Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Nine

'Sometimes we are so generous with our love, so willing to give it all away, that we leave nothing behind for ourselves.'

(Michael Faudet)

This was my first full week travelling solo. It has been such a cool experience to have the freedom that comes with no agenda to follow and no time restrictions; I have thoroughly enjoyed chilling out, taking in the sights and basically doing whatever the hell I want! On Monday after a lie in I braved catching a bus to meet a girl who sold me her Lollapalooza ticket (all legit don't worry) which I was really grateful for as I just missed out on buying one before they sold out. Unfortunately for me the heavens opened shortly afterwards and I had to jump in an Uber home as I was wearing a very unrainworthy jumpsuit!

After sheltering back at home catching up on Love Island, in the early evening I walked around the corner to the main Wicker Park shopping area for a browse in the boutiques and quirky bookshops. I managed to pick up a collection of John Donne poetry, a sheet of parchment with circus style typography on for my new bedroom, and an incredible vintage jumpsuit that is a cross between Michael Jackson in Thriller,  and a mechanics overalls! That evening I made myself a jackfruit salad, and watched a few episodes of the latest season of The Affair, one of my favourite dramas.

On Tuesday I had a tattoo consult at Revolution Tattoo. Cassandra, the artist doing my piece had drawn up exactly what I wanted based on our email conversations from back home, which made me mega excited to get inked. Afterwards I walked the 606; an elevated 2.7 mile path along a disused railway line that has been transformed into a trail perfect for views of the area, showcasing some amazing graffiti from local artists, and lots of urban architecture. It is similar to New York's High Line, and is actually the longest linear park in the western hemisphere. That evening I rewarded my effort with a few glasses of prosecco on the rooftop at The Beach House Social whilst doing some life admin and tapping my feet to their music playlist (see my track of the week above). I'm definitely getting used to this solo drinking malarkey!

Wednesday was a busy day. I started early with a 'pay what you feel' walking tour around the Loop, including the theatre district, the underground pedway system, and Millennium Park, finishing at the infamous Cloud Gate, a huge mirrored structure known as 'The Bean' that is an artistic gem in downtown Chicago. I then had my tattoo done! It is inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland illustrations, as he is one of my favourite authors, and I was also frequently told I resembled her as a child.

That evening I took Aum out of his camp so we could go for tea together before I took off on my travels. We chose Niu Japanese Lounge, a sushi restaurant that was to die for. The 'Summer in Shanghai' cocktail I had (raspberry & lychee-infused vodka, St. Germain, creme yvette, lychee & lime juice) was a little strong - it is not often I say that! - but the selection of sushi we ordered was divine. We chose a few classic faves such as the crunch roll and salmon sashimi, as well as sampling some newbies. Aum insisted we try the uni (sea urchin) as apparently it is the Marmite of the sushi world; I can safely say I am in the enemy camp, it was VILE!

On Thursday I wanted a chilled day before moving on to the next city, so went to the beach for a few hours of lounging around. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl as I took a water bottle with some white wine in to enjoy whilst I sunbathed - it needed drinking before I left Chicago! I followed this with a spot of shopping on The Magnificent Mile, but it is the high end fashion district so sadly everything was well out of my price range.

On Friday I checked out of the apartment at midday. The owners kindly let me leave a large suitcase with the remainder of my belongings in their care until I return in ten days, as I am doing all my internal flights on hand luggage to save some money. I killed a few hours before my flight to Toronto in a couple of lovely coffee shops: Wormhole Coffee which is '80s themed and has a Back to the Future style car hanging from one wall, and Fairground's Coffee, a small cafe chain that felt like a hub for creatives and those working remotely, very cosy and inviting. I arrived in Toronto at gone midnight after a slight delay, so flopped into bed when I made it to my air b&b.

Yesterday morning I dragged myself up despite being shattered to go on the first of two tours I had arranged. It started at 10.30am from the central train station and as I had managed to navigate my way from the airport using public transport, I felt quietly confident getting there via the old-school streetcar system available. The tour guide took us all around downtown, showing us some beautiful buildings, the CN Tower, Yonge-Dundas Square (Toronto's Times Square) the financial district, and ending at the huge Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square. 

As I hadn't eaten thus far, I walked to Kensington Market and had an omelette accompanied by an apple cocktail for lunch at a place called Bacon Nation (plenty of veggie options despite the name). It was a fair walk, but I had been recommended to go to the market, which is near China Town, so thought I'd tie in getting a bite to eat. Stuffed from the food, I took my time wandering around some shops, stopping for a coffee break before I went on my second tour of the day.

 It was a graffiti themed one, which Toronto is well known for. We were told about the different types of graffiti, some of the artists recognised for their work in the area, and taken down the famous graffiti alley, which was stunning. There were so many eye-catching murals, I took far too many photos! The lack of sleep the previous night began to catch up with me mid-afternoon, so I went back to the apartment to relax and have a cuppa before venturing out again in the evening.

One of my friends who did a uni sandwich year in Toronto had told me to make the effort to go across to the islands whilst I was visiting, so that was my night destination. I took the ferry to the main island which was quick and cheap, and once off I walked to the beach area on the other side. I was the only person around, and it was so calm and peaceful I sat on the top of a picnic table and did a 25 minute meditation whilst staring at the sunset above the sea which was blissful. I took some amazing pictures of the lit up skyline on the ferry crossing back, and got a couple of pizza slices and some nibbles for the following day on the route home.

Today has been even more tiring than yesterday! I got back about an hour ago after a jam packed day exploring the breathtaking Niagara Falls. I booked a guided coach trip through viator, which was a bit pricey at 85 quid but it took all the hassle out of planning it myself. It included pick up and drop off from a hotel right near my accomodation, lunch, a ride on the boat and a couple of other stops to see points of interest (including a wine shop with free tasters). It also meant I was with a group rather than being alone, and I'll be honest, it was a welcome change to have some company and people to talk to after a few days going solo. 

I think it goes without saying that the falls were spectacular, pictures just do not do it justice! The trip was definitely money well spent; the included food wasn't just mass produced slop but a tasty three course affair of tomato soup, fish with potatoes and carrot cake, we got to skip the (very long) queue for the boat ride, and we stopped at Niagara on the Lake which was just the quaintest most cute town ever - the ice cream joint there was an additional bonus! Now excuse me whilst I collapse from exhaustion.

 

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Eight

'If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it is lethal.'

(Paul Coelho)

The start of this week was SO hectic. With Aum off school for the summer holidays I am working all day, I am living at my parents whilst I renovate the new house, and I had to pack for my 3.5 week trip to America whilst my worldly possessions are dotted around in various locations in boxes and suitcases. 



Now I realise how most of these are very much first world problems. I am lucky that 'full time employment' is usually less than 20 hours a week with a free annual transatlantic summer holiday, and that my parents pad has space for me to live in rent free; but when there are six adults and two dogs in the house all making noise, I have Aum and his three mates in the car arguing over who gets the iPad or I realise once I get back to Mum's that I have left the one thing I need to pack at the new house in Stockport twenty minutes drive away, you can forgive me if I want to scream. My track of the week above helped to calm me down at various points of meltdown.

To help take me back to my happy place I had my nails done on Tuesday, and on Wednesday I turned to one thing that aides many of life's problems, mac and cheese. This particular variety (with mozzerella and gruyere) was from The Little Deli Company in Hale, and even a connoisseur of the delicacy such as myself couldn't finish the huge portion. I took Aum and his friend there for lunch before letting them run amok (read: nicely play) in Stamford Park.

On Thursday, albeit feeling very unprepared, I trundled along to Manchester Airport for mine and Aum's trip to Chicago. Once I had waved our cases off on the conveyor belt and we were chilling in Costa with a coffee and muffin I could finally begin to get excited, as the moving and packing stress had suppressed the feeling up until then. It was a pleasant journey, I watched A Wrinkle in Time and Gemini which were both excellent - Zoe Kravitz is my current girl crush - and we had mac and cheese and veggie curry pasties as the 'dreaded' plane food. I've actually always really liked meals on planes, and I find the vegetarian options are so much better than the meat versions nowadays.  

We were tired by the time we reached the apartment we are staying in in the Wicker Park neighbourhood, so I didn't fully take in my surroundings initially. It is gorgeously decorated, modern but with some cute country style touches (including a picture perfect wooden verandah with a rocking chair) and although jet lag woke me up fairly early on Friday, the bed was so comfy I lounged with a coffee in it until mid morning before getting ready to go out. We walked onto the main street just around the corner and went to Kanela Breakfast Club for food, which I had found on Trip Advisor. The menu was incredible! I had the lemon blueberry pancakes with honey butter, and Aum chose their signature French toast (challah bread with lemon creme fraiche and apricot jam) with a side of bacon.

The next item on the agenda was tackling the 'L', Chicago's metro system. After a while deciphering the machines, we purchased the equivalent of an Oyster card and hopped on a tram into the centre for a wander around. It is such a vibrant city! We spent a couple of hours soaking up the atmosphere and sunshine, ending with a walk to Navy Pier which has shops, restaurants and a beautiful botanical style garden inside, and a fairground on the pier with fab views across Lake Michigan. We then headed back to our digs for some downtime before going out for tea, as the time difference was starting to have an impact.

We decided to stay local for food that evening at a Mexican place called Antique Taco, a fastfood/ restaurant hybrid a bit like Nandos. Wicker Park where we are staying is definitely the hipster area of Chicago; full of vintage shops, vinyl stores and real ale joints, it is a Northern Quarterer's dream. Antique Taco was relaxed but had a good buzz for a Friday evening, and the crab and shrimp flautas (flute shaped deep fried tortillas with filling) were divine. I also gave a rosemary margarita a try, but it was a bit too floral for my taste if i'm honest, I'll stick to the classic!

Yesterday was another jam packed day. We had brekkie at home and then headed to an Irish bar called Fado to watch the England match before grabbing some Stan's Donuts (dear LORD they are the best!) to keep us going. Then we caught the L and took a trip 103 floors up to the Skydeck of Willis Tower. I don't have an issue with heights normally, but standing on a transparent glass floor 1,353 feet up made me feel slightly sick, so I didn't spend too long on there. The views of the city, lake and skyline were worth a few moments of queasiness though, and Aum took delight in teasing me for the rest of the day. We picked up a traditional Chicago deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati's on the walk home to share whilst getting ready, as we had booked onto an architecture cruise for that night.

The cruise started at 9pm, and lasted for 90 minutes travelling along the river. The whole city was lit up against the sky, and we got hot chocolates and listened to the tour guide tell us all about the history of the place and its buildings, ending in a spectacular firework display at the mouth of Lake Michigan. It was like being on a school trip, but a bloody cool one!

 Today is the day Aum started his summer camp, Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) at Chicago University. It is held at different academic institutes all across the US every year, and this is the fifth year he has attended, but the first time where he will be staying there as a residential student. It is not for everyone, being so far away from home, but he has always been a hugely independent kid, and loves the chance to mix with other people from around the world. It certainly helps me out, as entertaining an only child for two months each summer gets increasingly difficult the older he gets (he is now eleven). I helped him to unpack and then left him to it; he wasn't even arsed about me leaving, so I am now tucked up with wine and caramel M&Ms catching up with Love Island!

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Seven

'Put a dreamer in a box and watch that box get larger and larger.'
(Jon Lupin)

This week started very luxuriously with a chill at Emily's in the hot tub that Smeed hired for the weekend for her birthday! That evening I met up in town with my friend Lucy for a few drinks at Slug and Lettuce; the one in Spinningfields has an outdoor terrace which was beaut in the evening sunshine. Aum broke up for summer on Wednesday (crazy early I know) so we went for celebratory nachos for lunch at Chiquito's and then spent the afternoon with some of his friends in Stamford Park. I can't believe he is making the jump up to secondary school in September, he was only four when I started looking after him, time flies!

On Thursday I had my eyelashes done ready for my America trip, which I am in love with. I used Charlotte's Eyelash Extensions (a friend of a friend who does them for a living), and it took her about an hour and a half to glue them all individually, but they last 4-6 weeks so it will save a lot of faff whilst I am travelling. On Friday I had a bridesmaid dress fitting at Puure in Lymm, it was fab to see the actual dress I will wear on the day, I just have to hope I don't put on a load of weight in America now. As I had to drag Aum there with me I treated him to lunch at Sexton's Bakery, I had a goats cheese, spinach and onion marmalade toastie that was delish.  

On Friday night Chris's band Heavy on the Magic played at Dulcimer in Chorlton, and all the family came along to watch. Mum and Dad have seen the lads before, but it was Jasmine's first time and she was very impressed. Their friends' band Giant Boys played before them, a heavy grungy duo who really got the crowd pumped. We all got a bit boozy and then I went back to the boat with Chris to get some shuteye before MOVING WEEKEND!

Yesterday Mum and I did some more packing up of the flat and general tidying/ organising ready for the proper move the following morning. In the evening as a bit of a halfway through reward, Chris and I went for tea at The Ashlea in Cheadle, swapping some of my many Tesco points for vouchers. We had forty quid to spend, and managed to get three courses each, which we sat outside to eat to make the most of it being sunny. We shared stilton and mushrooms on toast, and harissa courgette skewers for starter, and then I had sea bass and scallops with a creamy prawn and pea risotto, whilst Chris had a veggie burger. For dessert I went for the summer classic of Eton mess, but Chris opted for the opposite winter warmer of sticky toffee pudding! It was all really hearty wholesome food, perfect after a long day of house prep.

Today has been hard work! Massive thanks has to go to Chris's mate Andy who kindly lent us his van and driving services for the day, and to my dad and Chris for doing all the heavy lifting whilst I stood ordering them around (although I did sort crucial refreshments). It is so exciting that all my furniture is now boxed and stored in the new house, and my flat is cleaned and locked up ready for the new owner. I have spent over four and a half years in the flat, but it is time for a new venture, and the house needs a complete overhaul so I think it is the perfect project; though ask me again in a couple of months!

Track of the week at the top is by Manchester band Pale Waves, who I have already had my eye on for their cool new romantic/ goth aesthetic, but this new track came out on my birthday and has become an ear worm.

Weekly Musings

2018 - Week Twenty Six

'Like confetti.That's how you throw love. You worry about the mess tomorrow.'
(Lauren Eden)

This week has been another I very fortunately had off work. The beautiful weather hasn't stopped yet, so I spent Monday chilling on the boat and did a bit of outdoor yoga, before having a big scary meeting with my boss. By this I mean a casual discussion that I organised to address the future of my role and a potential payrise, which ended up being not scary at all, but in fact, very beneficial and highly rewarding (yay!). That coupled with the fact that I finally exchanged on my house on the same day, meant that the week got off to an absolutely stonking start.

On Tuesday I had both doggies for the day, so Emily and I went to John Leigh Park in Altrincham for a few hours with a little picnic and to let them run off some steam. Most of the rest of my week during the days was spent frantically trying (and failing) to start packing for moving, which has been fixed for July 7th/8th. I did take the afternoon and evening off on Wednesday though, to go into Manchester with my parents and Jasmine to watch Chic. We started with a cocktail on Deansgate Locks at El Diablo, which is another reincarnation of every other bar on there, with cocktails that are always two for one and pretty much all taste the same.

It was my first gig at the Castlefield Bowl, and I think it is up there with my favourites in the city, when the weather is decent anyway. I also approved of the addition of prosecco to the bar menu, albeit only a 500ml bottle. The band were incredible, playing all their old classics (Le Freak, Everybody Dance, Dance Dance Dance, Good Times) as well as an ode to the late great David Bowie, and the Nile Rogers hit with Daft Punk and Pharrell, Get Lucky. The atmosphere was electric, and it was so lovely to spend an evening as a family all together drinking and dancing, 10/10!

On Friday night I went out for a few drinks with Amanda, who was over from Paris for the weekend. We started in 20 Stories, which has been on my go-to list for a while. It has a rooftop bar with great views of the city and is pretty swanky, so there were the usual pretentious wankers to deal with, but the majority of the clientele were very friendly, and the cocktails I had were tip top.

We then downgraded to The Botanist for some bubbling smoking cocktails that were slightly more on budget, and then had a couple in Guilty in the Northern Quarter. It's a good job I checked my last train home, as I discovered it was over an hour later than I thought, so we could fit in a margarita or two in El Capo, bonus!

Yesterday and today I have been helping Chris with his stall at Holistic Manchester, a yoga and wellbeing festival at Victoria Baths, a venue I adore. I managed to sneak away to a couple of classes over the two days, a kundalini one which was super intense but amazing: we had to hug everyone in the room and shake our bodies like crazy things, and do salute to the sun sequences as fast as we could, it was mad! The second I did today was a bit more conventional but still challenging. Chris was absolutely chocka with people paying to have mini treatments and we sold some chakra stone sets and gave away lots of business cards so it was a successful venture.

Last night we rushed back and got ready to go to Smeed's 30th birthday, a Mexican themed house party where La Casita from Chorlton were doing the catering. It was a fun night with tasty food and a beautiful cake as per by Emily; it was nice to unwind with a margarita after a hectic and very hot day!

I also got a poem up on Instagram on Thursday, read it here, and my track for this week above HAD to be Florence - the queen has returned!