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Zanzana introduces herself

Zanzana

Zanzana

As she recently mentioned on one of her blogs, Zanzana was  invited by Matteo to be a guest writer on CyclingforRekko: Zanzana feels really honoured and hopes to contribute as much as possible to this initiative.

She now takes the opportunity to introduce herself to the readers of CyclingforRekko, with a short description she has created for her online avatar:

Arabisante Italienne, Urban Biker, Horse Addicted, Aspiring Urban Farmer, Downshifting and Self-Production Supporter, Lifelong Thankful to those who support her.

Zanzana is trying to improve as housewife everyday, but still can not prepare a proper mayonaise.

Zanzana dreams of a far-away countryside, while she mostly posts from Milan, when she is not travelling, lost in a creative environment.

She can tell you she has improved quite a lot with the mayonaise, and also her first contacts with CyclingforRekko started with a post about Focaccia di Recco, one of her favourite dishes, beside being a landmark food of the town and region Matteo comes from.

As she mentioned to Matteo, she will publish mostly in the Miscellaneous section of CyclingforRekko, being her interests a little far from the main subject this blog deals with; at the same time, she will be very happy to get in contact with new readers, and to follow all the steps of the project and of Matteo’s trip from Manchester to Recco.

She is also wondering whether the road from Manchester to Recco passes from Milan! She really hopes so 🙂

Keep in touch!

Zanzana

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.

News!Followers, Supporters, Donations, Bike and more!

Hi everyone! Buongiorno (as they say in Italy).

Here in Manchester , after 4 wonderful days of sun, clouds are back in the sky but, hey, it’s still a super positive day! Where should I start?

Ok, so, blog-wise yesterday we touched the maximum/best ever day in terms of visitors!

stats visitor 19th of Feb 2013

Stats visitors 19th of Feb 2013

We reached 80 readers yesterday! Well done everyone! 😀

Then, I have received the bike! The Ridgeback World Panorama :

CyclingforRekko bike

CyclingforRekko bike

It is in fair condition, it will need a change of cables and a bit of care, but it will be like new soon! Overall I am very happy with this bike as it looks exactly as what is needed!

What else?

From one of our best supporters in Guatemala, Monica Icute, we have received the great news that the biggest newspaper (NATIONALLY) , Prensa Libre is interested in talking about this initiative and about my Grandpa and REKKO. GREAT!

We have also received interest from a company in italy, BIXE, which has designed a new technology for bikes, and might be interested in sponsoring the adventure! http://www.bixe.it/

Yesterday we have also received the first photos from our supporters!

The first to arrive was the one of Luisi Lorenzo and his team mates from Tuscany! 21735_4755271833828_63702695_nThe second one has been Riccardo Chiarini, professional Cyclist (2 times at Giro  D’Italia!!!) who has sent us this support photo:

riccardo chiarini

Moreover, yesterday , we also received a beautiful motivational and inspiring message from a student which has really given us energy and focus to keep doing what we are doing!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP IN ANY WAY (Donations, Support Photos, With an Idea or even “just” a smile or a comment, PLEASE DO IT!)  🙂

Radio Interview!

Hi everyone!

Matteo is not feeling great (I think I caught a cold on sunday!) but this morning I received a very cool call from a local italian radio that interviewed me! Here is the link to listen to it : http://www.babboleo.it/babboleo-news/24-ore-di-notizie/161221-da-manchester-a-genova-in-bici-per-solidarieta      ( i know it’s in italian but…)

Keep following , great things are about to come!

Matteo,

CyclingforRekko

News. One bad, and one GOOD!

Hi everyone!

Today has been a “so and so ” day!

As I anticipated, I went all the way down to London as I had to meet with a guy to purchase the bike for the adventure. Unfortunately the bike resulted in being too small (we had a misunderstanding on the bike measurements) and therefore I came back home with no bike (and less money in the pocket). BUT, I also have a great news!

A company specialized in producing and personalizing cycling kits, has agreed in providing me “sponsored” cycling kit for my adventure!

The company is “Factory” from Genoa. I must say they have been very kind and happy to help! I have no idea of the colours of which the kit will be but, hey, anything will do !

Now I better get back studying, and later hopefully, on searching for other possible bikes!

Talk you soon!

CyclingforRekko