Today is Mother’s Day in the States. They celebrate it here like we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. The only difference is that 8 of March is a day off, but Mother’s day is always on the second Sunday in May. However, we are always happy to celebrate Mother’s day again. And again. After all, however many times we celebrate this day is never going to be enough, since our mothers are our everything (and even more) and we can only hope that our children will be able to say something like that about us. Now for a little story, very suitable for this nice day. In the photo I post peonies. However, these are not simple peonies, but flowers with a history. They grow under the windows of my neighbor and friend, Ansley. Several years ago Ansley bought a house in my neighborhood. At Christmas, she received a postcard from former owners of the house, where they asked her not to dig up the land near the garage windows. The postcard came very timely, as the husband of Ansley, a great lover of beautiful landscape designing, had already set his sights on this part of the yard and decided what to plant there. From the letter of former owners, it turned out that when the former landlady gave birth to her daughter and came from the hospital to this house, her mother presented peony bulbs, and they planted them in the sunniest place under the windows…. Since that time every year on this place bushes grow and they bloom on Mother’s Day. Ansley, of course, waited for the spring and it happened: beautiful bushes grew up and blossomed with pale pink buds on Mother’s Day. Ansley has two wonderful children: a boy and a girl. Now every year Ansley along with the children carry flowers to the neighbors and congratulate everyone: the flowers are so heavy that the bushes are leaning towards the ground under the weight of the flowers, and she cuts them in dozens every day. I can’t describe how much these flowers inspire me: I photograph flowers, I put them in different vases, I am about to eat them, – how much I enjoy it. And here I give them to you virtually! Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!
Category: multicultural marriage
10 Tips to Travel Azores
- Azores is the new must-have on your dream vacation list. It’s a nirvana for nature lovers, but don’t underestimate the cultural life which is blooming there. For example, on Terceira Island there is a wonderful history museum you can easily spend a half day in and great musical events (ask me details if interested).
- Don’t try to speak Spanish in Portugal. None. Nada. If you know some Spanish words and assume that the Portuguese will understand you – forget it. They probably will understand you, but it won’t do you any good. They don’t like to speak Spanish and don’t appreciate others confusing them with Spaniards. You’d be better off by gesticulating with your hands and smiling.
- When travelling Portugal, stay in a Pousada at least once. A Pousada is a hotel located inside of a real medieval castle of …
- Try seafood anywhere you go. It’s all as fresh as it can be. If the waiter tells you about the catch of the day, trust them/ It will be the best catch you can have
- You don’t need to run far to catch an amazing sunset. There are tons of places (Miraduro in Portuguese) specifically created to enjoy the view
- Everyone who goes there starts by checking out the volcanos: there are different types of volcanos -horizontal, vertical, old or acting. See them all
- A local travel group created a lot of hiking trails of varying difficulty. Ask about maps in tourist offices or your hotel.
- There are no wild animals you to avoid, only domestic bulls. Locals say that be careful especially of those who are alone. Run fast or climb a tree.
- Pineapples are grown in the Azores natives. There are a lot of local cheeses and other dairy products. As well as wine. Don’t leave the islands without trying them
- The Portuguese have a sweet tooth. There are signature desserts you have to try such as donna Amelia cake and the famous Pastel de Nata. Don’t forget to order coffee Galao (espresso and steamed milk). It is served in a tall glass
The final advice is: Don’t waste your time, don’t google it! Just go there!
Labor Day is over
Labor Day weekend is over. First time I didn’t go anywhere. Before, we always tried to go somewhere far to catch the last summer fun. (For example, last year we flew to Budapest, Hungary-we bought tickets at 10 AM for 5PM flight the same day). Well, this year Continue reading “Labor Day is over”
International Women’s Day
Yesterday, It was International women’s Day. Again! It’s a day off in Russia today and my friends are celebrating it with music, flowers and fun. I had Internet-FREE day. That wasn’t planned, it just happened, but it appeared to be the best present I could do to myself for the International Women’ day! I spent and fun time with beautiful ladies, had mimosas and my favourite cake Napoleon. Here is the last year post with more details about this holiday https://marriagewithaforeignaccent.com/2014/03/08/happy-international-womens-day/Всех с 8 Марта))
Do You Also Need a Vacation After Vacation?
Vacation season is over. At the end of any vacation I am always thinking that I need another one. I guess it is because vacations are stressful. It’s surprising that something which is expected to help us to relax and bring us to a stress release environment carries such a strong pressure itself. Stress unwelcomely appeared at all stages such as planning, booking, packing….and, finally, jet lagging. It’s also funny, that being a travel addict, I passionately hate to Continue reading “Do You Also Need a Vacation After Vacation?”
“Carlson on the roof” – SWEDEN CITIZEN WITH RUSSIAN PASSPORT
Few days ago a lady in a book club I visit from time to time asked everybody “What was your first favorite book you read, liked and remembered?”. My American counterparts shared their favorites, and then it was my turn. I think my first book was what my parents read to me, and it probably was Russian fairy tales and fairy tales by Alexander Pushkin. But when I started reading myself, it was “Pippi Longstocking “by Astrid Lindgren followed by “Carlson on the Roof” and so on. Astrid Lindgren was and still is one of my favorite children’s writers. It’s strange that Continue reading ““Carlson on the roof” – SWEDEN CITIZEN WITH RUSSIAN PASSPORT”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Today is St. Patrick’s Day. This year it went unusually quietly for me. The best thing came from my Zumba instructor, Janice. It turns out that she is Irish ( this, of course, explains a lot, especially her irrepressible energy charge). Janice brought to class all sorts of green hats and handkerchiefs, was fun and cheerful, and even made us dance under few Irish songs.
And I remembered my acquaintance with this cool holiday in one of my first Continue reading “Happy St. Patrick’s Day”
Olympic Games Follow Up
Dear all- if you haven’t seen this video from youtube about little girl crying out loud with Olympic Bear-it’s here. I know we have much more serious reason to cry right now, but still…SO TOUCHING!
Here is a link to video of a girl Ksusha.
For non-Russian speakers: The girl keeps saying : “By, my dear, by , My beloved !” Bye!!!
Her Mom try to comfort her and say: Please, don’t cry, my kitty, THEY WILL BE BACK!
And Ksusha is answering: I can’t stop crying! I can’t!!!
It’s so moving… The video was taken by girl’s Mom and she posted it on youtube. For the first day on your tube this video was seen by 70 000 people. Russian journalists found this girl and gave her Olympic Mishka (a Bear) .
…well, Ksusha wasn’t alone crying to Misha. I also cried on closing ceremony, thinking of summer Olympics in 1980 in my childhood. I know many others did as well. Silly, but true … They will be back…Will they???
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games are over.
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games are over. Closing ceremony, interviews, laughter and tears… I still keep nostalgic memories from my Soviet childhood of the 1980 Summer Olympic bear flying in the air accompanied by touching song, and a tear on bear face…
Today, Continue reading “The 2014 Winter Olympic Games are over.”