New Year's Eve

Hey!

How was your holidays with your family? For me, it was very nice, warm and cosy. Ah, there's no place like home! When it comes to my grandparents, I was not wrong. We asked them to bake a miodownik - another interesting delicacy (honey cake). My grandmother is brilliant in cooking and baking. The order was adopted, but ... Miodownik didn’t reach the destination . It stayed at my grandparents’s home because they forgot to take it out of the kitchen :).

Beloved, today, New Year's Eve. Crazy night in front of us, full of dancing and great music. Have a great time and wake up without a hangover!

 I wish you all the best in the New Year!

Skiing

Hello all!

Few days ago, just after the Christmas I went with my family to the famous Polish ski resort – Zieleniec. After this short trip, when I was on my road back home I breathed a sigh of relief.  I guess right now you are thinking that I hate skiing – and you got it wrong. Actually It’s exactly opposite: I love it! So what’s the matter?

As I said before, I love skiing – same as my father. Since I was a child we travelled to many Polish and European ski resorts and I have a lot of fun while doing it. But 4 years ago, I had an accident on ski slope – I had a collision with other person(on a side note: this was his faul…) and I injured my knee pretty badly. It took me 4 years to try again – Zieleniec was my first ski experience since then.  Just before I tried I was really, really stressed . The biggest doubt on my mind was whether my knee is ok, but I was also worried that I forgot how to ski! Luckily, it is like riding a bike – once you learned it, you can do it even after longer break. Of course, getting back to your best can take a little longer…

But I made it, I overcome my fear and I can move ahead – in the middle of January I will do the skiing in Val di Sole!

One last thing about Zieleniec. It is a great place to ski and I totally recommend it…and I claim it despite the fact that the snow was missing. It was rather a mud or an ice skiing but…still a lot of fun! J

Merry Christmas everyone!

Finally, come the long-awaited Christmas. This year, I prepare Christmas Eve with my mother in our house. Usually, we celebrate Christmas at my grandparents home, but let's be honest ... They are getting older, and thus, sometimes pull stunts - forget something, don't season some dish or - how awful! -  season something too much! Certainly, it is safer to celebrate Christmas Eve at our home :).

As every year, according to Polish tradition, at our Christmas table will be served 12 dishes, e.g. fried carp, sauerkraut, mushroom sauce, herrings and makiełki. Interestingly, in  Poland are served various dishes depending on which part of country we come from. In the east are popular pierogies. In Great Poland, where we lived in, we rather serve potatoes. In my part of Poland we eat makiełki which aren’t known so well in the east. They are prepared in different ways. The main ingredient is black poppy seed which is added to fried, golden brown, cut into small cubes roll or to cooked pasta. In both versions, we combine the ingredients with honey. If you decide to the version with pasta, it great fits with almonds, raisins, walnuts and dates. If you have never had the opportunity to try this delicacy, you absolutely should do it next year. It’s yummy, I swear! For many years, it is said that the more makiełki you eat, the more money you will have. Convinced I ;)?

All Christmas dishes are unique. So much, that hardly I go away from the table, and after Christmas I look like a large ball :). I admit that I have made myself a big appetite! Therefore, I'm going to help my mother in the kitchen and tomorrow we get down to decorate the Christmas tree.

And how are you? Everything is already prepared and you have a rest or perhaps you still season the soups and other delicacies?

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

"Everest"

Hi!

This time I will write about a movie that saw lately – “Everest”. If you plan to watch this movie better skip this short review because you will find spoilers here and I don’t want to take away your fun!

The movie tells us about tragic expedition on Mount Everest in 1996 that have taken life of eight brave climbers. I used to avoid those type of survival movies because I get nervous pretty easily J But this particular one made a huge impression on me. The screenplay is written by life – it makes it even more dramatic. The actors selected to this movie are not the top Hollywood stars(maybe except Jake Gyllenhaal) but they are “familiar faces” seen in many family or TV series. They use many accents of English(Australian, South African) which make their play even more natural.

But, beside the tragic true-based story, this movie for me is also about a beautiful views of a majestic Mount Everest, Himalayas and Nepal(before earthquake). I know the movie is deeper than that and is more about the nature of a climbers, but the views in this film are really breathtaking. I watched it in cinema with full 3D technology and I was truly amazed. Probably I will never try to climb Mt. Everest, so it was the best opportunity for me to see “The Roof of the World” J .

How do I rate this film? In my scale I would say 7 out of 10. I really dislike those type of movies, but not this one – for me it’s totally worth a two hours of life!

Hello all!

This post will be dedicated to all the people who like to eat out from time to time and are searching for some new nice place.

Few weeks ago we had our anniversary with my fiance so we decided to celebrate it with some tasty (and, of course, romantic J) dinner. It was in the middle of the working week, we did not book anything in advance, so we had to find a place that could be available without booking. And we chose Momo – restaurant that specialises in seafood, near the Old Market square. We heard some good opinions about it and what was almost as important – they supposedly had a lot of tables for people who just walk in without booking.

First surprise – as we approached the place in the evening after a long day – it is exactly in the place of a club where we met for a first time with my boyfriend! You might imagine expressions on our faces when we realised it J So, after this good start we took a seat and made an order. And then waited. And waited. And waited. It took more than an hour to get our meal – did I mentioned earlier that we were really hungry? But, finally, when main course arrived it was as restaurant’s motto says “love at first bite”.

But what did we actually eat?  I took a gilt-head bream with fried potatoes, my boyfriend ordered shrimps with pasta and chorizo . Both dishes were delicious and I would love to eat them again.

What else can I say about the place? First and foremost, I totally recommend it, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is good.  You have to wait long but believe me, you will not be disappointed. When it comes to price it is not as good – dinner for two persons costs about 120 zł, so it is more expensive than cheap. Then again – from time to time – it is worth it.

Last thing, important to know: resturant has deliveries of fresh seafood each Wednesday, so we accidentally chose the best day to visit it. I advise you to do the same J Enjoy your meal!

Hi again!

It's been five months since I added my last post here. I cannot believe that time flies so fast. We had exceptionally hot summer and the beautiful, golden autumn this year. Latest weather does not spoil us - the first night frosts have came (as a result, scraping windows of our cars;). Days are gray, cold and rainy. Not to mention the short days and too long evenings! Probably, most of us are sitting comfortably on the couch accompanied by book or a loved one right now, wrapped up in a warm wool blanket. We are drinking a hot tea (gingerbread or spicy) and we are lighting candles of 'Christmas' scent. But I admit,  all of this little things have a certain charm ... I love this atmosphere and I'm glad now because of the upcoming Christmas :)!

To be honest, I have dreamed a little… I am getting married soon and this means that I have a lot of duties. Because of this I apologize you so much for my long absence on the blog. For me, the wedding is a unique question in my life, so I really try to make it perfectly :). Because I keep busy mainly this topic, I thought that from time to time I will add  some posts connected with wedding’s preparations theme on my blog… Of course, I will also try to include other topics. It will be a little bit of everything :)

That's it for today, until the next post :)!

For all of you sitting in your houses I wish a lazy and warm evening and for all active a champagne fun - this weekend we celebrate in Poland Saint Andrew’s Day!

Movie Chef (2009)

I am not the biggest fan of a cinema, nor a critic, but from time to time I like to watch something. What type of films I like? For sure many of Woody Allen's recent movies – I like the way he shows different cultures and beautiful cities while telling the interesting story to spectator. But as I said, I am not a regular cinemagoer, I don’t do a research before watching a film, so my every time I go to a cinema it is a bit of a gamble – sometimes it pays off, sometimes not.  So, when I went to watch Chef with my friend I really didn’t have any expectations.  Two hours later I was starvy as a wolf J

Chef(2014)it is a story of a – guess who  – a chef with enormous passion to cooking. One day, he lost his job and then his journey begins. The film is about cooking, travelling and about – as my blog title says – doing small things with great love. It is also a story about amazing relationship between father and son. The storyline is funny, not in the way you laugh all the time, but it keeps the viewer in the good mood. I would also add the music as a big advantage with something which has a special significance for me – Cuban rythms in the sun of Florida J But the best thing about the movie is the food and how preparing of it is shown – absolutely delicious!

To sum up, I will recommend this movie to everyone. It is not the masterpiece of cinema in any way but it gives a viewer a great entertainment and it stimulates many senses. But remember my warning: do not watch it hungry, cause you may not finish it! J

Skating

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about exercises with hula –hoop and its positive fitness effects – losing the waistline effectively, not to mention having fun and improving general mood. So I guess that my mind is set on sports right now, because my another blog will be dedicated to another activity –inline skating.

First of all, I have to explain the background of this topic. When I was a child (about 4 years old) I got a special gift from my parents – skates. And since that day I have been doing everything with them on my feet. I had a lot of fun then, I even started in many amateur competitions, but it came to an end in my high school. A few weeks ago I started to think about my old hobby and decided I have to rediscover it. I bought brand-new skates and now I know that I couldn’t made better decision.

As always I have to start with outlining the health benefits. First of all, if you want to lose weight, skating is a good way to do it – one hour of this activity burn about 700 kcal. What is more, it is not as damaging for joints like many other sports as the movement is smooth and easy. Do I have to mention that it improves your stamina and overall coordination? I guess not! Last but not least, this is a sport that you have to do on a fresh air which is another benefit for your body and mind.

Everytime I come back from skates, I feel so good, so happy, so relaxed.  I could write something more about the fun I have but this time I won’t do this – figure it out on your own!

Strawberries

June is coming and for me this means one important thing – strawberries approaching! I am in absolute love with this fruit and I only regret that in Poland it is available for only month or two.

Not only strawberries taste great but they are also very good for health. It is said that it is not a coincidence that they are heart shaped as they lower the level of bad cholesterol. At the same time they prevent rise of blood sugar and have very low glycaemic index (under 40). It is also proved that strawberries help to lose weight as they improve metabolism. As you see – it is hard to ask for more in that matter.

Interestingly, they  are not exactly created by nature – as a matter of a fact it is a hybrid of two species of wild strawberries in the middle of 17^th century.

All right, now we know something “scientific” about strawberries so it’s time to cut to the chase: how can we use it? There are many ways to serve the strawberries. The easiest and healthiest one is to eat the fruit without any additions (certainly without sugar and whipped cream if we care for our health). They are also popular ingredient of may desserts as well as dairy product such as ice creams, milkshakes and yogurts. But in modern kitchen you can use strawberries in traditional way.  Once I found a superb recipe for chicken in balsamic vinegar with rocket and strawberry salad. It may sound like a “strange marriage”, but when I prepared it…it was absolutely delicious! I have to make it one more time J

So much for my love of strawberries J Actually, writing this blog made me hungry… I better find some strawberries in my fridge J

Wedding preparations

Hi again!

In my previous post I mentioned that currently I am busy with wedding preparations. It might sound a bit surreal considering a fact that my ceremony will take place in the summer of 2016, but believe me – if you want to make it the best day of your life better act fast.

I got engaged in the August of 2014 and at that point it seemed that 2 years to the ceremony is more than enough. Nevertheless I decided to begin preparations immediately – I taught that sooner I start, sooner I finish and less pressure I have. However, reality is cruel – organisation of a wedding is a real race against time.  I wanted to book a wedding hall, photographer,band, and church by the end of 2014 – in my opinion those things are critical. Today I can admit that I realised 50% of my goals by completing first two points of my list. This is not a bad result, but the effort I had to make was huge. First thing is to look through all options that are on the local market – and believe me wedding business is thriving, you have unlimited range of potential options. You have to make a difficult comparison, make a choice, call the contractor and pray for his availability in your term. In my case, every music band that I like is busy on the term of my wedding… and it is just the tip of an iceberg, because there are so many details I have to take care of.

I don’t even want to speak about a financial side of a wedding because I have a feeling that every service is about five times more expensive.As I said, I want my wedding to be the most beautiful day of my life and it won’t come easily. But in my heart I believe I will not regret it J

Hi all,

As you know I have a soul of a traveller and from time to time I HAVE TO go somewhere. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I went abroad. To be honest, I do not travel in Poland either(except short trip to Kaszuby). I have a lot of things to do lately (studies, wedding preparations), but at the same time sitting in one place is sickening for me J So, I did a little research,  compared prices (my budget is ruthless…Cuba has to wait for me  a bit moreJ ) and I think I know where I will  go soon.

Alicante is a Spanish historical city in the middle of Costa Blanca. It also has many direct connections with Poland, for example flights from Wrocław and Kraków. In this season you can easily find a two way ticket under 400 zł. Alicante itself is not very big, it is mainly a port town but it has a one big asset – very good location. It is in the middle of south coast of Spain, you can travel from here to Barcelona as well as Andalusia. What is more, in direct neighbourhood you have two cities that are worth to visit. First one, Murcia, is a capital of province and historical city with Arabic descent. It main attraction is cathedral (Catedral de Santa María) with tower’s height second only to La Giralda in Sevilla. Second one, Valencia, is the third largest city in Spain with global city status. Few years ago I was participating language course there and I know that there are so many things to see there – monuments, museums, gardens. I would be very happy to come back there.

So, my plan is to spend about a week in Spain again, enjoying the sun and visiting new places. For now I am focused on finishing my semester, but I hope in a few weeks I hit the road again. J

Hope you enjoyed the read!

Attention!

This post is dedicated to all the ladies who would like to take care of their  figure, but still do not know which sport  they should choose.

Summer is just around the corner, and you have not shed extra kilos? You know that you should take care of yourself, but still you lacks the motivation and you make excuses?

Remember -  taking exercises regularly not only improves our health and physical fitness, but also has a positive effect on our mood. Unfortunately, despite all of these benefits, many people prefer rather passive lifestyle, saying that sport is not for them. However, it is possible to select exercises that are entertaining, relaxing and have many health benefits.

The Ideal sport that has all of these advantages is  … attention ... Hula Hoop! Exactly! The same  funny toy, which probably you turned when you were a little girl. I also had a hula hoop then and I think it was a great fun. Honestly, recently I  forgot about its existence. Just a while ago, however, I decided to go back to doing sport that will improve my mood  and figure. Looking in the mirror, I started to wonder, where my waistline has gone? Immediately I remembered about this wonderful inventionJ.  I began to browse through websites in search of information, where I could buy it. I was surprised when it turned out that the hula hoop, which once I had fun, now looks differently ... a big, heavy, and in addition with some strange massage balls! 

Well, small and light circle in reality is not hula hoop. There’s some information about it:

•           Above all, hula-hoop  will slim your belly and shape waistline. The first effects are already visible after two weeks of regular training with the circle.

•           The other big advantage of the hula hoop is improvement of posture of practicing. Long turning of the circle requires an upright posture, that’s why exercise improves posture and strengthen the spine. Moreover, it models buttocks.

•           You can turn the hula hoop both at home during watching TV or listening to music as well as outdoors. Break the boredom of training!

-           If you connect hula hoop turning with an appropriately balanced diet, the effects will be guaranteed. 

Important!

Single training should take no longer than 30 minutes - after that time, the body begins to burn fat. During each session burns about 200 calories, and the first results appear after 2 weeks of daily turning.

A good way to increase the motivation to exercise with a hula hoop, is to measure waistline before the first workout and after two weeks.

                              

Exercises to shrink the waist:

Stand with legs apart, slightly bend your knees and flex your abdomen muscles. Hold the hula hoop at waist level. Lean the rim on one side and set it in motion. Immediately move your hips, trying to keep the hula-hoop at waist level.

Search for other exercises, for example to firm thighs and buttocks up on the Internet.

Important!

 Hula hoop with massage balls can cause bruises on the abdomen and back, that hitting the weak muscles cause microtrauma. These areas of the body protects internal organs which are needed for the proper functioning of the body. Hitting kidneys regularly with hula hoop may have a serious impact on their condition in the future.

If you are careful  enough,  nothing is going to happen, quite the reverse, you will see the benefits from the using of the circle. I do exercise with hula hoop from about a month and I noticed satisfactory results. My waistline is back, thus I do not lose a motivation. After training I am full of power and relaxed. At the beginning it is not easy, but the important thing is not to give up! I guarantee that you will be satisfied. In case of any questions, I offer my help. J

Good luck J !

Do you know that … ?

Do you like as me to read various curiosities, such as those related to food? Sometimes some of them are really very surprising. Today I will present you  7 interesting facts.

 1. Black tip of the banana is not poisonous. Fortunately, it does not contain toxic substances or  larvae or pesticides.

2. Peel of kiwi is edible. Therefore, eating kiwi as a whole is completely safe.

3. Watching TV for two hours a day increases the risk of obesity by 23%. In addition, more rapidly develope skeletal defects  and the muscles get flabby.

4. Honey never spoils. The oldest jar found with this delicacy was 5500 years and still fit for eating.

5. Tomato  it's not a vegetable but fruit and in addition a berry . It is the fruit because is edible part of the whole plant called tomato, and the berry is a type of fruit, which the tomato is counted among to.

6. Apricot seeds are poisonous. They contain amygdalin, a substance hazardous to health and life. Consumption of large amounts of apricot seeds  may cause severe poisoning, particularly dangerous to children.

7. Eating raw spinach improves mood. It is in fact the source of tryptophan - electrically neutral amino acid, which reduces negative emotions.

Recipe for chicken from Antilles.

Today something for gourmets J. I recommend a delicious dish that I did myself recently. Moreover, it is easy to prepare and takes only 30 minutes.

Number of servings: 4

Prepare:

Desiccated coconut: 45 g

Single chicken breast: 4 pcs.

Coconut milk: 400 ml

Curcuma: 1 pinch

Peeled and diced tomatoes: 2 pcs.

Onions: 2 pcs.

Thyme: 3 sprigs

Water: 75 ml

Salt: to taste

pepper: to taste

Diced pineapple: 0.5 pc.

Coriander: 3 spoonfuls

Canola oil: 2 spoonfuls

Basmati rice: 200 g

Wok or deep frying pan or casserole pan with a thick bottom.

Preparation:

Wash the chicken, dry it and cut into 3 pieces. Flavour with salt and pepper on both sides.

In the pan (wok) warm up 2 spoonfuls of canola oil.

Throw the chicken in hot oil. Roll over and wait until the chicken is golden brown.

Cut the onion and add it to the chicken. Fry for 3 minutes. Add the desiccated coconut and fry for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Peel tomatoes and dice it, same as pineapple.

Add the coconut milk, 75 ml of water, a pinch of curcuma, tomatoes, pineapple and 3 sprigs of thyme. The dish should be cooked approx. 20 minutes, covered. Cover with a lid.

If the sauce will be too thin, boil it until it thickens. At the end flavour all with the salt and pepper.

Add 3 spoonfuls of chopped cilantro.

Bon appetit!

Hi all!

At the beginning I want to apologize you for such a long absence of my posts. Today I can say that I came here a little changed and happier. I explain now what is on my mind. The Lent ended, it was the perfect time to go on a spiritual "power training gym". I decided to accept a challenge. I knew that I was addicted to the sweets and I had to get rid of them as soon as possible. I ate them every day and always had something at hand. At some point, I realized how much harm they do to me and how worthless ingredients I deliver to my body. I always knew that sweets cause many diseases, but I just was not able to stop it. Some of you may think that it was an "empty" resolution, but for me it was a real challenge. I have to admit that at the beginning it was very difficult to break the habit of eating sweets. But over the time it was just getting better and today I don’t have to run to the candy shop. When my body is in need of a dose of sugar, I indulge in dates or cashew with cranberries.

Dates are sweet fruit ideal for people who suffer from digestive disorders. They perfectly balance the digestive process and take an active part in it. Moreover, they add the energy  for our fatigued body already half an hour after consumption. Dates are rich in vitamin A1. As we know, vitamin A is beneficial for our eyes and skin. They are also known for antioxidant properties. Furthermore, we can find there vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, C, K. In addition, dates contain niacin, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, calcium.

Furthermore, it has also been proved that the dates have a beneficial effect on heart. Dates also assist in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Because they function as a tonic, that cleans the abdominal cavity of unnecessary toxins and other “contaminations”. It also contains roughage, which makes dates very filling. What's more, it protects the body from the effects of bad cholesterol. As a good source of iron, dates also help the flow of oxygen in the blood. I can recommend them to everyone - they are very healthy and tasty.

I am glad that I took the challenge. Firstly, I won the battle with a bad habit, and second, I feel better in my own body.

I think you still do not know how much affection I feel for animals. When I was a child, I could watch all days  the programs such as Animal Planet, look at pictures in books and dream to have a cat or dog in my house. Unfortunately, my dad was always against pets. 

Today, in retrospect, I think that his arguments were unconvincing: I have to go out with my dog, besides, the animal is not suitable for the cramped flat, and the cats remove the furniture with their claws. In fact, not once I put my dad in a situation that cats stayed in our house for some time. The one, that was a birthday’s present for my sister, was accompanying us until nine years. However, today I don’t have any pet and dream again to buy some new one that I could fall in love with all my strength. I think it would be a pedigree cat ;). I’m only thinking what would be the best for me. I wish that he liked to snuggle up to me, was affectionate and had soft coat. These are the British cats that tower above my list. Oh, like this:

Quite recently, I went to an International Cat Show and saw a cat I hadn’t know before:

This is Bengal cat and he looks like a little tiger. The first thing you can notice about the Bengal cat is the wonderful coat. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it's also very soft and sleek and many Bengals also shine in the light with a glitter that permeates through every hair shaft.

The third breed of cat that interests me a lot is a Ragdoll. He has characteristic, awesome blue eyes. The word used to describe them is docile, but that does not mean they are inactive. They like to play with toys and enter into any family activities.

So, my list of the best cats looks like this. Isn’t true they look so cute and innocent?

I'm crazy about timbre of dark-skinned artists voices. It is ... music to the ears J. I love listening to songs that put me in a good mood, add a power and sometimes allow me to relax after a busy day. Most willingly I listen to Buika, Angie Stone and Imany, but I'm also open to the novelties, so if you have something cool that you want to recommend me, do not hesitate to write it in the comments J.

2 years ago (yes I know ... a long time ago) I went to a concert, which I will not forget. My fiancé did a surprise and took me to a performance of Imany. I was waiting for that day, and when it finally arrived, I "flew" to the Poznań Congress Center as quick as possible. As my ears heard the sound of her voice, I went into raptures about it. Imany began her concert with a beautiful, slow song "I lost my keys." I was a little disappointed that I had to sit far away from the scene, but after a while my idol invited all fans to come nearer her, therefore I ran quickly to be as close as possible – and I ended in a first row. I hadn’t known before that this woman is so full of life! She was giving her best: left the scene (she was so close to me!), and the concert  was lasting about three hours. Everybody was dancing to the rhythm to my favorite song, which is very positive. Listen to this:

I can not wait for her next concert in Poznań and the new album, which will be soon released! For the time being I'll make a coffee, eat a piece of cake and turn on the album "The shape of a broken heart". Thus I’ll spend a nice, lazy afternoon J.

Cream of broccoli soup

When two years ago I met my boyfriend (today fiancé J ), I wanted to surprise him with my culinary skills ;). The Valentine's Day was just around the corner, so I decided to prepare a romantic dinner consisting of three courses. I was thinking for a long time, what would satisfy my beloved. In the first instance I did a cream of broccoli soup and today I would like to focus on it. In the Internet you can find many recipes for this soup, but today I’m gonna give you one I used that day. It is very tasty and filling.

If you do not know yet, broccoli is very valuable!

This vegetable is a valuable source of vitamin C - this plant is abundant in mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur, potassium and vitamins (includes A, B1, B2 and PP). It is rich in magnesium, among other things necessary for the proper functioning of the heart and conduction of nerve impulses.

Broccoli also contains selenium, which allows to avoid prostate cancer, and sulforaphane, which fights off bacteria responsible for ulcers and gastric cancer. Moreover, is beneficial for the eyes, because neutralizes the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

This vegetable has also therapeutic properties in case of anemia (it concerns especially children and pregnant women).

Broccoli is both low in calories and high – fibre.  Because of this is recommended especially for those who are on a diet.

So, let’s do something good for your health! I’m sure your body wants it ;).

Prepare:

- broccoli

- 2 cups of consommé

- 4 medium dices peeled potatoes

- red onion

- 3 cloves of garlic

- creamy melted cheese

- Cream 18%

- toast

1) Fry the onion in a little olive oil. Then add the chopped garlic.

2) Add a bit of water, then the broccoli florets and potatoes.

3) Pour all with consommé.

4) Then add the melted cheese and cook all together until tender vegetables.

5) When the vegetables are soft, mix soup with blender.

6)  When the cream is ready, pour it on plates. Next decorate it with sour cream. Add your favorite toast.

Voilà! I hope you’ll like it!

Enjoy your meal J

This time, I fulfill my promise and I want to take you to a place that means a lot to me.

Córdoba is a beautiful city in Andalusia, situated in the south of Spain. I was really lucky to live there during Erasmus Exchange Program. Moreover, I was in luck I could met many wonderful people and a culture that fascinated me. The climate definitely served me, cause I was basking in the sun to overcome my stress :).

I'm going to present some information about Córdoba for those who have not been there yet.

Córdoba was founded by the Romans, who built the mighty bridge crossing the river Guadalquivir, now called "El Puente Romano". But Córdoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, and this was when work began on the "Mezquita", which – after several centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all of islamic world. In 1236, Córdoba was captured from the Moors by King Ferdinand III of Castile and rejoined Christendom. The Christians initially left the architecture Mezquita largely undisturbed - they simply consecrated it, dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, and used it as a place of Christian worship.

I am convinced that you want to know what in particular bewitched me :).

Firstly, Mezquita, which is the heart of Córdoba. I'll never forget the view, when I was coming back to Córdoba and could see it beautifully illuminated from a distance of several kilometers. This architectural masterpiece is breathtaking. Just look at these pictures!

Secondly, the medieval Judería, which is today a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings with flowery window boxes. There is a tradition of decorating the patios with lots of flowers in plant pots. Most patios belong to private houses so can only be visited in May when they are open for the famous Patios Festival Competition.

The Alcazar (of the Christian Kings) is a castle, delightful gardens and a moorish bathhouse. This is a very popular monument. The big attraction here are the gardens, laid out in descending terraces with typical Islamic rectangular pools.

Córdoba is ideal for those who like to eat well, explore on foot, dive into old bodegas and relish architectural wonders. I encourage you to visit! I’m sure, I will go back there a few times  :)