Five things

So it’s been a little ironic that the more interesting life becomes, the less likely I am to have time to sit down and blog about it. I’ve been so busy these days that I hardly have time for myself, which is probably a good thing because I’ve had quite a bit of time on my hands when I first moved here and have been itching to work and keep busy. I’m a bit of a workaholic at times, I think, because I find some sort of comfort in routine, at the same time I despise ever having to fall into a rut of any sort.. know what I mean?

Caught In Bruges on the weekend. I liked it alot. But going to a cinema here costs an arm and a leg. Was pleasantly surprised by Colin Farrell’s performance. I would never previously have thought he was capable of such an astounding delivery. On that note, I can see why my friends here tend to have massive DVD collections; it’s not much more to buy the DVD compared to buying a standard movie ticket in the city.

Have been slowly discovering all the little quirks about this city that I can’t help but fall in love with..

…like this place in the heart of the Cross that you can go to for a quiet drinks on a weekend, and avoiding the crazy punters on the streets entirely. That serves super-thick shakes and peppermint tea with honey and lemon, a disgustingly good home made pumpkin soup.. and a New York cheesecake that tastes like a cozy winter’s night in front of a fireplace.

…like this little bar just a stone’s throw from my place that has a really sophisticated wine list with good food to match, and a sommelier that pushes all the right buttons when it comes to recommendations that I might’ve missed if I didn’t decide to walk home on Sunday..

…from the laundrette around the corner run by a Chinese family who let me sit there with my book while I wait for my sheets to wash and dry, even though they don’t have a waiting area. And then offered me some tea.

…like taking the wrong bus home one day and discovered two really nice cafes, a bakery and an friendly Italian butcher who sold me $60 worth of meat and threw in a free smoked bacon hock because thought I looked like I really love my meat. Which I do.

…and there’s nothing like discovering little gems with great company - An amazing Creme Brulee at the Ivy, Chorizo Omelette at Kika’s, Stewed Beef Cheeks at Subsolo, Roti Bom at Mamak :)

Even the strange encounters I’ve had with strangers in the past two weeks, one of which entailed learning how to deal with lesbians in a gay & lesbian club, reminds me how diverse and unexpected the culture here is. Because although I thought I understood it before having spent so much time here on holiday, I don’t. I learn something new every day.