52 New Things - Week Ten

Ten weeks in and it feels like this whole challenge is flying by. I realised though that I really do need to start doing research and planning things weeks in advance. This is because, on this particular week, Stuart and I were visiting family on the Isle of Wight, and I had lots of ideas on what we could do. First of all, I thought we could visit the only Michelin starred restaurant on the IOW, only to find it was closed. My next plan was the little IOW steam train. It's a popular tourist destination, sure it's aimed at kids, but I thought it would still be fun. What would you know, also closed. I know the Isle of Wight is very much geared towards holiday-makers and November isn't exactly prime season but I was still disappointed that both my ideas were no goes. The biggest issue was that I didn't do enough research before we jumped on the ferry, if I had I would have known both these were closed before we got there and I would have had enough time to think of something else. As it was, the end of the tenth week was approaching and I didn't want to fail this early on. Luckily on the Friday evening Stuart came to the rescue. We went star gazing.

Originally, when this task went on the list I envisioned finding a designated dark sky location, heading there on a warm spring evening and sitting out with Stuart, perhaps with a picnic, sat on a blanket. Once there I planned to have read some stories about how the constellations were named and retell them to Stuart. Sounds romantic doesn't it? What we actually ended up doing was standing in a cold field in mid November. And I needed to pee.

I'd spent the evening catching up with some old friends and discovering that there really are some nice places to go out for drinks on the Isle of Wight. When I was growing up you could either go to an old pub stinking of cigarettes, or a club with sticky floors, cheap alcohol and questionable music. Now, there are some really relaxed bars and pubs with reasonably priced cocktails. A big win all round. Stuart had offered to pick me up at the end of the evening but found himself at the wrong location. I was in West Cowers whilst Stuart was waiting in East Cowes. East and West Cowes are separated by the River Media. Unless you drive all the way around it, the only way across is via a floating bridge. It doesn't take long but it does cost, and Stuart had no cash on him. This meant I had to wait for the next floating bridge ferry and go meet him in East Cowes. Not a big deal, but after a few drinks it's an extra 15 minutes away from the next toilet break. Perhaps too much information but I just wanted to set the scene for you.

Once I'd found Stuart we headed back towards the hotel and as the sky was so clear we took the opportunity to find a side road away from all the lights. There are some fantastic places on the Isle of Wight you can go to and watch the stars and we picked Brading Downs, simply because it was between Cowes and the drive back to our hotel.

The stars were beautiful and I saw my very first shooting star. I hadn't researched any constellations but I did try and make some stories up about them. It would have been very romantic if it wasn't for my need to pee and the fact it was so bloody cold! I did have fun though. After a great evening catching up with friends and planning to attend one of the IOW festivals for the first time ever (watch out for the blog post sometime in June) it was lovely to finish the night star gazing. And I still plan to do the spring night picnic too which I hope won't be as cold, so I can spend longer out with the stars!

52 New Things - Week Nine

I was pretty excited by my latest New Thing to try as it links together three of my favourite things; sitting on my arse, watching films and eating. That's because this weeks New Thing was 'Watch all the Harry Potter films in one day'. Like most sensible people I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I remember reading the first book in high school. Sure, I thought it was a bit young for me, but a girl in my class had read it with, or for, her younger sister and raved about it. I think back then I may have played it cool, and said the book was okay, but as the series progressed I got more and more into them. When the final book came out I remember I was out in London, heading for the last tube from Waterloo and saw the WH Smith was open for midnight purchases. I started reading it on the tube home and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. 

I don't love the films as much as the books, simply because they don't contain all the details that I enjoy in the books, but I'm still definitely a fan. So much so, that even though only my pal George was joining me for this Harry Potterthon I had to make sure the scene was set. Yep, I was going to decorate my living room for a film marathon that only two 30 somethings were attending. And people say I don't know how to party?

Using Pinterest as a starting point I picked all the decoration ideas that would take me the least time to set up, including tea staining some envelopes to fly out of the fireplace, and sticking Moaning Myrtle on the toilet. Then came the best bit, getting the snacks ready. My favourite idea was turning ferrero rocher into golden snitches, and I was pretty pleased with the chocolate skull/Dark Mark I found in the bargain bin in Tescos (leftover from Halloween). I also discovered that Griffindor aren't going to get many house points if they use a regular pack of M&M's.

With everything ready it was time to welcome George and for the film marathon to begin. My original plan had been to sit through all damn films in one sitting, but that was before I discovered that all eight films are over 20 hours long. We happily sat through the first two, laughing at the child acting, and Ron's facial expressions, excitedly (for me at least) started Prisoner of Azkaban, which is my favourite of all the films. When that had finished we needed to stretch our legs and eat something that wasn't pure sugar so headed for a burger at Five Guys. Refreshed by our dinner we started and finished films four and five. By the end of the fifth film though I was starting to hate Harry Potter. He just moaned all the time and it didn't help that when I am tired I become very irritable. I couldn't see how I would stay awake for three more films. It was then we came to the important decision to have a nap. It would mean we wouldn't watch all films in 24 hours, it would take the whole weekend instead. However I had no plans for that Sunday, mainly because I had assumed I'd spend most the day sleeping after 20 hours of Harry Potter the previous day. Luckily the whole weekend was a complete rainfest too, so we weren't going to miss anything staying indoors for another day.

So early on Sunday morning, after a few hours sleep, it was time to restart the marathon. I was so glad we did have that nap as I realised I didn't hate Harry Potter (although I still stand by my comment that he's a moaning teenager, come on Harry, you never see Hermione complaining like you, and she's the one who does all the work). Now that I was properly awake I could appreciate and enjoy the finale. By the end of the series I was exhausted, but I enjoyed the Potterthon. We got to see the kids grow up and learn to act and probably most importantly see their teenage hairstyles develop. It was fun to see the progression of the films, and I can now put them in order of my favourite without wondering 'is that only my favourite because it's the one I've watch most recently?'. For anyone who wants to know, it goes, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Deathly Hallows Part 2, Order of the Pheonix, Half Blood Prince, Philosophers Stone, Deathly Hallows Part 1, Chamber of Secrets. Would I recommend other people try this? Definitely, but you have to let me know how you would rank the films. And I'd want to see more snack ideas. Maybe next time I'll do a film marathon for the Hunger Games (#teamfinnick)!

52 New Things - Week Eight

After a busy weekend in Edinburgh I wanted a more relaxed week, and so picked a simple thing from the list to try; Make S'mores.

S'mores are an American creation that use three simple ingredients to make a delicious treat. They are, biscuit, chocolate and melted marshmallows all smooshed together. According to the American films I've watched you make them around a campfire, whilst singing songs and/or telling ghost stories. I don't tend to go to many places that necessitate a campfire, but in our (relatively) new flat we have a real life, usable fire place!

On Halloween, when most people would be out dressing up, partying or trick or treating, I made Stuart stay in with me to make S'mores and watch horror films. 

Whilst doing my research on the internet I found that to make proper American S'mores you should really use Graham Crackers, Herseys chocolate and marshmallows. I couldn't find Graham Crackers but I figured digestives or Nice biscuits would be close enough. As for Hersey's chocolate, that was clearly created by the devil, so I went for some proper UK milk chocolate (Stuart mixed it up by adding dark chocolate too). And then we were ready to light the fire for the first time this year and create our S'mores.

Now, these were tasty, but either we didn't melt the marshmallow enough, or our chocolate was too thick, as it just didn't smoosh down the way I was expecting. However, I always have a back up plan. Ready to save the day was the ingredient that can perk up most things; Nutella. Switching the chocolate for a layer of Nutella took these desserts right up to five star standard.

  

It did mean it was a bit messier to devour (so here's some Halloween photos to give you nightmares!).

Finally after all the years I could see what the Americans were talking about. They were super tasty and a proper treat. However, even though, we have a fire place I can't see us making these all that often, mainly for the fact they were so sweet. After finishing off a couple we had to sit on the sofa with Sauron, hoping the horror films would take our minds away from the sickly feeling and sugar crash. If I do make them again though, I feel it would have to be outdoors on a proper camp fire, telling ghost stories, then at least no one would be able to see what a mess I make eating them!

52 New Things - Week Seven

This week was a fun one, and something I've said I'd do for years but never got round to; 'Visit Edinburgh'.  It was all down to these lovely ladies that I finally booked a weekend in the capital of Scotland.

Many years ago, or a few short years back, depending on how you look at it, we all worked for the same company. As time has passed some of us have moved to different jobs but we've all stayed in contact. Basically because we're all awesome. One of our number, Susan, recently accepted a job in Edinburgh so we just had to organise a team visit.

We jumped on a train from London on Friday afternoon and passed the journey with lots snacks, a little bit of fizz and some catching up. It was late in the evening by the time we rocked up to our home for the weekend. We had booked a flat with AirBnB, and it may have been one of the most charming places I have stayed in. Straight away I nabbed the small maids room off the living room.

The whole flat was really spacious but I wanted the smallest room as it was so quaint, and because of the tall ceiling it didn't feel cramped at all. After a good nights sleep it was time to head out and explore!

We spend most the morning walking, eating, drinking and chatting, or any combination of the four. Straight away I loved Edinburgh. It is a beautiful city and I was in awe of the architecture. In the old part of the city I felt like I could really imagine what it would have been like to live there centuries ago. Where ever you turned there was just so much character and history.

Soon it was time for us to check out one of the worlds oldest team sports, Curling. This winter Olympic sport originated in Scotland way back in the 16th Century.

I found it a really addictive sport to watch. It seems quite simple, get the stones into the house (see Susan, I was listening) and knock out all your opponents stones, but on ice it is more difficult than it seems. I got quite carried away watching, thinking up strategies and urging my chosen team to win. If I start another 52 New Things once finishing this list 'Playing Curling' will be right at the top. I'm not known for my balance or elegance so putting me on ice may be dangerous, but I really want to have a go at curling, and not just so I can try out the slippy/grippy shoes!

Soon though, it was time to return to our flat to get ready for a night out in Edinburgh. Lucky Edinburgh.

We started with a particularly nice meal at a restaurant called The Dogs. It's quite central, has great atmosphere but most importantly the food was amazing. I recommend the mac & cheese as well as the rice pudding dessert - delicious. Then it was time to head for some cocktails.

A block or so from The Dogs is a cocktail bar called Panda and Sons. You head downstairs into a basement bar where you can treat yourself to a range of beautifully prepared cocktails. There's cocktails in smoke filled bell jars, mix your own Monet cocktails, and most importantly for Anna, Espresso Martinis. 

I woke early the next morning feeling a little worse for wear. I blame the aforementioned Martinis, I don't drink coffee so was still buzzing with caffeine whilst everyone else slept soundly. I decided the only sensible thing to do at that time of the morning was climb a big hill. So off I headed to the nearby Carlton Hill.

From that hill I could see the whole cityscape of Edinburgh and really got a chance to appreciate the scenery.

Now it may have been the combination of the lack of sleep, the hangover or just climbing up a big hill but the view took my breath away. I decided then and there I have to visit Edinburgh again, and I also plan to head out to the surrounding mountains and lochs. It's just too beautiful not spend more time in Scotland.

I returned to the flat feeling a little bit more human and ready to face the rest of the day. Luckily for me it turned out we were going to spend the morning on an open-top bus (which I love) so I didn't have to worry about slowing anyone down having spent the little energy I had on Carlton Hill.

What I enjoyed most about this tour (apart from being sat down) was that we had a real life guide. None of this headphone automatic computer talking to me nonsense. Our guide was funny, informative and had a great Scottish accent (the jury is still out for me whether Scottish or Irish accents are the best). Having spent most our time in the old part of Edinburgh it was really interesting to visit the newer side and hear about the regeneration of the area. Unfortunately all the photos I took are a bit wobbly so I won't bore you with them, but safe to say, despite being a little chilly I would recommend a bus tour, if like us you don't have a long time in Edinburgh, just make sure they have a human guide!

After a final, warming meal with Susan at the National Gallery it was unfortunately time for us to say our farewells and head back to London. It was certainly a more subdued train journey than the one that brought us to Edinburgh. I had a fantastic weekend for my first trip to Edinburgh. It was wonderful to spend time with friends and Edinburgh is a beautiful city in which to do it. Thank you Susan!