Board Games - a Great Way to Reconnect with Your Friends!

Have you noticed how present is technology in our lives? Recently, I've been thinking about it a lot. We meet our friends or family members, to have dinner together or in a bar, but we are never really alone with them, never fully dedicated to the moment. The mobiles. Ever-present intruders are there with us. If not phone calls, then whatsapps, line or whatever other fancy app we are using, don't stop bombarding us during that “quality time” with friends or family. Of course not everyone is always connected. We might be lucky enough to have one or two people in our circles, who draw a clear line, who set the border and know when not to be available. But the rest always has some reason to “be available”.

I can't say I blame them. In fact, I understand. More than once I had my mobile with me, knowing it would be irresponsible to turn it off, to disappear, even if just for an hour or so. Work is the main reason, something we often can't avoid. But I'm not talking here about these moments that we have no influence over. No, I think about when we go out to spend time with people who are truly important to us, but we whatsapp with other group of friends, or we browse the internet, show each other stupid/funny memes, check facebook/twitter/whatever is fancy at the moment. I'm talking about not being capable to spend time talking face to face. I really think many people are oblivious to the simple pleasure of chit-chatting with someone next to us, without using emoticons. I believe some of us have already lost the capability or reading real faces, recognizing sarcasm etc. It even looks like mobiles gained "an official space" on the table: on the right side of the plate, just next to the fork! Does that sound familiar? If so, I guess you might like my idea of how to avoid it.

Some time ago, I rediscovered the pleasure of board games. But I was surprised to notice that the world has moved ahead a lot. It's not only Scrabble and Monopoly anymore. You can literally find any board game on any subject you can imagine. You like travelling and trains? Try Ticket to Ride. You're a foodie? Choose Sushi-Go. You dream of an old world of colonies and its merchants? Mombasa. Zombies? Dead of Winter. Vikings? Blood Rage. Running a hotel? Grand Austria Hotel... I could go on like this forever!

Believe it or not, it's a great way to reconnect with those who up to now were too absorbed by technology to fully focus on your meetings! Most of the games are so entertaining and need all your attention if you don't want to lose. Lots of fun guaranteed! It will help you to relax, enjoy yourself and who knows,maybe learn a thing or two!

There is also one more thing that you could actually use board games for: learn the language. Of course, all of the games I mentioned, have their Spanish versions (some under slightly different title), but why don't you try them out in English? Maybe you could even encourage your friends to use not only instructions in English, but play in that language to practice? Invite some foreigners? You like the idea, but seriously doubt you could convince your friends? In most cities there are groups that meet regularly to play. Join one! Check the local libraries, cultural houses, google them. I promise: you won't regret it!

Carnival, Carnival!!!

The last weekend of Carnival has already finished! I hope you had time to enjoy it, to fancy dress and celebrate! Apart from the funny part, Carnival has a bigger meaning behind, something that we don't think anymore about nowadays.

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In the past, when the Church was much more influential than it is today, the days preceding Lent were celebrated with great festivities, breaking lots of the social norms and rules. However, it is very important to remember, that all this had its roots in pagan rites, when the end of February - beginning of March was considered as a rite of passage from darkness to light, from winter to summer: a fertility celebration, the first spring festival of the new year. From the anthropological point of view, carnival is a reversal ritual, in which social roles are reversed and norms about desired behavior are suspended. That was the time, when "everything was permitted, social mores were turned upside down: the beggar became rich, men dressed as women, lay people turned into clerics, priests into bishops, and so on." (Orhipean; p. 90) Today we don't think anymore of the origins of our Carnival, but most of us still enjoy it. And honestly, i believe we should! Not many countries still keep this tradition alive and for many foreigners coming here to celebrate Carnival is an extra bonus to their trip. For example, in my country of origin, Poland, fancy dresses are rather fro children. Adults go to parties called "ostatki", but it's just a party, sometimes a bit more intense than the regular one, but nevertheless, usually there are no fancy dresses. 

If you are still reading it, you are probably aware now of my obsession over costumes... Yes, I believe that deep inside my inner child is dancing each time I have an opportunity to dress up as someone else. And when I say dress up, I don't mean buying one of those ready costumes, I mean doing it yourself all way through! Over the years I've mastered some last minute solutions (you know, the best parties are the ones you haven't planned!) and here I will share 5 5-minutes costumes with you, in case on Monday or Tuesday you would like to go (or maybe organise) Last-Minute Carnival 2017 Party, I hope it will give you some inspiration!

1. Bank Robber

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It's the easiest thing one can think of! Just put on some black attire, the best is something well-fitting, leggings and turtleneck sweater, black beanie, black sneakers or ballet flats. All these you probably have at home. Now look for some white pillow case, and draw a huge $ sign on both sides of it. Carry it over your shoulder. Believe me, it looks great. One last thing you need is an eye mask. You can buy one in a costume shop and paint it black (I don't recommend it, it tends to be quite rough in the bridge of your nose) or do one yourself: you can use an old T-shirt or some old stockings. Just cut out two holes for your eyes in a wide stripe and tie it onto your face. I did it last Halloween in literally 7 minutes and it looked good!

2. Frida Kahlo

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If you have dark hair, the only things you need are: a long skirt, baggy, front open sweater or huge scarf (flowery scarf is the best!) to wrap it around you and a flower crown. The rest is makeup and it will take even less than 5 minutes. The flower crown you can buy, or do it yourself: you will need some fake flowers, a wide headband and some glue gun. If you don't have dark hair a wig will do, but you have to remember to buy it before!

3. Wednesday Adams

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Short black straight dress, black tights and white collar, or white shirt underneath the dress. And two braids; real ones or a wig: it doesn't really matter. Is there anything easier than that? Your skin should be pale, or painted almost white for more drama.

4. A ghost

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Ok, that's not very original, but if you really have nothing to do the costume and absolutely no time, that might be your only solution: a white under sheet, not too long, so you don't trip over it, but long enough to cover at least your knees. Put it on you and mark the places to cut out the eye holes and some arm holes (if you decide to cut those don't forget to wear something with long white sleeves below the sheet). Not the best, but at least saves you from being a party pooper.

5. Clark Kent/Superman

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Jeans or any trousers and white shirt you have for sure. The only “tricky” part may be the Superman T-shirt. Wear it under the white shirt, which should be more than half open to leave it visible. Glasses with black frames complete the outfit. Voila! Ready!

If you decide to use any of these last minute ideas, share the pics with us in the comments! Here you have me, as a bank robber last Halloween:

Have fun!