Showing posts with label places. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Walrus and the Carpenter

In my last post I wrote about a luxury makeup product: Météorites Perles by Guerlain. Perles? Pearls? Hmmm, something popped up in my head : Oysters!.
Have you ever seen this footage in the movie 'Alice in Wonderland'(Disney, 1951)?
 Do you remember it?


(In Spanish)


Honestly, I swear, it was one of the most powerful film for me, in term of dramatic impact during my childhood. A Be-Bop trauma hahaha. Poor little oysters! I used to feel like crying when I saw it. They look so cute and adorable! and the wicked Walrus eat them! :(
Some years later, I read the narrative poem, written by Lewis Carroll in his book 'Through the Looking-Glass' , 'The Walrus and the Carpenter'. This book, from 1871, is a sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865).
The poem is recited in chapter four, in the book 'Through the Looking-Glass' , by the twins, Tweedledum and Tweedledee to Alice:

One night when both sun and moon were visible, a couple were walking down the beach: the Walrus and Carpenter. They came upon an offshore bed of oysters, and they invited to join them. Although the eldest oyster disapproved the idea, many little oysters followed them. After walking along the beach (a point is made of the fact that the oysters are all neatly shod despite having no feet), the couple are revealed to be predatory and eat all of the oysters. After hearing the poem, the good-natured Alice attempts to determine which of the two leading characters might be the more sympathetic, but is thwarted by the twins' further interpretation:
"I like the Walrus best," said Alice, "because you see he was a little sorry for the poor oysters."
"He ate more than the Carpenter, though," said Tweedledee. "You see he held his handkerchief in front, so that the Carpenter couldn't count how many he took: contrariwise."
"That was mean!" Alice said indignantly. "Then I like the Carpenter best—if he didn't eat so many as the Walrus."
"But he ate as many as he could get," said Tweedledum.
This was a puzzler. After a pause, Alice began, "Well! They were both very unpleasant characters—"



The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright--
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night.
The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done-- 
"It's very rude of him," she said, 
"To come and spoil the fun!" 
The sea was wet as wet could be, 
The sands were dry as dry. 
You could not see a cloud, because 
No cloud was in the sky: 
No birds were flying overhead-- 
There were no birds to fly. 
The Walrus and the Carpenter 
Were walking close at hand; 
They wept like anything to see 
Such quantities of sand: 
"If this were only cleared away," 
They said, "it would be grand!" 
"If seven maids with seven mops 
Swept it for half a year. 
Do you suppose," the Walrus said, 
"That they could get it clear?" 
"I doubt it," said the Carpenter, 
And shed a bitter tear. 
"O Oysters, come and walk with us!" 
The Walrus did beseech. 
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk, 
Along the briny beach: 
We cannot do with more than four, 
To give a hand to each." 
The eldest Oyster looked at him, 
But never a word he said: 
The eldest Oyster winked his eye, 
And shook his heavy head-- 
Meaning to say he did not choose 
To leave the oyster-bed. 
But four young Oysters hurried up, 
All eager for the treat: 
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed, 
Their shoes were clean and neat-- 
And this was odd, because, you know, 
They hadn't any feet. 
Four other Oysters followed them, 
And yet another four; 
And thick and fast they came at last, 
And more, and more, and more-- 
All hopping through the frothy waves, 
And scrambling to the shore. 
The Walrus and the Carpenter 
Walked on a mile or so, 
And then they rested on a rock 
Conveniently low: 
And all the little Oysters stood 
And waited in a row. 
"The time has come," the Walrus said, 
"To talk of many things: 
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax-- 
Of cabbages--and kings-- 
And why the sea is boiling hot-- 
And whether pigs have wings." 
"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried, 
"Before we have our chat; 
For some of us are out of breath, 
And all of us are fat!" 
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter. 
They thanked him much for that. 
"A loaf of bread," the Walrus said, 
"Is what we chiefly need: 
Pepper and vinegar besides 
Are very good indeed-- 
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear, 
We can begin to feed." 
"But not on us!" the Oysters cried, 
Turning a little blue. 
"After such kindness, that would be 
A dismal thing to do!" 
"The night is fine," the Walrus said. 
"Do you admire the view? 
"It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!"
The Carpenter said nothing but
"Cut us another slice:
I wish you were not quite so deaf--
I've had to ask you twice!"
"It seems a shame," the Walrus said,
"To play them such a trick,
After we've brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!"
The Carpenter said nothing but
"The butter's spread too thick!"
"I weep for you," the Walrus said:
"I deeply sympathize."
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size, 
Holding his pocket-handkerchief 
Before his streaming eyes. 
"O Oysters," said the Carpenter, 
"You've had a pleasant run! 
Shall we be trotting home again?' 
But answer came there none-- 
And this was scarcely odd, because 
They'd eaten every one. 

To finish, I'll post a pic.It was taken a year ago in Temple Bar (Dublin). It's a famous dish over here. Oysters and a pint of Guinness...but no worries! I wouldn't eat them! however my father and my boyfriend love them! hahaha I'm gonna tell them, next time:
You're The Walrus and the Carpenter! xD
But....I hope they get along better! ^^ for my own sake!
(Just kidding :P)
ostras temple bar
Oysters&Guinness in Temple Bar (Dublin)
Love,
Lorena Be-Bop

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Molly Malone

Hello! What have you been up to? Today, I'll write about a traditional Irish song which is the most popular anthem of Dublin city: 'Cockles and Mussels'. It tells the tragic story of the beautiful heroine Molly Malone. She is the most familiar symbol of the capital of Ireland. That's why Lord Major of Dublin placed her statue at the botton of the famous landmark, Grafton Street, a must-see for shopping lovers.
The song tells the tale of Molly Malone who was a beautiful Irish fishmonger. She walked down the streets of Dublin, carrying out her trade. But she died very young due to a fever.
Actually it's believed there was a historical Molly, who lived in the 17th century. She worked as a hawker by day and as a prostitute by night, looking for clients at Trinity College, which was founded in 1592 as the 'mother' of a new university modelled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and of Cambridge; Too much prestige? Well, it was renowned for its debauchery as well he,he.
The name 'Molly' originated as a familiar version of the names Mary and Margaret. While many such 'Molly' Malones were born in Dublin over the centuries, there is no evidence which connects any of them to the events in the song. Nevertheless, in 1988 the Dublin Millennium Commission endorsed claims concerning a Molly Malone who died on 13 June 1699, and proclaimed 13 June to be 'Molly Malone day'.


A legend or a true story?

I utterly recommend you next article: 

In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone 
As she wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow 
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh! 
A-live a-live Oh! A-live a-live Oh!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!

She was a fishmonger and sure it was no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they both wheeled their barrows through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!

A-live a-live Oh! A-live a-live Oh!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!

She died of a fever and no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone
Now her ghost wheels her barrow through streets broad and narrow
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!

A-live a-live Oh! A-live a-live Oh!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!
A-live a-live Oh! A-live a-live Oh!
Crying cockles and mussels alive a-live Oh!
Molly Malone Statue (Source)
Miss Malone, Ms. Be-Bop and the Dublin bus x')
Love,
Lorena Be-Bop

Monday, September 24, 2012

Vintage Argentinian sweets

Las cosas claras y el chocolate...Aguila!
Aguila-Saint advertisement
Aguila-Saint advertisement
Last slogan: 'Las cosas claras y el chocolate Aguila' makes an allusion to the popular saying in Spanish 'Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso' which means 'Let's get things clear'. Spanish people use the word 'chocolate' and 'espeso', which mean 'thick chocolate', in that saying. It's a long story...he,he
That slogan was the most famous one of the brand called Aguila Saint. This company was founded in 1880 by Mr. Abel Saint in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Firstly, it was a roasted coffee business but it became a chocolate factory later.
It was such a big success that he had to buy a lot in 1894. He rose a big factory where were assembled some workshops for the production and packing of the chocolate and coffee.
Old factory 'El Aguila'
The company achieved and there were lots of offices all around Argentina and Paraguay in 1905. In the 20's, Saint brothers started to make ice creams that's why they created the top company 'Laponia'.
Laponia ice cream advertisement
In the mid 20th century, Aguila-Saint was a top company, with advanced techniques for that time.
They produced nearly 100 different products as chocolate cigarettes, colibrí chocolates, candied fruits, sweets...during the following 40 years. They had their own infrastructure where they packed and printed the boxes and a tailor's shop where they tailored the overalls and garments for the staff. It was a pioneer headhunting firm, because they hired over 1800 people on a permanent basis.
In 1993, Grupo Arcor kept the brand.

Unfortunately, I don't have any Aguila-Saint chocolate bar :( But I made a three layer chocolate cake. It was delicious!!, I was very surprised because as far as you know, I am terrible at making cakes...The curse could have broken... hopefully!
Check it out, this is the recipe (I didn't cover the entire cake with whipped cream because it's sickly sweet for me).
The last piece of cake! :)
P.S ¿Te gustaría leer el post en castellano, entra en Facebop en breve lo traduciré!:)
Love,
Lorena Be-Bop

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Skerries...Ahoy!

Hello love!! What have you been up to lately? I have been pretty busy, but I'll get around to posting again!
Three weeks ago, we visited a small town in the County of Dublin. It's called Skerries, whose name comes from the word Skere which has descended into the Irish word Na Sceirí, which means 'The Rocks'.
Land Ho!
Where is Skerries located?
I fell in love with this seaside town and I'll come back over there as soon as I can. There is a complete website about the place where you can find further information like its history, culture, architecture and so on. Check it out, it's a lovely place if you would like to visit Ireland!:
Historically, Skerries has been a thriving fishing port and a major centre of hand embroidery. In the late 20th century, it became a resort town (golf, sailing, motorcycling...), and a dormitory town for commuters to the city of Dublin (it didn't surprise me :)
This is me in Skerries Harbour...yep, I'm wearing a coat in August...¬¬'
Sailboat 
Old-creepy boats in Skerries Harbour
Sweet Shanie Boy! Much Better...:)
Dream Sight, isn't it?
Nice Shore... the water was so cool I didn't go for a swim :(
A little bit nearer...

Skerries...(sigh) I am looking forward to coming back! 
Lorena Be-Bop

Friday, July 20, 2012

Hungarian Souvenirs

Hello Dear Readers!

Today, I'm posting some special pictures. They are souvenirs from Budapest (Hungary). My parents were there last month and they brought them back.

I am going to write about one of the most famous well-known tourist spots in Budapest: The Central Market Hall which is a must see for a person who enjoys the five senses of the markets: Sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. Everything from meat through spices to vegetables is available here.
It was the first of other covered markets to spring up at the turn of the 20th century. This 19th century-style mall provided a location where merchants could sell their wares and customers could shop protected from the weather. It also introduced new regulations to protect consumers. Shopping at the Great Market Hall is a great experience that shouldn't be missed when you visit Budapest. The top floor is crowded with stalls selling souvenirs. The ground floor is where you should go if you want to buy paprika, pastries, chocolates, a light lunch, or Hungarian spirits.
Check out this link, if you want further information:
Now, I'll show you my Hungarian Haul.
Paprika: It's a nice package with a couple of tins, one of them is sweet paprika and the other is spicy. There is a pair of small wooden spoons.
Fruit-chocolate bars: I am pining for them! They look yummy!. The flavours are vanilla-red fruits, almond-strawberry and orange-blackberry.
Earrings: A truly jewel! Check it out: Ferenc Borsics collection
Dior red lip gloss: This is my last treasure, but it's so beautiful that it deserves a future post ;)

Budapest is such a beautiful city, do not hesitate to visit 'Queen of Danube'!

Thanks for reading my little corner, Jó éjszakát!
Lorena Be-Bop

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Summertime Blues



Summer is here, yes, even in Ireland, we have enjoyed lovely sunny days (unfortunately for a short time). That's why I'll write about a fantastic beauty product: Bronzer.

I don't know what happens in your countries, but here I realized that there is a tan obsession. You can find millions of tan beauty salons while you are walking down the street. You always want what you don't have. Something similar happens in Spain, many girls dye their hair suicide blonde :)

A bronzer is a product for giving your face/body a natural and healthy glow without the damage caused by sun tanning. There are different formats for the bronzers, but the pressed powder one is the most popular because it's super easy to apply. Their colour is suntan/gold and they have a delicate shimmer to provide your skin a light touch.

I have three bronzers:

- Lançôme's Star Bronzer Sun Cherub Compact.

- Too Faced's Peach Leopard Bronzer.

- Benefit's Hoola Bronzer.


I love all of them. In this picture I made some swatches with sunlight and natural light. (From left to right: Star Bronzer Sun Cherub, Peach Leopard Bronzer & Hoola Bronzer).



I have to say that I haven't used Sun Cherub too much because I really love its packaging, I don't want to damage it. It is a bronze XXL powder compact (like a CD sized). On its surface there is an engraved sun disk and beside a little angel. The sun disk, angel's hair and wings have a metallic shimmer: a coppery one on the disk and golden on the angel. Lânçome logo is under cherub's feet, written in roman font. I was disappointed with the shimmer parts: it is only a surface layer, you can see my fingerprint on the sun disk. Anyway, I like the base product a lot, it is very soft with a terracotta colour and fine gold shade. This one was a gift and it was a limited edition :(



Few months ago, I bought Peach Leopard Bronzer. I was looking for a pretty bronzer and I spotted it on a very famous Spanish website.


Check out this video (minutes 6:47-7:24).


It was love at first sight :). As you can see on the picture, it is a mosaic that imitates leopard print. The base product is dark brown powder with fine gold sparkles. At the same time, there are several coral and latte-colored spots that will light up your face. I reckon it is a versatile product as it can be used as a blush, as a bronzer and as a face illuminator when you are tanned. The feel is very soft and creamy, you won't have problems to fade it. This is not a chalky product, therefore I use it for sophisticated makeup and fast good-looking appearance. I really love it and in my wish list is Too Faced's Pink Leopard Bronzer. I am a leopard-a-holic!;)I bought it on the official website. (Prize: $29.00- €23.32 approx- £18.87approx).




Finally, I am going to write about a must-have product that I bought a couple of weeks ago on the website ASOS. And I am talking about Hoola bronzer by Benefit. (Prize: £23.50- €29.03 approx- $36.11 approx).


The packaging is cute: a lovely cardboard box with a little mirror inside. This one has a little brush which is perfect to touch up (it is like a little ITA brush by Nars). It is a versatile product as well because it can be used as a bronzer and as a contour. I normally use it as a contour, because it looks wonderful even on fair skin. It is a matte bronzing powder that won't make you look shiny. The feel is very soft, pigmented and creamy, you won't have problems to fade it.



Next, I'll show you the brushes that I use for these products. Both of them are natural hair makeup brushes.

- #111 Natural foundation by Sephora: I really like it. It is a very soft and woven brush.

- #57 Brush by Ket Proffesional: Well, it is not too bad, it loses some hairs when you are using it:(


To finish, I would like to show you some pictures of Howth. It is a village located at the north of Dublin Bay. It is a very popular area for birdwatching and sailing. Also you can see the seals at its harbour. An amazing destination to visit in summer ;)


Monday, May 21, 2012

Eddie Rocket's


Do you fancy real Americana fast food? Let's go to the famous Irish restaurant chain: Eddie Rocket's! where you will enjoy a classic American atmosphere. 


The interior design provides you with a classic and comfortable ambiance, they really did a great job decorating and it makes you feel like you stepped back in time to the old fashion time. Two of the most famous 50's movies have been shot in this kind of restaurant. Do you know which they are?



Yes, you are right. They are: Grease & American Graffiti. The night was for the guys who hanged out at a fast food restaurant. They met up and planned where they were going to go later in the night, enjoying a unhealthy but cheap combo: Cheeseburger & Cholocate milkshake.

Yesterday, we had brunch in an Eddie Rocket's. It is quite similar to American Johnny Rockets franchise. It's owned by Rocket Restaurants who opened their first local in Dublin in 1989 and now has 42 locations in Ireland, England, Wales and Spain (Unfortunately only one, in Alicante).




The wait staff is very attentive and friendly, they wear a 50's striped red and white uniform with an apron, a matching hat and trainers. They don't wear the typical car hop outfit, what a pity! but considering that in Dublin, it is nearly always raining, I guess it's not a good idea to run through the corridors in roller skates :)

The food is great, I mean, it is a junk food restaurant, but for a fast food one it is certainly one of the best. Fried pickles, specially onion rings, were the best I have ever tried. You can see the complete menu on the website:


Yesterday we ordered, two sodas, a Slider Basket combo and The Club Sandwich. The last one is quite popular on Facebook because there is a page specially designed for the Eddie Rocket's Management, to avoid this dish from being removed out of the menu. So that was the reason why I ordered it! and It is yummy! so I hope the request has a great success.


The meal came about 15-20 minutes, therefore you have to be a little bit patient. Everything will be prepared the moment you order it.
The Slider Basket is a combo which has a hamburger, a soda and a bowl fries. The hamburger is loaded with grilled bacon, melted cheddar cheese, succulent two slices of Irish beef, two extra onion rings and ED secret sauce. The prize of the combo is €6,50.
The Club Sandwich is seared chicken breast, gently melted cheese, crispy bacon, lush, green lettuce, tomato and smooth mayonnaise. You can choose what type of bread you would like to eat, white or nutty brown bread. It comes with a little bowl of coleslaw. His prize is €7.75.



The interior of the diner is decorated so cute with lots of funny posters and pics that it will keep you entertained until the food arrives. The music, as you can imagine, is 50's - 60's rock' n 'roll hits, so you will eat your hamburger while Elvis' songs such as 'Hound Dog' is on.


I would like to recommend you Eddie Rocket's if you are either a fast food or Rockabilly style lover. Also there is a famous American restaurant chain in Spain. The name is Peggy Sue's


Peggy Sue's website

It has a lovely website style so maybe in Ireland, a restaurant could be opened...but I think, it can do a play on words... what do you think about 'Paddy' Sue's? :) Just Kidding. Anyway, I almost forget to ask you a favor, Could you lend me a coin for the Jukebox? ;)