It has been a long day - a day of much reflection - even though the sun has yet to make its daily exit here in the Southern Hemisphere. I use the word ' sun ' very loosely as anyone living in Melbourne will tell you. Seriously, I thought moving to Australia would provide me with more sunlight but here we are heading towards Summer and I can safely say that today was as cold as any Winter's day I have experienced in both Hemispheres. Bring on the sunshine, please!!!!!

So, yes, a day of reflection whilst listening to a Kizomba compilation. Kizomba is a genre of music from the land of Angola and is often sung in Portuguese. It has its origins in Zouk music which is the popular sound of the Caribbean and is mixed with those sensual African rhythmic beats. Go ahead, google it and have a listen!!! I am absolutely IN LOVE with Kizomba and more poignantly, it takes me back to my homeland of Portugal. All around you, young and old tune in to these uplifting and sexy lyrics. The music pulsates and you pulsate along with it..

Reflecting on why people move from their birthplace seeking new horizons, new meaning, new people, new adventures on their life journey, reflecting on the wanderlust so inherently me. I used to think it was a beautiful quality to possess and could never understand why people didn't feel the urge to get out there and discover. But to all those aspiring travellers/discoverers or whatever you may wish to call yourselves, the wanderlust brings its own heartache. You miss family and friends, the familiarity of frequented venues, the distinctive smell of a city ( for all you Tugas out there, is there anything more definitive than the smell of Lisbon, I ask you ? ) your favourite culinary dishes enjoyed with your favourite aperitif, digestif and whatever the word is for an alcoholic beverage consummed after a meal and of course, let us not forget the music.

A day of reflection. Today I favoured the familiar. Perhaps tomorrow will have a different set of eyes.

All is well....

Heathcote Shiraz 2008 is the drink of the evening or as my son so rightfully pointed out to me earlier on in his very eloquent three-year old Portuguese "vinho tinto mae". For those non-linguists out there, just plain old red wine. By no stretch of the imagination do I profess to be a wine connoisseur but this is indeed a fine choice. A perfect end to a good week, a satisfying week, a week of parks and beach and some sun with a little bit of rain but hey, it is only water and lots of scrummy coffees. Yes, scrummy - perhaps an odd choice of an adjective but for today, scrummy will do, unless you can come up with something that makes me go - yes!!!! That is the adjective!!! A week of laughter and smiles and getting-to-know conversations and a little bit of culture thrown in for small measure. An Italian film - Marriage and other Disasters - one of many to pick from the Lavazza Italian Film Festival. I LOVED every second of this film - the cinematography, the ability to capture the very essence of a place, those sweet and sun-soaked Italian vineyards which made me want to enjoy a glass of Italy, Florence too, I believe - at least, it looked like Florence to me - those colourful houses sporting the best windows with the best views. I love the unpredictability of European films because they portray life as it really is, one very big shade of grey. Women are portayed as real women. I know that means differently depending on the woman you talk to. But for me, it is the fact that they are not necessarily always so very young and perfectly beautiful and carry the body that you have always dreamed of owning ( yes, I do at times say - ah, yes, that would be nice ) but seriously and more importantly, that they have a presence, live by a code even if you totally disagree with it, that they may even challenge the accepted social norm, be opinionated to the extent of annoyance but still, so very likeable and even very loveable. The film reminds you to laugh at yourself. It is about friendship, life's disappointments and successes.. If you want a heart-felt giggle, this feel good experience is definitely worth your time.
This has been such a good good week!

Coco Loco - a recommendation definitely worth pursuing. Located on High Street in Northcote,this true marvel is sure to please all crazed chocolate fans. Chocolate- inspired cocktails and a 'mousse au chocolat' that very literally melts on the palate and leaves nothing to the imagination. The decor is inviting, a snapshot of a time in people's lives. A bar splashback which ordinarily never makes for interesting conversation but this one got me thinking about how creative we could be in our kitchen at home..Everything about this venue made me smile.

A Start

Lately, wondering around rather aimlessly - no better way to decribe the feeling than being cut at the umbilical cord but amazingly and surprisingly enough, I don't feel as bad today now that I am beginning to understand where I am, how I feel - all the usual cliches attached to any emotional self-understanding..Blah blah...I have started to open up and invariably the burden of emotionally-charged feelings are easier to handle. Because, in fact, you quickly discover that many are in the same boat and are trying to make sense of it all too. So, onto the next step, I ask myself - maybe? I am not a writer, as I am sure you can tell, but I do find it is a great outlet, a marvellously rich way of releasing energy. Like so many people out there, I have a real love for many things but perhaps only a few passions and I am starting to think I may even have it in me to start a blog on a passion..Now there is a thought..

New addition

After a long day tending to my chidren, both of whom are sick with Gastro - you know it is Gastro, I think, when the washing machine has been going for 2 days non-stop!!!! and there is a lingering acidic aroma to your home sweet home, I spoke to my younger cousin who is now mummy to 2. It was quite literally a perfect moment as the Skype camera zoomed in and I was able to look at his every feature as if he were in my arms..Life is miraculous..It really is..

Bridging the gap

I think I might look back at this blog in time to come and come to understand that it played a big part in where I am heading. My head is full of stuff, ideas, emotions, opinions, life experiences, stories, captured moments and I want to create something out of it..I still have no idea what though. In a way, this is the diary I never started.

Not what you think..

Anyone reading my posts is likely to think I am a pretty negative person. Truth be known, I am quite the opposite. I love life, I love people, I love challenges and the lessons we draw from them. Well, maybe I love challenges more with hindsight. In any case, I am not one to shy away from difficulties. But, like all people from different walks of life, I need a helping hand. Moving to Australia has left me feeling displaced and lonely and of course, hankering over the life and more importantly, the people I left behind but I am determined to find my place here and carve out a new and fulfilling and purposeful life..