tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30290228745634235302024-02-08T03:32:08.572+00:00LaVitaestBelleMy Year Abroad 2013/2014.
Paris/Ferrara/Modena
Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-84334709715601797812014-02-03T10:23:00.001+00:002014-02-03T10:23:30.737+00:00Soya Milk Rice Pudding. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAMwB8oP5qNLrQc84egrCjNY6NGCeIbh38WfvmnySm3C2uyGxFHMl_ucnijXj2jLzuuFqmhrfycpJEs_ibkt-Jwi4Y50pTpLYSWT4yUATOea2Tym2OJohNo9QOSi6ho7g81TX3hzzJ7c/s1600/IMG_8012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAMwB8oP5qNLrQc84egrCjNY6NGCeIbh38WfvmnySm3C2uyGxFHMl_ucnijXj2jLzuuFqmhrfycpJEs_ibkt-Jwi4Y50pTpLYSWT4yUATOea2Tym2OJohNo9QOSi6ho7g81TX3hzzJ7c/s1600/IMG_8012.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Its very cold and rainy here in Italy at the moment, so here's a recipe for something yummy and warm to start your day!<br />
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When trying not to eat much gluten it can be tricky to decide what to eat for breakfast, especially something filling and interesting! I looked online and saw a really good recipe for quinoa porridge, but quinoa is not something that you can easily find in Italy so that was off the list. Rice is obviously not hard to find, so I though rice pudding would be the next best thing!<br />
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The best rice to buy is arborio rice as it is used for making risotto so gives a really nice creamy texture when cooked. I also decided to use soya milk as it's a healthier option with loads of nutrients and tastes sweeter than normal milk. (Also, the milk here in Italy is not quite the same as back home)<br />
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For my toppings, I have used tinned peaches, pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts and honey but you could use anything you fancy, that's why it's such a great breakfast because you can use anything you like to vary it up!<br />
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Also, the pudding will keep for a few days in the fridge, so maybe this is one to make on Sunday to take you through the week... Just gently reheat a portion from the fridge and add more soya milk if it get's a bit too sticky.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3loQqnfQ9bEYNA_BrvDQnewJ84_SKyaaVz50HqE9ua8qMso45ZwYWQHr7_Fcza72lYvElMnPF9AbHKB4Nr9VHWsomwsJ0xXtcNjxPM824R83nXRI__9qYNU5dh1p01qinIQZ8ybN_o0/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3loQqnfQ9bEYNA_BrvDQnewJ84_SKyaaVz50HqE9ua8qMso45ZwYWQHr7_Fcza72lYvElMnPF9AbHKB4Nr9VHWsomwsJ0xXtcNjxPM824R83nXRI__9qYNU5dh1p01qinIQZ8ybN_o0/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
(Serves 4)<br />
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- Pinch of salt<br />
- 1 cup water<br />
- 1/2 cup arborio rice<br />
- 1 1/2 cups soya milk<br />
- Pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon<br />
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- Any topping you want! (I used two tinned peach halves, tablespoon of honey and some pumpkin seeds)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKIEr208XsC3MVFZHqQneQ_FXG2JNailnFrFLjlphWakO6B-FiLPi_E8tHU3jUzjn8vfGg9kM72AcUfDQF_4K7B7xAKH6pVWoge6tSI6_a1GS_zPCWgSg1x6v9qiVyOHNyeJdj0hunNA/s1600/IMG_8015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKIEr208XsC3MVFZHqQneQ_FXG2JNailnFrFLjlphWakO6B-FiLPi_E8tHU3jUzjn8vfGg9kM72AcUfDQF_4K7B7xAKH6pVWoge6tSI6_a1GS_zPCWgSg1x6v9qiVyOHNyeJdj0hunNA/s1600/IMG_8015.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
Put the water in a saucepan with the salt and bring to the boil.<br />
Add the rice and put on a <u>low heat</u>. Keep stirring until nearly all the water has been absorbed. (About 10/15 mins)<br />
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Start adding the soya milk a 1/3 at a time and continuously stir until all the milk has been added (this may take a while but be patient!). The rice should be soft and creamy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxfP_zONe7mqkcDr2fSUd4D5XHUgbV5bItu7e7hdSOzSfiqvIT2wpR6VWQAkIJfONw6PFyl2SZPAlk6yu7Y9JD28ns_LoQ-G-wbxKSSERftuHKPQhPAwcKj07e0S2DmydQAKtO6kFolo/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxfP_zONe7mqkcDr2fSUd4D5XHUgbV5bItu7e7hdSOzSfiqvIT2wpR6VWQAkIJfONw6PFyl2SZPAlk6yu7Y9JD28ns_LoQ-G-wbxKSSERftuHKPQhPAwcKj07e0S2DmydQAKtO6kFolo/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>Add the nutmeg and/or cinnamon.<br />
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Stir through then pour into bowl. Put any leftovers in an airtight container and into the fridge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-ZX_DKD-UvOigQ8-nWKAonglINoqkwk5-75TaPzhJPpfnVe70bGzInEvacscZ-h-VdmpLx9Oyn9GY_zuQf8xzFsZaZF_j_Em7kQKVa9jnHq3WMgvZ_tPDRqu5BN4v4JDGX66R5yB8Hk/s1600/IMG_8013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-ZX_DKD-UvOigQ8-nWKAonglINoqkwk5-75TaPzhJPpfnVe70bGzInEvacscZ-h-VdmpLx9Oyn9GY_zuQf8xzFsZaZF_j_Em7kQKVa9jnHq3WMgvZ_tPDRqu5BN4v4JDGX66R5yB8Hk/s1600/IMG_8013.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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Add your toppings and enjoy.<br />
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Buon appetito! :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-41559007677257746722014-02-02T22:13:00.000+00:002014-02-02T22:20:12.106+00:00Chicken, fennel and rocket salad with carrot mash. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJegcyMSTqA2ZJwCWx9PtfXYr_7NWUHTUAYsK1Fcidp-09eynIMqcD_v8HOiv1Szq9Hr8E92ZFDgFEdblivZAtG9qPbwmVzmbH3glcvnVYFq_ysmA_Of4AI9yIe1UIkjDSWoaKPVQ4oA/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJegcyMSTqA2ZJwCWx9PtfXYr_7NWUHTUAYsK1Fcidp-09eynIMqcD_v8HOiv1Szq9Hr8E92ZFDgFEdblivZAtG9qPbwmVzmbH3glcvnVYFq_ysmA_Of4AI9yIe1UIkjDSWoaKPVQ4oA/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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In Italy fennel is a really popular ingredient which isn't often used in England. My housemates have used it a lot in their cooking but before now I had never bought it. I decided to, and i'm glad I have<br />
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because i've seen you can do loads with it. raw, grilled, roasted, gratin.... </div>
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So, here's a quick and easy dinner that's super healthy and gluten free.</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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(Serves 1)</div>
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- 2/3 carrots</div>
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- 1/2 leek</div>
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- 1 chicken breast</div>
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- knob of butter</div>
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- tablespoon of cream cheese</div>
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- rocket</div>
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- fennel (about 1/4 of a bulb)</div>
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- olive oil</div>
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- lemon juice</div>
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- salt/pepper</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9AQXb3bmhBCmcEai0w_vz_PCk3YmpuxbNfBW99TsF3F0sqpdkSuWN7yHMl7ocNaZw06MUaD0IwSgBii40aJP8Ft9fruVMZ9uKLm39Qh8Sl5vkRaU8VYL4zjiLiJscVVFMpvYtCFsB2w/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9AQXb3bmhBCmcEai0w_vz_PCk3YmpuxbNfBW99TsF3F0sqpdkSuWN7yHMl7ocNaZw06MUaD0IwSgBii40aJP8Ft9fruVMZ9uKLm39Qh8Sl5vkRaU8VYL4zjiLiJscVVFMpvYtCFsB2w/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>First of all, cut the carrots into pieces (about a cm thick) and put in a pan of hot water and leave to boil. </div>
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Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and add the chicken. Once it has started to cook, add the leek (chopped up) to the same pan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdXj31HrAWN5WYJ9CG_Ej4-TIb24aofu0HTBCLh02OI8XApaN4wj8u9ibu8gqA2xd0hteez8fNOOpmxOUklYsaGjwfXhVxTxdQZyCD5CqgI0TEtajnM2Lj0vVUshUlhs_3w2SqteCSxo/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdXj31HrAWN5WYJ9CG_Ej4-TIb24aofu0HTBCLh02OI8XApaN4wj8u9ibu8gqA2xd0hteez8fNOOpmxOUklYsaGjwfXhVxTxdQZyCD5CqgI0TEtajnM2Lj0vVUshUlhs_3w2SqteCSxo/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHvdtysdPLLHlwbJ1NqC4nG53coRbZ85T3pyWkZYkwvWimfpyoQ7L3PKjeRY0wQf1UYWV8dpQEZDJUk1_FyrUcKUmv8mLzXJzNImNJmTrdm2cAZW3zavqZp3f3sNe6onHoMCNkBPQw6E/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHvdtysdPLLHlwbJ1NqC4nG53coRbZ85T3pyWkZYkwvWimfpyoQ7L3PKjeRY0wQf1UYWV8dpQEZDJUk1_FyrUcKUmv8mLzXJzNImNJmTrdm2cAZW3zavqZp3f3sNe6onHoMCNkBPQw6E/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>Slice the fennel bulb (only use the white bit) as finely as possible and mix in a bowl with the rocket. Add about a teaspoon of olive oil, salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and add more or less of whatever you think it needs.</div>
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Once the carrots are soft, drain them and mash with a masher/fork. Add the butter, cream cheese, salt, pepper and mix. </div>
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When the chicken is cooked through and the leeks are soft, you can put everything on your place and tuck in.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Buon Appetito! </span>:) </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-17970819727462391882014-02-02T19:22:00.002+00:002014-02-02T22:22:18.827+00:00Health kick. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbIGMC30NS725pvTVs-mP0_SZR5zPsdUcTw8F7gSQZHYb67lWCyoZa867jgICvLgbETiSWkFGrAbODQzayVlRDq7I9GT29qzR4R8oNyqjIZbz0zE46jC2htcOUZqM8Yt6H8xsvMtFV8Q/s1600/diet_tomorrow_compressed_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbIGMC30NS725pvTVs-mP0_SZR5zPsdUcTw8F7gSQZHYb67lWCyoZa867jgICvLgbETiSWkFGrAbODQzayVlRDq7I9GT29qzR4R8oNyqjIZbz0zE46jC2htcOUZqM8Yt6H8xsvMtFV8Q/s1600/diet_tomorrow_compressed_sm.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started 2014 pretty healthily. I decided to go gluten free for January and see how long I could last. I decided to do it, not because I am gluten intolerant, but because I had heard about the health benefits of not eating gluten and how it could give you a lot more energy, which I sometimes feel I lack.<br />
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I wasn't too strict but basically cut out any flour-based products such as bread and pasta and anything else that was predominantly wheat. You are allowed rice and potatoes though, thank goodness!<br />
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I was at home in England for the first two weeks which made it pretty easy to avoid gluten as our supermarkets have such a great range of gluten free foods, particularly asian cuisine which is often just made with rice.<br />
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But then, I went back to Italy...... all downhill from there!<br />
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My first night back, my housemates had made a birthday dinner for one of them which included pasta then birthday cake. Of course I couldn't be rude and say no, <span style="text-align: center;">so I tucked in. It was worth it though :)</span><br />
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Since then I have tried my best to avoid pizza and pasta and I don't buy gluten products when I go to the supermarket. But obviously it would be pretty silly to avoid it completely seeing as the Italian food is just so good and i'm only here for another 6 months! I know i'll miss it when i'm back in Exeter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmHrR9OglBxnMRfkzcd6Pis5a1BAB6bPKKTcCsO5Mi3T3RKhbXxKM3xnA7auNUtSh2G4oTONscqntawwBX1iU8HkjgC4in1Z-ZSjnVlsyECAZuvW_Whp2_86RKOR4FikxQvWSSzH3Ieg/s1600/chocolate-is-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmHrR9OglBxnMRfkzcd6Pis5a1BAB6bPKKTcCsO5Mi3T3RKhbXxKM3xnA7auNUtSh2G4oTONscqntawwBX1iU8HkjgC4in1Z-ZSjnVlsyECAZuvW_Whp2_86RKOR4FikxQvWSSzH3Ieg/s1600/chocolate-is-salad.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
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This weekend, I have had two pizzas though, and with the rain I have done no proper exercise as I am not a member of a gym (no excuse I know).<br />
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So this week I am going to try and be creative with my cooking and try out some new recipes so that I can stay healthy but still eat yummy, varied food.<br />
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So if you want to try eating less wheat/gluten, and just eat more healthily, I hope you'll try out some of my ideas.<br />
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Buon Appetito! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-38896595732685064292014-02-01T16:02:00.003+00:002014-02-02T23:51:07.205+00:00What to see/eat/do in Florence. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOXUDx4p76neo9lVniGYio42pfHKO9zxjrO5cz4So9kOQInydvRsvW-QpLKAzP1Jw0naeLZivRVKOQ9XFl5QqyBzwhRW4yWdFpXHAgx9l3tfLMwzUD7ytemxuwkqboPsgyARSiCCsmcs/s1600/Firenze+b-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOXUDx4p76neo9lVniGYio42pfHKO9zxjrO5cz4So9kOQInydvRsvW-QpLKAzP1Jw0naeLZivRVKOQ9XFl5QqyBzwhRW4yWdFpXHAgx9l3tfLMwzUD7ytemxuwkqboPsgyARSiCCsmcs/s1600/Firenze+b-w.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Okay, I have written about my weekend in Florence but I thought would make an easier-to-navigate list of what I suggest to see/eat/do over a long weekend.<br />
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Try and pack in as much as possible :)<br />
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See/Do:<br />
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1. <b>Cathedral, Giotto's tower and Baptistry</b>. Buy the 10€ card on site.<br />
Info <a href="http://ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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2. <b>Uffizi Gallery</b>. Open: Tuesday- Sunday, 8.15-18.50. Adults: €6.50, 18-25yrs: €3.25<br />
Buy tickets <a href="http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/info_venue.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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3. <b>Palazzo Vecchio.</b> Info <a href="http://museicivicifiorentini.comune.fi.it/en/palazzovecchio/" target="_blank">here</a>. Adults: €10, 18-25yrs €8<br />
Open: 1st October-31st March,<br />
Mon-Sun 9-19,<br />
Thursday 9-14<br />
1st April-30th September,<br />
Mon-Sun 9-24,<br />
Thursday 9-14<br />
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4.<b> L'Accedemia. </b>Info <a href="http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/?m=accademia" target="_blank">here. </a> Open: Tuesday- Sunday, 8.15-18.50. Adults: €6.50, 18-25yrs: €3.25<br />
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5. <b>Piazza Michelangelo and Basilica di San Miniato al Monte</b><br />
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6. <b>Ponte Vecchio</b><br />
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7. <b>San Lorenzo market and indoor food market. </b><br />
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8. <b>The <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187895-d1699712-r125625470-The_Piglet-Florence_Tuscany.html" target="_blank">boar statue </a></b><br />
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Eat:<br />
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1. Gelateria:<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">- </span><b>La Carraia.</b> Info <a href="http://www.lacarraiagroup.eu/" target="_blank">here. </a><br />
- <b>Venchi.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d3236436-Reviews-Gelateria_Venchi_Firenze-Florence_Tuscany.html" target="_blank">here. </a><br />
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2. Snacks:<br />
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- <b>I due Fratellini.</b> (a hole-inthe-wall sandwich and wine seller! quick, cheap, yummy food.) Info <a href="http://www.iduefratellini.it/">here.</a><br />
- <b>Pane e Toscana.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d3727919-Reviews-Pane_e_Toscana-Florence_Tuscany.html">here</a>.<br />
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3. Aperitivi: (drinks with buffet 6-10pm)<br />
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- <b>Kitsch.</b>(amazing buffet of pasta, crostini, etc.. and delicious cocktails, make sure you book!) Info <a href="http://www.kitschfirenze.com/">here.</a><br />
- <b>Soul Kitchen.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d2362823-Reviews-Soul_Kitchen-Florence_Tuscany.html">here.</a> <br />
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4. Restaurants: (Make sure you book!)<br />
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- <b>La Martinicca.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1892924-Reviews-La_Martinicca-Florence_Tuscany.html">here.</a><br />
- <b>La Giostra.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d716283-Reviews-La_Giostra-Florence_Tuscany.html">here. </a><br />
- <b>Fuori Porta.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1102331-Reviews-EnotecaBar_Fuori_Porta-Florence_Tuscany.html">here.</a> <br />
<b>- Trattoria lo Stracotto.</b> Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1733949-Reviews-Trattoria_Lo_Stracotto-Florence_Tuscany.html">here. </a><br />
- <b>Il Borro. </b>Info <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d4887805-Reviews-Il_Borro_Tuscan_Bistro-Florence_Tuscany.html">here. </a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-14624810149980291332014-02-01T15:21:00.003+00:002014-02-03T00:09:01.632+00:00Florence/Firenze.Last term, in November, I was feeling a little homesick having been away from home and family for the longest amount of time in my life. Thank goodness, then, I had a long weekend in Florence with my dad and step-mum to look forward to, and it couldn't have come at a better time!<br />
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Full of excitement, I hopped on the fast train from Bologna to Firenze on the Thursday afternoon. The journey only takes 30 mins and oh my word the trains! They are like (what I would imagine) first class on a flight. Huuuuge squishy seats and plenty of room. If you can, splash out the cash for a trip on one, it's worth it :) <br />
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Tip: by all means travel with trusty <b>TrenItalia</b> but, <a href="http://www.italotreno.it/EN/Pages/default.aspx?ns=0&gclid=CNvQgOz5qrwCFQMQ3godkhYApQ" target="_blank"><b>Italo</b></a> is another great option and is often cheaper!<br />
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My dad and step-mum greeted me on the platform and after a long overdue hello, we wondered off to find our hotel and get our first look of this beautiful city.<br />
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As you walk down the main road out of the station, you start to catch a glimpse of a building beginning to come into view, covered in bright colours and an eye-catching design. Then turn round the corner and bam!! This BEAUTIFUL building in the middle of the piazza appears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl6cwosRaMWQwoqZr7TA63YNkJQpw-71JxIYO1cXnRa5UvEWW_241HgIfeKW-iOYguo33eWIp1k78PaxRaiOcXAYota-pK6_89a9y2I31sNtTTAIwEvBQoCwPsJO6L_WQSj22IRbihT0/s1600/IMG_7961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl6cwosRaMWQwoqZr7TA63YNkJQpw-71JxIYO1cXnRa5UvEWW_241HgIfeKW-iOYguo33eWIp1k78PaxRaiOcXAYota-pK6_89a9y2I31sNtTTAIwEvBQoCwPsJO6L_WQSj22IRbihT0/s1600/IMG_7961.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1atvoOZA58JLNvntTzE29v27tqsvaNH8odtLB55e90pnCM7TCleRo_4EHYlf4Ek3IXarujCL2fS1JBWxh-m-WCJfgIuRf4qUR5API0f1wLipQmcN6u2g5_IH61LvMKrMttd0jkQl5tI/s1600/IMG_7904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1atvoOZA58JLNvntTzE29v27tqsvaNH8odtLB55e90pnCM7TCleRo_4EHYlf4Ek3IXarujCL2fS1JBWxh-m-WCJfgIuRf4qUR5API0f1wLipQmcN6u2g5_IH61LvMKrMttd0jkQl5tI/s1600/IMG_7904.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>It's called the<b> 'Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore'</b> and I have to say, this has to be my favourite building in Italy so far.... I don't think I could ever tire of looking at it!</div>
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It also gives a pretty great first impression of Florence, and meant I couldn't wait to get exploring!</div>
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As it was early evening by the time we had checked into our hotel, and the weather was so nice we decided to climb the 414 steps up <b>'il Campanile di Giotto'</b>. Typically, it wasn't long until the sun went down so we pretty much had to run up the tower. We eventually made it to the top and just in time to catch the sun dip behind the distant mountains, and turn the sky pink.<br />
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<< Pretty as a painting.<br />
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After all that running up stairs, we felt that we had definitely deserved something to eat. We had done a lot of homework in terms of restaurants, my dad had asked friends at work and I had some recommendations from my friend Henry who is working in Florence for his Erasmus.<br />
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We decided that we would walk through the fashion district to <b><a href="http://www.ristorante-lamartinicca.com/" target="_blank"> La Martinicca</a>, </b>a traditional Tuscan restaurant. The restaurant is quite basic inside but the staff were very friendly and it was full which is always a good sign.<br />
We decided to share a few dishes as we just couldn't decide what to have!<br />
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In the end we went for:<br />
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- Pomodoro mozzarella di bufala e basilico (tomato and mozzarella salad)<br />
- Taglierini al tartufo bianco (white truffle pasta)<br />
- Fagottini di pasta fresca alle pere in salsa di gorgonzola (Balls of pasta stuffed with pear in a gorgonzola sauce)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3GoYpmJHzQNMcw0SC4NLGaHOX2hPfnwY-9FU9TsbytDPf9JzwM8YeROH-imM1zG8EfmJtiDvtc3cq4HukF1lUnIHOygStecPIAVluTNHLZGxWvE2eWvIpYnOr_A-S85W0O-PbRfP-10/s1600/IMG_6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3GoYpmJHzQNMcw0SC4NLGaHOX2hPfnwY-9FU9TsbytDPf9JzwM8YeROH-imM1zG8EfmJtiDvtc3cq4HukF1lUnIHOygStecPIAVluTNHLZGxWvE2eWvIpYnOr_A-S85W0O-PbRfP-10/s1600/IMG_6656.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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The Fagottini were amazing, and although I wasn't sure about pear and pasta, I have now been converted and will order it next time I see it on the menu.<br />
Of course, the white truffle pasta was also yummy, but how can you go wrong with truffle and fresh pasta...?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQOrQYmV_mSxYNDnkY7Nb4p8wO3Zc7-VeitBwJXyZXdZ97Egsr-cYa-2DbsRQ1FPdVeobMvSbf9861N0XDWPWrHSphHy88FzH-UZwSasQgRUsiFil_pxp2pcX6XyTWbGnxUuK3Z3dv3A/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQOrQYmV_mSxYNDnkY7Nb4p8wO3Zc7-VeitBwJXyZXdZ97Egsr-cYa-2DbsRQ1FPdVeobMvSbf9861N0XDWPWrHSphHy88FzH-UZwSasQgRUsiFil_pxp2pcX6XyTWbGnxUuK3Z3dv3A/s1600/IMG_6657.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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We skipped on pudding and instead went back to the hotel for a nightcap before heading off to bed, the first night in a warm, cosy bed for 3 months and it was bliss :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VktuN1__WLhoibnc_-6t4af1NVmx0Gulj7QZyYg3SnRd0uFHUl6xoUcqEdDaRrM1RRcTA9VraDKV3_nXyUD6jpwnj_It6ND3hT978oZcEogfAJJQqPKSg9N1bTSz-sG157UB1ijezQ4/s1600/florence-walkingtour-oltrarno_3854_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VktuN1__WLhoibnc_-6t4af1NVmx0Gulj7QZyYg3SnRd0uFHUl6xoUcqEdDaRrM1RRcTA9VraDKV3_nXyUD6jpwnj_It6ND3hT978oZcEogfAJJQqPKSg9N1bTSz-sG157UB1ijezQ4/s1600/florence-walkingtour-oltrarno_3854_600x450.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a>The next day we decided to go for a walk, which is a habit of any Seaton family trip. There'll never be much sitting around involved.</div>
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The walk took us over <b>Ponte Vecchio</b> and along the river Arno to the bottom of the path up to <b>Piazza Michelangelo</b>.<br />
It is 100% worth the walk as you get an amazing panoramic view of Florence below, to see how far you've walked and point out where you've been!<br />
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recommended route! >><br />
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Also, if you're feeling up for it, you MUST walk up a little higher to the <b>'Basilica di San Miniato al Monte'</b>. This church has the most amazing setting and I think it has the better view of Florence below. <br />
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<b>Basilica di San Miniato al Monte</b> >><br />
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On the way back down, we stopped off at a restaurant at the old city walls. <b><a href="http://www.fuoriporta.it/" target="_blank">Fuori Porta</a> </b>is fairly hidden but at a great spot for a break after all that walking! The interior is dark but cosy and they don't have a huge menu but you will still struggle to chose! There is also a great beer and wine list, very important!</div>
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What we ate:</div>
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- Insalata siciliana (Sicilian salad)</div>
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- Carpaccio di manzo di nostra lavorazione (Beef carpaccio)</div>
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- Patate arrosto (Roast potatoes)</div>
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They also do crostoni (grilled, open-faced sandwiches) which we didn't try but looked great.</div>
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The food was fresh and clean, a perfect light lunch to set us up for the afternoon!</div>
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We then carried on with the walk, which took us to the <a href="http://www.uffizi.firenze.it/musei/?m=boboli" target="_blank"><b>Boboli Gardens</b></a> and <a href="http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/pitti.php?m=palazzopitti" target="_blank"><b>Palazzo Pitti</b></a>.<br />
The weather was lovely and sunny and with the golden autumn leaves and blue skies, the gardens were beautiful and well worth a visit if you have a few hours spare. We didn't make it into the Palace but I would like to go back next time!<br />
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That evening we made our way to Santa Croce as there was a Christmas market going on. After finding the essential mulled wine stand we had a wonder around only to find a 'British' stall. Selling Cheddar. Result!!!!!!<br />
That was an early Christmas present to myself sorted!<br />
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We then met up with Henry and after a couple of cocktails, went to <b><a href="http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/" target="_blank">La Giostra</a></b> for dinner.<br />
Word of warning for this place, you MUST book. It was crazy busy when we got there, with a queue spilling out the door and even though we had booked we had a loooong wait for our table. This was only made better by complementary glasses of Prosecco and nibbles. Eventually the waiter took us next door (there are in fact two separate restaurants but they both do the same food/wine) and finally we sat down to eat!<br />
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What we ate:<br />
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- Carpaccio di Carne Chianina, Parmigiano, Rucola (beef carpaccio)<br />
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- Carpacio di Carciofini Morelli e Parmigiano Reggiano (artichoke and parmesan salad)<br />
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- Spaghetti di Mare alla "Versiliese"(seafood spaghetti)<br />
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- Ravioli di Pecorino e Pera William Fatti a Mano da Noi (pear and Pecorino ravioli)<br />
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- Pennette Gorgonzola Pera e Pistacchi (penne with pear, Gorgonzola and pistacchio)<br />
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The food was amazing and it felt like the ingredients were of the best quality! I had the Pennette and as I had eaten so much of the starter, I couldn't manage to eat all the pasta. It was very strong with Gorgonzola and I was already nearly full from the starter :/<br />
The wine list is also amazing and the waitress basically put on a performance when pouring our drinks. Lots of swilling and waving about of glasses!<br />
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Apart from the long wait, and the lack of table for ages before our meal, I would say definitely take a trip here for a modern twist on classic Italian food.<br />
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The next day we took a trip to the <a href="http://www.uffizi.com/" target="_blank">Uffizi Gallery</a> for a bit of culture. This gallery is always a must on any list of what to do in Florence as it has a vast collection of important Renaissance art and sculpture. You will need to give it a couple of hours to visit! It's also better to book your tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting in busy periods as I've heard that the queues can get extremely long.<br />
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The museum was really worth a visit, they have some amazing paintings including Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus'. If you're looking for Renaissance art, this gallery will not disappoint!<br />
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We then went back to the main Duomo and climbed the stairs once again but this time up the dome of the cathedral. This is probably the better 'tower' one to go up if you only want to do one. Although it gets a little claustrophobic, you get to see the amazing painting inside the dome up-close and at the top you see the dome beneath you. Not good for people who are afraid of heights...<br />
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The baptistry has the most amazing gold interior of mosaics so make sure you don't miss it out!<br />
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To do all these, you can buy a card for 10€ which gets you in the Cathedral, Tower and baptistry for free as well as a couple of other churches/museums. There's more information on the card <a href="http://ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and you can buy it from any of the ticket offices in any of the mentioned attractions.<br />
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We also made a trip to the <b>San Lorenzo</b> market where you will find leather stalls and gift stalls in abundance. Off to the side of the main street there is an indoor food market and if you're a food lover like me, it is heaven, even just to wonder around.<br />
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That evening we went to a restaurant called <b>I<a href="http://www.ilborrotuscanbistro.it/?lang=en" target="_blank">l Borro</a> </b>which is a fairly new restaurant.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">'The Tuscan Bistrois a real real concept shop halfway between restaurant, wine bar and store, an innovative space that has as primary essence, excellence, in all its various forms .Small, subtle fragments capable of giving colour to our journey.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A lunch, a cocktail or a simple breakfast, go to Il Borro Tuscan Bistro, sit back and try what is our vision of emotion.'</span></i><br />
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Our waiter was really friendly, having lived in England for many years and the interior is really bright and modern with the kitchen at the back on full show.<br />
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We all decide to have the 'Chianina arrostita, serivita con patate al sesamo ed insalata' (roasted Chianina beef with salad and potatoes with sesame) which was really nice, if not a tad dry.<br />
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I then decided to go all out and opt for the 'Torta di cioccolato' (chocolate cake) for pudding as it was the last night. It was more of a trio of chocolate truffles but it was amazingly rich and definitely hit the spot :)<br />
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Really great atmosphere in this restaurant, make sure you book though as it's not big.<br />
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The next morning my dad and step-mum left to catch their flight home but I thought as it was a s<br />
Sunday and I didn't have any plans I would stay for the day to make the most of it.<br />
Henry and I went to the<b> 'Giardino delle Rose'</b> which is a little public garden just below Piazza Michelangelo and a lovely place to wonder round and was a lovely end to my weekend in Florence!!<br />
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Florence is an amazing city. It is not as big as, say, Rome, but it has so much to offer and so is the perfect place to spend a long weekend, soaking up the Italian culture!<br />
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I will do another post with all the essential information on the restaurants/attractions I have talked about.<br />
I hope if anyone does take a trip to Florence, this is helpful and gives you some idea of what to see and do.<br />
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Buon Viaggio! :)<br />
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Next on the list was <b>Padova</b> (Padua in English!)</div>
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'<i>Known as Padova in Italian, Padua may be the oldest city in northern Italy, if you believe the claims of its 12th-century BC founding by Trojans. It certainly has history, including its famous university (one of Europe’s oldest, from 1222), the 13th-century Basilica di Sant'Antonio (resting place of St. Anthony), and Scrovegni Chapel, with Giotto’s famed 14th century frescos. The magnificent Prato della Valle, a 950,000-square-foot elliptical square, is thought to be Europe’s second-biggest.'</i></div>
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Padova is 25 miles from Venice and so is often overlooked but the city has loads to offer!</div>
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We went on a Saturday which is market day, meaning that all the piazzas were full of stalls and the hustle and bustle of tourists. </div>
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We stopped for lunch in the main square opposite the Palazzo della Ragione, great for people watching! We then went for a wonder and found the Prato della Valle which is an amazing square with a circular canal dotted with statues. It was a shame that it was a Saturday though because it meant that market stalls blocked a lot of the view!</div>
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There is an amazing huuuuuge building called the Basilica di Santa Giustina but it was closed so I would like to go back and see what its like inside although even the outside provides an amazing backdrop to the Prato della Valle. We did manage to go inside the Basilica di Sant’Antonio which is a really nice church with a pretty cloisters and all for free, bonus!<br />
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We then decided to go to the <a href="http://www.ortobotanico.unipd.it/en/" target="_blank">Botanical Gardens</a> which are at the side of the Prato della Valle. These are the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to 1545!! It probably wasn't the best time of year to go, but even though not much was in full bloom, it was still a beautiful garden and a nice tranquil spot to sit and let our lunch go down!<br />
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Padova is a great city despite being given some negative information from local italians before I went. I think it needs another trip back, maybe on a week day, to be able to explore it fully as it seems that there's a lot more to see!<br />
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Here's a couple of websites with more tourist info:<br />
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<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/8803602/Padua-Italy-a-cultural-city-guide.html" target="_blank">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/8803602/Padua-Italy-a-cultural-city-guide.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187867-Padua_Province_of_Padua_Veneto-Vacations.html" target="_blank">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187867-Padua_Province_of_Padua_Veneto-Vacations.html</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-59305483125168794842014-01-20T17:02:00.001+00:002014-01-20T17:15:14.400+00:00Parma.I apologise for not having kept up to date with this blog. It's fair to say I have been TERRIBLE but I have bought a journal/scrap bookback from the xmas holidays and having looked through everything that I have collected from my various trips I will hopefully now find it easier to update this.<br />
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This was the third on the list and I went here waaaay back in October '13 for the day with 4 friends.<br />
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We arrived and surprise surprise our first stop was lunch. I had done some research (which I thoroughly recommend when visiting somewhere new, especially for the day) and after wondering around trying to find the place I had seen online, we were about to give up and give over to our rumbling tummies and go to the next place we saw. Thankfully we found the restaurant, and thank goodness we did!<br />
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The place is called <a href="http://www.ristorantidiparma.it/new07/index.php" target="_blank">Trattoria Corrieri</a> on Via Conservatorio which is a fairly empty street behind the university, you might need a map!<br />
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This place was highly recommended on Trip Advisor and by Italian locals and rightly so!<br />
It was a saturday when we went and even though we hadn't booked there was one table left, the place was jam-packed with italian families, which is always a good sign!<br />
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As we were in Parma, we just had to have the shared starter of torta fritta (or fried pillows of bread) and a platter of prosciutto crudo (parma ham) and parmigiano reggiano (parmesan). What a treat to have parmesan and parma ham in Parma!!!!! We were pretty full up after all of that food but went on to have some tagliatelle al ragu, all washed down with a bottle of red wine, of course. <br />
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We then thought we had better do something cultural, or rather I forced the others into it.<br />
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They thanked me however, as the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Steccata<br />
in Parma is beautiful with a dome painted to look like the ascension into heaven. <br />
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We didn't pay for the basilica but it's still a pretty good view from the outside so it's enough to just wonder around so you can save the pennies for something else. i.e. food.... ;)<br />
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The Duomo has a crypt so make sure you find the stairs down to it once you get inside!<br />
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Round the back of the duomo I had heard of a gelateria who's ice cream was supposedly made by nuns. Much to the amusement of my friends. Its called K2 and is on <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Strada Benedetto Cairoli. We didn't see any nuns unfortunately but the ice cream was pretty good, although that might just have been because they made it in a cool flower shape on your cone. </span></span><br />
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The beautiful architecture of Parma!<br />
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Make sure you stop off at the deli shops on the way back to the train station!<br />
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For me, it doesn't get better.. Parmesan and Parma ham from Parma. mmmmmmm...<br />
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All in all, Parma is a lovely city with plenty to see and do in a day. I can't wait to go back!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-14592115373809216452013-10-30T15:25:00.002+00:002013-10-30T15:25:16.517+00:00Ravenna.This is number two out of the places I have visited so far...<br />
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We asked around before deciding and lots of people had said that Ravenna was a nice pretty town, similar to Ferrara. As the trains were easy and quick, we thought why not?! Also, this is where Dante is buried so we could get extra cultural points and a good conversation starter for our favorite Italian lecturers back in Exeter. Luciano will be proud :)<br />
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We arrived at lunchtime, and so naturally followed our noses to the nearest restaurant which happened to be in the main square. We sat down at a very busy restaurant and again, naturally, waited a good 30 minutes before being asked what we wanted (efficiency at restaurants is not a strong point here although the waiters are generally lovely so you never have the heart to say anything. Couldn't possibly complain of course, we're British) After a lovely plate of pasta and deciding that we wouldn't eat for the next week and the diet would start tomorrow, but we turned the corner to find a gelateria...<br />
would have been rude not to... and WHAT a good decision that was. I'm not kidding it was the best ice cream I have ever eaten. and I have eaten a fair amount in my time, so big claim!<br />
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<a href="http://www.papillagelateria.it/papilla.html" target="_blank">This is the website: Papilla Gelateria</a><br />
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We were definitely full by then as so decided to take a little stroll to find out what there was to visit/see. Ravenna is very cute and there are various monuments/museums but everything cost money and being the stingy students that we are, we decided to just have a look from the outside. We then went to find Dantes tomb which is free!! Yay! We then went to the 'Mosaic museum' where the have a nice terrace/garden but to be honest there wasn't much of a panoramic view! Also, make sure you find the Duomo as its a really beautiful building!<br />
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<br />We decided that we really liked Ravenna. It has a really nice feel to it, and definitely felt similar to Ferrara! A great place to visit for the day, but don't be stingy like us! I would pay to have a look around everything, I know I will next time...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUNk76lOCAPStMHqLTisRSG-GWAX8FibR45EKHdASHAE5qCTnf0zD7DcwePkzhrIFW59My1SDfjB9SPL6EdsZPQ4zmCXgANyoV-qUHDFO0XZMYlAkH05DSXB5j3jJo_9V5ZaFb0lvd-s/s1600/DSCN0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUNk76lOCAPStMHqLTisRSG-GWAX8FibR45EKHdASHAE5qCTnf0zD7DcwePkzhrIFW59My1SDfjB9SPL6EdsZPQ4zmCXgANyoV-qUHDFO0XZMYlAkH05DSXB5j3jJo_9V5ZaFb0lvd-s/s320/DSCN0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dante's Grave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic Museum Terrace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-78529189849253094382013-10-29T17:48:00.002+00:002014-02-02T22:14:40.582+00:00Broccoli and Leek Omelette. I have decided to start writing down and sharing some of the things I cook here in Italy. I am trying to eat a low gluten diet. In Italy. (Yes I do know how crazy that sounds)... Obviously there will be cheat days/moments but I'm only human and obviously find it impossible to resist the fresh smell of a melted cheese smothered pizza... mmmm<br />
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So first one on the list is this great quick, YUMMY omelette recipe:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 eggs<br />
1/2 leek<br />
A handful of broccoli florets<br />
30g (a handful) of Feta<br />
2 slices of ham roughly torn into pieces<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
Pinch of parmesan<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0tIO53f9hv8BzFvw2zW3WSOqDZgNe7stADIeAb0gnxZWs-RnhoLfBrmzBtWVYydoMkd8WYJBXbZ9LN3i1p1eIWxV1UaAwKY9mosd7NqCg_KNhgLHXRLAVyUTIo8lCTQ1WgF-fNYLPmY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0tIO53f9hv8BzFvw2zW3WSOqDZgNe7stADIeAb0gnxZWs-RnhoLfBrmzBtWVYydoMkd8WYJBXbZ9LN3i1p1eIWxV1UaAwKY9mosd7NqCg_KNhgLHXRLAVyUTIo8lCTQ1WgF-fNYLPmY/s400/photo.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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-Fry the leek and broccoli in a pan in olive oil over a medium heat until golden and tender.<br />
-In a separate bowl whisk eggs with salt, pepper and Parmesan to season.<br />
-Add feta to the broccoli and leeks in the frying pan.<br />
-Immediately pour the egg mixture over the feta/broccoli/leeks<br />
-Add ham pieces to pan<br />
-Wait 3 mins then fold in half in pan.<br />
-Wait further 3 mins<br />
-Serve.<br />
<br />
Buon Appetito! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-60259993789928730992013-10-27T22:31:00.001+00:002013-10-28T06:44:24.003+00:00Bologna.I haven't written on this blog for well over a month now. Oooops!<br />
But I like to think of this as a good sign as it means that I have just been far too busy doing fun things to write any of it down. But maybe I should start...<br />
<br />
So I have fallen into a kind of routine here in Ferrara. A normal day during the week would consist of: run, lessons, lunch, lessons, coffee/pastry, dinner, bar/piazza. Not bad hey?! But all this can obviously be done anywhere (although the setting/scenery wouldn't be quite the same) so I have vowed, along with my pals, to try and visit as many places as we can each weekend.<br />
<br />
So far we have been somewhere different every weekend and its been amazing!<br />
<br />
I am going to do a post on each place I have visited. I'll try to give a good idea of what to do/ what not to do after my experience in each place and show you some pretty pictures along the way :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So first of all we went to Bologna. That city that everyone in Britain would associate with spaghetti Bolognese, which I didn't even eat there *shock horror* and which isn't even technically what its called. I'm really not sure why we Brits don't just call it Ragu like they do here. It's not like its harder to pronounce...<br />
<br />
Anywayyyy, Bologna is only 30 mins from Ferrara, so a 3€ train ride later, we arrived only to be greeted by fog, rain and a McDonalds outside the station. Good start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U43uR-H-A7hyphenhyphenn0mI7WXh-AWsp4T_Ij5RvqDD2rJJfGfx2OHqztjJ0CxMxCrqLFMdUwaG0DKC4BdYr-d7i3Ilrs7u1Fod41-l-zap-eBDxz4WKkqd5ni1yKmjrPwKJmhDQp60CQgdSQA/s1600/IMG_5806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U43uR-H-A7hyphenhyphenn0mI7WXh-AWsp4T_Ij5RvqDD2rJJfGfx2OHqztjJ0CxMxCrqLFMdUwaG0DKC4BdYr-d7i3Ilrs7u1Fod41-l-zap-eBDxz4WKkqd5ni1yKmjrPwKJmhDQp60CQgdSQA/s320/IMG_5806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Butttt after a walk to the shopping street, a scarf/hat purchase and a Piadina lunch stop, (amazing Italian flatbread sandwiches) we met up with our friends from back in Exeter. Our <a href="http://www.bologna-bedandbreakfast.com/camere.php" target="_blank">B&B</a> was great and the woman who owned it was lovely and because we had taken it over, it felt like we were
having a big girlie sleepover at her house! (Although a word of warning, it looks NOTHING like the
advertised pictures.)<br />
<br />
After a quick change, we went for dinner at this amazing <a href="http://www.pizzeriaspaccanapoli.net/dove-siamo" target="_blank">Pizzaria</a> near our hostel with huuuuge pizzas for a bargain (share one though!) and creamy, delicious risotto.<br />
Then it was off out to a 'pub' bar and club in the centre called Kinky's. Enough said about that the better haha.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7CaQY7AjX4BhntZKTNRpee1GmJleoCI0v5dVE3ATC7XnTLf9VXo9Q-BLJITThN6US53JC1QVa5_hMjIAzWyBgj2wctPzFcgHvMzBsINiuGiOBgTPf4crLGe4ZG8oUJ69UNlvg6LrlBA/s1600/IMG_5828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7CaQY7AjX4BhntZKTNRpee1GmJleoCI0v5dVE3ATC7XnTLf9VXo9Q-BLJITThN6US53JC1QVa5_hMjIAzWyBgj2wctPzFcgHvMzBsINiuGiOBgTPf4crLGe4ZG8oUJ69UNlvg6LrlBA/s320/IMG_5828.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jus' Chillin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV7R2OpPxjNrPTy9Xl44ulk_cikV8hVzM0iaQTHqeWjaCPOoWnvEkTu41SGM8NZCwVAII_gONjBcx_KCBD965heGWuoGvkGdyAYP-q2EA0bDnk89ivPQGhRJ0JEAS63CJ_BLTXPkdxN4/s1600/IMG_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV7R2OpPxjNrPTy9Xl44ulk_cikV8hVzM0iaQTHqeWjaCPOoWnvEkTu41SGM8NZCwVAII_gONjBcx_KCBD965heGWuoGvkGdyAYP-q2EA0bDnk89ivPQGhRJ0JEAS63CJ_BLTXPkdxN4/s320/IMG_5844.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Piazza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The next day we decided that we should probably <br />
do something touristy and see some of what Bologna has to offer. We started off with a wonder around the main piazza and the smart shopping area behind the duomo. Then, advised by Katie (a friend from Exeter who had already been to Bologna) we went to the Museo Civico <br />
Archeologico which is lovely and they have an Egyptian exhibition with actual mummies and enough skeletons/Roman pottery to shake a stick at!!<br />
<br />
After that we had a look around the duomo which was nice and duomo-y. As it was a sunday though, a lot of things were closed and it was very quiet!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuhieD5U7tm49aw01pgveCdXgY3VEvYDH1OdcBxWiwa7vW7S5b4r-w6yLx7P3-GfTKhVJwLBjC9OkBp31Jqp703VlffCrsiPHIM0FrbgcF2S4v0zgNmNGtviuIMpKn34ReK11lf6o8HU/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuhieD5U7tm49aw01pgveCdXgY3VEvYDH1OdcBxWiwa7vW7S5b4r-w6yLx7P3-GfTKhVJwLBjC9OkBp31Jqp703VlffCrsiPHIM0FrbgcF2S4v0zgNmNGtviuIMpKn34ReK11lf6o8HU/s320/IMG_5845.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZon1Iod-SAXWJcO6msRj9AC82Ibv8XXXtpJPAy0vE7DXcbtrGPTOVWPZhOphrA6Hh92CvCAMYTfJpPJd8cW3PMMaGXaW3QllfS7HiyjJGkOxN7J8jpqEDFmIt0LcD3knxQ09n00_my4/s1600/IMG_5838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZon1Iod-SAXWJcO6msRj9AC82Ibv8XXXtpJPAy0vE7DXcbtrGPTOVWPZhOphrA6Hh92CvCAMYTfJpPJd8cW3PMMaGXaW3QllfS7HiyjJGkOxN7J8jpqEDFmIt0LcD3knxQ09n00_my4/s320/IMG_5838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didnt go up the towers which is a popular attraction because, this may sound strange, but it's Italian superstition that if you go up before you graduate, you will fail your degree. <br />
<br />
not taking any chances thankyouverymuch...<br />
<br />
That was actually all we found we had time for as without a map we had spent a lot of time deciding what to do and not a lot of time doing. But I think a part of us, after the night out, was in a hurry to get back to Ferrara, get into bed and warm up/sleep. :/<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
All in all it was a lovely trip and it was great to meet up with the other Exeter girls. However, I have to say that although parts are gorgeous, in the rain Bologna has probably been my least favourite city. I think we also learnt that it's good to do some research about where to visit and how much things cost as sometimes the places you think would be free, very much aren't.<br />
<br />
I guess I'll just have to go back in the summer and change my mind...<br />
<br />
Oh what a pity!!!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfcw-4iImN10lPcT_iNsAdS6eG7iWGhmWdKVIknPoanElWH5XtEo3hA8RZuWdfK1l7iE0GtdvZttC87j1Q0ZKTRlZnckZUNxTl1-u3DmoRkOhk3NN_8QOgtl87Pwf8OVFKFE6QQfTQus/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfcw-4iImN10lPcT_iNsAdS6eG7iWGhmWdKVIknPoanElWH5XtEo3hA8RZuWdfK1l7iE0GtdvZttC87j1Q0ZKTRlZnckZUNxTl1-u3DmoRkOhk3NN_8QOgtl87Pwf8OVFKFE6QQfTQus/s320/IMG_5843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> E-numbers? Go on then...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGSQKzk763tnNbcWY_vgxjkkI6ab4HlIggfW79av467KK5GqiWTgGAfvMRDlKPnx96Qn_OC2O6mAZEXGRWRN9BIS6d-__TkBPJtaFsZk6ckaTbaJNPwxI43sVtabvqxAw3dpuik2Atdo/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGSQKzk763tnNbcWY_vgxjkkI6ab4HlIggfW79av467KK5GqiWTgGAfvMRDlKPnx96Qn_OC2O6mAZEXGRWRN9BIS6d-__TkBPJtaFsZk6ckaTbaJNPwxI43sVtabvqxAw3dpuik2Atdo/s320/IMG_5837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutest dog EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVQ95qfIgyQNA9BquBp7-b9AfIUG-CDhkAa4gHnydtD-XtvhngM190DYJNWklkG6G-fh0nwt1eFdrP2WKdrrSJ_euHV9JBK-tcbbJbaWEiSQ4zfLsirPA30R7dbsphLJKL6YWyBGsJWo/s1600/IMG_5841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVQ95qfIgyQNA9BquBp7-b9AfIUG-CDhkAa4gHnydtD-XtvhngM190DYJNWklkG6G-fh0nwt1eFdrP2WKdrrSJ_euHV9JBK-tcbbJbaWEiSQ4zfLsirPA30R7dbsphLJKL6YWyBGsJWo/s320/IMG_5841.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-14252922090070396232013-09-21T21:07:00.000+01:002013-09-21T21:07:40.511+01:00I have ARRIVED. So I have been in Ferrara for two weeks now and it has FLOWN by.<br />
<br />
But then it also feels like I have always lived here, in this white, Ikea furnished box. (see below)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaFXuuWBQkMOvyy2ZDnkURkwW1uHfQcMPH8m3iww0uVdrxPQC0O9UeZHsXXNtFWiiad9Q87q072TkbY94j55JzIpvz3l3j2D27aP-j8KeynFAgNQDgWM_t0qM51vX1rpPUwzwaNskw0M/s1600/IMG_5614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaFXuuWBQkMOvyy2ZDnkURkwW1uHfQcMPH8m3iww0uVdrxPQC0O9UeZHsXXNtFWiiad9Q87q072TkbY94j55JzIpvz3l3j2D27aP-j8KeynFAgNQDgWM_t0qM51vX1rpPUwzwaNskw0M/s320/IMG_5614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ferrara is gorgeous. A proper Italian town/city with a medieval centre where its very easy to get lost in the winding, cobbled streets. Doesn't it look like a film set?!<br />
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This is a photo from the day I arrived, with my dad. As per usual, when on holiday/anywhere with my dad, there was no time to sitting in the sun getting to know the Italian coffee because that would be too relaxing. So off we went to explore the place, map and camera in hand. <br />
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We walked the various 'walking routes' and then the next day, because that wasn't enough, we hired bikes and rode the length of the wall. To be fair it was really great and it meant I could work out my running route for the next 6 months *cough*cough*<br />
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With this path though, I might just have to...<br />
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Things I have done these two weeks:<br />
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-Crashed a bike into a wall.<br />
-Vowed to never buy a bike as they are dangerous and awkward<br />
-Bought a bike (Everyone rides bikes here, its like the Oxford of Italy)<br />
-Eaten a strawberry and custard filled croissant at midnight<br />
-Drunk copious amounts of Aperol spritz<br />
-Seen a man propose to his girlfriend with a flash mob, whilst being filmed for tv. (I may have almost shed a tear) <br />
-Eaten the biggest olive I have ever seen.<br />
-Cooked pasta, under strict Italian instructions.<br />
-Lived in a hostel, found an appartment, moved into an appartment FINALLY.<br />
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SOME PIXXXX !<br />
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Lucky me :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-17430659926370200062013-09-04T17:15:00.000+01:002013-09-04T17:15:05.220+01:00Packing List for Year Abroad. Some stuff for girls..... but guys you get the gist.<br />
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CLOTHING<br />
-Underwear x14<br />
-Bras<br />
-Socks x7<br />
-Jumpers<br />
-T-shirts<br />
-Pyjamas<br />
-Tops<br />
-Jeans/Trousers<br />
-Shorts/Skirts<br />
-Belts<br />
-Workout Clothes<br />
-Swimming Gear<br />
-Coat/Lightweight Jacket<br />
-Umbrella<br />
-Formal Dress/Going Out Clothes<br />
-Trainers/Boots/Sandals<br />
-Scarf/Hat<br />
-Slippers<br />
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TOILETRIES<br />
-Hairbrush<br />
-Razors<br />
-Nail Clippers<br />
-Make-up<br />
-Medicine<br />
-Tissues<br />
-Nail Polish/Remover<br />
-Moisturizer<br />
-After Sun/Sun Cream<br />
-Scissors<br />
-Plasters<br />
-Mosquito Repellent<br />
-Tampax<br />
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EXTRAS<br />
-Purse<br />
-Documents<br />
-Sunglasses/Glasses<br />
-Mobile/Charger<br />
-Laptop/Charger<br />
-Camera/Charger<br />
-Adapters/Extension Lead<br />
-Sheets/Bedding<br />
-Towels<br />
-Rucksack<br />
-Hangers<br />
-Clock<br />
-Photos<br />
-Ipod<br />
-Headphones<br />
-Watch<br />
-Batteries<br />
-DictaphoneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-67907853251169959132013-09-04T17:05:00.001+01:002013-09-04T17:05:20.487+01:00Documents to pack for Year Abroad.-Confirmation Letter/Email if going to University<br />
-Any other important emails<br />
-Medical info/Doctor info<br />
-EHIC Card<br />
-Insurance Card/Info<br />
-Driving licence <br />
-National Insurance Number<br />
- Bank Details/Statements<br />
-Credit/Debit Card<br />
-Phone contract info<br />
-Euro Card<br />
-Rail Card<br />
-Student Card<br />
-Passport Photos (Lots)<br />
-Birth Certificate<br />
-Next of Kin details<br />
-Passport photocopies<br />
-International Student Card<br />
-Exam Certificates<br />
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(For most of these you will only need photocopies, but in colour!)<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-61241007514797336592013-09-04T16:56:00.001+01:002013-09-04T16:56:57.361+01:00Be Prepared.I LEAVE FOR FERRARA IN 3 DAYS! I am both terrified and itching to get there (even though I will have to live in a hostel for the foreseeable future), and have decided it is probably wise to start the stressful, yet very vital, task of packing.<br />
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I have allowance for two suitcases but looking at this pile of stuff (this is only half) that has swamped my bedroom, I can tell that this is going to be tricky.<br />
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I have written 2 lists being a control freak. One for documents/papers that I need or may need, and a packing list for everything else. <br />
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The documents have been put into a folder. Easy to carry and hopefully even I can't lose them.<br />
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So..... I will write down what I'm packing. Hopefully this will help, and let me know if you think I have forgotten something.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-16379308954453545022013-07-29T17:12:00.001+01:002013-07-29T17:42:09.926+01:00Diners in Paris.You may think it criminal, but over the three weeks I spent in Paris I went to not one, but three diners. I didn't feel too bad seeing as I am not American and so don't get this kind of food/decor at home in Somerset. Well, that's what I kept telling myself.<br />
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I have high expectations from diners as I always expect them to feel like this scene in Grease, and am disappointed if they don't.<br />
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The first one was <a href="http://www.coffee-parisien.fr/" target="_blank">Coffee Parisien</a>. There are two of these diners in Paris, one in the 6th and one in the 16th. (I went to the one in the 6th) These diners don't really feel typical 'dinery' as in the decor is pretty sombre, so not much over the top America 50's memorabilia. Having said that the burgers are scrummy. <br />
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We then ventured to <a href="http://www.breakfast-in-america.com/main/" target="_blank">Breakfast in America</a> (the original one, south of the river) and here, the pancakes are bigger therefore getting more for your money. The staff were really friendly and the place had a really good vibe, with cool wall art and personal touches from previous visitors. This was our addition which got a post on their instagram:<br />
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Coke Float >>><br />
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Finally, we went to a <a href="http://www.happydaysdiner.com/" target="_blank">Happy Days Diner</a>. There is a total of 5 in Paris, and we went to the new one on Rivoli. Now this was 50's America, Grease style. With all the garish colours, retro posters and juke boxes that you would expect. YAY.<br />
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And the food was great with loads of choice. It also seemed to be a little cheaper than the others. Yet again the staff were really friendly, even offering my friend a job!<br />
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All these pictures are making me hungry...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-83583799718577235302013-07-28T09:30:00.001+01:002013-07-28T09:35:28.584+01:00Bars in Paris.While in Paris, due to the amazing weather, we tended to chill by the Seine in the evening along with everyone else. Make sure you do this if you can, and bring a picnic/various bottles of wine to really feel like a local.<br />
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But at the weekend we did venture to some bars for a change of scene.<br />
We just HAD to try some of the cocktails on offer (or the €3 wine if we had spent too much money in Zara that day).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTjHti6aj1nsv8TCwnij1pKoAKPBwKN8a6Zc9U79OMypn-g__HjkfRyPEopTwvAsPVtocakr8i-BeNMTHsP3i2F32T8ya4lAc6eMdHunp5qflTNaJtgRc0OgXOPjWIeoPSSSxevX7pJY/s1600/IMG_4546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTjHti6aj1nsv8TCwnij1pKoAKPBwKN8a6Zc9U79OMypn-g__HjkfRyPEopTwvAsPVtocakr8i-BeNMTHsP3i2F32T8ya4lAc6eMdHunp5qflTNaJtgRc0OgXOPjWIeoPSSSxevX7pJY/s320/IMG_4546.jpg" width="240" /></a> The first one we went to was <a href="http://www.pointephemere.org/" target="_blank">Pont Ephemere</a> near the Jaures metro stop.<br />
This bar's terrace is right next to the canal but it's not huge so you might have to hover and wait to grab a table.<br />
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The deco inside makes it feel like an art gallery... probably because it is I have later found out. (look at the website for exhibition dates)<br />
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even the toilets are arty>><br />
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They also have concerts here but we failed to check the dates before went, so make sure you do!<br />
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This place is great for a chilled drink early evening on the terrace, then if you fancy it, throwing some shapes on the dance floor which gets busy a bit later on.<br />
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I was staying with a friend while in Paris, Lilys, who she is living there as an au-pair at the moment.<br />
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So we had a guide, although there is only really one bar that she goes to ALL THE TIME. <br />
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Looking at these, I'm sure you can see why! >><br />
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It's called <a href="http://www.cheapblonde.com/bottleshop.html" target="_blank">The Bottle Shop</a> and its a favorite with the locals for its array of interesting cocktails and in-house DJ. It's owned by <a href="http://www.cheapblonde.com/" target="_blank">Cheap Blonde Bars</a> so if you're staying a bit too far away from the Bastille area, check the other bars out which may be more convenient and just as good!<br />
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Happy Hour is 6-8 and I would recommend making the effort as the cocktails are amazing. The barman will pretty much make anything you want on request and who doesn't love some money off? If you don't manage to get there early enough, get one anyway.<br />
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Starting at €8 they aren't cheap, but go on... TREAT YOURSELF. You've earnt it with all that walking I'm sure.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-15220508454367731052013-07-21T14:53:00.005+01:002013-07-21T14:54:53.661+01:00The sun has got his hat on... but it's too hot to play.In case anyone hadn't noticed. Its really hot atm. Like REALLY hot.<br />
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So hot that we are currently passed out in my flat, lacking the energy to move.<br />
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Seeing as much of Paris as I can this weekend is going well...<br />
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Yesterday the Paris Plages opened! And although I haven't yet ventured onto them, I plan to asap next week. Then are open from 9am-midnight which will be perfect for a cooler, evening visit.<br />
However, if you're in need of somewhere to rest, but can't face the thought of being covered in a sweaty/sandy combo, there is a great little park at Pont Neuf, opposite the beach called Vert Galant. This place would be the perfect spot to meet friends for a picnic and even on a Saturday it wasn't too busy.<br />
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Today, we went to the Breakfast In America south of the river for some hangover-curing pancakes (so daymm yummy)<br />
and as we were in that direction we decided to pop into the Jardin des Plantes. This place is lovely, it feels like they have picked up a museum from the South of France and dropped it in Paris. The only downer was the park warden stopping anyone chilling on the grass... but in slightly cooler weather I would definitely recommend a trip there to escape the hustle and bustle.<br />
Oh and there's a zoo for €9 pp. with a leopard and everything.<br />
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Happy Sunday! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-82182825292103720332013-07-19T18:59:00.005+01:002013-07-19T18:59:59.475+01:00No reason really.I just thought this was funny... <br />
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The end.<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-30896582133585968152013-07-19T18:43:00.001+01:002013-07-19T18:53:26.596+01:00My New Lodging.So the family that I was staying with have gone on holiday which means I have had to find somewhere to stay and quick!<br />
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Now everyone knows that Paris is expensive so I knew that it would probably break the bank, but it's so seems to have been worth it :)<br />
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I looked on airbnb.com and found this cute little flat just of the Boulevard des Invalides. Great, central location and no changes on the train line to work! RESULT!<br />
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Just a few metres outside the door I have this view<<< <br />
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This is the courtyard>>><br />
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I think I'm probably going to like it here.....<br />
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Now, I'm off to a bar tonight because ITS THE WEEKEND! *pours glass of rose*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-56127735757298634272013-07-17T18:42:00.001+01:002013-07-17T19:02:06.316+01:00A Marais Must.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it pretty much goes without saying that if you find yourself in the Marais, the ONLY thing you should be buying (apart from a gem of a vintage bag or denim jacket) is a falafel. And the Rue des Rosiers is the place to be.<br />
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At only €5.50 its a bargain compared to say, a crepe or a panini, and you get a lotttt for your money.<br />
In fact, I defy you not to be full after one.<br />
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Even if there's a long queue, don't be put off! It will go down quickly and you can take away and sit in a nice park somewhere.<br />
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Pretty nice way to spend your lunch hour, hey?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-27080907904311478342013-07-16T18:38:00.003+01:002013-07-17T16:11:11.769+01:00Sorry we're closed.Summer, especially August, in Paris can only mean one thing....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1o42PuGJUwo-a7DykEcacVy519mTcn6RvB9nDq18MNNDTu0YL7mq_5pCUf6gZN3affZzyYPRpjcirPXQy3uB80uNT_cliToY4GuUQxvijtiXJYih-zohF4XVVJ2-5Zrj9aZg64zHDKY/s1600/998338_677672955580506_1359456263_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1o42PuGJUwo-a7DykEcacVy519mTcn6RvB9nDq18MNNDTu0YL7mq_5pCUf6gZN3affZzyYPRpjcirPXQy3uB80uNT_cliToY4GuUQxvijtiXJYih-zohF4XVVJ2-5Zrj9aZg64zHDKY/s400/998338_677672955580506_1359456263_n.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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Although I don't blame the Parisians, the metro felt hotter than a sauna today. eurghhh. :(Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-5916335905724950862013-07-15T19:10:00.002+01:002013-07-17T18:57:03.635+01:00Le petit dej In an effort to resist eating too many pain au chocolat I have been trying to start my day in a 'reasonably' healthy way. Because sitting at a desk just isn't going to burn of those calorific butter/pastry/chocolate parcels of yummyness. Such a shame.<br />
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Taking inspiration from Gweneth Paltrow of all people, and her new cookbook (It's All Good), this is what I'm rustling up in the morning: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9K6Q77a7yqa732ka_h3Uh7IsA9Kzo9gBLJ0yvmVp3vDg4ieDGAmwZL61z9fD2ya57yHHlcqbYLXpYhWY0ZUcdixSz5mOo_KvOGx0W_CgSOCrnKXebjV9bkN6CM-zFCh65f-gysL6ZlA/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9K6Q77a7yqa732ka_h3Uh7IsA9Kzo9gBLJ0yvmVp3vDg4ieDGAmwZL61z9fD2ya57yHHlcqbYLXpYhWY0ZUcdixSz5mOo_KvOGx0W_CgSOCrnKXebjV9bkN6CM-zFCh65f-gysL6ZlA/s320/IMG_4507.JPG" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>Avocado on Toast:</b><br />
<b>(and it is literally avocado, toast and a drop of olive oil) </b><br />
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All washed down with a nice mug of green tea.<br />
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I'm totally looking like Gwennie already...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-78315671499604613932013-07-15T18:59:00.001+01:002013-07-17T19:07:19.913+01:00Sundays are for sleeping.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being a Sunday and the 14th of July, in true French style, not much was open yesterday. It was also a million degrees outside. Therefore, we decided that the best thing to do was to have a lie in, sit indoors and watch the parade on the TV. Good decision in hindsight. At 6pm it was off to the pretty Parc de la Tour Saint-Jacques by Chatelet to soak up the last of the rays, then off to watch the fireworks.....<br />
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I had read on the BBC website that we should go somewhere with a view over La Tour d'Eiffel, and it suggested Belleville park. So to avoid the crowds that is where we went.At first, the park seemed to be locked and we couldn't see much sign of life. Having traveled 30 mins to get there this was slightly worrying as we might miss the whole thing! But turning a corner, we found that hundreds of people were piling in the top entrance, trying to shotgun the best spot.<br />
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The only trouble was we couldn't see the Eiffel Tower... And whats the first rule of watching a firework display? Know where you're facing. Putain.<br />
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So we just sat on the grass, with a bottle of wine and waited.<br />
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Inevitably we were facing the wrong direction so as soon as the first explosion went off, it was a stampede to the other side of the park. But after some elbowing through the crowds the bloody TREES were in the way and all we could see were a few red sparks.... So to sum up, all we saw of the 14th July fireworks were trees and rows and rows of heads. Greatttttttt.<br />
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Well, at least we know for next year...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3029022874563423530.post-52535698449960718152013-07-12T19:14:00.000+01:002013-07-17T16:11:28.328+01:00Paris: C'est le weekend!So my year abroad has officially begun... How exciting!<br />
I am currently in Paris, on a 'stage' during the week while trying to squeeze in as much of 'la vie parisienne' as I can after work.<br />
And I have done pretty well so far considering the 6.30 am starts (as a student this is hideous), having already been to the Musee d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees and strolls by the Seine...<br />
The weather has been perfect, and it's 'le 14 juillet' this weekend. I have definitely arrived at the right time.<br />
And as Audrey Hepburn said <b>"Paris is <u>always</u> a good idea"</b>.<br />
As it has been so pretty, I have been very happy snappy and here are some of the results:<br />
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p.s. sorry for the cliche use of Instagram but they do look prettier with a filter. #noshame.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17966160167908410293noreply@blogger.com0