Christmas Wishes to All

I may not be able to post for quiet a while, as Christmas Holidays will be a hectic schedule for me...

For this,i would like to share you this video of Tallest Chritmas Tree in Europe which is now in Porto,the land of the Port wine!!!

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Wishing you all a Merry,Merry Christmas and a Happy,Prosperous New Year!!!

All the very best wishes!!

Christmas Wonderland

Have´nt seen yet the christmas lights in downtown lisbon till now, therefore i´ll just post pictures from last year as the christmas trees below.

This photo was taken in downtown lisbon municipal square.
This tree with ribbons was said to be the tallest Christmas Tree in Europe stands tall in Praça de Comercio downtown Lisbon for 2 consecutive years,transfered to Porto this year.



Street christmas lights on a quiet evening at the comercial area of Alges near the place where i live.Taken at about 10:00 PM when all is quiet.



Mercado de Alges ( Alges Market)wishing us "Boas Festas" (Happy Holidays)

At the other side of the
market.

This shows how dull is the market these days.Shopkeepers complain about not having a good business.It seems that everybody are really tightening their belts this season.

Even in the commercial centers (malls),i dont see many people shopping for presents.

Its not only for this reason that i dont feel the spirit of christmas at all,not even because i´m far from home,its because i dont see many happy people around here.

When we meet some acquiantances on the street or at the elevator,greetings are always the same,kiss on both cheeks and asked how they are or them asking how we are...I always hear the same answer like this for ex: "Ohh, i´m not well,my BP is high or i have been operated because of this and that,or life is not going well,very bad,very bad"

So you see,for a calm person like me who always look on the the bright side and a positive thinker, these things sometimes gets me down too.

Cant forget my elder sons observation once when i was discussing about something " Ma, calm down,calm down..What happened to you? You´ve changed!"

With regards to our family here,we dont see hubby´s kids often, as they also have their own life now and families.Although, we always tell them to come and visit or have dinner with us whenever they have a chance.

Family get togethers are only on birthdays,christmas and new year.Conversation is also the same,discussions about certain topic like problems at work,home or critism about certain goverment policy.I dont here any music,singing,dancing or telling jokes.

And you maybe wondering about myself,I sometimes pretend to listen but i dont make any comment because i would´nt have a chance anyway even if i want to. My portuguese language still limited although i understand very well the language.Portuguese people loves to talk,enjoys also jokes or big discussions.I dont know if it has something to do with the dificulty in life or stress but for whatever reason,they too are changing..

Things Happen For a Reason

I just want to share this beautiful story....

A new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18,they were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.

His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder,hangers,etc.,etc.,to put upt the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"

The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth,but she made the pastor keep it for the church.

The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.

An older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door....there he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.


True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid

About Mariza and her Fado

For those who wants to learn more about Mariza....

Winner of the World Music Award in 2006. Mozambique born, 29 year old called Mariza Reis Nunes, is among those 21st century young artist who modernized the traditional Portuguese music Fado.

Arrived in Portugal with her family at the age of three,Mariza has spent most of her life living in Lisbon picturesque Moraria district the heart of fado culture.Moulded fado in her own style is no reflection of her background as she succinctly puts it: " Half of me is very,very portuguese and the other half is very, very african" As she feels the need to satisfy her hunger for rythm and to swing to sing fado, she subtly changed and re arranged the roles of its main instruments ( the portuguese guitar and most crucially the bass).

Besides,she also likes to dance.Her exquisite floor lenght designer dress makes it look as if she´s levetating over the stage as she does so,rocking back and forth like an art deco statue brought to life with her trademark hairstyle of short silver hair and long black necklace.Aside from a very strong and magnetic stage presence,her voice is to die for....

Her official website:
http://www.mariza.com/index.html

Portuguese Music "Fado"

I am a bit melancolic today...I put on christmas music to listen too while doing my household task but it did´nt help now im homesick, missing my family and friends back home....

Then I heard Mariza singing "Gente da Minha Terra" ( people from my hometown),made me feel worse.Below is a song entitled "Chuva" (Rain) by Mariza,the most famous Fado singer among the newest generation of modern Fado.You can also listen to her other songs by clicking any of the frames below that will appear after this song.

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Lisboa Fado

Fado probably arose from the taverns and popular squares of working-class city sectors (Alfama, Castelo, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, Madragoa), being sung and heard by the people until the well-to-do began frequenting those places to join in the enjoyment of the music. The first fado singer of renown was Maria Severa.

The most popular themes were saudade8sentiment), nostalgia, the small stories of everyday life in the traditional sections of town (bairros típicos) and Bullfights: these were also the themes for songs that were permitted by the Salazar dictatorship, and these themes pushed aside the tragic fado, which dealt with lovers’ jealousy or passion, often leading to violence, with lots of blood, repentance and remorse. The lyrics that were concerned with social or political problems, or which featured any complaint about the establishment, were repressed by the regime's censorship.

The Lisboa fado that is known throughout the world today can be (and often is) accompanied by violin, cello, or even by a complete orchestra, but the Portuguese guitar is always an essential element.

Amália Rodrigues introduced the best-known variety of fado. Still today, after her death in 1999, Rodrigues is considered to have been the greatest fado diva ever. After she died, a new wave of performers added stylistic changes and brought more international popularity to the traditional Portuguese music. In the last few decades there has also been some successful experimentation with fado by mixing it with electronic music

The traditional fado or ”típico” today is sung mainly for tourists in “fado houses” (casas de fado), with the traditional instrumentation. The best fado houses are found in the traditional or bairros típicos of Alfama, Mouraria, Bairro Alto and Madragoa. It maintains the characteristics of the tradition: singing past and present sorrow with bitter sadness. But fado can also tell a funny story with irony, or provide a way for two singers to battle, improvising the verses – this is called the "desgarrada"

Not all that glitter is gold

A bit late writting about EU/African Summit but, as i already started with yesterdays post regarding the signing of the reformed EU Treaty,i would now want to share bits and pieces of this event...


Family picture of the Eu/African summit which was also held in Lisbon a week before the signing of the EU Treaty (yesterdays post).

53 Heads of African states and 23 EU members attended the summit


Agenda:

Human rights violation,Immigration,Trade relations,Funds,etc.,etc...

Controversies:

The invitation and arrival of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe ( banned to travel in EU )

Uk´s PM Gordon Brown boycotting the summit ( informing in advance that he would not attend if Mugabe is invited)

Libya´s President Khadafi´s early arrival with his 200 entourage,which by the way also brought 12 camels with him (Dont asked me why,i dont not know the answer.I did´nt see the camels on TV)


Former UN President Mr Khofi Hannan and Pres. Khadafi shaking hands




Whats this? Am I interpreting this correctly?
Pres. Khadaffi in a relaxed mood resting his arm on the shoulder of this lady?

Conclusion of the event? I have no idea as in the news,they talk more about controversies than the agenda itself.The Portuguese EU Presidency terminates at the end of the year and as expected the PM is satisfied with sucess of the EU/African Summit and the signing of EU Treaty.

Have a nice weekend to all!!

An important event in Lisbon

All 27 EU members Head of State gather here today at the Jeronimos Monastery located at Belem,district of Lisbon to sign and celebrate the modified EU Treaty that has been aproved a month ago by its members.

This magnificent monastery is the most prominent monument in Lisbon and has been classified in 1983 together with the nearby Tower of Belem as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Originally ,the house for the Hieronymite monks was built on the same site of Ermida de Restelo,a hermitage that was founded bi Henry the Navigator at about 1450.It was at this hermitage that was already in bad state of degradation, that Vasco de Gama and his men spent the night in prayer before departing for India in 1497.
The existing structure,was started on the orders of King Manuel 1 (1515-1520)to commemorate Vasco de Gama´s sucessful return from India.It was originally meant as a church for burial of the House of Aviz but also ,it became a house of prayer for seaman leaving or entering port.
Construction begun in 1502 and it took 50 years to complete.


The Venue: Where the signing of the EU Treaty will take place

The cloister had its religious as well as representative function by its decorative ornamentation and the dynastic symbolic motives,such as the armillarium,coat of arms,and the Cross of the Order of Christ,showing the growing world of power of Portugal.



This photo show the beautiful main entrance door of the church,with the madonna of Belem stands on a pedestal

Interior of the church

Diogo Boitac,the first architect of this beautiful monastery,laid the foundation for this three aisled church with five bays under a single vault,a clearly marked but only slightly projecting transept and raised choir.The aisles and the nave are about equal height in the manner of a hall church.Boitac built the walls of the church as far as the cornices and then started with the construction of the adjoining monastery.

The monastery withstood the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 without too much damage. But when the building became vacant in 1833 by the abolition of religious order in Portugal,it began to deteriorate to the point of almost collapsing. A cupola was later added to the southwestern tower.

A Special Night

Three beautiful red roses and a ring I received from hubby 11 days ago..





And a dinner in this restaurant by the riverside





We had this plate of starters but after finishing this serving,i could´nt eat anything more...so, we just ordered dessert followed by a cup of expresso.





This center column of beer mug decor caught my attention



It was a beautiful night,although extremely cold i could´nt resist not take photo of this bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril with the Christ the King ( Cristo Rei)facing the river lighted with blue star.


Lastly, another photo of the beautiful 500 yr. old Tower of Belem,built in the middle of the river as defensive fort.

Lovely,quiet evening spent with hubby on my birthday,29th of November,2007....

Amazing Progress in Dubai !!

Im really amazed at the speed of progress in Dubai,UAE....I guess its the most modern city now in the world! Cant say its because of their oil reserves that is making this progress possible,because as far as i know they dont have much compared to their neighbours,Saudi Arabia or Kuwait.Well my guess is,its the open minded,visionary rulers and talents of both locals and expats working for them that made everything possible for this progress Dubai being a Global City ( Of course,the oil reserves helped too!).

Dubai even now hold the record of having the tallest building in the world,the Burj Dubai Tower which is now on its 156 floors and construction still going on.They have a very good sales marketing strategy,targeting the famous people.It was said that all apartments has been sold even before construction started.

Below is the video I found ( thanks to Bruce Fentons video report) to show you about Bur Dubai

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During my time in Dubai(1984-1989),the tallest building at the time was the Trade Center Building. Whereas in Bur Dubai,it was Hyatt Hotel and Apartments and the sourounding area was still a desert.Not so far from the hotel/apartments,you´ll also find the Gold Souk (gold market) where you can shop for gold jewelries cheap especially when gold price is low.I also enjoy going to the fruit market where you can buy all the types of fruit in the world for 10 or 20 dirhams a box or case.
Oh,another thing you´ll appreciate in Dubai are the beautiful mosque!

I really did enjoy my short lived stay (5 yrs) in Dubai,calm and quiet life,when everything can be bought cheap and no traffic jams.But those days were gone,i heard that everything is expensive now a days,traffic jams are unsuportable too.

In Arab countries,you dont pay taxes.So, you get to enjoy your salary without deductions,no toll gate to pay (in my time),shoping for anything you want to buy are tax free.
You can even buy alcoholic drinks as long as you have a permit,dringking is not prohibited as long as its in private places.But be careful, you cant drive when you had a drink! During our night outs,hubby can drink and because i dont,i get to take him home without incident especially when the police stoped us on our way home. YES! There is a police check point for drunk drivers!

I sometimes wonder if there are still bedoins living in the desert tending for their camels or goats? Or, what has become of the desert that i also happen to love and apreciate its beauty?

What has became of us? We are slowly destroying our planet earth....

The King and Chavez

I never like to write anything about politics but this video is about the King of Spain Juan Carlos who lost his composure or temper at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a conference in Chile,South America.

While the President Zapatero of Spain was delivering his speech,the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was said to be interfering and delivering insults about a former President of Spain Jose Aznar.

In the video Pres. Zapatero was speaking about respect and defending the former Pres. Aznar that he was elected by the Spanish people and that he must be respected at that.I guess the King of Spain can no longer tolerate Hugo Chavez that he butt in and told him "Poque no te calla!"( Why dont you shut up!) After that, the King walk out of the room..

This story has been going on in the news for quiet sometime and mock videos and even cell phone ring tones of the kings voice are published and being sold in the market about this incident. Below is the real video about the incident...Watch and tell me what you think about it.

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Pancit or Rice Noodles, Anyone??

Been busy cleaning and clearing our kitchen in the last few days.You have no idea what equipments and other things we have stashed in cupboard or kitchen cabinets.And to think that i only cook for the two of us and with my mom in law during week ends.I broke all my nails scrubbing the dust and fats that were pasted on the cupboards plus the other equipments that i displayed on it(never like wearing gloves when cleaning).Glasses inside the cabinets were also washed.


The next day,i went through our groceries, checked the expiration dates and arranged them on FIFO (first in, first out) basis,Some that has expired were seperated and i started using the ones that are still within the expiration limit.

I prepared this rice noodles for our dinner. In Filipino language,we call it "Pancit", and a simple pancit is usually eaten only for our mid day snack and a special or more elaborate pancit for birthdays because the long noodles signifies "long life".


This was hubbys tray,a plate of noodles with his favorite
japanese chop stick and a glass of red wine. I had the same. Dinner was served in the living room to watched a Champions League football game,Liverpool againts FC Porto of Portugal.Porto scored first but in the end, Liverpool won 3-1.
No problem, i enjoyed eating my noodles anyway..