Challenge #15: Learn All the European Capitals

They say that knowledge is power. I definitely agree and also knowing stuff makes you seem clever.

My geography has always been pretty mediocre. That mediocrity is what prompted this challenge. I figured that if I am going to live in Europe then I should at least know the countries that comprise it and their capitals. And it might also help with Challenge #22: Participate in a Pub Quiz.

I set about learning the countries first. Suddenly I was overwhelmed by how many there actually are. I used an online testing site called Sheppard Software. I found this to be an excellent way to learn. Whenever I was on my laptop and waiting for something to load, I would flick over to the site and try to remember what I'd memorised. I also downloaded different quizzes onto my phone so I could test myself at any time. Long bus journeys became an ideal time for testing.

To prove this challenge is completed, I've made a video. So, at the time I made it, I could remember all the capitals. However, I have noticed that some capitals (particularly countries I haven't visited or know little about) tend to need refreshing every now and again.

Of course, now that I know all these capitals, I now find myself with a desire to visit every single one...

Challenge #29: Organise a Themed Pub Crawl

I felt a great sense of relief when I looked up 'Pub Crawl' on Urban Dictionary and found this definition:

An activity where at least 5 people are involved in drinking at a series of pubs, usually at least 4.

So, it's official. If Urban Dictionary agrees, then what I organised was, indeed, a pub crawl.

Yes, I even had wristbands.

This challenge was pondered for quite some time and eventually I decided to cleverly combine it with my current fundraising efforts for my Great Gorilla Run on the 22nd of September (The Gorilla Organisation). I figured that if I wanted to raise money for charity AND complete another challenge then I would ask people to donate money to come on the pub crawl. Genius right?

Trying to guilt pubs and clubs into giving me deals, to sweeten guests' participation in this event, was no easy task. I was politely turned down at every turn. Some didn't even bother to reply (why won't they PLEASE think of the gorillas?!). Only one place offered me any kind of support, B@1 in Clapham Common.

Bag, necklaces and dress for £7 

I thought about my theme and settled on 'recycled' (Op Shop bought or borrowed). I didn't want to have a bunch of oddly dressed characters, as I reasoned that this could put off pub and club owners. And I know that sinking feeling that everyone gets when they realise they have to find a costume for a party. Another hassle and expense. 

And so the day arrived. I had my ridiculous bridesmaid style op shop dress, my fabulous friend fresh from Manchester and the promise of raising money for my gorillas. (Well, not MY gorillas...)

Spot the error

Surprise tables!

At this point, the aforementioned definition of a pub crawl must be referenced. In total, I had 6 amazing friends participate in my pub crawl. Not the most mind blowing turn up of all time, by any stretch of anyone's Mr Fantastic imagination. 

That fact did not stop us having an incredible night. We were very well looked after at B@1, and unexpectedly had table set aside for us in Exhibit. Many cocktails were consumed, a bit of money was raised for gorillas and everyone had a smile on their face. 

And so, another challenge can be ticked off the list. The second hand dress will be hung up  and most likely forgotten, the donations will be passed on to my dear gorillas (well, not into their bank accounts or anything like that...), and I will steadfastly abide to my new resolution to just stick with participating in pub crawls. 

Although, it was pretty cool to have my name written on signs in pubs... Just saying.

Challenge #26: Go Speed Dating

Ever been on the date from hell? Well, with speed dating, you can potentially go on lots of them! But don't worry, they only last for 3 and 1/2 minutes.

Although, considering it only takes one tenth of a second to make an impression I guess that's long enough!

The dating world is changing, apparently, and some clever sod has found a way for busy people to cram lots of dates into one evening. In case you didn't know, speed dating involves a rotation system. You have 3 and a half minutes to 'wow' each person and convince them to tick 'yes' by your name. At the end of those precious minutes, the host tries to pry overly keen men from their seats and onto the next lady. In true modern fashion, the women get to stay seated, look pretty and wait for men to show up.

In other words, speed dating is a bit like going to an ice-cream shop, asking to try all the flavours and then walking away without buying anything... Well, sort of.

I approached my speed dating night with a mixture of fascination, nerves and apathy. I was intrigued - what kinds of people go to speed dating nights? Would it be all 40 year old weirdos who are clearly single for a reason? I prepared myself for some absolute shockers, but I reasoned that they would make for a more interesting blog.

Dragging one of my friends along (bless her), I sat and sipped my cider, waiting for my first 'date'. I was pleasantly surprised by a very handsome Swedish man, who seemed confused that I didn't play 'racket' sports of any kind. Oops, guess he wasn't ticking my 'yes box'.

Soon the men became a bit of a blur and I was thankful for my 'date sheet' where I could write down comments about the guys. Mostly I wrote down jobs (because, despite what an advice page suggested, I stuck mostly with the boring 'what do you do' type questions) but I did have a few interesting comments by the next morning:
- Bullshit Artist (this guy told me he worked for Sky and then elaborated by telling me he read the news. After stringing me on for another 30 seconds he told me it was crap. Seriously? You've lied to me in the first 2 minutes? You're getting a big NO buddy!)
- S&M (in response to 'what do you like to do in your free time?'. I laughed this off and then talked about '50 Shades of Grey'. I think he was disappointed when I said I thought it was a load of crap.)
- Queue Jumper (with a few drinks under his belt, this guy pushed in front and got everyone out of order)
- Number 5 - Nothing. (This guy was my last date and had had too much to drink by that point and so he was in the toilet. Probably not a bad thing, really...)

Of course, it wasn't all bad. I had some really interesting conversations and some laughs. I met a neuroscientist from Portugal, a structural engineer from Malaysia and... some other guys.

So, I'm sure you're wondering who got my tick of approval. After very little deliberation, there were two guys who tick-led (haha pun) my fancy, so I guess I have to wait and see if the feeling is mutual.

In the meantime, I think I'll try out this idea where I can try all the ice-cream flavours for free... What's that quote about buying a cow?

****In case you're interested, the Speed Dating event that I went to was through Original Dating.

Challenge #17: Owl in front of something famous (and preferably high up!)

Owling is the new planking. Or, at least, it was about a year ago.

I was first introduced to 'Owling' by some Essex boys I met in Nice. They had some incredible pictures of them striking the pose in front of famous (and high up) locations. I was immediately intrigued and tried a few of my own.

To complete an accurate 'Owl' you need to bend at the knees into a crouch and stretch your arms towards the ground with your palms flat, mimicking wings. This appears to be easy but I find staying in this position is not fun for those of us with 'older' knees... Hello early onset arthritis!

My first two owls for the year were in Dubrovnik on the famous wall. Walking along, I saw a hollow in one of the towers and commented to my friends that it'd be an amazing place for an owl if I could get up there. Miracles then occurred, as we found that we could actually get into the hole from behind.

Getting into position

Owl achieved!

My second owl. It was a long way down...

The trick is not to look down.