Lingo in Transit

Travel, Languages and Life

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  • 12 Points Go To…….

    12 Points Go To…….

    It’s that time of the year again. The Eurovision Song Contest.

    Eurovision was started in 1956 to unite a war-torn Europe. European countries select their representative usually through a country wide search. The singer/band then gets the chance to perform in the semi-finals and some of the big funders of Eurovision automatically qualify straight into the grandfinal. Songs must be original and less than 3 minutes. The country of the winner of the Eurovision hosts the contest the following year.

    There are other rules of the game:
    – all contestants must be aged over 16
    – bands can be no more than 6 people
    – pieces must include vocals
    – pieces can be performed in any language

    There are other ‘rules’ of Eurovision which is also about the glitz, glamour and pyrotechnics. The weirder, more memorable the better. I think this is so much of the appeal of it. The chance to be over the top, to be odd, to over exaggerate and at this almost global stage where nothing is too much. It’s the time that makes me all warm and fuzzy about international rapport and jokes, travel, languages and acceptance of all.

    Although I know not everyone shares these sentiments. My European friends often tell me how lame it is and no-one they know watches it. When here in Australia, there are even parties and friend screenings of the grandfinal. Australia has been included in recent years and almost won in 2016 when we finished 2nd! I doubt we would have been ‘allowed’ to have won though.

    Eurovision is also no less surrounded by controversies every year surrounding the political voting, political affairs and LGBT communities (and not to mention in countries where this contest is broadcasted and where being LGBT is still a crime or taboo).

    Still, the show must go on.

    Here is a skit that was performed at the beginning of the 2016 Eurovision with Måns Zelmerlöw (the winner of 2015 Eurovision) and Petra Mede (arguable one of the best Eurovision hosts to grace our screens) on what makes the best Eurovision song.

    Are you a Eurovision fan? Who are you backing to win this year?

  • Pictorial Walk #2

    Pictorial Walk #2

    These are the latest pictures taken on my walks. I think I must subconsciously feel like a certain colour when I start taking pictures.

  • Lessons I’ve Learnt From My First Year of Blogging

    Lessons I’ve Learnt From My First Year of Blogging

    I started a blog years and years ago but it was less writing and more sharing. I guess that’s what twitter is for now. Before I decided to try blogging again, I did some research. I decided on my niche (god, I hate that word) and set out a promise with myself that I would post weekly. Unfortunately, there’s some advice out there that stick with you and others that will actually work against you. Here are some lessons that I have learnt:

    1. Influence
    It’s hard not to be influenced by all the advice. Stick to a regular posting schedule. Find your niche. Make 10 pinterest pins a day. Work on SEO. Schedule tweets for the whole week. Keep updating your older posts. The list goes on. It’s overwhelming. I started out with a niche in mind but realised quickly that that wouldn’t actually work in real life. I tried to make a heap of pins but the time it takes vs the actual reward wasn’t very good. I read into SEO articles to write about what will rank. That also didn’t sit well with me. It’s much easier to start and write posts that you’re actually interested in writing and it’s much easier to keep blogging if you don’t feel like it is all such a hassle.

    Take away: Write what you want to write about and it’s ok to create your own rules

    Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

    2. Follow bloggers
    When I started following other bloggers, I sort of just stuck to the travel niche. But seeing what other people were writing about only made me think that I also had to write in a certain way. Cafe guides and day itineraries and I started looking back through my pictures to see if I could put together one of these. I had planned to write one but found it really hard to even narrow down what should be in a day itinerary when I seldom travel with a strict one.
    I then started following other bloggers who write about a wide range of topics that also included travel. I found this much better for the types of information I wanted to consume and also to broaden my idea of what a “blog” was.

    Take away: Don’t feel confined to create certain types of posts


    3. Time
    It is way more time consuming than I thought. I thought that I’d be able to just type my thoughts and then click publish. No. Posts sit in draft for weeks and sometimes months until it’s ready to be seen by the outside world. I sometimes need to reconsolidate with my travel journals to remember back and also do some fact checking. It takes time to link other social media together and not to mention to actually be active on those social media platforms as well as writing. It takes time to link previous blog posts which is apparently good for SEO. Sometimes I’m just waiting for that strike of inspiration on what I want to write about next and other times the words just don’t come out of my head.

    Take away: It’ll be more time consuming than you think but this is all part of the process and fun

    Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

    4. Intimidation
    I don’t know if it’s imposter syndrome but there is always the fear at the back of my mind that I’m just another person writing into the void, why would anyone read what I write? I go through waves of this and every single time, I need to snap out it. It’s more about the commitment to produce. If you’re reading someone else’s blog there is bound to me someone else who will find your words interesting too.

    Take away: Keep going

    5. Take breaks
    I would say that I was pretty consistent in the first year with posting a blog about once a week which is what I had initially planned to do. Recently, I’ve been feeling very uninspired by pretty much everything. I pulled back on the amount of time I was spending on social media which has been nice and made me feel less…..chaotic. I didn’t write any posts for some weeks. But here I am, finishing this blog post after initially drafting it at the beginning of March. Your blog will still be there when you get back.

    Take away: It’s ok to take breaks to recharge


    Do you resonate with any of the above points? What’s the biggest blogging lesson you’ve learnt?


    Interested in starting a blog? To start with wordpress, click on this link to start and we both earn free credit.

  • Outstanding Blogger Award

    Outstanding Blogger Award

    I was recently nominated by Juliette from Sunny Days With Juliette for the Outstanding Blogger Award. Her travel photos are always so well shot and her posts always make me miss travel. Thank you for nominating me Juliette for my first award!

    The rules:

    1. Provide a link to the creator’s original award post.
    2. Answer the questions provided.
    3. Create 7 unique questions.
    4. Nominate other bloggers. Ensure that they are aware of their nomination. Neither the award’s creator nor the blogger that nominated you can be nominated.


    The Questions

    1. What is one thing you would like to see/visit/do at least once in your life?
      Picking one is so unbelieveable hard as there are so many things that I would like to see/visit/do. I will say go on safari.


    2. When traveling, what was your biggest cultural shock or “oh wow – this culture is so different from mine” moment?
      I think mine would be visiting Scandinavia. I’m so use to talking to anyone and everyone here and saying hi to people I walk past on my walks. It was strange to be in countries where everyone was more reserved. It appeared ‘cold’ to me at first but from my small interactions with new friends and hosts that everyone is actually friendly and willing to help, they just don’t appear to be on the surface.


    3. Is there something that you saw in another country that you wish could be in yours (it can be anything: objects, food, nature, etc.)?
      I wished we had some beautiful baroque and gothic style architecture here and also coloured buildings. I understand that would look confusing on the streets but maybe we can have half and half? I would love to be surrounded by that kind of beauty in every day life and it’s a little more visually pleasing compared to what we have here!


    4. How do you plan your holidays – if you plan them at all?
      I definitely have to plan holidays so I can book in my annual leave or save up my annual leave days for it. Usually trips will be 2-3 weeks. Destination wise, I’ll usually have a preference already and then it’s a matter of trying to find the most optimal way to travel and seeing the place. The last 2 trips I did, I went with an organised tour as these places were alittle harder to plan and get around. It was great because it was jam packed and I felt I got a lot out of the limited time I had.


    5. When the pandemic is over, you are granted a whole month off from work/studying. What would you do?
      I would book a trip to Japan and South Korea and would do a quick stop in Hong Kong too.


    6. Tell us about one interesting person you met when traveling, even if you only met them very briefly.
      I was in Copenhagen and met an American guy who was a teacher in Kosovo. He spends years working at different schools in different countries. We met (as tourists do) at a sign outside a castle or town hall and then become sight seeing buddies that day.


    7. A high school student from your town wants to take a gap year to travel before starting university. Where would you tell them to go? Why?
      I would say anywhere outside of your country. The world is a big place- go forth and explore and/or volunteer. Be an au-pair or work odd jobs as your travel. You have the time and no commitments so make the most of it!

    Questions for all of you readers:

    1. What is the top dish from another country that you want to try?
    2. You get to book a free course on your next trip, where are you going and what course are you taking there?
    3. Is there an aspect of another culture that you have incorporated into your life?
    4. What is the best condiment?
  • 10 Ways To Fit More Language Learning Into Your Day While Working Full-Time

    10 Ways To Fit More Language Learning Into Your Day While Working Full-Time

    Learning languages requires time. Alot of time.

    For those who are working a full-time job, it can be even harder to find the time to get to practice or learn another language let alone manage life as well. Here are 10 ways on how to fit more language learning into a work day.

    1. Listening
    You could find a podcast, songs or youtube videos to have on in the language while you get ready in the mornings, make dinner or during transit. It’s best to find topics that actually interest you so that you’re more atuned to listen rather than just hearing (although there’s got to be something about subconscious listening right?).

    2. Learn the new
    If you’re learning new words or new grammar, you could have it up on a whiteboard or chalkboard. Maybe even stick some notes around the home in places that you will see. Make a conscious effort to look at it every time you pass it so that it sticks in your memory. You can change notes around the home or add and revise notes as you wish.

    3. Swap your book for a book in the language you are learning
    I find that I am exhausted by the end of the day to even read in English sometimes so have had to think about better ways to read. I find waking up alittle earlier to be able to read in the mornings has worked as well as reading at lunch.

    Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

    4. Get a news update in your target language
    If you read or listen to the news normally in your native language, why not swap it for the target language you are learning instead? It might not provide you with very much local news but will expose you to more global news instead.


    5. Apps for very short breaks
    The not so secret secret about language learning is exposure and repetition. A lot of language learning apps are great for this. You don’t need to spend hours on it and can fit them into your day for a minute or 2 here and there. Duolingo is the one I use which I like despite all the nay sayers. Click here to join.


    6. Dedicated Language Classes
    Despite working full-time, it is still possible to have classes after work. Structured classes are great at helping to progress in a language and also a great way to meet new people. This forces you to learn and revise your target language and is great if you need that little bit of motivation. Most of the time, there is likely to be others who have also just finished their work day.

    7. Change Your Phone
    Another way to thrust yourself into your target language is to change the language of your phone or apps. It’s make you learn new vocabulary that you might not have known before and is also one of those little incidental changes to get your brain switching languages and some immersion.


    8. Language Exchanges
    A more social way to practise your target language is to arrange to have an language exhange with a friend, colleague or online through one of the language learning websites that offer this. It can be as formal or informal as you like and might feel like you’re catching up with a friend. italki, Preply, Verbling and Conversation Exchange are some options that you can use.


    9. Movies/TV Shows
    Pick movies or series in your target language to add to your watch. Even if you don’t understand everything and are reading sub-titles, I think it’s also a cultural experience. If available, you could also watch your favourite movies or shows in the target language for a different perspective.


    10. Dedicated Study Time
    There is nothing like carving some time our during the day dedicated to studying. It might be 15 minutes or 1 hour, start small so that it can become a habit. Habits are easier to maintain. You can pick however you want to study and maybe even combine some of the above into your dedicated time. It’s important to keep it fun and light so that your motivation also stays for the long run. It’ll be a journey after all.

    What others ways do you use to learn another language?

    Photo by Soner Eker on Unsplash
  • Turning Waste Into Other Products

    Turning Waste Into Other Products

    What can be done with a little creativity and waste? The creation of new products. I’ve recently come across some different videos of repurposing waste. It’s such a great application of the circular economy concept and ones that I would love to see grow and become more available for the average consumer.

    What do you think of these?

  • Pros and Cons of Using Blablacar

    Pros and Cons of Using Blablacar

    image

    I found out about Blablacar through locals that I had met in Europe. The French ride-sharing service is alittle like Airbnb- essentially, drivers list their trip on blablacar and you can pay for a seat and be a passenger. The website has a review process where you can rate the driver and their driving skills and they can also rate passengers. Once you’ve locked in a trip, you pay (with card) and then get a code to give your driver after your journey. All of this is done via the site but the only thing you do need to sort out with the driver is a meeting place.

    Pros

    • It is cheap! I found that the trips were about half the price (if not more) than a bus or train tickets. If you’re regularly moving around a country, these travel costs can add up quickly and also leave little room to be flexible if train costs increase closer to travel dates. I thought that blablacar helped to cut travel costs during my holiday.
    • You get to meet locals. I love meeting new people on trips and what better place than being in the same car with each other. We have chatted about life in our respective countries, our dreams and life in general. I actually met one of my drivers again in Australia when they came for a holiday- friendships all around.
    • You can get to places that might not be serviced with public transport. I found this to be an easier option than trying to figure out the bus systems. The drivers I’ve had seem to know the towns they were going to quite well so suggested places that I could be dropped off at or were better for me to be dropped off at.
    • You can see part of the country. What better way to see the views than the front passenger seat of a car! I found that my drivers would point out different things along the way and we also got to talk about road tolls!
    • You can pick who you want to take the trip with. This is dependent on what towns you’re travelling between as some towns tend to have alot of trips happening and some with not so much. If you have choice, you can pick which age group/gender you want to travel with which I think is a good thing. As I mentioned earlier, there is a review system so you can see how past trips have gone and what the driver (or passenger) was like.
    • You can indicate whether you have luggage and find an appropriate vehicle.

    Cons

    • Language barrier. On one of my trips, there was a huge language barrier (I couldn’t speak spanish) and the driver couldn’t speak english. But we managed. It can be awkward if there is a language barrier but it’s generally ok.
    • Meeting place. Once a driver agrees to take you, you both have to settle on a meeting place. Usually, the driver has the final say and it can be hard to try and find a place you can easily get to with your luggage without having transport costs blow out. I had very good luck and found somewhere where I could walk to most of the places but you might not always have this luxury.
    • Blablacar is not available in every country. It’s a great chance to see the country from a different perspective with the added bonus of getting to speak to locals to find out about their lives and a more eco-friendly option of travelling.

    Blablacar has now acquired Ouibus and Busfor which is making travelling by road more appealing.

    Have you used blablacar? What were your experiences?

    Updated 22 Apr 2021

  • Fashion Revolution 2021

    Fashion Revolution 2021

    It is that time of the year- Fashion Revolution week. The week where we ask “who made my clothes?”. It is the week to raise awareness and have an open discussion with brands to become more conscious and purposeful in their production and marketing of their clothes. To ask the questions about who exactly made this piece of clothing and whether they are being paid for their time and efforts appropriately and are able to work in safe conditions. Whether the materials and dyes used to make our clothes are being harvested and created and disposed of properly.

    It’s time the companies took some responsibility right?

    Photo by Francois Le Nguyen on Unsplash

    Over the past few years, there is a new term circulating in this area.

    Greenwashing.

    Perhaps you have heard of it too or not. It’s the term used to describe the situation where companies go on about their new “green and eco-friendly initiatives” while actually not really doing it or isn’t aligned with majority of their products. An example of this in the fashion industry could be claiming to use eco-friendly materials in their new sustainability line yet this only accounts for 10% of their output in a year or creating a sustainable line of clothing but releasing new seasons every week.

    Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

    As an average consumer, it’s really hard to tell whether a company or brand is greenwashing or are actually being sustainable or eco-friendly. But it is something to be aware of and sometimes if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

    Another term that I’ve personally started to despise is “vegan leather”. On the one hand, no animal products are used but on the other hand, most of the “vegan leather” at the moment is probably made from plastics (hello fossil fuels and microplastics that we are all eating). The “vegan leather” that I would truely be interested in is that as a by product of more natural materials eg. cork or cactus.

    The best solution I have personally found, is being more intentional with your purchases and also buying, donating or selling second hand so that someone else can enjoy the piece of clothing for many more years or enjoy them better than having it in your wardrobe collecting dust.

    If you want to read more, I wrote about how I started my fashion journey to consume better here. I also wrote about ways to reuse old clothes here.

    Who made your clothes?

  • Pictorial Walk #1

    Pictorial Walk #1

    Last Flowers Before Winter

    We’ve been having such great autumn weather lately. Pale blue skies with a gorgeous sunset of shades of orange and pink. I’m sharing here some last flowers before winter that I’ve captured on my walks. I see a running theme here of purple- a colour that I don’t usually associate with every day life but here we are, purple all around.

  • Minimalist Make Up

    Minimalist Make Up

    I’ve recently been on a decluttering journey. The most recent was my make up. After a year of not going anywhere, I was sure that there were some tubes that would need to go. Make up doesn’t have a very long shelf life but yet it’s so easy to buy multiple shades of items or buy something “for an occasion” and then not using it again.

    Photo by Raphael Lovaski on Unsplash

    I want to be more intentional in every aspect of my life and this includes my make up.

    I’ll admit, I’m actually not very good at make up. I can’t get an eyelash curler to work with my lashes and I don’t like to wear foundation. I don’t care for lipsticks anymore and I have once gone to the local cosmetics store asking the assistant for help at how to stop mascara from smudging all over my eyes.

    What I have learnt about make up, is to write in texter on the label the month/year I opened the product so I can keep track on how long I’ve had items for. It’s amazing to look in your collection and then realise how much time has passed with a product. The only item I don’t do this with is mascara which I change quite often as I am a contact lens wearer.

    What I got Rid Of:

    • Stila Glitter Eyeshadow which was dry
    • Rimmel translucent powder which I opened in 2017 and haven’t really used as I like another product more
    • MaxFactor Blush which I opened in 2017 and also haven’t really used as I like another product more
    • Revlon Matte Lipbalm which I opened in 2016! Again, not used that much as I’ve stopped wearing coloured lips
    • Maybelline Master Precision Eye Liner which I haven’t used in ages and can’t remember when I started using this
    • Clinique Eye Pencil which was a free sample but I never used it and it doesn’t twist up/down anymore

    Moving Forwards:

    As much as I would like to make my collection more natural and eco-friendly, I’m not in the position financially to do this. So far, I’ve chosen to have my lip balm and deodorent products be natural. I think I’m also past the stage of experimenting with colours and products and have my favourites now that I will keep going back to when I need more. And I need to stop buying backups.

    How has your make up routine/collection changed?