LETTING GO OF 2015 AND BUILDING UP 2016.
Posted on January 1, 2016
With the end of the year and the begging of the new one I feel like a confession has to be made. This is the last article I am writing for Iveta’s Musings.
In 2016 I am letting go of two years of love for writing and for all the small, yet magical things, that made my life more interesting and vibrant, and in that sense a love for life itself. Two years in which I was developing not just a blog where on a weekly basis I was sharing my reflections and aspirations, but a powerful dream and a true inspiration that made me realise what my full potential was. A new stage of my life has come.
In 2016 I am leaning in. This time more determined than ever. Exactly one year ago I posted an article on Iveta’s Musings called How I Learned To Lean In in which I share how Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work and The Will To Lead, encouraged me to “sit at the table” and helped me get back on track: empowered to achieve my full potential as a professional and a person. In the article I also mention the three key rules that I embraced as my New Year’s resolution:
- Step up and sit at the table instead of volunteering to take seat in the back row.
- Pick a life partner who is a true partner.
- Don’t leave before you leave.
At the end of the article I promised to keep you updated on how I was actually following those three rules, and tell you more about the risks I was taking, the new challenges I was seeking for and the goals I was pursuing. But I didn’t keep my promise. I decided that the right moment to do that would be when I was no longer just learning how to lean in, but I was actually leaning in. A moment when I had big news to share. And now I have.
This is how I leaned in. I finally had the courage to start developing a business idea that I’ve been having in my mind for years. A bold idea that triggered ambivalent feelings in me: of excitement and thrill, and at the same time of fear and doubt. ‘What am I thinking?’ I said to myself. ‘Am I really willing to become a woman in the tech industry?’.
The tech industry is the last place I have ever imagined to be. And yet, it turned out that it is an area in which, at least for now, I feel most comfortable. So I followed my New Year’s resolution rule number one and stepped up, and sat at the table instead of volunteering to take seat in the back row. I shared my idea with the one person whose help and support I needed the most: my amazing husband. It turned out that I also had a check on rule number two from the list: pick a life partner who is a true partner. With the enormous amount of love, support and help that he gave me I started working on my idea, developing its nature and content, building not just a product, but a lifetime mission.
Rule number three: don’t leave until you leave, was what I had to examine next. I learned that no matter how many times you would hear: ‘Are you really doing this?’, ‘This is not for you!’ or ‘This is not going to work out!’, you have to stay strong, believe in yourself and your ideas, abilities and goals, and never kill an idea before it has reached its full potential or before its time has come only because you are scared of the failure.
And here we are, three rules and seven months later, with a product almost ready to be released and initiate a life on its own. I bright and happy life, I hope.
So it’s time to break the news! In 2016 I am releasing 2Health: a mobile application (will be available on iOS and Android) that was not created to help you loose weight, although this would happen naturally as you will embrace new healthy habits. This app will give you a detailed guidance how to initiate a healthy way of eating, living and thinking, offering exclusive recipes, general health tips and flow yoga classes for different levels and tastes. Discovering the magic of yoga and the rules of proper nutrition, that doesn’t involve drastic dieting, but a healthy and balanced way of eating, will set you on track to take control of your health, wellness and sense of self! Ready or not, here we come, helping you embrace new healthy habits and be your most shining, energized and balanced self!
I will finish as I started: this is the last article I am writing for Iveta’s Musings. But don’t worry, little dreamer, a lot more articles are about to be posted on the 2Health blog where you will be able to enjoy materials related to physical and spiritual health, yoga, cooking and leading a happy and balanced life.
And for those of you, girls, who are still scared of leaning in here is a little bit of inspiration:
And stay tuned for the release of 2Health! It will be available for purchase sooner than you think.
PIONEERS SUPERWOMEN IN THE TECH INDUSTRY.
Posted on December 10, 2015
Technology has always been terra incognita for the women. Even today, in the so-called progressive 21st century, the tech industry is still a sector with a vast gender imbalance. Yet, there were and always will be, even though a minority, strong, persuasive women, finding their way into this man’s world and making waves in the tech field. We all know who Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer are, but are we familiar with the women pioneers in tech from the past, who have paved the way for the current female-leaders in the field and have shaped the current tech we often take for granted. Here are my top three inspiring women pioneers in technology that we all have to know more about.
Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr Source: http://www.kpbs.org
Torn between being a glamorous actress and an innovative inventor, Lamarr was an inspiring successful woman in two major competitive fields. Her earliest inventions include an improved traffic stoplight and a tablet that would dissolve in water to create a carbonated drink, but her biggest invention was a jam-proof radio guidance system for torpedoes. In association with George Antheil, Lamarr tweaked radio frequencies at sporadic intervals between transmission and reception, creating a system in which messages could not be easily intercepted. The design is one of the basics behind spread-spectrum communication technology that today we use on a daily basis and often take for granted: GPS, Bluetooth, wireless, cell phones and Wi-Fi networks.
Joan Clarke
Joan Clarke
Source: http://www.bbc.com/
Clarke, who was recently brought to mainstream attention thanks to the Academy Award-winning movie, The Imitation Game, was part of the Hut 8 team that was cracking codes and deciphering ciphers at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. She was recruited into the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) in 1940 after finishing her education in Cambridge. Clarke worked alongside Alan Turing, who was in fact the developer of the Banburismus: a cryptanalytic process commissioned by the British Military.
Clarke managed to become deputy head of Hut 8 in 1944. She suffered sex-based discrimination as she was paid less than the men and she was prevented from progressing further for being a female.
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace
Source: https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk
Being a royalty, the only child of Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Byron, becoming a woman in tech was the last thing the society was expecting from Ada Lovelace.
She was such a talented mathematician that she ended up working with Charles Babbage, also known as ‘the father of computers’, who was also her friend. They were regularly corresponding about the Analytical Engine – Babbage’s early theoretical design for mechanical general-purpose computer.
Between 1842 and 1843, she translated an article on the Engine by an Italian engineer, but embellished it and added an elaborate set of notes on how an algorithm could be run on the machine to compute Bernoulli numbers. This is widely regarded to be the world’s first computer program, and Ada Lovelace to be the first computer programmer – even though an Analytical Engine was never constructed due to financial constraints and it could never be tested.
She is a true inspiration as she was brave enough to work in an environment that by any means hindered the intellectual and vocational progress of women. Society and science have changed since the 19th century, when Ada Lovelace was active as a professional. Today women are just as committed and capable as men when it comes to building a career and becoming a game-changer in a certain field.
BLUE, WHITE AND RED.
Posted on November 20, 2015
Stockholm. Just a few hours after the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris. Instead of cancelling her concert, part of the Rebel Heart Tour, one of world’s biggest superstars, Madonna, decides to hit the stage, finish her show and not be afraid! Thousand of people are with her on that stadium, praying and crying for the lost innocent souls assassinated in Paris.
Devastated, Madonna delivers a powerful speech regarding not only the recent attacks, but also more general, yet relevant topics like fear, humanity, love, freedom and peace. This is what she says:
This whole show is about celebrating life and standing up for your rights, fighting for what you believe in….It’s been very hard for me to get through this show up to this point and not forget about what happened last night, so I need to take this moment to acknowledge the tragedy, the tragic killings, assassinations and the senseless endings of precious life that occurred last night in Paris….It’s disturbed me all day. And it’s been really hard actually to get through the show because in many ways I feel…torn. Why am I up here dancing and having fun when people are crying over the loss of their loved ones?
And then she goes on:
I was going to cancel my show tonight, but then I told to myself: Why should I give that to them? Why should I allow them to stop me, to stop us, from enjoying freedom? That is exactly what these people want to do. They want to shut us up. They want to silence us. And we won’t let them. We will never let them! Because there is power in unity and I do believe that as much chaos and pain and senseless violence and terrorism that occurs around this world–not just in Paris–as much as that does occur, there is much goodness in this world. We are here to prove it.
And here is how she finishes:
We will never change the world until we do not change ourselves and the way we treat one another on a daily basis, in the simplest ways… Only love will change the world.
There is something surprisingly sincere and powerful about Madonna’s words. And when I say surprisingly I mean that Madonna, one of the most scandalous, eccentric and aggressive artist, is probably the last person I would expect to manage to shake me up with serene, humane and wise words, and to throw me into contemplations. And yet she did.
Her speech made me think about the power of words, but in the same time about the power of actions. Because the act of not giving up to fear and not cancelling her concert carries as much power, if not more, as her words do. By celebrating love and freedom, by doing what she truly loves: singing ‘prayers’, Madonna mourns the victims of the terrorist attacks in her own way, as an artist. And yet, she didn’t change her Facebook profile picture with the French flag like millions of people around the world did. Why is that? Was she not sincere in that public speech? Or isn’t it the act of changing your FB pic in blue, white and red what’s fake?
It is true that social media has become an integral part of our lives. It is attending our romantic dinner, accompanying us to the appointment to the doctor, or even lying in bed right between our better half and us. It feels like today there is nothing more natural or normal than putting every aspect of your life out there, on the social media. And yet, for me it is as simple as that: some things look sincere and ordinary, others: odd and even hypocritical.
I believe that in moments like this, terrorist attacks in Paris (or anywhere else in the world for that matter), as an act of support it is more important for us to do real things in real life. Not unreal things in the cyber world. Humanity and compassions are and will always be acts of honesty, and the ones on paper (in today’s world on screen) will always be less powerful than the real ones, the sincere ones, the ones that are based on real, yet simple actions such as visiting a church to pray and lightning a prayer candle, or calling our friends that have any personal involvement with France and Paris and simply ask them if they and all their loved once are safe and sound. Or walk the walk and become part of an anti-terrorist protest, or offer a flower in front of our town’s French cultural centre or embassy. Or as Madonna did: by not giving up on freedom, joy and love, and by delivering a powerful speech.
Don’t get me wrong. We live in a free world and everybody has the right to express their solidarity however they want. Yet, it is my belief that changing our FB profile pictures or posting a touching status, or tweeting, is not what will change the world. It is us what will change the world. As Madonna said no change will come if we don’t change ourselves first. If we don’t become a little bit more forgiving, humane, benevolent and tolerant, and in that sense real.
CHRISTMAS ON THE MOON.
Posted on November 11, 2015
#ManOnTheMoon is the latest Christmas-related number one hashtag at the social media. If Santa Claus only knew that one day children from all around the world will be more interested in tweeting and instagraming pics of their most desired Christmas presents instead of writing him letters and sending them to the good old cold Laplandia…
Christmas is not what it used to be. Or maybe better: it’s not like it used to be. Ten years ago beautifully decorated festive shops windows and Christmas carols on the radio were more or less the only things that would bring us the Christmas mood. Today we are being bombarded by Christmas propaganda of all kinds: thousands of TV, radio and social media commercial and endless tricks to make us feel more Christmassy, or better yet, spend fortunes on unnecessary goods. Yet, very few are the Christmas adverts that are worth our attention as customer. John Lewis Stores are definitely part of that minority. It became their annual tradition to produce magical Christmas adverts that are not only commercial and beautifully made, but also carry in them a very powerful, deeply human messages.
This year’s commercial tells the story of a curious baby girl called Lily that looking at the moon through the family telescope one night experiences a fascinating finding: a lonely man on the moon.
Lily watches as he goes about his daily routine, sitting up there all alone. She becomes determined to send him a message and show him that someone down here is thinking of him and that he is being loved and cherished. And so she does. She sends him a telescope so that they could communicate, ever though not in person. This add makes us think about the essence of us as humans: social ‘animals’ that need someone to share our lives with, and also about the essence of Christmas: that time of the year when our hearts open and we are more willing to share, give and forgive.
It may be just a PR trick that is supposed to make us shop at John Lewis, but still the add doesn’t fail in warming our heart and bringing the Christmas mood, grace and love to our homes. I hope you enjoy…and shed a tear or two like I did.
EVERYBODY LOVES ICE CREAM!
Posted on October 22, 2015
Everybody loves ice cream! And everybody prefers it slow and real, and decadent.
My mother says that my obsession with ice cream has started early in my easy breeze days as a kid. I remember those hot summer afternoons from my childhood when my mother and I were going to the local market to do the groceries and where passing by an old man with an ice cream car. The violet: that awfully purple flavour was my favourite. Each time we passed the car I sang a song:
‘Ice cream, ice cream, cold, cold ice cream. I will pay for you with smiles, kisses and love’.
In fact I wrote it myself and used it in those cases when I wanted to give sign to my mother that I really wanted an ice cream. Which was basically always!
Now that I am a grown up, I haven’t managed to fight my obsession with ice cream.
Now that I am a grown up, I haven’t managed to fight my obsession with ice cream. And honestly I have never even tried. Why would I?! Ice cream is one of those guilty little pleasures and secrets that every girl should have. But being a healthy lifestyle follower and advocate now I not only care about the flavour and the taste of the ice cream, but also about the quality and the healthiness. And here is where Gelateria Naturale becomes part of the story.
Gelateria Naturale is the one and only place in Sofia, Bulgaria, where you can indulge into the magic of ice cream without having any regrets or concerns. Situated in the heart of the city, the small charming gelateria offers organic, homemade, hand-made, refined sugar free, preservatives and artificial colours free, palm oil and any other toxic fats free ice cream. Here the cold delight is made slowly and patiently, with special care and lots of love. The result: heavenly good, teasingly melting ice cream that is simultaneously healthy and delish. And here is some great news: you can have a personal take-away pre-order of any flavour that you fancy and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home.
In Gelateria Naturale the ice cream is made slowly and patiently, with special care and lots of love.
The purest joy of eating ice cream can be triggered only by pure and joyful ice cream.
The gelateria offers classic creamy non-dairy free options such as Nocciola, Chocolate and Ricotta, as well as 100% vegan flavours with a variety of seasonal fruits. ZERO ZERO is the special ice cream line for diabetic and lactose intolerant people that is made with organic fat-free and lacto-free milk and natural fructose. But no matter which flavour you would pick you will be in heaven. In a sticky, silky, sugary heaven. And if you, just like me, believe that the purest joy of eating ice cream can be triggered only by pure and joyful ice cream, then Gelateria Naturale should become your second home.
THE SOUTH WEST OF BULGARIA: A LAND OF MIRACLES, WONDERS AND HEROISM.
Posted on October 7, 2015
24 hours are never enough. Especially when it comes to exploring Bulgaria.
Yet, it looks like 110, 994 square kilometres, which is exactly how big Bulgaria is, have been more than enough for Mother Nature to spread her beauty. On such a small territory you could find majestic mountains, golden beaches, endless lush green valleys, ancient cities and unique history, arts and crafts.
The South West of Bulgaria is one of the most stunning parts of the country. It is an area that tells mystical stories about miracles, wonders and heroisms. It is also one of Bulgaria’s spiritual hearths. And last but not least, it is the subject of this photographic itinerary. I will give you some iconic places in the South West of Bulgaria that you could visit for a day trip plus some stunning pictures from the trip that I recently made with my family. Enjoy!
Rupite
Being the motherland of Vanga, better known as Baba Vanga: a renowned mystic, clairvoyant and healer, the South West of Bulgaria is a major attraction for people all around the world. Rupite, the small village where Vanga lived and was buried, is a must visit place. It is not only the presence of such an enlightened person as Vanga that made Rupite so special, but also its location. The village is placed in a mystical area that used to be a crater of an extinct volcano. Curative hot springs, magnificent volcano pyramids and volcanic rock in unusual shapes are still present today to remind us of the glorious past of the area.
The area around Vanga’s house is without a doubt the most visited. You can not only walk around her home, her garden and the building where she used to meet with all the people that needed her help, but you could also visit the church St. Petka. It was constructed in 1992 by the will of Baba Vanga and has since then become a place of worship for thousands of pilgrims. The creation of the monument provoked a scandal in the 90’s. The unique architecture and iconographic system of the church were pronounced too modern, eccentric and against the traditions of the canons by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. And that makes them even more tempting, doesn’t it?
Melnik
With a population of only 385 people, Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria. Yet, it has plenty of things to offer!
Shall we start with the elixir of life: wine. Given to us, the mortals, by the Gods, wine is the one thing that Melnik offers in abundance. The town has been famous for producing superb, strong wine since 1346. Shiroka Melnishka (Broad Leaved Melnik Vine) managed to enchant even Winston Churchill, who considered it one of his favorites varieties. You could buy house-wine from almost every house in town. I, however, would not recommend you to buy non-bottled wine as the quality of the home-produced wine can be quite controversial and often disappointing. The wineries in the area are a more reliable source. I highly recommend the Villa Melnik Winery. Just 15 min away from Melnik, this modern winery not only offers a breathtaking Tuscany-like view and superb award-winning wines from local and international varieties, but you could also experience a tour around the winery and a delightful wine testing.
In addition to its winemaking traditions, Melnik is a desirable tourist attraction also for its unique architecture and nature. The town is an architectural reserve and 96 of its buildings are cultural monuments. Built in the first half of the 13th century, the Bolyar’s House, also knows as the Byzantine House, is one of the oldest civilian buildings on the Balkans. The Kordopulov’s House (1754) is another one of Melnik’s must see. The luxurious interior in a typical for the Bulgarian Renaissance style is a real exotica for the tourists. The house also has one of the largest wine cellars in Melnik. Pashov House (1815), which houses the Historical Museum of Melnik and the Pasha’s House, built by Ibrahim Bey, one of the wealthiest beys in the region during the Ottoman Rule are worth visiting as well. And when to all this we add warm, hospitable people, great food and cozy guest-houses in Bulgarian Renaissance style Melnik is certainly one of the places not to miss in Bulgaria.
LOVE. SOCIAL MEDIA. US.
Posted on September 16, 2015
Love is to be shared between two people and no one else. I guess most of you believe in that. Let me tell you why I don’t.
Some consider addressing your happy relationship on the social media being fake, sugary, annoying or a little bit ‘too much’. The truth, like it or not, is that social media is what brings us together as a world. Today it is an integral part of our lives, an integral part of us, and in that sense, an integrant part of our intimate lives as well. Social media has reshaped the way being in love works and has transformed the rules of relationships. What was normal before is no longer relevant today. Years ago when people had long distance relationships and wanted to speak to their loved ones, they had no other choice but to send letters. Kind of romantic, I have to admit, yet sending letters is a dull glimpse of the past. Today saying ‘I miss you’ to your better half is just a ‘Send’ click away. You can tweet it, instagram it or simply put it on the good ‘old’ FB and there you go.
Source: http://www.people.com
Please don’t get me wrong. Putting tongue kiss photos on the social media like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West do is not what I am encouraging you to do. That’s not cool. It’s just very bad taste! Please, keep the most intimate moments for yourselves! But a little bit of social media love never killed anybody. It is in fact kind of adorable and romantic. At the end of the day what’s the difference between walking hand in hand on the street and taking a selfie of you and your loved one walking hand in hand on the street? It doesn’t mean that your love is fake or that you love each other less than those who don’t put their relationships out there. But it doesn’t mean that you love each other more then them either. It just means that you love. You feel comfortable showing your unconditional love to the world and you have no fears, infiriority complex or issues with being judged. Haters will hate no matter what you do. So just be brave and do what you want.
Here are a few romantic inspirations that caught my eye coming from people that are not afraid of ‘loving’ on the social media:
A note to those of you who may believe that what I am writing is a complete nonsense:
If you don’t like addressing your relationships on the social media simply don’t do it. But try to abstain yourself from being judgmental towards those who are doing it. As John Lennon said it once ‘Don’t hate what you don’t understand’.
‘TêTe-à-TêTe’ PERSONAL UPDATE + MY TOP 3 NOT – TO – MISS EXHIBITIONS IN LONDON THAT YOU HAVE TO SEE UNTIL THE SUMMER IS GONE.
Posted on September 3, 2015
D’aventure en aventure: that’s how my life passes. Not a bad way to live, right? As an adventurer and a world traveller I have realized that adventures are the best way to learn. Learn who you are. Where you belong. Who you want to become. Just learn. I feel truly blessed that my husband and I share the same love and passion for travelling. At least four times a year we explore different beautiful corners of the world, and in every two years, seeking for an even greater adventure, we change the country that we live in. After a year in Singapore, brief stint in Sofia, two years in London (with occasional stints in Edinburgh), we are back to the motherland and we have just moved to Sofia. The fact that I am no longer a citizen of London, however, doesn’t mean that I will stop being your authentic source into the versatile life of the UK’s capital. I’ll still be travelling to London every now and then and I will be sharing my tips on how to experience this fantastic city to the fullest.
Today I am giving you my top 3 not – to – miss exhibitions in London that you have to see until the summer is finally gone.
- Soundscapes
8 July – 6 September 2015
Last 4 days to see it!
While some believe that Soundscapes is ‘the worst idea The National Gallery has come up with in almost 200 years’ [1] and might anathemize me for saying that, I would still risk it and say it out loud (or more like write it down in bold): Soundscapes is wild and you have to see it. Or maybe better: you have to hear it.
For the show The National Gallery has commissioned leading musicians and sound artists to select a painting from the gallery’s collection and compose a new piece of music or sound art in response. As Antoine de Saint – Exupéry has written at The Little Prince: “…what is essential is invisible to the eye.” This quote is relevant for the way most of us look at painting (and art as a whole). We rarely see the paintings in their essence and completeness. Some of the details stay invisible for the eyes and we need to rely on a sense different from our sight to experience the art in its fullest. Immersive and site-specific, Soundscapes encourages the visitors to do exactly this and indulge into a new way of looking at paintings: ‘hearing’ the art and ‘seeing’ the sound. The sound pieces featured at the show are not just an accompaniment or background: they are the storytellers, the stepping-stone to the better understanding of the paintings.
The surprise of the show is Jamie xx: the famous DJ, music producer, and member of the band The xx. Jamie xx has picked a painting that his ethereal mixes can actually illuminate successfully: dark room, beats and pulses building up and Theo van Rysselberghe’s Costal Scene (c 1892) teasing our senses. The connection between the painting and the sound piece comes very straightforward, which of course doesn’t make Jamie xx’s piece even a bit less powerful. It just makes it easier for the visitor to immerse into the experience.
The show, however, is far from being flawless. There are only six paintings in this exhibition. Admission costs £10. A little bit more art or a little bit less pounds would have been a better option. Not all of the artists have managed to build a successful relationship between the painting and the sound piece. Susan Philipsz for instance, has failed in her attempt to communicate her concept via music. The concept sounds intriguing, but in reality its practical shape is quite unclear and dull. Yet, those flaws are not enough reasons for you not to go and see Soundscapes. Plus, you can always tap your feet to some of the beats if you feel like doing it.
The new sounds of art.
Cardiff and Miller respond to Antonello da Messina’s ‘Saint Jerome in his Study’ | Soundscapes
- Carsten Höller: Decision
10 June 2015–6 September 2015
Only 4 days left!
Source: http://www.theguardian.com
Being and ex-scientist, Höller thinks of shows as laboratories and visitors as observed and observing participants in social experiments. Let’s put it this way: Höller is the Big Brother and he is watching you. If you don’t mind having your every move watched you could fearlessly indulge into the different amusements the show offers. You can walk around wearing a helmet that turns the world upside down. You can fly, slide, feel your nose growing longer like Pinocchio. You can dance around giant flying mushrooms or jump into a mountain of pills. You can simply feel free and weightless, if you could actually forget about the fact that you are playing the role of a mouse in Höller’s latest experiment. And just when you are ready to hit the exit you realize that the only way to do it is facing your fear and sliding down a giant Perspex tube.
Carsten Höller: Decision may have crossed the line between art and technology. Yet, who cares about boundaries and tags when it comes to creating an immersive experience and having fun? And this show is all about that. Chinese business magnate and philanthropist Jack Ma said it once: “It’s not the technology that can change the world, it’s the dreams behind the technology that change the world”. Judging by his art, it looks like Höller is a real visionary that dares to dream big. Big as the pink aphid on the wall behind you. Run if you can!
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk
- What is luxury?
25 April – 27 September 2015
25 days left!
As an institution that is a symbol of opulence, there is no better place than the V&A to host an exhibition about the history of luxurious items. The show questions the very idea of what luxury is and triggers a debate about where it might go in the future. Extraordinary artifacts can be seen in the show: an extravagant necklace that looks like a bubble bath foam for which each bubble was hand-knitted in nylon filament around a different-sized marble; an opulent rococo Portuguese gold crown embellished with diamonds, rubies and emeralds; Nothing unexpected so far, you would say. The show, however, offers a lot of surprises, displaying bizarre object that you wouldn’t expect to see. Or at least you wouldn’t really consider being luxury.
Source: http://www.amara.com
One of those objects is an executive survival kit designed by Marcin Rusak. Instead of helping you to find your way and head into the right direction, this one aims to simply loose yourself for a while. It features a compass that sends you off in random directions, as well as a dial-less watch and a blanket to keep you warm on your journey towards ascetic enlightenment. This piece can’t be more contemporary and current as it epitomizes the ultimate luxury: living in a world where having some extra time and space is a reality, not a chimera. Or even better yet: living in a world where possessing any of these objects doesn’t matter at all.
Time for Yourself, Marcin Rusak in collaboration with Iona Inglesby, 2013. Source: http://www.theguardian.com
[1] Laura Cumming, Soundscapes review – feeble, wrong-headed, and unambitious, The Guardian Online , 12 July 2015
A MUST TRY: TWO GREAT UNDER-THE-RADAR SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS.
Posted on August 13, 2015
Recently I have been thinking how much we limit ourselves in our own experiences and explorations. We tend to do the same things, meet with the same people, go to the exact same places that we have already been thousands of times. And all this just because it feels familiar and safe, and we don’t have to leave our comfort zone and plan or think too much. But in its nature travelling is all about the adventure. It’s about craving for brand new experiences, places, faces…
It’s August: that time of the year when everybody is going away for their holidays. The people that choose to spend the entire summer vacation at the seaside are more than the ones that acknowledge that there are so many other wonderful ways to spend their summer days. In fact the mountain or the more culture-related vacations can be as pleasing and relaxing, if not even more, as the ones related to the sea.
This article comes as a reminder that summer is so much more than going to the seaside. Don’t limit yourselves by spending your entire vacation laying on the beach, doing nothing and sweating under the sun (not to mention how much the sun ruins your skin and steals the healthy young glow from you). Do something new! Go somewhere new! See something new! Explore the beauties of the world. Why not going here:
The Scottish Highlands
Scotland is nothing less than a living, breathing fairytale.
Scotland is a highly underestimated country by the travellers. Because of its cold, windy, rainy weather a lot of people choose not to spend their summer vacation here. Those who do, however, are the real winners as they have the chance to explore this marvellous country that is nothing less than a living, breathing fairytale.
Which route to take:
The Highlands really are the Scotland of your imagination: dreamy and endlessly lush green. The Highlands area is a stunning region of ancient landscapes and magnificent mountains and lakes with a fascinating history. I highly recommend you to rent a car and take the trip from the capital: Edinburgh, to the Glencoe area with an overnight (or more) stop at the picturesque village Ballachulish. Situated on either side of Loch Leven and surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Scotland, Ballachulish is the perfect base for exploring the amazing landscape of Glencoe. The village offers a variety of thrilling indoor and outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, sailing, fishing, biking, golf and skiing. The scenery that you can witness here is absolutely breathtaking and I promise that it is nothing like you have seen before. On your way to Ballachulish make a few stops: the Doune Castle for a cultural experience and the Deanston Whiskey Distillery for a tour around the distillery and some truly delightful whiskey tasting experience. If you have enough days do not miss to make the trip from Ballachulish to Eilean Donan Castle: Scotland’s most magical castle, and stop for an afternoon tea at the Inverlochy Castle.
Outside the window there is…green green paradise…
A morning with a view!
Eilean Donan Castle: Scotland’s most magical castle.
Eilean Donan Castle.
Doune Castle.
Lake Como, Italy
It is still a water related vacation: you can enjoy water skiing, swimming and lying under the sun. Yet, it is not the boring seaside experience. It is elegant and truly mind-blowing in terms of marvellous scenery to be seen. Not to mention that you can actually see George Clooney drinking his morning ristretto at a local café.
Which route to take:
Rent a car from the Linate Airport and make your way to Cernobbio. Take a few days to explore this charming little town. Indulge into some clubbing by the lido; take a boat trip or have a refreshing morning swim. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Villa Erba and to have a romantic afternoon walk at the Il Giardino della Valle. You can either choose to spend your whole vacation in Cernobbio or you could travel in the area and explore different towns around the lake. Bellagio, Tremezzo and Menaggio are worth spending some days at. A useful note: Be prepared to spend quite a lot of money for this summer Italian affair as the Lake Como area is extremely expensive compared to the rest of the country.
Indulge into some clubbing by the lido.
SOFIA. MY WONDERLAND.
Posted on August 5, 2015
USA is no longer the land of unlimited possibilities. Bulgaria is. Here you can do anything and become everything that you wish. Because it’s affordable, chilled and literally no rules apply. Being a place awash with great food, wild clubbing scene and centuries of unique culture, the capital – Sofia, is one of Bulgarian’s most fascinating destinations. It is quirky and cool, yet it’s a place to luxuriate in the best of the ‘Bulgarian dream’.
Sofia is also my hometown. So in my eyes I see it as my little sunny wonderland: always welcoming, always ready for me. In this article you will see Sofia through my eyes: the eyes of a girl that after living abroad for the last couple of years, today feels like and expat in her own wonderland. You will also see me through the eyes of my creative buddy Maria S. who accompanied me in the hot summer day, taking some amazing photos, inspiring me, my soul and my most Marilyn Monroe self.
Young and Wild.
Sofia is a city with an ever-growing club scene and lively nightlife worth experiencing. And believe me, Bulgarians know how to drink and party hard! If you feel like having a chilled night, drinking good cocktails and chatting with friends, ONE MORE BAR is the place. With its milky pink facade and charming little garden, ONE MORE BAR is a place where you make great friends and share unforgettable memories. By The Way is one of Sofia’s iconic bars. If you think about it the place is nothing special: a small bar on one of the busiest and dustiest crossroads in town. Yet, its unique spirit is what makes it so special. By The Way is not just a bar: it’s a hub, a community, a second home for its visitors. Memento is also worth visiting, especially in the cold winter (the brand has a few bars around the city, always offering great locations and setting). Memento has the best selection of exquisite teas and some of the best coffee in town. If you happen to be in Sofia during the hot summer try Memento’s iconic cocktails Aperamento and Aperamento Gold. Culture Beat is your place for after 12 am! This bizarre, charmingly off club for electronic music brings a breath of fresh air to the grim communist style building of the National Palace of Culture.
Feel the art.
The new gallery Kvadrat 500 gets all the attention, but the original National Art Gallery, housed in an elegant 19th-century palace, offers a more exclusive and vibrant brief when it comes to Bulgarian modern and contemporary art. However, Kvadrat 500 is also a must see. The new upgraded venue offers a rich collection of Bulgarian art, as well as foreign art from Africa, Asia and Europe. In terms of creative commercial art galleries I highly recommend Rakursi. It offers the best of Bulgarian contemporary art in case you are interested in buying. From September onwards you’ll be able to visit the latest addition to Sofia’s art scene: Muzeiko. The museum, sponsored by the US government, will be focused on art and education-related activities and exhibitions for children and families. So if you are around Sofia in September and if you have a child, or you are a child or you have been one once (we all have) go ahead and indulge in a carefree afternoon in Muzeiko.
Where to shop.
Forget about the malls. Nothing new and attractive about them. Tzar Asen Street and the small streets around it are the creative fashion districts of Sofia. There you can find small charming boutiques that offer handmade clothes, shoes and jewellery by Bulgarian designers. Don’t miss the Paradise Garage Boutique from where in fact I bought the skirt I am wearing on the photos.
Go Local.
Now there is nothing alluring about standing shivering in the freezer section at the local supermarket with your eyes glazing over from the halogen lights and the neon-colored cardboard boxes containing substances claimed to be food products. I much more prefer going to local farmer’s market, enjoying the open-air setting and talking with local farmers about the size and the taste of this year’s harvest of cherries for instance. And then I walk away with a bag full of delicious locally produced goodies. The farmer’s market experience is not only good for your body and health, but also for your soul and balanced spirit. Luckily weekly in Sofia there are two different farmers markets that offer the best local fruit and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, pastries, beer and wine, even ice cream during the summer. One is on Wednesdays at the Ivan Vazov Market and the other one is on Saturdays at the Roman Wall.
Where to stay.
Here are my suggestions of hotels in Sofia:
All the three of them are at the ideal city centre, hence very convenient, and offer exquisite luxury experience.
Get Creative.
The street art in Sofia is usually quite chaotic and very few pieces can be actually considered art. Tzar Ivan Shishman Street, however is a different story. In fact Shishman is the only area in Sofia where the street art can be cherished in an organized, harmonious way and actually some great pieces can be seen. Just look around and you will see hidden gems: beautiful graffiti on the electric street boxes or on the wall rights next to you. Shishman is an interesting area: the new (the graffiti) and the old (communist style buildings and weird Eastern European features and details) co-exist in one creative soul, melting together in an alluring ambiance. Stop by Bar Bilkova for a drink or two and enjoy the company of some creative, colourful young people.
Indulge into the delish!
Pastorant is the one place in Sofia where you actually feel like being in some quiet carefree part of France. Yet, no French is spoken here and the menu features mainly Italian dishes. If you happen to go during the summer book a table in the garden.
A must try: Baked goat cheese with honey and figs.
Tavan offers one of the most breathtaking views in the city, looking over Vitosha Mountain on one side and over Sofia’s city centre on the other.
A must try: Grilled octopus
It always feels like home in Made in home. The furniture, the air and dishes: it all smells like Sunday at your grandmother’s house.
A must try: Zucchini ‘meatballs’
Now, I have a confession to make: I like big ice creams and I cannot lie! I have tried hundreds of types of ice cream in locations all around the world: from Cuba and Peru, to the USA, Spain, Italy and many many more. Yet the best ice cream in the world, at least for me, is in Sofia, and more precisely at Confetti. The place offers an impressive selection of gelatos (especially in the summer), but it also has great salads and pizzas. Moreover, Confetti teases the senses with some exquisite cakes and pastries. I must try!
A must try: Raspberry-basil gelato and cheesecake gelato
Sun-Moon is the best healthy place in Sofia. Period. Being a bakery and a restaurant in one, Sun-Moon has all that a health-freak needs: freshly baked breads and pastries, vegan and vegetarian salads and organic homemade drinks and dips.
A must try: Stuffed avocado salad
Photo credit: Mariya S.
Iveta's Musings 