My must try foods in Okinawa (Japan)

Regular readers of this blog will know that I loooove food! My family loves a good eat and so do my friends, so I find that this is often a "hobby" I am doing!

If you know that I love food, then you will also know that I love travelling, and what better way of combining these two favourite activities then trying new foods when on holiday!

If you have read my blog post on Okinawa then you'll know that I have recently spent a few weeks in the little Japanese island with my mum's side of the family. I have been learning Japanese and this was my chance to throw myself in the deep end and put my learning into practice.

Whilst here I have tried so many new foods, as well as some childhood favourites that my mum used to make, I wanted to share with you my "must eat foods when in Okinawa". The reason I have stated 'Okinawa' rather than Japan, is that here we have our own little sub-culture and foods. Some of the foods listed also originate from Japan but others are local delicacies!!!

Enjoy!

Things to see and do in okinawa, Japan

When I told people I was going to Okinawa, most people's reactions were "where's that?" and then "oh yea I've seen Karate Kid". 

Okinawa is a little island off the South Coast of Japan (it is actually closer to Taiwan and China though), visiting my mum's family. Floating in the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa is made up of several islands but I am staying in Naha, on Okinawan Island (the largest of the islands) where my family live.

picture from http://www.ft.com/

When I arranged to come here, my intention really was just to come and chill out so that I could learn the language and my background/culture. I have been learning for a couple of years but it is only when you immerse yourself that you really get to grips with it, so this was my chance to speak to native speakers to practise.

Rome (part 2) - Eating out, where to stay and getting around

Italy is famous for a lot of things - football, the Roman Empire, looking like a boot - but one of their greatest feats has to be their food right?!

So of course, a good proportion of our time in Rome was spent eating! We did do the cultural things too, promise, so for things to see and do in Rome, see part one here. 

Eating out

Here are some of my suggestions where we were eating and drinking...

Vacanze Romane, Piazza Navona
We ate here on the first night, opting for the calamari (a holiday standard for me) and pizza. The food was good, the rose not over sweet and the atmosphere was bubbly, probably helped by the waiter who went around signing and dancing to the music being played by the buskers in the square. This was quite a pricey place thanks to its prime tourist spot.

Rome (part 1) - Things to see and do

When I got my promotion back in December, I told The Boy that I would treat him to a trip away. Fast forward 8 months and we’re taking a five day break in the magnificent capital of Italy – Rome. 

I have actually been to Rome twice before, but once when I was 18 months and the second on a school trip (as part of our classical civilizations GCSE). But seeing as the first time I was barely out of nappies and the second time I was an annoying teenager, I didn’t really have that many memories of Rome and its offerings.

Being somewhere The Boy has always wanted to go and a place hyped up by friends, this trip had a lot of live up too…. And it did. It’s a beautiful city; full of history and culture, bustling side streets, glorious food and random ancient roman ruins.

The must see

There is no shortage of things to see and marvel at in Rome. 

The Greek island of Santorini

Two years ago, I was in Santorini island, a gorgeous volcanic island off the coast of Greece. I was there on holiday as I was getting married there! We chose the island for its postcard scenery, sunny climates and relaxed atmosphere. Part of the magic of the wedding was because the island has some beautiful scenery.

As I approach my two year anniversary (where has time gone?!) I want to share with you some of the island's best it. 

classic Santorini buildings 

You will find this tiny island off Greece (I know – it sounds like it’s a place in Italy right?) and you can fly there directly with EasyJet and Thomas Cook (flights aren’t every day though so choose flights carefully). It’s a short 3 ½ hours flying and as the island is small, you’ll be from airport to hotel in no time. 

My handbag essentials when I am always on the road

I do a lot of travel, whether it is for work or just for pleasure. Don’t be jealous though – for work, it’s never abroad and mostly to unappetising places around England. Travel for my pleasure is more exiting though with recent trips to Croatia, Madrid, Okinawa (Japan), Miami and I am just packing for Berlin this week!

me at Gatwick airport for work 

The great thing about travel is you get to explore the world, even if it is just Manchester or little know towns in Surrey. But the downside has to be the constant on-the-go and living out of a suitcase. I hate that realisation when you go to use something, only to realise that you didn’t come to pack it (which is often in haste). I often have that feeling of “I have forgotten something” when I leave the house anyway.

Well for all you on-the-go types or travel fans, today I am sharing with you my must have items when I am on the go. Happy travels (even if it is to Barnsley for a meeting).

Anti-bac

I have friends that are obsessed (no really) with this bacteria killing liquid. Whilst I am not as bad as that, I do carry a bottle of the stuff around. Mainly because I am a clumsy mess, not because I am a germ hater. No one should turn up to a meeting covered in sticky mess.

I always have a little make up bag with me

Oil blotters

I don’t know what it is, but there is something about travelling that makes my usually dry-as-a-dessert-skin, a little greasy. Grease is not good. It causes spots. And no one likes spots. I have started carrying around oil blotters for a quick dab when I need.

Dental kit

I am probably a little more obsessed than the average when it comes to my teeth but everyone should practice good oral hygiene! I like to carry a travel bottle of mouth wash with me and some floss. This is perfect for a quick freshen up as I often have to attend events and meetings late in the day and don’t get to come home in between meetings or end up getting home until quite late.

48 hours in Madrid - eating my way round a city

With The Boy having been on deployment recently, we hadn’t seen each other for about 6 weeks so we decided that for his return home, we would treat ourselves to a quick getaway with a few days in sunny Madrid. 

Once you have factored in the flights and travel (plus the obligatory delay from Ryanair), we only had 48 hours in the capital city, but this was enough to fit our purpose – to chill, eat and drink! And eat some more...

Madrid city centre

Day one

16:00

Taking the metro into the city centre, we got off at La Latina and walked up towards Plaza de Mayor, checking out the surrounding areas. My lovely friend Frenchy told me La Latina was one of the places to go for chilling and soaking up atmosphere and she weren't wrong. 

Along the way, we stopped for a much needed frozen yoghurt at llaollao, in cute shaded alley-like street (called Toledo) leading up to the square. This was the first of three in the next 48 hours! 

If you're a sweetie fan like me than go opposite the froyo place for the longest strawberry laces you have ever seen. 

Madrid is filled with quaint spaces 

(froyo on the left)

17:00

Plaza de Mayor

After froyo, we walked up to the main square Plaza de Mayor in the city centre to relax, soak up the atmosphere and have my first sangria of the trip! I don’t know if the sangria was really that good or I was just in desperate need of the cool refreshing vino thanks to the delay of the Ryanair flight, but I was really appreciating the Spanish drink. 

La Plaza de Mayor

We nestled ourselves at Liana outside for so long that it soon became time for dinner, which of course had to be tapas. Chorizo, manchego cheese, prawns in garlic and potato croquettes and salad. If you’re eating there, do opt for the tasty little croquettes, but skip the prawns – they were ok but nothing special.

21:00

The Roof

We had read that The Roof was the bar to go to in Madrid, and always a fan of rooftop bars, I didn’t need asking twice. It took a bit of detective work getting there as we only knew it was in Plaza de Santa Ana. So heading there we looked around for a sign, but it’s the kind of place that doesn't do sings! Knowing it was 7 stories up, we decided it had to be on top of this ornate white. Bingo. Found. For an easier find, head for the large ornate white building that is a ME hotel. 

It costs $15 for entry but does include your drink (a few more euros for a cocktail) and offers a good view of Mardid in a chilled, sophisticated setting. 

View from The Roof

Enjoying a whisky sour

The Den, countryside café in Hereford

A couple of weekends ago, I was in Hereford visiting friends. When friends are around for the weekends surely one of the best things to do is to go for a lazy Sunday brunch. That is exactly what we did on that sunny Sunday, and went into the town centre to The Den.

Coming highly recommended from Kate, this place did not disappoint. A cute country-esque café in the heart of the town, so easy to get to, the place was relaxed, airy and the service was friendly.

my awesome brunch 

The menu is pretty extensive offering the usual breakfasts (think hearty full English’s to American style pancakes), traditional hot foods such as fish and chips, and sandwiches with tasty fillings. 

Taking ages to decide what I wanted, I finally opted for the chicken, chorizo, mozzarella and sundried tomato ciabatta, with a side of sweet potato fries and token side salad to less my guilt. 

chicken, chorizo and cheese - one the of best flavour combos! 

The ciabatta was huge though – the sweet potato fries were totally unnecessary but worth it. Amazing. It was a close toss up though between this and the duck wrap or home made fish finger sarnie (a personal favourite!) Oh and the meaty burgers stacked up high looked pretty bloody good too!

The others succumbed to the fish and chips, with a batter I had never seen before – it was more pancake like than the usual chip shop batter. This was served with the chunkiest potato-y chips. Totally tasty.

Le Petite Cafe and Bistro

Thanks to a work meeting I found myself staying in Guernsey overnight a few Thursdays ago. After my meeting, my colleague took me to the cutest French café in St. Peter’s Port for a delicious glass of rose (I am told that the 11 year old bottle of Malbec was delicious but I can’t do red wine) and a charcuterie platter* of the most delicious cold meats, cheeses and bread. 

heart warming soup

the history of Le Petite cafe and bistro

Le Petite Café is on the corner of Lower Pollet and Le Truchot and has now made it into one of the best eateries I have been to in recent years!!!! I really wish this place was in London! 

Having a few hours to kill before my flight back on the Friday (turns out it was even longer than I wanted thanks to fog grounding all flights for 5 hours), I decided to go back for lunch.

melted cheese. I am in love 

#foodporn! 

I got there bang on 12 and the place was already packed – thank god it was a table for one! It’s fullness a testament to its popularity and excellence.

A long weekend in Budapest with the girls - part two: eating, drinking and what to know

Read part one here

Eating 

The choice of food in Budapest is brilliant, from local Hungarian food to Japanese sushi bars, there will be something for everyone. And the prices are so reasonable, especially if you are coming from London. 

view of chain bridge 

I must admit, I went to Budapest thinking that I wouldn't enjoy the food, mainly because I ignorantly thought it would be all watery stews and plain potatoes, but I loved it. Admittedly it ain't IBS friendly with the rich sauces and red meats but we didn't have a bad meal when we were there. I went for the Hungarian option as much as possible, trying Goulash, their steaks and a paprika sausage dish which I really enjoyed (even though I didn't think I would).

A long weekend in Budapest with the girls - part one: the sights and tourist bits

I must admit Budapest hasn't ever been on the must have travel list but having spent three nights there a few weeks ago, I absolutely love the place (we've even penned it as a hen do destination for when another one of us bites the dust). With a long weekend ear marked, we did look into going to Cardiff but when it was actually cheaper the go abroad to Eastern Europe Budapest won hands down (sorry Cardiff).

Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and split in to two sides of the Danube river into Buda and Pest. Most of the things to see and do are based in Castle Hill and in Central Pest. Budapest is a fairly small city so it is pretty easy to navigate and you can see the main attractions over a weekend quite. 

they had the skinniest trams! 

We arrived Thursday night and had three full days there. Whilst this was enough time to comfortably see most things, I could have spent another night there easily. It is just a great little city! There is such a relaxed vibe to the place, we took it pretty easy and took our time wandering around - moving from coffee shop to restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere, people watching and keeping warm from the November chill with a cup of mulled wine. 

first mulled wine of the trip 

The tourist stuff 

There is so much culture and history to the city, it is perfect for culture vultures (it is filled with museums, statues, galleries and churches) and is such a pretty city with the neo-gothic architecture. You must remember to look up and see the beautiful buildings. The cathedrals in particular are worth a look - they look like they have stepped out of a Disney film! 

The hop on- hop off bus and river cruise 

For an easy way to see the city, we went for the classic touristy hop on-hop off bus. It cost about 30 euros and this gets you access to the river cruise, two days of the bus and entry into one of the spas (from a choice of 4). The bus takes you around the main sights of Budapest, including the Castle District, Hero's Square and Andrassy Avenue. It is an easy way to see the main sights, familiarise yourself with the city and as a mode of transport.

Shot from the river cruise 

NYC part 2 - things to see and food/drink

cont from part one...

The sights (cont)

One of the four main attractions that me and Becky saw was the Brooklyn Bridge. Built in 1883, it was the first steel wire suspension bridge constructed... a total of 1,825 m long and 84 m high. The bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan (where we were staying) and Brooklyn. Walking across it is a great way to see the skyline of Manhattan. Look carefully too and you'll see the statue of liberty (from a distance)! Although a busy bridge, I didn't get a sense of being rushed across it, so take your time and get great photos. 

Looking through The Brooklyn Bridge 

The Brooklyn side

Eating and Drinking

For me, when you are on holiday, you need to get stuck in to the culture and sample the food. Admittedly American cuisine isn't something of a rarity here but I had a whole long list of foods that I wanted to try whilst in New York...


Grimaldi's 

On the list to eat HAD to be pizza (for Becky, she made this quite clear within 10 minutes of landing) so when we were in Brooklyn, we headed to Grimaldi's, famous for its use of coal fire ovens rather that the usual wood fire ovens, (and the only pizzeria in NYC to be allowed to use one!) 

soda and a slice 

A slice of their pizza and a soda (I would have had a cider but this was a no-booze restaurant) and I felt like I was definitely in New York. If you can't make it to a pizza restaurant (or of you can yet you still want more as us fatties did), there are plenty of pizzerias lining the streets of New York including $1 slice places. Don't turn your nose up at the price, it is seriously good pizza! And New Yorkers do seem to like their slices - we saw plenty of people walking the sidewalks (that is a pavement to you and me) chomping on a delicious cheesey triangle of pizza!  

NYC part 1 - things to see and getting around

Last week I was lucky enough to set off from Heathrow with my good friend Becky, bound for the bright lights of New York. I last went to New York when I was about 15, and whilst I had an amazing time, I knew going back as an adult would take my love for New York to another level.

Central Park 

Our flight got us n for around midday on Tuesday and our flight home was early doors Sunday, so we had a lot to pack in a short-ish amount on time. I could have stayed at least another few days – there is just so much to see and do in the city.  There is also so much to take in – being a people watcher, I am just as content, sitting with a coffee or a glass of wine, watching the world go by!

Getting around

Unlike my dad who tour-guided us around when I was 15, I do not have a natural sense of direction or a map in built in to my head. However with a grid system of streets and avenues, it is actually pretty easy to get around (so long as you can count). Street go horizontal and avenues go vertical BTW.  

navigating the subway 

The thing we struggled with a little more is the subway – unlike the London underground, the lines are not all interconnected in the same way so plan your route before you start your journey. The stops are also a lot further apart then in London. We got even more confused when some of the stops are numbers (eg 23^rd street) but then some are names (eg City Hall). Having said that, once you are used to it, with each journey only costing $2.50 it is a cheap way to get around. You can also purchase a 7 day unlimited travel card for $30 (just don’t lose it on day 2 like Becky did). Why not download a city app (like hopstop) and check where you are going with the hotel's wifi?

Failing that then there are a plethora of yellow taxi cabs that aren’t extortionate- just stick your hand out and whistle one down!  

The sights

Having been to New York before, and wanting a holiday that meant I could chill out a little more than usual, I didn’t feel the need to see every tourist sight. On my to do list was Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, Brooklyn Bridge and the Staten Island Ferry...

Central Park 

Central Park

One of my favourite parks ever, this is a huge area of 3.41 km²  stretching over 50 streets.

me (left) and Becky 

Miss Saigon, West End London

Last night my lovely inlaws took me and the Boy to see Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End, something we were keen to see after we saw a snippet of the songs at West End Live (a free day at Trafalgar Square showcasing the top West Ends shows - see my blog here). If you like the music in Les Mis, then I think you'll like Miss Saigon as the music has the similar kind of dramatic, theatrical style of songs. 

the legendary Miss Saigon 

Seeing as I didn't know the plot at all before going, except that it was based on the Vietnam war, I was surprised (in a good way) about how political, how sad and also how sexually suggestive the show was! But all this combined made it up to be a really great production! 

waiting for the show to begin!!! 

The essence of the show is the love story between an American marine who falls in love with a Vietnamese prostitute and vows to return to Saigon to bring her back to the USA. However, because no true love story can be without pain and a struggle to return to your loved one, the reunion of the two is not an easy one. I don't want to give anything away for those that haven't seen it, but the ending is certainly not one that I was expecting! This is not your standard happy ending, it is not all sunshine and roses! But because of this, it made it pretty refreshing and keeps the audience on their toes in my view! 

Ocean Beach Club, San Antonio, Ibiza

For the bank holiday weekend I had planned to go to Ibiza as some of the girls were there for the week but I hadn't planned anything beyond that! I sat back and let them decide where to go! And they made a good choice too with Ocean Beach Club!

Ocean Beach Club 

I admit- I didn't even get in the pool! 

A daytime pool party with a gorgeous, luxe feel, you can either kick back on a white linen bed or dance away under the glorious sun! I chose option number one and literally spent the day lounging around and only moved off the bed for the odd toilet break. Oh and to wash the kimono I spilt strawberry daiquiri over! You don't even need to move from the bed as it is all table service! I was so comfy I actually even fell asleep (not embarrassing at all). 

superstar DJ 

spend the day chilling on the beds 

4 nights chilling in Railey, Krabi (Thailand)

After the hustle and bustle of Phuket and a few days diving (read my blog post here), we had a few days of lazy chilling in Railey, a secluded bay in the province of Krabi in the West coast of Thailand. Unfortunately for us, we were quite ill towards the end of the trip, but thankfully we had a lovely hotel, The Railey Pricess Resortand Spa, to mong in and feel sorry for ourselves.

arriving to Railey 

Travelling from Phuket to Railey is not too difficult – it involves a mini bus from the main bus depo from Phuket to Krabi (about 500 baht, £10), then a taxi to the pier, where you’ll have to catch the famous long tail boats with their coloured clothes tied at the front, much used and loved throughout Thailand to Railey. Depending on the tide, the sea will predict what pier you go from, for us it was Nammao pier.

the longtail boats 

I didn’t find the journey too bad but if you asked the Boy and my friend’s boyfriend (both over 6 foot), I guess you’ll get a different answer. If you’re tall, likelihood is you are going to be uncomfortable when travelling in Thailand – the people are small and they like to take everything and their kitchen sink with them on journeys (I have seen chickens as ‘hand luggage’) so what space there was is gone. As my freaked out friend describes it, we were in a “coffin” on wheels. We were also particularly unlucky that that day was a choppy sea, meaning that the longtail boat was up an down more times that Jordan’s knickers, splashing the mini waves into the boat, our faces and on to our luggage. We arrived absolutely soaked and never so grateful to discover that our hotel was opposite a pier. Good choice of hotel. 

the dramatic coast line of Railey 

jagged rocks hug Railey beaches 

Railey (there is an east and west side, separated by a 5 min walk) is a small bay with a tiny collection of nice hotels, shack like restaurants, mini marts and bars that close when the last person leaves. If you are looking for a touch of calm in the madness of Thailand, this could well be the place for you. As we were there in the height of monsoon, the weather was a tad overcast, rained on occasion and didn’t offer the glorious blue skies that we assume but it was still hot enough to don a bikini and for the Boy to get a classic dodgy sunburn and Steph to get a touch of sunstroke.

the infinity pool 

Whilst a sleepy little bay, there is actually quite a lot to do to keep you occupied, that is just a stone’s throw away on the longtail boat. Unfortunately, being ill and confined to the hotel meant that I missed out on most activities but you can take one day ferry trips to nearby islands such as Phi Phi and Hong island, try out rafting, and go quad biking, etc. The beaches are small but a beach none the less to chill on. 

enjoying the sun 

the beach 

The only activity I managed on our 4 night stay was rock climbing, which was brilliant! Hard work but so much fun! Krabi is renowned for rock climbing so can cater for any ability. An afternoon of clinging to a rock cost us 800 baht (about £15) and a serious amount of sweat. I forgot to get changed and ended up doing it in white and pink denim hot pants and a white boob tube, but I would advise something more loose fitting and of a darker shade!

made it to the top! 

We stayed at the Railey Princess resort and spa which for £25 per night per couple was amazing – infinity pool, helpful and friendly staff, large rooms and set in lush green grounds. There are plenty of restaurants to chose from, most are on the beach front but there are some set off the paths. The menu's are all pretty similar and you'll find they all kind of run into each other, so I don't have any specific recommendations. 

Pad Thai - a classic 

deep fried icecream! seriously! 

turns out this was NOT chicken?!?

If you are looking for remote, peaceful and easy then Railey offers pretty scenery and a chilled vibe. 

X x X