A Quick Trip to Brussels

Just before New Year I planned a surprise trip for my boyfriend and I to Brussels. I had never considered how easy it really is to just hop on the Eurostar and within 3 hours be in a completely different country.

Paris

So last weekend I headed to Paris for a jam packed weekend of sight seeing with my boyfriend. We had booked our hotel through secretescapes.com and it certainly didn't disappoint. Located in the 15e and right near a metro station getting to anywhere in the city was super easy. The Platine hotel where we stayed also provided breakfast so we didn't have to fend for our selves in the morning.
We managed to obtain weekend day tickets for the metro at only 3.75 euros each which was a massive saving because we were under the ages of 26. Definitely a recommendation to ANYONE who is under 26 and planning on going for a weekend.

Friday

Flying to Paris is a lot easier than I expected. Once we landed we took the RER to the centre and then using instructions I had found, wiggled our way to our closest metro station, Charles Michels. This took about an hour. After arriving and checking in to the hotel where we were allocated the Gold room we went on a wander around the area before heading of to see the Arc de Triomphe at night.

Our Gold Room

The Amazing Bathroom

There was construction work taking place on the building which meant that we got to go to the top for free and although the view towards the Eiffel tower were slightly ruined it really didn't take away the wow factor of all the hustling night life.

Jord And I at the Top of Arc de Triomphe

Once down from the top we wandered down one of the main streets until we found a cheerful restaurant and gorged ourselves on pasta (and chocolate cake) before returning to the hotel to catch 40 winks.

Saturday
After breakfast we started on our action packed day. Firstly we visited Basilique du Sacré-Cœur which has incredible views of the city. We payed 6euros each to go to the top of the dome to see even further which was incredible and the sun even decided to come out when we were at the top!

Me at the top of the dome

Next we visited the Louve after a spot to eat. It was a whistle stop tour to see things like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and my personal favourite, the Wrath of Medusa. Being under the age of 26 meant that we got in for free and so we didn't need to worry about spending large amount of money. 

Mona Lisa

As we walked down the river towards Notre Dame we passed all the pet stores in a row and it would have been so rude to not at least go and stare at all the beautiful kittens, puppies, bunnies and birds, From Labradors to French Bull dogs and all of them made you want to gain a very large over draft to take them all home!

We then passed over the padlock bridge, its amazing to think just how many people have love attached to it. Although I personally didn't attach anything that day you can't help but feel the hope that so many people before have left with their padlock and lost keys.

Padlock everywhere!

Sucker for a pretty Sunset

We then entered Notre Dame which is probably the most Gothic building I have ever visited. The spire sets the unusual cathedral apart from any others I have seen whilst travelling with my mum whether in the UK, Rome or further afield and we were lucky enough to see some of the evening mass ceremony that managed to send shivers down my spine. Whether to take that as God's presence I'm still a sceptic.

After a power nap we got ready and headed to our restaurant we booked on thefork.co.uk. Booking through the website meant that we got to save 30% on each course. This meant we got to indulge without the gut wrenching price tag involved. Our restaurant was called La Cantine (46, rue Balard 75015 Paris), just in the back streets near our hotel. The owner although spoke barely any English (and us any French) did a brilliant job at communicating what was on the menu. For starters I had raw swordfish in ginger and lime. It was AMAZING. Then for mains Jordan and I both had Steak which was yet again so tasty. The meat was slightly thinner than that in the UK but this meant it had absorbed more of the herbs rubbed in. Finally for desert I had a chocolate melt in the middle pudding. I couldn't have recommended a restaurant that made me feel this welcome as .... from the lovely staff to the delicious food if you are ever in the area. We left the restaurant and headed to the Eiffel Tower. We arrived at bang on midnight so got to witness it glittering for 5 minutes before a short walk and then returned to the hotel exhausted!

Glittering Tower

Sunday
After checking out of the Hotel we went across the city to Jardin des Plants where we wondered around the beautiful gardens before heading into the small zoo present. The zoo has a wide variety of animals and only cost 9euros each. For me the enclosures were not quite big enough for the monkeys and big cats! City centre Zoo's will always have a problem with space. Its what makes stronger rules required. I hope that the animals that were in small enclosures got rotated enabling them to have more space daily.

Eye see you 

We then dashed across the city again to be at the Eiffel Tower for 2pm. We had booked tickets for the Eiffel Tower the week before and it only cost 14.50 euros per person to get to the top which I thought was extremely reasonable. Yet again Paris had cheaper ticket prices for those under the age of 26 so I am not sure what a full priced adult ticket would have cost. The views from the top were amazing and the sun came out for us when we were at the top even though the wind was certainly active! We came down and headed to the Arc de Triomphe to get some pictures in day time before we had to head back to our hotel to get are bags before starting the journey to the airport.

Cool Kid

The weekend may have only been a whistle stop trip to Paris but it was one of the best weekend away I have ever had. The city is so friendly and because of subway being so easy to access, getting around the city was not an issue allowing us to cram our days to the brim. The only downside was having to return! There was lots of other things that I would have loved to do if we had had another day or two but at least I can save those for another trip giving me the excuse to go back. It certainly is said that bar hotel and flight costs the city is made for young adults and this is reflected by how much you get for reduced cost being under the age of 26.

If you are doubting whether to go then don't!! Paris captured some of my heart, so much so I'm determined to learn French so I can go back and not feel guilty understanding others around me.

Strictly Come DanceSport

So....
I have had the honor of taking part as a 'Celeb' representing Cheerleading in Strictly Come DanceSport to raise money for Leeds Marrow, an amazing charity that aids the recruitment of bone marrow donors as only 50% of people diagnosed who require a donor will find one and it costs £100 to add a person to the register!

I have been training hard learning the Pasodoble, a Latin dance which tells the story of bull fighting, and the girl acts as the cape, the male as the bull fighter for the past 3-4 weeks. It was such an amazing experience to get to take part in and the show was incredible! It really did feel like we were on strictly.

Everyone who took part were incredible and it was amazing to see what we had all managed to achieve in under 4 weeks!! Some of the judges were ridiculously harsh which really was like strictly but over all a fun filled night.

My performance was 9th out of the 10 competitors and it definitely felt like a nervous wait. We finally went onto the floor and all I kept thinking was that I need to be angry!! I believe that I may have done a good job to. After badly injuring my back last week I was really nervous about injuring it more but somethings are worth the risk and the dance with all the lifts certainly was plus my medication certainly took the edge of any pain!

The dance went AMAZINGLY and we got scored two 9s and two 10s!!! I  really couldn't believe it, and it was such a proud moment when all the hard work at training and going over or the silly details like which direction a foot should face meant something. We then had the nervous waiting for the spectators votes to be counted.
The results were in and Jordan and I had won! I really couldn't believe it as everyone was so good! Charlotte Warner, LUU Welfare Officer came second, her performance was truly amazing and I need her to teach me to shimmy (its her secret skill). Its been such a brilliant thing to do and as I said to some it up 'Different'. Doing something different than what you would normally can be the most rewarding thing possible and taking part in LUU's Strictly really was.
Everyone who performed and took part were winners really though as we all got to help raise money to an important cause, after all it is Christmas and whats Christmas unless you can do good  deeds for others!!

To see the show the links below..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxx4WnHk3tQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUXiQ_pewQZq7pwV-dsw-4SQ


So... Keep Dancing, Smiling and a Very Merry Christmas to everyone.

BUDS- A Snowrider Weekend in Edinburgh

Day One

If i told you that I was going to spend the majority or 2 days on a very cold hill side in Edinburgh you would probably tell me that firstly I was mad and secondly, how could that be fun? Well originally I would have thought the same but throw in 40 Leeds Snowriders, plenty of incredible racing and freestyle skills for your eyes to witness along with fun with capes, cheesecake fights and a crazy antics, you find that your weekend is up there in the best of the year!

The View from the top

Henry Racing

We set of at 1am on Friday 8th November to a very rowdy coach, after eventually falling asleep I awoke to be sat outside a dry ski slope in the wonderful Scottish city of Edinburgh. After unloading we found our selves perched at the top of a very large hill, (it would need to be large if people are skiing on it) in the full sun of a very chilly morning. The races began and we cheered and wooped all day long. We were given some amazing tshirts and red capes to wear all day, which I definitely feel will need to come out more often. As the day came to a close, Iona was in the Freestyle final in which she performed AMAZINGLY. Then followed a quick bus ride and we arrived at our hostel.

The Caledonian Backpackers has got to be the nicest Hostel I have even stayed in, from breakfast being served (included in your stay) until 12 and all the rooms feeling personal and cosy it was an absolute treat to stay there. The added bonus that it really is about 15 steps away from the main high street just adds to its brilliance. We got back and after a quick change, some snowrider antics and a long walk we and the rest of the UKs snow sports teams headed to a club by the station. A fun night was had by all and far to many shots were consumed. I have never heard a DJ ask people to repeat what he does so many times in one night either!

Beauty everywhere

Day two- Exploring Edinburgh

How very Scottish

Instead of heading straight to the slopes some of us decided to wander round. As i have never been to Edinburgh I felt like it was a great opportunity to explore! We headed down the main street and got to see the beautiful memorial set as it was Memorial Day the following day (Sunday 10th November). We then wandered into some of the Scottish shops and the temptation for buying shortbread was very real.

After meeting some others we went to find lunch up at the cafe The Elephant House, where J.K Rowling famously wrote Harry Potter but as it was a Saturday Lunch time it was ridiculously busy. Instead we found ourselves in a little cafe further down the street whos hot chocolate were to dye for and you could get a toasty and a large bowl of soup for only £6!! A real bargain.

 I then went of exploring, I firstly found a quaint little book shop which smelt amazing and I bought myself a copy of Sense and Sensibility which is nearly 100 years old! I then wandered on to the castle. Its £16 to go into the castle and if I had had more than an hour I probably would have but even a trip to stand outside is definitely worth it as the views of the city are incredibly. I then wandered back along the river. We headed back to the cold hilltop slope later that afternoon and got to witness some of the boys racing in relay and then all the amazing freestyle including the RedBull train which involved incredibly talented freestylers taking to the air one after the other with no breaks. Sounds dangerous and definitely was!

No Hands

To finish the weekend of we all went to the BUDS ball where we were given a two course meal and an awards ceremony.  The meal was delicious but there were different rules that apply. The most entertaining is that for desert you are not able to use your hands. Eating cheesecake with just your mouth isn't always as easy as it seems and we were prewarned that a cheesecake fight often break out. Well this year didn't disappoint! This was then followed with the random game of who can pick the cup of the floor which was unfortunately a draw as we got down to picking up £2 of the floor. Although we may not have won any of the competitions we definitely won which university could have the most fun, and if I'm honest that suits me just fine!

Will covered in Cheesecake!

Overall the weekend was BRILLIANT. I got to meet so many amazing people, freeze my fingers of taking pictures, take part in sprints down Edinburgh's main street, carry round my purple blanket with me all day and generally have an amazing time.

If there's ever any doubt that a weekend in Edinburgh isn't  fun then you really are doing it wrong!!

Wicked

So feeling very Halloweeny after a brilliant night dressed as a Zombie Dorothy I headed to Manchester to see the INCREDIBLE theatre show of Wicked at the Palace Theatre. We had brilliant seats and as the show was starting I couldn't help but feel the buzz from all the audience as the lights started to dim.

There is no question as to whether the show was good or not, the plot of friendship, bonding and love makes it out to be a fantastic extravaganza. I was so thrilled though, that the individuals cast for main roles were so strong! Usually there is likely to be one or two which arn't quite as good as another but this show was in a league of its own. Just as I thought I figured out who I personally felt was the best it changed. The singing was phenomenal and the girl who played Elphaba,Nikki Davis-Jones could challenge Idina Menzel which is sure saying something as I never thought I would comprehend anyone being as talented with their vocal chords as she is. Glinda played by Emily Tierney was exactly what I expected her to be and with out fail, she made you laugh during her hair flicks and 'Popular', and cry a little, when they both sang 'for good'!
My only downside was I couldn't watch it on repeat or that I now have such an urge to get back on a stage whether its to dance or just have fun. Its amazing how one show can make you remember just how much something has always been part of your life.

If you ever get the opportunity to see the show of Wicked I would highly recommend it. Its a brilliant show with a very talented cast for everyone in the family. Even my Nan couldn't comment that the music and microphones were to loud! A brilliant feat on its own.

Latitude Festival II

Saturday
First in the morning we headed to the Literature stage where we saw the end of the dead interviews about Nixon and Andy Warhol which were really funny. We then saw Germaine Greer who is a feminist and her talk was really inspirational and it was really interesting listening to her and her views. After we went to the lakeside stage and watched the ballet boys. They were as good as usual, especially dancing with only shorts on.
We then saw Matt Corby followed by Jessie Ware who was incredible. I have fallen in love with her track "Wildest Moments", its so much better live as well.
After food and a few drinks, Ellie and me went to watch Alt-J, which were pretty good  just wished that i had known more of their songs . We then went to the Caberet tent where I partied with mum and Ellie which was definitely a fun experience. On the way home we even took pictures with the animals (of sorts).

Sunday
First we saw  Alison Balsom with the English concert who is an amazing trumpet player with such an incredible natural talent. A very nice relaxing way to start the day. We then had lunch and went to watch Laura Mvula who was very relaxing. After we went to a talk by David Schneider called 'Is the internet making us stupider?'. It was really funny and showed a good examples of how we have always been stupid but now everyone is a lot more aware of it.
After some food we watched James Blake and then tried to watch Eddie Izzard but the tent was far to full, so instead we watched The Local Natives.
We then watched Rudimental which would have been really good but there was just to many 14/15 year olds wanting to constantly start mosh pits to songs which it was impossible to mosh too which was very frustrating. After was Disclosure who were surprisingly good even though I didn't know everything they played, they were so into their own music which was nice. We then saw foals but I was just so tired from the entire weekend that I may as well have been asleep!

Overall the entire weekend was absolutely brilliant. From the music to the literature and comedy the entire festival is done brilliantly and the fact that you get a night life as well means that there is always something to do for every age range to do at all time. Its a fantastic festival which really does live by its moto, if you want more than just music I can not recommend a better family fun festival if I tried!