Delicious: David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn, 12, was seen enjoying a slice of cheesy pizza as he watched his dad play for LA Galaxy
David posted a picture of himself enjoying the comfort food and said: 'Landed back in London this morning. Missed my favourite meal, so headed straight for some pie and mash. Heading upto Manchester tomorrow, can't wait.'
While Beckham might miss British food it seems that his boys have developed a taste for American food and were seen enjoying three different dishes earlier this week.
Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz were all seen tucking into some tasty treats which are virtually staples at American football games as they watched their dad play for LA Galaxy.
While Brooklyn, 12, appeared to be enjoying a slice of cheesy pizza, Romeo, eight, wolfed down some blue candy floss, and six-year-old Cruz seemed to like his hot dog.
Tasty: Romeo (left) and Cruz certainly seemed to be enjoying their candy floss
Meanwhile, as Victoria keeps busy with her fashion range during her last few weeks of pregnancy, David has also got some new fashion plans himself.
The 36-year-old sportsman has announced his plans to launch his own male underwear range.
David fronted the Emporio Armani underwear campaign in 2007, appearing on giant billboards and magazine spreads, which resulted in a doubling of profits for the Italian company in one year, from around £14.1 million to £38.7 million.
My favourite! Cruz, six, tucked into a hot dog as he watched the match
His Armani experience gave him insight into the fashion industry and he soon spotted a gap in the market for well-cut T-shirts and fitted boxer shorts.
He said: 'I have had the idea of doing a bodywear collection for some time now.
'The push to do something of my own really came as a result of my collaboration with Armani.
'It proved to me that there is a real market for good-looking, well-made men's bodywear.'
In action: The boys were watching their father David play for LA Galaxy
source: dailymail

VIA 'I missed my favourite meal': David Beckham tucks into pie and mash as soon as he jets into London.. but his boys like U.S. food

It was a moment of fun after this morning's in-depth talks on issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform.
Obama and Cameron diligently serve a burger to a soldier wounded in service during the garden party
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, serve food at the barbecue for British and American service members and veterans
The pair gamely served the cooked meat at the lunch party while their wives, Samantha and Michelle, spooned side dishes onto the plates of 150 American and British service members.
The Prime Minister and the President appeared at ease as they performed their catering duties in shirt sleeves, chatting and laughing while they worked.
Servicemen and their partners arrive at the Downing Street garden party, which was attended by 150 American and British military personnel

The Prime Minister, left, and the President appeared at ease as they entertained military personnel in shirt sleeves
Both leaders worked together to pile food on to one wounded soldier's plate, as other guests queued at the food-laden tables.
Following the barbecue, Obama and Cameron gave a joint press conference in which the Prime Minister said Taliban must make a 'decisive split' with al Qaida if a political settlement in Afghanistan is to be brokered.
Speaking outside Lancaster House in London, Mr Cameron said the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden represented a 'strike right at the heart of international terrorism'.
Mr Cameron said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan, while British and American troops had 'broken the momentum of the insurgency' in the country.
Mr Obama speaks during a joint press conference with David Cameron at Lancaster House today. The Prime Minister said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan
In the Taliban heartland of Kandahar and central Helmand, the insurgents were 'on the back foot', the Prime Minister said.
Calling for a political settlement, he told the press conference: 'Now is the moment to step up our efforts to reach a political settlement.
Obama arrived at Downing Street before 10am this morning for discussions with Cameron as he got down to the real political business of his state visit.
Obama and Cameron, right, were joined by Nick Clegg, left, for today's talks at Downing Street. Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said to the U.S. leader: 'You've brought the sun today'
Mr Obama shares a joke with Nick Clegg at 10 Downing Street. Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the U.S. leader said: 'Wonderful to see you'
During the talks, the U.S. President insisted the alliance between America and the UK is key to providing global security after a 'difficult decade'.
Nick Clegg proved that three isn't always a crowd as he joined the leaders and was seen sharing a joke with the President.
Mr Obama was smiling broadly after making the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace.
The leaders greeted each other with a handshake before Mr Obama patted the Prime Minister on the shoulder.
They then shook hands again on the steps of No. 10 but they were no
Obama smiles before today's meeting with Cameron. The U.S. President and the Prime Minister are to spend the morning holding talks before a joint press conference in Downing Street

Commander-in-chief: Barack Mr Obama takes a seat across from David Cameron (second left) in the Cabinet Room for today's talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials
Barack Obama is greeted by the Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street this morning. The pair are discussing issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform
He is expected to tell MPs and peers that even though the world has changed significantly since the Second World War, the UK-US relationship and the broader transatlantic alliance is still the 'cornerstone of global security'.
The 'Arab Spring' in the Middle East and North Africa reinforce that the allies' shared beliefs are 'not just relevant but essential', he is to say.
The president will also strike an optimistic note by claiming that the world is 'turning a corner' following a 'difficult decade'.
As well as operations winding down in Iraq, the shift to Afghanistan taking control of its own security has begun, and al Qaida has been 'weakened' by successes such as the recent killing of Osama bin Laden.
Yesterday, large parts of central London were brought to a standstill as crowds gathered to welcome the president for his first state visit.
Obama and Cameron wave to members of the media outside the Prime Minister's official residence, prior to their meeting
Mr Obama made the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace
Police marksmen take position on rooftops along Whitehall as the Presidential motorcade arrives at Downing Street this morning. Helicopters were seen whirring overhead, as part of the major security operation
After being greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the president and first lady met newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
Mr Obama and Mr Cameron then dropped in on a south London school where they took off their jackets to play two schoolboys at table tennis.
But the Anglo-American team took a sound beating at the hands of 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.
Mr and Mrs Obama then attended a star-studded state banquet in the president's honour at Buckingham Palace last night as the Queen hailed the US as Britain's 'most important ally'.

Cameron and Obama pose for the army of press photographers gathered outside 10 Downing Street
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton walks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague to join Obama at 10 Downing Street
The smartly dressed driver of the President's vehicle brushes down its shiny exterior as she waits for him outside the Prime Minister's residence
She insisted the relationship was 'tried, tested and, yes, special' and the two nations together contributed to security and prosperity of the world.
'I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and more prosperous,' the Queen said.
Responding with his own toast, Mr Obama spoke of the 'rock-solid foundation' between the two countries.
Mr Obama's motorcade travels along the Mall as it leaves Buckingham Palace to go to Downing Street this morning
'From that day to this, you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here,' the president said.
'As we confront the challenges of the 21st century together we have can confidence in the partnership our two countries share, based on a rock-solid foundation built during Queen Elizabeth's lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world.'
Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat down for talks in the White Room of No 10 shortly before 10am this morning.
'Okay. Enough about Ryan Giggs. What's the latest on Arnold Schwarzenegger?'
As about a dozen photographers took pictures at the start of the meeting, the president joked: 'All right guys, one of those must have worked.'
Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed the two leaders into Number 10 half an hour later.
Mrs Clinton waved briefly and smiled as she entered.
Michelle Obama, the wife of the U.S. President, and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, pose with their husbands on the steps of 10 Downing Street yesterday
Earlier, the smartly dressed driver of the president's vehicle brushed down its shiny exterior as she waited for him outside the Prime Minister's residence.
Mr Obama and Mr Cameron were joined by Nick Clegg at about 10.15am.
Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the US leader said: 'Wonderful to see you.'
Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said: 'You've brought the sun today.'
At about 10.40am, the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister moved to the Cabinet Room for talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials.
Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat opposite each other in the centre of the coffin-shaped Cabinet table, the Prime Minister flanked by Mr Clegg and Mr Hague, and the President by Mrs Clinton and the U.S. Ambassador to London, Louis Susman.
Other British ministers attending included Chancellor George Osborne and Home Secretary Theresa May.
Special relationship 'stronger than ever'

Cameron: 'Special relationship will get stronger'

BARACK OBAMA's LIMO Gets Stuck in Dublin

Obama flips burgers for troops

source: dailymail

VIA President and PM dish up burgers at 'Obama-Q' honouring American and British veterans

Type of entry: Newspaper and Magazine
Category: Restaurants & Fast Food Outlets
Advertiser: McDONALD'S SOUTH AFRICA
Product/Service: KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Agency: DDB SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Advertiser McDONALD'S SOUTH AFRICA
Product KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Entrant DDB SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
1 of 3 Campaign
Type of Entry: Newspaper and Magazine
Type of Entry: Product & Service
Category: Restaurants & Fast Food Outlets
Title: TIFFANY
Advertiser/Client: McDONALD'S SOUTH AFRICA
Product/Service: KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Entrant Company: DDB SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
DM/Advertising Agency: DDB SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

VIA Mcdonald's: "It's our problem."

Once you’ve identified your type, you can transform it following James’ tailor-made plan and get that flat tummy fast.
THE SPARE TYRE TUMMY
The spare tyre: This is one of the easiest tummy troubles to eliminate because it's caused by eating the wrong foods and not exercising enough
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
These people are likely to lead sedentary lives, perhaps with jobs that keep them desk-bound. They may also have an emotional attachment to sugary foods.
Luckily, this ‘spare tyre’ is one of the easiest tummy troubles to eliminate as, according to James, it’s caused by eating the wrong foods and not exercising enough.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
‘If you exercise very little, eat lots of sugar and refined carbohydrates in products like biscuits, cakes and white bread, or rely on starchy carbs like pasta and rice, you probably have an overweight tummy with accompanying fat on your legs and hips,’ says James.
THE STRESS TUMMY
Stress tummy: These types are typically over-achievers with perfectionist personalities
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Stressed-tummy types are typically over-achievers with perfectionist personalities. They are usually also susceptible to digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause bloating and make their tummies look far worse.
‘Stress tummies are easy to spot, as the weight is specific to the front of the midriff and the umbilical area,’ explains James. ‘When stressed, we produce cortisol, a hormone which encourages the body to cling on to fat around the stomach.’
Stressed tummies will also be fairly hard to the touch, rather than wobbly.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
It’s likely you skip meals, abuse your adrenal system with too much caffeine and grab junk food for convenience.
THE LITTLE POOCH
The little pooch: These women are likely to be busy mums or have demanding careers - hey may even be a gym junkie
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
These women are likely to be busy mums or have demanding careers. ‘They may even be a gym junkie, but stuck in a workout-and-diet rut, perhaps always eating the same foods and doing the same routine at the gym, which keeps you slim but leaves you with a lower belly that spoils your silhouette,’ says James.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
‘Doing excessive crunches and using gimmicky gym items such as ab-rollers can place a strain on the hip flexors and the lower back, causing the tummy muscles to protrude so your belly sticks out,’ says James.
THE MUMMY TUMMY
The Mummy tummy: Women with these bellies have usually given birth in the past few years, and, being a typical mum, have little time for themselves
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Women with these tummies have usually given birth in the past few years, and, being a typical mum, have little time for themselves. ‘After giving birth, the uterus drops and is much heavier than it was pre-pregnancy,’ says James. ‘It takes at least six weeks to return to its usual size, so don’t even think about trying to get a flat stomach until after then.
‘You need to re-train your pelvic floor and lower abs to increase blood flow and strengthen loose muscles.’
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
Rushing back to exercise too quickly. ‘I would suggest waiting around two to three months,’ says James. ‘Being stressed about getting rid of your baby weight will only make you cling onto it more. Give yourself a break!’
THE BLOATED TUMMY
Bloated tummies: These are often flat in the morning, but swell throughout the day with gas or indigestion
HOW TO IDENTIFY THIS TYPE
Bloated tummies are often flat in the morning, but swell throughout the day with gas or indigestion. Bloating affects both slim and overweight women. It is almost always caused by food intolerances and allergies, or sluggish bowels as a result of a poor diet.
TYPICAL BAD HABITS
You eat the same foods and may have done so for a lifetime without realising you’re intolerant to them.
source :dailymail

VIA How to tame your tum: Is yours a spare tyre or a stress bulge? Finding out your tummy type is the key to getting a perfect midriff

Just hanging around: The cocoon was suspended in the air
She entered the stage via the egg-like cocoon, just as she did at the Grammy Awards in February this year - she also popped out of a chamber during a performance on Saturday Night Live late last month.
Doing it for real: Gaga on stage during the actual awards show
This time however the contraption was suspended above the ground, whereas the previous two crysalis-esque devices were laid down horizontally on the ground.
For the duration of her appearance on the Canadian awards show, Gaga remained relatively covered up in comparison to her usual outrageous get up.
Similar entrance: The superstar singer popped out of an egg-like contraption at the Grammy awards in February
By Lady Gaga standards, her ensembles were positively demure.
In fact the Queen of shocktastic fashion and barely-there outfits turned out to the ceremony with much more material per square inch than usual.
Despite changing into an array of outfits, the 25-year-old singer kept relatively covered up - which was perhaps something to do with the slightly fuller figure she was seen to be sporting as she arrived.

Paunch: Lady Gaga revealed a slightly fuller figure as she arrived the the MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada tonight in a tight LBD teamed with dominatrix-style boots
Making an entrance: The singer opened the show with a performance on Edge of Glory, staying relatively covered up in a bejewelled catsuit
The Edge of Glory star, who won two awards at the event, turned up at the ceremony in Toronto, Canada, in a form-fitting little black dress which showed a more curvy shape around her midsection.
Last year Gaga's former tour manager, David Ciemny, claimed that the star would starve herself to fit into her revealing stage outfits.
He alleged the singer would go on unhealthy food binges before barely eating in a bid to slim down - saying she once lost 20lbs between fittings.
Got it all covered: The superstar singer remained relatively demure in comparison to her usual guises
Covering up: We're used to seeing the singer in barely-there outfits and skimpy underwear
Earlier this month, Gaga left very little to the imagination as she partied at the CFDA Fashion Awards in a see-through black body stocking in New York.
But tonight was a relatively low-key affair for Gaga, who remained relatively covered in her series of outfits.
She opened the show with a performance of Edge of Glory wearing a bejewelled black catsuit, before closing the event with a rendition of Born This Way.
Colourful: She made an outfit change to accept international video of the year for Judas, keeping her flesh under wraps in a printed trouser and jacket combo teamed with her turquoise wig
In a nod to her Grammys performance, Gaga hatched out of an egg, but was kept her flesh under wraps in black trousers and a dramatic ruffled feathered top half.
She stripped her top off in the last minute of the song, but kept her midriff out of sight with her high-waisted, belted trousers.
Earlier in the show she accepted an award, wearing another body covering outfit, a colourful trouser and jacket combo, complete with her turquoise wig.
She eventually de-robed, but rather than a skimpy two-piece the singer was wearing black trousers and buttoned up jacket which revealed a hint of cleavage
The singer was voted the most popular international artist in the fan category, while also taking home the best international video for Judas.
Bieber was the other big winner of the night, joining his girlfriend and host of the event Selena Gomez on stage to accept his two gongs.
The 17-year-old star was voted the favourite artist by ordinary Canadians for his video Somebody to Love, which also features Usher.
He was honoured in the best international Canadian video category for the same video, although shared the award with hip hop star Drake.
Lady Gaga - Born This Way Live Performance at: MMVAs 2011

source :dailymail

VIA Born again (for the third time)... Lady Gaga hatches from another egg-like cocoon during the MuchMusic Video Awards

WASHINGTON -- Dead bodies, diseased lungs and a man on a ventilator were among the graphic images for revamped tobacco labels unveiled on Tuesday by U.S. health officials.
Proposed in November under a law that put the multibillion-dollar tobacco industry under the control of the Food and Drug Administration, the new labels must be on cigarette packages and in advertisements starting in October 2012.

VIA Graphic Tobacco Warning Labels

VIA More Kung Poo than Kung Fu

A decade or so ago it would have been absolutely unheard of to see timber lining the external walls of a modern architect's latest creation. After all, wood was a material that had been replaced many moons ago and was only found on rotting barns... right?

Like absolutely everything in construction, materials have the habit of forming a full circle. Timber was once the only material used, before technology allowed bricks and all sorts of other alternatives to replace it. Now, contemporary builders are turning to wood again with many under the impression that it releases an ultra-stylish appearance. Additionally, there is also the matter of sustainability and in a bid to stay on the green side, it goes without saying that timber performs much better than bricks and other products.

Therefore, wood is in fashion. It might not be found on your latest set of Wimpy houses, but take to any contemporary street and you'll see plenty of it. If you're looking to replicate the effects of the material, read on and find out what considerations need to be made to make the most of timber and create another wood-cladded sensation...

Which type of wood will you be using?

This question could be rephrased; 'how much is your budget?'. A lot of the time, you won't have much say in the type of wood that you opt for and money really does talk when it comes to choosing a timber.

Fortunately, there are plenty of varieties out there that have been deemed suitable to be used on outside walls. One might not be surprised to read that the likes of oak and chestnut are some of the most expensive options, but naturally provide the highest-quality finish. Down the scale we have cedar and larch, which are classed as softwoods but have the durability factor which makes them the market favourites. Then, at the bottom of the ladder we have pine and as well as holding the most basic appearance, this has the uncanny knack of deteriorating the quickest.

This means there is plenty of food for thought. While you might love the appearance of pine (and trust us, you'll probably be in the minority), you've also got to realise that it will come under a lot of stress and need replacing at shorter intervals than initially more expensive options.

How will the wood be implemented?

We don't need to tell you how many advanced cladding techniques there are now available, you just need to take a look around here and see all of the different materials and styles that can now be adopted.

As such, the world is your oyster when it comes to laying out your timber. It goes without saying that horizontal and vertical layouts are the most common, although don't be fooled into thinking that this is your limit. Some will opt for a diagonal approach, while others will overlap the timbers to create an embezzled effect.

Another misconception revolves around the size of the material. Even if you're buying the whole lot of timber in fixed sizes, don't be under the impression that you have to stick to them. They can be broken down into smaller pieces, although naturally this will involve increased labour costs for the fixing stage.

Who will fix the material?

It would be fair to say that installing a cladded wall is somewhat different to building a brand new one out of bricks. You might think it looks easy - but we'd urge you to stop in your tracks. Wood is a material that can go drastically wrong; it can change shape, become affected by moisture amongst a whole host of other defects.

This means that during the installation phase, the adequate provisions have to be made. The battens in which the cladding is fixed to can’t be spaced too far apart, as this could result in the timber bending. In other areas, a weatherproof membrane is a necessity, while openings must be left between each element of cladding to allow for any seasonal movement.

The above paragraph really is the tip of the iceberg and it's not the sort of handbook you want to be taking to your own construction site. If any of the above sounds confusing, it's time to ditch the DIY job and take to the Yellow Pages.

What is the finished article going to look like?

And finally, what everyone has been waiting for - what is the cladded timber going to look like by the time it is in use as a fully functioning wall?

If you happen to have used an expensive hardwood, there's every chance that you'll be looking to keep things as natural as possible and you might not even have to take out your paintbrush to preserve the material.

However, as soon as the timber gets softer, it might be time to change the approach. Not only will you want to purchase some sort of product to tailor the appearance to your liking, but you'll also probably need a wood stain to protect your wood.

The preservation of cladding becomes even more important if your property sits in an exposed location, without much natural protection. With regular masonry walls your main worry is penetrating damp, but when it comes to cladding you've also got to work to ensure that you're not regularly tearing down the wall coverings every few years just because the timber wasn't preserved adequately.

And there we have it - the four considerations whilst putting together your modern wood-cladded dwelling. While it might seem a lot to take in, a lot of homeowners forget that one of the major benefits of cladding is that it can easily be changed. Admittedly, it’s still a relatively big job, but if you do want to freshen things up from time to time and can afford to purchase new timber, it’s undoubtedly possible and can provide a completely different image to your home.

VIA «Old is the New New: Making Wood Work for Your Contemporary Pad»

Towels are necessary in each house

VIA «A variety of towels in our life»

Geo: Switzerland
Category: Food
Agency: Ruf Lanz
Brand: Hiltl
Advertising Agency: Ruf Lanz, Zurich, Switzerland
Creative Directors: Markus Ruf, Danielle Lanz
Art Director: Isabelle Hauser
Copywriter: Andreas Hornung
Photographer: aschmannklauser.ch

VIA The Carrot

VIA The blushing bride

We just returned from a somewhat frustrating two weeks in Quito. The reason for our trip was to finalize my paperwork so that I can become a legal permanent resident of Ecuador. Unfortunately we were only able to accomplish a fraction of what we set out to do. The bureaucracy here, as anywhere, is horrible and everything seems to involve long waits, complicated procedures and unhelpful employees. One amusing twist was that many of the government employees (and other official types) were openly rude to us. Lucho says it's because they want money and he refuses to pay them. But I guess it just comes with the territory. We got similar treatment at the U.S. Embassy.

The process of getting my resident visa involves many steps and none of them are quick or simple. Just for example one of the things we need to submit is an official marriage certificate. In order to get an official marriage certificate we had to legalize our marriage in Ecuador. To do this we needed a official copy of our marriage certificate (certified by the State of Indiana). The certificate had to be translated and notarized. The notary wouldn't notarize it unless the person who translated it was there to sign the translation in person. Neither Lucho nor I could sign the translation (even though we both speak English) so we had Lucho's sister, an English teacher, sign it for us. We went to three notaries before we found one who would do it for us (the first one refused to do it and the second one was so rude that Lucho wouldn't to go back). The guy who finally did it was nice enough, but we were stuck waiting in his little office for a long time while he chain-smoked his way through the process. Once we finally had all the paperwork together (which included copies of our passports and other documents) we drove down to the "Registro Civil" (which took about an hour in smoggy Quito traffic) to submit everything. After sitting through a traffic jam outside the building for about 20 minutes we were able to find a parking space. As we were walking to the building someone told us that the office was closed for the next hour or so, but we decided to check it out for ourselves. Fortunately they were still open and we were able to get inside. There were long lines of people everywhere. We thought we were lucky when we were directed to a desk with no one waiting near it. The guy understood what we wanted, took our paperwork and charged us $1. Then he told us to come back in the afternoon. So we went out to lunch at a nearby mall and came back. We went back to the guy and he rudely directed us to another desk with a crowd of people around it. They were vaguely organized in a line, but Lucho positioned himself on one side and I stayed on the other just to make sure. We waited our turn and eventually were able to talk to the guy. He made us sign a document and told us to come back the next day in the afternoon to pick up another piece of paper. The next day we came back, waited in another line, got our piece of paper and then were told that we had to go to another desk and register our marriage. We waited again and finally a woman asked us to come forward and sign our names in a book. We were being officially married in Ecuador! But before that we had to pay them $40. After that we thought we could get our official marriage certificate, but no luck. We had to wait a week and go to another office (this one an hour drive, in another direction, through smoggy Quito traffic). So a week later we drove down to the other office to pick up an official copy of the marriage certificate. Christina was sleeping so I waited in the car with her. Lucho disappeared for a while and then came back with a sad face. He told me that after waiting in one long line to request the copy and another long line to pay for it he was told to come back the next day to pick up the document. The next day, after another hour long drive through smoggy traffic, Lucho waited in another long line (I was shopping a local mall with Lucho's sisters) and finally picked up the official marriage certificate!

That was just one of the 6 or 7 documents that we need to apply for my resident visa. Not all of the documents are this difficult to obtain, but each one has its story. For example, I have to send my police record back to the U.S. be certified by the State of California before the Ecuadorian government will accept it.

Of course we could avoid most of this hassle if we paid a lawyer a lot of money. But, besides being cheap, we want to see how far we can get "on our own". We also have the help of one of Lucho's nephews and his girlfriend, who are both law students. When we went to the immigration office with them they recognized one of the guys who works there. It turns out that he is one of their friends from school. So that's a ray of hope. As I mentioned in a previous post - it's always much easier to get things done around here if you know someone on the "inside".

Some of you may remember one of my old posts from Sacramento about how we were rushing around, trying to get all of my paperwork together for a visa. Why are we doing this again, you may ask? Well, we are asking ourselves the same question. The visa I have now is a "tourist" visa, not an "immigrant" visa. It expires at the end of August. Why do I have a tourist visa? Because that's what the Ecuadorian consulate in San Francisco told me to get, even though we explained to them that I am married to an Ecuadorian and that I was planning to live in Ecuador; even though the Ecuadorian Embassy's website clearly explains that there is an immigrant visa that can be applied for from outside of Ecuador. We were told that I had to get the tourist visa first and then reapply for the immigrant visa once we were in Ecuador. Now that we are in Ecuador we are told that the fact that I have a tourist visa is a problem and that I will probably have to pay some kind of fine before I can switch to an immigrant visa. Ahhh ... "la experienca cuesta" (experience costs).

But, despite all of this we were able to enjoy ourselves in Quito. We spent a lot of time with family. We ate a lot of good food, we went shopping, and we got to see some of the sights.

The travelling isn't over yet. On Monday I'm going on a quick trip out to the countryside with some members of a local environmental group. This might turn into a job for me. I turns out that some of the small towns in Loja Province have some funding to do some water quality monitoring. It sounds like a very interesting project and I hope that I can help them out. Then on Friday we're planning to drive to Guayaquil - Ecuador's biggest city, located on the coast - to visit family. We'll be there for about a week. This time we won't be doing any work, we'll just be enjoying ourselves and relaxing.

Smooth operator: Shane Warne as he was in 2005 and how he now looks six years on
The cricketer, who has built up a reputation as a stereotypical macho Australian 'bloke', appeared to be wearing make up to boost his looks.
He had his eyebrows shaped into a definite arch, perhaps styled by his own girlfriend, together with a goofy smoothed over hairstyle.
Also noteworthy was his distinctly smoother looking face, particularly the area around his eyes with the disappearance of his crow's feet.
You old smoothie: Shane Warne's altered appearance has led to speculation from some observers
Posed up: The couple, who have been dating since last December, looked smart in their outfits
In recent weeks observers have noted that the cricketer's formerly weathered, rough and ready appearance has altered somewhat thanks primarily to his weight loss, though he has rubbished any suggestion of surgery.
Last week, cosmetic surgeon Dr Shahab Mahdi told the Daily Star: "The difference in Shane's appearance is dramatic. In my opinon it looks as though he has had a facelift.'
His army of followers are not convinced either, accusing Shane of having a little help in the anti-ageing department.
The morning after! Shane Warne didn't look like he was recovering from a hangover today while strolling around London
Making a statement: Elizabeth opted for an animal-print gown which featured a long trailing train
One fan took to Twitter, saying: 'He looks like a waxwork, all plucked and sculptured.'
Another blogger from the social networking site wrote: 'How much surgery has shane warne had? Lol, the male version of jordan!'
However the 41-year-old bowler defended himself, retaliating with: 'Questions re faclift/ Botox etc are absolute rubbish.'

Home and dry: Liz Hurley wears Shane Warne's dinner jacket as they arrive back at her Chelsea home
New look: The cricketer has shed his rough and ready image for a more dapper, smooth look
The sportsman is believed to have lost around 22lbs over the last few months, largely due to his girlfriend's influence.
In fact, Shane has now completely changed the way he thinks about food, as he showed on his Twitter page when he asked his followers for advice on what to eat.
He tweeted: 'Feel like a hot pie with copious amounts of sauce with crinkle cut chips!! What the best pie?'
Stunning: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attended the event with their mother Sarah Ferguson
Hosts for the night: Sir Elton and partner David Furnish pose for photographers inside the party
But Shane then added just minutes later: 'NO Shane!! 78kg is target currently 82.5. Settle on a protein shake with an apple and banana - sob.'
In the fashion stakes Elizabeth stuck to her usual formula in a floor-sweeping animal-print gown.
She admitted to her Twitter followers earlier in the day that she had been struggling to decide what to wear.
She wrote: 'Off to Elton & David's White Tie & Tiara Aids fundraiser. Can't decide which dress......'
Meanwhile, Shane looked sharp in a black tuxedo which highlighted his recent weight loss.
Elizabeth and Shane looked happier than ever as they attended the ball, keeping their arms around each other and smiling for photographers.
And, in a recent interview, Shane said he was looking forward to spending more time with his gorgeous girlfriend.
Smile, Boris! Becker and wife Sharlely 'Lilly' Kerssenberg arrive at Sir Elton's Windsor home for the annual event
He said: 'She's a lovely lady. We get on really well and I'm spending a lot of time in England this summer, working for Sky.
'We'll wait and see what happens between Liz and I - but at the moment things are great.'
Earlier in the day, Shane was photographed arriving at Elizabeth's London home with a huge grin on his face and carrying a bag of golf clubs.
Elizabeth, 46, announced in December that she had split from husband Arun Nayar, after pictures emerged of her kissing cricketer Shane Warne in a hotel in London.
Following the pictures' publication, both Hurley and Warne hastily issued statements revealing that their respective marriages had been over for some time.
Since then, the new couple have been making headlines for their on/off romance, rendezvous in Australia and India and tabloid rumours of his alleged infidelity.
Elizabeth married Indian textile heir Nayar at Sudely Castle, near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, in March 2007 - and had a traditional Hindu wedding at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India.

New love? Glee star Matthew Morrison arrived hand-in-hand with a mystery woman
The ceremonies were attended by numerous celebrities, including Sir Elton John, who gave the bride away.
Announcing her separation from Arun, Liz tweeted: 'Not a great day. For the record, my husband Arun & I separated a few months ago. Our close family & friends were aware of this.'
She added: 'Painful, sad days. Arun & I separated for private reasons but FTR he has been a great father to our son Damian & will always be in his life.'
Date night: Noel Edmonds and wife Liz Davies arrive at the estate
Brunettes have more fun: Alexa Chung and Nancy Del'Ollio were among the invited guests
Dressed in black: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo star Noomi Rapace arrives
Hours later, Shane, 41, took to his own blog to confirm that his tumultuous marriage to wife Simone was also over.
In a statement he said: 'Sadly and unfortunately, Simone and I split up a while ago, our close friends and family were informed at that time.
'It is a private matter so we did not make it public. We remain friends and will continue to be good parents.'
A notorious philanderer, Shane split from Simone, the mother of his children Brooke, 13, Jackson, 11 and Summer, 8, after a string of affairs, including a notorious sex text scandal in 2000 which saw him stripped of his Australian vice-captaincy.
Casual wear: Earlier in the day Elizabeth was seen out shopping while Shane later popped around to her house carrying his bag of golf clubs
Let me in! Shane rings the doorbell as he waits for Elizabeth to buzz him in
source: dailymail

VIA New face, new man: Shane Warne plays smooth-faced English gent as he accompanies Elizabeth Hurley to Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Ball