27 December 2007

Looking for a place to rent

Yes it's time again to look for a place to stay. Just the two of us. I thought it would be a breeze since I had seen more than 20 places in London. But I was wrong. Given a really tight budget. The only flat we could afford starts at 200 euros a month. You couldn't find anything cheaper than this really. And after two weeks of fruitless attempts, we settled on one. We were so happy to find one till we spent a night at that place that dashed our hopes.
I've included some photos of this piece of crap that the stinky houseowner rented to us for 200 euros (bills exclusive). Next time, we will (1) go for a smaller place, (2) something that costs a little more, (3) watch out for any mouldy flats, (4) avoid sleazy looking houseowners who couldn't be bothered to tidy their backyard (or junkyard).
Enough of complaints. We are moving out after a month and hope the next good one will come soon.
Entrance and kitchen of smelly mouldy flat
2 Wardrobes that couldn't close and a broken bed.
Humongous radiator that doesn't even heat up a one metre radius.

24 December 2007

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Sretan Božić i Nova Godina!

This is a piece to wish everyone a good christmas. As usual, Eat well, rest well and be merry! Here's our little Christmas tree in the flat.
The little basket on the left is for our cat. *Mau*

21 December 2007

Veliki Petak (Great Friday)

It is Veliki Petak today. It is the last Friday before Christmas. I was totally confused . I didn't hear of Veliki Petak before especially not in Singapore. Mum told me on this day, they have to abstain from meat. However we are having Tuna today. I'm going to cook Tuna! YAY!! :D
So I sat down in front of my computer and did a search. I typed Veliki Petak in the google search box and all I got were in Croatian. Well.. that will take me an entire day to translate or even finding the article that explains the origin of the festival. So next thing I tried was on wikipedia. No luck for Big Friday. Frustrated I looked up the online dictionary which gave me the phrase "Good Friday". Well isn't that supposed to be on Easter??? We have Good Friday public holiday in Singapore. I knew a thing or two about the festival being associated to Jesus' suffering and resurrection... that's how much I know. So I wiki-ed the term Good Friday. And there it was the answer! Apparently in this part of the world (Roman Catholics) celebrate Great Friday as it is associated with too much suffering and sadness if celebrated at Easter (Or as the article stated). I will include the Wiki link below for you to read more about it!
So this is the day to remember Jesus' suffering on behalf of all humans. In certain countries, they fast the whole day. Thank goodness.. they only abstain from meat (but not fish) today. Have I bored you enough with my tiny adventure? So here's the Wikipedia link.

6 December 2007

Saint Nick was here!


Saint Nick dropped by last night and gave me lots of sweets!
It was my first time celebrating the Saint Nicholas Day in Croatia. As you may know, there is really a Saint Nicholas though that was how the Santa Claus came about. I was told to clean my boot and put it near the window last night. If I was a good girl, I will get candies. If not, I will get a twig (to spank me with). Hahah... I got a really confused St Nick. He gave me both! See picture enclosed.
Did a little background search on this festival and how it is celebrated in Croatia. Sveti Nikola as he is known here will drop by your house on Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolinje), 6th December. Good children get gifts. Bad children get a visit from Krampus who leaves a rod (which resembles a broom) for their parents to spank them. I have included a link about the Legend of Saint Nicholas.
Waiting for Christmas has never been so fun in Singapore. It has become a time when we spend lots of money to give presents to children even if you do not celebrate the festival. Most of our families will have christmas trees just to join in the celebration. I don't even understand the meaning of all these anymore. In Singapore, we celebrate all kinds of festival to promote racial harmony. That's what we are. Festivals are a time to be merry. Don't bother too much about the reason for the celebration. Merchants are just too happy to have another opportunity to earn big bucks.
I'm happy the way it is now. Thank you St Nicholas!