tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69180318773395589482024-03-13T07:33:03.147-07:00Polly's JournalA kind of lifestyle/travel blog. Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-86234876698611992212015-12-08T10:14:00.001-08:002015-12-21T09:59:07.957-08:00Moving to Chicago, or Tone it Down America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJn-EEhXChY/VmcbYL4EXII/AAAAAAAAITM/8ghkduGdy3E/s1600/fc96409f-03f3-4213-8777-008cd990a236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJn-EEhXChY/VmcbYL4EXII/AAAAAAAAITM/8ghkduGdy3E/s640/fc96409f-03f3-4213-8777-008cd990a236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">After over a month in Chicago, what have I
learnt? Firstly, that I'm not writing nearly enough - and I haven't done for
about a year. It used to be an escape for me - an outlet for everything,
whether I was publishing publicly, or simply spending hours creating an
eloquent, self important rant about whatever had pissed me off that day,
only to delete it once I had it perfected. My own variety of Mandala, laboured
over and then swept away, ready to start again. I felt I should have picked up
my blog again as soon as I got here, detailing my foray into the unknown – but
my foray into the unknown was mainly me getting lost, getting drunk with strangers,
and feeling very alone, so I guess you didn’t miss out on much. Oh, and I
accidentally found the Bean one day…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKcQM77UHqY/Vmcb6BEsz4I/AAAAAAAAIUI/kHl2L-Y1C7k/s1600/6360ae1d-3d83-4244-aedc-2aae828f4efc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKcQM77UHqY/Vmcb6BEsz4I/AAAAAAAAIUI/kHl2L-Y1C7k/s640/6360ae1d-3d83-4244-aedc-2aae828f4efc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0CeCV0Wu54/VmcarYddNYI/AAAAAAAAIRc/d-iujFAjlaI/s1600/91348749-7164-43dc-8604-b4d2667ec968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0CeCV0Wu54/VmcarYddNYI/AAAAAAAAIRc/d-iujFAjlaI/s640/91348749-7164-43dc-8604-b4d2667ec968.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: x-small;">My accent is popular
here - mainly with folk who want to talk to me about the queen, or Diana, or
all the words I 'don't say right'. Otherwise it's mainly great for ensuring I
never get the fucking coffee order I want. It also helps with dating, at least
for the first date, which is also strange out here. It’s intense and casual at the
same time, and usually involves an actual date of some kind, instead of just
yelling at each other in a club before being invited over to “Netflix and Chill”.
Or, my preferred method of vaguely fancying someone, becoming friends with them
and then never doing anything about it, ideally moving to a different
town/country after two years or so and never talking to them again. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNTyYGGAMrc/VmcaqH675jI/AAAAAAAAIRA/tecYKkdcVYM/s1600/47880db6-8033-4f86-8fa1-1fe38943579a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNTyYGGAMrc/VmcaqH675jI/AAAAAAAAIRA/tecYKkdcVYM/s640/47880db6-8033-4f86-8fa1-1fe38943579a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwtZ_IweTEY/VmcaoPjQk3I/AAAAAAAAIQw/Jrn8PcQat4I/s1600/43df6b66-92c4-4f36-983a-7e22cffaca61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwtZ_IweTEY/VmcaoPjQk3I/AAAAAAAAIQw/Jrn8PcQat4I/s640/43df6b66-92c4-4f36-983a-7e22cffaca61.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arty Stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times";"><o:p> </o:p></span>The city is pretty cool, and so far I’ve lived
in really nice areas. Logan Square was, as all Hipster villages are, filled
with great bars and cafes and quirky shops. I spent a day in a tattoo shop. I didn’t
fit in. Ukrainian Village is also nice, in that it’s close to the city and the
cool bar streets, and slightly closer to the train station for work. The actual
place seems quieter, although there is a ‘Western Clothing’ store opposite my
amazing flat, so at least I’ve got Christmas presents for everyone back home
sorted…</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km6knzxIx_g/Vmcarac5KEI/AAAAAAAAIRk/VvtVR55f5LI/s1600/8968e96c-e1ab-4855-922f-3cf6b8f1800f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km6knzxIx_g/Vmcarac5KEI/AAAAAAAAIRk/VvtVR55f5LI/s640/8968e96c-e1ab-4855-922f-3cf6b8f1800f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanksgiving was great, and also weird. I was
invited to a colleague’s house, to spend it with her family which was the sweetest
thing. It’s pretty much a rehearsal for Christmas (i.e. getting drunk with your
family), but instead of celebrating the birth of Santa and opening presents,
people celebrate sports and yell a lot. And say what they’re thankful for,
which as a British girl was a little uncomfortable. Sincere emotions = intense
discomfort.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eU4eYrrpKhk/VmcY-noxbmI/AAAAAAAAIOo/DuNbE6mT50A/s1600/200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eU4eYrrpKhk/VmcY-noxbmI/AAAAAAAAIOo/DuNbE6mT50A/s640/200.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times";">I think the main thing I've learnt is that maybe I'm
not as independent as I thought I was. Maybe in a good way. I need people more
than I thought, and I miss having people I love around me. If I’m slightly busy
at the weekend, it’s difficult to talk to anyone back home because of the
time difference, which is hard. This also is weird for me (see above emotions/discomfort etc except now this is something I’m feeling about myself. I give myself the
creeps…). I haven’t taken many photos either, because no one else is a tourist
and I’m usually just hanging out with people. It’d be weird to take my fancy
camera to the bars.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times";">Long story short though, feelings, drinking, and
I guess I’m blogging again. </span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="380">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0Chicago, IL, USA41.8781136 -87.62979819999998241.4995241 -88.275245199999986 42.256703099999996 -86.984351199999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-70274523954576741062014-04-02T11:55:00.001-07:002014-04-03T05:40:38.506-07:00Here Comes The SunCrack out your sun-dresses and don your sandals, it's officially summertime, and as a girl who can't deal with the cold, this is great news for me. OK, so it's only marginally warmer, but ladies and gents I'll take it. I've also noticed everyone around me seems a lot happier too, which is all jolly lovely, and it's got me in the mood to celebrate all the other things I'm enjoying right now/give you <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a general summary of what I've been up to lately (you may have noticed a lack of blogs, I've been a very busy girl). </span><br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Firstly, I've got a new internship! It's at a full service eCommerce agency, and I spend my days blogging, tweeting, and learning about how to stay friends with Google. Oh, and occasionally I get to spend the afternoon browsing pictures for the perfect image of Kit Harington for a certain brand... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PxeC_cHATk/UzxRwgd8K-I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/WGPFXxxWEWM/s1600/kit-harington-shirtless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PxeC_cHATk/UzxRwgd8K-I/AAAAAAAAGJ8/WGPFXxxWEWM/s1600/kit-harington-shirtless.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Ok, so he had to be wearing clothes for what I was looking for, but you can see how a girl could get distracted (I mean a girl less dedicated and professional than me of course...). I am, however, really enjoying myself - even on days when I'm not browsing GoT hunks (yes, I said hunks - also GoT is back soon! I literally cannot wait...). I'm learning lots, which is a nice change from some of my other internships, and I was thrown right into it from my first day, writing articles that<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> are up on REAL COMPANY WEBSITES!!! Not to mention the people are lovely. I am still at the pub too, which despite me having no free time now, I still love. It has become my home away from home (I'm probably there more than my real home...). I also do their social media, so check them/me out on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/wokinghamhope" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">twitter </a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hope-And-Anchor/122504681169077?ref=br_tf" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">facebook</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">, or come see me at The Hope and Anchor Wokingham, the best pub in the world (in my completely impartial opinion). Also, my Anglesey pictures got featured on a </span><a href="http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Motorhomes/Articles/Travel/Where-to-Camp-in-Anglesey/_ch1_ft1143_pg1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">blog</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">! </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Secondly, I'm still living with my sister and her wonderful boyfriend, which I thought would be weird, but it's absolutely not. As I type they're wailing away to Tina Turner in the kitchen, in that happy way couples that have been together forever do, my sister in Sri Lanka pants and a baggy jumper (still looking ridiculously gorgeous of course), and I don't mind at all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also got to see my uni friend on Sunday, and I'm seeing the wonderful Eleanor, superbabe and uni housemate extraordinaire soon. I don't like to jinx things, but you could say life's pretty good. On that note, I leave you with this... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZMANfHjIac/UzxbrfRr4rI/AAAAAAAAGKM/PC2idOIPmVM/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZMANfHjIac/UzxbrfRr4rI/AAAAAAAAGKM/PC2idOIPmVM/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Wednesday everyone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-91543626743873392562014-03-04T15:06:00.002-08:002015-12-08T09:51:13.347-08:00Paincake Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8QVPkM0jDE/UxZDLDVN8UI/AAAAAAAAGIs/QjoQrr-Cmjw/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8QVPkM0jDE/UxZDLDVN8UI/AAAAAAAAGIs/QjoQrr-Cmjw/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Being a graduate of the arts, I often find myself filled with a deep ennui. A sense of longing that remains unfulfilled by the everyday. Society is a burden upon my self-conscious, and the only escape I can find from this torment is within the realms of Shrove Moodsday. (It's a bit like interpretive dance, but with pancake related food items).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpt4D7uUGFQ/UxZBhRPUE4I/AAAAAAAAGG0/iz-OKKvzoNs/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpt4D7uUGFQ/UxZBhRPUE4I/AAAAAAAAGG0/iz-OKKvzoNs/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lemons. Their zesty facade can't hide the truth of the bitterness beneath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fK3uJ7CAtp8/UxZAb93iXYI/AAAAAAAAGFo/PGaaWiEn1QY/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fK3uJ7CAtp8/UxZAb93iXYI/AAAAAAAAGFo/PGaaWiEn1QY/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This mango coulis reeks of desperation. There's nothing cool about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PU4NZPiwlc/UxZAcKsmmOI/AAAAAAAAGFs/CKoFYKPzWVw/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PU4NZPiwlc/UxZAcKsmmOI/AAAAAAAAGFs/CKoFYKPzWVw/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not summer, berries. You're not fooling anyone. This mango is all too aware its not Coulis.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLkgUIaTe1I/UxZBI1-PWUI/AAAAAAAAGGU/lNixKvu7O8s/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLkgUIaTe1I/UxZBI1-PWUI/AAAAAAAAGGU/lNixKvu7O8s/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This Maple Syrup is living a lie. And everybody knows it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NSOGshNOj4/UxZCLN8_XhI/AAAAAAAAGHk/iJHRIN_UCtg/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NSOGshNOj4/UxZCLN8_XhI/AAAAAAAAGHk/iJHRIN_UCtg/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This avocado and mozzarella desperately attempt to fit in. They don't. It's the start of a true tale of unparalleled desolation. The wine is all good though, despite being from different origins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNQOBsFpSgA/UxZB13ii0kI/AAAAAAAAGHM/PNh8xyOZSwg/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNQOBsFpSgA/UxZB13ii0kI/AAAAAAAAGHM/PNh8xyOZSwg/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bananas are depressing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dt6XdW7j8k/UxZB27l3LUI/AAAAAAAAGHU/NQxYGD559no/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dt6XdW7j8k/UxZB27l3LUI/AAAAAAAAGHU/NQxYGD559no/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This pancake is a metaphor for myself. Bare. Empty. Smokin'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQBUTzL87YU/UxZA1IpPzMI/AAAAAAAAGGM/7YdKyigWpKc/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQBUTzL87YU/UxZA1IpPzMI/AAAAAAAAGGM/7YdKyigWpKc/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bacon is never ready to be there when you need it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hygJbjQhOFk/UxZD8Lg_isI/AAAAAAAAGJk/g62BrR1LjGs/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hygJbjQhOFk/UxZD8Lg_isI/AAAAAAAAGJk/g62BrR1LjGs/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This pancake is desperate to be put out of its misery. It is consumed with a longing for the end.<br />
<br />
Paincake.<br />
<br />
Paincake Day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dear god what am I doing with my life. Happy Pancake Day y'all!Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-71051960245292064162014-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:002014-02-17T10:30:42.286-08:00Tip your Bartender, or Life as an English Graduate, or British People Don't Brag.This time last year, as I sat in my university room, contemplating whether it was time to start panic writing my dissertation or whether it could be put off for another week, I was relatively calm. The kind of calm that comes from thinking that when you leave uni it can't be that long until you find yourself in a 9-5 office job. That you should enjoy this relatively easy life before you're waking up at the crack of dawn to earn the living that pays for your crappy London flat and severely reduced social life. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, several months down the line (eight, to be exact) and I'm still hanging around the house (not the London flat, but at home with my family) at 4pm in trackies and a t-shirt that's now tie-dyed from the amount of times I've bleached and re-dyed my hair in it. The dresses and blazers that I bought six months ago for my imminent office job hang, beautiful but unworn on my clothes rail. I've had interviews. I've done internships - actually I just finished one last week - and I have 'put myself out there' as much as I could have, and yet I still can't persuade someone to pay me. Except, of course, the landlady at the pub down the road. I love bartending. I've done it since I was eighteen, mixed in with other things, and it has rarely let me down. I would happily bartend forever if it paid more. Still I can't help but wonder, why are we not told more about the real world before we are thrown into it? I went to a school where university was more than the norm, it was a necessity. You go to uni, and that's that. Now I don't for one second resent that - I loved uni and I know it was the right thing for me. For one thing, it stopped me running away to Africa, a country which, from experience, is pretty big on mugging me. What I do resent though is the way no one tells you that it actually won't help you get a job. Yes, you will be more qualified, and in that respect it will. You can at least apply for better jobs. But in terms of actually getting them, you're no more prepared than before. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because I have a degree, I can now apply to be an account executive, or a junior digital marketer. But I have no idea what that means. Obviously, I've researched it and, on paper, I know what the role entails. But, throw me into an office and the cracks would appear pretty hard and fast. University has in no way prepared me for the real world, with the exception perhaps of reinforcing the knowledge that I will always feel like I'm surrounded by people having money thrown at them for nothing, while I work two jobs to, maybe, be able to pay my rent. This is in my head. I know this. But it still makes me feel like I'm failing. Add to this the fact that everyone around me seems to be falling into their dream jobs and it's a wonder that I get out of bed in the morning. However, I'm starting to see through the illusion a bit. The curtain has been pulled away, and there is the small old man playing the wizard. Largely because I've noticed, the main 'dream job' status updater has landed three of her 'dream jobs' since last summer. And they're all in very different fields. Now, perhaps she's just a very positive person, or perhaps, more probably, she too has fallen into the facebook trap that is, in my humble opinion, ruining society. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me start by saying that I love facebook. I can't get through a day, or even a boring television scene without it. But it has ruined good old fashioned British modesty. Because we now have an audience for every part of our lives, we have to make it all seem very exciting. We have begun celebrating every minor victory as if we have been given not only a golden ticket but the entire chocolate factory. But all it's really doing is making everyone else feel like, well, a bit of a failure. And it's a vicious circle, because obviously they don't want the social media-verse to know this, so they'll post an over-celebration of their latest tiny win to trick the masses into thinking their life is bloody wonderful too. This would never have happened if they had to share that news in public. Name-dropping, place-dropping and general bragging is just not acceptable face to face. You wouldn't get it down the pub, so why is it ok on the internet?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is one of the reasons I love the pub, and it brings me onto my second point. Everyone loves the pub. It's a staple of British society, as bars are all over the world. So why is bar-tending looked down on? (I'm guilty myself of responding to questions about what I'm up to with 'well, I'm just bar-tending for a bit'). And why is it not one of the highest paying jobs in the country? Imagine what would happen if there was a pub strike in England? It would be chaos across the country, regardless of class, social status, and if you consider the amount of family pubs, age. So I firmly believe this needs to change. We bartenders are therapists. Rent-a-friends. Often genuine friends. We will flirt with you regardless of what you look like (but remember we rarely mean it...).We will pick you up at the end of a rough day. You celebrate with us, commiserate with us, and your social welfare largely depends on us. Ask someone who their favourite bartender is and they'll know instantly. But who's your favourite lawyer? Or accountant? Or digital media analyst? Not a clue. So start a revolution with me. Maybe it is only temporary, but I'm not 'just a bartender'. I'm a Bartender. And you couldn't make it through your week without me. </div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-82905827640003745542013-12-10T07:11:00.002-08:002014-01-25T13:18:09.992-08:00Life Before Technology, or The Giggling SpringYou may have noticed I've been quiet lately. It's not by choice. I recently moved, and while beautiful and lovely, the new place is lacking some essentials. There was a gas issue which meant we couldn't move in for a while. Blinds/Curtains only arrived last Friday, two weeks after the move. Now privacy a girl can live without - Hi there builders across the road, I'm here to accidentally make your day as my make shift curtain (a dust sheet wedged in the window) falls again. But no internet? That's unforgivable. Are we living in the dark ages? It's a basic human right and someone needs to be held accountable. I've been left stranded with nothing but a basic and painfully slow facebook check to get me through the day. I'm beginning to understand how Moses felt, wandering lost through the desert. Bored...<br />
<br />
There is however a light shining far in the distance (or rather, just up the road) guiding my way. For an hour or two a day I hop onto my camel (ok I walk, that's enough of this Moses nonsense) and head to The Giggling Spring Cafe. It may not look like much from the outside, but this little cafe has become my haven. I can sit upstairs in the quiet, whip out my laptop and tap away for a few hours, drinking cappuccinos and eating the best Stollen in the world. The decor is cosy, the wifi password never changes, and best of all, the staff are amazing. I genuinely look forward to coming up here and having a little chat. They remember my order. They ask about my job hunt/my day. They're just all types of lovely. In short, I'm a big fan of this place, and thought I'd take a minute to give them a little blog shout out.<br />
<br />
Thank you Giggling Springers. I hope I soon have internet at home, but I'll miss my almost daily trips up here. I may just keep them, minus the laptop, and hopefully plus the kind of wages in my pocket that a full time job gets you.<br />
<br />
If you're ever in Wokingham and fancy a coffee I can't think of anywhere better.<br />
<br />
P.S - they have a very basic website <a href="http://www.gigglingspring.co.uk/">here</a>. And sorry about the lack of pictures.Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-60201044180710128852013-11-22T09:08:00.000-08:002013-12-07T08:07:26.107-08:00Interviewing The Family Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, exciting week! On Wednesday night I was invited to interview The Family Rain with Louise, a three piece band of brothers from Bath, before their show at the Oxford O2 Academy. They consist of twins Will (bass and vocals) and Tim (drums and vocals) and brother Ollie (guitar and vocals). Musically, the boys say their biggest influences are the Stones (who they opened for this summer!) and the Beatles, and their sound is a bit Black Keys, a bit Foals, a bit Kings of Leon, a bit brilliant. <i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wU-W2u6Ddo4/Uo8q2ZjFcpI/AAAAAAAAF3s/Ad0EZOhe3LE/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wU-W2u6Ddo4/Uo8q2ZjFcpI/AAAAAAAAF3s/Ad0EZOhe3LE/s640/DSC_0072.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
We were shown backstage by the boy's manager - the lovely Wayne and introduced to Will and Tim (Ollie came later), their guitar tech Marlon English, and their broken playstation. We proceeded to have a lovely chat, get some band exclusives (Ollie's geographical tongue) and have a cheeky shower photo shoot. It's all very <i>Rolling Stone</i>...<br>
<br>
<b>On That Hair...</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<i><b>Polly: </b>First of all boys, you all have great hair...</i><br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Will</b>: We often get that comment. I actually invented this
haircut. I used to have really long
hair, like Ray Davies from the kinks. I
didn't cut it for about 10 years, and then one day I went back to the
hairdressers and asked them to cut the back off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Like ‘The Rachel’?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah I had like a graduated bob. I actually took in a
picture of Leonardo DiCaprio, it was all a bit 90’s. But it is the posh spice
bob isn't it? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tim</b>: My hairs actually shoulder length, And it’s the easiest
thing to maintain. I cut it myself, I haven’t been to the hairdressers in about
7 years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Louise</b>: I suppose when you’re on tour you don’t really have time
to.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Exactly. I've got one day off tomorrow, and my
hairdresser’s on holiday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Nightmare. Speaking of which, Polly I think you should tell them about your graduation
disaster.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Um, no. Basically I spent a lot of money, and came out
with tiger stripe highlights. I’d asked for something really subtle. It was
awful. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: And now that photo’s up on the fireplace for years?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Yeah. That’s everywhere. Every single family member has
that photo. Brilliant. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Geez.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgNJO4zKvRI/Uo8l0yW7hNI/AAAAAAAAF2w/GgsoKyxIicw/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgNJO4zKvRI/Uo8l0yW7hNI/AAAAAAAAF2w/GgsoKyxIicw/s640/DSC_0067.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Brotherly Love...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Ollie isn't here! We actually had a question specifically for him! It was about you two as twins. Maybe you could just
answer for him and see how it goes!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Do you think he feels left out?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I think he hates us. He thinks we gang up on him and he
hates us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We actually all dislike each other eventually.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: That’s the perfect
atmosphere. We don’t like each other either. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: The best things come from arguments. They sort
out everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: The best music is made from them too. You need some
conflict in there. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah you do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Everything's out on the table. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: You can’t write songs about happy things. You need some
meaning in there.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Exactly. So true. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bE9yP0HjX6Y/Uo8i2MSJP_I/AAAAAAAAF2A/etWAc9EScmg/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bE9yP0HjX6Y/Uo8i2MSJP_I/AAAAAAAAF2A/etWAc9EScmg/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On 2013...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So 2013 has been a pretty big year for you guys. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Busy busy busy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: It’s been the longest year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: What's been the highlight so far?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I'm gonna say Ibiza Rocks, with Biffy Clyro. That was
amazing. I think I remember when I first went on a lads holiday, we went to
Ibiza didn't we? A few years ago. I remember seeing all the imagery for Ibiza Rocks, but we were with a certain crowd who wanted to go to Privilege and do the
club thing instead. But I always had it in my mind that I wanted to go back and
have the chance to play, and when it came up that we were going to be with
Biffy, you know, we were just like ‘That’s going to be fantastic’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: It felt like a real summer thing as well. It felt like it
topped off the year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Did you get to tour around Ibiza or was it just a couple
of venues?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Well it was fly in, play Mallorca, next morning fly to
Ibiza, next morning fly out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: So we had a night in Mallorca, a night in Ibiza<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: What’s the name of the place in Mallorca?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Magaluf?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah we went to Magaluf. We went down the strip, and
there was this smell for about quarter of a mile…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Vomit. It stinks
of vomit basically.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So that was the highlight then?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah that was the highlight. Fond memories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We asked the taxi driver what the smell was, and he kind
of (mimes throwing up)…and we were like oh my god where are we going?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: It’s notorious. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We turned up and it was just neon signs into the
distance, and people just falling everywhere. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Sounds grim.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah it was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Like Sun Sex and Suspicious Parents?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: I’m an avid watcher of that. I think it’s great.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsxKhTckDes/Uo9kRx7ipGI/AAAAAAAAGDo/Dtwv7RTbU9g/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsxKhTckDes/Uo9kRx7ipGI/AAAAAAAAGDo/Dtwv7RTbU9g/s640/DSC_0256.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Being A Bit Psychic...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Ollie comes in with Chinese food)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Got some noodles. Am I allowed to join in?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Yeah!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: We even had a question specifically for you! Basically, you know, twins, brother…</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Do you hate that. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Yeah. It’s the absolute worst position to be in. They’re
total pains in the arse. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: There’s no pleasing some people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Yeah, I bet they’re just talking psychically all the
time, and you’re left out…</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: They grind me down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We can talk psychically though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We genuinely have psychic abilities…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: I don’t believe you. I reckon we can test this. (Twins
get genuinely excited) You whisper something in his ear Louise, and he has to
tell Will what it was. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Or just write down a celebrity. Ok? Quite a well known
celebrity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I’ll go over here. Send it across the room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: I'm trying to think of someone obscure but I can’t! Ok
(writes Stephen Fry).</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: It’s good there’s a candle here. That helps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: OK let me do this. We've worked out a system of clicking…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: I really want this to work. Ollie you’re clearly the
sensible one</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Click's the name of the game. So (clicks his fingers). How’s that Tim?…Now?...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_liMr7Xonc/Uo9Sr8hdkcI/AAAAAAAAGAI/HhMWONKWUSw/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_liMr7Xonc/Uo9Sr8hdkcI/AAAAAAAAGAI/HhMWONKWUSw/s640/DSC_0194.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Do they do this a lot?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Too much. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: It’s not working. There’s too much going on up here
(gestures to air above head). Reset it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: OK. Click’s the name of the game. So try this (clicks).
Please work...You got anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah. I'm getting like a kind of chef area. No, he’s a
clever man…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Who are you getting then?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Stephen Fry…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Bham<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: No that’s not real. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: No that’s psychic! That’s psychic right there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Marlon</b>: Right, I’ll do one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Louise go watch Tim. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>M</b>: What area of entertainment should it be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>P</b>: Films titles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(M writes Titanic and passes it to Will)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Ok pass it here and I’ll do that. It’s just psychic!
We've spent so much time with each other that it’s just…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Ok send it through<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: I’ll see if I can block it with my brain waves…</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Stop blocking it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRe9kcOc7mA/Uo8gDHDwCII/AAAAAAAAF1o/Z5axuPmWtOM/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRe9kcOc7mA/Uo8gDHDwCII/AAAAAAAAF1o/Z5axuPmWtOM/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: OK click's the name of the game right. Think! (clicks 3
times). Think!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Reset Will. Reset this.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: You've got to listen to what I'm saying! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Speak louder!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Listen! Click's the name of the game. (clicks).
Now think! You must have something…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I haven’t. You’re rubbish man. You’re rubbish. Tita I've
got.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: You’re a retard. You've got it. It’s titanic! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Yeah I got it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I kind of got it then!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>M</b>: Let’s do one with me see if I can get it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(This went on for far too long...)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Or maybe we could ask some more questions?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah let’s finish this interview…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: The psychic powers were not strong today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: It was probably me blocking it. Sorry guys. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We are psychic. The psychic powers just weren't strong
enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: You've let everyone down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: You’ve let every twin in the world down. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHCvUtuhbdQ/Uo9Zh_3wMOI/AAAAAAAAGBk/9_nhUnMQURk/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHCvUtuhbdQ/Uo9Zh_3wMOI/AAAAAAAAGBk/9_nhUnMQURk/s640/DSC_0227.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<b>On Being Back In the Studio...</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So how is it being back in the studio guys? How does the
studio vibe work, does one of you have more of a role? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Literally the song writing process it just insanely
natural. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Is it all quite collaborative?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah we just start writing. We write by playing. But
studio-wise we always like to collaborate with a producer. I know
like a lot of bands like to think they know a lot of things about recording and
techniques and stuff, but we prefer to sort of bounce our ideas off a producer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Do you have a favourite producer to work with?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Well we did the album with Jim Abbiss (<i>who's worked with some massive names, including The Arctic Monkeys on their Mercury Prize winning album</i> "<i>Whatever people say I am"</i>) which was
crazy. He was really good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: The main thing is we haven’t actually worked with a bad
producer yet. They've all let us have free rein, but they also bring their own
styles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T: </b>Yeah, they suggest things, but don’t force it on anyone.
Just say ‘you could try this’. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We always try to do it as live takes, so we record
everything down at once, so it’s essentially us playing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So you can listen back and see what works and what
doesn’t?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, we want it to be as live as possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOqNu8T61-k/Uo9bGns235I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K7SxCYgLk0k/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOqNu8T61-k/Uo9bGns235I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K7SxCYgLk0k/s640/DSC_0225.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: So you prefer doing live shows to studio work?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Exactly yeah. We predominantly want to be a live
band. When we got signed we said, you know, put us out on the road, we love
playing live, we just want to be doing that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: It is one of those things though. When you’re doing one,
you miss the other. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah there’s something nice about the studio in that it’s
a solid work place. You’re going back to the same place every day and it’s a
bit more chilled. It’s a different energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: It seems like your brain is working harder. Touring’s a
lot more physical, but I feel a bit stupid at the moment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Yeah you couldn't even do the psychic thing!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: How much longer have you got of the tour?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Tonight is about mid way through. But we've been out on
the road for about two and a half months solid. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah we've been living out of a suitcase for two and a
half months. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMeh5mK0Apw/Uo9IuFNnUcI/AAAAAAAAF-A/CSRFggpWkME/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMeh5mK0Apw/Uo9IuFNnUcI/AAAAAAAAF-A/CSRFggpWkME/s640/DSC_0170.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: You’re back home in Bath on Friday though aren't you? You’re
playing at Komedia?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: For literally the day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah we’re driving home tonight, because it’s not that
far, for the first time in a few months. Just to wash our clothes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: You’ll get to see your fish as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: It's a pig fish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On...fish...?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Is that a thing?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, it’s a fish that looks like a pig…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Hence the name!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
W: Yeah and some shrimp. Some guppy fish. It’s not a big tank
though. It’s a humble tank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: But a lot of love in it. Any other pets? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: No the pig fish is kind of like the family pet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Got two new guppy fish as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDrLs_ipkvQ/Uo8kG7XP4II/AAAAAAAAF2Y/uSyu4iEo0vY/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDrLs_ipkvQ/Uo8kG7XP4II/AAAAAAAAF2Y/uSyu4iEo0vY/s640/DSC_0064.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAP5-YTTgsk/Uo9di5-E-fI/AAAAAAAAGCY/S8MRe8-d80Q/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAP5-YTTgsk/Uo9di5-E-fI/AAAAAAAAGCY/S8MRe8-d80Q/s640/DSC_0238.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Bath...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Do you find there’s a different vibe playing Bath because
it’s your home town? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We do, and we absolutely can't wait to do it. We tell all of our old friends and family, and a lot of people come out to
see what we've been doing, and how we've progressed. Home town shows are
undeniably a really good atmosphere. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah we can’t wait to do it. We did a show in Moles earlier
this year which was absolutely mental. It was amazing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Plus we've never played this venue before either. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: It’s like the next stage up from Moles. So we’re quite
proud of that, moving up to the next stage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: And the fact that all of our mates can come down and
watch it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h824o2WAENk/Uo8nTF3z3oI/AAAAAAAAF28/LD2CB4IbFyg/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h824o2WAENk/Uo8nTF3z3oI/AAAAAAAAF28/LD2CB4IbFyg/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Polly has a question she’s been dying to ask you about
Bath.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: It’s a really personal question because I went to school
near Bath. The Fudge Kitchen. You guys know about this right?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah! Fudge Kitchen? That’s the question?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: I’ve got a friend who used to work there!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Is it the guy with the ukulele?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah. He’s got a big moustache. He’s called Max.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: I love that guy!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I used to work with his girlfriend. He’s a really nice
guy. Used to give us free fudge. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Whoa! Free fudge?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: That’s like my dream. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Our Dad’s a sign writer. I think he did the sign for the
fudge kitchen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Yeah lots of connections to the fudge factory. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOqNu8T61-k/Uo9bGns235I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K7SxCYgLk0k/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOqNu8T61-k/Uo9bGns235I/AAAAAAAAGB4/K7SxCYgLk0k/s640/DSC_0225.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: This is really exciting for me. I mean, you’re a cool
band, but now I know your fudge connections…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: But Bath is so small. It’s hard to do anything without
everyone knowing about it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Lovely place though...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Yeah. It’s chilled out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I think we didn't realise how nice it is until we left.
Not saying that everywhere else is rubbish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Oxford’s pretty darn good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So one more on the Bath theme…baths or showers? And if
you say showers, are you betraying your hometown?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: You say that, but we’re The Family Rain…and rain falls in
showers <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Well there’s my mind blown. This is all very
controversial stuff…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: You’ve blown this question wide apart.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: It’s very multi-layered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I would say though, I would love to be able to have a
bath…you can’t really do it on tour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: You should put that on your rider. ‘I want a bath’.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: ‘and a working play station…’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Plus we stay in Travel Lodges a lot. God know what goes
on in those baths…you shower because you want as little contact as possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: I’d say showers though. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah keep baths as a little treat…once a month have a
bath, and then the rest have showers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32XduYZeW4k/Uo8r6ANRvSI/AAAAAAAAF38/UfaRCLc4abM/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32XduYZeW4k/Uo8r6ANRvSI/AAAAAAAAF38/UfaRCLc4abM/s640/DSC_0076.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Well answered guys. Well answered. So moving back to
music…your new album has some tracks on it that feel quite different. Is this a
direction the band is heading in? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Our album is quite eclectic. There might be stuff that
people aren't expecting, but we try not to be too genre specific. So I suppose
we’re going in more directions than most bands. We love rock ‘n’ roll music, and the Beatles and
the Stones have always been our main influences. But we also respect the fact
that there is good music in every genre.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On The Rolling Stones...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: You opened for the Stones this year didn't you?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah in the summer. That was just insane. It was insane.
Just a really, really good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Our Dad couldn't make it the show in Hyde Park in
1969, so we got to take him to Hyde Park this summer, and it was just a really
good day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Despite their age, it is still the best show I’ve ever
seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Did you get to meet them?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Well I got to tap them on the back…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Did they know?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: No. I was in an area where I wasn't meant to be so I
somehow got into this area, and tapped him on the back and instantly got taken
down by security. They came off stage and there were five or six cars about fifteen feet
from the stage, and they just ran off stage and piled in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, these 6 cars just took off. The whole day was
mental. It was just the biggest scale in the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMrezKyX7A/Uo9DP37xEKI/AAAAAAAAF9A/QFjGj6OzZp4/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKMrezKyX7A/Uo9DP37xEKI/AAAAAAAAF9A/QFjGj6OzZp4/s640/DSC_0157.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Do you want to be playing to that scale one day?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Well yeah. That is the aim. You may as well. We've always
said – Bigger than the Beatles. You've got to.<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Being Very Creative...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So what three words would you use to describe the band’s
sound?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: What did I say? Home grown music? Yeah, there you are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Straight in there! Nailed it. So your videos are all
very creative. Is that you or someone else? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah we actually shot and edited the video that got us
signed, the one with the car and the flares.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: 'Trust Me…I’m a Genius.'<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah. So we did that ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DXYzrsJAJQE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Whose car was it?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: A friend of ours. It was kind of cool, because it was all
down to necessity. We didn't have the means to do anything really, so we just
bought some smoke bombs and some flares, and then went out into the countryside,
and ever since then we've come up with the ideas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Although we didn't come up with the interactive one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: No someone approached us with that idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: So you just stole it? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We were like ‘if it hasn't been done before, let’s do it’.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Well they're really good. You must be quite proud of your work?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, I actually do all the artwork for everything, every
poster, or album cover or anything. Stickers, T-shirts. I do all the artwork. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: So, bit of an overachiever?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah. Completely self-taught though. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: From the start we wanted to be sure with the label
that we could have that sort of control over things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I think they also appreciate it, because they don’t have
to pay anyone to do it for us...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>. And it makes it more personal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Well I’ll definitely be having a deeper look at it all. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: The cat was designed by me too. (Reveals tour t-shirt) This
is Frank. I drew it and I was like ‘That’s him. He’s got to go on all the posters.
Raindrops in the eyes...It’s great isn't it? He’s gone everywhere with us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/994953_638902152821398_400272926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/994953_638902152821398_400272926_n.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On MIA...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So if you could join forces with another band/artist…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: McBusted style…</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We said we’d like to work with MIA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Yeah definitely MIA. We think that everything she does it
just really exciting, and original. She did that band sleighbells, she produced
them and it sounds insane. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah their first record, they put it down to her. And if
you listen back to some of the tracks you can hear it. Their album’s great. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: So MIA yeah. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We keep mentioning it in every interview hoping…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: If you can get this to her…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: We’ll give it a go.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: You just have to 118 it…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: That would be amazing. It would be a dream come true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPp5pawQLdg/Uo9inaRhx8I/AAAAAAAAGDE/WYn_5NOE7AA/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QPp5pawQLdg/Uo9inaRhx8I/AAAAAAAAGDE/WYn_5NOE7AA/s640/DSC_0250.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On Tours...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: You've already mentioned Ibiza, you also went to
Switzerland over the summer though to the Montreux Jazz Festival. How was that?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah that was amazing. One of my favourites of the year
actually. It was in a little club with about 3-400 people. It was rammed, and
the stage – people could stand around the side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So it was quite intimate?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, and the stage was not even as high as this
(gestures table) it was like a little step.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: …and what lake was it? It was literally on the banks
of Lake Geneva. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We sat there, us three and Wayne (their manager) had a
beer and then had a romantic meal on the banks of Lake Geneva.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: It was our first fly in/fly out so it was special in that
respect. We’d never flown to a show before, it was really good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Quite different from Ibiza then? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah it’s all good isn't it? We just love being out on
the road, wherever or whenever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Especially going to see places like that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7HT3W5CGtc/Uo9M3XkTt_I/AAAAAAAAF-w/13muAYMUyXk/s1600/DSC_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7HT3W5CGtc/Uo9M3XkTt_I/AAAAAAAAF-w/13muAYMUyXk/s640/DSC_0179.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Where else have you been?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Well, Germany... <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We did a little European tour in the summer with Willy
Moon. We did Romania.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah Belgium, back to Germany.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Holland.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We've done most of Europe this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We just want to get out and do America, explore the
world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: We did Hull…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Exciting! Soon to be cultural capital! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: We've got some love in Hull actually, we've done some really good shows there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: We did the Miles Kane one there, which was a really good
show. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZH2wThqlks/Uo9c4VoJp3I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/gVwftyIJKn8/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZH2wThqlks/Uo9c4VoJp3I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/gVwftyIJKn8/s640/DSC_0236.JPG" width="426"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Yeah you've already toured with some pretty big names! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Who’s been your favourite?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Probably Miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah he was a just really calm, and a really lovely guy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: It was just, from the off, it was just a really good tour. We
would just hang out with them, and get drunk every night. They were just really
accommodating as a team. So party central you know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah, it was just really nice to see that he’s got
crowds that big who are into his music. So yeah. Mr Miles Kane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Why have you got your shoe in my face? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Why have you got your face in my shoe?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Good shoes though… <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Great hair, good shoes. We like the jackets too, that’s why
we have matching ones.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah it’s all about the jackets. This happened though
(reveals a broken shoulder). I've worn this for about 6 years. It’s this year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: You've actually thrown up in that as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Yeah, used it as a sick bag going through the airport. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: That’s a touching story…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Haven’t even washed it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Why would you? That’s memories…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Well I took it off and there was no trace of it…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tyyKlSohNI/Uo87ifuu_FI/AAAAAAAAF7U/jTTEZnl1eWI/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5tyyKlSohNI/Uo87ifuu_FI/AAAAAAAAF7U/jTTEZnl1eWI/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>On My Phone!!! And The Tongue Exclusive...</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So we discovered it’s the year of the selfie, so thought
we would get you to take some on Polly’s phone. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: It’s now in the dictionary.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: I can imagine actually. Let’s do it then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: We’re going to make it a competition. The winner gets to be our favourite member of the band. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Our guitar tech’s obsessed with selfies. He always pulls
a face. I've done quite a serious one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1458514_10152392976137589_1068177358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1458514_10152392976137589_1068177358_n.jpg" width="480"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I'm going for the angle. You’re meant to do it from above
aren't you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1468715_10152392975977589_1699608996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1468715_10152392975977589_1699608996_n.jpg" width="480"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: I'm going for the tongue out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1424310_10152392975877589_468957754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1424310_10152392975877589_468957754_n.jpg" width="480"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: That’s a good one. Will your’s isn't really close enough
to be a selfie…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: No, not intimate enough.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: I think Ollie wins.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: Well I threw myself into it. Tongue out, heart on my
sleeve. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: I haven’t seen you put your tongue out actually. He never
does it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Special moment for us then!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: You get our first interview, we get Ollie’s first tongue
exposure.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Yeah it’s a good day isn't it…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Your tongues all fucked up isn't it? It’s got cuts all over it…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: It’s called geographical tongue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: Because it looks like a map…and now we've got it on
camera. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Proof! That’s why he never sticks his tongue out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: We've got an exclusive! Ollie's geographical tongue! Call
The Sun. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: They've got new people haven’t they? It was Gordon Smart…we
know too much about this, we've probably spent too long in service stations…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Do you know what I like? <i>i. </i>It’s only 20p…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: Or the metro. That’s free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Wayne comes back)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wayne</b>: Have they shown you their psychic abilities?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>T</b>: The first one worked. The second one…there were too many
lights in the room….the candle threw the psychic out…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>P</b>: I've heard that can happen.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: Ollie got it…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: So it’s not just a twin thing?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>O</b>: No we can all do it. It’s a tour thing. We can do it with
Wayne as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: When you’re stuck in a van together for so long you start
thinking the same thoughts….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>L</b>: Do you have a pre-show ritual?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>W</b>: We just drink a lot of Jameson's, and jump up and down
like football hooligans chanting Johnny Cash’s <i>Ring of Fire</i>…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<i><b>P:</b> Well we're going to let you get on with that. Thanks for having us! </i><br>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCK0Usr5Ddw/Uo8rnYXvYAI/AAAAAAAAF30/JIPanEaewwQ/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCK0Usr5Ddw/Uo8rnYXvYAI/AAAAAAAAF30/JIPanEaewwQ/s640/DSC_0078.JPG" width="640"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
For The Family Rain's tour dates and more information look <a href="http://thefamilyrain.com/tour/">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Go see them! Buy their songs! Get a t-shirt!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Look them up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thefamilyrain">facebook</a>!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/thefamilyrain">twitter</a>!</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-84836052487610317972013-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:002013-11-07T07:06:56.152-08:00My Top 5 Best and Worst Things Right Now. It's cold. It's quite often wet. I'm no longer in France. So I decided to share with you the top five things that are making my life better right now, and the top five things that are making me want to stick my head in the oven Sylvia Plath style (although it's an Aga, so I'd have to set aside a whole day to do it and still run the risk that at the end of it I'd just be more bored and slightly lukewarm...). Here goes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Top 5 Good Things</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u>1. Cashmere</u><br />
It's soft. It's super cosy. I've taken to stealing my Dad's camel cashmere jumper in the hope that I pull it off in a relaxed low-effort Alexa Chung style cool kinda way. Unfortunately, being of a shorter and distinctly stockier breed than Alexa, it is more of a grown up version of the girl who came to mufti (non-school uniform) days in a fleece and a t-shirt laced with embroidered kittens before that kind of thing was worn ironically. Still. So snuggly.<br />
<br />
<u>2. Pugs</u><br />
I'm dying for a pug. I would call it Grumble, and love it forever, and I don't think I've ever wanted anything so much. My sister knows this and a couple of days ago sent me this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/581157_10151791192658577_1262597371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/581157_10151791192658577_1262597371_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
...to which I responded by squealing and doing that excited clapping T-rex impression girls do when they see babies dressed up as fuzzy animals. Or men holding babies dressed up like fuzzy animals. Or animals dressed up like other animals. Incidentally when I get my pug, the first thing I'm doing is buying it a T-rex costume. And a Yoda costume.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4-ps.googleusercontent.com/x/www.trendhunter.com/cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/xpugs-in-costumes.jpeg.pagespeed.ic.ob_jmjKywI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4-ps.googleusercontent.com/x/www.trendhunter.com/cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/xpugs-in-costumes.jpeg.pagespeed.ic.ob_jmjKywI.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I feel better already. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>3. Buzzfeed</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I could spend all day scrolling through well thought out, poignant articles like '25 Things Only 90's Kids Will Understand' and '50 Dogs Who Immediately Regret Their Decisions'. Plus nothing speaks to the single and unemployed like a good eye-roll gif. It's nice to know I'm not the only one responding to questions about my job search/love life like this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2013/8/21/17/anigif_enhanced-buzz-13931-1377121955-30.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr03/2013/8/21/17/anigif_enhanced-buzz-13931-1377121955-30.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Or just dealing with general life like this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr02/2013/8/21/18/anigif_enhanced-buzz-13743-1377123002-5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr02/2013/8/21/18/anigif_enhanced-buzz-13743-1377123002-5.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Both found <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleyperez/24-things-single-people-are-tired-of-hearing">here</a>. Incidentally DailyGrace is wonderful and is one of my favourite youTubers. She should be on this list, because if you ignore the fact she's effortlessly skinny, a bit famous, and is getting paid to be herself and travel around doing the things she loves, she is JUST LIKE ME! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>4. Fireworks!!!</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Or rather, Bonfire Night. The actual fireworks not so much. Crackle. Bang. That was underwhelming and I can't feel my toes. Blame it on the TV generation but, unless something goes wrong and there's a near death moment for a shed or a tree (not a person...), they just don't pack the same punch they used to. But the actual night as a whole; getting dressed up in hundreds of layers, dancing around a fire with sparklers and mulled wine, having candyfloss for supper? Little bit magical. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>5. Wine.</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Top (Bottom?) 5 Worst Things</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>1. Being Cold</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I hate the cold. I'm just not built for it. So much so that I'm all for global warming. Stop recycling! Burn those fossil fuels! Sorry Bangkok. I want my winter to be half a degree warmer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>2. Coats</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This is potentially one of the reasons I hate the cold so much. I haven't found a coat I like since, well, ever. Jackets? I'm all over it. But if I want a decent winter coat, one that will genuinely shelter me from the harsh British winter, I have to accept the fact that I'm going to look like Danny Devito. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>3. Couples</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We get it. You're in love and it's just. So. Much. Fun. Now STOP TOUCHING EACH OTHER. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/05aea0e256cd9a6432fa81deb544dc5e/tumblr_mta7msW9JM1rzwuc0o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/05aea0e256cd9a6432fa81deb544dc5e/tumblr_mta7msW9JM1rzwuc0o1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>4. Unemployment</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Again. I'm just not suited to it. I'm bored. And I hate being bored. I end up blogging about nothing and getting uncharacteristically angry at couples/happy people, then spending far too long finding gifs to express my disdain. Which leads to my next and final least favourite thing...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<u>5. Reassuring Clichés, Questions, and Job Searching Advice</u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
'How's the job hunt going?'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brilliantly. I've landed my dream job. That's why I'm sat here at 2pm in my pyjamas, eating cereal out of the box and watching 'Charmed' for the 3rd time today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
'It's a numbers game'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Wonderful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
'You just have to get your CV out there' </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Really? It's that simple? Thank god you told me. Quite similar to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
'Are you sending your CV to companies you're interested in?'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
No. I didn't realise you had to be that specific, so I've just been putting them in bottles and throwing them out to sea... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I know I'm lucky really to have so many people who care. I love you too. But stop it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Thursday everyone!</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-89589684284538228842013-11-07T03:16:00.002-08:002013-11-07T03:19:00.702-08:00Philip's PhotosI mentioned in my last post the Sturtivants. One of them, Philip, happens to dabble in photography himself (and is much better at it than me), and was kind enough to not only give me some pointers, but also send me some of his snaps. So here's a little gallery of France through a different lens.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lET3VldrFUk/UnttlhC1-RI/AAAAAAAAFvI/ZUIPsAWEGBs/s1600/PA272440+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lET3VldrFUk/UnttlhC1-RI/AAAAAAAAFvI/ZUIPsAWEGBs/s640/PA272440+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqI3zL4w9bM/UnttoOisEOI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/ZO2xe3fAWpI/s1600/PA272441+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqI3zL4w9bM/UnttoOisEOI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/ZO2xe3fAWpI/s640/PA272441+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcAfErOJh6I/UnttqzPSkCI/AAAAAAAAFvg/RiuMNnXwOkY/s1600/PA272445+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcAfErOJh6I/UnttqzPSkCI/AAAAAAAAFvg/RiuMNnXwOkY/s640/PA272445+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eor2KJ4TOE4/UntttZHsUtI/AAAAAAAAFvo/YAvevbD8_M4/s1600/PA272447+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eor2KJ4TOE4/UntttZHsUtI/AAAAAAAAFvo/YAvevbD8_M4/s640/PA272447+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmGaW84BBWQ/Untt2VwPKAI/AAAAAAAAFwA/Io2Q9LKH37Q/s1600/PA282452+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmGaW84BBWQ/Untt2VwPKAI/AAAAAAAAFwA/Io2Q9LKH37Q/s640/PA282452+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnTEEgbAeH4/Untt0j0U2DI/AAAAAAAAFv4/HCF94vEALVU/s1600/PA282454+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnTEEgbAeH4/Untt0j0U2DI/AAAAAAAAFv4/HCF94vEALVU/s640/PA282454+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-GHMZxV-Hw/UntuC7_-zfI/AAAAAAAAFwg/9RWIwmNSSp8/s1600/PA282463+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-GHMZxV-Hw/UntuC7_-zfI/AAAAAAAAFwg/9RWIwmNSSp8/s640/PA282463+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7H1Cvs8eCQ/Untt_Q1_6AI/AAAAAAAAFwY/S9kkkXCrFBk/s1600/PA282467+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7H1Cvs8eCQ/Untt_Q1_6AI/AAAAAAAAFwY/S9kkkXCrFBk/s640/PA282467+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvVyQnHCGGM/UntuFt_NtxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/_7XENlk6KXg/s1600/PA282472+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvVyQnHCGGM/UntuFt_NtxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/_7XENlk6KXg/s640/PA282472+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1WkafZRRvs/UntuOOH8qAI/AAAAAAAAFxA/LTt9M9gIaWA/s1600/PA282474+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1WkafZRRvs/UntuOOH8qAI/AAAAAAAAFxA/LTt9M9gIaWA/s640/PA282474+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5avKIvORWjY/UntuOl_MMeI/AAAAAAAAFxE/e7qsGp94RW0/s1600/PA282476+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5avKIvORWjY/UntuOl_MMeI/AAAAAAAAFxE/e7qsGp94RW0/s640/PA282476+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNo7TsHhn1Y/UntuS6a05CI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/rohCFgrTCeg/s1600/PA282480+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNo7TsHhn1Y/UntuS6a05CI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/rohCFgrTCeg/s640/PA282480+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArzMAaCaB18/UntuTZcdPHI/AAAAAAAAFxU/gbQEDVkY6yQ/s1600/PA282487+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArzMAaCaB18/UntuTZcdPHI/AAAAAAAAFxU/gbQEDVkY6yQ/s640/PA282487+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hV8qGZXwCQ4/UntueRzaGZI/AAAAAAAAFxw/AI5YdWKorMA/s1600/PA282498+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hV8qGZXwCQ4/UntueRzaGZI/AAAAAAAAFxw/AI5YdWKorMA/s640/PA282498+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKIXbhclHWg/UntuZdTu12I/AAAAAAAAFxk/4dIGrfNF-IQ/s1600/PA282504+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKIXbhclHWg/UntuZdTu12I/AAAAAAAAFxk/4dIGrfNF-IQ/s640/PA282504+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw8-NrxPm8Q/UntuhcokWfI/AAAAAAAAFx4/YfNEnuDkzD0/s1600/PA282520+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw8-NrxPm8Q/UntuhcokWfI/AAAAAAAAFx4/YfNEnuDkzD0/s640/PA282520+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgArW7SqMwM/Untui-2eKfI/AAAAAAAAFyA/diMucZm1qGw/s1600/PA282522+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgArW7SqMwM/Untui-2eKfI/AAAAAAAAFyA/diMucZm1qGw/s640/PA282522+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZur1XH7UE8/UnturVnoI_I/AAAAAAAAFyY/xAtRu1VN82w/s1600/PA282531+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZur1XH7UE8/UnturVnoI_I/AAAAAAAAFyY/xAtRu1VN82w/s640/PA282531+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DSfl5U2lOI/UntusN4XGqI/AAAAAAAAFyg/sn6M-mjN1n8/s1600/PA282535+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DSfl5U2lOI/UntusN4XGqI/AAAAAAAAFyg/sn6M-mjN1n8/s640/PA282535+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-CsGan_nLc/UntupDn_uvI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/Ne4Sn4SJf5M/s1600/PA282539+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-CsGan_nLc/UntupDn_uvI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/Ne4Sn4SJf5M/s640/PA282539+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQJFK3WN1lg/UntuxbgZ-1I/AAAAAAAAFyo/H-kNLDVYWjo/s1600/PA282540+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aQJFK3WN1lg/UntuxbgZ-1I/AAAAAAAAFyo/H-kNLDVYWjo/s640/PA282540+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWHG_eHRjk/Untuyyfq7SI/AAAAAAAAFyw/x812wInwUMg/s1600/PA282558+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWHG_eHRjk/Untuyyfq7SI/AAAAAAAAFyw/x812wInwUMg/s640/PA282558+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYnSSUs6T8/Untu386fgqI/AAAAAAAAFy4/3JD7n1wSe4U/s1600/PA282568+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCYnSSUs6T8/Untu386fgqI/AAAAAAAAFy4/3JD7n1wSe4U/s640/PA282568+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Flnsz-xaC2A/Untu5tAbIOI/AAAAAAAAFzA/6P81S3iZ914/s1600/PA282573+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Flnsz-xaC2A/Untu5tAbIOI/AAAAAAAAFzA/6P81S3iZ914/s640/PA282573+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0F9TkUwGs9M/Untu5kpcnFI/AAAAAAAAFzE/9MYzvxbYqAM/s1600/PA282576+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0F9TkUwGs9M/Untu5kpcnFI/AAAAAAAAFzE/9MYzvxbYqAM/s640/PA282576+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXyAvlE4oM/Untu-wrc9oI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/nXttBOhp2fU/s1600/PA282579+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXyAvlE4oM/Untu-wrc9oI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/nXttBOhp2fU/s640/PA282579+(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXgJAyF2Cfg/UntvF6WIJQI/AAAAAAAAFzY/eqdO1xs6cPg/s1600/PA292600+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXgJAyF2Cfg/UntvF6WIJQI/AAAAAAAAFzY/eqdO1xs6cPg/s640/PA292600+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXAv6gO9L3Y/UntvGF_nTGI/AAAAAAAAFzg/U2WBpxqJm7Y/s1600/PA292603+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mXAv6gO9L3Y/UntvGF_nTGI/AAAAAAAAFzg/U2WBpxqJm7Y/s640/PA292603+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI9JO_i9fgg/UntvGBArdqI/AAAAAAAAFzc/cMwwuOsVai4/s1600/PA292611+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oI9JO_i9fgg/UntvGBArdqI/AAAAAAAAFzc/cMwwuOsVai4/s640/PA292611+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IfnlOofTaU/UntvMCRuTUI/AAAAAAAAFz0/yw7jRL-MP2A/s1600/PA292618+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7IfnlOofTaU/UntvMCRuTUI/AAAAAAAAFz0/yw7jRL-MP2A/s640/PA292618+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzpWDLQ96EM/UntvL-MX12I/AAAAAAAAFzw/g8EHSAILJas/s1600/PA292619+(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzpWDLQ96EM/UntvL-MX12I/AAAAAAAAFzw/g8EHSAILJas/s640/PA292619+(Large).JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Told you. Much better. Thanks Philip! </div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-32282177866674504112013-11-04T09:51:00.000-08:002013-11-04T09:51:19.722-08:00Cocktails and CathedralsAfter a good solid month of doing nothing particularly exciting, I've just had one of those spectacularly busy weeks, which left me a bit torn about what to write about. There was France, London, wine tasting, not to mention my favourite holiday of them all (ok, maybe apart from Christmas); HALLOWEEN!<br />
<br />
I planned to do some Halloween themed tutorials - I LOVE playing with make-up and fancy dress, this year I was a gruesome flapper - and I made a worm-infested Bailey's jelly brain. But it just seems a bit too late now. There's always next year I suppose, or perhaps an unseasonal Valentines post for the single and bitter. In the meantime, I swung for the rest of my holiday in France...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG_4LzZsA2c/UnfAZucsWBI/AAAAAAAAFs0/PQX7N9a2oD8/s1600/DSC_0041+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qG_4LzZsA2c/UnfAZucsWBI/AAAAAAAAFs0/PQX7N9a2oD8/s640/DSC_0041+-+Copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first week was spent largely lying by the pool and doing the odd spot of painting as the house was finished around me. But who could blame me? As England was being torn apart by storms (or so the news would have us believe) I was cycling to the bread shop in the morning and sunning myself with a good book (<i>Along Came a Spider</i> - brilliant read) in the afternoon. I even braved a swim, although the pool wasn't heated and so was pretty darn cold.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTNj958L4N4/UnTGPkbC--I/AAAAAAAAFW4/xF9atFWG7sU/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wTNj958L4N4/UnTGPkbC--I/AAAAAAAAFW4/xF9atFWG7sU/s640/DSC_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is not to say, however, that I didn't earn my keep. My cocktail making prowess was called upon almost daily for sundowners, and I was even called upon to host a cocktail party for the local ex-pat friends and neighbours (it was intended to be pre-dinner drinks, but no one left before midnight - I call that a victory for my bartending).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmwgpTqzZ9w/UnfB5Yj6XgI/AAAAAAAAFtI/wJ1SEnXvY_A/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmwgpTqzZ9w/UnfB5Yj6XgI/AAAAAAAAFtI/wJ1SEnXvY_A/s640/DSC_0044.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Pimms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-YpkmM6Mzs/UnfG8Xm0BAI/AAAAAAAAFuU/Mkz2mJrfmoE/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-YpkmM6Mzs/UnfG8Xm0BAI/AAAAAAAAFuU/Mkz2mJrfmoE/s640/DSC_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wkZEoS7GTM/UnfNCieYD4I/AAAAAAAAFuo/6WAIyOWxYww/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wkZEoS7GTM/UnfNCieYD4I/AAAAAAAAFuo/6WAIyOWxYww/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here, Lynda and I are enjoying an ice-cold Fallet Royale - created especially for the occasion and named after the house. It's incredibly simple, similar to a Kir Royale (Cassis and Champagne) but made with Floc, a local liqueur that's a bit like sherry, a bit like port, and quite delicious. Simply pop roughly a single measure into a champagne flute and top with bubbly. Add a blackcurrant or black grape for garnish and enjoy in front of a French sunset. Or an English one. Or Made in Chelsea...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ9ghkVb4bE/UnfEkxADqFI/AAAAAAAAFt4/om32Cx6Y_R8/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ9ghkVb4bE/UnfEkxADqFI/AAAAAAAAFt4/om32Cx6Y_R8/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLDdxhhgZS4/UnTp8lwmVDI/AAAAAAAAFeU/WzERz9MMpzg/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLDdxhhgZS4/UnTp8lwmVDI/AAAAAAAAFeU/WzERz9MMpzg/s640/DSC_0394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I did also manage to squeeze in a bit of culture during my trip, before you judge me too harshly. On Monday I went on a trip to Auch, a small town west of Toulouse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n22bRii4_lY/UnUWUl-l-0I/AAAAAAAAFnY/RW8yr97S67U/s1600/DSC_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n22bRii4_lY/UnUWUl-l-0I/AAAAAAAAFnY/RW8yr97S67U/s640/DSC_0481.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZQ5p_KOVw8/UnTwU7a9FDI/AAAAAAAAFfk/SAged-zroIM/s1600/DSC_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZQ5p_KOVw8/UnTwU7a9FDI/AAAAAAAAFfk/SAged-zroIM/s640/DSC_0413.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OQgSNa6tkc/UnTyzmlRvhI/AAAAAAAAFgE/42JJ-Onjx-w/s1600/DSC_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OQgSNa6tkc/UnTyzmlRvhI/AAAAAAAAFgE/42JJ-Onjx-w/s640/DSC_0416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXyNMntxzmg/UnUIgh9250I/AAAAAAAAFko/G3TRpmNcStk/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXyNMntxzmg/UnUIgh9250I/AAAAAAAAFko/G3TRpmNcStk/s640/DSC_0456.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEGPIEYAuVY/UnUHVhlIBhI/AAAAAAAAFkY/cqnwpi9QlrE/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEGPIEYAuVY/UnUHVhlIBhI/AAAAAAAAFkY/cqnwpi9QlrE/s640/DSC_0457.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fx1v9J5HeMw/UnUK7-jwumI/AAAAAAAAFlA/aqSTHiNkO9o/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fx1v9J5HeMw/UnUK7-jwumI/AAAAAAAAFlA/aqSTHiNkO9o/s640/DSC_0461.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHH-3KSjcGw/UnUMrL83rYI/AAAAAAAAFlU/9vi2G7gljLY/s1600/DSC_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHH-3KSjcGw/UnUMrL83rYI/AAAAAAAAFlU/9vi2G7gljLY/s640/DSC_0467.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RguTT1pRsS0/UnUP1aXhJBI/AAAAAAAAFmA/1M7N8YVlEpw/s1600/DSC_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RguTT1pRsS0/UnUP1aXhJBI/AAAAAAAAFmA/1M7N8YVlEpw/s640/DSC_0470.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71XOQkB7Nto/UnUQtuQ4daI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/WpK_4TPz-nU/s1600/DSC_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71XOQkB7Nto/UnUQtuQ4daI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/WpK_4TPz-nU/s640/DSC_0474.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQheGe_UNEs/UnURi0YrV7I/AAAAAAAAFmY/2DRZVC3PThw/s1600/DSC_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQheGe_UNEs/UnURi0YrV7I/AAAAAAAAFmY/2DRZVC3PThw/s640/DSC_0477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIMou33IfTQ/UnTqemscGTI/AAAAAAAAFec/kHbzb9fZkR0/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIMou33IfTQ/UnTqemscGTI/AAAAAAAAFec/kHbzb9fZkR0/s640/DSC_0403.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We stopped here for a bit of lunch. By which I mean three courses of butter-soaked deliciousness, obviously. I had an incredible pumpkin soup with hazelnut foam and roasted hazelnuts that I'm desperate to figure out the recipe for. I'm fairly sure it's largely butter and cream, maybe some duck fat. It is the fois gras region after all. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJraCWf6_A/UnTn3FR2YhI/AAAAAAAAFd4/sqoc1rbisV4/s1600/DSC_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mkJraCWf6_A/UnTn3FR2YhI/AAAAAAAAFd4/sqoc1rbisV4/s640/DSC_0401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The main event however was the Cathedral.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kI23Pev8POY/UnTuSfYvcRI/AAAAAAAAFfM/KWzqThQiOKc/s1600/DSC_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kI23Pev8POY/UnTuSfYvcRI/AAAAAAAAFfM/KWzqThQiOKc/s640/DSC_0407.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmVZUA53jyA/UnUEVfgfl8I/AAAAAAAAFj0/DL84hpTN6bc/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmVZUA53jyA/UnUEVfgfl8I/AAAAAAAAFj0/DL84hpTN6bc/s640/DSC_0446.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcT_oZA-nM/UnUD9K_4qmI/AAAAAAAAFjk/fs7dwu-wvoo/s1600/DSC_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJcT_oZA-nM/UnUD9K_4qmI/AAAAAAAAFjk/fs7dwu-wvoo/s640/DSC_0447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcsXAnW9V9s/UnUFNIUhMLI/AAAAAAAAFkA/mN-tZnMjUZo/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcsXAnW9V9s/UnUFNIUhMLI/AAAAAAAAFkA/mN-tZnMjUZo/s640/DSC_0448.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Cathedral is a little replica of Notre Dame and, despite the scaffolding, is quite beautiful. It's even more so inside...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNnhla4qqIk/UnT00-azT2I/AAAAAAAAFgU/qDj3ju_j_5g/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNnhla4qqIk/UnT00-azT2I/AAAAAAAAFgU/qDj3ju_j_5g/s640/DSC_0418.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpRM49IpbxY/UnT1GnYFB0I/AAAAAAAAFgg/fkI9o5CleRA/s1600/DSC_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hpRM49IpbxY/UnT1GnYFB0I/AAAAAAAAFgg/fkI9o5CleRA/s640/DSC_0420.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyY13QimKs/UnT2dlzu-tI/AAAAAAAAFgs/RCAy53ABPco/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIyY13QimKs/UnT2dlzu-tI/AAAAAAAAFgs/RCAy53ABPco/s640/DSC_0422.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQfIcqBp7Kg/UnT5N3ox8AI/AAAAAAAAFhI/1v0h7BExyEU/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQfIcqBp7Kg/UnT5N3ox8AI/AAAAAAAAFhI/1v0h7BExyEU/s640/DSC_0425.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjtIz_8CjBs/UnT5ZlfiEiI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/H4YTZ7cJLYY/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjtIz_8CjBs/UnT5ZlfiEiI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/H4YTZ7cJLYY/s640/DSC_0426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39ssr9le6Uw/UnT7bFgx22I/AAAAAAAAFhs/KNv_lQngQpc/s1600/DSC_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39ssr9le6Uw/UnT7bFgx22I/AAAAAAAAFhs/KNv_lQngQpc/s640/DSC_0427.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0BMUrtV1aI/UnT6w_Vl7WI/AAAAAAAAFhc/AO3fN1JlPKQ/s1600/DSC_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0BMUrtV1aI/UnT6w_Vl7WI/AAAAAAAAFhc/AO3fN1JlPKQ/s640/DSC_0429.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RMf2g-837I/UnT7XZmivkI/AAAAAAAAFhk/AaHqVUWXrP0/s1600/DSC_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7RMf2g-837I/UnT7XZmivkI/AAAAAAAAFhk/AaHqVUWXrP0/s640/DSC_0430.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-moOFWgOHGBQ/UnT8Oz5HUcI/AAAAAAAAFh4/Wbak7Gh4jjM/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-moOFWgOHGBQ/UnT8Oz5HUcI/AAAAAAAAFh4/Wbak7Gh4jjM/s640/DSC_0431.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdbuPLL0qzs/UnT80MZCJGI/AAAAAAAAFiA/bfQFDmbgAm4/s1600/DSC_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdbuPLL0qzs/UnT80MZCJGI/AAAAAAAAFiA/bfQFDmbgAm4/s640/DSC_0434.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CcdNjrIBkQc/UnT9Zgx7qzI/AAAAAAAAFiM/vKJlcvP-SWc/s1600/DSC_0435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CcdNjrIBkQc/UnT9Zgx7qzI/AAAAAAAAFiM/vKJlcvP-SWc/s640/DSC_0435.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaVa7P62Je8/UnT-swWgDdI/AAAAAAAAFiY/yB8eCJTx_RU/s1600/DSC_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaVa7P62Je8/UnT-swWgDdI/AAAAAAAAFiY/yB8eCJTx_RU/s640/DSC_0437.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg9nTR38M-8/UnT_hYnrWRI/AAAAAAAAFio/Z3414tp4Ee4/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kg9nTR38M-8/UnT_hYnrWRI/AAAAAAAAFio/Z3414tp4Ee4/s640/DSC_0438.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvLoWmnAPT4/UnUBUyG4vHI/AAAAAAAAFjE/s_JmtwIxhLU/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvLoWmnAPT4/UnUBUyG4vHI/AAAAAAAAFjE/s_JmtwIxhLU/s640/DSC_0440.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FavbJbHSxNs/UnUA59guJ9I/AAAAAAAAFi0/MoRq2qXxzkU/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FavbJbHSxNs/UnUA59guJ9I/AAAAAAAAFi0/MoRq2qXxzkU/s640/DSC_0442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It may be a bit smaller than its Parisian sister, but it no less impressive. I loved Auch, it's full of beautiful architecture and small winding streets. Big thanks to the Sturtivant family for letting me tag along with them, you wonderful brilliant people.<br />
<br />
Sigh. I miss France, and really hope I get to go back soon. At least I made it back for Halloween though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/578478_10152330283187589_922754652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/578478_10152330283187589_922754652_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I couldn't not give you a picture...Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-37049066763505167302013-10-20T13:14:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:25:26.495-07:00Bienvenue au Tillac!I, at this moment, am a very contented bunny. As I type, I am sat in front of a roaring fire, glass of wine in hand (or at least, very near to hand whilst I type) in the beautiful south of France. Tillac, to be exact. About an hour south of Toulouse. Fantastique!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP0Q-CNK1kk/UmPgzUvhoXI/AAAAAAAAFEw/FfkdRQggcvQ/s1600/blogger-image-1495501160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aP0Q-CNK1kk/UmPgzUvhoXI/AAAAAAAAFEw/FfkdRQggcvQ/s640/blogger-image-1495501160.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7gywY1RALs/UmQZfQpb1JI/AAAAAAAAFOM/8NzTQSOIq_w/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7gywY1RALs/UmQZfQpb1JI/AAAAAAAAFOM/8NzTQSOIq_w/s640/DSC_0391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
After spending Friday running around London (literally, and in heels - I had a very overbooked morning!) it was a massive relief to finally arrive in Toulouse, and be chauffeured by the lovely Lynda to her beautiful, secluded house. We got here just in time for a quick tour and a glass of champagne to see the sun go down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVw4_tW2zC0/UmPh-7blQGI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/vpzdTcupXog/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVw4_tW2zC0/UmPh-7blQGI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/vpzdTcupXog/s640/DSC_0338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The house is nestled deep in the countryside, surrounded by corn fields and ducks. It's the perfect place to escape the strains of graduate life (job-hunting is hard, okay!) and get some last minute sun. After a long lie in on Saturday and a quick swim - the pool is freezing now but I'm hard as nails - we all set off to explore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H505X3yWWGw/UmPoykAqIsI/AAAAAAAAFGo/2LxzKdlwZUI/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H505X3yWWGw/UmPoykAqIsI/AAAAAAAAFGo/2LxzKdlwZUI/s640/DSC_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0VVAyYLRag/UmPq_-wdNaI/AAAAAAAAFG4/KUwAH4_GU14/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0VVAyYLRag/UmPq_-wdNaI/AAAAAAAAFG4/KUwAH4_GU14/s640/DSC_0345.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KF5gWmU4_Ys/UmPq2IXPogI/AAAAAAAAFGw/XSbjsnyy07Q/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KF5gWmU4_Ys/UmPq2IXPogI/AAAAAAAAFGw/XSbjsnyy07Q/s640/DSC_0346.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaT6_Jqmvw8/UmPvLqXpidI/AAAAAAAAFHk/IpPVZ2Ur5jI/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaT6_Jqmvw8/UmPvLqXpidI/AAAAAAAAFHk/IpPVZ2Ur5jI/s640/DSC_0350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YKdE_upaR4/UmPxE79DJgI/AAAAAAAAFHw/GS4EHCUg0kU/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YKdE_upaR4/UmPxE79DJgI/AAAAAAAAFHw/GS4EHCUg0kU/s640/DSC_0351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XWt_IOQa3g/UmPyWdSQNAI/AAAAAAAAFIA/SOM-p--HGKw/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XWt_IOQa3g/UmPyWdSQNAI/AAAAAAAAFIA/SOM-p--HGKw/s640/DSC_0353.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wanted to run through the corn fields and re-enact some classic horror film scenes, but it was too darn sunny. Nightmare. Instead we went scrumping for apples to make friends with these handsome chaps. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg3hf-TgR4Q/UmQD3EE1izI/AAAAAAAAFK0/CPoctqJo1bI/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg3hf-TgR4Q/UmQD3EE1izI/AAAAAAAAFK0/CPoctqJo1bI/s640/DSC_0368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-18sfmMdQM/UmQJu2Xez7I/AAAAAAAAFLw/xaRWCyHjnmE/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-18sfmMdQM/UmQJu2Xez7I/AAAAAAAAFLw/xaRWCyHjnmE/s640/DSC_0374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNRzz90wrxc/UmP6lMoUsKI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/Ahd2tYB_Yow/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNRzz90wrxc/UmP6lMoUsKI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/Ahd2tYB_Yow/s640/DSC_0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
They took some coaxing to come over - they're clearly popular around here and well fed by anyone passing by, but they eventually bumbled over to say hello. They seemed to appreciate the effort of our apple theft too...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZaN6DDXFQ8/UmQFW8QxC4I/AAAAAAAAFLA/RAh8glj9BzM/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZaN6DDXFQ8/UmQFW8QxC4I/AAAAAAAAFLA/RAh8glj9BzM/s640/DSC_0369.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Charmer. We also managed to scrounge some hazelnuts, figs, and walnuts that Lynda made an amazing cake with. Don't tell the farmers...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DDfju5MCd4/UmQOJC1RW1I/AAAAAAAAFMY/Qtybn16gSZc/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DDfju5MCd4/UmQOJC1RW1I/AAAAAAAAFMY/Qtybn16gSZc/s640/DSC_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had planned to go to a Repas in Montesquiou for supper - like a big communal meal where people help themselves and sit around chatting all night - but we arrived to find a deserted ghost town. The streets were completely empty, and dimly lit by the kind of lamps you would expect to find Mr Tumnus under, so after a little wander in the moonlight we moved on to a restaurant in Bassous. The food was good, the wine was bottomless, but the real charm was in the company. If you like cats, that is.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLLgZuFNj8U/UmPjI8TRoyI/AAAAAAAAFFk/LDNnkkKETKs/s1600/blogger-image-267985664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLLgZuFNj8U/UmPjI8TRoyI/AAAAAAAAFFk/LDNnkkKETKs/s640/blogger-image-267985664.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osKHTDJRpoQ/UmPtRaooDCI/AAAAAAAAFHM/FbPhAbT5FQo/s1600/blogger-image-907477336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osKHTDJRpoQ/UmPtRaooDCI/AAAAAAAAFHM/FbPhAbT5FQo/s640/blogger-image-907477336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
The restaurant was over-run with them, and we were surrounded by watchful eyes as we ate. We eventually caved and gave them our left-over duck, to the amusement of the locals, and had to leave before Lynda got too attached and brought them all home with us!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do plan to do things while I'm here, but somehow keep getting swept up in doing nothing by the pool. It probably has something to do with all the wine...but I'm in France. It'd would be rude not to...</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-51434771293772957592013-10-09T09:08:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:26:32.821-07:00Red Hot Chicken Noodle Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It's time we all give up the ghost and face it. Summer's over. Pack away your bikinis, dig out your fluffy knitwear and embrace the cold dark months ahead with a bowl of my amazing chicken noodle soup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I715fi0s7Bk/UlVuiRV6pRI/AAAAAAAAFB0/gUFScDq42LE/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I715fi0s7Bk/UlVuiRV6pRI/AAAAAAAAFB0/gUFScDq42LE/s640/DSC_0334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's perfect for colds, warming up after being drenched in the icy English rain, or curing the dreaded 'fresher's flu'. If you've been to uni you'll be familiar with it, and if you're at uni you will have it at least four times before Christmas. I popped up to Reading last weekend for a couple of days of fresher's week (I'm still suffering a bit from the separation) and came home feeling so, so, awful (I blame you LOUISE!). Luckily, I had this trusted recipe to hand. You can make tons of this and freeze it too, perfect for the lazier type. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Here's what you'll need:</u></div>
<div>
(Mine made about 3 bowls)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCSkqbnK59Y/UlVh9_MgE_I/AAAAAAAAE84/SpS0L1mWB1E/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCSkqbnK59Y/UlVh9_MgE_I/AAAAAAAAE84/SpS0L1mWB1E/s640/DSC_0296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li> A few cloves of garlic</li>
<li>Ginger (about a thumb sized chunk)</li>
<li>A big teaspoon of crushed chillis/chopped fresh ones</li>
<li>Zest of half a lime</li>
<li>Juice of a lime</li>
<li>1 pint chicken stock (I'll tell you how to make this)</li>
<li>Shredded Chicken (as much as you fancy, white and dark meat)</li>
<li>1 red onion, finely chopped</li>
<li>Handful of chopped fresh coriander</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Fine Egg Noodles</li>
<li>Spring Onions for garnishing</li>
</ul>
<div>
<u>To Make Chicken Stock</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
After a roast, take any excess meat off the carcass and put in a large pan on a lowish heat and fill to about half way with hot water. Put in a generous amount of salt (about a tablespoon/just under?), some garlic cloves, flattened under a knife, black pepper, and a couple of red onions cut into quarters. You can also throw in any leftover veg. Leave to gently simmer for a couple of hours, skimming every now and again. Voila. Delicious stock. It keeps for a few days in the fridge, but you can keep it in the freezer for 2-3 months. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>To Make The Soup</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Get a big pan, and put a generous glug of olive oil in it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcLSkxnb1ws/UlVkHSHfmgI/AAAAAAAAE9w/uB7nTVLcRh0/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JcLSkxnb1ws/UlVkHSHfmgI/AAAAAAAAE9w/uB7nTVLcRh0/s640/DSC_0302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Add your chillies, garlic, ginger and lime zest, give them a good stir and fry them off a bit (you want enough oil that they will sit in it and not burn).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRDGMb91YGA/UlVkIywBVkI/AAAAAAAAE94/4F-0m1s4bdw/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRDGMb91YGA/UlVkIywBVkI/AAAAAAAAE94/4F-0m1s4bdw/s640/DSC_0303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Finely chop your onions and add to the mix, and squeeze in the lime juice, keeping it on a lowish heat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmne4Uqhe4o/UlVlJsTvduI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/h3Yjl2Mipcs/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmne4Uqhe4o/UlVlJsTvduI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/h3Yjl2Mipcs/s640/DSC_0305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ2UlgHomNg/UlVl7FKburI/AAAAAAAAE-g/X7m_nqMB2tQ/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ2UlgHomNg/UlVl7FKburI/AAAAAAAAE-g/X7m_nqMB2tQ/s640/DSC_0308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLw7XdaSzy8/UlVmjyJ-okI/AAAAAAAAE-w/GB83c33dqXE/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLw7XdaSzy8/UlVmjyJ-okI/AAAAAAAAE-w/GB83c33dqXE/s640/DSC_0310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Shred your roast/rotisserie chicken (great use for leftovers) and throw it in, stir fry for a minute or so and then add the stock...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMLKj7N6Uo/UlVnyGYZOKI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/m8ZAWFQehMU/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMLKj7N6Uo/UlVnyGYZOKI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/m8ZAWFQehMU/s640/DSC_0314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7BbkuWn4Y/UlVpKiqfrxI/AAAAAAAAE_w/fl4FeCDwHRQ/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TM7BbkuWn4Y/UlVpKiqfrxI/AAAAAAAAE_w/fl4FeCDwHRQ/s640/DSC_0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...which looks like disgusting greyish jelly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocM36px_OAU/UlVp9HQmy_I/AAAAAAAAFAA/Rkp7Bw2GiyU/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocM36px_OAU/UlVp9HQmy_I/AAAAAAAAFAA/Rkp7Bw2GiyU/s640/DSC_0320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Once the stock has melted in add your chopped coriander and around a pint of boiling water and give it a good stir.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITppXH6mrP8/UlVrFM3YvBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/uash_VytvWc/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITppXH6mrP8/UlVrFM3YvBI/AAAAAAAAFAc/uash_VytvWc/s640/DSC_0323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mipHezVoyG4/UlVrNISOyiI/AAAAAAAAFAk/hN3wJNccIeM/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mipHezVoyG4/UlVrNISOyiI/AAAAAAAAFAk/hN3wJNccIeM/s640/DSC_0324.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmYx2qjHzEM/UlVrQt2w-FI/AAAAAAAAFAs/O8H7o4KozB0/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wmYx2qjHzEM/UlVrQt2w-FI/AAAAAAAAFAs/O8H7o4KozB0/s640/DSC_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Just before you want to eat it throw in the noodles (if you're going to freeze it I recommend leaving the noodles out until you want to eat it. No one likes a soggy noodle...).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGcMe-fG3Bk/UlVsNVWebgI/AAAAAAAAFA8/3JpJV8lVJyk/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGcMe-fG3Bk/UlVsNVWebgI/AAAAAAAAFA8/3JpJV8lVJyk/s640/DSC_0327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Wait until they're cooked, and serve. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Duk0fDSvnYE/UlVs9bpjrmI/AAAAAAAAFBM/81CPnFqT6dE/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Duk0fDSvnYE/UlVs9bpjrmI/AAAAAAAAFBM/81CPnFqT6dE/s640/DSC_0329.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Garnish with some chopped spring onion, and apply to face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I715fi0s7Bk/UlVuiRV6pRI/AAAAAAAAFB0/gUFScDq42LE/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I715fi0s7Bk/UlVuiRV6pRI/AAAAAAAAFB0/gUFScDq42LE/s640/DSC_0334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Consider your cockles warmed my friend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You're welcome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-4983985477102386512013-09-22T13:27:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:18:12.580-07:00How To Get Hired, or Life After GraduationMy name's Polly and I am an unemployed graduate.<br />
<br />
Around three months ago I was thrust from the loving comfort of my University life into what older friends and relatives like to call 'The Real World'. "You're in the Real World now!" they'll say, sagely nodding over their Earl Grey while you send off your 387th job application or update your CV, again. The same CV that has been rewritten every day since you left uni, because you've suddenly noticed how many times you've used the word 'enthusiastic' or mentioned your 'excellent team working skills'. <br />
<br />
I am, quite frankly, exhausted by it. My phone pings with emails from job search sites about unsuitable jobs - that is between the emails and phone calls from recruiters asking if I have considered a career in recruitment. Or recruitment <i>for</i> recruitment. Which means there are people out there, recruiting for recruiters, for recruitment. It's unbearable. I drink 500 cups of coffee a day as I restart my computer again because, after 3 years of endless essay's and googling miniature pigs in tea-cups, several of the letters on my keyboard - handily most of the ones in my name, and therefore email addresses - give up on me at 10 minute intervals.<br />
<br />
Then there are my friends. This would all be slightly more bearable were there others in my position, but it seems that, somehow, everyone I've ever met has managed to get employed by Goldman Sachs or a similar fortune 500 graduate scheme that's going to pay them 5 million pounds a year and give them a jaguar because, despite the fact that they've spent the past 3 years with their head either in a toilet or at the end of a beer funnel, they've suddenly blossomed into the most talented young people on the planet. I've watched my number of facebook friends fall rapidly away as I cull anyone posting proud status' about how they've got their 'dream job aaaaaaaah omg so excited #suitandtie #firstday #thatsrightpollyeveryonebutyou'.<br />
<br />
So I'm writing a seven step survival guide, if not for anyone but myself.<br />
<br />
<u>Step 1</u><br />
Pamper yourself every now and again. Take some time to relax, or when potential jobs do call you they will sense your stress and desperation as you chatter desperately that you'd be great if someone, ANYONE would just give you a chance! Have a bath and a glass of wine. Or two.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Step 2</u><br />
Avoid, at all costs, family events. "How's the job hunt pol" when asked by the 50th person is likely to be answered solely with hand gestures. If you have to go, keep the wine at hand. Joke about separation anxiety from uni life if people question it.<br />
<br />
<u>Step 3</u><br />
Find a hobby. Needlecraft. Taxidermy. Exercise if you really must. Wine Tasting.<br />
<u> </u><br />
<u>Step 4</u><br />
Work on your CV. Both on its presentation and on its content. If you can't find relevant experience do some charity work. Charity events usually have wine.<br />
<br />
<u>Step 5</u><br />
Go to each interview as if you don't really need the job. Panic beforehand, as it will make you prepare better, but on the day be the embodiment of confident charm. Nothing says confident like ordering wine for you and your future boss. <br />
<br />
<u>Step 6</u><br />
When you're feeling stressed take time to appreciate things you can do because you don't have a job. Okay, so you're too poor to do anything that interesting, but you can wake up late to the sound of birdsong. You can spend all day on facebook (if you have any friends left after the cull). You can drink wine at lunch. <br />
<u> </u><br />
<u> Step 7</u><br />
Wine. <u> </u>Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-33685988214386783262013-09-20T09:07:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:19:10.559-07:00Callum's feeling 22...It may seem as though most of my blog is dedicated to birthdays. It's starting to seem this way to me too, but I couldn't not write about my wonderful Callum turning 22 - and doing it in style with a good old fashioned English rainy barbecue.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLaxz12uZ0/Ujwz_IUMNDI/AAAAAAAAED0/tOcSOTxruh4/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaLaxz12uZ0/Ujwz_IUMNDI/AAAAAAAAED0/tOcSOTxruh4/s640/DSC_0110.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Gazebo party! Callum and family whipped up an amazing barbecue feast, and there were many cocktails (I may have helped out with this part) and live music courtesy of 'All the Clever Lines'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_yNnjLLEfw/UjwVDiczJxI/AAAAAAAADe0/ZgtBcTC2-S4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_yNnjLLEfw/UjwVDiczJxI/AAAAAAAADe0/ZgtBcTC2-S4/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gr1_ifKNkI/UjwfR_rH6jI/AAAAAAAADiA/0Xf8mV5DMqU/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gr1_ifKNkI/UjwfR_rH6jI/AAAAAAAADiA/0Xf8mV5DMqU/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVeXeMXQ_7U/UjwdsvYYYGI/AAAAAAAADhg/-HpQ5rJntpY/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVeXeMXQ_7U/UjwdsvYYYGI/AAAAAAAADhg/-HpQ5rJntpY/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They may be a band made up of family friends, but they're not your typical dad-band. They're pretty darn good, and had us all standing out in the rain all night, without minding a bit. They even let Callum have a go, which actually wasn't the disaster we were expecting from his previous karaoke dalliances *cough high school musical*.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4H18EyHO0_Y/Ujw4KMg9jpI/AAAAAAAAEj0/9zX3X6bbjv4/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4H18EyHO0_Y/Ujw4KMg9jpI/AAAAAAAAEj0/9zX3X6bbjv4/s640/DSC_0134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Special mention also has to go out to the other band who formed specially to perform their own interpretation of Taylor Swift's '22'...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHGRJUJ-ECM/UjwoCgBcf8I/AAAAAAAADlc/EJlkq8Xl8gg/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHGRJUJ-ECM/UjwoCgBcf8I/AAAAAAAADlc/EJlkq8Xl8gg/s640/DSC_0066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...and Callum's incredible speech (written by me and McGuigan, filled with awkward stories and inappropriate poetry).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhd2aUhcYxM/Ujws-XrMHRI/AAAAAAAADng/uEF3j1G_IF8/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhd2aUhcYxM/Ujws-XrMHRI/AAAAAAAADng/uEF3j1G_IF8/s640/DSC_0087.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M4u0MSz8xg/UjwtX-84rrI/AAAAAAAADno/y7BUJnTx_jM/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M4u0MSz8xg/UjwtX-84rrI/AAAAAAAADno/y7BUJnTx_jM/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite birthday traditions...apart from the cocktails and cake, obviously. I might leave you with a recipe or two at the end, after a few more snaps from the night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wkDq12BgRY/UjwWwWWRQFI/AAAAAAAADfY/gLuOqyPbMF0/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9wkDq12BgRY/UjwWwWWRQFI/AAAAAAAADfY/gLuOqyPbMF0/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qp55rA_U8O0/UjwXELB58UI/AAAAAAAADfg/vS1YQYAo_xw/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qp55rA_U8O0/UjwXELB58UI/AAAAAAAADfg/vS1YQYAo_xw/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erQ9Odxku6o/UjwYikhDubI/AAAAAAAADf4/cUYXn4YzvVk/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-erQ9Odxku6o/UjwYikhDubI/AAAAAAAADf4/cUYXn4YzvVk/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Sweet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHhwdQxKTHU/UjwZmLJUUQI/AAAAAAAADgQ/mB5ovpxlqWs/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHhwdQxKTHU/UjwZmLJUUQI/AAAAAAAADgQ/mB5ovpxlqWs/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best fondue ever. Made inside the bread. OMG. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqBVJiTwSiY/UjwZmRW5fnI/AAAAAAAADgU/z0gipU4NdaU/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqBVJiTwSiY/UjwZmRW5fnI/AAAAAAAADgU/z0gipU4NdaU/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8KEWHSld4o/UjwdX5eKf6I/AAAAAAAADhY/EzYetpyayS8/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8KEWHSld4o/UjwdX5eKf6I/AAAAAAAADhY/EzYetpyayS8/s640/DSC_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2myA2L7cE4/UjwkO3MymSI/AAAAAAAADj4/JDOb3t27b1U/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2myA2L7cE4/UjwkO3MymSI/AAAAAAAADj4/JDOb3t27b1U/s640/DSC_0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoyaRQIY0fM/Ujwi6lOLakI/AAAAAAAADjc/1PY2vFkEUZY/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoyaRQIY0fM/Ujwi6lOLakI/AAAAAAAADjc/1PY2vFkEUZY/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feler5l66bI/UjwkxtIQu2I/AAAAAAAADkI/QeViWOh7i0w/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feler5l66bI/UjwkxtIQu2I/AAAAAAAADkI/QeViWOh7i0w/s640/DSC_0056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese-gasm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1hv719g6lI/UjwlLevHR3I/AAAAAAAADkY/jubS3nmOpLg/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1hv719g6lI/UjwlLevHR3I/AAAAAAAADkY/jubS3nmOpLg/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XD645msQ8A/UjwmgC7FeVI/AAAAAAAADk4/9uLEgwGJ1mk/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XD645msQ8A/UjwmgC7FeVI/AAAAAAAADk4/9uLEgwGJ1mk/s640/DSC_0062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0SV6bJgcZA/Ujwnmjiow9I/AAAAAAAADlU/Fb5tZ-Zl6LM/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0SV6bJgcZA/Ujwnmjiow9I/AAAAAAAADlU/Fb5tZ-Zl6LM/s640/DSC_0064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom Selfies. Had to be done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2WhsaVPYo8/Ujwpd4269wI/AAAAAAAADmE/CQ7sosMfdjc/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A2WhsaVPYo8/Ujwpd4269wI/AAAAAAAADmE/CQ7sosMfdjc/s640/DSC_0071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9BBQ--j3cs/UjwpFcxnVtI/AAAAAAAADl0/sc_HYu9W24c/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9BBQ--j3cs/UjwpFcxnVtI/AAAAAAAADl0/sc_HYu9W24c/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jN6duLWZxA/UjwrNcpUhfI/AAAAAAAADmw/eerLvcSGin4/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4jN6duLWZxA/UjwrNcpUhfI/AAAAAAAADmw/eerLvcSGin4/s640/DSC_0081.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V42Ac042i2w/UjwsEcoWbvI/AAAAAAAADnI/lnvu1QEdvzM/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V42Ac042i2w/UjwsEcoWbvI/AAAAAAAADnI/lnvu1QEdvzM/s640/DSC_0083.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the most photogenic people ever, Mark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvcGphkJV9E/Ujwv3E_15GI/AAAAAAAADos/sF8oNFRzDdM/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvcGphkJV9E/Ujwv3E_15GI/AAAAAAAADos/sF8oNFRzDdM/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyvlBS8vjg8/UjwT5oTG6lI/AAAAAAAADeU/oR9eysgd_Kg/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyvlBS8vjg8/UjwT5oTG6lI/AAAAAAAADeU/oR9eysgd_Kg/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YorQhzwMVQg/UjwwFAcMF3I/AAAAAAAADo0/9XwUcV9QYA4/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YorQhzwMVQg/UjwwFAcMF3I/AAAAAAAADo0/9XwUcV9QYA4/s640/DSC_0100.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVKr3jS995k/Ujwx5RUiBDI/AAAAAAAADqM/YLbLQ6GeeLA/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVKr3jS995k/Ujwx5RUiBDI/AAAAAAAADqM/YLbLQ6GeeLA/s640/DSC_0106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6v1GidLBfA/Ujwy1ZW7HAI/AAAAAAAAD1k/kuHBST2cMB4/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6v1GidLBfA/Ujwy1ZW7HAI/AAAAAAAAD1k/kuHBST2cMB4/s640/DSC_0108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEHgoWDAy_w/Ujwz48BoEzI/AAAAAAAAECk/GknzwnsodLM/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEHgoWDAy_w/Ujwz48BoEzI/AAAAAAAAECk/GknzwnsodLM/s640/DSC_0113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0SGJIpgMk/Ujw0yspFDbI/AAAAAAAAENQ/m5n-_PmQwu8/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eo0SGJIpgMk/Ujw0yspFDbI/AAAAAAAAENQ/m5n-_PmQwu8/s640/DSC_0116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8h74YJJuqs/Ujw2qWsALwI/AAAAAAAAEfM/h7k1SBp_Yvc/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8h74YJJuqs/Ujw2qWsALwI/AAAAAAAAEfM/h7k1SBp_Yvc/s640/DSC_0122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_nxy_Vq9QA/Ujw3N3n_RNI/AAAAAAAAEi4/vaCT0sqyT2w/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_nxy_Vq9QA/Ujw3N3n_RNI/AAAAAAAAEi4/vaCT0sqyT2w/s640/DSC_0125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMCakk7CKiY/Ujw5KVFJLjI/AAAAAAAAEkY/6tYsxiTpUgA/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMCakk7CKiY/Ujw5KVFJLjI/AAAAAAAAEkY/6tYsxiTpUgA/s640/DSC_0140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twerking. I think...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IriwBEFjfJ8/Ujw79os7gmI/AAAAAAAAElY/ncze5hp0O_4/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IriwBEFjfJ8/Ujw79os7gmI/AAAAAAAAElY/ncze5hp0O_4/s640/DSC_0149.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03VBLcGoAao/UjxAIybZ_TI/AAAAAAAAEm8/s7QssFI1ACk/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03VBLcGoAao/UjxAIybZ_TI/AAAAAAAAEm8/s7QssFI1ACk/s640/DSC_0164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUeuip2g76Q/UjxDg3fx0KI/AAAAAAAAEoM/9AK2HIkkLVA/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUeuip2g76Q/UjxDg3fx0KI/AAAAAAAAEoM/9AK2HIkkLVA/s640/DSC_0175.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callum's interests are apparently quite well known...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1up4CJIFd0/UjxJlD5fDWI/AAAAAAAAEqU/q8iN9UH4G3k/s1600/DSC_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1up4CJIFd0/UjxJlD5fDWI/AAAAAAAAEqU/q8iN9UH4G3k/s640/DSC_0199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dQDYHYmmpM/UjxJPeWasDI/AAAAAAAAEqM/UvDCUYalAsM/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dQDYHYmmpM/UjxJPeWasDI/AAAAAAAAEqM/UvDCUYalAsM/s640/DSC_0201.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfADUZsBKTk/UjxKkXvMMOI/AAAAAAAAEqs/fV_iazXaAQc/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfADUZsBKTk/UjxKkXvMMOI/AAAAAAAAEqs/fV_iazXaAQc/s640/DSC_0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-999mQGNITeA/UjxNTk8xpDI/AAAAAAAAEr4/4MvPU8tcizU/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-999mQGNITeA/UjxNTk8xpDI/AAAAAAAAEr4/4MvPU8tcizU/s640/DSC_0225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkaLyAvlCz8/UjxNCKiDPzI/AAAAAAAAErs/SQFKtrRnYew/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkaLyAvlCz8/UjxNCKiDPzI/AAAAAAAAErs/SQFKtrRnYew/s640/DSC_0216.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Callum is one of my favourite people in the world, and his party, despite being slightly damp, was amazing. Big thanks to the Thomas family and everyone else involved. Hope you're having an amazing time in Amsterdam Cal!<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Bar</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e90d2LwUQUU/Uj80eOnUEsI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Pthzv1bKPd8/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e90d2LwUQUU/Uj80eOnUEsI/AAAAAAAAEsQ/Pthzv1bKPd8/s640/131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
The amazingly well stocked bar. I ended up going off menu for most of the night, but I like how fancy the board looked. You can find the recipe for the ginger and lemongrass martini's <a href="http://pollys-journal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/the-perfect-summer-martinis.html">here</a>. I'm going to give you some fab shot recipes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Red White and Blue Shots</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdIEAhtKkFA/UjwT8lS5k-I/AAAAAAAADec/YmPI-7PsvUQ/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdIEAhtKkFA/UjwT8lS5k-I/AAAAAAAADec/YmPI-7PsvUQ/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are so simple, and make you look like a pro. All it takes is grenadine, blue curacao, and either vodka or sambuca. I used vodka, because sambuca is awful in my opinion. Pour a bit of grenadine in each glass, then pour the curacao down a spoon sitting just on top of the red layer, then the vodka/sambuca down the spoon on top of the blue layer. Pour slowly so they don't mix, and the different densities mean they'll sit one on top of the other (I think if you use sambuca it will sit in the middle, where vodka sits on top). Easy Peasy.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Brain Haemorrhages</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
These shots look amazing. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, but they should look like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cache.winetimes.co/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/10/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://cache.winetimes.co/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/10/brain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
(Credit <a href="http://cache.winetimes.co/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/10/brain.jpg">here</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
How I make them:<br />
<br />
Fill a shot glass about 2/3 full with sambuca. Using a bar spoon, dribble Bailey's onto the top (to get the brain effect do it in a few drops). Then pour in using a speed pour. You want a quick drop so it pulls down the Bailey's a bit with it (if you don't have a speed pour put a bit on a spoon and then drop it in from a height, it has the same effect). These are definitely going to be whipped out at halloween - maybe with some blue curacao to make them 'Alien Brain Haemorrhages...<br />
<br />
I learnt a very similar shot in South Africa that uses Frangelico and Amarula (no grenadine), stomach-churningly called the Soweto Toilet (eugh), but it is delicious, and, if you have the ingredients should definitely be tried. <br />
<br />
Happy Shotting!Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-35142441365784195412013-09-13T03:46:00.002-07:002013-10-20T13:21:20.311-07:00Tuxes and Top HatsWhat's better than a fancy party in a big marquee with an unlimited supply of champagne and cosmopolitans? Pretty much nothing.<br />
Except doing the above in a variety of ridiculous hats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfaK_A-CERA/Ui3dS3UQriI/AAAAAAAADWc/PNduDe0JhY0/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfaK_A-CERA/Ui3dS3UQriI/AAAAAAAADWc/PNduDe0JhY0/s640/DSC_0326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My beautiful cousin Lucy turned 21 recently. Well, about a month ago, but it was celebrated recently with an almighty bash, themed 'Black Tie and Hats'. I'm not really a head-wear gal, and as such was at a bit of a loss. I opted for the 'drunk american' look with a Jack Daniels cowboy stunner that appeared one morning at University. Unfortunately everyone else went for a slightly classier vibe.<br />
<br />
Everyone except Ed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57WcehLzK1o/Ui3bImRZUFI/AAAAAAAADVw/RlgRrUzzNX8/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57WcehLzK1o/Ui3bImRZUFI/AAAAAAAADVw/RlgRrUzzNX8/s640/DSC_0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Is that a peacock feather and leopard print adorned pimp hat? Yes. Yes it is. Did he take every opportunity to pimp-pose? Yes. Yes. He. Did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg7_WTuGagA/Ui3dLQzQf3I/AAAAAAAADWU/GPasV5hpHDo/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg7_WTuGagA/Ui3dLQzQf3I/AAAAAAAADWU/GPasV5hpHDo/s640/DSC_0325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMPQav6ED_Q/Ui3geDd3PtI/AAAAAAAADXw/sB03jD0GHhs/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMPQav6ED_Q/Ui3geDd3PtI/AAAAAAAADXw/sB03jD0GHhs/s640/DSC_0339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1td2HJmcu0/Ui3mHsHvu6I/AAAAAAAADZw/hUM88dtlYLA/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1td2HJmcu0/Ui3mHsHvu6I/AAAAAAAADZw/hUM88dtlYLA/s640/DSC_0364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Typical Welshman, drink in each hand. Apparently it was contagious...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfXlCit19E/Ui3lrrHDfwI/AAAAAAAADZg/r06FDYcBhHI/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNfXlCit19E/Ui3lrrHDfwI/AAAAAAAADZg/r06FDYcBhHI/s640/DSC_0363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Not to mention bad for the dignity. Expensive Steve Madden heels were ruined and quickly abandoned to avoid face-planting on the dance floor (a fate poor Lucy failed to avoid - but on ones 21st birthday it is your right to fall over as much as you like without judgement). Lucy was certainly, even inebriated, the belle of the ball.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8XcZRxmfcI/Ui3jwBkrplI/AAAAAAAADY4/imPgyRgtex4/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8XcZRxmfcI/Ui3jwBkrplI/AAAAAAAADY4/imPgyRgtex4/s640/DSC_0356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Definite hat envy. And dress envy. And tear-inducing-proud-father-speech envy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WS7zoLNtSvg/Ui3fYdUST5I/AAAAAAAADXQ/mFnp76CFsKI/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WS7zoLNtSvg/Ui3fYdUST5I/AAAAAAAADXQ/mFnp76CFsKI/s640/DSC_0332.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gySrazFnjDU/Ui3egXOjuKI/AAAAAAAADW8/LGcZIWWeknw/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gySrazFnjDU/Ui3egXOjuKI/AAAAAAAADW8/LGcZIWWeknw/s640/DSC_0330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The party was incredible, as we all expected. Great music, great food (dear god the canapés!) and more drinks than you could shake your flat-cap at. So I think it earned some awards...<br />
<br />
<u>Best Hat</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aE0r2jnxlP0/Ui3p31o25uI/AAAAAAAADbM/bg65XbsU4Gg/s1600/DSC_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aE0r2jnxlP0/Ui3p31o25uI/AAAAAAAADbM/bg65XbsU4Gg/s640/DSC_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Obviously the birthday girl.<br />
<br />
<u>Best Drunk-Eye</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19u5KWIULzo/Ui3q2IwXD_I/AAAAAAAADbc/4RBQq73gSfQ/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19u5KWIULzo/Ui3q2IwXD_I/AAAAAAAADbc/4RBQq73gSfQ/s640/DSC_0384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Amanda, you truly earned this.<br />
<br />
<u>Best Outrageous Dance Moves</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGrjaGpEJ7k/Ui3jvi2apWI/AAAAAAAADYw/kCifN-Q5Qz8/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oGrjaGpEJ7k/Ui3jvi2apWI/AAAAAAAADYw/kCifN-Q5Qz8/s640/DSC_0354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3sKXFItAzg/Ui3jUk-FHWI/AAAAAAAADYo/exKEwFXpIFQ/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3sKXFItAzg/Ui3jUk-FHWI/AAAAAAAADYo/exKEwFXpIFQ/s640/DSC_0353.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Vo-LHt8ko/Ui3vJihSudI/AAAAAAAADdQ/smfV0YhbYlI/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5Vo-LHt8ko/Ui3vJihSudI/AAAAAAAADdQ/smfV0YhbYlI/s640/DSC_0402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This had to be a three-way tie. Will and Lucy, your efforts were outstanding. But I couldn't let my Dad lose his 'Worst Dancer in the World' title. His enthusiasm is unshakable, as is his dedication to jumping a lot and jazz hands.<br />
<br />
<u>Most Drinks Spilled/Most Inappropriate When Drunk</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1236161_10152188679748626_2068884105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1236161_10152188679748626_2068884105_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nicholas. Spilling drinks and smashing glasses? Check. Inappropriate soliciting of his big sisters friends? Check. Passing out in the garden for a while? Check.<br />
<br />
He should also win something for his chat-up lines, which I think went along the lines of 'you might as well'...<br />
<br />
Top Lad.<br />
<br />
Big thank you to my wonderful extended family. Everyone had an amazing time thanks to your hospitality, generosity and general amazing-ness. Happy Birthday Lucy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8GRu8iOz9g/Ui3hc8jZ8wI/AAAAAAAADYA/qlDRntyqbgw/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8GRu8iOz9g/Ui3hc8jZ8wI/AAAAAAAADYA/qlDRntyqbgw/s640/DSC_0343.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-85696843842211558362013-08-13T05:52:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:22:14.360-07:00Pro Picnic-ing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkgg4nngm5A/UgoRaZty9aI/AAAAAAAADOA/MtmoGKlzM28/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkgg4nngm5A/UgoRaZty9aI/AAAAAAAADOA/MtmoGKlzM28/s640/DSC_0289.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's rare that my friend Craig and I are in the same place at the same time, and so we see each other maybe once a year at most. We both happened to be in Salisbury however, and so we decided to celebrate with a picnic by the Cathedral, which is one of my favourite places in the world. Now you can't half-arse a picnic by Salisbury Cathedral - it deserves so much more - so I spent the afternoon rustling up some fancy treats for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.thelondoner.me/2013/04/kali-spera-feta-dip.html">The Londoner's Kali Spera Feta Dip</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I love The Londoner. It's my favourite blog - her recipes are brilliant and I'm completely addicted. I decided to give her feta dip a go, and once again I was not disappointed. It's so simple, just whiz up some feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme and a pinch of salt and dig in! You can find the exact recipe on her blog by the link above.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rBpn5qAuC4/UgoQzQKs8cI/AAAAAAAADN4/7ETJffrXVQA/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rBpn5qAuC4/UgoQzQKs8cI/AAAAAAAADN4/7ETJffrXVQA/s640/DSC_0286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7GdGv_aP-k/UgoRbYyT9dI/AAAAAAAADOI/GtYUzAFAh-U/s1600/DSC_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7GdGv_aP-k/UgoRbYyT9dI/AAAAAAAADOI/GtYUzAFAh-U/s640/DSC_0288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I served it with some celery and cucumber sticks and some hunks of sourdough bread.<br />
<br />
2. Sea Bass Ceviche<br />
<br />
The wonderful Londoner also has a recipe for this, but it's the simplest thing in the world and I tend to just wing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0gAkLEClp4/UgoPutRWxBI/AAAAAAAADNY/R2VRLKWa7KM/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0gAkLEClp4/UgoPutRWxBI/AAAAAAAADNY/R2VRLKWa7KM/s640/DSC_0281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I juiced 2 lemons and a lime, grated a chilli and chopped a handful of coriander and threw it together with a good pinch of sea salt. For the fish I used 2 sea bass fillets, but tuna is also really good, as long as it's super fresh. Just remove the skin, slice into thin strips and mix into the juice/sauce. Then cover and leave in the fridge for a few hours. The citrus juice 'cooks' the fish and you're left with tangy, spicy, deliciousness. Throw in some avocado just before you serve it and bobs your uncle, Ceviche! I love ceviche, I discovered it in Peru where it's kind of a national dish and became a bit obsessed. It's perfect for picnics and barbeques too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGjZV4Vgg0/UgoQpa1wnhI/AAAAAAAADNw/zBU-phlLzNs/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGjZV4Vgg0/UgoQpa1wnhI/AAAAAAAADNw/zBU-phlLzNs/s640/DSC_0285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Blindin' Bellinis!<br />
<br />
This was by far my favourite part (obviously). I did the peaches beforehand as it's pretty messy. You need 3 or 4 really ripe ones, so you can smush them (technical term) through a sieve and collect the juice. I didn't take pictures. Just picture some smushed up peaches. Go on...<br />
<br />
You're not actually allowed to drink alcohol on the cathedral grounds so after we did NOT see how high we could pop the cork we did NOT put a bit of puree in the bottom of a glass and then top with prosecco. We certainly did NOT repeat this process throughout the evening, especially NOT with a second bottle.<br />
Wink.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeE0XWxDK68/UgoT5AqTQbI/AAAAAAAADPM/yLjWoSYyVUE/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeE0XWxDK68/UgoT5AqTQbI/AAAAAAAADPM/yLjWoSYyVUE/s640/DSC_0297.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We also had the usual spread of olives, prosciutto, cherries, strawberries...<br />
<br />
At night the Cathedral is lit up from underneath, and looks a bit haunted, but still very beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLQjv0uelME/UgoUzgQ3dPI/AAAAAAAADPo/AY3_3M8f6vQ/s1600/DSC_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLQjv0uelME/UgoUzgQ3dPI/AAAAAAAADPo/AY3_3M8f6vQ/s640/DSC_0310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You can see why I like it so much. When I was a Salisbury shop-girl (incidentally how Craig and I met) I used to come and sit here on my lunch breaks and people watch all the tourists. It's so peaceful, even when it's heaving. Perfect for giggling your way through a catch-up with an old friend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JciOO8ELl8c/UgoTAdN9cbI/AAAAAAAADOo/3egK7qNLsAw/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JciOO8ELl8c/UgoTAdN9cbI/AAAAAAAADOo/3egK7qNLsAw/s640/DSC_0294.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7Gb6zU-vKg/UgoUqHmw7XI/AAAAAAAADPY/nxz0smytR4E/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7Gb6zU-vKg/UgoUqHmw7XI/AAAAAAAADPY/nxz0smytR4E/s640/DSC_0305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Oh hey there James Bond...</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-61664132091696477362013-07-28T10:33:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:23:23.055-07:00The Mad Hatter's Tea Party<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> There was a table set out under a tree in front of the house, and the March Hare and the Hatter were having tea at it: a Dormouse was sitting between them, fast asleep, and the other two were using it as a cushion, resting their elbows on it, and talking over its head. 'Very uncomfortable for the Dormouse,' thought Alice; 'only as it's asleep, I suppose it doesn't mind.'</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> The table was a large one, but the three were all crowded together at one corner of it: 'No room! No room!' they cried when they saw Alice coming. 'There's plenty of room!' said Alice indignantly, and she sat down in a large arm-chair at one end of the table.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> 'Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone. </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8eiBcDJPdw/UfVFQeQ_tBI/AAAAAAAADGs/64_Us2wWySs/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8eiBcDJPdw/UfVFQeQ_tBI/AAAAAAAADGs/64_Us2wWySs/s640/DSC_0088.JPG" width="426" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I've had a life-long love affair with <i>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</i>, and so when the invitation to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party dropped through my (facebook) letterbox I could not have been more excited. The party was for a friends birthday, and she did not disappoint on the theme. There was croquet with flamingo mallets covers, cocktails in tea cups, and an assortment of mad hats. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBP8f9NHte0/UfU4VWgKKLI/AAAAAAAADDM/HVTe-YSP87o/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBP8f9NHte0/UfU4VWgKKLI/AAAAAAAADDM/HVTe-YSP87o/s640/DSC_0079.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KayBjsR5ZLc/UfU4kYlEKjI/AAAAAAAADDU/eNCayc-dgp0/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KayBjsR5ZLc/UfU4kYlEKjI/AAAAAAAADDU/eNCayc-dgp0/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WB5-S0Fq2g0/UfU3MWTeblI/AAAAAAAADCs/NWPzmnioaFg/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WB5-S0Fq2g0/UfU3MWTeblI/AAAAAAAADCs/NWPzmnioaFg/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4enOfLfL6oc/UfU5NPtxODI/AAAAAAAADDk/9lagO9U2Hk8/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4enOfLfL6oc/UfU5NPtxODI/AAAAAAAADDk/9lagO9U2Hk8/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6C7Z5ZbxdE/UfU4_DqCObI/AAAAAAAADDc/r5FK_d2sjZ4/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6C7Z5ZbxdE/UfU4_DqCObI/AAAAAAAADDc/r5FK_d2sjZ4/s640/DSC_0091.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gIF4i1-GE6o/UfVKQj8P3wI/AAAAAAAADG8/a10LrTw_h-Y/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gIF4i1-GE6o/UfVKQj8P3wI/AAAAAAAADG8/a10LrTw_h-Y/s640/DSC_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZJtsn7tCd4/UfVKWhuConI/AAAAAAAADHE/Tp38PiEeN0Y/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZJtsn7tCd4/UfVKWhuConI/AAAAAAAADHE/Tp38PiEeN0Y/s640/DSC_0094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My ridiculous head-gear was home-made, painstakingly hand-painted the night before, only to remember my lack of artistic talent, and swiftly covered in feathers...(the effort paid off though, and I came home with the prize for the best hat!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCh8KHjojhg/UfVAYpxWFQI/AAAAAAAADGg/-ZA8jgP0xAc/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MCh8KHjojhg/UfVAYpxWFQI/AAAAAAAADGg/-ZA8jgP0xAc/s640/DSC_0258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately in true British style the weather quickly turned sour with torrential rain, and so the garden party was relocated into the house, which could only mean one thing: Party Games! Like Pin the Grin on the Cheshire Cat... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tqJTWS1eAk/UfU6GjlNlTI/AAAAAAAADD8/GwnFo-wZ084/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tqJTWS1eAk/UfU6GjlNlTI/AAAAAAAADD8/GwnFo-wZ084/s640/DSC_0119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzeKwi1r4fk/UfU6lsGS3YI/AAAAAAAADEE/mdKafBV8-qE/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzeKwi1r4fk/UfU6lsGS3YI/AAAAAAAADEE/mdKafBV8-qE/s640/DSC_0123.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some were better at it than others...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWtdr2EiqZo/UfU63FplFoI/AAAAAAAADEM/N9YfcJ_LDts/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWtdr2EiqZo/UfU63FplFoI/AAAAAAAADEM/N9YfcJ_LDts/s640/DSC_0126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGS3Tr1lidc/UfU7OvbtdYI/AAAAAAAADEU/5WKYlzo9zRs/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGS3Tr1lidc/UfU7OvbtdYI/AAAAAAAADEU/5WKYlzo9zRs/s640/DSC_0127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And the (potentially a bit racist?) 'Be Your Hat Game'...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeXKZZWDp4A/UfU3PJuGKTI/AAAAAAAADC0/ly0MiWhee54/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeXKZZWDp4A/UfU3PJuGKTI/AAAAAAAADC0/ly0MiWhee54/s640/DSC_0063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-GeMKJrsA/UfU-yE040wI/AAAAAAAADFw/prF53rnY2Mg/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX-GeMKJrsA/UfU-yE040wI/AAAAAAAADFw/prF53rnY2Mg/s640/DSC_0232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51WQcwbVMos/UfU_N33P1TI/AAAAAAAADF4/9iR2Gl06pF8/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51WQcwbVMos/UfU_N33P1TI/AAAAAAAADF4/9iR2Gl06pF8/s640/DSC_0234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmra1NG6RxU/UfU_Xz5Ka-I/AAAAAAAADGA/9TQSN64ZjUk/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hmra1NG6RxU/UfU_Xz5Ka-I/AAAAAAAADGA/9TQSN64ZjUk/s640/DSC_0235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XE-xV8MgzFA/UfVAHEfhLfI/AAAAAAAADGQ/XARzlI-RX0Q/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XE-xV8MgzFA/UfVAHEfhLfI/AAAAAAAADGQ/XARzlI-RX0Q/s640/DSC_0249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64DtFby0FRo/UfVAPt4d1nI/AAAAAAAADGY/g9HmPduXpxQ/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64DtFby0FRo/UfVAPt4d1nI/AAAAAAAADGY/g9HmPduXpxQ/s640/DSC_0251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Followed by many more cocktails, and a pretty fab tea selection of mini afternoon tea staples.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RseC0ACYJk/UfU6BWFye0I/AAAAAAAADD0/sIhOREKtQVc/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RseC0ACYJk/UfU6BWFye0I/AAAAAAAADD0/sIhOREKtQVc/s640/DSC_0118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cziT1EjzfiE/UfU-QhqqAiI/AAAAAAAADFg/NTadUXAoaXA/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cziT1EjzfiE/UfU-QhqqAiI/AAAAAAAADFg/NTadUXAoaXA/s640/DSC_0218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And, of course, birthday cake and champagne!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCjwhGF91gs/UfU82xr1qaI/AAAAAAAADE8/y_zFVJdtdkY/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCjwhGF91gs/UfU82xr1qaI/AAAAAAAADE8/y_zFVJdtdkY/s640/DSC_0193.JPG" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_JfIdPHNCM/UfU8IGCo1fI/AAAAAAAADEs/reXUc5e9k-0/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_JfIdPHNCM/UfU8IGCo1fI/AAAAAAAADEs/reXUc5e9k-0/s640/DSC_0189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrTx1kFoGlM/UfU8x7pLXaI/AAAAAAAADE0/kEBCnmvi_U8/s1600/DSC_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrTx1kFoGlM/UfU8x7pLXaI/AAAAAAAADE0/kEBCnmvi_U8/s640/DSC_0204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDYSgh3WJUM/UfU9CKNKJ1I/AAAAAAAADFE/X-KFngj0-Lk/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDYSgh3WJUM/UfU9CKNKJ1I/AAAAAAAADFE/X-KFngj0-Lk/s640/DSC_0209.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The drinks continued to flow long into the night, and everyone had an amazing time catching up on our post-uni lives and our plans for the summer. I can't wait for the next reunion. Happy Birthday Hannah!Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-8978958455929250472013-07-26T07:04:00.002-07:002013-10-20T13:24:49.378-07:00Boats. Golf. Picnics.I've been spending the last couple of weeks travelling around the country and visiting various people, and because of this I've fallen a bit behind on the old bloggin'...but I'm back!<br />
<div>
Now a lot of these trips have involved sitting around drinking wine and catching up, but occasionally we decided to actually do something with our day. Monday was one of these days, with a get-together in Warwick, with Callum, Julia and Lauren, some of my fave uni people. We were going to go to the castle, but on the way passed the park and swiftly changed our minds in favour of boats and mini golf...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ8_8-V-7Bw/UfJ05jNs31I/AAAAAAAADAE/QgPrVOuUZ84/s1600/375626_10153030279770366_970447999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ8_8-V-7Bw/UfJ05jNs31I/AAAAAAAADAE/QgPrVOuUZ84/s640/375626_10153030279770366_970447999_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Moonv-uS9Tk/UfJ2wJPls0I/AAAAAAAADBA/pW4jUHtvAmo/s1600/IMG_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Moonv-uS9Tk/UfJ2wJPls0I/AAAAAAAADBA/pW4jUHtvAmo/s640/IMG_1421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We tried our hand at a spot of rowing first (I was definitely the best...), and recited poetry as we glided softly down the river, stopping for a picnic in view of the castle. (This is all a massive exaggeration, we were truly awful, at both the poetry and the rowing...). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We quickly traded it in for mini golf, which I was equally awful at...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWjmFDRKOuM/UfJ05v7B31I/AAAAAAAADAA/5AgqbNS6pkU/s1600/%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWjmFDRKOuM/UfJ05v7B31I/AAAAAAAADAA/5AgqbNS6pkU/s640/%2523.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See that paving in the corner? That's the edge of the course. I went slightly off track...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3C-rorUnLk/UfJ4Zas0cuI/AAAAAAAADBk/ymIqtM3E_pM/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3C-rorUnLk/UfJ4Zas0cuI/AAAAAAAADBk/ymIqtM3E_pM/s640/IMG_1428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7MK_kiC6Zw/UfJ05MgCaQI/AAAAAAAAC_0/fStL6dHVSGg/s1600/1013093_10153030279280366_299896048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7MK_kiC6Zw/UfJ05MgCaQI/AAAAAAAAC_0/fStL6dHVSGg/s640/1013093_10153030279280366_299896048_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I had no right to look this smug...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB9GDGjgGIg/UfJ4csvjwyI/AAAAAAAADBs/7Hd2Q3ZO3Wc/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB9GDGjgGIg/UfJ4csvjwyI/AAAAAAAADBs/7Hd2Q3ZO3Wc/s640/IMG_1427.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Callum of course won, followed by Lauren, both showing a surprising mini-golf talent. Shockingly, I didn't come last! The beautiful Julia did - but it was pretty close...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2klUbfGF98/UfJ_I0cogMI/AAAAAAAADCY/CqlW7XBNK6c/s1600/74733_10153030278990366_754739999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2klUbfGF98/UfJ_I0cogMI/AAAAAAAADCY/CqlW7XBNK6c/s640/74733_10153030278990366_754739999_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We decided to go back to the boats, this time to try our hand at canoeing. Me and Callum were pretty good. Lauren and Julia not so much. None of us wanted to risk our cameras/phones in something so easily cap-sizable, but we did manage to get this rather fetching photo in the totally unnecessary life-jackets...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIpWsH9QWBs/UfJ07jRS3-I/AAAAAAAADAM/MUcpHPwhbjI/s1600/602699_10153030278255366_1218096661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIpWsH9QWBs/UfJ07jRS3-I/AAAAAAAADAM/MUcpHPwhbjI/s640/602699_10153030278255366_1218096661_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Beautiful right? </div>
</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-75802998270819446152013-07-14T08:01:00.002-07:002013-10-20T13:28:07.220-07:00AngleseyMy mother's side of the family comes from Anglesey, and because of this I've been coming up here at least once a year to stay with my Granny (minus the years when I lived abroad). It used to be not-so-lovingly referred to as 'Grey Land', mainly because the experience was always tainted by long car journeys covered in dogs and luggage, followed by a week of vicious wind and rain. Anglesey is not famed for its weather. In the last couple of years however I've been going up by myself and it has been entirely different. This week especially has been a definite exception, especially weather-wise. People have even been braving the chilly Irish Sea...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOG_xVMVrLA/UeKnrm8ibRI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/mHwqHIeN8HA/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOG_xVMVrLA/UeKnrm8ibRI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/mHwqHIeN8HA/s640/DSC_0108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Not me. I'm not ridiculous. I've just been taking lots of different pictures of it with my fancy new camera, and suddenly noticing how many abandoned boats there are around the Island. </div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npgGFH1-LR0/UeKny4mdCZI/AAAAAAAAC3k/PlDOGUsQDXY/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npgGFH1-LR0/UeKny4mdCZI/AAAAAAAAC3k/PlDOGUsQDXY/s640/DSC_0114.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borthwen Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I thought I'd take you on a little picture tour of my stay, and show off some of my fancy landscape shots. These were all taken around Borthwen Bay (I think, I'm pretty unsure on the names and where I end up on my walks...).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8omQHPIoao/UeKn3i1iHyI/AAAAAAAAC3s/3sbe21mcEYY/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8omQHPIoao/UeKn3i1iHyI/AAAAAAAAC3s/3sbe21mcEYY/s640/DSC_0124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These flowers are everywhere on the headlands. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIEo481-kcg/UeKn7j8Bm0I/AAAAAAAAC30/dqZQZbMtJrg/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIEo481-kcg/UeKn7j8Bm0I/AAAAAAAAC30/dqZQZbMtJrg/s640/DSC_0125.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TISEOvBzioM/UeKoC9MgH2I/AAAAAAAAC38/p8dyG9Lr04Q/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TISEOvBzioM/UeKoC9MgH2I/AAAAAAAAC38/p8dyG9Lr04Q/s640/DSC_0126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc7HOt0i_Sg/UeKoEtKHENI/AAAAAAAAC4E/Djce6cQvX-g/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc7HOt0i_Sg/UeKoEtKHENI/AAAAAAAAC4E/Djce6cQvX-g/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these little houses overlooking the beach. A lot of them are for sale or are rented out for holidays. Be warned though, this is rare Anglesey weather...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HI-bDjuDbsU/UeKoFzd_RKI/AAAAAAAAC4M/xQMvMKQQMjs/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HI-bDjuDbsU/UeKoFzd_RKI/AAAAAAAAC4M/xQMvMKQQMjs/s640/DSC_0134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3kmgyKwqw/UeKoRUYf1MI/AAAAAAAAC4c/S0iyp7c_9Fk/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3kmgyKwqw/UeKoRUYf1MI/AAAAAAAAC4c/S0iyp7c_9Fk/s640/DSC_0150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of the things I love about Anglesey are the harsh landscapes. The coast is really rugged, and we used to spend hours when we were little scrambling over the rocks, coming back with grazed knees and treasures from the rock pools.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coR-HKF87bE/UeKod9yHqyI/AAAAAAAAC5E/LHiX0GvJ5RU/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-coR-HKF87bE/UeKod9yHqyI/AAAAAAAAC5E/LHiX0GvJ5RU/s640/DSC_0162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkuJIIsZZAE/UeKojO5oviI/AAAAAAAAC5U/ceWGLTNcrxo/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkuJIIsZZAE/UeKojO5oviI/AAAAAAAAC5U/ceWGLTNcrxo/s640/DSC_0175.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 'abandoned' ship, dragged up onto the cliff. Up close it's a lovely light blue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Friday I decided to venture up Snowdon (it was incidentally the hottest day EVER!), but my camera died half-way up (a lesson I really should have learnt by now). I know that sounds like an excuse, but I did, I promise! Here's the view from halfway though...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn0aHkGoKGg/UeKoxWTto1I/AAAAAAAAC5s/2PT53w3Yiuo/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn0aHkGoKGg/UeKoxWTto1I/AAAAAAAAC5s/2PT53w3Yiuo/s640/DSC_0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1mQkwpO0hg/UeKo1L2FTvI/AAAAAAAAC58/VR8DcxbAJnY/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1mQkwpO0hg/UeKo1L2FTvI/AAAAAAAAC58/VR8DcxbAJnY/s640/DSC_0195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was sunnier than it looks, and I came back a bit sun-burnt (another lesson I should have learnt), and very tired. Luckily I was greeted at the door with an enormous Pimms from my Granny. She knows me so well...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My favourite place I only discovered this visit. Maybe it's the sunshine, but it's a bit breathtaking. Mynachdy is part of the coastal walk, but you can also access it by parking up in Llanfairynghornwy (again, I think) and walking across a field to the cliffs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jAJJpIwWRc/UeKpqRzSquI/AAAAAAAAC7g/4nNXiQW4zds/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jAJJpIwWRc/UeKpqRzSquI/AAAAAAAAC7g/4nNXiQW4zds/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You do get stared at by a lot of sheep. But it's worth it when you get to the beach...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m300-6QMrNY/UeKpD_a2vUI/AAAAAAAAC6U/K34d0d9rzwU/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m300-6QMrNY/UeKpD_a2vUI/AAAAAAAAC6U/K34d0d9rzwU/s640/DSC_0208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6kvOTjm0VI/UeKpBW1VcfI/AAAAAAAAC6M/bnvMt1aoLIE/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6kvOTjm0VI/UeKpBW1VcfI/AAAAAAAAC6M/bnvMt1aoLIE/s640/DSC_0216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This cove looked pretty enticing, and the explorer in me wanted to wade in to check it out, but a few steps in I remembered how cold it is and how expensive my camera was, and decided to check it out from the cliffs instead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jEQBg4P3qw/UeKpJVO6fNI/AAAAAAAAC6c/lSidjgjO89A/s1600/DSC_0003+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jEQBg4P3qw/UeKpJVO6fNI/AAAAAAAAC6c/lSidjgjO89A/s640/DSC_0003+%25282%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It was a pretty scary path up to here, especially with the wind blowing. Luckily the beach was deserted apart from a few kayaks, or there would have been a lot of people seeing up my dress as I scrambled up the hill. It was well worth it for the view though. I climbed to the highest point on the very edge, and could see all the way around the coast.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4x9bAOBY2Hw/UeKpLfrOl4I/AAAAAAAAC6k/tVKP5lnhUoU/s1600/DSC_0014+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4x9bAOBY2Hw/UeKpLfrOl4I/AAAAAAAAC6k/tVKP5lnhUoU/s640/DSC_0014+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFTOKDzH2Uo/UeKpQAJO6EI/AAAAAAAAC6s/rtk6gUc7XUc/s1600/DSC_0024+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFTOKDzH2Uo/UeKpQAJO6EI/AAAAAAAAC6s/rtk6gUc7XUc/s640/DSC_0024+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The walk back was a bit surreal, like an old western movie with the locals (sheep) staring menacingly at you as you pass by, and trees that look like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svUAgJCtTAg/UeKppdzGCnI/AAAAAAAAC7U/9HahzPHrxhQ/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svUAgJCtTAg/UeKppdzGCnI/AAAAAAAAC7U/9HahzPHrxhQ/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="426" /></a>s</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There are parts of Anglesey though that are just beautiful, especially if you're willing to do some walking. If you're staying with my granny however, this is not a big ask. Being a typical welsh Granny, she bombards you with food from the moment you arrive (particularly cakes). The meals are huge, and having less than two helpings is strictly forbidden. It stems from looking after the boys who are out working on the farm all day (my Anglesey family are almost all farmers, and are built like a rugby team), but isn't ideal for the lazier girl. I find myself disappearing on walks just so I don't have to eat anything else for a few hours...<br />
<br />
I've only a few days left here now before I head back down south. I've promised myself I'll start applying for jobs, instead of just spending hours looking at them. I'll leave you with one last photo though. This is the church at Church Bay. It looks out over the coast, and it's where a lot of family events have happened, including my parent's wedding and my sister's christening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n08b62ZKo2U/UeKp_BAIzYI/AAAAAAAAC8M/IK1QHZMmZU4/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n08b62ZKo2U/UeKp_BAIzYI/AAAAAAAAC8M/IK1QHZMmZU4/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-75660874468386571672013-07-07T07:41:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:29:06.953-07:00The Perfect Summer Martini(s)This weekend has been so, so hot. I did have a beach trip planned, but had to cancel last minute to dog-sit these little cuties...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HQ839iqoo/UdlpTetnuvI/AAAAAAAACrs/QK_FSWh8Zuc/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0HQ839iqoo/UdlpTetnuvI/AAAAAAAACrs/QK_FSWh8Zuc/s640/DSC_0088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFzlwYdS1nQ/UdlpUVE1iwI/AAAAAAAACr0/OFxYWejQW_U/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFzlwYdS1nQ/UdlpUVE1iwI/AAAAAAAACr0/OFxYWejQW_U/s640/DSC_0090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't mind all that much... We've been on some nice long walks around Old Sarum and Stonehenge, coming back gasping for something cool and refreshing. Something like my Perfect Summer Martinis.They're delicious, fresh, and best of all can be whipped up in minutes, perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic. I made an Earl Grey Martini (inspired by my recent trip to Jamie's) and a Strawberry Basil Martini, but I'll give you some more ideas at the end.<br />
<br />
<b>The Earl Grey Martini</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9nVAcgd1o4/Udloqi3IfYI/AAAAAAAACqE/8mnc0-P5VgY/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9nVAcgd1o4/Udloqi3IfYI/AAAAAAAACqE/8mnc0-P5VgY/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
For each Martini:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>50 ml Gin </li>
<li>25 ml (ish) Lemon Juice</li>
<li>25 ml (ish) Earl Grey Simple Syrup</li>
<li>Cucumber</li>
<li>Ice</li>
<li>Something to shake it in...</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>To make the syrup:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Simple syrup, or Gomme is used in a hell of a lot of cocktails. Luckily, it's incredibly easy to make. Simply mix equal measures of caster sugar and water in a small pan, and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then allow to cool before use. You can make it in larger quantities as it will keep for <i>ages</i>. Just pop it in a sealed bottle and chuck it in your drinks cupboard. </div>
<div>
To make the Earl Grey Syrup I used 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 4 teabags. Once the syrup is hot, pop in your teabags and leave to infuse for a few minutes. Then remove and allow the syrup to cool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPJdE9eYj9o/UdloqH0ZZFI/AAAAAAAACp8/4_II0b83CvE/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPJdE9eYj9o/UdloqH0ZZFI/AAAAAAAACp8/4_II0b83CvE/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>To make the cocktails:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Unfortunately my cocktail shaker is packed away somewhere amongst my uni possessions, and so I had to resort to the trusty jam-jar. It works just as well though (they're also great if you want to pre-prepare cocktails, as you can add all the ingredients except the ice and pop in the fridge/on the barbecue table and then people can add ice and shake as they want them. Great for a garden party...). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Pop some ice in your cocktail shaker/jam jar, and add 50 ml of Gin </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abYDWKXr5EU/UdloxmuXeCI/AAAAAAAACqQ/zh1Eb5DbdmQ/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-abYDWKXr5EU/UdloxmuXeCI/AAAAAAAACqQ/zh1Eb5DbdmQ/s640/DSC_0043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
2. Squeeze in some lemon </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JbC9OO0OJs8/Udlox-hACHI/AAAAAAAACqU/xkQ541CJBTg/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JbC9OO0OJs8/Udlox-hACHI/AAAAAAAACqU/xkQ541CJBTg/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
3. Add your simple syrup and a few slices of cucumber (the cucumber adds a nice freshness), then shake it like a polaroid picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's hard to get a good picture of that bit...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
4. Strain into your Martini glass and garnish with a slice of lemon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPTf_aCO1js/Udlo621kHNI/AAAAAAAACqg/s5jVynBN1bg/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPTf_aCO1js/Udlo621kHNI/AAAAAAAACqg/s5jVynBN1bg/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Mmm. Tastes so British. I bet the Queen is tucking into one of these right now (She definitely reads my blog...). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Some people suggest infusing the gin with the teabags for a while, but anyone who knows tea knows it's best infused in something boiling, and leaving it for too long will result in a <i>really</i> bitter drink. I gave it a go anyway, for experimentations sake and my way is definitely better. Just saying...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>The Strawberry Basil Martini (Strawbasiltini?)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QK3tl3ulLN8/UdlpB_d8lPI/AAAAAAAACq0/Pm6UzSNqZJ8/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QK3tl3ulLN8/UdlpB_d8lPI/AAAAAAAACq0/Pm6UzSNqZJ8/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Ooh look at those colours...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>What you'll need:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
For each Martini:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>50 ml Gin (or Vodka)</li>
<li>A handful of Strawberries</li>
<li>5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves</li>
<li>Dash of Simple Syrup</li>
<li>Ice</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcc5GRlVm2A/Udlo7i5sJ2I/AAAAAAAACqs/m3_SEWQ3Za0/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcc5GRlVm2A/Udlo7i5sJ2I/AAAAAAAACqs/m3_SEWQ3Za0/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm lucky enough to have lots of fresh herbs growing in my garden in these pretty boxes, but you can easily pick some up from the supermarket. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Pop your strawberries, basil and syrup in a glass, and muddle (mash - think pestle and mortar action). Again my cocktail stuff is packed somewhere, so I just used the bottom of a juicer. Fancy right? Keep going until it's all slushed together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9lMLvtEtE/UdlpE5zokLI/AAAAAAAACrE/2qX_YxTtz5I/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9lMLvtEtE/UdlpE5zokLI/AAAAAAAACrE/2qX_YxTtz5I/s640/DSC_0063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcbKTNlQwrc/UdlpE8mjBdI/AAAAAAAACrA/3-VmpgJ0SVU/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcbKTNlQwrc/UdlpE8mjBdI/AAAAAAAACrA/3-VmpgJ0SVU/s640/DSC_0065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAKDbscc8ak/UdlpIdPkmkI/AAAAAAAACrM/CEwailZUmv8/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAKDbscc8ak/UdlpIdPkmkI/AAAAAAAACrM/CEwailZUmv8/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
2. Add your gin</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHrlk3RyguI/UdlpL7cgpuI/AAAAAAAACrU/W6PYsgrrKz4/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHrlk3RyguI/UdlpL7cgpuI/AAAAAAAACrU/W6PYsgrrKz4/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
At this point you can leave it to infuse for a bit, or carry on if you want it now. I like to add in a tiny bit of lemon juice too, but just a tiny bit, but it's up to you...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
3. Add ice, shake furiously and then strain into your glass. Garnish with a strawberry or some basil leaves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0UgKpo_W3w/UdlpN4mDWaI/AAAAAAAACrc/fTDBstOXZWk/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0UgKpo_W3w/UdlpN4mDWaI/AAAAAAAACrc/fTDBstOXZWk/s640/DSC_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Delicious...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iud-9Yr_lCA/UdlpSB5a6EI/AAAAAAAACrk/DxXbFQWAs7o/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iud-9Yr_lCA/UdlpSB5a6EI/AAAAAAAACrk/DxXbFQWAs7o/s640/DSC_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I said, you can make this in tons of flavours. Here's a few more ideas that all follow a basic shake (with lots of ice) and strain method. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The Strawberry Mint Martini</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Very similar to the Strawberry Basil, just but with fresh mint instead. Use 50 ml Vodka instead of Gin.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The English Garden Martini</b></div>
</div>
<div>
This is one of my absolute favourites for an evening barbecue. This works best if you muddle the mint and lime like a Mojito first, but you can just squeeze and shake. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>50 ml Gin</li>
<li>Squeeze of Lime</li>
<li>20ml Elderflower Cordial</li>
<li>5-6 mint leaves</li>
<li>A few cucumber slices</li>
<li>25ml Pressed Apple Juice (not from concentrate)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>The Lemon-grass and Ginger Martini</b></div>
<div>
SO, SO DELICIOUS. And kind of healthy...as Martini's go..</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>50 ml Gin</li>
<li>12.5 ml Vermouth</li>
<li>Chunk of Fresh Ginger Root (thumbnail size)</li>
<li>Fresh Lemon-grass stem (chopped)</li>
<li>20 ml Honey, or Simple Syrup (honey works best)</li>
<li>20 ml Pressed apple juice</li>
</ul>
<div>
Muddle the ginger, lemongrass and honey. Add everything else, shake and strain. You can also use half an apple and muddle it with the first ingredients, if you're feeling super dedicated. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, off to sunbathe. It's almost Martini time, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-30245362169268290442013-07-05T05:23:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:30:51.226-07:00The Graduate(s)WOOOO I GRADUATED!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_BtV1KFIHY/UdapPomQs5I/AAAAAAAACc0/v_DJ2o1uujo/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_BtV1KFIHY/UdapPomQs5I/AAAAAAAACc0/v_DJ2o1uujo/s640/DSC_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After three long years, countless all-nighters (some of them for essays...) and an awful lot of reading it's finally over. I'd like to thank coffee, tequila and sparknotes...<br />
<br />
Our graduation ceremonies were hosted on the rather lovely London Road campus, which is probably the best part of Reading. It's the oldest part of the campus, and as such looks like a real old-fashioned university, perfect for Pimms and strawberries on the lawn after a nerve-wracking ceremony (no one tripped on the stairs or lost their hat - I call that a victory).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flaYtlr8opw/Udapnd5nKTI/AAAAAAAACeM/HDaKeI-TWco/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flaYtlr8opw/Udapnd5nKTI/AAAAAAAACeM/HDaKeI-TWco/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This is not my family. This is my lovely ex-housemate (sniff) Eleanor's, but I am awfully fond of them. We could only get two tickets for the ceremony, so I spent most of the day with my dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pi3G2SfZewE/UdapiAcoeNI/AAAAAAAACeE/c1cvXModgiI/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pi3G2SfZewE/UdapiAcoeNI/AAAAAAAACeE/c1cvXModgiI/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My Dad is wonderful (even if he does tend to get a bit emotional at these kind of events - there is often a tear or two shed. Sorry Dad...) and he generously provided my dress. It's Karen Millen, in <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Karen+Millen+Sheer+lace+and+soft+fabric+dress/184264425,default,pd.html">House of Fraser</a>, and it's now on sale (isn't that always the way?). My brother and sister also turned up later for a photo or two, and a celebratory meal at Jamie's on the riverside. I love Jamie's. It's so simple, and so delicious, and the staff are always fantastic. And their Earl Grey Martini? Spectacular. I may have a stab at making it and post the recipe. It's the perfect summer cocktail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIzLSIAasZc/UdapolkACsI/AAAAAAAACeU/8wWdVxdUxU8/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIzLSIAasZc/UdapolkACsI/AAAAAAAACeU/8wWdVxdUxU8/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FD_Rb27jV4/UdaprgxtkUI/AAAAAAAACek/pxHHYrzMBqg/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FD_Rb27jV4/UdaprgxtkUI/AAAAAAAACek/pxHHYrzMBqg/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The day was filled with lots of sunshine, photos and emotional hugging of people we're not sure how we'll live without, like these folks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRX_1OP1PWo/UdapJ53yrFI/AAAAAAAACck/vuMYdEbjRDI/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRX_1OP1PWo/UdapJ53yrFI/AAAAAAAACck/vuMYdEbjRDI/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O9fsNWuF2U/UdapOReUzaI/AAAAAAAACcs/yNKlzI3I4ms/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O9fsNWuF2U/UdapOReUzaI/AAAAAAAACcs/yNKlzI3I4ms/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKRfnKpU0y0/UdapZNcKhRI/AAAAAAAACdU/huAqWgKJNqE/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKRfnKpU0y0/UdapZNcKhRI/AAAAAAAACdU/huAqWgKJNqE/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vE48YofT0Y/UdapcdxKHEI/AAAAAAAACds/DrnuKuFtsKk/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vE48YofT0Y/UdapcdxKHEI/AAAAAAAACds/DrnuKuFtsKk/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AerQggT-9xQ/UdapToL__SI/AAAAAAAACdM/VmRhv91M5ec/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AerQggT-9xQ/UdapToL__SI/AAAAAAAACdM/VmRhv91M5ec/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Emotional hugs all round...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJeq9dAth0/UdapTVfkHYI/AAAAAAAACdE/hEjzDpctw1c/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJeq9dAth0/UdapTVfkHYI/AAAAAAAACdE/hEjzDpctw1c/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
That and feeling a bit smug...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXvWF9Zjw2w/UdapHV08ZaI/AAAAAAAACcU/NFutcGQBBOs/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXvWF9Zjw2w/UdapHV08ZaI/AAAAAAAACcU/NFutcGQBBOs/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I arrived at uni unsure if it was what I wanted to do. I had the alternative option of running away to Zanzibar (I spent some of my gap year out there and made friends with some people who were setting up their own NGO, and was more than tempted to join them), and whilst I knew university was probably the better life choice, I definitely didn't want to come. This was a feeling that resurfaced a lot in my first and second years, and there were times when I was genuinely about to leave. Let's face it, who wouldn't rather be here than Reading...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMOkQIHm6ic/UdazwHOC98I/AAAAAAAACew/4P6ixnvoV8g/s720/31115_435864092588_1252000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMOkQIHm6ic/UdazwHOC98I/AAAAAAAACew/4P6ixnvoV8g/s640/31115_435864092588_1252000_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pure heaven. In the end though I stuck it out, and I'm so glad I did. I have some of the most amazing friends, and have had the best time (despite the lack of beach bars - although I did work at Lola Lo for a while, that's essentially the same isn't it?). I have also, shockingly, learnt a lot. I really enjoyed my course, and had some fantastic lecturers. If it's something you're unsure about, I would bear this in mind; it's only 3 years. There's plenty of time afterwards to do everything else, and it's really worth going when you're young and will really get the whole experience (largely drinking...).<br />
<br />
So what now? I still want to travel the world. I'd like to get a job in advertising or PR. I'd like a car, and a house, and a dog that can pull off a bow tie. Maybe not the car if I end up in London like I want to. I'd like a lot of things from the future.<br />
<br />
But first, I'd like to sit around reminiscing just a little while longer...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-46697856134525115282013-06-19T11:22:00.000-07:002013-10-20T13:32:23.583-07:00The Last Dance...So I've been AWOL for a bit, sorry. I've been super busy doing an internship at an advertising agency (I'll probably tell you about it soon), and although I'm really enjoying it, it does mean I come home and the last thing I want to do is more typing! I promise to be better.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did have a pretty exciting weekend though, at my university summer ball! I love a good excuse to dress up, and the end of our degrees seemed like the perfect opportunity!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gMXde5PvKs/UcHvMMAa1BI/AAAAAAAACTc/6wJKTarEdPo/s1600/5634_10152914854315300_1773422914_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1gMXde5PvKs/UcHvMMAa1BI/AAAAAAAACTc/6wJKTarEdPo/s640/5634_10152914854315300_1773422914_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb0Ao5a032M/UcHvNSvFa2I/AAAAAAAACTo/APi1eYCbugY/s1600/996176_10151986589492589_1225640570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb0Ao5a032M/UcHvNSvFa2I/AAAAAAAACTo/APi1eYCbugY/s640/996176_10151986589492589_1225640570_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My dress is from Oasis, but unfortunately it's out of stock, but you can browse their other red beauties <a href="http://www.oasis-stores.com/dresses/dept/fcp-category/list#filters=MASTER_COLOUR!red&page=0">here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Reading provided us with a funfair, a hog roast and some amazing music from James Arthur (who was surprisingly good), Funeral for a Friend, and headline act Feeder, who had me wailing at the top of my lungs at the front of the crowd. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEzX6GtBYV0/UcHxqluKkJI/AAAAAAAACUM/eJJic0bv2_Y/s1600/1010558_10151423520312657_1711132979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEzX6GtBYV0/UcHxqluKkJI/AAAAAAAACUM/eJJic0bv2_Y/s640/1010558_10151423520312657_1711132979_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to get a good band photo from the pros, I was too busy dancing my socks off (and I was much too close...).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlHgKU3Giw/UcHvLiRLLEI/AAAAAAAACTU/wm4dZzBerbM/s1600/1612_10151986589337589_489315650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFlHgKU3Giw/UcHvLiRLLEI/AAAAAAAACTU/wm4dZzBerbM/s640/1612_10151986589337589_489315650_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExFQ4jhz_i0/UcHxrmYMvgI/AAAAAAAACUU/J3HxtaURYdw/s1600/1005065_10151420708267657_1082131626_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExFQ4jhz_i0/UcHxrmYMvgI/AAAAAAAACUU/J3HxtaURYdw/s640/1005065_10151420708267657_1082131626_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3-l4fPFT8c/UcHvN_G6XII/AAAAAAAACTw/7eYYPwvqdLM/s1600/996731_10151491891251232_313847153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3-l4fPFT8c/UcHvN_G6XII/AAAAAAAACTw/7eYYPwvqdLM/s640/996731_10151491891251232_313847153_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T01crIQrPYU/UcHvOtoQAeI/AAAAAAAACT4/UFCgNO516ho/s1600/1013377_10151491891301232_1684003478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T01crIQrPYU/UcHvOtoQAeI/AAAAAAAACT4/UFCgNO516ho/s640/1013377_10151491891301232_1684003478_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Louise and I were rather smitten with Callum's bow-tie (I take some credit for him wearing it...). The drinks flowed, the photos got more ridiculous and I made a total fool of myself. I'm going to be so sad to leave Reading, and all these wonderful people who light up my life. I think lots of summer trips will have to be organised around their various hometowns (and maybe a few in sunnier spots!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Eventually the sun came up, the music stopped, and Callum and I (who made it until 6 - summer ball survivors!) stumbled heels in hand to the nearest taxi. There was talk of breakfast. There was talk of burgers. The word 'diner' was batted around. But bed was calling, and a few hours later as we crawled wrapped in duvets to the TV, food was the last thing on everyone's mind. </div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-53224196259675003622013-06-10T14:12:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:33:34.478-07:00Canals and country pubs<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Last night Callum and I decided we should bite the bullet and so some exercise. We decided on a bike ride, because then we could motivate ourselves with country pubs. He even had a bike I could borrow. So I got up early(ish) and headed round to his, only to presented with a tiny clown bike for our 40 mile trip. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yvitww0DKYY/UbZBQRkLLvI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/Lm02yLViFQ0/s640/blogger-image--118077606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yvitww0DKYY/UbZBQRkLLvI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/Lm02yLViFQ0/s640/blogger-image--118077606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So maybe that's a slight exaggeration. It was however definitely child size...(also I've looked better. Deal with it). Callum looked much better on his adult size bike. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hsSoorgHouo/UbZBTFqqOBI/AAAAAAAAB-o/K8MYcBSRBZc/s640/blogger-image--2004343240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hsSoorgHouo/UbZBTFqqOBI/AAAAAAAAB-o/K8MYcBSRBZc/s640/blogger-image--2004343240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It was a really nice ride though. It turns out after complaining about having nowhere nice to run/cycle the cycle path is right near the Uni house I'm about to leave. I'm a bit devastated by it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vzo3FJA_nac/UbZAd4LMjoI/AAAAAAAAB-E/qPhb7DKPTiM/s640/blogger-image--224806337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vzo3FJA_nac/UbZAd4LMjoI/AAAAAAAAB-E/qPhb7DKPTiM/s640/blogger-image--224806337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Beautiful. There were canal boats dotted along the way too, which made me contemplate a life on the water Rosie and Jim style. I'm not sure I could deal with having one room though, I'm not as little as they were...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We didn't quite make it to Newbury. We got distracted by this pub...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kDViP4vdu5I/UbZBR-QNddI/AAAAAAAAB-g/L-9J9VyKcTs/s640/blogger-image-26730910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kDViP4vdu5I/UbZBR-QNddI/AAAAAAAAB-g/L-9J9VyKcTs/s640/blogger-image-26730910.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qq4a4vWDVKM/UbZBU5D_fPI/AAAAAAAAB-w/DJO8rOq8Xhw/s640/blogger-image-1985100759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qq4a4vWDVKM/UbZBU5D_fPI/AAAAAAAAB-w/DJO8rOq8Xhw/s640/blogger-image-1985100759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We'd made it about 15 miles, so we'd definitely earned ourselves a glass of wine. The Rowbarge Woolhampton did not disappoint. It was so lovely, and the staff were fantastic. All the food looked great too, but having a long cycle home we opted for a light lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CuDHRnGyO1Y/UbZBWTQec7I/AAAAAAAAB-4/kFL0zH52vKc/s640/blogger-image--475327616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CuDHRnGyO1Y/UbZBWTQec7I/AAAAAAAAB-4/kFL0zH52vKc/s640/blogger-image--475327616.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I had the smoked salmon sandwich on rye, and he went for rare roast beef with horseradish, and we swapped halves. Mine was good, his was slightly lacking - a bit dry, a bit tasteless. Such a shame, but the chips were fab and the hot food looked great (also the crisps were a bit naff). The pub had a lovely feel though, a great set out and as I say, lovely staff. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
You can check it out <a href="http://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/rowbarge/home/">here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-4026640744145949132013-06-07T02:35:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:34:37.844-07:00The Louvre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZKNipkYHpc/UbDR7fqcRFI/AAAAAAAAAGM/wlr01y8B6yo/s1600/DSCF3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZKNipkYHpc/UbDR7fqcRFI/AAAAAAAAAGM/wlr01y8B6yo/s640/DSCF3214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I almost included this yesterday, and then decided that the Louvre is deserving of its own post. I could write an essay on just the small part I saw, but I'll try and trim it down to just a few favourite bits. They had a <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/en/exhibitions/pistoletto-year1-earthly-paradise">Michelangelo Pistoletto exhibition</a> on, hence the triple loops everywhere which had a few interesting pieces but to be honest, I didn't really get. I was more interested in the Greek sculpture, particularly this one...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZGQwe66gA/UbDQYnYVLzI/AAAAAAAAAF0/PEAk0J5U9vM/s1600/DSCF3230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZGQwe66gA/UbDQYnYVLzI/AAAAAAAAAF0/PEAk0J5U9vM/s640/DSCF3230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did an English Literature degree, and dabbled with Classics in my first year, so I have a bit of a thing for Greek mythology. This is 'Psyche revived by Cupid's Kiss' by Antonio Canova. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJpdzf8E4mo/UbGica5MpnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/-tbK2BijJ9o/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJpdzf8E4mo/UbGica5MpnI/AAAAAAAAAHc/-tbK2BijJ9o/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course Venus had to be in here. I just loved these too...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbgDRC3IBqI/UbGkYkCHCCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/YbDZA5LJZ6A/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbgDRC3IBqI/UbGkYkCHCCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/YbDZA5LJZ6A/s640/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI89fIKsS44/UbGgz1caOUI/AAAAAAAAAGw/iNt8t6o_0bo/s1600/DSCF3220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI89fIKsS44/UbGgz1caOUI/AAAAAAAAAGw/iNt8t6o_0bo/s640/DSCF3220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e26P25L6soc/UbGkcmEuCcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/S9k-9WUjYs4/s1600/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e26P25L6soc/UbGkcmEuCcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/S9k-9WUjYs4/s640/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a wonder around some of the Renaissance art too, and there were some incredible paintings (obviously, it's the Louvre...), but these were my favourites. The light in them was just incredible. My rubbish camera could not do them justice, but here they are anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4pzm55w6uE/UbGiaAXceFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/pJ4amWBFlQY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4pzm55w6uE/UbGiaAXceFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/pJ4amWBFlQY/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CN5GI1QRhnU/UbGiiXWi2GI/AAAAAAAAAHo/CPP4NRczids/s1600/DSCF3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CN5GI1QRhnU/UbGiiXWi2GI/AAAAAAAAAHo/CPP4NRczids/s640/DSCF3243.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one I just really liked. Little minx...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kDKtSjDwxQ/UbGg4WScrdI/AAAAAAAAAG4/5VIEOoFDCZI/s1600/DSCF3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kDKtSjDwxQ/UbGg4WScrdI/AAAAAAAAAG4/5VIEOoFDCZI/s640/DSCF3242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I could have spent days in here (with some more comfortable shoes...) and taken hundreds more photos. Alas, coffees and crepes were calling, so we slowly headed out, getting very distracted and bumping into the crowds as we craned our necks at the ceilings...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C6bgg-kyHlU/UbGiM2LO49I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aZRPl4oYM_4/s1600/DSCF3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C6bgg-kyHlU/UbGiM2LO49I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/aZRPl4oYM_4/s640/DSCF3236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Obviously I had to get this photo, though it was hard to get one without twenty other cameras in it...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUWVL6PwzlU/UbGg-8SSBpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/UBUzyXAINss/s1600/DSCF3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUWVL6PwzlU/UbGg-8SSBpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/UBUzyXAINss/s640/DSCF3251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As we strolled past the famous pyramid I also managed to spot this guy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBdX7701Cjo/UbGkWicqIGI/AAAAAAAAAH4/sgFHXJ8juBQ/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBdX7701Cjo/UbGkWicqIGI/AAAAAAAAAH4/sgFHXJ8juBQ/s640/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Charles Perrault, of fairy tale fame, and one of the main focuses of my recent dissertation. It was the kind of thing no one else cared about but really excited me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a hunk. </div>
Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-10724900257227175142013-06-05T02:30:00.003-07:002013-10-20T13:39:04.514-07:00ParisLast weekend I went to Paris, unbelievably for the first time, and I loved it. I kind of get what all the fuss is about. It rained most of the first day (as a massive Audrey Hepburn fan I was secretly quite pleased about this), but we weren't going to be put off getting our (slightly frizzy) tourist shots!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HFlVC3nbdY/Ua70_6oeNLI/AAAAAAAAACk/NitCBgyB5XY/s1600/DSCF3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HFlVC3nbdY/Ua70_6oeNLI/AAAAAAAAACk/NitCBgyB5XY/s640/DSCF3156.JPG" width="473" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Standard Eiffel |Tower Shot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TI2c5sEs3g/Ua701SCND4I/AAAAAAAAACU/y0Co9J2iMVY/s1600/DSCF3127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TI2c5sEs3g/Ua701SCND4I/AAAAAAAAACU/y0Co9J2iMVY/s640/DSCF3127.JPG" width="472" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4NZ7PBMIE/Ua707aAyLrI/AAAAAAAAACc/g3lWROVGgak/s1600/DSCF3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4NZ7PBMIE/Ua707aAyLrI/AAAAAAAAACc/g3lWROVGgak/s640/DSCF3134.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDe-XbrcK9Q/Ua71c1DkppI/AAAAAAAAADE/lsvdNk7BigU/s1600/DSCF3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDe-XbrcK9Q/Ua71c1DkppI/AAAAAAAAADE/lsvdNk7BigU/s640/DSCF3138.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zL9PHMvs04/Ua71E6oLGbI/AAAAAAAAACs/fkmRgma8frI/s1600/DSCF3157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zL9PHMvs04/Ua71E6oLGbI/AAAAAAAAACs/fkmRgma8frI/s640/DSCF3157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUnn8VCqvFM/Ua71LZV1EuI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Ohw37eNu7iw/s1600/DSCF3170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUnn8VCqvFM/Ua71LZV1EuI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Ohw37eNu7iw/s640/DSCF3170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I thought there was a specific bridge that people did this on, but it turns out they're everywhere. It's still really sweet though. Some people had put so much effort into theirs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRLUY4bcbdU/Ua76VWBG2NI/AAAAAAAAADU/ovit5HZX8nU/s1600/IMG_1095%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRLUY4bcbdU/Ua76VWBG2NI/AAAAAAAAADU/ovit5HZX8nU/s640/IMG_1095%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To63OlsK1xY/Ua8AXviVvPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/VJT4Z6Hnuuw/s1600/DSCF3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To63OlsK1xY/Ua8AXviVvPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/VJT4Z6Hnuuw/s640/DSCF3293.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I think Paris may be one of my new favourite places. Most of the cities I've been to feel like the same place over and over again in different languages, but the architecture really set it apart. All except the Eiffel Tower, which I was honestly a bit let down by, so I consoled myself with cocktails and macaroons...I would put a hipster food photo in here but they didn't last long enough to take one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6918031877339558948.post-27507475821880628842013-06-02T10:36:00.001-07:002013-10-20T13:40:39.615-07:00Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2013I was going to tell you about Paris. I will next, I promise. And this is, sort of...<br />
<br />
I just had a visit from my wonderful Dad, who's just got back from doing the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride 2013, a bike ride from Paris to London visiting all the war sites between. I was there to see them all off from Les Invalides in Paris, a military museum, and a hospital/retirement home for war veterans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-551VntQtwkE/Uat7WY90VnI/AAAAAAAAABc/9iWxRBmV9F8/s1600/213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-551VntQtwkE/Uat7WY90VnI/AAAAAAAAABc/9iWxRBmV9F8/s640/213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlM47hCbApM/Uat7ttga4WI/AAAAAAAAABk/wDvyoQPmHnw/s1600/231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlM47hCbApM/Uat7ttga4WI/AAAAAAAAABk/wDvyoQPmHnw/s640/231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Duchess of Cornwall even dropped by to show her support. You'll have to excuse the photos, I only had my phone on me. There are much better ones all over the news and the <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/">Help for Heroes</a> website (along with upcoming events and merchandise). These events tend to make me pretty emotional, coming from a military family, and it was especially poignant after the recent events in both London and Paris.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEqWWUCjfvs/Uat9czvbCGI/AAAAAAAAAB0/8aeLgRWVd9E/s1600/247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEqWWUCjfvs/Uat9czvbCGI/AAAAAAAAAB0/8aeLgRWVd9E/s640/247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I always come away from though literally glowing with pride, not just for my Dad (pictured in the fetching yellow glasses, looking much more energetic than he did on his return) and the people I know taking part, but the entire Help for Heroes family.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately I couldn't make it to see them all on the homeward stretch past the Cenotaph and the Horse Guards Parade, but I know lots of people made an appearance to show their support. It's always a big event and I'm gutted I missed out. I'm so, so proud of everyone involved!<br />
<br />
<br />Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897606492309607405noreply@blogger.com0