to spend the whole year in a small town in the north of Finland, then you’ll be able to appreciate the "exotic sounds of the natives' celebration" as part of your guided tour. I realise how lucky I am to have the possibility to spend New Years’ Day lying on a warm sand with a piña colada... Didn’t do it though, just to know I could afford that without selling my kidney, is enough for me.

Anyway, a year has gone by and after sleeping the hangover is time to reflect on the last 12 months and see how much life has changed. For me, 2005 was a year of great changes. For the first time in a while I did not move to another country, in fact, this has been the longest I have stayed put for the last four years. Though actually I did move, not to another country, but to a completely new experience for me... I moved in with my girlfriend.

Though is the first time I share a place with a "special someone", the big deal is not actually the living together, is to do it in the Dominican Republic, where people kindly describe this act as living in a sin. I see people feel embarrassed when figuring out how to call her, is she my partner? Companion? Wife? Even some of my friends, most of them progressive-minded, would not realise I was actually living with my girlfriend, instead of "spending lots of nights at her place".

Personally, the new thing has been of course changing some of my habits. I am not talking about cliché stuff like remembering to put the toilet seat down, or imposed curfews when going out with the lads (I actually have no complaints in that respect). Rather it has to do with such things like eating habits. Let's face it, making a sandwich for dinner is only cute at the beginning, and meat with gravy as a side dish is only acceptable during those days before pay day.

This is a completely different gig, I have had to add new things into my cooking repertoire (ok, is not that diversed, but it has something, I not Jamie Oliver you know!). The thing is, I have never been so much in touch with vegetables! Though in the plus side, I eat much healthier and my body is appreciating it.

And for you guys with who I shared a house in Norway I can tell you that I am a long way from instant pasta and instant mash potatoes!

Another thing is the clothes you wear at home, or rather, those I used to wear until she demanded me to get rid off them. Only men would understand how painful it is... It's always the oldest, colourless with holes in it the one you have to get rid off.

I remember the conversation on the subject, it went something like this :

She : WHAT is this?!
Me : my favourite shirt.
She : are you planing to wear this outside?
Me : of course not! Is just to wear at home. I don’t want people seeing me in that!
She : am I not "people"?
Me : Of course you are, but you are more than that, you are special, we share a home, I can be myself when I’m alone with you, because I know you don’t mind what I’m wearing, for you is more important how I treat you and that I do my chores...
She : rubbish! Get rid of it. NOW!
Me : but... but... it's my favourite shirt!
She : (not actually talking, just giving "that" look)
Me : ok, ok...

But despite these small changes and the frowning upon from society, life together has treated us well so far and we're looking good to continue the run this year... At least until the next closet clean-up!

Well.. this is it for now... wishing you all success in 2006... I sign off!

I want it now!

I went to a store last weekend and saw a freighting image: Christmas decorations… aaaahhh!!!

It’s official, Xmas is here and there’s no going back now. I am really sad to witness that every year it seems to start earlier and earlier. Stores would first bore us with Halloween before killing us with Xmas… but last Saturday I saw a Santa Claus holding a pumpkin head… scary!

Why is this? Businesses can’t think of anything to fill a merely two months between going-back-to-school specials of useless supplies and Xmas junk that breaks when taken off? Are they so eager to abuse an event that most people would celebrate anyways and put them in a consumption frenzy?

A friend told me he already bought his Xmas tree… what!? He says he would not set it up before December but that he had to buy now before stores ran out. It freaked me out, but even tough I see his point, I refuse to give in to this craziness; if there are no trees left I would just take a living room plant and put some lights over it.

This made me think… Why are we so desperate to make things happen RIGHT NOW? Is it human nature to be anxious of knowing what will happen next? Why can we just grab a book and enjoy the time in the waiting room?

We have sports magazines to tell us six months before which teams will be in the final; entertainment articles predicting already in September the Oscar winners, and my personal favourite, astrological predictions for the year ahead when the current one still has three whole months to end! ANYTHING can still happen!

And whilst I’m on the subject… why do people read personal predictions!? What are they going to do, CHANGE IT!?!? If is so accurate it would happen anyways isn’t it? And even assuming the prediction would come true, the “surprise visit from someone you haven’t seen in years” wouldn’t that cease to be a surprise if you read it!?

I would like to read a prediction that tells me “your year will be blah blah blah, but since I knew you were going to read the prediction (is part of your sign, of course), everything good that I just said won’t happen and all the bad things will… good luck!”

Ok… enough ranting for today, let me get back to work. I have to deliver a proposal for the Xmas theme…. *Sigh!*

Tackle me Canadian style

It was getting darker by that time. The wet road went suddenly upward. A 4x4 overtakes and cuts me immediately; certainly he was late for his mentally challenged convention. No matter, I continue unfazed. At my right, Juan Antonio, close friend and accomplice of many life adventures. In the back, my beautiful Myriam, pretending not to be nervous by the lunatic drivers we encounter.

All together in the merry car we try to sing along to “Liberez-nous des Liberaux” (1) ("Free us from the liberals")... then whooosssh! The car goes through a big pile of mud, the tail swings both sides, I hold the wheel firmly and we pass it unharmed. Myriam jumps of joy as this reminds her of the snowy winter days in Quebec. We finally reach the mountain cabin, our home for the weekend. Moments later the second car joins us with friends Anabel, Henry and Juan Carlos.

It was just a one-night trip but a most needed one. Among friends, plenty of booze and stories to tell, the elements of a perfect ending for a hectic summer. Which brings me to today’s topic: Summer 2005... Those were amazing days, meeting new people and learning new hobbies.

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, I sat leaning against the wall enjoying a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) whilst my friends discuss supper. Feeling the fresh air, my mind drifted back to those months I enjoyed with the new love in my life... I started to relive them…

Rough love

Yes, since this summer I have a new love in my life. A love that treats me roughly, always leaves me beat up from our weekly sessions and I am still trying to understand its complications. Ok, I will stop now with the lame double meaning metaphors and just get round to it: As some of you already know, this summer I started to play rugby and it has been an amazing experience already in its short time.

They say you are never too old to try new things and I do feel like a kid that can’t stop playing with his birthday gift. I was already a dedicated fan, especially of my former city, Toulouse, but lately I have been hooked. I have lost weight (no, not because of losing blood), the gym sessions are now an excuse to get fit for next match and even my girlfriend has been caught up in the fever; she always goes to see me get smashed and her inquiries about the rules of the sport are joyful excuses to talk about rugby for hours without feeling guilty ;)

After four months, I still have a long way to go to become the next Martin Johnson (2), but I’m getting there. It certainly has not been easy to gain the respect of my team mates and show them I can become a decent player at least; but the coach has been a great support, without his words of encouragement, nothing would have been possible.

During one match he kindly gave me directions on how to play, he said: "hey the new guy, stop bleeding in the middle of the field and get your arse back in pack now!". Indeed, I have improved under his guidance and the nightmares about broken bones and damaged ribs are getting less and less frequent.

The difficult part has been trying to convince my friends that this is actually a healthy friendly activity for me. Every time I say I play rugby, people give me this look as if I was saying something horrible like "I enjoy sharing a bed with little kids". It’s alright, I won’t quit my day job for this, but I intend to enjoy it at the fullest. Besides, is the best excuse to ask for a massage when I get home from practice ;)

The Canadian test

The summer was marked by one particular thing: in the space of three weeks I did two trips to Canada... make that two particular things. Though actually, one trip was to Canada and the other to Ontario - just kidding Andrew ;) There, my promise to mention you in my blog is fulfilled. Now I need to figure out how to mention PJ and Geoff, oh! Done ;)

On August 4th, Myriam and I boarded American Airlines flight to JFK, from where we would fly to Montreal. After seven hours of peanuts and back pain due to the uncomfortable seats, we arrived to Trudeau Airport. The nausea from the in-flight movie grew stronger when I realised I was just minutes away of meeting Myriam’s family. Her father, mother, step-father and best friend were all there after cancelling a dinner with the Prime Minister to be in that airport lounge.

One stop to the restrooms, praying for our luggage to be the last ones to come out (never happens when you really want to) and taking my time at the currency exchange desk... anything to stall that moment of truth. I must admit the expectations were making me a bit anxious, but as soon as we made the proper introductions and sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee, I realised I had nothing to worry about, I even started to enjoy myself… until they began to proposed wedding venues… For my mental health, I’ll just pretend that never happened...

We spent ten days around Montreal and I got to meet the important people in Myriam’s life and see the places that she has always told me about. Our hosts, Veronica and Patrick were marvellous and I had a great time. Though I have to say, sometimes the trip was more like a series of tests that I needed to pass in order to be accepted as "the boyfriend".

First test was at a wedding were I met her best friends and their boyfriends. This was an easy gig and I put on the charm to have my application approved by the Girls’ Boys Group. I just had to handle a beer properly and try to keep up when talking about hockey. Apparently as a membership requirement, I also need to change my showering techniques, but I shall leave that in secret, like a secret society rule ;)

Next test was at her father’s cottage. The trip there required two hours inside a closed metallic vehicle droved by her brother at 200 kms/hour. I survived the trip and the brother’s questionnaire, just to find myself in the middle of nowhere with the father. The place is beautiful, a lake, forest all around, my favourite spot for a relaxing time (my friends know I am not a beach person). The two days we spent there were my favourites of the whole trip. No electricity, just a couple of solar panels for light bulbs and the fridge. There we just read, slept and ate a lot… deliciously a lot!

Her father and brother were as easy going as everybody I had met on the trip, and a bond between men was made when Myriam took out a couple of rum bottles - Brugal Añejo ;) We enjoyed the liquor and they shared the stories of their childhood in that house. The rest of trip was a bit more hectic, meeting people everyday and seeing a bit of Montreal.

I also met some of my Canadian friends from the AIESEC era (obviously). I really appreciate them for doing the trip. Andrew came from Toronto, Pierre-Jean from Quebec city, Jonathan from some place near Montreal ;) and other AIESECers like Geoff, Stephane were there as well. A surreal meeting was with Andy, who I met in Toulouse and now living in Montreal. I caught him in time before his return to England.

All and all a nice trip and just when I got back home, I had to prepare myself to attend a work shop in Ottawa a couple of days later. A less hectic trip, but one that reminded me of the AIESEC days, when you have a room full of people from different places and workshops from 8:30 to 18:00 (yes, AIESEC goes on until 22 hours!)
So anyways, I hope your summer was equally good and check this space for more news…

(1) "Liberez-nous des Liberaux" from Quebec band Loco Locass
(2) Martin Johnson is former player who captained England to win 2003 World Cup and whose position is the one I play.

Back in business

Hello everybody! Long time no see... I know I have been crap keeping updated... but here I am, back in blogging land!

This time I come with a less political tone, not that there aren't topics to discuss, but instead of that, let me tell you about what I have been doing for the last 6 months since my last posting.

I'm still at the same job and loving it every day. Our project (a development issues website) is going great and results are starting to show up. I'm also doing some studies. I just finished a course on Human Development given by the UNDP, and currently I'm doing a virtual masters in NGO management. This is very exciting as I am finally getting some academic knowledge on what I am really passionate about.

Oh! I have a car! A third-hand two-door 1990 Honda Accord. When I got it, it had just been repaired from a nasty crash and had only tiny minor defects. The oil container was liking, the carburettor was liking water, the front wheel axe was leaning to the left (due to the accident), the gas pump was clogged and lately the paint from the reparation is starting to peel off... But it rolls and the AC works marvellously! Which is the whole point, I want something to take me to places without having to sweat in this damn hot weather!

Recently I bought a new windshield to replace a cracked one, last thing needed to be fixed... until I get my next pay check, because my car has the annoying habit of breaking down around that time... When this happens I feel like throwing it to the sea, but then I see people cramped in those old hot uncomfortable public buses and I feel lucky again! And now with the CD player installed I don't have to listen to Britney Spears all the freaking time!

In a more personal note, I've been in a relationship for the last four months and it has been going great (knock on wood). I won't bore you with the details ;) I'll just say she's a French teacher from Montreal, currently living here and with the same nomad spirit as me... we can understand each other perfectly (yes, we are in the honeymoon period).

Here's a picture with her at Parada 77, the bar where we met. I never thought I would find someone nice at the ugliest and dodgiest bar in Santo Domingo, but it has cheap rum and bohemian ambiance so we're there every weekend ;) Please note that the guy behind us is not a bum, is our dear friend Manuel from Spain, and we were biding him farewell that night.

This is it for now... I have the intention to blog more often, there's a lot I want to share, especially about very exciting trips I have been doing around the country; I promise pictures of clear blue beaches to make you all jealous ;)

Cheers!

A letter to a friend

Hello my friend,

Very nice to hear from you after so long... I hope you're keeping well!

I read your message last week about the US elections. I had my reply on the draft folder, just couldn't get around finishing it... But now giving the outcome, it's hard to express my views without looking as a sore loser. Well, I did not actually lose per se. I mean, I understand I shouldn't be judging other countries' decisions, you could argue is their business alone... but the fact is we are talking about a country whose policies affect greatly my region, economically and politically, therefore I can't avoid feeling concerned.

As you say in your email, and is not just obvious to you, but to most of my friends as well, Bush is not my cup of tea. Throughout this year I have not been discreet about this feeling. But that ranting was just a mere manifestation of a change happening in me. Never before have I been so concerned about world issues as I am today... Bush was just the easiest and most obvious target to direct my opinions.

I shared with you back when I was in Brussels, that my last two years abroad have opened my eyes to issues that I never imagine I would be worrying about. These concerns prompted a change that redefined my life path. The events of the last 8 months have reaffirmed my views and modified how I approach them, considering different perspectives and being more sensitive on how I express my opinions.

Granted, I might be sometimes too passionate about my views, what can I say? I'm a Latin, it's in my nature ;) But I always try to empathise with what people have to say. Have I been wrong on my views? Don't think so, you may disagree with me and I'd respect that. I think nobody has the absolute truth, therefore I understand that I will learn new facts everyday that would either reinforce my views or re-shape them.

There are hundreds of reasons why people hate Bush; for me, it all comes down to his actions and how they have made this world more violent. We shouldn't be surprise that he wants to make his friends richer, he's a neo-liberal, that is expected of him... but his response to 9-11 has put us in a less safe place. His so called "War on Terror" is justifying actions that in the past would have been condemned by the global community, and now is turning its back; making those who outcry human rights violations to be dismissed as "soft on terror".

I used to think that Americans were victims of Bush decisions because the majority did not vote for him in 2000. They did not know back then what he was capable of... but what about now? He got 51%! Is it that Americans can care less about his actions in the world? Or even worst, do they approve his actions!? Isn't this the guy who is reducing civil liberties, drowning the economy and keeping everyone in a paranoid estate of mind? Well, I must have been reading the wrong papers, then. Too much left-wing media can do that to you, I guess...

I must clarify that I don't intend to demonise all Americans. I have always made a difference between politicians and citizens. We always complain about lack of leadership, but until "one of us" is there, we'll always have this people representing us and giving a wrong (in our eyes) image of us. However, I take comfort on the fact that the majority of my generation voted against G.W. (54% of young adults)... But, would this figure be relevant later?

The other subject you mentioned was the religion factor in the elections. I read that ultraconservative religious groups voted in masses with the believe that Bush has the right morals to be president as oppose to a catholic that is pro-choice and proposes a peaceful approach to conflicts (How dares he?! Burn him!). I mean, you have to give it to them, there's nothing more threatening than gays marrying... aaahhh! Save us! They must be the ones hiding all the WMDs!

This kind of double-standard makes me sick, because when it comes to kill innocent people for oil money, Oh, that's ok for them! I guess I'm biased as I am not a religious person, though I consider myself to have a spiritual nature and my values do not conflict in essence with the religious ones. I believe everyone should have the right to do whatever he/she desires, as long as the person takes responsibility for his/her actions, and these do not affect other's right to do the same.

Anyway, I should wrap this up. The bottom line is that this is not my president, and although I am disappointed with the outcome, and as I said, his actions will directly affect my environment, I shall respect the voters' choice.

I will just turn the page and sit in the global protestors section enjoying a chilled beer ;)

Cheers and keep in touch!