Monthly Archives: December 2015

Christmas, Free time, Travels

…so this is Christmas!

Oh Oh Oh…

It is already Christmas time! All the mince pies and warm mulled wine around. Yet, I would expect to be colder in December. Not yet, though! But still, no one can deny that Christmas spirit is now set up.

All around the UK, I’m finding lots of Christmas Markets. They are just lovely! I know that originally they are a German custom, but it feels like it is part of the UK now. I loved the Winchester one. It suited the town so well, it almost seemed that it was part of it all along. And it has an ice rink!!! No doubt that Winchester is a beautiful place to visit and hang out, better if you have lots of wood sheds with Christmas lights and sweet smells floating around. It is amazing the creativity these guys have. You can find lovely things in these markets. Just beware of your finances and don’t get crazy!

IMG_20151121_124848

we had some pizza and cider for lunch

IMG_20151121_134425

A nice place for those of you who would like to try the >60 varieties they have

IMG_20151121_142004

The Winchester Cathedral 

IMG_20151121_142212

Just right beside the Cathedral, people gathering in the Christmas Market

After Winchester, I had a small trip to Southampton. I really liked it there. And again, there was this massive Christmas Market, with loads of food and handy craft sheds. Lovely! I met a french woman selling family owls, made by her with tissue, and personalised for each customer. They were so, so cute!  But Southampton sure deserves the hour trip. With about £11 you buy a return train ticket from Portsmouth and then you can discover all the wonders the city has to offer, including the SeaCity Museum with an exhibition dedicated to Titanic’s story. It is a walled city and you can find several “bits” of it all the way through, if you allow yourself a good stroll until the sea front. There are, as well, excellent shops and even an Ikea! Handy for those of you who still need some pimping up their bedrooms/flat.

IMG_20151123_135010

The original gate to Southampton

IMG_20151123_120627

During the World Wars, much of the city was destroyed

IMG_20151123_122613

parts of the wall that you can still see

IMG_20151123_135116

Santa’s sleigh making the wonders in another Christmas Market

I’m off now, heading to Portugal again, to meet my family, friends and boyfriend. It seems forever now that I had them just in front of me, and I’m missing them being around. I guess, even for those who don’t believe in the Christmas tradition, that it is kind of inevitable not to be filled with love feelings during this season. So I hope you have the opportunity to be with your loved ones. If not, try to be surrounded by friends, and allow yourself extra time to do some skyping with family.

Now that classes are over, it seems a long time until examinations and assessments during January. But beware! Time flies away when you are enjoying yourself, and sooner than later you will be returning to your routine, with the extra need to refocus quickly. This is dangerous and it is not a good feeling to be rushed back to study after a long pause. While I was an undergrad I always tried to study a couple days just before and after Christmas, so I wouldn’t leave everything to do after New Year’s Eve. It is complicated, yes! It doesn’t feel like it, yes! There are a bunch of better things to do, yes! But no one else is going to make you succeed in your upcoming tasks and it would be a bummer if you failed after so much effort. I advise you to keep up with your studies and don’t be amazed by the free time you have during this season.

 

Enjoy your sweets and your holidays, and see you soon,

 

Inês

 

Standard
Christmas, Portsmouth, Uncategorized

End of a Semester!

Hello from Cyprus!

So, my last project submission was on Friday (11th Dec.) and I have just arrived back to Cyprus to start my Christmas holidays, which I really can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends!

However, that means that this is the end of the first semester of my university studies which makes it bittersweet. I had the pleasure of meeting so many people from different cultures and formed friendships with classmates, people from my accommodation floor, or just random students at cafes 🙂

Additionally, I have learned and grasped so much from my classes this semester and it has truly been an educational and worthwhile experience. Even though it took a lot of work and many hours of studying, everything was well-worth it at the end.

The overall experience of these first 3 months was so unforgettable and rewarding in every aspect. I cannot wait to see what the next semester will bring, hopefully even better things 😉

Happy Holidays everyone! Don’t forget to tell me what you’re planning for Christmas !

XOXO Ntina

Southampton Trip!
Rachel’s Birthday!
Class Break 🙂
Presentation Time 🙂
Trip to Bath 🙂

 

Standard
Uncategorized

Something for Arty-People

Trash Arts are a ‘creative hub challenging the arts’ in Portsmouth. They host all sorts from making short films to open mic poetry nights to organised gigs. I have been lucky enough to have discovered them in my second year at university here and gotten myself mixed up in their little creative world.

If you are interested in film, music, poetry or anything of a similar nature then check them out. They’re always looking for new talent and people to get involved.

Tuesday night, I played my first ever gig at The Fat Fox down Albert Road. It was absolutely terrifying but one of the best things I have ever done.

12310717_10205715632783363_895926292127761720_n

As I sat there, listening to the other performers sound checking my heart was racing. Hearing them only made me panic more that I wasn’t good enough but as soon as I was on stage everything calmed down. The atmosphere was so relaxed. The room, hidden behind a wooden door, cut off from the bustle of the pub was a scene of serenity. It was spotted with comfy sofas and little wooden coffee tables, people of all ages spread around the room, drinking, listening, absorbing the music.

Nothing quite compares to that rush of performance: the relief which swamps you afterwards and the buzzing nerves which accompany you on stage. It was an absolutely wonderful evening with three other incredible local acts performing. Whether you’re experienced or completely new to it, it’s worth putting yourself out there even if it seems scary.

Getting involved in a little community like this is something I’d really recommend. You will get to meet all kinds of interesting people and make connections with people with similar ideas to you. I’m so thankful I discovered them as they have already given me the opportunity to share my poetry at an open mic night and now to be able to play some music in front of people for the first time ever.

So, have a look at their Facebook via the link at the top and see if there’s anything you fancy delving into. Share your art – it may be frightening but it’ll certainly be worth it!

Standard