CyclingForRekko Lottery. The Little Story of Our Prizes.
Hey Everyone!
Of course I am writing just before my bed time, between sipping lemsip and coughing. Spring is comign, let’s get ill!
Today I wanted to mention about the event we created for CyclingForRekko. We just started a big, hopefully international lottery with some cool prizes. How it works? You make a donation – £2.00. That is a cost of the lottery ticket. You put your name clearly with the donation, don’t be shy, we need to know who you are! Then you’re going to get a number! And then you can win one of our prizes!
We decided to collect our prizes asking for support independent stores in Manchester. So I went to Mancunian Temple of those, Affleck’s Palace and by far we managed to get a promise from little Clothes Store (we need to come back there) and a handmade bracelet from The Bracelet Store. Basically, I found out that you just need to ask and there are people out there who want to help!
The greatest support we received from The Empire Exchange, amazing second-hand shop, a true mine of vinyls, books, comic books, dvds, everything you want really… Paul gave us a special voucher for our prizes. Of course it’s impossible to pick the right ones!
By far we have a bracelet:
Sting’s Vinyl (how young he looks here?!) Album: “The Dream of the blue turtles”.
ColdPlay Viva La Vida Or Death and all His Friends Piano/vocal/Guitar musical score. For those who love music!
There will be more to come! I need at least more long visits at Empire Exchange to pick something hopefully appealing.
The lottery runs till nearly 19th May, so you have plenty of time to join!
Here is the link on fb to the event:
http://www.facebook.com/events/433029196783625/?ref=3
We count on you!
Now, off to bed!
Good Night!
Kasia
Crazy Ways of Saving Money. Do not recommend if you want a peaceful and normal life.
Sooooo… I haven’t been here for a while! I apologise for that, I can’t find a minute to breathe properly!
This post is a bit inspired by some conversation we had with Matteo about ways to gather funding for CyclingForRekko. I like doing random research (my new job showed me how important is doing the proper research). In any case. So here, I came across the list of many crazy ways to save money/find money for donations. I found some of them quite intriguing, therefore I decided to share them with you.
1. “Take Notes From Crazier People”
Explanation: Crazy people are merely misunderstood. If you are interested in keeping your finances under control, see what types of crazy things that your peers have done. If you were able to keep your food spending to thirty bucks one month, do you know of someone who was able to pare it down to twenty? See if they have any tips to further your goal.
Me: Basically here you need to go and stalk people. Watch what they do, what is their tactic and strategy for life. Personally I find it a bit creppy, but I guess it’s wort of trying.
2. “Join eating contest”
Explanation: Eating contests give you food for the day, and have the potential of earning you money. If you’re a healthy eater with a large stomach, there are contests going on everywhere (and probably in your town). Take a few moments to look up the contests, and schedule your world around them so you do not have to purchase food for that day.
Me: I think it’s a great career opportunity for the big foodies. In Manchester I’ve seen at least few, lately some burger-chips contest in one pub in Didsbury. I think you have to eat like a kilogram of chips or something. Not only it’s free food, but then you’re probably going to be sick for a week and you won’t be able to eat anyways. Everything you save on food you can donate to help us. I think it’s pretty good way of saving money!
3. Complaining About Everything.
Explanantion: Customer service people want to hear your input. They want to hear your input SO much that they will give you discounts if you complain loudly enough and passionately enough. This is usually a long term move, as it sometimes takes up to an hour to be sent to the right people who can give you a good discount on goods and services. For those who are itching for the sale, they might just do anything to keep you but you have to speak up.
Me: I mean, let’s face it. How money times do you see the note: “In case you’re not fully satisfied with the product we’ll provide a full refund”?! Plenty! Have you ever tried to do that? No. But how about if you stuff yourself with half of the cereal box, then call Nestle or someone and say: “I’m actually not satisifed with your product, I want my money back. I think your cereals are disgusting and it’s disgraceful to sell them”. You’re full and you have just enough money back to donate a bit! Perfect!
4. Live in You Car.
Explanation: Houses are for those people seeking stability. You don’t need a house. You have a mobile studio right where you are. There are also great opportunities for getting your wireless so you can play with your laptop at the truck stops and more. Living in your car offers you the ultimate in mobility.
Me: I don’t have a car, I would have to go for a carboard box and then I would probably still have to pay council tax, because it’s more like a house. Car is a car, but a cardboard box is different. I don’t think it’s that good then.
5. Purchase Dying Plants.
Explanation: Nurseries have all types of dead plants. They’re more prone to sell you half dying and dead plants for a reduced cost if you’re willing to take care of them. Since many of them insist on having only flourishing plants within their store, they might give the old and dead ones to you for free. If you don’t have a green thumb, you’re not out much cash.
Me: This one requires the knowledge and time. I wouldn’t recommend it. I’d say it’s better to sell things on ebay.
Right, I’ll better go to bed now, because it’s early morning tomorrow! Again!
Good Night Folks! 🙂
Donate, there are only 2 months left!
K.
More Things About Guatemala. A Few Facts From Inside.
I have found this interesting source giving away some information about Guatemala, but from the local perspective. So how things look from inside, seen by the eyes of ordinary residents of the country. I’ve picked a few and I would like to share it with you guys!
1. In Guatemala society is still patriarchal, which means that men and women are not euqal. A little progress can be observed, but the position of the women is veru uncertain.
2. Guatemala’s offical religion is catholicism, even though it’s practised by less than 50% of population!
3. Society is torn apart from the ethnical point of view with the benefits on the Ladinos group. Unfortunately, it’s pretty often when Mayans have to confront with the racist attitude towards them.
4. People don’t really have problems with expressing their emotions in any sort of public situation. Anger, saddness or some sort of display of affection tend to be well accepted.
5. Guatemala’s National Heros are fashioned after the Ladinos who shaped and dominated all the spheres of life in the country since Independence (September 15, 1821) until the present day. The heroes from the Independence are: Juan Barrundia, doña Dolores Bedoya de Molina, don Pedro Molina.
“Guatemala is a country with a lot of potential because of its rich culture and its diverse flora and fauna. You can find a huge bibliography about the economic, political, social, and cultural life of the country. If you want to visit tourist areas, you should inquire at the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism INGUAT. Guatemalan cuisine is very rich and varies a lot depending on the area and ethnic group. You can find many different international dishes, particularly in the capital city.
Among other things, you will find ruins which bear witness to the history of the great Mayan civilization, the city of Antigua Guatemala, the splendour of the colonial architecture, the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, volcanoes, colourful and intoxicating markets, etc. The large urban centres have great cultural events (museums, plays, internet cafes, hiking paths, volcano climbing, amusement parks and more). In the most important tourist areas, which include Tikal, Antigua Guatemala, Quezaltenango and Chichicastenango, you will easily find agencies that offer very interesting cultural and thematic outings focussing on such themes as the different forms of Mayan art.”
Again – it’s not a long post, but I will be gathering more information to share it with you!
Good Night Folks!
Things you should know about Guatemala. I think you should.
I decided to write this post before I say “Good Night” to the world after a long day, because hey, why not?! Writing can be relaxing (except the eyes. It’s destroying the eyes).
As you already know CyclingForRekko aims in supporting charity organization REKKO in Guatemala. But what exactly we all know about Guatemala? Frankly speaking several months ago I probably had some vague idea of a poor country in South America. Is it because we tend to acknowledge only the tragedy of the countries describe by media in a hysterical and over-emotional way? What about the quite every-day sort of tragedy that no one mentions because it’s not “attractive” enough? Apart from helping REKKO financially, CyclingForRekko would like to edcuate us a bit about Guatemala so we become more aware what’s happening on the other side of the Globe and most important why it’s happening and how we can help.
Guatemala is a country rich in culture and history, but because it’s only me who’s writing this post I am going to educate you about it differently, with another list of random but interesting facts!
1. The name Guatemala means land of the trees in the Maya-Toltec language. It still has the largest protected tree reserves in all of Central America.
2. A scene from the original Star Wars movie “A New Hope” was shot in The Tikal National Park, which a part was also declared as UNESO World Heritage. True Story.
3. In Guatemala hot choclote was known back in IVth century! The Maya civilization grew cacao trees in their backyards, and used the cacao seeds it produced to make a frothy, bitter drink. Documents in Maya hieroglyphs stated chocolate was used for ceremonial purposes, in addition to everyday life. The chocolate residue found in an early ancient Maya pot in Río Azul, Guatemala, suggests the Maya were drinking chocolate around 400 AD. They knew what’s good!
4. Guatemala also had an Oscar nomination for the best foreign film in 1994. It was for El Silencio de Neto (The Silence of Neto) directed by Louis Arguenta. Respect for that.
5. Guatemala is the biggest producer of Cardamom, which is a green gold of the country. If you have no idea how you can use cardamom in the kitchen, this link is going to help you: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/cardamom
6. Guatemalan coffee is believed to be the crown jewel of Central America coffees.
Right. It’s not much guys, but I will keep you posted if I find something exciting! For now – Good Night to all of you!
Unusual Guide of the places on CyclingForRekko route.
I think it’s high time to write a few words about the main cities Matteo is going to cross on his way to Genoa. I decided to share with you some weird, more or less popular facts about those cities. Let’s start from the beginning!
TAMWORTH – This exact city was mentioned by great William Shakespeare in his famous tragedy “Richard III”. Act V, Scene II, Line 15.
“Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, thus far into the bowels of the land have we march’d on without impediment; And here receive we from our father Stanley Lines of fair comfort and encouragement. The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar, that spoil’d your summer fields and fruitful vines, swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough in your embowell’d bosoms, this foul swine Lies now even in the centre of this isle, near to the town of Leicester, as we learn from Tamworth thither is but one day’s march. In God’s name, cheerly on, courageous friends, to reap the harvest of perpetual peace by this one bloody trial of sharp war.”
I hope you feel more educated now.
We’re moving down to OXFORD now. There is a reason why Oxford was not bombed by Germans during Second World War. Hitler had a cunning plan of using Oxford as his capital in case of conquering England. Nice try!
Next one on the map will be NEWHEAVEN famous for its The New Heaven LifeBoa which is among the oldest ones in Britian and was comissioned in 1803. Personally I think that the more interesting fact is that “Graduate” author, American writer Charles Webb is a resident of that English city. If you would like, along with a little donation you can give Matteo your copy of “Graduate” so he can knock on Mr Webb’s door in your name and ask for signing the book. Casually.
After getting on French grounds first stop will be in DIEPPE, which is famous because of its delicious seafood. Two dishes to remember: “Marmite Diepois” – fish and seafood stewed in cream, cider and oniones and “Moules Mariniere” – mussles in a wine, shallot and cream sauce.
Then we’re moving to AMIENS, which is a home of a writer Jules Verne and the largest Christmas Market in Northern France. I couldn’t pick two more random facts.
After Amiens there will be stop in REIMS, which is believed to be world’s capital of champagne. Never mind of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals.
We’re keep moving down to TROYES, which is the home of the luxurious brand with green crocodile logo. Have a guess which one I’m talking about!
In DIJON, which is next on the route there is plenty of the best quality mustard. We are also collecting the orders! Any of the supporters would like to get a little mustard souvenir from France?
LYON, is a home of modern cinema. Yes people, this is the place where two creative geniuses known as Lumier Brothers, improved on Edison’s invention and were smart enough to quickly apply for patent in France and England to keep their baby safe. Unfortunately Matteo will not have time to visit Lumier Museum, but anytime you are around Lyon, go and enjoy it!
The last French stop will be in GRENOBLE. Now, there is one interesting fact about the city. During the French Revolution, Grenoble was rebaptized Grelibre. The people wanted nothing to do with nobles and royalty. “Libre”, which is French for “free,” made the city sound much more revolutionary.
Then we’re already in Italy, Matteo’s homeland. First stop will be in TURIN, which is also believed to be “DETROIT of ITALY”. I’m wondering if any one Italian people ever heard of that…
Then we’re moving to ALESSANDRIA which is a host of annual Fraskettando SkaBlues Jazz Festival and even Blues Brothers performed there!
And then we’re nearly at the end of the journey in GENOA. Here I am only going to quote Charles Dickens who apparently said about the city: I would never have thought that I would have become attached to the stones of the Genoan streets, and to think of the city with affection, as the place in which I had spent many hours of peace and happiness.
Hopefully we’ll finish the initiative with Matteo in excellent state, safe and sound back in his hometown and with enough money to help REKKO build the ambulatory!
You know how to support us guys, so let’s do it!
CyclingforRekko 