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| From egyszem |
And not only will you give a panda a good name, but you'll be also supporting Diabetes' UKs cause. Great way to start a week, isn't it?
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| From egyszem |
2012. okt. 8.
Name My Panda
This year I had the most amazing, everlasting birthday, and if the Indian saying is true (please, please) I shall be spending the following year travelling as I have spent most of the day on a longhaul flight back from Beijing. However the day started with a huge surprise, the amazing people I have been travelling with (Laura, Ed, Sarah, Kathryn, Lucy and Rachel) have surprised me (and the Chinese bus driver) with singing Happy Birthday to me, and giving me the above panda as a gift (which ever since is accompanying me at my major meetings sitting on my jacket).
However after long consideration, I still couldn't come up with a good name for the bear, as such was hoping that you help me by sending me your suggestions. Please do so by donating any amount on my Justgiving website, and quoting the Panda's name as a personal message on the website for a chance of winning a pack of chocolate panda biscuits (pictured below). I will put the suggestions (if more than one suggestion arrives:) ) up for voting, and the name receiving the biggest amount of votes will be the winner.
And not only will you give a panda a good name, but you'll be also supporting Diabetes' UKs cause. Great way to start a week, isn't it?
And not only will you give a panda a good name, but you'll be also supporting Diabetes' UKs cause. Great way to start a week, isn't it?
2012. szept. 14.
Day 6: Mutianyu
I've done it. After over 1000 steps to the stairway to heaven this 5 day challenge has finally came to an end. I am proud to say that all the efforts put into training paid back, as I am feeling really good. Tired, but positive. I also hope that the money collected will be a great contribution toward research on diabetes and making the lives of those affected easier.
Need 256 pounds more to meet my target, so if you agree with supporting this cause please threw a penny or more into my virtual money collection bucket on my justgiving page.
Need 256 pounds more to meet my target, so if you agree with supporting this cause please threw a penny or more into my virtual money collection bucket on my justgiving page.
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| From Drop Box |
This is my last report from this challenge, and I am looking forward to my paid holiday, which starts soon with a proper foot massage. I think I badly need it.
Day 5: Jinshaling
Today was the shortest (it's 14:39 as I am writing this). We have walked the Jinshaling part of the wall, another clear day, so another day of magnificent views. The reason we were fairly quick today again was due to the fact that this part of the wall has been renovated 30 years ago and the surface is quite even, though it doesn't mean that that it lacked any steep staircases. It was a fun hike and we've done 14.5 k steps today, followed by hello people, who didn't make much money on us today.
After a longer bus ride we have arrived at Nalikshe resort which is a resort frequented by businessman from Beijing. There was a wedding in the restaurant where we've been booked for dinner (have eaten lotus for the first time in my life). The Chinese tradition at this part of the country is that men and women sit at separate tables, but everything else resembled the weddings I've been to: lots of food and even more booze. :-)
We've been sent a plate full of sunflower seeds, sweets and peanuts, so that we could be part of the celebration and great wishes for the young couple.
After dinner we headed to a bar for our next day briefing where we have been acquainted with Chinese pop music, as the bar was a karaoke bar. Really enjoyed the evening, and listening to one English and then one Chinese song, but as a preparation for the last miles, we went to bed early just after having seen some fireworks.
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
After dinner we headed to a bar for our next day briefing where we have been acquainted with Chinese pop music, as the bar was a karaoke bar. Really enjoyed the evening, and listening to one English and then one Chinese song, but as a preparation for the last miles, we went to bed early just after having seen some fireworks.
Day 4: Gubeikou gateway
We had the best views ever today. After the previous day's heavy rain, the sky all cleared up and there was a nice breeze as well which was air conditioning us on the walk.
We've been joined in the morning by what the Chinese call the hello people. Three Mongolian women, who offered their help during our trek. By the end of the day of 17500 somewhat steps, and 2 jungles it was clear that their help wasn't needed (we've managed to complete the walk in 5.5hrs that was scheduled for 8) however they've made us buy stuff we don't really needed (none of us were any good at haggling and wanted the whole thing to end, so I ended up buying some chopsticks I will never use probably).
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
Apart from this, we've arrived to our accommodation without anything worth mentioning, where we had a forgettable dinner, that was followed by the most spectacular arts crafts demonstration I've ever seen.
We've been to paper cut demonstration, where a guy who was continuing his family's tradition showed us in 5 mins how to make breathtaking decorations. Outcome: a couple of yuens spent, but I believe, the picture of dragon and phoenix I have now, once in a frame will be following me wherever I move.
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| From egyszem |
2012. szept. 11.
Day 3: Black Dragon pool
Back at the Impression lodge after the 10 km hike that was scheduled for today. It was an amazing but challenging hike. Amazing as we got to see the ever so breathtaking park where according to legends the dragon lives (dragons are seen as fortunate animals according to Chinese tradition) challenging as the rain forecasted for today never fell (throughout the day, but ruined our bonfire) just stuck around (literally) in form of 80% humidity causing little streams to form on different parts of my body.
The whole park is truly amazing however, it looks like one of those traditional Chinese paintings with mountains and waterfalls.
After walking up a steep hill (and me spotting a black and red snake in the wild) we arrived at the Dragon God's temple so then to be taken up by chainsmoking park guard to an even steeper hill. After a lunch break the fun began again. We have walked an old crumbly part of the wall downhill and my hero, Sonia, who is a 61 year old lady supporting a children hospice from Belfast fell unfortunately, which was a sad spot from an otherwise fun descent on the edge of the wall.
Today's 5 mins about China was about the money and how the Chinese count. Practically the only money that matters has Chairman Mao's smiling face on it, and as for the counting here's a good guide that explains it.
There was also a thing that reminded me of Poland during communism and shortly after. October 1st is the great national holiday here in China. So instead of partially closing a road an renovating it one by one, they've stripped out the whole asphalt on a good 10km length, and one a can see workers every 500 metres, not being sure what to do. But as we all know the best inspiration is deadline.
Note to my older me: don't forget the lavender oil.:)
The whole park is truly amazing however, it looks like one of those traditional Chinese paintings with mountains and waterfalls.
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| From egyszem |
After walking up a steep hill (and me spotting a black and red snake in the wild) we arrived at the Dragon God's temple so then to be taken up by chainsmoking park guard to an even steeper hill. After a lunch break the fun began again. We have walked an old crumbly part of the wall downhill and my hero, Sonia, who is a 61 year old lady supporting a children hospice from Belfast fell unfortunately, which was a sad spot from an otherwise fun descent on the edge of the wall.
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| From egyszem |
Today's 5 mins about China was about the money and how the Chinese count. Practically the only money that matters has Chairman Mao's smiling face on it, and as for the counting here's a good guide that explains it.
There was also a thing that reminded me of Poland during communism and shortly after. October 1st is the great national holiday here in China. So instead of partially closing a road an renovating it one by one, they've stripped out the whole asphalt on a good 10km length, and one a can see workers every 500 metres, not being sure what to do. But as we all know the best inspiration is deadline.
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| From egyszem |
Note to my older me: don't forget the lavender oil.:)
2012. szept. 10.
Day 2: Badaling
I can proudly report that I've completed the first day of my Great wall challenge trek successfully.
We've been woken up at 6.30 (23.30 BST) in the morning by the lodge's staff, had an interesting breakfast (there are no cereals in the Chinese breakfast, but I think the most surprising bit was that they served noodles that one usually orders as a side at a Chinese takeaway dinner).
Anyway, well fed we've arrived at 8 to the unrenovated part of the wall and started with some "Chinese" warm up. Why the guide called it Chinese I couldn't figure out as I remember doing similar staff at P.E classes at school, but it was a fun thing to do even if they looked strangely at us from the ticket booth.
Interesting fact from Martin the guide pointed out as we were arriving, that there were already Chinese tourists at the wall practically earlier than we were. That's because people visit Tienanmen Square in the center of Beijing (the parts of the Wall we'll be visiting are mostly part of Beijing) to see the sunrise and how how the national flag is raised, and then go straight to the Wall as chairman Mao advised, that one can only become a true man if one walks all the way the length of the wall, so they tend to obey what the master said.
According to Lonely Planet the "section of masonry at Bādálǐng was first built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and was heavily restored in both the 1950s and the 1980s. Punctuated with dílóu (watchtowers), the 6m-wide wall is clad in brick, typical of the stonework employed by the Ming when they restored and expanded the fortification."
This was true for the first half hour of the trek but as we continued, the bricks were rather upside down and the surrounding flora took over 5meters from the 6. It didn't spoil the amazing scenery, and the mist from the morning shifted BT the time we reached the 600 km high peak. I can't tell whether it was climbing up or descending that I found more challenging, probably the second, as while I was only out of breath upwards at the really steep sections, I remember myself cursing the guy who made me buy those hard soil boots at Cotswolds. (They are completely fine by the way as others seemed to have same issues as me with their feet. It was so steep and crumbly downhill that one had to grip inside their boots, causing the feet to hurt for a while, but my feet are absolutely fine that I am writing this.)
We've been woken up at 6.30 (23.30 BST) in the morning by the lodge's staff, had an interesting breakfast (there are no cereals in the Chinese breakfast, but I think the most surprising bit was that they served noodles that one usually orders as a side at a Chinese takeaway dinner).
Anyway, well fed we've arrived at 8 to the unrenovated part of the wall and started with some "Chinese" warm up. Why the guide called it Chinese I couldn't figure out as I remember doing similar staff at P.E classes at school, but it was a fun thing to do even if they looked strangely at us from the ticket booth.
Interesting fact from Martin the guide pointed out as we were arriving, that there were already Chinese tourists at the wall practically earlier than we were. That's because people visit Tienanmen Square in the center of Beijing (the parts of the Wall we'll be visiting are mostly part of Beijing) to see the sunrise and how how the national flag is raised, and then go straight to the Wall as chairman Mao advised, that one can only become a true man if one walks all the way the length of the wall, so they tend to obey what the master said.
According to Lonely Planet the "section of masonry at Bādálǐng was first built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and was heavily restored in both the 1950s and the 1980s. Punctuated with dílóu (watchtowers), the 6m-wide wall is clad in brick, typical of the stonework employed by the Ming when they restored and expanded the fortification."
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| From egyszem |
Don't know if it was the compulsory encouragement talk but the guides said that we were the fastest group so far. Not that it matters.
After a short bus ride we arrived at some local farms and orchards, where Beijing's citizens can pick their own fruit, and we had the most amazing Chinese food ever at a farmer's house.
We have just arrived at our lodge called Impression, that did make an impression btw, so looking forward to dinner tonight, and that's depicting clearly where I stand with my plans to lose the kilos that crawled up on me when fundraising. But I can't resist trying more of this amazing food.
Until tomorrow then. Be good folks.
After a short bus ride we arrived at some local farms and orchards, where Beijing's citizens can pick their own fruit, and we had the most amazing Chinese food ever at a farmer's house.
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| From egyszem |
We have just arrived at our lodge called Impression, that did make an impression btw, so looking forward to dinner tonight, and that's depicting clearly where I stand with my plans to lose the kilos that crawled up on me when fundraising. But I can't resist trying more of this amazing food.
Until tomorrow then. Be good folks.
2012. szept. 9.
Day 1: Temple of heaven
Successfully arrived in China today. Am slightly jetlagged, but so far what I have seen is better than expected.
I consider myself very lucky again, as the group I'll be doing the challenge with is very small (there's only 14 of us) and everyone seems really nice and interesting to speak to. I guess this was to be expected, if people are crazy enough to sign up for a Great Wall climbing challenge they would be one of a kind, wouldn't they?
We have been picked up by our Chinese guides from the airport, who call themselves Martin and Jason just to make our lives easier otherwise as the Chinese call the first names their given name is an indication to when and where they were born, e.g Jason's given name is Halo which means born at night at full moon, and Martin's Chinese name means born at daylight and down south.
The airport is truly amazing, it is quite an interesting architecture and at they same time they manages to sneak in something from ancient China the way we'd like to see it.
The same is not applicable to the parts of Beijing that we've passed by which looked like the Chinese part of towns anywhere else in the world with lots of neon and plastic.
We've been taken straight to our accommodation at the Wall, and the whole area and surroundings are breathtaking. Had a really nice Chinese lunch, where our guides were kindly explaining to us what is what, and so far so good no surprises.( Note to myself: loved this aubergine meal )
I consider myself very lucky again, as the group I'll be doing the challenge with is very small (there's only 14 of us) and everyone seems really nice and interesting to speak to. I guess this was to be expected, if people are crazy enough to sign up for a Great Wall climbing challenge they would be one of a kind, wouldn't they?
We have been picked up by our Chinese guides from the airport, who call themselves Martin and Jason just to make our lives easier otherwise as the Chinese call the first names their given name is an indication to when and where they were born, e.g Jason's given name is Halo which means born at night at full moon, and Martin's Chinese name means born at daylight and down south.
The airport is truly amazing, it is quite an interesting architecture and at they same time they manages to sneak in something from ancient China the way we'd like to see it.
The same is not applicable to the parts of Beijing that we've passed by which looked like the Chinese part of towns anywhere else in the world with lots of neon and plastic.
We've been taken straight to our accommodation at the Wall, and the whole area and surroundings are breathtaking. Had a really nice Chinese lunch, where our guides were kindly explaining to us what is what, and so far so good no surprises.( Note to myself: loved this aubergine meal )
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
Am back now at our lodge and have a feeling I won't be up until late, but really looking forward for the real challenge to begin tomorrow.
2012. szept. 7.
Ready to go
It's 7.10 in the morning, the alarm just rang, but I've been already awake. Reisefieber as my Polish grandma would say it. Have 5 more hours until i need to leave for the airport. Which I would definitely need as my place looks as if a swirl wind would have touched base here last night. W
I gave myself time until 8 to make myself acquainted with my new baby, a Google nexus tablet, which I have received from Praful as an early birthday present so that I could continue this blog while in China. A dream came true, the universe is treating me this year big time :-)
This is the first attempt to post a blog with the help of nexus, which funnily is also the name of a product in our portfolio. Anyway :-)
Ready to go, am really excited and can't wait to land in Beijing in the morning. And when I say ready to go it always reminds me of this good old song.
Wish me luck, take care, and be good.
2012. szept. 3.
Last Miles
It's amazing how quickly time passes by. Next week same time I will have completed the first day of the track of the challenge.
And I wish I could say I feel prepared, which I don't. Have spent a fortune on gear, which should be all fine, but being who I am I wish I have trained more (though have trained enough I think, attending some amazing hikes in Surrey).
Have done some art sale in Belsize Park, which didn't work out well this time. Thursday was the only day last week not suitable for standing outside a shop, rattling for money, as there was a very cold wind, followed by rain. and despite the fact that I didn't manage to raise a lot of money for Diabetes UK, the day was very effective, I have spoke to many people, who had diabetes, who feared to have diabetes, or who had loved ones with Diabetes, so I am hoping some of the advice, or flyers that I gave them were of help to them.
Also as a result of all the preparation I have a nice painting now, which is available on ebay should someone fancy it, but I loved creating it, I think it was high time to create something with the creative energies I have.
So there's 350 GBP more to do until October 15th, which is the final deadline for getting to 100%. My friend will do some ruffle ticket sales while I am away, which I assume would account for around 60% for the missing amount, and I also need to collect my money collection boxes so am really hoping I'll be there in the end.
And I wish I could say I feel prepared, which I don't. Have spent a fortune on gear, which should be all fine, but being who I am I wish I have trained more (though have trained enough I think, attending some amazing hikes in Surrey).
Have done some art sale in Belsize Park, which didn't work out well this time. Thursday was the only day last week not suitable for standing outside a shop, rattling for money, as there was a very cold wind, followed by rain. and despite the fact that I didn't manage to raise a lot of money for Diabetes UK, the day was very effective, I have spoke to many people, who had diabetes, who feared to have diabetes, or who had loved ones with Diabetes, so I am hoping some of the advice, or flyers that I gave them were of help to them.
Also as a result of all the preparation I have a nice painting now, which is available on ebay should someone fancy it, but I loved creating it, I think it was high time to create something with the creative energies I have.
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| From egyszem |
Am very excited, can't wait to go and lament a little, as by the time I get back, I will have to make some decisions with regards to what's next in my career.
However, I want to be there and enjoy it to 100%.
And for those of you who would like t support me by sending some positive chi energy, here's my itineary:
Sept 8: International Departure
Sept 9 : Beijing to Badaling Area
Sept 10: Badaling Great Wall – approx 6kms trek 1st day of the challenge
A short but demanding day of trekking along the un-renovated section of the Great Wall of China.
Sept 11: Black Dragon Pools - approx 10kms trek
This morning you will transfer to Heilongtan and begin today’s trek in the lush environment of Black Dragon Pools National Park located next to the Great Wall.
Sept 12: Gubeikou Gateway – 12kms
Sept 13: Jinshanling Loop – 10kms
Sept 14: Mutianyu Section – 10kms
Sept 15-16: Full Day City Tour of Beijing
Sept 17: Arrive Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors & Xian Grand Mosque
Sept 18: Visit Yangling Tomb. Fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Sept 19: Visit Pandas. Fly back to Beijing.
Sept 20 - Fly back to UK & celebrate my birthday on arrival :)
2012. júl. 20.
20 seconds of courage
I don't know how about you, but sometimes inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.
I have been chilling out at my Mum's Monday morning, enjoying the last day of my short break in Hungary.
I have been watching different movies, but the one that I enjoyed the most was the We Bought a Zoo.
Do not expect some super exciting or very deep movie, it's just a nice family movie, about a widower and his kids who decided to buy a zoo, and live the story.
However the line, that stroke me from the film goes like this: "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it. " It did echo in my head, and the next day I did something in work I never dared to do at work, that I am hopeful will bring great things. Sorry for not going into details (who knows who reads this blog:).
This is my new motto ever since, and I would need that extra courage when selling my artwork at the stall.
One piece is above, I'll have to buy a clip frame to be able make a couple more, also managed to get some crockery for the decoupage artwork, that i'll post when they are ready.
So until then... let's go crazy :)
I have been chilling out at my Mum's Monday morning, enjoying the last day of my short break in Hungary.
I have been watching different movies, but the one that I enjoyed the most was the We Bought a Zoo.
Do not expect some super exciting or very deep movie, it's just a nice family movie, about a widower and his kids who decided to buy a zoo, and live the story.
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| From egyszem |
This is my new motto ever since, and I would need that extra courage when selling my artwork at the stall.
One piece is above, I'll have to buy a clip frame to be able make a couple more, also managed to get some crockery for the decoupage artwork, that i'll post when they are ready.
So until then... let's go crazy :)
2012. jún. 24.
My heroes
Life is really treating me recently. After a very successful Diabetes Week fundraising, I unexpectedly had to travel to Singapore, with which a dream came true, I have finally crossed the boundaries of Asia.
Absolutely adored Singapore, the food, the weather, the people and the architecture, and can't wait to go back, but that will have to wait until next year I am afraid.
But the fun didn't stop there. A night after I arrived back to London I went to Team GB and was trained on coaching by Adrian Moorhouse the Olympic swimmer who beat Karoly Guttler (HU) at the Seoul Olympics, by Sir Clive Woodward and Mark Richardson. The training had a slight boot-camp feeling as having been trained by these sportsmen necessarily means, that there were many sports anecdotes and even more sports videos, but it was an amazing experience to see how Team GB prepares for the Olympics, and also the training was really useful to gather my thoughts around fundraising again. I will revert back to the cooking- baking scheme. I will be end working in the charity shop on Saturdays, it was a great time, but don't have enough free time to do this, now that fundraising is approaching to the end, I need to focus even more on training and fundraising so will be volunteering only occasionally on Sundays at the shop. What I'll do instead is I'll hire food stalls at the local Budgens, and sell diabetic cakes. Will give it a try, people are always up to trying new stuff
But going back to the training Mark Richardson mentioned the story of Karoly Takacs, who was a Hungarian shooter and won two Olympic gold medals, that I wanted to share with you. He was righthanded, and a grenade exploded in his right hand, and he had to learn to shoot with his left hand, and won both Olympic medals shooting using his left hand.
Wiki
His story, and the story of Gyula Gurisatti who is hero from my hometown (sorry video only in Hungarian) attending London 2012, who has been a World Champion in diving but lost both his legs in an accident, just reminds me how amazing will power is, and that however tough moments can be, to stop whingeing, and just keep going.
And that it's less than 40 days until the Olympics, so I need to a Hungarian T-shirt.
HAJRA MAGYAROK.
Absolutely adored Singapore, the food, the weather, the people and the architecture, and can't wait to go back, but that will have to wait until next year I am afraid.
But the fun didn't stop there. A night after I arrived back to London I went to Team GB and was trained on coaching by Adrian Moorhouse the Olympic swimmer who beat Karoly Guttler (HU) at the Seoul Olympics, by Sir Clive Woodward and Mark Richardson. The training had a slight boot-camp feeling as having been trained by these sportsmen necessarily means, that there were many sports anecdotes and even more sports videos, but it was an amazing experience to see how Team GB prepares for the Olympics, and also the training was really useful to gather my thoughts around fundraising again. I will revert back to the cooking- baking scheme. I will be end working in the charity shop on Saturdays, it was a great time, but don't have enough free time to do this, now that fundraising is approaching to the end, I need to focus even more on training and fundraising so will be volunteering only occasionally on Sundays at the shop. What I'll do instead is I'll hire food stalls at the local Budgens, and sell diabetic cakes. Will give it a try, people are always up to trying new stuff
But going back to the training Mark Richardson mentioned the story of Karoly Takacs, who was a Hungarian shooter and won two Olympic gold medals, that I wanted to share with you. He was righthanded, and a grenade exploded in his right hand, and he had to learn to shoot with his left hand, and won both Olympic medals shooting using his left hand.
Wiki
His story, and the story of Gyula Gurisatti who is hero from my hometown (sorry video only in Hungarian) attending London 2012, who has been a World Champion in diving but lost both his legs in an accident, just reminds me how amazing will power is, and that however tough moments can be, to stop whingeing, and just keep going.
And that it's less than 40 days until the Olympics, so I need to a Hungarian T-shirt.
HAJRA MAGYAROK.
2012. jún. 10.
Get the balls rollin'
Today is 49 days until the Olympics, 90 days to my challenge, 42% to my fundraising target, and one of my greatest friend's Szilvio's birthday (boldog szuletesnapot!).
The Euros have kicked off, so am looking forward to some nice football (and footballers:), though I haven't yet made up my mind which country to support, by definition I'll support the Polish and the English until they are in :) off course.
As to keep the balls rollin' myself I have organised a charity bowling event at the Bloonsbury Bowling Lanes for next Tuesday, and it looks like it's going to be great fun. Have 2 lanes reserved, and it would be nice to do some different movement than the treadmills at the gym, because I am utterly bored with it, can't wait for the summer to come back for some longer tracks.
Besides organizing the bowling event I have written a press release for Diabetes Week and have sent it to local papers and foodie magazines. The press release focuses on my story practically, explaining why I am supporting Diabetes UK, and also includes a recipe for Hortobagy style pancakes (see below). I am hoping at least one of them will pick up the story, as it would be nice to share a bit more about my country's cuisine with the cease of the meetup group.
I will be travelling second half of June on business, but when I am back end of July I'd like to organize a "glowing" fundraising event, I just need to find a sponsor.
The Euros have kicked off, so am looking forward to some nice football (and footballers:), though I haven't yet made up my mind which country to support, by definition I'll support the Polish and the English until they are in :) off course.
As to keep the balls rollin' myself I have organised a charity bowling event at the Bloonsbury Bowling Lanes for next Tuesday, and it looks like it's going to be great fun. Have 2 lanes reserved, and it would be nice to do some different movement than the treadmills at the gym, because I am utterly bored with it, can't wait for the summer to come back for some longer tracks.
Besides organizing the bowling event I have written a press release for Diabetes Week and have sent it to local papers and foodie magazines. The press release focuses on my story practically, explaining why I am supporting Diabetes UK, and also includes a recipe for Hortobagy style pancakes (see below). I am hoping at least one of them will pick up the story, as it would be nice to share a bit more about my country's cuisine with the cease of the meetup group.
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| From Hortobagyi Palacsinta |
Details to follow, and now, I am off to the gym, to watch the match while cycling.
2012. máj. 25.
Carpe diem
So finally, back to my blog. 2 months have past so quickly, I have a working PC again and my work life is finally getting back to normal.
The cooking classes have come to an end, have raised over 300 pounds by teaching people how to cook Hungarian dishes which was a great experience and resulted in many great friendships that I am very grateful for.
Have continued with hiking as well. At Easter time I have sent 5 amazing days climbing the Welsh coastline and then after UK have announced it was in drought, we had 6 weeks of rain, but luckily a climb with lots of bluebells sneaked in, which was truly amazing.
And then on a sunny afternoon in an arboretum in Cotswold my father called, that my grandma has passed away.
She has been 76 and though we were expecting this (she has been sick for a long time, mostly side effects of Diabetes 2), it always comes unexpected. I traveled back to Hungary for the funeral, and after the service, I've sat on my Mum's terrace, facing the sun for hours, just contemplating. We weren't that close after I moved from home at the age of 18, but she had an enormous contribution to the fact, that my cousin and I are friends for life, which I'll be grateful for to her forever. I also remember dearly those evenings spent together at her place when we were listening to tales on the radio, while having supper in the kitchen.
But she left for the eternal fields now, and I can't pop in to her place anymore.
What happened made me stop to think. In the evening of the funeral I had the urge to watch the Dead Poets' Society, which made me realize, that I have let my priorities slip slightly in the past 2 months, and I was not really doing what I wanted to do, and what I have signed up for when I have started this Challenge.
So am back, so is summer, and it's time to seize the day, I'll start organizing events where I hope you can join me, and contribute to make the life of those with Diabetes better and longer.
In Memoriam Mama...
The cooking classes have come to an end, have raised over 300 pounds by teaching people how to cook Hungarian dishes which was a great experience and resulted in many great friendships that I am very grateful for.
Have continued with hiking as well. At Easter time I have sent 5 amazing days climbing the Welsh coastline and then after UK have announced it was in drought, we had 6 weeks of rain, but luckily a climb with lots of bluebells sneaked in, which was truly amazing.
And then on a sunny afternoon in an arboretum in Cotswold my father called, that my grandma has passed away.
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| From egyszem |
But she left for the eternal fields now, and I can't pop in to her place anymore.
What happened made me stop to think. In the evening of the funeral I had the urge to watch the Dead Poets' Society, which made me realize, that I have let my priorities slip slightly in the past 2 months, and I was not really doing what I wanted to do, and what I have signed up for when I have started this Challenge.
So am back, so is summer, and it's time to seize the day, I'll start organizing events where I hope you can join me, and contribute to make the life of those with Diabetes better and longer.
In Memoriam Mama...
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| From egyszem |
2012. márc. 12.
Crash
The whole crash-theme started with my PC. Poor old thing served me 4 years 9 months, RIP Lenovo. This means now, that I need to spend some time to make up my mind about the my next investment decision to be able to write blogs, use the internet, and edit my pictures. Not something I was looking forward to, but hey.
It's great that I have been promoted, but it also means that I have slightly less free time and as such can't focus as much on fundraising as I wanted to, but am sure things will settle very shortly, and I will be back on track promoting my trip to China for Diabetes UK.
However I didn't completely stopped my fundraising activities, I am still doing my cooking meetups which are really nice, I am so lucky to meet so many nice people and learn about their culture. An myself at the same time. Have you guys seen the movie Crash from 2004?(if not, it's definitely a must see). One if it's line: "We crash into each other just to feel something" is part of my favourite James Zabiela mix, but obviously that's not what makes it a brilliant movie. It's just a great film about primal fear of other cultures and about stereotypes. The moral of the story, very much oversimplifying it is about not being judgemental, and it tells it through the same circle of people bumping into each other throughout the film. And I've been judgemental, I do have my primal fears, but by meeting the people who come to my cooking classes, learning more about their culture, about who they are, and why they had come to live to the UK, I get an amazing insight, and am slowly pulling down my stereotypes slowly, carefully and effectively:)
So big thank you to Nick, Marina, Karolina, Fumi,Will, Derrick, Praful and Vladas...
The second crash happened last week on Monday. I was walking home from the gym, heard the bus coming, and as it just started to rain, decided to run for it, even though I was only a stop away from my place. So I ran, stumbled upon my own feet, and.... touchdown. Classic, on my knees, while I managed to hurt my ankle. Plus, by the time I finally managed to stand on my feet again, the bus left. So could slowly limp home in the rain. Result: nice colouring on my knees and swollen ankle for a couple of days. But I am all fine, and luckily I didn't have to miss my usual Sunday stroll, went to Kenwood this time with my friend and his lovely dog, and it was just a perfect Sunday afternoon with nice lunch at the house, and a great chill after a very long week.
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| From egyszem |
It's great that I have been promoted, but it also means that I have slightly less free time and as such can't focus as much on fundraising as I wanted to, but am sure things will settle very shortly, and I will be back on track promoting my trip to China for Diabetes UK.
However I didn't completely stopped my fundraising activities, I am still doing my cooking meetups which are really nice, I am so lucky to meet so many nice people and learn about their culture. An myself at the same time. Have you guys seen the movie Crash from 2004?(if not, it's definitely a must see). One if it's line: "We crash into each other just to feel something" is part of my favourite James Zabiela mix, but obviously that's not what makes it a brilliant movie. It's just a great film about primal fear of other cultures and about stereotypes. The moral of the story, very much oversimplifying it is about not being judgemental, and it tells it through the same circle of people bumping into each other throughout the film. And I've been judgemental, I do have my primal fears, but by meeting the people who come to my cooking classes, learning more about their culture, about who they are, and why they had come to live to the UK, I get an amazing insight, and am slowly pulling down my stereotypes slowly, carefully and effectively:)
So big thank you to Nick, Marina, Karolina, Fumi,Will, Derrick, Praful and Vladas...
2012. febr. 27.
Spring :)
Spring is here, undeniably. It's that time of the year when you still need the coat when you leave in the morning, can leave it in the office when walking around in the afternoon, and it's again required once the sun sets. And it's the time when the number of flirts grows exponentially with the growth in the average temperature, love is in the air...( :S cheesy, sorry...)
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| From egyszem |
The fact that I can wear sunglasses, sit in the sun, and refill my batteries just puts a huge smile on my face, and refilling those batteries is what I need at the moment. As I am writing this, I am thinking of demanding that weekends would be 3 days long: working in the charity shop on Saturday, then doing my usual Sunday walk, and entertaining people at my flat is not a recipe for relaxation.
But fun! The weekend was so great. I had the pleasure to great 3 of the most interesting people in my flat, where setting aside, that this was a good contribution to my fundraising, I had a great time chatting, it felt like those times when I did my cooking back in Hungary, all my friends came around, we were loud and having fun, God, I love cooking for my loved ones:)
So after the meetup on Saturday, woke up early on Sunday, feeling happy, so went for a walk towards Ally Pally.
Was sad to realize that they moved the Farmer's market from the Palace's carpark, which is why I headed in that direction: I was hoping to buy some nice juicy tomatoes and fruit. Though this move means, that on my next walk I will be able to choose a new destination. So watch this space next week for my market update:)
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| From egyszem |
As far as the fundraising concerned my idea to organize Diabetes week in June in BT locations won't work as Diabetes UK is not a BT supported charity, but I don't mind, as I already have another event in mind, either on the May bank holiday, or the Queen's jubilee and this would be a street festival at Crouch End joined by the other charities that have a shop in the area.
The fundraising is at 30% thanks to your donations, I had donations from people I least expected to receive any support: this fundraising is a lesson for me as well, teaches me to put more faith in people, and I am so happy to be positively surprised.
On this weeks's agenda I have engagement with a couple of shops to collect money to me, (have collected the money boxes last week from Diabetes UK).
How it goes, will keep you posted...
2012. febr. 19.
Meetups in action
Another week has past. And what a week it was. I was prepared for a nice and quiet week it being half-term in the UK, but things were busy and I even managed to get myself into a funny mood by Friday..., so I was really glad when I finally left the office on Friday, and the weekend began.
Luckily I have signed up for a Photowalk with meetup, so instead of lying in on Saturday morning, I had to get myself ready, and take the train from Victoria, to Eynsford in Kent to make a nice 8 mile walk around this lovely area. I have met a bunch of truly amazing people, so not only the scenery but the conversations were much enjoyable. On our way there were dozens of snowdrops announcing the arrival of spring, supported by a couple of crocuses as well. I really can't wait to put my big coat away...
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| From egysze |
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
Earlier in the week I have set up a Meetup group for Hungarian cooking, I have 36 members and 5 session that are already full. I hope this group will result in many donations, as the contributions to the dinners will go against my fundraising. I will continue doing the until May but I am also aware I will have to organise some more grand fundraising events. Have a couple of ideas, so will keep you posted:)
'til then.
And before I forget, I would like to thank everyone who has already donated on the justgiving site. I am really grateful for everyone's support, I feel really lucky to have the friends I have, and be surrounded by the people I work with, or met eventually. Thank you /Köszönöm.
2012. febr. 9.
The Gym and Fundraising begins
Well, gyms still freak me out. Actually not the gym, but guys with huge muscles, and women with huge muscles ... it reminds of the strongmen black and white pictures taken at circuses, it just looks so unnatural, but hey, tastes differ.
Anyway, have been twice now, so the preparation routine per week looks like this at the moment: 2 occasions in the gym, and 1 walk. I was wondering if I was overdoing it, as the challenge website suggested a 10 week preparation starting with 30 minute walks (my walks are around 2.5 hrs long), but when I got off the spinning bike on Wednesday, my legs shaking to the extent I struggled to walk down the stairs to the changing room that was a clear indication that I need to remind my muscles that I used to use them more extensively some time ago. So I'll be back to the gym today.
I have walked the southern part of the Parkland Walk yesterday, which is nothing as nice or interesting as the Northern part it is more industirial, and less green. The route ends in Finsbury Park though, which was full of people walking or running, with dogs or without, and squirrels trying to make a better use of the waste in the bins. To my surprise, despite the remains of snow, there was an American Football team practicing. Watching them didn't help me though to understand the rules of the game better so I headed towards Haringey Green Lanes.
I was very pleased as I have found a Hungarian shop, that sells proper Hungarian paprika, salami, sausage, sour cream and pasta, so nothing stops me now to organize meetups for Hungarian food and this way raise funds for Diabetes UK. (It was advised to me by Niamh who is the author of the Eat Like a girl blog, that I highly recommend: great to read and for inspiration).
And with the arrival of the toolkit, fundraising begun, thanks for everyone who has already donated, and thanks in advance for everyone who will donate. As of today 11% of the required funds have been donated... so tomorrow, I will email my colleagues, and business partners, fingers crossed.
Anyway, have been twice now, so the preparation routine per week looks like this at the moment: 2 occasions in the gym, and 1 walk. I was wondering if I was overdoing it, as the challenge website suggested a 10 week preparation starting with 30 minute walks (my walks are around 2.5 hrs long), but when I got off the spinning bike on Wednesday, my legs shaking to the extent I struggled to walk down the stairs to the changing room that was a clear indication that I need to remind my muscles that I used to use them more extensively some time ago. So I'll be back to the gym today.
I have walked the southern part of the Parkland Walk yesterday, which is nothing as nice or interesting as the Northern part it is more industirial, and less green. The route ends in Finsbury Park though, which was full of people walking or running, with dogs or without, and squirrels trying to make a better use of the waste in the bins. To my surprise, despite the remains of snow, there was an American Football team practicing. Watching them didn't help me though to understand the rules of the game better so I headed towards Haringey Green Lanes.
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| From egyszem |
I was very pleased as I have found a Hungarian shop, that sells proper Hungarian paprika, salami, sausage, sour cream and pasta, so nothing stops me now to organize meetups for Hungarian food and this way raise funds for Diabetes UK. (It was advised to me by Niamh who is the author of the Eat Like a girl blog, that I highly recommend: great to read and for inspiration).
The fundraising pack has also arrived from Diabetes UK. It's pretty impressive: fundraising toolkit, event form, press release, advice on the physical training. If Diabetes UK agrees, I will share this with the Hungarian charity, that deals with Diabetes, as there is a lot to learn from how this material is put together.
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| From egyszem |
Will keep you posted :)
2012. febr. 6.
The second and the 3rd week
I have meant to write this last week on Sunday, but must admit, walking for 3 hours in fresh air (my first walk) means, that I have no challenges falling asleep in the evening, so have chose sleep last week instead of writing, and then came a busy week.
It's a nice path nevertheless, and I think at least half of the runners from North London decided to come out on that Sunday.
The walk was interesting to take the photos as well. I always thought that ducks will fly away to a warmer country for the winter, so it was quite interesting to see a half frozen pond full of ducks and swans, but one keeps learning.
It's gym time for me this week. We'll be doing 8-12 km tracks a day on the wall, which does not sound tiring, but as quite a lot of it will be steps I need to make sure I start to build some strength to my stamina...
The walk was quite interesting though. Having been in the UK for less than 10 month means that there are still new areas of North London that can be explored. Have decided to take the Parkland Walk this time (which is a trail on the remains of old railtracks), and walked as far as Muswell Will and back home.
There are certain parts of the path, where graffiti is allowed, which makes and interesting combination of the 19th century brickwork, modern art and nature.
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
On Tuesday I have paid my first deposit for the challenge, my attendance was approved on Friday, so I have set up my justgiving homepage. I still have to write my email to ask people to contribute, and I think it's finally time to tell Mum and Dad what I am up to:)
Have done another walk this Sunday. We had our first snow this winter in England, so I have decided to take the walk towards Parliament hill this time. The hill was full of people, sleighing, though there wasn't much snow left anymore on the top, as I think practically anyone in possession of a sleigh in the N19,NW3 ended up on that hill yesterday afternoon, (and 60% of women complusory to be wearing Hunter wellies).
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| From egyszem |
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| From egyszem |
2012. jan. 23.
New Year, New Beginning, New Challenge
It's new moon today, and this time of the lunar cycle was regarded to be as the best to start new things. The Chinese new year also started today (and it's my Polish Grandma's 82nd birthday today.)
I am thus looking forward to 5 months of extensive fundraising and 8 months of training to be able to climb all those steps. (Walking sticks are heavily advised, which is something I need to add to the list of things to be purchased.)
All stacks up, so here I am on the first day of the dragon's year, sitting in my bed, laptop on my lap, wrapped up, wearing my sexiest turquoise boot socks. (My body issued a slow-down-and- take-it-easy warning against my pace of life...but I think we reached a deal today).
I woke up in the morning with this winning energy, with thousand ideas in my head as to what to do next with my life, the result of which is this blog.
Yep. I decided to go for it, take the challenge, walk the wall and a raise some money for Diabetes UK, as this is an illness, that my loved ones (my best-friend-cousin, my Dad, my other cousin and my Hungarian grandma) seem to be mostly affected by. So I'd like to dedicate this trip to them, and I just hope, that whatever this UK Charity achieves, will cross the borders of the country, that I was born in, and the country where I grew up: Poland and Hungary.
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| From Great Wall of China.org |
What I have already done is: I have set up a new group on facebook for my closest friends, to inform them about progress, and also to be able to ask them for advice if I may be facing challenges. I have also bought 10 daily passes to the posher LA fitness club up in Muswell Hill so that I could do swimming after doing steps and cycling in the gym, otherwise, my muscles (if I have any) would struggle big time. I guess this is about finding them as well... Last but not least, I will have to pay my deposit on pay day, and then the fun of fundraising will begin, so I will have to set up a justgiving account.
So far, so good, more posts to follow...
And many thanks Zoe for the inspiration:)
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