September 14, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 0 comments

El-Tanein Diet Week #8 and #9

Botero’s Gato, Rambla del Raval

It’s too late to apologize for having to bunch the past two weeks into one post but getting settled, working full-time, and having some visitors has been keeping me quite busy. I’m still finding my rhythm here and I’ve got a few posts lined up about what I’ve been doing in Barcelona – I just have to sit and write them out in a comprehensive manner. It’s all on its way, promise!

Workout Tally

Walking my ass off for 14 days

I’ve been on my feet a lot. I walk pretty much everywhere and my Fitbit now loves me. I’m afraid of the size of my calves but I guess it’s good that this is happening since I refuse to forfeit my morning stroll for rushed gym classes. Hopefully, I will still appreciate them when the winter season takes over.

As for fitness plans and resistance training: I want to do weekend jogs in the park by the National Museum in Montjuic. I decided against getting a set of free weights and got a resistance tube from Decathlon since I need something temporary that’ll do the job. Along with some daily pushups and some Nike Training Club downloadable workouts, I should be able to stay on the track to getting toned if I avoid all the Catalan bread that keeps following me everywhere.

Outdoor Activity

See above or below.

Fitbit Flex

I haven’t seen numbers like this on a consistent streak since I got the device. Walking to and from the office is making a big difference when it comes to my movement during working hours and my exploration of the city during the weekend makes up for the rest. I’m doing an average of 15km/day when not in the office so week 8 was ~85K and week 9 was ~103K steps!

Best Meal of the Week(s)

Tapas and sangria at Numero Nueve in Born. This place can win the title for both weeks since I’ve been back twice since my first visit. I don’t even like red wine sangria. Yes, it’s that good.

Other Highlights

New Instagram Series: For some reason, I kept on noticing the various storefronts of the pharmacies in and around town on my treks. I’ve turned it into a series on my Instagram account. Follow me or the series via #Farrahfindsfarmacias

Look Ma, tourists!

Being a BCN tour guide after 2 weeks: I’ve had a few visitors and it’s been challenging to show them around while still being a tourist myself. However, it’s a blessing to have good company when you’re in a new place learning about Gaudi and tasting tapas. Going to museums, Pedrera, Güell, and Sagrada. It’s been an intense couple of weekends.

Workout Track of the Week

The track I’ve been walking all over Barcelona with. How Spanish, I know. Also, the Straight Outta Compton OST but I can’t seem to find a link for that anywhere.

Cheese of the Week

I’m going to go with sentimental cheese for my first two weeks away from home. I was warned about feeling homesick and lonely. Thankfully, I haven’t had much of a chance to dwell on the solo part of my solo expedition since my visitors list keeps growing. Who would’ve thought you’d get to have a little bit of home along for the ride. Now, where in Barcelona can I find some peanut butter?

September 8, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 0 comments

Back Home: On the Outside, Looking in

Courtesy of Tom Eversly

It’s odd having to think about cooking my dinners, doing my laundry & dishes, and what streets to walk through in the morning. It’s been odd not thinking about electricity, road rage, and garbage. It’s been odd putting all my energy into myself. It’s been odd being able to think about the bigger things. Like where I want my life to be in the next few months, what I need to improve on when it comes to my career and personal development, and even what books I want to read.

I can hardly see you underneath all that guck. Right now, I’m removed enough that I do not incessantly worry about you and where you’re heading but still within the same hemisphere so I’m not that far behind. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about you Lebanon; it’s the distance between us. This LDR is going to take work and you’re going to have to make an effort so I have something to come home to.

But hey, let’s not get melodramatic here, it’s been 9 days since I left.

Guys, there are 4 main happenings back home that I need y’all to take part in. I would like to live vicariously through my peoples because, for once, I understand what it’s like to be living far away from my beloved Beirut and seeing it from the outside. It’s a mix of FOMO and WTF.

Horsh Beirut on Saturdays
It’ll be open every Saturday for Phase 1 of the park’s opening to the public. Phase 2 is all weekend, Phase 3 is daily. If we prove that we can take care of it and we are in need of public green spaces, it may encourage municipalities to fund more spaces/renovation of existing ones. It’s wishful thinking but let’s make sure we show them how much we want and RESPECT public space.

Wickerpark Festival – Sept 13, 2015
Great fun in Batroun with Lebanese bands performing outdoors at sunset. It’s chilled vibes with local Colonel beer. Bring a blanket or cushion to sit on if you go early.

Sursock Museum – Oct 9, 2015
Opening on a Friday, the perfect new activity to start off the weekend with. What were you going to do? Movies? Mar Mikhael? Stay home to catch up on [insert Netflix series here] and order ZwZ? Haven’t you always wanted to go inside the beautiful palace anyway? Now you can. Entrance is for free, just saying.

And while these are all happy events, this is the one that needs the most attention:

#Youstink Protest Tomorrow Afternoon
We need a solution to the garbage crisis before the rain hits. Forget about all other concerns and demands. This crisis affects our health (and that of future generations) and living environment. Even if you don’t support the movement or the ousting of the MPs, we need to be down there asking for a PLAN OF ACTION before more damage is done.

Yalla!

September 6, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 5 Comments

Adulting at 27 in Barcelona

Living solo, in a foreign country, with a foreign language. I haven’t been doing this very long but I’ve also never done this before so the adulting process is in full swing.

Here are a few tips for other late bloomers:

Get to know the neighborhood
After wandering around in circles enough times around your place, take a mental note of places you’ll need on a regular basis. Draw up a quick map of nearby pharmacies, supermarkets, and bakeries that are within 2-3 blocks of you. Keep the map on your fridge and take a photo so you have it as a reference.

Never start doing laundry at 11:30 pm
Because then you’ll have to wait for the load to finish so you can hang the wet clothes to dry or transfer them to the dryer. Lesson learned. #rinsehold

Don’t overbuy or overbaguette
It’s weird when you’re only buying groceries for one. Keep that in mind when purchasing perishables like fresh baguettes that taste stale after a day. Store brand items are fine for all the basics of the kitchen. Do not go cheap on the olive oil though. As someone from the Mediterranean, let me just say that this would be sacrilege. Extra virgin, light in color, and use it for everything. None of that aceite de girasol stuff. And feed the stale baguettes to the birdies in the park, they don’t care.

Invest in coconut oil and an aloe vera plant
Coconut oil is a natural SPF and moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal agent. It’s like Windex for skin. It’s a good staple to have at hand when you need it. It’s also used in cooking and is a tasty alternative for butter when making popcorn. The aloe vera plant is a source of pure gel which alleviates burns and blisters.

For BCN, Veritas is an organic supermarket chain that carries lots of specialty products. It’s got gluten free, organic, and all other dietary sensitivity stuffs. I got coconut oil and aloe vera gel from there for 10 Euros.

Try not to get hit by a bus or a biker
And by “biker,” I mean people on bicycles. Like most of Europe, this city is very bike-friendly and the public transport system is actually reliable. Although Beirut is home to crazy drivers, it’s not the place for pedestrians. Here, I’ve been walking everywhere using the metro only once this week. The thing I did not account for is that the bike lanes cut through the streets and sidewalks. When walking, be aware of the riders that are zooming by. And when waiting for the green man to light at the crosswalk, stay about a foot away from the curb because those busses get tooclose.

And, when in doubt, just google everything. The struggle is real.

August 31, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 0 comments

El-Tanein Diet Week #7

This is going to be a short one because I’ve got to get to bed. I’m joining the workforce again tomorrow and I need to get my sleeping patterns back on track. Also, I hardly moved during week 7 so there isn’t much to report.

I can feel the momentum slipping away from meeeeeee. Week 8’s mission is to create a fitness plan for Barcelona. I don’t want to spend my evenings working out so I’ll have to see if mornings are something I will finally stick to…or come up with a better solution. I can always resort to DVD programs if gyms aren’t in the cards? Ew.

Workout Tally

Walking around Barcelona for 6 hours

I’m not kidding. That was it. I spent the 6 days prior seeing people, hanging out, and – as lame as it sounds – saying goodbye to Beirut. It also felt like it took me 4 years to pack. Even with that, it took a while for my brain to catch up with what was happening while I walked around Plaça Catalunya. I still can’t believe I’m here.

Outdoor Activity

I’d say my stroll to and through Parc de la Cuitadella would have to be the outdoor activity (and only activity) for this week. Yes, one day in Barcelona has taken over every category.

Fitbit Flex

That one afternoon in Barcelona came to a total of 17K steps. I see that this pedestrian-friendly city will be keeping my totals high. Even with the internship about to start, I think my numbers will be higher than in Beirut since I won’t be relying on a car to get around. I at least hope that is the case because I have yet to find out if I can afford the gym nearby.

Best Meal of the Week

A friend of mine had been raving about the double cheeseburger at Urbanista for about 6 months now. We finally decided to make a plan out of it since we’re both trying to make healthier meal choices.

Much like the Souks’ The Met, Urbanista is not a restaurant you’d go to when you’re craving a meaty burger but they both have pretty good ones. Urba’s double is a mean burger but I recommend you share it with someone. It’s heavy and very filling; it’s a cheese overdose. You’ll want to finish it but it’s probably best if you don’t. Don’t ruin a good thing. Also, have it when you’re ravenous. If you’re in a “meh, I could eat” mood, you’ll be wasting the meal.

Other Highlights

Lost 4kgs: I know I said I wouldn’t focus on what the scale says but I couldn’t help checking while weighing my suitcase before the flight. Considering I was a sloth up until Sunday, I found this to be very perplexing. My doctor friends say it’s because my basal metabolism has changed after the sustained activity. Keyword here is sustained. The challenge now is figuring out how to do that in a new city.

Another lunch at Jammal: I had to say adios to Batroun. We grew so close this summer. Ixsir rosé, octopus, and shrimp rolls with a gorgeous view and company. It was the right way to remember my country.

Workout Track of the Week

I don’t know what it means but it’s provocative and it gets the people going.

Cheese of the Week

Lufthansa Business Class: I don’t know if I got upgraded or my original ticket was Business Class to begin with (highly doubtful because cha-ching) but there I was. And then I fell asleep during the meal distribution. You win some, you lose some. I got the breakfast on the next flight though! A cheesy vegan nightmare.

Not photographed: croissant and fresh bread. They were good, I swear. I’ve come to see that these El-Tanein posts are looking more about food than about fitness. I have no interest in becoming a food blogger but fitness has A LOT to do with what you put in your body. And food is more photogenic than my sweaty self at the gym.

August 30, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 0 comments

From Beirut to Barcelona

Courtesy of Gratisography

The last time I ate McDonald’s was when I was at the Frankfurt Airport on my way to NYC. Had you told me that I was going to be back here 4 months later while on my way to Barcelona, I would’ve given you a high-five, done a victory dance, and also been in awe that I managed to steer clear of Big Macs for that long. I was going to use the “I’m traveling” excuse to be reunited with the classic but it turns out there’s no McDo in this terminal. Instead, I’m stuck with a pathetic 10-Euro Thai chicken sandwich. Boo.

As you can see above, Barcelona’s been on the travel list for a while. I’ve heard good things about the Spanish coastal town and its art, architecture, and ham. All summer, friends who’ve been have told me that I will fall in love with the place. I’m hoping that they haven’t set my expectations too high; there’s a lot of pressure to make the most of this temporary move.

And that’s another thing – it feels strange leaving Beirut when there is a chance for change back home (too optimistic?). There is so much uncertainty in the months ahead but I can’t tell if that’s me or a symptom of the lost millennial generation of global opportunity, information overload, and goldfish attention spans. How the heck do you navigate through all the possibility? Maybe no one’s got it figured out and it’s actually about learning to be at peace with the idea that we’re all just winging it as we go.

I came across this video about the “origin of x” and its relation to Arabic and Spanish. It was comforting to see that I’d be learning more about the Arabic script in a non-Arab country that still had linguistic ties to it in some way. Maybe Spain will be the intersection of foreign and familiar. Only time will tell.

Follow my adventure via #BambigoestoBarca on Instagram.
I’ll be blogging as much as I can too.

P.S. – Maktoub 3 Loubnan has NOT been put on hold. My sister will be checking the mail periodically in my absence so please find a cool postcard for your memory. Check out the ones that have made it over so far here.

August 29, 2015 by Farrah Berrou - 1 Comment

What to Pack for a Design Internship Abroad

Besides the standard toothbrush and lots of undies, here’s a list of the top 15 things I’m bringing so I can let the art director in me go crazy in my new Mediterranean city that I shall call home for 3 months. Let me know if I’ve left anything out, I feel like I’ll be packing until midnight.

A Medium Sized Notebook
I’m a fan of the ~A5 size because it fits in your purse and is good enough for notes, doodles and random thought bubbles. If the heavy duty Moleskines are too pricey for your taste (and frequent use of journals), Paper Concept is an affordable alternative that I’ve come to love. Their products are made in Lebanon. They’re pretty malleable too so they can handle being transported daily, getting soaked in coffee, or just beat up by life. I plan on covering this baby in Spain stickers.

3 A4 Sketchbooks
As a creative who’s on the job, you’re going to need to put your ideas somewhere. I prefer using the tangible approach: on paper. Going straight to the computer is restrictive when you want to let your mind go and allow your hands to take charge of the creative flow. Moleskine sells a pack of 3 skinny lightweight A4 notebooks (lined and blank) that are perfect for this purpose and they’re not too expensive considering what the brand’s usual price tags say. There are packs of solid or mixed colors for 27,000 LL (18 USD). I like that the covers are cardboard so it’s easy to personalize them. And once your internship is over, you have a hardcopy record of all the eggs you laid there, rotten or not.

Agenda
I ordered the I AM VERY BUSY 17-month agenda above from Paper Source. It’s imperative that you stay organized as a creative since most of your work, if not all, is deadline-based. It can be used to keep track of your multiple to-do lists, events coming up, groceries that need to be bought, and even when to do laundry. It also doubles as another record of everything you did on your trip and where you went.

Drawing Pencils, Winsor & Newton Watercolors Travel Set, Washi Tapes, Glue, and Mini Scissors
Basically, you need supplies. It may be wishful thinking but it’s still a good idea to pack your preferred tools. Tape and glue are for the snippings, business cards, and other paper souvenirs that you’ll be sticking in your notebooks. Some will be for the memory of it and others will be for the design; either way, they could be references for inspiration at some point. Not included in the picture above is my collection of pens and colored pencils but just assume that I’m addicted to Sharpies. Btw, that UFO glue is a knock-off UHU from Karout.

Appropriate Literature
Since my internship is with a skilled typographer, I bought Type Matters! to use as a guide for my work and the Fodor’s Barcelona guidebook to use as my guide to the city. I’m also reading Cathedral of the Sea, a historical novel about Barcelona.

Business Cards
You never know who you’ll meet abroad and you have to be prepared to network at all times. Nowadays, when people can work remotely, there are no borders to opportunities. I hope everyone likes receiving free olive oil soap!

iPhone and Power Bank, Macbook Pro and Wacom Tablet, Laptop Bag
No explanation necessary for these. I mean really.

Headphones, Earphones, DSLR Camera
The headphones will come in handy on your flights and while you’re working at home or in the office. The earphones have a different purpose: they’re useful for creating a protective forcefield when you’re using public transport. I don’t know if Barcelona’s metro is anything like NYC’s but I shy away from making friends on the subway. The camera is when you want to get artsy and take some decent shots that can be blown up into posters and other graphic artwork once you return.

Cross-body Bag, Whistle Necklace, and Something That Reminds You of Home

Barcelona is famous for pickpockets so make sure your bag has a zipper that remains shut. This one is a leather purse that’s pretty sturdy despite the gnawed tears from my fiesty cat, Katniss. I don’t mind its weathered appearance since it’s got Mary Poppins magic: it’s a bottomless pit with multiple pockets. It may be left behind once I find a good Spanish leather replacement.

As a paranoid female traveling solo, I feel the need to equip myself with some form of security. I saw Tiffany & Co release a whistle necklace and thought that would be a great accessory that had a bonus protective function. I opted for the cheaper, less fashionable version.

DON’T FORGET: Something that reminds you of home. I chose the cedar keychain I got 3 years ago from Bcharre.

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