tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67102538460400048752024-03-17T18:23:22.741+00:00Frankie's WeekendBlogging all things running, recipes and restaurant reviews.KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-44179720080884188322020-08-03T15:09:00.001+01:002020-08-03T15:40:57.790+01:00The Wine List<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">Despite
everything hideous going on with Coronavirus, and back when we were in the
midst of the strict house-bound lockdown, one thing I really looked forward to
were Friday nights in; cooking new recipes from legendary restaurants that had
been shared on Instagram (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_hWaeggcU2/">Sugo pomodoro recipe</a></b>, I’m looking at you…), turning the kitchen into a little bar and
settling in for a night of garlicky pasta, a lot of wine and a Spotify playlist
on really loud. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LsKsnT61xlt9Ov-nBSUorjxDjR8bbwZeZM13h2c_yPZG8rdhvEWGbLukP1CiCXvW554iD9AxAeyi-llg52p04FLXBAw6uUwjSbqi1OfMbZ64Eyi5vvTtAGoXxnfy4wxfec4kbvxO3PA/s4032/IMG_7774.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LsKsnT61xlt9Ov-nBSUorjxDjR8bbwZeZM13h2c_yPZG8rdhvEWGbLukP1CiCXvW554iD9AxAeyi-llg52p04FLXBAw6uUwjSbqi1OfMbZ64Eyi5vvTtAGoXxnfy4wxfec4kbvxO3PA/s640/IMG_7774.jpeg" /></a></div><font face="georgia"><br /></font><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">Throughout
the lockdown we had some amazing ‘foodie’ experiences – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/manchesterpastaco/?hl=en" target="_blank">Manchester Pasta Co</a></b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/" target="_blank">SixBy Nico</a></b> were stand outs, and I was also approached by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><a href="https://www.thewinelist.net/" target="_blank">The Wine List</a></u></b> to try their subscription service, which
turned out to be another lovely way to pass a Friday evening at home.<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">For the
past eighteen months or so I’ve kept a little ‘wine diary’ where if I like a
bottle, I’ll peel off the label, stick it in the book and curate a little entry
on what I could taste, what I liked about it, what I ate with it, who I was
with, the occasion etc. It’s been really nice looking back at food and drink memories,
and we have notably drank a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lot </i>more
in lockdown (and coming out of the other side), so it was a bit like fate when
I saw the message from The Wine List asking if I wanted to try it for a month. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">The Wine List is very much a ‘night in’ event in itself. You get two
premium bottles delivered from lesser known and often surprising vineyards
(this red was from a small family run vineyard in Italy – it was abandoned
until 2003 when owners Carlo and Laura restored it to its former glory). <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWfXqKxGAsS3xuklWPiTrgocat2S-VAbzq_zUplbFvlId6PxCVFexGgYu0tpktunFQW0npqT9Birh7hOYCozK3WYE89wJtzKG3dTlN6kfnnFX6S3rkxfB0TiytFKpAdp_tPzibGeZysk/s4032/IMG_7836.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWfXqKxGAsS3xuklWPiTrgocat2S-VAbzq_zUplbFvlId6PxCVFexGgYu0tpktunFQW0npqT9Birh7hOYCozK3WYE89wJtzKG3dTlN6kfnnFX6S3rkxfB0TiytFKpAdp_tPzibGeZysk/s640/IMG_7836.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXBkBhPricpYED7reE-OCwUIcvml_6eCpBloTKmlPB4MRuR3rZSb9A4MWZnuQbvnwAQISxUky5vQgLKi3r0N8Xt6AIt781tjD5JjNJKZCS-9OXNvgjOdNZDI5Swb6x4XlgsynOKBiizs/s2048/IMG-8374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXBkBhPricpYED7reE-OCwUIcvml_6eCpBloTKmlPB4MRuR3rZSb9A4MWZnuQbvnwAQISxUky5vQgLKi3r0N8Xt6AIt781tjD5JjNJKZCS-9OXNvgjOdNZDI5Swb6x4XlgsynOKBiizs/w480-h640/IMG-8374.jpg" title="My wine diary..." width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wine diary...</div> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">The Wine List has its roots firmly in discovery and calls itself a
‘discovery and education-focused wine subscription box’. It’s aimed at the ‘amateur
enthusiast’ (love that phrase – definitely me… v enthusiastic, but not really a
clue what I’m talking about!) who is looking to level up their knowledge.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">It’s £39 and each month you’ll get;<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="georgia"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Two bottles priced around £15-20 each and they pride
themselves on valuing lesser known regions, grapes and winemakers<o:p></o:p></span></font></li><li><font face="georgia"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Interactive tasting cards to jot down your thoughts
and to help guide you with wine aromas<o:p></o:p></span></font></li><li><font face="georgia"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">‘Wine Roots’ – their wine course programme – one
key concept explained over twelve months (our ‘lesson’ was wine vessels and how
oak / stainless steel / clay barrels change the taste of wine – I love an oak
aged rioja reserva so this was an interesting read!)<o:p></o:p></span></font></li><li><font face="georgia"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Access to the Wine List community, including a
really useful email newsletter with supermarket suggestions, a spotlight on
particular vineyards and other recommendations.</span></font></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">So to be clear, it’s not a wine delivery subscription service where you
get delivered 6 or 12 bottles at cost price, but it isn’t trying to be. Their
brand is aimed at those curious about wine and offers a unique way to discover
wines you probably wouldn’t choose yourself. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><font face="georgia"> </font></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qymXbvzd_hE79f-wG-2NMDpXQW3TZovnkMT6Hj84zseYRbvy15QPAYWyPI0ue6SQZgECWd7luPy1hMoI9ADiPcKiQ61JLm4nnfvHYYE3z-_MvrS7H4s9HqyI1GmWUFhh8GS0vtaQtk8/s2048/IMG_7778.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qymXbvzd_hE79f-wG-2NMDpXQW3TZovnkMT6Hj84zseYRbvy15QPAYWyPI0ue6SQZgECWd7luPy1hMoI9ADiPcKiQ61JLm4nnfvHYYE3z-_MvrS7H4s9HqyI1GmWUFhh8GS0vtaQtk8/s640/IMG_7778.jpeg" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimLgT-5xyOC2iu34cYl-aEgZXScpW-HaWL5Fh_PaA5P_7Pp3QDRPgm1M13EH6f2dKRPTmLcbABVuyabmqDGSNRMOPQndOXuN8c_fmtBc37Ip2UKWqHtdjkmtQeLZkoapafa1v8aex1pE/s2048/IMG_7781.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimLgT-5xyOC2iu34cYl-aEgZXScpW-HaWL5Fh_PaA5P_7Pp3QDRPgm1M13EH6f2dKRPTmLcbABVuyabmqDGSNRMOPQndOXuN8c_fmtBc37Ip2UKWqHtdjkmtQeLZkoapafa1v8aex1pE/s640/IMG_7781.jpeg" width="640" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">It’s great if, like me, you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">think</i>
you know a little bit about wine: you know what you like, but want to expand
and learn more on taste dynamics, increase your knowledge on types of wine, and
want something a little bit interactive to help you (how nice is the design and
branding on the tasting notes cards – I love the alchemy style). </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">For the night in question, we’d ordered from our
favourite pizza place - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Double Zero 00</b>
(for about the third time in lockdown…) and it was a lovely balmy summer
evening – the aforementioned Spotify playlist was on and we’d had a good chat
(no phones) to try and replicate being out in a restaurant. Our holiday to
Italy was cancelled in June and so through various means I’ve been trying to
bring a slice of Italy to Chorlton (hence the Sugo, Manchester Pasta Co, Double
Zero theme…) so it was perfect that this bottle was an Italian red!<o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><font face="georgia"> </font></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6glFGObkR1ueGAJIvljRzL1v_yu4O5D-sFegg5Rgs-n-3P4p7CZUsUJOA9GEqr_TbPhvjacfU8jWZFaEpkf6trnjbQXIMuRPkzAKmqRpFr6eZigssySGfhgkr9aZXY4AebjrC2cfMFkQ/s2048/IMG_7833.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6glFGObkR1ueGAJIvljRzL1v_yu4O5D-sFegg5Rgs-n-3P4p7CZUsUJOA9GEqr_TbPhvjacfU8jWZFaEpkf6trnjbQXIMuRPkzAKmqRpFr6eZigssySGfhgkr9aZXY4AebjrC2cfMFkQ/s640/IMG_7833.jpeg" /></a></font></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">Armed with our taste card, we set about swirling
and sniffing before taking a sip and ticking items from the ‘aroma profile’. If
you turn the card over you’re given a wine story, and this is where it gets
really interesting, you learn all about the winemaker and also get The Wine
Lists’ first impression and taste notes of that wine too – you could read this
first if you wanted guidance, or do what we did and boldly go about ticking
notes and then seeing if we’d identified similar flavours (it was close, but no
cigar…). You’re also given food pairing suggestions, grape information and
suggestions on how to look for a wine like this in the supermarket (v v
helpful), amongst other things.</font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><font face="georgia"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">These interactive personal tasting note cards are a
great way to encourage you to put your stamp on what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>can taste and what you like, rather than feeling silly that you
couldn’t taste the ‘dominant vanilla hue’ or something. It’s a great way to get
yourself feeling more confident that you can identify fruits and flavours and
styles and grapes.</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><font face="georgia"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We
loved this novel way to explore new wines and as nights in at home are arguably
now giving pubs and bars a run for their money, this is a lovely way to feel
like you’re doing something a little bit different. It’s such a great idea, and
I’ve safely stuck the taste cards into my wine diary to call on in the future.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">Visit their
website to find out more – <o:p></o:p></font></span><a href="https://www.thewinelist.net/">https://www.thewinelist.net/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><font face="georgia">The Wine List sent me these bottles to review
and as always, all views and opinions are my own. <o:p></o:p></font></span></i></p><br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-16053632955410918402019-05-30T22:36:00.000+01:002019-06-10T23:02:20.425+01:00Liverpool: A great afternoon at Baltic Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLOxbCqd_CO92Lqet7su6nTW2Sdsgek7zNqG4tFMXdX-5yiRPtarMsifHiSucrdatIzVYgfOFCRe1OVZuHyy4YIZMzFNhoC-DQu4jdZIpiy9QuvosStL5bKMmkc2fAzSsywLPo7PdEfM/s1600/image_123986672+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLOxbCqd_CO92Lqet7su6nTW2Sdsgek7zNqG4tFMXdX-5yiRPtarMsifHiSucrdatIzVYgfOFCRe1OVZuHyy4YIZMzFNhoC-DQu4jdZIpiy9QuvosStL5bKMmkc2fAzSsywLPo7PdEfM/s640/image_123986672+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't believe I'm a marathon runner. Like actually still a bit in denial about it all! What a day. I'm currently pulling together a post on the things I learnt from doing a marathon that I can't wait to share; I think I'm still processing it all to be honest! Whilst I try and whittle down the things I learnt running my first 26.2, here's a food post as naturally, the day involved a <i>lot</i> of food. And drink.<br />
<br />
As most of you know, I was running in memory of my best friend Georgia's mum, so her family and some of my family were coming up to support for the weekend. They'd been looking for <a href="https://uk.hotels.com/de547662/hotels-liverpool-united-kingdom/" target="_blank">hotels in Liverpool</a> and stuff to do either side of the marathon to make the most of the big trip from Bristol to Liverpool. Georgia stayed in Hotel Indigo and wow - what a relief it was to know that I could shower and freshen up after the run. I've never been more grateful for a shower!<br />
<br />
Georgia had found Tusk in the Baltic Quarter, Googling restaurants for dinner whilst I was running (hard day for some of us). As there were ten of us (I had a great cheer squad!), we thought it sounded like a good place to go as a group.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Straight after I'd crossed the finish line, and for a good few hours after, food was (perhaps unsurprisingly) the last thing on my mind. I felt sick and completely out of it, so naturally... it was on to a pub for a few drinks. Probably not the healthiest of refuelling strategies!<br />
<br />
I'd heard really good things about the Baltic Triangle, a former industrial area now home to lots of bars, art galleries and art centres, cafes, food halls, and bars with plenty of outdoor seating - which was great as the sun decided to come out!<br />
<br />
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We attempted to get a table in Baltic Market but it was rammed (a great sign); really buzzing with music, drinks flowing and bank holiday mode in full swing - it would've been perfect had I not just run a marathon and in need of some food, quite quickly!<br />
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We turned the corner and came across <a href="http://www.tuskbaltic.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tusk</a>. Offering meat, veggie and vegan options, they had a table for us right away, we were sold!<br />
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Tusk describes itself as a 'food and drink sanctuary', with a log burner, big bar and plenty of tables, and an overarching industrial vibe. We arrived about 6.30 and so sat amongst others in for an early dinner and people chilling next to the log burner.<br />
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It's also Liverpool's first ever carbon neutral restaurant (they plant over 100 trees a month), which is pretty cool; very impressive. As a 'carbon free dining certified partner' they plant a fruit tree in the developing world to balance out the environmental impact of the meal and helps to end poverty.<br />
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If you know me, you know I'm now a vegetarian eco-warrior like the rest of them, so I was sold. Even more happier to be doing my bit for the planet whilst drinking aperol...<br />
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The menu on Sunday was centered on hot dogs and burgers, with a load of sides. I liked the fact that although they're heavily focused on their plant based menu, each vegan or veggie option came with a meat version too, so my meat eating fam and friends could choose what they wanted, too.<br />
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We shared a few portions of nachos between us to start and ordered a few bottles of malbec.<br />
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For my main, I had the veggie burger - an insane plant based burger that looked and tasted so much like meat. Hands down the most 'realistic' meatless burger I've tried. That, coupled with sweet potato fries (and pinching a few halloumi fries from across the table), was a great post-marathon refuel.<br />
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Despite being so full, a waiter really kindly brought me out surprise churros and chocolate dip to say well done for running the marathon... along with a huge shot of black sambuca!<br />
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It was a great way for me (and friends and fam) to celebrate such a big achievement, I loved it! If you're in Liverpool soon and in need of a restaurant / bar / area recommendation, I'd really recommend Baltic Triangle - the atmosphere was amazing (it reminded me of a cross between Hamburg and Belfast) - well worth going.<br />
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<i>Some spending money was given to me by Hotels.com which I put towards this meal, but all views are my own!</i>KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-81927533313530095062019-01-14T18:02:00.000+00:002019-01-15T10:49:15.786+00:00A weekend in Amsterdam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On the second weekend in December, I took James away to Amsterdam as a surprise for his birthday. I'd been planning it meticulously for months and managed to get away with not revealing anything! On the Friday night the day before we flew, I gave him a wrapped Lonely Planet guide and let him know that we needed to be up really early (we were on the 5.55am flight).<br />
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I <i>always</i> get really itchy feet in January and seem to draw up longer, more elaborate travel plans and aspirations than at any other time of the year, so if you're feeling like you need to book a cheeky weekend away then I can't recommend Amsterdam enough; we both left talking about when we could come back, and we're planning another trip soon, as it was so easy to get to: we don't live far from Manchester Airport, the flight is just over an hour and Amsterdam airport is a 20 min train ride into the centre.<br />
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We'd both been before but separately, about eight years ago (hello, inter-railing with the one and only Kate Stephens!), but I was eager to go back after hearing such good things from friends who had been recently. Struggling a little for annual leave, it was great to see decent weekend flight times - the flights we got meant we landed at 8am Saturday and didn't fly back till 9.30pm Sunday night, giving us two full days and one night, and no annual leave required!<br />
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So, here's what we did in those 36 hours... there's a shed load more that the city has to offer (I had so many recommendations from friends on places and things to try that we just couldn't fit in), but this list was a great starter for ten and an amazing way to spend the weekend, we both said we felt like we'd been there a good three days with everything we crammed in!<br />
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<b><i>Brunch at G's Really Nice Place, De Pijp </i></b><br />
http://www.reallyniceplace.com/<br />
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We got straight on a train at the airport into the centre and then a quick tram to the De Pijp neighbourhood for much needed breakfast. Usually, I'm a firm believer in walking everywhere on a city break, but due to our flight being delayed a little bit, we were running late for our brunch booking (note: everywhere i'd looked at for brunch needed booking - some were booked weeks out so I'd definitely call a couple of weeks ahead).<br />
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This place really set the tone for us for the weekend and was exactly what we needed, would highly recommend! The menu was lushh and they specialise in bloody Mary's, so we ordered a couple of those too. I went for huevos pedro (those black beans!) with a side of halloumi, and James got the Benny New York.<br />
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G's have also got a place in the Jordaan neighbourhood & a brunch boat which sounds cool - definitely one for the summer.<br />
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Other amazing looking brunch recommendations included: <i>Bakers & Roasters, Avocado Show, Little Collins, Coffee & Coconuts, Scandinavian Embassy, Omelegg & Cut Throat Barber.</i><br />
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Feeling fueled (and a little hazy after three hours sleep and a strong bloody Mary), we ambled along de Pijp and made our way to Dam square. Amsterdam is so easy to get around on foot as it's quite compact, but they've also got a great tram network if walking isn't your thing. We spent hours over the weekend just ambling round the canals and neighbourhoods, taking it all in, and would highly recommend just pottering about, finding cosy cafes (pubs) or canal-side bars to chill out in.<br />
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We dropped our bags off at the hotel (more on that one later), and got to Dam square for a free walking tour. I'm a hugeee fan of free walking tours - they're an amazing way to see a new place and learn so much about a city or town in a short amount of time, plus, you get your bearings a lot quicker than if you were meandering about on your own so by the time we'd finished we felt quite au fait with the central canal rings and areas we'd walked around.<br />
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We'd booked on to the tour with Sandemans as that had got great reviews but unfortunately due to us going slightly over on timings at brunch, we missed that slot, but got in with another company half an hour later. I can't remember their name (annoyingly) but they had red branding too, similar to Sandemans. Our guide was great so we tipped and then left to do some more exploring.<br />
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The streets around Prinsengracht and Jordaan are really nice to wander around, so many cool boutique shops and cafes. We ambled around taking it all in (cafe p 96 looked cool - in the summer they have a houseboat bar too) before settling on drinks and a quick bite to eat at canal fronted <b><i>t'smalle in Jordaan</i></b>, a 'jenever' (gin distillery) that dates back to 1796 - it's a really cosy 'bruin cafe' with brown stained walls from all the smoke from over the years. We enjoyed a few red wines and beers sat at the bar before making our way back to the hotel.<br />
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<i>Side streets off Prinsengracht looking lush!</i><br />
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<b><i>Ink Hotel, Amsterdam</i></b><br />
https://www.ink-hotel-amsterdam.com/<br />
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So, accommodation in Amsterdam is expensive, there's no getting away from that. I'd booked flights way before I'd booked accommodation and thought I'd just get somewhere on air bnb. However that didn't work out and before I knew it I'd been won over by the Ink hotel with its amazing looking rooms and food photos on Instagram. The reviews were really positive too. Definitely one for a special treat, I wouldn't doubt to recommend this place to anyone. Our room was beautiful, the atrium outside / inside style foyer and the kitchen were all designed in a cool, effortlessly glam way and the staff had gone to so much effort as they knew it was James' birthday!<br />
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It's called the Ink hotel as the building was the former newspaper headquarters for the Dutch paper Tijd, hence the 'stories' written on the walls (we had a useful map on our walls). The attention to detail in the room was second to none, right down to the short story on the bedside table, to the murals on the walls in the lobby.<br />
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<b><i>Dinner at Le Bistrot des Alpes</i></b>, Utrechtsedwarsstraat (nope, I don't know how to pronounce the name of the street, either).<br />
http://www.bistrot-des-alpes.nl/en/<br />
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I'd seen this place on Instagram and it looked so cool! Cute, cosy and there's a gondola inside! It had rained as we walked to the restaurant so the warmth and cosyness were perfect for us. They also had lots of seating spilling out on to the quiet side street so think it would be lush on a balmy summer evening too.<br />
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We ordered a bottle of red and some escargot to start. They were garlicky and very rich, but what else do you order in a French restaurant?! Before that, we were brought a couple of palette cleansers from the chef which were lovely - not sure what we had but I remember something mushroomy!<br />
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For mains, we shared a fondue with porcini mushrooms and oh my god. What a feast. An entire le creuset was brought to our table filled to the brim with melted, bubbling, mature cheese, a basket of French bread and two side salads. We were set.<br />
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I'd booked about a week in advance and they could only offer me 6.30pm so would definitely recommend booking ahead, this place is clearly in high demand!<br />
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<b><i>Bars</i></b><br />
After, we went to a great speak easy called <b><i>Door 74</i></b>, not far from Bistrot Des Alpes (you have to txt them to make a reservation on the day you're looking to go). Would def recommend a drink in here. We passed a few more places and ended up in <b><i>In't Aepjen</i></b> in the north (one of Amsterdam's oldest pubs, it used to accept monkeys as payment from sailors hence the name!). We had some really strong beer and then decided it would be good to go to the '<b><i>Red light secrets</i></b>' museum in Red Light District. It was 'educational', but having just recently watched Doing Money on BBC iPlayer (about sex trafficking) I probably wasn't in the best head space for this place... it details the history of prostitution and was quite brutal at times. If you're looking for something different to that then I'd go to the sexmuseum Amsterdam - history of porn through the ages, giant cocks... was much more light hearted and fun, it was hilarious (and a little weird, at times).<br />
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We tried to get into <b><i>Tales and Spirits</i></b> for a night cap but we hadn't booked and there weren't any tables - so would recommend booking this place as it looked great!<br />
Other bars we'd heard great things about: <i>Calle Ocho, Glou Glou, Bar Feijoa, Suzy Wong.</i><br />
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<b><i>Sunday</i></b><br />
Not getting a table in Tales and Spirits was probably a good thing as my god, we were both hanging on Sunday morning. I had one of those hangovers where I wanted every food group and a selection of hot and cold drinks all at once immediately, so we stumbled downstairs at the Ink Hotel and demolished the breakfast.<br />
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After a lazy morning we walked down through the nine canal rings, through Leidseplein (lots of bars) and on to Vondelpark and the South, to check out the museums and consume some culture to alleviate our hangovers.<br />
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We'd seen posters for an exhibition at <b><i>Moco museum</i></b> on Saturday and decided to book tickets online for Sunday (you get discount and queue jump if you book online). The exhibition was great, and a good place to spend an hour or so, as it was on-and off raining...<br />
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After, we sought some solace in a bar with an open fire that was attached to the ice rink and Christmas markets before making lunch plans...<br />
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<b><i>Foodhallen</i></b><br />
Could not recommend this place enough, it's a huge food and drinks hall in what once used to be old tram sheds, which have been converted into a massive international food hall, with a really intimate vibe. It was heaving when we arrived, filled with groups of friends and couples - of all ages. The place was buzzing and was just what we were looking for - somewhere we could perch and have a few drinks before deciding what we'd eat. After wandering around looking for a free seat for about 10 minutes we found two seats at the main bar, an ideal spot for people watching and for chatting to bar staff. With a beer and house red ordered, we took it in turns to walk round and see what took our fancy.<br />
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It was a tough decision but in the end I opted for a huge falafel pitta with hummus and all the trimmings from a place called Pita, and James got pizza. We stayed for a while, wandered around the markets outside and then walked back through the nine rings all the way near to Centraal Station to the sexmuseum I mentioned above.<br />
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<b><i>Cafe de vergulde gaper</i></b><br />
After the museum and exploring more on foot, we walked back to a cafe that had caught our eye earlier in the day, that looked like a really nice place for coffee and lunch. It was now dark, and the windows were lit up with fairy lights (essentially calling me in), and the place looked magical. Again, this place is right on the canal so in summer with the windows open, it would be lush. For us though, we were nestled in and managed to get a small table next to a band playing live jazz, which was the perfect way to end the trip. We were only supposed to stay for one drink (largely due to how anal I am about getting to the airport early), but the atmosphere was so chilled we stayed for another one, both not wanting to leave.<br />
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We were home for 10.30pm having left in the early hours of the morning before, but feeling like we'd been away for days - a weekend well spent indeed!<br />
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Other reccos / things we wanted to do but didn't have time for:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Canal boat tour. We wanted to do this at night and planned to possibly to it on Sunday eve but time ran away with us, definitely one for next time!</li>
<li>Rijkmuseum/Van Gogh museum. We didn't have enough time to visit Moco and Rijkmuseum - the Moco exhibition was more our thing, but it would've been good to spend a couple of hours at the other two.</li>
<li>Hire bikes - would've liked to have rented bikes around Vondelpark</li>
<li>A'Dam tower - a huge swing off a building in the North.. umm.. sounds terrifying but also cool</li>
<li>Previously when I'd been to Amsterdam I'd visited Anne Frank's huis, I'd definitely recommend this if you haven't been before. </li>
</ul>
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As you can probably tell, I'm itching to get back and explore more of Amsterdam, hoping to go back in the summer at some point, I've got my eye on Skyscanner... So if you have any must-do recommendations, let me know!<br />
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Also, I couldn't have crafted this itinerary without the help of Alice, Ellie, Alex & Grace, Georgia who sent me <i>soo many </i>restaurant, bar and things to do recommendations.<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-27651405322014088242018-10-22T22:50:00.000+01:002018-10-28T16:28:28.727+00:00Travelling in Sri Lanka for two weeks: Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella, Udawalawe, Mirissa, Koggala & Galle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Traveled 1st-15th Sept 2018 and visited: Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella, Udawalawe, Mirissa, Koggala, Galle (and surrounding coast).</i><br />
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I can't believe how long it's taken me to write this up! We've been back just over a month already and I am still talking about it as if it was last week.<br />
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I read so much about Sri Lanka before we went and found that scouring people's blogs, reading reviews and scrolling through posts on social was so helpful to get an idea of how to plan an itinerary, where to go, must-see, must-eats etc, so I hope that people find this a good resource to use.<br />
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If you're reading this and haven't decided whether to book your flights or not, do it. It's one of the best holidays I've ever had, travelling round such a beautiful, friendly country with some of my favourite food, beaches and days out I've experienced.<br />
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We flew to Colombo, travelling straight on to Kandy, then Sigiriya, Ella, Udawalawe for Safari, Mirissa, Koggala and Galle, before heading back up to Colombo to fly home.<br />
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Initially, we weren't going to go to the south coast due to weather concerns (monsoon season), but we didn't see a drop of rain the whole two weeks, and instead had boiling hot sunshine and blue skies (I think it was rare to not experience any rain at all). A friend traveled Sri Lanka a week later for two weeks and experienced a couple of tropical rain pours, so I think we got very lucky.<br />
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Ok, this is probably going to be a long one so grab a cup of tea and settle in.. hopefully if you're planning on going to Sri Lanka it will help you out and if not, just look at the pictures instead!<br />
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<b> K A N D Y </b><br />
We got a taxi from the airport to Colombo train station, and from there took a train to Kandy. We also got our money at the airport, as we were told you get a much better exchange rate there than doing it back in the UK. The train from Colombo to Kandy was the classic Sri Lankan train, with people hanging out of open doors, locals selling food and strangers sharing stories - James made friends with a couple of teenagers who were obsessed with the GoPro and helped him get some good shots round corners, and they knew all the sharp bends to bring your head back in the carriage(!). I'm not sure how (as the trains are really rickety and windy), but I managed to sleep for a large part of the train due to being v jet-lagged from the overnight flight we'd just done, although I was awake for the parts where we were travelling through lush green hills, mountains and palm tree lined railway tracks.<br />
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Looking tired af after no sleep on the overnight flights from Manchester - Colombo.<br />
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We stayed at the <a href="https://www.rivoraresidence.com/">Rivora Residence</a>, a small, boutique hotel just outside of Kandy, and I'd highly recommend staying there. Really reasonable prices, our room and our balcony were amazing - so peaceful, they served a lovely breakfast and had exceptionally friendly, helpful staff. It's about 5km outside of Kandy in a place called Lewella, and was about 15-20 mins in a tuk tuk (which the Rivora guys would always organise for us), so you're really close to everything in Kandy.<br />
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Huge bed and high ceilings, and the view from our balcony :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFKcxXyh2fH-YDf37wOo1i4D0wpvFmJd5RkW9C94UGAqvIbQXj1-13JNoFgr3T2hRhy_LXBH-3r7Vot2CTiduHfTjmlrlONLD4REmB922mOxSP5KBmN2Eei5uGV7qS3SOiBySiTIx_yQ/s1600/IMG_3074.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFKcxXyh2fH-YDf37wOo1i4D0wpvFmJd5RkW9C94UGAqvIbQXj1-13JNoFgr3T2hRhy_LXBH-3r7Vot2CTiduHfTjmlrlONLD4REmB922mOxSP5KBmN2Eei5uGV7qS3SOiBySiTIx_yQ/s400/IMG_3074.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWJptAiIIVzkIwhGeTvSJP3KzMOyoZ_XzJCwxfoW1VLhUxsrKrRqJCEHRiCulHtiYI3Jsr8YkEQU1ODF6V7PAn2UgIK9W5V0VZBOucz151V2xwFEKBm-RgjgCD2V7z9z5hD0mY_TqU9c/s1600/IMG_3211.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWJptAiIIVzkIwhGeTvSJP3KzMOyoZ_XzJCwxfoW1VLhUxsrKrRqJCEHRiCulHtiYI3Jsr8YkEQU1ODF6V7PAn2UgIK9W5V0VZBOucz151V2xwFEKBm-RgjgCD2V7z9z5hD0mY_TqU9c/s400/IMG_3211.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
Dahl and Roti bread at 7am? Wasn't sure how I'd feel about curry for breakfast but I quickly got used to it - this dhal was so mild it was almost like how I imagine savoury oats to be! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZJdzMDa27JGzsIY4TxJg38GFu0zDcNkzUdW5aydzGYvhjlPbRv-EB2-FnvwiItzulK1SA6N9PqD8LFbhVt4F63wXur-Fe_i9k9abysVr2kFqQNj7ALq3PETA0h8VNm7C0-7R3k9hjm0/s1600/IMG_3054.jpeg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZJdzMDa27JGzsIY4TxJg38GFu0zDcNkzUdW5aydzGYvhjlPbRv-EB2-FnvwiItzulK1SA6N9PqD8LFbhVt4F63wXur-Fe_i9k9abysVr2kFqQNj7ALq3PETA0h8VNm7C0-7R3k9hjm0/s640/IMG_3054.jpeg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Our room was on the right, this airy lounge had a gorgeous balcony off to the left which was such a nice spot to read in the morning.<br />
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<i>Temples</i><br />
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The Temple of the Tooth is well worth a spending a few hours in. The history is fascinating and the World Buddhist history museum in the grounds is soo interesting. <br />
We went late in the afternoon, and seeing the temple at sunset was really magical. You can see why the city is seen as the holy capital. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHhkU_Z6LRzIsevhQiqD23rd0IgyZwL6OBpfILZfPjhhZoXEBgleP6FYXh11QgrhWzvPZokrD3FAjQaQDR4PxSLEmm7jXGdZHLl74hkzXfdoFMFsE7FnEUgkHQ_dmppHWRDgs7SWAs7Y/s1600/IMG_3184.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHhkU_Z6LRzIsevhQiqD23rd0IgyZwL6OBpfILZfPjhhZoXEBgleP6FYXh11QgrhWzvPZokrD3FAjQaQDR4PxSLEmm7jXGdZHLl74hkzXfdoFMFsE7FnEUgkHQ_dmppHWRDgs7SWAs7Y/s400/IMG_3184.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfe_tlr402MZZHnTKMj-MvTXntutB3gGLbi1TNvgvQXwI6XVCTL1M4EyKLEBiMs6muhah-KYC5NKPmrzMUJnTKC5PiZnrx1DkWK_e1JNzfzA77Tj2wyYMXz3kOIXd2HPBF713fOPtnVs/s1600/IMG_3197.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfe_tlr402MZZHnTKMj-MvTXntutB3gGLbi1TNvgvQXwI6XVCTL1M4EyKLEBiMs6muhah-KYC5NKPmrzMUJnTKC5PiZnrx1DkWK_e1JNzfzA77Tj2wyYMXz3kOIXd2HPBF713fOPtnVs/s400/IMG_3197.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7PXz00ZpfKBw8jF56ymNanijXj-YOXQWM8QhHcSl4y4eRDx6YPljKez1nGUvbOQqhuL3RywDqGZAZx8tl51vBXHYX4tqymo5WR38aJ3vKbvmym5696h1u7KBMJX_IUEtNNNyTrKwOlE/s1600/IMG_3170.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7PXz00ZpfKBw8jF56ymNanijXj-YOXQWM8QhHcSl4y4eRDx6YPljKez1nGUvbOQqhuL3RywDqGZAZx8tl51vBXHYX4tqymo5WR38aJ3vKbvmym5696h1u7KBMJX_IUEtNNNyTrKwOlE/s400/IMG_3170.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnm-eQthxoO87RLhdqDrZ5WsaCZslFpS1CB_s-6DU5aN-dCS798Rqxem8CSNiIIAoV_210oInwY9XrmH_6nN4fX4oAiqsEMXRx8_4gauP-Id5GYhDd8G3332lBARga2CF3ZqofE3DTy8/s1600/IMG_3177.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnm-eQthxoO87RLhdqDrZ5WsaCZslFpS1CB_s-6DU5aN-dCS798Rqxem8CSNiIIAoV_210oInwY9XrmH_6nN4fX4oAiqsEMXRx8_4gauP-Id5GYhDd8G3332lBARga2CF3ZqofE3DTy8/s400/IMG_3177.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Udawattekelle Forest</i><br />
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Before we went to the temple we spent a few hours walking around Udawattekele forest, full of monkeys (and other amazing animals - apparently it has pangolins in (I'm obsessed with pangolins after watching a documentary on how they're the world's most endangered animal and are killed for their scales..), but we didn't see any - they're notoriously shy). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiUj9cLY_C5SYGPF3z4Hxh5jP6TkG9qR2N3aYmpbWgvmbPAp6MVS8TcXTiZ5c8YIuWiCrQ__LsxcvG4QgfJIKoUOfIYjNWy2YpN8WG18Yp5LsNOQUdVacWrvzvKNYFKNwJrrvp7LTjgI/s1600/IMG_3153.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiUj9cLY_C5SYGPF3z4Hxh5jP6TkG9qR2N3aYmpbWgvmbPAp6MVS8TcXTiZ5c8YIuWiCrQ__LsxcvG4QgfJIKoUOfIYjNWy2YpN8WG18Yp5LsNOQUdVacWrvzvKNYFKNwJrrvp7LTjgI/s400/IMG_3153.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE8u1Syb1QTToB81S998wYBtWiBn6SgSVUqrmqYz-3Rg5LxnRxiG3Cidf5-niOM0HwBCwohAJEQHeoqa5EfTM-2IFb04x3A0AKqIyKZbCE2mUrQeu_LTvltDtVWh4ihk71vcUbH6zgaM/s1600/IMG_3156.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilE8u1Syb1QTToB81S998wYBtWiBn6SgSVUqrmqYz-3Rg5LxnRxiG3Cidf5-niOM0HwBCwohAJEQHeoqa5EfTM-2IFb04x3A0AKqIyKZbCE2mUrQeu_LTvltDtVWh4ihk71vcUbH6zgaM/s400/IMG_3156.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzDqHzkQaCsX2lOEKHPITr6OssHLAG6f4VutPFlr87vGj4mMKGLhEYDL4qQPAYi5ed-duwWaOw7XD7XKKD81vOfu2GWRCm4-92G9aQNPwtp6Jmnxkqlxu8WiSb1e2SwDkBrxx1Dq6clY/s1600/IMG_3160.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzDqHzkQaCsX2lOEKHPITr6OssHLAG6f4VutPFlr87vGj4mMKGLhEYDL4qQPAYi5ed-duwWaOw7XD7XKKD81vOfu2GWRCm4-92G9aQNPwtp6Jmnxkqlxu8WiSb1e2SwDkBrxx1Dq6clY/s400/IMG_3160.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The trees are absolutely epic too, the vines on some of them are insane and like something out of a film.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXILORyl8fpBIxCdBTrvS_6N9g76RTO7EW7aUDaHfrB7tOHtAH6HdOMrvSiRUOBluf9ILSz-WcQM0DoV2YTBFKwJnBW1QorZcQm0Q29YgH1ineIhkGuUt6kBG88wotqY-IKEq1ADUpUAk/s1600/IMG_3110.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXILORyl8fpBIxCdBTrvS_6N9g76RTO7EW7aUDaHfrB7tOHtAH6HdOMrvSiRUOBluf9ILSz-WcQM0DoV2YTBFKwJnBW1QorZcQm0Q29YgH1ineIhkGuUt6kBG88wotqY-IKEq1ADUpUAk/s400/IMG_3110.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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There's a nice viewpoint too overlooking the lake and all of Kandy which is a good photo opportunity!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m-NZjc0wA2VthdYltTOgURxPW0EQx0FdsB6mZ9dXZws2bR4749YcCF38GbBBFTUeSBQMzeeUXNwp35D_Q8juZ3i9RUzmLSLEftqnoFXZHkj_bv5ziF1jsh2mygaMXyol8PT-LkgL3A4/s1600/IMG_3128.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m-NZjc0wA2VthdYltTOgURxPW0EQx0FdsB6mZ9dXZws2bR4749YcCF38GbBBFTUeSBQMzeeUXNwp35D_Q8juZ3i9RUzmLSLEftqnoFXZHkj_bv5ziF1jsh2mygaMXyol8PT-LkgL3A4/s400/IMG_3128.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYjNqoxRYgJycG05vlslqoVTzX14wQc_y7d2_Eto-dVxBv5Agljv07sc0T66F33SLL9jrEoHEbdpMI4GLhiQ5znoAO5KOdhkF7dJ7f4wnkIOhALM51fJC9B4ByT2ayjtNDMoyOHMZerM/s1600/IMG_3112.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYjNqoxRYgJycG05vlslqoVTzX14wQc_y7d2_Eto-dVxBv5Agljv07sc0T66F33SLL9jrEoHEbdpMI4GLhiQ5znoAO5KOdhkF7dJ7f4wnkIOhALM51fJC9B4ByT2ayjtNDMoyOHMZerM/s400/IMG_3112.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We did this walk in the heat of the day, we found it alright as there were plenty of trees to shelter from the heat but lots of people recommended doing this first thing. I guess the likelihood of seeing more animals increases in the morning too, when it's not too hot for them.<br />
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We also spent quite a bit of time meandering around the streets in the centre of Kandy to get our bearings. I'll be honest, I didn't love it. I think I was expecting an idyllic religious, cultural hub and actually it was noisy, dusty and quite run down. But after a day or so I got used to it and it all added to the charm. <br />
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Places I'd recommend for food and drinks: <br />
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<i><a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/kandy/restaurants/sharon-inn/a/poi-eat/1195455/357477">Sharon Inn</a> - </i><br />
This place has been going for years apparently and has earned legendary status. It's a guesthouse as well as a restaurant and we were advised to get there early to get a good table. You eat on the top floor outside with a covered roof and the food is served at 7.30 (or when it's ready). It's a buffet of 8 different vegetarian curries (they bring round meat too if you want to add some chicken), and they'll talk through exactly what's in them which I loved! I cannot get over the aubergine curry that we had, it was in my top three meals we had in Sri Lanka, but you'll also enjoy jackfruit curry, green bean, potato, squash and a whole host of insane flavours. We'd just missed sunset so if we were going to go again, I'd say definitely get there for sunset and enjoy a drink before it gets dark as it's positioned quite high up in the valley so views would be epic.<br />
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<i>The Slightly Chilled Bar</i><br />
Yep. This is its real name.<br />
Would definitely recommend this place if you're after a backpacker vibe - loads of people from all nationalities eating, drinking and chatting. They specialise in Chinese food (randomly), and initially we were just going to have drinks there but ended up eating - huge portions, really tasty. We sat and drank for hours taking in the views (they're high up over Kandy). We ended up sharing a table too so really good place to meet people.<br />
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<i>Kandy Muslim Hotel</i><br />
Ok this is a strange one as it's not really a recommendation, more a warning / caveat, as I don't *regret* eating here as it was an experience, shall we say (it's not a hotel FYI, contrary to the name). We saw it in our Lonely Planet guide and thought we'd give it a go. Think street food canteen, but basic. And really grimy. It was the dirtiest place I've ever eaten. But in fairness the Kottu Roti was really good. So yes, a weird one. You have been warned. <br />
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As it's very religious, there are hardly any bars in Kandy. I think there are literally a handful at most. We became regulars at the <a href="http://royalbarandhotelkandy.com/">Royal Bar & Hotel Kandy</a>, popping in each day in the early evening for a gin and some beers. Think colonial style mansion, understated but really cool. We liked sitting on the balcony and watching the world go by (we saw a Sri Lankan wedding party and everyone threw paint on the groom?!), but they've also got a nice inside open courtyard. It's the oldest bar in Kandy (150 years old!), and used to be a British officer's club.<br />
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Oh also - everywhere closes really early, so expect it to be dead / very quiet by about 9-10pm. This might be different at other times of the year? Lots of people said similar things though, and actually generally across Sri Lanka, things quietened down really early.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7uKt34we5FeUOYMwffZCljxIwyiDUoGszNEbekgvr8Mx-d_XgLmylHxNoCf70F3Dak5yzpbD1Woickl4C4Uuxd82yvo8gWKaR4QilT0AYUNUT2hsoe67Y40WL8YqxKnqhMxUZw1LqhA/s1600/IMG_3021.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7uKt34we5FeUOYMwffZCljxIwyiDUoGszNEbekgvr8Mx-d_XgLmylHxNoCf70F3Dak5yzpbD1Woickl4C4Uuxd82yvo8gWKaR4QilT0AYUNUT2hsoe67Y40WL8YqxKnqhMxUZw1LqhA/s400/IMG_3021.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>S I G I R I Y A</b><br />
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At first we thought about spending a night in Sigiriya as it's about 2/3 hours north of Kandy, but we didn't really want to pack up our things and move around to spend one night and then have to travel all the way down to Ella, our next stop. So, I emailed Rivora Residence ahead to ask if they ever organised cars to Sigiriya for a day trip and they did - definitely worth asking your hotel for taxis to travel as they'll more than likely do it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eqZHBbMROmGgi1t2q9kFlaBMeYOV686ncAuHcv9AFjlhrd_pFdNvcmybXlj1qMpjM319xHUKn4oIXb2EdCPZjPNdJQHAP9zBJk2AA35bPisbhob2rbEjwC_qMaOpWP0B3fvueFHKTgE/s1600/IMG_3243.jpeg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eqZHBbMROmGgi1t2q9kFlaBMeYOV686ncAuHcv9AFjlhrd_pFdNvcmybXlj1qMpjM319xHUKn4oIXb2EdCPZjPNdJQHAP9zBJk2AA35bPisbhob2rbEjwC_qMaOpWP0B3fvueFHKTgE/s400/IMG_3243.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Absolutely worth doing. The site's history, as an ancient monastery built thousands of years ago, turned fortress, is fascinating and its physical stature (its vertical walls rise so dramatically out of the ground) is really awe-inspiring. The grounds around the rock are great too. <br />
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I'd read somewhere that people had said it was touristy and not worth it - I'm sorry but that's bullshit! Sure, you can climb Pidurangala rock opposite Sigiriya for half the price and get the 'same view', but going to Sigiriya isn't just about climbing the thing (which, by the way, is amazing but will give you the willies - it's so steep!), it's about its rich, mind-blowing history and is 100% worth it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVLvJqzIcM_FNQm68-CAYgQg9ovcano9WG2zJ6_v15n4xBg6iAUKyp2dDoF7KjH4ti5BPgfbfTCGblcuWEdOkxVFJzgusYlUh-V5plm5OPAjBL3fpfiXzq81NoF2vbJgl4VR_TESob8k/s1600/IMG_3255.jpeg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVLvJqzIcM_FNQm68-CAYgQg9ovcano9WG2zJ6_v15n4xBg6iAUKyp2dDoF7KjH4ti5BPgfbfTCGblcuWEdOkxVFJzgusYlUh-V5plm5OPAjBL3fpfiXzq81NoF2vbJgl4VR_TESob8k/s400/IMG_3255.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcFKr2-42f2BSfu8rvfWZiz4q1hrNvCf4kC-IYVZ-pjrCLrTIcqc_5eOHUkuV327j3l3IMb6nBW2knqdTgywiZ8NIoI24q-dN0y74A5qnfQe66Z63pw5Q8gb_nOkH9HWQ35gTyM_AEik/s1600/IMG_3265.jpeg"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcFKr2-42f2BSfu8rvfWZiz4q1hrNvCf4kC-IYVZ-pjrCLrTIcqc_5eOHUkuV327j3l3IMb6nBW2knqdTgywiZ8NIoI24q-dN0y74A5qnfQe66Z63pw5Q8gb_nOkH9HWQ35gTyM_AEik/s1600/IMG_3265.jpeg"></a>Making friends on the way up!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcFKr2-42f2BSfu8rvfWZiz4q1hrNvCf4kC-IYVZ-pjrCLrTIcqc_5eOHUkuV327j3l3IMb6nBW2knqdTgywiZ8NIoI24q-dN0y74A5qnfQe66Z63pw5Q8gb_nOkH9HWQ35gTyM_AEik/s1600/IMG_3265.jpeg"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcFKr2-42f2BSfu8rvfWZiz4q1hrNvCf4kC-IYVZ-pjrCLrTIcqc_5eOHUkuV327j3l3IMb6nBW2knqdTgywiZ8NIoI24q-dN0y74A5qnfQe66Z63pw5Q8gb_nOkH9HWQ35gTyM_AEik/s640/IMG_3265.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlYkXSRP2ORX8A4xbgErhyphenhyphenrYSvA2kEqod81GGUksSh8gn9aVTbTGVJs9i0w-ld15fNhyUKCVUHeL4E3og4dMkLtYzZeJjJvC8cQGwEr7IX0P4vmWNttdq4xYk5TMV42O1o5WNDcrh4Zs/s1600/IMG_3272.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlYkXSRP2ORX8A4xbgErhyphenhyphenrYSvA2kEqod81GGUksSh8gn9aVTbTGVJs9i0w-ld15fNhyUKCVUHeL4E3og4dMkLtYzZeJjJvC8cQGwEr7IX0P4vmWNttdq4xYk5TMV42O1o5WNDcrh4Zs/s400/IMG_3272.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEpYjgZcdYA9iSOf0CZQGpbAsDxXXMlFK5i8htkZz7I9upiyXmMvleiXezdIMzDgivsH16IzJUWf_t5TStj1CJjZbVp8mzRcRiv3GEiGYoS2PyrTcdcEwX39biUax-DmA-PBU_0c23KI/s1600/IMG_3281.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEpYjgZcdYA9iSOf0CZQGpbAsDxXXMlFK5i8htkZz7I9upiyXmMvleiXezdIMzDgivsH16IzJUWf_t5TStj1CJjZbVp8mzRcRiv3GEiGYoS2PyrTcdcEwX39biUax-DmA-PBU_0c23KI/s400/IMG_3281.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Sigiriya doesn't open until about 9am, so if you wanted to, you could get there before sunrise, climb Pidurangala to watch the sun come up, then explore Sigiriya for the morning <br />
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I'd say we spent a good few hours there, we'd arranged for our driver to pick us up in the village after we'd found somewhere for lunch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO6nftOMgTVL31wsZtQQ0xWo368OJS-c9THAsAOuSYz2MCmzQi0mBNuge7a4VRFHdsqz2ktxFz3JdIyiM4a_cJ1-BSngS_vlCzpUxZc-VF2QdJ-7FNkvtfgmXAESSu83h45O4QPwP3gU/s1600/IMG_3298.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO6nftOMgTVL31wsZtQQ0xWo368OJS-c9THAsAOuSYz2MCmzQi0mBNuge7a4VRFHdsqz2ktxFz3JdIyiM4a_cJ1-BSngS_vlCzpUxZc-VF2QdJ-7FNkvtfgmXAESSu83h45O4QPwP3gU/s400/IMG_3298.jpeg" width="300" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ2X1pmlWfWFsKG-iy_xAWbmxkAx-sdTqffHwOcrjFSPBP7PVreK-3vE8VBQWNkEScGUqRBHlSGOp2TnU7fm6VFHq9z84kwYOWLpuGTCVDcU895Akaaqj5VM7eVzlHN3RyWH49LR2bd8/s1600/IMG_3299.jpeg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ2X1pmlWfWFsKG-iy_xAWbmxkAx-sdTqffHwOcrjFSPBP7PVreK-3vE8VBQWNkEScGUqRBHlSGOp2TnU7fm6VFHq9z84kwYOWLpuGTCVDcU895Akaaqj5VM7eVzlHN3RyWH49LR2bd8/s400/IMG_3299.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtqD8SiPRM4FBtZlbXOUwc1Bw_QgzfIGSQLql8yZblchYAreWQgiI_tLpNhkFLZdhyGCHxUMWhPwGrUCtDkt1kfzmmiCPIdduvn2x9gBt65creOmXqItL6lL7WKq_WkjUNEelCnCXyjM/s1600/IMG_3305.jpeg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtqD8SiPRM4FBtZlbXOUwc1Bw_QgzfIGSQLql8yZblchYAreWQgiI_tLpNhkFLZdhyGCHxUMWhPwGrUCtDkt1kfzmmiCPIdduvn2x9gBt65creOmXqItL6lL7WKq_WkjUNEelCnCXyjM/s640/IMG_3305.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWT7GfC4FWFfrZaKmJCpGsH6bElRAkY_5DKGLub_CA6BG7pcN9e8pdSynIGre_Xpyb_scUUZfvj6wZxhLSQ-mVhffF0gQa3ox8_3hS7EiT25BK1fKWWASgHHM58PjuV31_B9tc7UhDjE/s1600/IMG_3313.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWT7GfC4FWFfrZaKmJCpGsH6bElRAkY_5DKGLub_CA6BG7pcN9e8pdSynIGre_Xpyb_scUUZfvj6wZxhLSQ-mVhffF0gQa3ox8_3hS7EiT25BK1fKWWASgHHM58PjuV31_B9tc7UhDjE/s400/IMG_3313.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JlIHGAMb8xQNbUNjA4Kpu-3ZUS_br7_LS88HjkYMugrfhPbb5ldLljC7QEziCRdJhat7bQoT8HWaiosPtgKVrA7VgY4jwPy-lvWr0NnBvau9x886_83aZtriG7oY7lKNMmzGcnvQ5_E/s1600/IMG_3314.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JlIHGAMb8xQNbUNjA4Kpu-3ZUS_br7_LS88HjkYMugrfhPbb5ldLljC7QEziCRdJhat7bQoT8HWaiosPtgKVrA7VgY4jwPy-lvWr0NnBvau9x886_83aZtriG7oY7lKNMmzGcnvQ5_E/s400/IMG_3314.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>K A N D Y T O E L L A </b><br />
<br />
We were supposed to get the iconic, beautiful (but eight hour) train from Kandy to Ella, but James fell ill (a combination of traveller's tummy and something else), and we actually ended up in hospital in Kandy! Got to shout out the guys at Rivora Residence here who were soo helpful and lovely to us the whole time, kept a room open for us and just generally really looked after us. <br />
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Anyway, we missed the train so after James was deemed well enough to leave hospital, the Rivora team called a taxi and we made our way to Ella in a car. We thought it would be about 2-3 hours. It was five and half. BUT, it was so beautiful driving through lush green rolling hills and tea plantations, seeing little towns and waterfalls. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6turqHoxUvPcBVPiF5jMrw6B6GEYoec_shHPEO9SrCxSVZBP29zOk2fWpnDkKNe7CAEg5hQIo7pMH6ysFL1_3xYvIPvbrCHryM-ssJQ8e15WR_3ZEDGy3YQtAthVa1PXun37myz9vFM/s1600/IMG_3356.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6turqHoxUvPcBVPiF5jMrw6B6GEYoec_shHPEO9SrCxSVZBP29zOk2fWpnDkKNe7CAEg5hQIo7pMH6ysFL1_3xYvIPvbrCHryM-ssJQ8e15WR_3ZEDGy3YQtAthVa1PXun37myz9vFM/s400/IMG_3356.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAj0Pp_3JluTtF4OBjfsnj1t4ICGl79rpKhumH0hmvd2e-ujmIL37WCFfRAAYF5ae3HpWkafsc-8Ge7HxcfPynRmZsthjAQdtnI6KPaKgQI6Wigbav9paMYzlD_oV4iCQKY7Y-jsnY2M/s1600/IMG_3358.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAj0Pp_3JluTtF4OBjfsnj1t4ICGl79rpKhumH0hmvd2e-ujmIL37WCFfRAAYF5ae3HpWkafsc-8Ge7HxcfPynRmZsthjAQdtnI6KPaKgQI6Wigbav9paMYzlD_oV4iCQKY7Y-jsnY2M/s400/IMG_3358.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT0rpZ9BEyyycCPZzAiGOsBFsAD00Cd9Gg85_wZbjG8HW5_bSRE5iUKbsB3Dts6Q9lAbuGcglJ65kL_UfJUPtHpPePoGsIs2WkHI_gR-zrEjRwyP6InXCIPP0HChIt5VxrU8M7F6fQ24/s1600/IMG_3361.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT0rpZ9BEyyycCPZzAiGOsBFsAD00Cd9Gg85_wZbjG8HW5_bSRE5iUKbsB3Dts6Q9lAbuGcglJ65kL_UfJUPtHpPePoGsIs2WkHI_gR-zrEjRwyP6InXCIPP0HChIt5VxrU8M7F6fQ24/s400/IMG_3361.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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One thing I will say, after having experienced two weeks on the road in Sri Lanka, is that the roads are mental. Buses will overtake each other and race to get to the bus stop first to pick people up, the speed they travel at is insane and just generally no logic seems to be applied, haha.<br />
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<br />
I don't think I have words to describe how much I loved where we stayed in Ella. It was called the <a href="http://chillvillehotel.com/">Chill Ville</a> and we absolutely adored it. The infinity pool, our glass fronted room, breakfast overlooking Ella Rock, the amazing curry, the friendly staff - all this for about ~£30 a night each. It was insane. I can't recommend this place enough - it was completely renovated last year, and beautifully done too! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5gwTyG0N-BkC4D1DQmMWUMpuGNs_852acfUb0A1C-yLI73PYoaBzjAri5hBnnj_Za_r02EPDdExgbqt3th66pkSVQIHl1Qc4x6aKROz0HA4uWRui96UOGY0JHtVXZS3ttGY7NFmgXQU/s1600/IMG_3400.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5gwTyG0N-BkC4D1DQmMWUMpuGNs_852acfUb0A1C-yLI73PYoaBzjAri5hBnnj_Za_r02EPDdExgbqt3th66pkSVQIHl1Qc4x6aKROz0HA4uWRui96UOGY0JHtVXZS3ttGY7NFmgXQU/s640/IMG_3400.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSM5OyFS21skXkI5RIzAflEdkbEfzriwccAgdqCmiOCWshPNnQ55r5bS2lzHojs8QsSRJSEARpRDPGVnpoucegh_W5u1elaKWo2FTUp1MtfqcxbF65m6ryabnkcSh8nEv9NIHtiW7cO4/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSM5OyFS21skXkI5RIzAflEdkbEfzriwccAgdqCmiOCWshPNnQ55r5bS2lzHojs8QsSRJSEARpRDPGVnpoucegh_W5u1elaKWo2FTUp1MtfqcxbF65m6ryabnkcSh8nEv9NIHtiW7cO4/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rTuL_Os8aNwZ5IGGNdND6f9yzBQumQe754V9dFP4IZluxQYjkz1-oKjsBVtlAOqFJh945nw4rlv9Kuw9azAO_8u5GBBNJLcw4CUxrGlGd6gXFHyA9xiSulW5q9jIvl63ru-2xQbaYDk/s1600/IMG_3422.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rTuL_Os8aNwZ5IGGNdND6f9yzBQumQe754V9dFP4IZluxQYjkz1-oKjsBVtlAOqFJh945nw4rlv9Kuw9azAO_8u5GBBNJLcw4CUxrGlGd6gXFHyA9xiSulW5q9jIvl63ru-2xQbaYDk/s400/IMG_3422.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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We had breakfast every morning on that table, in the corner by the pool, overlooking Ella Gap.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qnaopT1hnztZNYkOWei5Bab-NxcBDNWa3_LG2L3SoRgxFPyx3D0wV7m9ivOKF5ALkU9m8r5xWpurw-HKX7eK9c2T5eJxR0BEqErFpiA8SiaynZ3_TLUzvfbGB8WVJP-2mIqys75nAY/s1600/IMG_3395.jpeg"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qnaopT1hnztZNYkOWei5Bab-NxcBDNWa3_LG2L3SoRgxFPyx3D0wV7m9ivOKF5ALkU9m8r5xWpurw-HKX7eK9c2T5eJxR0BEqErFpiA8SiaynZ3_TLUzvfbGB8WVJP-2mIqys75nAY/s1600/IMG_3395.jpeg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qnaopT1hnztZNYkOWei5Bab-NxcBDNWa3_LG2L3SoRgxFPyx3D0wV7m9ivOKF5ALkU9m8r5xWpurw-HKX7eK9c2T5eJxR0BEqErFpiA8SiaynZ3_TLUzvfbGB8WVJP-2mIqys75nAY/s1600/IMG_3395.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0qnaopT1hnztZNYkOWei5Bab-NxcBDNWa3_LG2L3SoRgxFPyx3D0wV7m9ivOKF5ALkU9m8r5xWpurw-HKX7eK9c2T5eJxR0BEqErFpiA8SiaynZ3_TLUzvfbGB8WVJP-2mIqys75nAY/s400/IMG_3395.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This was our outside space, just outside the room; our very own veranda....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmmZk-qUnFMSCVkvM_DUztiMBCSDz1z8ae-1lDuQJ5wSJx7B5Wc7W2qXRhzXW1Sswm9T3AKJwDBEm9pluzomLcTHWKFo0QHPO0m1hG5B1xPvxG-WyyBivNPQSQuR5c1wo3dKmKH7H1wI/s1600/IMG_3393.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmmZk-qUnFMSCVkvM_DUztiMBCSDz1z8ae-1lDuQJ5wSJx7B5Wc7W2qXRhzXW1Sswm9T3AKJwDBEm9pluzomLcTHWKFo0QHPO0m1hG5B1xPvxG-WyyBivNPQSQuR5c1wo3dKmKH7H1wI/s400/IMG_3393.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgZP_aCwUlcKjyfx6iI5ALKtaSJJiXsCnHx-L6vNtzrKRJwOSE_uCupHW7qci5rjBxie1LbsuJWmWtLWB9C3TgXjoYAE7YiIUSJDaE2sGdFf1VctoeyZIltxVzjYLQ7jdeJbHi6t_ebs/s1600/IMG_3386.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgZP_aCwUlcKjyfx6iI5ALKtaSJJiXsCnHx-L6vNtzrKRJwOSE_uCupHW7qci5rjBxie1LbsuJWmWtLWB9C3TgXjoYAE7YiIUSJDaE2sGdFf1VctoeyZIltxVzjYLQ7jdeJbHi6t_ebs/s400/IMG_3386.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-BmAVxfZCBx0Isvfrl0ine_eBJ_bE018udkhDmcxDjskf9FyQRCO0k3AlfYr4tVLAk2elgr49oiLZY7u9R2OuaOaq3lDrAOQLMCBpWsAB0n12wRhApZh6_db6sYayxD1UzcKZyeYgEQ/s1600/IMG_3383.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-BmAVxfZCBx0Isvfrl0ine_eBJ_bE018udkhDmcxDjskf9FyQRCO0k3AlfYr4tVLAk2elgr49oiLZY7u9R2OuaOaq3lDrAOQLMCBpWsAB0n12wRhApZh6_db6sYayxD1UzcKZyeYgEQ/s400/IMG_3383.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Sunrise views from our room - photos just don't do this justice. It was so peaceful. <br />
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The details in the bathroom were really cool too:<br />
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It's just past the 6 mile marker on Passara road, and takes about 20 mins to get into Ella town, so it's perfectly placed. Passara road is VERY rocky and bumpy though just to warn you. You get used to it.<br />
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We had two nights in Ella. On day one we went to:<br />
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<b>Uva Halpewatte tea plantation</b><br />
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We visited on a non-production day so no tea was actually being made but we had a big tour of all the machinery and production process (I've never actually thought about where my tea comes from, this was so enlightening!), and a big talk from Mr Sivanathan about the history of tea, tea varieties and the climate of tea production in today's economy. It was great!<br />
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The views from the plantation were amazing too:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV5VFB9c5mT88LtZsWhT4qRXri9Mk9OpX-231cXHJyQzqsieqpl7XV4oZWVoHSQuZSH_SxyA4hRUtRvg4mzJScCYqHrq6B5V6O9s8AsF1uMTEZu83sPHqatRjskfUuPYQtkK155tg0-8/s1600/IMG_3442.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV5VFB9c5mT88LtZsWhT4qRXri9Mk9OpX-231cXHJyQzqsieqpl7XV4oZWVoHSQuZSH_SxyA4hRUtRvg4mzJScCYqHrq6B5V6O9s8AsF1uMTEZu83sPHqatRjskfUuPYQtkK155tg0-8/s400/IMG_3442.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5Org9F7vPkk-0YNYA5egwnEGTQMszXl8tzeP3JjpOkVFuO9DgOdJm-403utk7c2Mi2Ee0O44nIZoUldXi9hf2his0QRPmCWr4bGX8tz3p7nRW9TSNytl6_iPDWgfXRY7i5u-kp31BOA/s1600/IMG_3444.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5Org9F7vPkk-0YNYA5egwnEGTQMszXl8tzeP3JjpOkVFuO9DgOdJm-403utk7c2Mi2Ee0O44nIZoUldXi9hf2his0QRPmCWr4bGX8tz3p7nRW9TSNytl6_iPDWgfXRY7i5u-kp31BOA/s400/IMG_3444.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5DUvoMia7CJD1Xwwed-u6iuhKFtPkAgZ1_FG_yCu9coS5kjtWB6gPnGtGgvbl4FJbcBIog5tRrE7x-7Lv8UXqGsEHv4xatipNCpzSmUYg78nH4WmCPDY5yabuFHjBW8m3QntEmAAoOA/s1600/IMG_3462.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5DUvoMia7CJD1Xwwed-u6iuhKFtPkAgZ1_FG_yCu9coS5kjtWB6gPnGtGgvbl4FJbcBIog5tRrE7x-7Lv8UXqGsEHv4xatipNCpzSmUYg78nH4WmCPDY5yabuFHjBW8m3QntEmAAoOA/s400/IMG_3462.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotTUX9qtO9kLvDG2Tt6zSznYUd5ouJoKxH4lWySFoiMLl6NMxhQ_AiVSGa4qKjtIMAGVNCUeu_IxGzjTHh7kJIJaQ_JYR1htKjXlgmdwHfwu2Wrv_Dsn8cEZfLoGnoyz2HZACR2RTEzc/s1600/IMG_3429.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotTUX9qtO9kLvDG2Tt6zSznYUd5ouJoKxH4lWySFoiMLl6NMxhQ_AiVSGa4qKjtIMAGVNCUeu_IxGzjTHh7kJIJaQ_JYR1htKjXlgmdwHfwu2Wrv_Dsn8cEZfLoGnoyz2HZACR2RTEzc/s400/IMG_3429.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bY2PLwipDTcjh66gZSYh1ORfVGbWjwAhtAxRaEvYxqGbV7TZIrLCRFbmFz6nBMyQ4xa-En9OkIidqh98wAYjkrC-6V2_25cf8NrrrqjBQaf3vdf8MuJrfSbQdDNYjQbLIXCS4gznaYs/s1600/IMG_3456.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bY2PLwipDTcjh66gZSYh1ORfVGbWjwAhtAxRaEvYxqGbV7TZIrLCRFbmFz6nBMyQ4xa-En9OkIidqh98wAYjkrC-6V2_25cf8NrrrqjBQaf3vdf8MuJrfSbQdDNYjQbLIXCS4gznaYs/s400/IMG_3456.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_YtYl8KAtK0jmFei_olMU4u_SsKYxi8ikMlTCR0rnoaJfLdEqoL0uNtoAlxlV9dhjWszfJXbux_DllHsNdZl47WtnQno8gl-mYUzyTDiHQYPilp_gC5DqnCaNNGwIFYZi5hImpwSf3s/s1600/IMG_3433.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_YtYl8KAtK0jmFei_olMU4u_SsKYxi8ikMlTCR0rnoaJfLdEqoL0uNtoAlxlV9dhjWszfJXbux_DllHsNdZl47WtnQno8gl-mYUzyTDiHQYPilp_gC5DqnCaNNGwIFYZi5hImpwSf3s/s400/IMG_3433.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguusV36EgYnYO8wBKhv1OmOc17yK_4JHNJu_pe7NYIAMrY8R9YoWuS1tDKn8zwMs5Jzxmu1JM8CzxZFx84gpyqH2YPwETctbvcBsIw1CAK0hT4UGxxnzMDYBOJuipYTisvmu1heia6tmc/s1600/IMG_3468.jpeg"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguusV36EgYnYO8wBKhv1OmOc17yK_4JHNJu_pe7NYIAMrY8R9YoWuS1tDKn8zwMs5Jzxmu1JM8CzxZFx84gpyqH2YPwETctbvcBsIw1CAK0hT4UGxxnzMDYBOJuipYTisvmu1heia6tmc/s400/IMG_3468.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Nine Arch Bridge </b>Of course no trip to Ella would be complete without a visit to the nine arch bridge! We got a tuk tuk from the tea plantation to near the bridge and started to walk to find it. We ended up getting lost and going a weird way, but it's pretty easy to find. The most nerve-wracking thing was having to walk on the train tracks and not know if a train would come hurtling past (we hadn't checked train times - would highly recommend you do this!!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUXV0bq1iSeMftGPYwLdrzYDZfD2K48cxl3MkB-qLD5cQ1EPoBgZkrrQWXbyofld-keR7UB61L70L8dr7rvv43svAHt8zzMIOckKLEwevSbyDSevO_9sNpsFMwf6iD1vZFpOmGemF1s8/s1600/IMG_3481.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUXV0bq1iSeMftGPYwLdrzYDZfD2K48cxl3MkB-qLD5cQ1EPoBgZkrrQWXbyofld-keR7UB61L70L8dr7rvv43svAHt8zzMIOckKLEwevSbyDSevO_9sNpsFMwf6iD1vZFpOmGemF1s8/s400/IMG_3481.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It's not hard to see why it's such an attraction - the bridge is an architectural thing of beauty and so commandeering rising out of the tea plantations. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3V4mH6yoUEPhF07LwVUwc67fCkTUpE5AQsyTSqcfzbAZ5adVUmN7XyUYB0YT6_y_W8gF7kkm1dhDW7m13cSOXh1XVziuS23By2N72vnkgODD0_wqA9ticoauVrUHwxN3c6_yPz8auxc/s1600/IMG_3483.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3V4mH6yoUEPhF07LwVUwc67fCkTUpE5AQsyTSqcfzbAZ5adVUmN7XyUYB0YT6_y_W8gF7kkm1dhDW7m13cSOXh1XVziuS23By2N72vnkgODD0_wqA9ticoauVrUHwxN3c6_yPz8auxc/s400/IMG_3483.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aM99KgLRyQcanKxV8UvynapqwEki5q-Df00lQ4hPNUNODyP3thTa0N754s_pVxOrvLbXqtBDcEx_oeafZjdpdMDw32jn1jbkQG0u2Oa84JOGSaJpFCB6ru9zGkq_gvwLOZwlbS1WEJU/s1600/IMG_3494.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aM99KgLRyQcanKxV8UvynapqwEki5q-Df00lQ4hPNUNODyP3thTa0N754s_pVxOrvLbXqtBDcEx_oeafZjdpdMDw32jn1jbkQG0u2Oa84JOGSaJpFCB6ru9zGkq_gvwLOZwlbS1WEJU/s400/IMG_3494.jpeg" width="284" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJTiY_718iJPfJJHPf0l6IHQ3f93qr3A0onRyGsi9fB9PuFOVirulBod0aEbC3HYFOiggPIPaFvaVDKaMQx29goqqPVjTjhi1i7h1Ye0L_9v49Q7ug1cWihjps0ELGbIxu67zPlPfPM4/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJTiY_718iJPfJJHPf0l6IHQ3f93qr3A0onRyGsi9fB9PuFOVirulBod0aEbC3HYFOiggPIPaFvaVDKaMQx29goqqPVjTjhi1i7h1Ye0L_9v49Q7ug1cWihjps0ELGbIxu67zPlPfPM4/s400/IMG_4349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next day, we did:<br />
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<b>Ella Rock</b><br />
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We set our alarms for 3.30am, having booked tuk tuk and hike guide through Chill Ville, and prayed for a clear morning to see sun rise from the summit, to make the early alarm worth it!<br />
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Getting a guide to help navigate the walk is totally your preference - I know a friend who used people's blogs online to climb Ella Rock in the pitch black and only got lost once, and made it to the top fine; I also know a friend who got lost in the day time, so it's your call. I liked having a guide - he knew what we were walking through and more importantly where we were going; there's absolutely no way we would've found the route in the pitch black!<br />
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It took around an hour to climb, although we were walking quite fast. I wore walking boots but trainers would be fine. Don't go in flip flops. It was also quite cold first thing, so I took a jumper and a rain jacket.. 10 mins in to brisk uphill walking and I was in a tank top!<br />
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We were the first people to reach the top and that has to be one of the most special memories of the trip, looking out over Ella and beyond as the dawn light slowly crept up over us was amazing. After half an hour lots more people had arrived, so I'd recommend getting there early. <br />
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Luckily, it was a crystal clear morning and the sunrise was epic - the photos really don't do it justice!<br />
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It was so nice to get back to Chill Ville at 8am and have breakfast by the pool overlooking the mountain we'd just climbed! Smug factor 100.<br />
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<b>Eating and drinking in Ella</b><br />
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We got mates rates at the Chill Cafe as it's run by the same guys who own the Chill Ville so we ended up in there a lot for drinks and ate there one night too. I got their special - 10 curries cooked in a banana leaf (a biryani type dish, it was lusshhh, think it's called a Lamparis?). It gets really busy so be prepared to queue. Upstairs on the top floor it's very chill and relaxed - you can't move for beanbags and bamboo, and there's a huge bar in the middle. Great place for a cocktail or two. <br />
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You'll find loads of restaurants on the main road in Ella town so wander round a bit and see which one takes your fancy... We heard great things about Matey Hut and wished we'd had time to do their cooking class.<br />
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<b>E L L A TO U D A W A L A W E</b><br />
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We got another taxi to Udawalawe from Ella, it took about 2/3 hours from memory. This guy kept showing us different things along the way, stopping to buy fresh corn for us en route, which made the journey feel like something more than just a method to get you from A to B.<br />
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Udawalawe national park is one of the best places to see elephants in their natural environment in Sri Lanka, and I was SO excited about seeing them!<br />
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I'd emailed ahead and booked our safari for the morning after we arrived. We booked a half day safari from 5.30am - midday. There are loads of places to stay around the park so you won't struggle to find somewhere. We stayed at a place called <a href="http://kottawattavillage.com/">Kottawatta Village</a>. <br />
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I think given how incredible Rivora Residence and Chill Ville had been, we'd been spoilt... All Kottawatta's accommodation advertised were huts on stilts or pool side bungalows with glass fronted windows or balconies, but they also have two rooms that are so far from this they're actually a joke. Basically, they'd been very sneaky with the room selection and chosen to abstain from putting photos of said two rooms online, and we'd ended up in one. However, you're in Udawalawe for the safari, not luxury, so we didn't care (...much)! They moved us to a tent on stilts the night after (second picture below!) and that was lush - the bathroom was outside and we were showering with monkeys, WTF! Amazing.<br />
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The rest of the room was equally as gross, haha.<br />
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This was more like it! Amazing tents on stilts...</div>
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Talk about insta vs reality.<br />
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Again, we set the alarm for an early start (this time 4am!), and set off to look for some elephants. We had a jeep to ourselves which was so cool! The drivers were respectful to the elephants and there was no herding or feeling too gawpy or touristy - if you didn't see anything, you didn't see anything. We were lucky enough to see about six elephants in the morning. There was one bit where the drivers had radioed to each other that they'd seen a baby elephant and her mum, and so everyone swooped round, and me and James just said we didn't want to be part of that as it felt too gawpy and not fair on the poor baby elephant, so we drove on. We drove round for about an hour looking for more animals and I was starting to get a bit restless about not having seen anything - then remembered that this is how it's supposed to be! They're in their natural habitat and if you wanted to see them at all times, we'd be in a zoo.<br />
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The Kottawatta guys had made us up a really cute packed breakfast and we ate it in the safari park - no health and safety regs to be seen. Munching on a bit of papaya with wild animals roaming around. They also gave me and James a can of Lion beer which was a very nice touch (if a little odd, drinking beer at 11am whilst ragging it round a safari park in a jeep).<br />
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Other than safari, there is nothing in Udawalawe. No restaurants etc, so you eat in the place you're staying in. We did two nights; arriving in the evening, safari for half a day, chilled by the pool in the afternoon, had dinner, slept and then first thing left for Mirissa. <br />
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You definitely don't need more than two nights in Udawalawe, unless you're planning on doing safari for more than one day.<br />
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<b>U D A W A L A W E TO M I R I S S A </b><br />
Then, it was a two hour drive down to the south coast for our first stop, Mirissa. <br />
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We stayed at the <a href="http://thespicehousemirissa.com/">Spice House</a>, and had probably my favourite meal of the holiday here. It's a six bedroom guesthouse with the most picturesque garden and pool. You're minutes from the beach but the house backs on to the jungle so the bird and animal sounds are incredible. It's owned by a married couple, Phil and Wathsala, who were soo hospitable, chatty and helpful. They've even sent me the recipes for the multi-curry meal we had at theirs, can't wait to try and recreate them. <br />
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You can probably tell that The Spice House was one of my favourite places we stayed. It really did feel like a home from home:<br />
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We were a five minute walk from this epic sunset spot: <br />
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I really liked the vibe of Mirissa's beach. We were ready for some chilled beach time but also for a bit of a drink and the bars along the beach front were perfect for that. Most of them were really chilled and laid back and then some had DJs and music in the evenings. Most of the beach bars and restaurants loan out their sun loungers and umbrellas free of charge, but when a home-brewed gin and tonic is the equivalent of £1.50, it would be rude not to buy. <br />
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This guy clearly loved the £1.50 cocktails..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPDS6CV8vltiCfGI2Fm22ZUuXCkB5TYGciN9LRK3QDgUTb2l3XJ0q5d8oQmIJu0lSu70dBF_BdmdU1L8nnv7AEgkbupLJVtCCLSP83SwVr5axwYjxVZJvFF_dLnVzjnZlD6EBLriHavU/s1600/IMG_4257.jpeg"><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPDS6CV8vltiCfGI2Fm22ZUuXCkB5TYGciN9LRK3QDgUTb2l3XJ0q5d8oQmIJu0lSu70dBF_BdmdU1L8nnv7AEgkbupLJVtCCLSP83SwVr5axwYjxVZJvFF_dLnVzjnZlD6EBLriHavU/s400/IMG_4257.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEmLg-VEs2tMawAbCSYwRcXMcKLHBEMBbTUBecZaLWbmYoi3qPlkgxYVpZiWWrsfCA4uzvLlXNYrzgYHibBlHefdi7PRF0jnH0bGMSA0Y17TV7yTKNg9vyxrMTWuwGRS0LWfBYAV5pAQ/s1600/IMG_4099.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEmLg-VEs2tMawAbCSYwRcXMcKLHBEMBbTUBecZaLWbmYoi3qPlkgxYVpZiWWrsfCA4uzvLlXNYrzgYHibBlHefdi7PRF0jnH0bGMSA0Y17TV7yTKNg9vyxrMTWuwGRS0LWfBYAV5pAQ/s400/IMG_4099.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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You can also rent body boards for 500 rupees for an hour (£2.50), which was soo much fun. The waves don't look that big here but honestly they were massive!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhEZuUUhT3DxKwj-FSbs9Mdo_TMY4SHWR73jpQS1FtaJZVZV8dIYkLWS5R3WLKP2qiak4VXvZJMAaEXSplul8XwqwrILlobbPIfkmzmRZMqV05O3Ia7i7saklqdt7l9h0Iiu1OPpxQkM/s1600/IMG_3934.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhEZuUUhT3DxKwj-FSbs9Mdo_TMY4SHWR73jpQS1FtaJZVZV8dIYkLWS5R3WLKP2qiak4VXvZJMAaEXSplul8XwqwrILlobbPIfkmzmRZMqV05O3Ia7i7saklqdt7l9h0Iiu1OPpxQkM/s640/IMG_3934.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UHoeUkLJDVf7A1FDvqAsaSB7jDwDXQrqxGnGILI8AHRZ4IU19VxHR79_fUQjicdhFJwLrsiApEMjYLfNUmFEwj0f3Y8LvPHE-A8TWDQlEdSEkh7pp1LawB1p4wi9ofUgey4_TDTDzLI/s1600/IMG_4110.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UHoeUkLJDVf7A1FDvqAsaSB7jDwDXQrqxGnGILI8AHRZ4IU19VxHR79_fUQjicdhFJwLrsiApEMjYLfNUmFEwj0f3Y8LvPHE-A8TWDQlEdSEkh7pp1LawB1p4wi9ofUgey4_TDTDzLI/s400/IMG_4110.jpeg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgA1zeBtMlA3qRyRJaBkRFH87ZvyHxTfbMv9qKzQ-WhhqIf_vP2Z2CvxFaGQKYzw7i927bWzHU9p-5LzviH88_gxQ4l6NVckzGjHK70mRjvNU8_UJFgbW3XqLnQmyMU0o0FJQtURfmRY/s1600/IMG_4076.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgA1zeBtMlA3qRyRJaBkRFH87ZvyHxTfbMv9qKzQ-WhhqIf_vP2Z2CvxFaGQKYzw7i927bWzHU9p-5LzviH88_gxQ4l6NVckzGjHK70mRjvNU8_UJFgbW3XqLnQmyMU0o0FJQtURfmRY/s400/IMG_4076.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I stuck to the shallows, as you can see...<br />
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We mainly ate fresh seafood and curries on the beach, but we also had dinner at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1407334-d2007581-Reviews-Dewmini_Roti_Shop-Mirissa_Southern_Province.html">Number 1 Dewmini Roti Shop</a> which is an absolute must if you're in Mirissa. Tucked away down a side street, it's a family run restaurant with a really heart warming story. It was buzzing when we got there and you can see why - the food is excellent. <br />
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I'd also recommend the Secret Root spa for a massage. I had a 60 minute full body aromatherapy massage for the equivalent of £12, and it was divine. <br />
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The main road that runs along Mirissa beach is crazy busy - watch out for speeding buses. Some areas of the beach are quite run down, especially where you can see the road from the beach. Walk down towards the west side of the bay and it's much, much nicer. <br />
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We were sad to leave Mirissa, but I was excited to get to our next stop as it was my birthday present from James.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfrIIAgCo0qNzArUujwuMQRWRZtI8gk0KM50e0G7q50JMwu4tPJsnmUglnwNM1df6kLVbtFZFcUGHti0Mb4Uk4Z_oTuoLsO2LHhmYEgu1g_8edrtHEZxyfwJ3llnNxc3qnNRjepMjEiM/s1600/IMG_4035.jpeg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfrIIAgCo0qNzArUujwuMQRWRZtI8gk0KM50e0G7q50JMwu4tPJsnmUglnwNM1df6kLVbtFZFcUGHti0Mb4Uk4Z_oTuoLsO2LHhmYEgu1g_8edrtHEZxyfwJ3llnNxc3qnNRjepMjEiM/s640/IMG_4035.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>M I R I S S A TO K O G G A L A </b><br />
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The south coast is really easy to get from A - B so don't worry too much about where you're staying as all the 'hot spots' are quite close to one another. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh922QelM905VnOGOKhfiD25TJaML_e2fhocjzEZO3u8iib5C0bwvnvKUOiDp2cCOKzr1O9vXCjPkpR18kBdOPbOQCel5EzSW1n0qbIhGrKYE0E7gPSnBer_t0_E6rDpIQBUijwJZhKGVU/s1600/IMG_4272.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh922QelM905VnOGOKhfiD25TJaML_e2fhocjzEZO3u8iib5C0bwvnvKUOiDp2cCOKzr1O9vXCjPkpR18kBdOPbOQCel5EzSW1n0qbIhGrKYE0E7gPSnBer_t0_E6rDpIQBUijwJZhKGVU/s400/IMG_4272.jpeg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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The friendliest tuk tuk driver excitably showing us turtles, our fave driver! <br />
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James had booked <a href="https://www.fortressresortandspa.com/">The Fortress</a> as a birthday present, and my god, it was stunning. Breathtakingly 5 star, we rocked up with our rucksacks in a dusty tuk tuk and instantly felt transported. Safe to say this place is incredible, worth the money and a really nice way to prolong the birthday celebrations!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nG3iKTDiHxmZzpCiui7a-YQ8qv4T29aivnuhDBoNutRh7UzdlkMK7pl2sEqDl25WIj7i4TH5V_clJtyhqNpjE99Fzx31whrZPU2azrVAX3Sr6NlbVTbYKO7qbrU2cSgCuLI7lTunuYU/s1600/IMG_4276.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nG3iKTDiHxmZzpCiui7a-YQ8qv4T29aivnuhDBoNutRh7UzdlkMK7pl2sEqDl25WIj7i4TH5V_clJtyhqNpjE99Fzx31whrZPU2azrVAX3Sr6NlbVTbYKO7qbrU2cSgCuLI7lTunuYU/s400/IMG_4276.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLJ6u4Stm-k9fycMnFJocSQVNacZYGWRuvfNq7jiCnlp8IPwhyu3dDTUOQ4gM_q75IlmRnqEQl5wGrvv_i_iYIsOZfoimoOGaUcNZCTqVOT6mmrQWOI2Sn3i9SGxKH7XxgAvS6v0wtGw/s1600/IMG_4300.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLJ6u4Stm-k9fycMnFJocSQVNacZYGWRuvfNq7jiCnlp8IPwhyu3dDTUOQ4gM_q75IlmRnqEQl5wGrvv_i_iYIsOZfoimoOGaUcNZCTqVOT6mmrQWOI2Sn3i9SGxKH7XxgAvS6v0wtGw/s400/IMG_4300.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K91BEzQMU1P8SbKAcvMyqaBK3QTMu2GTxl-_XSndYTeOh68t2qZ-PkYDxQqZ5bwX2HYsMsQr5rYSUoqmThpqBHV0IYEr-47Coovd6dW4pyvCe7QhYbU7_D3C8z52c30MY4DpJ5npVvo/s1600/IMG_4278.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K91BEzQMU1P8SbKAcvMyqaBK3QTMu2GTxl-_XSndYTeOh68t2qZ-PkYDxQqZ5bwX2HYsMsQr5rYSUoqmThpqBHV0IYEr-47Coovd6dW4pyvCe7QhYbU7_D3C8z52c30MY4DpJ5npVvo/s400/IMG_4278.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Our room was gigantic, the bathroom was bigger than our living room, dining room and kitchen combined back at home, and the bed was ginormous. <br />
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It was the perfect way to spend three days and just absolutely chill out. Even when we were in Mirissa, we still found ourselves off on day trips, scouring out the best things to do, but the beauty of being at The Fortress was that we had nothing to do but sunbathe, swim, read, drink & eat... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3gh5scx3XsSmY-C0C1QaIzeA1HkAtNfkC848BFV3AJMnJoOSfWt1J0ZSRotMBosijBZhYcfRynvKKG18KUiBZyQU41s5LXQnheJhFLj_Sr0E1qiDbMs3dirQE-NqZIpmvUm52pO9kz8/s1600/IMG_4305.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3gh5scx3XsSmY-C0C1QaIzeA1HkAtNfkC848BFV3AJMnJoOSfWt1J0ZSRotMBosijBZhYcfRynvKKG18KUiBZyQU41s5LXQnheJhFLj_Sr0E1qiDbMs3dirQE-NqZIpmvUm52pO9kz8/s400/IMG_4305.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv7sTRyitdcp7YjzjITTowdKR5iuBxHz7Lg6HZExF9rRJwaSsZJgnaakrO6eKUF7UvHFfTulfbkt-utls3xvZTAOvTKAJOaFnuvzK_Yzo1srp0EaKB6_lTeunFu_bv1Jxtv3pOuoXtuE/s1600/IMG_4358.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv7sTRyitdcp7YjzjITTowdKR5iuBxHz7Lg6HZExF9rRJwaSsZJgnaakrO6eKUF7UvHFfTulfbkt-utls3xvZTAOvTKAJOaFnuvzK_Yzo1srp0EaKB6_lTeunFu_bv1Jxtv3pOuoXtuE/s400/IMG_4358.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt9xBEfB88qFPcPA3eK1OFgWQr_hsj_cIFsqnpJA3dHgSpkC6tjsEKvpvbBUPTcFFh-FLK2wYEKM3Y4ZBCMpq1y64ZnOtH9p4ipO1YghlGacL1gVV6NVNBr17lLUzLbLMgVuDeDJFXdg/s1600/IMG_4467.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt9xBEfB88qFPcPA3eK1OFgWQr_hsj_cIFsqnpJA3dHgSpkC6tjsEKvpvbBUPTcFFh-FLK2wYEKM3Y4ZBCMpq1y64ZnOtH9p4ipO1YghlGacL1gVV6NVNBr17lLUzLbLMgVuDeDJFXdg/s400/IMG_4467.jpeg" /></a></div>
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The food was sensational too: <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamXpf6SxwraSG6EKgk-EisJPZmaja12tssczdPekJqgJdlJ6SdBMrekS-NFlwx-UXumk5fIRMURgrjMq7dQXOqFs72XT82upCv9pKod39Ot0mpAgH4FSEm7MbcXoB0Hb2h-qYjRIg0yg/s1600/IMG_4317.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamXpf6SxwraSG6EKgk-EisJPZmaja12tssczdPekJqgJdlJ6SdBMrekS-NFlwx-UXumk5fIRMURgrjMq7dQXOqFs72XT82upCv9pKod39Ot0mpAgH4FSEm7MbcXoB0Hb2h-qYjRIg0yg/s400/IMG_4317.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSzVOy_WH5ehIRQ86USACfxFaha6Bno5NVDz9V8SB7QJsjT347mIvJZuMKiinZXpaIuSFFm__LLrZoCVsEXBf2J2EwD5r3YKfRwtfcvd0eBeWQbwdrTuC8cMUwkW1Qxat3Etf1Et-xuY/s1600/IMG_4294.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSzVOy_WH5ehIRQ86USACfxFaha6Bno5NVDz9V8SB7QJsjT347mIvJZuMKiinZXpaIuSFFm__LLrZoCVsEXBf2J2EwD5r3YKfRwtfcvd0eBeWQbwdrTuC8cMUwkW1Qxat3Etf1Et-xuY/s400/IMG_4294.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3r5S9JNDWq-XT7-Mp4iy7rkSzblcSbg9yK2F5zuahIysr5Ige4T0uW_M4S0HhVehn3o1OnHzv6hMax9Jpc_ytkUFpgNubfw0qHImWhF7EOEq3GkC60QXAf_JVtz1YU9KCoRbS8jKWvo/s1600/IMG_4324.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3r5S9JNDWq-XT7-Mp4iy7rkSzblcSbg9yK2F5zuahIysr5Ige4T0uW_M4S0HhVehn3o1OnHzv6hMax9Jpc_ytkUFpgNubfw0qHImWhF7EOEq3GkC60QXAf_JVtz1YU9KCoRbS8jKWvo/s400/IMG_4324.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Watermelon & feta salad, and a vegetable ratatouille. Of course we also had plenty of delicious Sri Lankan food too, like this prawn curry, which was D-LISH.<br />
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Such an epic birthday treat, thank yooou James Day. I'd absolutely recommend spending a couple of nights here if you're celebrating a birthday or fancy splashing out for a treat.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwvjGbsUhyphenhyphenYlTgUTJXvkgF3ZEdPHb_UEIcGwKVjKk9B987QNQnMd8vqZ7VdZqMKv3MW9kkaIWSwtf0O8TsIrcpMEhgvMtmVy_9N9W2m2_NlEao96LMlGes7Kar676lT9k2cWV45aDZg8/s1600/IMG_4495.jpeg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwvjGbsUhyphenhyphenYlTgUTJXvkgF3ZEdPHb_UEIcGwKVjKk9B987QNQnMd8vqZ7VdZqMKv3MW9kkaIWSwtf0O8TsIrcpMEhgvMtmVy_9N9W2m2_NlEao96LMlGes7Kar676lT9k2cWV45aDZg8/s400/IMG_4495.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>K O G G A L A to G A L L E</b><br />
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After we'd checked out, we got a tuk tuk to our next and final stop on our trip, Galle.<br />
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We had two full days and one night in Galle. One night is definitely enough, in my opinion. On day one, after checking in to the cute and quirky <a href="https://antic-guesthouse-lk.book.direct/en-gb">Antic Guesthouse</a> inside Galle Fort and a walk around the town, we took a tuk tuk to Unawatuna beach for the afternoon. Again, lush golden sands and a load of bars and restaurants to choose from. They also had sandy back streets off the beach filled with nice looking boutique cafes and shops. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYftOTEgX87MdQT4hKbrXPiLc6Il3K7JGVvbv8cklGLk3y2RkRGBhXMIvcEOljf-L1SZRawXClNevcSdm6ONkt63Gc6Zp2sl6rL_QwGtnmPiRsni76Dib3ndMhE7ewyHOX_CtS8sKnus/s1600/IMG_4523.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYftOTEgX87MdQT4hKbrXPiLc6Il3K7JGVvbv8cklGLk3y2RkRGBhXMIvcEOljf-L1SZRawXClNevcSdm6ONkt63Gc6Zp2sl6rL_QwGtnmPiRsni76Dib3ndMhE7ewyHOX_CtS8sKnus/s400/IMG_4523.jpeg" /></a> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1wgWq9R_ffjKyHGo4_mLDerzBXV6GhA-RoO3NhU4bDWwYaY8XKga8LguEphbdQvSdsZrQpDvt6vfW5KGw-GyCvqtCWA7LQo08lRmkmP4I46MepNALBF55u86QwUtRpPq0FPhau4IRf8/s400/IMG_4524.jpeg" /> </div>
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Our street, and the entrance to our guesthouse was really cool.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI5imimHVK5FkotT3z0hbfDxGVJGLV3ftOtEMpGF_JJKvY53w_cGox2Aia7mwMFaP_g2MMtc1PRzrfwy_OSxRt6bq9OsLg2yXzllJMjJoy2ymBF8fgFWzzpDmZpxEkmyP_Q_mgut22rU/s1600/IMG_4531.jpeg"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI5imimHVK5FkotT3z0hbfDxGVJGLV3ftOtEMpGF_JJKvY53w_cGox2Aia7mwMFaP_g2MMtc1PRzrfwy_OSxRt6bq9OsLg2yXzllJMjJoy2ymBF8fgFWzzpDmZpxEkmyP_Q_mgut22rU/s1600/IMG_4531.jpeg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI5imimHVK5FkotT3z0hbfDxGVJGLV3ftOtEMpGF_JJKvY53w_cGox2Aia7mwMFaP_g2MMtc1PRzrfwy_OSxRt6bq9OsLg2yXzllJMjJoy2ymBF8fgFWzzpDmZpxEkmyP_Q_mgut22rU/s1600/IMG_4531.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSI5imimHVK5FkotT3z0hbfDxGVJGLV3ftOtEMpGF_JJKvY53w_cGox2Aia7mwMFaP_g2MMtc1PRzrfwy_OSxRt6bq9OsLg2yXzllJMjJoy2ymBF8fgFWzzpDmZpxEkmyP_Q_mgut22rU/s400/IMG_4531.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZVp5QQuogvl0h1QEV245AfKiJHy4pQ9EhUS5W59pEmKEyUjN-QHNVMrAMSwQsBUIT3QWnswhApLzlDC-gqlPRTBm7Zqb3L9EFwcqGc7CEcSs_-b_l57WiL2gy6oP9NQfdwKmT35Fh7k/s1600/IMG_4612.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZVp5QQuogvl0h1QEV245AfKiJHy4pQ9EhUS5W59pEmKEyUjN-QHNVMrAMSwQsBUIT3QWnswhApLzlDC-gqlPRTBm7Zqb3L9EFwcqGc7CEcSs_-b_l57WiL2gy6oP9NQfdwKmT35Fh7k/s400/IMG_4612.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09eQBwPRPevSPaislv9Txs01pTKHKUQZRKc9VOAkYg9NkGDsxoNVl87Y53OpxSFGK3PJ27U_2xRHFG1AsMZ0BVtLfywg7O9bNebJtWy_qinwWyqM-bAY5OVTC_expfKkZXclQ7FqoM-k/s1600/IMG_4616.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09eQBwPRPevSPaislv9Txs01pTKHKUQZRKc9VOAkYg9NkGDsxoNVl87Y53OpxSFGK3PJ27U_2xRHFG1AsMZ0BVtLfywg7O9bNebJtWy_qinwWyqM-bAY5OVTC_expfKkZXclQ7FqoM-k/s400/IMG_4616.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMC-IQO0WNuow9o6mIRu3e3FAdPyBdqrE3aHQg6694uu5eYK5V_JvKVex8cp7aohuvobvAkZWHYqGZDs4TDlNDiPSRWVzPrQuhn0_14TW4JfqdZDn1yg4Q5Yo1iZ7z2ANCiKJn5VQ_Pk/s1600/IMG_4619.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMC-IQO0WNuow9o6mIRu3e3FAdPyBdqrE3aHQg6694uu5eYK5V_JvKVex8cp7aohuvobvAkZWHYqGZDs4TDlNDiPSRWVzPrQuhn0_14TW4JfqdZDn1yg4Q5Yo1iZ7z2ANCiKJn5VQ_Pk/s400/IMG_4619.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUuquSpDYmHtsv2ZLXfL8s0HGwAVToYYKs8AHSja30Wv97cq3X6RuQT7ff0_NdP-PaUHy-vZsjflH3U0jnVFwvbSLFPmFef4h5umwrdYtkVRTZjQSUxd48ihwC9LZu5kBxfHcAFG0RH8/s1600/IMG_4618.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUuquSpDYmHtsv2ZLXfL8s0HGwAVToYYKs8AHSja30Wv97cq3X6RuQT7ff0_NdP-PaUHy-vZsjflH3U0jnVFwvbSLFPmFef4h5umwrdYtkVRTZjQSUxd48ihwC9LZu5kBxfHcAFG0RH8/s400/IMG_4618.jpeg" /></a></div>
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This was my favourite Sri Lankan breakfast of the trip. Egg hoppers, Roti, coconut sambol, dhal (beauty), fish curry, chilli, coconut pancakes, and an entire fruit platter:<br />
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Unawatuna beach looking fine:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwy8cj1GOYxqSWBiHoqsDmv5h7L8fR8DpfpRwOSVOvRKdzmsu2eCzP7Wrp6MTT3Vsiw4oU-gryAwJpGqCmu5jJ8viqV14nT2T-cN8OguoyXmUENY0ejBboVvK0jsrkgIrcA9xsA64JNs/s1600/IMG_4561.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwy8cj1GOYxqSWBiHoqsDmv5h7L8fR8DpfpRwOSVOvRKdzmsu2eCzP7Wrp6MTT3Vsiw4oU-gryAwJpGqCmu5jJ8viqV14nT2T-cN8OguoyXmUENY0ejBboVvK0jsrkgIrcA9xsA64JNs/s400/IMG_4561.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPA4TWQMAVmCwbKycLIGhGYKkE4dmNSmiiwUMQ6XvqUp2kGFwrv-4k0eVlTjqB15wwImoTMSxOHbwljY6Z8s9IPV5PTNd_iy6F8e5run-X3ppngdcAOcegAHu06XW1rfgDANEgY0CbT0/s1600/IMG_4568.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPA4TWQMAVmCwbKycLIGhGYKkE4dmNSmiiwUMQ6XvqUp2kGFwrv-4k0eVlTjqB15wwImoTMSxOHbwljY6Z8s9IPV5PTNd_iy6F8e5run-X3ppngdcAOcegAHu06XW1rfgDANEgY0CbT0/s400/IMG_4568.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Galle fort is cool. Quirky, arty, cultured, cafes, cricket - it came across a bit like a Sri Lankan St Ives mixed with a Dutch village? The place is full to the brim with art galleries, cool shops and nice looking restaurants: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TQKFp526TP9d2MA37saxQ9tr-zepobucTS8IUgsJEJXXogvKpAUTIAqtWGeHzp6bK49wUEYfyK_k9HimCSuugxHcAnC-slzWKcLbmtOesr27jQQ7dZmzN-72b5cD_I5BHPcsAkye7H4/s1600/IMG_4645.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TQKFp526TP9d2MA37saxQ9tr-zepobucTS8IUgsJEJXXogvKpAUTIAqtWGeHzp6bK49wUEYfyK_k9HimCSuugxHcAnC-slzWKcLbmtOesr27jQQ7dZmzN-72b5cD_I5BHPcsAkye7H4/s400/IMG_4645.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFcrHL-ZF71tJOc52rWrnpOOXM_7aIC4TJGA-NmobCv5-JlRnDyxgpctFqo-lLQXqqHsSIIqZW2ZQhEWeJu2e0i474RXiybN2MIjl4dpoxXF1I-XREUA8HcpdexPZrF6CzzfMAW4syUQ/s1600/IMG_4534.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFcrHL-ZF71tJOc52rWrnpOOXM_7aIC4TJGA-NmobCv5-JlRnDyxgpctFqo-lLQXqqHsSIIqZW2ZQhEWeJu2e0i474RXiybN2MIjl4dpoxXF1I-XREUA8HcpdexPZrF6CzzfMAW4syUQ/s400/IMG_4534.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6aBVJZJ4EJbki-uT6VixWDOw4IzFQqnTtEhtTE8PQJLvQwk27ytVZiZ76DN0bosamcEBoFSxfq8tSaOypwN8seBoNkiGqgqg1vM6oBc6XZzlLt_dasNZKMCRiK947a77Y_8Dx45qPiw/s1600/IMG_4539.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6aBVJZJ4EJbki-uT6VixWDOw4IzFQqnTtEhtTE8PQJLvQwk27ytVZiZ76DN0bosamcEBoFSxfq8tSaOypwN8seBoNkiGqgqg1vM6oBc6XZzlLt_dasNZKMCRiK947a77Y_8Dx45qPiw/s400/IMG_4539.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IhMrcv1wUyRstZpA3iAdTy4W7rWoJ_FiVcmzBJTu4SGwB-R_cxwYXCKlAclw47k1Jx9VhWl_EQb-Ga-gQv5jk8BgYMmUOZ6e8whFM6_QhGsk7s5HKhlaByKEtUDMr365wvjWIYnOnms/s1600/IMG_4622.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IhMrcv1wUyRstZpA3iAdTy4W7rWoJ_FiVcmzBJTu4SGwB-R_cxwYXCKlAclw47k1Jx9VhWl_EQb-Ga-gQv5jk8BgYMmUOZ6e8whFM6_QhGsk7s5HKhlaByKEtUDMr365wvjWIYnOnms/s400/IMG_4622.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQP8t7f6yccWLTWZ5Racr5JaC1Ex_zrNKLMvXaalOqNkiM1LD8D8bYaEwz8bDWLZUa-7AVLVKabIAXu-v5lyagKJSahTN2XzDOacsBClxvmYW1q664OwiSEOM5D7rnBQFFzUC1G896ZM/s1600/IMG_4625.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQP8t7f6yccWLTWZ5Racr5JaC1Ex_zrNKLMvXaalOqNkiM1LD8D8bYaEwz8bDWLZUa-7AVLVKabIAXu-v5lyagKJSahTN2XzDOacsBClxvmYW1q664OwiSEOM5D7rnBQFFzUC1G896ZM/s400/IMG_4625.jpeg" /></a></div>
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It's really colourful, and I loved that it's right on the coast. We spent our time walking the fort walls, exploring little side streets, and hiding from the sun (James's request), in cafes and museums. <br />
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Would highly recommend: <br />
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Eating at The Galle Fort Hotel, we sat outside on the veranda and it was a great people watching spot:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUIAzpsTyPbemvuXxmc6TVoumCK1oxo6ZxKae7-C2W_QnfLjJYGIW39NYUdnGolqeJmlWuHcd75VVxY3_Csbp5CpG5ZzpJPRJles2wPUKTOyiJxBArnW3GSiMSwStoK1LrwY-RB6vnE8/s1600/IMG_4600.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUIAzpsTyPbemvuXxmc6TVoumCK1oxo6ZxKae7-C2W_QnfLjJYGIW39NYUdnGolqeJmlWuHcd75VVxY3_Csbp5CpG5ZzpJPRJles2wPUKTOyiJxBArnW3GSiMSwStoK1LrwY-RB6vnE8/s400/IMG_4600.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-bnZzT43EDYa4OGvOEVS2iYQdp8HVke5lLFuu2A_u9MvLiPRKxf3oDZptj2x-JMrfeDuCqegZ1F2QEVGe-nBhgnS689YaVVdJzGtBWlZkt-d5THdfeGs1eblyR0jvz6eMc3kc2JKn3s/s1600/IMG_4606.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-bnZzT43EDYa4OGvOEVS2iYQdp8HVke5lLFuu2A_u9MvLiPRKxf3oDZptj2x-JMrfeDuCqegZ1F2QEVGe-nBhgnS689YaVVdJzGtBWlZkt-d5THdfeGs1eblyR0jvz6eMc3kc2JKn3s/s400/IMG_4606.jpeg" /></a></div>
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A cocktail at Amangalla - the hotel bar is definitely worth a visit - we sat on the terrace outside<br />
(left), and lunch at Church Street Social (right).<br />
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Walk the fort walls at sunset, it was unreal: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSAigLvcww4z1W8-FF9qNL27ZWWrbk2M-bh4nYYLg6bbKckMOs0TToyoMv_fTyaiuFTB72eIc2NFVEIMspTe9AkgoCUMirMW6xbgshnwA7J9UwVN9-iZe6t2iKpBepdLu3m2XyDUhaqk/s1600/IMG_4586.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSAigLvcww4z1W8-FF9qNL27ZWWrbk2M-bh4nYYLg6bbKckMOs0TToyoMv_fTyaiuFTB72eIc2NFVEIMspTe9AkgoCUMirMW6xbgshnwA7J9UwVN9-iZe6t2iKpBepdLu3m2XyDUhaqk/s400/IMG_4586.jpeg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA0-w5aXSogN2m5MJg3YNTEOQzya6R2kbg-Qa5HtF3JTTdvu6MjwFRV4pD4b9s47vJBXSFhh5rVVMgsa1MOTxX8LM-sC-FoG5Qv3h4ZDnRjNUUd_R2-S-5YPqHawwSs-zuBdwuoHkkPs/s1600/IMG_4591.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA0-w5aXSogN2m5MJg3YNTEOQzya6R2kbg-Qa5HtF3JTTdvu6MjwFRV4pD4b9s47vJBXSFhh5rVVMgsa1MOTxX8LM-sC-FoG5Qv3h4ZDnRjNUUd_R2-S-5YPqHawwSs-zuBdwuoHkkPs/s400/IMG_4591.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I was so, so sad to leave Sri Lanka. I'd go back again in a heartbeat. If you're thinking about going, I can't recommend it enough. It's honestly so beautiful, friendly and a country that seems to have everything - amazing food, mountains, lush green jungles, beaches, cool towns, elephants and so much history.<br />
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The food in Sri Lanka is without a doubt some of the best food I've eaten in my life. So often on the trip I'd be like - "this is the best one yet" - and then something else would knock it out the park. I never once got bored of rice and curry; the flavours, spice and heat were just bang on for me. <br />
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If you know of any good Sri Lankan restaurants in the UK (Manchester, Bristol or London way), let me know!</div>
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KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-92124347134913883062018-04-12T22:53:00.001+01:002018-04-13T09:40:41.421+01:00Top 10 post-run restaurants in Manchester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1_B3T2LnKzIRVJx60PZzbdaf2Gc-IT_laRmceJdg0mjoMBTdSNqQH8oSVWJwDVCjlc4NH7YS5fTGSuBHA62U5XCohJUD4bOWbS3RGtWoLJto5kxuC0WqpWuBtPwIq3cVUQk83X1hlJM/s1600/federal+cafe+manchester+frankies+weekend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1_B3T2LnKzIRVJx60PZzbdaf2Gc-IT_laRmceJdg0mjoMBTdSNqQH8oSVWJwDVCjlc4NH7YS5fTGSuBHA62U5XCohJUD4bOWbS3RGtWoLJto5kxuC0WqpWuBtPwIq3cVUQk83X1hlJM/s640/federal+cafe+manchester+frankies+weekend.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-6923e026-be26-7b17-637e-cdce66792d04"></span>If you've read my <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2018/03/best-running-routes-in-manchester.html">latest post</a>, you'll know that I'm collaborating with the <a href="http://www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=GMR18_FrankiesWeekend">Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run</a> team to talk running in the lead up to the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20th May (there are places still available!). Today, I'm sharing some of the best places in Manchester to go for a post-run refuel. Think post-run not posh, with carb-laden, delicious flavours and hearty portion sizes galore.<br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
x<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you've read </span><a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2018/03/best-running-routes-in-manchester.html" style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">my last post</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, you'll know that I'm collaborating with the </span><a href="http://www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=GMR18_FrankiesWeekend" style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> team to talk running in the lead up to the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20th May. Today, I'm sharing some of the best places in Manchester to go for a post-run refuel. Think post-run not posh, with carb-laden, delicious flavours and hearty portion sizes galore. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm starting this blog off by throwing it back to the post-run food I had after the last half marathon I did in Manchester in October, at Laundrette in Chorlton. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsXSZGba3AenPH3DRT13OwtwLmzbKDo5bnYlOut4jgQDcUqJZggeAURm-vQWVb0w-BvoF5qD1hJDWe4dGjf_FPaSw1lk6f6_TaWJXXrfjCM15JgrNrgQsU60PDUIYm_ocVk1bvqM968M/s1600/laundrette+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsXSZGba3AenPH3DRT13OwtwLmzbKDo5bnYlOut4jgQDcUqJZggeAURm-vQWVb0w-BvoF5qD1hJDWe4dGjf_FPaSw1lk6f6_TaWJXXrfjCM15JgrNrgQsU60PDUIYm_ocVk1bvqM968M/s640/laundrette+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Laundrette's own image gallery</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When the sun is shining, Laundrette is a marvelous place to be, and it felt like we were on holiday basking in the sunshine (or maybe that was just the post-run endorphins?)...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'd highly recommend a number of dishes, from pizzas to burgers and grain-based pimped up salads and their sweet potato fries are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spot </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Wharf, Castlefield </span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get yourself across to Castlefield (not far from the finish line!) and order some hearty 'pub-grub'. If the sun's shining, they've got a lot of space outside so it's the perfect place to chill out for a few hours. Failing that and it does rain (it's Manchester, people..), inside is absolutely huge so getting a table shouldn't be a problem. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.mackiemayor.co.uk/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mackie Mayor</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Northern Quarter</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're with a large group of people and can't make your mind up on what food you want, I cannot recommend Mackie Mayor enough. Artisan food stalls galore, set in a really amazing space designed for socialising. From the people who brought us Altrincham market, this former market dates back to the 18th Century and is absolutely beautiful. The bao buns from Baohouse are fantastic - very tasty, if a little pricey for what they are (about £7 each). The fishfinger sandwich from Fin Fish Bar is very good, and I've heard good things about the steak sandwich from Tender Cow, if you eat meat! The pizza from Honest Crust's stand is not to be missed either. There's usually around four or five different variations and they're very reasonably priced. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.pizzeriadoublezero.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Double 00</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Chorlton</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't talk about pizza (which seems to be a bit of a theme so far...) and not mention my all time favourite, Double 00. I've written an entire post on why </span><a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/07/double-00-pizza-chorlton.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you need to visit</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but in a nutshell, their pizzas are AMAZING. Build your own or choose from their specially crafted menu, there's a topping selection to suit everyone (and it's BYOB...). Booking highly recommended as it gets very busy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://thisisleaf.co.uk/manchester/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaf </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on Portland Street</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZRdkPM6PoYj05tXNL1ox587JOVwlour3hh-Y_lM-pr5MUcQogdudqswV3WvWWGUHqq3nYsm5kAKgrpK5fZZqYnQU6IU0vk3RCEW0eT4ne2Da5NGiiChQzfMn-JeNnh_x9318FS5uPX4/s1600/leaf+frankiesweekend1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="489" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZRdkPM6PoYj05tXNL1ox587JOVwlour3hh-Y_lM-pr5MUcQogdudqswV3WvWWGUHqq3nYsm5kAKgrpK5fZZqYnQU6IU0vk3RCEW0eT4ne2Da5NGiiChQzfMn-JeNnh_x9318FS5uPX4/s640/leaf+frankiesweekend1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ahh, lovely Leaf. I used to work next door and would frequently pop in for coffee, brunch, lunch, tea... post-work drinks, the works. I've had the falafel and butterbean stew at least eight times and comes highly recommended. I'm also going to make a very bold claim here: their focaccia is the best I've ever eaten. The balsamic and oil glaze it comes with is life-affirming. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd also recommend; the crispy fried salt and pepper squid, the Goan vegetable curry, Roast sweet potato, fig, feta and cashew nut salad (with fries, obvs) and falafel and halloumi flatbread. Breakfast wise, the shakshuka poached eggs and the veggie breakfast are equally as tasty. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Should you really want to push the boat out, their afternoon tea is a winner, too. Essentially, something for everyone and the location couldn't get more central.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://homesweethomenq.com/great-northern.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home Sweet Home</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, The Great Northern </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're more of a sweet or dessert kinda person, Home Sweet Home is just the place. Again, conveniently located very close to the finish line (it's practically fate...), its menu of mouth-watering cakes, shakes, burgers and pancakes will not leave you disappointed. There's also one on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter, should this branch be full. </span></span></div>
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Check out this selection of food from their Instagram account... </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.evelynscafebar.com/">Evelyn's</a>, Northern Quarter</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Evelyn's is one of my all-time favourite spots in Manchester. I've written a separate <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/02/an-absolute-favourite-evelyns-northern.html">blog post</a> all about my recommendations, but in short, if you're a fan of botanical-industrial chic decor, hearty food with a healthy twist, you need to check it out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favourites include: The crispy tofu and red pepper dhal, aubergine laksa with coconut, tuna poke and chicken skewers. Please also get the masala chips and saag paneer as these dishes are incredible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://federalcafe.co.uk/">Federal Cafe</a>, Northern Quarter</b></span></span></div>
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An Australian & New Zealand cafe bar, Federal has long been a go-to place for me to enjoy a lazy brunch (their brunch menu is served all day!) or lunch on a weekend. </div>
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My personal favourites are; Emily's banana bread, French Toast (with whipped mascarpone and salted caramel omggg) and the Halloumi and Shrooms (my all time favourite - pan-fried halloumi, garlic and thyme mushrooms, free-range eggs, spiced tomato relish, hazlenut dukkah on sourdough bread). </div>
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It's very small inside and so queues are often out the door but trust me, it's worth the wait.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="http://bundobust.com/manchester/">Bundobust</a>, Piccadilly</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Bundobust's website as all my photos on my phone are so dark and don't do it justice..</td></tr>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To give you an idea of how much I like this place, I've been to Bundobust twice in the past three weeks. A 'critically acclaimed beer and Indian street food joint', it will not disappoint.</span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The entire menu is vegetarian but don't let that put you off if you're a meat eater, as each time I've been, I've been with meat eaters who've raved about how good it is and how they didn't miss meat. So if you're skeptical, please take my word!</span></div>
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My favourites include the paneer and mushroom skewers, the okra fries, the chole saag and the Bundo chaat. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.kettlebellkitchen.co.uk/">Kettlebell Kitchen</a>, Ancoats and First Street</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kettlebell Kitchen pride themselves on healthy, fast-food so if you want food in a hurry, this place is a winner. Their perfectly formed macro boxes are ideal for post-workout, and there are plenty of treats to choose from too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn't find any photos on my phone from KB kitchen, so here's a selection from their website so you can see what all the fuss is about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the top ten places I'd recommend paying a visit to after you've endured a good, long run - go on, you deserve it!</span>KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-79463918943751495062018-03-11T22:25:00.000+00:002018-03-24T11:15:07.204+00:00Best Running Routes in Manchester?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HATCsAL941R_6lkOiB9EditsvvBYucBw3pJ64aZegZUc3Y_QcCHpPtGJSLCpOkvH3IAr-g6DGnfsUP5uLrjX0V14RRSNAfdRCKceTlMS3QRIW1h6JMMeRdZ9Xqzm3wEt3Lzrn5gNQ94/s1600/o+n+t+h+e+r+o+a+d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HATCsAL941R_6lkOiB9EditsvvBYucBw3pJ64aZegZUc3Y_QcCHpPtGJSLCpOkvH3IAr-g6DGnfsUP5uLrjX0V14RRSNAfdRCKceTlMS3QRIW1h6JMMeRdZ9Xqzm3wEt3Lzrn5gNQ94/s640/o+n+t+h+e+r+o+a+d.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited to say that I'm working with the team behind the <a href="http://www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=GMR18_FrankiesWeekend">Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run</a> to bring you running content, inspiration and motivation in the lead up to the big event on Sunday 20th May.<br />
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The Great Run team are putting on a 10k and half marathon. I'm going to be running the half marathon distance - those of you who follow me on social might remember the Manchester half I ran in October, PBing at 1:49:46 (whoooo), so I'm excited to see if I can meet (or beat) this time, this time round!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manchester Half Marathon Oct 2017 - PB!</td></tr>
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As part of this collaboration, I'm going to be creating a few pieces of content on running over the next few months, and I'm really excited to share the first piece with you...<br />
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This post comprises of some of my favourite running routes in Manchester. These running courses are the pavements, parks, riverside routes, muddy walk ways (and more) that sparked my love of running, and the routes that keep me coming back for more each week. I really hope that if you're thinking of running the Great Manchester Run, or are looking for new running routes, that this post inspires you to get out and get running.<br />
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In no particular order, here are a few of my faves.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">1) Chorlton Water Park</span></u></b><br />
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One of the reasons I love this place is because it's pretty much a 1 mile loop round the park, so it's great for speed training and for breaking the miles down clearly. Want to run three miles? Jog round three times. Etc. There's loads to see so it doesn't get boring.<br />
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It's also really pretty and very easy to get to, especially if you live in South Manc or near the city centre.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">2) The River Mersey</span></u></b><br />
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Having lived in various areas in South Manchester for the past six years or so, the River Mersey has been one of my go-to running routes, especially on weekends. Obviously, it's huge, so the routes I tend to run along either start around Sale, Chorlton or Didsbury (Chorlton Water Park and Fletcher Moss Gardens (see number 6)) are also just off the River Mersey route).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of River Mersey</td></tr>
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I love it because it feels like you're in the depths of the countryside. There are always lots of other runners, cyclists and dog walkers making it a very friendly place to get your miles in.<br />
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I tend to use these routes for my long runs, running six/seven miles on one side of the river before crossing back over one of the bridges and running back along the other side.<br />
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When it's sunny, this is hands down my favourite place to run in Manchester.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJhXriSEP8znas1pnTq12OWdIQog_VgEoeFEE3D75TNFRzC7omo85sLU9d_t9PYVrUoUsGjyU8ZDPkVD7Oc52Q0hM4wVTfbI807ZmhsuAFXQtLTh8Y3o_Z_d8x2gm73LdSlX8EcEDYHQ/s1600/River+Mersey.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJhXriSEP8znas1pnTq12OWdIQog_VgEoeFEE3D75TNFRzC7omo85sLU9d_t9PYVrUoUsGjyU8ZDPkVD7Oc52Q0hM4wVTfbI807ZmhsuAFXQtLTh8Y3o_Z_d8x2gm73LdSlX8EcEDYHQ/s640/River+Mersey.PNG" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny, podcast, running = happy place (greasy hair not optional at 6 miles in)</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">3) Manchester Ship Canal</span></u></b><br />
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If however, it's not sunny (this is Manchester after all), but I want to be able to get some long miles done, I'll head out on to the canal path.<br />
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I tend to run from Stretford, turning right along the canal past Sale, Timperley and Altrincham. It's a lovely route (flat and tarmac for most), passing canal boats, marinas and plenty of dog walkers and cyclists (and also some pretty nice looking waterside pubs, should you need a pit-stop or a place to end up!). This route takes you right out to Dunham Massey too.<br />
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If you go the other way it will take you to MediaCity, which is exactly what James and I did one summer afternoon. It was around 5 miles, and we had a pint of Ting in the sunshine outside Dockyard as our post-workout fuel (wild).<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">4) Salford Quays</span></u><br />
Speaking of MediaCity, I also frequently run around the quays.<br />
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There's no strict route that I follow as such here, just in and out of the quay peninsulas, over the bridges and up and round MediaCity.<br />
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There's also a great local running group - Great Run Local Salford Quays - who meet at the Helly Hanson centre at 6.45pm each Thursday. If you're not familiar with the area, this group would be great to join.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red bridges in Salford Quays</td></tr>
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There's something quite soothing about running near water (all these routes have featured some sort of water landmark so far!), but I also love running in parks, too.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">5) Local Running Groups</span></u></b><br />
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I mentioned the <a href="http://www.greatrunlocal.org/">Great Run Local</a> above, and I'm also a huge fan of Park Run. I love the atmosphere and spirit embedded into large group running, as much as I love plugging in my headphones and having an hour of running as 'me' time, too.<br />
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I find these timed runs a great way to focus on speed training, and find the communal 'race' environment really motivating and fun. Don't worry though, they're not in any way intimidating. There are (obviously) keen athletes at the front, but this ranges all the way to your light joggers, parents with prams, dogs, groups of friends and people who do a mix of running and walking the course.<br />
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If you live near the city centre, Lululemon Manchester do a group run on a Thursday at 6pm and SweatShop do one on at 6.45pm Tuesday (I've been to both - both are great). I also did a quick Google and found t<a href="https://www.timeout.com/manchester/blog/get-active-and-explore-the-city-with-these-manchester-running-groups">his article from TimeOut</a> on other running clubs in Manc. It's from 2015 though so might be worth checking if any have changed.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">6) Parks</span></u></b><br />
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Some of my favourite parks to run around in South Manchester are: Longford Park, Chorlton Park, Fog Lane Park, Fletcher Moss Gardens and Plattfields Park. All offer really nice routes and loops for you to clock up miles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longford Park in the beautiful golden autumn light</td></tr>
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I used to do a fair bit of running with SweatShop around Peel Park in Salford, too. It's a lovely green space and great to practise speed drills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCprQABy7MgslLTXVzEyEBEmHh6G0YJQu1kM230RJUTZhxdlvTSXhtEWAiHgFMseZiEhbpM_VVcP3rbcGJI2et5QBxjgLimvWbUSYlD7IVrDU1ELJXJ5Rw00qL1aaBh_a1DxeSTL3uB8s/s1600/Peel+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCprQABy7MgslLTXVzEyEBEmHh6G0YJQu1kM230RJUTZhxdlvTSXhtEWAiHgFMseZiEhbpM_VVcP3rbcGJI2et5QBxjgLimvWbUSYlD7IVrDU1ELJXJ5Rw00qL1aaBh_a1DxeSTL3uB8s/s640/Peel+Park.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circuits with Lululemon </td></tr>
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Heaton Park is also lusssh to run around. It's in North Manchester and really easy to get to by car or tram. It's huge. I've run a 10k race there before, but there are plenty of shorter routes you could do, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaton Park Movember 10k race</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">7) Ladybower </span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Reservoir</u></b></span><br />
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Ok, so not <i>technically </i>Manchester but if you live on the Eastern fringes of the city, Ladybower isn't too far in the car and makes for an absolutely stunning run. It's relatively flat compared to other routes in the Peak District, and is just beautiful. I think the circumference of the reservoir is around 13 miles(?) - could be wrong there - but you could easily pick one quarter of it and do a lovely four mile route along the water.<br />
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As well as running, it's a great place to get out on a bike, so if you're looking for a cross-training route, I'd highly recommend!<br />
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These are my current favourite routes. I really hope they inspire you to put your trainers on and get clocking those miles up...<br />
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If you know of any other routes you think I should check out, let me know!<br />
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If you fancy entering the Simplyhealth Great Manchester run, click <a href="http://www.greatrun.org/great-manchester-run?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=GMR18_FrankiesWeekend">here</a>.<br />
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Franks x<br />
<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-25273967831926871992018-02-24T21:21:00.000+00:002018-02-24T21:21:03.517+00:00The Botanist's Vegan Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night, I was invited to check out the latest additions to the <a href="http://thebotanist.uk.com/">The Botanist</a>'s menu - their <a href="http://thebotanist.uk.com/locations/mediacityuk/menus/vegan-menu">vegan options</a>. With Veganuary done and dusted, they're keeping on a selection of vegan dishes 'veganually' so there's plant based options all year round.<br />
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<i>Before I get on with the post, I just want to say sorry the photo quality isn't amazing - the lighting was quite dark!</i><br />
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I think it's great that restaurant chains are taking this food 'movement' (cringe) seriously. I truly think that plant-based options will become more and more mainstream and accessible and the norm as the environmental impacts of meat and poor factory farming ethics for animal products are more widely discussed. Anyway. Preaching over.<br />
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It's also nice to be able to go somewhere that's not exclusively vegan - I get that full on vegan only places can be off-putting, especially if you're trying to get your meat-loving boyfriend to go with you.<br />
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So, on to the food.<br />
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We got the truffle mushoom ciabatta and falafel to share. The truffle mushrooms were delicious. Meaty mushrooms, tasty onions and a lightly toasted ciabatta. Would make an ideal brunch dish! The sesame coated falafel were an absolute winner too - with whole chickpeas in, and an almost crunchy outer shell, they were so tasty. The peri peri dip was right up my street too, really spicy and tomato-ey.<br />
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James and I both said that they didn't taste 'vegan' - I think a common misconception of vegan / veggie food is that it's <i>lacking</i> something, second best, not quite 'right'. It tends to focus on what's 'missing' (so say), rather than the dish in its own merit. These dishes definitely did not taste like they were lacking in anything.<br />
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I went for the Malaysian vegetable curry with coriander rice for my main. It was fragrant, fresh and full of flavour. One of those comfort dishes that feels wholesome and tasty at the same time. The veg included baby new potatoes, peppers and courgette with chilli and beansprouts. I love spice, and this did not disappoint - if you're not a fan of spice maybe ask them to hold back on the chilli here!<br />
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James went rogue and got the chicken burger with sweet potato fries. Classic vegan dish. The sweet potato fries were delicious, and he got cheese and jalapenos and said it was great, so you can't argue with that!<br />
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We also got a side of their tenderstem broccoli to share which was delicious - would recommend this!<br />
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We had a smooth pinot noir to wash it all down, before choosing dessert. James got (non vegan) sticky toffee pudding (I don't like sticky toffee pudding, so I was fine with that...), and I opted for the banana, peanut butter and chocolate icecream.<br />
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This was the only thing that tasted a little 'vegan' and like it was lacking some cream - still really tasty and exactly the type of treat I'd make at home but with the other courses, I'd not felt remotely like I was being served a 'special' menu, whereas this did (only a little bit, I'd like to add. It certainly didn't stop me eating it all!).<br />
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I thought the menu was great and I was really impressed with each course. I'll definitely be back and hats off to The Botanist for making vegan dishes accessible all year round.<br />
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I'd also like to say that, perhaps quite naively, my previous thoughts on The Botanist were that it was a little bit 'chainy' - however, the MediaCity branch was LUSH. Live music, a load of plants and really bustling atmosphere - shout out to our waitress Jas who was an absolute babe too. I'm definitely a convert and will be back very soon!<br />
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Also full disclosure - as you might have guessed The Botanist invited me to try this new menu so it was complimentary, however, you know me by now, all opinions are my real honest truth.<br />
<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-16940176176279524422018-02-18T19:44:00.001+00:002018-02-18T19:44:37.615+00:00Ultimate podcast list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am always looking for new podcast recommendations. I'm constantly scribbling down recommended listens and trying to remember the names of my favourites when people ask me for them.<br />
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I've never listed all my favourites out. When people ask what my favourite podcasts are, I can generally reel off a few (Serial (series one), MDWAP, TED Radio Hour), but often the more niche, or smaller / obscure gems go amiss, unless I happen to be listening to that particular one at the time.<br />
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As you all know I'm a #WalkToWorkW@nker so I get through them pretty quickly, and I also go through phases of listening to podcasts when I'm running, instead of music.<br />
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I've included a sentence or two about the key themes and what I liked (or disliked).<br />
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If there are any podcasts you think I need to listen to, give me a shout, I'm always looking for more!<br />
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And so, without further ado (and by no means in order of favourite - in fact this is probably more likely to be a chronological list as I add more as time goes on....), here is my current all time podcast listen list:<br />
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<b><u>Ultimate faves</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?ft=nprml&f=500216279"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?ft=nprml&f=500216279"><b>TED RADIO HOUR BY NPR</b></a><br />
I couldn't write a post on podcasts and leave this bad boy out - TED talks adapted for audio. Inspirational, thought-provoking, fascinating.. each episode brings a new idea to life. I'm always uplifted and inspired when I've listened to these, so perfect whilst out on a run or making your way to work on a Monday.<br />
<a href="http://www.mydadwroteaporno.com/#intro1"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.mydadwroteaporno.com/#intro1"><b>My Dad Wrote A Porno</b></a><br />
Started to listen to this on a run and had to stop multiple times from laughing so much. I'm an absolute hardcore raving fan now, and even went to see My Dad Wrote A Porno live. It's one of the funniest things I've ever heard - I challenge you to listen on public transport and not piss yourself with laughter. In essence, man finds dad has written awful porn novel and reads it aloud. It's so, so much more than that though. I also absolutely adore Alice Levine. Yaas.<br />
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<b><u>Crime</u></b><br />
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I find crime / thriller / true crime stuff absolutely fascinating... although terrifying whilst out on a run when it's getting dark and you're paranoid someone is behind you....<br />
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<a href="https://www.myfavoritemurder.com/">My Favourite Murder</a><br />
Ok, caveat, the downside with this one is that they legitimately talk about nothing for 45 mins. I know a lot of people like that as they're getting to know the presenters (it does feel a bit like you're all sharing a car), but I personally think there's too much waffling. Nevertheless, the morbid curiosity theme throughout is gripping, and each episode, they both choose a true murder case and talk through it - it's fascinating, terrifying and weirdly... funny?! You'll know what I mean if you've listened!<br />
<a href="https://serialpodcast.org/season-one"><br /></a>
<a href="https://serialpodcast.org/season-one">Serial - Series 1 </a><br />
I absolutely loveeeed Serial. I think it's investigative journalism at its best, and really makes you question your beliefs. Adnan Syed is accused of murdering his girlfriend in high school and is currently serving a life sentence in prison for it. But each episode you're presented with new / contradictory evidence and anecdotes that make you question everything.<br />
<a href="http://theywalkamonguspodcast.com/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://theywalkamonguspodcast.com/">They Walk Among Us</a><br />
Each ep discusses a true UK crime story, from the sinister to the surreal. Some eps are good, others are average. The host's voice is really irritating (sounds like the IT guy from The Office?!), but if you can get past that you're good.<br />
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<a href="http://casefilepodcast.com/podcast-archive/">Casefile</a><br />
Another true crime podcast but this time covers stories from all over the world. I've listened to a few really scary Australian episodes (the narrator is an Aussie guy), and an interesting few episodes on the Moors Murders.<br />
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<a href="https://stownpodcast.org/">S-Town</a><br />
Listened to this after Serial series one, and was bitterly disappointed. Friends have loved it though, I just found that in comparison to Serial, it was slow and underwhelming. It's an interesting investigative journalism listen though, but don't expect amazing things.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p054dybk">Beyond Reasonable Doubt - 5 live</a><br />
This historical murder / death story is also known as the Staircase murder and there have been documentaries and books released about it. Another one of those 'did he / didn't he' cases, and the episodes are quite short.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Health / Wellbeing</u></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.laurathomasphd.co.uk/category/podcast/">Don't Salt my Game - Laura Thomas, PHd</a><br />
If you don't follow Laura on Instagram, you should. She's helping lead the body positivity / anti-diet culture and is spot on with her thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://www.foodforfitness.co.uk/podcast/">Scott Baptie - The Food for Fitness podcast</a><br />
One of the first fitness podcasts I found. I really love Scott's mantra: "consistently good, not occasionally perfect" - it absolutely sums up what I believe in in regards to diet and exercise. He's got some great interviews on there, and really helpful tips too. One of my faves.<br />
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<a href="https://www.nomeatathlete.com/radio-archive/">No Meat Athlete</a><br />
This is a really good podcast to listen to if you've just started to eat less meat. Talks about all things food and fitness and muscle and basically everything about vegetarian diets and exercising. V interesting.<br />
<a href="https://the3dumbbells.podbean.com/"><br /></a>
<a href="https://the3dumbbells.podbean.com/">3 Dumbells</a><br />
Fun, no-nonsense chat about the gym / diet culture. Basically three mates having a laugh. Good gues interviews. Can be a bit wheeey lads lads lads at times (lol).<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05sssdk/episodes/downloads"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05sssdk/episodes/downloads">Fit and Fearless - 5 live</a><br />
My fave gals Zanna, Tally and Vicki talking body confidence, fitness etc with great interviews, hosted by 5 live.<br />
<a href="http://reluctantvegan.com.au/podcast/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://reluctantvegan.com.au/podcast/">The Reluctant Vegan</a><br />
Aussie couple go vegan. Their 'journey'.<br />
<a href="http://bencoomber.com/podcast"><br /></a>
<a href="http://bencoomber.com/podcast">Ben Coomber Radio</a><br />
Ben is a really science driven, evidence based PT and chats all things health and fitness - he talks a lot about performance and is a good person to listen to if you're in need of some motivation.<br />
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#EatForThePlanet with Nil Zacharias<br />
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<a href="http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/">The Model Health Show</a><br />
I first found out about this podcast by accident as I searched for a podcast on sleep:<br />
<a href="http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/sleep-is-the-ultimate-fat-burner/">Why sleep is the ultimate fat burner</a> and <a href="http://theshawnstevensonmodel.com/sleep-smarter-sex-income-fat-loss/">Sleep Smarter</a> are good episodes.<br />
Shawn's got a really interesting background - he was diagnosed with an incurable spine condition at 20, changed his diet up totally and started exercising and managed to alleviate all pain. It can be very 'American' at times but some good eps.<br />
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<a href="http://veganbodyrevolution.com/?page_id=2">The Vegan Body Revolution</a><br />
Very very very 'bro' but a great podcast to listen to if you're eating less meat / going a bit more plant based and want reassurance that you don't need meat and animal products to look lean or build lean muscle. Often gives simple recipe ideas / protein sources / low carb high protein vegan inspo.<br />
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<b><u>Business / motivation</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.kathorrocks.com/podcast/"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.kathorrocks.com/podcast/">Kat Horrocks - Put Yourself First</a><br />
My friend Kat, a life coach, has just started a podcast on self-care, business and motivation and it's really inspiring. Topics include self-love, freelance life, body confidence and it's just an all round great podcast that supports women in business.<br />
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<a href="https://meandorla.co.uk/hashtagauthentic/">Hashtag Authentic</a><br />
Was recommended to listen to this podcast at a blogging event and need to listen to more episodes but it's a greeeat one to listen to if you use social media to market your business.<br />
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<b><u>General:</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p029399x"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p029399x">The Inquiry - BBC World Service</a><br />
I lovee this podcast. Each episode is around 20 mins long and is centered on one topic (all current affairs based, so great if you want to feel like you're learning and bettering your general political knowledge!). The topic in question is then debated by four different people, from completely different stand points, who are able to offer their opinion on the subject. It's fascinating. Examples include 'What are IS doing in the Philippines?', 'How did we get hooked on plastic?', 'How powerful is Facebook's algorithm?' etc etc etc.<br />
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<a href="https://radiolingua.com/coffeebreakfrench/">Coffee Break French</a><br />
Some of the episodes date back over 11 years and so quite often the two hosts talk about listening on your MP3 player (loool), but it's comprehensive and really really useful. The series are split into units, and each episode is clearly labelled so you know what you're going to be covering. There are <i>hundreds</i> of episodes though, so when I'm done, Coffee Break Spanish is next!<br />
<a href="http://www.jonronson.com/butterfly.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.jonronson.com/butterfly.html">The Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson</a><br />
Another investigative journalism piece. This one looks at the porn industry and the global effect 'free porn' sites have had, from lots of different perspectives.<br />
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<br />
I will no doubt be adding to this as time goes on so please, send me your recommendations!<br />
<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-72013718203792091362018-01-28T22:20:00.002+00:002018-01-28T22:20:26.147+00:00A private dining experience with La Belle Assiette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know the phrase is often over used, but I can't believe how quickly this month has gone! It only seems like yesterday that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_hollygoeslightly/?hl=en">Holly</a> was trying to organise a date for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/spamellab/?hl=en">Pam</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickimellard_pt/?hl=en">Vicki</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kat_horrocks/?hl=en">Kat</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgieglass_/?hl=en">Georgie</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/greedysisters/?hl=en">Fiona</a> and I to have dinner at hers. We'd settled on a date in mid-January and received a very exciting message from Holly to say that <a href="https://labelleassiette.co.uk/">La Belle Assiette</a> had got in touch with her to ask if she'd like to try their private dining experience; having a chef to your house to cook you a four course meal.<br />
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UM, YES PLEASE.<br />
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This was last Sunday, and could not have come at a better time. I'd broken <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/01/reflecting-on-dry-november.html">my dry January streak</a>, and was hungover and in need of a lot of food. Cue, La Belle Assiette who'd sent an Italian chef to cook us four courses of pure deliciousness.<br />
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I've only had one private chef experience before, and that was a sushi making experience so very interactive. This was pure indulgence, very very decadent. It's definitely a great way to have people over and not worry about timings and cooking and plating up etc. An ideal way to celebrate a special birthday. We could just chill out and let Giorgio do his thing.<br />
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Of course, the whole evening was made so much more glamorous as it took place in <a href="http://hollygoeslightly.co.uk/house-home">Holly's incredible house</a>, and I couldn't wait to catch up with everyone.<br />
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Whilst we were chatting away, Giorgio brought over some warm focaccia and encouraged us to help ourselves. Well, I didn’t need telling twice. Three hunks in and a glass of prosecco later, I was feeling a lot less hungover and even more excited about the four courses to come...<br />
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As you all know by now I’ve been trying to reduce my meat consumption for environmental reasons (bla bla), so I was really intrigued to taste the menu. Italian food is up there for me and an absolute favourite (I blogged waaay back about <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2014/09/3-days-in-rome.html">Rome</a> being one of the <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2014/09/exploring-elba-island.html">best places </a>I’ve been to). The veggie options on the menu did not disappoint. It was amazing. So tasty - I didn’t feel like I missed out at all, contrary to other veggie options I’ve experienced, where you feel like you’ve been given the second best option.<br />
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Giorgio explained this food was from Veneto region, and I started with:<br />
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Wild mushrooms on a soft polenta bramata<br />
Dried broad-bean croquettes (amazing).<br />
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The non-veggie started looked amazing too, with cuttlefish and sardines (I might have had a cheeky mouthful or two...).<br />
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<b><i>Primo Piatto</i></b><br />
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I’d forgotten it was four courses and so presumed this MASSIVE risotto was our main course. Wow. This was incredible. I had risotto <i>vialone nano with radicchio de treviso and carnia mezzano stravecchio cheese</i>. The non-veggie was garlic chilli, crab and clams, which sounded amazing.<br />
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As I say, I thought this was the main (probably due to chatting away and not paying full attention- sorry Giorgio!) - the portion sizes were absolutely admirable. I would have this again in a heartbeat, it was so full of flavour, which I think can often be hard with cheesy dishes. It was rich, but not so rich that I felt too full.<br />
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<b><i>Palette cleanser</i></b><br />
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Sgroppino: lemon sorbet and prosecco<br />
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This was fresh, light and nicely whipped.<br />
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<i><b>Secondo piatto</b></i><br />
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I then had a fennel gratin for main. Now, this was interesting as I would never ever have chosen this, but it’s opened my eyes for sure. The best I can describe this is like a 'lighter' version of a veggie lasagne? The fennel was layered with a cheesy sauce and baked, with crispy breadcrumbs on top. The runner bean side and tomato stew was lovely, too. The non-veggie option was salted cod- and again looked very good.<br />
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<i><b>Dessert</b></i><br />
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Now. I need to be honest here. I really dislike sponge based desserts. The thought of sticky toffee pudding makes me feel queasy and so when I found out that tiramisu was the dish of the day for us, I was like ‘ah’.<br />
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WELL. Let me say how sorry I am I even doubted this. It was one of the nicest desserts I’ve ever had. Ever. A huge wafer basket with super thin spongy layers and a generous dollop of a sweet, cream sauce- it was divine. Despite being so full, I managed to work fit in somewhere - and I am so glad I did.<br />
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Holly - thank you so much for an amazing evening, it was so nice to catch up with the girls and wow, La Belle Assiette, thank you for providing the most decadent Sunday evening I’ll have in a long, long while - I would highly recommend.<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-10998703253237059122017-12-10T10:40:00.000+00:002017-12-10T10:40:03.066+00:00Spicy Sweet Potato & Coconut Chickpea curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, before you say anything - the <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/06/creamy-smokey-vegan-chilli.html">wooden table background is back</a>. Natural light inside the house is tough in dark December, so I took the pan outside on a snowy Sunday morning and stood in the freezing cold to try and get a shot that made this curry look a little bit appealing.<br />
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Anyway, enough about the behind the scenes exclusives... this curry is delicious; spicy and warming and full of flavour.<br />
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The recipe below will make between 4 - 6 portions depending on if you're adding rice or sides...<br />
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You'll need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 red onion</li>
<li>Around 6cm of ginger, grated</li>
<li>4 large sweet potatoes</li>
<li>1 tin chickpeas</li>
<li>1 tin chopped tomatoes</li>
<li>1 tin coconut milk</li>
<li>A generous dollop of tomato puree</li>
<li>Half a bag of spinach (around 100/150g)</li>
<li>2 tablespoons turmeric</li>
<li>3 tablespoons hot curry powder (usually a blend of coriander, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin, garlic powder, fennel etc) (or mild, if spice isn't your thing)</li>
</ul>
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Wash your sweet potato and chop into small chunks (I leave the skin on but it's up to you). Steam or boil for 15-20 minutes until they're soft and pretty much cooked through. </div>
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Dice your onion and heat up in a large frying pan. I just added a bit of water to stop it sticking, but use oil if you wish. Add the grated ginger and turmeric, and add some more water, until a paste like consistency has formed with the turmeric and onions. </div>
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Then, add your sweet potato. Don't worry if the potato starts to crumble a little bit. Add the chopped tomato and coconut milk, and keep stirring. After around five minutes add the rinsed chickpeas and tomato puree (I find it helps thicken sauce up). Keep it cooking for around ten minutes and then add the spinach, folding it in to the curry as you go. </div>
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Finally, add a sprinkle of salt and leave to stand for about ten minutes.</div>
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Serve, and add sides as you see fit... </div>
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KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-50830170792693767432017-10-15T19:37:00.001+01:002017-10-29T18:32:24.221+00:00Why do I bullet journal and should you start?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Google 'how to bullet journal' and a whole host of hits come back at you, telling you why you should do it, the best ways to do and what you can get out of it.<br />
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<i>But what actually is it?!</i><br />
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In its crudest form it's essentially a glorified to-do list (but anything that involves an excuse for buying new stationary is absolutely a-ok with me). You basically 'quick log' all your thoughts, stresses, to-do's, pressures, appointments etc etc etc in no particular order, allowing your mind to 'empty' and get a sense of everything going on around you.<br />
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Anyway, I've been bullet-journaling once a week for a few months now and found it's helped me in a lot of ways. It helps me keep organised and I can prioritise things I need to do that week, as well as feeling less stressed about things that are going on in my head.<br />
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If you love a good old list, I think you'll be able to get on board with this. Here are 3 reasons I bullet journal.<br />
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<b>1) There's no right or wrong way of doing it</b><br />
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Given that I initially Googled how to do it, and given that it's a bit of a personal admin 'buzz word' at the moment, you'd be forgiven to think that there's one set way of doing it. There's not. Do it however you want. Find a way that works for you.<br />
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For me, I do a weekly journal over <i>three pages</i>.<br />
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<i>Page one</i> is a literal mind-spewing list of everything and anything that's in my head at that time - from needing to do a dark wash, to certain career development goals, blog posts I want to write, things I need / want to do at work, people I need to call, things that are bothering / upsetting me, articles I've bookmarked, recipes I want to try, workout goals, things that are making me happy, weekend dates, things I need to buy - the list is endless.<br />
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<i>Page two and three</i> are then a double spread. My week is listed out by day at the top, with tasks and events listed out by day underneath the corresponding day. An attainable, achievable weekly 'to-do' list sits bottom left of the page. Then, my finances and people to call / meet up with are in the middle, and on the right hand side, I have a list for goals for the week, and then a list for specific meals or workouts I want to try and incorporate.<br />
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Naturally, some things carry over to future weeks, but that's fine - I like to be able to see everything on one page.<br />
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This might not be your preferred way of doing it, but it works for me.<br />
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<b>2) It helps clear my mind </b><br />
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I feel so at ease and 'cleansed' when I've noted everything down, got it off my chest (so to speak), and worked out how I'm going to solve / achieve / fit stuff in for the week ahead. I'd even go so far as to say it's like a conscious mindful meditation, mulling over every little thing in my head. We are bombarded with so much information now, it can be hard to find focus, and I find this brings me clarity.<br />
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<b>3) I can see all my priorities and assess where I'm going to make a difference</b><br />
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Some weeks are quiet, some weeks I'm out for dinner four times a week and working long hours. My goals might be the same but different things going on in your life can affect what's realistically achievable. Some weeks work is the top priority, some weeks it's my own hobbies, some weeks it's about just doing the bare minimum! I love seeing what the main priorities are and finding ways to move myself closer to my goals.<br />
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I love how all-encompassing bullet-journaling is. It's not just about tracking personal admin, fitness, food, work, self-development, social life - it's a way of combining them all.<br />
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Essentially: I love lists. I love stationery. I love writing notes. So it's a win-win for me!<br />
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Thanks to luxury and designer stationery company <a href="https://www.rooi.com/stationery">Rooi</a>, for sending me this gorgeous Kate Spade notebook for me to log away with :) It's been a dream to write in!<br />
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I'm by no means a bullet journal expert, and if you are looking for more in depth info on bullet journaling - definitely give it a Google and find a tutorial that resonates with you, if you fancy it. Would also recommend my lovely friend <a href="http://www.kathorrocks.com/">Kat Horrocks</a> who's amazing at helping with goal setting and personal development (she's a life coach!).<br />
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<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelwmiller/how-to-start-a-bullet-journal?utm_term=.dsxv7J0Jz#.ihDnAwKwV">This Buzzfeed article</a> sums it up pretty well, ha!KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-7863960481494522017-09-10T15:01:00.001+01:002017-09-10T15:03:30.558+01:00Friday night @ Australasia<div>
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Friday was "date night" (can't express how much I cringe at that term), which was made significantly better as Australasia had invited me down to review their updated menu. Some people who read my blog (shout out to my dad) might remember when <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/03/sundays-australasia.html">I was last invited to Australasia to review their Sunday menu</a>, or when I <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2014/03/high-tea-grand-pacific-australasia.html">took my mum</a> (years ago) for afternoon tea to celebrate Mother's Day. We had a lush meal last time and I was really excited to go on a Friday night when everyone there would be celebrating the arrival of the weekend. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This had the potential to be a lovely pic had I not been impatient to get to the table haha</td></tr>
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When we arrived it was buzzing, really 'chatty' and upbeat, with lots of people looking ready to have a good night. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but the lighting in that place never fails to amaze me. I always forget that I'm underground thanks to the soft, golden glow and white wash walls. They'd also added mirrors since I'd last been, which helped bounce more light around. </div>
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We started off with cocktails: a smokey old fashioned for James and the Australasian porn star martini for me. </div>
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James always gets the smokey old fashioned and I really like it too so it was win win. My martini was gorge - Grey Goose, lychee liqueur, lemon, mango, vanilla, fresh passion fruit and a shot of sparkling Chardonnay (any Belinda Blinked fans out there will know how much excitement that brings!).<br />
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We opted to choose from the 'local' menu - (choosing small dishes to share) and our waiter recommended 3-4 dishes each - which is right up my street. I dislike it when you go for the sharing plates option and a waiter recommends a silly number like 2 each. </div>
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So, safe in the knowledge that we had around 6 to 8 dishes to choose from, we got stuck in. </div>
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Salmon sashimi (x6 pieces) was first on the list, it's got to be done. </div>
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We also chose prawn nigiri (x4 pieces) and the Avocado, mango and broccoli Californian rolls (x4 pieces). </div>
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Edamame beans with lashings of lime and salt accompanied this and made up the first part of the meal. </div>
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I love wasabi, and even more so in Australasia when the waiter grates the fresh stuff right in front of you. Please note: I found it so much stronger than usual wasabi, and that's coming from someone who <i>loves </i>spice. There were a good couple of coughing / eye watering fits during this, much to my embarrassment. </div>
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The way the salmon is served is pretty cool, and I was a big fan of the avocado Californian rolls - the floral detailing stamped on the rice made it look really pretty.</div>
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We'd also ordered a bottle of sauvignon blanc to go with the meal, and our waiter gave us some good advice on which bottle to have (this didn't feel pushy, it was the same price), but the flavours would compliment our choices better. Or something. Either way, it was lovely.</div>
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For our next round of small plates, we chose:</div>
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Prawn tempura (a classic), Yakatori chicken skewers and the best named dish... 'ANGRY PRAWNS' (both from the Robata grill menu). We chose the latter on the name alone, although I did ask what they were, and they're in fact tiger prawns. We also almost ordered scallops sashimi but very quickly changed our minds when we remembered that they would be raw, so opted for the 'hand-dived scallops, cauliflower, carrot and ginger'. </div>
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Let me start with the Angry Prawns. Oh my gosh. If you could only have one dish, make sure it's this one. I feel bad in saying that as all the plates we got were delicious, but these prawns were absolutely insane. Meaty, almost creamy, with a rich sauce, we could've eaten this dish three times over (it's £13.50 for three prawns so make every bite worth it). </div>
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Next up, the chicken skewers. These were right up my street and the portion size was massive. To me, the marinade was almost like a satay, with a spicy but sweet dipping sauce. I really really enjoyed this dish and was pleasantly surprised with how big the skewers were. </div>
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The scallops were lovely too. I have to be in the mood for scallops, and it's one of those food items that I can't really think about what I'm eating when I'm chewing it (anyone else?!), but the texture of these was lovely, not slimy or tough, but had a melt-like quality I've not experienced. The cauli / carrot / ginger puree was a really nice addition too.</div>
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We were stuffed. Which naturally meant one thing: dessert menu. </div>
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James was really keen for the Chocolate Dome (it's amazing), and we'd had it last time so you know, needed to try it again, just to be sure we liked it. It comes with molten caramel sauce that they pour over a chocolate dome, it melts and reveals salted caramel icecream and peanuts. YEP. It's actually divine. We demolished it, and also ordered another scoop of icecream to go with it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A POOL OF SALTED CARAMEL AND PEANUT SAUCE. Caps lock needed.</td></tr>
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Our serving staff were so friendly, offering helpful advice on what to get and generally looking after us to make sure we were having a good time. Looking around as well, the staff are all so busy but calm, there's a real emphasis on making sure people have a relaxed, amazing experience. </div>
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We never once felt rushed or that the waiters were hurrying us up, and so after we'd been chilling out in a dome coma and they asked if we wanted anything else, espresso martinis seemed like a great idea. </div>
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Going on a Friday night was the perfect way to start the weekend (we ended up 'out out' so Saturday morning was a struggle), and I really couldn't recommend it any more if you're looking for a Friday night treat. Also, the playlist was fab - so many Jessie Ware remixes and just generally 'my type' of chilled music.</div>
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It's really funny <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/03/sundays-australasia.html">reading this alongside my last review</a> - I'm clearly still a huge fan!</div>
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Naturally, I'm reviewing this place and so wouldn't be posting unless I'd had a good time - I'd like to say though that not many of the staff knew we were reviewing and they were so polite and friendly. </div>
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Australasia remains to be a classic favourite of mine on the 'Manchester scene', and I'm so glad that eighteen months on I'm able to give it as glowing a review as I did then. I've been back in between the two reviews for drinks etc and will no doubt be drinking espresso martinis there again soon... </div>
KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-88737563297534768642017-08-24T21:33:00.002+01:002017-08-24T21:33:55.575+01:00Lentil & Blackbean curry with a nutty butternut squash mash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weird and wonderful concoction occurred earlier this week when James and I had come home from a long weekend away and there was "<i>nothing in the cupboards" </i>(apart from 9782 tins of beans and tomatoes). I couldn't be bothered to go out so decided to get frugal and creative and voila, this little beauty was born!<br /><br />
It's definitely comfort food at its finest. And 100% not traditional, as I wouldn't usually put the two together, so you could just make the curry on its own...<br />
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It's a good job it tastes so nice because it's really hard to make what's essentially a plate of brown vegetables look nice, even with a filter (I took these pics at about 9.30 when this was ready and wasn't expecting to do a blog post from it, so excuse the shoddy photos).<br />
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It really is delicious though, so give it a go.<br />
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Serves 4:<br />
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For the curry you'll need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 tin green lentils</li>
<li>1 tin black beans </li>
<li>100g chesnut mushrooms (any mushrooms will do)</li>
<li>1 tin chopped tinned tomatoes </li>
<li>1 good squeeze of tomato puree (I love it so always use about half a tube)</li>
<li>1 red onion</li>
<li>1 clove garlic</li>
<li>2 tablespoons garam masala </li>
<li>1 teaspoon chilli powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon paprika</li>
<li>Salt to season</li>
</ul>
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Chop your onion and fry in a pan with the garlic. Add the garam masala and stir, coating the onion. After a few minutes, add your mushrooms and do the same. Then, add your lentils and black beans and stir again. Add the paprika and chilli powder and mix. If things are looking a bit dry, add some water (I think I added about a cup of water). Then add your chopped toms and puree, and let things simmer for about 20 mins. Add a sprinkle of salt and you're done!<br />
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For the butternut squash mash you'll need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Around 300g butternut squash (I used pre-diced frozen stuff)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon tahini</li>
<li>1 tablespoon paprika (or a teaspoon if you don't like spice)</li>
<li>Pinch of salt</li>
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Boil or steam the butternut squash until it's soft and mashable. Drain and give it a mash in the pan, adding in the tahini and paprika and salt. Mix it up well (tahini has a tendency to stick together). </div>
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Serve :)</div>
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So there you go. A really quick and easy recipe to make when you've got next to nothing in the cupboards. </div>
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-25838371343438325392017-08-15T22:16:00.001+01:002017-08-15T22:16:23.603+01:00Why I love: Walking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I used to really dislike walking as a form of exercise. In fact, I never used to consider it 'exercise' at all, thinking it was 'just' a scaled down version of running, and something you did on hangover free weekends with friends and family (or something your parents would force you to do each Sunday until the day you left home!).<br />
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Now though, I'm a total convert. I'm not pretending I've taken up hiking holidays or anything like that, but I've started walking my commute. I know, groundbreaking. It's not a fresh mountain view hike or anything remotely half as beautiful as the picture above would suggest, but it's become a morning ritual (and evening, some days) for me now and I love it.<br />
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It takes the same time to walk as it does to get public transport (give or take 5 minutes), and by walking I've found I can reap a whole host of benefits.<br />
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Here's why I'm loving walking to work:<br />
<br />
<b>1 'Me time' </b><br />
<br />
I'm absolutely loving having 45 minutes in the morning to walk and wake up, mull over my thoughts, stresses and to-do lists.<br />
<br />
I feel like I gain a lot of clarity on my walk, I have time to really think things through and it feels amazing.<br />
<br />
I've been trying to walk 'handsfree' as I'd noticed I was glued to my phone and carrying it *all* the time, and every time I've done this I've been amazed at what it feels like to have two hands swinging by my side, rather than one wrapped around my phone, slave to my headphones wrapping themselves around it. It makes me realise how addicted I am to just holding my phone.<br />
<br />
I also looveeee listening to podcasts on the way in. Educational, health, funny, smutty, murder / crime thrillers - you name it, I've probably subscribed. Current faves include:<br />
<br />
- <i>My Dad Wrote A Porno </i>(the.best. I've never laughed out loud so uncontrollably in public before).<br />
- <i>The Inquiry</i> (really good 20 min podcasts on news and current affair topics, it has four opinions on one subject)<br />
- <i>Don't Salt My Game</i> (Laura Thomas is a Registered Nutritionist and is calling bullshit on the diet industry / fake wellness era we live in)<br />
<br />
I'm planning on doing a podcast post, so will leave this here for now..!<br />
<br />
It also means I have 45 mins to chat to my family & best friends who don't live near me. This is especially good in the evening when you've got a load of dirty goss to catch up on and couldn't possibly do this on the train with everyone listening. Bliss.<br />
<br />
Headspace is a massive plus to walking in, too. In a world where we're bombarded with so much information (see addicted to phone point above), it's nice to have this time to myself.<br />
<br />
When I get to work, I'm not annoyed at having been squished on a tram carriage with loads of other people or sat stuck in traffic, I've had 45 minutes to do my own thing, let my mind play out scenarios, plan the day ahead, workout my priorities and just get 'ready' for the day. I've found I come in to work alert, motivated and really refreshed - not groggy or half asleep.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>2 Exercise / Fitness</b><br />
<br />
I wear a Fitbit and immediately I noticed the impact walking to (and most days, from) work had on my step count and calorie burn. This really isn't about calories burnt or steps taken, but it's definitely had an impact. The walk is around 5km and I burn around 300/350kcals (obvs this will be totally different for everyone according to distance, body weight, heart rate etc etc etc). I'm also, for the majority of the walk, in the 'fat burning zone', which is different from my usual running / HIIT / strength / circuits based workouts I do, so a great addition to add to my workouts for the week.<br />
<br />
It's great because if I know I'm going to have a busy week and will struggle to maintain my usual workout plan I know I'm still getting 45 minutes (90 if I walk home) of activity in my day.<br />
<br />
<b>3 General health</b><br />
<br />
There are a load of other health benefits to walking - including reducing the risk of chronic illnesses (like heart disease, asthma), improving physical health, helping mental health, improving joint and back pain. You can find them all listed on the NHS website <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/getting-started-guides/Pages/getting-started-walking.aspx">here</a> and Bupa <a href="https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/w/walking-health">here</a>.<br />
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<b>4 Getting outdoors</b><br />
<br />
I spend the majority of my time inside. I work in an office. I go to the gym. I cook in the kitchen and chill in my living room most evenings. I go out for dinner (and sit inside) and bars and shops and go to events with friends and dates and most of the time, it's all inside.<br />
<br />
On weekends I try and spend as much time outside as possible and during the week, when we're lucky enough to get 'ok' weather, I do really try and make a real effort to get out as much as I can, but living in the UK means this isn't always achievable.<br />
<br />
So, walking to work in all weather is another way to make sure I spend some time outside (bear in mind I'm writing this in August and might be telling a different story in November ha).<br />
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Lucy Mountain aka <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfitnessfoodie/?hl=en">@thefashionfitnessfoodie</a> has said so many times on her Instagram that she walks anywhere that takes an hour or less, and that's something that's stuck with me for the past few months. It's very typical in London to walk 45 / 60 minutes as a standard way of getting around and not think about it, but in Manchester / Bristol / other places it's a lot less typical. So I'm trying my best to make it the norm!<br />
<br />
I do also have some top tips on how to stick at it, too.<br />
<br />
<b>SHOES AND CLOTHES</b><br />
Firstly, <i>don't </i>like I did, try and walk to work in brand new, rigid, heel-skin ripping, blister inducing shoes. Stick to your good old trusty trainers. Yes, you might look like a bit of a knob in a dress and Nike free runs, but such is life.<br />
<br />
Secondly, upgrade your dress-meets-trainer look and walk to work in gym kit. I've started doing it and get changed as soon as I'm at work. I found when walking in normal clothes I'd get in the office and the heat of the walk would finally catch up with me and I'd end up half-drenched making lift small talk (gross). Not.the.one.<br />
<br />
Also, get a raincoat. Seriously. Pride, style and fashion sense must go out the window. One day I think I'll invest in a lush, sleek looking waterproof that will make me look like something out of the Lululemon brochure but for now I'm wearing a massive old Berghaus raincoat that was James's about fifteen years ago (school label in it and everything).<br />
<br />
I do have a lush Sweaty Betty rucksack though which is amazing as it fits clothes, shoes, towel, lunch, breakfast, shower stuff, makeup, purse etc etc in it... It's the <a href="http://www.sweatybetty.com/clothes/accessories/bags/black-all-sport-backpack/?ja=tsid:38493~cgn:pla~kw:uk_pla&istCompanyId=79c434b9-0770-4f3b-ace4-553eeceac96d&istItemId=xwltiqrtiw&istBid=tztx&__ja=tsid:38493~cid:370431031~agid:26398106911~tid:pla-275037903762~crid:91267517911~nw:g~rnd:12066537115867554632~dvc:c~adp:1o1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlMXMBRC1ARIsAKKGuwj4_lhipXVGrGlCEzk_6Q-p2Gl720U8ZJ-gXeVgWHfdacTPIaQGgUMaAoEgEALw_wcB">All Sport rucksack here</a>.<br />
<br />
I want to inspire you to walk a little bit more to see the benefits. I'm really really enjoying it, and think you will too. Other people that post a lot about walking and the benefits include my pal <a href="https://www.instagram.com/spamellab/?hl=en">Spamella</a>, and Twins in Trainers (these two girls did a <a href="http://twinsintrainers.com/the-benefits-of-walking/">really good post here about walking and its benefits</a>).<br />
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Long live #LISS.<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-18876702269095450072017-07-16T21:34:00.000+01:002017-07-16T21:34:16.693+01:00Butternut Squash Squares<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh my gosh, this recipe was a complete accident. One of those total accidental foods that you don't expect to amount to anything but the way it turned out means this will be a weekly thing for me now.<br />
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I had a butternut squash to use up (does anyone else hate cutting them?! The skin is <i>so</i> tough..), and decided to roast it so I could chuck it in the oven and forget about it, and have it with something for tea that evening.<br />
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Now, I'm trying to go more plant based / veggie 80% of the time (more on this later, I'm sure), so I knew I wanted to try and spice this up a bit more to make it more of a 'main event' in a meal.<br />
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The flavours, the texture - this is a winner, and I think you'll love it.<br />
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You'll need:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 large butternut squash, de-skinned and chopped into cubes</li>
<li>3 or 4 tablespoons of tahini (I used Meridian)</li>
<li>3 tablespoons smoked paprika</li>
<li>Olive oil to drizzle</li>
<li>Sea salt </li>
</ul>
<br />
This makes about four portions, so alter if you want to make more.<br />
<br />
Chop your butternut squash into cubes, removing all of the skin. It's a bit of a chore to chop, and be careful as it can be a bit slippy sometimes with a knife (or you could buy the pre-chopped stuff). I really hate the stringy bits (they literally freak me out so much), but don't let me stop you adding these if you want to. <br />
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Place on a baking tray, and drizzle with olive oil, mixing the cubes until they're covered. Then add your paprika - I love a bit of spice so went for three generous tablespoons but you can adapt to your preferences... also I used smoked paprika because I like the taste but normal paprika is fine.<br />
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Next, sprinkle sea salt over the cubes and mix everything so that all your cubes are covered. Then, drizzle 3 or 4 tablespoons of tahini over and mix again, ensuring all of the squares are coated.<br />
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Roast in the oven for 40/45 mins at 180 degrees until they're crisp, golden and fluffy inside.<br />
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Enjoy!!<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-15651341956841852522017-07-10T22:53:00.000+01:002017-07-10T22:53:00.079+01:00Double 00 Pizza Chorlton <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I <i>never ever ever</i> exaggerate. Ok. I do. But, oh my gosh why haven't I written a post about this before now? Considering I've been going two years? Considering that Double 00 pizza is the <b>best </b>pizza I've ever had?<br />
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See. No bold claim. Just pure, unadulterated truth.<br />
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<br />
I've been going to Double 00 since it first opened a couple of years ago; in fact, I went in its first week when things weren't quite ready and the place stunk of fibreglass, and it was still great.<br />
<br />
I've probably been between 15 - 20 times, and I'm not bored (I last went on Sunday).<br />
<br />
I've seen the restaurant go from having stacks of flour by the windows, to opening up the main front wall with bifold doors (always a winner) so that now, the terrace and the inside of the restaurant are basically one.<br />
<br />
I don't just love the pizzas.<br />
<br />
I love the fact it's BYOB.<br />
<br />
I love the fact it's equally somewhere you can go on a date, for a birthday meal as a big group of friends, for somewhere to gossip and catch up with a best mate, and to take your parents.<br />
<br />
I love the music they play. Feel good house (oh yes kids) - the playlist always makes me want to go on a night out (but my carb baby says otherwise).<br />
<br />
I love the fact you can either choose one of their own pizzas, or make your own (I always make my own). Their starters are pretty good too.<br />
<br />
I usually always get the make your own with chicken, jalapenos and nduja, or balsamic onions. And it's soo good.<br />
<br />
Quite often if I'm in a group we'll get a couple of the rocket and parmesan side salads as they're lush.<br />
<br />
For starters, the fig crostini is incredible, the olives are good, and the antipasti platter gets a thumbs up from me.<br />
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My favourite thing though has to be... no matter how rammed or busy they are, and despite not having booked sometimes, they'll always always do their best to fit you in, whether that means moving tables around (it happened to us where we've literally moved mid meal so they could accommodate some more people - it's just their 'vibe', and I'm totally fine with that), or being realistic about timings. It's busy and loud but the people are so friendly you feel like you know them.<br />
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You can find them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/double00pizza?lang=en">here</a>, on Trip Advisor <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187069-d7790153-Reviews-Double_Zero_00_Neapolitan_Pizza-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html">here</a>. If there's more than two of you, definitely book. And thank me later ;)<br />
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Here's some more pics of pizzas...<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-35571615650106111282017-07-01T22:45:00.000+01:002017-07-01T22:45:23.422+01:00Amma's Canteen <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amma's Canteen - photo courtesy of Amma's Canteen</td></tr>
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This is going to be a short and sweet one from me, but I have to tell you guys about this place.<br />
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Nestled in between Chorlton and Didsbury (no man's land), opposite the massssive Southern Cemetery graveyard (stay with me, people), is Amma's Canteen. You'll have probably driven past it a few times and not really noticed it, as it's on a row of small shops, easily miss-able with a blink of an eye.<br />
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I'd heard a few mumblings about the place on social, and so last Thursday, Hannah, James, Jak and I made the way to no man's land to see what the fuss was about.<br />
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First of all, it's BYOB which is great, and even better when you realise you've got a bottle of unopened red from that one weekend where you managed to abstain from drinking.<br />
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We went on a Thursday evening and there were about four other tables eating. It's not massive, so definitely book if there's more than four of you. The atmosphere was very chilled and friendly - our waitress was great.<br />
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This isn't Indian food as us Brits know it. It's South Indian street food serving small plates... essentially Indian tapas. You won't find any korma here, which is fine by me.<br />
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I'll get straight to it, as that's essentially what we did on Thursday - we ordered pretty much everything off the street cart menu bar 4 dishes (I think there are about 14) so we had a LOT of food - but it was so delicious we polished it all off.<br />
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They're great as they cater for meat eaters, pescetarians and veggies / vegans alike - there's so much choice. The emphasis really is on flavour rather than the 'meat source', which gets a thumbs up from me. <br />
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From memory, we ordered:<br />
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Chilli paneer: The paneer was absolutely incredible. Big, chunky and a really generous portion, it came with a gorgeous sauce and lots of veggies- almost like a mini curry. Would have eaten two portions if I didn't have the rest of the menu to devour! My favourite dish..<br />
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Masala Vadai (4x pieces of falafel with a red cabbage slaw). Very very flavoursome and not hideously deep fried like some falafel can be.<br />
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Spiced Sundal - slow cooked chickpeas with chilli, mango, coconut and lime; really refreshing and I loved the addition of coconut - this was a great side 'filler' dish, but if you're veggie definitely get the paneer and falafel to go with it!<br />
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Chicken 65 - apparently this is a famous bar snack in Chennai - deep fried spicy chicken, really, really good!<br />
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Tamarind wings - can you ever go wrong with sticky chicken wings?<br />
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Beef dukka: slow roast beef, pearl onion and coconut - this was gorgeous, pulled beef with crispy veg - no sauce, but I really liked it dry. Great portion size here too.<br />
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Pepper squid - I'm not a massive fan of squid, I have to really be in the mood for it, but I tried a little bit and was pleasantly surprised! Again, comes with loads of peppers and onion (a big win in my eyes!).<br />
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Sauteed prawns - king prawns with red chilli, crushed shallots and coconut. These were amazing and the prawns and veggies were coated in a gorgeous light sauce.<br />
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Well, you'd think after that we'd be full, but we decided to order "just three" main meals to finish us off.<br />
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We ordered two dosa's (Indian pancakes) - one beef and one potato and spinach. They're massive and come with a nice dipping sauce. I'd never get pancakes as a main usually, but these were great.<br />
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Jak also ordered an <i>amazing </i>chicken curry pot - spicy, pulled chicken pieces in a gorgeous spicy, thick sauce that was literally "me in a dish" - it came with pancakes, not rice as a side.<br />
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One thing I'd say is that you really get the feeling that the food has been cooked with care, and passion - does that make sense or just sound odd? To explain a little better, the chef came out and chatted to us for a while and wanted to know where we'd heard about their place (I think he might have been the owner.. could be wrong), and explained why they'd chosen the seemingly random location. He said that they couldn't choose between Didsbury and Chorlton so chose somewhere slap bang in the middle to attract both tribes. Clever, and I bet they've saved a fair bit on rent too!<br />
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It was a good 'double date' venue but I also think it would be great as somewhere to come as a group where you can all order loads of bits and share.<br />
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It's a fifteen minute walk from Chortlon and probably a bit longer to West Didsbury / Nell Lane, but trust me, it's worth the short Uber ride.<br />
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They also feature on a Manchester Confidential article about restaurants locals don't want you to know about - <a href="http://confidentials.com/manchester/10-manchester-restaurants--so-good-the-locals-dont-want-you-to-know-about-them?id=5947f726014c7">you can read it here.</a><br />
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Their website is ammascanteen.com - check out their menu there.<br />
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We'll definitely be back - Indian tapas is amazing!<br />
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<i>I'm hopefully going to do a few posts on my favourite restaurant gems, so keep an eye out for more!</i>KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-6177382361721906272017-06-12T23:10:00.002+01:002017-06-12T23:10:18.455+01:00#CubaDiaries - Part Two - Havana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Havana is absolutely incredible.<br />
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Everything I read before I went didn't do it justice, and this probably won't, either, but here I go. Imagine if Barcelona was in the Caribbean, but a bomb had hit the city leaving some parts in ruins, with trees growing out of the buildings, and yet still, sunshine, music and a strong sense of 'being Cuban' shines through - it's like that.<br />
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A lively, proud, gorgeous, crumbling place - I read that it's a city of contradictions, and they really weren't wrong.<br />
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I could talk about Havana for <i>days </i>but here are my top ten things to do /see / restaurants to eat / places to stay. If you are going to Cuba, you might also find my post '<a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/06/cubadiaries-travelling-to-cuba-what-you.html">travelling to Cuba: what you need to know</a>' useful.<br />
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In no particular order, here you go:<br />
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<u><b>1) The architecture</b></u><br />
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The first thing that hit us as we arrived in the dead of night, was why the building next to ours had been completely demolished. Our taxi driver just laughed, shrugged and said 'Cuba'.<br />
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The main thing we noticed with the buildings in Havana was just how many buildings and streets looked as if a bomb had just hit it. You'd be looking at an amazing church or building and next to it would be a complete wreck, with plants growing out of windows. It was really apocalyptic and a bit dystopian, which took some getting used to.<br />
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The colonial old town is very much like a European city (it really reminded me of Barcelona or Rome), but make your way over to Vedado to the 'commercial' side of the city and you'll see the overwhelming 50/60s concrete sky scrapers, dominating the skyline.<br />
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<b><u>2) Walking the streets </u></b><br />
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We walked from Habana Viejo (old town), through an area called Animas (probably one of the most eye-opening streets I've ever walked down), through to Vedado, choosing to see the city in all its different lights. We never once felt unsafe or really vulnerable, despite a lot of the time being the only tourists about (especially in the streets back from the main squares / roads).<br />
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There's so much to see, but hands down one of the best things about the city is the cars. I thought they were just something that we'd see every now and then as a bit of a tourist trap (and don't get me wrong lots are), but they're literally everywhere and add such a quirky, timeless aspect to the place!<br />
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One thing we did notice was the pollution was quite bad, so if there's not much wind you might find that you really notice it too and would prefer to get in a car - you can do car tours for about 70/80CUC for a couple of hours.<br />
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<b><u>3) Drinks... </u></b><br />
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The best places for drinks we discovered were:<br />
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<b>O'Reilly 304</b><br />
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Nestled in the old town, this place was great. I had an amazing gin cocktail, and the drinks list was extensive and soo reasonably priced, so I'd definitely recommend this place.<br />
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<b>Hotel Inglaterra </b><br />
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We had a lush night here drinking beer and cocktails and listened to live bands until the early hours of the morning. A great place to end up after a night out...<br /><br />
During the day, this strip of hotels including the Hotel Inglaterra is a great place for a drink or coffee, as they've got seats and tables outside, and it's where a lot of the tour cars wait, so it's really colourful, busy and lively.<br />
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<b>Hotel Ambos Mundos rooftop bar</b><br />
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This place was really special, with incredible views over Havana. If it wasn't for the relentless wind, it would've been perfect, but we didn't let that stop us enjoying a few drinks at sunset.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>La Floridita</b><br />
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We discovered this place on our first day in Havana, where we found ourselves, not long after we'd had breakfast, ordering rounds of Daiquiris...<br />
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<a href="http://www.floridita-cuba.com/">This place</a> is apparently the birthplace of the daiquiri, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, who visited La Floridita loads. You can't help but get sucked in to the atmosphere of this place - the moment you walk in there's a band playing loud jazz and everyone is dancing, drinking and laughing together, despite the fact it was barely midday.<br />
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Definitely spend an afternoon getting tipsy here!<br />
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<b><u>4) Eat...</u></b><br />
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The food in Cuba is weird, just to warn you. We found it difficult to find a good meal, but there were a couple of places in Havana that stuck out (and a few gems in Trinidad and Cayo Guillermo, so keep your eyes out for that post, too!)<br />
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<b>Cafe Laurent</b><br />
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Wow, this place is amazing. It was recommended to me by someone through work, and I can't thank them enough! Situated in the heart of Vedado, it boasts a very unassuming entrance, so you think you're entering in to an office block or something similar. There was also some dude outside waving a menu which I usually find off-putting BUT don't let that put you off - the food, service, views... <i>everything was</i> so good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAQd0mAjxo874920h9jMxD5wMfY4xgin-b2cBBkEzaYCze6ayyNzpmgmGwQ7DDcrqkI8o-8t0hw2epbTMbb8cj08tvFxJl8-ZbTNjPBEC8LGkoobe8JqNmwlSlKpRQ1MWQ45zYGuJBEU/s1600/Havana+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAQd0mAjxo874920h9jMxD5wMfY4xgin-b2cBBkEzaYCze6ayyNzpmgmGwQ7DDcrqkI8o-8t0hw2epbTMbb8cj08tvFxJl8-ZbTNjPBEC8LGkoobe8JqNmwlSlKpRQ1MWQ45zYGuJBEU/s640/Havana+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Spicy garlic prawns</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Seared beef, egg on toast</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0_IzoN8BKF4kURaaoEjXSSQSTd9tYy9lCCaLJH8y5xIyjUTAYX5skdWOcDuZQUOy0xZKuS_M3Kf-0AaTiQRdHSt7aXm7raL_2YL01UTdkwSlOMQW9MDMmVj5YLvGEuTCB2k_qitmGOw/s1600/Havana1+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0_IzoN8BKF4kURaaoEjXSSQSTd9tYy9lCCaLJH8y5xIyjUTAYX5skdWOcDuZQUOy0xZKuS_M3Kf-0AaTiQRdHSt7aXm7raL_2YL01UTdkwSlOMQW9MDMmVj5YLvGEuTCB2k_qitmGOw/s640/Havana1+%25282%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">THE nicest lobster I've ever had!</td></tr>
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We stayed for hours, drinking wine and coffee - the views are like something out of a film:<br />
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The Edificio Focsa (ugly huge building pictured, ha) was named one of the seven modern engineering wonders of Cuba (yep), and despite its ugly facade, it's actually pretty fascinating - there's a flock of vultures that live on the top floor!<br />
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I wish we'd seen this place at night, too.<br />
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<b>Plaza Vieja</b><br />
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This little square in the old town is like something straight out of a European city and has lots of cute little restaurants and bars to sit and lap the sun up in. We had a great meal at a restaurant that I can't remember the name of but the atmosphere was amazing - live bands, people dancing and good, tasty food. It was on the corner of the square, as you enter from the old town.<br />
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Also, O'Reilly 304 do really good looking food (the tacos especially). We didn't have enough time to eat when we were there but it looked amazing, and our airbnb host recommended it to us as a great lunch time spot.<br />
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<b>5) Universidad de la Habana</b><br />
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We walked here from the old town which took about an hour, so if you're not feeling a big walk, maybe ask to do this on a car tour!<br />
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It's worth a visit as it's on the way to the Plaza de la Revolucion and is really interesting to see it in 'action' - there's a HUGE athletic stadium and pool that's completely deserted, which is kind of weird.<br />
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The buildings around the uni are lush too.<br />
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<b>6) Plaza de la Revolucion</b><br />
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Read up on the politics before you go (I mention a documentary James & I watched on Netflix before we went in my <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/06/cubadiaries-travelling-to-cuba-what-you.html">last Cuba post</a>), as it puts the entire area into context.<br />
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It's a sparse, humongous space that's guarded seriously by government officials, and even in the gorgeous heat of the day, the ugly utilitarian buildings (built in the 1950s) and their grey colours dominate the landscape. It's not picturesque, but it's really cool, and you can really see how it was the perfect place for huge scale political rallies.<br />
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We didn't go inside the Memorial a Jose Marti at the plaza but apparently it's the tallest structure in Havana, with a look out on top, that's supposed to have amazing city views.<br />
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<b>7) Malecon</b><br />
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The Malecon is weird. It could be absolutely amazing, like the <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2015/05/running-nice-10k.html">promenade des Anglais</a> in Nice, but... it's just a bit, well, sparse?<br />
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Don't get me wrong, it's seriously impressive (it's 8km long) and when you approach it walking down from Prado (one of the main boulevards), and you see all the amazing cars it's incredible.<br />
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Still, the sea is amazing and crashes over the wall onto the streets, so it's pretty dramatic - we ran along it one morning from our airbnb, down Prado and along the Malecon to the Hotel Nacional and back, which was tough, especially coming back; there were lots more cars on the road and the fumes were starting to get a bit much! If you're going to run, I'd recommend going before 9am.<br />
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<b>8) Museo de Revolucion</b><br />
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This is just off Prado (a big boulevard that was modelled on Las Ramblas in Barca!) and the Malecon, and is a great place to get a bit of history and context around the city, and the whole of Cuba really.<br />
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It's worth looking on all the floors as each room has loooads of information in it through different ages. As you can see, the security guards take their jobs seriously:<br />
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It also shows quite graphic pics of torture victims, and blood stained uniforms, so it's a pretty graphic exhibition..<br />
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<b>9) Capitolo Nacional</b><br />
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We spent the first two nights and three days staying right opposite this at a place called Capitolo Residences. It's an absolutely incredible location, with the balcony looking out onto the Capitolo Residences.<br />
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This building is absolutely gorgeous. It was modeled on the Washington DC building, and built when Cuba was gifted 'sugar money' after WW1.<br />
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The Capitolo Nacional was under renovation when we were there, and I think was being used as a science / uni building...could be wrong on this one!<br />
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We were a little nervous when we walked up the crumbling stairs to our air bnb, especially since the building next door had literally fallen down, but inside told a totally different story - with gorgeous marble pillars and huge, tall rooms.<br />
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If you're looking for somewhere central to stay in Havana, this place is perfect. Markus and the people that ran the place were soo friendly and helpful. They ordered us taxi collectivo, told us where to go, gave us great bar recommendations and made amazing breakfast for us each day:<br />
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The room was gorgeous - huge ceilings, white wash walls, gorgeous bathroom and really comfy bed.<br />
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As well as being opposite the Capitolo Nacional, you're also opposite is what used to be Havana's most famous theatre, which has just been left to rot, crumble and be ransacked of its beauty. It was fascinating to just sit and drink coffee, watching the world go by and having these two buildings, that couldn't be further apart, in the same frame.<br />
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The balcony in our apartment was incredible - look at these views!:<br />
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You're a 3-5 minute walk to Parque Central (where there are loads of amazing international hotels with great rooftop bars and live music; you'll hear this at night if you're walking around the area!), and 10 mins from Prado and the start of the old town, so it's a great base to explore the city.<br />
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<b>10) Animas 303</b><br />
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I couldn't not mention Animas. It's the street I was talking about earlier, that's like a world apart from any street I've ever seen, and we stayed in a gorgeous airbnb / hotel on this road.<br />
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We spent another night in Havana on our way back home, and this time stayed at <a href="http://www.animas303havana.com/">Animas 303</a>. This place is gorgeous, a little boutique hotel with kitchen, dining room and rooftop bar (this wasn't finished when we were there but they were building it and it looked fab!). I think every room has a balcony, and ours had a great view out on to the lively street below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The view from the balcony at Animas 303...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Inside Animas 303</td></tr>
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I absolutely adored Havana and would go back in a heartbeat. It's bursting with intrigue and history, and has so much rich mystery surrounding it, I couldn't recommend it enough.KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-77225778494207092022017-06-07T19:00:00.000+01:002017-06-07T19:00:31.249+01:00#CubaDiaries: Travelling to Cuba - what you need to know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For those of you that don't know (which can't be many as I've literally not stopped talking about it... 🙄), James and I have recently come back from travelling round (some of) Cuba during April, and it was AMAZING.<br />
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I say 'some of Cuba' as until we started thinking about our itinerary I had <i>no idea </i>the island was so big - it's massive! We spent a good seven hours in a car one day, six the next, just getting to different places, and just scratched the surface.<br />
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We were there for 12 days but it felt like so much longer - we packed so much stuff in, exploring Havana, Trinidad and Cayo Guillermo - which was perfect as we got a fix of a city break, village / countryside <i>and </i>a Caribbean beach resort. Safe to say Cuba has it all.<br />
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If you're looking for adventure with a Caribbean climate, you're in the right place.<br />
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I'm going to do a separate post on each destination as there's too much to fit in one post - so I'll link to the Havana, Trinidad and Cayo Guillermo posts here, once they're done.<br />
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Havana was first on our list, but before I get into that, I want to offer some practical information about travelling there, as I'd read a lot on the internet.<br />
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<b><u>Practical stuff for Cuba</u></b><br />
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When I looked into a few travel blogs / guides on Cuba, the overwhelming themes from people were a mix of contradictions - 'frustratingly beautiful', 'timeworn but magnificent',<i> 'maddeningly frustrating' </i>and so I was a little unsure about what to expect!<br />
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It is dilapidated; desolate at times, but so incredibly beautiful, safe and full of stories.<br />
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I got the Lonely Planet Cuba guide and found it really useful - I'd definitely recommend using it as a basis for planning your routes etc.<br />
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I was worried as I don't speak Spanish, and we'd read that Spanish speaking is favourable - but we were ok. Everyone we met could either speak some English (please note I hate how ignorant this sounds!), or we befriended Spanish speaking people who could decipher what was going on when, for example, the car we were travelling in broke down etc...<br />
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I also got a Spanish phrasebook and we made a real effort to learn a few key phrases, so we didn't look ignorant, and it's amazing how much we picked up in such a short space of time!<br />
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<b><u>Advice</u></b><br />
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My main pieces of advice if you're travelling to Cuba would be...<br />
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<b>1. Let go of expectations</b><br />
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It's backwards, slow and (at times) frustrating as nothing works as we know it. Travelling is full of random surprises (like the domestic flight we got on that unexpectedly diverted totally out of the way to another random city (Holguin) hours away from Havana...). So try not to stick to rigid itineraries and allow some 'teething' time to get from A-B. This took some adjusting for me as I'm a total control freak!<br />
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As a country under communist rule, there are quirks. We sometimes found it hard to find shops that sold water, for example, and there was definitely an air of foreboding near Government buildings. I'd read up on some Cuban history as I'd be the first to admit I didn't know all that much about its political turmoil, and watched a good docu-series on Netflix called The Cuba Libre Story, which tells the history of Cuba's fight for freedom. Nevertheless, I didn't want to offend / provoke anyone by saying the wrong thing about the regime, so kept firmly out of political discussions!<br />
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<b>2. Money</b><br />
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There are two currencies in Cuba. CUC (pronounced cook) is what the tourists use, and then there's the CUP (Cuban Peso) which is the Cuban local currency. Sometimes you might get your change in the local currency, not CUC, so be sure to count your change - we didn't think we got given local currency as change but there were a few times when we thought we might have been diddled by people, so just be mindful (this was literally on like two occasions; generally, people were very honest).<br />
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Also. You can't get your CUC before you arrive in Cuba. So, once you land (tired, disorientated, a bit boozed from too many complimentary drinks..), you then have to queue outside the airport to get cash. You'd think that, as they know that no tourists can get CUC anywhere else, there would be multiple cash desks etc but no - this was the most low key, slowwww queue ever. I think we queued for about an hour (or maybe it was two?).<br />
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The guy who was driving us to our air bnb (more on that later) didn't have a problem with it though, he was clearly used to doing it! We got chatting to people in the queue and had a laugh about it all. Our flight was late in, and we hadn't factored queuing for money and so we arrived at our hotel hours and hours later than planned. This was absolutely fine though, they are used to it, but my hopes of a late night dinner / first night out in Cuba were dashed!<br />
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Also, it's worth noting we didn't feel vulnerable or unsafe in this queue, despite there being a lot of local people hanging about knowing that everyone was there to withdraw enough money to sustain them for a holiday. Still, we kept our wits about us and remained vigilant!<br />
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<b>3. Internet</b><br />
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Ah, Cuban internet...<br />
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Cuba's truly a place you can go to and do a 'digital detox', as getting hold of internet takes effort, time and money.<br />
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Basically. there is one internet provider for the whole country. There isn't widespread data and everyone relies on wifi 'zones'. You go into a shop selling internet scratch cards (when I was there I only saw cards for either 30 minutes or 1 hour), and scratch off to reveal your unique log in and password. This doesn't then mean you've got internet though... you <i>then </i>have to find a wifi zone, which tended to be around large international hotels where people would use the hotel's wifi, or parks etc around the city. <i>Essentially it's Pokemon Go but for internet. </i><br />
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Locals and tourists alike flock to these squares and you just see people scrolling... we didn't bother with internet until we got to our final destination as it was an international hotel, and even then it was patchy; it logs you out all the time, the signal isn't great, and some webpages aren't accessible.<br />
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This is a photo of crowds of people queuing to get internet in Trinidad....<br />
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....and this is a wifi zone:<br />
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<b>4. Flights</b><br />
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We spent a whole evening weighing up flights and in the end we flew from Manchester - Havana with AirFrance via a quick stop over in Paris (was a little nervy as the flight to Paris was delayed and we had to run to the next gate..only to find our Havana flight was delayed too!).<br />
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It's worth noting that AirFrance don't sort your visas, unlike some airlines (I think Thomas Cook sort them for you), so be mindful that you'll have to sort this out! I Googled 'cuba holiday visa' and paid £30 for my visa + delivery. AirFrance don't make it obvious that you'll need to sort this out, so be aware of this with other airlines!<br />
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<b>5. Getting around</b><br />
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If you're planning on travelling round the country a bit, definitely travel by 'taxi collectivo'. This is basically where they fill up a taxi with random people, dropping people off and picking up new people as you go. It's an amazing way to meet new people and see new cities - we toured through miles and miles of the country, seeing places we would never have been, like Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegoes & Moron. We met all types of people and really enjoyed swapping stories and experiences. It was great to be in a group when something went wrong with the car (you will more than likely definitely break down)...<br />
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<i>(Breaking down in the middle of Cuba...)</i><br />
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<i>Essential taxi fuel....</i><br />
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<i>Believe it or not.. the above pics are at a 'petrol station' just off the highway in Cuba....</i><br />
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It's an incredible place to visit, just don't plan your itinerary to the hour as you'll most likely have your plans changed due to transport!<br />
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SO, sorry if that was a bit information heavy, but hopefully if you're thinking of travelling to Cuba (which I highly recommend you do), you've got some practical advice! Anyway, now all that's out the way, let's get on to HAVANA... an incredible city.<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-10067513048796392502017-06-03T20:11:00.001+01:002017-06-03T20:15:01.969+01:005 reasons why I love Madeleine Shaw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week I was invited by Harvey Nics and Madeleine Shaw to celebrate the launch of 'A Year of Beautiful Eating', Madeleine's newest book, at her supper club.<br />
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It's not the first time I've been to one of her supper clubs - <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2015/05/madeleine-shaw-event-supper-club-harvey_20.html">I went to her first one two years ago</a> to celebrate <i>Get the Glow,</i> one of my favourite cook books to date.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in 2015</td></tr>
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This time around was a little different as Madeline is expecting her first baby, and so we kicked things off with a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail (I enjoyed mine and then moved swiftly on to prosecco!).<br />
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I went with <a href="http://www.spamellab.com/">Pam</a>, and we were both really excited for the food - and we weren't disappointed.<br />
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For starters, we were treated to a gorgeous 'summer loving bowl' - buckwheat, beetroot, cucumber, mango, hummus, walnut and jalapeno chilli.<br />
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I cook with buckwheat flour a lot but would usually opt to have quinoa or lentils instead of buckwheat and this inspired me to incorporate it in my cooking - it's got such a lovely nutty flavour! It was so summery and really filling for a starter - this would make a perfect lunch to take to work.<br />
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It was absolutely gorgeous, and really reminded me of the goddess bowl we had last time -<br />
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For our main, we had roast cod with asparagus, paprika and green olives.<br />
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The cod was absolutely massive!<br />
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Just when we thought we couldn't eat any more, we were brought out (the nicest) rice pudding dish I've ever had. I know. Bold claim. It was seriously amazing.<br />
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Rhubarb and coconut rice pudding with vanilla, cinnamon, almonds and maple syrup.<br />
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I think it would work well as a breakfast dish, and you could potentially swap out the rice for oats?<br />
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Anyway. It was gorgeous - the sweet maple syrup cut through the rhubarb and creamy coconut, and I couldn't help but finish every last mouthful...<br />
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<br />
As well as hosting great supper clubs, there are lots of reasons why I think <a href="http://madeleineshaw.com/">Madeleine</a> is a great person not just to follow on social, but to include in your cook-book repertoir....<br />
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<b>1) She's so lovely and genuine</b><br />
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I know, people say that all the bloody time about 'celebs' and people they're a fan of. But honestly, the three times I've met Madeleine, she's always been so chatty, interested, genuinely happy and full of life. Even last week, after juggling being pregnant with an exhausting book tour, she was smiling, chatting and making time for everyone at the event. I really respect her.<br />
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<b>2) Her approach to food and eating is very inclusive</b><br />
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She doesn't preach a certain way of eating, unnecessarily cutting out food groups. Her ethos on eating is centered on foods that nourish your body, making you feel good on the inside and out - I've made loads of her recipes and think they're a great choice if you're entertaining.<br />
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<b>3) Her food is absolutely delicious</b><br />
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My faveee recipes include:<br />
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* Her poached eggs, quinoa and beetroot bowl<br />
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* Thai beef salad with salt and pepper cashews (this was cooked at the first supper club, and oh my goddd it was so good!)<br />
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* Mexican bbq grilled corn and quinoa with chilli salsa:<br />
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* Mexican mince in lettuce wraps (these are a great Saturday night in meal)<br />
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*The raw cherry and chocolate fudge<br />
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...and of <i>course </i>the rice pudding in the photos above... oh my gosh!!<br />
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4) Her recipes aren't too complicated and extensive<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love people like Gizzi Erskine (the meatball recipe in her <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gizzis-Healthy-Appetite-Food-nourish/dp/1845339630">Healthy Appetite book</a> is hands down one of my faves), but sometimes, her ingredients list go on forever, and I've found myself Googling <i>a lot </i>of the foods on the list. You know the kind of recipe where you have to go to really obscure shops to get all the right ingredients.<br />
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Madeleine's recipes are very simple and easy to follow. They're very attainable and easy to make, and I've found her to be a really accessible chef.<br />
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5) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madeleine_shaw_/?hl=en">Her Instagram</a> is lovely<br />
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Don't just follow her for recipes and food inspiration - her daily ramblings and happenings are documented across social, and she's well worth a follow!<br />
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Thank you to Harvey Nics for inviting me to share the evening with Madeleine (and for supplying the prosecco ;)), and to Madeleine, for being such a gem.<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-14328978286928663842017-06-03T00:26:00.001+01:002017-06-03T00:26:30.730+01:00Shoryu Ramen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As you enter <a href="https://www.shoryuramen.com/">Shoryu Ramen</a> (which has just opened on Piccadilly, Manchester), you're greeted with a loud gong and the staff cheer your arrival... which was great for us, as we were running 20 minutes late and so were quite thankful that they were so happy to see us!<br />
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The place was teeming with people (a great sign), and the atmosphere was stylish, but very relaxed, with white wash stone walls, low hanging lights, gold detail; not to mention being bathed in natural light thanks to its two glass walls.<br />
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If you're from Manchester then you'll know that the Piccadilly area really struggles with its reputation (and if you've visited Manchester it's probably the bit in the city centre that made you wonder why you came..), so I'm really pleased it's getting names like Shoryu to tempt people back to spend time there.<br />
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Before I get on to the good stuff (spoiler alert: the ramen is incredible), one thing James and I both commented on was how friendly all the staff were. Not just to us, but to every table - chatting away, offering friendly advice and generally being lovely and attentive. They were really busy but always made time to put a smile on people's faces, and that created such a nice atmosphere. Big shout out to Duncan too (Shoryu's answer to Michael McIntyre?!), who was really funny and a great host.<br />
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For drinks, James went for the manly Okinawa Sunrise (mint, mango puree, orange, maraschino, red rum and grenadine), and I had the Avocado Nikkei (blended avocado, namazake, pisco, agave syrup and lemon) (FYI I have no idea what namazake or pisco are but the drink tasted lush so there we go).<br />
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They both hit the spot perfectly and weren't sickly sweet like some summer inspired drinks can be.<br />
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When Duncan was talking through the menu, the wagyu beef bun jumped out at me, as did the pork belly bun... this picture does not do the soft, fluffy bun justice. It was heaven. The pork belly was thick and so tasty - the bun came with a spicy sauce which was just to my taste. The wagyu bun stole the show though, with a gorgeous flavour and really 'light' feel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu beef bun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork belly bun</td></tr>
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Us being us, we also ordered the Duck teriyaki from the jumbo hakata yakitori menu, <i>and </i>the king prawn tempura.<br />
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Oh my gosh, I don't know what to start with, duck or prawn. The duck was absolutely amazing - skewered and coated in a gorgeous teriyaki sauce with a slightly crispy skin, it was incredibly moreish.<br />
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The tempura on the prawns was lovely and light, not too heavy and worked so well with the big juicy prawns - I was so impressed.<br />
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When it came to ramen, we knew we had to get a Tonkotsu - Shoryu specialise in Tonkotsu - a rich pork broth that cooks for 12 hours, and is topped with barbecue pork belly, nitamago egg, kikurage mushrooms, spring onion, sesame, ginger and nori seaweed.<br />
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We got the Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu, which came with fried shallots, and it was gorgeous. The soupy broth is soo tasty - you could eat that on its own and be satisfied! The portions are huge and it's a lot of fun watching the person you're with not splash broth everywhere...<br />
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I really liked the shallots and spring onions in the pork dish, they brought the flavours to life for me - it's incredible how the noodles pick up all the different flavours.<br />
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As I'm a huge (huge huge) fan of Thai inspired cuisine, we also got the Green curry ramen - a really spicy, coconut-y soup with king prawns, chicken karaage (fried), menma (bamboo shoots), nitamago egg, red chillies and of course, loooads of noodles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My green curry ramen (and teriyaki duck in the chopsticks)</td></tr>
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<br />This was my absolute favourite dish and I was gutted at how full I got towards the end as I couldn't finish it! If you like Thai green curry, I promise you you will love this dish.<br />
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After a good twenty minutes or so of letting our food go down, more drinks (this time, Asian beer!) and chatting, we were offered dessert. Despite being so full, Duncan persuaded us to try a tiny little Japanese pudding called Mochi (Japanese icecream balls, essentially). James chose salted caramel and I went for sesame. These were the perfect size for having something to satisfy that sweet craving.<br />
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Each part of our meal was absolutely delicious, and come on.. how nicely are those ramen bowls presented?! It's a great spot to with friends after work, or to grab a lush meal if you're out shopping or fancy food and drinks and a genuinely friendly service!<br />
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<i>Shoryu Ramen kindly invited me down, but you know I wouldn't ever write about or promote a place that I wouldn't go to again - and I really, really urge you to go and check this place out! We'll definitely be back. Thank yooou Shoryu Ramen. </i><br />
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PS if you're looking for more Asian inspired recipes and reviews in Manchester - here's a few of my others... <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2015/10/top-5-foods-from-thailand.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/07/sushi-sapporo-teppanyaki.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2017/02/pho-bowl-chorlton.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/01/busaba-eathai-opens-in-manchester.html">here</a>!<br />
<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-4801682633588836382017-05-21T22:27:00.000+01:002017-05-21T22:27:26.646+01:00Pimped Quinoa Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know; <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2014/07/quinoa-and-chickpea-salad.html">another quinoa salad</a> recipe. This one is really good, so give it a go!<br />
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I've just made a huge batch for my lunches this week; it's versatile and easy to pair with so many things (or have it on its own!), so it's perfect for making in bulk.<br />
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To make about 5/6 portions, you'll need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1/2 pack uncooked mixed quinoa</li>
<li>1/2 cucumber</li>
<li>1 red pepper</li>
<li>1 red onion</li>
<li>1 pomegranate</li>
<li>1 beef tomato</li>
<li>Juice of 1/4 lemon</li>
<li>2x table spoons smoked paprika</li>
<li>Pinch salt</li>
<li>1x handful pine nuts </li>
<li>Feta cheese to top (if you don't have feta, goat's cheese would be amazing) </li>
</ul>
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<div>
Cook your quinoa in a pan and add the smoked paprika, lemon juice and salt. This will need to cook for about 12/15 mins; make sure you stir every few mins.</div>
<br />
<br />
As this is cooking, chop your pepper and onion and fry in a separate pan. Chop your cucumber and beef tomato, leaving to one side, and break open your pomegranate to get all the seeds out (FYI life hack... chop / break your pomegranate under water and the juice doesn't go anywhere...).<br />
<br />
Once the quinoa is cooked and the water has been absorbed, rinse through in a sieve and stir in the onion and pepper. Place this in a new pan and allow to cool for ten minutes. Then, add the cucumber, tomato and pomegranate. Mix together thoroughly.<br />
<br />
Top with feta & pine nuts and enjoy!<br />
<br />
What I like about this dish is how easy it is to pair with other things, meaning it won't get boring as the week goes on...<br />
<br />
Perfect partners:<br />
<br />
* Roasted chicken breast<br />
* 1/2 avocado<br />
* Salmon fillet<br />
* Spicy black beans<br />
* My <a href="http://www.frankiesweekend.com/2016/06/creamy-smokey-vegan-chilli.html">creamy smokey vegan chilli</a><br />
<br />
Let me know if you try it! x<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-77664576238999812582017-05-20T18:12:00.001+01:002017-05-20T18:25:57.610+01:00SANTORINI - Travelling alone to the 'Honeymoon Island'...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Santorini has always been one of those places etched in my mind as a scene of never ending sunsets, turquoise plunge pools overlooking the caldera, white wash stone buildings and honeymoon after honeymoon...<br />
<br />
So when I decided to travel there, alone, with no honeymoon in sight, it might have appeared a little strange. To give some context; starting a new job meant I had some time off and I thought, what better way to spend it than in the sun somewhere... so I did my very best to try and convince friends, James, my brother and sisters, to book some time off and come with me - but no one was able to.<br />
<br />
I searched for ages trying to find the perfect getaway, looking at fitness / yoga retreats, and in the end settled on a little trip to Santorini.<br />
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I cannot express how beautiful the place is. Every corner is a picture perfect moment and the colours are just amazing.<br />
<br />
I definitely didn't find the island too 'coupley' or honeymoony, there's soo much to do and explore, so if you're thinking about going with friends or on your own I'd absolutely recommend it.<br />
<br />
In no particular order, here are some of the best things I did...<br />
<br />
<b>Things I'd recommend</b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>1. The Walk from Fira to Oia (3 hours)</i></b><br />
<br />
This is a must-do.. everyone I met had done or was planning on doing this hike. I was unsure about going on my own but literally everyone I was with had done it solo.<br />
<br />
It's a 10k hike, and I went in the heat of the day.... it was actually ok as I took loads of water and sun cream, plus there are a few places you can stop and find shade (if you're doing this in August it might be a different story, but in May it was ok - boiling hot, but bearable).<br />
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It's amazing as you follow the coastline and so can look back on where you started, acknowledging your achievements, mile by mile.<br />
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It's quite a simple route to follow and you'll see lots of people doing the hike too on your way round, but I used this <a href="https://santorinidave.com/fira-oia-hike">guide to help navigate</a> - it's a really useful photo map, so thanks 'Santorini Dave'!<br />
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<b><i>2. Boat Tour of the Volcano & swimming in hot springs</i></b><br />
<br />
I booked this through the place I was staying but the tour operators are everywhere in town. I went with a couple of girls I'd met, and it was well worth it!<br />
<br />
It cost 20 euros and was great value for money. You make your way down to the old port in Fira and get on the boat there. First stop is a 'hike' around the active volcano.. (I use the term 'hike' loosely as it was more like a walk). It's not exactly the most beautiful place, very very post-apocalyptic and could easily be the film set for a sci-fi movie. That being said, it was really nice to look back at the Santorini coastline.<br />
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Then, it's back on the boat and round to swim in the hotsprings. You have the option to stay on the boat, or jump off the boat and swim over to the hotsprings. Definitely jump into the sea and swim. The water is full of sulphur and so once you've got into the shallow parts, looks like one big mud bath. I'm not selling it very well but it was really fun!<br />
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<b><i>3. Wine tour </i></b><br />
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I didn't know this, but Santorini is famous for its white wine ('Assyrtiko') and there are loads of vineyards on the island. I love wine. Naturally, I was eager to do a tour of one of the wineries... So myself and a new Australian friend I'd made booked on to a tour as soon as we'd stepped off the boat trip!<br />
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Through a tour operator we booked on 'Another Tour' wine tour... we thought we were just visiting one winery, so imagine our delight when we were told we were visiting three!!<br />
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It was 70 euros and at first I was a little hesitant to part with the cash but I'm so glad I did. We got a private tour (we were joined by one couple), and the four of us had an intimate guided tour of three beautiful wineries. We also stopped off in Megalochori village and saw this incredible tiny Byzantine church, and it was these little extras that made the trip so worth it.<br />
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Annoyingly, I've forgotten the exact name of each winery but I know that the first one was a gorgeous, tiny, family run winery in the 'Art Space Santorini' - the owner has turned some of his caves into an art gallery and it's a really cool exhibition space.<br />
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We tried about 6 of his wines, so definitely got value for money!<br />
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VinSanto is Santorini's infamous dessert wines - a sweet, syrupy thimble of wine that's traditionally drunk at the end of a meal. I'm not a huge sweet wine fan (give me a crisp, dry white any day..), but this was lush, really nice to sip!<br />
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Next up was a 'mid' sized winery called Gavalas.<br />
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Here, after the tour and learning about the grape stamping festival that happens in August (definitely check this out if you're going then!), we sat outside and drank yet more amazing Santorini wine.<br />
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It was so nice to sit as a four and chat about our different areas of the world...and of course bonding over wine always helps!<br />
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The beautiful village of Megalochori...</div>
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Next up, the money shot. This was at Venetsanos winery, with incredible views of the caldera. We went just before sunset, and after the grand tour of the wine caves (this is the biggest of the three), we sat outside and tasted more wine as the sun set.<br />
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<b><i>4. Perissa / Tranquilo bar </i></b><br />
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Get the bus from Fira to Perissa's black sand beach, it's a hugggee stretch of coast dotted with beach bars, restaurants, sun loungers and deckchairs and is the ideal place to set up for a day of chilling out.<br />
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Perhaps not the most picturesque of beaches (in my eyes anyway), but the black sand was cool to see.<br />
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I made my way over to Tranquilo bar, and set up camp there for hours. If you're looking for somewhere really chilled and relaxed, this place is perfect. There are hammocks, comfy lounge chairs, tables, bar stools and chilled reggae playing, and the place was filled with people who'd clearly had the same idea as me.<br />
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It was really cheap too; I got a falafel pitta, a (huge) glass of white and a cappucino for around 14 euros.<br />
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<b><i>5. Metropolis Street Restaurant </i></b><br />
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On my last night, I treated myself to a really, really nice meal.<br />
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The sun was just about to set and I'd walked into Fira to find somewhere for my last meal... I saw a table with a great view of the sunset and walked in, without so much as looking at the menu or prices.<br />
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I cannot recommend this place enough. The staff were so friendly and accommodating, lighting candles and offering blankets, whilst maintaining a real sense of luxury and professionalism - this place would be perfect to come for a special meal, and the sunset just really made it.<br />
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I ordered the most incredible aubergine and cheese starter, which was hands down one of the nicest meals I had whilst in Santorini. The portion was huge!!<br />
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After the sun had dipped behind the horizon, I asked to move inside I was a little cold; and straight away I was whisked indoors and placed next to a heater, and brought more fresh bread(!) and wine.<br />
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My main (spinach risotto), was gorgeous - so flavoursome and perfect to warm me back up!<br />
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I got chatting to the waiter who insisted I meet the chef (who used to work at 3 Michelin star restaurant Le Bristol hotel in Paris...), he was soo lovely, and I was touched that they'd got him out of the kitchen (where he was clearly very busy), and had the time to talk to me.<br />
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Anyway, all that set me back a whopping............44 euros. I was really shocked at how cheap this was given the ambiance, food standard (presentation & taste!) and setting, so I would really recommend eating here.<br />
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I'd also really recommend Da Costa restaurant, just in the north of Fira looking over the Caldera. It's perfect if it's a little chilly as it's all inside but with a big glass front so you can see the sunset.<br />
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The tomato ball starter was great here (absolutely massive, didn't even get half way through!), and the lamb kleftiko was really tasty.<br />
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<b><i>6. Ammoudi Bay</i></b><br />
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After I'd hiked the 6 miles from Fira to Oia, I was starving. However I wanted to eat at Ammoudi Bay, as I'd heard good things about the restaurants there.<br />
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So, with an icecream to tide me over, I started to weave my way through Oia to find the steep steps that would lead me down to the bay.<br />
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The walk down is beautiful (/ full of donkeys) and takes around 15 minutes. When I got down I sussed out the restaurants and decided on Dimitris Tavern, on the left hand side.<br />
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I managed to get an amazing seat right on the water's edge - and I mean literally on the edge of the water, no barrier or wall! It felt good to be so close to the water after being so hot hiking down!<br />
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I ordered a deeelicious baked feta & vegetable starter, and had red snapper for main... all accompanied with a carafe of local wine.<br />
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Again, the atmosphere was so chilled and laid back, I was there for what felt like ages (drinking a carafe of wine on your own is slow work!), and never once felt rushed on.<br />
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Climbing back up to Oia is sweaty work, but so worth it once you reach the top.<br />
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<b><u>Where I stayed</u></b><br />
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I stayed in a place called Caveland, in Karterdaros. It's about a 20 min walk into Fira town centre, a perfect position on the island. The 20 min walk initially put me off but once you realise how small the island is, it's actually a great distance from Fira, so please don't let this put you off!<br />
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It was so nice to be able to walk in and out of the city, and 20 mins is really nothing when you've got an iced coffee to keep you cool! You can also get the bus to Fira if you don't fancy the walk.<br />
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<i>NB if you are really keen to stay in Fira itself, make sure that the address is actually *in* Fira - a lot of places say they're in Fira when they're actually basically in Karterdaros. </i><br />
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So, Caveland. Oh my godddd. Such a cool, quirky, amazing find. It's technically a hostel, although this was the most boutiquey, un-hostel like place I've stayed in. It's an old 18th century winery, and all the rooms are old caves, carved into the ground.<br />
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I think the place sleeps 45 although it's so calm and tranquil it hardly seems that way. They offer yoga classes (when I stayed they were on Tuesday and Thursday), and starting the day with a Hatha flow class on the rooftop was amazing.<br />
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There's a big pool to lounge by, loads of places to chill out, a huge reception / kitchen and great little spaces to really feel at home in.<br />
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There's free breakfast included too, which is a really nice perk. The beds are comfy, the showers are hot and it's without a doubt the most chilled place I've stayed. I didn't lock my stuff away and the place felt so safe, everyone there was so lovely.<br />
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The thing I loved the most was that it attracted all types of travelers... solo female travelers, groups of friends, couples (they have private rooms), mates, even families, so it's a really good all rounder.<br />
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It was so easy to meet people. People tended to chill outside reception in the mornings, or there were always loads of people in the kitchen eating breakfast, not to mention all the people in your room, and I met so many nice people that I spent days / meals with, so don't worry about being on your own! There's also lots of space if you just want to chill and have some 'me' time.<br />
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I'll leave the link to Caveland here, as if you're thinking about going to Santorini and don't want to pay ££££ a night for a caldera view room, this is a great option: <a href="http://cave-land.com/">http://cave-land.com/ </a><br />
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At the top of Karterdaros village there's a bakery called Zotos, and every morning I popped in to get an iced coffee to drink whilst walking into Fira - they had some insane looking cakes, pastries and baklava so well worth checking out! They've also got a branch in Fira that specialises in icecream, and my-godddd the flavours there were amazing.<br />
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<b>Travelling around Santorini:</b><br />
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As I mentioned above, I'd advise walking everywhere you can, especially around Fira or Oia.<br />
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The bus is a great option too. The island's main bus station is in Fira, and all buses start and terminate there... If you're travelling to other parts of the island, for example Oia, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, the airport, buses are so easy.<br />
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It's 1 euro 80 to airport, and 2 euro 40 to Perissa, so not expensive at all. It takes ten minutes to get to the airport from Karterdaros on the bus, and buses typically run every hour or two hours to the airport. To Perissa / Kamari, they're a lot more frequent. The local buses (operated by a company called KTEL), look like tour coaches, not traditional buses, so don't miss them!<br />
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<b>Stuff I'd heard good things about but didn't end up doing:</b><br />
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1. Hike from Kamari over the mountain to Perissa (stopping at Ancient Thira on the way). I think this hike is supposed to be a bit more demanding, but well worth it!<br />
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2. Akrotiri - another ancient burial site, which is meant to be really interesting!<br />
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<b>My tips for a female travelling to Santorini solo</b><br />
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Lots of these little nuggets of wisdom don't just apply to Santorini of course, but you might find them useful...<br />
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<i>1. Keep mobile data on. </i><br />
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As I was on my own, I wanted to know that I could contact friends / family, research stuff, look at maps etc without having to rely on wifi. I have some EU data included in my phone contract and so used this (it lasted longer than I thought), and when it ran out bought top up data. I think I spent £9 on data for 6 days and to me, the ease of having internet at my fingertips was worth it. <br />
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<i>2. Take books / journal to write in. </i><br />
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I took a few books and a couple of journals and always made sure I had one with me in my bag - I found that chilling on beaches / in cafes and restaurants on my own put me so much more at ease with a book / pen in hand. I also wanted to conserve phone battery (see next point), and having a book distracted me from relying on my phone for comfort. The scenery is stunning too, a lot of the time I was just sat there in awe!<br />
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<i>3. Take a portable phone charger</i><br />
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I didn't do this, but wish I had, especially on days where I was using my phone loads (for example on the Fira to Oia hike.. I couldn't find the bus stop in Oia, my battery was on 2% and the bus was due in the next 10 minutes, and caused me so much unnecessary stress!).<br />
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<i>4. Language, safety and the Santorini people </i><br />
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Not surprisingly, I don't speak Greek. I'd bought a Lonely Planet book and took that with me which had key phrases in it, but everyone I encountered spoke English.<br />
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The locals and staff in all restaurants were soo friendly - really eager to learn where you were from, how long you were travelling for, your backstory etc. I never once felt rushed out of a place.<br />
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I also never felt unsafe there, even walking around at night on my own. Naturally, I exercised caution and would advise all solo travelers to do the same but it was probably one of the safest places I've been to. Only once did I feel a little bit nervous and that was because I took a wrong turn down one of Fira's many tiny side streets and there was an odd looking guy who kept staring at me. Also had a few beeps from guys on motorbikes but nothing that made me feel disturbed.<br />
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<i>5. Take trainers / stable walking shoes</i><br />
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Fira and Oia and the surrounding streets / villages / roads are very uneven and the stones can become shiny, slippy and wobbly underfoot. I wouldn't advise heels. I wore converse all day, and took some nice beach sandals to change into if I wanted to...<br />
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It's worth noting that I traveled there mid-May (2017), so the place was just warming up for the season. Nevertheless, everything was open and running, and I didn't have a problem doing anything. The weather was absolutely beautiful too, really really hot, a nice breeze in the evening (take a jacket as for two nights it turned a bit colder). It rained once during the day for about two hours.<br />
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I flew out on Saturday evening and was meant to fly back Wednesday day, meaning I'd get 3 full days and an evening on the Sat and morning on the Weds. I ended up flying back on Thursday morning as my flight was cancelled so had an extra day.. but think that 3/4 days is the perfect amount of time to spend there.<br />
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I only got really lonely once; the evening I found out my flight was cancelled, I was in a restaurant and I got the text from EasyJet to say my flight wouldn't run, and I just felt an overwhelming sense of isolation, especially as everyone around me was having such a nice time. Booking an alternative flight was ok, a little bit stressful but whereas previous me would've had a melt down, I just got on with it..!<br />
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I know I was only gone six days (and so hardly the round the world trip of a lifetime), but I would really recommend travelling solo. Over the past few years I've mostly traveled with James or friends - and there's a reliance and group mentality that's so absent when you're travelling alone. I've learnt that I relied on James for so much when we've traveled in the past, for example things like asking for directions or for recommendations - I'd always get him to do it, whereas now, I feel so much more confident. I also feel more easy going and relaxed about travelling - I've always been very anal and pedantic about organising / planning, but I had to learn to relax and trust a hell of a lot more, so definitely some amazing life lessons learned!<br />
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I really want to go back to Santorini, so if you have any more recommendations please let me know!<br />
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<br />KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-51191778197403193022017-05-11T16:15:00.001+01:002017-05-11T18:04:47.020+01:00Feeling Like A Fraud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
If you look at my last post, you'll see that it's dated February. A whole three months ago. Three months where blogging took a back seat in my life due to other things going on in my little world.<br />
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I didn't not blog because I fell out of love with it, the truth was I had so much going on in my life that something had to give, and unfortunately, blogging took the hit!<br />
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The past three months have been a whirlwind... if you follow me on Instagram then you'll more than likely know what I've been up to..!<br />
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On a few occasions though, I've had blogging doubts. I love writing, and love sharing my experiences on this space on the internet, but the longer I left picking up pen to paper as the expression goes, the more I was like - who cares about what I have to say? Who cares, when there are a million other blogs out there?<br />
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I know we all have moments of self-doubt, but it just really seemed to niggle away at me.<br />
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I've also found that more and more, across my social media channels (Instagram in particular), people seem to be telling a story in their post captions? I don't know if any one else feels the same, but for me it's made me reevaluate the blogging and social relationship / space. People's attention spans are shorter than ever, we're bombarded with more information potential than we ever have been before, and our time is seen to be more 'precious' than it ever has been - information overload couldn't be a more apt term!<br />
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I absolutely love the blogging space as somewhere to fully let loose and talk about a topic in great depth, but I think that Instagram is somewhat replacing the medium and allowing people to talk about those subjects in succinct, scrollable ways, which seems to fit in more with the time we have on our hands! So that's been one of the reasons that's put me off, if I'm being totally honest.<br />
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That extra click, taking you off Instagram to a webpage, that extra bit of time, eating into social browsing time... even if I don't click there and then, I'll see a post I know I want to go back and read and make a mental note to go back and click, but rarely do as I get distracted by something else...<br />
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I'd save up blog links and people's stories / feeds to consume in one go (like on a Sunday morning with a cup of tea in bed), but found that I was turning this into a personal admin 'task' that didn't really seem relaxing, more like ticking things off a list.<br />
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And also, I didn't want friends to think I wasn't being supportive: feeling guilty when I hadn't liked a post, seeing that they'd uploaded a number of blog posts and not had the time to read them...<br />
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That, combined with not having blogged myself for a couple of months, made me hesitant to start back up. Emails from PRs and companies clogged my inbox and made me dread looking at it, which sounds ridiculous, I know!<br />
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SO, I've decided that I'm coming back. I love blogging, I'm grateful for all the opportunities it's given me and I genuinely believe everyone should have a corner of the internet to call home.<br />
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With a new job just round the corner offering a new direction in my career, I'm seeing this as a fresh start with blogging too, and really hope I can stick to creating useful, interesting & relate-able content... even if it's just a select few people that read it!<br />
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Thank you for sticking with me xxKatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6710253846040004875.post-82875765336992211992017-02-19T20:08:00.004+00:002017-02-19T20:08:44.562+00:00Upgraded Fajita Wraps<br />
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A few years ago at Uni, chicken fajita wraps were a staple treat meal, particularly to enjoy with friends.<br />
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That tradition has carried on and it's something me and James will cook at least every other week as one of our go-to dinners.<br />
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As much as I love it, it can get a bit boring, and so last week I decided to mix things up a bit and give the dish a bit of a makeover. I think you'll really like this one.<br />
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It doesn't take any longer to prepare, but adds a whole new dept of flavour and completely transforms the dish (in my eyes).<br />
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<i>Here we have...</i><br />
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Lamb and chicken chipotle wraps with peppers, pomegranate, tzatziki & spinach, served with wholemeal wraps.<br />
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The below recipe serves four.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Four chicken breasts</li>
<li>2x lamb chops</li>
<li>1 large red onioin</li>
<li>1 garlic glove</li>
<li>2x peppers</li>
<li>Wholemeal wraps (however many per person)</li>
<li>100g pomegranate seeds </li>
<li>30g mature cheddar per person</li>
<li>1/2 jar chipotle paste</li>
<li>Chilli flakes</li>
<li>Paprika (I used a smoked paprika)</li>
<li>Tzatziki (shop bought or you can blend Greek yoghurt and cucumber)</li>
<li>Spinach </li>
</ul>
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Fry off your onion, garlic and peppers until golden and crispy. Chop your chicken and lamb (removing any excess fat), and add to the pan. Stir in the paprika, chilli flakes and chipotle paste. Stir the sauce so it coats all the meat. </div>
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After about ten / fifteen minutes, heat your oven and pop the wraps in to heat them up (and get them to go a little bit crispy). </div>
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Grate your cheese, and put pomegranate seeds and spinach into separate serving bowls. If you're making your own tzatziki blend this up now. </div>
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Fill your wrap with the chipotle chicken & lamb and top with cheese and tzatziki. Sprinkle on pomegranate seeds and a handful of spinach. Roll your wrap and enjoy! </div>
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It's a serious game changer. </div>
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KatieFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16778627893031611142noreply@blogger.com0