Brussels Diaries: The Feel of A City

When you move to a new place, even for a few months, at first you feel like an overly excited tourist.

You walk around with your camera, trying our local foods (in case of Belgium - also local beers) and just look at the world through rosy shades of a city neophyte.

Then you might get into a little bit of a funk. When you already saw all the sights, learned the necessary metro stations and got into a routine, you hit that part of adaptation, when you are neither here nor there - not a tourist anymore, but still not a local.

Until THAT day comes. (Please, read also The sense of HOME)

The day when you suddenly feel like you belong, for the first time.

The day when everything around you feels very nice and familiar, like the city accepted you finally.

Every little thing

Facebook memories reminded me of this story. At that time I was living in Northern Thailand. I remember that day clearly - I took my friends who were visiting me in Chiang Mai to China Town to shop for silk and then we planned to have a vegetarian lunch on Nimmanhaemin road - the posh area on the other side of the Old City. My friends were went with the motorbike and I took a songtao - a red truck that is the most popular way of transportation. And this is what happened. I copied the story from my old FB post - just how I wrote it all down the same day:

"Had an amazing experience today. I was taking a songtao from Thapae road to Nimman. It was empty, apart from some young guy in sunglasses (he looked about 19-20). He was crying. I asked him, what was wrong. He said that it's just everything. I don't know why, but I said that he can tell me, because he'll never see me again. He was still crying, but he told me that he's bipolar and that he hadn't slept for two days. That he crushed his bike in December, that his younger brother is doing drugs, that he had to buy very cheap engagement ring for his girlfriend, because he has to pay a fortune for the wedding. Said that his name is Nicky and that he'd never met anyone from Ukraine. Asked if he looks crazy, but I said that he just looks tired (it was true). Songtao took us to Chiang Mai psychiatric hospital, he payed the songtao driver and waved me for a while. He wasn't crying anymore. If this thing happened in Ukraine 4 month ago, I would've jumped out of the bus in a second. But today, after talking to Nicky, I actually felt better myself. It didn't cost me anything, I barely even said 20 words. But every little thing matters, even listening to a total stranger sometimes. I don't want to forget this."

I don't even know what I want to say with this post. Maybe just to remind myself that yes, every little thing really matters. And it's important to be more attentive to people, more appreciative of what we have and enjoy every moment and experience more. 

Because life is crazy, unpredictable and very short. 

Have a great day!

My trusty WEARdrobe - 9 items that survived three moves between countries and continents

Growing up, I've always wanted to be a world traveler. You know, one of those people that can casually drop something like: "I bought this shawl from an old lady on the souk in Marrakesh, and used it as a blanket on my trip to Amazonian jungles". Okay, let’s just admit - I desperately wanted to be cool and mysterious. 

Now, after living in different countries, travelling around and having quite a few adventures, I feel like a giant dork, when people ask me where I bought, for example, my gray scarf. Because yes, technically I bought it in the mountains of Northern Thailand after negotiating the price via a calculator for a while. And yes, I used it as a blanket in a bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, because they are always overly air-conditioned. But all this seemingly charming ambiance doesn't change the fact that I could've bought the same factory-made scarf in a mall in Kyiv. 

So this post is not about the romantic flair of travelling and finding gems in jungles. I would love it to be about rationality and sustainability, about choosing the right amount of trusty functional things that can serve you throughout many years, places and moves. 

In my opinion nothing tests the quality of clothes better than traveling or moving into a different country with it. When you are living at home, you most probably have quite a stash of clothes and your own washing machine, that doesn’t tear the holes in the fabric. But living out of a suitcase means wearing and washing everything you own three, four, five, ten times more often than before, and not many pieces will survive this.

When I moved to Thailand, I had a very, VERY limited wardrobe of 20 items (not including shoes) that occupied not more than 1/3 of my suitcase. You can see the amount of clothes I had back then if you will follow the link, but I can only describe that “WEARdrobe” as “two of each” – two pairs of shorts, two t-shirts, two skirts, two dressy tops (never worn any of them)… 

When I was moving to Italy for the first time, I was already more experienced in living out of a suitcase. But at the same time I was facing a new task. I needed to bring clothes for 9 months and every occasion – for summer and winter, for office and free time, for hiking and going to the beach. (spoiler alert – I managed!)

This time I landed on Sicily with the same trusty backpack and a standard plastic suitcase, and this time my task was even more interesting – I was packing for at least three years. And as I was unpacking in my tiny dorm room in Palermo, I realized one thing – there are items that were with me through all of these moves, came with me to Sicily for the second time and still didn’t let me down.

I counted 9 wardrobe pieces that were with me in Thailand, during my volunteering in Palermo and are still with me now, when I started my PhD experiences. So it’s time to meet my trusty friends: 

Thank you, Thailand!

Facebook memories reminded me that right about this time three years ago I moved to Chiang Mai and was in the process of adapting to my new life - trying out new food, discovering the city on a rented pink bicycle and having mango shakes for breakfast.

When I think about that period of my life, I feel so many mixed emotions. It was one of the craziest experiences ever, and I have to be honest - it didn't go that smoothly in the beginning. Moving to another part of the world all on your own is not easy sometimes, especially if you're moving with lots of hopes, dreams and fears.

That's why I'm writing this post to say thank you to this amazing country. Thank you, Thailand!

Thank you for being so beautiful, happy and welcoming!

My favorite natural oils

I’m not a beauty guru and I will never be one. I don’t really care about make-up that much and even though I put it almost every day, I tend to always use the same limited amount of things – mascara, eye pencil and liner, eye shadows (once in a blue moon), concealer and lipstick/lip gloss. I use foundation only when it’s really cold outside, and I almost never use powder. Last year I introduced an eye shadow base into my routine and it was a very interesting experience. I don’t have a huge make-up stash and I don’t think I would even know what to do with all the colors on Naked palette if I will ever hold it in my hands.  

But on the other hand I love to take care of myself and I love to use natural products. And what can be more natural than a pure oil? Over the years I’ve learned about the magical properties of some oils and now want to share my recipes with you. Some of this things I’ve learned during my travels, some – from friends, some - from Google (and I’m not ashamed of it). I’m not a doctor, a dietitian or a beautician, so please don’t quote me on anything and check up with your specialist of choice before trying any of this out. I’m just sharing my experience and the things that are working for me.

So my favorite oils!   

(c)

The sense of HOME: back to Sicily again

You know all those overly used phrases? "Home is where your heart is", "home is not a place, but people", etc.?

Well, of course those words are used way too much, but only because they are true. What no one usually tells you is that your heart has an ability to be at two, three, twenty places at once.

It doesn't mean less love for your first home though.

It just means that when you are happy, your heart grows. Infinitely.

When I started this blog, I was living in Kyiv, Ukraine - the beautiful and charming city, where I was born and raised. I was working from home, so really needed a sort of a creative outlet – something that will motivate me to write, to take photos, to dress up once in a while and tell someone about my life.
For example, about going to Pyrohiv (in Kyiv)…

Guest posting at Daisy Dayz

Today I'm guest posting for lovely Chantele at Daisy Dayz.

Head over to her blog to find out about the best place to shop for Thai silk, Chinese brocade and tons of DIY supplies in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

 

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest post, Chantele! I wish you all the best with your move)

How I wear my: Florals

The loveliest Jill from Everything Just So and Adrienne from The Rich Life (on a budget) were so kind to feature me in their monthly round up "How I wear my...".

As you know, I don't have all that many dresses and skirts with me, but this one is my favorite item of clothing right now. I wear it with different tops when I have a date, a night out, a chance to go on some interesting party. Simple, easy and versatile, just how I like it.

You can see many beautiful bloggers wearing their floral outfits here.

Food of the day

So, here we go again) I'm not sure if it's interesting to anyone except me, but it is such a cool way to think about your nutricion so I think I'll try and continue doing it.

1. Breakfast - oatmeal with chopped banana and pineapple and a cup of coffee (not pictured)

{outfit(s) post - Songkran}

I feel a little bit stupid trying to make any outfit posts when you've already seen every piece of clothing I own right now. But still I'm going to try.

A month ago Thailand celebrated Thai New Year. And it was unbelievable. If you've never been here during Songkran, you've missed a lot of fun (and water). Celebrations usually take 5 days, and during this time you better watch out - you can't make two steps out of your appartment without getting soaking wet. People will chase you with water guns and buckets full of (sometimes icy) water and trust me - you don't want to be wearing anything nice and expensive.

Chiang Mai old city is countored by a huge moat, so it's the place you want to avoid, if you don't want to get wet. Or a place you definitely need to visit, if you want to have fun, meet new people, shot them with your water gun and drink few cold Singhas.

So here are few pictures of Songkran celebrations in Chiang Mai - on it's calmer and crazier days.

One of the first days of Songkran - the city and all of the temples are nicely decorated with flags and ribbons. This is me on the Sunday walking street market, wearing:

Skirt - thrifted

Tank top - bought at the Sunday market (3 tank tops of a great quality for 100 baht - a little bit more then a dollar per one tank top)

Shoes - bought at Sunday market (super comfy, I'm on my second pair now. I think they cost about 2 dollars)

Bag - thrifted, made in India

Bracelet - gift, my friend brought it back from Thailand (who knew!)

Sunglasses - Karen Walker Number One (in tortoise)

Buddha's Birthday

I don't mean for this blog to become a travel blog, but I really want to save some of the beautiful moments of my life in Thailand.

These days all of the buddhist world celebrates Buddha's birthday. So we just needed to went out and see some of the celebrations by ourselves. There are so many people in the temples, fireworks and dozens of lanters in the sky. I'm so happy to be a part of it!

So sorry for the bad pictures, my camera is seriously dying on me.

How to... - pack for a long trip to Asia, part 2

Now I want to focus on a few mistakes I've made while packing. You can't avoid those mistakes and you have to learn from them (and I actually want you to learn from my mistakes, because this way you'll be able to avoid some of them).

1. Less dresses, more separates

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you've noticed that I'm a hopeless dress girl. Honestly, when I'm at home in Kyiv, where I have a huge wardrobe and many things to choose from, I always choose dresses. But while you're living out of your suitcase and have very limited space and budget to add to your travel wardrobe, I'd suggest you leave your dresses behind. You can take one amazing dress that can save you on a date night or some other occasion, but other dresses should stay at home.

I'm actually thinking about mailing two out of three dresses I've brought with me home, because I simply never wear them. I'd be much happy if I packed more shorts and skirts.

2. Versatility is the key

If you've read my previous post on packing for a long trip to Asia, you noticed that I've brought only two skirts. I regret packing that black floral skirt every single day. I'm be much more happy if it stayed at home and I'd packed something more casual and versatile instead. I should've just pack that white and purple skirt (this one is perfect and usually saves me when I have a date of a holiday to go to) and something grey or black. This Isabel Marant skirt would've been PERFECT:

Bohemian Chic also wore in on her trip around Asia)

For now I'm just thinking about trying out this tutorial and making a wrap skirt out of a piece of jersy.

3. Be practical

Don't pack any clothes that doesn't fit. I've made a mistake of taking a pair of shorts that were quite roomy, and as a result they fall off me after two weeks. I also know a few people who packed lots of items that were too small in hope to lose weight here, and ended up buying almost an entire wardrobe instead because they had nothing to wear. So know your size and be practical. You probably will lose some weight here due to much healthier living, but still it's better to pack for your current size and shape.

These probably are the best advices I can give you right now. I also thought that I should say something about evening clothes - I haven't worn any of my evening tops or my wedge shoes. But I'm planning on spending almost a month in Bangkok, so I may still wear them after all)

Stay tuned for the part 3 - the essentials you can buy on arrival)

Chiang Mai University

During my time in Asia I've been to many temples, but the funniest thing is that I've never felt so much peace and inspiration in any of them, as I felt on the campus of Chiang Mai University. 

It's a beautiful place - lots of trees, lots of flowers, lots of places to sit down and study or just relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. Also it's very close to the beautiful Doi Sutep mountain. 

I've had a nice relaxed day there and looking forward to spending some more.

Food of the day

While I'm in Thailand, I'm making even more efford to eat healthy - it's quite easy with the gorgeous selection of local fruit and thai ciusine that is generally very healthy and delicious.

So I think I'll try blog about food a little bit more and turn it into a weekly feature.

1. Breakfast - oatmeal with chopped banana, a smal yoghurt and a cup of green tea (not pictured)

2. Lunch - two tofu sandwiches on whole wheat bread, chopped fruit (banana and pineapple) and cappuccino from "7-Eleven". I've invented these sandwiches here and they are so delicious! You just need two slices of whole wheat bread, a piece of tofu and some spices, if you like them (I use spice mixes they give you when you buy pomelo or grapefruit - salt, sugar and chilly). Perfect for lunch.

3. Dinner - fried rice with squid, egg and kale. A meal you can find in every place in Thailand. It's delicious, and I think that first two weeks in Chiang Mai I've lived on this rice and green tea.

4. Evening snack - some pomelo with the spice mix. It's so fresh and yummy I eat it almost every day)

I hope this post was interesting at least for some of my readers. See you tomorrow)

Flashes of Thailand

Sorry for disappearing on you again. I promice to be more discipled from now on)
Here are some pictures just to make you feel the city's vibe.

This one was taken at Chiang Mai University. I'm going to dedicate an entire post to this beautiful place.

One of my favorite temples.

True words.

One of the guesthouses I've checked out when I was looking for a room.

Beautiful temple in the Chinese district.

The perimeter of the moat is an alcohol free zone.

Paper tulips again - I just love my wonderful friends.

The yard of an amazing temple on Thapae Rd.

Beautiful flowers at Warorot market

It's all for now, but I'll keep the pictures coming))

First two weeks in Thailand

Just a few instagram pictures about my life in Chiang Mai so far.

 

1. My new dress (I bought it yesterday on a Sunday wlaking street market) and a hat. 2. The cutest bike I was riding last week. I had to return it to it's owners on Saturday and my heart is still a little bit broken.

Awesome things in Thailand - there are so many cool things here, that make me happy every single day)

 

3. Fish in the vase! (and also my new shoes). 4. Thailand's got talent))

 

5. Gates to Chinatown. 6. My cute neighbour - tiny pretty gecko)

Leaving Kyiv - it was very hard for me, but everyone was super supportive/

 

7. The box of paper tulips - a present from my friends. I keep them in my room now) 8. I strongly suggest to go to Bangkok with transfer in Amman. Just for the sake of a fun sticker))

Food - I'm becoming food obsessed here. Everything is so delicious and so cheap)

 

9-10 - Fruit shakes - perfect for this heat and super delicious.

 

11. Amazing salad you can buy in every supermarket. 12. Fresh fruits every morning.

 

13. Sushi at the Pratu Chiang Mai market. 14. Fried fish balls

Books - I don't need to buy any paper books, but I still love going to bookstores

 

15. Gecko Books - they have loots of cool stuff... 16. Fo example - a special shelf for 'Lord of the Rings' books...

 

17. A poster of a movie I really like...  18. And a sleepy cat)

Stuff on markets - there are lots of markets around the city. Flower market, Warorot market, Night bazaar etc. You can fing really cool stuff on lots of them.

 

19. Sponge Bob shoes) 20. Little cute moneybank, that look like Tardis (still a devoted Doctor Who fan))

 

21. Locally crafted shoes. 22. Amazing decorative lights.

Here are just a few things I love about Chiang Mai. So stay tunned for more)