Amy and Susan

Amy and Susan go Brazilian!

2010-02-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

Amy does a Brazilian: Amy and Susan at Country Mondays:

Good day to you blog fans!

Its been far too long. How are these long, dark days treating you? Did anyone sense a glimmer of sunshine this week and feel that maybe, just maybe, summer is not too far away? Maybe thats just us (Amy the optimist in particular) but hey, lets try and look on the bright side. We love you! Thats a grand start.

2010 is full of really exciting things in Amy and Susan world. We are making weekly podcasts highlighting fun stuff to do in London for under a tenner, they will be popping up on various radio stations, and for you, the VIP A&S crew right here.

Heres one we recommend right about now, it took place recently at Guanabara - a Brazilian bar in Covent Garden. Every monday they do 'Country Monday' with a happy hour, dance class and a bucking bronco. Brilliant! Its free before 7pm and £5 after. Happy hour before 7pm. Listen now here: Brazillian line dancing Podcast by Amy and Susan http://soundcloud.com/amy-and-susan/brazillian-line-dancing-podcast

Also at Guanabara we recommend:FRIDAY 12TH – WEDNESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

LONDON’S ORIGINAL AND ONLY ANNUAL BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 6TH YEAR WITH 6 DAYS OF MUSIC & HAPPINESS AND WITH THE HOPE OF A 6TH BRAZILIAN WORLD CUP WIN. It sounds like thats going to be pretty fun, check out more info here: www.guanabara.co.uk/

We've also been baking with our Annie the cook! If you want to hear the fun and try these amazing biscuits yourself, get ye here: Our Annie the Cook - I don't like cricket biscuits by Amy and Susan http://soundcloud.com/amy-and-susan/our-annie-the-cook-i-dont-like-cricket-biscuits They were so good that Example and Reggie Yates at Radio 1 were raving about them on air!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2010/01/cookies_and_chocolates.shtml

XStreameast are busy spring cleaning until March, so we'll be back with full force at a new time slot of Mondays 6-8pm, post drivetime stylee. We're really looking forward to the new show. But if you're feeling pangs of nostalgia for the oldies, theres still four here that you could listen to right now! http://www.xstreameast.co.uk/details.php?show=29

And, as ever, we're never far away with a bag of Salt N Pepa, Grace Jones and Roisin Murphy, a tray of cakes and a fancy dress chest aka SINK THE PINK, our ever expanding club night. Its even got a production company sniffing around and there's talk of it being featured on a Sky 1 show in the v near future, watch this pink space!

This month, for the love of Valentines, Sink The Pink invite you to come play shag tag, and for one special night only Sink The Pink present BLIND DATE: THE MUSICAL...Starring Ma Butcher and Nana May.

Look out for the Sink The Pink dressing up box featuring plenty of wigs, tattoos, dresses, moustaches, false teeth, camp outfits, face paints, feather bowers, cakes, sweets, leotards, dancing, make up, sequins, decadence, debauchery, disco dance offs, trashy tunes, fun and games.

"Do I need to buy a new hat?" I hear you ask, well, no, we provide the drag, but, feel free to get your gladrags/drag/fancy dress on, all are welcome, we celebrate the ridiculous.

And here’s our Graham with a quick reminder...

SINK THE PINK

Resistance Gallery

265 Poyser Street, Bethnal Green

SAT 13th FEB 9pm-4am

Free before 10, £5 after. A lorra lorra laughs guaranteed! And thats from the pigs mouth!

Find Sink The Pink on facebook and http://www.sinkthepinklondon.com/

Big ups and respect for surviving these winter months, the suns not far away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk&feature=related

Talk soon,

Love Amy and Susan xx :)

Hi 5 from us! And some cool links...

2010-01-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Hi blog fans,

Amy here! How you doing? Happy new year! Can I say that still? I just did.

Susan and myself are buzzing about the year ahead, so much exciting stuff has happened already and its only January 19th!

We spent new year with Annie the cook, who hosted a Bugsy Malone style 1920s prohibition party, we DJed the late set and sent the prohibition era dancing til they got a sweat on with Shy FX and Wiley!

We will be back on the weekly show tip at XStreameast very soon, we popped up last week on London Fields Radio, which comes live from a Cafe in Hackney, they do an incredible Guiness and chocolate cake too, mmm amazing! Also keep your ears peeled cos another big bad show or two from us is coming soon. We're really excited!!

In the meantime, we want to bring you a few things we are rating at the moment!

Beyond Race (trend setting culture blog without a pigeonhole in site!)

Wonder How To (fun ideas for making and doing stuff for free!)

Ted (cool talks from inspiring people)

TV Gorge (its naughty and probably illegal, but its amazing!)

Big Wardrobe (don't like your clothes? Swap them! Brilliant!)

Some fun stuff there to heat up the cold winter nights, hope you enjoy!

Talk soon, we're going hard this year so you'll be hearing more from us,

Big Love

Amy (and Subo) xx

:)

Amy and Susan Christmas Special Tracklist 15th Dec 09

2009-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Slade – Merry Christmas Everybody
Florence and the Machine – Rabbit Heart (Lionheart Remix)
Basement Jaxx - Romeo
Zinc & Dynamite – Wile Out
Jackson 5 – Frosty the Snowman
Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone
Rihanna – Please Don’t Stop The Music
Chris Rea - Driving Home For Christmas
Friendly Fires – Kiss Of Life
Kid Cudi vs Crookers – Day n Nite
Supremes – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Janet Jackson – Make Me

Well Shame No Shame
Amy: Wham - Club Tropicana
Susan: True Steppers and Dane Bowers ft Victoria Beckham – Out Of Your Mind

Animal Collective – Sports Brothers
The Pogues ft Kirsty Mccall – Fairy Tale Of New York
Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind (part 2)
Fish Go Deep - The Cure and The Cause
Chris De Burgh - A Spaceman Came Travelling
Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
Kid Sister – Right Hand Hi (Caspa remix)
More Fire Crew - Oi
Chase & Status – End Credits
Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Amy & Susan Show 17/11/09 'Scotland Special' Tracklist

2009-11-21T02:47:00.000-08:00

Average White band – Pickin up the pieces
Marmaduke Duke – Silhouettes
Gnarls Barkely – Crazy
Black Coffee – Turn me on
Shannon Ried – Can you Handle It
Nextmen ft Dynamite MC – Round of Applause
Kanye West – Gold Digger
Maxwell – Pretty Wings
Chic – Good Times
Sway – Mercedes Benz
Outkast – Hey Ya
Calvin Harris – Flashback

Well Shame No Shame
Amy: Proclaimer – 500 Miles
Susan: Wet Wet Wet – Love is All Around

Janelle Monae – Sincerely Jane
Shannon – Let the music play
Blain – Because Of You
Nelly Futardo – Man Eater
Bobby Thurston – Check out the Groove
Chase n Status ft Plan B – End Credits
Florence & the Machine – You’ve Got The Love
Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill
Basement Jaxx – Oh My Gosh

We love this!

2009-11-18T02:51:00.000-08:00

Its like Sink The Pink, on the beach!

You Guide Us Brick Lane

2009-11-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

You Guide Us - Brick Lane - with Amy and Susan from AmyandSusan on Vimeo.

The first in our 'You Guide Us' guides to London.

We stepped out in Brick Lane, with only the guidance of twitter and facebook via Amys iPhone.

Big thanks to our photographer Lucy Williams: www.lucywilliamsphotography.co.uk

Let us know what you think! Where should we go next?!?

Wah ha ha London is filthy!

2009-11-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Westminster Bridge on a sunny day

Taking royal tea at the Palace

2009-11-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

We're stepping up our game. This week we took high tea at Kensington Palace just like Lady Di would have done.
We learnt to walk, curtsey, dance, take tea, and even stood next to a massive cake.

We felt we'd finally found our place, gangsta.

Brick Lane Bikes Podcast Sunday 27th September with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

2009-11-01T08:46:00.001-08:00

This Sunday was a big day for London cyclists. It was the closing party of a week of bike based films and events for the London Bicycle Film Festival 2009. There was a film showing at Corbet Place; Cities In The Dark (a series of bicycle powered events with films based in London and Uganda) and a great vibe with fixed gear, BMXers, bike poloers and anyone who enjoys getting about London on 2 wheels.

Brick Lane Bikes Podcast Sunday 27th September with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

Useful links:
http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com/?p=london
http://www.fixedgearlondon.com/
http://14bikeco.wordpress.com/
http://londonbikepolo.wordpress.com/
http://www.citiesinthedark.com/

This was London Pride 2009, this week we reflect on how far we still have to come

2009-11-01T08:34:00.001-08:00

A silent Candle-lit vigil was held on Friday in Trafalgar Square just yards away from the scene of an assault which resulted in a gay man's death.

Just as we stood and celebrated in that same spot in July to make this podcast at London Pride, it is important to show the world that criminal behaviour is unacceptable and to stand shoulder to shoulder to stop this happening again.

Please bow your head and have a moment for him.

http://www.sohopolitico.com/2009/10/last-nights-candle-lit-vigil-in.html

London Pride 2009 by Amy and Susan

Photo Jacob Love

Zambezi Express Podcast

2009-11-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

Zambezi Express Podcast with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

We went down to the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith to see the Zambezi Express. It is billed as, and truely is 'the happiest show on earth'. We took our mums! They loved it too!! More at http://www.zambeziexpress.com/

Sink The Pink take over Bollywood at Bestival 2009

2009-11-01T08:23:00.000-08:00

We LOVE Bestival!
Our club night Sink The Pink took over the Bollywood tent on the Sunday of Bestival, it was MENTALIST!
We had the best time!
Its really is the Bestival.
Check out the fun:

Amy and Susan in VOGUE

2009-11-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

A maths equation for you:

+

=

SHAME!!

This week we went along to 'The British Music Experience' which is at the o2 in Greenwich. Its amazing!

THE DANCING IS WELL SHAME THO!! click here to see

55DSL 15th Birthday Party at Carnival Podcast with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

2009-11-01T08:06:00.001-08:00

55DSL 15th Birthday Party at Carnival Podcast with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

On Sunday August 30th 2009, our good friends at 55DSL put on a monster of a party in the middle of Notting Hill Carnival to further celebrate the big 1-5.

We witnessed the It’s Bigger Than sound system, YOYO with Seb Chew & Leo Greenslade, and Skream, Katy B, Crazy Cousinz and Ms Dynamite… massive!

The vibe was large, everyone was bouncing and positive, and Amy and Susan documented the fun and talked to everyone about what was big in 1994. Stay tuned for some amazing music from back in the day and re-live the fun of the night as 55DSL does Carnival 2009 style.

BUST Londons Summer CRAFTACULAR Podcast with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

2009-11-01T07:59:00.001-08:00

BUST Londons Summer CRAFTACULAR Podcast with Amy and Susan by Amy and Susan

We're back, with a gurl power spring in our step; for we have been to an amazing event called the BUST magazines CRAFTACULAR....at York Hall Bethnal Green. Check out the action from around the stalls, the organizers, the WI girls, the cake, the fun and the giggles!

Whats the most shameful thing you've ever worn?

2009-08-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

Gday blog fans!

Amy here, how you doing today?
So, on tomorrows show we're talking F A S H I O N, i love it, the crazier the better. Which is why I love Roisin Murphy.

Roisin has been in the paper saying that Lady Gaga copied her style. We've got an interview with Roisin with us nosing round her costumes back stage, a clip from the ever wonderful Vivenne Westwood and as always, we wanna hear from you!
Whats the most shameful thing you've ever worn?

Me and Susan can hold our hands up and say that every time we DJ we pull out some shameful get-up or other, the Dalek suits anyone?!

But what about you, get in touch and share the shame! Music wise we'll be busting out some Well Shame No Shame classics too to get us in the mood for Sink The Pink (our club night)'s first birthday this friday at The Green in Angel; we hope to see you on the dancefloor!

BIG LOVE

Amy xx

What do you want from 2morro?

2009-08-04T10:05:00.001-07:00

Yes Yes!

Were you a champion of something at school? What did you want to do as a young 'un when you grew up?

We went to such a positive young peoples event on the South Bank called 2morro recently. It was very inspiring and lovely and we wanted you to know how many amazing young people there are in the world with such energy and vibe for the future. They're not all knife carriers y'know?! And tell that to ya Mail reading relatives!

Tonight 8-10pm. Listen live.
Internet radio. Its the future.

We've also got some funfunfun upbeat tunes, the nice news and the good ol' Well Shame No Shame to shake ya booty to!

Its easy to listen tonight, we're on air 8-10pm, go to:www.xstreameast.co.uk

You can listen again anytime too; even our mums have worked out how to do it so you should be able to too.

ALSO we are DJing on Wednesday (as in 2morro!) at Embassy Bar Essex Road Islington from 8pm. Party tunes from us and buy one get one free cocktails all night, nice. Come say hi.

Innit tho,

Amy and Susan

Sound of Music Dance at a train station

2009-07-29T00:54:00.000-07:00

We LOVE this

The Best Wedding Entrance Dance Ever - Chris Brown - Forever

2009-07-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

This is funny as!
It was our nice news on the show last night check it out!

(shame on CB still)

Amy and Susans Glastonbury Diary 2009

2009-07-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the madness that was Glasto 09!

Amy and Susans Glastonbury Diary 2009 from AmyandSusan on Vimeo.

We're causing trouble at Lovebox this weekend too, look out London!

The Station sessions - Trains, people and live music

2009-07-11T04:21:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening, Amy and I went to watch some live music… at the St Pancras train station.

What, St Pancras train station? I hear you cry. Well it’s true, throughout the month of July, every Thursday, live music will be wafting though the air in St Pancras while commuters make there way home.

We checked it out last Thursday and it was ace! There were 2 bands and they were actually really good (not your usual, slightly crazy, freestyling train busker!).

Momeraths - http://www.myspace.com/wherethemomerathsgo

Juan Zelada - http://www.myspace.com/zeladaband

The atmosphere in the station was great – old people were dancing with young people and, check this out, people were actually smiling! The event really did bring a touch of happiness to some of the people passing through the station.

So, if you happen to be around in St Pancras area next Thursday between 6.30ppm and 7.30pm, check it out!

To find out more about the event go to www.stationsessions.com

__________________________________________________

Amy & Susan’s ‘Mass Debate’ question is:

What is your favourite London train station and why?

Amy and Susan support Nattys Vibes and Pressure Revolution

2009-07-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this film made by youth led media platform SENSE media.
We went down to support the night and make a podcast:

Vibes and Pressure Podcast by Amy and Susan

this is the movie from the night,
we feature about 5 mins in...

Small peace makes big peace!

We love this!!!!

2009-06-16T04:40:00.000-07:00

Top Ghetto Names.....brilliant!

check it, we haven't stopped laughing!!!!

Monsoons at Glasto?

2009-06-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

EEEEEEK! Not a good prediction for Glasto weather!

But here on the Amy and Susan show we believe in the power of positive thought!

So we are keeping everything crossed for a sunny one, that or we'll be back in our dalek suits and wellies and soldiering on, can't wait either way!

Amys Cuba Diary

2009-04-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

Day 1:
Fly to Madrid....then Havana...long.
Bad food. Excited. Tired and cramped.
Arrive in Havana 10.30pm, luggage takes hours.
Taxi to Casa (you stay with families in Havana - fun!)
Its nice. Very run down street. But the female owners take amazingly good care of their home.
They have 2 dogs that hate us.

Day 2:
Awake early, still on London time.
Shower: Cold & weak. Boo.
Eat: Carbs & grease. Boo.
Walk: Centro Habana = Council Estate Ghetto meets Indian Slum meets Historic Barcelonaesque Buildings, rotted by time.
Feel as though am in a movie with a title like 'The Town That Time Forgot.'
The 50's American cars blow my mind.

Their size, colour, noise, lung aching stench and the Mary Poppins skill they have at cramming large amounts of people in them!
We stroll the streets, pasty white and blonde.
Men hiss at us and shout 'Chica!' 'Bonita!' and my favourite: 'Blanquita!' (White gal!)
I love it, theres no PC rules round here. You are what you are.
We say 'Hola' back as we don't know the etiquite.
We follow my map to the sea front of Havana and a girl about our age with dark chocolate skin and buck teeth asks us where we're from. 'Soy Ingles' I respond.
My GCSE Spanish pays some use.
Her English is as basic as my Spanish, but we continue to stroll and tell her we have just arrived.
She is studying to be a nurse and has a one year old son, shes shows us a picture.
He wears a straw hat and a gold chain and has podgey cheeks that make my heart melt.
I like her, I call her sister and Emma offers her a cigarette.
She continues to show us around her crazy city.
We ask if she'd like a drink, she takes us to a bar.
Even though its 11am we drink mojitos in the sun together.
We tell her about London and snow and our jobs.
She is wide eyed and her buck toothed mouth doesn't close.
When we pay for the drinks we give her 5 pesos and thank her for showing us around.
She is moved to tears and thanks us both.
We are ready to part ways with her, we thank her and kiss both cheeks.
She looks into my eyes and tells me her sons powder milk costs 8 pesos a day.
I feel an overwhelming sense of sisterhood and warmth towards her.
But I am not responisble for the situation here and, I remind myself, I have given her a quarter of her monthly wage and a mojito.
I thank her again, with my hand my heart and the other on her shoulder and wish her a good day.
We walk along the sea front and talk about London, we really are a long way from home.

Day 3:
Emma has a Greek friend called Micheal who lives in Havana.
He is lots of fun and runs Havana Club Rum out here.

Barmen know him, doors open. We eat and drink well. We see another Havana.
I was beginning to question it all, there had to be some kind of class system.
How could it be that they all earn 20 pesos a month? Doctors and Taxi drivers alike.
And yet some live in slums, some in mansions.
There is a class system, and its us.
Its tourists, and its them.
And within them there is a huge black market of illegal trading.
There had to be.
Life can't and doesn't work like this.
The meals with Micheal are a welcome treat. Elsewhere the food is bland, over cooked, flavourless unidentifiable slop. The service is appalingly bad and prices are shockingly high.
My body is crying for fresh fruit and vegetables.
When we arrive at one resturant, you would have no idea it was there if you didn't know.
There are no signs for anything in Havana.
The only ones I have seen mention the word 'Revolution.'

Before I left London I updated my Facebook status about coming to Havana.
My friend Joyce messaged me, she had a Cuban friend David visiting London.
We met up. He gave me the addresses of some Casas and some shoes and a bag for his girlfriend.
He also said if there was anything I no longer wore that his family would be very grateful as they were very poor.
Before I left I cleared out my wardrobe and jewlerry box.
Embarrassingly there were items unworn and untouched for years, I packed them and tonight I visited Davids girlfriend with them.
She nearly cried with joy.
These things were unwanted by me. Here they can change a life.
Its another world entirely.
Once again, I feel a long way from home.

Day 4:
We get up early and pack our bags.
We are heading for Vinales - a town in the valleys on the west coast.
Its not far from a beach, we are excited about swimming in the sea.
We get a taxi to the bus station and stand in line for tickets.
The que doesn't move for half an hour.
A Cuban couple in their 20s stand in front of me.
They are both considerably shorter than me, and i'm not tall.
Micheal had been telling me about a time in Cuba in the 90s known as the 'Special Period', where rations were worse than they are now and that the generation now who were children then are smaller and of lower health than everyone else.
As I stand in the que another 15 minutes the bus pulls in. There are 6 people in front of me.
The round ticket lady with the full moustache and cappucinno skin stares blankly at the man talking at her.
The bus pulls away as I finally get to speak to her face to furry face.
'El bus de Vinales departes a noche y dos.'
The next bus is at 2pm. It is 9.15am.
We get an overpriced, bumpy taxi to Vinales and arrive at midday.
David had given me the address of a casa in Vinales.
We pull up in the taxi and are greeted with open arms and smiling faces.
'Amiga de David? Mi Casa es tu Casa!'
Our room is beautiful.
We are fed, watered and happy.

Day 5:
We get a coach to Cayo Jutias, the most breath taking beach I have seen in my life.
Soft white power sand under my feet.
Warm wind massges my back.
Blue sea stretches out before me, calm and consistent.

I stand in the sea and spin as my fingers tap the clear waters.
I thank my Grandpa Redmond.
My trip was funded by my inheritance after his sad death this year.
'Thank you Grandpa.'
He smiles at me in the suns twinkles on the water.
I feel deep calm and happiness with the elements.

Day 6:
I am beginning to question sanitation in this country.
We visit the beach again, I eat rice and vegetables from the little cafe shak at lunchtime.
As we return to Vinales it starts to rain.
The rain is light; the individual drops are huge.
One hits my leg and forms a puddle in my shoe.
The pavement is polka dots.
We get an ice cream and a beer from the street dude and sit under the arches of the piazza.
Watching the rain and how the locals go about their daily lives, I am happy, but I am beginning to feel a little unwell.
The ice cream tastes almost powdery and may have been frozen and refrozen a few times.
Later on as the seatless toilet flushes badly for the seventh time I know I am a long way from home.

Day 7:
We take a ferry to Cayo Levisa, a very small island above Vinales.
The water is calm, electric blue and 'tranquilo.'
The wind blows on my face on the ferry, I am feeling alot better today. I smile into the horizon.
We are staying on the island for a couple of nights.
The accomodation reminds me of the cute beach huts in Thailand, its beautiful.

There are only 30 or so huts, so we really are in tranquilo paradise.
I read as the sun sets into the vast blue sea and I am overwhelmed by the power of nature.

Day 8:
I am walking in the morning sun, the beach is empty.
I reach a pier that has collapsed and not been repaired.
Look up and see rubble and fallen trees.
Last night I had been discussing the hurricane season with our new friends; a fun English couple.
Kevin had read that every year the few months of hurricanes wipe this island.
Again, the power of nature hits.
We had strong winds last night.
I try to imagine a wind strong enough to collapse this concrete pier.
That evening at dinner with our new friends Kevin and Clee, we order the fried fish and vegetables.
Our fish arrives standing up on its side, eyes facing us.
He hasn't been fried and there are no vegetables.
We laugh together and eat our fish.

Day 9:
We are leaving Cayo Levisa to return to Havana for the weekend before flying home to London.
The island has been calm, relaxing and beautiful.
Other than the funny dishes served at dinner it has been perfect paradise.
We go to the reception room to pay.
We have nick named it the diary room.
The very grumpy receptionist we call 'Granda Mama.'
She is in control and we are in Cuban Big Brother.
Our host in Vinales had assured us we could use a VISA card, so we do.
Grande Mama accidently charges me 851.27. We owe 126.
6 other members of staff take 3 hours to refund and rectify the problem.
In this time no one offers me an apology, or even looks at me.
I am struck by how truely different our cultures are and how truely bad the service can be.
I am reading a book about Cuba as I wait, I read my exact thoughts:
"How little there is in Cuba that is just so-so: its either totally dispiriting, or just so wonderful that I want to have all my friends instantly by my side."

Day 10:
A weekend in Havana.
Havanarama!
We spend Saturday walking through old Havana, I buy a beautiful book of photographs from an exceptionally intelligent man. He really knows and loves his books.
In the afternoon we sneak into a really posh hotel to the 8th floor swimming pool. The view is amazing across Havana. We swim and lie by the pool.
Its really swanky and everyone is English with Gucci bags.
I feel proud to return to our Casa later, where the streets smell of piss, the dogs bark and the real Havana happens.
We meet up with an English guy we'd met on the plane.
We eat Turkish food. Its good! Hurrah!
We go for Mojitos and bump into a group of Canadian guys we'd met in Vinales.
We are gathering a clan.
The party continues local style:
A bottle of Havana Club Rum on the sea front with a guitar.
A very fun last night in Havana.

Day 11:
The sun shines bright.
We visit the Afro Cuban music festival on the Hamal.
The Hamal is an amazing street frull of brightly coloured art in a pretty ghetto part of town.
Its like Notting Hill Carnival every Sunday.
Live Afro Cuban music, dancing and drinking in the sunshine.
We walk to the sea front.
Its busier than usual, Sunday, everyone's out in the sunshine.
Everyone is so beautiful, families stroll, there are smiles and laughter everywhere.
I fall in love a million times a day in Cuba.
We climb the wall and see groups sitting, playing, fishing, swimming, laughing.
We swim in our pants and bras.
The locals laugh and watch the 'Blanquitas'.
As we leave we get respect for swimming. (Its not easy to get in the sea from the sea front in Havana.)
The hissing and 'Beautiful Ladies' remarks continue as we walk along in the sunshine.
We know how to deal with it now. I smile politely. I'll miss them.
The last time we will walk this road.
Huge rain chucks down as we drive to the airport.
Cuba, you are a confused, disheartening, incredible, welcoming, beautiful island.
Havana, a city of juxtaposition.
Thank you for having me.
For the joy and the laugher and the tears of the people of Cuba, who know nothing else.
I cry a little with the rain.

Colour Me Beautiful

2009-02-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

This is the clip we were chatting about on the show this week, soo funny!
Check out her eye at the end!
What is that about?!
Love Amy and Su x

Marriage??? - by Amy

2009-02-18T06:39:00.000-08:00

When my parents got married that was it,
life long commitment and love.

Their wedding photo shows wide eyed innocence about the whole thing. But also it shows confidence and trust in the unknown.
Because they were learning it all together, they had each other to fumble in the dark with, as it were.

In the picture, mums around my age, infact, I think she'd had my older brother by my age. Shit. To me that is mental, I can't even imagine it. Maybe theres too much choice now. In a way the old way seems alot clearer, easier, neater:

Boy meets girl - courts - meets the family - marriage - babies - live together.

The order in my generation is more like the opposite!

In the simple parents of the past equation there was each other, each others family and your shared friends. One landline, one letterbox. Now i've got hundreds of different relationships all over the place; texting, poking, IMing, skyping, emailing, calling and all whilst on the running machine in the gym checking out the muscle man personal trainer, nice.

We are all so interlinked, so out there, so free. And yet so unaccessible and so disconnected! Me and Sus were talking about the lack of even eye contact on public transport. But its normal to join a dating site and let a stranger know you like anal!?!!

I'm not knocking the way we do it now. I love the freedom, the self expression, the personal journey we're all on. But how come i've met so many amazing people still alone, not yet finding that special person. Amazing catches too!

Have we come full circle that we are so surrounded by methods of communication that the one basic human desire of love and connection becomes unreachable and impossible to hold onto?

Is there too much choice? Are we so used to changing the channel that we'd like a new partner now the old one doesnt look like the hunky personal trainer?!

Saying all of this, my parents are now divorced, so i'm not advocating that the find-a-man-and-keep-him policy is the ideal path. More the knowing of self, then finding that person.

Both of my parents are in new happy relationships, and thats all you can ask for as a child, to see them both happy. Just like them for you.

Will my generation be the same? Or will we divorce later because we married later? Or not marry at all? Or stop caring and have a laugh, and ooh whos that messaging me on Facebook....mmm?!

But if in the meantime we get swept off our feet by a (virtual or real) hunk then so be it. We might even end up in a picture like the one here.

Not Killing a House Plant

2009-02-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

Very busy city living and keeping a house plant sometimes do not work in unison. There are times when I’m not home for a few days, so I went for a tough pink orchid, they're supposed to be able to handle a few dry days.

I started well, incorporating the orchid feed into my daily routine. I cleaned my teeth; I fed my plant, I washed up; I fed my plant. I got in drunk and downed a pint of water; plant got the last gulp from the glass. She understood me and I understood her, we had an understanding with each other.

Such a positive start, our relationship was blooming. She made me look good. I felt like a righteous person, a busy life and a healthy plant. Why, think what a mother I would one day make! Stopping to polish my halo and boast about my perfect life I began to forget the plant feed memory triggers. Poor plant.

I only noticed my neglect when I saw dry dead leaves on the side by the plant pot. I was a bad person, I knew it. So I fed the plant a full pint, til it overflowed, then forgot again for two weeks.

It’s been quite a journey with this orchid. Til death do us part, and she went first. She still stands on the side in my bedroom, reminding me of my neglect. I won't do it again, I promise. I shall not step foot inside a garden centre until I can commit fully to the practice of not killing a house plant.

Perhaps there should be tests or licences? I can't be the only one regularly killing innocent house plants. Had I gained a 'plant owners licence' I might have felt sufficiently ready for such a commitment. But then again, once you start introducing plant licences, it opens up the door to pet and child licences and you don't want to start me on that.

I'm going out to buy a cactus, they're no trouble.

RIP

Extreme tube dieting

2009-02-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

This could be a new phenomenon. 'I lost a stone on the circle line. Man stays on the circle line going around and around for weeks, in a David Blane style attempt to lose weight.'

I can see the celebrity TV show spin offs and the regional copy dieters trying it on connex, or the budget version on the megabus -'Woman goes to Bristol and back 17 times on the megabus in an attempt to lose baby weight.'

Jokes aside, tube hunger is a serious issue. If hunger strikes and you happen to be on a long journey and don't fancy a melted, dusty Boost bar, it could be diet time.

Last Christmas, for some reason, I was trying the Carol Vorderman detox diet. By day two I’d only read the first few pages, but I was so keen to look like Carol that I ate celery and humus only for a couple of days and fainted on the central line. Bloody Vorderman.

How embarrassed was I on the way up the escalator being held up by 2 paramedics at rush hour for having eaten only celery for a bit. Fool. I know, I seriously learned my lesson. Girls, stand tall, eat well, live.

The tube diet is a bit like the tube blow dry, which is where a girl with wet hair stands at the connecting doors open window and lets her hair blow dry in the wind. It sounds like a good idea, and maybe even a time saver, but in practice you'll just wish you had a nice breakfast, dried your hair and got the bus.

Don't Jealous Me!

2009-02-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Susans Nigerian brother speaks some truths!

Listening advice...

2009-01-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!

Hope all are well this sunny monday??! I went out on my bike today, and wore SHADES, SHADES! It was that sunny! I can feel the seasons changing, YEEEEAAAAHHHHOOOOO!

Anyway, my friend Hannah and a couple of others have said they've tried listening to our XStream East radio show and couldn't work out the website, theres absolutely no reason why you should be able to work it out, its really confusing, and not that obvious.
So, heres a simple instruction manual for listening or listening again to our radio show, cos we want you on side. We want your ears!

We are live tuesday 8-10pm
go to
www.xstreameast.co.uk
click on LISTEN LIVE (its at the TOP RIGHT of the page)

Or if you're listening again
go to
www.xstreameast.co.uk
click on SHOWS, then AMY AND SUSAN
and theres a bit called SHOW ARCHIVES at the BOTTOM RIGHT of the page
you can listen to 4 old shows on there....

I hope that makes sense dudes and makes it easy to tune in to our shows,
we love you for supporting us,

message us during the show, we will be sure to shout you out!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Amy xxxx

New Start, Take two!

2009-01-19T06:49:00.001-08:00

Hey peeps,
It’s Susan here. I know this is a tad late but,… Happy New Year!!!

I hope 2009 is treating you well so far. I’m not going to lie, January is a pants month but let’s look on the bright side; we’re already 19 days in, yay!

I’m going to talk New Year’s resolutions, how are you all doing?

Here are the resolutions I started the New Year with:
• Exercise at least 3 times a week
• Get more organised
• New moto: Do it now, not later!

Recent research* shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. They’re not really the best odd, are they?

So, it’s no surprise that it’s week 3 of 2009 and my new moto is a distant echo, my room is in more of a mess than it was in 2008 and I’ve been to the gym ONCE in 2009. On paper that doesn’t look very good but I’m okay with that. I’m not going to beat myself up about my failure, no I’m not! I’ve decided I’m going to change my resolutions. I’m can to do that because they are MY resolutions. Also, I believe New Year’s resolutions are meant to make you feel better about yourself, not worse.

So, here are my January 19th Resolutions:
• Try to do more exercise (aim for twice a week – well done if you do more, no worries if you do less!)
• Organise when you can and try to enjoy it
• Try to do more fun things in London (especially dancing)
• Newer moto: Always look on the bright side of life!

I feel lighter now, even if I don’t achieve them all I can have fun trying.
Happy January 19th to you all!
SUx

* Statistics from Wikipedia.

Extreme Tube Knitting!

2009-01-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

It’s the new revolution.

Bonus if you have a long journey. Start by nabbing yourself a seat, those little single ones on the district line are a perfect work space, but work with what you've got people.

I find scarves or very simple patterns work best on the tube (unless you're seriously advanced and can handle counting your knits/pearls/rows whilst giving up your seat to a granny.) I'm not that good, so I’m sticking with a simple a 10-stitch scarf for now.

Choose your wool carefully, best not to co-ordinate with your particular tube lines colour, saves you getting your wool lost in the hand rail, maypole stylee. (Unless you're on the Northern line, the colours all link up with their handrails except there. Man, I’ve spent too long on tubes.)

Anyway, I find giving my yarn its own separate bag a bonus, gives the wool space to roll about as you pull at it. Stick the bag between your feet and knit in your lap area, depending on how crowded your train is. Be prepared, you may get some looks, envy mainly, because you will be enjoying yourself and using your journey productively!

Tube knitting is, on a smaller scale, like travelling with a baby or a dog, people will talk to you. Do not be afraid if this, it’s great. Granny's give you a respectful nod and check out your technique, sometimes they'll give you a handy tip, respect the oldies, they know their yarn. Occasionally a young lad will tell you his mum used to knit and then he'll watch, transfixed by your needles clicking. He may have a tear in his eye, so give him a smile, it will make his day.

Be prepared, knitting is an addiction; you will find yourself using and meaning the phrase 'just one more line.'

One last tip, don't miss your stop.

Milk

2009-01-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to see a film called Milk at the ICA. You have to see this film!

Its about a guy named Harvey Milk and its set in 1970s San Francisco, a time I feel connected to; the hippies in double denim, that’s my vibe! It was also a time of great liberation for the gay community, which is what I champion here in London 2009 too! Man, I wept through this movie last night, it was a jam packed cinema as it was an early screening (I was nearly the only girl!) we'd had our tickets booked ages ago, and boy was it worth it…

Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk, and does the role incredible justice. It constantly flips back to him dictating his story onto tape as part of his will, a very clever timeline narrative. Having seen footage of Harvey Milk himself I especially rate Penns research and acting skills, the films amazing anyway, but he made it for me. The film documents the triumph as the USA’s first openly gay politician in San Francisco and the tragedy of his death.

With clips of actual news and documentary footage, the film is extra emotional because you are watching history, real lives that have fought for what they believe in, for what they are, fighting against injustice and ignorance, and building a future for the next generation, us lot. Its not perfect by any means now, but we can watch this and feel hope. I loved Milks consistent speech: "You've got to give them hope."

Word is that after the San Fran screening of Milk there was a crowd of activists demonstrating outside against Proposition 8 (a US law about to come in, to annul the legality of same-sex marriages in California.) After seeing Milk fight Proposition 6 (which saw gay teachers being banned from teaching in schools) it is a telling sign of how far we've come but at the same time how far we still have to go.

More recently the storefront where Milk set up his campaign base has become a sort of museum/shrine for Milk, with the striped suit he was wearing when he was assassinated hanging up in the window. Stained with blood, ripped by bullet holes, people have been flocking to this spot in memory of "the mayor of Castro Street."

These are positive, peaceful times. We are living in the most peaceful time in history, believe it or not. The symbol of the first African-American man winning the presidency is big. As Milk had, offering something to the community that they hadn't had until then. He spoke up for and inspired young gay men and women to comfortably come out to their families and friends and feel accepted in a world that had previously been so unwelcoming. I felt inspired and educated by this film last night. And maybe its just the eternal optimist in me, but I feel hopeful and proud of how far we have come. Well aware that there is more to do, use this film to inspire you and do what you can towards making things better. Small peace creates big peace. We can all have hope, cheers Harvey.

Milk is released on 23 January.
http://www.milkmovie.co.uk/

Extreme tube clothing

2009-01-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Winter on the London Underground, its a tough one.

It may be cold outside, but down there it still feels hot like the Sahara desert, like it does in summer.

You may be wearing 2 thick layers and a winter coat, but by the time you have fought and shuffled your way onto the tube you will wish you were wearing a bikini and flip flops (men included.) And that you weren't hundreds of foot underground, with 200 hot and bothered padded armpits in your face. How are we supposed to deal with this people? I think the answer is in layering, which i'm a big fan of anyway!

Be prepared to go from your fully jacketed, hat and scarved level as you pass through the gates, to cardigan/sweater level on the escalator, to t-shirt/vest level on the tube, then rebuilding the outfit again as you exit the station.

Don't be fooled into readjusting and thinking you have stepped onto a time travel tube back to 2 summers gone, when the sun shone bright and the London heat was immense. I have been victim to this cruel disappointment, stepping out at Oxford Circus, wearing skirt and small vest, to be greeted with wind and rain, to the sound of the shoe repair men’s laughter.

Carry a bag that will fit all of these layers in when they are not needed, it can be a mare to be carrying scarves, jumpers, hats and brollies when jumping up to offer your seat to a granny. Which we all do. Note, Londoners are nice people. We may not talk on the tube, but if you need a seat more than us, it’s yours.

Extreme tube clothing. It’s a mission, but its survival people.

Alternatively, get the bus.

New Year, New Start...

2009-01-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hello blog reading friend!

How are you? Hows this new year treating you? 2009 hey? How did that happen?
Did you hear our yoga podcast on last weeks show? I've been trying my hardest to follow the wise words of the yoga teachers i spoke to. But to be honest, I love biscuits too much. I did a class today and I am feeling KNACKERED now, man, it really takes it out of you when you've been out of the loop. But i feel taller, longer and leaner. And it made me choose soup over bread at lunchtime, it just makes me want to look after my body better. Heres to a positive start! And a few biscuits thrown in!

Me and Susan are so excited about this year, we've got loads going on! Theres a Facebook Page now, so just type 'Amy and Susan' into facebook and you'll find us there, grinning at you! It is full of essential Amy and Susan info, pictures, where we are DJing, videos, podcasts, links to hear us live on the radio and other fun stuff... we'd love you to be a part of it! Get involved! Yay!

I'm going to see Milk at the ICA tonight, im really excited, i've heard good things! I'll let you know how it is...

Big love friends,

Amy x x x

(this is us DJing at Sink The Pink on friday, it was legendary! come down to the next one! fri 13th feb - valentines snogathon!!)

Christmas is coming and I'm getting fat!

2008-12-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

It's Susan here, the blond one. This is my first ever blog post and I'm gonna get all festive up on yo'ass. I've eaten my body weight in Christmas sweets and biscuits and it's only going to get worse over the coming days - I plan to embrace this time!

I wasn't really feeling the Christmas vibe a week ago but Amy and I went to the Southbank to check out the Christmas markets and it's amazing what fairy lights, the sound of sledge bells and smiley faces can do. We met some great people. The Kraft Werk Christmas helper was my favourite! His festive cheer was a crack-up.

We also met Mrs Claus, she was well cool. She's been teaching kids how to decorate ginger bread biscuits. She is such a strong woman. To think, on Christmas night she spends the whole night alone as her husband travels the world going up and down chimneys, stuffing his face with cookies and getting treats left by randoms. Everyone thinks of Santa on Christmas, he's the one with all the songs but we should all spare a thought for Mrs Claus, all alone on the night before Christmas. Her strength inspires me.

Well, I'm going to end there. I think I've rambled enough. Make sure you listen to our Christmas podcast. It will get you in the mood to pull a cracker!

Big love,
SUx

Amy and Susans Christmas Podcast! Ho Ho Ho!

2008-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Amy and Susans Christmas Podcast! Ho Ho Ho! by Amy and Susan

Merry Christmas dudes! x x x

Loopfest

2008-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Loopfest Podcast by Amy and Susan

amaaaazing London people

2008-11-20T14:48:00.001-08:00

I love this city so much. I met some right crackers this week!
I rode my bike to angel and wandered around the vintage shops behind upper street, theres some treats around there. I went into one shop called Pennies, full of vintage treasures, from clothes, to china to pearls, mmm! I excitedly told the lady (who it turned out was Penny) that i loved everything, she was brilliant, she said 'oh i dont, its all alwful'. Amazing sales technique! She was honestly the most negative person i've ever met in my life, but quite aware that she was, and able to laugh about it! Pretty much the opposite of me so we had some brilliant 'hows fulls your glass' conversations, i love her! her gay son buys all the stock (he has a great eye - i chatted to him on the phone whilst there too!)
I ended up buying 2 dresses that are ridiculous! i will defo be wearing the pink lace number at Sink The Pink on Friday December 5th, its gonna be a rad night! Susan look out, you're gonna have to come up with something BIG to outdo this outfit, its like Well Shame No Shame, but in clothing format!!

I also saw this ghetto dude getting well lairy at a bus driver on tottenham court road earlier, the bus driver had driven into his back wheel and it was indented into the front of the bus! No one was hurt, but his bike was so nice, and it was wrecked, gutted for him.
I was lugging a Dehumidifier to the bus stop, we've got damp in our flat, boo. Apparantly its not good for the lungs, if i start wheezing on air you know why. That, or another overdose of Iron Bru flavoured wham bars...mmm...

Over and out, its getting late and i'm going onair with Kissy Sell Out at midnight. I'm on the green tea, rock and roll! Still in recovery from staying up til 6am drinking jack with sam get cape after the loop fest (which i made a podcast on btw - coming on next tuesdays show.) A week of Bikram Yoga, then a night on the jack, Ying/Yang ahoy! All good!
Peace out!
Susan, lets hear ya sister!
Amo xx

Crispival podcast

2008-11-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

Crispival Podcast by Amy and Susan

numero uno blogo

2008-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

yoyoyo

so we're in business, its blog number one!

its amy here, of amy and susan.

i'm the black one (on the inside) but the blonde one (on the outside.)

susan is the blondest person you'll ever meet (on the inside) and the blackest (on the outside.)

thank you for being here, you have made a wise choice!

what we are doing here is our personal mission that we set upon, even way back when we were pals as teenagers, and it is what we still do now as "nu-grown-ups" in 2008. that mission is to create small peace. everyday peace around us, the people we meet that inspire us, good, positive stories of optimism and hope, normalness, integrity, dignity, wisdom, silliness, fun, smiles, laughter and love. to package it all in as many formats as we can; radio, podcasting, blogging, videos, vodcasts, qik (how exciting is qik?!) and share it with as many people as we can.

it is our responsibility and purpose to take in as much joy as we can, in order to share as much joy as we can, that surely is our greatest purpose. we love love. we love to laugh. we hope you do too. we can share alot of joy, we are overflowing people!

bring it on!

over and out blog one from A to the M to the Y,

big peace and love

the naked hippy

amy xxx