El Warung Beach House

Calle Partugal 69 – Beach house. This is a place I’m staying currently. Front line little beach house, simple with nothing but few beds, kitchen, bathroom and, of course, wifi :-) They also have bikes and surfboards.

First thing we did was having espresso and headed to the beach. 4-7ft high waves, onshore wind and jellyfish did not gave me any chance to go in to the ocean. Still enjoyed my time watching people struggling to go in for a swim ;-)

Fish and a bottle of white wine for dinner. Then tapas, I made and film night with 2 Americans, German and stoned Spanish guy. “Coriolanus” – wouldn’t recommend it for a late night show.

Day started from long shower. Had to scrub 2-day rinsing-type shower at a San Fernando Hostal in Maspalomas. Black coffee and eggs for breakfast, emergency cycling to another hostel at La Isleta. Back “home”. Time for… yes, CERVEZA and some food.

Life can be great, when you don’t expect anything special from it ;-)

Playa del Ingles

First day on southern part of GC. Playa del Ingles/Maspalomas/San Fernando – more gay people. No wonder, it’s a gay parade going on :-) Spent whole day walking, looking for a place to stay, struggling with my thoughts, hesitation and a flu. Exhausted and with raised temperature had a burger in British bulldog pub and went straight to bed. 

New day has come and yet no perspective or idea for nearest future. Time’s running, need to check out at 12. No chance for finding pisco comaprtido, even less chance for finding a husband ;-) Time to make a move. 

15 minutes to go, no clue what to do next and suddenly Roch, a friend from primary school, text me “hey, you can stay at my hostel in Las Palmas. Work for me in exchange for food and a bed.” At first, wasn’t convinced. I mean I need to earn money (how typical for city people). But the second thought was “yeah, why not. Don’t need to pay for anything, still got some cash on my bank account. This will be perfect opportunity to learn Spanish, basic surfing and enjoy time off.”

So I packed my 15 kg -hand luggage (33 pounds), found a gua gua stop and in 20 mins was on my way north to Las Palmas. 

Little villages on a way reminded me of Cabo Verde. After 1,5h drive finally reached the capital of GC, had one of the most amazing sandwiches I’ve ever had and rushed to meet Roch.

First day on GC

Boarding. Final call. As usual last one boarding. What’s the point in queuing? Ryanair gates are at the top end of the Stansted airport so I wasn’t the only one running ;-)
At the aircraft was bit overwhelmed by the amount of gay people. I knew Grand Canaria is a gay mecca but have never seen so many in one place. Not that I’m against just…surprised.
Right after “fasten your seat belt” sign was off half of passenger stood up and changed places, just so they could sit, drink and party together. Positive energy, smile on their faces, booze and music – sound like a good party :-)
On my way to London caught throat and nose infection (AGAIN!), which instantly developed on a plane to GC. So after the take-off I was half death with leaking nose and teary eyes.
Couldn’t hear half they’re saying, not mention tones of tissues :-/
Touch down and lost hear completely, fortunately just for 20 mins :-) Still, death and half blind had to find Lucy.

Thank God she found me :-) Took me for a short island trip, all you can eat see foo dinner and to the San Fernando Hostal,

 mean time telling all about culture, people, her life and giving useful tips.

So just to make it clear – I’m in Africa. Apparently Canary Islands has not much in common with the continental Spain.

Hope I’ll get to learn more each day and will not feel like an outcast. This is my goal for next few months – gat a job, find a flat, learn Spanish (at least basis).

Right then, time for lunch :-)

Stansted airport

Changed a sitting place from a floor to a couch  with hot coffee. Can’t feel any excitement…like a one way ticket journey was an ordinary trip. Maybe because feel confident about my decision and not afraid what tomorrow brings. Maybe thanks to my friends and family. Or maybe both.

People live and wait for something big to happen like an earthquake, death, marriage, giving birth, etc. while waiting for this big events they forget to appreciate ordinary every-day life. Those tiny bits like a smile from passing by person, sunshine or proper boots when it‘s raining.

All I’m trying to say is – enjoy what you have, appreciate single moments and collect your experience and memories, because this is what life is made of.

London visit (day 1-3)

Here I am, sitting on the Stansted airport floor, waiting for my new life to begin. Though, I think my new life has already started couple months ago and today, it’s just another step to it.

Let me tell you about last two days in London. I stayed at Kate’s flat and apparently one of us (not me) drugs strange things to happen.

Arrived on Saturday and Kate welcomed me with a small beer, which was exactly what I needed.
Left my bag at her place and started our “journey” to Hackney for London Fields Brewery. Gave Gemma a call (it was her fantastic idea to go there) and after 3h trip through the city with stops for more beers, we reached this picnic—style place. We had some beers and food and went to a place the name I can’t recall, where the taps stick out of the wall. We had countless amount of alcohol and round midnight decided to split. Gemma and Ady went home. Kate, Agata and I made our way home too, but with other stops on the way. It wouldn’t be interesting if not the fact of an unforgettable ride with a police car ;-) which I haven’t experienced ever in any country.

We stopped for a drink and 300 yards from home wanted to grab something to eat at KFC. Not that I like it but if you have no other option… So there we were deliberating on KFC food when aggressive and drugged girl attacked Kate. To make a long story short, Kate’s fine, we had awesome ride with a police car and the girl was arrested.
Still came home late at night, visiting Damian and Jarek on the way, drinking more to ease the nerves almost watching sunrise.
The other day was less spectacular. Huge hangover and a target to get to the Tate Modern. So we did some sightseeing, went to The Tate, had a drink in a rooftop champagne bar and went for a bbq at Damian’s house. Many new friends, warm welcome and delicious food.

And today, spending ages at the airport, met Massimo and Marco, who came for wine fairs, missed their plane and asked me if I could book another flight for them using my laptop :-)

Wonder what happens next? :-) Lucy, I’m coming to GC. Expect the unexpected.

Hipster, Hippie, Homeless, Happy 

Read an article once - „Date a boy who travels”. At first couldn’t understand why a free spirit man can be interesting. After all, he’s got no money, house, car, social position… How clichéd it was!

After so many years spent in international corporations, trying to live a dream of a big city life, building my career and position, still was aiming goals I couldn’t reach…, still couldn’t fit the bill.
In everybody’s life there comes a time for a change. Some people decide to quit a job, change a flat, buy a dog, have a baby, split or just do something impacting their life.

So I read this article again… more like a theory, acquired knowledge about the “boy” who’s priority is experience, travel, sun, meeting new people and cultures, adventure passionate with constant smile and curiosity on his face. Always tanned with faded out hair.

Back then, it was a black magic to me. Still, picked a place on a map and decided to go. After 5 months of planning (old me, but much cheaper than last minute vacation) there I was – ready and excited… quit my job and got on a plane. At that time didn’t know what to expect and already thought I was the happiest girl in the world.

Cape Verde – little island archipelago on the Atlantic Ocean. This was a place where black magic became real magic :-)
The way of living, the way they perceive day-to-day life, their culture, possibilities or better say lack of perspective, how friendly and happy in life they are. It all influenced me.
But it wouldn’t be interesting if not the fact of meeting actual “boy who travels”. And not only one, but many men and women living like a free spirit.

As we all know, every type o living has its pros and cons, but this was something new, exciting and made me realised I’ve made a good choice.

It wasn’t easy to say goodbye with the Sal island…even harder with people I’ve met there. 

So there I was! Lost in Warsaw, city I love…, city I was born and raised in, city I decided to leave instantly. 

It wasn’t that instant as I expected :-) Still, set for sale everything I could, left my flat, made a “holiday representative/pilot” course and was ready to go. Packed 7 years of my life and momories in boxes, stored in my mum’s house. Excited of unknown. Did some pilot/coordinator trips to France, which taught me a lot and here I am – “visiting” Poland for 2 weeks on my friend’s couch, with one suitcase, thinking what’s next?

 So, back to the “boy who travels”… He became my friend and support, my guide in the new way of living. His positive attitude, smile and experience helped me the get through a hard time and moments of doubts and hesitation. Funny how we change under influence of other people. Though,  I’ve changed my life not because of a specific person but this person’s influence helped me to last in my resolutions. So, thank you, “boy who travels” :-) and good luck on your new adventure.

Let’s not make an Oscar night from this note, but I want YOU, all my friends, to know, you give me wings, being supportive ;-)

3 weeks on Cape Verde was a life changing experience to me and I recommend it to anyone who struggles in life, not knowing what to do. I’ve experienced and learned more for last 4 months than i have for last 4 years of my “previous” life.
You may call me hipster or hippie (heard from a friend today), maybe I feel homeless but I’m finally happy :-D

23 April, 2014 – only me with a little suitcase, not much money in my pocket, not sure what happens tomorrow…
Next stop – Gran Canaries. Stay tuned ;-)

Pierś z kurczaka nadziewana blanszowanym szpinakiem w sosie z sera gorgonzola i wina

 

Tak wiem. Długo nie pisałam. A tym bardziej o gotowaniu. Przez ostatnie 4 miesiące wiele się wydarzyło, ale o tym opowiem w oddzielnym wpisie.
Pewne jest, że przez ten czas jadłam i to dość smacznie. Teraz chciałabym zaproponować Wam pierś z kurczaka nadziewaną blanszowanym szpinakiem w sosie z sera gorgonzola i wina.

Najważniejsze jest przygotowanie, więc jak zwykle zaczynamy od umycia rąk i nalania kieliszka wina J

Składniki na danie dla 2 osób:

2 piersi z kurczaka

2 opakowania liści szpinaku lub 1 opakowanie mrożonego szpinaku Hortex (serduszka)

Ser gorgonzola 250g.

Śmietana 12% 250 ml.

Szklana białego wina,

2 łyżki masła

Czosnek, sól, pieprz, gałka muszkatołowa

Uśmiech i wykałaczki

Przepis:

Zrób nastrój - Napij się wina, a następnie umyj piersi… te z kurczaka. Przekrój je wzdłuż, tak by mięso było cienkie. Jeśli masz kota lub psa, nie zapomnij podzielić się z nim kawałkiem mięsa J
rozłóż  mięso na desce i dopraw do smaku (sól, pieprz, świeżo starta gałka muszkatołowa).

Rozgrzej wysoką patelnię lub rondel. Włącz termo obieg w piekarniku na 180 stopni.

Następnie opłucz szpinak. Dobrze jest go odwirować w wirówce do sałaty, by nie ociekał wodą, dlatego, że za chwilę wrzucisz go na rozgrzaną patelnię. Im bardziej suche liście tym mniej się przypalą, a odpowiednio zblanszują.
Do rozgrzanego rondla wrzuć 1 opakowanie świeżego szpinaku lub 6 serduszek mrożonego. Czekając aż się zblanszuje i straci objętość, napij się wina. Następnie pokrój 2 ząbki czosnku w plasterki i dodaj do szpinaku wraz z łyżką masła. Masło doda smaku i pozwoli, by czosnek puścił aromat. Gdy składniki się przegryzą, zdejmij rondel z kuchenki (wyłącz gaz).
Czekając, aż szpinak ostygnie, napij się wina J

Na przyprawione piersi, po grubszej i szerszej stronie, połóż cienki plasterek sera pleśniowego (typu) gorgonzola i porcję wystudzonego szpinaku. Zroluj kurczaka i przebij wykałaczką.
Na rozgrzaną patelnię wlej łyżkę oleju rzepakowego (jak wcześniej wspomniałam jest najzdrowszy do smażenia) i gdy osiągnie odpowiednią temperaturę, połóż na patelnię roladki z kurczaka. Obsmaż z każdej strony i wlej szklankę białego wina, poczekaj aż połowa odparuje.

Przełóż obsmażone roladki do naczynia żaroodpornego i wstaw do piekarnika na ok.15 min, grzejąc od góry.

Na patelnię po smażeniu i duszeniu w winie wrzuć pokrojony ser (typu) gorgonzola i wlej 250 ml. Śmietanki, zetrzyj odrobinę gałki muszkatołowej.

Jeśli używasz świeżego szpinaku drugie opakowanie można przeznaczyć na świeżą sałatę. Można dodać świeże lub suszone pomidory, orzechy włoskie i wykorzystać sos serowy również do sałaty.

Ja przygotowałam danie bez węglowodanów, ale dla chętnych proponuję ryż dziki lub bassmati.

 

Smacznego!