Not 'Farewell', but 'See You Soon'

One of the very few negative aspects of being
part of an expat community is that we are faced with ‘good-byes’ quite frequently. However, yesterday I came to realize that this has changed, and how we can turn this into an enriching, positive experience, as citizens of the world that we have now become.

Last night two of my FOCUS colleagues, Alessandra and Nancy, and I met with Nuria and Jesus, a couple of Spanish members, who are moving to the US. They had been with FOCUS

for over two years and during this time have always been very nice, fun and active members of our community, despite the initial language barrier. They kindly invited us for a 'Farewell to London Tea' yesterday and in the middle of packing and filling up boxes with the moving company, they took the time to meet us to say a 'proper good-bye'.

On the way there I was wondering how often we get exposed to this situation, after having been through the very same situation with

another friend whom I met at FOCUS, Natalia, and how it has changed for us through years of working with expats and being expats ourselves. Well, it turned out that I realized that these goodbyes have now developed into 'see you soon' situations. Of course, with Skype, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp and all technology based resources, keeping in touch with old (and new) friends, the ones who matter, is much easier and in fact much more natural than when I left my country (19 years ago) or even when I had my second relocation to London 12 years ago. But, I realized yesterday that by
being closer in the virtual world makes us promote

situations to be closer in the real, physical world as well. It seems that 'growing apart' is less common now, and what has been made so easy in modern life is staying in touch and continuing to share daily life. This new reality coupled with the fact that by becoming expats we also become 'citizens of the world', makes real reunions much more possible. The 'out of sight, out of mind' belief rarely applies anymore, especially for the FOCUS community. I could go 
on and on sharing recent examples of 

long lost family reunions, or primary school friends that I have met after decades, but I am sure you will all have your own.

So as we were leaving yesterday, wishing our friends all the best for their new experience in a new country, I realized that it was a different bye-bye, as we genuinely hope we will meet again. All I have left to say is, 'All the very best to you both, our dear members and now friends. You will be missed. So… see you again,  in Madrid, Dallas, Sao Paulo, New York, Hong  Kong, back in London, or wherever in the world, but see you soon!'




Written by Valeria Fleury. Valeria is FOCUS Director of Membership.

For more information about FOCUS visit:  www.focus-info.org

Should you wish to share your expat experiences in the UK, please contact us: office@focus-info.org

Sky Garden or... London Observatory?!

My family and I went to Sky Garden last Saturday and I wanted to share the experience.

It is at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City, inside the brand new ‘walkie-talkie’ building. There are three restaurants and if you book a table at any of them, your name will be at reception to enter the building (or check in counter).  But if you just want to go visit the public area, you must book in advance at http://skygarden.london/.  Once you arrive through the side entrance (off Fenchurch), you must check in, get your pass and go through security to get to the lifts, so arrive at least 20 minutes in advance. At this stage, the experience feels a bit like airport check-in. 
 
As far as the ‘garden’ part of it goes, I must say I was expecting more. The place looks rather cold and grey (continuing on the airport theme?). Yes, there are some plants and even a few benches surrounded by greenery
and some flowers, but if the experience you are after is
of an ‘indoor park’, you might want to wait until it matures
a bit.

On a more (and very) positive side, it is a great place to go for the view!  Being on the 34-36th floors, there is an incredible feeling of awe. Going up there to appreciate the beautiful view of London is worth the hassle - the outlook extends from Canary Wharf to Parliament.  I went on quite a grey day when visibility was not great, nevertheless, as I am so passionate about this city, my jaw dropped.  Seeing the Tower of London contrasting with City Hall right beneath my feet, and the Shard across the Thames directly in front of me, gave me a strong feeling of admiration and reverence for what an amazing city London is; a city that, more than any other I know, never stops evolving through the centuries.

Therefore, unlike my expectation of the Gardens of Babylon, lush and green in my imagination, the ‘Sky Garden’ of London could potentially be better named as the ultimate ‘London Observatory’. So much to see, so many buildings, sights and even details I take for granted when passing by at street level! Unfulfilled expectations aside, I can’t wait to go back on a sunny afternoon and stay till after sunset!




Written by Valeria Fleury. Valeria is FOCUS Director of Membership.

For more information about FOCUS visit:  www.focus-info.org

Should you wish to share your expat experiences in the UK, please contact us: office@focus-info.org

It’s a small world… of SMILEY FACES!

This week I had the privilege to be invited to attend a very Malaysian morning at the High Commission. I had been invited by my Malaysian colleague and what a delightful event it was! Arriving at their grand house on Belgrave Square, accompanied by my perpetually grinning friend, I was greeted by some of the most smiley hosts I have ever met, who directed us to their main room where we were to watch a typical show.

The event started with a Master of Ceremony who concisely explained the different cultural influences that this multi-coloured country has been through the centuries, until it became independent in 1957. An initial ‘speech’ which could have been a somehow tedious affair, ended up being anything but, thanks to this witty, understated smiling MC. He explained that even the very typical performance of music and dance we were about to see was influenced by Dutch, English, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, Sri Lankan and Indonesian cultures; the melting pot which is this vibrant country. And so the band began to play and the dancers came in, one by one, all with colourful and beautiful smiles on their faces.

When I looked at the audience around me I noticed that, like me, they were also made up of representatives of very different and sometimes exotic countries. But what really struck me was the fact that the Malaysian smile is contagious. At the end of the performance, and after most of the audience had clapped and chanted at the lovely music we were listening to, we were all invited to join in on the stage (or should I say dance floor). For another 20 minutes most of us were having so much fun dancing with total strangers…and every single person was smiling.

As the party continued we were invited for a typical lunch, with several dishes and deserts, again influenced by very different cultures. So, different tastes, different looks, different religions, different music and instruments, all mixed up in a melting pot that defines this country: welcoming, warm and accepting of all kind of differences…with an inviting and colourful smile!



Written by Valeria Fleury. Valeria  is FOCUS Director of  Membership.

For more information about FOCUS visit:  www.focus-info.org

How to watch a World Cup game… Brazilian style !

With the World Cup in Brazil coming up, and being  Brazilian myself, I thought I could suggest a few tips to enjoy the games with  friends, in  the Brazilian style.  Unfortunately I will be watching  ALL Brazil AND England games from this side of  the Atlantic, which breaks my heart, as I would  love  to join the huge party with my family and friends back home.

In my  home  town, streets will be filled with yellow and green flags, people will have their faces painted the same colours, and the Brazilian spirit will reign during  the magic 90 minutes when  the “Selecao Canarinho” (Canary Team, as my country team is famous for!) plays. Oh well…

To watch a World Cup Game the way my family does it, first of all, fill up your house with friends, move the sofa to the side as many will be sitting on the floor.  I cannot imagine watching a game without a bowl of popcorn. It is pretty much like going to the movies in the US.  My mother always made sure that we had a good stock of it for the beginning of the games and another batch for half-time.


For the end of the game, have some warming comfort food ready… just in case your team loses - as the World Cup happens in the Winter in the Southern hemisphere. However, before, during and after, a good stock of beer is essential. Mind you, in my city, winter means a light sweater and around 8 degrees and that’s really cold!  Alternatively, head outside in  the garden and start a fire (charcoal, please, never gas!!) for a yummy barbecue is  a great option and for Brazilians burgers and hot dogs are a no-no as far as barbecue  goes. My favourite cut of  beef (and for most Brazilian as well) is

‘picanha’ (literary ‘rump cap’). It is really hard to find here, but check out  ListaBrasil* and you may find a supplier. A  hearty salad, vinaigrette sauce (red vinegar with lots of chopped tomatoes, onion and parsley)  and ‘farofa’ (basically manioc  flowers, chopped onions and parsley again!) will be a great way to celebrate our country’s victory or cry over a defeat! Well, here in London one could always go to a Brazilian ‘rodizio’ restaurant, where lots of different cuts are served on an ‘eat-as-much-as you-like’ basis. I am sure all Brazilian restaurants will have a TV on during the games, but don’t expect good and efficient service if Brazil is playing… However, whatever side of the ocean, Brazilian homes will be filled with green and yellow flags, and screaming  (and sometimes a bit tipsy) friends!

 E ‘Vamos la Brasil’!! (translation: Go Brazil!)

*Website: www.listabrasil.com/en-london/c/65/brazilian-food-in-london/

Written by Valeria Fleury.  Valeria  is the Director of  Membership at FOCUS.

For more information about FOCUS visit:  www.focus-info.org

My ‘Not-so-secret Garden’

After living in London for more than 10 years I have collected some favourite places, restaurants, streets, alleys.
Battersea Park, not such a secret place at all, but a park that I can almost consider like my own backyard. And that is a place I only discovered a few years ago, when I got my dog and where I often walk him. I consider it my ‘secret’ garden because, during the week and even on weekends, you meet locals with their dogs, children playing sports from local Chelsea schools, but on the whole, there are many corners where one can feel really peaceful, unlike most of the other parks in SW London.

At this time of the year, and especially this year when autumn came a bit later, the shades of yellow and orange are breathtaking! If it weren’t for the sound of the odd plane heading to Heathrow, one would feel like they are in the middle of the countryside, contemplating huge old trees.
My two favourite parts are the west side of the lake, close to the Tropical garden, where  it is very common to spot storks, cranes and other beautiful birds, just posing for you to take a picture. The second one is the café near the Victorian rose garden and fountains, not only for its history (look for the plaque and read about it) but because that is a meeting place for dog owners on Sunday mornings. Dogs of all sizes and colours love to run after each other on the lawn in front of the café which is left ungroomed to look a bit wilder for the furry ones.


Going back to ‘civilization’ by crossing the Albert Bridge is a bonus, especially on a clear day at sunset, which again, at this time of the year is amazing!






 


But before you leave through the small gate leading to the bridge, stop by the Pagoda, on the river bank. It was built by 50 volunteers, monks and nuns between 1984 and 1985, a gift to this beautiful peaceful park, which is by far one of my favourite places in this sometimes chaotic city!




Written by Valeria Fleury who is the Director of Membership at FOCUS.

For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org

Fab at 50

Alhtough I grew up in Brazil in the 60's, I had a much older brother who was really into British pop culture.  Because of him, this was an integral part of growing up, even in my early years. Beatles and 007 were as familiar to me in São Paulo as to any kid in Manchester in the 1960’s.    As time passe,d I began to realise that familiarity wasn't the only reason why I couldn't live without listening to British music. Even before I could speak my own language properly, I could attempt to sing Beatles songs, even though I doubt any English speaker would ever understand me.

Without giving my age away, I’ve really recently felt the years ‘weighing on my shoulders’, a big anniversary celebration: 50 years of the first James Bond film and 50 years of "Love me Do", the first Beatles’ single. There were celebrations up and down the country over the entire weekend, even my local pub was offering a special 007 Martini: shaken not stirred. And I had to go back to my iTunes library and fill my weekend with early Beatles songs: 'Love me do', 'Help', 'Please, please me', 'Yellow submarine' and 'Sergeant Pepper' brought back good memories as they were the soundtrack to my childhood, thanks to my brother. Those fun days are still so present and familiar after all these years, despite being so far away from my hometown.

Back to the present, I have to say again how lucky I am to be living in a country whose culture is so rich, rebellious, sometimes naive, sometimes eccentric but mostly edgy, and so internationally influential. What other movie can you remember that has been so fashionable and up-to-date, even after having gone through so many facelifts, but which still has universal appeal to every age of fan, from teenagers to pensioners, at 50 years of age? And which band do you know whose songs can be sung by 3 year-olds, are hugely covered by 30 year-olds, and can still generate hysterical screams from the baby boomers who were lucky enough to have been teenagers in the swinging 60's?

That's what British pop is all about, and these are just two examples of so many. After all, they are still here, young as ever, after all these decades. Some things never die, some never change, some change for the better, just to keep a young image.  But some are forever... like diamonds...even at 50! 

by Valeria Fleury

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org 

Olympic Spirit

How lucky are we to live in the centre of this amazing event that is the Olympics! As a child, I used to watch my favourite sports back home in Brazil (there has never been an Olympics hosted in South America!),  at the time Nadia Comaneci was my idol, and I dreamed of being able to be part of it someday, in any way, even if far from being an athlete myself.

Some Londoners complain about the increase of traffic and crowds on the streets and tube, but I really cannot understand how an event like this can push people away just for the ‘headache and chaos’ it may cause. In other words, how can anyone not get the real Olympic Spirit? Living and working in Central London, I have been through or seen no chaos at all. Instead of escaping from it, I am very excited to have got tickets for two events, and can’t wait to go and cheer in a couple of weeks.

Last Monday I got the privilege of having been invited to watch the rehearsal of the Open Ceremony. Of course it was crowded, but all the extremely nice and smiley volunteers working to help and direct people into the stadium, and through security proved that the patience, determination and good will, the real Olympic Spirit, of all is enough to overcome any disorder.

My first glimpse of the Stadium, glowing against the astounding sun and intense blue sky we have had this gorgeous summer week gave me goosebumps! Again, volunteers (or ambassadors as indicated in their uniforms) made the long walk from the tube station to the gates very smooth, even the security check performed by the Military. 

Once inside, I could not stop looking around, at the flags and the tens of thousands of 'volunteer' spectators from all backgrounds, ages, nationalities. Show starting, and of course this was only a rehearsal, so the main guests and VIPs were not present, and even the athletes parades was skipped. But what a show by Danny Boyle ("Slum Dog Millionaire") and the thousands of actors, professional or not, who got to take part in it! Lots of sweat (indeed it was quite a hot day) and even tears! As Danny himself and the huge screens around the Stadium pleaded, I will not reveal any detail, so you will have to tune in on Friday, and hopefully the weather will not let anyone down.

Now, athletes, their families, trainers/ coaches, state leaders and personalities already in town, the excitement of this amazing event is really about to begin, drawing everyone to this Spirit of competitiveness and yet solidarity!  So, thank you to those who have really made all the effort to keep this unique Spirit alive, athletes, organizers, volunteers or just cheerful spectators! 

by Valeria Fleury 

My Brazilian/ British soul

You may be wondering how a Brazilian can ever turn into British? I was born and raised in sunny, laid-back, beautiful and tropical Brazil, and moved away in my 30’s. After a period in New York, and after having started my family there, I found myself with a young family, arriving in London as a trailing spouse, in the beginning of the year, when I have to admit, not the easiest time in London: it was dark, windy, chilly (but not particularly cold as in NY) and especially, grey and drizzly. I kept thinking that, back in Brazil, my friends were probably spending the days under the sun, and even after a long day at work, enjoying the evenings with a nice BBQ among friends, enjoying the last rays of sun.

At that time, my Brazilian soul never thought what was about to happen: nine years on, and I have just become a British citizen. Not for visa or tax reasons, but because I wanted to!

I have to confess I have always been very appreciative and admiring of the British culture and history (I have a BA in English Language and Literature) since I was a young girl dreaming of tales of princesses and castles and all these things that as a Brazilian was only a distant world. Coming from a young country, only about 500 years old, I live and breathe history and culture everywhere I go. Even my best friend’s house, where I stayed at on my first days here, was almost that old. Maybe this is something that Europeans take for granted, but it is something that still amazes me. We settled down and still live in the same house for these 9 years, and my ‘neighbour’ used to be Harry VIII, and every time I see that blue plaque, I cannot help feeling lucky to be here and almost living that dream on a daily basis. Of course life in the UK is not at all like a fairy tale, but these details make my life here still a whole world away from what I ever imagine.

Of course I miss the sunny days most of the year, and the frequent barbecues with friends (there is not a common translation for ‘weather permitting’ in Brazil), and my family, but I don’t think I could ever have been happier raising my family everywhere else. And in that sense, I guess I really found the other half of my soul!

On my next blog... the Citizenship Ceremony!

By Valeria Fleury

Visit the FOCUS website www.focus-info.org