Pancakes for a numb day...

... or for any other day, but especially for when you are needing some extra comfort. 

Contrary to what's been the norm lately, this recipe came up on a day my fridge was absolutely empty, which meant I had to improvise. I was craving pancakes but I had no eggs, and if I say so myself, it was a blessing in disguise because I've never looked at another pancake recipe since. 

These pancakes turn out to be quite plain so they go well with basically anything. Since they aren't very sweet I like mine with a big dollop of honey and some fresh fruit, especially strawberries! But you can have yours with pretty much whatever you want!

Ingredients:

- 1 + 1/2 cup of flour

- 1 tablespoon of baking powder 

- 2 tablespoons of caster sugar

- 1 coffee spoon of table salt

- 1 cup of milk

- 2 tablespoons of water

Method: 

- Honestly, the original recipe tells you to stiff the dry ingredients first on a separate bowl and only then add the liquid ones. If you ask me, mine never tasted any worse for skipping this step. So, I just mix all the ingredients together - you gotta choose your battles ;)

- Add a spoonful of batter on a previously heated pan and let it cook on medium-high heat until a few air bubbles start to appear. Flip the pancake and let it cook for a few more minutes until golden brown.

Side note: 

The original recipe mentions 2 tablespoons of oil, but I've always omitted it simply because I think it is just extra fat that really doesn't add any flavour to it. 

If you want to give yours an extra kick, just put some butter on the pan when frying your pancakes. Personally, and since I use a great non-stick pan I try to avoid it, but I must admit that 8 out of 10 times I give in to the temptation. 

Home Is Where My People Are

I truly believe that of all places in the world, there's always one you feel like you belong to a bit more. 

And I also believe that people make a place. Some places you love because you have fond memories related to good moments spent there, others because of its energy. No matter the reason, in the end and at most times, the common factor is its people. 

People do put a significance into our existence, they help shaping our perception of things, and more often that not, they make an impact on the way we experience things. This, of course, includes places. 

I love my hometown - that's where I've lived most of my life, where I've been through most of my firsts, where my parents are and where I have some of the fondest memories. Amsterdam is my favourite city and I could see myself living in Paris! I've spent a good amount of time in Indonesia living like a local and yet, Lisboa has my heart and soul. 

In this very literal example, the two people I've shared my home with in my first year of college and my first year living in Lisbon are the people that always make me feel the comfort of being home. Even if that is in a park somewhere in the city, on a Saturday afternoon, talking like a chatterbox.

I love you B. and J.! 

Roma II

And here it is: the second and most likely the last batch of picture from Rome!

Something curious I've realised right after this trip is that even if it wasn't my favourite destination I certainly had a good time there! Which proves that sometimes, and I personally think, most times, the place isn't everything. I've got such funny stories from the time I spent there I'm even embarrassed of sharing them here, and I feel like I've been very, very happy during those two days. So, when in doubt, just book that flight! Take the ride! Obviously good food and good company are always welcome ;) but never skip the chance of having a good time! 

Roma!!

Hope you read that "Roma" with a truly Italian accent. Maybe with a hand gesture coming along naturally as well? haha

Early this year I've been to Rome with my number one gal - my momma!! Actually, my mum was the reason I booked this trip in the first place, since it was her birthday!

Believe it or not, it was my first time in Italy - ever! - and we pretty much sticked to Rome only, since it was just a weekend getaway to celebrate the birthday girl.

I guess it is the same thing within every continent but traveling in Europe is so easy 'cause you can get everywhere in just a couple of hours and spend a nice weekend away. Europe is so vast and rich culture wise it makes me so proud to live here and being born in a country belonging to E.U. too.

I mean, how good is it to be spontaneous, book a couple flights not worrying visas, borders and all kinds of bureaucracy and just pack your bags and go?

Lot's of stuff going on in my life lately which have not been mentioned around here, but the main thing is that I started a new job back in September - my first job actually! - which obviously allows me to save a few more bucks and manage my own money. I didn't save my first salary for something really big or anything like that, but I made sure to plan a few trips and Rome was one of them. Back in December I had gone to Paris to reunite with one of my best pals from Indo, but I'll save that for another day - it's hard for me to stick to the point, haha. 

These are just a few snippets from that weekend that I got to get around but I'll try to post a few more lately. I'll try, I'll try...!

I can say I was expecting more from Rome and Italy overall. I liked our airbnb a lot, the weather was ok considering it was January, and I also didn't feel like the city was too expensive. To be honest, I had a great time with my mom and got to meet a few friends who live there and that I hadn't seen for a while. All those monuments are truly spectacular to say the least, I kind of felt like my History classes were coming to life and the feeling was just incredible, thinking how many kinds of people have gone through those places, and their daily lives, in different times and circumstances!! But when I think of Italy, besides History, I also think of great food, that I didn't get to experience, and I think of cute narrow streets, which are there indeed, but aren't as cute as one would have imagined. I don't know, perhaps I'm just being unfair, maybe it was just me, and maybe I had set my expectations way too high, but I didn't feel a connection.

I guess I'll have to come back sometime to put things into perspective!