blogmas – Page 3 – Lessons I learned after I turned 30

Blogmas day 25- Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Today is all about spending time with the family, so I’ll keep it short and sweet.

I’d like to wish all my friends, old and new and my family Merry Christmas and Χρόνια Πολλά.

I hope you all have a wonderful day with your loved ones.

I’m blessed to have an awesome family, a warm home and plenty of food to celebrate today and I cannot not think of those who may be spending today with none of these. I’m sending you my warmest thoughts and hugs.

Blogmas was an amazing experience, I loved posting daily but it takes time and effort and I’m glad that I can now have a break. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have been following my first ever Blogmas attempt. I hope you enjoyed it.

I’ll try and post later in the week, reflecting on 2017, but for now Merry Christmas from sunny Cyprus!

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas day 24- Donkey milk chocolate and embroidery art at Lefkara

Merry Christmas eve!

I just came back home from a morning excursion at the Cypriot picturesque village of Lefkara (followed by a trip to the cinema to finally see Paddington 2, it was a-we-some).

Lefkara is one of the most iconic villages of Cyprus, infamous for its traditional stone houses and its embroidery art, Lefkaritika or Lefkara lace.

I haven’t been since I was a child, on a primary school day trip and I really wanted to the last couple of years. Now I’m older and wiser and I can appreciate the history, the importance and the beauty of it all, I like to go back to places I’ve been when I was younger.

And today was the day!

After a short beautiful drive through the Larnaka mountains we walked towards the city centre.

The first shop we came across with traditional embroidery we went in to get some memorabilia and I got to chat to the friendly owner who was born and raised in Liverpool. My instant joy to hear English again after only three days of being back home, (it felt much longer), caught me by surprise. I guess I missed my other home more than I thought I did.

But I soon got distracted by my surroundings.

Harry and Maria’s shop was incredible, it was like walking into a museum.

We then popped to the organic store next door with products I’ve never knew existed such as honey infused soap, carob coffee and chocolate made of donkey milk!

We got lost in the graphic stone-paved alleys…

and made our way into a warm, cosy restaurant. Their food was amazing but unfortunately I forgot to take any photos. The lovely owner after complimenting them on their fresh traditional bread and halloumi explained their main suppliers are local producers, supporting each other whilst making fresh, delicious food.

I can’t wait to visit again in the summer, when most of the shops will be open and buzzing with local and foreign tourists.

One more sleep until Christmas!

Eleni

Blogmas day 23- Christmas baking, theatre and friends

It’s been a busy one today I didn’t get to write my Blogmas post until now and it’s already half eight.

I’ve only been home for two days and I’ve already caught up with two my closest friends, did some Christmas shopping, saw my little Prince and today the little sister and I did our Christmas baking.

First up it was ‘melomakarona’ , Greek/Cypriot traditional Christmas sweet, honey biscuits . It’s my favourite Christmas treat and you’ll find it in every Cypriot home. My dad used to make them every year and I used to make them back in Southampton to remind me of Christmas at home.

I was over the moon when I’ve tasted the first one and it was delicious! The whole house smelled of Christmas.

We’ve also made a heavenly Nutella Christmas tree. I came across the recipe months ago and the little sister, who’s probably the only person I know who has sweeter tooth than I do couldn’t wait for us to attempt it.

I just had some and it was incredible. I definitely recommend it. It’s super easy to make and it tastes amazing.

After our Christmas baking we went to the theatre to watch ‘Ο Χιονάνθρωπος μου’ (my Snowman) which turned out it was mainly aimed at children and we were probably the only adults there with no kids. We had a right laugh with the little sister. It was fun anyway. We were photobombed by a not so happy mum whilst trying to take a selfie with all the little ones in the background.

Now time for a Christmas movie and munching our homemade Christmas treats and sweet and salty popcorn I finally found in a supermarket here (and funnily enough it’s made in the UK).

Two more blogs and two more sleeps until Christmas. I can’t wait!

Eleni

Blogmas day 22- My Carnicero experience

I just had a classic Cypriot breakfast (cheese, spinach and sausage pastries) courtesy of one of the largest bakeries on the island, my mum loves to treat us, and a coffee, whilst the little sis is playing the piano and Oscar is sitting next to me.

Today’s blog is all about our Christmas meal two nights ago, at Carnicero.

I’m not the most organised person in my personal life but when it comes to events such as the annual Compliance and friends Christmas dinner I love to come up with ideas on where to go and plan it.

Most of us in the team love a good steak and I thought it’d be nice to try something different so I suggested giving Carnicero, a new steakhouse on Oxford street a go. It had great reviews and mouth-watering food photos on TripAdvisor and their Christmas menu was one of the very few that dared to differ to the traditional Christmas set meals.

It did not disappoint. I loved every dish!

My Blue Cheese Salad was delicious. The dressing and the raisins, orange, walnuts and blue cheese in every layer of green worked as a treat and for the first time in a long time I actually finished all my salad.

After my delightful starter it was finally the time I’ve been waiting for, for months. And oh my it was worth it.

My steak was cooked to perfection, juicy and succulent, pink but not swimming in blood, crunchy on the outside, soft in the inside as it should be roast potatoes, roast vegetables including garlic (loved it) and a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce I could have had it on its own ( I actually did some of it).

After my main I was so full I didn’t think I’d have any room left for my white chocolate brioche pudding. But it was so light and soft, it literally melt in the mouth, I actually finished it.

It was by far my favourite Christmas meal.

We had a laugh, everyone loved their Secret Santa gift and the food was superb.

I’d definitely recommend Carnicero. Amazing, delicious food and great service. The waiters regularly filled in our glasses, checked on us and let us know when the next dish would come up. The quality of the food is of course essential but service is as important and it makes a difference when you leave a restaurant feeling you’ve been looked after.

What a great way to finish 2017 in Southampton.

Eleni

Blogmas day 21- Flying home for Christmas

I woke up with upset stomach and hoping I won’t be sick. But I’m on my way to the airport.

I can’t wait. I can’t wait until the plane lands in Larnaca and I run outside to hug my sisters.

By the time you get to read this I might be home already.

Going home twice or three times a year if I’m lucky is vital for my mental wellbeing. Being with my people, my loved ones, the ones who know me better than anyone else, the ones I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not because I don’t have to is one of the very few things that makes me happy, unconditionally. That’s what home means to me. Being with people who make you feel you can be yourself and enjoy each moment.

Every time I visit I come back with a newly found desire and surge of energy to move on and chase my dreams. It reminds me of who I really am, what I’m capable of and how no matter what happens my friends and family will always be there, even if they are thousands of miles away. They’ll always believe in me.

I’m getting emotional already.

Just before I go, I want to thank my amazing Southampton friends and colleagues, I love you all and I can’t wait to catch up in 2018.

Next post will be tomorrow, from Cyprus whilst chilling on the sofa with a cup of coffee, Anna snuggled next to me and and Oscar sitting on my lap. Pure bliss.

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas day 20- Last Christmas meal and goodbyes

A morning Blogmas today for a change.

I’ll be at work all day and in the evening our team and special friends are going out for a three course meal at Carnicero. I haven’t had a steak for ages, last time it was in Florence, the infamous Bistecca Alla Fiorentina and I can’t wait for dinner time. Carnicero has great reviews and one of the harshest food critics I personally know, Mark Dixon approves, so I have high expectations. I hope it won’t disappoint.

After dinner I’m rushing home to pack the last few things before catching the morning train to Gatwick tomorrow. I love airports. People hugging, saying goodbye, leaving, going somewhere, coming home, crying, laughing. And at Christmas time it always reminds me of the airport scenes in Love Actually. People going or coming home to spend Christmas with their nearest and dearest. I cry every time.

I enjoy Blogmas, I really do but it takes up a lot of time and effort. I’m mentally and physically exhausted. I look forward to Blogmas day 25. After that I’ll take a break from Social Media but the occasional tweet or photo from my wonderful home island.

I’d like to write a post reflecting back on 2017, it’s been an amazing year with many ups and downs and I’m hoping to do that just before 2018 is here.

The only thing I want to share with you now, something I often remind myself when my mum will get over excited sending me messages of love, is to appreciate and shower with love the people who love you, help you and support you, whatever happens. Those are the ones who really matter.

Today is the last time I’ll see Andi for a while since he is leaving Solent tomorrow. I love you and I’ll really really miss not seeing you every day. You are the older brother I’ve always wanted. You are an amazing human and I have no doubt you’ll do amazing in London. They are lucky to have you.

Next blog will be posted on my way home!

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas day 19- Christmas cards

The last few days are going too fast.

Last day at work tomorrow before I fly home on Thursday and I’m already exhausted. Fingers and toes crossed I will not catch a cold again as soon as I get home and relax.

I spent almost two hours last night and another half hour this morning writing Christmas cards. I wasn’t planning on doing any this year but since this might be my last Christmas at Solent I wanted to send Christmas wishes to all my lovely colleagues in A101 and elsewhere at the Uni. Sorry if you didn’t receive any, my box of 50 quickly ran out.

Not sure I’ll be able to blog over the next couple of days, but I’m hoping I’ll do.

Today Shebz and I probably had our last cup of tea at Mettricks. The amount of time we spent there the two of us chatting away, occasionally joined by great friends. It really is the end of an era.

I’ll be out tomorrow night for another Christmas meal, this time at Carnicero Steak House on Oxford street and I can’t wait. I’ll blog about it from Cyprus later in the week as I won’t get the time tomorrow.

On Thursday I’ll be travelling for most part of the day but I’ll try and blog from one of my favourite places, the airport.

I’m taking each day as it comes from now on otherwise I’ll be in tears with all the changes and goodbyes coming up.

Thank you to my UK mum Donna for her thoughtful Christmas gift. Love you!

Sorry for all my friends I didn’t get to see before Christmas. I don’t know how it’s the 19th of December already.

Love you all.

Eleni

Blogmas day 18- Singing and homemade Baileys

Today was a different Monday.

It went so fast I didn’t even realise.

In the afternoon the Staff Choir sang at the Vice Chancellor’s Staff Christmas reception. It was the first time we performed without Dan and we were worried we might mess up, forget the lyrics, sing the wrong parts, we feared for the worst.

But I’m so proud of us, I think Dan would have been proud for us too. We did really well, especially at Superheroes by the Script, the song we were most anxious about, we nailed it!

After catching up with lovely colleagues at the reception (LOVED the Gingerbread ice-cream) and some work in the afternoon, just before I was about to leave for home, I had a glass of Pauline’s infamous homemade Baileys, without a doubt the most delicious Baileys I’ve ever tasted.

For some reason I feel surprisingly optimistic today. Maybe it’s because I’m finally making changes I want to and today again I felt the love of the people around me.

I sometimes get caught up in this vicious circle of self-defeating thoughts and forget to acknowledge and appreciate the lovely humans who love me for who I am. It’s making my decision whether to leave or not next year harder. I guess I’ll wait and see. Who knows what might happen. All that matters to me is to be happy doing something I love, if that’s in Southampton, that’s not the end of the world. It feels like home after all these years.

Thank you to my choir friends and colleagues for today, it’s been a great day.

I can’t believe it will be Christmas in a week’s time!

Eleni

Blogmas day 17- Singing in the Square (and emotional hangover)

Other than a light headache, aching feet and tiredness my body felt OK yesterday.

But my mind. Oh dear. Emotional hangovers are real (scientifically proven for the sceptics out there) and much worse than physical ones. It wasn’t just me, it seems some of my favourites struggled too.

I’d rather have a headache, I’d rather be sick. I felt sad, confused, emotional. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to Singing in the Square, all I wanted was cuddles with my loved ones but since that’s not possible until Thursday, the best alternative I could think was to go to sleep to stop the invading, upsetting thoughts.

After a long self-debate I ventured outside. Crispy cold fresh air always helps. I was incredibly late and missed the first half but I joined my old SingNow pals at Mettricks for a quick cuppa before their second performance. It was so nice to see everyone. Thank you for reading my posts every day Pat, I hope the new Star Wars did not disappoint!

I spent today resting, (my calf hurts so badly it took me 20 minutes to pop to the shop) as it’s the last full day I have to myself in 2017. I’m flying home on Thursday and I’m not back until the 2nd of January, 2018. That’s exactly what I need. A break out of the Southampton life bubble to clear my mind up whilst enjoying my Cyprus giant hug for 10 days, with friends, family, food, Christmas movies, snacks, laughter and cuddles.

Now it’s time to pack my bag, check in my flight and try to forget about everything else.

Only a week to Christmas eve folks!

I can’t wait.

Eleni

Blogmas day 16- The Christmas party

My feet hurt. A lot. But all worth it.

Last night the Solent annual Christmas party took place at the Spark. The usual gang and I look forward to every year. It’s always good fun. And this year was more special than others.

It was my bestie’s last Christmas party as she is going away in less than a month and I’m hoping it was my last one. Shebz and I had amazing adventures, pleasant and unpleasant surprises, countless stories. We danced, we drank, we laughed, we cried. She’s been my partner in crime for over two years now and there are not enough words to describe how incredibly grateful I am to have this person in my life.

Some of our fondest memories are from the Solent Christmas party and last night we created even more with some of our favourite people.

One of the night’s highlights was our impromptu Shut up and Dance singing whilst waiting to take a snap in the photo booth with the Staff Choir peeps.

A big thank you to the Solent Conference Centre staff for their amazing work, organising, decorating and service. I wish I worked in a similar job, what a lovely feeling it must be to see people’s smiles and enjoyment after spending endless hours to prepare everything so they’ll have an amazing time.

Shout out to two of my favourite ladies, Helen and Lou and Finance Genius and all round cool guy Jamie from the Solent Staff Scene who organised our beautiful party.

Thank you for all the compliments on my hair and outfit! Hair was done by my lovely stylist Vicki at Haringtons on Bedford place and the dress, which I absolutely loved and swirled and merrily danced in it all night feeling like a princess is from Boohoo.

After a bit of rest I’ll be heading to Guildhall Square around 5pm, to join my SingNow friends for some festive singing, supporting a great cause, the Rose Road Association. If you are about come over for a sing along. Come say hi!

Eleni