Travellers' Tales...

Bergerac, France (Part 2)

Continuing on from my last post, on Thursday we had a lazy day outside, and for lunch we made an incredible salad with chicken, pine nuts, homemade croutons and honey-mustard dressing, so lovely to eat fresh tasty dishes in gorgeous sunshine! 

That evening we drove to Pierre's for a barbecue with a few other people, he lives about 40 minutes away, but it was nice to drive through all the vineyards whilst the sun set. He made potatoes and ratatouille, and on the barbecue we had steak, beef kebabs and some delicious sausages that were really well seasoned and flavoursome. Two of the other guests brought a cake with them that was from a patisserie, and was similar to a cheesecake, but with very light sponge on the base, and more custard to the topping. We drove back at midnight as we didn't want too late a night after our last couple!

On Friday Claire and I got up fairly early and went for a run in the country around her house which was lovely, although we got chased by dogs at one point! After we had showered and had breakfast we drove into Bergerac for a wander around the shops and town. It is really pretty, so I took lots of pictures of the buildings, and bought a cool black scuba-type skirt for only 15 euro. We had coffee and huge paninis at a little side street cafe, and then I bought some Easter chocolates for my parents and sister from a cute chocolatier called Jeff de Bruges (not French, but oh well). 

Afterwards we went to Chateau de Monbazillac, which is beautiful, set among acres of vineyards up on a hill. We took a tour around the castle which was amazing, and then did a tasting of their signature wine - which is very sweet but strangely good, I normally hate sweet wine! It is made as a drinkable one, so is not meant as a dessert wine which is unusual, but I could definitely sink a bottle! We also stopped at a patisserie on the way home so that I could buy some cakes for Claire's family as a thank you present for that evening's meal.

We enjoyed the last of the sun, before getting ready and having a champagne aperitif and nibbles followed by a meal of pan fried duck with potato balls and celeriac puree. It was nice to eat with the whole family, I love the French relaxed way of life and felt very welcome in their house. Afterwards Claire and I went into Bergerac to meet with some of the boys for a few drinks in a bar known as PQP (Au Plus-Que-Parfait) which had a salsa class on when we arrived. We didn't get involved though, and stuck instead to shots and glasses of 3 euro wine - can't be bad. Despite me having an early flight to catch the next morning, we ended up getting very drunk again and slept at 4am, for a grand total of four hours before I had to be up and ready to go - not ideal!

It was such a great holiday, really chilled and fun, and catching up with Claire was great. It was also cool to practise some of my French out, even if it is awful!

Traveller's Tales...

Menai, Wales

My friend Hana is studying for her Masters in Marine Biology at Bangor University. This week, she offered up an open house, and seen as I had the week off work, I jumped at the chance for a roadtrip.

I set off at 3pm on Weds, and it was a really good clear run up so I arrived just after 4.30pm. The weather wasn't great but it wasn't raining and was fairly mild, so we walked to the supermarket to get some ingredients to make cupcakes, and took a detour on the way home to Church Island, which had the tiniest little church on it, it was adorable! Back home, after we had made the cakes and eaten a quick tea of tuna pasta we drove to South Stacks where there is a lighthouse and lots of pretty flowers to look at. It was freezing up high so we didn't stay long - but we did have a cheeky paddle in the sea anyway!

On Thursday we woke up bright and early and had a hearty breakfast as we were climbing Snowdon. It was drizzling a little but we were prepared with waterproof trousers and jackets and hefty walking boots so it didn't deter us. When we eventually got there and began the ascent, the rain got much heavier and we were drenched after ten minutes! There were some gorgeous views despite the tough climb, and we managed to walk faster than the steam train that goes up the mountain which we were pretty chuffed with!

We only went halfway as it was pretty ridiculous how wet we were, and once we had slightly dried off we drove to Betws-y-Coed to have afternoon tea. The place that we went to was amazing - for £18 we got triple decker salmon and cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, chocolate cake, tea bread, carrot cake, meringue, apple crumble cake and brownies for two people! It was definitely well deserved after our walk (although we didn't eat it all, we left with a doggie bag!).

Afterwards we drove home and showered and got ready to go into Bangor. We went to a bar called Fat Cat for BOGOF cocktails; we had a French Martini and one called a Cherry Bakewell which was delicious. We saw Snow White and the Huntsman at the cinema (see next week's post), and then went home super tired to bed.

On Friday the weather was slightly better, with no rain and fairly clear skies, so we packed up a picnic (including some pink champagne) and headed to Newborough beach. Because we were in such a secluded bay we wore our bikinis and sunbathed, there was no wind at all and we stayed for most of the day so it was really relaxing. We walked back along the clifftops which was lovely, and then I drove home at 5pm once we had got back to Menai. A perfect start to a week off!

Traveller's Tales...

Reims & Paris (part 2)

Because of the previous night's revelry, the majority of Wednesday was spent moping around the apartment sleeping and eating. However, we dragged ourselves out later for Laura's friend Eva to drive us to Epernay (in the Champagne region), where we had proper champagne in a little bar. It was so bubbly it melted on the tongue, and the scenery of the vineyards on the way was breathtaking.

When we got back we met with Jo back at L'Apostrophe (the bar we had been to on the first day) and had a meal there. I had what can only be described as a basket of fish: salmon, monk fish, cod and prawns on a bed of noodles and veg in a wicker basket. It was really nice and I am glad I went for something a bit adventurous. For dessert I sampled the traditional café gourmand, which I had been recommended by Laura. It was a cup of tea (usually coffee, hence the 'café') surrounded by miniature puddings including chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, a profiterole with ice cream and a pistachio macaroon with whipped cream - amazing! It was quite late when we finished, and we were catching a train to Paris fairly early the next day so we went to bed as soon as we arrived back, after packing of course!

On Thursday we did the typical Parisian sights, as Chris had never been. We started with Laura and had a sandwich in a park for lunch before heading to the Maree (vintage section) for a gander. I got some real leather shorts for 20 euros which I thought was a bargain. Laura had to leave us shortly after to do some interviews, so Chris and I walked around to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Champs Elysées etc, before meeting back up with Laura in a really cool little bar that served 'happy hour' cocktails from 4-10pm.

We got crepes for tea (I had mozzarella and chorizo) and then we went back to the bar! Laura went to catch a train back to Reims at 7.30pm, so Chris and I hung around Paris for a bit longer before making our way to the hotel we had booked for the night by the airport. We stayed at the Park Radisson, and it was pleasant enough, perfect for our flight the next day as the airport shuttle is free and runs all day.

Our flight was just after 1pm on the Friday, so we had a bit of a lie in before checking out and making our way there; and we got back at around 2pm UK time. It was a fabulous holiday - I love France anyway, and it was great to catch up with Laura. I'm sure I'll be back soon!

Mid-week Update!

Sunny walks, Grad Ball & Shopping!

Another busy week worthy of two posts! This week has been one split between two cities, Lancaster and Manchester. Monday started at home in Manchester, where the weather was gorgeous, and as such my mum and I decided to go for a nice walk. We only went to Dunham Massey, which I have mentioned in previous posts, but this time we stopped at the restaurant there for tea and cake. I had a maple and pecan muffin and a pot of Earl Grey, which was tasty, and because of the sunshine all the deer were about frolicking which was sweet.

On Monday evening, after a spot of shopping during the afternoon, I made a last minute decision to go to our Graduation ball, and so sped off to Lancaster in a suitably formal dress I luckily had in my wardrobe. We had a few drinks (champagne of course) at my friends flat, and then

took some photographs of everyone next to the tree that is the symbol of our university college. It was really good to see everyone all trussed up looking gorgeous, just a shame that my choice to go was so spontaneous, as I'd have liked to have splashed out on a new dress. The event had performances by many different acts- some local bands and DJs as well as the more notable Greg James from Radio 1 and The Noisettes, who were really good live!

Yesterday I headed back to Manchester as I had a shift at work that evening. Today my sister Jasmine and I decided to go into Manchester to do a bit of shopping, as she needed some shoes for her prom. I bought a black blazer from H&M, and a nice geometric top from Warehouse as well as a present for my friend's 21st, which is this evening. (see Part 2!) We also went to an amazing new sweet shop, that had every sweet imaginable on its shelves, as well as a chocolate dipping station, and cupcake stall!

Weekly Update!

Afternoon Tea, Last LUFS Meal & My 21st!

This week has been so much fun, due to it being my last full week in Lancaster, so it involved lots of socialising. On Monday I got a lift back to Lancs with my mum, and then in the afternoon/ evening went for a barbecue at my friends house, where we'd literally just dragged the sofa outside when it began to rain. Luckily we'd finished cooking everything by then though!

On Wednesday my friend Timna and I went to The Borough, a pub in Lancaster, and had a champagne afternoon tea service to celebrate finishing the year. We got a flute of champagne each, finger sandwiches, fruit jelly with cream, custard slices, cream buns and a fruit stick, followed by a lovely cup of tea and scones with jam and cream, all for £12. Feeling sufficiently full (and a bit merry off the champers) we bought a bottle of bubbly and went to the cinema to see Bridesmaids (see previous post). A thoroughly enjoyable and girly day.

On Thursday it was our last ever LUFS meeting, and so the exec all went to Julie, our media officer's house for lunch. We each took something (I made a veggie chilli) and totally pigged out on chocolate marshmallows, strawberries and cream, crisps, cakes and champagne again! Because it was our last get-together, we all dressed up for the occasion, which was really fun; even if we did get some strange looks walking to the house! In the evening I went for a few drinks in town with friends with it being my last night out in Lancaster. We went to the White Cross, The Sun and The John O'Gaunt which was nice.

On Friday morning I had my hair dyed, which took 3 hours! It's finally the colour I've wanted it for ages though so it was worth it. In the evening Chris and I got the train back to Manchester ready for my party the next day, and we went for a carvery at a local pub for tea.

Saturday dawned and after prettifying myself, I set about helping to sort everything out for my 21st birthday party. People started arriving from about 1.30pm, but I managed to save myself and only had my first glass of wine at 3.30pm! My friends from uni got trains and arrived at tea time, which was great. It was such an amazing day, lots of people came, I got some gorgeous presents, had an awesome buffet courtesy of my mum and stayed up partying until 6am!

Needless to say Sunday was spent catching up on sleep and seeing off everyone who had stayed. An absolutely brilliant week!

Weekly Update!

Moules, & a night in the toon!

This week was much better than last week, as aside from working, I also got to see my boyfriend, go out for the first time in nearly three weeks, and catch up with some of my girlies from home. On Monday, Chris came to stay and we went shopping in Manchester, and then on Wednesday I went to see Water For Elephants with my mum (see previous posts). After we had been to the cinema we had a lovely tea of mussels in white wine for a starter, followed by herb crusted pork chops with crushed roast potatoes for main course. It was delicious!

On Thursday I did various jobs that had been mounting up, before dying my hair with the toner I bought in Manchester. It went well, although my hair still wasn't light enough all over for it to have a huge impact. It did give me some cool purplish/ white highlights though, so it wasn't a completely wasted attempt.

On Friday I worked in the morning before catching a (three hour long!) train to Newcastle for my friend Tasha's 21st birthday. There were three of us from home that could make it, so it was a nice chance to get together and catch up. We pre-drank at Natasha's house with some of her friends from uni, and

then went to a club called The Den. Unfortunately not going out for a while, together with champagne and the triple measure spirits available there meant I was rather drunk, and definitely felt it the following day on the three hour drive home, followed by a five hour shift at work- yuck!

Today I had a slight lie in before another shift at work at twelve, and then came home to a gorgeous chicken roast dinner followed by rhubarb soufflé, which was amazing!

Weekly Update!

Chinese, Creme Egg Mcflurry's and
Sunshine!

So, the Easter holidays are finally here, and unlike most students frantically revising for the duration, I can relax, as mine isn't until June 9th. This week, I returned from Paris on Monday (see previous post) and then my boyfriend came to visit for a couple of days. We didn't really do much, we went for a mooch around the Trafford Centre on the day he arrived, and then went shopping in my local town the following day before seeing Limitless at the cinema (review being posted tomorrow). The weather was lovely, and it was nice to chill out after a frantic, but awesome few days away from home.

On Thursday I worked, and then went out for a few drinks at night in the Belgian bar in Altrincham. It was the first time I'd met up with friends from home since being back, so it was nice catching up on everyone's lives and enjoying a few exotic flavoured beers. Friday was a very lazy day, mainly consisting of watching America's Next Top Model to catch up with this series, and then in the evening we got a Chinese takeaway which was delicious. I had king prawns with cashew nuts and bamboo shoots, and then we also had chicken chow mein, beef with vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, king prawn schezuan and egg fried rice. Good job I'd done a 30 minute run on the Wii beforehand!

Yesterday it was my friend Hana's 21st party (despite her birthday being a month away, in the midst of exams). During the day I went shopping with my mum and bought a new bikini and some black suede Diesel ankle boots for just £9. I also had my first Creme Egg Mcflurry of the year, so I was a very happy girl! We went round to Hana's at 6pm and had nibbles and champagne outside, as it was a beautiful sunny evening. Then there was a yummy buffet and more drinks, before we heard speeches (that were so sweet!) and set off some Chinese lanterns, though the ones I attempted failed miserably. Then we headed into Manchester to the Northern Quarter, starting in Walrus cocktail bar, before going to Bluu. It was pretty busy, which made the night a bit more fun as there was a good atmosphere. We got minibuses home at 2am, and I fell into bed, knackered, at 3am.

Today the gorgeous weather is still here, so I am writing this in the garden, and will probably read some of my book in the sun later, before making a start on some work for my creative writing portfolio this evening. The good stuff has to end somewhere I suppose!