Best wishes for 2009!!

Buscamenparis o donde sea...

So happy to see you all on Saturday. Even though we are spread all over the globe, we manage to keep in touch; and that is simply awesome. Of course not everyone was there, but we thought of each one of you.

Despite the horrible events that froze our hearts, September 2001 has an extra meaning to us. With our belongings stuffed in a suitcase we arrived to the city of lights; ready for innumerous adventures that for some us where key for the course of our lifes. It would take me ages to summarize just a pinch of what happened those years, but I am pretty sure we all have our own flasbacks.

After 5 Years in Paris it was my turn to move on. With my soul mate, we started a new life in Prague, and two years later Lucia came to fulfill our highest dreams. And now it’s simply amazing to meet with you again, after so long. We haven’t changed so much, have we? Marriages, babies, new jobs, new destinations… but we are still the Spanish bunch, too noisy for the “Maisel” and always ready for some drinks in the kitchen before running for the last metro.

I miss you all, but I am glad to know that life goes on with its ups and downs, and to see how good you all look.

Take care.
Hasta la proxima chic@s!

St Lucia

Yesterday it was Lucia’s day. According to the Julian calendar, the night of Lucia, December the 13th, was the longest night of the year. But on the 1700s the revised calendar placed the winter solstice on the 21st December. In traditional celebrations, Saint Lucy comes as a young woman with lights and sweets. Just like our sweet Lucia, the light of our life.

Last weekend we went to Budapest. We enjoyed the city during the light hours (not many) and the night life too. It’s the 2nd time for Lucia there, but I guess she didn’t notice. It was sunny during the day, but freezing too. We had planed to go to the night baths; only possible on that weekend. Apparently once a year they empty the waters from the public baths, to get the place clean for the new waters; and so they allow these night openings, when you can enjoy a drink or more in a bathing suit. Sounds fun but also not very hygienic to be honest… Friday we had diner at Absinth’s - nice food for a reasonable price and a couple of absinth’s included in the menu. On Sat we went to Goa’s, fusion restaurant where we had good laughs and ... ta tatattaaaaaaa Palinka – Hungarian fruit brandy. But as responsible new parents that we are, we drank with moderation :). And yes, it is possible!

This weekend we are staying calmly in Prague. It feels good to stay home with the family and enjoy the simple things, baking a cake, relaxing in a nice warm bath, playing with Lucia… Now we’re all in the sofa, and for the first time, Lucia stoop up with no support at all. Her legs are getting stronger, and she’s having a better control of her balance. It’s amazing to follow her everyday-progress from so close. And I love it when we both mom and dad can witness it.

Yes we can... but for real?

I can’t take out of my mind a recent post read in Elena’s blog. It freezes my blood. When I think that most of the time we are living inside this bubble where life seems "fairly alright" (let’s not get into details or this sunny day will turn deep black). While out there, people, millions of them, who struggle every single day to keep on living. Hunger, diseases, abuse of power, injustice, lack of information, education… the list could go on and on.

Elena talked about two little boys from Nairobi, who lost their mum in tragic situation and with a dad that would be better off… She’s helping as mush as she is allowed; since her actions can be misconceived and could mean more trouble for those little angels. If there’s a God somewhere, why tolerate things like this to occur, and so often. Freewill to men… “tu parles”. Why so much fuzz about the WallStreet crush; what about all those who are really sinking. Still no bonuses this year for them? Of course not, but WallStreet is recovering and they will get their bonuses like every year, thanks God! :(

Can’t help feeling guilty for not doing something myself. We are lucky to live comfortable and in good health. And we are grateful for that, everyday. We are lucky yes, but we have worked hard too to come this way. Still there must be something I can do.

My godmother has been helping an orphanage for years now. She goes there every Friday. She spends the afternoon with the kids, plays with them, feeds them… a warm hug is sometimes enough to make a difference. Lucia is 9 months today; I would do my best to show her that we can try and make this world look nicer.

The rich will get wealthier and poor will become poorer; is the terrible fate of mankind. But don’t miss the slightly opportunity, no matter how tiny it is, to change this.

Découvrez

Tori Amos!

Teeth

Tomorrow you will be 9 months old. You are becoming a big baby now. Difficult to stay still, curious and adventurous, greedy with the cookies and so gracious even to people you don't know.

The teeth are coming too and they seem a bit unpleasant. A toothache is quite painful, so I guess it must hurt a bit. But once you have some teeth you'll be able to experience new food. And I am pretty sure that will make you happy. We'll try chopped fruits, cheese, pasta… Today we can hardly see it, but we do feel it on the front lower side. So tiny! I should maybe stop feeling it with my finger or one day you will give me a hell of surprise, ay!

We understand that you don't feel very comfortable these days, and we are doing the best we can. But you know, we've all gone through this, and it will be over soon (I hope).

It feels great to hear the dulcet sound of your giggles again… guess the pain is gone… but for how long?