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

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Two

'I don't have goals I have fantasies. They're exactly like goals, but without the hard work.'

 (Emily Levine)

I have been lucky enough to be off work this week. It started with a beautiful little trip to Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with Chris and the dogs. He was meeting with the owners of a corporate wellbeing company that he occasionally works for, so we all bundled into the car and joined him. I found a gorgeous secluded glen for a walk with the dogs whilst he was busy, and took full advantage of noone being around by snapping some self timer shots whilst I had a pretty backdrop. Afterwards I went for a cup of tea at Square One Coffee Company which was in a cute paved area where an acoustic duo were playing. 

Once Chris had returned from his meeting we walked all the way along the canal (Mr Whippys in hand), stopping for a cider as it was unbearably hot. The landscape around there is so lush and rural, it was such a lovely way to spend a Bank Holiday Monday. We ate tea at a mediterranean restaurant called Rendezvous where we shared a few mezze style dishes - houmous, halloumi, olives, pitta, tsatziki, garlic green beans, feta and salad, and then drove home for an evening of Netflix; we finished Safe which I would really recommend, such a juicy twist at the end!

On Tuesday Chris surprised me with some tulips for looking after him whilst he was ill over the last couple of days, such a cutie, and especially well received as I had had a gynae appointment that morning, which I don't think any woman enjoys! I headed over to check out my mate Timna's new gaff in the afternoon as she is renovating a place in Levenshulme, bit of inspo/ a reality check for when I finally get in mine. That evening we started a new Scandinavian drama series called The Rain; we absolutely smashed it, watching four episodes that night. 

On Wednesday I arranged to meet up with Chris' mum Christine and his niece Izzy at Coffee Fix in Gatley. Christine looks after her during the school holidays, so I thought it would be nice to get together for a girly brunch. I had eggs Benedict, and one of the baristas showed us some of the latte art he does, he did a teddy bear for Izzy, which she was very impressed with. That evening I went for tea at my parent's whilst Chris felt sorry for himself on my sofa, and we finished The Rain once I got home.

On Thursday after a few errands and getting my nails done I drove to Leeds to stay with my friend Bex in her new flat. She cooked halloumi fajitas for our tea and then we walked into the city centre for a some drinks. We started at a new cocktail bar called Cuckoo that was like Alice in Wonderland meets Glastonbury - very up my street! We had salted caramel espresso martinis before moving on to a secret bar called The Domino that was cleverly hidden behind a barbershop front; downstairs was a prohibition style bar where a live jazz quartet were playing. We ended the night in Blind Tyger, a steampunk themed bar that served flights of different gins and mixers, fab idea!

On Friday after a lie in whilst Bex did a market research study, we went for lunch at Sylva in Roundhay Park. The location was beautiful, a treehouse like building set in rolling parkland, but our overall experience wasn't the best. Firstly after a half an hour wait, we were told they had forgotten to process our order, and then that the dish I had ordered was now unavailable. Then when the food finally arrived, Bex found a hair in her sandwich! In all fairness, the staff were very apologetic, giving us a free slice of cake each due to the wait and then wiping both of our sandwiches off the bill after the sold out / hair debaucle, so we literally only paid for our coffees, winner!

That afternoon we went back into the city centre to meet Lucy, who despite originally being Bex's friend from the Meetup scene in Leeds, we actually realised a while ago went to my high school, her mum lives around the corner from where I work, and my friend Tasha was the estate agent that sold her the flat she now owns in Ancoats, such a crazy small world! We had a cocktail in Be At One before I drove straight to the boat for a barge sleepover, and we started watching The Handmaid's Tale, which is depressing as hell but very gripping!

Yesterday I had a chilled one, hitting the gym and pottering around before heading to Ellie's with Chris for early joint birthday celebrations. There was maybe 15 of us, including a few I hadn't seen for a while, and we sat in the garden nattering and drinking sangria until about 11pm when it seemed to be dying down. Never one to stop the party, I suggested we head to Dulcimer in Chorlton where Chris had left to DJ; most wanted an early one, but me and my mate Africa moseyed on up, and had a couple more bevvies before catching a lift home when Chris had finished his set.

Today I have mostly been... VERY hungover! I just about managed to get Africa back to the met stop around midday, before heading back to bed for another couple of hours. I am now tucked up on the boat, after a rejuvenating afternoon sprawling in the sunshine before walking into Poynton for a Pizza Express, which was the nail in the coffin for my lurking alcohol withdrawal. FYI track of the week above is by the gorgeous Lykke Li who I have recently discovered and she is rad!

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty One

'Curvy hips, red lips, and a dangerous pair of eyes.'
(J. M. Wonderland)

It is that most glorious month where two Bank Holidays occur, and this week was the latter of those, culminating in a week off work for me, so with that looming I began Monday with a spring in my step. I met up with my mate Lewis for some lunch at Folk in Didsbury that afternoon; we sat on the terrace outside and despite it being well past breakfast I took full advantage of them still serving chocolate French toast with berry coulis and coconut shavings, which was incredible.

I've been pretty proactive with regards to my fitness this week, I did a yoga class on Monday, went spinning on Thursday, and I stayed at the boat after work on Friday so I put Chris through his paces with an abs workout. We hit the sauna afterwards for a chill out sesh. I got a poem up on Instagram as well (here). As it got nearer and nearer to the weekend I grew increasingly edgy about having made very few plans (mainly as I'd kept it free thinking I may be moving into my new house, or very naively could even be at the decorating it stage), but the prospect of the fabulous weather continuing meant that even a weekend in the good ol' outdoors didn't seem like a bad shout. 

Yesterday I was up and out early for a group workout session in the park with my sister's mate Adam, who has his own personal training business (read his awesome health & fitness blog here). It was bloody tough, especially in the muggy heat, but I enjoyed the social aspect of training with a couple of others, and once Chris had finished his guitar lessons, we walked to The Ship pub in Styal with the dogs for a few drinks in the beer garden, so I felt like I had earned a wine or two! After we had wandered back I made goodies with some filo pastry that needed using: asparagus and goat's cheese tartlets topped with sunflower seeds, and courgette, pesto and pepper rolls.

Today I spontaneously ended up at Bolt Fest, a rock band tribute festival in Bolton with my friend Rosie (as you do). The sun was shining, tickets were less than a fiver and Chris was recording with the band all day so it seemed as perfect an excuse as any to bring my hip flask out of retirement. Apart from a painfully slow replacement bus service to get home, it was a corker of a day, and probably the least messy I have got when socialising with Rosie, so I felt very proud of myself. FYI the track for this week above is the new single from Macclesfield's own Spring King, who I am glad to see return to the scene after a quiet couple of years.

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Four

'What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.'
(Buddha)

I was a bit naughty last week and didn't do my Instagram poem, so I put one up on Monday instead, read it here. My track for the last seven days is a golden oldie by my Queen, Lady Gaga, as my 2009 record store day exclusive vinyl copy of The Fame Monster arrived on Friday so I have been spinning it all weekend, this is my favourite tune off it.

On Tuesday I had a very grownup mortgage meeting and then went to visit the house I have bought again, this time with Mum and Dad who hadn't seen it before. My mum definitely saw the great potential it has, even if Dad was a little dubious; probably due to being more realistic with how much work and money is involved in renovating!

On Wednesday Aum had a random day off school, so I took him and a friend to see Paddington 2 at the Trafford Centre and for lunch at KFC. It was the cutest film ever! Such a heartwarming watch, I came out of the screen feeling all mushy and fuzzy inside (totally didn't tear up at all...). That evening a few of the girls came 'round to mine and I made us a Thai green chicken curry. It was lovely to have a natter as I hadn't seen Hannah and Tasha since before Christmas, so I filled them in on all my property plans and listened to their life updates.

On Thursday night I went to The Eagle Inn in Salford with Chris to watch his friend's covers band, Ron Direction. I had a few wines and it was rammed with supporters; The Eagle Inn is one of those proper cosy old fashioned pubs so it was a fun way to spend an evening together, even if on Friday I felt far too ill for the amount I'd had to drink. I stayed on the boat that evening and Chris made us a lentil and spinach lasagne that definitely hit the hangover munchies spot. We watched La Haine, which has been on my 'films to see' for years, but we have devised a list that we are gradually working our way through from imdb's recommended 250. It was gritty and the French subtitles took a bit of getting used to but it was well worth a watch.

Yesterday I met Abi in Manchester for a spot of day drinking. I was digging my outfit even though it was pretty thrown together - a combo of blue velvet & faux fur boots, wide legged culottes and a crop top, I felt like I was in a hip-hop video! We started in Convenience Store which is on the old Keko Moku site in the Northern Quarter, and apart from an outfit/ theme change it is set out the same. It is no longer a tiki hut but, as the name suggests, styled like a US newsagents, complete with neon signs, posters advertising American cereal, and confectionary counter from which they serve tasty cocktails (as you can tell, it is still just as hipster). I had the 'Cheeri-fucking-o Kiddo' (*rolls eyes*), which was made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, milk and topped with whipped cream, cheerios and cinnamon crunch cereal, mad. I did have an early breakfast though, so it was basically a liquid lunch!

Afterwards we headed to Turtle Bay and The Whiskey Jar to take advantage of their happy hours (2 for 1 before 7pm) where we stuck to some classics: a mojito and a French martini. I must admit, I love getting doled up and going on a night out, but there is definitely something satisfying about having a few cocktails in the afternoon and being back at home for some decent grub at tea time instead of cheesy chips at 3am! I had been well domesticated and pre-prepared a sweet potato veggie shepherd's pie to whack in the oven for Chris and I when I got in, which went down a treat.

 

This morning I had Aum's party (two months after his actual birthday!) which was at Inflatanation in Trafford Park. I didn't go on the inflatables, mainly as the prospect of being ganged up on by 15 eleven year olds didn't appeal too much, but it looked incredible, and I will totally venture back just with him at some point to give it a try. I am now on the toasty boat again after a very pleasant walk along the bridle path with the doggies and Chris; I've been in one of those pensive, nostalgic moods this week and my head has been a bit all over the place, so the fresh air and a bit of a vent about how I was feeling gave me a boost. Starting next week detoxed with a clean mind!

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week One

'I don't cry wolf, I make wolves cry.'

(Leya Noir)

Happy new year! I can't believe how quickly the last one flew by. 2017 was a complete whirlwind rollercoaster (albeit a bloody great one) and as well as having a ball, meeting some fab new people and going on a record breaking twenty one plane trips, I can honestly say I'm really blummin' proud of myself. I learnt some valuable lessons which have changed me for the better, and in doing so shaped the year into what I wanted and deserved it to be. Here's hoping the theme continues and 2018 is just as badass. Track for this week is the return of the one and only JT, with a decent song, unlike the shite he returned with a few years ago.

 

2018 got off to a flying start with a substantial lack of hangover, pretty much a miracle for a January 1st. After a lengthy lie in, I spent the day lounging on the barge with Chris, eating pizza, watching Black Mirror and napping. I don't care what anyone says, a day like that is always going to be up there with my faves. His six year old niece Izzy came for a sleepover that evening, so we had proper hot chocolate, marshmallows and all, and watched The Goonies (which I am embarrassed to say I hadn't seen before). Fitting three people in a little double bed wasn't the ideal sleeping arrangement, but years of kipping at festivals and house parties stood me in good stead. 

The following day I went to my mum's to collect Ferryn, made cheese toasties for lunch, played some card games and Izzy taught me how to work my new record player (cheers to Chris for the hipster Xmas pressie). She's a top little girl, but boy were we knackered once she'd gone home - being at work again on Wednesday meant a bath and early night were necessary afterwards!

My first few days back were relatively painless, Aum had playdates on two of the three days which meant I still had a bit of time to get back into the gym, get some poetry up (read it here) and get my nails done. I had tea at Mum's on Friday, where she made a beaut parmesan and butternut squash risotto, and on Saturday I went to view three houses with her, one of which I REALLY liked, and am considering putting an offer on. In the afternoon my auntie and cousin came shopping with us in Stockport, where I absolutely cleaned up in Primark. I spent just under fifty quid and got a '70s style jumper, a khaki pleather pleated skirt, some tartan culottes, a pair of blue velvet boots, tights, underwear and some pj tops. Love a good haul! 

On Saturday evening I went out for food and drinks with Emily, Smeed and Jonny, none of whom I had seen over Christmas so it was fun to catch up. We had a cocktail in Victor's before eating at Sigiriya, the relatively new Sri Lankan restaurant in Hale that I have wanted to try for ages. Em and I shared a starter of spinach and cheese tikki (similar to croquettes), followed by two different seer fish curries; one with Sri Lankan spices and mustard powder and one with coriander, mint and chillis. I rarely eat rice so had a tandoor roti to accompany, and shared a bottle of red wine with Jonny. It was all gorgeous; flavoursome, a bit different and decent portions, but it did cost us forty two quid a head so I won't be going there every week!

We went for another cocktail in Riddles in Alty afterwards, and then to The Con Club where we stayed until closing. For a spontaneous night out that was only properly organised that day, I had a lovely evening, and Chris collecting me after he'd finished DJing, so I got a free ride home too!

Today I viewed a stunning house, but I think it will go for quite a bit over the asking price, which unfortunately would push it out of my budget. I popped to mum's for lunch, and then after a quick run around the footy fields with the dogs (and a bath for them both after they got covered in mud) we watched Will Smith's new Netflix film Bright, had paella, and I am now about to have a massage as Chris needs to practise his techniques from a course he did yesterday. It's a hard life...

Weekly Musings

2017 - Week Fourteen

'And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.'
(Nietsche)

This week I have been off work, and had specifically not planned very much with the intention of chilling out, getting some jobs done around the house, and having a few spontaneous days/ nights out; and I have done exactly that! 

I eventually got the review of Lewis Watson's gig that I went to last week up on Candid, read it here.On Monday I had a seriously lazy day after the busyness of last week; I watched a load of telly, got a poem up on Instagram (read it and my other from this week here) caught up on some work emails, did a relaxing yoga class in the evening and then made barbecue pulled pork with roasted sweet potato and squash for my tea. 

On Tuesday I met up with my friend Hannah and we went for a walk around Tatton Park with the dog. The weather turned out to be gorgeous in the afternoon so we even managed to have a cheeky honeycomb ice cream in the courtyard before walking back to Hannah's for a brew.

That evening I went to C's house in Poynton about 15 mins from me, as he had invited me round for dinner. He cooked us some lovely spicy fajitas and I had some prosecco, though I was driving so had to be sensible. I still didn't really know what to expect after last week's date (if it was even that?!), so went with an open mind. Again it wasn't awkward, conversation flowed and considering I was pretty much sober this time I felt totally chilled and had a good time. There was a bit more flirting, but even after walking me to my car at the end of the night there was still no proper kiss, which is completely unheard of for me haha! Not sure if he was nervous or just waiting for me to make a move...weirdly though it doesn't worry me, I know he's interested, I think I've just not had my head in the game recently so have been a bit oblivious. I left definitely feeling more into it than before so I'm just letting things happen, maybe it's a slow burner!

On Wednesday I met up with Rosie for a late lunch at Beech Road Cafe in Chorlton. I had the most amazing poached eggs, served with tomato chutney, spinach, grilled halloumi and mushrooms on a buttered bagel - it was that delish that I took home a slice of their coconut and raspberry bakewell tart for dessert to try. On Thursday my mum and dad were finally back from Sri Lanka, along with crazy tans, lots of photos of cute elephants and some great presents; I got some Sri Lankan tea leaves, an elephant keyring and some incredible harem pants that I cannot wait to wear!

On Friday I met Ellie in Alty for tea and a scone at Sugar Junction on her lunch break, and afterwards I did a spot of shopping and had my nails done. In the evening a few of us went to Ellie and Jordan's to celebrate their housewarming with some homemade sangria, and I managed to find some prosecco scented candles in cut off bottles, which I thought was a fun twist on a traditional bottle of fizz for a gift!

Yesterday we headed to Leeds mid-morning for my cousin's wedding at Woodlands Hotel. The weather, bride, venue, in fact just about everything was beautiful, and lots of family had travelled a long way to be there so it was a fantastic celebration. Lots of prosecco, dancing (the above track for this week had everyone on the dancefloor!), photographs and laughs were had by all, and I eventually made it to bed at 4,30am after doing sambuca shots at the bar with the Best Man, and Groom's friend. 

A very sore head was endured today, but luckily the sunshine kept up and we enjoyed a huge picnic and couple of pints of cider at a local cricket club before going back to Manchester, where I am about to go back out to Gorilla to watch 2manyDJs, making the most of still being off work tomorrow - update to follow!

Weekly Musings

2017 - Week Eight
'Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal'
(Albert Camus)

Since Wednesday this week I've been on 'house arrest' (living at Aum's whilst his parents were at a conference in America) so on Tuesday I went on another date with W to try and enjoy what little time I had free. We went for food at Solita in Didsbury and then to the cinema at Parrs Wood. I had (a margarita and) the simple chicken burger, which was huge - I have a pretty healthy appetite and it completely defeated me - but was delicious nonetheless. I also scrounged a cheeseburger spring roll off W's starter, which was AMAZING, like a Mcdonald's in a roll! 

We were so occupied chatting that we totally lost track of time and missed our cinema showing (we were supposed to be watching Lion) so ended up seeing John Wick Chapter 2 instead, as there wasn't much left on. I haven't seen the first one but don't think it mattered; it was your typical explosions, violence and fast car filled action movie, but to be honest I was brought up on that stuff so it was easy viewing, and Lion is supposed to be really sad, so at least it saved my mascara. There's also got to be a positive to us both being too busy to pay attention to the time!

This week's track is another mainstream chart tune I'm afraid, but I have such a girl crush on Dua Lipa (I'm trying to blag tickets to review her Ritz show in April for Candid) that I couldn't resist, and it has a great drop! I also posted a new poem on my Instagram page on Tuesday, a twist on a traditional sonnet, which you can read here.

On Friday Aum and I went out for dinner to try out the fairly recently opened Côte Brasserie in Hale. We went fairly early at 7pm as it is quite an adult oriented restaurant, and had a choice of tables. The atmosphere was lovely and staff were very attentive, taking our coats and orders promptly. I had a glass of white wine and Aum went for a cloudy lemonade, and we shared a couple of starters; the saucisson sec (like French chorizo) and the reblochon (cheese and thyme) version of the pissaladiere (flatbread with caramelised onions). I had a simple steak frites with Roquefort butter for main, and Aum had the duck with gratin potatoes and cherry sauce. Everything was cooked to perfection, Aum particularly enjoyed the potatoes, I've never seen him eat so much! Portion sizes were spot on as well, small enough to eat everything but big enough to fill you up, although we still managed to squeeze in dessert (I'm a sucker for a creme brulee). 

Yesterday morning we went to the Runway Visitor Centre for a tour of Concorde to help with his project (I don't half do some random things because of my job!). I honestly thought I'd be super bored and itching to leave asap, but it was actually interesting, the amount of buttons and levers in the cockpit was incredible, and the speed and times it took to get to places was totally mind blowing - we got a certificate to say we'd been on board and everything, geek!

 

In the afternoon we went to Oxygen Freejumping, a trampoline centre next to the Trafford Centre. I didn't take part as felt like having a couple of hours to read and enjoy a coffee by myself - entertaining kids is exhausting! Aum seemed to have a fab time though which is always the goal. We got a few small dishes to share for dinner at Pesto at the Trafford Centre afterwards and then just had a chilled night in.

Today I finally got released! After a quick brew at home I met up with a few friends for a dog walk at Styal Country Park followed by a good ol' roast at The Ship Inn, I love having them both on my doorstep. The roasts at the pub are insane, my friend Laura and I shared a lamb shoulder for two with all the trimmings, and then had room for sticky toffee pudding for dessert. There were seven of us and we ended up staying for ages, sheltering from the horrible weather chatting and having a laugh, lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I am going out soon into Wilmslow for a few drinks since I have basically been teetotal all weekend, looking forward to a cocktail or two!