World Bistro

How to get a scholarship abroad

Since I've applied countless times and have been a successful recipient of scholarships, it might be useful at least to someone how I managed to get one. To me, there are four basic steps: 1) know what you want, 2) research and selection, 3) preparation, and 4) application. Waiting is inevitable and of course, when selected, the pre-departure process is another post.

Max Hostel, Bonn

I had to be in Bonn over a week ago for a meeting and opted to arrive early because there seemed to be no way to appreciate the former German capital just arriving lunchtime on day 1 and leaving right after lunch the next day. After several searches, it seemed it was either upscale proper hotels for moneyed professionals or absolute student standard housing.

With my current situation, staying at a hostel was my best option. I think the reason why I am open to hostels is because I have generally had a good time at a number of hostels. Some of them even went beyond my expectations! That's where Max Hostel in Bonn comes in.

Bonn in Pink

I was in Bonn for a quick meeting last week and was pleasantly surprised. I arrived a day earlier than my meeting and just chose extra accommodation close to the center - walking distance from the Hauptbahnhof. Little did I know it was in Altstadt lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom!

Absolutely "when the ordinary has been extraordinary all along" moment!

Cafe Paris in Hamburg

On one of the rare Saturdays I was out early, I had breakfast at Cafe Paris near the Rathaus of Hamburg. I was so tempted to have one of the many breakfast plates (English, American,
Moroccan, Hamburger, Vegetarian, French etc) but just opted for Croque Monsiuer and Cafe Latte. It was too much. I didn't even finish it after my colleague K came hours later.

I wish I'd discover more cafes like this in Hamburg. It reminds of me cafes one can take for granted in Prague - old world ambience, alcohol available (but why would you have it when there's good coffee?), and one can leisurely read. Well, the last part, I'm not so sure here in Germany. Table/guest turnover is quite quick.

Corteo by Cirque du Soleil

I've always fancied the circus. I don't know if it's the costumes, the music, the animals, the acrobats, the dancing, the lights or simply because it is fantasy made real. Perhaps it was going to Circus Circus in Las Vegas as a child. I remember going to a temporary one where RCBC stands in Makati now and never had the chance to see one since.

When Cirque du Soleil came to Manila, my Tatay always urged me to go and watch. He said the chances of me going back to Montreal to watch them would be slim. Seize the opportunity. But I didn't. I found the tickets too expensive and I did not make time. I also prioritized other shows like Fuerza Bruta.

So when Cirque du Soleil went to Dusseldorf last year to perform Corteo, I couldn't skip! Thankfully, my classmate O from Nicaragua had also been waiting for the chance to see them perform. Ignore the cost, ignore the distance (most venues are away from the center). So off we were to the bright white tents!

The story was not really clear to me. The show was a mix of German and English. Pictures and videos were not allowed but I managed to steal a few snapshots! It was just a parallel world. An old man died and he dreamt of the afterlife. It was a whole new community comforting him it was fine to crossover. The performers were so engaging that they involved the audience several times. They would throw ballons or a midget over. It was like almost two hours of wows and ahs! Tense but fun! For a better idea, here's a video from their site.

What Matters

What's your criteria for a successful life? Some measure it in monetary terms, some in prestige, some in honor and integrity, others perhaps by being of service to others. Some by raising obedient and upright children. To each his own.

Today, I listened to an elderly Spaniard who just finished a European Union project overseas as a Team Leader. Of course, to become a team leader in a specific sector and country, one must have demonstrated decades of technical and management experience. He wanted to express his availability in case a project comes up. He said he wanted to make it clear he was not retiring.

He was so humble. He didn't even mind getting sent to Afghanistan. Anywhere, even with -35C as long as it is not Syria. He said his wife will join him anywhere as long as it is not Syria. Their kids are all grown ups so he said what matters only is his wife. And his wife loves moving around, exploring cultures, meeting people. He said it was just perfect for his job. To stress the point further, he said:

"If the wife (relationship) is ok, the project is ok. If not, the project is not."

Simple.

A Winter Walk in Volksdorf

Yesterday, 16cm of snow fell over Hamburg. Here are a few of my pictures of my morning and afternoon walk around Volksdorf. These pictures do not do it justice - it was just so beautiful! The sun shining high, the snow against tree branches. Walking through all of it felt like I was in a Disney movie with my hood and all! There were times I was the only one around, sometimes, there were dogs, sometimes, there were kids.

Kitchen Guerilla in Hamburg

From one click to another, I found Kitchen Guerilla on Facebook. Being deprived of my culinary desires in Bochum (and totally my fault I have not explored Dusseldorf), I was on the look out for roving kitchens and satellite dinners. Et voila!

Now that I live in Hamburg I was just so thrilled to find out that Kitchen Guerilla just hosted and will host more dinners over here. Their FB crew was so nice because I immediately received a reply within an hour after inquiring about how to join their dinners. I was directed to their website, from where I found an e-mail and requested a slot for myself. I wish I could go with more like-minded people though so I wouldn't feel so alone with my non-existent German. I think I received a reply by e-mail within ten minutes of my query - now that's client service! I just hope I get a confirmed slot or the free raffle prize slot! That would be such a gift!

Streit's in Hamburg

It was Oscars' season and I wanted to catch up on movies. You see, I enjoy the cinema experience. I don't like downloading movies and watching them in a mini screen. Of course, there's the comforts of HBO but that's another matter. So I when my colleagues suggested Streit's, I did not hesitate.