Nano's messing up the east side

High Tatras

2012-01-04T14:57:00.014+01:00

Hi folks! I just came back from an amazing trip to Tatra mountains. For years I've been enjoying Slovakia for its magic but never for skiing! This time, thanks to my friend Michał Dębosz, I could go to Slovakia for a ski+newyear's bash with friends. Awesome week!

The plan was to book the whole cottage by the mountains (by the city of Liptovsky Mikulas) in the centre of Slovakia and then enjoy the snow and water parks. The trip took 6 hours, and we arrived by the end of the day. I was travelling with Tomek, Ola and my brother. The rest of the group departed from Krakow.

So, in the first day the whole group (of about 23 people) went to the ski station "Chopok" in the low Tatras. The photo beside is from the first ski day, it was snowing a bit and the tracks were in perfect state for a ride. In Chopok, the one-day skipass costs 33 Euros (27 Euros after 12:00), the scheme of ski tracks is included in my photo album (link is on the bottom of this post). That ski station is comparable to the ones in the Alps. If you are bored with short ski tracks in Poland and don't want to fly to Switzerland, so just go to Slovakia! :)
The second day was for relaxation in Tatralandia which is the biggest water park in Slovakia. It's possible to play volleyball in the outdoor pool while the snow is falling. The heated pool is very comfortable. The slides are also very entertaining, I recommend the one called 'Tornado'. Very funny specially in the winter. :)
The third day: back to Chopok for more skiing!! I found out that the track #5 in Chopok is the best I've even been. Very long and not so steep.
The fourth day: Besenova - Water park with thermal pools with healing power. That's what the legend says. Pools with +39c water. Nice for relaxation.
The fifth day: Tatranska Lomnica - The second highest point in Tatra mountain chain (2634m above see level), only 20 meters lower than the Gerlach peak. It's possible to reach the very top of this mountain (Lomnicky stit) with the help of a cablecar. The two-way ride costs 39 Eur per person. I recommend. I took nice photos, so don't miss the link below. :)

Some photos (click on them to enlarge):

For full album of photos, click here.

And a video:

Scoring again after 2 years break

2011-12-19T16:38:00.009+01:00

Last time I played in the indoor football league was in 2009, scoring 20 goals in 12 matches. It's time to get back on track! Tieto team still counts on good players from 2009's league: Tobis, Laskowski and Jowsa.

The video shows the exact moment I scored the 5th (and last) goal of the match.

The match against FC Drzewce was tough, but our team (Tieto) won by 5x3.

Next match: 07.01.2012. Cya.

Absinth night at Nano's

2011-12-05T22:54:00.004+01:00

Crazy pre-party in Wrocław, with the absinth left from the house warming party, and then the Salmiakki bottle went on, and then the Żubrówka bottle... :D

"Don't do this at home". -- As said by Alexandre F.

Autumn's last leaves

2011-11-16T13:55:00.013+01:00

Heh, nothing better than go for a walk in the park before things get "white" around here, because snow will fall pretty soon.
Wrocław, also known as the "Venice of the north" or "The meeting place", is full of parks that look awesome during autumn. During my infancy, I always dreamt of living close to a park so I could run, ride bicycle and be close to the nature. My home-town is full of skyscrapers and not so many green areas. The city mayor allows builders to build in areas meant to be preserved and that's making Salvador to look chaotic in some zones.
I think I had enough of tropical climate. It's nice to have a small dosage of each season. I don't want to sweat and stink all year, moreover sun might cause skin cancer or dehydration. It's better 'to be cool' all the time and go ski and the snow is abundant. That's pretty much what I'm going to do in the upcoming weeks in snowy Slovakia. :)

Few more (click to enlarge):

Summer Vacations in Brazil

2011-10-02T11:52:00.009+02:00

Summer vacations during Brazilian winter? Yes, I even prefer it! The "winter" in my home town is very warm anyway, so there is not so much difference in comparison to the summer but I definitely prefer +28c than +33c and the flight tickets are a bit cheaper too. :)
This time I invited few friends from my work to visit Brazil with me. It was really nice to fly with Dave, Kate, Alex and Ville. Our travel plan was to visit Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. For them it was almost 'mandatory' to pay a visit to this beautiful city watched my the famous Jesus statue. I think that to visit Brazil without seeing this statue in Rio is comparable to go to France and skip the Eiffel tower in Paris. I hadn't been to Rio since 2003 and for me was interesting too. I was being a tourist in my own country and being the guide simultaneously.
The full trip took us two weeks, but in Rio de Janeiro we had only three days. So we booked a hotel in Copacabana and visited the main spots: Jesus statue (Christ, the redeemer statue), Sugar loaf (two hills connected by a ferry-cable), Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. The nice view from the top of sugar-loaf hill is shown on the photo above.
The time spent in Salvador was more for relaxation on the beach, boat ride and for Açaí degustation. Açaí is the most tasty and healthy fruit in the world! (According to me! - very reliable source). It's rich in Sodium, Iron and Anti-oxidants! I recommend it to all people at any age. :)

This time I didn't take my own photos because I was too lazy to do so, but my friends did and shared with me, so I created a small album of photos from the trip. Just need to click here to see them. Enjoy us! :)

PS.: The guy who looks just like me in the photos is my brother, Rodrigo. He joined us in all the sight-seeing.

Kudowa-Zdrój (Poland) / Adršpach Rocks (Czech Rep.)

2011-08-15T21:58:00.005+02:00

A weekend of relaxation and fresh air in southwest of Poland. Destination: Kudowa-Zdrój - A very welcoming place full of spas and guest-houses, just 3 hours by car from the sunny Wrocław. Definitely worth a visit!!

Not so far from Kudowa-Zdrój, in the northwest of Czech Republic, it's possible to go to Adršpach for hiking (photo beside). Nice lake and rocks, a Czech paradise! Bring your camera with you whenever you decide to go there. :)

I've seen similar rocks in the German side once, not far from Dresden; which is also a choice for hiking! (I posted about this German rocks: Click here to see the post from 2008).

For full album of photos of Adršpach/Kudowa-Zdrój 2011, click here! :)

My own space

2011-08-05T10:29:00.001+02:00

I guess every person has such dream: To possess his/her own place to live and feel the pleasure to be "The king of the castle" (even if the "castle" isn't so big and sumptuous as in the fairy tales) :P
For me, it's a big triumph actually, since I'm a foreigner in Poland and I've been through very stressful situations in obtaining loan to buy a flat but I succeeded!

For a nature enthusiast like me, it was important to get a good location close to a park so I could be in contact with nature and would have a place to run, ride bicycle and get some fresh air. This is now my reality.

This photo beside was taken few months ago when it was still being built and now it's pretty much done. I will be living there within few weeks. Now I'm playing the role of a projectionist; choosing the best wood to have on the floor and designing the kitchen.

After I bought this flat, people again started asking me: "Nano, so you are staying in Poland then?" and I will always answer: "Of course!". There is no better place. :) If I would have to write why I don't want to go back to Brazil, I would have to write a separate post for it, so let's just skip it for now.

As of now, I consider myself the best person to give advice to foreigners in Poland on how to buy a flat, what banks treat foreigners seriously and the best places to live in Wrocław.

Soon, I'll let you all feel invited for a coffee or tea at my place! :)

Tatra mountains

2011-06-27T13:28:00.008+02:00

For the fourth time I had the pleasure to visit Zakopane and its surrounding mountains. Last time I've been there was during winter in the beginning of 2009. Oh, how I missed that town...
I like to compare Zakopane to Bariloche, a similar mountain town in Patagonia (Argentina); both towns have a very nice and calm atmosphere, nice restaurants and infrastructure for winter sports and mountain trekking.
The Tatra mountains aren't as high as the Alps or Andes but have their glamour. If one is lucky enough to see a bear then will have a nice story to tell later (A Tatra bear won't eat you unless it's a mama-bear with her cubes - run away!).
The weather was not so sunny and, surprisingly, storm with frozen rain caught me when I was at 1800 meters above see level, close to Dolina Pięciu Stawów. Frankly speaking I prefer frozen rain than thunder and lightning. :) After climbing down the hill, I reached Morskie Oko, the most beautiful lake in the Tatras, depicted by the photo beside. COOL TRIP!

For full album of photos, click here.

Sonisphere Festival 2011 (Prague, CZ)

2011-06-15T22:02:00.009+02:00

For those who are not aware of what is the Sonisphere Festival, I can quick describe it as series of metal concerts (mini-festivals) happening in many European capitals during summer. I normally go to the Prague edition (I was there in 2010 too). This year the main stars were: Cavalera Conspiracy, Misfits, KoRn, Iron Maiden, In Flames. (No Metallica unfortunately). Iron Maiden is touring on their "Final Frontier tour", promoting their new album, which is quite good by the way! My favorite song from this new album is entitled "when the wild wind blows". I recommend. :)
My good friends - and more than ever - party mates: Marek and Edmilson were there! We had so much fun with the "Jagermeister girls" -- The girls promoting the herbal liquor "Jagermeister" were quite nice and always smiley. Five Jagermeister shots make everyone "happy" enough before head banging! I'd like to say that Cavalera Conspiracy concert also kicked ass!! Raw metal with attitude with a plus in the end: ROOTS BLOODY ROOTS, remembering old Sepultura from 1996. Enough said. ;)

For more photos, click here :)

Riga Good Times

2011-06-03T10:55:00.013+02:00

This photo is epic and might help me expressing how much fun I had in Riga (the capital of Latvia) in the CouchSurfing event organized by local CSers. Amazing four days that I will never forget not only because of parties, heavy drinking, fun, new experiences... but also because I have made good new friends like Heikki from Finland, Navin from Sweden/Malaysia as well as Valerija (Valerita) from sunny Latvia.
With my friend from Brazil, CABECA, and my best friend from Vilnius, SIAROL, we made a mess!!! Drinking had no boundaries!! Having fun, hugging people for free! Haha! I miss it already! :)
I'm not sure if the organizers new it before (most likely yes) or coincidently there was also a "Go Blonde" parade on Saturday; all the blond girls from Latvia and also from abroad together and dressed in pink in streets of Riga. Do I have to say anything else? Good times!
Riga is one of the best towns I've visited; Nice, young and happy atmosphere. Comparable to Wrocław. Would be nice to spend more time there some day.

My carpe diem spirit was re-spawned and the soul of my age went even younger. Life is awesome.

For full album of photos, click here

Discovering Ukraine

2011-05-10T12:59:00.018+02:00

As an enthusiast in the art of exploring the wild, I knew since the beginning that a trip to Ukraine would be quite challenging for a Brazilian guy. Many young people travel to Paris, London or Madrid and then proudly say to their family and friends: "I was backpacking in Europe". I have a different point of view on this; Why not being a pioneer? Why not being a Brazilian with no boundaries? Let's make everybody eager to ask me about all the details of a nearly unknown country and get delighted with funny and interesting situations.

I flew to Kiev then.

The first cultural shock came even before getting there; While applying for a visa in the Ukrainian consulate in Kraków, I had to fill a form in Ukrainian, at least some of the fields. I had to fill the name of the inviting person and her address in the form. The consulate officer insisted that I have to fill it in Ukrainian so I had to copy from the invitation letter and it took me several minutes to 'draw' all those letters in the application form, since I'd never written anything with Cyrillic alphabet before.

On 30th of April, around 23:00 (local time), I landed in Kiev with my visa issued in Ukranian. My name written on it: "Дaнило Poдpiгес". No problems in the passport control. The taxi driver didn't speak English, nor Ukrainian! He spoke Russian only. It is explainable since Kiev (the whole Ukraine) was part of Soviet Union and big Russian influence is present even today. It will take few more decades for Ukraine to regain its identity.

Kiev is a big metropolis with nearly 3 million inhabitants, lot's of sumptuous constructions and beautiful orthodox churches with golden domes of which I won't get into much details since I'm not religious, but these churches are just beautiful monuments. An efficient metro with 3 lines for 2 UAH (single pass) without any instruction in English, only in Ukrainian or Russian. I hope they will arrange some metro instruction signs for the Eurocup 2012 when people from all over Europe might drop by to watch a match next summer. :)

I can say that by knowing the Cyrillic alphabet and having a Polish language background I could survive my first days there. Apart from the many beautiful squares and churches I also visited the local Zoo and I was very satisfied to see a Carpathian Lynx from very close and a Siberian tiger. Two of the most endangered wild cats along with the Amur Leopard.

After long 3 days of survival in sunny Kiev I took a train to Lviv, a former Polish town 6 hours away, close to the Polish border. Lviv was founded by King Danylo in the year 1256. The city is regarded as one of the main cultural centers of today's Ukraine and historically has also been a major Jewish and Polish cultural center, as Poles and Jews were the two main ethnicities of the city till the outbreak of World War II and the following Holocaust and Soviet population transfers. (Source: Wikipedia)

The town is similar to a Polish town, like Lublin. The prices are much cheaper than in Kiev and the atmosphere is very nice and calm. The town has up to 5 cinemas in which all the movies are in Ukrainian (no option of English with subtitles), the local bus is very cheap: 2 UAH, but also very crowded at all times. One thing that bothered me a bit was the lack of smoke ban in the public places. Not of all the pubs had a special place for non-smokers.

When I was leaving, I ordered a taxi through the hotel's reception desk. The taxi that showed up got had no taximeter and the driver started riding without negotiating the price. Anyway, I managed to pay a reasonable price for the ride. I won't blame Ukraine for a taxi driver because I know that taxi drivers cheat people everywhere. I got cheated by taxi drivers in New York, Buenos Aires and almost in Poland. :)

Well.. I guess my 300 photos show much more then my words, so be pleased to see nice photos from Ukrainian haunted castles and churches...

...for full album of 300 high quality photos, click here!

Next plans for a wild Eurotrip? I'm just wondering about Russia, Belarus or Moldavia. :)

"Z bardzo serdecznym słowem"

2011-04-18T10:04:00.007+02:00

I am not a philologist and I don't plan to be, but I can say that I am definitely an enthusiast of Polish language and very often curious about intrinsic details about the grammar and etymology of a given word or verb.
I have been living in Poland for nearly four years and learning the Polish language ever since. Whenever I see a misspelled word or a grammatically incorrect sentence, it somehow bothers me a bit and I normally attempt to warn and teach a native speaker to speak his/her own language properly. Because of such daring behaviour, many times people have compared me to Jan Miodek who is a well-known Polish language philologist and professor of Wrocław University. Even without knowing this man I started to few somehow connected to him through a cause; fight for a clean and correctly spoken Polish.
A good friend of mine, Marta Dyner, bought me a book with a special dedication from the master himself! The first page contains a personal dedication for me, as follows:

"Panu Danilo Rodriguesowi,
Z bardzo serdecznym słowem,
Jan Miodek 09 IV 2011"

That was cool ! :)

Brazil 2 x 0 Scotland

2011-03-27T21:36:00.004+02:00

Nice photo from yesterday's integration between Scotches and Brazilians (and Brazilian supporters like Mirek) in the pub 'Tawerna pod Kilem'. There was a football friendly match between these two nations broadcasted live, the owner opened the pub few hours earlier to host the meeting. Good Czech beer and Neymar kicking ass in the field to make us (not all of us) happy. :)

On the up row: Greg holding the Scottish flag with two Scottish chicks and Przemek, a Polish dude who didn't choose the winner team to support.

On the bottom row: Me, Mirek, Fernando.

You can click on the photo to enlarge. :)

Skiing in Filipovice, CZ

2011-02-26T20:04:00.009+01:00

Video transcription:

Hi my beloved readers! I'm here in Czech Republic (Filipovice) for one more day of Ski and first of all I'd like to tell that this is NOT a ski blog. It's just momentary that I'm posting lots of ski posts and stuff but sometimes it's better to show more videos than just write words and then my blog wouldn't be so boring, so.. I'd like to share nice view that I have right now: you can see a beautiful sunny day in Filipovice, Czech Republic, sunshine, temperature is something around -5c and not so many people so, very good ski conditions. The snow is not so icy, really.. awesome to be here, yeah, very good! All right folks, so cya! bye bye!

For full album of photos, click here

* Special thanks to Karolina Korczak for inviting me for this amazing ski day. :)

Skiing in Świeradów-Zdrój

2011-02-13T10:29:00.005+01:00

Before it is too late! Maybe in the next years skiing will be a privilege for those living in the Alps or in the High Tatras. Nowadays, during winter, in the hills nearby Wrocław the temperature are having high peaks of +10c and more artificial snow is being used.

This time, I had the opportunity to join Mariusz, Mariola and Grażyna on a one-day ski trip to Świeradów-Zdrój (two hours away from Wrocław by car). This ski track is among the best ones I've been! The ski gondolas are very comfortable and the track itself is very long and not so steep. A 3-hour ski pass costs 55 zł and toilets are for free. There is a restaurant on the top of the hill as well as in the bottom. Ski equipment can be rented for 55 zł for whole day (Skis, boots, sticks).

I took few photos and from these photos it's possible to see the symptoms of global warming: The trees don't look so snowy and the villages down below also aren't snowed at all. Temperature was around -1c and the snow layer on the track was not so thick but the quality was good though.

For full album of photos click here.

Skiing in Międzybrodzie Żywieckie

2011-01-24T11:09:00.008+01:00

This ski season has started for me a bit late since I was quite busy on December but I found one good opportunity in time. That was my 10th time on skis (of all time) and I'm finally leaving the 'amateur level' and becoming an intermediate-level skier. It takes time though. So far I haven't broken any bone nor spine (hehe), so the results are quite reasonable. Let's say that I ski as good as a Polish guy playing football (you can interpret this the way you want :P).
The snow was fresh, the weather was not so cold (around -2.2c in the early morning and -0.7c when I was leaving the ski station). I was up in the hill called "Żar" and there is only one lift to the top (747 meters from sea-level). Even tough I had a great time, I still recommend ski facilities in Zieleniec over this one in Międzybrodzie Żywieckie because there are more choices of tracks. :)

For few photos, click here.

New years eve in Prague

2011-01-03T10:52:00.010+01:00

My second new year's eve in Prague was almost like a replay of the one in 2007/2008. During New Year's eve celebrations, a real 'war' of fireworks take place in the centre, by the National Museum. A real spectacle of colour and light.

Prague is home to a number of famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of twentieth century Europe. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, making the city one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, receiving more than 4.1 million international visitors annually, as of 2009. Prague firmly holds its position as 'Capital of Eastern Europe' and it a direct concurrence to Paris in tourism. Prague's infrastructure is quite good. The central railway station is clean with no bird shit and offers direct easy connection to airport.

2011 starts with hope of a world with no nuclear war and economic crisis. This year I feel that my traveller's spirit is back and I'm already thinking about few travel destinations like Ukraine, Latvia and Estonia. Discovering Europe with no boundaries! :)

I made few photos in Prague, to see the album click here.

Snow storm (as seen from my window)

2010-12-26T19:43:00.005+01:00

I just can't get tired of this view. Let it snow! A morning spectacle of nature. Makes me feel like singing:

...
When the winter comes and the cold sets in
As the city's prone to do
They forecast heavy seas and gale force winds
That's really nothing new

When I'm falling down
Deeper than the underground
My thoughts race back to you
Again and again
...

Snowy Berlin

2010-12-20T11:03:00.009+01:00

Elegance and glamour in a city which has a lot to tell; The former centre of unending battles is an open-air museum.
I had been to Berlin for the first time in March of 2007. I remember the exact date because it was my birthday and by the end of March the landscape in Berlin is not so white as in December, but still very beautiful to see and take some photos.
The photo beside was taken in the Brandenburg gate. The famous walls of Berlin which divided the city in two used to be just behind it. They eventually fell in 1989.
For those who visit, I recommend a walk through the Tiergarten park (even if it's snowy), the Berlin Zoo (Yeah, go there see the Brazilian Jaguar and the Siberian Amur leopard!), Brandenburg gate, Berlin memorial to the Jewish killed in WWII, Wax museum, the Berlin tower etc. You will need at least two full days to see them all. If you are a fan of history maybe you will need few more days.

I took few photos and I also made a video of the Brazilian jaguar (Panthera onca) which is similar to the very endangered Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis).

Spanish nightmare

2010-12-04T23:37:00.003+01:00

I've just lived the most frustrating weekend ever! I was supposed to meet my family in Madrid and stay there for three days before heading back (with them) to snowy Wrocław.
I had a flight from Wrocław to Madrid via Frankfurt. I left work on Friday at 15:00 so I could be on time for the flight at 17:00 to Frankfurt and then connect to another flight to Madrid. Before getting on board, I was constantly checking the current situation of my next flight (the one to Madrid) on my phone. There were no cancellation nor delay remarks on it. Everything was going to be fine, but the first leg of the flight was starting to get delayed. Airport staff informed that the crew was one hour delayed because they got stuck in Wrocław's traffic jam. Why didn't the crew leave the hotel earlier? Some people just can't handle Wrocław! But even with one hour delay I would have enough time to connect my flight to Madrid. So, let's fly then!
My first big frustration came when I landed in Frankfurt and the flight to Madrid was canceled (it got canceled when I was already flying! bad luck, isn't it?). Air space controllers started a strike in whole Spain. There were still lots of uncertainties whether it was going to be long. Lufthansa arranged me some hotel for the night and put me in the next flight to Madrid at 6:55 in the morning of Saturday. After a very short night in Frankfurt (slept only 4 hours) I rushed back to the airport and got the information that the flight at 6:55 had been canceled. They kept being optimistic and put me on the flight at 9:35 which eventually got canceled too. Everybody expected some quick action from the coward government of Spain. The strike affected nearly 250.000 people. My 3-day weekend was getting shorter, and I decided to come back to Poland. I asked them to re-book my flight back to Wrocław which was originally scheduled for Monday at 20:05 to the same flight on that Saturday. When I tried to check-in later I got another big frustration: flight back to Wrocław got also canceled due to technical problems (four canceled flights for me within 24h - Am I going to Guinness book for that?) and the next flight to Wrocław was going to be on Sunday at 12:35. I went back to Lufthansa's desk and I said that I just want to go back to Poland! To whichever airport they can get me a flight to! So they offered me a flight to Poznań at 16:00. Deal. From Poznań to Wrocław the train journey took me two hours and twenty seven minutes, no delays. Nightmare ended for me on Saturday around 22:00 when I was already under my warm blanket and writing this post. I'm not flying to Spain so soon. I hate it already! :P Next time, maybe a train trip to Ukraine or Croatia. :)

White morning in Wrocław

2010-11-29T11:42:00.002+01:00

Suddenly the temperature has plunged to as low as -8c in Wrocław and, unusually, the snow layer remains still. Normally, the first snow melts within few days acting like a warning to what is coming soon. In this season snow has come for good. :)
I ordered a pizza today and few minutes later they called me back from the pizzeria saying that the driver won't deliver it since he is afraid to ride his scooter on such slippery roads. No pizza then!
The photo beside was taken from my window at work. The view from my flat isn't so different but I took the photo from work because when I leave home to work (or when I come back) it's too dark to take a photo. The days became quite short lately. "Great" news are that in January will be even colder. For tomorrow forecasts say -11c. By clicking on the photo beside you can get a larger view.

Discovering Finland #2

2010-10-10T22:55:00.018+02:00

Yes... I'm back in Finland. Surprisingly, much sooner than I expected. Just few days before first snow hits the ground.

I didn't manage to visit Turku as said I would, in the previous post (Discovering Finland). I came to Tampere on a business trip and I thought I could dedicate more time for the work itself than travelling to other towns, so I guess I will visit Turku when I come back to Finland for the third time (but when?). The thing is... I loved Tampere and there are too many places in Finland to visit, such as: Oulu, Turku, Ivalo and so on. I can't hide the fact that I'd love to live in Finland for awhile, but I don't think it's easy to be a nomad and leave Poland without looking back after more than three years living there. Once I also wanted to live in Slovakia, but it became a distant dream for me since all my plans to live there didn't work out... But coming back to the subject: Tampere's atmosphere is so nice! There is a set of basic things which are my criteria to judge whether a city is a cool place to live. Tampere fulfils it, because: a) there is a place in Tampere in which they play drum'n'bass. b) there is an amusement park with roller-coasters. c) there are IT companies for me to work in. d) metal bands do come to Tampere. e) Ryanair flies to Tampere's airport. f) women are incomparably beautiful and like metal. g) apartments in here are relatively cheaper than in Wrocław or Warsaw h) Tampere is sunny. i) lots of lakes and vegetation in the surroundings. j) it's possible to buy a super-saving 12-pack of Karjala beer in the markets... what else I might need?

I made good friends in here, specially Sampo, a cool guy who took me and the Polish staff for a city tour and invited me to Primal Fear's concert! This concert really kicked ass! We also tried some Perkele shots! :)

And, as I write this post, I see another Finnish chapter coming to its end and in few days it's time to come back to sunny Wrocław, the meeting point, because friends are waiting and there is Czech beer to be drunk next Saturday. My life is like a videogame.

For some photos, click here

Paintball

2010-09-13T10:20:00.001+02:00

Amazing Friday shooting paint-balls with friends! Nano, the Brazilian comando in war among poles! The photo beside shows our team's German-flagged uniform and two combatants; the long-haired Brazilian on the left. :) The whole event was organised by Scooby, my good evil friend (Yeah, złoo!), we did our best to shoot them out (the blue-coloured squad), but we got smashed unfortunately. I can answer, in advance, the question that you (yes, the reader) might give me: I took only one headshot! :)

Some photos (Click to enlarge):

Full album:
http://picasaweb.google.pl/Wroclaw.Citypaintball.pl/PawSkub

Sepultura in Wrocław

2010-08-18T20:32:00.001+02:00

Brazilian Metal in Wrocław. That's true! Brazil is not only carnival, sun and beaches! We bring the metal to the people!! Ha! Last Tuesday (17th of August) I attended Sepultura's concert in Wrocław and that was my third time in a Sepultura live gig (1999, 2003, 2010), but none of them with Max Cavalera on vocals. Max's band (SoulFly) also performed in Wrocław months ago but I was in Brazil! (my bad). I'm satisfied with the new Sepultura and the new album A-Lex. This year I've been being lucky so far, because my favourites songs are being played in every concert I go! Metallica performed "Disposable Heroes" and "Fade to black" this year and Sepultura performed my favourite "Ratamahatta" with additional percussion. I head-banged so hard that my neck still hurts! A big "Oh yeeeaaaah!" for that!!! :D
I'm pretty sure that I was the only Brazilian in the audience!! The only real extreme-brutal-brazilian-metal-force fan!! hehe!! Even thought it's possible to see on the photo beside, a wristband with the Brazilian flag depicted -- that was not me! :)

I found on YouTube an amateur footage of the live performance of "Ratamahatta". Please see below:

Enjoy also few photo albums from different sources:

http://filipgluch.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/sepultura-w-alibi-zdjecia/

http://picasaweb.google.pl/l.orlowski123/17082010KlubAlibiWrocAwSepultura/

Bye!

Silesian castles

2010-08-17T11:52:00.001+02:00

More reasons to visit Poland? Its beautiful castles and ruins! If you want to take nice photos and feel a little bit of the medieval spirit of centuries ago, be welcomed to Silesia (southern Poland).

I had the opportunity to visit few castles and ruins last weekend with friends from Chorzów and we started from Ogrodzieniec, beautiful medieval ruins in which heavy metal band Iron Maiden, recorded a video clip for their classic song "Hallowed by thy name" [Click here to see it]. This castle ruins reminded me the Spišský hrad (in Slovakia), it's really an open-air treasure! Next castle was the Bobolice castle, no longer ruins because it was fully rebuilt, this one has a nice natural stone gate and has a nice view to the forest. The third castle to visit was the castle Mirów, which is still not open for public visitation because needs restoration. Nice photos and pleasant weekend. Special thanks to Ania Osadnik for inviting me.

Castles that I would buy myself to start my kingdom! :)

For full album of photos, click here!

Having fun in Brazil

2010-07-03T22:00:00.001+02:00

Mission impossible? To have fun in the most intense way I can for two weeks, because soon I will back in Poland to continue with my 'carpe diem' thing! My Brazilian friends still remember me! (Nice!). I so far met again: Helton, Joanna, Felipe, Ana Carol, Dirinha, Luiz Brandao and Helio. Most of my good friends abandoned the touristic Salvador for better jobs in São Paulo (some people prefer Poland!). Was nice to watch world cup matches with family and friends even through tough times like the ones in the last match, but football is unpredictable anyway. Lots of Brazilian beer, açaí, octopus goulash(moqueca), acarajé... Brazilian specialities that I might never get enough. I would like to thank Condor airlines for having a direct (and reasonably cheap) flight connection between Frankfurt and Salvador, because I hate the airports of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Just too crowded for me! Now (July) is winter in Salvador, heavy rain is bothering that sometimes makes me think; Would I prefer to lay down and relax in the park poludniowy in sunny Wroclaw? I still have enough summer when I get back to Poland. If I was able to convince family and friends to move to Poland I'd certainly do it. :)

On this photo: Felipe Bandeira, Joanna Orrico (Kitana), Me.

"Wroclawians" support Brazil in the World Cup

2010-06-28T19:36:00.002+02:00

In Poland, but always with Brazil! That was how the Brazilians living in Wroclaw supported the Brazil's national team! (Photo on left depicts: five notable Brazilians living in Wroclaw singing the Brazilian hymn)

In the Salty square (Plac Solny) , a fanzone was set up to provide adequate atmosphere to watch the matches, to cheer up and of course, to scream: "GOOOOLLLL, PORRA!, CARALHO!!, TOMA FILA DA PUTA!!!". -- Hehehe, I know, I know... little exaggeration but that's how we do it, wherever we may roam! :)
Some Poles support Brazil and some DON'T. I guess it is motivated by envy. Incredible how I could see one Polish boy carrying a huge Ivory's Coast flag!! Never heard of any strong ties between Poland and Ivory Coast. Nothing can erase that from history: Brazil, five times champion of the World in football and on its march to the sixth! Go Brazil!

Metallica Experience #3

2010-06-21T23:27:00.000+02:00

Now I can say that my 'Metallica experience' is fulfilled. I just had my best concert ever. It was the third time I attended a Metallica concert. The setlist couldn't be any better since most of the songs Metallica has performed were from their older albums and among them were my two favourite songs: DISPOSABLE HEROES and FADE TO BLACK! The performance was outstanding and made me forgive them for the poor performance in Chorzów, PL in 2008 whereas Kirk Hammett poorly played the guitar solo of the classic RIDE THE LIGHTNING and that made me feel disappointed (seriously). James Hetfield has used an acoustic guitar to play the intro for FADE TO BLACK, and that was a big present for me, better than any Christmas gift I've ever gotten. Probably the best seven minutes of my life! :)

Was it everything? No! Since I had paid to be in the Golden Circle (the closest sector to the stage), I was less than ten meters far from the artists and I could grab James Hetfield's guitar pick that he threw to the audience while performing the song 'Sad but true'. Now I have my own relic (my precious!) that I will keep carefully, so fifty years from now, people might ask me about the best metal band of all time and I will have a lot to tell. :)

The idea of the festival was to get "The big 4" together for the first time in history! What are the big 4? Simple: Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax : The four biggest 80's thrash metal bands from California, US.

Metallica's setlist was: Creeping Death, For Whom The Bell Tolls, Disposable Heroes, Harvester Of Sorrow, Fade To Black, That Was Just Your Life, Cyanide, Sad But True, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), My Apocalypse, One, Master Of Puppets, Battery, Nothing Else Matters, Enter Sandman, Helpless(Diamond Head cover), Motorbreath, Seek & Destroy

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ALBUM OF PHOTOS

Discovering Finland

2010-06-14T18:15:00.001+02:00

As I'm waiting for my flight right now, I think I can start writing about this beautiful country. Unforgettable two weeks spent here and now it is time to say good bye and go back to Poland (Oooohhhh!). Even though I'm here officially, I had enough time to sight-see Helsinki last weekend accompanied by two friends from the same company as me: Maciej and Ville. Helsinki is a port city which has many cruise lines and ferryboat connections from its harbour to nearly all cities by the Baltic sea. The most beautiful spot in Helsinki is the Suomelinna fortress which is a fortified island used in many battles in the history of Finland and Swedish empire. Was occupied by different armies. Not so long ago it was returned to civil control and has become a tourist spot with its beautiful view to the sea and perfect place for camping or relaxation (check how I was relaxed on this photo beside). To get to this island there are ferryboats coming and going pretty often, specially during summer. If you go there some day, don't miss the "beer of the house" in Suomelinna!
Afterwards, back in the centre, there was a Brazilian-samba parade and lots of Finnish samba dancers dressed-up same way as people do in Rio de Janeiro during carnival. Nice photos were taken! I've done some unforgettable things here, for example: to buy a Mexican "burrito" for 15,30 Euros, yes it's correctly written: fifteen Euros and thirty cents. The most expensive burrito you can find. :) In the evening, time to enjoy night-life in Helsinki even though it took some time until it really looks like 'night', the days are very long in summer; sunsets around 23:00 and sunrise around 3:30. In so short time in Finland I was able to meet really interesting people. I met Kukka in the club (what was the name?), she was so kind girl and overwhelmed me by being more 'carpe diem' than me (shame on me). She also wanted to take me to the the Linnanmäki amusement park, to ride the one of the biggest 100%-wooden roller-coasters in Europe, but time was short. :( Back in Salo (115 km from Helsinki), I met Janina and Kari, a metal young couple, that were friendly enough to take me to Kari's death-metal band rehearsal! I even got from them a CD. Salo Metal rules! :)
One more thing I also would like to write is about the "Finninglish" spoken here! LOL! It's normal for a non-native English speaker to be confused with the following place prepositions: IN, ON, AT; For example: IN the shopping centre, but AT the Airport. Why not "IN the airport" ? ... Anyway, Finnish people don't have this problem because they use "TO" instead, which is not a place preposition at all! In the beginning I was confused. I called the owner of the flat I was going to live in for these two weeks, expecting to get my keys:

Nano: Hi, I just arrived in Salo. What do I do now?

Flat owner: Nice! I left your keys to the mailbox.

(For a moment I was wondering: I don't plan to get any letter during my stay here, moreover I'm not giving this address to anybody, but... whatever.)
Nano: Where did you leave them?

Flat owner: To the mailbox!!

(... FAIL! ...)

Similar linguistic issue is with the verb TO ASK. We normally say "ask SOMEBODY" or "ask FOR something". The Finnish ask FROM somebody! Nearly every Finnish use this verb like this, making it the most common English-grammar mistake among Finnish people.

Even inside the premises of the biggest Finnish company I read a sign: "If you lost some of your belongings here, ask from the security guard." -- FAIL. ;)

Next time I come, I will for sure visit Turku, the oldest Finnish city and probably the best one to have fun! I'm already looking forward to it!

Ok, most of people will skip my post and will avidly look for a link to the photos anyway, so... here it goes:

FOR FULL ALBUM OF PHOTOS CLICK HERE!

Finland: First impressions

2010-06-08T22:51:00.001+02:00

Finland, a First world country with an upper-cased "F"! Like all the Scandinavian countries, Finland is highly developed in all matters, very high human development index (HDI), no poverty in the streets, water from the tap is "very drinkable" as they told me here. It's not just tap water with high concentration of chlorine in order to make it drinkable (People do it in some countries). Finland is also very concerned about the environment; all the plastic bottles and cans are sold with a deposit of twenty Euro cents to force the consumer to return the bottle/can for recycling (ok, I've seen it in Germany as well). And what I liked most is that the whole country is like a forest! plenty of trees and lakes everywhere. I'm considering coming here to live for a longer time some day! Just need to find the right opportunity (could be a job or... a woman)!

My first impressions of Finnish people are also very positive. People have manners in here! Drivers really stop their cars for the pedestrians to cross (ok, in Norway as well but definitely not in Poland, Brazil or in Greece!) and most people everywhere speaks good English even though sometimes they might have an unique Finnish accent which is like honey for my ears when spoken by a female (no no, I'm not sexist). Their favourite sport seems to be hockey because I've seen many of them carrying hockey sticks after work, and best of all is that Finland is THE heavy metal country. Very nice bands like Korpiklaani, come from Finland!

I will make a photo album soon! It's just the beginning of my Finnish adventure. :)

Wrocław Reception Weekend #2

2010-05-27T14:44:00.001+02:00

Wrocław Reception Weekend successfully accomplished! The flood didn't reach the city centre, the weather was sunny and the people were awesome!! More than twenty foreigners joined. Weekend of diversity with people from China, Vietnam, Romania, Brazil, Slovakia, Greece, Colombia, Italy, USA and many more. I had the pleasure to host my friends from Slovakia: Janka, Dusan and Peng (actually Chinese, but living in Slovakia).
On Friday night (21st May), we had a big party in club 'Pasja' (of course, after a Slovak-style pre-party at my flat) and coming back home at dawn. After 3-4 hours of rest we had to wake-up for a sight-seeing with Magda Ostrowska, the best city-guide ever! She is able to figure out legends and tales in the blink of an eye and she was very convincing. The party on Saturday was in the club 'Melincafe' and then 'Melanż'. And, of course, we had fun until dawn.

For some photos, click here.

Upcoming Reception Weekends will be in Gdańsk and Toruń. Nice cities that I really recommend.

The Netherlands

2010-05-09T08:32:00.001+02:00

After two and a half years living in Europe, for the first time I had the opportunity to visit one of the most amazing countries in Europe. The Netherlands are an unique country due to the fact that most of its lands are situated below the sea level. Significant land area has been gained through land reclamation and preserved through an elaborate system of polders and dikes.

The Netherlands are also known among young people as the country of "sex, drugs and rock and roll", since prostitution and soft drugs are tolerated within its boundaries. I had a free city tour in Amsterdam and the guide was explaining that the coffeeshops (The place in which people consume and buy weed) are a good business and injects around three billion Euro into Dutch economy (not bad).

I planned my trip to have enough time to see the best of the country so: three nights in The Hague, two nights in Amsterdam and two nights in Utrecht. My first stop was The Hague, the political centre and, even though not officially the capital, all the embassies and diplomatic bureaus are located there. Even the queen Beatrix left Amsterdam to live in The Hague. So, for me it's like the capital. Really nice city though! I stayed at my friends' house; Leonardo and Fabio, friends since the age of five that I consider to be my cousins! Good friendship kept through decades. I was lucky to have some nice weather during my stay there because typical weather is rather rainy and grey. I ended up at the beach! And, yes, topless is common there but I was focused on the delicious squid rings that I'd ordered. I'm gourmet!! :) Second day, Leonardo took me to the beautiful medieval town of Delft! Very cosy town with a nice square. Good place to take photos like this one above. This is a traditional folkloric footwear; a good souvenir nowadays. On Monday, 3rd of May, I continued my trip as planned, by train I went to Amsterdam and visited some museums but unfortunately I couldn't go to the Van Gogh museum because it was being repaired. I rather went to the torture museum and sex museum (not so cultural isn't it?). On 5th of May I went to Utrecht to visit my Polish friend, Przemek, who showed me around and took me to a party by bike! it was like a taxi, but for free! :)
In my opinion, Utrecht is the most beautiful city in Netherlands (among these four cities that I visited) and has a youth atmosphere! Nice pubs by the canals and amazing night life. Beautiful illuminated tower at night. Really worth seeing.

I took nearly a hundred of photos:

For full album of photos click here

Wrocław Reception Weekend

2010-04-28T12:37:00.000+02:00

We invite you to come to Wrocław 21-23 May 2010 where you will meet and see many amazing places and people. More info coming soon. You can contact coordinator of the project: basia.lyson@gmail.com

Lonely ride

2010-04-03T14:50:00.001+02:00

Wrocław abandoned. Everybody is gone for Easter celebrations somewhere out of town and I'm one of few people far from home and with no company even for a bike ride. That's today's' scenario.

Riding bike reminds me the time I used to ride bike with my father and my brother. Would be nice to ride with them. I hope I won't have to wait too much till I can do it once again.

On the other hand, when I don't talk I end up thinking! Thinking about what? Many things! About how beautiful is Wrocław and how proud I am, to have chosen the best city in Europe to be!

My ride was from my flat to the Centennial Hall crossing the city centre in strategic points like Ostrów Tumski, Grunwaldzki Bridge, City hall and Zoo. It's a very sunny and warm day: +13c and, definitely, the best way to see Wrocław is by bike! I just came back from this ride and I feel like going out to do it again! I'm getting used to the loneliness, it isn't so bad.

This bike on the photo used to belong to my good friend, Michał Rusin, who left his home town to explore the world around, just like I did. And he probably can't join his family for Easter as well. So I'd like to dedicate this post not only to Michał but to all of you who took 'the road less travelled by' in life! Who faced your own fears to live your dreams!

I'm just going to Biedronka to buy some chocolate and I will celebrate Easter my way. Wesołych świąt! Cya! :)

Sto lat, Nano!

2010-03-28T11:16:00.001+02:00

What to say? First of all, thanks a lot for all the scrapnotes (on Orkut) and wallnotes (on Facebook) of people wishing me Happy Birthday! Because the amount of HBDay messages I got this year defeats the amount I got in 2007! It means I was able to make more friends keeping the good old friendships as well!

Big thanks to my friend Supreet for being the first one to call me just few minutes after midnight (when 28th of March started in my time zone) and big thanks to Dominika Nikiel and Kamila Ryzyk for being the sweetest friends and bringing me this delicious cake! It was really nice to spend the evening with them, eating cake and drinking Italian wine.

Nobody likes to get old but there is also something positive on this. Makes me think about what I have accomplished in life and what is to be done! I always like to think that way: "The best I can get in life is yet to come." -- Always trying to find out what I like to do most and trying to spend more time doing it.

By doing this, you will be taking the shorter path to your happiness. Carpe Diem. :)

Student's Conference in Kowary

2010-03-15T06:49:00.001+01:00

Back in the "wild west", land of Billy the kid and Buffalo Bill. An unconscious journey till we hit the floor... I hope you all know what I mean (LOL).
I knew it was going to be hard! On Friday, while I was going by car with friends to Kowary, PL (not far from Czech Republic's border) for a student's conference, we stopped for a moment in some shop to buy the sacred bottles, distilled and filtrated that are demanded in such conferences. :)

"Out of respect for nature, our vodka and drinkers. Promising, that the vodka we reserve, is as pure as it was thousands of years ago." -- Korpiklaani.

I took an important role in this conference; I was "the Chair" -- "Uuhh! Nano sensasja! Na na na na na na na na ee ee ee! take your clothes off!". I was very grateful for being the chosen one, to share my experiences as ALUMNUS of this student's organization and also my experiences on "how to have fun, make a mess and scare the cat". I guess I succeeded. :P

Among other good friends, Tito (my friend from UFBA) and Supreet (from India) joined me in this unforgettable experience! We all could dance, sing, make friends, take part in funny competitions and enjoy diversity! I would like to say thanks for the support (specially) to: Ola Sawicka, Paweł Solowczuk, Kasia Gniewosz, Pawel Antkowiak, Iga Szczudło (for the dirty dancing with me), Gosia Raczynska (for smiling all the time), Tito (for the free juice) and to all the girls who wanted a 'nano-kiss' to get 35 points in the kissing competition. That was very sweet.

Few photos (click on them to enlarge) :

Is Nano still messing up the east side? Definitely, YES. :)

Shooting

2010-03-09T12:34:00.001+01:00

My first shots with gun fire! After years of virtual experience playing Doom, Quake and Duke Nukem 3D, I had at last my chance to shoot *for real*! Using a semi-automatic Austrian Glock, which is a good gun for the very beginning. Soon I will be shooting from shotguns and machine-guns! hehe! no, that's not going to happen. :)

Glock handguns are common sidearms among law enforcement agencies and military organizations around the world. The popularity of Glock pistols can be attributed to a number of factors. They are very reliable, being able to function under extreme conditions and to fire a wide range of ammunition types. The simplicity of the Glock design contributes to this reliability, as it contains a relatively small number of components (nearly half as many as the typical handgun) making maintenance and repair easier.

This shooting session was part of a team event promoted by the company I work for. Therefore, my colleagues (Paweł K., Michał J., Maciej T., Łukasz S., Jakub H., Marek D.) were also there. We had some sort of small competition to find out which one of us is the best shooter! The winner was Michał. His 20 shots hit the target properly. I took the second place with 19/20, and the worst shooter had 2/20. Lots of fun! :)

Watch it:

Click here for photo album

Skiing in Zieleniec again (Season's last ride)

2010-03-07T07:10:00.001+01:00

It was so good that I had to come again! Ski has become my passion!! Last time I was skiing nightly to avoid huge queues on the lift, but during daylight it's OK to ski as well since the ski-lifts in Zieleniec are very fast and some of them can carry up to six people at once! not bad!

Get to know more about ski station in Zieleniec by accessing their portal: http://www.zieleniec.pl

I noticed that my ski skills had significant advance during these last two rides! I'm consolidating my status of 'intermediate rider', to achieve soon the status of 'Ski Ninja'. I always say: "It's a long way up if you wanna rock'n'roll!" - Never give up on dreams! :)

I would like to say a big THANKS to my good friends: Seba, Karolinka and Michał Koziak for the pleasant company in this six-hour ride! They are the best! :)

For full album of photos, click here!

Skiing nightly in Zieleniec, PL

2010-03-01T09:37:00.001+01:00

** First of all, I'd like to say 'THANKS!' to the Kubiak's for the invitation and great hospitality! **

For the second time in life I ski nightly and it was awesome since the tracks in Zieleniec are very well illuminated. Lots of fun! :)

Australian yeast cream!

2010-02-22T14:32:00.000+01:00

Just love it. Haha! Anyway, It contains sodium!
Vegemite is some sort of yeast cream that can be bought canned by Kraft foods. Very sour! I just tried some of it with bread, brought by Louisa, my Australian friend (depicted on the photo beside).

It was a great evening of fun at Global Village event, which was part of Academy of Perspectives project run by one of the AIESEC committees in Wrocław. I met as well people from Bulgaria, Armenia, New Zealand, Brazil, Uzbekistan and etc. Yeah, expanding my contact list! :)

Lately, I started to go out more often and tried to be again among my AIESEC friends. I even got invited to join the Local Committee Conference as the conference's chair, due to my experience and achievements during my learning cycle in this organization. Sharing is part of cycle. I'm constantly trying to contribute with AIESEC since I'm veery grateful for what I've achieved through it. Nano wouldn't be 'messing up the east side' if it wasn't for AIESEC. :)

I'll keep y'all posted. Cya.

Polska's Best Vodka

2010-02-19T11:37:00.002+01:00

Yes. Poland's best vodka! Quality does matter for me!

When I first bought a bottle of vodka from Poland to my father, I chose Absolwent (in English: "Bachelor"). And I got positive feedback from him.

Yesterday, I got a vodka bottle from my team leader at work:

Absolwent Luxury , from Białystok, Poland.

Four times distilled and nano-filtrated!

Definitely recommended by me! :)

( If you're gonna drive, don't drink! If you gonna drink, then call me! )

Protest or ignorance?

2010-01-31T21:11:00.001+01:00

To think about...

Brazil is well-known as the country of football, volleyball, carnival, beaches and JIU-JITSU.

I was very happy to find the Brazilian flag being sold in Poprad, Slovakia. Salesman said that many people look for that flag because they are fans of our football players.

Unfortunately, in Poland I had a small deception. People trying to exploit the reputation of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu by selling kimonos with embroidered Brazilian flag...

Ok, but... THE FLAGS ARE UP-SIDE DOWN (On all kimonos in the shop).

I informed them about the mistake, they said 'thanks', but they took no action on this.

My question: Would it be a protest or ignorance?

(Click on the photo to enlarge it).

Short interview for RedBox TV (Polish)

2010-01-29T00:10:00.000+01:00

I was just trying to explain everything. These AWF guys weren't supposed to be in such amateur league! And, like always, video editors misspelled my name again. :P

Wrocław's indoor football league

2010-01-23T22:44:00.001+01:00

Recently, I joined the Tieto's (my company's) squad in the RedBox amateur league of indoor football.
I have not been playing in 2009 and I have to restore my physical condition as well as my Brazilian football skills!
Most of Brazilian boys play football since the early age and I guess this is the main reason that made us always thirsty to score more and more goals.
I like to play with the poles, they are real soldiers during match and I have to admit that I learnt few things with them; They don't get demotivated even when we are losing (at least in my team) and that boosts the spirit of competition and teamwork! Currently, I am the top-scorer of our team with 8 goals (alongside Wojtek and Grzegorz that also have scored 8 times). We will have our last match of this winter-leg of the league on next saturday(30.01) and then a break until march. I'll keep you posted! :)

For more photos from the matches, click here!

Chile

2010-01-02T13:52:00.001+01:00

This was my second time in Chile. The first trip was in 2007 and that was my last trip before emigrating to Poland. By then, I couldn't explore nature as I wanted. Chile is a country for eco-tourism! really! 900 km driving down south and you are in Patagonia!!

Common activities in Chile are: climbing, mountain bike, body-rafting... To enjoy every second of my short trip to South America was mandatory! -- I could have changed the name of this blog for awhile to: "Nano's messing up the southern cone"! LOL!

I was driving a Toyota, V6-powered engine, 4x4. The roads in Chile are impeccably good and clean! Speed limit was a little bit boring; 120km/h which is slightly better than the 110 km/h speed limit on the Brazilians' highways. I MISS THE AUTOBAHNS! :) Anyway, nine hours after departing from Santiago, I was in Pucón, a small touristic town by the volcano Villarrica. One of the most active volcanos in the Andes mountain chain! (Yuhuu!).

When I heard of the possibility of climbing this volcano, I said: - That's beautiful!
In Pucón there is an alert system that consists on coloured-lamps with the following meaning: Green: No threat / Yellow: Evacuation recommended / Red: Eruption going on! Run for your lives!

Climbing this volcano can be easy or challenging! I was a bit unlucky due to the fact that was very windy! Hopefully, the weather was sunny in the early morning. Impressive how warm was in the city and how cold and windy was on the top. A very icy snow made it dangerous and the ice-pick was really necessary during the whole ascent which took me around five hours. Few days after I climbed it, there was an avalanche that has injured few people; a Brazilian guy at my age had his leg broken.

I can use this post to give a free advice for those who want to climb this volcano: PLEASE, TAKE YOUR SUNSCREEN!! Regardless of the fact that there is snow and is very cold up-there. UV rays are reflected on the snow and they harm the skin effectively.

Back in Santiago, time for countdown to the new decade. The 00's were very tough for humanity. The 10's start with hope, specially for the environment. I wish a happy 2010 to all my readers! :)

Santiago can be seen in the background in this photo taken during my mountain bike ride with my brother:

And then, few photos from the fireworks in Santiago:

Tutorial: How to send me an SMS! :)

2010-01-01T15:17:00.001+01:00

In order to send me an SMS, just need to fill the boxes on the left according to the instructions:

Odbiorca (Recipient): 516854328
Nadawca (Sender): your name
Tresc (Text): message

"Odpowiedz na tego SMS przeslij na:" means "Response to this sms redirect to:" - So, write a desired email address.

And after filling the captcha field with the text automatically generated, just click 'Wyslij' (which means 'Send').

:)

Did the year 2009 change my life?

2009-12-14T21:31:00.000+01:00

I think it's time to summarise how the year of 2009 and the changes it brought may have caused some impact in my life.
Did I reach my goals? I like to make this self-analysis to clarify my goals and my path for the next year. :)

Since I emigrated to Poland (nearly 2,5 years ago) my life has not tended to a routine (yet?). Each year spent in Poland has its own magic moments and 'features' (uh!). 2009 was not like a roller-coaster for me. I was not so euphoric to discover Europe and travel a lot like in the previous years... unfortunately. Let's say that I forgot a bit of my motto: "carpe diem". Why? Why staying at home on Fridays? ... a bit of demotivating times, loneliness and always wondering... Is the "Carpe Diem" thing really a plan for my life? ... or just a escape from planning it? I know that if I plan my life I will be giving boundaries to something that isn't supposed to have any boundaries. I could have only goals, so after I accomplish them I can set new ones!

Most of my workmates (at my age range) are married or engaged and they often refuse to go for a beer because wife is waiting (or even wife and kids). One day I mentioned the student's festival at University of Economics and one of them said: "we are no longer students for such parties and festivals". -- Oh god, what's wrong with them? Was this last sentence really sincere or was just a default excuse from somebody who really wants to believe that this is the real reason? My dear reader, think about that and take always the path your heart leads you to. Not the one that society does.

I can say that I will carry the Carpe Diem flag on an on.

What went well?

I made an amazing trip to Lithuania.
I successfully ran the Wroclaw Marathon.
Metallica performed my favourite song live in Dublin and I WAS THERE.
I started a relationship with a sweet polish girl.
I joined my company's team on the amateur league of indoor football.
I'm flying to marvelous Chile for christmas and new years eve with my family (I know it hasn't happened yet but for sure it will be part of the 'went well').

What has failed?

Unsuccessful attempt to go to Michael Jackon's concert in London. I had registered in the pre-sale but I failed to buy the ticket anyway. The worst news came few months later; the king of pop was dead. R.I.P.
Unsuccessful attempt to join the talent contest of my company, I would play brazilian songs on my acoustic guitar in Tallin, Estonia. I couldn't prepare demo material on time. I ordered a studio microphone that got delivered very delayed.
Unsuccessful attempt to make "Highway" (AIESEC conference) in Slovakia better than the one in 2007. The budget was too low, the organizing committee was overloaded and due to the global warming there was no snow in Poprad.
Unsuccessful attempt to get credit to buy my own flat in Poland. Due to lack of permanent resident status the banks won't give me credit unless I give a very high downpayment.

2010 ahead

I'm getting back on track for 2010! Few trips already in mind: Holland, Ukraine, Romania, Estonia and Latvia. Maybe another Metallica concert somewhere and short ski-trips!

Happy new year!!

Nano by Selma Bajrami

2009-11-16T23:31:00.000+01:00

Having fun in SLOVAKIA

2009-11-09T20:12:00.001+01:00

Let's say it was an attempt to replicate some unforgettable times. Nearly two years ago I had the best days of my life; I was enjoying and having fun in Slovakia, in the AIESEC's "Highway" Conference 2007. It's a student's conference that happens every year in Slovakia.

In November 2007, I was still feeling the magic of the Eastern Europe, my first snow in Europe, everything carried some special thing within. I had the opportunity to join Highway conference in Slovakia. Since then I'm always carrying these memories.

> See how was it in 2007 by clicking here

Two years after, I thought I could live it again. Sometimes I have this feeling: "I want another ride!". I've heard of Highway Conference 2009. I could not miss the chance and I applied as member of the organizing committee(OC), so I could have the experience again but I was pretty sure that being member of the OC would be different.

For the first time, I felt how is it like to be behind the curtains. To wake-up much earlier then the delegates because somebody had to prepare everything. I could see how good is to look beside and see that somebody is working with me. I was member of an amazing team: Janka Kupkova, Zuzka Karlikova, Tomas Semotan, Rado Pastucha, Jakub Nagy, JJ, Monika Pohlova, Martina Zuffova, Lucia Janeckova and me.

I was so glad when people that attended the same conference two years ago came to me and said: "Hey, I remember you!" - Unfortunately I couldn't remember all of them. :P

Among different kinds of tasks I had, the one that I like the most was the one depicted in the photo above. Giving beer for free (since we had free beer from one of our sponsors - Brewery Staropramen). Of course, I could drink also! I just had to interrupt my 'hard work' for a while because the OC had a team for the drinking competition! They needed my help... why not? On the photo below taken during this competition, I was wearing the Brazilian flag like a cape. :P (Click on them to enlarge)

In 2007, my drinking team lost in the first round, but this time we lost in the second round! Let's see how it's going to be in 2010! :P

Well, comparing the conference in 2007 and 2009 let's say that the one in 2007 is still unbeatable! The venue in 2007 was the snowed Tatranska Strba, not far from Poprad. 40cm of snow and sunny sky all the time. Small and cosy village, and in the very comfortable hotel 'Rysy'. But this time the conference was in the centre of Poprad, the biggest city in the Tatra's region and the weather was rainy. Damn global warming! Moreover, I missed my good friend Luis who joined the conference in 2007 as well. Would have been funnier if he was there this year as well. 2009 keeps being a very successful year in my life anyway. :)

To see the full album of photos, click here.

Monster Mash's first videoclip

2009-10-25T21:36:00.000+01:00

Polish wisdom

2009-10-09T00:02:00.000+02:00

I dedicate these Polish words of wisdom to all of you who are afraid of taking a next step in life or to all of you who don't fight against your own fears.

I would translate it as:

"Do whatever you want and don't regret! Wanted it? Then have it! Kiss yourselves' assess!"

Deep, isn't it?

Wrocław Marathon

2009-09-13T18:18:00.000+02:00

42195 meters was the distance between me and the glory. I did it! I could defeat both physical and mental extreme fatigue. I accomplished Wrocław's marathon even after one month without trainings due to a twisted ankle in July.

This marathon taught me a lot of things. And I could also confirm things that I already knew:

1. Dare! Try to do something that really scares you. Subscribe yourself for a marathon!

2. Don't start something you are not able to finish. It's full speed or nothing.

3. Aim higher than you really want to achieve. If you think you already trained enough for the day, it means that you are, in fact, half-way done.

4. The taste of a beer is a relative concept. After running all of these 42195 meters, you will drink the best beer you have ever drunk. Regardless of the brand or type. It just have to be cold enough (of course).

Now, I will write the three basic ingredients to accomplish such competition (keep in mind that you just need to accomplish it, don't try to win! There will be always some Kenyan or Ethiopian to win the competition, so DON'T BOTHER!). My three ingredients are:

1. Fuel: I wondered, how can I obtain my Açaí juice in Poland? I'm so far from Amazon (where the Açaí berries grow) that it's unlikely to be found here. However, I found some manufactured Açaí juice imported from Germany. The label reads: "Açaí mit Guarana" (Açaí with Guarana). Was expensive, but necessary. - Two bottles, please!

From Wikipedia:
"Açaí provides increased energy levels, improved sexual performance, improved digestion, detoxification, high fiber content, improved skin appearance, improved heart health, improved sleep, and reduction of cholesterol levels."

2. Fire: I call "fire", in this context, something that pushes forward. Something that comes from the soul! Some beast from the inside that can be unleashed by music. I prepared one special setlist of songs in my iPod, so I could feel the fire. I remember very well that, during this marathon, between the 21st and 22nd kilometre of the track I had a steep part ahead of me; Let's say 200 meters to run upwards. I was supposed to save energy and reduce the speed at that point. But, that exact moment I was listening to the song: "Rainmaker" by Iron Maiden and that really boosted my average speed from 10km/h to 12km/h (I had my GPS on my wrist). Anyway, don't let the music screw your performance. Try to run rationally and know how to use the force! ;)

3. Desire: The will that arises, the thirst for the glory. The will to show the subtle difference between boys and real men! How I got motivated? Believe it or not, reverse psychology may work fine in this situation. If somebody says: "You can manage!" - Probably, he or she said so just to be kind. But, if somebody tries to demotivate, can really motivate!

"It's a long way, my son... marathon is not for you." - Djalma R.

"Athlete? You?" - Kasia Ł.

"You are a weekend athlete! You are ozado!" - Karine O.

"You will give up after the first ten kilometers!" - Bruno G.

* (These sentences above were adapted to English)

Special thanks for those who really believed: Ania W., Sylwia I., Maria S., Darek K., Justyna T.

Another thing that motivated me was the fact that I was the only participant from Latin-America, so it was a big responsibility for me! Below, there is a table of participants number sorted by country:

AUS 1
BEL 1
BRA Nano
CAN 1
CHL 1
CZE 9
ESP 1
ETH 1
GBR 9
GER 18
HUN 2
IND 2
IRL 3
ITA 3
KEN 2
NLD 4
NOR 1
POL 2458
PRT 1
SVK 8
SWE 2
UKR 5
USA 9

I had six hours as time limit to reach the finish line and get the medal. However, four hours and fifty one minutes were more than enough. I'm a weekend athlete anyway... right, Karine? ;)

For full album of photos, click here.

Random fun in Wroclaw

2009-08-30T12:03:00.000+02:00

I was lately enjoying my time in Wrocław (The meeting place!) with friends from many parts of Europe! This weekend (28th-30th August) I met people from Ireland, England, Greece, Ukraine, Portugal and France. For sure it was a very funny and unusual weekend for me!

On Friday, I met students of the Polish language school. The so-called "Language cafe", however I would name it: "Language beer". Nobody orders coffee in these nightly events in Wrocław... Anyway, I was still walking towards the main square, minding my own business and then I saw a vitrine of a men's store and end up buying a waistcoat (this one I'm wearing) and I reached the meeting already following the new trends of fashion! hehe!

This meeting took place in the pub "Jaś i Małgosia". And they organized some quiz game. The questions were sorted out by subject (travel, arts, history, movies, leisure, etc...). In my team, among others, there were the Portuguese and Edyta (my teacher). We had a French guy in our team that knew all the answers about movies. This photo above shows my team trying to sort out some of the questions.

...
(Marta, representing the second team, after picking up a question card from the box, started:)
- Marta: Oh! I think this question is too hard for your team...
- Nano: Hit me, babe.
- Marta: "What is the youngest range of mountains in the world?"
- Nano: Himalayas.
- Marta: Wow! How did you know it ?
- Nano: Hmm... I know a lot of things.
...

So I met the Irish in the Language cafe, they were very friendly and I guess I made two good new friendships. Grace and Con. They like my favourite band: Thin Lizzy, therefore, they are my friends. I also met again my two Portuguese friends: Daniel and Victor! They are such guys that really want to bring down the house. Regardless of what's going on, they keep bringing more and more madogs (40ml alcohol shot with Tabasco pepper) and kamikaze (a japanese blue shot) to our table. :)

On Saturday, I was invited for a friendly match against the football representation of the neighbourhood of Brochów. After the match we had some sort of Mexican grill; instead of sausages we had tortillas. It was my first football match since my "tragic" accident two months before when I had my ankle twisted. After the match I wanted to have a picture with Luis (a friend from Guatemala) however, Antonio made us a video!

("Man, you are making a video")

After that, I went to some grocery store to buy more beer for the grill. As always, I needed to ask about the "quality" of the beer, I mean: THE TEMPERATURE!!

...
Nano: Hi, which one is the coldest Polish beer in the fridge at the moment?
Saleswoman: All of them are Polish and they are very cold.
Nano: Ok! So please I would like two bottles of these "Polish" Carlsberg's...
(they think they can fool me)
...

In the evening, my friend Con sms'ed me about a party at the flat of Jacques (One of the French who was in the Language Cafe). I was not refusing invitations at all... That party happened to be a VIP's party and I was the youngest human being attending. Nice wine and cheese! I kinda like these VIP parties! I really could join more often.

After the wine and cheese bash we all went to some club. Yes, "some" club. Because I didn't see the name of it anywhere, but it was close to the theatre Capitol. Once again I was fashion! Check it out:

Grace and me.

On Sunday I tried to rest, save energy for monday and I always also wondering how to post about this weekend. What to write and what to keep for myself! ;)

Wrocław - "The Polish Venice"

2009-08-09T21:10:00.000+02:00

After visiting many nice cities throughout Europe and promoting them on my posts, I just felt like a tourist again in Wrocław with my guests who are NOT really from Lublin, but from Siedlce (not far from Belarus). They are: Kasia and Natalia.

- Nano, what was the best choice you have ever taken in your life?

- Wrocław.

It's very sunny in here and very beautiful. It's the eastern Europe's Venice. Lots of canals and beautiful small bridges connecting everything. I'm very grateful for the visit of my friends. I really had a perfect weekend! I hadn't seen the new illuminated fountain in the centennial hall (Hala stulecia). Amazing spectacle!

Among other moments of fun, we had a boat ride on Oder river ("Odra" in Polish), and the hunt for gnomes in the city centre (We couldn't find all of them but we had fun anyway). Oh! And preparing spaghetti al Pesto listening to Thin Lizzy! great fun, moreover we also had time for my own performance of Whiskey in the Jar on the guitar! Another "kitchen serenade" :)

On saturday we went to the Brazilian restaurant in the city centre, and I've introduced them to the "Pao de queijo" prepared by chef Marcelo, as well as "Moqueca Baiana" - yes! dende oil in Poland! Pitty that there were no Guava nor Mango juice! Maybe next time?

** Attention - My Wrocławian friends liked my post, however they asked me to write about one small difference between Wrocław and Venice, here it goes: WROCŁAW DOES NOT STINK! :)

Few photos for y'all:

To see the full album of photos, click here.

Dublin (+ Metallica concert)

2009-08-03T19:11:00.000+02:00

Unique chance to see Metallica again (yeah!), visit Dublin and drink few pints of Guinness which is one of my favourite beers. Two hundred and fifth years of tradition (precisely on this year). The brewery 'Guinness' established in 1759 by the young Arthur Guinness is a strong mark and its beer is widely known throughout the world. I had the chance to visit the headquarters of Guinness Inc. at St. James's Gate, Dublin 8. There's a possibility to make a tour inside the storehouse. Tickets cost fifteen euros for adults and eleven for students. Includes one pint of Guinness at the end.

Dublin has the highest density of Polish people that I've ever seen out of Poland (And I've been to cities like London and Edinburgh). I could speak Polish in the hostel and when ordering a cheeseburger at McDonald's. I'm now wondering... When will they claim for independence and make Ireland an annex of the Polish territory? So I would be able to move to Dublin only with my Polish Resident Card. :)

Dublin is really a very pleasant city, except for the prices! Everything is at least four times more expensive than in Warsaw (which is the most expensive city in Poland). If you earn in zloty like me, do the math carefully before flying there. :P The spots I visited in Dublin were:

City center (Mostly O'Connel St. and Grafton St.) - Definately worth go for a walk, don't forget your umbrella.

Dublin's Castle - Not medieval, rather contemporary. Not so interesting to see unless you are passing by.

Guinness Storehouse - Already described in the beginning of the post. I highly recommend.

Phoenix Park - Nearly the size of Dublin's centre itself. Nice green field for relaxation. Dogs not allowed. I recommend too.

Phil Lynott's statue - A "rock" tourist spot on Grafton Street. Phil was the Lead singer of Thin Lizzy. Died in 1986.

Was just a weekend, I couldn't do more. The concert was tiring... Oh, the concert

Dublin is the city of Thin Lizzy, my favourite band. This t-shirt I was wearing on the photo above was a gift from a friend who also likes Thin Lizzy. That t-shirt was responsible for my "success" in Dublin. Many people on the streets came to me to say things as: "Thin Lizzy is the best band, dude!" or "Yeah! Tonight there's gonna be a jailbreak!!" (Which is part of the lyrics from their famous song: "Jailbreak").

Thin Lizzy was(is?) one of the main influences of Metallica's James Hetfield who liked to perform alongside them whenever Metallica is in Dublin. Unfortunatelly, Thin Lizzy couldn't even perform on saturday due to an injury on the back of their drummer. Metallica just performed the Thin Lizzy's classical 'Whiskey in the jar' on their own (See video below).

Metallica performed at Marley Park in Dublin with Avanged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains and Mastodon. It's the Death Magnetic's tour. The setlist had twenty songs, including "Killing time" featuring the lead singer of the band "Sweet Savage" and four songs from the new album:

All nightmare long

The day that never comes

Cyanide

Broken beat and scarred

I recorded part of the performance of the song "Whiskey in the Jar" which hadn't been performed by Metallica for a while:

People started asking me already: "Nano, where is your next stop?" - My parents started to worry about me. They think if I keep travelling a lot I will be fired from work! hehe! I'm just trying to accomplish my mission! Several countries yet to be visited. Stay tunned. :P

For full album of photos from the sightseeing and the concert, click here!

Lisbon

2009-07-27T21:14:00.000+02:00

"I like cities that apparently are smiling to you when you look at them." - Philippe Rother (a CouchSurfer that I met in Lisbon). I liked when he said so. I felt the same about Lisbon.

Lisbon is the westernmost capital in mainland Europe and has nearly half-million inhabitants. The 'Lisbonians' invented the "Pastel de Belem" which is a very taste type of egg tart found throughout Portugal's pastry shops or cafés. Whenever I go to Lisbon I go to the very first place where it was produced, in the neighbourhood of Belem. That's where the name comes from. Six units (of the original) can be bought for 5,40 Euros.

I was lucky to join some CouchSurfing meeting that was about to happen and I could sightsee Lisbon with good company! I talked in Portuguese to a Chinese girl which is Portuguese speaker from Macau. That doesn't happen much often actually! And also I met a Turkish guy who loves Poland and saluted me in Polish, I was again treated as a Żubrówka drinker! hehehe!

Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to see Lisbon. Poland was waiting for me. Next time I'll come back to Portugal it won't be on summer! This global warming kills me! :P

To see more photos click here, to check the full article about Lisbon on Wikipedia, click here.

Small video: "Buying the originals Pasteizinhos de Belem"

Recovering

2009-07-21T02:24:00.000+02:00

Getting back on track, just took my first step: I bought proper shoes which are more than necessary to boost my performance after this unexpected interruption in my trainings. I still can't play football, but I can go jogging (if carefully).

This toy on the photo beside, is a japanese Mizuno©, Wave Creation® series, my favourite. There are no MIZUNO shoes in Poland.

People shall later complain: Why did I vanish from the map? (No answer) - I had my best secret mission ever! Crazy times with friends somewhere far. A place for meditation, infection, curation and revitalization. Yes, I defeated Influenza A, lost 3 kilos and fought acute bronchitis. I got my ankle to work properly again and made two small surgeries on my back. I can say I'm new man now, let's say: Nano 2.0

Below, I celebrate with my friends. From left to right: Alan, Valdeir, Me, Daniel, Guigo, Celino. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Another challenge for the Marathon runner

2009-06-27T11:19:00.000+02:00

What does life consist of? Challenges!

As I was running against time with my preparation for the Wrocław marathon, life just did its job by adding the unpredictability to it.

What about having a twisted ankle?

What about spending some days in full reclusion?

What about big storms in town, just to prevent my friends from visiting me?

And in a few seconds, during a football match, everything was set. Fortunately, no broken bones. The official diagnosis from the doctor was: mocne skręcenie (strong twisting) - Cool! no amputation required! :P

On the other hand, was nice to know that I can count on my friends whenever I need them. Even under thunder storms my friends came to visit me and brought me wine, vodka, chips and juice. My private Polish language teacher (Mrs. Justyszczyn) will come to my place to give me the lessons. Flatmates are being very helpful and always asking if I want something from the shop. Seba, Mirek and Darek from my company are helping a lot with "logistics". :)

Thanks, friends!!

Wroclaw Marathon will happen on the 13th of September. See you there.

Lithuania

2009-06-15T17:37:00.001+02:00

A big discovery for me. So close to Poland and so beautiful. Welcome to Lithuania!

The journey was quite long until my final destination (Kaunas). Six hours by train from Wrocław to Warsaw and then six more hours by bus to Kaunas. I departed at 16:35 (10th June) and arrived at 6:00 (11th June). The bus ticket (one-way) from Warsaw to Kaunas costs nineteen Euros. The best way to get to Kaunas from Poland.

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, with less than half-million inhabitants and is a fast-growing tourist spot in the Baltic countries.
When I arrived in Kaunas central station, my first impressions were very good: Toilets impeccable clean, for free and illuminated by blue neon lamps which made me feel like being in a discotheque's toilet(!).

The first signs of receptivity came in the early morning right after my arrival. It was 7 am and the banks were still closed. I needed to exchange some money so I would be able to have breakfast. I went to some coffee house in the old town to ask for information about where to exchange money. The first 'news' given by two young ladies working there was that I would have to work few hours to exchange money. On the other hand they offered me a Latte Machiatto for free which I quickly accepted. :)

When I finally exchanged money I did some sightseeing in Kaunas. I visited this castle (photo) and few churches. After that, I met two Portuguese girls who I was given the contacts before, so I could do sightseeing with them also and try some Lithuanian food. It's common to order some fried bread with melted cheesed and some potatoes with meat inside. Not so exotic food but heavy. My Lithuanian friends Lina and Agne hosted me at their place and took me out to get to know the night-life in Kaunas. We went to 'Dzem Pub' where I could meet many people from abroad, including one Brazilian girl that I had met before in Sao Paulo in 2006. This is what I call: "Tiny world".

I also visited the capital city Vilnius for a day-trip, which is only one hour away by train from Kaunas. The trains in Lithuania are very new and clean (as you can see in the some of the photos inside the photo album), and the instructions in the train station are given through the speakers also in English language. Lithuania is more prepared for tourism differently than few countries in this part of Europe...

On saturday(13th June), I went to some wooden house in the middle of nowhere with Agne's friends, to have fun, listen to music, play games and drink. I met interesting people too and increased my chain of contacts in the Baltic! :)
I heard from them that Riga (Latvia's capital city) is also an amazing place to visit. When I come back to that region I will for sure visit also Riga and maybe (why not?) Estonia.

Lithuania was for me a nice trip, to be kept forever in my memories.

For full album of photos click here.

Tornadoes in Wrocław

2009-06-09T17:44:00.001+02:00

I was walking back home from work after a tough day. It was very windy and, when I was approaching the building I live, the winds became stronger and I heard a thunder. I saw the leaves on the ground as the wind blew them, they moved with some rotation. The temperature had reached +24c, but it was not summer yet and by the end of day, winds brought the chill.

The day was ready for the perfect storm!

When I look up toward the city centre I saw the big storm cell and funnel clouds. I spotted a multi-vortex tornado!

A multiple vortex tornado is a type of tornado in which two or more columns of spinning air rotate around a common center. Multivortex structure can occur in almost any circulation.

I couldn't see the funnels in their entirety from the ground because in my neighbourhood there are many buildings. So I ran to my flat attempting to make nice photos from my window (I live on the 9th floor). Unfortunately, the tornadoes were dissipating, and the best photo I could make was this one beside, whereas the funnel in the centre was still touching the ground. The rest of the photos are from the storm cell and phenomenal cloud formations.

I have a small request to my all my beloved readers: If you have more photos from this storm, specially from the funnels, please share.

For the rest of my photos, click here.

wROCK Festival 2009

2009-06-08T00:28:00.001+02:00

wROCK festival! Amazing opportunity to see great Polish bands such as Acid Drinkers and Coma.

The venue was the "Wyspa Słodowa" - one small island in the heart of Wrocław. The festival took two days however I joined only on sunday, which was surprisingly sunny after intense rain on the previous days.

My newest friends Michał(PL) and Alicja(CA), joined me. They are uniquely random people. (In a positive way) - Hard to describe - Let's say they are sort of people that if you throw a tomato on them they will find it funny, laugh for awhile, and then they will make juice out of this tomato and drink it (And eventually ask for more) - Yes, my new friends they are. :)

In this concert, Coma performed more songs from their latest album: Hipertrofia, but they performed old classics also! Such as: "100 tysięcy jednakowych miast" and "spadam" - It was a pitty that didn't play my favourite one: "Leszek Żukowski" - Maybe next time!

I made a small video (below):

From left to right we have: Michał, Alicja, Jacek. - They don't know the THUNDERCATS! Bastards!! :P

Never had my own bus

2009-06-04T22:15:00.000+02:00

Where are going after all? Let's go to Danilowski Square!!

I was going to ask them to name it "Nanowski Square" - But it can be "Danilowski". No problem! ;)

When I first looked at this bus I was wondering... the only Danilo that I know in Poland is myself! As "Danilo" is originally an Ukrainian name (Данило) and I heard that in Poland there are "Daniel's" even though I've never met any.

I never took my "own" bus! Because I have a tram pass only. I don't know where it would take me to.

Reception Weekend in Łódź + Tramwajada

2009-05-24T08:25:00.001+02:00

One of the best events in Poland lately! :)

For full photo album click HERE

Remarks / Comments:

Sorry for my broken English.
Sorry for my broken Romanian.
Kanu is a football player from Nigeria, actually that guy in this video is not Kanu - Was just a joke.
"La camiza negra" is a famous colombian song. Of course I could see that her t-shirt was pink.
I'm not a gay neither!!

Duke Nukem to be forever remembered

2009-05-15T10:15:00.000+02:00

The video game DUKE NUKEM, the best video game of all times, got a reportage in the Polish newspaper "METRO". However the news were not so good. The company who developed the game, 3D Realms, went bankrupt and no longer exists. Another company holds the copyright for Duke Nukem character which also didn't mention any further move on it.

Duke Nukem had his golden age when the DUKE NUKEM 3D was released, in 1994. First version of the game based on 1st-person 3d games, as well as "Doom", "Wolfstein 3D", "Heretic"... Duke had unique personality of a die-hard american hero who had to protect earth from the aliens who invaded to make a mess and "steal" the hot chicks from our planet for bizarre experiments.

Who didn't enjoy the way how Duke use to express himself over the anger he had on the aliens? And memorable phrases that made it more than a game, but a lifestyle!

"Nobody steals our chicks... and lives!"
"I'm Duke Nukem and I'm coming to get the rest of you, alien bastards!"
"Your face, your ass... what's the difference?"
"Let god sort them out."
"Damn, that's the second time those alien bastards screwed my ride!"
"It's time to kick asses and chew bubble gum... but I'm all out of gum!"

And my favourite one:

"Shake it babe, do you wanna dance?"

Long life, Duke Nukem.

Kitchen serenades... nightly

2009-05-05T21:07:00.000+02:00

"...
Lonely boy
I'm writing
Lonely girl
Looking for a lonely girl
Lonely hearts
I'm lonely
Lonely souls
I've got problems you can solve them
Lonely girl
I'm writing to Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
For I'm a lonely soul
Yours sincerely
Lonely boy

Lonely girl
Lonely hearts
Lonely souls
One lonely boy
Is looking for another
Lonely girl
To love one another
Lonely hearts
Answer me
Answer my plea
Answer me
Lonely boy
Looking for a female
Lonely girl
..."

Wrocław Guitar Festival + Deep Purple concert

2009-05-02T14:27:00.000+02:00

There is always something going on in the meeting place. Yesterday, thousands of guitarists went to the city center to join many guitar-based events and workshops. It was the Wrocław guitar festival! In the evening, legendary rock group Deep Purple performed for events' "gran finale".

I was expecting my friends from Zakopane who would come for the concert only. I wasn't planning to go to this concert because lately I'm saving money for my Metallica trip in August. However, there was an irrefutable offer from the event organization: For all the guitarists who can play the songs: "Smoke on the water" (Deep Purple) and "Hey Joe" (Jimi Hendrix) - Tickets to the concert can be purchased for as cheap as 9 Euros. Just need to come with a guitar and show it. - That was so cool! I was going to the center with my guitar when my friend, Sylwia, called me and said: "I got Deep Purple tickets for you!" - Ended up being much easier than I expected. One lesson I took from it. Being a guitarist is not enough. I also have to be fast! :)

The concert was cool even though I couldn't get a nice view. Unfortunately, I forgot to recharge my phone (which is my official camera) and I couldn't take photos from the concert, just took few photos before getting inside the venue and the battery was dead. On this photo, there are two of my friends from Zakopane: "Avril Lavigne" and Basia. Haha, she says Avril is too thin for them to be alike, moreover Avril is emo. :P

Still counting the minutes for Dublin's bash! stay tuned.

"Work in international environment"

2009-04-19T20:13:00.000+02:00

This title above was taken from the job advertisement when I found it.

However, it doesn't sound so international for me. :P Besides, the team thinks I'm half-polish or lived here since early age. They speak no english to me, and one of them presented me some documentation in english about the following project and asked me whether I would be able to read that doc to the end... hehe. I politely answered that I could manage it. :P

Working with the polish staff is cool. They know how to have fun and work at almost the same time. Well prepared for fun, the room 1C05 has calendars hanged on the was (naked women's calendars ofcourse) and a dart board for practice and relaxation. :)

Everyone who's able to develop software in C# is invited to join this "international fun ambient" - CVs, send them to me. :)

They are bringing the metal to the people, my friends!

2009-04-18T10:31:00.000+02:00

Run! Don't miss the chance! Metallica will be performing alongside Alice in Chains and Thin Lizzy! This will be the metal bash of your life!! Don't forget your bottle of whiskey! Because they will play the song "Whiskey in the jar" for sure. Ahaha! :P

August 1 Dublin, IRL - Marlay Park

Tickets for this all general admission show are now available via www.ticketmaster.ie
Other acts performing include Alice In Chains, Thin Lizzy, and more.
Tickets are € 76.50 + fees and those under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Please note the venue change from Fairyhouse Racecourse
You can purchase up to eight tickets during the general onsale

Useful links:

www.ticketmaster.ie
www.ryanair.com
www.metallica.com

See you there!!

Mountain Biking in Bystrzyca Kłodzko

2009-04-13T23:30:00.001+02:00

"...Never was the kind to do as I was told, gonna ride like the wind, before I get old..." - from the song "Ride like the wind", written by Christopher Cross.

Exactly what I did. Why being at home if I can enjoy speed and ride like the wind? -- First of all, I would like to thank Magda Kubiak (wearing green on the photo) for the invitation to join her family during easter celebrations! Eeee!! :)

Magda and her family live in such beautiful house in the hills. A house which was left behind by the germans after the WW-II, and still preserves the original german look from outside. The village is called "Stara Łomnica", eight kilometers away from Bystrzyca Kłodzko. I ended-up invited to come back again during summer, so I can have Malinówka prepared by her mother. :)

By bike, on saturday, we took a 25km track in which one-fourth of it was a tough uphill with small breaks to finally reach a sanctuary in the top of the hill (850m from the sea level), and then a hardcore downhill enjoying the view and the waterfall. Couldn't take the best of my "downhill skills" because my rear-break was not so effective, and the combination of: Speed + Front-Break Only + No Helmet, wouldn't bring nice results. :P

On sunday, I had a special easter breakfast, polish-style, with special soup called "Żurek", and blessed eggs (really blessed), and cakes! Even though, I have no religion I went to the church to see the ceremony. Many people come carrying baskets full of painted eggs (several colours) and then the priest pours blessed water in each of them and then when people are leaving the church, some fire-fighters are waiting outside with the their helmets in position to get some "contribution" (for what? was the church on fire at first place? eheh), so they get few painted eggs as easter gift. :P --- Traditions are weird!

Ahead with the training, Wrocław Marathon is comming soon. :)

For the full album of photos, click here.

New job, wider horizons

2009-04-04T12:27:00.000+02:00

Expanding possibilities for me! New job, new opportunities. :)

Yesterday was my third day in a finnish-swedish IT nearshore outsourcing company with more than 16,000 employees in 30 countries. I'm the only american (person from the continent "America"), allocated in Poland. :P

My workmates are nice, friendly and, some of them, very funny.

The position I am holding currently is entitled Software Engineer.

My duties and responsabilites are:

Participate in modelling and documenting of software architecture.
Participate in planning of implementation details.
Responsible for designing, implementing, testing and documenting software according to given specifications, or similar task related to the area of specialization.
Describe system requirements and specify functional requirements (use cases).
Describe user interfaces and business classes.

Best impressions as possible. Let's see what is yet to come. :P

After my first friday, I went for a beer with two more people, their names cannot be revealed for safety reasons eheh. One of them attempted to arrange a party in the second office and called a third person:

...
- Hej dude? Let's make a party in the office?
- Daniel is here!
- Daniel????
- Danielo! He is listening too.
- Who the hell is Danielo?
- He's our.. our.. brand new workmate.
- I don't know...
- But listen, listen.. he is fan of football!! He is canarinho!!
- Oh, I love football. I've been playing it all my life.
- Listen, and he has lots of.. you know.. hot chicks. One phone call and they will come.
- Cool, just buy some beer and come.
- Seriously?
...

Hehe, conversation was something like that. Check the (almost) full conversation in WAV format by clicking here.

Weekend in Brno, Czech Rep.

2009-03-30T14:45:00.001+02:00

I spent my 26th birthday in the beautiful city of Brno, east of Czech Republic, in the Moravia region, two hours away from the Slovak capital, and four hours away from Wrocław.

I had my last discount as a "<26" person when I bought my bus ticket to Brno. It is somehow good because incentives bike trips! :) Just kidding.

In Brno lives my good friend Barbora (photo), who kindly accepted me as her guest and took me for sightseeing in this amazing city. I was lucky to have one sunny day among so many rainy days lately. Due to this weather condition, we had an amazing view from the Spilberg's castle on the top of the hill, including the view to cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Which is the main postcard of Brno.

On friday night (27th March), there was a ball of her (Barbora's) college and we had the opportunity to attend. Pairs dancing and a band playing Czech dancing hits... Oh, how I missed my bazooka! :)

The sweetest part of the trip was my birthday present, prepared with love. Dozens of tasty candies whose recipe was kept throughout the centuries by the Slovaks. Part of their culture. :P

Brno reminded me the city of Salzburg (Austria). Very clean, pacific and with a nice atmosphere. I recommend for sure. :)

For full album of photos click here

Evidences of anti-racism groups in Poland

2009-03-22T13:09:00.001+01:00

Here in Poland, sometimes I see nazi suasticas drawn in the walls or some stickers of the racist group 'White pride'. Surprisingly, when I was going by tram to some party I saw this sticker (beside). There is hope, at least, that one day racism will become an obsolete concept.

I know this is not my war, but everybody's. Racism has been losing this war through the years. Lately, big evidences of this are everywhere. We now have a black-descent man as the most powerful man in the world, an also a black-descent F1 champion. (Even though Massa was supposed to win that championship, but nevermind)

Better than protest against something, is to promote something good. When the manifest is pro-something, it's more susceptible to succeed.

Let's be pro-peace then. :)

Ok, I wrote too much for a boring sunday! For all my blog's readers: Have a nice week!

Nano, are you eating well?

2009-03-21T00:25:00.000+01:00

Mama always asks it. Regardless of any other issue or difficulty he may be having here in Poland, the most important issue is the physical integrity of nano.

nano is ok.

Frustrations lately could have affected his mood, but his perseverance and hope will overcome them. His vision of life hasn't changed, still very enthusiastic with integration and immersion into Polish society and culture. Has lately enrolled himself for private advanced lessons of Polish language (as there is no Romanian language course in Wroclaw) and has also bought a book: Bram Stoker's Dracula, as an attempt to broaden his vocabulary.

Tomorrow he will promote his tropical country to Polish students intending to go abroad by showing videos, photos, current available internship positions in Brazil through the AIESEC platform and by answering all the questions they might have. If the weather allows, he will also play football with his friends. Life goes on.

Oh! about the food!? Cereals, light yogurt, banana with honey, toasts with cream cheese, carrot juice and coffee from south america for breakfast. At noon, frozen vegetables with rice, chilli and soy sauce. Cola or wheat beer to be served with. All the Omega3 needed he gets from restaurants.

Bye.

Local Committee Conference (Kowary, PL)

2009-03-10T21:41:00.002+01:00

I didn't want to look like Al Capone, but Zuzka probably did want to look like a peasant maiden and therefore succeeded. It was the second day of the Local Committee conference of AIESEC in Wrocław. Unfortunatelly didn't take too many photos because my Picasa® account is about to explode. And I need to save space for the upcoming concerts! (...) Oh, talking about concerts... I've just subscribed for the pre-sale of tickets to Michael Jackson's concert in London. Let's see if I can get some. I just wanted some excuse to visit UK again.

Oops, sorry! focus focus focus! This post is about the conference. (...) The conference! right! We all went to Kowary, in the hills down south of Wrocław, close to the Czech border. The conference was basically for two reasons: Introduce AIESEC to new members and elect the new executive board.

AIESEC Committee in Wrocław had the best exchange results during the previous term among polish committees. Which I'm proud of, but I can't say I've helped them directly because I came to Poland in 2007. So, I'm out of the statistics. However, I influenced at least three other trainees to come. So, I deserve my beer too!! :P.

This conference had specials guests from abroad such as Johannes (Local committee president of AIESEC in Vienna), Me (Kicking-ass trainee from Brazil, brak skromności na chwilę) and the girl from Nigeria which I forgot the name again!

Well the most enjoyable thing in this conference were the parties, that you can see photos by clicking here.

Having fun throughout Poland

2009-03-01T21:29:00.001+01:00

(My) Life consists in having fun. Better if I do it surrounded by good friends all around Poland! Since I got back from my trip to Brazil, I've been travelling all around. My first stop was Zakopane, in the very south of Poland, close to the Slovak border. My intention was to visit my friends Łukasz and Dorotka and go ski!! One day I will be better skier than football player but it will take some decades. :)

In Zakopane I stayed for four nights, skied twice during my stay, one of them was in the evening however I don't recommend if the lamps are not so strong because it will be difficult to see the small holes in the tracks that would lead you to a certain fall. The amount of snow in Zakopane was considerably high. More than one meter of precipitation. Zakopane is for sure a special town, I will drop by more often. :) - Special thanks to Dorotka!!!

Second step of my trip was Lublin, to visit my 'luksusowe' friends: Ewelinka, Marta and Ania. Nine hours and twenty minutes travelling by bus from Zako. Lublin is in the east part of Poland, close to the Ukrainian border. Would be my second time in Lublin and my second frustration there. The weather was terribly rainy just like the previous time, couldn't go ski. No luck for me in Lublin at all. But despite of that, the receptivity of my host Ewelinka was nice and I had a great time there.

Third step (and final step) of this small Polish journey was to join the "MEGA Conference" in Częstochowa, a conference about entrepreneurship. Two nights. Lots of experiences and fun. I've done good friendships, specially with Piotrek aka "Mr. DJ" and Fenger, from Chicago. Pitty that I didn't have the opportunity to visit the city center and places. Maybe next time.

Some photos from Zakopane (click to enlarge):

Some photos from the conference (click to enlarge):

Well then, life goes on and I'll keep on the road. Next stops? Stay tuned!!

Ultimate bash

2009-02-14T01:10:00.001+01:00

Five guys, one mission: Do the mash within thirty days! Why thirty days? Because it's the length of my vacations in Brazil. We just had one rehearsal with all of us and the ar-conditioning was broken. So we had only this sauna-rehearsal to get ready for this gig, but was fun anyway. :P

Last time that we, The Monster Mash, performed live was in August 2007 and we never thought we would play again. Fortunately, we have achieved this dream and now the band plunges into another hibernation because not only I left the country but also Dadau, our lead singer, is going to Australia and Amine, our makeup artist, is going to England. Only time will tell whether there will be a reunion. For now, we keep the memories. Besides, Monster Mash without me and Dadau is like Metallica without James and Kirk. Hehehe.

For this gig there were few changes on the setlist: song "witch hunt" was removed and two songs were added: "hybrid moments" and "some kinda hate". My t-shirt was so cool - note on the photo that it encloses the name of the band and a skull. The makeup has also slightly changed. It was supposed to make us look as the undead but it rather made us look as Pandas. More luck next time. Amine was late anyway!!

I would like to thank all my friends who joined the gig and specially Leandro and Heleno who accepted my invitation to come up on stage and sing along the song "die die my darling". It kicks ass.

Below, a video of the song "Hate the living, love the dead".

I like the backing vocal line, one of my favourite songs.

"Put me together with the bodies of the dead, and I will wait for life and breath again... Scalpels, scissors, stitches, skin. Wake this eternal sleep she's in. And we'll breed for you, on your command ... "

For full album of photos, click here.

Boat ride in the bay of all saints.

2009-02-04T13:13:00.002+01:00

Warmth of Salvador + sun + my uncle's new fast boat + blessing from all the Orixás = amazing boat ride in the bay of all saints!! Full speed or nothing. LOL.

On my last 'sun-based event' in Salvador, I went for a boat ride in the bay with my family, to scape from crowded beaches and rest peacefully on one of the beautiful islets around. For this ride we've visited two islands: Itaparica and Frades. Ilha dos Frades has those transparent waters, slightly green. Almost like a swimming pool. Itaparica is good place to devour an octopus goulash which is, by the way, my favourite dish.

I definitely recommend Salvador for tourism, I myself felt a little bit like a tourist during this trip. I was taking so many photos as if it was something out of this world for me. Beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes... evertything so casual for somebody who lived for 24 years in such place. But time is running out, and within few days I will be flying back to Poland for more adventures and fun. I will try to slow down my Eurotrips this year, lol, I'm serious. I will try to focus on my career (Mom likes to read such things about me, becoming a serious boy. lol.).

For full album of photos click here!

Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil

2009-02-02T22:22:00.002+01:00

Sun, beach, coconut water... and sunscreen of course! Praia do forte became very popular through these decades because of "Projeto Tamar", which consists in a special facility to aid and care for the sea turtles helping its reproduction on the beach.

I guess this was my fourth time visiting this place, and now I see how things have improved around there and how important is the role of this project in the society. Now there's a special zoo for sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and some fishes. What differs it from other zoo-like facilities is that people can interact, help feeding the sharks, touch the stingrays and watch the birth of sea turtles.

Do you know that for every one thousand sea turtles returned to the sea after birth, only two or three reach the adult age? And do you know that turtles can live to the age of two hundred years? Do you know that turtles are able to remember the same place where they were borned so they come back to the same beach for reproduction? Oh no, you don't believe it, but that's what they say. :)

Unfortunatelly I missed the shark feeding because *surprisingly* they were not hungry!! Not so common! I've never seen sharks on a diet. So I ended up enjoying beach tennis and kayak ridewith my brother.

The photos of the baby-turtles are so cool. Click here for the full album of photos.

Alanis Morissette's Concert

2009-02-01T17:57:00.002+01:00

Outstanding live performance in Salvador! Alanis came here for the first time to show everybody that she's still on top!

She's recently released a new album entitled: "FLAVORS OF ENTANGLEMENT". However, most of the fans enjoyed more when she sang old classics from 'Jagged little pill' album, which is, by far, the most successful among her albums. My favorite is the one she released after this; "Supposed former infatuation junkie". The song "Thank you" from this album was the chosen song to finish the concert.

The 'Salvador summer festival' is the biggest music festival of the whole northeast of Brazil (apart from Carnival, of course) and from time to time, brings international attractions to Salvador. The venue has the main stage, the samba hut (tenda do samba), techno house and smaller stages with ascending bands. Entertainment for everybody.

Yesterday during the concert, even among 200.000 people (my estimation), it was easy to meet old friends and colleagues everywhere. Best of all was to know how people remember me a lot:

Nano) Hej, Monica!! How are you doing!??
Monica) Nanooo! Nice to see you again, how are you doing in France??
Nano) France?
...

I also met Lica again, randomly, for the second time during my short stay here. Such a small village is Salvador!! :P

Full album of photos, click here

Below, she sings "Uninvited":

Returning to the nest

2009-01-18T20:56:00.002+01:00

After a long time, nothing better than sleeping on my own bed. Thinking of all the things I've been through during these 17 months of adventures, love, travels and mess.

I took a photo of my bed's headboard, which was kept intact since 2nd of september of the year 2007, when I left. Note, on the left, several participation medals from many races I used to run and note also a sticker on top that reads: "nanoo_metaleiro" - me. :)

Oh, I could play my guitar remembering all the tunes I used to play when I had my first band in the year 2000. It was called "No Reduction". Maybe I will manage to perform live again with my latest band, assembled in 2007; It's called 'Monster Mash'. We play Misfits' songs! :) - In case we'll play I'll keep everyone posted! :)

Oh, I can try many foods which are impossible to find in Poland. Oh, I can see Salvador becoming the 'Dubai' of Brazil, with many skyscrapers being built around here and I can see many of my friends from infancy getting married!! at least three of them! :) - And worst of all, I can see how things became expensive around here!!! Oh, my poor zlote!! they worth nothing! :P

This trip for me is like a F1 stop, to refuel my body for a rushy 2009, so I need lots of Açaí, Octopus' moqueca (some sort of goulash) , Acerola juice, Feijoada, Cozido, Lambretas, Cupuaçu and chlorophile juice! And then I will be ready to go ski in Zakopane with Lukasz and Dorotka!! :)

I dedicate this next photo to all Açaí addicteds in the world! (click to enlarge).

Haha! Winner fridge! :)

I'm a rocker !!! (So was he!)

2009-01-08T13:28:00.001+01:00

Last 4th of January was the 23th anniversary of Phil Lynott's death. Phil was an Irish singer, bassist, instrumentalist, and songwriter, who first came to prominence as the frontman of Thin Lizzy.

Lynott's last years were dogged by drug and alcohol dependency, and on the night of 25 December 1985, he was rushed to hospital suffering from a kidney and liver infection. He died of heart failure and pneumonia on 4 January 1986 at the age of 36.

In this photo beside I try to compare my Lynott's look to the official look! eheh! He was half-brazilian so I can try to be half similar to him! lol.

His great music is to be forever remembered. My very favourite songs by Thin Lizzy are:

Borderline
Baby please don't go
Don't believe a word (video below)
Renegade
...

R.I.P. Phil.

Austria = Ski

2009-01-03T19:16:00.001+01:00

Austria was the main destination for the last trip of 2008!! Together with my family we visited best spots in Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Kitzbuhel!

The new years eve in the Stephanplatz, the very centre of Vienna! Non-stop fireworks since 20:00 making it a real battle field! :P
In the Praterstern, local amusement park, there was a stage with special new-years-eve shows, including latin rhythms and samba.
In one of our free days we went to an oceanarium which was "ok" and we skept the torture museum which could be interesting.

I have to admit that I was much more excited to get to Innsbruck so I could go ski, which was the whole idea of going to Austria!! :) - Apart from Innsbruck we could also go ski in Kitzbuhel, amazing place, but some tracks were a litte bit icy due to the lack of fresh snow. the weather was rather very sunny with -8c.

The guide from the "snow-shuttle", a scotish experienced skier, warned us about the danger of the track #25, which had many accidents due to its icy conditions. But, tenaciously, we (my brother and I) did go through this track and, as expected, we had ski accidents. lol. I hurt my left arm a little bit, and my brother felt so incredibly that he flew over 15 meters in such a hollywood-style ski accident. Even though we had to call for aid it was an amazing day!!

In Salzburg we could go to the castle in the top of a hill to have an amazing view of that snowy town with less than 200.000 inhabitants. The famous salt mine in Salzburg was a very amusing place to visit, flooded salt caves and tobogans. Not many ecoturism choices during winter, more cultural place. Maybe I will come back in summer. :P

More photos (click to enlarge):

For the full photo album, click here

Week in Greece

2008-12-25T20:30:00.001+01:00

Traveling during winter can be frustrating if you go up north but Greece had very pleasant climate (South), with temperature range between +8c and +12c and very sunny, at least in Patras, (or Πάτρα in their language). I've got annoying rain and blistering winds in Athens, but fortunately none of those conflicts in the streets of Athens reported worldwide by the press occurred during my stay in Greece. :)

The idea of visiting Greece wasn't mine, however, as a passionate traveler, I wouldn't mind visiting such place. :)

I traveled with my parents and my brother, as we normally do every end of the year. Mom had made a friend through the internet by playing backgammon online. Her friend, Maria, is 29 years old, married and with kid (small Kostis). They kindly invited us over for Christmas in Patras. That was basically the motivation for the Greek trip.

I had the opportunity to try Greek seafood, octopus and squids. Mmmm... something that I can't find in Poland! On the other hand, in supermarkets, there is a ridiculous variety of beers. Imported beers basically only Amstel and Heineken! Oops, no Guinness for me this time! :) One issue, that can also be useful for my blog's readers as tip for a possible trip to Greece, is that credit cards are nearly not accepted anywhere. Even at fancy restaurants and cafes they accept only cash. I presume that the e-commerce does not exist in Greece if no one likes to use Credit/Charge cards. In Sweden I bought a train ticket via internet with credit card and got my e-ticket via SMS. Another tip about Greece is: WATCH YOUR STEP, cars NEVER stop for pedestrians to cross, even in the pedestrian crossing path ("zebra"). It was terrible to see a very old lady waving with her purse, almost begging to cross the road and cars going really fast very close to her.

Patras is an amazing city in the west coast of Greece, nice atmosphere. I felt it like Miami Beach! I heard there is a carnival there in February. Many motorcycles around town, not so many places to park cars. Locals go to Italy by ferryboat for cheap, journey to Bari takes 18 hours. Good luck! :P

Athens is very big city, but buildings are not so high (I guess this is the European style anyway), very efficient metro line and cheap (0,8 EUR - 1h ticket). Nearby the historical center it's easy to find nice restaurants and good Greek wines. In fact in Patras was even better for me, because there I could find more choices of seafood. Octopus overdose! :)

Few more photos (click to enlarge):

For all photos, high-quality, click here

Nano gets honoured by ex-workmates

2008-12-22T15:29:00.001+01:00

After nearly 1,5 year working for PGS Software, and sharing many funny moments with lots of friends, my road once again forked and I had to leave this amazing team. I will still be living in Poland (I hope), and life goes shorter while memories get longer. :)

Believe it or not, this was the best way they have found to honor me. They have taken this special picture, so I can never forget them! So lovely! :)

Special thanks to the most crazy fuckers among all the others:

G. Makosa (Carrying letter "U") - bastard had the idea of doing such photo
P. Kwiatowski (Carrying letter "O")
M.Rakowski - Trujilo (Doing "devil sign" with hand)
S. Guz (Not in the photo) - bastard was sick, couldn't come

Special thanks for non-fuckers, but not present in the photo:

P. Gurgul
W. Gurgul
M. Gurgul
K. Kurzionek <- was supposed to be in the photo!

Picture will be enlarged if you click on it. :P

Happy 2009!!

2008 Trips' Summary

2008-12-17T11:19:00.000+01:00

Which has been your favourite trip I have blogged on thus far in 2008? ( surveys)

Swedish trip ( + Bullet For My Valentine concert! )

2008-12-09T12:11:00.001+01:00

Scandinavia has become my current spot in Europe. After visiting Oslo during summer, I've chosen Sweden to explore. I've visited three important cities there: Stockholm, Uppsala and Vasteras. Next trip will probably include Malmo and Gothenburg. Maybe during summer... I don't know. :P

The adventure was pretty much "influenced" by the low-cost airlines, so I could book tickets, for 56 EUR, a round-trip flight from Poland to Sweden. My plan was to spend seven nights, two of them in Vasteras, three in Stockholm and two in Uppsala.

What impressed me the most in Sweden?

Cordiality - Drivers always stop for the pedestrians even if the pedestrian doesn't force a move to cross. Just need to stand and they will stop for you to cross.

Trains - Fast and comfortable like a hotel. The toalet I saw during my journey was better than the one at my flat in Wroclove. And I could buy my ticket via internet and make check-in via SMS. Cool !

Communication - Nearly EVERYBODY speaks english, even old people. No need to learn Swedish at all ! The only non-english speaker I met was a turkish guy in the hostel :P

Stockholm

The city is full of bridges, due to its lake and connection to the Baltic sea. The metro is efficient and a single-way ticket valid for one hour costs 20 SEK (approx. 2 EUR). Interesting places I've seen during my stay:

Royal Castle - One of those palaces with a bored guard in front of it. Entrance costs around 13 EUR.

Icy Pub - A pub made of ice in its entirety. 18 EUR to get inside. They offer extra clothes and you can stay inside up to 40 minutes.

Vasa Museum - Amazing museum of a Vasa boat which has sunk in 1628. Entrance costs around 10 EUR.

All of these places mentioned above are very well know, just need to ask a local where it is exactly. My post is not a guidebook! :P

Uppsala

This is a students' town! I've never seen so many bikes in the streets. Amazing atmosphere. I was hosted by Gabriela Velasquez , from Chile. I had a great time in Uppsala, met many people from abroad; Spanish, Polish, French, Vietnamese, Kyrgyzstani

Uppsala doesn't have many specific touristical spots to see. The town is the spot itself. :P

Vasteras

Even smaller (less population) than Uppsala, Vasteras is also place for students. I could see many young people all around. I was hosted by Kaja, a Polish friend, who is living in a students' dormitory. In my opinion Swedish dorms are much better than the ones in Poland because there is no disgusting old ladies in the reception desk asking for ID all the time! I guess in the whole Sweden is like that. :P

I've seen many gorgeous flats by the lake and very interesting shopping center, which consists on shops in different buildings (3 or 4) but they are connected to each other by some tunnels over the streets to give the impression of unity.

Bullet for my valentine concert (3rd December, 2008 - Arenan Fryshuset)

Amazing! High-quality Welsh metal! This was part of promoting tour of the album "Scream Aim Fire" released this year.

The interaction with the audience was intense. During the song 'Eye of the storm' people opened a space in the middle of the crowd and started to run in circle - to be, in fact, THE EYE OF THE STORM! Uh!

The best part for me was during the song 'Waking the demon' - the crowd performed the WALL OF DEATH. You don't know what it is? Check it out:

I'll be keeping on chasing metal concerts in Europe!! ooh, yeah!

For full album of photos, just click here.

Brazilian restaurant in Wroclaw

2008-11-28T11:43:00.001+01:00

Uhh! Recently opened in Wroclaw, the first Brazilian restaurant of the lower Silesia. :P

Few months ago, my Brazilian friends in Poland had a terrible experience in a so-called 'Brazilian churrascaria' in the mountain town of Zakopane, in the south of Poland, close to Slovak border. I had seen that restaurant myself before but didn't try it out (for my own sake!).

Now, fortunately, we have the best of our cuisine just few kilometers away from us, in the very centre of Wroclaw. Restaurant 'Braziliana' is co-owned by a Brazilian lady, and the kitchen is lead by a Brazilian chef from Minas Gerais. So we (Brazilian brotherhood of Wroclaw: Me, Alberto, Paulo, Cabeca, Tito..) were pretty sure that food in there wouldn't disappoint us. So we went there to check it out! :)

At first we've met the chef, Marcelo Barra, who warmly greeted us, and suggested Brazilian beer 'Skol' for us to start. No Warka nor Żywiec allowed!!! :) - He also gave us his visit card so we can call him before, to order a Muqueca!

For this first time I tried 'Bife Acebolado' and next sunday I will try the 'Feijoada' - The one with pork feet, ears, ribs... total Brazilian bash!! hehe!

Additionally we met the waitress, very well-dressed for the occasion and very kind to us. She had the Brazilian soul within her Polish body, and a great pronunciation for the dish 'Bife acebolado' !! :P

Check the photo below, taken by Beto:

I guess I will be there every friday. To keep up with the iron in my blood stream :P

Directions:

ul. Więzienna 5B - Wroclaw, PL
http://www.braziliana.pl/

Romanian hospitality

2008-11-14T10:25:00.001+01:00

Romania is an unique country, a Latin country in its origins but a bit lost among many Slavonic countries such as Slovakia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine and Serbia. Similarities can be found due to the history they share with the Soviet Union.

Romanian language is similar to Italian. I can understand 30% to 40% of what people speak due to the fact that I speak native Portuguese. Likewise most of post-communist countries, almost nobody speaks English on the streets. Not even in McDonalds in Bucharest. :P

People are friendly and warm, their hospitality are great and best of all, it has the taste of home-made chocolate and berries' liquor. :)
I was invited by my good friend Miu (or Milita) to go for a ride on a tradicional Romanian car (Dacia) and visit the Bran Castle (also known as: "Dracula's Castle"). Dracula, son of Dracul, also known by many different pseudos such as "Nosferatu", "Vlad", and etc. Became famous after one British writer, Bram Stoker, has released the book "Dracula" in 1897 (not sure exactly).

Many things people say are not true. He wasn't able to transform himself into a bat and he also hasn't influenced Batman's uniform design. These are myths. What is true, is that he used to suck blood from virgins' necks, which made him an idol among adepts of the brutal machismo(exaggerated masculinity). The rest of the people he killed he hanged in the fance outside the castle, in order to intimidate betrayers.

Few photos in the castle (Click to enlarge):

First photo is the outside view of this haunted castle.
Second photo shows some message in the wall, in the main entrance. I don't know what it means.
Third photo shows the edge, the highest tower of the castle.
Fourth photo shows Mili, official Dracula's guide and best Romanian friend.

Bucharest

At the end of my short trip to Romania, I visited Bucharest, their capital and biggest city.

Bucharest reminded me a lot the city of Sao Paulo. Traffic jam, crowded shopping centers and streets.

This photo on the left shows one of the main streets in the city. It leads straight to the Parlament Palace. One of the main spots to visit in Bucharest.

I promess I won't miss the flight again, so I will have more time to visit this capital! I lost two flights already this year. I'm becoming very experienced!! :)

Full photo album (up to 80 photos) available here.

Check also Mili's post on this trip, by clicking here

Weekend in Warsaw + Thin Lizzy concert

2008-10-22T15:47:00.002+02:00

A quick escape to the Polish metropolis for particular reasons! :)

Ok... I admit! It was for another concert! I know I'm just the craziest heavy metal addicted but I had no choice! Thin Lizzy was going to perform for the first time in Poland!

During the golden ages, in which Phil Lynott still was the front man of the band, Poland was part of the Soviet Union and was totally closed to western culture including Rock. I've just noticed that I'm talking like an old fan of Thin Lizzy, but unfortunately I'm not! When I got to know this great band, their main lead singer had died from overdose since more than a decade before. However, it doesn't change the fact that this band has influenced me a lot and Lynott's charisma will be forever remembered.

The concert was going to happen on monday, 27th of october, so I decided to come for the whole weekend so I could meet some old friends, from my previous exchange.

I was hosted again by my friend Karol Yamazaki, from the old drinking times in Warsaw, in 2007! He's one of the best! We went to the Warsaw's Metro party! After 25 years, the metro of Warsaw (which has only one single line) is finally completed. There was an open party in the end of the line (Młociny), with a free concert of Alice Russel (UK) and Gitara Czerwona (PL).

Some photos:

I joined Przemek for dinner on sunday, I met him also during my previous exchange in Poland. He has been to my home in Salvador in 2007 and he hosted me twice in Warsaw. Always recommends me good restaurants. :) On Sunday evening I joined Anna Sawa for a ice-cream. She's my friend from Lublin. And guess what? She also has been to my home in Salvador, but funny thing is that I wasn't there! xD - Good friends are scattered throughout whole Warsaw! :)

Well, on monday I had the Thin Lizzy concert, led by John Sykes and Scott Gorham. The concert started with the sirens' sound - which precedes the song "Jailbreak". A classic. Well I don't have much to complain about the chosen songs, even though I always miss one or two songs. :P

Best performance for me was "Don't believe a word". This song carries an aggressive guitar solo which really impresses me. This song has also a slow version, rarely performed, but there is. I guess I prefer the fast version anyway. :)

Oh, and of course, they've played their best ballads: "Dancing in the moonlight" and "Still in love with you". Yeah, they still rock!

I got some photos (click to enlarge):

...and a video:

See you, in the next concert!!

Polish Autumn

2008-10-15T10:50:00.001+02:00

Time for good photos. As the autumn comes crushing, it's time to catch the color and essence of the moment with my inseparable mobile phone with 3.2-megapixel camera embedded, which is almost unable to receive calls but the camera itself still rocks! Proud to be an amateur!! :)

The word autumn comes from the Old French word autompne (automne in modern French), and was later normalized to the original Latin word "autumnus". There are rare examples of its use as early as the 14th century, but it became common by the 16th century.

Before the 16th century, harvest was the term usually used to refer to the season. However as more people gradually moved from working the land to living in towns (especially those who could read and write, the only people whose use of language we now know), the word harvest lost its reference to the time of year and came to refer only to the actual activity of reaping, and fall, as well as autumn, began to replace it as a reference to the season.

Who cares about etymology? In Poland they call the autumn: JESIEŃ! :P

Some photos I took from this latest weekend:

Left-most picture shows golden leaves before their fall in the sunny Wrocław. That one was taken very randomly, during my walk back home last sunday 12th.

Center picture depicts a rare rose from the Tatra mountains. This sample was found in Slovakia in november of 2007 during one of my trips. :P

Right-most picture is 2x worth-seeing as you can see the trees and their reflection. I know the water is a bit dirty but nowadays we can't expect any better. This one was taken in the japanese garden, also in Wrocław.

Weizen Bier with friends

2008-10-14T12:17:00.001+02:00

What?? One-liter beer? Promotion? Half-priced? Where? Rynek? With Whom?? Friends?

COUNT ON ME!

Disclaimer: The quality of the video is not good because it was taken on Alberto's camera! not mine's! ;)

Kraków trip

2008-09-27T14:31:00.001+02:00

Why Krakow? What can we find there? Is it worth seeing?

Enough said!

Slovak goulash

2008-09-17T20:51:00.001+02:00

Couldn't resist the invitation to join my Slovak family for some goulash in the woods (yes, in the middle of the woods). Slovak cousine with Kofola and best Slovak beer: Zlaty Bazant, the Slovak sensation! (yeah!). Oh! and of course CIASTECZKI BARBORECZKI ©, made by its own inventor: Barbora. :)

These unique ciasteczki are some amazing candies prepared with rum, chocolate and condensed milk, that give a special sensation after eating it. :P

Note in the photo on the left: this is my babe adding the beer itself to the gulash to improve its taste. It's what I call 'the Slovak touch'. :)

Slovakia is going to be less unique in the next few months. Wth, wtf?? Yes. On 1st of January of 2009, the Slovak crowns will be no longer accepted in Slovakia. Euro will be the official currency. (I just hope the price of my Zlaty Bazant won't go up in value. :P )

Few more photos (By clicking, you enlarge them):

Nazi Wrocław (Photos from 1945)

2008-09-09T15:55:00.001+02:00

As many of you already know, Wrocław (also known by the German name 'Breslau') used to be under the control of the German Furher, Adolf Hitler (even though he was Austrian).

During the occupation, Poland wasn't even on the map! :(

This photo on the left shows Hitler in the main railway station "Dworzec Głowny".

As well as Dresden, Wrocław got severely bombed by the allies RAF (Royal Air Force - UK) and USAAF (U.S. Army Air Force), city centre was destroyed. Even the cathedral couldn't escape. Now the cathedral in "Ostrów Tumski" is rebuilt and reigning Wrocław's city centre view.

Nowadays Wrocław is known to be "Miasto spotkań" - which means: "The meeting place", a city for entertainment, lots of clubs, bars, shopping centres, boat ride, zoo, botanic garden, paintball and best of all: the sun shines most of the time.

Please don't take this as a sad post, but just as a cultural and historical overview of the best city in Poland.

More photos (Click to enlarge):

Photos taken from: http://wroclaw.hydral.com.pl/

One year has passed...

2008-09-03T21:37:00.000+02:00

The big adventure that changed (and still changes) my life started on the 2nd of September of 2007, when I left my tropical and beautiful hometown in Brazil to face a totally different culture and lifestyle, starting everything from scratch.

I have to admit the farewell was difficult. It's not easy to buy one-way ticket and say good-bye to family and friends. It's the the price of taking the red pill. I knew I was passing the point of no return.

Among my memorable last moments in Brazil I shall mention: my band's last concert - MONSTER MASH, the farewell party at my aunties' house and my graduation on Computer Science at Universidade Federal da Bahia (a.k.a. UFBA) - memorable days for sure!!

The first photo above was taken during my farewell party on 31th, Aug 2007. From the left: Vitor, Bruno Leo, Guigo, Me, Daniel, Valdeir, Bruno Celino. Good colleagues. With them we defeated the bad professors! :)

Below there are photos from the MONSTER MASH last concert! First photo shows our assistent preparing my make-up. Ok, I know it sounds a bit poser but dont worry it's pure horror punk metal! The second photo shows our lineup: Nano(guitar and backing vocals), Duda(Vocals and dancing), Grilo(drums), Alelas(bassist). And the third photo shows Almeidao(who recently visited me in Wrocław) and Bessinha, the craziest fun of MONSTER MASH! Click to enlarge.

...and my graduation official photo. From the left: Oriva, Nano, Lage, Helton, Amadeu, Monica and the rightmost dude who I just can't recall the name. :P

I know I look funny in these photos but they are memorable anyway. :)

Coming back to the main subject: POLAND

People keep asking me: "Why Poland?" - As long as Poland is not a top destination for international travellers. But that was exactly what I was looking for. When I first attempted to book tickets to "WRO" (IATA code for Wroclaw) - The travel agent innocently tried to warn me: "No one flies to there" - perhaps thinking I was mistaken about the destination code - I just gave her a smile and replied: "I know".

The flight took around eleven hours (without the time spent for flight connections) plus six hours by train from Warsaw to Wroclaw. When I finally arrived I felt like Peter Pan arriving in Neverland.

I was very lucky to find an job opportunity in a company in Poland. I wasn't so criterious on choosing the company I just wanted to go somewhere else, preferebly some far, cold and unexplored country. Fortunately, the fine atmosphere at work and my happiness of living a dream joined together into sinergy contributing to my success and self-realisation.

Learning Polish language was part of the plan. The more I tried to learn it, the more motivated I was. As very few people choose Polish language as second or third language. It's difficult to find some non-native speaker. Polish people normally don't expect a non-Polish individual to speak Polish. They keep saying it's very hard language. I always got compliments for trying to speak in their way most of the time.

After one year living in "Wroclove", I don't feel any cultural shock anymore and I really got acostumated not only with Polish lifestyle but with the European lifestyle in general. Best part of living in southwest of Poland is the proximity to nice places such as Prague, Berlin and the Slovak paradise. ;)

What's next? Adventure goes on.

Scottish Highlands!

2008-08-14T18:25:00.001+02:00

Awesome Scottish vacations! Nine breath-taking days in Highlands plus Edinburgh during Fringe festival!

I was hosted by my girlfriend and her niece, the adorable Barbora, gifted with the art of making candies. :)

Visiting Scotland I had the opportunity to practice my Polish as 2% of Edinburgh's population are Polish. When I was in one of the restaurants "SubWay", the Polish guy that was making my sandwich started to talk to some Polish customers in their language but using lots of 'kurwa' and 'pierdole' words... I just made a comment by saying "Uważaj jak się wyrażasz, człowieku!" (Watch your mouth, man!) and we both started laughing and at last he made a comment about my Sepultura t-shirt: "Twoja koszułka jest nice" (Your t-shirt is nice) - Polinglish language? :)

Our route engulfed main spots in Scotland. Starting from Edinburgh, we took a bus to Inverness and then we slept in some village near the famous Loch Ness and the legend of the monster! Uhh! And then, to Dornie to visit the Eilean Donan castle (medieval) and going on to the cozy village of Kyleakin by the seashore, for relaxing. Fort William was the next step. Rather than Polish we've found Slovaks! I was wearing my t-shirt with the Slovak flag enclosed and few times Slovak people rushed into me talking in Slovak. Didn't know that even with my "latino appearance" people would think I'm Slovak because of my beautiful t-shirt. :P

The rain bothered a bit in Glasgow during the journey back to Edinburgh. But fortunately, I can say that we've seized mostly a "sunny Scotland".

For the following photos you can click on it to enlarge:

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle - Drumnadrochit village

My remarks: The monster never shows up! Frustrating! But the view of the Urquhart Castle is amazing, specially when there is a doubled rainbow in the sky. Worth seeing. :)

Eilean Donan Castle - Dornie village

We were adviced before, by some Americans, that Eilean Donan was a lame castle. Well, even though it is very well redone, does not mean it is lame.

Castle ruins - Kyleakin village

After becoming a true "Highlander" I got back to Edinburgh to enjoy the festival and night life.

Among Edinburgh's attractions there is the Chinese circus. Which is a different kind of amusement, not only based on wild animals, but on humans' performances. The positive aspect on this is that attendees won't smell like elephant shit after the spectacle. :)

Oh, Edinburgh Zoo, which I can evaluate as 3/5. The zoo is located on a slope, so all the time I was going uphill. There are no giraffes, no elephants, no reptiles (only 2 snakes), the most impressive beast was the black panther from the Amazon and the Polar bear. Also lots of penguins. Wroclaw's Zoo in Poland is much better. Enough said. :P

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2008

Edinburgh is 100% culture! Musicians and arts performers spread everywhere. People distributing flyers and folders for music/theatre spectacles. Some of them for free. Lots of young people and great atmosphere. I have to admit that Edinburgh surpassed my previous favourite European city (Oslo) and became the top of my rank. I strongly recommend.

Don't miss the chance to see the full album with more than 120 photos - Click Here!

Iron Maiden - Somewhere Back In Time - World Tour 2008.

2008-08-08T00:35:00.002+02:00

Iron Maiden performed in Warsaw tonight, I just came back from the stadium and I'm publishing the first photos.

I was very motivated for this concert because this world tour is special. They want to perform songs only from albums released in the 80's. Setlist was perfect... well... almost! I missed only one song: "Flight of Icarus" - No luck this time!

This day (7/Aug/2008) is a very special day for Bruce Dickinson, the vocalist. It's his 50th birthday and ofcourse was celebrated in the Polish way. I don't know why, but Polish people think the British understand Polish, they've sung the Polish birthday song(sto lat, sto lat) to Bruce. Well, the intention matters the most. :)

I was alone in this concert, that's why there are no photos of me. Sometimes I try to find somebody to go with me to such concerts but it's really hard. My mission here is to make Poland a heavier country, oh yeah!

The best performances, in my opinion were:

Rime of ancient mariner
Powerslave
Hallowed be thy name
Revelations

"...cuz at 5 o'clock, they take me to the gallows pole. (Yeaahh) The sands of time, for me, are running loooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!" (from the song: Hallowed be thy name)

More photos (click to enlarge):

College mates in Wrocław, the meeting place!!

2008-08-06T12:28:00.001+02:00

These crazy dudes on this photo with me were my college mates in UFBA (Universidade Federal da Bahia)!

From left to right: Beto, Almeidaum, Lage, Nano

Now, they are students in France and they've bought a motorhome to travel around Europe. Great idea! I was suppose to join them for this adventure but I had no free days anymore. :(

Due to their visit, a record has be broken. Now the biggest Brazilian meeting in Wrocław had eight people! Two more than the previous record! The other four were: Paulo, Alberto, Tito and Donza.

Thanks for the visit, my friends. Looking forward to see you all in Rennes. :)