A while back during the ash cloud I wrote about what if no more air travel. This is how it looked like in the airspace. Very quiet!
April 29, 2010
April 27, 2010
Scent of a memory
It's funny how a certain fragrance can make you remember things very vivid and clear. One of my little good things in life is perfume. Mother is the same, so I guess I have from her. And travelling as much as I do it's very easy to stop by the airport shop and try something new. Needless to say I have too many bottles, but it's fun to be able to change fragrance according to mood and season.
The other day I felt rather springlike and put on on Clinique's Happy. A perfume I usually just use during the summer months since it's a rather light scent. Immediately the scent brought me back to London and long summer days in Kentish Town. I could see the bedroom where the sun was coming in through the windows and how the curtains slowly moved in the breeze. It was summer in the city.
On my way to work I couldn't stop thinking about this and how amazing memories actually can be (they can be rather bad too, but that's another story...) and how they can make an ordinary day turn into special day. Just because of a scent.
The other day I felt rather springlike and put on on Clinique's Happy. A perfume I usually just use during the summer months since it's a rather light scent. Immediately the scent brought me back to London and long summer days in Kentish Town. I could see the bedroom where the sun was coming in through the windows and how the curtains slowly moved in the breeze. It was summer in the city.
On my way to work I couldn't stop thinking about this and how amazing memories actually can be (they can be rather bad too, but that's another story...) and how they can make an ordinary day turn into special day. Just because of a scent.
April 26, 2010
Weekend in the woods
Spent the weekend in the woods visiting the best 3-year-old in the world and her parents. As usual a great weekend with unconditional love, lots of laugh and lovely food. Most of all it's also very relaxing to just live in the present and leave work behind. Bad mobile connection and a not very fast Internet connection also makes you leave the world behind and it feels so good. Constantly being online has its up- and downsides.
Got home last night feeling so relaxed I totally forgot about packing my gym bag and just barely remembered to set the alarm. All was back to normal though by noon today. Too many things to do and stress level rising... Makes you wonder if it all worth it or if one should give it all up. A thought to ponder.
Got home last night feeling so relaxed I totally forgot about packing my gym bag and just barely remembered to set the alarm. All was back to normal though by noon today. Too many things to do and stress level rising... Makes you wonder if it all worth it or if one should give it all up. A thought to ponder.
April 22, 2010
Quote of the day
The five people you spend most of your time with will dictate how far your life and career will go
~ @Tyrese4Real ~
~ @Tyrese4Real ~
April 21, 2010
Wines from d'Arenberg
It was love at first sight, d'Arenberg wines and me a rainy autumn evening 3 years ago in London. Meeting up with a friend at an All Bar One I had no expectations of finding wines other than ordinary. Well, I was wrong...
When ordering my friend, who's from Oz ,suggested what we should go with the wine with the funny name – The Hermit Crab. A bit more expensive than the other ones, but I would not get disappointed. He was right.
The nose exploded with fruity flavours such as pear and apricot and then there was even some honeysuckle. I love full body wines and The Hermit Crab was just perfect. Yet again with fruit flavours but more of melon and mango. The finish being quite long with hints of spices and nuts. To compliment this great wine we had grilled swordfish salad and it was a perfect match.
My friend who had visited d'Arenberg for a testing told me a lot of about their different wines and even showed me where McLaren Vale was on the map using a mobile phone. I was hooked.
Back home in Sweden I asked at Systembolaget (Swedish alcohol monopoly) if they had any wines form d'Arenburg. Unfortunately not, but the the man I spoke to had tried them at some event and yes he thought their wines very quite spectacular.
To all my friends I talked a lot about this amazing wine called The Hermit Crab which unfortunately couldn't be found in Sweden. Back in London I tried it again and it was still very nice. At that visit in London I also tried The Laughing Magpie and dear God, another magnificent wine. An intense aroma of cherries, plums, eucalyptus and even some herbs. A palate full of blackberries, plums and oak and rather smooth finish for being a Shiraz (90%)
Again back home it could not be found at Systembolaget, but then last summer finally The Hermit Crab labelled as new arrival. I immediately bought 4 bottles and had my friends taste and they all liked it very much.
Then at work one day I was looking at a list of what we offer in our bars and restaurants onboard and they were offering The Hermit Crab, The Laughing Magpie and The Stump Jump. Yeah! Turned out they just changed the F&B Manger onboard, but nevertheless I had found a way to get hold of the the wines, to visit our ferries.
So for the last two years or so every time I visit our ferries and the restaurants and bars I speak widely about wines from d'Arenberg and tell colleagues to try them. And of course I try to buy as many bottles as possible in the onboard shop. Both The Hermit Crab and The Laughing Magpie are now possible to buy at Systembolaget as well. But The Stump Jumps both (red and white), The Galvo Garage have to be ordered. I can't undestand why. What is there not to like?
On my last visit onboard I also found The Noble Prankster which I haven't tried yet, but looking forward to very much. I'm sure it will be the perfect ending a to meal.
There are a lot of good wineries out there which offers a great range of wines, but it's rare that I get so fascinated and amazed by a winery. Everything that comes out of d'Arenberg is an excellent labour of love and so different. d’Arenberg is just what they say they are – good at the art of being different.
When ordering my friend, who's from Oz ,suggested what we should go with the wine with the funny name – The Hermit Crab. A bit more expensive than the other ones, but I would not get disappointed. He was right.
The nose exploded with fruity flavours such as pear and apricot and then there was even some honeysuckle. I love full body wines and The Hermit Crab was just perfect. Yet again with fruit flavours but more of melon and mango. The finish being quite long with hints of spices and nuts. To compliment this great wine we had grilled swordfish salad and it was a perfect match.
My friend who had visited d'Arenberg for a testing told me a lot of about their different wines and even showed me where McLaren Vale was on the map using a mobile phone. I was hooked.
Back home in Sweden I asked at Systembolaget (Swedish alcohol monopoly) if they had any wines form d'Arenburg. Unfortunately not, but the the man I spoke to had tried them at some event and yes he thought their wines very quite spectacular.
To all my friends I talked a lot about this amazing wine called The Hermit Crab which unfortunately couldn't be found in Sweden. Back in London I tried it again and it was still very nice. At that visit in London I also tried The Laughing Magpie and dear God, another magnificent wine. An intense aroma of cherries, plums, eucalyptus and even some herbs. A palate full of blackberries, plums and oak and rather smooth finish for being a Shiraz (90%)
Again back home it could not be found at Systembolaget, but then last summer finally The Hermit Crab labelled as new arrival. I immediately bought 4 bottles and had my friends taste and they all liked it very much.
Then at work one day I was looking at a list of what we offer in our bars and restaurants onboard and they were offering The Hermit Crab, The Laughing Magpie and The Stump Jump. Yeah! Turned out they just changed the F&B Manger onboard, but nevertheless I had found a way to get hold of the the wines, to visit our ferries.
So for the last two years or so every time I visit our ferries and the restaurants and bars I speak widely about wines from d'Arenberg and tell colleagues to try them. And of course I try to buy as many bottles as possible in the onboard shop. Both The Hermit Crab and The Laughing Magpie are now possible to buy at Systembolaget as well. But The Stump Jumps both (red and white), The Galvo Garage have to be ordered. I can't undestand why. What is there not to like?
On my last visit onboard I also found The Noble Prankster which I haven't tried yet, but looking forward to very much. I'm sure it will be the perfect ending a to meal.
There are a lot of good wineries out there which offers a great range of wines, but it's rare that I get so fascinated and amazed by a winery. Everything that comes out of d'Arenberg is an excellent labour of love and so different. d’Arenberg is just what they say they are – good at the art of being different.
April 18, 2010
What if
Feeling a bit philosophical this Sunday afternoon. How would life be if there was no air traffic ever again? At the moment the sky is blue and the birds are singing. No traces so ever from air planes in the sky. Sounds pretty good. But then on the other hand, what about all those things we have become used to. We might not need them, but we are very used to them. Fruit, vegetables and flowers from all over the world all year around. And travel. The convenience of jumping on a plane and a couple of hours later end up somewhere totally different. You can always go by boat or train, but that isn't the fast way of transportation. Maybe that is the problem? We believe everything has be done right here, right now this minute. We are impatience and think we don't have enough time.
If there is something the ash cloud can tell us people is that Mother Earth is big and powerful and cannot be tamed no matter what we think. She decides when we are able to fly again. No one else.
If there is something the ash cloud can tell us people is that Mother Earth is big and powerful and cannot be tamed no matter what we think. She decides when we are able to fly again. No one else.
April 15, 2010
Home sweet home
The road show around Scandinavia, Germany and Poland is finally over. Did Oslo yesterday and then took the ferry down to Denmark and Frederikshavn. Arriving at 07:30 this morning we started one hour later and probably pulled of the best presentation ever. We have had a bit of practice by now...
By 14:00 it was time to board another ferry. This time only for 3 hours going back to Gothenburg and Sweden. It has been a fun tour thanks to the company of two other colleagues, (two other chatty women in their mid-30's) but also of course tiring. Travelling for work always is, no matter what people think.
Next business trip is May and London for two days. Before that though, it's time to visit the best 3-year-old (soon 4 year-old not to forget) and her parents next weekend.
By 14:00 it was time to board another ferry. This time only for 3 hours going back to Gothenburg and Sweden. It has been a fun tour thanks to the company of two other colleagues, (two other chatty women in their mid-30's) but also of course tiring. Travelling for work always is, no matter what people think.
Next business trip is May and London for two days. Before that though, it's time to visit the best 3-year-old (soon 4 year-old not to forget) and her parents next weekend.
April 13, 2010
The Stepmothers' support group
Trying to keep up the good and very relaxing habit of reading a bit every weekend I started reading Sam Baker's The Stepmothers' support group on Saturday.
A couple of chapters into the book I was on my way to quite because it really felt like yet another chicklit book. A genre that I'm not very found of any more. Marian Keyes is still of course the Queen of chicklit though. But then suddenly the book got more depth and I couldn't stop reading (might have been that lovely spot on the sofa in the sunshine...)
What if the the love of your life came with kids attached? A situation that wouldn't be totally unreal for me considering my age. What to do and how to treat the kids? The kids that always will come first, not you. Also remembering how I felt when mum found a new partner after dad died when I was in my teens. It's difficult for all parties involved.
The book doesn't give any big insights on those questions, but it gives you a feeling that you're not alone. Stepmother, stepfather or stepchild - other's have been in your shoes before. Great friends who can lend you an ear or two over coffee and wine is also of course good. Definitely a good read that made me think a bit differently upon the whole stepmother/stepchild thing.
A couple of chapters into the book I was on my way to quite because it really felt like yet another chicklit book. A genre that I'm not very found of any more. Marian Keyes is still of course the Queen of chicklit though. But then suddenly the book got more depth and I couldn't stop reading (might have been that lovely spot on the sofa in the sunshine...)
What if the the love of your life came with kids attached? A situation that wouldn't be totally unreal for me considering my age. What to do and how to treat the kids? The kids that always will come first, not you. Also remembering how I felt when mum found a new partner after dad died when I was in my teens. It's difficult for all parties involved.
The book doesn't give any big insights on those questions, but it gives you a feeling that you're not alone. Stepmother, stepfather or stepchild - other's have been in your shoes before. Great friends who can lend you an ear or two over coffee and wine is also of course good. Definitely a good read that made me think a bit differently upon the whole stepmother/stepchild thing.
April 11, 2010
Finally spring
Spring has finally arrived with sunny days, cold nights and streets filled with grit that need to be removed. So far no green on the trees yet, but it will come (and so will my allergies...)
As usual I'm not really sure what clothes to wear. The black winter coat is too heavy (besides in the chilly mornings) and my beige spring coat is still too thin and too summery (at least in my mind). No white and light coloured clothes before May and all that...
Shoes, well that's a bit easier. Boots are getting too warm and I have plenty of sensible spring (and autumn) shoes, but really who wants to wear sensible shoes when spring finally is here? Found a cute pair of red shoes last weekend and even if they probably are too springlike I wear them with proud a along with my black winter coat. Halfway there, just a spring itself.
As usual I'm not really sure what clothes to wear. The black winter coat is too heavy (besides in the chilly mornings) and my beige spring coat is still too thin and too summery (at least in my mind). No white and light coloured clothes before May and all that...
Shoes, well that's a bit easier. Boots are getting too warm and I have plenty of sensible spring (and autumn) shoes, but really who wants to wear sensible shoes when spring finally is here? Found a cute pair of red shoes last weekend and even if they probably are too springlike I wear them with proud a along with my black winter coat. Halfway there, just a spring itself.
April 08, 2010
In Kiel
Arrived this morning after at night on the ferry. Not as noisy as last time, but no matter how nice Comfort Class cabins are suppose to be I don not sleep very well on-board. Give me a sailing boat and I will go to sleep immediately.
Has spent the day at the office doing yet another presentation. We are becoming quite good at this now... Maybe one should take up professional speaking a a second career?! Home again tonight and back in the office right on time tomorrow morning. Then it's Friday again and another week has passed.
Just looked in my calendar and realised it's "only" 5 weeks until next trip to London, 12 weeks until annual girls' weekend in London and 14 weeks until annual summer holiday. The countdown is on... But first, back on ferry, and home please.
Has spent the day at the office doing yet another presentation. We are becoming quite good at this now... Maybe one should take up professional speaking a a second career?! Home again tonight and back in the office right on time tomorrow morning. Then it's Friday again and another week has passed.
Just looked in my calendar and realised it's "only" 5 weeks until next trip to London, 12 weeks until annual girls' weekend in London and 14 weeks until annual summer holiday. The countdown is on... But first, back on ferry, and home please.
April 06, 2010
Blood and sand
Sometimes you come across books that you know immediately will be good and that you will remember a long, long time after reading them. Blood and sand by Frank Gardner is one of those books. I think I bought the book probably 2 or 3 years ago at Heathrow and it's been in my to read pile since then. I've looked at it many times, but each time I decided to wait until I had more time. Finally this Easter I had more time and yes it was worth the wait.
With a lifelong passion for the Arab world BBC correspondent Frank Gardner had spent almost 25 years in the Middle East when he got shot by Islamist gunmen in 2004. His cameraman died immediately whereas Gardner was shot in the shoulder and legs. Remarkably he survived and is now partly paralysed.
The book is not about Gardner's recovery (only one chapter) instead he gives us great insights and understandings on the Islamic world and what the ongoing War on terror actually means to us and the Middle East. It's a book written with great respect and love for the Arab and Muslim world, where really the only enemy is intolerance and not enough knowledge.
With a lifelong passion for the Arab world BBC correspondent Frank Gardner had spent almost 25 years in the Middle East when he got shot by Islamist gunmen in 2004. His cameraman died immediately whereas Gardner was shot in the shoulder and legs. Remarkably he survived and is now partly paralysed.
The book is not about Gardner's recovery (only one chapter) instead he gives us great insights and understandings on the Islamic world and what the ongoing War on terror actually means to us and the Middle East. It's a book written with great respect and love for the Arab and Muslim world, where really the only enemy is intolerance and not enough knowledge.
April 04, 2010
Happy Easter!
A few days off with as usual too much to eat and drink and of course sweets and chocolate. Yesterday was a gorgeous spring day whereas today more and more is becoming chilly and windy. I love the feeling of knowing that I don't have to do any of my regular Sunday chores today, they can wait until tomorrow. Soon I'll start cooking fillet of lamb and potatoes au gratin. OK, some green beans and broccolis as well. Chocolate cake is getting ready in the oven this minute and a bottle of Californian Syrah is waiting to be opened. Life can't get much better.
April 02, 2010
New design
After 4 years I thought it was time to update the design. The red/fuchsia is very much me, but I'm still not quite there yet. The old web developer in me is itching to do some more tweaking I think.
Australian vintage tasting
On Wednesday I attended an excellent wine tasting at Göteborgs Vinkällare. Hosted by Aussie born Jason Hill we got to taste some real nice vintage shirazes and a cabernet sauvignon.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2005
Penfolds wines have a been a real favourite of mine since visiting a wine show in London 6 years ago. Sommelier friend Holly introduced me their wines and needles to say we spent a great amount of time at their booth tasting and discussing.
After five years the colour is deep dark red. At first the nose gives away a mix of dark fruits, chocolate and liquorice. After some swirls it's also possible to feel both raisins and plums. The palate is what I would say quite typical Shiraz. Prunes, plums and rather spicy.
Reserve Heathcote Shiraz 2000
The colour is deep purple with a plum/brick red hue. The nose is very fragrant with spice, nutmeg and cigar box tones. The palate comes off as very well balanced with some hints of raspberries which goes into a long and very satisfying finish. This became my favourite wine at the tasting.
Yarraman Estate Shiraz 2000
The colour is deep purple with a plum/brick red hue. The nose is rather mellow compared to the previous wines, but has a clear smell of chocolate and dark roasted coffee. The palate is also more matured than the other wines with hints of leather that goes into a smooth finish.
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
The colour is deep red with brick red hue. The nose is filled with berries, bay leafs and hints of smoky oak. The palate displays a concentrated mix of berries, dark chocolate and some tarry liquorice. The tannins are riipe and firm which gives a warm and lingering finish.
Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2005
Penfolds wines have a been a real favourite of mine since visiting a wine show in London 6 years ago. Sommelier friend Holly introduced me their wines and needles to say we spent a great amount of time at their booth tasting and discussing.
After five years the colour is deep dark red. At first the nose gives away a mix of dark fruits, chocolate and liquorice. After some swirls it's also possible to feel both raisins and plums. The palate is what I would say quite typical Shiraz. Prunes, plums and rather spicy.
Reserve Heathcote Shiraz 2000
The colour is deep purple with a plum/brick red hue. The nose is very fragrant with spice, nutmeg and cigar box tones. The palate comes off as very well balanced with some hints of raspberries which goes into a long and very satisfying finish. This became my favourite wine at the tasting.
Yarraman Estate Shiraz 2000
The colour is deep purple with a plum/brick red hue. The nose is rather mellow compared to the previous wines, but has a clear smell of chocolate and dark roasted coffee. The palate is also more matured than the other wines with hints of leather that goes into a smooth finish.
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
The colour is deep red with brick red hue. The nose is filled with berries, bay leafs and hints of smoky oak. The palate displays a concentrated mix of berries, dark chocolate and some tarry liquorice. The tannins are riipe and firm which gives a warm and lingering finish.
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