Krakow

#ellhen!
Listening - Temperature by Sean Paul
Podcast - Guys We F*cked (11/01/19 - You'd Rather Give a Bl*wjob Than A Gift?)

My lovely mate Ellie got married in April, and of course what is a wedding without a hen party? She decided early on that Krakow would be our destination, and having never even visited the country of Poland I was well up for an adventure there. The troops were rallied (13 of us to be precise) and thanks to Ellie's masterful organising skills everything was planned to perfection, which was a welcome change as I am usually chief coordinator of all the travelling I do!



We rendevouz-d with the whole group at the airport, but a few of us had congregated at Ellie's beforehand for a couple of swift gin in tins pre- journey. The flight went smoothly and we had a mini bus waiting to take us to our air b&b when we landed. It was a fair distance away, so we bagsied beds and retired to sleep pretty much instantly.

In the morning a few of us volunteered to go to the local supermarket for some breakfast stuff, snacks, and booze for pre-drinks that evening. We got absolutely loads and I can't believe how cheap it all was! We had a monster buffet with pastries, fruit, eggs, cereal; and then left the house and wandered through pretty Market Square into the Jewish quarter of the city where we started a free walking tour. 

I say started because after about half an hour some of the group were too cold so went off for hot chocolate, followed by the rest of us soon after as we had grown a little bored with the none too charismatic guide. We gave the guy a small tip to make us feel less guilty, and then sacked it off in favour of traditional Polish open sandwiches called zapiekanka and salted caramel churros from a nearby market which were delicious!  

We met up with the rest of the group in a bar/cafe called 2 Okna where I had a mulled wine and thawed out before we headed back to get ready for our first night out. We did a cocktail making class at a cool bar called Scandale Garden, where we got to make a Bramble, a Strawberry Sour and a Dark 'n' Stormy (all definitely generous with the measures) and had a few shots before moving on to a club called Opium for the rest of the night. 

It was a classic uni style club with super cheap drinks, (12 shots for less than a fiver anyone?!) questionable clientele and all the dance classics pumping, so of course we couldn't resist asking for some Sean Paul bangers. Rather worse for wear and with aching feet, we set off for home in the early hours of the morning after demolishing a Polish spin on takeaway chips. A couple of us opted to walk rather than taxi, which obviously meant that we ended up getting completely lost and rolling in an hour later than everyone else! 

On the Sunday we had a spa day booked at Lesne Spa, so a minibus arrived to whisk us away for a day of pampering. We had a couple of glasses of fizz, and relaxed in the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room before each getting an individual massage which was exactly what was needed after a night on the tiles.

That evening we had a slightly more refined night, starting with a three course meal at a gorgeous restaurant in the main square called Wesele. It was very decadent inside with a mirrored ceiling, wood panelled walls and floral decorations everywhere, and the service was excellent. I had the trio of sheep cheese to start, followed by lentil pierogi (Polish dumplings) in mushroom sauce, and finally dessert was apple pie, all of which were well presented and very tasty. Afterwards a small group of us continued the celebrations with a drink in nearby bar Budda before we joined the early birds back at the apartment.

Our final morning dawned and we packed our bags ready to check out. Luckily the owner of the air b&b was happy to look after our cases until we had to leave at 3pm, so we dropped them off and went for breakfast at a very Instagrammable cafe called Zalipianki. I had a carrot, apple and orange fresh juice and a mushroom, cheese and spinach omelette, clearly trying desperately to get back on that health train!

We walked up the hill to the castle where there is a famous dragon sculpture and perfect views of the city and across the river. After multiple group photos we dispersed to go shopping or for coffee and cake; I tried on a few things in Zara before giving up, and bought a salted caramel doughnut dipped in white chocolate from a cute pattisserie. We went back to collect our bags later and the minibus returned to transfer us to the airport to fly home.

My first experience of Poland was a very positive one; friendly people, lots to see and do, and helped infinitely by how cheap everything was. I shall almost certainly be back!

Breakdown
Flights  - £92 (inc assigned seat & hand baggage)

Accommodation - £70 (3 nights based on 13 sharing)

 Spending Money - £105.50 (inc taxi one way between 5 & airport spending)

Misc - £89 (spa day, cocktail making & transport)

Total = £356.50

Travellers' Tales...

Chester & Daresbury

This weekend has been lots of fun, spending time with the family and chilling out to celebrate Jasmine's birthday. We left Manchester at 10am yesterday to travel to Chester for a day wandering around, shopping and perusing the Christmas markets (which, granted, weren't quite up to our home city's standard!). We took the park and ride bus into the centre, and much to Dad's dismay, had a spree in Primark before stopping in a Wetherspoons for some lunch. I had a chicken burger with bacon and cheese on it, with fries and onion rings, and a pint of cider - about two days worth of calories!

After lunch we went for a look around the cathedral, which was really pretty with all the Christmas decorations up, and there was a The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe exhibition on with mechanical characters and scenes from the book which was fun to have a gander at. After a tad more shopping we caught the bus back to the car park and drove to Daresbury, where Lewis Carroll, author of Alice In Wonderland, is originally from. We stopped for a coffee at the Ring O Bells there, which is a gorgeous old fashioned pub with a few knick knacks to theme it to the famous children's book.

We then drove on to our hotel, The Daresbury Park, which we had got on a Groupon deal. We got a three course meal there (granted only a carvery and buffet for starter and dessert) the room with access to the pool and sauna facilities, and a bottle of wine for just £59 per room - a crazy bargain. We were also offered the chance to pre-order wine at the time of booking for half price a bottle so got one each of white, rose and red - forgetting that we got a free bottle with the rooms too so ended up with 5 bottles!

We drank (some) wine in the bar after eating, and then went to bed before midnight as we were all pretty shattered!

Nights Out...

Manchester Christmas Markets

The Miles trio's annual trip to the Christmas markets in Manchester took place last night! I love going every year as it is a welcome change to do something with Dad, who often gets overlooked in favour of shopping trips and cake outings with Mum! 

I caught the train after work and met him and Jasmine at the met stop, and we wandered to the main market in St Ann's Square. I had a cherry gluhwein to begin with, and we all got a hog roast sandwich from the stand that is there every year. We looked at the stalls, and got some ceramic novelty wine toppers for Christmas presents before wandering to some of the other sites. We stopped for our second drink in a wooden hut selling German ales, and I decided to try an eggnog - which I instantly regretted, it was bloody awful! Dad must have drunk half of it, because I really couldn't face it!

After a crepe (with caramel and almonds) for dessert we followed tradition and went for a cocktail at Alchemist. Dad had a brandy based one that was practically straight! I had the Garden Martini (Hendrick’s gin, Briottet elderflower, rose liqueur, lemon juice and sugar topped with lavender foam and garnished with cucumber) and Jasmine had a White Cosmo (A frozen orchid bathed in Green Mark Russian vodka, Briottet elderflower, Cointreau, citrus, white grape juice and lemon bitters.)

The train times were really inconvenient so I decided to test out the new metrolink line that goes back to my flat - what a mistake that was! It took me over an hour and a half to get back, as they are not very frequent, and my stop is one of the last ones so it takes an absolute age to get there, then I had a twenty minute walk home. If I had walked to Piccadilly station, waited twenty minutes for my train and walked from the stop I would have been home over half an hour earlier. Not an experience to be repeated again!

Travellers' Tales...

Leicester

I got back about an hour ago from a weekend trip to Leicester to visit my friend Claire, with a stop off in Birmingham today to visit the Christmas markets and meet up with our friend Laura, who is now 7 1/2 months pregnant! 

I set off at just after 1pm, and arrived at half three, giving us enough time to pop into the town centre for a coffee at a really quirky little independent cafe called St Martin's Coffee. I had a white chocolate snowball mocha which was delicious and then we went shopping for a while to find something for Lauras's birthday which was on Friday. I got a burger from the German market for tea, and then we walked back to Claire's apartment for some predrinks and to get ready for a night out.

We started at Revolution, where we had a couple of glasses of wine, before moving onto a club, but it was pretty dead so we ended up going back to Revolution. Claire knew the bar manager there so we enjoyed some free drinks, and ended up going to a stripclub with him until 6am! It was my first experience of one, and to be fair, it was loads of fun!

Today we were so hungover it was awful, but I managed to make sausages for breakfast and we got ready to head into Birmingham. It took us just over an hour, and after meeting Laura we wandered around to find somewhere to eat a late lunch. We settled on Jamie's Italian, where I had a nice fruity drink and a deconstructed caesar salad which looked really cool and tasted even better. We gave Laura our presents which she liked, and then went for a mooch around the Christmas Markets, which were OK, but not as good in my opinion as the Manchester ones. 

It started getting dark (and very cold!) so I said my goodbyes as had the long drive home to get through. It took me 2 1/2 hours, and boy am I glad to be home and ready for a good night's sleep!

Weekly Update!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

This week has been officially exhausting! I have had something on every single day/ night! On Monday I went to see Aquilo with my sister (see previous post) and then we stayed for a night out afterwards as Remake Remodel was on at Soup Kitchen, which is a night I've wanted to try for ages. It was really dead to begin with, but soon perked up, and played some awesome music. We got home at about 4am, and I was up for work at 7!

On Tuesday after a meal at the Country Club (braised and glazed Cheshire pork rib-eye steak with sweet potato, caramelised plum and amaretti crumble, AMAZING) I went to see the Klaxons with Tasha, who were awesome! They have recently announced they are splitting so this was the final tour, and they really gave it their all. Unfortunately I got a parking ticket, which dampened the mood slightly, but still a fun evening.

On Wednesday I dropped Aum in Pontefract and then finished for the day, so met Abi after an interview in Manchester. We went to a place called Tea 42, which does fabulous cakes (I got a huge slab of the chocolate variety), and since I was off duty I indulged in a glass of prosecco too. 

The next day I got a lie in, and collected Aum from Oldham in the afternoon. In the evening Mo came round, as there had been a slight misunderstanding that we needed to clear up. We sorted things though, and it was nice to see him, even if it made me feel slightly weird as he seemed back to his old self. I had to suck it up though as on Friday I had a Halloween party to go to! I went as a vampire, and had a great night, and it helped to take my mind off things which was much needed.

On Saturday, though slightly hungover, I dragged myself up and went to the Altrincham Market with Abi for lunchtime pizza. I had one with capers, anchovies and olives which was delicious, if a little salty. That evening I had a ball to go to! (see next week's post) It was in aid of the Lifeboats and was run by my friend Luke who I met whilst skiing. I went with Tasha and we had a great and very late/ drunken night!

Today we drove home and I went to Mum's for eggs Benedict for lunch, which was much appreciated after a night on the tiles. I had a nap there and then came home to get ready for the Indiana gig I have just returned from with Amanda (see next week's post). She was incredible live, and it was a chilled affair which was definitely required after a hectic week!

Weekly Update!

Stoke, Singing & Stalls!

Aum has been off school this week, so it has been a usual one of going out for lunches and doing fun stuff! On Tuesday we tried the Oxford Road Cafe (see previous post) and on Wednesday we went and played crazy golf at the Trafford Centre. Thursday we had a lazy day and a swim in the pool,and it was Diwali, so they gave me a box of Laduree macaroons as a present, which didn't last long! I babysat in the evening for one of Aum's old HPS school friends.

On Friday we went to Carluccio's for lunch with one of Aum's current school friends and his family. I opted for a salad, but it was still pretty naughty as it had blue cheese, walnuts and bacon on it! I finished work quite early and rushed home to pack for a night at one of my old uni friend's houses in Stoke with all the usual crew. We just stayed in as people were all arriving at different times, had a nice spaghetti bolognese and quite a lot to drink!

The next day we had traditional oatcakes for breakfast, which were amazing! Definitely something I will seek out again. Then after a lazy start we went bowling for something to do, which was actually pretty fun, I haven't been with anyone other than Aum in forever. I set off for home at about 3pm as that evening I was at a Katy B gig with Emily. We drove in, and then afterwards went for a couple in Piccolinos in Hale to meet up with the girls who were already out there.

I stayed at Mum and Dad's and today have been for a mooch at Altrincham Market with Jasmine and Mum which was cool; it has recently been renovated and is full on trendy market chic, with an artisan pizzeria, home ground coffee house and live music. We stayed there for a while, grabbed some food and looked at some of the stalls (which sold everything from art prints to fur coats, to jewellery made from cutlery and home baked brownies!) and came home early this evening for some tea. Great week of fun, socialising and eating!

Weekly Update!

Crumble, Dress-up & Perusing! 

This week has been a proper chilled one, as I had Monday afternoon and Friday off so plenty of time to enjoy myself! After Carluccio's on Monday (see previous post) I met Jasmine for a drink in the Moss Trooper and then had a quiet evening at home.

On Tuesday I went with my dad to the Adidas factory in Stockport and got a few bargains, including some new neon vest tops to stick with all my other bright gear! I went to The Cake Gallery on Wednesday with Jasmine and had a slice of rose and pistachio cake, which is my favourite one that they make, and then I babysat in the evening before Aum broke up from school on Thursday.

On Friday I had my nails done and then Abi popped round for some homemade crumble in the afternoon, before I headed round to my mums for some tea and to go out with Jasmine and her friends for Charlie's birthday. We had predrinks at his house, and then went to Cane and Grain in the Northern Quarter before moving on to a more clubby place afterwards. I met up with my mate Benn who was out in town and we went for a drink in a cool bar called The Gas Lamp that was underground and quite Victorian in style.

The next day I was so hungover, and had a family party to go to at my grandparents in Leven, Yorkshire. We picked up a McDonalds on the way and then I tried to sleep it off, which didn't really work! It was my cousin's 8th birthday so we had some bits of food and took some funny photos with a kit my mum had bought which had a big photo frame and then accessories to change your appearance, like moustaches and hats, funny lips and noses etc, was good fun. I drove back that night and we got a Chinese for a late tea - lovely healthy hangover day as usual!

On Sunday Mum, Jas and I went to the new Altrincham market which is lovely, it has lots of vintage and handmade craft type stalls with illustrations, jewellery, fur coats and lots of knick knacks to pass a lazy Sunday. We got a 'New Yorker' panini from one of the food stands that had pastrami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on it, and I bought a brownie to take home with me. Jam packed week but lots of fun!

Weekly Update!

Bailey's & Back to Basics!

This week has been another busy one, as I had Uma to entertain again. Luckily on Monday she wasn't due to be picked up until 3pm, so I had chance to get my bed delivered as planned. I stayed at Mo's in the evening and on Tuesday I babysat and it was Aum's nativity play (see previous post). 

On Wednesday after work Dad, Jas and I went to Manchester's Christmas Markets, which were brilliant as ever. We had raspberry mulled wine, bratwurst, and these amazing things that were a brandy snap basket containing a moulded chocolate cup of Bailey's covered in whipped cream with a wafer in - delicious! Afterwards we went for a cocktail in Alchemist as a treat from Dad; I had one that tasted of parma violets and had foam on top, Jasmine's was served in conical flasks and changed colour when you mixed the two, and Dad's had a mini stove to pop popcorn on, which was then added to the top of his drink!

On Thursday Aum finished school at 12pm, so we had cake from Cake Gallery (carrot cake for me) and then went to see Frozen at Parrs Wood (see previous post). Friday was my last day at work before two weeks off, and in the evening all the girls came to the flat for a sleepover, complete with nibbles, Secret Santa and Christmas music. We had a few glasses of prosecco, chatted and had a giggle - was really nice to get everyone together for what we worked out was the first time in a year. Luckily just in time the living room floor was fitted, so we didn't quite have to sleep on concrete, but it was very basic, with wrapping paper as curtains, and no furniture except air beds!

On Saturday I spent the day organising things and then went to see Mo for a couple of hours before going out in Manchester with the girls. We all dressed up and had predrinks at Tasha's new house, then got a taxi into town where we went to Manchester House (a very swanky bar atop a tower block with amazing views of the city) and Neighbourhood. Today I have been very lazy - with no work tomorrow motivation is very low, so I had takeout pizza for lunch and stayed in pyjamas at Mo's all day!

Days Out...

Vintage Fair, Leeds

Yesterday I went back to Leeds for a second time for my sister's birthday. I arrived at around 2pm and was greeted with a bacon sandwich - perfect. 

Once I'd dumped my bags we decided to drive into Leeds as there was a vintage fair on at the Corn Exchange. We parked at a really cheap carpark (£1 an hour) and wandered through town until we reached the venue. It is a really magnificent building and looked very festive with a huge tree in the middle and lots of lights twinkling.

The first few stalls were jewellery based, and had some pretty aged gold pieces that were handmade. as well as vintage brooches and hair pieces. There was a beautiful customised hand held mirror on one stand that I was very tempted with.

Towards the back were a few more 'fashioney' stalls, selling hand tie-dyed clothes and cut off Levis jeans shorts and sheer blouses, old fashioned leather clip suitcases and some amazing fur coats, which despite being £400 still made me want to reach for my credit card! As well as the vintage market, there were also shops there that are open everyday selling everything from trinkets to Asian inspired gifts, handmade tailoring to some pretty funny cards! (see picture).

After we'd had a wander we went into a few more shops in the centre before heading back to the car. Something a bit different to do that filled a Saturday afternoon I guess!

Weekly Update!

Christmas Coffee & Present Buying!

This week was my last one being fairly free before my manic life begins next week, where the minimum I will be working is 43 hours a week! Monday I was working at the pub, and on Tuesday evening I popped round to my friend Charlotte's house for a catchup, as it was my only weeknight with a chance to socialise!

On Wednesday after work I went to Chris' and we went for a coffee and shopping in Crewe before going to the cinema to see The Rum Diary (see previous post). Unfortunately he was at work at 8am on Thursday, so I had a very early drive home, and no chance to catch up on my sleep before I dashed off to the Trafford Centre with my mum. It looked really nice with all the decorations up. As well as a gorgeous monochrome dress from Dorothy Perkins for myself, I managed to get all the rest of my Christmas presents bought which is such a relief, as I had no idea when else I would have had chance to go shopping!

On Friday I worked and then got the metro into Manchester in the evening, where I met Chris to go to the Christmas markets (see previous post). On Saturday I had a crazy day, as I worked at the pub, and then went straight to Millington, where I was babysitting ten children while their parents had a dinner party. They were pretty wild to begin with, but once they'd eaten and it got later on, they lost a bit of steam and calmed down. I finished at midnight, so it wasn't too late a night at least.

On Sunday I had another early morning, but at least this time it was for pleasure, as I met an old university friend in Manchester for coffee. It was really great to catch up and enjoy a tasty Christmas coffee and cake. Afterwards I went shopping for a bit with my mum, and then when we got home we had a very festive afternoon, putting the Christmas tree up and wrapping presents. Lovely!

Traveller's Tales...

Altinkum, Turkey (Part 1)

As you may have noticed, my posts have been severely lacking for the past three weeks. This is not due to laziness (heaven forbid) but because I have been sunning myself in Turkey- which is almost as bad! It is the seventh time I have been to the gorgeously hot country, and the third time in the particular resort we stayed in, Altinkum. I went with my sister and parents, and another family that we are good friends with, who have two girls that are the same age as Jasmine and I.

The first few days were spent settling in and chilling out by the pool. Luckily I still had a little base tan left from Benicassim, so it must be the first holiday I haven't burnt on! We went for a walk to the marina on one of the days, that has only been there for three years, and has some very impressive looking yachts moored up. On the first Saturday we went to Didim market, a huge weekly market that sells everything from olives to bath salts to fake handbags! It is all under canopy so is not unbearable in the daytime heat, and great for a good haggle. Because we were staying in a self-catered villa, we made use of the many vegetable stalls which were much cheaper than buying from the supermarkets.

On Bank Holiday Monday we went to the night market, which has lots of gorgeous restaurants situated along the coastline, with a perfect view of the sunset. Unfortunately we made the mistake of doing the shopping first, so missed it! We did have a stunning meal though, I chose the beef fajita, which was brought on a sizzling hotplate and smelt delicious.

On Wednesday we went to one of the restaurants near our villa for a curry night which was fun. After we had eaten they had a quiz which the adults won, and then a game called 'Paddles' which was like 'Mr and Mrs' where we were in pairs and had to match our answers with our partner. It was something different to do and created a few laughs!

On Friday we went on a boat trip aboard a ship called 'Sunshine'. We stopped at five different spots and had chance to do a bit of snorkelling, and some jumping off the top deck. The weather was perfect, and the food we got on the

boat was really good, considering the whole day cost us just £10 each. Four of us went on a water ride called 'Big Mable', which was basically a massive inflatable chair that was dragged behind a speedboat, it was awesome!