give me bananas » 2011

London Vs. Bern

Posted by Karin | Posted on 31-08-2011

Whenever I tell people that my life in London is basically the same as life back home they don’t really believe me.

So here’s the proof:

London: Get up, have breakfast, get to work via Tube and read Metro (highly intellectual.. I know..) – sometimes I also run, do yoga or go to a fitness class before work.

Bern: Get up, have breakfast , go to work via tram and bus and read 20 Minuten (highly intellectual, I know..) – sometimes I also run or do yoga before work.

During the day

London: Work, have lunch, work

Bern: Work, have lunch, work

London: Go home and have dinner OR do yoga and then go home and have dinner OR go running/rebounding and then go home and have dinner. Afterwards I prep lunch and sometimes breakfast for the next day. And then I read or watch an episode of some TV show (addict, I know). Occasionally I go out for drinks.

Bern: Go home and have dinner OR do yoga and then go home and have dinner OR go home and go running and then have dinner. Afterwards I prep lunch and sometimes breakfast for the next day. And then I read or watch an episode of some TV show (addict, I know). OR I just go out for (drinks sometimes) and dinner with friends.

SEE?? It’s basically identical. Sure there are the obvious differences but both cities have their pros:

London: Brick Lane on Sundays, Whole Foods (!), tons of great restaurants, Shoreditch, Frame, weekend long runs along the canal to Limehouse, fantastic plays, Monmouth coffee…

Bern: The old town, Tramdepot beer, everything is in walking distance, the yoga studio I go to, Bärndütsch, CHOCOLATE (!!), … and most importantly.. my friends and family.

And to be honest, my friends and family outweigh everything. Even the celebrity-sights and Indian curries in Brick Lane.

Don’t get me wrong, I love living in London and plan to stay longer than originally intended. But at the same time I know that I want to move back home after a few years. I’m a bit of a globe trotter at heart (no surprise with those parents..) but living in London has made me realise that I’m the happiest at home.

BUT I’m not saying that I’m spending my days being lonely. I have tons on my plate and have met a great bunch of fantastic people. And I LOVE living here (even it’s “daily life” for me now it’s still London for heaven’s sake!)

Plus there’s the British humour that never ceases to amuse me.

Speaking of British humour.. There’s someone tweeting as Queen_UK and it absolutely cracks me up. It seriously almost makes me pee my pants.

Here are some examples:

“Have released £950m of frozen Libyan cash and popped it on an RAF jet. It should have thawed out by the time it gets there”

“Mr Clegg on the phone. He’s got a new pencil case and lunchbox for the new term. He’s just writing his name on them.”

“Bank Holiday gin. Easy on the tonic.”

“X Factor evening at the Royal Household. Edward simply adores Gary Barlow.”

“One can confirm Windsor Castle is to be powered by hydro-electricity. This will mean MPs working shifts to peddle a machine in the Thames.”

“Mr Clegg on the phone. Wondering if the Libya revolution might spread to other star signs. Having an early sherry.”

“Text from Mr Clegg: "Any news on Libra?". Presumably he means ‘Libya’.”

“Mr Miliband has passed his swimming grade six. He’s delighted.”

“A-Level results day tomorrow. Mr Osborne is hoping to have finally passed Maths; Mr Cameron had to retake politics. Mr Clegg did pottery.”

“Ok girls, bidding for Prince Harry starts at 6pm.”

Ok I’ll stop here but it goes on and on and on. Absolutely hilarious. (I know I shouldn’t but I love it when people make fun of politicians)

In case you’re thinking of moving to some other country and are a bit sceptical after reading this post; don’t be! Moving somewhere else all by myself has been one of the best and scariest things I’ve ever done. Life isn’t meant to be easy all the time.. otherwise there would be no room for the truly fantastic stuff.

Ok see you laters guys! I’ll pester you with books in my next post!

Love and tea cups

Karin

Race Pack

Posted by Karin | Posted on 28-08-2011

Category : London, Running

It gets serious my friends. A bit more than 1 month before the Royal Parks Half Marathon I got my race package from Right To Play. I don’t know if we’ll wear that shirt or an other one that is also given to us (through the running club). Nevertheless it got me even more excited about this race. Even though it will probably be the only race I’ll run for charity (I just feel bad asking people for money all the time) I want to give my best for this race.

It made me even more excited about running for Right To Play. It’s such an amazing charity that should get as much support as any other (bigger) charity.

They also sent me a bracelet that sports a really nice slogan:

“Look After Yourself, Look After One Another”

Often we tend to look after ourselves because we don’t think we’re not that important. Well, how can you be there for other people if you don’t treat yourself well?

Treating yourself well doesn’t mean that you think you’re more important than everyone else.

So I’ll shamelessly take that as an excuse for spending all day in my PJs and eating lots of cereal (and fried brown rice with veg and tofu).

But before you head off to a spa you might want to help some others too: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun

Wise Words

Posted by Karin | Posted on 26-08-2011

Category : Uncategorized

Good Morning World!

I kicked off my day with a 30min Vibe class. That’s basically a Powerplate class (make sense?). Well let’s just say it killed my legs. I never thought that anything that would feel this nice during class would make me wobble my way to work.

Speaking of work, I got my permanent contract yesterday! 1 month sooner than expected! She-BANG!

With the bank holiday weekend ahead (what, no bank holiday in your neck of the woods? Sorry!!) I thought I better relax with “The West Wing” (bored yet?) and some classes at Frame (bored yet?).
Basically it’s all stuff that makes me a happy camper. I will probably spend most of my time in my PJs. GLORIOUS!

What are you going to do this weekend to make YOU happy??
(Maybe help some kids?? Hint hint… http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun)

In case you’re feeling blue; here are some quotes by the lad above that will help you kick-start your weekend on the right foot:

“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. ”

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” (*cough* –> http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun *cough*)

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

“It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.”

“Sleep is the best meditation.”

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”

Love, K.

On Camera

Posted by Karin | Posted on 25-08-2011

Category : Uncategorized

Pictures of sport events are rather hilarious.

Last Saturday’s race pictures almost made me pee my pants so it would be a shame to not share them with you..

It started off quite ok.. (although.. what the hell is so interesting on the right side?)

And then it even got a bit cool. (Check out that stride!)

And then it got downright silly.

I challenge you to find a picture that is more idiotic than the one above. I’m betting five quid that you won’t find one.

pride & Package

Posted by Karin | Posted on 20-08-2011

Category : Breakfast, Food, London, Running

Ok, before I go on and tell you about today’s 10km race you really need to know that not everything I do is about running.
Seriously.

It’s mostly about chocolate.

(Double chin alert!)

Post office opening times are lame. I’ve had this nice little pick-up-that-package-slip for a week and was waiting eagerly for Saturday. The only problem was: I had to leave the house at 9:15. The post office opened at 9. With the package under my arm I basically sprinted back home. I assume that some people must have thought I stole it.

Once I got back home I realised I had 4 minutes left so I of course had to take a peek.

My parents sent me the most thoughtful and amazing package on earth. I just couldn’t believe it.

Just look at that piggy!

Two blurry pigs!

Oh and chocolate that will last me a week. Tops. hehe

There were more foodie goodies and tons of toothbrushes (my mum’s a dental hygienist so that explains it).

Massively happy I bounced my way to the tube and chatted to my mama on the phone. How much I miss my parents!

I spent the rest of the morning on the tube and then running a sweet 10km race (Pride Run – hence the rainbow).

Despite the fact that it was 3 loops it was tons of fun. I just ran and tried to take over the guy with the sombrero in front of me. I also tried to ignore the fast guy who sounded like he was about to give birth. Not much luck there.

I never race with fancy gadgets and so I had no idea how fast or slow I was (soooo 2006 I know!). I reached the finish by the time the clock said 53(something) minutes. Insane. I was basically 6 min faster than last time. Good that I kept up with Sombrero-lad then (I was faster than him in the end hehe).

I then met up with a friend for blueberry pancakes and maple syrup soup. Just as good as the race before.

Now I’m watching X-Factor best & worst and debating whether or not I should go and see HP7.2 again. I’m tending to yes. (Nerd! I know.)

How’s your Saturday going?

Karin Goes Orange

Posted by Karin | Posted on 11-08-2011

Category : Running

Let’s just ignore the fact that I feel utterly silly talking to my camera.

Let’s ignore the fact that I’m even more orange than Dina Lohan after a good tanning session.

And let’s just ignore the fact that I am/was tired.

Here’s the video.

In case you miss me (hi mum!!); watch it.

In case you want to see lots of orange; watch it.

In case you want to do something good; watch it.

And click here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun

I also joined Orange (the telecom company) today.

Quite a red/yellow mix day.

(But I swear that video wasn’t as orange when I filmed it…)

VIP (Very Important Post)

Posted by Karin | Posted on 10-08-2011

Category : London, Running

READ THIS!

So I’ve been trying to upload this video.. the only thing is that I have really crappy internet at home and the lovely establishment called Pret A Manger where I am right now just can’t handle the force that is my video.

I swear, when I finally manage to upload it, and when you finally get to see it (I might have grandkids by then though) you’ll be massively blown away. Next BBC star in the making, I’m telling you!

But instead of drawing your intention to the two lovebirds (?) who sit next to me and pour out their feelings for each other (well she’s telling him right now that she’s feeling insecure about his reactions..) and the fact that there are riots going on (still haven’t seen them!) I want to talk to you about this:

I AM RUNNING A HALF MARATHON!

(for real this time)

And why on earth is that important may you ask?

Well, I’m running it not for myself (ok.. a little for myself). I’m running it for “Right To Play” which is a charity that does all sorts of amazing things.

And I reckoned it’s time to do something. I’ve been spoilt all my life. Great family, great childhood, a vineyard in France, a loft in New York and a weekly shopping trip to Louis Vuitton. You name it, I’ve got it.

Ok that was a bit exaggerated but I still count myself as an incredibly lucky human being.

So this is the part where I shamelessly ask you to donate some money.

You all know that I hate asking people for stuff. I like to do things myself (cheers mum and dad for that bloody stubbornness!). But this time.. I think this time we can do things together.

So I’m asking you to help me run this half marathon and to help me make this world a better place. It means a lot to me (otherwise I wouldn’t ask).

Which Half Mary? – Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon

When? – 9 October 2011

An even bigger rant can be found on: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KarinOnTheRun.

That’s also the place where you can donate some money. hehe.

So.. what are you waiting for? Donate a pence (or a pound..) and pass on the link! I’ll invite every person who donates over for dinner. (And yes, in case you’re not in London you just have to come and visit me.. ).

Thanks a million.. you really don’t know how much your support means to me.

Love you all.

Kärän tomatoface.

Pizza East

Posted by Karin | Posted on 07-08-2011

Category : Eating Out, Food, London

Every time I walked past Pizza East on my way to Frame I made a mental note to myself to go there “someday”. Well today was that day.

Right on Shoreditch High Street it’s a place that can’t be missed. And even from outside you get the vibe that this place serves good pizza.

Upon arrival I was immediately in love with the interior. Not even the sausages scared me off (haha). It’s a bit “hip” these days to make things rustic yet modern but I really like that. It doesn’t feel out of place in that part of London.

Dinner buddy rather texted than talked to me. Kidding!

I ordered the mushroom, ricotta, spinach and egg pizza which was heavenly. The pizza itself is rather thin but the crust thick and chewy. A really lovely combo.

We were both being rather touristy.

And since I ran 8 miles this morning I could hardly say no to this chocolate salted caramel tarte. (Although, let’s be honest, I also would have eaten it without the run).

I forgot how a real and proper dessert tasted like!! Not that I don’t eat chocolate on a daily basis (I do) but eating a rich homemade dessert is something different altogether.

It’s back to business again tomorrow! Yay for Mondays! (Or something like that..)

ps: When was the last time you had a really good meal? (If you’ve cooked it yourself: would you mind coming over here and making it for me too?? )

Groovin Saturday

Posted by Karin | Posted on 06-08-2011

Category : Breakfast, Films, London, Yoga

Today was a great day. Nothing epic happened, I didn’t find a cure for cancer and neither did I run an ultramarathon. But it was great nevertheless.

I woke up rather groggy and headed half asleep to Camden. Camden was asleep as well.

Reason for my trip was a yoga class at Alchemy. It woke me up nicely.

Then I headed to inSpiral which is London’s veggie heaven.. It’s uber hippie-ish and their raw cakes are to die for.

Instead of opting for cake I had a berry bliss smoothie and some hemp, oat and goji berries porridge.

Awww porridge!

And then I headed to an other foodie heaven (I know it’s not all too fascinating for non-foodies but I get ecstatic while groceries shopping)

Oh and then I got some running shoes. Now I have a pair of Adidas (on their last leg – no pun intended) and a pair of Nikes. I hope they won’t secretly fight themselves.

Speaking of shoes… I’ve had this mess ever since I moved to my flat:

That’s what happens when you don’t have a shoe rack! So I headed to Argos (and almost died of laughter – what a hilarious concept they have…).

Ten minutes after I got back home I ended up with this:

I put it together all by myself (shameless pride here!!)

On my catalogue shopping trip I also picked up a fabulous frame …

Zytgloggeeeeee!!!!!!

And then I basically spent my entire afternoon sorting out my room. But of course I also took some breaks to drink tea and snack (what else did you expect). I then watched the Toughest Race On Earth. Crazy! A Marathon is a walk in the park in comparison.