A fresh new look, courtesy of Dani

May I proudly present my new blog design to you? 

I am pleased to announce that with immediate effect the look has been changed to a new template that was kindly designed and installed by my beloved and very talented lilbro Dani! 

Since quite some time I wanted to change the look of my blog and bring up the first design change since I started this, not quite a year ago. I was trying to establish a three column design but I don't have a clue about these things if it's not drag & drop... So my lilbro kindly offered to help me and now came up with this splendid new design! I especially love the header which Dani designed for me as well. It's pretty cool and I love the resemblance in style with Dani's own blog.

I don't plan any further changes to the cruisair blog content, I am quite happy with what I have on it now. I might fine tune one or the other sidebar item but in general I have what I wanted.

I love it very much, I hope you all do too, lets give him a big round of applause (and I promised him something else as reward...hehehe)! Many many thanks Dani, I appreciate it so much - besitos! 

Hugs for all of you.

If you can, you should do it.

One of these days I received a mail from my friend Stewart. I was so much impressed by the video it linked to that I decided to rather make a post than to email it to only a few other friends.

It's a story of a father and a son. The story is about integration, it is about love, it is about abilities, it is about endurance, it is about strength, it is about believing, it is about so many things that you would never imagine this inspiration comes from them at first sight.

I would like to share this video here with you.



If you want to know more about Rick and Dick, you can read a little about their story here or go to their website Team Hoyt to learn all about them. 

It is true, in so many ways: if you can, you should do it.

A hug.

I love typography.

I think I haven't spoken about this topic so far but nevertheless this is something that I really like: typography. I find it absolutely fascinating to see different kinds of lettertypes being used in different kinds of media, like brochures, books, magazines but also online usage. I am neither talented enough nor have I the patience to design a lettertype myself (though it would be something that I find interesting) but reading about how famous lettertypes have been designed is very interesting. There are very creative people out there who have developped the most fascinating lettertypes. I don't always like those typefaces (sometimes they are so artistic that I cannot even read them anymore - but that's of course the purpose of a letter so I think that's more art than useable lettertype) but very often there are beautiful examples used for the most diverse purposes. As a child, in the pre-computer era, I loved to draw different lettertypes and "design" posters and stuff using different typefaces. That of course looked very unprofessional but with the introduction of computers and the different kinds of desktop publishing software this became faster, easier and looked more professional. Now the occasional letters and other print matters I create really look nice. Of course I have one favorite lettertype, or more actually... I wonder if my choice for a specific typeface says something about me... probably it does, I just wonder what... :-D Anyway, one of my favorites is the Lufthansa lettertype which is a special variation of the famous Helvetica lettertype, especially designed for the airline. It's a plain and clear lettertype which I prefer in general.

There are even books that deal only with the different kinds of lettertypes and present the types and their practical usage. Of course one of the blogs I read is about typography and of course it's called I love typography. They regularly publish wonderful photos and examples about the often interesting, sometimes beautiful application of lettertypes. Have a look at the blog and look what beautiful things can be done with simple letters, it's amazing. I just wish I had more knowledge and expertise to properly use the many different lettertypes that I managed to collect on my computer. Often enough, on the rare occasion that I can design something that involves lettertypes, I tend to use my preferred types in very traditional ways due to the lack of my design knowlege. Oh well, I still enjoy that creative side of me every once in a while. Usually it's only me or Jelle or some family or friends who get to see the results, seldom a "wider" audience when I create some slides for my work (to be used as a screensaver for our workstations) and very rarely I use it in creating photos for flickr.

 

Exclusive: Making a cheesecake with Dani

I proudly present to you the exclusive photo report of the "Making of" of Dani's famous Philadelphia Creme cheesecake! 

On a recent visit to the Master of Cheesecakes himself, Dani-chan treated us to a very exclusive insight view of the making of his famous cheese cake. I can assure you that the cake was as delicious as it looks on the photos! Try it out yourself. Of course there's nothing above the  real original one but only few lucky ones get to taste him, er... it.

Let's start with the recipe, here's all the ingredients you will need to prepare it.

Also, this photo shows already the first step, the crunched cookies in the form that is used to make the cake.

Follow the recipe along and have a look at Dani's expert moves.

Again, if you don't know exactly how to crunch those cookies, here Dani shows you en detail. Let your imagination inspire you in the crunching process... ;-)

The cheese and other ingredients as per recipe (of course, mind the pronounciation...) have to be mixed and heated up.

Dani demonstrates how simple and easy this can be accomplished.

Some special powder thingie (hey, have a look at the recipe yourself, why do I need to do all the work?) needs to be mixed with milk and stirred perfectly before it can be added to the warming up cheese.

Make sure you mix all the stuff real good, don't leave the oven and prevent the milk/cheese mix to get burned! 

As you can see, it is really easy if you follow the expert's tips!

If all is heated up well, stirred perfectly together you can then poor the fluid milk/cheese mix into the prepared form.

Mind you, what you see here is a variation of the original recipe. Don't get surprised that the crunched cookies will float up -

 later you will see it won't be a problem for the finished cake, in contrast - it's the desired effect (well, hey, what do you think, here are the experts talking and cooking and showing!).

After the cake has been put into the fridge for hours (look at the recipe for the recommend time) you simply turn the cold and stiff cake with the form upside down - but don't forget to put a plate under it so you can place the cake on it... ;-)

Now, another creative part in the process of making the cheese cake starts: you have to decorate it! Again, use all your imagination. Our expert chef suggests - as you can see - a strawberry flavour element which gives the cake a wonderful red color. Other known variations (tried by your's truly himself) are a yellow jam, like peach or orange or such. That all depends on your personal taste. But that's the fun part, you can use whatever you fancy, isn't that great?! After it, you put some sliced almonds (or nuts, hey there's the creative variation again...) on top to finish the decorating process.

Guess what? You're done.

Put the Nespresso on, have a seat and enjoy!

Tadaaa! Our proud Dani, the cheese cake expert, with the final result!

Let me tell you, it was as fantastically delicious as it looks. 

For cheese making courses please contact the chef himself, new trainings start each month and training classes are kept small in order to assure very personal attention to every participant! Apply immediately, I can only highly recommend his trainings - they are fun, excellent and delicious, what else do you want?

A cheesy hug to you all. :-P

Men in the shower

Stress at work, feeling tension, need some relieve? Here's something exciting to watch... (be advised, some nudity involved...):

You did not expect something else, did you? :-P

Thoughts.

No, nothing happened. But every now and then I fight with some feelings that are bothering me. I have to write a few words about it to get rid off it - well, I wish that would work like that... ;-) What I will write about does refer to my friends in general and is not referring to a specific friend. 

A great exception though is Dani who is always there for me (be it by phone or chat or email or even in person or by his thoughts and even though he doubts that himself!). Also Franc is calling me and chatting to me more or less regularly and Katja who calls and visits a few times per year. I'm not being polite here, that's the way it is and how I feel about you. So guys if you read the following, it's not about you. ;-)

While I try since months to build up new and rebuild old friendships, find new friends, become more social I sometimes feel I make no efforts at all. You see, I sometimes call people (the least of my means of communication that I use I must admit), I more often send SMS, I once in a while send emails and I'm available for chat many hours of the day, more or less. But often enough, nothing happens. Of course I do know and understand people live their own lives and I know often enough the reason why people are so busy with their lives (e.g. new found loves)... but still, that does not prevent me from having that lonely feeling that I wanted to get rid off. So, sometimes I feel a bit sad that there are ten people present in the chat program and not a single one is interested in chatting to me. Of course I can pick any of them and initiate it myself, but friendship to me is a two way thing, isn't it? I'd sometimes love to be surprised by a warm email, a nice chat or SMS or even a call. To get the feeling one of my friends thinks of me... Jelle just said to me, maybe it's now paying back to me what I did to my friends years ago... well, maybe... but I don't really believe that. I know, I am impatient. This all takes time (a long time actually) but sometimes I'm really frustrated by things around me and then speaking to a friend could make all the difference. Jelle also mentioned to me that the fact that many of my new found friendships are "only" virtual make it maybe less serious friendships but I don't agree with that. Of course you can have superficial virtual friendships but I consider the "real" virtual friendships that I found good and serious ones. Nevertheless I try to make those virtual friendships "real" friendships by trying to meet the (usually) men and get to know them personally. The best of all friendships to me then develops when I speak, chat, listen, call, SMS, visit, see the one as much and regularly as possible - that luckily happened with Dani. Naturally, it's a logistical problem in real life to meet regularly if you do not live in the same city, I understand that. Finding more friends in my own city therefore would be an advantage but I haven't figured out yet how I want to do that. 

Don't get me wrong - I am happy with the friends I found. I just miss your contact, I guess I'm in need of a lot of attention and unfortunately I cannot get it as much as I want to. I do enjoy regular chats with some of you, like Russell and Alejandro. It's really a pleasure to turn to you and speak. But that doesn't replace "real" friendships and that's what I miss. For example, for me it's important to have something to look forward to in my life. Some event to live up to, well, look forward to. Like going to meet someone, going on a vacation, meet with a friend, go watch a movie, have a coffee, eat dinner... to be honest, there is nothing at the moment or in the near future that I can look forward to. Sure, there is a training in November that I have to follow for two weeks in Zurich. But to be honest I am a bit "scared" about the thought, being away from home, the possibility to contact someone by computer, being on my own, knowing nobody, being cut off from MY world. I'm not too shy to speak to the colleagues there but I know I will feel lonely and that's certainly not an idea I am looking forward to. Of course there is the plan to make a day trip with Franc some time soon or go to see a movie with him, but nothing fixed yet. All these things (and probably a few more) add to my overall feeling and I hope that explains a little why I sometimes can feel really down. 

I am glad I wrote a few words about this. Honestly, I feel better. But most of all it helped speaking to a friend. Thanks lilbro for lending me your ear once again. 

Lots of hugs and kisses to you all.

P.S.: Dani, you know why I exempt you from the above? It's very simple. Don't forget that we are in contact very very often. You always try to say at least a few words to me as you often know how important it is for me. You often respond to emails I sent you. You do that despite the fact that you are very busy these days and don't get treated well either but still you manage to think of me and show your support to me. So for that reason don't worry if you not always answer every SMS or email - the things you do are so much that they easily compensate for what you think you lack to do (which you don't). I do feel guilty that you probably feel a certain pressure from me, that I make your life just a little more complicated than it could be. But maybe it becomes a little easier when I tell you that it's sometimes that simple smiley from you that makes all the difference for me, the "virtual" kisses you send or the hugs you give or that friendly, cheerful comment you make or just that smile and your laugh I can hear through the telephone that make me smile too, cheer me up, make my day! 

I honestly appreciate all you do, as you said yourself, that's what friends are for and I am most fortunate that fate brought us together.

Needless to say, I try to be just that for you too. Maybe that's the reason why I call you more often than you would normally expect. I am probably just trying to compensate for lack of other (direct) communication. After all, I am interested in your life as well and I want to hear what happens to you too. I know there is a difference of some kilometers between us and somehow I strive to bridge that distance. So bear with your bigbro ;-) 

P.P.S.: it really felt good to hear Sera's voice, I was very happy to hear him say "Hi" in the background! Please tell him he always has a very positive effect on my mood too!

P.P.P.S.: Damn mobile phones! :-)

Bello por dentro...

...vello por fuera! :-P

This is the first result of my "Project Grandpa" - Dani, Jelle and I went shopping in Madrid to look for some more modern or contemporary clothes for me... of course and as usual Dani as well as Jelle found nice t-shirts except for me, typical! But then, one evening in Chueca we passed a sex shop (!) and they had at least this nice shirt for me! So finally, the first step is made - for future developments watch my flickr space (there's even a special set!)... ;-) 

I'm curious to see the results during the coming months... hehehe

Any suggestions from your side? I welcome your inspirations while I await the next shopping tour with my mate Dani, who's not only my best friend but also personal adviser in this giant project... :-D

A hug from grandpa.

P.S.: Sorry to those who already saw this on flickr - I liked the idea so much so I decided to make a blog post of it too. ;-)

Compiling.

"Compiling" © xkcd

I swear this came up randomly! With a special dedication to Dani... :-P

The Rain In Spain Falls Mainly On McCain (from: Joe.My.God.)

There is a "revealing" post over at Joe.My.God. about Mr. McCain. He was interviewed by a spanish radio station and the interview did not exactly turn out to be very flattering for Mr. McCain's knowledge about world politics in general and Spain in particular. :-D 

I'm shocked, no, on second thoughts no I'm not... it doesn't really surprise me that Mr. McCain is as ...uhm...let's say 'uneducated' as I feared he might possibly be:

Click here for the interesting post!

A friendly hug.

Happy Birthday!

© danoliverm

It's Sera's birthday today and Jelle and I extend our warmest and sincere wishes to him: Happy Birthday Sera! Many kisses from us! Hopefully you'll get lots and lots of tasty chocolate bears (at least as big as the one in the shopping window in Berlin). ;-) Many happy times for you together with your hubby Dani! Lots of love from us!

Guido and Jelle

Funny.

"Names" by xkcd. More here. 

Seen there.

Those were the days...

It's been a while (how many days exactly...?) since I last posted something about aviation. Then again, it's one of my passions and I don't carry that a i r in my nickname for nothing... so here we go, another round of videos to share some airline nostalgia with you:

The first video is from an airline that most of you probably don't know if you are not interested in airlines and stuff: Wien Air Alaska. As a kid, the name always fascinated me and I always wondered where it came from. Because you must know that "Wien" in German is the name of the capital of Austria, Vienna. So you can imagine that I was pretty confused as a child what Vienna had to do with an airline in Alaska... ;-) After all, at that time there was no internet to look up all the facts...

The next commercial is of one of the former major airlines I unfortunately never managed to fly (yeah, us airline geeks "collect" flights and airlines and routes and types... no, don't bother to comment, I know I'm nuts...): Eastern Airlines

Neither have I flown on this one: Republic Airlines. They have been absorbed by Northwest Orient Airlines back then and I have flown them... but that doesn't really count, does it?

I just mentioned them before and yay, I managed to fly them! Even better, I love this commercial as they obviously have been a trendsetter: to ban smoking on planes - hooray for that!

...and OH MY GOD is this terrible, a commercial that looks as if a school class has thought of the plot and made the film...

Esthetically one of the beautiful commercials and I will 'love' United Airlines forever for their wonderful slogan "Come fly the friendly skies" and the use of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in blue" since ages in their commercials and on the telephone... ahhh... airline advertising the way I love it:

From the same airline here is a more vintage commercial, promoting the then brand new DC1o aircraft - look at the lounge in Economy class!!! Unthinkable of in today's hard economic times...

In an effort to differentiate themselves from their competition, Braniff Airlines declared the end of the plain plane. In the end, it did not help and today, the airline has long disappeared from the skies, no more BIG ORANGE (their bright orange coloured 747 jumbo jets) coming in to land at an airport near you...

Maybe the next airline has indeed been doing best what they did - they are still around and are comparatively healthy for an american airline. I always liked their color scheme, the classic ultra clean typeface, the silver bare metal colored fleet of aircraft and the use of the american colors white, blue and red:

And look at this marvel: TWA! Yes, I've flown them but not on the aircraft they advertise as brand new in this commercial, the L1011. Look at the spacious economy class cabin, again something that you will not find on any of today's airlines. Or look at the meal service: a full (giant) tray with a steak on it! Unbelievable! Nowadays, on some airlines like United you now even have to pay for a meal in Business class (on some flights)! Awww.... those were the times...

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little walk through airline commercials archives. If not, may I suggest to read any of my other non-aviation posts instead? Or maybe have a look at my blogger friends' recent posts? Check out their sites and click on the links provided to the right.

Thanks for your interest anyway and come back soon.

A bear hug.

This post was inspired by an article I read here.

Cornerstones

I few words about me. It's been a while I think that I wrote about myself and my feelings. As far as I see it I am "improving" on my "mental stability". That's a good thing. About two months ago I read a blog post that made me think about my own postings. Very recently I read another post on the same blog and both posts for me are somehow connected as they are both about a person's feelings and emotions and the way (or not) to write about them.

Sometimes I have something on my mind. I want to talk about it but can't because there is nobody to talk to. Sure, we all chat a lot all day long, about God and the world and all the non important, meaningless things that surround us. I have a few people I more or less chat with on a regular basis. Usually, those chats always stay on the surface, they seldom manage to get deeper. That's the nature of a chat I guess, quick and short talks on the one hand, the restriction of it to often taking place at work is another one I assume. At least that's my experience. But back to what I wanted to say. So if I want to express something to somebody who's not there, I can turn to my blog. Write - like now - about my thoughts. When I write here I realize that I indirectly speak to those very few readers I have. Sometimes -I admit - I intend to do that in order to receive a reaction, sometimes I don't and just want to share my thoughts. Usually, the urge for me to write something about my emotions arises when I lack the possibility to speak about them. But what triggers certain emotions, you might wonder? Well, I don't exactly know for sure myself. 

Let me take a look at myself where I see the "problem" for the most part. I am still a very insecure person, even though that might not occur to the occasional reader. I have very few friends and therefore social contacts. I am still in the process of building up a new social network for me. So if one element in my existing network "fails" for whatever reason I only have a small back-up option. The "problem" with friends of course is that they are not made for my personal well being and entertainment. They have a live of their own. But they are the cornerstones on which I build my network. I rely on them, on some more than on others. That's probably the reason why I tend to be very possessive and claiming, trying to ensure the all-time availability of my friends, especially my favorite ones. Now that's where I wonder if that is repelling them from me; the more I claim, the more they get repelling - could that be? That seems logical. If I give any of my friends that feeling, putting that burden on them, I truly regret that. It's not my intention. 

Hack, I regularly have things to tell, personal things. I try to do things to make my life better and I want to tell you about it. Because you are part of my very personal life. And I want to know the personal stuff from you too, because I am part of your personal life. That's what a blog and a chat is not about but a friendship. There are things that you preferably share with your best friend(s) and not your hubby. That's why we need to call and see each other often. Some things deserve privacy. Even if those things are not moving the world, yet they mean something to us and I think we should share them. Personal interaction, be it virtual via a (skype) call or even better with a cup of coffee around the corner is the best method to build and deepen that friendship. I always hope you will feel the same. Thinking about it, that's definitely not claiming, is it?... 

Anyway, I have tried to explain a little what moves me lately. I know it is kind of weird and I am not a good writer, especially when it comes to expressing my emotions. But I feel I need to share this with you, try to explain and make you understand why I am the way I am or why I do or don't do certain things. On the other hand I hope you will guide me in finding the right balance in interacting with you, to be part of your lives and yet don't feel excluded. I still need that help from you all. 

A big hug to my wonderful friends, new ones and the ones I found back, the cornerstones of my social network.

Google for gays?

A german site that looks like google and works based on google aims to be the google for (german) gays: Schwuugle (pronounced like 'shwoogle'). "Schwul" (pronounced like 'shwool') in german means "gay" so it's a nice play of words for the site's name. There is a team that screens all the sites to make sure their content really is gay and but not only about porn. 

At the moment, 1.250000 sites are included that are somehow related to gay men. For the time being, the site restricts itself on gay men but claims to be working on a  lesbian version (or inclusion?) too. I thought it's kind of interesting though I don't know if it's really necessary and if I cannot find what I am looking for in google as well, with more or less the same effort. I haven't tested that. The only "advantage" seems to be that schwuugle-sites are sure to be gay, obviously... if you must have that assurance.

To hell?

Eskimo: "If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?"
Priest: "No, not if you did not know."
Eskimo: "Then why did you tell me?"

There is something about Guido

This is funny: by chance I saw this post on the blog of Rafalet and I was playing with the thought of using it here too. For some reason I knew my friend Dani would most probably do it too and when I saw it appear on his blog I decided to go for it too. As you will guess, this is a parody of a ficticious interview that spanish "journalist" Maria Patino is about take with me. As Rafalet and Dani encouraged already, I will do too: please feel free to put it in your blog too (amended to your personal situation, that is)...

Hi Guido, how about talking about you?

Oh well, why not. It might be funny... It feels strange though, I'm not someone interesting. There is nothing special about me, nothing that others might want to know.

How did you decide about your nickname? In case you use your real name why do you use it?

Well, I have explained that a while ago in my blog. But in case you don't remember I am happy to refresh your memory: I like cruising (with ships, mind you) and I like airplanes. So I combined the two and I liked the double meaning of "Cruisair" (as in Cruiser...). I wanted a name that did not contain numbers and I did not want to use my real name as it's too boring... My first choice for a nick was taken: Gayviator, I liked that a lot. But now I got used to the Cruisair and I started to like it.

Would you make a wish to the stars?

Yes, definitely. Way too many things probably but still... I'm a romantic so that's why I guess...

When was the last time you cried?

I do cry occasionally. The last time was when I watched the movie "Moulin Rouge" but also when my dearest friend did something beautiful that made me happy.

Bread with...?

Butter, definitely. Plus one of the following: Herz Salami from Hungary, the original one. I just love it. Or Bierwurst (oh, it's so german, but that has always been my favorite). Or Nutella. 

Do you like animals?

That depends, are we talking pets? As a kid I loved when the neighbour's cat always came to us and lay down in my lap, I adored that. My mom once brought home a budgerigar. I loved it but never took care of it... The friend of my aunt where I went very often as a child had a dog like Lassie, I loved that too. But I have been to someone who had a dog and the whole house stank because of the dog... I thought that was disgusting... So I guess I tend to a cat... The only thing about them all: I am so self centred and am afraid to forget to take good care of a pet...

How many children do you have?

I know for sure I don't have any. Never have, never will. You talk about these little creatures that scream and get on your nerves, right?

Do you work together with NGOs?

No, I don't.

If you were another person, would you be your friend?

Hm... difficult question. I often wonder why someone is my friend. Why do people like me, for what? What is likeable about me? But I think yes, I would want to be my friend.

Do you have a diary?

No, not really. I do have this blog but I don't really consider it as my diary. As a kid I had a diary at school. All the girls had one so I wanted to have one too. Naturally, I was the only boy to have one...

Are you sarcastic?

No, usually I'm not. I can be very ironic though but never really sarcastic...

Would you do bungee jumping?

That is really something I wouldn't do lighthearted. It's not something I always wanted to do. There might be circumstances that I ever might do it but I can't imagine it right now...

Which cereal do you prefer?

Oh I don't know their name but it's those wheat thingies with a raisin inside, I just love them, combined with fresh banana and sugar and milk... 

Would you unzip shoes before you remove them?

Yes, it drives me crazy to have to open them when I want to put them on... 

Do you think you're strong?

In all aspects, I'm not. Physically, I'm weak and mentally I'm not strong either.

What is your favorite icecream?

Banana. Or Pistacchio? Wait, maybe Hazelnut? Hmm... no I'll go for Banana.

Which shoesize do you have?

I have size 45. I know what they say about men with large feet, or men with long noses... I won't comment on that so don't go there...

Red or pink?

Pink, I have to modernize myself. 

Sea or mountains?

I love both! What I don't like is to sit on a beach all day long, just sunbathing is not for me. Megahikes in the mountains is not for me either but I do love to walks, I enjoy the company of a good friend and I adore the nature. I love to be at secluded places, where I am alone and no one or not many people around except someone really special.

What do you like the least about you?

Not to have enough self confidence; many missed chances in my life; not to have enough courage to always stand-up for my opinion; my teeth; some more physical aspects...; many more things...

Whom do you miss much?

Apart from my parents my best friend.

What color do your trousers and shoes have at your job?

Dark blue trousers and black shoes. Hey, I wear a uniform at work.

The last you ate today?

Some Milka chocolate, but as dinner I had rice and green curry (prefab meal from the supermarket, but very good).

What are you listening right now?

It's late in the night, no music anymore. Jelle left the tv on and now in the background there is endless advertising for telephone sex... The last song I heard today was from Mecano, "El Uno, el Dos, el Tres".

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

I don't know hardly any people, no one ever calls me. The last calls were the ones I made myself and today it was my father that I called. I'm lucky if I get an SMS every once in a while.

Your favorite drink?

Milk. Full fat, 3.5%, nothing less. 1 litre, daily.

Favorite sport to watch on television?

I don't like tv. I'm like Churchill who said "No sports". So what worse combination can there be than tv and sports? But if you tie me to a chair in front of a tv and I have to choose, well, for heaven's sake, then give me something like male wrestling... I love to see hairy and beefy men in tight suits grabbing their... oh sorry, I'm getting carried away... 

Food?

Salad, pasta or bread. I love salad, in all forms. My favorite is butterhead lettuce. 

Happy ending or...?

Yeah, as I said before, I'm a romantic. So a happy ending is almost a must for me... but seriously, it all depends on the story, I can handle both...

Do you have pets?

No, poor creatures... see above

Favorite day of the year?

All the days that I can make a loved one happy.

Kisses or hugs?

Both, I can't get enough of kissing! I love kissing long and a lot! And hugging, I love hugging long and a lot! And I miss both, any male volunteers?

Are you a happy person?

At times.

Who do you think will respond?

No one. Almost no one is reading this. Who bothers about this anyway?

What book are you reading?

I still have to read the Death Note, there are several books in the shelf waiting (like an interesting one by a gay german tv host who describes his "pilgrimage" to Santiago de Compostela) but I spend way too much time on internet, sadly...

What is your favorite color?

Blue. In all it's shades.

What did you watch on TV last night?

I usually don't watch tv. I went to the cinema last night to see Mamma Mia for the second time.

Rolling Stones or Beatles?

Well, they are both not my favorite. If I really have to make a choice then I choose the Beatles but that doesn't mean I like them.

How do  you see the glass?

Half empty.

What is the farthest place you have been from home?

That depends: Looking west it was Aitutaki, the Cook Islands and looking east it was Fiji.

Do you do sports?

Hey, do you listen? Churchill, remember?! No sports!

From where do you write?

From my living room at home.

MILK

David, the friend who's living in the U.S. recently pointed my attention to a new movie that will premiere in the U.S. in November. I'm very interested to see it as it's telling an important story:

What the gays are watching: The Golden Politics

My friend David from the U.S. lately sent me a link to this blog where I found this video which I wanted to share here with you. ;-)

And while I'm at it, here's another very nice one about american politics - enjoy... :-)

A hug.

Home away from home.

I am on vacation.

Since the beginning of this month I'm off. Yay. I enjoy it a lot, despite not going to far away places. Usually, Jelle and I like to go to far off places and travel around the world. We also had planned something pretty weird this time - flying the A380 - but it would have cost us too much money in too little time. So we cancelled that in order to do it some other time when we have more time to enjoy it and when we can afford it. But this time, there was no money for this luxury. So we more or less stay home. But of course that can be nice too and frankly, for the time being I am enjoying it. Doing nothing, no obligations, no early shifts, sleeping long and enjoying the day. Only to return to work end of next week, woohoo!!!

Nevertheless, we have been away in this vacation. Hooray! My lilbro Dani invited us to come visit him in Madrid and spend some time with him. And man did I enjoy it! Dani did his utmost to make this visit extra special as it was Jelle's first time ever to visit Madrid. So Dani showed us around everywhere and we now know all the in's and out's of that fantastic city! Jelle immediately fell in love with Madrid! He loved it just like I already learned to love it long before him. The best though of our trip was simply to be and spend the time with the best of all friends, my Dani - there's nothing more beautiful than to enjoy such a friendship that we share!

So we headed for Spain on the second of this month. We took a plane to Frankfurt (which had a "bad" start as our colleagues did not arrange for us to have a meal during the short flight - no big deal but still, we are paying for that and it often happens to us. It's a little effort to arrange that yet some colleagues just don't care... a pity...). 

Me, on the flight to Frankfurt

From Frankfurt, we went to Bilbao. We stayed in a suburb in a Novotel and though the weather could have been nicer we enjoyed the city. It was well worth the trip, strolling through the nice center, 

Jelle in Bilbao's city center

the old town, the famous Guggenheim Museum. We even took a train (yeah, we like trains and planes and ships...) to the countryside just to see the surroundings of the city.

Jelle pointing to the train we wanted to take for a short ride

On the fourth, we went to the airport again to take a Spanair flight to Madrid. The Bilbao airport architecture is quite interesting so I enjoyed taking some photos of it before we headed for the gate. Jelle decided to have a wine before take-off while I only had a coffee and we could not believe our ears when we paid: together it was less than 3 Euros, in an airport restaurant - and the wine was even cheaper than my coffee! That's simply amazing! Our flight to Madrid was eventless, we got seats right at the check-in in Business class and the flight turned out to be pretty empty. Good for us. ;-)

Handsome lilbro Dani right after we met again

Then we arrived in Madrid and I could almost not await to see my lilbro again! I really looked so much forward to see Dani!!! We had planned our arrival into Madrid for the early afternoon, about the same time that Dani would finish work. As Dani had to attend to some business at short notice in the northern part of the city it became quite convenient to meet there before his appointment. Of course we were all happy to see each other again and immediately started chatting endlessly... ;-) Unfortunately, we were not complete as Sera was not with us as he was still on vacation in his village in southern Spain. The plan was for Sera to join us later during our visit to which I was also looking forward! 

Alex, Dani and me in Madrid's center

Later that day we met Alex, a friend of Dani, with whom we had some pre-dinner drinks and later Sera's sister Rosa joined us and we all went to a fabulous and very popular restaurant place in the center of Madrid where we had a truly excellent meal! And we all liked the receptionist of the place who was a hottie... :-) It was a true pleasure to meet Alex, as I had heard about him already but had not met him before. He perfectly speaks german too and it was fun and very enjoyable with him. I am glad to have met him. 

Alex (junior) and iPhonero Dani

Seeing Rosa again was a blast, she is such a sweetheart, very funny and it was truly awesome to meet her again as the last time I saw her was during Orgullo gay. I wish she would've brought her brother too... ;-)

We were staying at Dani's house and my lilbro insisted on giving us his bedroom for the night but after lengthy discussions we could convince him it was not necessary at all. ;-) We were really fine with the guest bed in his 2nd bedroom, it was simply perfect and I did sleep very well during our stay. In fact, I felt at home immediately. Dani made us feel so comfortable! Staying at his house did feel like staying at my own house, Dani has the gift of making you feel extremely comfortable in his presence.

Poor Dani still had one day of work ahead while we were able to have a long sleep and instead of going into Madrid we decided to stay at Dani's house, relax, enjoy ourselves and have a nice cup of coffee in the sun in the small bar downstairs at his house waiting for him to arrive home. Little things like that can be so enjoyable and great, it truly felt like a vacation in the most luxurious resort on earth ;-) In the afternoon, unfortunately for him after some overwork, Dani arrived home and we were ready for the days ahead together, yay! Later the evening we met with Dani's mother and aunt and went to the village's local yearly fair where the highlight was a concert of the fabulous "La 5a estación" - we had a great night with with fabulous music, food and friends! I enjoyed it sooo much, really!

Natalia of "La 5a Estación" during their concert in Valdemoro

The next day Dani took us (well, I had seen it already on a previous visit with Dani) to Aranjuez where we had a brief stroll and after returning we were invited by Dani's mother to a real "codido madrileño" which to me was a true culinary delight! I really loved it and it was such a great gesture of her to invite us and specially prepare this meal for us, I am so thankful for that! Juan Carlos, one of Dani's close friends, had joined us for it too and we all had a wonderful lunch together. After that, we devoted the whole afternoon and evening to Madrid itself. We went to Park Retiro and leisurely walked all the way from there through the city center, Dani showing Jelle all the beautiful sights his hometown has to offer! We had great weather and it was such a great day. 

Jelle, Dani and me posing in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid

Later in the evening we met Juan Carlos again. He took over the sightseeing part from Dani and explained the sights we visited together while the sun was setting over Madrid. What a beautiful evening, we had a great time and - you guessed it - we enjoyed a very good meal altogether and later went to Chueca to enjoy the bustling nightlife of the city! It was great for me to see Juan Carlos again, I really like him and he is such a pleasant company!

Juan Carlos, me and Dani with Madrid's evening skyline

For Jelle and me it was such a fascinating thing to sit in the center of Chueca, after midnight, outside in a street cafe and have a drink. Everything was so full and we almost did not get a table, unbelievable but such a great and fun atmosphere. Jelle and I agree that this is the ideal place for us, the life takes place much later and we truly prefer that above our "sleepy" Amsterdam ;-) We absolutely loved the atmosphere in Chueca and Madrid in general, as I said before Jelle truly loves the city now!

Jelle in Chueca

Dani did not rest and took us to a famous street market the next day where we tried to do some shopping. I am in urgent need of revamping my outfit, modernize myself a little. After all, my lilbro things I'm a bit grandpa-ish and I think he's right... ;-) So the aim was to find some nice things in the afternoon and of course Dani and Jelle found some nice stuff but of course I didn't!!! Luckily, Dani promised to take me for "real" shopping next time so I can really update my clothes. I'm looking forward to that, lilbro. ;-) Later that day we met Alex again together with his boyfriend Alex (yeah, "junior" and "senior" as they are referred to by their friends...) ;-) for a quick drink in the center. 

Me and Alex (senior and junior) :-)

In the meantime, Sera had returned from his vacation and finally joined us in the evening and we spent great quality time together, Dani and Sera and Jelle and me!

Sera and Dani, after we had breakfast

The next day Dani suggested to go see Toledo and we spent a beautiful day at this gorgeous medieval city. It was a very nice trip and a great day we spent there. 

Me and Dani with Toledo in the background

Later in the evening we were treated once again to a culinary highlight, Dani took us to one of his favorite restaurants, in the heart of Chueca! It was such a great place, very cosy with outstanding service, friendly staff, delicious food and perfect atmosphere. Rosa, Sera, Dani, Jelle and I truly enjoyed this treat and I felt very privileged that my lilbro did bring us to this place with so much atmosphere and quality! 

Me, Rosa, Dani, Sera and Jelle at Dani's favourite restaurant in Chueca.

On the way home we ended the night once again in the heart of Chueca with a drink way after midnight out in the open amongst so many other people there, oh how I love Madrid and it's nightlife!

Sadly, our days in Madrid ended and we had to leave, heading home again. Dani and Sera had to return to work but our days with my lilbro in Madrid were fabulous! We watched a movie, bought lots of music CD's and some DVD's, we found some nice clothing, we went to a concert, we made some nice trips to the surroundings, had great food, met wonderful people, we enjoyed each other's company and I truly loved being around Dani and Sera and had the time of my life, once again, thanks to my lilbro! Honestly, I can't wait to go back to see him again ;-) I also hope to welcome them a.s.a.p. here in Amsterdam again... Please lilbro, come visit us again!

Me, Dani and Sera at Dani's home on his couch on the last morning of our visit.

Many, many thanks to you, dear lilbro, you have made our stay with you such an extraordinary experience! I can't express my gratitude well enough. A load of kisses and hugs to you, Dani. 

I look forward to return to my home away from home - your house. There is no better hospitality than that of true friends, the ones that become family. Like my little brother.

Más que hacer

Actually I should have included the following videos already in the previous post as they would have completed it, but anyway, here's the more of "Hacer por hacer":

The original, older version of Miguel Bosé's hit, which is just as great as the newly released remake:

Then I have found the "making of" of the new song. Actually, there are two versions: the first one shows the actual video shooting:

The second "making of" shows the singing part of the song which is quite nice to see Gloria Gaynor struggle with the spanish lyrics: see lilbro, now that's exactly the same problem I have with SingStar :-P But seriously, it's a nice look behind the scenes of the creation of this fabulous song:

If you look on youtube you can also find a live version of the original older song which only differs from the above in the sense that it has some additional cheering audience, the playback is the same original recording, therefore I did not bother to include that here. 

As you can see, I really like this song and wanted to share more of it with you here... ;-)

P.S.: thanks Dani for showing it to me and also recommending Miguel's older CD.

Hacer por hacer

When I was visiting Dani theses days (a separate post follows) he suggested this song to me. As Dani knows his bigbro pretty damn good he knew that I would LOVE this song: I really like Miguel Bosé and this song he recorded with Gloria Gaynor is an amazingly cheerful, fun dance song (look who's talking, I can't even dance!) and I simply adore it! Miguel Bosé is an attractive man and he has a wonderful voice and he perfectly knows how to modernize his own songs. The one thing I didn't like about it: I had to buy the whole Papito album (which I already own) that he has re-released just to include this new song! GRRRR. :-)