Updates...updates...

Finally! Time to write a blog entry :)

I'm just going to write a short run down of everything I've been doing since my last post (aside from work, of course). It's going to be my last full week this week! I'm so excited to go home! 10 more days and counting... :D

16Nov2007 - First, we had dinner at Faces restaurant at the Center. The ambiance was really different, because it was an underground resto (like a dungeon, semi-dark and slightly claustrophobic, hehe). Food was okay... haven't really had a really good dinner here (save for the Pork Medallions with blue cheese).
Since it was Namie's last weekend, we decided to make the most of the night and headed over to Malecon for some mojitos again. :) This time, I had a Tropicana Mojito, more of a vodka mix, which to me made it better than my previous Malibu mojito.
Then... we decided to continue on to Harley Davidson pub where there was a special 'show'. After the show, we just spent a couple of hours dancing to the beat and watching the patrons have a 'great' time on the dance stage/bar. Somewhat like a coyote ugly type of thing :) The pic below was taken outside the pub while waiting for the cabs that were taking us back to the hotel.
Then, the next day a couple of us decided to head up to Devin Castle... without heeding warning that it might be closed because of the cold weather. Well, it was closed, but that didn't stop us from taking some great pics (nice views of the castle, lots of snow and the Danube river). We had a great time, had a late lunch at this small pub at the base of the castle, sausage, cheese, bread and hot chocolate...yum! Pictures can be found at my Multiply site.
Then, we went to the Center and had some very special hot chocolates (mine had Bailey's, whipped cream and lots of hazelnuts, Ria's even had chili!) OMG...it was so delicious. I will definitely try another one before I leave. :)

22Nov2007 - The EBU team had a milestone dinner at Leberfinger restaurant...First, they served us an extremely strong traditional Slovakian aperitif called 'Slivovica' (Slivovitz). According to Michal, it's supposed to prepare your stomach for the meal... I couldn't finish mine (take note, this is just one shot), because I didn't think it was wise to drink a 50% alcoholic beverage before a meal. I finished it afterwards, which according to Michal was typically how it was done, 1 before and 1 after the meal. :)

Then, they served a cheese plate, and some pork pate (like pork in gelatin), it was good. Then a tray of different types of meats, chicken, pork, ribs, steak, and for dessert there was traditional Slovak desserts, apple streudel and some kind of crepe with berries. :) All throughout dinner there was flowing vino - red wine and Chardonnay. And after dinner, they brought out tequila. For some reason, they think Filipinos are expert tequila drinkers, with Steve even calling us tequila kings and queens. Roland even said that it's not a Filipino party without tequila...hmmm...oh well. :D

Then, the next day was the start of the Christmas/night market at the Center so a couple of us decided to go. Apparently, practically all of Bratislava decided to go out too! The place was packed, and I mean like Quiapo on Quiapo day...But shops closed early, by 9PM they were already packing up, so we had no choice but to go home.
Lastly, today, Ria, Eisel, Treenah and I went souvenir shopping at the Center and the souvenir shops at Brat castle and even at Tesco... these are looong walks...but walking here is really quite a pleasure because of the weather. Then we had a really early dinner at Kogo, the food was great! I had the Tagliatelle with shrimps and rugola, the risotto was also delicious, and there was the classic bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese that was just excellent.

Anyway... that's it for my update... 10 more days until I fly back to Manila. Then it's only a few more days till Christmas! I have never been this behind on my Christmas shopping... hehe. Oh well, hopefully there'll be some great sales. :D

Not feeling well...

It snowed all day today... skies were gray and gloomy, as the flurry of white passed by the windows... I wasn't feeling well too well, so I opted to go home at exactly, 6:01. And it was soooo cold! It can't be good, to be on the verge of sickness and be out in the snow... :(

And the snow wasn't the soft white powder that we had last Sunday, strong winds made it lash at our faces so hard that it stings! Good thing I have a hat that covered my head... otherwise I think it would have been a far worse experience...

I just hope I'll feel better by tomorrow, it's hard to enjoy the cold when you're sick. :(

Snowy Sunday

Well, we finally got what we asked for... lots of snow. :)

It would have been perfect if rain didn't come with it... coz afterwards what resulted was a lot of muddy, brownish, icky mush that didn't resemble the pristine white powder that it was when it first fell...oh well. At least we were able to take pictures. :)


We were supposed to head over to Devin castle, but the sudden snow made the roads slippery, which would make trekking up the uneven steps in Devin dangerous...so, mall addicts Ria, Namie, Treenah and I trudged our way through the wet slop to Aupark, getting our shoes, socks and feet wet in the process. But with all our effort, we left Aupark empty handed, soooo...Ria, Namie and I decided to proceed to Avion, on the opposite side of the city.

First stop, was Mark's and Spencer to buy some socks... since our feet were drenched, Ria came up with the ingenious idea to change socks, and then wrap our feet with cling wrap. And it worked like a charm! Our feet stayed dry and relatively warm, in spite of our wet shoes and jeans.

Then, we went shopping! My favorite pasttime...and my only vice...We were able to get some great bargains before having dinner and then heading home.

Now, I'm back in my hotel room, warm, dry, comfy and snacking on some pretzels and grapefruit juice. :) Tomorrow it's another busy day to start of another busy week... but all in all, I'm happy to be here.

Too little time...

It's past 11 PM on a Saturday and I'm still at work... :( Not that I'm begrudging this or anything, it's all part of the job. I finally got a breather so I took some time to post some pics over the past few weeks. :)

November 02, 2007 - Malecon
After work, we decided to stop by Malecon at the city center for some mojitos (a rhum based cocktail). Then, we walked around Old town, and finally ended up at McDonald's for a midnight snack.

November 03, 2007 - Dinner at Marta's
Our officemate Marta invited us over for dinner. She served Sinigang (yes, Sinigang) with a twist, her version had mushrooms, and brocolli...but it tasted very much like Sinigang back home. I had second helpings. :) She also served Chicken curry, spicy beef, spicy veggies, and another favorite Chicken Tandoori.

Afterwards, Marta brought out the tequila glasses, wine, some strawberry liquor and beer. Round after round of tequila ensued, each beginning with the tequila song. And as the night wore on, the song grew more and more out of tune, and the boisterous laughter grew louder.

I didn't get drunk, but I did get really tipsy...and what I learned, is when you're tipsy from tequila, you shouldn't make any sudden movements, like walking quickly up the stairs (we viewed the rest of Marta's apartment). I got so dizzy, I honestly felt the world spin. The party ended at around 2AM, with all of us pleasantly buzzed.

November 04, 2007 - The Road to Bratislava Castle
Next day, we heard mass and then headed to Bratislava (Hrad) Castle for some serious picture taking sessions... sadly, most of us had depleted camera batteries since we didn't have time (nor the presence of mind) to charge from the night before. But we did have a blast taking pictures (like the slide, and the well photos). I'm just really happy that there are enough of us here that weekend photo ops turn out to be a blast.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Devin castle (weather permitting), otherwise, we'll probably head over to the mall for some shopping! =D

Anyway, got to get back to work, until next post!