The swimmer. The dog. The arrow.

As you could read in the previous post, my dog does not swim. In fact she did not know how to swim up to the moment I bought her a life vest.

For less than £10 from Amazon, the most magnificent although not very stylish piece of clothing helped my little doggie swim as fast as an arrow.

I believe, that because of her bodybuild, she had trouble swimming but with this extra support she no longer fears water.

We had amazing moments together, Poppy so proud and surprised, enjoying the new activity. After hours of walking and swimming she felt asleep straight on the train's floor. A good day for all of us.

Almost like a Loch Ness monster

Dovestone Reservoir is an amazing place for a day outdoor. 

The weather is not spoiling us this year, so every time I have a chance (read: when I am not working) to go somewhere nice and the weather is good (read: can be windy and cold but not raining much), I do. I pack Poppy's outdoor bag (food, bowl, poo bags, water in a bottle, towel and some toys), get us on a bus and go for the unknown. Well, this time, for known, as we have already visited Dovestone before, but this time with extra, bonus time in water (Poppy obviously, I did not dare).

So, my dog loves water. She does not exactly like being bathed, but wild water, in fact any water anywhere is a source of real excitement. As we took her from dog's home when she was almost a year old, I assume that she has never been let to swim before, nor she has been near any water at all.

It was purely amazing to see her curiosity and bravery. At first she was a bit nervous, scared of water and waves, but step by step, paw after paw, she got more and more confident. To a point. She does not swim, so the farthest she goes, is as long as her paws touch the ground. It is an adorable picture, Poppy crying and squeaking at ducks flowing just in front of her nose, but not close enough to be reached. What a shame. The most enjoyed activity was standing in the water. Standing still. Why? Nobody knew the reason and Poppy did not explain. For me she is the cutest, smallest Loch Ness monster there could ever be!

We both enjoyed time together, quiet surroundings, no city sounds, water and hills, contact with nature. A great get away from the city. Obviously, only for those, who like to leave the city sometimes.

Vera, the German Shepard

No two dogs are the same.

This furious, strong and vicious dog is a beloved home pet. 
 Vera, 7 year old German Shepard.

Stevenson's story

This is a sad story, but with a happy ending.
While visiting Poland, at my Grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary party, after hours spent at the table, we went for a walk into the nearby forest .
My grandparents live in a small village, far away from everything.
Suddenly, the beloved dog of my grandma, Sonia, started sniffing and barking suspiciously into the bushes.

Visit Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, in Polish, Warszawa, is the capital city of Poland.

It is the city I always wanted to live in. Fast, modern and developing. The only city that actually has a Subway (Metro) system (only 2 lines though) in Poland.

We (me and my boyfriend) have only spent 2 days in Warsaw. We stayed at the Hotel Première Classe Varsovie/Warszawa hotel. At first I got a bit worried, as the hotel was not exactly in the city centre (I have obviously chosen a ‘’budget’’ option, so not exactly in the city centre even though I usually get lost on public transport), but in fact it was only around 20 minutes walking to the Palace of Culture and Science and 15 minutes to Warsaw Uprising Museum. Perfect location. In total we have paid around £66.00 total: 2 nights for 2 people with buffet breakfast included. The hotel was nice and clean, staff helpful and breakfast tasty (although quite limited choice of foods and not very tasty coffee). Cannot complain, especially for this price.

Palace of Culture and Sience, just by Zlote Tarasy shopping centre

NO NEED TO TRAVEL FAR - DOVESTONE

25 minutes train ride from Manchester Victoria train station brought me to Dovestone Reservoir, green, amazing place on the borderline of Oldham and Peak District. Great for an escape from the city, so calm, open and endless.

Sometimes you do not have to travel far to discover the beauty of the world. Sometimes it waits just behind your doors.

BACK IN LIVERPOOL

Last week I went to Liverpool.

It was just a short visit, but very emotional. I lived In Liverpool for almost 7 years before I moved to Manchester. I never looked back and I have never regretted my decision, but when I stepped outside the Lime Street Station I felt overwhelmed. Everything was so familiar but  strange at the same time, so known to me but not mine any more: every building, every small street even people. 

I was wandering around Liverpool city centre, I went to the Docks where I took those pictures just seconds before the dusk came. Liverpool's city centre with its old, majestic buildings and quiet, almost empty Docks is what I miss the most.

Then I met with my friends, visited places I loved (and still love): Shipping Forecast (2 for 1 burgers on Tuesdays - one of the best burgers I had in Liverpool) and Central Perk Cafe (who doesn't love Friends?). Chatted, laughed and ate.

I guess Liverpool will always mean something special to me. It was my home for seven years, it is where I worked, lived, loved, met friends. It is where I grow up. It was nice to be back, even if it was just for few hours.