The London Travel Show and Alborz Restaurat Review

At the weekend Graham and I went along to The Adventure Travel Show at Olympia, and what a day it was! Finished off with a meal for two at Alborz Restaurant, my only regret is getting a day ticket and not a full weekend pass!

The whole place was filled with adventure tours to global destinations, travel shops like Nomad and information about global sustainability and environmental responsibility.We spent the day learning about our destinations of choice in SE Asia and left weighed down with travel guides, magazines and leaflets galore to provide yet more inspiration for our plannings.

The most inspirational thing there, however, was not the glossy mags and perfect pictures of tropical paradise hanging at the back of almost every stand. It was the talks. Some of them inspired me to be more careful with recycling and encouraged me to think more about the impact my choices have on the world. Emily Penn, from Pangaea Exploration, gave a wonderful talk about plastic pollution in the ocean - never again shall I be guilty of taking a plastic carrier bag from Sainsbury's!

My favorite talk was certainly that of Leon McCarron, who invited us to join him on his walk through the Empty Quarter. Basically, him and a mate built a cart, dropped it in the middle of the desert and walked to Abu Dhabi. Clearly, there was a little more to it than that. The incredible heat, the endless miles of sand and the ever changing landscape. It was fascinating and really got Graham and I excited about all the possibilities for the road ahead.

At the end of the how, weight down like pack horses, the two of us mooched over the road to the Alborz Restaurant, a charming Persian place, just over the road from the exhibition hall. Here we sat in almost silence, save the odd "check this out" and "WOW! Holy cow lets go here!" as we pointed enthusiastically at pictures in our magazines. The food here was great. Our mixed started was served with fresh flat bread, baked right in front of us, the Kashk O Bademjan was delicious! For main I had the sea bass. It was good, but if I find myself there again I would probably give something else a try. 

It took us 2 hours to get home to our (very far) North London flat, but with our noses in magazines it seemed like nothing! We will certainly be going to some more of the travel shows coming up in London over the coming month!

A walk down memory lane

When I was growing up in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Moors a good old town fair was never far away. Some of my greatest memories of growing up include playing on the rides, trying to win a giant teddy and filling my face with sausage dogs and candy floss. So you can imagine my delight when I received a call from my sister, who very recently moved to London, late Wednesday night.

Me- Hello?
Sammy- Take tomorrow as a duvet day
Me- Oh, hey Sammy. Why?
Sammy- We're going to Winter Wonderland.
Me- Done, see you tomorrow!

My sister and I share a special love for one ride in particular, an amazing ride so simple and pure no other comes close. Our love is made all the stronger because, at around the age of 14, we saw someone get hit by one! The Waltzers. So, after filling my stomach with a smoked salmon sandwich and drinking more mulled wine than I would ever advise, we made our way towards the fairground.

£4 each later we hopped into our little cart, careful to make sure Phil, my sisters rather muscly and weighty boyfriend, was on the outside to ensure maximum spin. We sat in anticipation, handed our tickets to the ride attendant who put the bar down and waited for the inevitable evil laugh that ques the ride to start. We travel the tracks with the cars not yet spinning, desperately leaning as far as we can to try get things moving when a count down begins. 10. 9. 8. 7. 654. 3. 2...1! All at once the cars go spinning out of control. I grip onto the bar across my stomach desperately trying to pull my head forward, a game Sammy and I used to play whenever on the ride. Whilst on this ride I laugh uncontrollably, only managing to catch a breath when the car looses momentum and we bob around the track looking out onto the faces watching the ride. When we all recover from out first spin we gauge the timing, then as we ride over the top of a hill and begin the short fall the 3 of us lean as far as we can to encourage the car to spin uncontrollably yet again. I howl with laughter, my sides begin to hurt in a way that laughter can only create. Then, when I thought I couldn't take anymore, the car picked up the pace. I tried desperately to keep my head pulled forward but couldn't fight it any longer. My head was thrown backwards as I howled and screamed with delight. By now my sight was about clear as at 4am as I stumble out of Club de Fromage, blared from crying with laughter as opposed to beer goggles. I manage to peer over to my sister to discover her also crying and laughing, only she is pointing towards me!

Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival takes place August bank holiday weekend every year, and has become one of the largest carnivals in Europe.

The event came from humble beginnings, with the main parade being made up of drums and lively dancers in a true celebration of the culture. If you ask anyone that used to go to the carnival 15 years ago they will give you a very difference account to what it is now, and they will also say its nowhere near as good as it used to be! I tried to get a picture of the dancers in their fabulous outfits but this was the best I could do; doesn't she look happy?

When I arrived it was amazing and I couldn't believe I hadn't been before, going to Liverpool's Matthew Street Festival every year instead. But this place was something else, with huge crowds and loud music everywhere you went. There were stages everywhere, with different bands and DJ's playing (the pine-apple stage was my fave). As we walked further around the carnival we followed our noses to an area filled with food stands. They were all boasting the best jerk chicken, rice and peas available, and they weren't lying either. The food on offer is incredible (if a little over priced) but it is the best jerk chicken I have had in London.

We then started walking back towards the tube station to meet another friend, and this is where I started to have different feelings towards the event. When we crossed the road from the main parade it took us 10 minutes to walk up the road, on the way back it took us over half an hour at least! I tried to get a picture to demonstrate and hope it shows just how busy is got!

At 2pm when we arrived



Taken at the same place 3 hours later, and it got busier still!

Later on walking back this way it was crazy busy! To make it worse (or better, depending on your idea of a fun day out) most people were pretty drunk and/or on drugs. Ok, so I had also had a drink, but not enough; I was grateful for the small amount I had drank but I think you would need to drink a fair bit more to catch up with these people and be able to enjoy it properly. Unfortunately, when there are large crowds, drugs and alcohol you also get fights. I was fortunate enough to get caught in the middle of a particularly brutal one.

I suppose I had a bad experience, I would still go next year, but with different expectations and maybe try stay clear of the main roads, maybe find a quieter stage away from the bigger crowds.

If you don't really want to drink or get caught up in the crowds get there early, have a look round, eat some awesome jerk chicken and head off before the masses arrive.

If you do want to stay late and enjoy the full day this sign on one of the out door bars sums it up nicely; If you're no drunk you're not doing it right!

When Disaster Hits

In 5 days time I should be boarding a flight to Australia, with a one way ticket. But I wont be. I bust my ankle a couple of weeks ago, and following an operation to pop a couple of pins in there I am not particularly mobile, or in any way fit to board a flight.

This is, however, great news for more than 1 reason. First up, all the posts I currently had saved as drafts that are in the need of a little TLC (and have been for the past few months) can be addressed. Expect Copenhagen, Estonia, Rome and more of the UK.

Next, there is my all important bank balance. A few extra months at work and not being able to go out socialising can hardly be a bad thing in the lead up to a year long trip, now can it?

Its not the best of situation, but I can enjoy the changing of the seasons and wrapping up nice and warm in lovely winter jumpers, hats and scarves.

And, hey, if any of you fancy a try at go-karting in North London, Team-Sport Go-Karting in Edmonton was awesome fun. Broken ankle aside.

Hostel Review - YHA Bristol

Last weekend me and a group of friends took the 2 hour train journey from London Paddington to Bristol, if you book in advance it's dirt cheap. Now, I'm no seasoned expert in the world of hostel and budget accommodation (I'm no seasoned expert on any accommodation) but here goes my first review. 
We arrived at Bristol with not much of a clue where to go, when suddenly an amazing idea struck my friend "we aren't in London, that means we won't have to take out a loan to get a taxi!" a couple of quid later we arrived at the YHA Hostel on the water front, and let me tell you, it couldn't be in a nicer part of the city! The place is sat right on the river side and the view is just lovely; boats bobbing on the water and people wandering up the river and popping in and out of the bars and restaurants on the other side of the bridge. 
We were in a group of 6 and booked a double room and a 4 bed dorm. Both were lovely. The double room was pretty big (which was unexpected as they didn't pay too much more for it) and our room for four was a pretty OK size too. Most importantly both rooms came with en suites, which were also clean and lovely.

The staff were all really welcoming, we were checked in and relaxing in our rooms in no time, and there was always someone around if you needed anything...or if like me you were drunk and they needed someone to laugh at, but I'm OK with that.

There were a few common areas around on the ground floor with nice big screens, super comfy sofas, plenty of access to computers and the internet, and a pool table. 

All in all it was a pretty nice place to stay. Clean rooms, good location and friendly staff and a budget price. If I go back to Bristol I know where I'll be staying.

Originally posted 29/12/2012, but because I'm an idiot I deleted it!

Hostel Review - Terviseks, Tartu, Estonia

Earlier this year my sister and I went for a week in Estonia. A destination that I can not recommend enough, but ones again I am going to side track myself if I begin singing the country praises.

The second largest city in this little Baltic gem in Tartu. It is tiny. Like, really tiny. Google tells me the population in 2010 was 103,512, which makes it not much bigger than Bath. We were in Estonia for 1 week and planned to stay in Tartu for 1 night. The evening before heading off from Tallinn we searched for somewhere to stay and came across Terviseks. This lovely little place is located right on Town Hall Square, aka Raekija Plats. This is the perfect location in Tartu, right in the heart of the city. From here everything is easily within walking distance (to be fair, everywhere is within walking distance from everywhere).

Terviseks is on the right hand side of this square, with the common room looking strait out - what a view!

Unfortunately I got pretty ill after our 1st night in the hostel and couldn't get out of bed to take the bus to our next destination. My sister inquired with Liina, one of the Estonian girls working and living in the hostel, to see if it were possible to stay an extra night. Not only was it possible, they also offered to move me into a private room where I could rest up! My sister spent the rest of the day chilling in the hostel with Liima and Christian, who owns and lives in the hostel. We were both made to feel so at home! They took really good care of Sam and gave her suggestions of things she could do whilst I was sleeping.

The place was really clean and inviting. A no shoes policy made the place feel really relaxed and the huge sofas in the lounge area were great to crash out on with a deck of cards in the evening. They operate a self service breakfast - just help yourself to cereal or toast in the morning and wash your dishes when you're done.

I really couldn't recommend this place more. The staff were so friendly and cheery, the beds were comfy and warm, the bathrooms were clean and the common room had an inviting atmosphere. All in all, I just wish I hadn't wasted so much of my time there in bed feeling sorry for myself!

I hope to go back to Estonia to explore some of the other cities, in particular Parnu. If I find my self back in Tartu I know exactly where I will be setting up camp!

Posted 12/09/2013 but because I'm an idiot I deleted it!

Monday Blues

We all know that feeling. Monday at 5.15pm and almost time to head home from work. With 1 day down you still have 4 more to go and you just don't know if you can make it through. You begin to weigh up options for the evening to make it all feel a little more bearable. You could go home, order in from your favorite Chinese, watch a season of Sex in the City (I only just got the box set, don't judge me) and wish away the rest of the week. Maybe go to the pub, have a few too many pints and stagger home and pay for it when your alarm goes off in the morning. Maybe head to the cinema, but then again everyone knows that's a Wednesday night gig. Its all looking a little hopeless. There's no way you will make it to Friday without loosing a small amount of soul.

But wait. There's one option left that you've yet to consider. Open up a new email (or create a Whatsapp group), add some of your friends that you know will be in need of something fun to do to take away the Monday blues too, and add into the subject line "Hungry Millers Comedy Laugh Bag". That's right, its time to fight the blues with the one thing sure to make the week seem less painful; stand up comedy.

This place is ideal for those cold Monday evenings; just hop on the Northern Line to London Bridge, cut through Guys Hospital and there, on Snowsfields Road, is The Miller pub. Its like a beacon of light on a dark, drizzly London evening.

I first went to the Hungry Miller Comedy Laugh Bag 2 years ago when I lived over the road, and because of my close proximity I went every week. Since then the room has stayed the same, the Compare hasn't changed, and neither has the price. What has changed is their reputation, both to audiences and to comedians, thus the room is often packed out and the acts keep getting better and better!

I would recommend booking in advance. Also, it'll save you a pound or two to book in advance, and there's a deal for a ticket and a pint too! The show starts at 8pm, I would recommend heading down for about 6-6.30ish, fill your face with some Thai food in the pub, or there's a great curry house next door (its BYOB, not that you'll be drinking, it's Monday). Then head upstairs and let Rob the compare introduce some great new comedians, as well as big names.

Its a great way to beat those blues away, whether you've got the fear of the working week ahead or you're a tourist looking for something fun and affordable to fill your Monday night, Hungry Millers Comedy Laugh Bag will do just the trick to make you night brighter!

Here's a few pictures I took whilst there a little while ago.

This is Dave, one of the organisers, compares and comedians

Please note, this was originally posted 20/11/2012 but because I'm an idiot I deleted it! I'm not sure if The Miller still has comedy on a Monday, but if it does let me know!!

Blackheath Firework Display 2012

Every year parks all across London (and the rest of the UK) set up hot dog carts, coffee stands and sell as many flashing toys to children as possible. Its 5th November, or the closest weekend when the 5th falls on a week night. Last night a group of friends and me took the long journey from zone 3 North London into the deep, dark depths of South London's Blackheath for their annual fire works display.
We got there a little early, so early in fact the hog roast I insist on for dinner at any fire work display I attend wasn't ready yet!  Blackheath is one of the most popular free displays in London so it gets pretty busy there, as well as on the trains to get there, so getting there early really does pay off (even if you do have to wait a while for your hog roast dinner).
After we had all filled our bellies with hot dogs, burgers and candy we went down to the fairground to go on some rides! It was like going back to the early naughties when I was about 14, it was quite simply amazing. There were all the classics; Twister, Dodgems, a Carousel and my personal favorite the Waltzers.

Now, feeling like a big kid, it was time to head out onto the heath to watch the fire works. Never mind Christmas, you can forget about Easter, birthdays and whatever else, bonfire night is without a doubt my favorite night of the year for no other reason then the firework. Yes, the fairs are fun and the food is yummy, but its all about the show!
The display at Blackheath was simply fabulous. Having spent my uni days in Liverpool (I'll give a few little guides to Liverpool soon, to include nights out and exploring the Beatles) the best place to go to see fireworks was Sefton Park, which puts on the very best display I had ever seen! However, as soon as the display is over you would have to make a quick exit from the park unless you want a firework in your face! This being my second display I have been to in London I still get a little concerned walking through the crowds that there will be a "joker" among them ready to set a rocket off. This being Blackheath and not Liverpool you won't need to be worrying about that, something that I always find to be a pleasant surprise.

Right as the show was about to start my house mate pulled a bottle of red wine and some Halloween cups to sip through the demonstration, and I shared a few packs of sparklers with everyone. Just a little word of warning though, we were told off by one of the safety stewards for having them.

                                            

There is, however, just 1 small critique I have about the Blackheath display. All other shows I have been to have had a soundtrack, usually ending in Katy Perry's Firework. It was only a small thing but it does make a difference.

There was also a reptile house with rescued snakes and lizards of all shapes and sizes. We held a lovely snake named Opal. It was nice to see something non traditional at the display, and I'm sure it was a great way for the charity to make a few extra pennies. 

All in all Blackheath had it all, great food, awesome rides, snakes and a fabulous display! I will be there next year for sure! 

Originally posted 4/11/2012, but because I'm an idiot I deleted it!

Whoopsie!

I don't pretend to be a technology pro, but this is pretty bad by any standard. In fact, I doubt my techno-phobic 54 year old mother would make such a mistake.

Making a long story short, I deleted all of my posts. Everything gone into the ethereal of the internet, never to be seen again by a living human. Only web fairies and www.goblins can find the posts of my past.

Luckily for me, I have a super hero. Not very many girls have one and today I thanked my weird sense of humour and charming personality for keeping this one around. He goes by the name of Super Gram and he has single-handedly saved the world from imploding on more than one occasion, and today he did it again!

Ok, I might be over exaggerating, and I'm sure anyone vaguely competent with a computer would have managed it, but Super Gram found the cached posts for me to re-post on here. After all, I wouldn't want all the hard work that went into 10 posts over a year and a half to go to waste, now would I?

Update - Unfortunately, mainly due to laziness, I lost a few posts. I hope the web fairies enjoy them!