208. Protest

This year in September saw thousands of strikes and protests take place all over the world to raise awareness of climate change. An estimated 6 million took part and the key date was chosen as it took place days before the UN climate summit.

At the time I had a friend over to explore Lisbon and thought I wouldn't get to see the protests let alone take part in them. However, as we sat for pão de deus and coffee we heard shouting outside and went to the window to see what was happening. Of course the march was there and hundreds of people came past. Excited we finished our coffee and joined in, despite the old woman beside me telling me in portuguese 'nothing will change'.

From Chiado we walked on to Rossio, joining in the chant 'não há planeta B!' (There's no planet B). We didn't have signs but we felt our presence was nevertheless useful, adding to the numbers.

I sort of count this has half achieved as we were only there for 30 mins to an hour and we had no signs. But still I'm happy that my presence may have helped in some way. Either way, I feel like this year has been a start in being more eco friendly, and the protest has been part of that.

210. Get and look after an airplant

Two days ago I noticed something soft sprouting from the middle of my air plant. Disheartened I believed I’d killed yet another plant but while looking closer I realised that the soft part wasn't brown, but purple, and I wasn't killing my plant, I was nurturing a flower. So I've decided to take this as a sign that I can look after an air plant and since buying it I feel I've completed my resolution. Of course I'll keep looking after it but at least now I know my regime of bathing it every 15 days and spritzing it in between must be working!

119. Learn 50 new words in Portuguese

The words:

1. Varrer - to sweep
2. Tossir - to cough
3. Entrevista - interview
4. Olfato - smell
5. Paladar - taste
6. Tato - touch
7. Aborbora - pumpkin
8. Pipino - cucumber
9. Annuncio - advert
11. Tradução - translation
12. Somente - only
13. Dura - hard
14. Preconceito - preconceptions
15. Pomba de correio - carrier pigeon
16. Desilude - dissappointment
17. Castigo - punishment
18. cega - blind
19. chaleira - kettle
20. caldeira - boiler
21. fervente - boiling
22. cicatriz - scar
23. pena - feather
24. assas - wings
25. amaixa - plum
26. figo - fig
27. Roma - pomegranate
28. Lama - mud
29. tijolos - bricks
30. Andar na moda - be trendy
31. apoio - support
32. depilar - to shave
33. sobrancelhos - eybrows
34. aipo - celery
35. peruca - wig
36. uma gravata - a tie
37. sepultado - buried
39. rimel - mascara
40. prateleira - shelf
41. escove - brush
42. relátorio - article
43. uma lata - a tin
44. uma despensa - a pantry
45. cumprir - to accomplish
46. um cesto - basket
47. fatia - slice
48. naco - loaf
49. esquesita - weird
50. somar - to add

197. Dance at the front in Zumba

I'm a poor dancer but I felt like this resolution would be great at reminding myself I can do things that scare me. I'm not sure I'll be public speaking any time soon but dancing at the front really wasn't terrible. Sure I was really 'half' in the front so as not to bang into the woman to the left of me but really for me it was the FRONT.

 Although I don't think I've talked about it on here I suffer from anxiety but have been on some really good meds and talking therapy over the past year and a half. Anyway this challenge really shows me how far I've come. Two years ago dancing anywhere near the front would've resulted in a panic attack, but now it really feels great being able to finally see the teacher. Sorry this has gotten so long for something so small. I hope it inspires someone else to come out of their comfort zone (if you feel ready of course!)

186. Wall climb

I'm scared of heights, and yet for some reason this was not my first time wall climbing. I wanted to try it again, because despite the heights it's fun, and as I can tell by my sore arms and legs incredibly good for my body. Specifically I chose bouldering. It requires no knowledge of ropes and the shoes are rent-able in Lisbon. One tip would be to go with friends. The climbs require breaks in between and if they're more experienced it's a good chance to really work on your technique.

#113 Stick to a Skincare Regime

I still don't understand my skin. It's oily and prone to spots which leave marks on my face for months at a time. I know moisture is the KEY but I still struggle to understand whether it's my diet or the products. This month I've stuck to a skin regime and so far I'd say it's mediocre. By saying that I mean I notice a difference when I'm travelling and don't use the regime but otherwise most months my hormones get the better of me and destroy any progress.

So far it looks like this:

Daytime: I wash my face with Dr Bronner's Soap and put on Nuxe SPF 30 Sun.

Nighttime: I wash my face with NUXE Auabella (light exfoliant), spray with Tea Tree water by Lush, followed by the ordinary vitamin C suspension and NUXE creme fraiche de beaute (a moisturizer that combats pollution).

Now and Again: I'll use a retinol by the ordinary or a face mask from primark or Lush.

Next month my goal is to start oil cleansing with avocado oil. I think it'll be good for my combination skin.

One tip I will leave is that I've started using NUXE products since I've moved to Portugal. They're a french brand and they highlight sustainable and natural remedies for your skin. I use their sunscreen because it's ocean safe, and with their natural emphasis their cleanser is also not too abrasive. I definitely recommend checking them out.

189. Read 1 book for each month for 6 months

Good Morning Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton

This birthday I received a Willoughby's book club subscription for three months. If you don't know what that is, Willoughby's book club is a company that delivers books to your doorstep. They ask you what your favourite books are then they send you a book based on your preferences every month. It's great, and I know this not just from my subscription but from my Dad and sister as well.

For my first read I received good morning midnight. The book is based around two main characters who are based in two extremes of human existence, one at an arctic pole, the other on board a spaceship heading back towards earth.