SEPTEMBER 2020
To IMMunITy and BEyond!
How To STay HEalTHy duRIng auTuMn and wInTER SEaSonS
BEcoMIng youR own BoSS How To lIvE on youR own TERMS aS an ExPaT
naTuRally BEauTIful
wHy avocado IS THE go-To fRuIT foR all youR SkIn PRoBlEMS
CONTENTS 3
Editors Letter Searching For Greatness
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World News The Banksy Rescue
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Economy Financial Outlook with David Byrne
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Events & Entertainment El Scenario Grill Bar
11 Feature Becoming Your Own Boss 14 Cover Story Health & Wellbeing: To Immunity & Beyond 18 Events & Entertainment Puerto Banus Moto Expo 21 Beauty Naturally Radiant: The Benefits of Avocado For Your Skin 24 Travel The Hidden Gems of Poland 30 Food Healthy Comfort Curry
welcome to all of our readers!
Whether you’re here for the first time, or already had the pleasure of reading some of our previous issues, I want to give you a warm welcome and thank you for supporting us here at United British Expats. We believe in restoring hope, uplifting our readers and contributing to the great awakening of the world. We’re here to remind you that no matter what challenges and obstacles you face, you are the creator of your own dreams, and you can achieve them by practising self-love, self-belief and trusting in yourself and your journey. I want to take the time to thank all of our wonderful contributors who are helping fulfill both your dreams, and ours. The stories we bring you are based on real life experience and struggles faced by our writers, to help you overcome yours.
34 Feature 3 Habits of Highly Effective Expat Mums
As the storm comes, our employees and contributors work their magic to restore faith and bring hope into our lives again.
36 Feature My life as an international divorce lawyer
Abdelhadi Rhiti CEO and Founder
COLOFON CEO and Founder:
Abdelhadi Rhiti Chief Editor:
Paula Rapsiewicz Art Direction and Lay-out:
Jacqueline Brugman
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EDITORS LETTER
Searching for Greatness Since living abroad, I’ve noticed two things that happen when you live through phases of rapid change, as we are now, with the forever changing world of today.
creative and rebellious mindset hidden within. We want you to achieve greatness, and never give up. Call us woke, conscious or anything you like; at UBE, we are, first and foremost, truth!
There is an enormous flood of creativity pouring out, which we’ve been withholding in the midst of crazy day-to-day life; and then there’s rebellion - the act of going against societal standards, and choosing your own path of truth. Both are great qualities to have in the world of today - we are no longer sheep following a herd, we are becoming powerful wolves who hunt their dreams. As the world is changing, and new heart-wrenching stories emerge to the media, we need to remind ourselves to stay mindful and keep following our chosen path; because with purpose comes courage, and with courage we can change the world! At United British Expats we celebrate originality, uniqueness, creativity and rebellion. We are not your typical media source which enables low frequencies to vibrate in the world; we are different. We are rebellious. We talk about the things that matter, the things that can change your life for the better. We bring you raw stories written by authentic contributors, and help you work on the uBE-3
ECONOMY
Financial OutlOOk with DaviD Byrne
Since September 1st, the British Pound has given back some of the impressive gains it had made against the US Dollar during August - at one point reaching a high of 1.3482. There is very strong support, just below the 1.28 level, and one would expect this to remain at current with the November 4th US elections looming ever closer. We have seen the Euro gain strength against the Pound, mostly due to the British PM, Boris Johnson, threatening to renege on parts of the Brexit agreement signed by him only a few months ago. This is being seen as a break of international protocol by both the European Parliament and the UK opposition parties as well as members of their own Conservative bench. Equity markets have seen some weakening, finally realising that the continued uptrend was unsustainable, especially as we are seeing the Covid 19 cases begin to rise again. High street retailers are in deep trouble and the concern is that, potentially, the way we shop has forever changed. There are others that are thriving, especially the likes of Amazon, although they have recently slipped back slightly as well.
sales, however, have seen a dramatic increase. This is just another example of how the landscape has irrevocably changed. For those who would like to know more about financial markets, but perhaps find the reading a tad laborious, then why not learn whilst reading either of my two exciting novels. The first ‘Money to Byrne’, is my true story, of being set up as the fall guy in a 4 billion dollar fraud. Having been arrested in China, it took me over a year to unravel the tangle of deceit, pyramid selling and shadow banking, leading to me clearing my name. The second ‘Who’s the Hangman’ is a psychological thriller that also delves into the secretive world of crypto currencies. Both books are available on Amazon.com in paperback and kindle whilst the second is also available on Kobo.com. To find out more, please visit: www.davidbyrneinsights.com Written by David Byrne
One industry that tends to thrive during recessions is that of the lottery business, as was clearly demonstrated during the 2008 financial crisis. People struggling to find work look to that illusive set of numbers to be matched thus ending their woes. This time around, however, the uplift in lottery sales, although increasing, has been less prolific. This is due to the fact that the majority of ticket sales have traditionally been in physical paper format; purchased from a shop. With lockdown restrictions these sales have dropped significantly. Electronic uBE-4
https://www.provenreturns.co.uk/crypto-millionslotto-opportunity?sid=CompareFinancials&cr_cid= 253867519
WORLD NEWS
The Banksy Rescue Over 350 migrants have been released from a rescue ship crossing the Mediterranean Sea and transferred to a quarantine facility off Sicily’s coast, according to Sea-Watch. The migrants were rescued by the 31m boat funded by the widely-recognised and respected British artist, Banksy. The ‘Louise Michel’ was funded by Banksy in 2019, when he reached out to Pia Klemp, a humanitarian working on several projects rescuing refugees with NGO boats. Banksy put forward an offer to purchase the boat using money he earned from his ‘migrant crisis’ artwork. He expressed that he couldn’t keep the money he made from these pieces, and kindly offered to invest in another refugee project, according to The Guardian.
The BBC reported that Italy and Malta were accused of ignoring emergency calls at sea, after more than 43,000 migrants reached Europe, via the Meditterenean, since January. The United Nations stressed that over 554 lost their lives in the process (IOM).
The BBC news reported that the UN’s refugee agency issued an emergency appeal for the migrants onboard to be released safely on Saturday. On Wednesday, the ship arrived in Palermo, eleven days after the first migrants were taken onboard.
The European migrant crisis began in 2015, and ever since, the situation has increased drastically, along with casualties. The IMO put together a simple diagram to help you visualise just how much impact political issues have on human lives.
As the days went by, the number of migrants on the Louise Michel increased, and the vessel had become overloaded; holding approximately 219 refugees and 10 crew members onboard, and another 33 people in rafts floating alongside, unable to get onto the ship.
We need to remember to consider and have empathy towards one another, regardless of our nationality, religion, or where we come from. Most migrants or refugees are fleeing their countries due to political issues, which they do not have control over; therefore, we cannot blame the innocent human lives, searching for a safe-place to raise their children.
According to Médecins Sans Frontières (or Doctors Without Borders), an international humanitarian charity known for
supplying non-government funded medical assistance, there were more or less 100 minors aboard, without adult guidance.
Written by Paula Rapsiewicz
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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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FEATURE
BecOming yOur Own BOss “79 million people are going to start a home-based business in the next 5 years!” - Forbes Imagine a career that becomes a community; and doing what you love leads you, naturally, towards success. For our members, it’s an opportunity to change their lifestyle, and gain more independence. I’m excited to share with you a glimpse into my world of business and travel, all while parenting two young children.
I am a mum to two lively children, Archie and Darcy, and we have a passion for family travel; therefore, I am so grateful that I have found a business which I can build online globally, around hectic family life, from anywhere in the world! Most importantly - it is within an evergreen industry! Some Industries and high street shops are sadly losing the fight to survive against the world of online shopping and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Work is forever changed due to the pandemic” - Forbes As I say, I’ve recently moved to a whole new continent and, luckily, was able to take my online business with me! No starting over again, like my previous traditional business.. Online IS the future! Furthermore, the health & wellness industry just got busier! Our health is the number 1 priority for most families around the world today.
My background is beauty, and for many years I've been a lecturer of this craft, along with having my own mobile beauty business. However, when we moved from one end of the UK to the other I was faced with having to start my business all over again. A solid business which collapsed completely in 24hrs when we moved! I had to start building my client base from scratch, which doesn't happen overnight.
Ahhhh, but the misconception!
I quickly realised, when the next big family move was on the cards, that relocating from the UK to the other side of the world (USA in our case) means I need to have a business which is portable and adaptable. If our ultimate goal, of living a life on our terms and being able to regularly travel with our family, was going to be possible then I need a mobile and flexible business. Starting all over again just wasn’t an option!
Many people have this idea that running an online business allows you to work minimal hours while sipping a margarita on the beach. And while it does give you far more flexibility than a traditional job, “passive income” is a bit of a misnomer. Even if your business is highly automated and can run largely without your hands-on involvement, most online businesses will still require you to oversee and manage the uBE-11
big picture tasks (which, admittedly, you can often do while laying on the beach or being at a playdate at the park!)
rewards depend on YOUR input! You're in full control of the outcome, not your supervisor or boss!
Oh no, another one of these online networking companies, I hear you cry!
That means that no matter when you join, or where you are in the organization, you have an equal chance to do well if you do the work.
The shape of an organization does not determine legality. If it did, most businesses and organizations, including the government, would be illegal because they all have a pyramid structure. An actual illegal pyramid scheme provides no products or services, and pays according to the number of recruits.
The great thing about our online platform is that you are the face of the business; you build the niche around your passions and interests. No must do’s, we encourage you to be YOU!
Legal network marketing programs offer quality products or services that are sold to consumers. How often does a minimum wage worker become the CEO? Many quality employees never get the advancement and financial rewards their quality of work deserves!! When you run your own networking business, your uBE-12
I was extremely fortunate to have been introduced to the industry 5 years ago by a social media guru, Michelle Davidson, now a lifelong friend. Michelle provides top quality social media training and content for our teams businesses
FEATURE
For me, this was a breath of fresh air as working from home with 2 young kids was hard enough at times; therefore, having this support just took some of the pressure off, making my online journey far more enjoyable and professional. for free. Yup, FREE! Just good old generosity. Not only that, our members have the chance to free support in creating their own personal website.
partners in Iceland has a radio slot to talk about her business passion this month! These opportunities that have arisen since, because we do what we do.
For me, this was a breath of fresh air as working from home with 2 young kids was hard enough at times; therefore, having this support just took some of the pressure off, making my online journey far more enjoyable and professional.
I'm just an average person, with a normal life, huge dreams and goals; but along the way, through sharing my passion for alternative therapies and toxic free living, I’ve been able to support others in achieving their dreams and living their passions too!
There are many reasons why our networking company is different. We are taught to lead within our passions and product experiences, not the business compensation plan, like most traditional networking companies. We have one of the highest retention rates compared to the industry average. Networking is not just about sales - when done right, there are endless opportunities. Look at me! I’ve been given the opportunity to be writing this article. The lady who introduced me has just been asked to be an Amazon influencer. One of my business
Check out what we can offer you at www.sarahjanebrown.co.uk Or come and just say Hi, Instagram: @s.jbrown_ Written by Sarah Jane Brown uBE-13
To Immunity and Beyond As we approach the end of summer, and most parts of the world pace towards autumn and winter season, it’s important to keep your body healthy, and your immunity high! In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been multiple ongoing discussions surrounding diets and nutrition. Can food really help us boost our immune system? We have already seen the peak of the COVID-19 virus, but there are many speculations about a second wave emerging around the flu season (October - February). The British Dietetic Association (BDA), who represent dietitians across the UK, requested the public and media outlets to stop spreading messages claiming you can boost your immune system through your diet. They claimed that no food or supplement can protect you from the coronavirus... But our rebellious team is not convinced! Throughout centuries, many nutritional advisers and alternative healing gurus have stressed the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet. Many encourage us to reduce, or completely avoid, meat consumption. Some say to opt for a plant-based diet altogether, and some encourage us to eat alkaline food only. Dr. Sebi (Alfredo Bowman), one of the most respected and recognised names in the herbalism world, stressed the importance of eating foods with the correct pH levels which correspond well with our digestive system, and controls the levels of acid in our body, which can lead to mucus and disease. Dr. Sebi dedicated his life and studies to learning about natural ways of healing the human body through the use of natural foods and herbs, and even after his death his legacy lives on, and his teachings are still implemented in households worldwide. If, like us, you believe that keeping a healthy diet can help you heal internally and externally, please reach out to share your personal story - we’d love to hear it! Personally I can vouch for this myself! I too had several health issues before changing my diet, along with many friends who have taken the path to plant-based alternative diets, and miraculously healed their body from viruses or more serious health complications. uBE-14
COVER STORY Of course, we cannot boost our immune system by having one piece of fruit a day; however, the upkeep of a healthy and nutritious diet over long periods of time will most definitely help you to keep colds, flus and many other more dangerous diseases away. Next are some of the methods that will help you keep healthy, lean and nourished, and in turn boost your immune system for the long winter season ahead!
Eat your 5-a-day! Fruit and vegetables are such an important part of your diet, and one of the best ways to perk up your mood, health and immunity!
These foods ensure you have sufficient energy and nutrients, which support the immune system and help your body function properly; poor eating habits and nutrition can compromise it. Vegetables and fruit are packed full of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals - these are used by your gut microbes to create the all-important metabolites, which fight infection and inflammation in the body. Don’t be picky in terms of which fruit or vegetable you consume; each has different positive perks that help your body. For instance, red, orange, yellow and green plants contain carotenoids, which are highly associated directly with boosting your immunity.
COVER STORY Others will help with your gut health, boosting your vitamin levels, encourage weight-loss, and keep you generally healthy. A diet high in fibre and vitamins can only help your body, so never miss your 5-a-day!
alkaline food As mentioned above, this is one of Dr. Sebis’ plant-based diet plan developments which claims to rejuvenate cells and eliminate toxicity in your body through alkalizing your blood. The diet is based on the African Bio-Mineral balance theory, and combines a list of approved alkaline foods, alongside many supplements. The diet was designed by Dr. Sebi to support those who want to cure, or prevent, disease and improve their overall wellbeing, through the use of alternative natural remedies, as opposed to conventional Western medicine. Dr. Sebi explains that disease cannot survive in an alkaline environment, and it only occurs when the body becomes too acidic through incorrect food consumption. Sebi stresses, however, that this is not a short-term solution; according to his teachings, you must follow this diet consistently for the rest of your life. There hasn't been any scientific studies carried out to support Dr. Sebis’ healing diet; however many have insisted that this dietary lifestyle change has helped them heal their body and live a more healthy life. You can find Dr. Sebis’ dietary programs online, or check out some articles that guide you through what you should and shouldn't consume when healing your body in this way. The diet is low in protein, and encourages to not consume beans, lentils, animal and soy products.
vitamins and Supplements Vitamins are so important when it comes to our health! Unfortunately, with the rise of GMO foods, more junky snacks on the market, and the inability to lay around in the sun all day (because you know… work), our generations are struggling more than ever with getting the right intake of all-important vitamins; especially during winter months. Luckily, science has been developed to a point when we can boost our vitamin levels through the use of supplements, in addition to a healthy and balanced diet. These usually fall into one of the two categories - vitamin formulations and probiotics.
Vitamins are so important w Vitamins are essential in fighting disease and general health problems, so for those who find it hard to eat all their vitamins, supplements are another method of promoting a boost and building up a healthy barrier to fight off any viruses in the air. Probiotics, in turn, encourage good bacteria in the body and can be beneficial for your gut health. There are many natural-based supplements on the market; you can purchase most over the counter and online. I would really encourage you to do a little research and purchase an option that has minimal additives; usually vegan options are the best. There are supplements to boost your immunity, improve gut health and even help with depression and anxiety. I am always preaching about natural methods of healing, which don't involve standard phara and prescribed medication, so I am always equipped with some natural
when it comes to our health! remedies when I’m feeling a little under the weather. Some of the most important vitamins to boost your immune system are Vitamin C, B6 and E; all of these will make you less prone to getting sick, support biochemical reactions and anti-oxidise the body.
lean protein If eliminating meat isn't for you, make sure you only consume good quality, lean meats. Many speculate whether reducing meat intake boosts the immune system, or actually does the complete opposite; however, we can all agree that cheap supermarket meat is pumped with various chemicals and antibiotics which can only do harm to your body. Opt for organic, butcher-sold meat, ideally raised in good conditions, and always ensure you go for the lean pieces, as opposed to animal-fat filled cuttings. Written by Paula Rapsiewicz uBE-17
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BEAUTY
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the benefits of avocado for you skin Avocado is loved by many, and is one of the most popular fruits on earth. They’re known to be a great addition to any meal; whether you’re cooking up some burgers, curries, salads or even making a smoothie - avocado always adds that little boost of flavour! Avocados are high in healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants, so not only are they tasty; they’re also super nutritious! However, today we won’tm be talking about eating avocados we’ll be discussing their effects on our skin, and how it can be used to provide you with a healthy and glowing complexion. As the beauty industry moves forward with the times, many are sceptical of beauty products; some can be packed with chemicals and ingredients which can dry out your skin in the long run. Avocados, on the other hand, are an organic, safe and beneficial answer to a number of skin concerns. The natural oils and vitamins which avocados contain can deeply penetrate the skin and, in turn, nourish, hydrate and soften the complexion. Experts also claim that avocados can aid anti-aging, by protecting the cells from free radical damage and promoting
elasticity! They contain antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, as well as lutein, oleic acid and chlorophyll which helps the skin retain elasticity, reduces inflammation and evens out redness. To use avocado on your skin you can simply peel it, chop it, and apply the fresh fruit directly to your skin. You can also purchase avocado oil, in any beauty or drug store, which is designed to use directly on your skin. And if you’re feeling creative - you can even make your own avocado skin mask, from the comfort of your own home! Read on to find out how!
avocados, applied topically to the skin, or as a mask, can help with a variety of skin issues such as Soothing the skin All the vitamins, fats and compounds found in avocados have been said to help speed skin repair, and even soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Helps with damaged skin Some research shows that the compounds found in avocados can help to protect your skin from sun damage and inflammation. In addition, the Vitamin C and E act as antioxidants, protecting your skin from sun and environmental (free-radical) damage. uBE-21
Promotes skin elasticity Research proves that healthy fats, such as found in avocados, help increase the elasticity of the skin, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduce breakouts If your skin is prone to breakouts, you can use avocado oil to cleanse your face of any excess dirt. Avocado contains antimicrobial properties which retain moisture, but remove any harmful bacteria and stop their growth. Improves the appearance and health of your skin Cold-pressed avocado oil is high in antioxidants, omega-9, plant sterols, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients combined can have a range of positive benefits for your skin, including an increase in collagen production, soothing properties, as well as cleansing and moisturizing the skin.
Moisturising properties Avocados are a trusted source of biotin, which is known to moisturise and aid dry skin when topically applied. It can even help your hair and nails grow and become stronger!
dyI: home-made avocado face mask This quick and simple avocado face mask is designed to hydrate and nourish your skin, and improve your overall complexion.
Ingredients ½ large avocado 1-2 teaspoons raw organic honey 1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera gel Mortar and pestle/bowl and rolling pin 1 Peel your avocado and chop into tiny pieces 2 Separate aloe vera leaf and scoop a tablespoon of gel 3 Mix the avocado, aloe vera gel and honey together using the mortar and pestle, or rolling pin, until the ingredients are combined into a smooth paste 4 To prepare your skin, wash it with a face cleanser, dry with a towel and apply the mask generously 5 Keep the mask on for about 20-30 minutes, until your skin absorbs all the vitamins 6 Rinse the mask off with water, and follow with your regular skin-care routine There are hundreds of different mask recipes online, so feel free to use this recipe, check out some other ones online, or even experiment with your own! We’d love to hear if they worked for your skin concerns, so please share our results with us on Instagram or Facebook! Written by Paula Rapsiewicz uBE-22
BEAUTY
This quick and simple avocado face mask is designed to hydrate and nourish your skin, and improve your overall complexion. uBE-23
TRAVEL
HIddEn gEMS of Poland Poland has a history which dates back almost a thousand years. It was invaded and destroyed multiple times throughout the centuries; including a great deal of destruction being caused during World War II. However, the Polish people never gave up. They kept up their spirit, refusing to die, and over the years the country has been rebuilt. It combines medieval architecture with fun and exciting cultural activities to meet the needs of todays’ tourism industry. Poland has become more popular amongst British tourists over the recent years, and many consider it a great destination for a weekend city-break getaway. Located right in the centre of Europe, Poland isn’t an obvious travel choice, and although we now welcome more tourists each year, it still takes a lot of research to discover the notso-touristy areas, with breathtaking scenery and wonderful natural treasures. Although we take great pride in our big cities (they’re always kept clean, and the hospitality at local bars and restaurants is outstanding!), we also have a few hidden gems that many tourists aren't aware of. I’m not at all discrediting the beautiful, lively cities such as Krakow or Warsaw, but want to share with you some really incredible places I’ve visited throughout my life.
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This ancient country is home to mountains, lakes, expansive national parks and stunning architecture, with every inch waiting to be discovered. I’ve put together a list of six destinations, all over Poland, which I personally think are worth visiting. From mountains to small cities, here are some of the hidden gems of Poland.
Toruń Toru is a historical city which lies on the Vistula River, located in north-central Poland. The Teutonic Order built its castle there during the mid-13th century, and used it as a base for the conquest and evangelisation of Prussia. Throughout the Old and New Town you can find various buildings which were built during the 14th and 15th centuries, which really reflect the historical significance of the town. If you’re visiting Toru , you should definitely visit both the New and Old Town, where you can find the Town Hall, The Old Town Square, and the Rynek Nowomiejski (The New Town Square with local shops and markets).
Some other wonderful parts of Torun, worth exploring, include The Toru Cathedral Teutonic Castle Ruins Live Gingerbread Museum Medieval Walls Leaning Tower of Toru Toru Granaries
Mazury My personal favourite! I’ve been in love with this place since I was a child. Mazury, also known as Masuria, is a region in the north-east of Poland, and is well known for its 2’000 lakes which surround the area. It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations among Polish people, and is a great place for sailing and water-lovers.
Some places worth visiting within the area include Wojnowo Popielno Valley of Krutynia River Mikołajki Mr gowo
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TRAVEL
Malbork Malbork is just under a 2 hour drive from Toru , and again, holds some beautiful architecture of the 13th Century built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. The Malbork Castle attracts tourists from all over Poland, as it is the largest brick castle in the world (spreads over 52 acres!), and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once you’ve visited the Malbork Castle, I’d also recommend to check out River Nogat Dinosaur Park Town Hall Old Town Pub Baszta St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Białystok Not only is Białystok a wonderful city, it’s also only an hour drive away from the Białowie a Forest (or the Puszcza Białowieska), where you can find the last and largest parts of the remaining primeval forest, which once stretched across the European Plain. This forest is home to over 800 European bison, as well as numerous other species, in their natural habitat. There are a few B&Bs nearby, so you can spend the night before going back into the city and exploring further.
Other tourist attractions in Białystok include Branicki Place Ludwik Zamenhof Centre Białystok Puppet Theatre Białystok Cultural Centre Arsenal Gallery Planty Park Aleksander W gierko Drama Theatre Historical Museum in Białystok Kosciuszko Market Square
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wrocław Wrocław sits on the Oder River, and is situated in western Poland. It’s known for its elegant townhouses and it’s been ranked as one of the most liveable places in Europe. Over the last 1,000 years Wrocław has come to be under the control of eight different Kingdoms and Empires. The Ostrów Tumski is one of the places worth seeing when in Wrocław; it is an island, and the oldest part of the city, surrounded by the Oder River. There, you can find the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (restored since World War II), as well as the Archdiocese Mesum which has been collecting sacred pieces of art, including the Book of Henryków, for over a hundred years.
Some other place worth seeing when in Wrocław Four Denominations District The Royal Palace
Panorama of the Battle of Racławice The Hydropolis The Centennial Hall Szczytnicki Park The Wrocław Zoo
Tatra Mountains Last, but not least. The Tatra Mountains are more popular and recognised then the rest, but I just couldn’t miss it off this list as it is a true gem of Poland. Tatra Mountains, or Tartry to the locals, are part of the Carpathian mountain chain in Eastern Europe, forming a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. Tatry are a very popular destination for both winter, and summer, attracting many sport enthusiasts. Many people travel to the Tatra Mountains in a search for various thrills such as skiing in the winter season, or hiking and biking during the summer. You can find many species of wildlife in the area, including chamois, marmot, lynx and wild bears.
Other activities in the Tatra Mountains include Vrbov Thermal Pool Spiť Castle Caves – Belianska and Dobsinska Ice Cave Tricklandia River Dunajec
Written by Paula Rapsiewicz
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TRAVEL
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FOOD
healthy cOmFOrt curry You know that feeling when the dinner was so good, you can’t wait to dig into it again at lunchtime the next day? This is one of those meals! This delicious plant-based cauliflower, spinach and sweet potato curry is a wonderful mix of spice, richness and warmth. It’s a great choice for a rainy evening in front of the telly, or a dinner party with friends. Although it’s rich in flavour, and very filling, it’s full of vegetables so it won’t feel like you’re cheating on your fitness routine! I usually make this curry with chickpeas instead of cauliflower, but I noticed I ran out of chickpeas (a very rare occurrence in my household!) and have been meaning to make a cauliflower curry for a while now, so here it is!
Before we get to the recipe, here are a few tips to achieving an amazing curry, full of flavour, every time The base is so important! The number one secured to making a great curry is cooking it from scratch, and choosing the right flavours for the base. You need a lot of aromatics, therefore I always use plenty of coconut oil, ginger, chilli, onion and garlic for my curry base. Spice, spice and more spice! Spices are key to a flavoursome and rich curry - garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, chilli, cumin and the rest of it! Always use full-fat coconut milk! It makes a huge difference. You can change up the vegetables, or add meat. You can use broccoli, mushrooms, butternut, potatoes, chickpeas, zucchini or peppers, and pretty much any type of meat. Make sure you’ve sliced or chopped your ingredients in similar sized chunks, so that they all cook evenly. Cilantro is the main herb used in curries, make sure you have some fresh cilantro on hand each time making a curry. uBE-30
cauliFlOwer, sweet pOtatO anD spinach curry Prep time: 25-30 mins Cook time: 1 hr Total time: 1 hr 30 mins Servings: 6
Ingredients: Feel free to change up the vegetables, or add meat of your choice.
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1 1/2 cups of basmati rice 4 cloves of garlic 2 small red chillies 1 1/2 inch of ginger grated or finely chopped 1 large white onion 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil 1 tin or 2 fresh chopped tomatoes 1 1/2 tablespoons of tomato concentrate/purée 1 tin full-fat coconut milk 1 vegetable stock cube 1 1/2 cups baby spinach 2 cups diced sweet potato 1 1/2 head of cauliflower
As for the spices, I like to use A LOT! I’m always adding more while cooking, but I’ve decided to give you the amount of spices you’d use for a medium to hot curry. You’re welcome to add more or less to suit your taste.
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1/2 tablespoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon medium/hot curry powder 1/2 tablespoon chilli powder 1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/3 teaspoon all purpose seasoning 1 tablespoon ground coriander
For the garnishes I suggest
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Finely chopped fresh cilantro Chilli flakes Yoghurt Lime wedges
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Instructions: Begin by making the base for your curry. Warm a large pot on medium heat and add a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. Chop up your garlic, ginger, onion and chillies and add to the pot. Don’t worry too much how fine they are, as we will be blending it later on. Stir often to avoid burning, and keep on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until fragrant. Add all of your spices and cook for a further 5 minutes until the base is ready. You may need to turn down the heat at this point to avoid burning the spices. Next, add your chopped tomato and cook for about 3 minutes. Turn the stove off, and wait a few minutes for your tomato base to cool off. Meanwhile, put your rice in another pot and wash it under running hot water for 5 minutes, and rinse off a few times using cold water for another 2 minutes. Put enough cold water in the pot to reach about an inch above the rice, add a pinch of salt, and leave the pot with rice on the side for a moment. Dice your sweet potato and cut the cauliflower into small florets. Once our curry base has cooled off, transfer it to a blender, and blend for around 30 seconds until smooth. Warm the pot again, and transfer the blended base to the pot. Let it sit for a minute to warm up while stirring. Add the tomato concentrate/purÊe, coconut milk, and stock cube mixed with 1/2 glass of boiled water. Stir and cook for a few minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and cauliflower florets. Leave on medium heat and stir occasionally. Put your rice on the stove and start cooking on medium to high heat. After around 15-20 minutes, add the spinach to your curry, and top up with spices if necessary. Keep stirring it once in a while to avoid burning. After 10-15 minutes, your rice should have absorbed the water, check if it needs a bit more water; otherwise, turn off the heat, and place a lid on the rice pot. Keep it covered on the side for a few minutes. Leave your curry to cook until the sweet potato is nice and soft. Fluff your rice out with a fork, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a salad or lime wedges. I like to sprinkle it with some chilli flakes.
Bon appetit! Written by Paula Rapsiewicz uBE-32
FOOD
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3 haBits OF highly eFFective expat mums Being a mum has its challenges... But being an expat mum can be, quite simply - crazy. So what does it look like to be highly effective as an expat mum? There are three key habits or attributes that will set you up to be highly effective:
create a rOutine FOr yOurselF anD yOur Family I’m not saying you need to have every hour of the day scheduled, we all know that doesn’t work well. But think of
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your day in terms of blocks of time, and create a routine that works for you. Why is this important? Routines create predictability. They provide you with an opportunity to exert a level of control over your life. They help your family to know what to expect. Routines also help you to focus on what is important. Expat life is so unpredictable, and often very uncertain. Routines will give you strength when the rest of your world is upside down. Having a routine that you can rely on will help your overall mental health. You may even find more time for you!
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listen
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Listen to your kids. Listen to your partner. Listen to your friends. Listen to the teachers. Listen to the people you meet. Just listen, and truly hear what people are sharing. We all know that listening is an essential part of communication. But as expats and especially as mums we also get very busy. Sometimes we end up wearing “busy” as a badge of honour. When we are in this state, we are not giving ourselves the opportunity to listen (among other things).
Be FlexiBle The world we live in is dynamic. We need to be able to adapt and respond to change, and quickly. Resisting this can lead to unnecessary stress in our lives. Recognising and embracing flexibility will help you adapt to difficult situations more easily. Being flexible links directly with the other two key habits. By building your routine in blocks of time not by the hour, you are able to flex your time with changing demands of each day or week. But also flexing without compromise on what’s important to you, maintaining the blocks of time but shifting them accordingly.
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In addition, but truly listening to those around you, you are better able to adapt and flex to a situation and changes in needs. You are better connected so you can read it better, and respond better.
I know it sounds simple, but sometimes simple is best, we so often overthink our lives. Try out these three simple habits, and Listening, and truly hearing the people around you will help see how you can be more effective in your life. you connect and understand. It will help you read the situation and adapt quickly to any changing needs. It will provide you Written by Emily Rogers with a better sense of grounding. www.expatparentingabroad.com uBE-35
my liFe as an internati
When I tell people that I am an international People assume that it is stressful and disheartening. In fact I love my job; it is hugely rewarding to meet someone when they are at a low ebb, and help them to move forward with their lives with happiness and financial independence. I find it particularly interesting to advise British expats, having lived in Dubai as an expat myself for 9 years. My time there gave me a good understanding of expat life, and the cultural and religious impact on family law disputes in the Middle East. My specialist experience in expat divorce helps me to advise on appropriate financial settlements, taking into account gratuity paid in the Middle East, expat packages, foreign property, investments and pensions.
I worked as a family lawyer throughout my time in Dubai, and advised on a wide range of family law cases, from child abduction or domestic violence to financial remedies on divorce and prenuptial agreements. My clients are wide ranging. My most challenging case was acting for a member of a Middle Eastern ruling family, who had a child outside wedlock and whose mother had made financial claims for the child through the English court. This required careful negotiation to keep proceedings out of court and ensure matters settled discreetly. An emotionally rewarding case was acting for a father in Dubai to ensure the safe return of his child after he had been abducted by the mother.
I moved out to Dubai, with my husband, with the promise that we would stay a maximum of 1 year. I would never have guessed that we would love it so much and stay 9 years!
Many of my clients are ‘trailing spouses’, who had moved abroad, from country to country following their husband or wife’s career. These are often women, who put their careers
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iOnal DivOrce lawyer
divorce lawyer, they have a lot of questions. on hold. At the time of divorce, many trailing spouse wives have not been able to work for 20 or so years. They worry about how they would manage financially following divorce, having lost their training and skill-sets that they acquired before expat life. Luckily, British expats living overseas are usually able to divorce through the English courts, regardless of where they got married. The English courts treat a husband and wife’s contribution as equal, whether as financial provider for the family, homemaker, or caregiver to children. The English courts take a careful approach to ensure that a trailing spouse’s future financial needs are met by the other party, until it is reasonable for them to move towards financial independence. It is usual for spousal maintenance to be paid to a wife for a period of years until they have been able to
retrain or develop their skills, so they can develop their own career and income. I set Expatriate Law up 10 years ago, with my father, who is also a family lawyer. As a family run firm, we take a more human approach. I never lose sight of the fact that family law advice requires sensitivity and compassion. My job is to listen, advise, and bring disputes to a positive conclusion for my client. Divorce can and should be amicable and my approach is to ensure matters stay on that track. Written by Alexandra Tribe Managing Partner, Expatriate Law www.expatriatelaw.com alexandra@expatriatelaw.com uBE-37
United British Expats 571 London Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2EA Avenida de Mijas, 2, Benalmรกdena, Spain 29630 28 Carrer de Casanova Barcelona 08011, Spain M +34 626 307 629
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