tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78833160910392409772024-03-13T12:14:41.511-04:00Little Girl, Bigger WorldLeda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-76264130625234672392018-12-19T18:28:00.002-05:002018-12-19T18:29:17.957-05:00Why I Stopped BloggingOh, hello. It's been a while.<br />
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And writing this right now is really scary. Because for a while I was totally convinced that this chapter of my life was closed. That after four years of blogging, this was it.<br />
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So I stopped and reflected. Why had I stopped blogging? And, perhaps more importantly, why did I start blogging in the first place? And I thought that maybe I owed you all (that is, the handful of people who probably read here) an explanation.<br />
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I got too busy</h3>
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This is the easy answer. A cop-out, if you will. I started graduate school at the University of Oxford this past October, and since then it's really been head-down, nose-in-the-books busy. Having a 1,500 word essay to write (for just one of my classes!) every single week isn't exactly conducive to motivating myself to write even more in my "spare time" (what's that?) </div>
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Every time I even <i>thought</i> about writing a blog post (and believe me, I've had a few ideas), I felt guilty. There's the perpetual guilt that you feel as a student (and especially as a grad student) that if you're not working on your studies, you're being completely and utterly lazy. Plus, I thought that if I <i>was</i> going to spend some time away from essays and the like, I'd rather it be mindless. You know, like watching Netflix and all that. And weekends? Well, I work incredibly hard during the weekdays so that I can take my weekends completely off. I know that this isn't the case for most students, but it's my own choice. And it works well for me. Except for that it never really leaves me all that much time to blog.</div>
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But I know that I'm really just using this as an excuse. I truly believe that you can make time for anything if you're really that passionate about it. Which brings me to my next point...</div>
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I lost my passion for writing </h3>
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This is a tough one to admit, but it's true. Even when I had an idea for a blog post, I just couldn't bring myself to put pen to paper. It's crazy to think that in the time in my life that is perhaps the most exciting and strange and confusing and wonderful time I've ever experienced I had absolutely <i>no</i> motivation to document it. To share what was going on with my friends, my family, and my virtual blogging pals. Going to Oxford is really something special. And it's something that I truly want to share. But sadly, I was the only thing in my way. There was no other way of getting around this absence of passion but to give it time. And so I did, and here I am now. But I wouldn't say the fire has totally returned for me. And here's why...<br />
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I became frustrated with the "industry"</h3>
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And I absolutely <i>hate</i> using the word "industry" because it characterises all that I see is wrong with the blogging, social media, and "influencing" these days. No longer do people record their daily lives through blogs. In fact, most bloggers have shifted their focus to Instagram and Youtube because word on the street is, nobody reads blogs anymore and other platforms are far more profitable. And that's exactly the problem. Blogs (and the accompanying social media that is used to promote it) were once a place of authenticity, not profitability. People used to write- I mean <i>really</i> write. Not produce long-winded instagram captions with flowery language and superfluous emojis. But these are the people that are popular and, perhaps most importantly, making money. Blogging seems almost pointless now that people can gain popularity solely through posting photos. </div>
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The very foundation of blogging- writing- is something that is slowly disappearing in this world where we value curated photos that present an aspirational life. Writing is an incredible skill that should be celebrated, praised, and rewarded. And the trend toward influencing and away from blogging feels like a huge slap in the face to those of us who spend our time mastering this skill. I see bloggers (or talented writers, shall I say) out there working hard and writing some fantastic pieces that are interesting, relatable, and some that could even change the world. But they don't get the same opportunities or audiences that people who pose for pictures in pretty outfits do.</div>
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And while my frustration has kept me away from blogging for some time, I'm determined to let this frustration drive me forward. To write the blog that <i>I </i> want to read. To keep blogging and writing alive for as long as I can. And to write things that <i>matter</i>. If you know me, you know that those are the pieces that I'm the most proud of. </div>
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And so I'm remembering why I started the blog in the first place. I was an 18 year old about to embark on an incredible journey. The one that would single-handedly change my life, and the way I see the world, forever. I wrote about my struggles, my social life, and my proudest achievements. I shared advice about moving abroad and was honest about the lessons I learned along the way. I never shied away from being opinionated and I was critical of the world around me.<br />
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I desperately don't want to lose this thing that has been a part of me for so long. It may not be perfect, and it certainly is not the most popular, but it's <i>mine</i>. And that's exactly how I want it to be. </div>
Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-53259379816707752362018-08-14T17:38:00.001-04:002018-08-14T17:39:02.310-04:00Postcards from Coastal France: La Rochelle <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I went on the most dreamy French holiday in June. And now it's August and summer's almost over, but you know what? I'm still going to share some pictures from my trip. No shame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I used to never be a France person. I had only been once before I went to university, and it was that classic quick-fire trip to Paris where you pack in loads of sites every day and barely stop to catch your breath. Or maybe that's just what holidays are usually like in my family (sorry Mom!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyway, I had never been to the lesser-known parts of France until I visited Beziers last summer. Ever since I've been hooked on the French lifestyle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ben and I booked a coastal getaway in La Rochelle and Île de Ré to satisfy our craving for the beach and revisit a part of France that his family had taken him to when he was younger. Between the food, the culture, and the breathtaking sunsets, it really was a picture-perfect trip, fit for any touristy postcard. For now, I'll just share the first part of our trip- La Rochelle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite our fears of a weekend of torrential rain, La Rochelle greeted us with clear skies and warm air. We eagerly took restaurant recommendations from our Airbnb host and made a beeline for a seafood restaurant that was his personal favourite. Because when you're on the coast, what better food to eat than fish?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.restaurant-lecabanondespecheurs.fr/restaurant-la-rochelle-la-carte.html" target="_blank">Le Cabanon des Pecheurs</a> was a bit on the pricier side (for France, that is), but the vibe of the restaurant was casual. It couldn't have been a better pick for our first meal. We wanted somewhere unfussy and not particularly touristy, but where they would be able to deal with my lack of French speaking skills. I had a gorgeous piece of local fish with thick spears of asparagus underneath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We skipped out on dessert at the restaurant and instead opted for a sunset walk along the port and a scoop of ice cream. If there's one thing you need to try in this part of France, it's the salted caramel ice cream. This area of France is famous for its sea salt- and you can bet that they were pretty heavy handed with it in this ice cream (not to everyone's taste, but it was perfect for me).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next day we were up bright an early for some pastries along the river. Because who needs a big breakfast buffet when you have a boulangerie? We bought our breakfast from a nearby covered market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We spent the morning walking around the town, taking in the sights of the port. The three fourteenth century towers are a looming presence in La Rochelle, reminding locals and tourists alike of their past involvement in wars and importance as a port city. Worth the money for both the history and the views, the towers are a can't miss attraction in La Rochelle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Could there be anything more French than a baguette? Impossible. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/44CafeLaRochelle?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Cafe 44</a> is an unassuming, hole in the wall sandwich shop, but it's also your best bet for a fresh, no-frills baguette. Mine was filled with goats cheese, ham and fig jam. I honestly think this is one of my favourite things I ate on our trip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">La Rochelle’s botanical garden is a bit of a hidden gem. From the outside, it doesn’t seem to big. But once you’re inside, it’s a treasure trove of immaculately designed gardens.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Keeping with the theme of gardens, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lejardindumarche/?fref=ts&utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral" target="_blank">Le Jardin du Marche</a> is an oasis of calm among busy restaurants at lunchtime. We stopped here for a coffee after visiting the botanical gardens and enjoyed being in the shade of their lush courtyard. Plus, they did a proper iced coffee- which is always a bonus for me!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sadly, this was the end of our full day in La Rochelle because we had to move onto our next stop in </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Île de Ré</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">! However, we returned to La Rochelle on our final afternoon in France before catching our flight. And I can’t recommend La Rochelle without also recommending the aquarium. We were as wide-eyed as the throngs of children populating the aquarium, eagerly pressing our faces against the glass to see the colourful fish!</span></span><br />
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Next week, I'll be back with a recap of what we did on the island of <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Île de Ré!</span><br />
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-85101542521805947572018-08-03T10:16:00.000-04:002018-08-07T17:29:25.138-04:00Manchester Foodie Diary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ah, Manchester. My time here is almost up (3 weeks and counting... can you tell I'm excited to go home for a bit?). But I don't feel like I've been giving this city justice through my social media or my blog. While I've had a few bumps in the road since moving here, I've come to appreciate this city a lot more than I initially did. Manchester is certainly a foodie city through and through. And despite not spending many weekends here so far, I've definitely made the most of the Manchester food scene on the weekdays after work or when I have people visiting. There are a few more places on my bucket list to tick off before I leave, but so far here are the places I've tasted (and, for the most part, loved!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>BRUNCH</i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A heaven for Scandi style lovers, Takk is the pinnacle of minimalist style and chill vibes. The atmosphere is more laid-back coffee house than a bustling brunch spot, so if you’re looking for a spot to relax, this is the one. Order at the bar and choose from a number of savoury and sweet dishes- from nduja sausage spread on toast with perfectly poached eggs to the mascarpone and berry compote French toast. They also do their own take on shakshuka, a traditional middle-eastern dish of eggs in tomato sauce. Their version has maple smoked bacon, smashed avocado, and chipotle ketchup. Now that’s bound to cure a hangover.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://federalcafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Federal Café and Bar</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another spot for a bang-up brunch, Federal Café and Bar provides a slice of the effortlessly cool Aussie lifestyle in central Manchester. Not sure what Australian food is like? Well, all I know is that they love their flat whites and they serve it in a glass tumbler. All you need to know is that the coffee is second to none- and my brunch here rekindled my love for vanilla iced lattes. Come here for another round of berry French toast (I know I did…) complete with salted caramel and almond flakes. Or try their corn fritters with salmon and poached eggs if you don’t have as much of a sweet tooth as I do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A gem based just outside of the city centre (and a stone’s throw away from my accommodation- </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">score</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">), Hatch is the hip new food market that most people don’t seem to know about. With an ever-changing rotation of a handful of vendors, Hatch is the perfect place to try out something new. Ever tried cuisine from Manila? Or fresh, crunchy crab cakes? Hatch keeps everything as local as possible, supporting not only local food vendors but also craftsmen and women from all industries at this lively pop up space. Plus, this glorious summer weather is a great excuse to come by and hang out in their expansive courtyard with a glass of beer (in my case a very fruity one). </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.mackiemayor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Mackie Mayor</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mackie Mayor is truly the creme de la creme of food halls. Set in a repurposed former meat market, it's a hub for foodies across Manchester. The atmosphere itself is enough to pay Mackie Mayor a visit, but the food and service concept are what really make this a special place. Snag a seat on one of their two levels (the upper one is usually quieter) and order your food up one of the many food vendor's counters. Simply tell the staff your table number, have a seat back at your table, and one of their many "runners" will bring your food to you. There's no need to pay a tip or a service charge, but the price of the food is definitely on the higher end to make up for it. Try one of the soft, squidgy bao buns filled with tender pork belly and pickled vegetables served by Baohouse. Or grab a slice of pizza from Honest Crust Pizza. Whatever you do, don't miss out on the drink selections! From the sangria at the wine bar to their wide selection of craft beer, there really is something for everyone at Mackie Mayor. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.northernsoulmcr.com/#the-menu" target="_blank">Northern Soul</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Northern Soul puts cheese at the heart of its business. Cheese toasties to be exact. Located just within reach of Picadilly Gardens, this is the perfect spot for when you need something filling without breaking the bank. For as little as £4.50 (or as much as £6.50 if you're really looking to splash some cash) you get a ginormous cheese toastie- either on its own with their special three cheese recipe or filled with anything from pulled pork, to fried chicken, or even mac and cheese (!). Trust me when I say that these sandwiches will be enough to keep you satisfied- I took half of mine home for lunch the next day! </span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fried chicken gets a bad rep as flavourless fast food. But at Yard and Coop, they've taken fried chicken to the next level. Located in the oh-so-hip Northern Quarter, Yard and Coop is an ideal choice for a fun meal and a couple of cocktails. Try out the Flashdance cocktail and you're in for a real treat- not only is it spiked with loads of tequila but it comes complete with glitter on top! For dinner, either "make your own" meal by choosing from different cuts of chicken, sauces, and fries. Or trust the experts and have something off the menu. My personal favorite? The Coop Kebab. This warm flatbread/salad hybrid gives you all the Mediterranean vibes with fried chicken thighs, pomegranate, and minty sour cream. You could also go all out and order a burger of epic proportions, the Massive Cock MK III, a double stacked burger with <i>all</i> the fixings topped with a mini chicken burger and served with two kinds of fries. You definitely won't leave hungry after this one. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">Neighbourhood</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Neighbourhood is definitely one of those restaurants where you go to see and be seen. It's packed with every Instagram trend <i>ever</i> from velvet to white marble to copper fixtures, and, of course, complete with a flower wall. They're most well-known for their sushi, which you can get as either a whole or half roll. The duck sushi is one of a kind and not to be missed! It's a bit on the pricey side, but great for a special occasion. Plus, they do some fabulous deals at night, including a "Not Going Home" package where you can get bottomless drinks and three small plates for £30 while enjoying the live DJ and party atmosphere. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bockcafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bock Biere Cafe </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If craft beer is your thing (it seems to be everyone's thing nowadays) then Bock Biere should feel like heaven on earth. They stock over 100 different types of beer from well known Belgian beers to lesser known varieties. But they don't just have beer- this summer, they're offering two-for-one cocktails Monday-Wednesday. I came here with a friend through a deal she found on the app ItIsOn. We went for Bock's most famous offering which is the roast dinner fondue: two portions of chicken, garlicky vegetables, fluffy roast potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding waffles all the dunk in a pot of hot gravy to your heart's content. It was seriously life-changing, and with our voucher only cost £7 each! I'll definitely back to try out the chocolate fondue next time. </span></div>
Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-63849741697901936562018-07-10T17:57:00.001-04:002018-07-17T14:17:28.606-04:00Little Girl, New City: Hello, Manchester!If you hadn't already noticed, there hasn't been much content up on this site in quite some time. I've been preoccupied with other things the past few weeks, but I'm determined to get back in the swing of things with this blog for the summer.<br />
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So, what have you missed?<br />
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Well, for one thing, I've (temporarily) moved to a new city! If you had asked me a couple months ago where I was set to be working this summer, I would've said Windsor. You know, the place where the castle is? But much to my surprise, I was actually placed in Manchester for the summer. It's a really beautiful city and even after just a couple of weeks here, I can confidently say that it's home to some of the best brunch (particularly French toast) I've ever had.<br />
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I've also realized that The North (capital "T" capital "N" of course) has a culture entirely it's own. Having lived in Edinburgh, I'm used to Southern (read: London/home counties) accents and y'know the odd Scottish accent here and there. But Northern accents are completely new territory for me. I don't know how many times I've had to say "Sorry, what did you just say?" to my coworkers. And I am thoroughly amused at how much everyone here loves tea (or a "brew" as they say), how often people say "mate" (even in professional conversation), and how weird it is that dinner is called tea (and lunch is called dinner, apparently?)<br />
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Another thing you might have gathered is that I've started a new job! I'm currently two weeks into an internship in Human Resources and am only just starting to figure out what all those crazy acronyms and abbreviations mean. See? I'm learning a lot! Working that 9 to 5 lifestyle hasn't been too bad. After a couple months without uni or any sort of responsibilities, I was in desperate need of some structure. Sure, I don't have tons of time after work to do anything mildly fun besides go for a run and watch trashy television (you know the show I'm talking about...), but that's what weekends are for!<br />
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I like that my particular role within HR means that I have loads of opportunities to not be desk-bound and to visit other offices, sites, and people. Having a project to complete over the summer in addition to day-to-day tasks also means that I get to utilize some of the skills at university- like research, time management, and problem-solving. So if anyone ever says to you that you'll never use your academic research skills in the "real world," well, they couldn't be more wrong. I also think the people in the office are a really great bunch. It can be hard to be the new kid (literally), but I've learned that there's no such thing as a stupid question and that everyone is willing to help you out.<br />
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I'm not one to sugar coat things though, and I'll be honest when I say that moving to Manchester, even for this short time, has been a difficult transition for me. I know what you're thinking: "Leda, you moved to a different country just a few years ago- how in the world can this be so hard?" But, hear me out. I think what's made this transition a bit challenging for me has been the fact that there's lots of change for me going on at one time. Starting on an internship is a tough enough adjustment as it is- especially since this is my first exposure to a corporate environment. But when you do that combined a new city and a new flat on your own, it can be especially difficult.<br />
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Even so, I'm really grateful to have this opportunity to learn- about the corporate world, about HR, and about myself. It may not be perfect, but I'm trying to make the most of it.Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-4567265923073552782018-06-06T13:46:00.000-04:002018-06-06T13:46:57.856-04:00Edinburgh's Best Afternoon Teas: For Every Budget, Style, and Occasion<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span> Afternoon tea is a lifestyle. It's all about slowing down, sipping on a hot cup of tea, and enjoying the moment. It's a leisurely pursuit that I am committed to taking part in at least a couple of times per year. Which isn't hard considering I have been to more than fifteen different places for afternoon tea in my life so far. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">With my obsession for this in-between meal (it's not quite lunch but not quite just a snack), you'd think I was British. But my home city of Boston has a strong tradition of offering fancy afternoon tea at almost every hotel in town. And I've nearly tried them all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Since I moved to the U.K., my love for afternoon tea has grown even more. Luckily, Edinburgh has some pretty fantastic spots for afternoon tea. And they're not all quite what you'd expect. Having experienced quite a few of them in my four years here, I thought I'd share my four favorite places for afternoon tea in Edinburgh for every budget, style, and occasion! </span></div>
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Very few afternoon teas stand up to the gastronomic flair offered by <b><a href="http://www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades/" target="_blank">The Collonades at the Signet Library</a></b>. Despite being tucked away just off of the Royal Mile, the Collonades is far from touristy. This 19th-century building is home to a restored library that acts as the ideal setting for a slow-paced afternoon break of savories and sweets. Start your visit with a cheeky cocktail or glass of bubbly before selecting your tea. The Collonades tea is set apart by the sheer number of delicious bites included in the menu, with two separate tiered trays for savory snacks and sweet treats. But this isn't your usual cucumber sandwiches and Victoria sponge type of afternoon tea. At the Collonades, you'll be delighted to have unique bites such as hoisin duck croquettes, cauliflower pannacotta, and banana custard tart. The menu is constantly changing with the season, so be prepared to be in for a pleasant surprise! </div>
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<i>Afternoon tea at the Collonades at the Signet Library starts at £34/pp. You can book online and view their menu <a href="http://www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Classic British fare with a view </i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">There is something to be said, however, for sticking to the classics. </span><b><a href="http://www.braidhillshotel.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea" target="_blank">The 1886 restaurant at the Best Western Braids Hills Hotel </a></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">offers a traditional tea that's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. For £15 per person (a steal if you ask me), or £21 with a glass of Prosecco, this afternoon tea is ideal as a not-too-pricey treat. Dubbed the Jean Brodie afternoon tea after an excerpt from <i>The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie </i>where the hotel is mentioned, this three-tiered tea is as timeless as the novel itself. </span>The highlight of the savories is the ham sandwich with homemade piccalilli- a fresh take on a classic that is a far cry from the jarred stuff. The two ginormous scones are enough to (almost) make you want to skip out on dessert, but you'll surely find room for a bit of cake. The best part, though? The breathtaking panoramic view from the Braids Hills. Take a seat outside on the terrace should the elusive sunshine be about. Whether you're facing the Pentland Hills or Edinburgh Castle, there's not a bad seat in the house!<br />
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<i>Afternoon tea at the 1886 Restaurant at the Best Western Braids Hills Hotel starts at £15/pp. You can call to book and view their menu <a href="http://www.braidhillshotel.co.uk/food-drink/afternoon-tea" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>A luxurious escape for a special occasion </i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Sometimes, we all need to be treated like royalty. And the</span><b><a href="http://www.waldorfastoriaedinburgh.com/dining-and-bars/peacock-alley.html" target="_blank"> Peacock Alley Lobby Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria</a></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is just the spot for a sophisticated afternoon tea fit for a queen. The Peacock Alley Lounge is not by any means stuffy, however. In fact, it epitomizes the "lounge" feel you'd expect from such a place, with cushy sofas, an airy high ceiling, and stylish fixtures striking a balance between glamorous and comfortable. The menu offers a mix of classic bites like ham and mustard, while also taking typical treats to the next level- like matcha macarons. The Peacock Alley Lounge's tea selection is also quite impressive, with a range of over 40 loose leaf teas on offer. You can even have a whiff of the teas beforehand to see which one takes your fancy. </span></div>
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<i>Afternoon tea at the Peacock Alley Lobby Lounge at the Waldorf Astoria starts at £35/pp. You can book online and view their menu <a href="http://www.waldorfastoriaedinburgh.com/dining-and-bars/peacock-alley.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>A girly afternoon in a relaxed space</i></span></h3>
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If you're after something a bit more casual where you can have as much or as little as you want, <b><a href="https://www.eteaket.co.uk/tea-room-afternoon-tea-edinburgh/menus/" target="_blank">Eteaket</a></b> is just the place. Gather up a group of friends for a girly afternoon tea at Eteaket, and choose from having the full shebang with three tiers, or go for something a little lighter- say, just a scone or a sandwich. This is the perfect no-fuss tea with all the trimmings of a fun day out- they even do tea-infused cocktails! Paired with the bright teal and pink color scheme and gorgeous floral crockery, you'll definitely find yourself snapping photos of your meal. And if you love Eteaket's tea, you can purchase a little bag of it on your way out! It makes the perfect gift for any occasion. </div>
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<i>Afternoon tea at Eteaket starts at £15.95/pp for three tiers, but they also offer a smaller high tea option for £8.95/pp or cream tea for £4.95/pp. You can view their menu <a href="https://www.eteaket.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i>Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-76853013661451971652018-05-31T13:17:00.000-04:002018-05-31T17:32:09.307-04:00Vapiano, Edinburgh: Italian Food Made Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Edinburgh restaurant scene is one that is always growing and changing. St. Andrew's square, located smack dab in the middle of Princes Street and Queen Street, is fast becoming one of those corners of Edinburgh that is well and truly a high-end foodie hub. With luxe London transplants like The Ivy and Dishoom popping up just steps away from local New Town favourites, it's no wonder St. Andrew's Square is becoming a hot spot for anything from graduation dinners to rooftop cocktails. </div>
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But even with the recent developments in the area, I couldn't help but think that maybe there were just a few too many upscale restaurants and not enough casual pit-stops for those of us who are out shopping on Princes Street at the weekends. That's where <a href="https://uk.vapiano.com/en/restaurants/detail/restaurant-details/-c8dbc14c29/" target="_blank">Vapiano</a> comes in. An international gastronomic franchise, Vapiano is a celebration of Italian cuisine that is quickly dominating the fast-casual market. And for good reason- the business model is clever (and seamlessly replicable) and the speedily prepared food is second to none. When I was invited to try it out for myself, I grabbed my best partner-in-eating (Ben, of course) and headed to the restaurant ready for the full Vapiano experience. </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Concept</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Vapiano isn't your ordinary sit-down restaurant with table-service and long waits for your food. Nor is it a "fast food" chain that makes your meal quick and cheap. Vapiano lies somewhere in the middle of these two tried-and-true concepts. Let me explain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">A trip to Vapiano starts with you being handed your very own swipe-card. Tap in at different stations when you order your pasta or pizza- or whatever suits your fancy- and Vapiano will have a record of what you've ordered. Watch your food being cooked right before your eyes by Vapiano's very talented cohort of chefs and let them know exactly what you want. This means you can ask them to eliminate an ingredient you don't like or add just a little bit more cheese right at the end. This makes Vapiano the perfect spot for people with particular dietary requirements and even the pickiest of eaters. </span><br />
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Make no mistake, though, Vapiano is <i>no</i> fast food establishment. Sure, your meal is being cooked relatively quickly and you're ordering at the counter, but the food is fresh as can be (think, homemade pasta) and the staff are as attentive and friendly as those in any fancy restaurant I've ever been to. The best thing about Vapiano's unique concept, though? You don't have to worry about splitting the bill! Trying to calculate everyone's share, swapping around cash, and mixing up cards can be a total headache. But at Vapiano, the swipe-cards do the work for you and you don't have to worry about that dreaded end-of-meal conversation.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Food</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vapiano is, as its name suggests, known for its Italian food. Hearty bowls of pasta, perfectly crisp pizzas, and shareable platters of antipasti are Vapiano's speciality. Which means you have to have one of each! Paired with a glass of wine (Italian, of course), an Aperol spritz, or a cold beer, a meal at Vapiano can satisfy even your strongest Italian cravings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were very well taken care of on our visit by all of the staff, but particularly by Jackson, the General Manager. From the start, we were made to feel welcome, with Jackson putting together our antipasti platter by hand and delivering it to our table (which isn't the typical Vapiano experience, but we appreciated it anyway!). The antipasti platter was the dream combination of meats and cheese, with a few roasted vegetables for good measure. The highlight was definitely the buffalo mozzarella, which had the creamiest inside, pairing perfectly with either the spicy chorizo or mild salami. I could have happily stopped after our antipasti, but the pasta station awaited us!</span></div>
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Before I dig into the pasta we ordered, I think it is important to mention the great lengths that Vapiano goes to accommodate different diets. There are countless vegetarian dishes on the menu, a solid assortment of pasta mains for vegans, and, as I mentioned earlier, you're able to substitute or eliminate ingredients while it cooks right before for your eyes.<br />
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As I approached the pasta station, I also noted an added choice I had to make- the shape of the pasta. You can choose from more than a handful of pasta types to suit the dish you're after. For the Gamberetti e Spinaci, a flavorful trio of juicy king prawns, bursting tomatoes, and earthy spinach, campanelle was my shape of choice (to soak up all that sauce, of course). Ben ordered the cognac and chicken pasta with pappardelle, which seemed to be a popular choice among the people ordering in front us. Little bits of bacon paired with the peas and chicken make for the perfect pairing to the creamy tomato sauce. Both of our pasta dishes were topped with a mountain of cheese, and it's safe to say mine left me sorely defeated (luckily Ben picked up the slack).<br />
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Despite filling up on pasta, I couldn't say no to dessert. And Vapiano is one of those places where dessert is a must. The tiramisu is the real deal, with layers of slightly sweetened mascarpone and coffee-soaked cake all packed into a shareable glass (that you probably won't want to share!)<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The Verdict</i></span></h2>
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Vapiano hits the sweet spot that is "fast casual," with a quick-fire mode of cooking, and a serve-yourself model that isn't let down by the food. This is the kind of restaurant that knows how to manage such a unique concept that simultaneously feels fresh and comfortable. Whether or not the business model of this international franchise appeals to you, the quality of the food and the overall value for money is enough reason to visit. If anything, Vapiano's cocktails are a fantastic price, especially in this part of town, and would make for the perfect casual after-work drinks spot.<br />
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In my mind, Vapiano is the ideal crowd-pleaser of a restaurant for big groups, double dates, and family meals alike. Whether you want to enjoy a bowl of hot pasta during your 30-minute lunch break, or leisurely enjoy an antipasti plate with a glass of wine on a casual date, Vapiano provides a laid-back atmosphere perfect for any occasion. <br />
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<i>Thank you to Vapiano for hosting me! And a special thank you to Jackson for being so accommodating. I received a complimentary meal in exchange for this review, however, all views are my own. You can find more information about Vapiano (and find your closest restaurant) <a href="https://uk.vapiano.com/en/home/" target="_blank">here</a> and check out their <a href="https://uk.vapiano.com/en/menu/" target="_blank">menu</a> here! </i>Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-48169648414014004342018-05-22T16:55:00.000-04:002018-05-25T06:48:37.526-04:004 Steps to Channeling Your Inner Gardener This SpringWhen I was little, I loved to play in the dirt. I would spend my summers turning over stones to find rollie pollies and bugs of all sorts with my brothers. Being outside in the grass and dirt always seemed second nature to me. But then, I got older and started spending more time on my phone and laptop than out in my backyard. Go figure.<br />
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Gardening has always been something that has interested me from afar. By that I mean I love looking at immaculately maintained gardens, but I don't like doing the maintaining myself. I realized, though, that my hesitance around gardening wasn't due to any particular dislike of actually doing the work, but because I didn't exactly know where to start.<br />
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My mom has always encouraged me to get outside and into the garden, but I never took to it. But a few weeks ago when I was back at home, she practically <i>forced</i> me to do some planting. Of course, I'm always keen to come along with her to the garden centre- if only to take snaps of the pretty flowers. But diggings holes, getting dirty, and even re-seeding/fertilizing the whole yard was completely new to me! When I came back to the U.K. about a week ago, I felt like I was at least semi-equipped to help Ben with his own garden in his new flat in London.<br />
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Speaking from my own experience, gardening can be pretty intimidating. You need a bit of know-how when it comes to science to make sure your plants grow. You also need a creative eye to get your garden aesthetic down to a T. I have none of those things. Even so, I wanted to share a few simple steps that will get you on the right track for putting together your own garden this spring if you're a novice like me.<br />
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From Pinterest, to garden centres, to good old nature itself, there are numerous resources that will inspire you to get gardening. One of my favorite ways to figure out what I like (and equally, don't like) in a garden is by going to a "fancier" garden centre. I think that it's difficult to feel inspired at your average Home Depot or B&Q, what with the masses of flowers and shrubs that are piled into what looks like a parking lot. Instead, places like my local garden centres at home, Volante's and Mahoney's, as well as London-based small garden centres like The Nunhead Gardener serve as that real-life inspiration that can really get those creative juices flowing. Seeing plants in person and in context can help you hone in on what you might want to pick up at a cheaper garden centre later.<br />
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<b>2.) Starting small</b></h3>
It's easy to have lofty dreams of a perfect garden coming together over the course of one weekend. But the reality is that you have to start small before you can transform your space entirely. Take this past weekend, for example, when Ben and I decided to tackle his garden. We ticked off one "big job" with weeding the flower beds and one "small job" by filling two big planters with flowers. We knew that we wouldn't be able to re-seed the entire lawn or plant an entire flower bed over the weekend. Setting reasonable goals helped us to shape our expectations toward the reality of our (practically non-existent) gardening skills. A good way to "start small" is to grab a couple of planters, window boxes, or hanging baskets, and test-drive your green thumb before digging holes in the ground. Small changes can make a big difference!<br />
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<b>3.) Making informed choices</b></h3>
The majority of my gardening knowledge comes from my mom, with a few of the gaps being filled in by Google. If there's one thing I know about gardening, though, it's that quick-fixes seldom ever work. Putting a layer of topsoil over dead, dry soil isn't going to revive your planting area. But doing the work to de-weed and properly take care of your soil will pay off in the long run. Do you research beforehand so that you aren't tempted by the promises certain products make. Also, make sure you know what you want out of your garden before you go crazy buying plants. Do you want your flowers to grow back next year? Or do you want to start the process all over again next year? This will help you decide how many perennials and annuals you want. You should also spend time getting to know how much sunshine and shade each part of your garden gets so you can make informed choices about what you want to plant where. Luckily, garden centres make it really easy to see what kinds of plants are full sun/full shade/half and half by the labels- or you can always ask someone there!<br />
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<b>4.) Understanding that gardening is a process</b></h3>
My mom has always told me that gardening is about trial and error. One spring, you might plant hydrangeas and they just don't take. So maybe your soil isn't exactly the right kind. And perhaps the next planting season you don't put your tulips in a space with enough sunshine. Just remember that you can always move things around and revise your plan. The perfect garden definitely won't come together on your first try (it certainly didn't for my mom). It's certainly a process rather than a "one and done" situation. So if you're not willing to commit to tending to a garden, then you probably won't have the garden of your dreams.<br />
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I may not be an expert gardener- in fact, I'd say I was downright <i>intimidated</i> by it at first. But I think that gardening is something that everyone can and should enjoy, without feeling like they need to achieve garden perfection. After all, it's not necessarily about how your garden looks, but the fact that you planted it that really matters!<br />
<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-21651738115058025352018-05-11T14:10:00.003-04:002018-05-11T14:10:55.317-04:00What to Do (And Eat) On A Short Trip to MontrealBeing from Boston, I really like to brag about how "European" my home city is. From all the brick architecture and cobblestone pathways to the historical sites that sit on every corner, we really take pride in Boston's European reputation.<br />
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But, if there's one place in North America that truly beats out Boston for having that <i>je ne sais quoi</i>, it truly is Canada's very own Montreal. It may be a far cry from Europe geographically, but when you visit Montreal you really feel like you're stepping foot in a little offshoot of France. Of course, French being Montreal's major language helps to create this feeling, but it's the food and the culture that are on par with Europe's greatest cities.<br />
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Montreal has always been one of my family's favorite vacation spots- even since before us kids were born. My parents used to drive up to Canada for a cheap holiday when they were just starting out. But Montreal has more to offer than just a favourable exchange rate. Just a quick drive up from Boston, Montreal makes for a perfect road-trip destination if you're visiting (or based in) New England.<br />
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On our 3 day trip to Montreal, we didn't have a jam-packed schedule by any means, so I thought I would do a quick round-up of what we did and ate (because let's be honest, most of our activities consisted of eating).<br />
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<b>Where we stayed</b><br />
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There's no shortage of hotels to stay at in Montreal. You would probably even have some good luck finding a little city apartment on Airbnb. We were lucky enough to stay at the <b><a href="http://montreal.intercontinental.com/en/" target="_blank">Intercontinental Montreal</a></b> for a few nights which, while being a "chain" hotel, maintained a boutique, high-end feel through offering perks like club level to its customers. Being in a club-level room was perfect for my parents and me, not only because our room was <i>huge</i> (aka I had my own space separate from my parents), but because it gave us the added bonus of having access to the club lounge for breakfast and cocktail hour. The cocktail hour at the Intercontinental was a particular highlight for us. The service was phenomenal and the bartenders definitely poured drinks on the stronger side. The food served alongside our drinks was also very high quality, with a variety of hot and cold dishes served each evening, from mini grilled cheese sandwiches to salads and snack mixes. There was even a hot main dish on offer every night, so you could definitely get away with skipping dinner altogether!<br />
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<b>What we ate </b><br />
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When we weren't hanging out in the club lounge, we were eating a <i>lot </i>elsewhere. For lunch, I'd definitely recommend <b><a href="https://maisonchristianfaure.ca/en/" target="_blank">Maison Christiane Faure Patisserie</a></b>. A truly French bakery, this spot is known for, of course, it's pastries. But while you may be lured in by the cakes and pastries on offer, you'll find a reason to stay for a while in its lunch menu. With everything from Quiches to Salads to sandwiches, this is the perfect pit stop for lunch. Go for the salmon mille feuille to be dazzled by Christiane Faure's pastry mastery. This flaky layered pastry is a showstopper in and of itself, but when it's topped with wafer-thin salmon, spurts of chive cream cheese, and finished with lemon, it really is the ultimate lunch. Pair it with a mimosa and your set! And don't forget to walk out with a few croissants to-go!<br />
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A new Montreal favorite for my family, but a little bit famous due to social media hype, <b><a href="http://oliveetgourmando.com/" target="_blank">Olive and Gourmando</a> </b>is one of those cafes that's worth waiting around for. Queue up with the rest of Montreal for a good 45 minutes to get your own table at lunch hour, or spring for a communal table to get seated immediately. You won't be disappointed either way. A little bit French and a little bit not-so-French, Olive and Gourmando turns up the heat with spicy sandwiches and creative salads that will have you raving about it to your family and friends. It really is a unique menu, consisting of anything from ricotta and roasted carrot salad to their famous Cuban panini. Before you go, relish in the fact that you got a spot and grab a coffee and "monster" cookie (possibly the best, gooiest cookie I've ever had).<br />
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<b><a href="http://modavie.com/en/">Modavie</a> </b>is your best bet for a night of jazz and a good meal to boot. Montreal has a pretty active jazz scene, but if you're looking for somewhere comfortable to lounge about and have a solid steak frittes, then Modavie is your place. Enjoy one of their carefully crafted cocktails (I recommend the one with Aperol in it) and be sure to order a plate of the charcuterie- it's all local. Order a traditional salad nicoise or moules frittes to get the ultimate French experience, or you could go with Modavie's speciality- lamb. With three lamb entrees to choose from, you will definitely find a dish you like. If you still have room for dessert, there are classics like creme brulee and chocolate fondant to satisfy your sweet tooth. <br />
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<b>What we did </b><br />
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<b>Shopping on St. Catherine street</b> (or St. Cat's street to the locals, as my friend who goes to uni in Montreal informed me) is the perfect way to burn off all of those calories. Who said shopping wasn't cardio? My mom and I wandered down to the department store Ogilvy to do a bit of "window shopping" (aka looking at things that were ridiculously expensive). But we also headed to Aritzia- a suggestion of my Canadian flatmate- to see what the cool kids are wearing these days. <br />
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For a breath of fresh spring (or dry summer) air in bitter-cold Montreal, look to the<b> <a href="http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden" target="_blank">botanical gardens</a></b> as an urban oasis. Just a smidge outside of the main city- but very accessible by the metro- the botanical gardens are an Instagrammer's heaven. From dangling Spanish moss to on-trend succulents to the most beautiful orchids you-ever-did-see, the botanical gardens will certainly inspire the gardener in anyone. The highlight of the gardens was the butterfly sanctuary! There were hundreds- if not thousands- of these beautiful creatures flying freely around a wide-open space. It's really breathtaking. But be prepared for lots of school groups!<br />
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There's always time for a museum when you're on a short trip. And if there's one museum you should make time for in all of Montreal, it's the <b><a href="https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/" target="_blank">museum of fine arts</a></b>. With art that spans centuries of Canada's history, you'll be able to find relics from every era to give you a substantial view of Canada's past through art. Start at the top floor for a crash-course in the art of Canada's indigenous people. This area is often overlooked, but incredibly important. Move down floor by floor to witness the evolution of Canadian art, from the influences of European explorers to contemporary artists. Whether you're an art fiend or a newbie to the field, you're sure to find something to catch your interest.<br />
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Montreal really is the perfect destination for a short trip that makes you feel like you're miles away from home. No wonder it's an Olia family favorite!<br />
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-46717552763821960892018-05-01T18:17:00.001-04:002018-05-01T18:17:13.154-04:00A Day Trip to Portland Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mom is a travel writer. Like the real-life kind of travel writer who writes books that people actually buy. So whenever one of my friends wants to go somewhere (anywhere!) in New England, I always whack out one of my mom's (many) books and get to planning (which you can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maria-Olia/e/B00ISHHUCI" target="_blank">buy here</a>, by the way).<br />
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When fellow-blogger/bestie <a href="http://www.honestlyrussell.com/" target="_blank">Hayley</a> told me she wanted to go to Maine during her latest visit to my home, I knew exactly what to do. Portland seemed like the most obvious choice out of all of the (equally charming) cities in Maine. Mostly because it was the closest in driving distance. I'm a wimp when it comes to driving. We'll discuss this later.<br />
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So back to Portland. No, it's not the hipster-haven that you know of on the West Coast (Oregon's got that one). But it's the <i>original</i> Portland and it's pretty great. Portland is just what it sounds like- a Port city. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Portland strikes a happy medium between quintessential New England and just a little bit industrial. You'll likely see quaint, nautical houses next to industrial new-builds. And the best part? It's a bang-on two-hour drive from Boston. So it makes the perfect day trip.<br />
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Getting to Portland is an easy drive. It's a straight shot on I-95. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Well, at least if you're like me and you become a nervous wreck the second you get on the highway. I know what you're thinking- <i>get over it, Leda. You're 21 years old!</i> And you know what? I did get over it. But it wasn't without a few stress-dreams the night before. And I'm happy to say that now I'm pretty much completely beyond that fear of driving on the highway. So friends, if you're reading this, I can the squad to the beach next time we're all back.<br />
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We went straight to Portland after a leisurely breakfast. You could easily turn it into a mini road-trip though, should you have the time. Why not stop at Kittery to hit the outlet shops? Or you can even take a pit-stop at Kennebunkport- the famed summer destination of the Bush family. If Hayley and I had been on a romantic holiday together, we definitely would have made those visits (next time, bae).<br />
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So after two hours of catching up while on the road, we made it to Portland, just in time for lunch. Once we had figured out where to park (what's with all the 1-hour parking spots in Portland?), we made our way to a practically-famous lunch spot in the center of town. <a href="http://duckfat.com/" target="_blank">Duckfat</a> is known for not only its fantastic food but also it's ridiculous, "I can't believe I waited that long for a table" wait-times. When I told my friends who go to college in Maine that we went there, they gasped "You got in?" But trust me, it's worth it.<br />
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Mill around town while you wait for a table, or even head for coffee at <a href="https://www.coffeebydesign.com/" target="_blank">Coffee By Design</a>. We only waited for a mere 30 minutes before being seated on some barstools facing a wall of magnetic words. Entertainment <i>for days</i>. Mixing around the words to make funny, non-sensical sentences was half the fun of being there. Of course, Duckfat is known for its duck fat fried french fries, so we were obliged to order a large portion of those. These crispy, warm sticks of potatoe-y goodness were as good on their own as they were with the garlic aioli and truffle ketchup. They really are a bucket-list food.<br />
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For a main (although the fries were definitely the star of the show) I had a goats cheese, tomato and bacon panini. Duckfat is the kind of casual lunch spot that really only does sandwiches and soups, but what they lack in variety, they make up for in craft. Each sandwich has a unique combination of flavours that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else (like the duck confit and kohlrabi combo). And let's not forget about the housemade sodas! Though there is a beer and wine list, I'd suggest not skipping over these one-of-a-kind drinks. I had a lemon, honey and thyme spritzer while Hayley had a wild cherry phosphate soda.<br />
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Filled up on fries, we headed out to wander around town before our meter ran out, hitting up some local gift shops along the way. We did a little bit of shopping at the always-cozy <a href="https://www.theblackdog.com/apps/store-locator/" target="_blank">Black Dog</a> clothing store. Stuffed to the brim with sweatshirts, t-shirts, and dog accessories stamped with their famous black labrador logo, this place is a must for any true New England lover. Although we didn't have time to do so, Portland is known for having a bunch of A+ <a href="https://www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/15/" target="_blank">breweries</a>, if craft beer is your thing (it's not really mine, but you don't have to drag me to any alcohol-related activities).<br />
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Since we didn't have any dessert at Duckfat, we headed over to <a href="https://www.twofatcatsbakery.com/" target="_blank">Two Fat Cats bakery</a> for something sweet. This old-fashioned bakery housed in, well, a house, is exactly the kind of bakery I like. No frills, no flower walls, and not an insta-worthy marble table in sight. Just good baking, full stop. Hayley picked up a slice of millionaires shortbread (which was a shocking thing to see in an American bake shop- so British!) while I grabbed a box of Maine's official state dessert. Whoopie pies, that is. These fluffy chocolate cakes with a good helping of frosting in the middle are the stuff dreams are made of. And they're a <i>must</i> when you come to Maine. I'll take 4 please!<br />
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After our little dessert run, we milled around a bit longer, admiring the murals of Portland. It was proper bloggy of us, but the town was pretty dead on this grey day, so we thought we'd make the most of it (even if we were making fools of ourselves a bit!).<br />
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Our next stop was just outside of the city. The Portland Head Light is an iconic New England sight. The wild, rocky Atlantic coastline sets a dramatic backdrop for this beautiful lighthouse. It makes the perfect photo op, even on the dreariest of days. Plus, there's plenty of parking in the area, and even a little museum you can wander into.<br />
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While our afternoon in Portland was coming to a close, we spent the evening up in Brunswick, Maine- a lesser known town that's perhaps most famous for being the college-town home to Bowdoin college. And that's exactly why we went there. Two of my closest friends from childhood (and beyond) go to Bowdoin, so I took this as an opportunity to pay them a visit. I actually know like half the graduating class of 2018 there, because for some reason loads of Bowdoin students study abroad in Edinburgh. Who would've thought? Anyway, we caught up in the dorms before heading to <a href="http://littletokyomaine.com/" target="_blank">Little Tokyo</a> for dinner (it was actually my second visit!) Would highly recommend the noodles 10/10.<br />
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Portland, Maine really is definitely one of the underdogs of New England's cities. It may not have the major-city feel of Boston or the college-town character of New Haven, but for such a small city, it really packs a punch. Whether you're a self-proclaimed foodie, a lover of all things nautical, or a craft beer connoisseur, Portland should really be on your travel bucket-list the next time you make your way North.Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-47618896022894207252018-04-23T21:13:00.000-04:002018-04-23T21:13:21.467-04:005 Things I Always Love About Coming Home from University<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Coming home from Uni is a breath of fresh air. Home is really the one place where I feel like I can totally relax (this wasn’t the case back in high school though). Sure, there are a few drawbacks to being under my parent's roof again: namely, endless scrutiny, the lull of semi-suburban life, and the instant fear I feel when I recognize someone from high school at the grocery store.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">But after spending months away from home, and not only spending all of 10 days at home over Christmas, I’m really starting to appreciate being in Newton again. I say this all the time, but I think my fondness for Home has something to do with the fact that I don’t have the ability to pop home for the weekend while at university like many of my friends do. Even so, I thought I would take note of my five favourite things about being at home so that maybe in a few weeks when I’m bored and fed up I can remember why I appreciate being here so much.</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Home cooked meals</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to coming home, it really is the simplest home-cooked meals that make me happy. Not that I don't cook homemade food at university, but there's something about it coming from my mom that makes it taste <i>just right</i>. I mean, it's a well-know fact that no one but your own mother makes the best roast chicken, right? And as much as I adore cooking, it's nice to be able to take a while off from having to go food shopping and fend for myself (gee, I'm sure my mom wishes she could say that). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Laughing with my family</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">My family's sense of humor is... strange, to say the least. You can ask <a href="http://www.honestlyrussell.com/" target="_blank">Hayley</a>, who came to visit about a week ago. I swear there was a moment where we were just sitting there laughing about something completely irrelevant for a good 5 minutes. Generally, our jokes revolve around a.) people mishearing the conversation and not realizing their mistake b.) repeating old, timeless stories of the past, or c.) lightly making fun of someone else at the table. In reality, it's my Nana who's keeping us all laughing most of the time. I mean, we were at a trendy restaurant over the weekend, and she snarkily commented that they were so young, hip and broke there that they couldn't afford electricity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Running (and walking) my favorite routes</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">There is absolutely no shortage at all of running and walking routes in Edinburgh. I mean, if you walk five steps out the door, you're automatically going uphill. Walk another five steps you're in a national park and walk a few more paces and you're at the foot of a dormant volcano. That being said, I do love going back to my old stomping grounds in Newton to walk around our idyllic neighborhood lake and critiquing the renovations of local houses ("Can you <i>believe</i> she put up a fence like that? SO tacky!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Going shopping with my mom</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If you know me, you know J. Crew is my spiritual home. Sure, they might have a J. Crew and Anthropologie here and there in the U.K. but nothing compares to the stores in the U.S.- especially when it comes to the sales! Most of the time my mom and I just go shopping together to spend time together, and don't end up buying much at all (or anything). And although I've already had my fair share of dressing-room disasters already since being home, I'm looking forward to hitting the mall a few more times before I leave (and I <i>have</i> to get a graduation dress before I go back across the pond). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Having the freedom to drive</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So I'm not known to be a very good driver. I'm not <i>bad</i> per se, but I'm definitely nervous and not confident. But last weekend I drove up to Portland on the highway (2 hours there, 2 hours back) and I think it was just the confidence boost I needed! I've never really appreciated the mobility of driving prior to now, but it <i>is</i> nice to be able to go where I want when I want (subject to having one of the "kid-friendly" cars around). I hope that this means that this summer, for the few weeks that I'll be home, I'll be hitting the beach more often and taking longer drives to cooler places. For now, though, I'll just stick to driving around Newton to grab some ice cream. Baby steps. </span></span><br />
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Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-49073887780873885072018-04-04T17:17:00.000-04:002018-04-04T17:17:34.290-04:00Snapshots from Easter Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oddly, this year our spring break at Edinburgh doesn't officially start until the week after Easter. I had a class on Good Friday and had a final presentation this Tuesday. On top of that, I have an essay due this week and one final tutorial. So it's been a bit disjointed with having a holiday over the weekend and then uni finishing a week later. </div>
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Awkward uni schedule aside, I had a great Easter weekend! I obviously wasn't able to see my own family for the holiday, so instead I headed down to St. Albans to celebrate with Ben and his family. It's really nice being in any family environment for a major holiday, and I'm so glad Ben's family welcomed me!<br />
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Since I had a lot on my plate for the week ahead, I was smart about getting a lot of my work done before I left. I finished up the majority (and by that I mean all but about 300 words) of my essay by Friday afternoon and hopped on an EasyJet flight to Luton on Friday evening. There was a bit of a delay (typical) but I made it in for a decent hour, and Ben and I had some wine and cheese while I introduced him to Queer Eye (we binged the entire show over the weekend- there were <i>many</i> tears).<br />
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On Saturday, we slept in and then headed out of the house around noon to take Ben's family's dog Bess for a long walk. St. Albans is great because although it's a fairly busy and big place, there's lots of countryside to roam around. We walked about 3.5 miles from Ben's house up to a pub called the <a href="https://johnbunyanpub.co.uk/wp/" target="_blank">John Bunyan</a>. It was super cozy with the fire on, and there were lots of other dogs around for Bess to get to know. I've heard great things about the traditional pub grub at the John Bunyan, but we didn't end up trying any (we just had some drinks).<br />
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We walked just a bit further up the road to <a href="http://www.farrbrew.com/" target="_blank">Farr Brew</a>, a brewery and taphouse that is literally in someone's farmhouse. We headed into the barn, a warm, windowless room with rug-covered floors, for a pint. I'm not really a beer person, but when I do drink beer, I always go for a porter. I find that they have so much more flavor than light beers (though any beer connoisseur would probably scoff at that suggestion).<br />
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The best part? THE DOGS. There were <i>so</i> many dogs at this little taphouse. A labrador, a curly one, a scruffy one, and the one and only Bess made up some of the crowd. But my favorite pup? (other than Bess, of course) Well, that had to be little Biscuit. Biscuit is the brewer's spaniel who's only a few months old and she's just a ball of energy! She was sprinting around the room making friends with everyone. When we left, she came outside with us (which was fine by her owner) but then she followed us down the road and was getting in the way of some incoming cars! Ben had to scoop her up and bring her back to the barn.<br />
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On Sunday, we had a day of eating, opening easter eggs, and eating of said easter eggs. Ben's mom made a lovely roast lunch of lamb and all of the fixings. She also made a cauliflower and broccoli cheesy bake which I adored. As if the big lunch wasn't enough, we had a little late-night snack of wine and cheese while watching movies later on. I thought our setup was pretty nice.<br />
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On Monday, we didn't get up to much. Just a little bit of shopping around town. But we did manage to make our way to a pretty legendary dessert spot in St. Albans. <a href="http://www.thepuddingstop.com/" target="_blank">The Pudding Stop</a> is known for having insanely good desserts, and we were <i>not</i> disappointed. The two of us shared a sticky toffee pudding with banana ice cream and it was just heavenly. It was that perfect balance of sweet, salty, sticky, and creamy. If I could only eat one dessert for the rest of my life it would probably be that one. And what a great way to wrap up a relaxing weekend!<br />
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-19054760823365943222018-03-28T16:01:00.001-04:002018-03-28T16:01:29.065-04:00Loving Lately: March I'm always drawn to little list-like blog posts- they really are some of my favorite reads! So this week when I was so sure that my life wasn't interesting enough to warrant writing about, I thought, why not start my own version?<br />
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March has been a pretty good month for me, with a lot of great opportunities coming my way and my life sorting itself out for once. I'm finally looking toward the future and can see a little picture of where I'll be over the next few months emerging. But life isn't all about planning for the future- sometimes you just have to enjoy the little things! So with March being a month of Big Things, here are some smaller things I've been loving lately.<br />
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<b>1.) Podcasts</b><br />
<b><br /></b> Even though podcasts have been around for quite some time, it's only just now that they're starting to get "cool." Everyone and their mom is starting a podcast now, and while I'm not inclined to create my own, there are a few that I keep going back to. Recently, I've felt like I was lacking in my consumption of credible news- that's where NPR's <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first" target="_blank">Up First</a> comes in. Just 15 minutes of the top news stories is the perfect match to my 15-minute walk to and from campus every day. From Up First, I found another NPR podcast called <a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510308/hidden-brain" target="_blank">Hidden Brain</a> which feeds my obsession with Sociology and culture and even teaches me a thing or two about Psychology. If politics are your thing, I can't recommend Pod Save America enough! On Pod Save, three ex-Obama administration staff members discuss hot political topics with great expertise (and sometimes great profanity).<br />
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<b>2.) Newsletters</b><br />
<b><br /></b> Newsletters have also gained massively in popularity this year. Some of my most-read bloggers are now offering more content through newsletters, and I love having them land in my inbox every weekend! I'm so inspired by the bloggers who have added in this new element. Coming up with one blog post per week is already hard enough for me! Some of the great newsletters I'm subscribed to at the moment are <a href="http://www.coloursandcarousels.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte's</a>, <a href="http://themondayproject.co.uk/little-things-newsletter/" target="_blank">Kirsty's</a>, and <a href="http://robowecop.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3223f85d9ea12a1f9de3c48d9&id=aa197d957b" target="_blank">Rhianna's.</a> I also enjoy how much these ladies show the love in their newsletters, linking to their favorite reads each week- it's really expanded my blogging horizons!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>3.) London</b><br />
<b><br /></b> Ah, London. I think our love-hate relationship has finally come to a close. I've spent a lot of time in London this year, and at first, the negatives outweighed the positives. But now every time I have to leave I don't want to! I'm very likely going to be moving down to London next year, so I'm glad that my attitude has changed. The tube might still not be my cup of tea, but I appreciate it's convenience. I've found a few pockets of the city that aren't touristy where I can find some of the best food I've ever eaten (see <a href="http://littlegirlbiggerworld.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-saturday-well-spent-in-south-london.html" target="_blank">this post!</a>). I have been really grateful to have this year as almost a "transition year" to get used to London!<br />
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<b>4.) Facemasks </b><br />
<b><br /></b> I'm aware of how painfully basic this sounds, but I absolutely love facemasks! I think it's a relatively "cheap" way of indulging in something luxurious. I don't usually buy too many skincare products, so I feel justified in my purchases. Especially at Superdrug where the facemasks are 3 for £2, I can never resist. My personal favorites are charcoal and seaweed peel-off masks, but I having a clay or moisturising mask every once in a while is also nice (although I'm generally pretty good about moisturizing).<br />
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<b>5.) Homemade Pizzas</b><br />
<b><br /></b> If you follow me on Instagram, you'll notice that I post snaps of my meals pretty often. And whenever I post a picture of my famous homemade pizzas, I always get loads of responses! Pizza is one of my go-to dinners for a few reasons. Firstly, it feels like a treat but can be made really healthy by adding lots of vegetables. Secondly, it's a relatively inexpensive meal- all you need is yeast, flour, and water to make the base, and toppings can be as cheap or expensive as you like! And finally, I adore making the dough. Kneading by hand really fosters a connection between myself and the food, and I love being able to share that with others.<br />
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<i>What have you been loving lately? Let me know in the comments! </i>Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-44976136462174107812018-03-20T14:35:00.001-04:002018-03-20T14:37:41.993-04:00My Favorite Recipes From Our Family Cookbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Around last summer, my mom and I had this idea to write a cookbook. Nothing super professional or fancy, but just something we could give to friends and family as a gift during the holidays. We spent the summer brainstorming which recipes would make the cut and nagging my dad to "borrow" his iPhone to take advantage of the portrait mode feature for some food photography. </div>
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Fast forward to Christmas, and we have an adorable little cookbook to tuck under the tree! I have to give props to my mom though. While I did have <i>some</i> involvement in the creation of the book (i.e. photography and writing a little blurb here and there), my mom was really the one who took this on. She's probably more tech-savvy than most people her age, but I think we all know how difficult it can be to learn new software!<br />
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And while the cookbook is all done and dusted, we're both thinking of "updating" it with new recipes, better photos, and a more sophisticated design. I think the Christmas deadline was a bit tight, but I'm proud that we got it out there!<br />
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So before the re-release of our cookbook gets underway, I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes from the book. I was actually going through it with my flatmates and they kept saying "You've never made <i>that!</i>" as they eyed up the dessert section (subtle hint, guys). But they were right- I <i>hadn't</i> made a lot of those recipes yet. A couple of weeks ago, I made the frittata recipe and the layered enchiladas and it was so nostalgic for me. Just the smell of those dishes reminded me of being at home.<br />
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Anyway, here are my top dishes from the book! (That are most accessible for students with limited budgets and small kitchens, of course!)<br />
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<b>Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Frittata </b><br />
<i>Recipe credit: Martha Stewart</i><br />
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As delicious for dinner as it is for breakfast or lunch, this frittata is my mom's go-to for an easy weeknight meal (paired with homemade bread and a salad of course!) Everytime I eat this dish, I'm taken back to my high school days when my mom would throw a back-to-school breakfast for all her friends (aka my friends' moms). The breakfast bash has since turned into an annual cocktail party (#typical) but this frittata is still a firm family favorite in the Olia household. When I made this a few weeks ago, I almost left out the tarragon because I was convinced I had never seen fresh tarragon in the shops before. But I was wrong, and the tarragon really is <i>key</i> to making this dish!<br />
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<i>Ingredients: </i><br />
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1 red bell pepper<br />
12 large eggs, beaten<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 bunch sliced scallions<br />
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon<br />
5 ounces of goat cheese (1 small package)<br />
1 tablespoon unsalted butter<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
2 small red potatoes (or white) cut about 1 cm thick<br />
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<i>Method: </i><br />
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Roast the pepper over a gas flame or in the oven (preheat to 450F/230C) on a baking sheet for 25 minutes. The pepper should be blistered and black. Put in a paper bag to sweat for 15 minutes before rubbing the skin off and cutting into strips.<br />
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Combine the peppers, eggs, milk, most of the scallions, tarragon and half of the goat cheese in a bowl. Heat the butter and oil in a large oven proof saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook on both sides for about 8 minutes (or until tender). Heat oven to 350 F (180C). Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and cook on the stove for 5 minutes. Sprinkle remaining goat cheese on top and cook in the oven for 25 minutes. Garnish with the remaining scallions.<br />
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<b>Layered Vegetable Enchiladas </b><br />
<i>Recipe inspired by Whole Foods Market </i><br />
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Anyone else low-key addicted to Mexican food? I probably make something Mexican-inspired at least one per week. But fajitas on repeat can get boring. Enter these layered vegetable enchiladas. I love how healthy they are while still satisfying my Mexican food cravings. With a mix of kale, corn, and red peppers paired with black beans, this will surely get you into the habit of eating healthy (then again, you could just put loads of cheese on top like I do). My mom's secret? Frozen veggies. It's cheap, easy, and you can't tell the difference.<br />
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<i>Ingredients</i><br />
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2 cups of fresh or frozen corn<br />
2 red peppers cut into strips<br />
2 limes<br />
2.5 tablespoons chilli powder<br />
A bunch of cilantro<br />
1 can chopped tomatoes<br />
8 oz. (250 g) of kale<br />
8 corn tortillas<br />
Grated cheddar cheese<br />
1 avocado<br />
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<i>Method: </i><br />
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Preheat the oven to 400F (200 C). In a large pot combine corn, bell peppers, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon of chilli powder, tomatoes, and kale. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Mash the beans with half of the cilantro and remaining 1.5 tablespoons of chilli powder and 1 lime.<br />
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Arrange four tortillas on a baking sheet and spread with bean mixture. Top with half of the vegetable mixture and half of the cheese. Top with remaining tortillas, vegetables, and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.<br />
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<b>Prosciutto Wrapped Figs </b><br />
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Anyone that's been to one of my dinner parties in Edinburgh knows how much I love to make this appetizer. It's ridiculously easy but <i>feels</i> really fancy. Fresh figs can be hard to come by, but I find that this dish works just as well with dried figs. I've even done it with dates before in a pinch! It's all about the sweet 'n' salty vibes here so you can improvise as you wish.<br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
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10-12 figs<br />
1 package of prosciutto<br />
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<i>Method: </i><br />
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Preheat over to 425 F or 220C. Cut the stems of the figs. Cut the figs in half lengthwise and cut the prosciutto into strips. Wrap a strip of prosciutto around the centre of each fig half. Brush with olive oil and arrange cut side up on a sheet pan. Roast for 7-10 minutes and serve warm.<br />
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<b>Bakery-style Chocolate Chip Muffins </b><br />
<i>Adapted from The Little Sweet Baker </i><br />
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Everyone knows muffins are just socially-acceptable breakfast cupcakes. But not many people know how to make muffins fluffy and delicious on the inside while having that crunchy top on the outside. It's all about the oven temperature in this one. Start high to get that crunchy top and then turn down the heat to make sure these muffins are cooked through. And always <i>always</i> go with dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet ideally). As much as I love milk chocolate, I can't stand it in baking. Maybe it's just me, but you be the judge!<br />
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<i>Ingredients: </i><br />
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2.5 cups plain flour<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 cup milk (buttermilk ideally)<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract<br />
1.5 cups chocolate chips<br />
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<i>Method: </i><br />
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Preheat the oven to 425 F (220 C) and butter a 12-cup muffin tray. In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. In a medium bowl whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until just combined. Divide the batter into the 12 muffin cups and bake at 425 F (220 C) for 5 minutes and then turn the temperature down to 375 F (190 C) and bake for another 13-15 minutes.<br />
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These are just a few of the "highlights" from our cookbook, but let me know if you'd like to see more. I, for one, am going to be pulling out our little family cookbook more often now!<br />
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-54740053549480159962018-03-14T11:56:00.000-04:002018-03-14T11:57:03.420-04:00Beer & Skittles, Edinburgh: A sports bar with a twistI'm not really a sports bar kinda gal. Don't get me wrong- I do love watching a good sports match (I wouldn't throw an annual Super Bowl party if I didn't). But being crammed into a crowded bar fighting for a view of the t.v. with only cheap beer for sustenance isn't exactly my idea of fun. In fact, it might just be my worst nightmare.<br />
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So when I was invited to <a href="http://www.beerandskittlesbar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beer & Skittles Bar</a> to review their new menu you can imagine I was a bit hesitant at first. But once I found out that Beer & Skittles offers cocktails and a pretty substantial food menu, I felt a little better about stepping foot into a sports bar. Oh, and did I mention that this bar is owned by the same amazing team as Steak Restaurant and Brasserie?<br />
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<a href="http://www.beerandskittlesbar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beer & Skittles</a> isn't your ordinary sports bar. Sure, they do show pretty much every sports game ever according to their "What's On" schedule. But it's not all just beer and sweaty sports fans here. Beer & Skittles happens to make a pretty good cocktail and has some of the nicest bar staff I've ever met.<br />
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When we arrived at Beer & Skittles we were surrounded by rugby fans, still drunk after the Six Nations matches that day. Not a great start, but the waitress serving us immediately seated us in a booth away from the action. Luckily, the matches had ended and everyone was slowly trickling out. By the time we had been served our drinks, we nearly had the place to ourselves!<br />
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The decor at Beer & Skittles is a bit of a mish-mash of styles. A plastic-like black ceiling reads more "club" than "bar," but the barrel tables and large booths remind you that you're here to eat and drink rather than party. Beer & Skittles definitely has a thing for neon, but it works for them. That pink and blue sign on the way down to the bar is just crying out for an edgy insta.<br />
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Ben and I had a bit of a heavy Saturday the night before we visited Beer & Skittles, so stuck with just one drink for each of us. There was a pretty extensive cocktail menu and I settled on the Raspberry mule, which was the perfect antidote to the many glasses of wine I had the night before. Light, tart, and bursting with lime juice, this was the ultimate "doesn't taste like alcohol cocktail."<br />
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If you're going to come to Beer & Skittles for food, you're most likely going to want to share. Isn't that what good bar food is all about anyway? But, for the sake of journalism, Ben and I ordered way too much food with a main each and some sharers "on the side." I had the pulled pork burger for my main, which was a soft brioche bun filled with melt-in-your-mouth pork and loads of rocket. While I appreciated the ubiquitous salad (#healthy) I did wish there was a little bit more pork in the bun. This was also served with a side of fried pickles which reminded be of being back in the States!<br />
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Ben went for a favourite of his- the full rack of ribs. I can't really attest to this one because I notoriously do not like ribs (I find them a bit fatty). Ben found them a bit dry, but really liked the addition of sauce to moisten them up a bit. He went with Sezchuan sauce without really understanding the pop-culture reference (neither of us watches Rick and Morty), and we both thought it was the perfect tangy accompaniment to any meat.<br />
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But the best part of Ben's main? The side of mac 'n' cheese bites. Yes, those are <i>fried balls of mac 'n' cheese. </i>They were ridiculously cheesy and creamy and had a little bit of crunch on the outside from the breadcrumbs. I would definitely class this as one of the more indulgent things I've eaten lately (and they were huge!)<br />
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We also shared two classic bar dishes: chicken wings and loaded fries. I liked how the chicken wings were smaller than what I'm used to, but you got a <i>lot</i> more of them. They were juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside- just as chicken wings should be. I sort of panic-ordered (does anyone else do that?) on the sauce and got blue cheese. It was honestly really tasty but just not what I would normally order! The loaded fries were phenomenal- perfectly crisp skin-on fries piled high with cheese, salsa, sour cream and some of that pulled pork from earlier.<br />
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While Beer & Skittles definitely caters to the sports-bar crowd, they definitely know that the best part of game day is the food. If I went back, I'd probably skip out on the mains and order lots of their sharing food (especially those mac 'n' cheese balls). Beer & Skittles also does lots of deals- one each night to be exact- so there's always a reason to pop in.<br />
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I also just want to mention how <i>amazing</i> the staff were on our visit to Beer & Skittles. I definitely think that if your staff are happy and friendly after <i>two</i> rowdy Six Nations matches in a row, you're definitely doing well. So shout out to the team at Beer & Skittles for being incredible!<br />
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<i>Thank you to Beer & Skittles for inviting me in to try out their new menu. This meal was given to me on a complimentary basis in exchange for a review, but all views are my own. You can learn more about Beer & Skittles <a href="http://www.beerandskittlesbar.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a> and view their menu <a href="http://www.beerandskittlesbar.co.uk/drinksmenu/" target="_blank">here</a>! </i> <br />
<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-46425266527643308412018-03-05T15:22:00.001-05:002018-03-05T15:23:11.734-05:0010 Tips to Help You Conquer Your Dissertation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right now, I'm the envy of all my fourth-year friends. I was lucky enough to have my dissertation deadline in December, so my last semester of university is (relatively) smooth sailing! At first, it didn't seem like a good thing that Sociology had an early deadline relative to other courses (other than anthropology). But it really was a blessing in disguise. Sure, I was a bit more stressed out over summer, but I was able to come into the second semester with a fresh mind and little-to-no dissertation stress! That is until I got my results...</div>
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... and I did really, really well! So that's why I'm here today to share with you my top 10 tips for not just <i>completing</i> your dissertation, but <i>conquering</i> it! The dissertation (or thesis as my American friends say) is no easy feat, and it's much more than just an elongated essay. It takes creativity, organization, and a whole lot of grit. But the good thing is, you really do "own" it by the end of the process. After all, no one will have done exactly your research before!</div>
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I'm sure some of you are in the thick of it right now, and others might just be starting to think of what you might be interested in researching for next year. So wherever you're at, here are my top tips for tackling your dissertation. </div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>1.) Pick a topic that you're passionate about </b><br />
<b><br /></b> I feel lucky that I study Sociology because it really is this lens through which you can study <i>any</i> topic. From climate change, to economics, to religion, to food, Sociology can really do it all. I decided to focus on food for my dissertation because it's something I've always been drawn to both personally and academically ("The Social Life of Food" was a 10/10 class and I'm <i>always</i> looking for the next food-related documentary on Netflix). Your specific research question will likely change a lot throughout the process, but the wider topic you cover will probably stay (about) the same. So choose wisely. It's your own research, after all, so you want to be able to have fun with it!<br />
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<b>2.) Every time you meet with your supervisor, schedule your next meeting</b><br />
<b><br /></b> I had a great supervisor who ensured that we always had our next meeting schedules before we parted ways. This way, you don't have to rely on emailing back and forth before <i>finally</i> setting a date. Bring your diary with you and compare availability. These meetings are <i>super</i> important, even if you don't take notes and just chat about your progress. Your supervisor's input is so valuable, so make sure you lean on them!<br />
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<b>3.) Prioritize good data </b><br />
<b><br /></b> I know some people try to "fake" data or act like they have more than they actually do. But there really is no substitute for good data (and lots of it!). I know everyone's parameters for the diss is different depending on your subject, but I found that for qualitative research (i.e. interviews) it was actually better that I had a good number of 40-minute transcripts rather than a million 10-minute transcripts. Achieving depth in qualitative research is really just as important as breadth!<br />
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<b>4.) Write out your research question and keep it visible <i>always</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b> When you're writing up your final report, it can be so easy to get lost in literature, data, and your own thoughts all of which can make you stray from your research question. Not every single sentence should be an "answer" to the question, but make sure that at least every chapter's concluding thoughts link directly back to that question. To help you keep your question in mind at all times, it can be helpful to write it out on a blank sheet of paper and keep it on your desk next to you when you're working.<br />
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<b>5.) Make a schedule, but don't be afraid to change it</b><br />
<b><br /></b> For my dissertation, we were required to write out a schedule for our research along with our proposal. Looking back at it now, it couldn't be further from what I actually did! I was clearly super optimistic (Collecting all my data before summer even started? Yeah, right). Still, I think it's helpful to write out a schedule initially, and then revise it as you go along. I found keeping a schedule particularly helpful when I was in the thick of it in terms of writing up my research. I would stay on track by setting further "mini goals" each day (like, "write 350 words of analysis chapter 3).<br />
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<b>6.) Use the "snowball" method for your literature review</b><br />
<b><br /></b> I don't think I learned this technique until at least the end of 2nd year, and I wish I had learned it sooner. The "snowball" method basically means taking a piece of literature you found helpful and scanning the bibliography for more relevant sources. I always find the most useful resources using this method- after all, there are only so many ways you can search for the same thing on Google Scholar.<br />
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<b>7.) Talk it out with anyone who will listen </b><br />
<b><br /></b> This is especially helpful when you talk about your dissertation with friends and flatmates who don't have the same academic background as you. If you're not able to explain your dissertation research and findings in "plain English" (not academic jargon) to your average person, chances are you don't really know what you're talking about. Plus, friends and family can point out inconsistencies or trouble spots that you probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise.<br />
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<b>8.) Be prepared to make changes </b><br />
<b><br /></b> You're not "married" to your research question. And if you are, I would firmly suggest resorting back to a more flexible relationship right now. My research question changed so much from the start of my dissertation journey; I actually had to make it broader in order to encompass my findings better. Trying to make your data say what your research question (or hypothesis) wants it to is the kiss of death for any researcher. Let your data lead your findings. Always.<br />
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<b>9.) Finish writing well before the deadline </b><br />
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And by "finish writing" I really mean hit that word count. No one expects you to have your dissertation perfected way in advance. In fact, that's probably a red flag that you haven't critically thought about the issue enough. That being said, it's important to hit your word count and have the main sections completed a few weeks before the deadline so that you have time to not only make writing-related changes but mull over your ideas. My best concluding thoughts didn't really "come to me" until the last couple of weeks, and that wouldn't have unless I had finished writing and taken a break!<br />
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<b>10.) Try not to compare yourself to your coursemates </b><br />
<b><br /></b> Even though I think chatting about your dissertation can be really helpful, you can easily slip in to having conversations with people on your course and comparing your progress. There's <i>always</i> that one kid who finishes months in advance and won't stop talking about it. You could panic about it but you could also just let it go and be like "Hey, cool good for you, but that's not where I'm at right now." Everyone tackles the diss differently. And whatever your pace is fine if it's working for you. Just breathe.Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-77774094707871406522018-02-26T13:02:00.003-05:002018-02-26T13:02:59.183-05:00A Saturday Well-Spent in South LondonLondon has come to be a second home of mine this year. What with Ben moving down there for work and myself having many (legitimate) excuses for travelling down, it seems like I'm in London at least once or twice a month. It makes long-distance a lot easier and more enjoyable when you have a great city to visit (along with a great person!)<br />
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Because I spent Valentine's day without Ben (and instead with my flatmate making mac and cheese and watching trashy TV), we decided to make up for it the weekend after when I came down to London for reading week. From a brewery tour to Jamaican jerk chicken for lunch to a phenomenal Spanish dinner, I'm actually glad we skipped the crowds and delayed our celebration to the weekend!<br />
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South London (whether East, West or somewhere in between) is a treasure trove of good eats and fun things to do within the larger city. It might not be everyone's idea of "classic London," but Ben and I have spent a great deal of time exploring this less-trodden area South of the Thames.<br />
<a name='more'></a>The craft beer scene in London has experienced a huge influx in the past decade or so. From having just a handful or so of major breweries in the city to where we are now with more than a hundred in London, locally-brewed small-batch beer has become the next big thing.<br />
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Ben had heard from some colleagues that <a href="https://www.fourpure.com/" target="_blank">Fourpure Brewery</a> had just opened its doors to the public the week before, meaning the taphouse and tasting tour were in full swing. Located in an unassuming trading estate in Bermondsey, Fourpure has actually been around for a good few years. But now that it's open to locals and tourists alike, it's hopping with activity on the weekends.<br />
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We took the <a href="https://www.fourpure.com/tap-room-and-tours/tours" target="_blank">full-on tour</a>, which was only £16 each, so we could brush up on distinguishing our hops from our malts and our IPAs from our lagers. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but this tour and tasting just about converted me. Before and after getting the rundown of how the facilities work, we were free to sip on 6 beers (1/3 pint each) of our tour guide Nick's choosing. My favorite? The peach sour. Infused with tart, zingy peach juice this tasted like summer in a glass. I usually struggle to finish an entire pint, but I could easily do so with this one. For the more traditional beer drinkers, there are plenty of non-fruity options on offer as well.<br />
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After basking in the sunlight of the warmest day we'd had in months, we headed in search of food (the tasting was from 12-2 PM so you can imagine we'd be hungry at this point). We skipped out on the famous Fourpure meatballs (though they looked fantastic) and headed to Deptford Market Yard to see what other culinary delights this area of London had to offer. It was 3PM at this point, so we really had the pick of the lot, but I can imagine Deptford Market Yard gets pretty crowded at lunchtime.<br />
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We wandered around the area for a little bit before settling on <a href="http://mamasjerk.com/index.html" target="_blank">Mama's Jerk</a> for some lunch. As you can probably guess, this spot's speciality is jerk chicken (but don't worry, they've got the vegans and vegetarians covered with spicy bean cakes and fried plantains aplenty). Ben and I both opted for chicken but in different styles- a bun (or burger) for him and a roti (or wrap) for me. This wrap was just what I needed after an afternoon of beer drinking in the sunshine, with the perfect pairing of spicy, well-marinated chicken and fresh cabbage. Don't forget to try the mango mayonnaise on the side- it sounds strange, but you won't regret it!<br />
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Don't worry, our late lunch didn't put us off having a fantastic dinner. Even if it was late and relatively light. Ben had spotted <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d9762114-Reviews-L_Oculto-London_England.html" target="_blank">L'Oculto</a> when riding the bus home a few weeks ago, and he just knew we had to pay it a visit. Located in St. John's (just 10 minutes walk from Lewisham station), L'Oculto started as a pop-up in an artists' studio, but since it's turned into a favorite of locals, it seems like it's here to stay. L'Oculto is Spanish food at it's finest. Authentic tapas served and cooked by passionate Spaniards and worlds away from the big-box tapas restaurants we see on the high street today. With room for little more than 25 or so people, L'Oculto is an intimate affair perfect for date nights.<br />
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Sitting around an old wine barrell with a wall of hard-to-find wines to our right, we felt right at home from the start. We perused the wine menu (that looked more like a detailed excel spreadsheet if I'm honest) and settled on a very reasonably priced Tempranillo. Soon after, we watched in awe as our waiter decanted the wine in the most intricate way possible (you have to see it to believe it) and were even more pleased when we tried the wine itself. It really was some of the best I've had in a long time (so smooth!)<br />
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To eat, we shared five dishes between the two of us (we were pretty full from earlier). Starting with pan con tomate, I was immediately taken back to my holiday in Spain two summers ago. Simple tomato on top of crusty bread with the finest olive oil is perhaps the best way to start a meal. We moved on to Spanish tortilla (a classic) before the "curveball" of the night- anchovies in olive oil. To be honest, I didn't think I would like them. But the fish wasn't too "fishy" and the salt flakes and olive oil on top made the dish (paired with a bit of roasted red pepper).<br />
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Next, we tucked into some mini Spanish ham and manchego cheese sandwiches with the most addictive, bright-green parsley sauce. But the favorite of the night? It had to be the squid. It's L'Oculto's special after all! This plate of tender grilled squid was served with just a bit of salt and a fluffy smashed potato underneath. So simple, but <i>so</i> good.<br />
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We couldn't say no to sharing a dessert- especially for something as delicious and utterly Spanish as flan! Served with a shot of sherry mixed with cream for pouring (though our waiter did say a lot of people just drink it), this flan is heaven on a plate. Perfectly smooth without being Jell-O like, it was a true winner.<br />
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So there you have it. From Fourpure Brewery to <a href="http://mamasjerk.com/" target="_blank">Mama's Jerk</a> and the rest of <a href="http://www.deptfordmarketyard.com/" target="_blank">Deptford Market Yard</a> to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d9762114-Reviews-L_Oculto-London_England.html" target="_blank">L'Oculto</a>, there's much more to London than Big Ben and the London Eye. South London is a surprisingly fantastic area, home to arguably some of the best food in all of London (and without the massive crowds and prices!)Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-2289846732669607362018-02-13T17:35:00.000-05:002018-02-13T17:36:47.128-05:00A Week of Healthy Dinners on a Student Budget <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cooking for one is a struggle that all students know. Wasting food is painful, and it's tough to be creative when you can't splash out on fancy ingredients.<br />
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So what's a gal to do? Meal-plan, that's what. Oh, and go to Lidl.<br />
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This academic year, I've really taken to meal-planning. If I don't plan my meals, I just end up picking up whatever I feel like from the shops. Impromptu shopping is super dangerous because (and I can promise you this) you end up spending more money.<br />
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Now, I'm not a meal-<i>prepper</i>. I'm a meal-<i>planner</i>. This means I just write out what my meals will be for the next few days along with the ingredients I need, go to the shop to buy it, and try to avoid food shopping otherwise. Meal-preppers actually make their food in advance. I can't do that. Leftovers are one thing, but 3-day old cooked-chicken? Sorry but that's a no from me (Though I do understand why super-busy people do it).<br />
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Anyway, a few weeks ago, I posted an Instagram story of all the food I bought from Lidl for about a weeks worth of dinners. It was under £25 for everything (plus a few extras) and I had a ton of people DM me about just how great Lidl is for budget food shopping. I'm trying to write a bit more about cooking on my blog (because I love it, and I actually think I'm pretty darn good at it), so I took a few pictures of all the dinners I made that week as possible blog content.<br />
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Before I get into sharing the dinners I made along with the recipes I used, I thought I would share some thoughts/tips on meal-planning in general.<br />
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<b>It doesn't have to be boring</b><br />
I feel like one of the major problems with meal-planning (and even more so with meal-prepping) is that you either a.) end up eating the same thing all the time or b.) end up eating really simple, boring food. So whenever I plan my meals, I make sure they're not only flavorful but crave-able. All the recipes I used here I <i>never</i> get bored of.<br />
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<b>Be strategic about the order you make your meals in</b><br />
If your food is going off before you get the chance to make it, then you're meal-planning wrong. I save all my vegetarian dishes for the end of the week and make use of more perishable foods (i.e. meat and fish) at the start.<br />
<b><br /></b> <b>Repeat meals for lunch or dinner</b><br />
In this post, I'm only sharing four dinners, but because each dish makes at least two portions, it means I'm set for the week. I will, on occasion, have my leftovers for lunch. But it's more likely that I save leftovers for dinner the next day. I enjoy having things like wraps, sandwiches, and salads for lunch rather than hot food.<br />
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<a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1396634/moroccan-turkey-meatballs-with-citrus-couscous" target="_blank">Moroccan-Inspired Turkey Meatballs with Citrus Couscous</a> </h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">This recipe is adapted from an old favourite from BBC Good Food. It's super healthy, incredibly fresh, and quick to put together. My only tweak to the original recipe is that I add an egg to bind the meatballs and keep them moist (if the meatballs end up being a bit dry you can serve with yoghurt). Also, I'll often add feta to the couscous and sometimes pomegranate seeds if I'm feeling fancy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/217186/slow-cooker-chicken-mole/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">If you've never had (or heard of) chicken mole before, all you have to know is that this recipe brings chicken to a whole other level. Mole sauce has rich, complex flavours due to the secret ingredient of chocolate (and sometimes peanut butter). I loosely followed this recipe, passing on the sesame seeds and extra sugar, and adding a green bell pepper I had on hand. I also used chicken thighs instead of breast. I initially tried to eat this in tortilla wraps, but it was too liquidy/messy. It works just as well with rice. I think I'll have to develop my own recipe for chicken mole once I get it right!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mobkitchen.co.uk/bs-test/2017/8/18/chorizo-shakshuka" target="_blank">Skillet Chorizo Shakshuka</a></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Shakshuka is the real MVP of no-fuss cooking. You can really eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but I prefer it for a quick weeknight meal. I was first introduced to Shakshuka through my mom who found the recipe via the New York Times. It's definitely a classic especially if you want to go in the veggie direction. But I'm a personal fan of the Mob Kitchen's version which includes chorizo. Since I was cooking for just myself, I made the sauce with just one tin of chopped tomatoes and only put in two eggs for my portion. Once I had finished eating, I scooped up the rest of the sauce to save for the next day with freshly baked eggs (no one likes day-old eggs). </span><br />
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<a href="https://twokooksinthekitchen.com/roasted-sweet-potatoes-peppers-eggplant-apples/" target="_blank">Roasted Veggie Rice-Bowls</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">I love my vegetables roasted more than any other form of cooking. They just develop such a great flavour and texture from the oven. Plus, I love that I can just chop my veggies, throw them in the oven, and forget about it for 40 or so minutes. In my version, I used sweet potatoes, bell pepper, eggplant, and shallots. About 10 minutes before the timer was up, I also added in chickpeas and kale. Paired with hearty brown rice (you could also use couscous) and a "dressing" of yoghurt mixed with lemon, I felt like I had hit the vegetarian jackpot on this dish (and it was just as good the next day!) </span><br />
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Honestly, meal-planning seems like this intuitive, common-sense activity. But you really have to get the hang of it before you can truly make it work for you. It can be tedious at times (and it usually requires me to carry back a ton of groceries on my own from central campus), but I promise you it's <i>so</i> worth it. You save time because you're not aimlessly walking around the shops and you save money because you learn how to repeat ingredients and avoid waste. It really is a win-win if you decide to put the effort in.<br />
<b><br /></b>Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-28654401413745718122018-02-08T19:16:00.002-05:002018-02-12T10:39:11.604-05:00A Short City Break in Kraków, Poland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you sick of me going on about Poland yet? Nope? Good, because we have one last stop on our trip to get through! After soaking in the old-world charm of <a href="http://littlegirlbiggerworld.blogspot.com/2018/01/48-hours-in-warsaw-poland.html" target="_blank">Warsaw</a> and hitting the slopes in <a href="http://littlegirlbiggerworld.blogspot.com/2018/01/skiing-in-biaka-tatrzanska-poland.html" target="_blank">Bialka</a>, we had high expectations for the last leg of our trip in Kraków.<br />
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Until 1569, Kraków was the capital of Poland. As you can imagine, this means there's a bit of a rivalry between the current capital, Warsaw, and Poland's other metropolitan hub. While I'm not going to play favorites, I definitely preferred the "layout" of Kraków much more than Warsaw. The city center seemed more consistently spread out, so we really could get everywhere on foot.<br />
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That's also probably on account of our Airbnb being a bit more central (though not in the busiest part of Kraków). Once again, Airbnb was a <i>huge</i> money saver for us in Poland, and also greatly added to the experience of being in the city. We chose a bright, airy apartment near the train station that was just perfect for us. The huge open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space was super stylish while still being comfortable.<br />
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Our first full day in Kraków wasn't exactly spent in the city. Kraków is well known for being a sort of "base" for doing day trips out of the city. One of which is a trip to Auschwitz. Now, I don't want to dwell too long on this (I might write a longer post on this later), but I can't emphasize enough how important it is to visit Auschwitz. The guided tour only takes a half day and is run by some fantastic people who are dedicated to sharing this tragic, indescribable piece of history. If you go to Kraków (or Poland, for that matter), you <i>must</i> go to Auschwitz.<br />
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After returning to the city, we found ourselves with more time than we had originally planned. We were a bit mentally, physically, and emotionally drained from the tour, so we hunted down a hip coffee shop we had spotted earlier near the apartment. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Coffee-Kiosk-Krakow-743303375814511/timeline" target="_blank">Coffee Kiosk</a> was a cute little local cafe that was a bit under the radar. We had a coffee along with something sweet (chocolate, of course) and tested our puzzle skills with a Rubix cube (they had old-fashioned games on every table).<br />
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We headed back to the apartment to recharge and defrost before wandering around the city center. We didn't have tons of time before our dinner reservation, so we just went for a leisurely stroll. With the sun setting as the evening wore on, the magic of Kraków really shone through. The gorgeous churches, cathedrals, and apartments were lit up against the night sky. Horse-drawn carriages outnumbered cars on the cobbled streets, carrying couples and families.<br />
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The romance was truly alive and well in Kraków that night. Until we stumbled upon a death metal concert in the main square. Not quite as romantic, but certainly entertaining!<br />
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Having the apartment to come back to was fantastic for grabbing some drinks and snacks in the run up to dinner.<br />
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For dinner, I booked us a table at the <a href="http://www.old-town.com.pl/en/" target="_blank">Old Town Restaurant</a> because of the fabulous reviews on Tripadvisor. This spot was super close to the apartment and was incredibly cozy. The interiors were a bit drab, but the food and service certainly made up for it.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">To start, I had an earthy beetroot soup (look at those colors!) with dollops of creme fraiche on top. Ben also ordered soup, but </span>his<span style="text-align: center;"> was more brothy and meaty. My apple martini also deserves a mention- if only for the artistic apple decoration!</span><br />
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I was feeling a bit adventurous that night and ordered pig's knuckle for my main. I had no idea what to expect. When it came out, it was <i>huge</i>. Served with pickled cabbage and mustard, it was sort of a Polish version of pulled pork (the meat was so succulent).<br />
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Ben had a bit of food envy, but his dish of rabbit in a creamy mushroom sauce was much more refined.<br />
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The restaurant desserts we had in Poland were pretty hit or miss. But both of our desserts at the Old Town Restaurant were hits! It was molten chocolate cake for me (classic) and a baked cherry crumble type dish for Ben. Stewed cherries were always on the menu throughout Poland, so if that's your thing, you'll be in heaven!<br />
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Our final day in Kraków was fairly relaxed, but we managed to fit in lots of sightseeing and tons of history. Before we headed out, though, we started our day by making use of the kitchen in the apartment. Our host was kind enough to leave us with a few ingredients (like eggs and fruit) to cook so we whipped up a quick breakfast.<br />
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Kraków is known for its stunning cathedrals. That's why we were determined to hit some of the best ones on our final day. The Wawel Cathedral is certainly not to be missed. It's free to enter, but you can pay a bit more to go see the bell tower and the underground tombs. It's <i>well</i> worth the price. I didn't take any photos inside, but we took loads outside. Also, the view from the bell tower is incredible (and the stairs up to the top are really an adventure).<br />
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Poland has a long Jewish tradition that is still very much alive in the city of Kraków. We were both interested in visiting the Jewish Quarter. Initially, we just wandered around, but eventually stumbled upon a great spot to stop for a snack. <a href="http://cheder.pl/" target="_blank">Cheder</a> is a real gem, serving Israeli bites and drinks. We ordered their signature hummus with pickled vegetables and warm homemade bread. It was to. die. for. We washed it down with Israeli coffee served in the most incredible kettle of sorts. The coffee itself was nutty and warming from the inside out.<br />
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We clearly couldn't get enough of the historical churches of Kraków, so we paid a visit to St. Mary's Basilica in the main square. It's also free to enter, but we paid a fee to get up close and personal with the stunning altar.<br />
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Keeping to the main square, we grabbed tickets for the <a href="http://podziemiarynku.com/" target="_blank">History Museum</a> located underneath the indoor market. Not only was this museum packed with history and interactive exhibits on Medieval Kraków, but it also featured the excavation sites and materials used to uncover Kraków's history.<br />
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Our time in Kraków (and Poland) was coming to a close, but we couldn't leave without the sweet treat I had my eye on from the start of the trip. <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g274772-d7392300-Reviews-Chimney_Cake_Bakery-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html" target="_blank">Chimney Cakes</a>. These desserts are usually associated with the Czech Republic, but since Kraków is in such close proximity, I thought they would be authentic enough. These fried dough-type confections are stuffed with cream, Nutella, and ice cream to satisfy even the most extreme sweet tooth.<br />
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After our chimney cakes, we were pretty stuffed. But we wanted to get a bite to eat before we got on our flight back. We couldn't leave Kraków without trying the famous pierogi shop across from our apartment. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/przystanekpierogarnia/" target="_blank">Przystanek Pierogarnia</a> is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant serving up the best pierogi in town (and perhaps all of Poland). Despite a bit of an order mix-up, we enjoyed our mushroom and spinach pierogies and wouldn't hesitate to go back. Seriously- THIS is the place for pierogi (sorry I don't have a picture but I promise it was amazing!)<br />
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We definitely left Poland on a high note. What more could sum up this trip than having incredible food in unlikely places? Poland really is a one-of-a-kind country that doesn't get nearly the praise and publicity it deserves. For it's fantastic (and surprisingly diverse) food, fascinating history, and friendly people, Poland should definitely be on your travel bucket list.<br />
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<i>Thinking about visiting Poland? Check out my last posts on skiing in <a href="http://littlegirlbiggerworld.blogspot.com/2018/01/skiing-in-biaka-tatrzanska-poland.html" target="_blank">Bialka</a> and exploring <a href="http://littlegirlbiggerworld.blogspot.com/2018/01/48-hours-in-warsaw-poland.html" target="_blank">Warsaw</a>!</i> </div>
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-44016263025707683152018-01-31T14:40:00.000-05:002018-02-01T12:14:06.760-05:00Skiing in Białka Tatrzańska, Poland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Skiing every January has become a bit of an annual tradition. So much so that this is my third year in a row doing it. I'm as surprised as you are, guys.<br />
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This girl is <i>not</i> coordinated nor will she ever be. I gave up contact sports and became a runner because, well, it's simple. Skiing? Not so much.<br />
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Now, I'm not the world's most talented skier <strike>yet</strike>. I've fallen on many occasions and I get nervous on steep slopes (and even steep ski lifts). That's why our choice to ski at <a href="https://bialkatatrzanska.pl/en/" target="_blank">Białka Tatrzańska</a> while on our holiday in Poland was the best ski-related decision we ever made.<br />
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<a href="https://bialkatatrzanska.pl/en/" target="_blank">Białka Tatrzańska</a> (or Bialka as I'll call it so I don't have to keep copy-pasting), is the perfect place for beginner skiers. The slopes really cater to beginners in how the majority of the slopes are graded as "easy." If there's one thing I hate, it's spending my money on a ski trip where I can only do a few slopes over and over because most of them are aimed at advanced skiers. So in this sense, I guess Bialka is not for everyone. But if you're just here to have a good time, snap a few pics, and have a drink or two at the end of the day, this is your place.<br />
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I should probably mention why we decided to go skiing while in Poland. Not only is it now a tradition to ski every year for Ben and me, but the ski areas in Poland are cheap and easily accessible. Bialka was on the lower-end price wise, but anywhere you go will be far less money than skiing elsewhere in Europe. The one caveat? Fake snow. Not <i>all</i> Polish ski areas rely on fake snow, but this one did. We didn't mind, but if you do mind, then I'd recommend heading over to Zakopane.<br />
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We left for Bialka from Warsaw on Friday morning. Most of the ski areas in Poland are closer to Krakow, so this was an easy way to get ourselves down in that general direction in the process. We hopped on a train from Warsaw to Krakow (and snagged ourselves a completely empty seating area), took in the wintery views, and arrived in Krakow about 3 hours later. From there, we had an hours wait before frantically trying to figure out where the bus would pick us up at the station. We trusted our gut, waited, and, to our surprise, a minibus came to pick us up. We were thinking something more along the lines of a full coach bus, but hey ho.<br />
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After our 2-ish hour-long journey, we were dropped right down the road from our bed and breakfast, <a href="http://www.sojka.biz/" target="_blank">Dom Rodziny</a>. We loved the quirky charm of this little inn, from the friendly host to uber-religious memorabilia around the space. And the quirks didn't stop there. We found ourselves eating "dinner" at the inn, which took place from 3-5PM, strangely. There was a buffet of sorts where we served ourselves some tomato-noodle soup and salad, followed by being given a large vessel filled with more soup. We were also given plates of fried fish and potatoes without asking. Ben and I both agreed that this was possibly one of the strangest meals we had ever had.<br />
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Bialka appealed to us as a ski resort because of its offer of night skiing. Because we arrived in the late afternoon, we wanted to be able to take advantage of all there was to offer. We paid for a pass that lasted from 4-8 PM and it was the perfect introduction to the slopes! Despite my hesitance in skiing at night (low light plus low visibility weren't the best conditions), I sucked it up and got on with it anyway. And I was glad I did! We started slow and only went on some of the lower trails to ease ourselves in.<br />
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After skiing, we headed to one of the resort's bars for a beer and a mulled wine (or, as Ben likes to call it "wine hot" #languagebarriers). Paired with a hot serving of fries this was the perfect post-skiing treat. We also had a few ciders back at the inn.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span> <span style="text-align: center;">Our first full day of skiing was met with slightly better visibility that improved as the day went on. Breakfast at the inn was as strange as the dinner, but it really felt Polish. From jam-filled crepes to continental meats, we felt like we were getting the full experience (breakfast and dinner were included after all). </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span> Once we stepped back into our skis, we were off for a busy day on the slopes. Ben skied a few reds (the harder ones) while I mastered the blues. We were surprised by how crowded it got, but because it was so beginner-friendly, everyone was very accommodating despite the crowds. We had a lunch break of more french fries, a hot dog, and a doughnut to keep us going. Not exactly an athletes lunch.<br />
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After skiing literally every blue possible- which took the majority of the day, I might add- I tried my hand at skiing part of a red. I was slow and steady, but made it out in one piece!<br />
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For our final dinner in Bialka, we did our research and found the best pizza spot in town, <a href="http://www.fresco-bialkatatrzanska.pl/" target="_blank">Fresco</a>. Maybe this place didn't have the most 'grammable interiors, but this pizza seriously hit the spot. I went for a pepperoni pizza while Ben ordered the spiciest one possible. I mean, with pizzas this big and cocktails this cheap, how can you go wrong?<br />
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And with sore muscles, pinched toes, and full stomachs, we hopped on the infamous minibus back to Krakow, for the final leg of our adventure in Poland.<br />
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<i>Make sure to stick around for next week's post on what we got up to in Krakow! </i><br />
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Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-35580358524322386772018-01-24T18:43:00.000-05:002018-01-24T18:43:10.977-05:0048 Hours in Warsaw, Poland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As these winter months drag on with one cold spell after another, a place like Poland may not be on your current travel bucket list. But it really should be.<br />
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You see, when the idea of going to Poland on holiday in January was first introduced to me, I too was a naysayer.</div>
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<i>"It will be too cold."</i></div>
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<i>"There won't be anything fun to do."</i></div>
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<i>"Whatever happened to taking tropical vacations?" </i></div>
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But I underestimated Poland. Oh boy, did I. Sure, there's something glamorous about coming back to University for the second semester all tan and sunkissed. But nothing will ever beat the glamour of being able to travel beyond your means without <i>actually</i> going over budget. </div>
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Poland's affordability is but one of its fantastic merits as a holiday destination. And over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to take you on a journey (well, <i>my</i> journey) through Poland so you can see that this incredible country really does have lots to offer. This week, I'm starting off with the first leg of our journey: Warsaw, the capital of Poland. </div>
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With just under 48 hours in this city, we truly aimed to make the most of our short time there. But before I delve into the nitty-gritty of our trip, I thought it was worth mentioning that our flights to Warsaw (one-way on Ryanair) were only £9.99!<br />
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<b>Day 1- Morning </b><br />
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Ben and I arrived in <b>Warsaw Modlin</b> <b>Airport </b>around 12:30 PM on a Wednesday, immediately hopped onto the <b>airport shuttle</b> and touched down in the Warsaw city centre around 2:00 to check into our <b>Airbnb</b>. I am a <i>huge</i> advocate for Airbnb and have not once had a bad experience. I think it's such a fantastic way to stay in beautiful properties for not much money (and your money goes a long way in Poland).<br />
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Our Airbnb's interiors were beautifully white-washed and 100% instagrammable (definitely a bloggers dream to have this kind of lighting for flatlays!). We always look for properties on Airbnb that have at least a small kitchen. While we didn't end up doing any cooking while in Warsaw, it was nice to have access to the essentials like tea and coffee, while also having a place to store cold beer and cider. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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The apartment was located between the Old Town and the newer financial district. It was about a 30-40 minute walk to the Old Town from there, but, as you'll see, there's much more to Warsaw than just the Old Town. <b>Ubers</b> were cheap anyway, so this didn't put us off. Plus, I always enjoy being a bit far out from the touristy bits of the city (we were in the student district near a University) because there tends to be better food there.<br />
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Speaking of food, we settled our rumbling stomachs with a brilliant find (by moi, of course) just down the street from our apartment. <b><a href="http://groole.pl/" target="_blank">Groole</a></b> is a hip, student-friendly lunch (and dinner!) spot that serves jacket potatoes. Literally <i>just</i> jacket potatoes. Now, I'm not a big fan of baked potatoes but if I had them served to me with beetroot salad and feta, tomato, and olive yoghurt every time, I think I'd be a convert. I knew Ben would love this place because it was filling and cheap! And, like most people in Poland, the staff spoke perfect English. This was one thing I noticed about Poland right away (and it makes me slightly embarrassed for not being fluent in another language).<br />
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We had decided to save the Old Town for the next day, so we hopped in an uber to the <b><a href="https://www.1944.pl/en/article/the-warsaw-rising-museum,4516.html" target="_blank">Warsaw Uprising Museum</a></b>. Our first impression of Polish museums was a common theme throughout our trip- they are <i>high tech</i> and <i>incredibly done</i>. Even if you're not a "museum person" the technology and interaction at Polish museums will have you dashing from museum to museum to soak it in (especially in the bitterly cold temps).<br />
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This particular museum is a great primer to what is perhaps Warsaw's defining historical moment. During World War II, an underground resistance of civilians from Warsaw led an operation to liberate the city from German occupation. The Polish troops received little help from outside sources, and with their relatively small cohort put up an incredible fight for freedom. Despite their efforts, many lives were lost and the majority of the city was destroyed. However, the people of Warsaw who survived (and fled) returned to the city to help it rebuild. What you see today of Warsaw's Old Town is nearly an entire recreation of what it looked like before the war.<br />
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<b>Day 1- Evening </b><br />
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After feeling inspired at the Uprising Museum, we were itching to know more about Warsaw's history. But we left that until tomorrow when we would be guided around the city on a free walking tour. Instead, we headed back toward our apartment and to the <b><a href="http://pkin.pl/" target="_blank">Palace of Culture and Science</a></b>. But we didn't go here for the museum- we went for the view! This enormous building, originally dedicated to Joseph Stalin, dominates Warsaw's skyline and serves as a multi-purpose space for theatre, concerts, films, art and the like. We bought tickets for viewing area and took an elevator to the top. The views of the financial district were stunning, especially with all the lights glittering at night.<br />
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After taking in the view, we snapped some photos and walked back toward the apartment, stopping to grab some Polish beer and cider along the way (FYI- Polish cider is amazing!). We contemplated where we would go for dinner, and after much deliberation, we decided on <b><a href="http://www.sofrarestaurant.pl/" target="_blank">Sofra</a></b>, a Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant nearby. While yes, we came to Poland to sample Polish food, we knew that there would be many opportunities to do so later in the trip and, after all, Warsaw is a growing "foodie city" so there's so much to try!<br />
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Ben ordered a very good bottle of red wine for the two of us to share (to the tune of about £13 if you can believe it) and I ordered a mezze platter for us to share. Babaganoush, tabouleh, tapenade, and garlic yoghurt paired with warm homemade bread was the perfect starter. I ordered mixed lamb and beef koftas that came with roasted vegetables and yoghurt dip- they were spicy and warming and paired perfectly with the zingy yoghurt. Ben ordered a main that had Mediterranean and Polish influences- beef wrapped in grape leaves with rice.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">For dessert, we didn't share (ha) and Ben ordered a Pavolva and I indulged in a hazelnut-chocolate cake. Paired with complimentary Turkish tea (which reminded me of home), it was the ideal end to the meal. Even though Sofra was not a Polish restaurant, I would 100% recommend it. It was full of locals and, after all, you can only eat so many pierogies!</span><br />
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<b>Day 2- Morning </b><br />
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Our first proper morning we rushed out of the apartment (typical) and arrived in Warsaw's Old Town with just enough time for breakfast before our tour. Walking through an eerily quiet Warsaw on a Thursday morning, we set our sights on the <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g274856-d4212733-Reviews-Shabby_Chic_Coffee_Wine_Bar-Warsaw_Mazovia_Province_Central_Poland.html" target="_blank">Shabby Chic Cafe</a></b> for a quick croissant and coffee.<br />
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If you've read any of my travel posts before, you'll know that I am a <i>huge</i> fan of <b>Free Walking Tours</b>. I mean, they're free, run by locals who know their stuff, and they're usually pretty low-key. The <b><a href="https://freewalkingtour.com/warsaw/tours/free/historic-centre-old-town-warsaw/" target="_blank">Walkative</a> </b>tour of Warsaw's Old Town gave us a thorough overview of the city's history, while our tour guide Bart added in some extra tidbits (like how walking around a particular fountain can bring you good luck!)<br />
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We covered all the bases- from the <b>Palace</b> to the <b>Main Square </b>to the <b>Home of Marie Curie</b>. Along with the history of Warsaw, what particularly caught my attention was the architecture. As I mentioned earlier, Warsaw's Old Town was entirely rebuilt after the uprising- so the architecture is pretty insane. I couldn't help but take <strike>too many</strike> photos. Also, it was bitterly cold during the tour but I was <i>saved</i> by <a href="https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/women/innerwear-and-loungewear/heattech" target="_blank">Uniqlo's heat-tech</a> tights! I found out later that they were <i>much </i>warmer on their own than a pair of jeans alone.<br />
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<b>Day 2- Afternoon </b><br />
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To warm up after the tour, we headed to <b><a href="http://gosciniec.waw.pl/en/how-to-make-the-dough-for-dumplings/" target="_blank">Gosciniec Polskie Pierogi</a></b> for a pan of hot, fried pierogi and a cup of soup. I ordered the meat-filled dumplings and a cup of beetroot soup while Ben had the cheese and bacon ones with noodle soup. While these weren't the best pierogi we had on the trip (that award goes to a little spot in Krakow), they really filled us up for a great price and were a great introduction to the dish.<br />
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After lunch. we made our way to the clock tower to take in the view of the Old Town. I think the photo speaks for itself!<br />
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We couldn't get enough of the museums in Warsaw, so after lunch, we made a beeline for the <b><a href="http://www.polin.pl/en" target="_blank">Jewish Museum</a></b>. This museum was, once again, incredibly thorough, high-tech, and interactive! But instead of detailing a singular event in Polish history, this museum went through the entire history of Jews in Warsaw. It took us about an hour and a half to get through it, and I believe that was only one exhibit.<br />
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<b>Day 2- Evening</b><br />
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We had <i>big</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>plans for our last evening in Warsaw. We had heard that the views from the top of the <b>Marriott </b>at the <b><a href="http://panoramaskybar.pl/en" target="_blank">Sky Bar</a></b> were incredible. Plus, they had a happy hour deal (2-for-1 cocktails) from 6 until 7. Thinking this would be the perfect start to our final night in Warsaw, and a good place to have a drink before a fancy dinner, we got dressed up and headed to the Marriott. A conference had just let out, so there was a literal queue for the elevator. We waited patiently, made it to the top floor, and the woman at the top informed us that the bar was closed for a private party.<br />
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Despite our disappointment, we had a fantastic interaction with another woman who also wanted to have a drink there. After she had spoken to the hostess in Polish, she turned around to us in perfect English (with a New York accent, no less) and said disdainfully "They do <i>not</i> know how to do business here. They could have let us in! This would never happen in New York." After chatting away with her, we found out that she had grown up in Warsaw, but had lived in NYC for the past 40 years. Our one regret of the trip? Not having a drink with her at the downstairs bar.<br />
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Instead, we desperately searched for another bar, and after being turned away for not having a booking at one, we found a tiny bar off of the Old Town main square that made phenomenal cocktails. <b><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g274856-d8074428-Reviews-Klar_Cocktail_Bar-Warsaw_Mazovia_Province_Central_Poland.html" target="_blank">Klar Cocktail Bar</a> </b>ended up being our saving grace that night. I had a ridiculously girly pink cocktail while Ben had a sour. While we were there, we overheard an English man trying to sell his craft gin to the bar staff (we're serial eavesdroppers).<br />
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For our final dinner in Warsaw, I had made a reservation at one of the top restaurants in town, <b><a href="https://restauracjastolica.com/" target="_blank">Stolica</a></b>. White linen dining is common in Warsaw and while this can be seen as old-fashioned, Stolica's food is anything but. I opted for a gin and tonic instead of wine, while Ben stuck with beer. There was even a live pianist playing anything from jazz standards to classical music (of Warsaw's native Chopin, of course).<br />
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For my starter, I enjoyed a delicate goat cheese parfait with blackcurrant jelly, poached pears, ham, and strawberries. I personally love fruit in savory dishes, so this starter had my name on it! Ben had a really gorgeous plate of veal neck with crispy bacon, poached eggs, and spinach (sounds like a play on breakfast, to me!) Both dishes had the finesse of fine-dining without the pricetag!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">What to have for the main course was not an easy choice. Stolica's menu is so diverse and tempting that it took me a good few minutes to decide! Should I go "classic" Polish and have the stuffed cabbage rolls? Or more classic with the leg of lamb? In the end, I settled on the duck breast. This dish was classically French with perfectly portioned its potato gratin, but had a Polish twist through the addition of beets! Ben ordered the pistachio crusted pork loin which also had Polish influences with the spinach dumplings and cabbage mousse. </span><br />
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For dessert, I went for my usual chocolate cake and Ben went for a traditional apple pie (opposites attract and all, right?). Unfortunately, our cakes weren't nearly as good as the ones we had the night before, but it was good to have a sweet treat to end the night!<br />
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<b>Warsaw in a nutshell </b><br />
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Sadly, we had to bid Warsaw goodbye the following morning to head to the slopes outside of Krakow. I wouldn't hesitate to return to Warsaw again if only to sample its ever-growing gastronomic scene! Not only is Warsaw a budget-friendly travel destination, but there's far more to it than pierogies and bleak weather. Warsaw has a fascinating history that, when combined with its masterfully curated museums, is recounted in a way that inspires. Through its history, food, and people, Warsaw has <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">taught me that even in the face of tragedy, hope can rebuild and reignite a city and a culture that deserves to be celebrated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Stay tuned for more Poland travel posts! Skiing in <span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">Białka and touring Krakow are yet to come!</span></i></span> </div>
Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-68665439966453690722018-01-18T12:42:00.000-05:002018-01-18T12:42:14.789-05:00Dinner and a Show: Ham Yard's Pre-Theatre Menu & An American in ParisDinner and a show seems a bit of an old-fashioned date, doesn't it? But as someone who loves a little old-school romance, I was delighted when I received the gift of theatre from Ben as one of my Christmas presents.<br />
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Since our chances of seeing <i>Hamilton</i> for a reasonable price were slim to none, Ben opted for the next best thing- tickets to <i>An American in Paris</i> in its last week of showing in the West End! As big of a fan of musicals as I am, I wasn't all too familiar with the show. But knowing that the score was the music of George and Ira Gershwin brought out my inner music geek (my final piano performance ever was <i>Rhapsody in Blue</i>). <br />
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So on a chilly Wednesday night, we set off for the West End ready to be whisked away into the jazzy music of the Gershwin brothers, complete with song and dance. But not without something to eat first. London is bursting at the seams with pre-theatre set menus. Of course, you don't need to be going to a show later on to cash in on these deals, but you will have to eat on the earlier side. After a little bit of sleuthing, I decided that the <a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/a/restaurants-bars/london/ham-yard/" target="_blank">Ham Yard restaurant</a> had the best deal and was in close proximity to the venue. </div>
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The Ham Yard restaurant is attached to a hotel of the same name. Located off of the main street and in its own little courtyard area, you're greeted with twinkling fairy lights in the trees. The perfect way to start off a magical night of music. The restaurant was already buzzing by the time we arrived at 5:45. Clearly, everyone else was having the pre-theatre deal. That, or there was a large cohort of post-work cocktail seekers in the restaurant. </div>
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Ham Yard's pre-theatre menu, while limited, is packed with flavor in every dish. Seriously- there's no plain food around these parts. I've been on a real goat cheese kick lately, so I started with a light option of grilled goat cheese and endive salad. I'm not really a salad gal but the combination of crunchy hazelnuts with creamy, tangy goat cheese really hit the spot!<br />
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My second course was a coq au vin. While I'm not usually one to order chicken at a restaurant (I hate to say it, but I find chicken super boring) but this dish elevated the often-bland chicken to the next level. The red wine jus and creamy potato mash made this the ultimate comfort dish.<br />
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We skipped out on dessert (we had pre-emptively bought some ice cream for later) and, if you noticed in the photos, we opted out of the complimentary glass of prosecco. We're doing a semi-dry January, so we went for soda instead (it's a tragedy, I know). That being said, the two courses with a glass of prosecco normally comes to £19.50 on the pre-theatre menu- such a deal! You can find out more about the deal <a href="https://www.firmdalehotels.com/a/restaurants-bars/london/ham-yard/pre-and-post-theatre-dining/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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After filling up on our meal, we headed to the show. Now, I don't want to give away too much (and a detailed synopsis probably wouldn't be too interesting), but I'll fill you in on a few highlights of the show. As I said earlier, I didn't really know the plot or the songs from <i>An American in Paris</i>. But the second the show started, I immediately recognized the first song- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYJjjcscTyE" target="_blank">"I Got Rhythm."</a> Even as the show went on, this continued to be my favorite song!<br />
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Plot-wise, <i>An American in Paris</i> is a simply-complicated love story. In post World War 2 France, Lise, an elegant young French woman and aspiring ballerina, is pursued by three men- a Frenchman, her long-term partner, and two American expats. As always, drama ensues. I think the best, and perhaps most unique part, of this show is the dancing. It's largely a ballet-based show, so you're really getting two-for-one!<br />
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While <i>An American in Paris </i>is unfortunately no longer running in the U.K., keep your eyes peeled because I have a feeling it might come back by popular demand! In the meantime, you can always check out the film ;)<br />
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Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-79292384298041555452018-01-08T14:21:00.000-05:002018-09-01T13:39:18.718-04:00New Years Celebrations: Oxford and St. Albans<br />
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Confession: I haven't decided on my New Year's resolutions yet. So I guess I'll have to add "being on top of things" to my prospective list. Anyway, while I'm not quite ready to set any resolutions or goals for this year, I thought I would recap what I did to celebrate this New Year.<br />
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I find New Year's Eve to be a terribly overrated holiday. So. Much. Pressure. Especially as a young person. I was speaking to my best friends about this, and they all seemed to agree (especially my bestie who lives in NYC- I can't even imagine the pressure and the price!).<br />
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I've been lucky enough to have spent the last three New Years in three different places. From New York City to back home in Newton/Boston to ringing in 2018 in England this year. Even though I was spending New Year's Eve away from home this year, it was still very low-key. And I think that's by far the best way to approach the holiday.<br />
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On Sunday, Ben and I headed to Oxford to meet up with one of his friends from high school. We were enthusiastically given the grand tour around the campus in the morning. And <i>wow</i> was it stunning. I had visited Cambridge earlier this semester, and while many peg the two as very similar cities, I would have to say the biggest difference for me was just how surprisingly big Oxford was. It really felt like a city, even if there was strong University presence.<br />
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I loved the old feel to Oxford. Even living in Edinburgh, Oxford felt so historic to me. I had a crash course in the characteristics and stereotypes of each college and even had a sneak peek of some of the rooms inside.<br />
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After seeing all the major on-campus sites, we set off on a mid-afternoon pub crawl (it was New Year's Eve, after all). We hopped from pub to pub, the boys enjoying beer and myself switching between gin and tonics and mulled wine ('tis the season). My favorite pub? Purely for its monumental value, I'd have to say it was the <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/oxfordshire/turf-tavern/" target="_blank">Turf Tavern</a> for me. As we sat outside we noted the chalkboard which told the tale of Bill Clinton "not inhaling" illegal drugs right at that pub.<br />
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For another drink and a bit of lunch, we headed to the <a href="http://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk/" target="_blank">White Rabbit</a> pub. The sign outside stated that this spot served the best pizza in Oxford, and after inhaling a goat cheese and caramelized onion pizza, I'd have to agree. Definitely a can't-miss budget-friendly lunch spot.<br />
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After a quick shower and change back in the student halls, we headed out to dinner at <a href="http://www.shezanoxford.co.uk/" target="_blank">Shezan</a> for some Indian food before our night out. It was surprisingly quiet for New Year's Eve, but our theory was that as Oxford is such a student-run town, most students had returned home for New Years. I had a creamy korma with my favorite Peshwari naan, which was the perfect start to a night out.<br />
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Our first stop after dinner was <a href="https://www.junkyardgolfclub.co.uk/" target="_blank">Junkyard Golf</a>, where we spent the night putting away and partaking in some friendly competition. I got third place out of the four of us and the winning spot was highly contested. But the best part about Junkyard Golf? The whimsical cocktails! Whether you get an alcoholic slushie or a tropical cooler, these cocktails will definitely make you feel like a kid again.<br />
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For the final part of our New Year's celebrations, we headed to a student nightclub <span style="text-align: center;">to dance the night away to cheesy tunes and ring in 2018 to Auld Lang Syne (sorry I didn't take any pictures but it </span><i>was</i> a fairly unglamorous student club after all).<br />
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After recovering with a cooked breakfast on Monday morning, Ben and I hopped on the <a href="https://www.oxfordtube.com/" target="_blank">Oxford Tube </a>into London before traveling back to St. Albans. Our final way of celebrating New Years was with a New Years Day concert at St. Albans Cathedral. This was one of Ben's Christmas presents to me, and I had the <i>best</i> time. Not only do I love classical music, but this particular program was perfect for the two of us. The first half was all American music, featuring <i>Candide</i> as well as <i>An American in Paris </i>(a little preview to us seeing the show later in the week), and the second half was all British music (which I knew none of!).<br />
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Funnily enough, this program was meant to celebrate the "special relationship" between the US and the UK (politically speaking, of course). But I also think that Ben and I definitely have a "special relationship" that spans US and UK borders. And isn't that something to celebrate?<br />
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I hope you all had a fantastic New Year!<br />
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<br />Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-40713069536548821852017-12-25T00:27:00.001-05:002017-12-25T00:28:20.666-05:00Christmas Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our house, Christmas is all about the food, the fizz, and the family. As we collectively grow older, all the material aspects of Christmas begin to matter less and we recognize that the company we keep is invaluable.<br />
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But there's one thing that makes the holiday season more special than any other time of the year- and that's tradition. Maybe it's because I'm feeling nostalgic in my older age or because I won't be home for as long this Christmas as I normally am, but I find myself holding tighter to these traditions now more than ever.<br />
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My family isn't particularly religious or "traditional" per se but there are a few little family traditions that we've kept up over the years that I look forward to every season (and am sad to see go as the 25th comes and goes). So today I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite family Christmas traditions.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Christmas Cookie Making </span></h3>
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One of the best things about traditions is how they not only serve to create memories but also how they sometimes conjure up the same conversations every year. With Christmas Cookie making, this couldn't be more true. Every year, we say "this isn't enough cookie dough!" as my grandfather rolls out the dough on the counter. Of course, it always ends up being more than enough, especially considering that there are always so many sweets in the house. And decorating the cookies once they've been cooked is always the time where competition ensues. Who's the best decorator? The neatest? The most creative? (spoiler alert: it's always me) We always end up eating half of the decorations, and my grandfather is forever in charge of cutting out and decorating a Rudolph cookie (always the most delicate of the bunch). We're definitely creatures of habit!</div>
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My mom is truly a Christmas fiend. The second the Thanksgiving Turkey is eaten, we're already scoping out a tree. And because the tree is up at the end of November, my mom has to get started on one of my favorite family traditions pretty early on. For as long as I can remember, my mom has been gifting each of us an ornament every year. And not just any ornaments- ones that are unique to the person and sometimes unique to that time in their life. If you think about that in the scope of my family, with four kids, two parents, and countless years together, you can imagine our tree is pretty full. Some of my personal favorite ornaments are my swan (to go with my namesake) and my American Girl Doll "Samantha" ornament. This year, my favorite new addition was my brother's Bean Boot.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Boston Holiday Pops</span></h3>
This tradition never fails to put a smile on each of our faces. And even though we see the same show every year, the Boston Pops Orchestra always switches it up and it's always a new adventure for us. From the classics like <i>Sleigh Ride</i> to the legendary Boston Pops own version of <i>Twelve Days of Christmas</i> (listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b39-JvglZic" target="_blank">here</a>- you won't regret it), there really is something for everyone. And the best part is always the sing-along. You can bet I'm always going to be belting out my favorite Christmas tunes whenever I get the chance!<br />
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As we face a lot of changes in our family what with us kids growing older and creating our own lives, it's comforting to know that some things never change. Even when I feel like my life is moving forward at a mile a minute and I'm not quite sure where I'm going, I know I can always reach for and remember these strong family traditions.<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-8487418560615438712017-12-02T03:08:00.000-05:002017-12-02T03:08:28.039-05:00Forage & Chatter: A Can't-Miss Culinary Highlight in EdinburghMemorable meals come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. We might remember a meal fondly because of the people we shared it with or the events we were celebrating. But having an unforgettable meal based solely on the excellence of the food? Those ones are a bit more rare.<br />
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Last week, I had the pleasure of having a meal that I'll truly never forget thanks to <a href="https://www.forageandchatter.com/" target="_blank">Forage & Chatter</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.forageandchatter.com/" target="_blank">Forage & Chatter</a> is a gem of a restaurant- that is, if you can find it. Tucked away in the corner of Alva Street, you'll find dazzling fairy lights lining your path to this subterranean treasure. Having braced the bitter cold on the walk over, we were pleased to be greeted by warm heating (a luxury in my student flat) and an even warmer reception by the restaurant's host.<br />
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Forage & Chatter is practically a labyrinth on the inside- seemingly small but sprawling with intimate nooks and crannies of seating. The decor feels at once tastefully organic and effortlessly luxurious. Pulling from nature with earthy tones, the space gives a hint of the meal to come. If you haven't guessed yet, Forage & Chatter prides itself on maintaining a purely local menu. With an aim to source their ingredients from within a 25-mile radius of Edinburgh, you're guaranteed a foraged and fresh meal.<br />
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We settled into our table, set in what seems like an indoor-courtyard perched above the rest of the restaurant. Ben noticed the simple, yet thoughtful, touch of the plant-pots used as lampshades, while I admired the potted herbs on the table in place of flowers: it really is all in the details.<br />
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The attentive waitstaff were bright and cheerful, without being overbearing, and made us feel at ease from the moment we sat down. We ordered a bottle of South African red to share and got stuck in to the concise, but carefully crafted menu. Despite only have a few dishes to choose from in each course, we still had trouble deciding! We agreed to both go meaty on our starters and mains, fighting over who could start with the pig's cheek (I won).<br />
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But before I could tuck into the much-discussed pig's cheek, we were presented with some carby-goodness to start us off. These heavenly, pillowy balls of perfectly fried dough are called Vetkoek, a traditional South African bread that I never knew I desperately needed in my life until that moment. Served with earthy pesto and light-as-air whipped butter, these delightful little bites achieved the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Believe me- I could wax poetic about this bread alone.<br />
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Arriving next were our starters. The presentation of the dishes here is truly immaculate. Great care is taken to ensure that each element is perfectly placed and purposeful. The slow-cooked pig's cheek was succulent and tender, with a hint of caramelization that was a real treat when accompanied by the creamy celeriac puree. Bits of crackling were scattered on top of the meat, adding just a hint of texture. While I ate the garnish of apple and radish separate from the pig's cheek, it served as a fresh and crunchy take on the classic pork and apple combo.<br />
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Liver parfait (or any meat parfait, for that matter) is not really up my alley. But for Ben, it proved to be the perfect starter. These luxurious spoonfuls were salty and creamy, offset by the slightly sweet crunch of the toasted oat on top. I was surprised when I had a taste and continued to scrape the plate for more. Our only criticism was the lack of bread crisps on the side for the amount of parfait (though I find this is always the issue with parfaits and pates alike!).<br />
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From meaty starters to even more meaty mains, we braced ourselves for the next round of dishes, swigging the red wine a bit too enthusiastically (it was a Friday night, after all). For my main, I was excited at the prospect of having game meat. It always feels like I'm really treating myself when I do. This dish was certainly a sight for sore eyes- the gorgeous, tender meat was the star of the dish. Served with seasonal root vegetables and a rich gravy, I couldn't fault a single thing on the plate.<br />
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Ben's sirloin steak was perhaps a bit heartier in its presentation, but elegant nonetheless. A real rare-meat guy, Ben was a bit jealous that my deer seemed a bit less done than his steak, but the flavor- and finesse- were certainly there. The hash of potatoes, root veg, and bacon on the side was a standout and accompanied by buttery cabbage, proved to be a true winter warmer.<br />
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The good thing about the careful portions of the starter and main meant we had ample room to indulge in dessert. There was no doubt in my mind that the desserts would be just as fantastic as the rest of the meal would be. The second I saw the milk chocolate ganache on the menu, I knew I had to have it. The chocolate craving was real. Served with a pear puree and sorbet, the mild fruit flavors complemented the decadent chocolate seamlessly.<br />
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For dessert, Ben went with a wildcard of a dish. Even after the waitress kindly explained it to us, we still weren't sure what we were in for. But who doesn't love surprises? Ben's dessert ended up being primarily a refreshing, citrusy mousse with tiny slices of carrot cake dotted about. It was just as unique as we expected it to be. <br />
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From start to finish, Forage & Chatter demonstrated it's culinary prowess and delivered unexpected delights with each dish. Despite being one of the top-rated restaurants in all of Edinburgh, when you have a meal here, you feel like you're in on a secret. At Forage & Chatter, you're guaranteed to be treated to five-star food, without the stuffy setting. Even though the jig might be up (thanks, Tripadvisor), this spot is certainly one to watch.<br />
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<i>I won this meal for two in a competition- all view are entirely my own. Thank you to Forage & Chatter for hosting me! If you'd like to learn more about Forage & Chatter you can get more info and view their menus on their <a href="https://www.forageandchatter.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. </i>Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883316091039240977.post-45910451002620367182017-11-22T18:41:00.002-05:002017-11-22T18:42:52.867-05:00Recent Reads I feel like I've said this a million times, but I'm <i>not</i> a big reader. I know that might make me sound terribly unintelligent or unintellectual- but hear me out. After long days of constantly being surrounded by words from journal articles, social theory books, and my own writing, it's hard to gain the motivation to read.<br />
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But now that I've found some books that I'm really enthusiastic about, I can't wait to read a few pages before bed every night! Even if it's just a short chapter or five pages, I'm happy with any progress I make. I've also probably already said this before, but I usually don't go for fiction books. Maybe it's because I study Sociology, but I really enjoy reading books about social issues more than anything. On this very short list of just two books, though, I have one fiction book and one non-fiction book for you! I'm also new to this whole reading two books at once thing, but I'm kind of loving it.<br />
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<b><i>Americanah</i> by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</b></h3>
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This book is endlessly captivating, to say the very least. My best friend read this before I did, and then I think she recommended to the book club both of our moms are in. After my mom read it and loved it, she passed it on to me. I just love it when books take on a life of their own, being passed around from person to person.<br />
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<i>Americanah</i> is about a young and in love Nigerian couple who go off on their own respective adventures away from military-ruled Nigeria. Headstrong and creative, Ifemelu heads for America, where she starts her own blog on race in America. Obinze, however, heads to England, struggling to live as an undocumented immigrant. Their stories diverge and eventually become intertwined again. Each chapter is purposefully crafted to develop each character in great detail.<br />
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I feel that I can relate to some of the stories being someone who left home for a new place (though under very different circumstances). I can particularly empathize with both character's feelings of being lost, and the confusion that accompanies coming to a new land with many quirks. Whether or not you're an ex-pat though, I'd recommend this book simply on the basis that it's politically pertinent and can teach <i>anyone</i> a thing or two about race in America (with great humor, I might add).<br />
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<i>Megatech: Technology in 2050 </i>edited by Daniel Franklin</h3>
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This book is really a series of essays and studies that examine the implications and consequences of technology in the modern day and the future. Accumulating the knowledge of scientists, tech industry leaders, social scientists, and science fiction writers, this book is ideal for anyone who wants a user-friendly way of learning about the past, present, and future of technology.<br />
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I'm currently taking a class called The Internet and Society so this book couldn't have come at a better time. I also say that because I didn't choose or pay for this book- it was a gift with purchase from <i>The Economist </i>when I made a 12-week subscription. Still, this book is incredibly interesting without being pedantic and touches on a lot of "real life" examples that I think anyone can relate to. I'm particularly into the discussions of augmented reality- I can see how it might be useful for consumers in theory, but in practice? I'm not so sure. I guess only time will tell.<br />
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What am I reading next? </h3>
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While I haven't officially decided what my next move is yet, I've got my eye out on the copy of <i>Modern Love</i> by Aziz Ansari that I purchased over the summer. I mean, it's a book that combines personal, humorous anecdotes by Aziz Ansari with the social commentary of a Sociologist.<br />
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Could there <i>be</i> a more "Leda" book than that? Leda Olia http://www.blogger.com/profile/05552405390687545807noreply@blogger.com0