vacation

1 July, 2017

Being happy

cre-cre Antwerp, Belgium, Free time, Instagram, photography, vacation Free time, Hobbies, Instagram 0 Comments

Time flies when you’re having fun. I am tired, but oh so happy. I’ve made some great memories in the past two months, and done things that I wouldn’t have dream of.

It feels liberating. It feels just right. I feel happy.

The best part is that more is to come, and I truly believe that this will be a memorable year for me. I’ve learned new things about me. I have become more confident and the best of them all: I am back! I’ve regained my wild self that takes chances and doesn’t back down when there is something that I want.

I used to be so servantile, wanting to please everyone around me.

Now, I just go and do the things I want without asking for permission or waiting for others to join in.

This feels like the right way to go…

~~~~~~

I have been hiking with two other friends.

I have been in Belgium (and a few other places), for training (for my current job). Tomorrow, I shall leave again for Belgium for another three weeks, for more training.

This was an experience that I will not forget any time soon. It has been wonderful on so many levels.

It was a welcome break from all the things that have made up my life, till now.

Then, in August we shall have a one week vacation to Greece (all paid for with cash up front). One week of just relaxing in the sun and enjoying the sea. To put it in perspective, it has been three years since we last went to the sea side.

My co-workers are planning a hiking trip, then team bonding and team building.

Did I mention that I beat my own personal record at wearing make-up (just because I wanted to): two full months!

I know it might not seem much, but for me it was an eye opener. We’ve been focused so much on work, and trying to make things right with everybody that we’ve put ourselves on second place.

I am not saying that things will carry on like this forever, I’m just saying that it is great to have the chance to experience so many things after a complete lock down on our social lives.

Heck, I even got the chance to fulfill one of my childhood dreams: I got a Goku tattoo! I wanted this for so long, but never dreamed that I would wake up one day and say I want it and then get it done.

Sure, it was painful and I still need another sitting to finish it. But, it is an achievement. It is one of those things on my bucket list that I never dreamed of fulfilling.

When I think about it, it is not like I am working less or being a lazy bum. No. The work is new and demanding, but it is fun and rewarding. I am going to give full credit to this to the awesome team that I am in.

I realized yesterday, that we do have things that piss us off. But, the fact that we talk openly about them and try to find solutions, by ranting and swearing, and even with logic and different opinions, it fills me up with joy.

My old team was awesome. I do miss them. But, the environment we were working was so restrictive and toxic that it made us all bitter.

I can honestly say I am currently happy. Happiness really is a state of mind. Having a balanced life, between work and home really does wonders.

Note: I also got a chance to relax and just be myself!

28 July, 2015

Mini vacation at Brasov

cre-cre Brasov, Free time, photography, vacation, wedding Free time, Photography 0 Comments

Our mini vacation has come to an end. It will probably be the only vacation we’ll have this summer and I’m happy that we had a great time.

It wasn’t exactly a vacation in the full sense of the word. There was a wedding in the family, and of course we had to attend. We just took advantage of the location of the wedding, which was at Brasov.

Considering we went as a family, I can’t really complain. It went much better then expected. We managed to make everyone happy, which in itself is an achievement of great proportions. But the best part was that we didn’t had to compromise on anything.

The wedding itself was short (comparing it with other weddings that we’ve been to). But the location, the food & the atmosphere was great.

The wedding itself was held at the Kronwell Hotel. It was one of the best weddings I’ve attended. I’m also glad it didn’t last long, because I was able to get some well deserved rest on this vacation. 3 full nights of rest! I’m well aware that I’ll spend another 2 months on the night shift so I take whatever rest I can get.

I’m also glad I did some research before leaving, regarding the local attractions in Brasov. Otherwise, we would’ve missed a lot of great things: starting from the String Street (Romanian: Strada Sforii), which they walked past by without even given a second glace, all the way to the Black Church (Romanian: Biserica Neagra).

There were so many beautiful buildings. So many streets I wanted to roam and take photos of. Really, I enjoyed Brasov more than Sibiu.

Truthfully, I wish we would’ve had more time because there were other things I wanted to see. But then again, Brasov will still be there and it will be a good enough reason to visit it again.

There was also a rock concert. Apparently it was the Frienship Days Bergenbier festival. The beer was cheap, the music was good. What more could we ask for.

But the best part of them all was no pets! Yes, I am going to say it, it was nice to not worry about Pluto and Marlanu’. It was nice to go out or stay in as we wished. Not having to worry if the dog needs to pee or that he needs a walk. As much as we love those two, It was great to have a vacation away from them.

2 September, 2014

Free time

cre-cre Free time, Instagram, Malcolm in the Middle, notebook, photography, Pokemon, summer, Unemployed, vacation Free time 0 Comments

Even if I’m unemployed at the moment, I still don’t get much done. I’ve read 2 books in the last month (Looking for Alaska and The book Thief), I haven’t stitched or knitted at all and barely seen any movies.

I’ve mostly cleaned the house, played Pokemon and watched “Malcolm in the Middle“. Somehow I have no regrets but it doesn’t feel right at all.

You know, when I was working all I could think of was how nice it would be to just stay at home, be provided for and relax. Now, when I have all the time in the world and no work obligations, I feel a bit useless…

There are so many things I want to do and no motivation to do them; it’s freaking amazing how my brain hates me. The funny thing is that in Italy I bought a notebook (it was bloody expensive: 18 €) specially for organizing the next year of my life.

Yet, all I can think of is where can I find the HM to teach my bird Pokemon the move Fly (I’m playing Pokemon Flora Sky on my Android phone, using an Emulator) or how many episodes of MITM should I watch before bedtime.

I need to get my ass moving and take advantage of this freedom.

26 August, 2014

We’re back from Italy

cre-cre Free time, fun, Italy, vacation Free time 0 Comments

We’ve just returned from our vacation. We were away in Italy from the 7th till the 23rd of August. It was an unique experience for both of us.

It was my first time out of the country and it was our first time away from Marlanu’ for more than a week.

My first thought was to make one huge post with everything we’ve done and all the places we went. But, I don’t feel like sharing all of that. First of all, it wasn’t a dream vacation. There is no such thing as a dream vacation. Second, we’ve stayed away from all the busy places, all the tourist attractions Italy has. After all, it was August and the country was packed with tourists.

We were also lucky that we were in the south. In the north of the country it rained and it is much more expensive than the south.

And we have so many photos. It’s really hard to pick just a few to show off. We’ve been to MagicLand (an amusement park), Zoo Safari (where we saw many animals), Reggia di Caserta (a beautiful place, spoiled only by the company we had), Old Caserta (again, a beautiful old village with small streets and lovely houses), Mount Vesuvius, Ischia and of course the sea side.

Below you shall find some of my favorite photos from our vacation:

It was a good vacation. I do hope we shall have more opportunities like this one.

24 July, 2014

Freedom at last!

cre-cre country side, flowers, Free time, fun, Instagram, Minions, photography, summer, Unemployed, vacation Free time, Hobbies, Instagram, Marlanu', Photography 0 Comments

It’s finally over. I kept my promise and here I am, at home and currently unemployed.

It’s actually my second day of being a “lazy bum”, but I’m still feeling the effects of the night shift and sheer exhaustion. Yesterday I had a full day. I’ve cleaned, washed, had a mini trip to the country side and more housework.

But I did took time to have a bubble bath. It’s been such a long time since I had a bubble bath. Heck, in the last year I only had quick showers. It was so relaxing that once I got of the bath, I just dropped in bed and woke up at 6 AM. Yup, I still need to fix my sleep pattern. I am unable to sleep more than 6 hours per day.

I’m also happy that I had the chance to take some photos with my new phone. Mostly flower pictures, but I am still getting used with my phone.

And, I forgot to mention the Minions. They were fun to have. I was actually considering of leaving them in the yard for my nieces to find them when they visit. But, the weather had not been that great. It rained almost every day so far. I can’t complain much since it hasn’t ruined my vacation. And I didn’t want the Minions to get dirty.

I mean, my vacation has barely started. This weekend, will be going to Fetesti. Next week Marlanu’ will be going to my in-laws where he will stay for 3-4 weeks. On the 7th of August we’re going to Italy and we’ll be back on the 23rd. I think that’s about it for now. I mean, there might be other things to do, but I seriously don’t want to stress too much over them.

I just want to be the laziest bum ever. It’s not that I deserve it, it’s more that I need it. Working with people kinda messes you up.

13 January, 2014

16 days off freedom

cre-cre Free time, vacation Free time 0 Comments

One more day till my vacation. One more work day till vacation. I shall die tomorrow.

16 days! Can you imagine the things that I could do with so much free time one my hands. Well I do, I shall study for university and for my drivers license, slack around in pajamas in the house and just waste time in general.

Yup, perfect vacation.

16 September, 2013

Tiresome mini vacation

cre-cre Free time, Instagram, vacation Free time, Hobbies, Instagram, Photography 0 Comments

I knew it was a bad idea but I still went ahead with it. The need for a change in the daily routine overcame my need to stay away from certain people.

I can’t complain. I found some good motivation, I played card games, took a few photos and just enjoyed the cold Autumn weather at the country side.

When I go on vacation, even on a mini vacation, I only want a good bed, good food and nice company. I don’t care about the rest as long as those 3 are on the list. This time I only got the first two. I do think I was a bit harsh after all people do get sick all the time, but this is the first time I saw someone getting sick as soon as work was involved.

I think it will take a while before we will go back there. I really need to calm down before seeing that person again.

28 July, 2013

Road trip

cre-cre Free time, fun, photography, Road Trip, vacation Free time, Hobbies, Photography 0 Comments

Our vacation is officially over.

10 days of freedom! But, freedom is not actually the term for this vacation. I would rather say that these past 10 days have been a test of endurance and patience for the both of us. And yet I cannot complain. We had a good time with friends and family. We traveled the country high and low and I came to the conclusion that vacations can be as tiresome as working non stop.

I’m just tire and it feels good to be home. I missed my bed, I missed my computer and I missed my fat cat!

Yet I don’t regret anything.

We’ll see next year what other crazy road trip we’ll go on, until then enjoy a picture of two cows.

8 July, 2013

Waiting for my vacation

cre-cre Free time, Plans, vacation News 0 Comments

I’ve been a good kid this year. I did all I could to complete my goals for this year and a little bit extra.

I’m happy to announce that I finished my second year of university without failing any exam, that and I have good grades. There is one more thing that needs to be taken care of but its just a 3 week practice project and that will be in August. I still don’t know what I need to do but I will find out, eventually. Then my third year of university will come and that is actually the one that I dread the most. But, we’ll get there.

Second, I started my driving lessons. I had my first try last Friday and all I can say is that I had fun. Since I’m the beginning I won’t say anything about my “skill” as a driver but I will mention that I am OK. I didn’t hit anyone or anything and hopefully I won’t. Tomorrow I have my second lesson at 8 AM. I won’t complain about the early hour because the city isn’t that crowded around that time. Meaning I can focus on me learning how to drive then how to stay in line at a busy intersection.

I guess the lack of proper sleep/rest will eventually catch me up and I will need to take a vacation. The fact that I’m a nice person and doing favors at work for co-workers, like doing someone else shift ending up working 6 days per week, is a bit tiresome. Add the fact I need to wake up early for driving school, clean, wash and even cook (since mother is away) gives me no time for anything else. But I can’t complain. I mean I’m not the only one doing multiple things at once.

It just means I’ll need to give it my best till my vacation will be approved.

Yup, I submitted a request at beginning of June and even till this day I don’t know if it’s okay or not. The saddest part is that everyone keeps making plans for me with my free time and I don’t even know if I’ll be off. All I know is that I want to go to the beach and get a tan, eat, sleep and take lots of photos. I don’t care much about anything else.

12 January, 2013

Sinaia 2013

cre-cre 2013, Free time, fun, Mountain, photography, Sinaia, vacation News 0 Comments

What better way to start the year than with a vacation. When everyone went back to work we actually went on a vacation.

Our mini vacation consisted of 4 days and 3 nights at Sinaia. I must say it turned out to be one of the best vacations ever. We went by train, it took us 2 hours to get there, and surprisingly the train got on time, no delay what so ever.

The weather there was beautiful: sunny, lots of snow and very, very cold.

We planned on not doing much except eat, drink and sleep. And even so, on the first day we went by foot up to the cable car and from there up to 1400m. There we took photos with Lord, a beautiful Saint Bernard that we took photos with last year at Busteni.

The owner was kind enough to let us take a few more personal pictures with the dog. Well, it wasn’t such a big request since we paid 20 Ron just for one photo.

Well, at 1400 m above sea level, if you don’t have a sledge, skies or a snowboard, there’s not much you can do. We actually stopped and ate lunch but when the bill came we had the shock of our lives. Eating at high altitude is very expensive.

The next day it was cloudy and we decided to visit Pelisor Castle.

We saw Peles Castle a few years ago, we really liked it even if the tour was 10 minutes long and they basically rushed us out so they can make time for the next tour. Well, at Pelisor it was the exact opposite.

Me and Johnny were the only ones visiting Pelisor at that time since everyone was heading for Peles. Basically, they gave us the go ahead to visit the castle at our own pace. They even begged us to take pictures, but we declined. It wasn’t that expensive to take pictures but we just wanted to enjoy the castle not having to worry if we took photos of this or that.

What I really loved at Pelisor were the painting of the french painter Marguerite (Gamy) Montaut. The paintings were in the children’s bedroom and they just caught my eyes. I’m actually thinking of reproducing a few of her paintings in stitching.

The interior of Pelisor was beautiful. Some of the rooms were amazing just by concept, leaving out all the decorative things.

On the third day we decided to brace ourselves and hit the high slopes at 2000m. We took again the cable car and basically we didn’t see anything besides fog. Yup, 2000m above the sea level and all around us just fog.

It was disappointing since we were so high and we wanted to see the views and all around us was just white fog. When we found a place to eat we were even more shocked of the prices they had. Seriously, eating on top of the mountain its a very expensive hobby.

I’m not saying that we didn’t spent money in our 4 days at the mountain side (we spent a lot of money in 4 days), but seriously 25 RON for a bowl of soup. I’m sorry but that’s just way over the limit of common sense.

In the end all we ate was a bowl of baked potatoes with goat milk. IMO that was one of the best meals I ever had in a very long time. It was healthy and yummy at the same time.

Also, we had good company while we were enjoying our meager lunch. A tabby cat, a very fat one if I might add. We actually had a discussion, where ever people are animals will always be close by. In this case lots of big dogs and a very fat cat that was enjoying the heat and hospitality of the cabin.

I also made a list (of photos) with the best foods I ate while I was on vacation. Don’t be surprised if you see lots of ice cream photos. I actually lots more food, like deer jerky, cow belly soup, pizza and so on, but 75% of the time I was very tipsy and photos were not on my mind.

[Show slideshow]

“Bulzul Boierului” (the fourth picture) was one of the few things that I was not able to finish. It was so good but very fat.

And to end the mini vacation, in our last day we had a few more hours to kill before taking the train back to Bucharest. So we actually went to this Trains exposition. It was awesome on so many levels. First of all, we were in minority there. Actually all adults were in minority there. And it was easy to see why, there were a lot of mini trains, a place to do puzzles, draw, play with toy trains, an area for tea and coffee and they even had some cool souvenirs. And all of this was actually within the train station at Sinaia.

[Show slideshow]