Travelling - Blog Posts
A month ago did a day trip to Berlengas Islands, 10-15km off Portuguese Coast and the city of Peniche (90km from Lisboa). Only one of them big enough to have a harbor is habitable. The paradise for sun bathing, scuba diving, seagulls.. There were tourists but it wasn’t covered with them which was super nice. The island has a hostel in the old fort but not so many proper restaurants. A small boat trip about the caves was super interesting. Such a paradise! Took like 1000 photos in one day, here comes the first part
A month ago did a day trip to Berlengas Islands, 10-15km off Portuguese Coast and the city of Peniche (90km from Lisboa). Only one of them big enough to have a harbour is habitable. The paradise for sun bathing, scuba diving, seagulls.. There were tourists but it wasn’t covered with them which was super nice. The island has a hostel in the old fort but not so many proper restaurants. A small boat trip about the caves was super interesting. Such a paradise! Took like 1000 photos in one day, here comes the first part.
Lisboa in one year - the best of:
After 12 months living in Lisboa I opened my Lonely Planet guide for Portugal and looked back what has been done and should be done before once I leave Lisbon. Yes, I have decided I’m gonna stick around for another year for professional and financial reasons but after that I’m gonna start looking for something else. Even thinking of returning to Montréal. But here are the wisdom of the first year living in the portuguese capital. I know I have learned some.
MOMENTS / EXPERIENCES:
After a photo shoot gone wrong because the sun rose in a wrong way I realized that the old trams which I have been wanting to take since I came here were EMPTY! So ended up taking one, actually severals on this random winter, sunny morning and just enjoying the ride while people rush to work, kids to school, shops open and the city awakens. The beauty of everyday life and that evident only for me.
Numerous Couchsurfing nights that went on forever untill the morning without plans and with random people you had never met before nor meet again. Good times and definitely fun times!
Tinder dates that last for 7h while learning new areas of the city, stories, tips etc! Nothing major romantic but time well spent definitely!
Sunrises seen almost as many as the pasteis de natas eaten thanks to my early schedule at work. No matter how cold or hot it is - and how badly which ever of those suits you I love how the amount of light changes according to the seasons. Even in here.
My hair looks so much better here than in Finland! No idea if it’s the vitamin D + zinc pills, the sun, the new SYOSS hair products or the combination of all of this - it is working!
My previous experiences abroad have been intense but none of them has lasted as long as my time in Lisbon. I don’t feel like this is my final destination but I’m feeling the time in here will play a significant role in my life however.
Obviously, Portugal gave me Eurovision. Despite of mixed feelings of how I look back at those weeks - obrigada!
1 museum, 3 palaces, 2 fortress + multiple churches visited and about 1000 left to visit more.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:
Hundreds and hundreds of Pasteis de Nata eaten. I know the best spots! Dare to say that I’m probably more expert than some locals.
After the negative first impressions I opened my eyes to my neighborhood and how great it is to live right here. Just local people without the tourists but still nice cafes, restaurants and shops. Whatever I need I know I can find it here! Can’t imagine living in anywhere else than in Alvalade-Roma-Areeiro area!
Seeing the beauty, the charm and history of the city and this country and why people come here and more importantly why they stay.
How unique is this city compared to anything else I’ve ever been and my experiences in the moment of time. Lisbon grows and changes rapidly and how I see it today will be already gone by tomorrow. Thanks to this it is innovative, international, personalized and different but also fragile, dying what it is old and local. I think of my touristic choices more from now on and their affect after I’ve done whatever I came to do and left the destination.
Knowing Lisboa spirit and understanding it a bit better every day. Embracing the details and colors around me – everything that makes Lisboa wrong and right but what makes it real. This city is a book to be read slowly and pages that continue forever.
LIFESTYLE:
Used to do Yoga before I came to Portugal but it was more random and not regular. Here however I can do it in my room as often as I can – just put some yoga music on from Youtube and tadaa! Another new hobby is bouldering/climbing which I don’t know how to do but I am still enjoying it!
Wherever you are and which ever turn you take on the streets of Lisbon – there will be a coffee shop! And not one of those international chains but an actual local portuguese cafeteria.
Never leaving empty handed from the markets where the hand made products are being sold (jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, etc). Especially the ones that you bump into randomly and unexpectedly.
Thousands of photos taken. I think I took better photos while living in Finland but I do have more material to go on here.
Exploring the country outside of Lisbon but not too far away not to be able to do day trips to visit the coast, amazing beaches, forests and mountains.
I ain’t a big fan of Portuguese food since I don’t eat seafood but instead I’ve had my eye on on the pastries and sweets since the beginning.
PEOPLE:
Knowing all the right people when your computer crashes, or you need a photographing buddy who knows all the best places or you need a new portuguese teacher etc. Lisbon is not that big and the international crowd with the locals is easy to navigate if only you make an effort!
Portuguese are a proud nation realizing its faults and are always happy to show you around and share their expertise.
When you break the ice with your neighbors, staff at your local store with people from here in general cause they are shy and somewhat distant in the beginning. But in the end you’ll get help, a friendly advice or whatever it was what you needed. They will go great lenghts for you.
LANGUAGE:
I’m still a far cry from a fluent Portuguese speaking but when you notice you understand quite a bit of what’s being said around you – in Portuguese.
Finding music in Portuguese which I love – and it’s not Fado.
Diogo Picarra - Paraiso (2018)
OVERALL:
When looking back the list I made before I left Finland - I've accomlished more or less everything I wanted. Only the language learning is the thing I'm a bit behind. So I’m on the right path here :)
Azenhas do Mar part II
When in Porto: tons of history at every where you look, cute streets and even cuter doors even though not as colourful as in Lisboa but cheerful anyhow! The famous book store, the river landscapes... I just scratched the surface so have to go back again! Especially since I didn’t have Francesinha or Port wine which are the local delicacies (I know I’m a criminal!)
Some Braga stuff last week. The city didn’t impress me the way as Porto but it was worth of a day trip.
Some shots from earlier this year in Lisboa and about! Including Cabo da Roca, the most western point of Europe. Some photos from Almada, the other side of the river.
Pics from magical Sintra!
Mais Sintra..
Had an exhausting but oh so worth every step-day at Sintra yesterday! No wonder it’s one of the top destinations of the entire Portugal!
Getting to know my new home...
What More Can I Give?
After I returned from Canada in 2014 I knew already then that my next adventure would be in Europe. Even after my long time passion for Montréal and the French speaking Canada and the wonderful experience I had while living there.. I didn’t see the return or going to Americas, Australia etc. worthy of hours of paper work for Visas and work permits which I might not even get! Especially when you think that as an european I have 28 countries to choose from where I can live and work freely.
I started planning my departure last winter. Mostly from the financial point of view and decided the summer season being perfect time for my move since I could get my full vacation pay and to have been able to save enough money by then.
So how to choose the DESTINATION? It’s better to have several options in case something goes wrong with your first choice. When travelling always have a plan B! After googling for Finnish speaking jobs on several job boards I ended up with PORTUGAL, IRELAND and MALTA. Spain and some Western European countries were also possible but they had less customer service openings in Finnish so I focused mainly on these three. I also had some friends who’ve lived or live in these countries who could give me answers about living and working in there. This is the part where you gotta be realistic. Even though you’d love India as an holiday spot, are you set up for the everyday life in there? Practical things matter as much as the attitude you’re doing this with.
“I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way” - Carl Sagan
I had already found out about the most common recruiting companies (MGI recruitment, Morgan McKinley etc) and companies (Teleperformance) out there so I would have some sort of idea which ones to trust. Couple of applying situations during the winter taught me that MAY (1-2 months before my availability date) would be more ideal because no one posts an add about job 6 months before opening.
To look for the jobs I used basic multilingual job boards but especially LinkedIn which I upgraded it to Premium (first month free trial). Especially on LinkedIn it was easy to check the company, employees etc. backgrounds. Despite of the work I did to find out the company’s background and whether it was even real or up to its reputation – there’s no guarantee that you still wouldn’t be screwed over. But I do trust my instincts (if it feels wrong - don’t do it!) and I do try to find out as much as I can in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises – and then you just go and hope that the bumps on the road wouldn’t hit you too hard.
Same thoughts I would wanna share also about the safety in general. Especially after this morning’s news from London… you always stop to think about this stuff but unless you’re moving to Afghanistan or in some other country with high rate of crimes and killings, there’s not much you can do about it. You just have to believe that you’re safe by using common sense. You can have your hundreds of check lists, be paranoid, stay in and never go to a big event but frankly I just don’t believe in it. In the end whatever you do in life, you buy a house or you have a kid – you need to have the courage and faith that things will be okay.
“Pray when you feel like worrying. Give thanks when you feel like complaining. Keep going when you feel like quitting.” - Dave Willis
Once I started my active search things happened with a quick pace. Basically in two weeks from pressing the ”apply” button for the first time I had created several useful contacts across Europe (networking!) and nailed a job offer from Ireland and Portugal. Several interviews, language tests, all of been done. The first one I declined basically because of the pay wasn’t enough. After taxes (which are quite high) and accommodation and everything else necessary (the price range is similar to Finland) there wouldn’t have been much left. And I do recommend of finding these things out! How much do you pay taxes? How much does a cup of coffee or a room in a shared flat cost? These are pretty crucial figures in every day life and especially when living abroad you do wanna do things just to ENJOY life and not just the necessary ones to survive.
PORTUGAL was my first and the most potential choice since the beginning. FIRST of all the culture and the language are similar to Spain where I’ve done trainee and exchange periods and where I could see myself living and adapting to the way of life. I could really fit in! Secondly there is somewhat heavy selection of jobs for Finnish speakers in customer service area. I would survive! Third and forth, many jobs are located at the capital area with more international atmosphere and services etc. which I appreciate. Despite of living expenses being always more expensive in the capital area than in a smaller city, still in Portugal the price range is fairly affordable. It could be fun! Also the job description and the pay ain’t bad.
And after this looong prattling, if you did make it untill here...if it isn’t clear enough already for someone - I AM GOING TO LISBON! Heading out on June 30th with no return date! The blog is reopened as a traveling blog what it originally was now that my life will be worth writing for! More posts with funny titels (LP inspired) to come!
The geography of my way
It has come a time for me to change scenery and this time permanently. Having lived abroad now twice (short term) and somewhat knowing what this process and making the decision takes I felt inspired to write about MOVING ABROAD. Even though after last days’ tragic events in UK... in front of these kinds of headlines - you always wonder your safety and choices affecting on it but there’s no stopping now. Or ever.
“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese proverb
Basically the rule of being prepared for everything or expect the unexpected would go here perfectly but never mind how many months or years you’ve been gathering information and prepared yourself for one of the biggest changes of your life, however YOU WILL NEVER BE READY.
There are million things which you cannot be prepared for.. like that the cheese is way more expensive here than what it was back home or that the ice cream section at your new local store only has magnum! Not to mention that the settling in the culture and society takes effort and huge amount of time and patience or way more of everything than what you ever expected. Moving abroad ain’t one of those romantized movies you’ve seen on tv.
“Travelling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance.” - Cesare Pavese
Travelling is hard work. Goes for a full day at the office. Who knew that just moving your ass from one place to another and your brain having to deal with ALL that information fed by your eyes, ears and body can be so exhausting! But it is the adrenaline, the feeling of experiencing something new and unique that makes us learn, grow, change and so, to go back for more. Not necessarily to the same destination but just to hit the road again. During my travels the part I’ve ALWAYS hated is the part of coming back. So this time I’ll skip that one.
Before making the actual BIG decision of moving abroad you should understand that being on a vacation ain’t the same thing as living and working there. Life will have its routines, dull moments and troubles even across the borders which I imagine are similar to the ones you’ve already had in someplace else. There’s no running from it. It’s just the other side of the coin that makes you wanna stand the negative parts better. Whether it’s the sunnier culture or a better job or whatever that gives you the energy and desire to make it to another day but living without these positive things, life can be pretty heavy to bear.
Planning is always THE FIRST STEP, at least for me. Some do it without but it does smooth the way. Destination, practical things like working and living, then comes the paying taxes, having health and banking services. What about the currency? Do you speak the language? If you need to change/learn the last two things double the amount of work and time you will have to put in to survive! The beginning of the road is rarely easy and the unexpected part will come across more than once.
UNDERSTAND that you’ll be actually living away, you decide how far, from your family and friends. Your favourite things, tv shows and ice creams, everything you’ve called yourself a home and all that comfort will soon be gone. Then we’ll hit to the another painful thing. YOUR STUFF. You’re gonna have to give it all up. Everything apart from one or two suitcases and that my friend ain’t much. Unless you’ll have a storage (quite pricey in a long run) or another place (parents’ most often) where you can stuff them into. And to be honest, when I was in Canada for a year there wasn’t much I actually missed from my things in Finland. Unless you’re moving to the South Pole there will be stores and trust me you will be doing some serious shopping and buying new things that will replace the old ones.
I still don’t know what is it that makes me happier living abroad than home or what makes me go back to it. Especially coming and going, packing and unpacking, moving in and out which is so NOT my favourite thing to do. Wanderlust is is remarkable thing. There’s something very charming about starting over in a new place. There are no mistakes to be sorry for or things to regret. There’s the adrenaline whether you’ll make it and freshness of not having been embarrassed in front of anyone yet. And the feeling of uniqueness in each moment when you live something, meet someone, feel something. And having the power of your life in your hands knowing that any of this wouldn’t be happening without your leap of faith.
“Always do what you’re afraid to do.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Taking action is unique because we’re living in a world where people are talking mostly shit to be honestly. A lot of if’s, but’s, maybe’s and someday’s. I find this incredibly annoying. I wanna believe that I do have a control over my life and I can have an effect how and when things happen to me. You’re the only one that can make things like this happen to you and the only one stopping them happening.
It’s also kind of cool thing to do. People will come to you to hear your stories but also give their respect for the big transformation you’ve been able to do in your life. It’s also equally rewarding to share these stories I OWN. Indeed my travels, experiences, memories and friends made are the most valuable things I’ll ever have. And if people don’t see the beauty and wisdom of it, then you’ll know they might not be your kind of people… or people who’d do the same as you. And that’s okay.
When on the road it does make you question yourself, who you are and where you come from and what is that you hope to become. You’ll learn new things, languages, habits, friends and still keeping the old ones, the best part of the past with you. Living abroad gives you perspective, contrast which is hard to predict in advance but afterwards you can’t remember a life without it.
NATG XIII - Day 28 Prompt: Draw a pony at the end / Draw a pony finishing a long journey. Originally I was going to do something based on the cover art of "Wandering" from Animal Crossing, but it turned into more of its own thing. I figured the sunset would be a fitting metaphor for "the end".
Travelling to a Meet POT Checklist
Having travelled to numerous places to meet POTs, I have had a mental note of a little checklist that I always use. I am finally writing it down because I see that a lot of people are interested in travelling to meet their POTs, or sex workers/escorts interested in meeting with clients that are not from the same hometown and wish to travel. Travelling is a lot of fun but you must also be aware and stay safe. Here is a little check list that I have come up with that will help ensure more of your safety and comfort while travelling. Make sure you can honestly answer all these questions and fill it out fully before you travel anywhere!
Xoxo love J (IntlSugarBaby)
Checklist & Questions:
The Security:
1. Do I know his real name?
2. Do I know his business/work?
3. Do I have his real contact information?
4. Have I had a Skype conversation with him yet? (To verify pics are real)
5. Have I had a phone conversation with him yet?
6. Have I researched him enough? (Is he on any criminal web pages, SB blacklist, anything in the news about him, etc.)
7. Did you give all this information to at least 2-3 trusted sources? (Give one to a friend that you trust in person, another one that is from the sugar bowl could be from tumblr, and etc. Make sure people have this information!)
8. Do I have security cash in case things go wrong? (Always make sure you have extra cash on you in case things go wrong. I would say maybe 200-500 extra on you. You never know)
9. Have I discussed intimacy with him? (Does he know that you will not be having sex on the first date you are down there? That you will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour?)
The Comfort:
1. Where am I travelling to? How long am I travelling to this area for? (I only recommend 2-3 days maximum for a first travel)
2. If I am travelling longer than 3 hours on a plane, am I getting first class? (You bet your ass you better be!)
3. Am I getting round trip flights? (Double check and call the airline to make sure it is valid! If you feel more comfortable booking yourself make sure you get all the money to book through PayPal for your trip!)
4. Am I getting my own hotel room? Is it booked with: Four Seasons, W Hotel, Trump Hotel, etc? (Non-negogiable. You must get your own hotel room. No ifs, ands, or buts. Call the front desk to guarantee it is booked and to make sure you have your own room. Make sure you are ALSO getting a nice hotel, not some cheap MOTEL!)
5. Have I discussed allowance and payments to come down? (Plane ticket and accommodation do NOT account for your time being spent down there. You must be paid for your time that you are with him. Usually for my 2-3 day rule I would ask anywhere between $1,000-3,000. It all depends for how many times you see him, how long you see him, etc.)
6. Have I discussed a “free-time” with him? (You need a break from him. You need your own time. Within each day you are down there say you need this which can be used to explore, have your own spa day, etc. You are NOT required to be with them at every moment!)
7. Do I have arrangements that a car is picking me up from my house/friends house/local area to the airport and back from the airport? As well as soon as I land in the designated town that I am being picked up by a car and drove straight to the hotel? (Never hop in a car with him straight from the airport. Make sure you go straight to your hotel from a limo/taxi car paid for by him you should not be wasting a dime on anything down there. If you need transportation to the airport from your hometown make that known to him!)
8. Have I discussed when I will be getting my payment? (I always ask for it as soon as I meet up with him in an envelope. This allows you that if no matter if there isn’t a connection there you still get paid! Do not accept payment after your date through paypal or any other way, or cheques. Always make sure it is in cold, hard, cash and in an envelope first meeting. No excuses)
9. What is the itinerary once I get there? (Make sure you know a list of exactly what you are doing. Are you going to a broadway show? The casino? A dinner? Where is the locations + addresses? Make sure to always keep checking in with your “safety” sisters aka friends! Also plan! If you are going to LA and want to go to Hollywood tell your POT. Remember this is a little trip for you so enjoy it!)
What to pack in my suitcase:
1. Always bring a carry on or a large purse. It is a lot quicker to go through the airport without having to check any bags. Remember to always pack light as well because you definitely will be shopping down there!
2. Bring 1 casual outfit. This is for site-seeing, going out and exploring. Something you feel comfortable in (shoe wise) and can walk around for extended periods of time. I would suggest a pair of jeans cute sandals or flats and a super cute top. Accessorize to make yourself look better - nice purse, sunglasses, bracelets/watch etc.
3. Bring 2 nice dinner outfits. I usually am super indecisive when it comes to dinner outfits. I usually bring two really nice ones! One will be a tight dress medium-short length, and another a more longer dress that is classier. Once you arrive in the city you will know what fits in more there and what is easier and more comfortable to wear. Bring your best heels: Louboutins! And of course accessories.
4. Bring 1 Sleeping wear. Usually a comfy top and bottom, or if you are feeling more risqué bring a sexy night gown or something. Remember you have your own hotel room and intimacy is not expected on your first trip down there. This is purely for your comfort!
5. All your sleepover gear stuff. Toothbrush, small lube of toothpaste, make up remover wipes, hair and bobby pins, hair ties, deodorant, a super mini body spray (check your airlines for maximum you can bring).
6. Your make up and accessories. Bring your most used make up such as: Foundation, powder, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, a couple of brushes, eyebrow pencil and lip gloss. You can bring bronzer and blush as well but remember don’t bring your entire make up kit! Some stuff might get lost… bring stuff you DEFINITELY would use! As for accessories: sunglasses, a statement watch or bracelet, and ring possibly. Keep it minimum, stick to statement pieces! Don’t want to loose anything!
7. Bring 1 Bathing Suit. You know maybe you want to take a dip in the pool, go to the sauna, or head to the beach on your time off. Who knows, always great to have a bathing suit packed just in case - you never know!
8. Extra feminine supplies. Just in case you get your period on the trip, you never know! Also bring extra gravol, or advil that you potentially could need trying different foods, or just not feeling well on the trip.
9. Pack anything else you think is necessary! Remember, pack light and research what the weather is going to be like when you get down there. Is it going to be warm? Rainy? Cloudy? Check all the weather and make sure you know and pack accordingly!
Plane Checklist:
1. Bring head phones, ipod (if you don’t have an iphone), phone charger, lip gloss, little compact mirror, passport, wallet with extra cash in it, your drivers license (if you are over age of 19 in Canada you can drink there, or over 21 in States! That way you don’t have to bring your passport along with you), a magazine, and little snack to enjoy. This is usually in my hand bag/purse that I also carry on the plane. It is your plane survival and extra time alone survival kit!
2. Get your boarding passes in order, text your POT that you arrived at the airport and just wait to board the flight!
Enjoy your trips meeting your POTs! Remember to have a great time and go through the check list. If they are hesitant about any parts of it or can’t answer and try to negotiate around some of the things… these are viewed as red flags. Immediately drop them. A POT will ALWAYS want your safety and comfort to come first. If he speaks of sex in the hotel, or anything that you are not comfortable with you immediately lay down the line saying that it won’t be tolerated. Make sure to stand up for your values and comfort. The worst thing these men can say is NO which is not a big deal at all. There is a million other guys to replace them. They are indeed replaceable.
Have an amazing trip to where ever you travel to. Remember to stay safe! Safety is a number one priority! Wishing all the hustlers the best of luck.
Xoxo love Mama J
"You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way."
– Walter Hagen 🌼🏵️💐