Loving Mexico

So much to say, but so little time. Mexico is proving to be a beautiful place. Work at the refuge is extremely rewarding. Very tough, but really great. The children are wonderful.

I have so many stories, and I am writing them down, but it's tricky to find time with work to sit here and type them all up! I promise to get them on here soon.

Just know that it's amazing here...and more blogs are around the corner!

xBx

Sounds of Mexico...

On Saturday I was able to see more of Puerto Vallarta. Since arriving here in Mexico everything has been a bit of a surreal blur. It still hadn't sunk in that my random plan of discovery had actually become reality. The house is pleasant and charming but without warm water, and a less than clean kitchen, which makes preparing meals a tricky task. However getting a bus to Zona romantica and walking along Los Muertos beach with our coordinator Linda made everything seem more real; The heat, the sea, the jungle covered mountains. Having sampled traditional beach food and drink on offer, as well as Linda offering only to speak to me in Spanish to get my language up to scratch, I truly felt I was in a different world.

What a place to find yourself.

Having heard nothing positive from our co-volunteers, Jonathan and I were a little worried about going to work the following day, Linda managed to assure us it was a lovely place it just wasn`t run to the standard it could really benefit from. She also told us that it wasn't an orphange, it wasn`t a children`s shelter for abused and neglected children, which would explain maybe why the other girls in the house were finding the children slightly trickier than they were expecting.

Linda explained how the staff at the orphanage are on very little money, and she herself has moved to a Barrio, with no gas and expensive rent so she can help to run the shelter and offer the children more structure. Originally from Italy, she trys very hard to make things work, with little affect. It seems here you have to earn respect before you can manage to get anyone to help out. I had no idea how hard it would be trying to get the children to listen and share, but I was about to find out.

Mexico Introduction....

Impulse: A notion only few put into action. To act on a whim without thought or care of what consequences ones actions may or may not have.

A month ago, on a whim I booked a trip to Mexico, and 4 days ago I found myself on board a Boeing 777 crossing the Atlantic. With hours to kill, I finally took the time to think about what I was actually doing.

I'm leaving my loved ones for a once in a lifetime trip. I am embarking on a journey of self discovery, leaving my comfort zone and going to volunteer at an "orphanage" and care for children with less than myself.

I should have been desperately excited on my flight, but I was nervous and desperately sad at the thought of not being able to spend Christmas with my family and loved ones. However I embraced my sadness and realised I was blessed to have a family that I care so much about, and I would be very much needed where I was going. I found solace in the thought that I could offer care and love to Children who don't receive the attention they deserve.

I am aware of all I have, and I am aware that I take things for granted. I knew now that this trip would be a great way to open my eyes to the things that truly matter, to appreciate more my family and live with less cares about superficial possessions.

This is my Mexico journey. Enjoy.....

Paranormal Activity 2 : A Must See

If like me you are a horror movie lover you would have eagerly awaited the arrival of Paranormal Activity 2, and most probably found yourself doubting it’s ability to live up to it’s low budget indie predecessor? So, it was with apprehension I waited in what was nearly an empty cinema this evening for the movie to begin.

We are yet again faced with a similar situation to Paranormal Activity; hand held cameras, night vision and demons. You may even recognise some faces from PA1, but I can guarantee, unlike PA1 you you won’t be waiting until the end of the film for all the action.

My horror loving comrades, you will not be disappointed, PA2 delivers and even manages to surpass its first instalment. If you allow yourself to be fully absorbed by this film, it will have you on the edge of your seat, gasping, jumping and harbouring goose bumps for most of the (approx. 1.30h) running time. PA2 is cleverly written and will give you a deeper understanding of why events in PA1 took place. You will laugh at how easily it makes you jump!

See this movie. It’s a must for Halloween weekend. 5*

The William Bray - Restaurant Review

A newly renovated gastronomic restaurant/bar nestled in the heart of Shere, makes for a very pleasant night out.

As soon as you sit at your table, you are aware that the restaurant has a sporting influence; neutrally painted walls teamed with hardwood floors, allows the owners original F1 racing photographs and memorabilia to take centre stage. The William Bray is owned by former Formula One driver, Julian Bailey. Julian found it only fitting to name the William Bray after the 18th Century lawyer who once inhabited the building, known for his sociableness and love of sports.

Having also had a run as the famous 'Stig' on Top Gear, Julian has managed to create a very stylish eatery, that sits in one of the most photographed villages in Surrey, so picturesque in fact, that the village was used as a backdrop in hit movies such as 'The Holiday' featuring Cameron Diaz, and 'The Wedding Date' with Deborah Messing.

The mixed menu remains unpretentious whilst offering contemporary food to suit all; Starters of 'Scallops Tempura to Mains of 'Liver with Bubble and Squeak' or 'Curried Monkfish' are on offer, all finished off with a fun desert menu including treats like 'Cinnamon sugared raspberry doughnuts with a custard shake'. The food menu is just as diverse as the drinks menu. Wines to suit every meal, The William Bray also has an extensive Beer and Whiskey selection as well as being a supplier of the famous Ruinart Champagne.

The food was very well presented, and tasted even better than it appeared. The decor was warm and tasteful, and the welcoming from the staff very friendly. The wine was lovely, the service quick and my chocolate tart, devine. My one problem was the lighting. A bit too bright for our evening meal, it could have been a little more atmospheric, but other than that 'The William Bray' is a must for anyone travelling by Guildford in the future, or planning to spend a sunny Sunday out of London.

Review - The Life & Death of Charlie St. Cloud...

"Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backwards" - E. E. Cummings

Taking chances in life isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to let go of the things and people you love in order to do so. Charlie St Cloud is just that, a story about learning to let go, and learning to take chances.

Zac Efron plays Charlie St Cloud, a handsome sailing scholar about to attend Stanford who has an unbreakable endearing bond with his younger brother Sam (played by Charlie Tahan). Charlie, knowing the fatherless family cannot afford baseball camp for Sam offers to practice with him an hour everyday before he leaves for College on one condition; Sam must never be late. That evening the two brothers are involved in a fatal car accident, Sam dies but Charlie is bought back to life by paramedic (Ray Liotta). Consumed by grief and tormented by the loss of his brother, Charlie is unable to cope with the funeral and runs off into the woods. It is here we are reintroduced to Sam's ghost, who reminds Charlie of their deal to practice everyday at sunset.

5 years on, and Charlie has taken a job as the Graveyard caretaker to be closer to his brother. Sticking true to his word, he practices everyday with Sams ghost and all is well, until Charlie starts to fall for Amanda Crew (Tess Carrol), an attractive sailing aficionado, about to set sail round the world. Their budding relationship starts to threaten Charlies ability to keep his promise to Sam, and Amanda doesn't have long before she leaves. Charlie is left with the difficult decision of choosing between the two and learning that in order to move on, you have to let go.

I was neither moved to to tears by this movie, (although there are plenty of moving scenes) or tempted to leave half way through. Efron and his leading lady Crew carry this movie and hold it together well. Efron is brilliant as Charlie, he is sincere, real and truly believable and you will find yourself really connecting to his character throughout the movie. His acting ability is not the only reason to see Charlie St Cloud, his impeccably toned arms and divinely pretty face make this 99 minutes of pure pleasure to watch. Plenty of close ups, great settings, well written script, a few laughs and a very decent kissing scene make this movie a real treat. I was really taken aback by the twist, didn't have a clue. So ignore the harsh critical write ups, 'The Life and death of Charlie St Cloud ' is really pleasant and I recommend it for every Efron fan. This is not a chick flick, so boys don't worry if the girls want you to go, you may actually find yourself liking it.

Excited for Efrons NEW Movie

I don't know about you but I'm really excited to see this movie. If like me you are a Zac Efron fan, I'm sure you'll be itching to watch Charlie St Cloud when it hits the cinemas on Friday...However, if you would prefer to wait and see what people think of the movie, wait for the Bezine Review which will be up by Sunday at the latest. Here is the trailer. Enjoy! B xx