Mga Muni-muni ni Miss M!

Love Bites

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:27:00 +0000

My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you has screwed up my life
我的心肝，我的挚爱，我美丽的贤妻，
我这辈子就毁在你手里。

I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.
你的容颜依稀入梦境，
于是我在尖叫中惊醒。

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.
善良、聪慧、多情而性感，
可惜这些你一条都不占。

Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed.
爱是上天赐福，爱情多么美好，
可我与你同眠只是因为喝高。

I thought that I could love no other
-- that is until I met your brother.
曾以为一生只爱你一个
直到遇见你的二表哥。

Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead,the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head.
娇艳的紫罗兰，鲜红的玫瑰，甜蜜的糖，就像你一样美。
但紫罗兰会凋谢，玫瑰会枯黄，糖碗空空如也，和你的脑袋一样。

I want to feel your sweet embrace;
But don't take that paper bag off your face.
我渴望你温柔的拥抱，
但别把你脸上的面具摘掉。

I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!
我爱你的明眸，你的脸庞，你的微笑，
妈的，我真是说谎不打草稿！

My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?
爱人啊，你简直让我窒息，
你在哪沾上的一身臭气？

My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe "Go to hell."
我对你的深情无法付诸言语，
除了一句“滚一边去”！

What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.
是什么激发了我多情的诗篇？
伏特加两杯，酸柠檬一片。

Moved

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Consolidating my blogs to wordpress See you there!

8 Things About Me

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:59:00 +0000

I got tagged by the Capt, so here goes:

1. My iPod playlist include "Seasons of Love" and "Purpose" next to Snoop Dog and 50 Cent.
2. I downloaded most of those songs from Multiply.
3. I can swim floating on my back, but I can't with my head in the water.
4. I keep a 500ml bottle of water next to my bed.
5. Since 1993, I have used the same cologne - Colonia Natural - which I have only been able to buy from one store in Glorietta 2... I stock it up by the litre. Don't know what to do now that the shop is not there anymore.
6. As at Feb 2008, I have 202 stamps in my three passports (I lost one in 1999).
7. I am a sucker for forensic and crime shows, and watch A Haunting on Discovery Channel but I am a complete and utter snivelling idiot when it comes to ghosts stories.
8. I would stop whatever I am doing to watch The Simpsons.

What's your hourly rate?

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:11:00 +0000

Naloka naman ako, I stumbled upon this blog of a maid in Monaco (sana her French is better than English dahil kinalimutan nya na ang rules of grammar - or talagang di nya natutunan?). According to her, a live-in maid in one of the villas in the land of the obscenely rich can make 3, 500 euros a month + national health insurance + own studio housing and food provided. Since most of the wealthy home owners are always travelling, they get so many holidays off including the traditional month-long holiday in August. So if a couple - maid and driver - are hired, they will have a combined annual income of $120, 000!

That's my new financial goal: to be Monaco-rich that I can afford to pay up to 8, 000 euros a month for the my maid and driver! Kaka-loka....

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:08:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again, and I've been checking on my Chinese astrology. Depending on my time of birth and which website I am reading, this Year of the Rat will be good for relationships if I were born in springtime, or bad if I were in the fall; a great time to have children, or a bad time to make changes; a good year for wealth growth, or a year to play it safe with investments.

Whatever, I am just looking forward to wearing red and feasting on prosperity nosh.

*******

Food Symbolism

Most of the dishes served during Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival) are symbolic of something positive and hopeful.

* Chicken and fish, for example, symbolize happiness and prosperity--especially when served whole.
* Dishes made with oranges represent wealth and good fortune because they are China's most plentiful fruit.
* Noodles represent longevity: therefore, they should never be cut!
* Duck symbolizes fidelity, while eggs signify fertility.
* Bean curd or tofu, however, is avoided because its white color suggests death and misfortune.

Dishes are also chosen based on homonyms--words that either are spelled the same or sound the same as other words. Fish (yu) is served because it sounds similar to the Chinese word for plenty; whole fish represents abundance. Turnips are cooked because their name (cai tou) also means "good luck."

Another popular Chinese New Year dish is jiaozi, dumplings boiled in water. In some areas of China, coins are placed in the center of jiaozi. Whoever bites into one of these dumplings will have an exceptionally lucky year.

Bunny Boiler Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Wood Rabbits – Years 1915 and 1975 Wood Rabbits occupy their time doing for others; always feeling the need to make others content. This generosity is easy for others to take advantage of and sometimes Water Rabbits don’t even realize is happening.

The Rabbit is born under the signs of virtue and prudence. The Rabbit attaches a great importance to his home and will often spend a great deal of money and time to furnish it, maintain it, and update it. He (or she) enjoys his creature comforts. He is a collector and derives much pleasure from collecting antiques, stamps, art, coins, or anything else that interests him. The Rabbit loves to entertain and exhibit his collections. He does not collect or display with a pretentious "show off" attitude but honestly enjoys sharing these things which give him great pleasure,. He hopes that his collections in turn might give his friends some pleasure as well. He enjoys the finer things in life and usually has very good taste. He will gravitate to the finest clothes and the finest restaurants in town.

The Rabbit is methodical and conscientious. He makes a good lawyer, diplomat, administrator or priest. He is the most excellent of communicators and excels in any job in which he can show- case his remarkable skill in this area. He tends to be loyal to his employers and makes the best employee an employer could imagine. He is honest, respected by all and has a high degree of integrity. If the Rabbit ever finds himself in a position of great power he will expect these traits in those who work under him and can become authoritarian. He is a witty and intelligent speaker and loves to be in a good discussion. He is always discreet and diplomatic and can be relied on to preserve the peace in an argument and never to raise his voice in anger. He avoids confrontation and will let insults slide to keep the peace.

The Rabbit likes to think out a problem and does not like to be rushed into making a quick and sudden decision. He hates to be in a situation that is fraught with tension. He is a cautious planner and does not like to take risks. Basically, he likes a secure, calm and stable environment without change. He is always happy to leave things just as they are. You will not find the Rabbit picketing with signs for a change in the status quo.

Rabbit personality traits

Although generally calm, gentle and loving, Rabbit people can be very ambitious and intuitively know how to get ahead in the world.

They are good listeners, kind and sweet by nature, and are therefore often sought out as popular and trusted friends. Generally noted for their physical beauty, Rabbits like to surround themselves with beautiful things. They have a good eye for art, design and fashion, and are usually at the top of anyone's Best Dressed list.

Others may call the Rabbit timid, but those born under this sign rightly view themselves as wise and cautious.

Rabbits are rarely known to make a move or jump into any new situation without first carefully considering all their options. No one is more surprised than Rabbits when they win a poker hand or hit the jackpot at the races, although at times good luck just seems to come their way unbidden.

Rabbits are regarded as the peacemakers in any group. They remain calm in any situation, and are very slow to anger.

In close personal relationships they can be very romantic, but their natural cautiousness prevents them from settling down or committing to any one person right away.

At work, they excel by remaining cool and collected, and can be relied upon for extreme tact in delicate business dealings.

Rabbit Personality

You have a tranquil nature and are sensitive to the world around you. You cannot thrive in a competitive or aggressive environment, and you soon become anxious if you are forced to take risks. Your delicately balanced emotions are easily destabilized by unsettled or unpredictable situations, and you instinctively want to create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. In fact, this makes you a very hospitable host, attentive to the needs of others, ensuring that they do not feel isolated or neglected. You are aware that small details are important in creating the right ambience and you pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. When you are certain that everything is arranged to your satisfaction you can then relax - and you make charming, elegant and intelligent company.

You have a good imagination and intellect combined with an openness and generosity that enables you to turn enemies into friends. Your approach to life is not threatening or disruptive and the only time that you are really obstinate is when you feel you have been pushed beyond your capabilities. When faced with a dilemma, or if you are just feeling low, you tend to keep your thoughts well hidden in the belief that it is not appropriate for you to make demands or force your opinions on others.

Your lifestyle is conservative as you do not like your security compromised, but when you opt for safety over risk you may miss good opportunities. You have no desire to be in the limelight; you shy away from confrontations or complications and if there is an escape route you will quickly take it. This does not imply that you are frivolous or irresponsible, for when you truly believe in something you are serious, perseverant and capable.

Rabbit Career

Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. It’s also why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: writer, publisher, actor, fashion designer, therapist, doctor, administrator, public relations, and teacher.

Your intelligence and imagination stand you in good stead in your career, and you always give careful thought to projects before you undertake them. You are balanced in outlook and cautious in approach, and like to be informed of all the facts before you make a judgment.

You do not enjoy the cut and thrust of business life, preferring work that is more methodical and reliable, and thus the worlds of politics and finance hold little interest for you. Working under pressure makes you nervous, as do sudden demands on you to develop creative ideas, and while others may thrive on heated discussion you prefer reasoned debate. Your creative talents will come to the fore when you are allowed to work at your own pace. Many colleagues appreciate your tact and modesty and realize you are a conscientious worker, unlikely to step over others to achieve your goals.

You are suited to a career in literature, art, design or public relations. You would also be a good counselor, barrister, judge, solicitor, adviser or secretary.

Rabbit Love

Rabbits are most compatible with : Sheep, Dog, Pig

You need trust, security and tenderness in a relationship, and are happiest when you can create an intimate and cosy atmosphere. You are unlikely to go in search of emotional thrills and do not thrive on romantic upheavals, so when a partner's behavior becomes erratic or hurtful you withdraw into your shell.

There are times when you are confident in love, but an unpredictable action or careless remark can suddenly place serious doubts in your mind, Try to express your concerns and you may well find that your doubts are groundless. When you have found the right partner the affection that you offer will be returned, and you will prove to be both sympathetic and forgiving, far more likely to listen to someone else's problems than to reveal your own.

You are happy sharing artistic interests, informal dinners and stimulating conversation. It will take time to find the soul-mate you are searching for and along the way you may appear fickly, but when you have found that person your commitment is powerful.

The Rabbit is not the most faithful of signs when it comes to marriage. He is best suited to the Goat, Snake, Pig and Ox. Due to his sociable and easy-going manner he can also get along with another Rabbit, the Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Dog. He will feel ill-at-ease with the Rat and the Rooster as both these signs tend to want to confront and speak their minds in a critical way. The Rabbit loathes any form of criticism or unpleasantness.

The Rabbit will rarely be short of admirers and will often have several serious romances before settling down. Having a " significant other" in his life will be very important to him even if he is not faithful. The Rabbit takes considerable care with his appearance. Much time and effort is put into looking smart and well turned out. You will not see a Rabbit underdressed for an occasion. As a matter of fact, he will be chic and appropriately dressed at all times for any occasion. Both the female and male Rabbit wish to be more than average looking and use everything at their disposal to become more attractive. The Rabbit believes if he was not born conforming to society's idea of beauty then there must be a way around this impediment. He (or she) will then strive to be the best dressed, the best spoken, the best groomed, the wittiest conversationalist, et. And you know what? He usually is the best.

The Feng Shui of Home Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:49:00 +0000

Top 10 Feng Shui Tips

10. Keep Your Windows Clean. Windows represent opportunities.
9. Replace Your Light Bulbs. There are different energy areas in your home representing the different aspects of your life; you don't want to be "in the dark" in your wealth area or relationship area.
8. Tighten Your Knobs and Door Handles so you have a better "handle on things".
7. Keep Plants Healthy. They represent health and growth and vitality. Don't keep dead plants around.
6. Keep the Toilet Cover Down to prevent energy from draining.
5. Clear Out the area Underneath Your Bed. Clutter represents bad energy.
4. Keep Your Mirrors Clean to maintain self-awareness.
3. Keep a Clearly marked Entry Way so energy and opportunity can find its way to you clearly.
2. Fix all the leaks and drips, you don't want all your money going down the drain.
1. Consult with a feng shui master for Chinese sign-specific advice.

[Viral] The Moral of the Story....

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:18:00 +0000

One day, a seamstress was sewing while sitting close to a river and her thimble fell into the river. When she cried out, the Lord appeared and asked, 'My dear child, why are you crying?' The seamstress replied that her thimble had fallen into the water and that she needed it to help her husband in making a living for their family.

The Lord dipped His hand into the water and pulled up a golden thimble set with sapphires. 'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked The seamstress replied, 'No.'

The Lord again dipped into the river. He held out a golden thimble studded with rubies. 'Is this your thimble?' the Lord asked. Again, the seamstress replied, 'No.'

The Lord reached down again and came up with a leather thimble. 'Is this your thimble ?' the Lord asked. The seamstress replied, 'Yes.'

The Lord was pleased with the woman's honesty and gave her all three thimbles to keep, and the seamstress went home happy.

Some years later, the seamstress was walking with her husband along the riverbank, and her husband fell into the river and disappeared under the water. When she cried out, the Lord again appeared and asked her, 'Why are you crying?' 'Oh Lord, my husband has fallen into the river!'

The Lord went down into the water and came up with George Clooney. 'Is this your husband?' the Lord asked. 'Yes," cried the seamstress. The Lord was furious. 'You lied! That is an untruth!' The seamstress replied, 'Oh, forgive me, my Lord. It is a misunderstanding. You see, if I had said 'no' to George Clooney, you would have come up with Brad Pitt.

Then if I said 'no' to him, you would have come up with my husband. Had I then said 'yes,' you would have given me all three. Lord, I'm not in the best of health and would not be able to take care of all three husbands, so THAT'S why I said 'yes' to George Clooney. And so the Lord let her keep him.

The moral of this story is: Whenever a woman lies, it's for a good and honourable reason, and in the best interest of others. That's our story, and we're sticking to it!

Shots of Business Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:03:00 +0000

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The Best Things In Life Aren't Free

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:08:00 +0000

One of the perks of living in Asia is being able to go to a spa with amazing decor and even more amazing service. Contrary to popular notion, it's actually not that cheap. But for service, I think each dollar is stretched. For just $250-350 at my favourite day spa, you can get a facial and a body scrub or wrap. I spend about $400 in a four-star resort, and maybe $700 at a five-star one (which I have so far only done twice) for about three-hours of heavenly treatment plus the standard herbal steam and a soak in a petal-filled jacuzzi.

Without a treatment, I can get a pretty good massage for about $20. I usually get a weekly two-hour aromatherapy massage for about $35, not bad at all. Of course there are dubious massage and spa places with untrained staff that will charge half of that but the better known resorts in the posh part of town are always a safe bet, consistently amazing. How do these sound next to the following:

*******

World's Most Expensive Spa Treatments
Lauren Sherman, 07.24.07, 12:01 AM ET

Bay Area stay-at-home mom Colleen Fennelly keeps busy with her 4-month-old twins. But that doesn't mean she won't take time out for a little indulgence. Four times a year, Fennelly, 40, visits San Francisco's Spa Radiance, where she sits for the Grand Luxe Facial--a three-hour long treatment.

There, aestheticians use Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion, which gently exfoliates skin, and Purikiss Microcurrent Disencrustation, which removes blackheads, brown spots and sebum deposits. The final step is LED light therapy that promises to scale back years of sun damage and irritation from skin conditions like rosacea, which Fennelly suffers from.

What ends up suffering is Fennelly's wallet. Each session costs $750. "It's a long process, but it's so worth it," she says. "I lived in France for about three or four years, and you'd assume they had the best skin care, but this facial from Spa Radiance is the only thing that has ever helped my rosacea. Since I started the Grand Luxe, it's virtually disappeared."

Fennelly's not the only one with such a habit. These days, people are spending more time--and more money--at the spa. Best Botox Alternatives In 2006, 144 million people booked a spa visit, a 10% increase from 2005, according to research provided by Spafinder.com, the online spa directory.

This year, that number is expected to rise to 160 million. The average cost of a massage at a day spa is $88 ($138 at a resort spa). But decadent alternatives--like the $450 Six Hands Lava Stone Massage at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa in Maui, Hawaii--are increasingly beginning to populate spa menus worldwide.

And those looking to be pampered aren't put off by such prices. Susie Ellis, president of Spa Finder, says that out of the thousands of searches conducted daily on the group's Web site, luxury treatments rank as one of the top five most-researched topics. These are typically ultra-pricey procedures that promise to do more than relieve stress or help clear problem skin. "The affluent baby boomer generation is putting more value on the therapeutic benefits of spa treatments," says Ellis. "They're willing to spend more if it means that there's something special in the results."

Perfection In A Potion
Take the $500 Microablation and Triphasic Combination Facial at Cornelia Day Spa in New York City. Aestheticians wave an electromagnetic wand over the skin to stimulate collagen, minimize lines, reduce acne and ease chronic irritation (like emphysema or rosacea). They then use a triphasic resonator that relies on heat, vibration and therapeutic electrical force to contour and sculpt the face.

For spa-goers who swear by the power of Crème de la Mer, its namesake facial at London department store Harrod's Urban Retreat is the ultimate skin savior. For an hour and a half, La Mer lovers experience a process that includes exfoliation--with sea quartz and pure diamond dust--and liberal use of Crème de la Mer miracle broth, which promises softer, smoother and suppler skin. The facial is followed by a hand massage and a reflexology massage on the feet.

Of course, not everyone who visits a spa is seeking a cure-all. Those electing the Evian Bath at Spa V at South Beach's Hotel Victor pay $5,000 to sit in a tub sprinkled with rose petals and filled with 1,000 bottles of Evian water. A bottle of champagne, a slice of Seven Sins of Chocolate dessert from the hotel's restaurant, and a choice of two spa treatments are also on the menu.

Lynne McNees, president of the Lexington, Ky.-based International SPA Association, a group that represents 3,000 health and wellness facilities and providers in 75 countries, compares experiences like this to eating out at a five-star restaurant. "To really splurge, you've got to step it up," she says. "Every once in while, that seven-course tasting menu and $200 bottle of wine makes an appearance on your schedule. Like a fancy dinner, an indulgent spa treatment is a way to say thank you to yourself."

Pedigree

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:17:00 +0000

So Sir Hilary finally joined Tenzing Norgay after living decades longer (and getting more honours). I know it's time to honour one of the most significant personalities of the 20th century, but my thoughts were with Tenzing and how the honour of being the first (ok, official version said second) to reach the summit of mighty Everest has not really afforded him the celebrity life. Talent-deprived cele-butants have enjoyed glitzy lifestyles and greater time in the limelight than Tenzing!

I was completely bowled over then when I read that his daughter - whose humble blue pen was laid at the summit of Everest as offering - has lived in Manila for years! Read about Nima Tenzing Galang here and here.

Golly, why isn't she invited to more official occasions? Especially with the whole Pinoys (and Pinays) on Mt Everest - why aren't every single trekker in RP setting up shrines outside her house, like Rizalianas or something? To me she is as every bit a "celebrity" than say Manny. Don't get me wrong, I give props to Manny for his skills, but Nima has pedigree man - she is part of history. Kids read about her father in books (or do kids learn by Google now?), and boy, I want a photo-op!

How-Tos

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:46:00 +0000

How to Insult Another Culture by Butchering Its Language and Food

(Wait... sibuyas ba yun???)

Here Comes The New Year

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:15:00 +0000

New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

Think only of the best,
work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that
the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true
to the best that is in you!"

- Christian D. Larson

¡Feliz año nuevo!

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:55:00 +0000

Wherever you are, and however you wish to celebrate, from the bottom of my heart I wish you joy and peace.

Have a blessed new year.

I love gingerbread!

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:55:00 +0000

One of my 1,001 things is watching the All-Blacks do the haka. I don't know what it is about the haka that got me smitten from the first time I heard it.

Watch this one first:

and

Then:

Plus!

[Viral] Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:55:00 +0000

En un avión...
- ¿Cuál es el problema, Sra.? - Pregunta la azafata.
- ¿Es que no lo ve? - Responde la dama - Me colocaron junto a un negro. No soporto estar lado de uno de estos seres repugnantes. ¡Denme otro asiento!
- Por favor, cálmese… - dice la azafata - Casi todos los asientos están ocupados. Voy a ver si hay un lugar disponible.
La azafata se aleja y vuelve de nuevo algunos minutos más tarde:
- Sra., como yo pensaba, no hay ya ningún lugar libre en la clase económica. Hablé con el comandante y me confirmó que no hay más sitios disponibles en la clase económica. No obstante, tenemos aún un lugar en primera clase.
Antes de que la dama pueda hacer el menor comentario, la azafata sigue:
- Es del todo inusual permitir a una persona de la clase económica sentarse en primera clase. Pero, vistas las circunstancias, el comandante encuentra que sería escandaloso obligar a alguien a sentarse junto a una persona tan repugnante.
Y dirigiéndose al negro, la azafata le dice:
- Si el Sr. Lo desea, tome su equipaje de mano, ya que un asiento en primera clase le espera.
Y todos los pasajeros alrededor, que, sorprendidos, asistían a la escena se levantaron y aplaudieron...

Si luchas contra el racismo devuelve este mensaje a todos tus amigos, pero no apagues tu ordenador sin haberlo enviado al menos una persona.

[Article] Sterling Snapping Up Sale

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:15:00 +0000

U.K. Citizens Snapping Up Overseas Real Estate

The low-maintenance lifestyle of condos and townhomes, as well as single-family homes with homeowners associations that handle lawn care, have tremendous appeal to overseas buyers. Cachet Homes’ Crescent Falls at Fulton Ranch in Chandler, Ariz., has attracted Canadian buyers who want inventory homes and are paying cash.

Florida builders got a bit of good news this week. A new study reports that British and Irish citizens now own nearly 4 million properties overseas — worth nearly $90 million — and the market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of more than 13 percent between now and 2012.

The study, the largest of its kind ever done in Britain and Ireland, was performed between June and September by business research firm Datamonitor on behalf of Overseas Property Professional magazine; the results were announced on Tuesday in London at OPPLive, a trade conference for professionals in the sale and marketing of overseas properties.

Spain, France, and the U.S. continue to be the three most popular destinations for British and Irish buyers, with Florida being their overwhelming favorite location in America.

“Spain was the first cheap overseas holiday destination that opened up to British consumers in the 1960s; Florida holds a similar position in the hearts of British travelers,” says Neil Hendry, director of consulting for Datamonitor. “You can get three or four-bedroom apartments in Florida for $250,000. That’s pretty phenomenal. It’s a fairly attractive proposition.”

Other popular locations for British and Irish buyers include Cyprus, Greece, Canada, and Australia. Younger, more adventurous buyers also are snapping up properties in Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, and India.

The study was based on surveys with more than 4,000 British consumers who had purchased property, were in the process of buying, or had gone through the process and opted not to purchase. They also interviewed 900 estate agents and property developers.

That information was used to create a market-sizing model for the next five years, to analyze the top 30 destinations, and to identify the kind of activities agents were performing, such as listing properties and arranging financing.

For buyers who started the purchase process and opted not to go forward, the decision was based on one of five reasons, Hendry says: lack of funds to complete the transaction, difficulty finding employment if they were looking to move overseas permanently, fear of making the wrong choice, fear of missing their families by moving overseas, and lack of trust in health care.

Buying for lifestyle

Some other welcome news for builders about U.K. buyers — they’re buying houses for pleasure and they’re likely to pay cash. More than 70 percent of the survey respondents said they bought a property to improve their lifestyle, as opposed to looking for a big return on investment.

“The payback for the person is the time they get to spend there, experiencing a new life,” Hendry says. “It transcends the monetary value. It’s a decision driven by the heart rather than the head.”

One of the key reasons Datamonitor is bullish on the market continuing to grow, Hendry says, is that more than 70 percent of the respondents said they paid cash for their overseas homes, rather than taking out a second mortgage or a home equity line. That’s especially helpful given the tight credit market in the U.S.

The U.S. is attractive to British and Irish buyers, Hendry says, because it has well-established property laws with secure titles, mortgages are available to cover the purchase, and because foreigners can own property here.

“In Thailand, a foreigner can buy an apartment, but not a house,” he says. “If you want to own the land, you need a Thai person to buy it on your behalf or actually incorporate a company with Thai directors.”

One reason British interest in U.S. real estate is high is because the U.K. went through its own real estate downturn and they know the opportunity to buy at bargain prices may be short-lived. Plus, the strength of the pound and the euro gives them exceptional buying power.

“It makes real estate in the U.S. too good a deal to pass up,” says Craig Studnicky, president of Miami-based International Sales Group, which works with buyers from all over the world.

The buyers are primarily interested in condos or townhouses, Studnicky says, because they want a low-maintenance lifestyle. They’ll consider a single-family home if the homeowners association takes care of the lawn.

Canadians cashing in, too

Lori Seale has seen the same thing with her Canadian customers at Crescent Falls at Fulton Ranch, a Chandler, Ariz. luxury townhome community by Cachet Homes. With the Canadian dollar at a 30-year high in its strength against the U.S. dollar, Canadians who have traveled to Arizona for years for the balmy winter weather are seeing this as a great time to buy.

She’s had three contracts with Canadian buyers in the last 10 days — all of them paying cash for finished homes with a base price in the high $300,000s. They don’t want to deal with yards, they want to be near the pool, and they want the ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle.

One buyer, who gave Cachet Homes a testimonial, said that the same house would have cost him 40 percent more two years ago, simply because of the difference in the exchange rate.

A positive trend

The survey confirms the results of a study on international buyers released earlier this year by the National Association of Realtors. That study, the 2007 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity reported that 20 percent of Realtors had sold at least one house to an international client within the last year. By country, buyers were most often from Mexico, the U.K., Canada, India, and China, and half the sales were concentrated in Florida, California, and Texas.

International buyers spent more money on their U.S. home purchases than American buyers; the median price of their purchase was $299,500, well above the median sale price of $221,900 for all U.S. home sales in 2006. Buyers from the U.K. and China spent the most money on their U.S. home purchases, according to the NAR study; the median price of their homes was $335,300 and $340,000, respectively.

Übermensch

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:03:00 +0000

I don't speak German and I haven't fully studied Nietzsche, but from the first time I read his philosophy of an extraordinary individual, "one who is to man, what man is to the ape". The idea of a man who transcends the limits of traditional morality to live purely by the will to power is awesome to me.

Now, I doubt that I - or anyone in this day and age for that matter - can live up to the true essence of Nietzsche's übermensch; yet, I wonder just how far we humans can go, over and beyond what our society, our culture, our religion taught us to be?

I've been mulling the idea for sometime now that all the things we have been taught to value and hold dear actually teaches us what not to be, rather than what we can be. The very idea of a "civilisation" is based on rules and punishments. Our social groups and our peers emphasise belonging, and frowns on the unconventional. Religion goes beyond that, and makes us fear our souls into compliance. So, can we actually go beyond all that and be more than we are expected to be?

One of the (yet few) achievements I am proud of is seeing, tasting, living beyond my background. I was raised to be fearful - of change, of social reprimand, of failure - that's just the way my mom coped and she thought she was doing the best for us by stomping any ambition in us. She thought pride was the work of the devil, and we had no business to dream big.

I wonder if I would be wearing a belt around my head, a whip on my hips and twirling myself dizzy if I were allowed to dream big? The great thing about ageing is that wisdom comes with the wrinkles. I can't keep wondering about the what-ifs of my past and getting hung up on my momma issues. Dreaming big isn't enough I've come to understand - you have to dream and you have to work purposefully. We can't be everything we want to be in our youth (in which case I should be by now a multi-lingual equestrian who champions the poor and down-trodden). We can, however, be our own personal superman, pursuing one specific goal, with the passion and hunger of a woman on diet for a bowl of ice cream. We have to be childlike in our belief in ourself - let no doubt cloud your vision. We have to be so focused on our task and our goal as if we are on a deadline for that terror-teacher in school. We have to be passionate about our dream like a teenager pursuing their first love.

This coming year is about pursuing my dream with a purpose. It is not like my dream when I was a stick-thin pubescent kid in Barangay 747. It is not my dream when I was an empowered yet conflicted woman in my 20s. I will be pursuing a dream that has only emerged in the last few years yet merges my experience and hopes from the past. I intend to approximate Nietzsche's superman: "constantly changing and in a state of rebirth and growth. He determines what is good and what is evil, not allowing religion or society to determine these things for him. The Superman finds his happiness in this way. He uses a reason that is independent of the modern values of society or religion. He determines his own values. This creation of his own values gives him joy, and in order for the Superman to cope with a changing world, the Superman must constantly change. This constant state of change is a constant source of joy, leaving little or no room for suffering."

I am my own hero, I am superwoman... hear me roar!

My Baby is No Longer a Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:01:00 +0000

Maligayang bati, asawa ko!

Burn

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:59:00 +0000

What's your passion?

For years, I couldn't answer that question. It was as elusive to me as the meaning of life or true love. I use to envy people with such obvious passion, and the freedom to pursue them. I have always thought the only through the pursuit of one's passion can one attain fulfilment.

I was stumped - if I didn't know what I was passionate about, how will I find fulfilment? I tried everything - working for a private company, working for a diplomatic mission, working for myself. I tried teaching, research, consulting, events, writing. I had a knack for all of them, yet they did not give me that glazed or hungry look I see in other people.

All the time, it was right in front of me. Literally. Food. That is my passion. I can spend hours watching cooking show. I am nearly orgasmic at a plate of expertly prepared food. I will travel through mountains and jungles to find the ultimate ingredient. When I get a dish in my head, I would actually sketch a plan on how to plate it. Going through the gourmet market is almost a meditative process. I wouldn't cook to "cook" - I have to be mentally prepared and physically ready to cook.

If I can roll back time, I wish I had recognised this passion in my early 20s so I could have done more to pursue it professionally. At 30, we have obligations and our financial goals are steeper. We can't afford to pursue our passion. I think it was a Columbia Business School professor who said something like, as we grow older we no longer pursue our dreams but opportunities.

I'd like to think that we create both - therefore, we have the power to merge them. I am more convinced than ever, that to make the most of an opportunity, you have to passionately pursue them. To be successful, you have to find that spirit in you, that child-like naivety that says failure is not an option.

I can't accept that growing up requires us to give up on dreams. I think we have to allow the fire of life's challenges to forge our dreams and our spirit to something stronger, more resilient. I say we have to burn with passion to live our best life.

So I think I will go be a chef after all.

Bebot's Best of Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:58:00 +0000

A good friend of mine in university was here in Bangkok with her mates. She sent me a message on Facebook asking for tips on what to do and what to see in Krung Thep. Since I was in the midst of the crazy move to Madrid, I wasn't able to give her a well-thought out itinerary. True, there are plenty of information online about Bangkok, but you would soon notice that prices and quality of tours vary widely. If you are on a short two or three day trip, and on a budget, it will be hard to rely on these online guides. There's so much to do, and so much to try in Bangkok, that you have to be clear on what you can't miss, and what you want to accomplish.

Case 1: My high school friend and sister where on a 6-hour stop-over in Bangkok on their way to a late summer holiday in Europe and Egypt. This was all about a quick shopping gig for things they can wear - and take as hostess gifts for their friends and relatives in Europe. I was living in Silom then, so I decided to take them so I decided to take them straight to Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Although not the cheapest, time was of the essence, and we needed everything in one place. They managed to buy, swimsuits, pants, skirts, scarves, hair accessories, bags and flip-flops - all the holiday essentials. We also managed to get some pretty photos with the giant French Ferris Wheel (well this was late 2006 so it was still there) and the well-lit beer garden. We also grabbed a quick meal at the food court, so they had a quick doze of Thai food on the cheap.

Case 2: Pure sightseeing. A university pal and her aunt were here, and they were not keen on shopping, but on sightseeing. They were part of a tour-group and were staying in Pratunam, wholesale capital of Bangkok (that and Bo Bae market, which should only be attempted by the business-minded).

I didn't help with their itinerary, but it might be interesting to those who are planning a similar trip. They joined a half-day temple tour in Bangkok, then negotiated with the tour organiser for a severely reduced package for the next day to take them to the Floating Market, the Crocodile Farm, the Rose Garden, the Elephant Show and later in the evening, to a dinner cruise in Chaophraya. I have to give them props for pulling that off for less than 2, 000 baht, which I have to say is a nearly impossible feat to replicate. The cheapest dinner cruise alone goes for about 1, 400.

Case 3: My family came for a two-week visit. I over-planned their itinerary and didn't give them a time to breathe! I took them to central, eastern and northern Bangkok! We dined at local joints like MK restaurant for cheap shabu-shabu style lunch and Daidomon for a yakitori and shabu-shabu dinner (my sister loves shabu-shabu). We went to Body Tune in La Villa (BTS Aree) for a massage and next door to Gloss Nail Spa for mani-pedi spa. We went shopping at Paragon, dined at Greyhound Cafe (you have to try this - Thai comfort food at affordable price in a chic setting) on the second floor of Emporium. We went shopping at Chatuchack, and in On Nut. We went to church at Ruam Rudee (BTS Ploenchit), celebrated Loy Krathong in Central World and in Patpong. Best of all, we went down to Koh Samui for four days and went snorkelling in Koh Tao.

*******

TIPS

Temple Tour:

For the DIY, I would suggest the following. Start the day with a temple tour of the three well-known sites, all located close to each other. This will work when you do your research on-line for each temple so you get the most. Caveat: please keep in mind that these are religious sites - and the Wat Phra Keaw can be compared to the Vatican. Dress appropriately, and act politely. Do not just point your photos at the monks and shoot away. Wai or at least bow slightly when you meet them at the temples, and women, please clear their path.

Begin your tour at the Grand Palace Complex including the venerated Temple of the Emerald Buddha - you haven't been to Thailand if you haven't been to here. The craftsmanship will overwhelm any first time visitors. The opening hours are from 9am to 4pm and mind your Buddhist holidays. Try to go before lunch so you aren't rushed. I suggest going as early as 9am and spend a couple of hours there taking photos like mad.

[Caveat: Be mindful of the jewellery shop scam!]

Then head out to Wat Pho which is technically just behind the complex. I hate to walk (you could if you prefer) so I would either take a cab or tuk-tuk neither of which should cost you more than 50 baht. Cabs are more reliable (and air-conditioned) but for the tourist thrill, you can try the tuk-tuk. Depending on the number of tourists, you might be asked for as much as a 100 baht (rate is for the whole ride, not per person). Wat Pho's largest attraction is the world-record holding Reclining Buddha, but don't miss the stupas at the back. This is also a great place to grab a massage at the famous traditional Thai massage school there. Don't expect a spa, this is all about the traditional art, not pampering. If you do plan to get a massage here, make sure you don't have lawyers of clothing on or you will struggle with the tiny curtained cubicle when it's time to change. I like getting the herbal pouch as well, very manghihilot. From Wat Pho, you can cross the street to head towards the tiny Tha Tien Pier for an express boat to Wat Arun. The boats come every few minutes, but there are small stalls there to grab a quick cold drink and a plate of pad thai all for about 40 to 50 baht. The ferry ride itself is less than 10 baht.

After your temple tour, you could either head out for a bit of high-end shopping and a nice yet affordable meal at Siam Paragon. Just jump into a cab, any self-respecting driver knows where the mall is. This is a boutique-packed mall, and the restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine and prices. You might even fancy a trip to the Ocean World at the basement. Fast fashion especially for the younger set could be had next door at Siam Center and across the road (cut through using the BTS station) at the sprawling Siam Square.

At about 7 or 8pm, head to the river for a dinner cruise. From Siam Paragon, get on the BTS Silom line, heading towards the terminal station of Saphan Taksin (not National Stadium). One ride will cost about 45 baht. From the Saphan Taksin station, follow the crowd of commuters heading towards the Sathorn Pier where the cruises usually send a ferry for the diners. There's a one-man information booth there so don't worry.

Dinner Cruise:

A cruise down the river can be as posh as a two-hour trip on Shangri-La Horizon's river cruise or a dinner cruise on Marriot Resort's rice barge Manohra. Or you can see the sights on the cheap for under a hundred baht by jumping into a "water taxi" on any of the pier's along the river. Somewhere in the middle is the best tourist deal to be had - mainly because it's not geared for tourists.

Late last year, I took my first dinner cruise on Chaophraya, the arterial river of Bangkok. Since then, I have been back twice. It's now on my itinerary as nominated tour guide for visiting family and friends. Yok Yor is a Thai chain of seafood restaurants, popular among locals. They have a boat that cruises down the river at no cover charge. You order from their Thai food menu at very local rates. It's no frills, but the food is so authentic, and the scene so post-card perfect that it's probably one of the best-priced tourist deal you'll ever get in Bangkok. Call for reservations and make sure you are at the Sathorn Pier before 7.30pm to avoid any hiccup. I miscalculated the time once, and we missed the tour.

The cruise usually ends at 10pm. If you still have the energy, you can head to Patpong 2 for the Night Market (and a seedy version of Bangkok) by taking the BTS again and getting off at Sala Daeng station, Suan Lum Night Market by taking a tuk-tuk from Sala Daeng, or down to the back-packing district of Khao San Road (if you are younger and wants to go clubbing on the cheap) by taking a cab. For a bit more grown-up and dressier version, head to Thonglor or mid-Sukhumvit for drinks.

Night Out:

Mid-Sukhumvit is the centre of the bar and restaurant scene here - dine at the expensive place-to-be-seen Koi in Soi 20 where the beautiful people sort-of eat, or mingle with the youngish (not necessarily moneyed) crowd and dance the night away at Mystique in Soi 31. Go to the almost-touristy BED Supperclub in Soi 26, or have a quiet upscale dinner at one of the hotel restaurants in Imperial Queen's Park on Soi 22.

Further down on Sukhumvit, head to Thonglor and Ekkamai where you will find even more local restaurants that serve world-class cuisine. For the ambience, try Face Bar on Soi 38 (BTS Thonglor) which is set in a teak house, and is actually made up of four F&B outlets - Hazara that serves Indian food, Lan Na for Thai chow, Visage a French style patisserie, and Lounge Bar for drinks. I think they've also added a spa decorated with antiques from around Asia.

For more restaurants, go to: Best Restaurants (Caveat: most of the restaurants are advertisers and all that have been reviewed have provided food vouchers to the reviewers. Having said that, most of the local favourites are in the list.)

Shopping:

High-end shopping are centred around Siam Paragon (BTS Siam), Emporium (BTS Phrom Phong), Gaysorn Plaza and Amari Plaza (BTS Chidlom). Central World (BTS Chidlom) is touted to be the largest mall in Asia in terms of floor space, and you could easily spend a day there. Across the road, at Narayana Phand, you can get high quality Thai handicrafts.

For cheap handicrafts, furniture, home decor, clothing, shoes - and even pets - head to Chatuchack market. Plan your trip for the weekend, and bring comfortable shoes for some serious bargain hunting here!

The wholesale market is in Pratunam (Soi Pethcaburi) - including the clothes heaven, Fashion Mall. Next to that is Panthip - the pirated software centre of Thailand. Anything computer related you will find here. Every cab driver knows the place (pronounced paahn-tip), just cross over the walkway to get to Pratunam market.

Locals shop at night markets on their way home from work, and you will usually find these at commuter central like BTS On Nut, BTS Mo Chit, and BTS Victory Monument. Try these if you are adventurous, usually you wouldn't have to haggle too hard - they are not used to tourists so you stand a chance of getting local prices. I've bought a pair of (disposable) shoes here for 99 baht, a bag for 80 baht, and a dress for 199 baht!

If you are pressed for time, or doesn't want to hunt down all the different items, just go to Suan Lum Night Bazaar. If you are in Patpong, which is a fairly short soi, start on the Sala Daeng side, and make your way through the street stalls on the Surawong side. Cross over to Montien Plaza with the Starbucks, and you might find yourself some cheap items. There aren't a lot of variety though, but pop over. There is one right behind Starbucks that have good quality counterfeit bags (no LVs here) that sell for up to 5, 000 baht.

Silom is a business centre, so you will find proper shops on the main road - from Robinson's to Central Silom Complex and Thaniya Plaza (for your golfing needs), restaurants, and some sports shop, including a Lacoste shop I think.

Notes on Bangkok:

It's been ten years since I started travelling to Thailand, and a year enough of residing here. Not once did I have experienced or witness a crime. I don't lock my cab door, I don't even lock my flat door sometimes! I would leave my grocery cart outside a store while I go shopping. I've left cash and jewellery out when the cleaning lady is on her own for a week. Not once have I lost a thing. I even had a cab driver return to my flat to bring me back a bag I left, or I've return to a stall and the seller has kept my purchase aside waiting for me. I've left a not-too-valuable ring at a spa once, came back after three weeks, and they gave it back it to me!

Of course crime happens, but I don't walk the street clinging to my back. Having said that, most tricksters target the high-tourist destinations. There are scams, but greed on both side make it happen. Still, I have been to the temples, been on tours, gone shopping at Chatuchack, Silom and Suan Lum and not once did I get pick-pocketed or harassed. The worse is being over-charged at the market, but that's my fault for not knowing how much I should pay for a bag (this was early 2000, when I thought a thousand baht for a bag at Patpong was a bargain!)

In stalls, you are expected to haggle. Do some politely, and you will get far. Don't expect to get 50% off. It's most likely between 20 to 30% especially in the clothing and accessories shop. If something is labelled 10 baht and being sold out of a woven bilao, for heaven's sake pay the full amount! The seller probably had to leave her family in the uplands to sell you a 10-baht headband in the streets of Bangkok.

Patpong is different though. It is such a tourist destination, that prices start off steep. Products also cater to this often one-off visitor, so you will find a lot of fake bags, fancy shades, kimonos, etc. If the small crowded soi is filled with Europeans and Japanese tourists, you don't stand a chance of pulling the price down, because the moneyed tourist are always willing to pay more - it's still cheap compared to their home country. If you go very early though, when they start setting up between 6 to 7 pm, you might get a steal as they are trying to bag that "lucky" first sale. When I lived across the street from Patpong, I would pop in there after the gym (..yeeees, I actually went to the gym... lost about 1 lbs in 6 months - until I decided it's too hard to get on the threadmill everyday...) and get t-shirts, bags, hair accessories, clothes and stuff as pasalubong in Manila. You have to know the market rate for the products if you want to haggle effectively. Football stripes go for about 300- 500 baht depending on the quality. You shouldn't pay more than 200 baht for a pair of shades (unless they come with a fancy packaging, then maybe you have to bay 300 baht). T-shirts would be about 200 to 300 baht too. Come on a weekend instead and shop your heart out in Chatuchack.

Beach near Bangkok:

If you want to take a few days off to the beach, you could try Pattaya, which you can reach by bus from Ekkamai station (BTS Ekkamai). It's not our favourite place to be, but the couple of times we went there, we stayed at Siam Bayshore resort which is at the end of the Walking Street so you can stay away from the sleazy crowd if you want, but near enough to actually jump into the middle of it all. We have recently discovered Koh Chang which is only four or five hours away from Bangkok. You actually have to take a ferry from Trat, but for that unspoilt feel, it's worth the trip. It is still relatively undeveloped, and a lot of small inns cater to divers, so it's the beach on the cheap. We stayed at Amari Emerald Cove, which is far from the town "centre" (whatever that is) on White Beach.

Hungry Like A Wolf

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 03:03:00 +0000

I have so much aspiration, so much dream in me. It's mixed in with envy for others who seem to be living lives beyond their wildest dream. Neighbours and childhood friends who seem to have shaken off the wants of their past to live the Dream.

The same dreams stir up a hunger in me, and I feel overwhelmed by it at times. And I feel myself losing steam, curling up at a corner and reaching for what is safe and comfortable. But there is no such thing. There is no comfort for the hungry.

I heard one executive interviewed on cable say that what sets successful people apart is hunger; he said you have to be truly hungry for something to be successful at it. It's not enough to want something, you have to be driven at a gut-level to do whatever it takes.

Successful people wake up raring to get their day started. They skip meals and sleep to get their work done. They have a look in their eye that shows the singularity in their purpose. Their goal is the only thing that matters, everything around them are incidental. They are owners of the spirit, and they never play victim. Athletes, tycoons, artists, they all share the same spirit.

I am hungry now.

House Party!

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:39:00 +0000

Yep, I am (finally!!!) going to Europe to study… but next to the idea of earning a three-letter degree, I am really looking forward to a lot of short breaks through Europe. Last time I spent sometime in Europe, I was on a measly budget and I felt like I let go of a lot of opportunities to travel. With the advent of low-cost everything, I am going to swallow some of my travel must-haves and just have a go at it. This time, I plan to take more trips whether by myself with others in the class (who are, I am sure, planning the same thing).

Anyway, here is an article I found about small villa rental holiday around Europe. It might be worth a try if there’s a large group of us:

Greece

The House of Baba Spiros is a detached stone house on the edge of the pretty hillside village of Doli in the Mani. It has views across the bay towards Kalamata and tackles the tricky stylish-conversion-but-traditional-appeal hurdle with aplomb. Its large marble table on the wooden veranda (built around the trunk of a huge olive tree) offers sweeping views beneath the stars. The property is down a quiet lane only wide enough for people, donkeys and the occasional flock of sheep. The beach and two tavernas at Kitries are a 15-minute scenic drive away. One week’s hire through Inntravel’s Authentic Greece programme costs from £325pp including car hire. Nearest airport Kalamata.

France

L’Ancienne Poste (the old post office) in the Provencal village of Menerbes (of Peter Mayle fame) has been given contemporary zip and urban style by Londoner Philippe Brown. Wow architectural factors include towering living spaces, a troglodyte bathroom and many modern accessories. L’Ancienne Poste provides ample space for a group of 12 with a generous courtyard for meals en masse and a large kitchen that you can be inspired in or leave to the optional chefs. One week’s rental costs from £2,901 or £242pp through The Big Domain. Nearest airports Avignon or Marseille.

The 18th-century Chateau Robert in St-Sever on the Landes-Gers border is set in 45 acres and was extensively refurbished over the winter to bring it up to five-star standard. Ten large bedrooms lead off a grand sweeping oak staircase and downstairs there’s a formal dining room seating up to 24. There’s also a large games room for kids and a computer room with wifi access for those adults still umbilically attached to work. A trout lake, new 20m heated swimming pool, tennis court, barbecue and pool house with bar and gym provide the supporting cast. A resident chef is on hand. The chateau sleeps 19 adults and eight children, and when fully occupied, costs from £200pp pw, (including the services of the chef) through The Gascony Secret. Nearest airport Pau.

Portugal

The adjacent villas Quina and Zeppo provide for some privacy but allow up to 16 people to come together for meals and drinks among the palm trees and the two large swimming pools. The old capital of Silves, with its restaurants and bars, is a 15-minute drive away. The villas booked together cost from £1,196 per week through Travel Club of Upminster. Nearest airport Faro.

Writing cheque

noreply@blogger.com (TheDivineMissM!) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:00:00 +0000

Ugh, we've paid my tuition fee for business school... gosh I wish I am worth it!

I have been waiting two years for this. If first applied and got accepted in 2005 but there was no way we could have afforded the fees then. I was supposed to go in 2006, but we pulled the money together too late and I would have missed the beginning of classes. By some miracle (it's already a miracle I got accepted at a top-ranked b-school!), the school allowed me to defer my enrolment to this year.

Despite all that, I still feel unprepared. My Spanish classes aren't going anywhere, and I am torn between being so excited, and being really, really scared.

Still, deep inside, I know this is the best thing that could happen to my stunted career.