The Great Outdoors

For the past few days, I have been venturing out into the city centre by myself. And what refreshing change of pace that was! The past few days have been ALL ABOUT ME...a selfish, narcissistic beotch. No more running up and down the stairs to answer doors for the cableman postman or delivery man, no mopping kitchen floors, doing laundry, or catering to Hop-Along. Just rest, relaxation, self-nurturing, and pampering.

On Tuesday, I went to get my eyebrow waxed at Zen Day Spa on Great Victoria Street. I left the house an hour early to allow myself to find the place. It was easy enough since the bus stopped a block away. I had an hour and a half before my appointment so I explored the area. I walked along Great Victoria Street, I wouldn't say that it was aesthetically appealing, KFC on the corner, SPARS, several business suites, restaurants, and uninteresting stores. I spotted Belfast's celebrity chef, Paul Rankin. He was outside his restaurant, Cayenne, talking to some people. Ever since, I saw Anthony Bourdain dine in his restaurant on Bourdain's show No Reservations, I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps and sit in the very same seat bad ass mofo chef parked his butt. Craig vowed he would take me here before we leave (let's see about that). I kept walking up and crossed one street over, parallel to Great Victoria Street onto Botanic Avenue. Botantic Avenue is a hip and happening street,sort of a boho vibe to it. It reminded my of Haight Street in San Francisco with cafes, vintage clothing stores, dusty bookstores, restaurants lining the street. I ducked in and out of the bookstores browsing and I also found a cheapo store and bought house stuff.

3:15 rolled around and it was time for my appointment. When I walked into it, it certainly wasn't what I expected. It looked like a cheap place, for a spa there was no relaxing ambience whatsoever and reception looked like a closet. The woman led me to a stairwell and told me to fill out a form and to wait until I was called. I felt like someone stuck me in a stairwell in an office building rather than a tranquil retreat. As you can guess, I was freaking out and was wondering if I should make a bee-line for the exit before I look like a chola who went overzealous with a sharpie. But foolhardy as I am, I just waited. A woman called me in and again led me to another flight of stairs. The corridors were narrow and she told me to go to the room in the end at the far left. It looked like a Dr.'s office. She told me to lie down. I prayed the Hail Mary as she was doing my brows. She was very nice and pleasant. It was quick and painless, and she asked if I wanted to take more off. I said, "No way!". My brows were decent enough. Nothing to wow over. Still doesn't compare to my beautician in San Fran. I would go here again, just don't expect to be transported to another world. It's a very clinical atmosphere. No pampering here, they just get the work done. If you're pressed for time, this is the ideal place to go. I was waiting at the bus stop to go home, and the same old man who tried to make small talk with me at the cheapo store was at the bus stop. He said hello, and he started talking to me about his day at the Doctor's appointment...TMI. He was also those types of people who speak so close to you that they're practically down your throat. I clutched my purse close to me body and just answered him with an "Uh-huh". I then realized this is like being at home, nothing has really changed except the accent. Because a weirdo is a weirdo and I am a weirdo magnet no matter where I am in the world.

Today was my haircut appointment at Alex Mekki. The other day, I was browsing for "professional" hairstylists. I came across Alex Mekki. Like Zen Day Spa, their website looked really smart and appeared like they knew their shit.

Their intro read:

An exceptional hairdressing experience through visually stunning surrounding and outstanding quality of service.

This is what really sold me:

We are one of the few salons in the country that are trained in the styling, relaxing, and treating Afro and Asian types of hair.

I booked my appointment right away. When I got there, it was far from visually stunning. It looked like a hair salon you would see at a strip mall. The decor was gaudy and a bit dated. Yellow everywhere, it felt like I was inside a honeycomb. As for the service, they lived up to their word. As soon I walked in, I was greeted by an amicable receptionist. She took my coat and offered me tea and biscuits. This is something not unusual. My salon would do the same thing. There was no air of pretention just people getting their hair done. I didn't feel intimidated at all. Brian, my hairstylist, greeted me, he listened to my requests, he did a thorough hair analysis where he runs his fingers through my hair, tosses my hair from side to side, and asks me how many times I shampoo a week, whether I was the wash and go kind or the high maintenance kind. I told him I was the wash and go kind. He said I have combo hair which means oily at the roots, and dry tips. He tells me which products he will use to remedy this problem some photocytokinetheesistisis. I get my hair shampooed and conditioned and got a heavenly scalp massage. He starts cutting but all the while, he was working on someone else's highlights, extensions, answering the phone, etc etc. His multitasking was making me nervous and I was concerned that my hair was not the focus of his attention. Although, I did like the way step by step, he described what he was doing and what kind of affect it would have on my hair. The end result was astonishing. He layered my hair beautifully and he jazzed it up with some texture. I love my hair!!!! Brian is awesome! I highly recommend him! At £45, it's worth it. It is about the going rate for my haircuts in SF. When I told Hop Along about my hairdressing experience, he laughed so hard. Compared to his barber, Alex Mekki makes his barber sound like he is at a sheep shearing factory. LMAO!

After my hair appointment, I went crazy shopping at Victoria Center. I bought 2 cardigan sweaters, 2 cowl neck dresses, and 3 comfy pairs of flats from Clarke's at 70% off, same shoe in different colors. There were sales everywhere, I was completely mesmerized. Although, I did snap back into reality and converted everything back to $$$. It's not that much of a bargain afterall. Oh well, you only live once. After 4 hours of drooling over clothes, I took the bus back home. And it actually felt like home on the way back. For the first time, I didn't feel like a stranger in a foreign land. I didn't feel uneasy, nervous, or anxious but felt an extraordinary feeling of comfort and familiarity. I was just taking the bus home over a long day of shopping. That was all.

Pampering yourself is hardwork. I'm knackered. Off to bed. Tomorrow is a BIG day! Please, PLEASE don't rain.

A Day Out With Hop Along

Banner in Kainan Cafe, Belfast City Centre

After a slight row...me getting frustrated over waiting for Craig to freakin' wake up and to do something. And him getting frustrated over me expecting him to wake up because I wanted him to do something, we finally headed out the door and took the bus to the city center.

I think I am immune to the rain now or the fact that my blood was boiling thinking if I had to stay one more day in that house, I'm going to blow a gasket and will need tranquilizers, because rain or shine, I'm going OUT!!!! So in the midst of a tsunami, "Hop Along" and I, went to Marcus Music on Royal Avenue to buy my drum. But before we even reached the store, I noticed signs pointing to a place that said 'Kainan Cafe'. Kainan means eatery in Tagalog. Tagalog is national language of the Philippines. I was like, "No, this can't be!". So I shouted to Hop Along who was 20 feet in front of me to check out this place. It was a Filipino restaurant and grocery store! I can't believe it! I mean, what are the chances?!?! Apparently, there has been an influx of Filipinos who came to Belfast 5 to 7 years ago because of nurse shortages in hospitals in the UK. Due to lack of jobs and low pay in the Philippines, all health professionals had no choice but to work abroad in search for a better life, for higher wages, and more opportunity so they can send money and help family members back home. I told Craig we must eat here after I purchase my drum. It will also give him insight of what my peeps are like and I was curious what he thought.

We went to Marcus Music and he immediately reconnected with a friend of his who is an employee there. His friend is also an accomplished guitarist. After they talked shopped for awhile, because Craig also plays guitar, I finally got down to business and bought my first ever bodhran drum. The drum w/ tipper and case was around £135. It's about average for a semi-professional bodhran and it will do for practice and classes. If you're serious about learning a bodhran make sure you get the screws in the back. What you want is a tunable bodhran where you can tighten the skin by a turn key. The ones that don't have them are pure decoration and not suitable for playing. A bodhran 14-16" in diameter would suit you just fine. You don't want to go any bigger than that. The bodhrans they sell in Marcus are manufactured in Dublin. I still plan to buy a custom made bodhran here in Belfast. Eamon Maguire is supposedly a master bodhran maker in Ireland. I'll will definitely give him a shoutout before I leave. I hope he'll let me take pictures in his workshop. I'm really eager to see how the bodhran is made.



After Marcus music, it was off to Kainan Cafe. There were a group of Filipino men entering the cafe. They looked at us with curiosity. What is a Filipina doing with an Irishman? (Mailorder Bride?. HAHA!) And when they heard my American accent they were doubly intrigued. But they didn't make us feel like we were unwelcome. It was a relaxed atmosphere. We went in and behind the counter was a nice Filipino man who reminded me of my uncle. There were hotpots all lined up in a row. I asked him if there was a menu, he smiled and said to just look in the hotpots. He asked if I was Filipina, and I said yes but I was born in America so I don't really speak Tagalog all that well. I sheepishly said that I'm not sure what they were so he opened the lid and told me what they were:

Kare Kare - a peanut and oxtail dish which you eat with fermented shrimp paste. Sounds gross but it's oh so good!

Pork Adobo = Pork marinated and stewed in soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and basil leaves. Hop Along said it tasted like really strong roast beef. He really liked it!

Mungo - Thick soup made with mung beans.

Diniguan - Spicy pork blood soup with tripe. Not my thing but it's good.

Sinigang - a tangy beef soup, another favorite of mine

I ordered the Kare Kare and Pork Adobo. A main dish plus generous helping of sticky rice is only £4.50 (which is average price for Chinese takeaway). It was ok in my opinion, nothing is as good as mom's cooking. But it was adequate. I was surprised Craig cleared his plate. He said he felt like Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations. LMAO!

I asked the nice cafe man how long he's been here. He said 5 years. I asked if he liked it here, he grimaced and was like, we're just here for the money. His wife is a nurse and once they have enough money they are going back home to the Philippines. I don't blame him. Coming from a tropical country, they must think Northern Ireland is the arctic circle. I browsed the shelves and saw the all too familiar ingredients that my mom uses in her kitchen and it made me long for home. :(

Filipino men were just chilling and chatting over the din of The Filipino Channel! LOL! I assumed they were waiting for their wives to get off their hospital shift. Man, it was so nice to be surrounded by the familiar. I loved listening to them speak in Tagalog. For once, I didn't feel like a stranger and I fit in, and Craig was the opposite.

Filipino Men hanging out at Kainan Cafe - We're taking over the world! *sinister laugh*

After we had our meal, we headed to roast for some coffee. I still have trouble with the currency here. LOL! The man asked for £6.50 and I gave him £5.50 how embarassing. As we sat there waiting for the rain to die down. HP was fiddling with my itouch to see if there was free wifi...which there was (all Roasts do). From the time we left the house, and all the while we were at the city centre, he was checking for wifi hotspots. The man was obssessed. Whatever gets his rocks off, I guess!

HP's barber was nearby so he walked in for a haircut. I have been here once before in January. And I found it kind of funny how barbers are no fuss no muss as opposed to hair salons where you're pampered. Men sit and wait until it is their turn. They sit in a chair. Tell the barber they want their hair short, and off goes the buzzer. They pay the barber £5 and that's it. 15 minutes tops. Straight and to the point.

We then took the bus to his mom's house in the Shankill. We played with LADY! Yipeee!

Lady always makes me happy!YAAAAAAY!!!

And you know what else today is? It's a milestone for Hop Along and I. It's the first anniversary where we met in person! Awwww! I remember it vividly. When I first saw him, I melted like butter and my heart went a pitter pat. It was his first time in San Franciso. Him tired from the long journey and me frantic running around the city getting ready for his arrival. It was clumsy and awkward at first but the strong feelings were there and we couldn't believe how we made it come to fruition.

Never would I have guessed that I would move to some foreign country to live with someone who has touched my heart and soul, and showed me a different side of life I would have never gotten to know. It's been a great adventure thus far, and I'm sure we'll have many more for years to come!

See Ya! Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya!

"Are you sure you know how to get there?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. I'll call you if I get lost."

"Just to be on the safe side. I'll show you on google maps."

"I told you! I know how to get there! Go down Stranmillis Rd. Turn left on Chlorine Gardens. Left on Malone Rd past the petrol station. Right on Derryvolgie Avenue. At the end of Derryvolgie Avenue, I'll hit the Lisburn Rd."

"OK."

"I'll be back soon. Bye."

As soon as I shut the door behind me I was like, "See ya, sucker!" Hehe. Ah, the freedom! I was about to go bat shit crazy playing Florence Nightengale to a whining Ulsterman with a broken leg. What is it with men and a low tolerance for pain?

Today I had to go to the Post Office at the Lisburn Road to pick up my parcel. So I went and it was a waste of time, because the postman didn't deliver any parcels today. WTF? Are my parcels lost? That's $150 of vintage posters down the drain. The lady behind the counter had no explanation and was ever so help full. "Thanks but no thanks, lady." *Rolls Eyes*

Since it was such a nice dry day. I decided to explore the Lisburn Road. I've been here a couple of times with Craig but only for the sole purpose of shopping at Tesco. The Lisburn Rd is a really vibrant place. This long busy street is peppered with cafes, gelaterias, health food stores, home furnishing and accessory stores, cute little clothing stores, hair salons and dayspas, and fine dining establishments (like Shu and Porterhouse). This is my kinda street! People of all kinds are here (that is, other than the pasty white variety.) Indonesians, East Indian, Eastern European, Chinese, Filipino, Jamaicans, Nigerians, Yuppies, Mommys, Granolas, Neatniks, Goths, Alternatives, Metrosexuals, the list goes on... You name it the Lisburn Road's got it, all 31 flavors and more. For once, I can go to a place here where I can blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb.

Then...something weird suddenly happened. As I was casually strolling down the end of the street, I heard a choir of angels accompanied by harps and I was blinded by an aura of light. There it was...


The Holy Grail!

Two Things I Can Count On...

#1 Tesco Home Delivery Service



I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM! Groceries delivered right to your door AND I found out that I save more money through the delivery service for some reason. Maybe it's because I go astray when I peruse up and down the aisles. Maybe it's the subliminal muzak that entices me to BUY, BUY BUY. Is there still muzak in grocery stores? Anyways, if Tesco delivery service were a man, I would marry him and give him daily steaks & BJs.

#2 Sahara on Botanic Avenue



A take away joint that delivers until 4am. Can you believe it? A place other than a pub that is open after 6pm?!?!? There is a god afterall!

An electic menu of unadulterated junk from pizzas to kebabs to chips to pakora. I highly recommend their pizzas. Prices are reasonable at £4.50 an entree. Delivery is free before 11pm. They're the quickest I've experienced thus far. My wait time was an average of 30 minutes or less. OK it's not gourmet, but at 2am with the drunk munchies, who the fuck cares?!?

Food: 3 stars
Customer Service: 4 stars

VIP Treatment

After dinner, we went to go see Wanted at Storm Cinema in the Odyssey. The Odyssey or pronounced The AH-dessee is a cinemplex come chain restaurants, come concert hall/skating rink come meatmarket club and science discovery museum (W5 for What Where who why when - which stands for What is it?, Where is it?, Who goes there, Why is it closed and When does it open - we coined this name b/c everytime we go there it is CLOSED like everything else in this city!!! AGH!!). I was wary that Craig wouldn't be comfortable sitting for 2 hours in a movie theater since he can't put his foot up. But at Storm Cinema, for £12 a ticket you can go VIP and watch a movie in one of three exclusive screening rooms which only holds 48 people and is equipped with huge bronze leather reclining chairs which are big enough to park an elephant's butt (I notice butts are the theme today). You also have access to the Director's Lounge, only exclusive to VIP ticketholders, where you can sip a pre-cinema coffee or cocktail while enjoying the waterfront view. Super cool!

Hop-Along just chillaxing and watching a movie.

Wanted was entertaining. I wouldn't say it was mindblowing! The effects were really good and the storyline was a cross between The Matrix, Equilibrium, and Office Space. I bypassed the mediocrity because I was too busy drooling over James McAvoy. *SIGH* I noticed that the movie audiences here are quite reserved. There wasn't a peep out of anyone. I felt like a jackass laughing out loud at the funny parts. I mean that's why you go to movies to share the experience with other people. It's a collective experience. Craig just chalks it up to Americans being over-dramatic. Whatever! *rolls eyes*

After the movie, I wanted to just chill and have a coffee or even an ice cream sundae. I saw an "American Diner" and was like, "Let's go in there and hang out!". There was a big sign that said Closed. What the hell kind of "American Diner" closes at 11pm? Who the hell goes home right after going to a movie?!?!? The biggest thing that frustrates me about this city is that there's nothing to do after 6PM but drink. It's like they force you to drink. You can't do shit other than get piss-faced drunk which I am not into.

I don't want to get drunk after a movie, I just want a fuckin' ice cream sundae!

Christmas in July!

We finally slept at a decent hour last night and got up before 1pm. We had breakfast at Giraffe on Stranmillis Road. Review on this later. Then we went to the post office to pick up my parcel! YAY!!! I love care packages especially from my mom. She goes way overboard. When I lived in Africa, she actually sent a portable toilet. Now THAT was humiliating! But she still rocks cuz she sent proper organic maple syrup from Quebec (which is hard to find here. The only place I found maple syrup was at Marks & Sparks. Even then it tasted watered down. Not good at all) and packages of mac & cheese, pancake mix, crystal light (which is now Craig's favorite), cornbread mix, and stove top stuffing!!! After we dropped the box at our house. We went for a walk across the Kings Bridge to find my teacher's house for my bodhran lessons. YES, I WILL BE LEARNING BODHRAN!!! I finally got in touch with a teacher yesterday after month of back and forth emails between the Crescent Arts Centre and The Belfast Traditional Music Society. I'm so excited!!! I feel like I'm back to my old ethnomusicological self again. Craig wanted to walk back on Stranmillis Road and people watch. We sat outside at a cafe and soaked in the atmosphere. We saw a lot of interesting people. Such as this guy with spiked hair. There were also a lot of young adults in hooded robes. I guess commencement for Queen's University is today. I found the hoods fascinating. Some were trimmed with white fur others just pink and blue satin. What is that all about? In the states, if you graduate with a B.A. you don't get a hood. You just get a gold cord around your neck (like a nuce) if you graduated with honors. All the other higher degrees (ie MA, PhD) receive a hood. I never really understood the whole academia pomp and circumstance. I didn't even walk in my graduation. I got my diploma and ran fast and as far away from campus as I could. So far that I ended up in Cuba!

Diamond in the Rough

Looks can be deceiving. Behind these doors, you will find hidden treasures from the Orient. Ingredients from China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and India. Craig and I were casually strolling along the Lagan towpath and around the corner on the Ormeau Rd, we saw a bunch of Asians carrying bags and bags of stuff! My radar went off and something told me to go in. A bunch of Asians is a sign that there's good food for cheap! When I went in, I was surprised to see the same brands that my mom uses for cooking, she would be mighty proud! And Craig can finally taste authentic Filipino dishes that he has been dying to try like lumpia and chicken adobo! They sell produce as well and their prices are a real bargain! Looks like I'm shopping here more often!



When we walked home, I kept reminding Craig that Belfast isn't so bad. You can find really neat stuff if you look for it. I think he's beginning to believe it! :)

The First Day of Summer

We decided to spend the first day of summer indoors (out of the pouring rain) and watch a movie.

I discovered that the Queen's Film Theater was in our neighborhood. When I looked at the website, I immediately knew that this place was right up my alley. They show an array of independent and foreign films which I am a big fan of.

Looks can be deceiving. The facade mimics a narrow brownstone home...



Suddenly to your dismay, is a very modern, ultra hip, and magnificent lobby where you can enjoy a glass of wine which you can take in with you to the theatre. Imbibing alcohol during a movie! Who woulda thunk?!?!



After the movie, we walked through the university grounds at night. Looks like the rain decided to take a break.

St George's Market

We woke up very early and ventured out to St. George's Market. A feast for the eyes, nose, and palate! Me being a San Franciscan foodie, I was a kid at a candy store. We found great bargains such as amazing cuts of meat (sirloin steaks for a fiver), and 2 salmon fillets for £2. A vibrant and lively place, I found it a real treat to sample the local organic produce and other goodies...














Clementines! 8 for £1!


Artisanal Breads! Yum!


I luv cheez!


You name it, they pickle it!


Lovely!


You can get a cup of fresh roasted coffee for £1 here!


Yellowman - A candy made out of honeycomb!


Beeyooteefool flowerrrrrrrz!


Teddies!!!


Don't forget your sloggy pants cuz we all need those!