My week on Instagram

Welcome back to another 'My Week on Instagram'. It's been a while since I did one of these posts so this is more like....'whats been happening over the last couple of months'. Anyway I hope you enjoy the post.

Watching the Iron Man in Nice this summer. This photo was taken at 5am at the start of the swimming event. 

Camping in the worlds smallest tent. 

Emma and I, maid of Honour's for my friend Lucy's Wedding. 

Lucy and I just a few days later at Emma's Wedding. 

Watching Calvin Harris at V Festival this summer. 

This year I went on an amazing trip to Thailand. This is our first night in Bangkok. 

The crazy fruit we got to try in Thailand. 

Our hotel for the night in Chang Mai.

I'll do a full post on Thailand and the places we got to explore so watch this space. 

What have you been up to this week?

Dalston Street Food Market

North of the river in Dalston, you will find 'Street Feast' a bustling market filled to the brim with street venders selling all kinds of incredible food.
In an old abandoned warehouse you will find around 40 stalls, selling a huge variety of different cuisines from all over the world.

Juicy Burgers from the famous Blecker street to flavour packed Korean burritos from Kimchinay, there really is something here for everyone.

There's almost too many things to try that you can't possibly experience everything in one night but maybe that's a good thing, as I know I will definitely be heading back here again.

After taking a few recommendations from friends, we begun our night at 'Sticky Bun's, opting for the Shrimp and Pork sticky buns and boy were they good.

The buns were light and fluffy while the meat was succulent and tasty.

Next we decided to be a little bit naughty and made our way over to Smoke Shack for ribs!

It was possibly the longest queue in the whole place so we joined it eager to see what all the fuss was about.

I don't think I've ever tired ribs that were as tasty as these ones. Still slightly pink in the middle and covered in delicious barbeque sauce, it had just the right amount of kick to it. It wasn't long before these were devoured and we were ready to try something new.

A few beers later we spotted Bleeker St Burger. I have been going on for months about how much I wanted to try these burgers, so for me, there was no question about whether I could manage one or not.

We ordered a cheese burgers but later spotted 'The double beeker' - 2 burgers with black pudding sandwiched in the middle. Not really my kind of thing but Ian thought this sounded incredible. 

The burgers were good, extremely succulent and juicy. The meat was a lot thinner than I had expected which was good for me as I was beginning to feel rather full.

I would highly recommend trying one of their burgers but next time I think I'll head over to Mother Clucker and give them a go.

Feeling full and happy we stood by open fires to keep warm and people watch.

Most of the market is set in an old run down warehouse with little nooks and crannies, and small alley ways leading into hidden bars.

Girls with cocktails in pineapples and coconuts wander past whist others sip on gin cocktails from the bars over looking the crowd below.

Fairy lights and open wood fires are dotted around the place, helping cosy couples keep warm.

There is a real mix of people here which adds to buzz and incredible atmosphere that the market has.

This place would be perfect for a date night or even a catch up with friends after work.

So if you're looking for something a bit different and a huge choice of food, head on over. The website is here.

Arrive before 7pm and it's free other wise you will have to £3 upon entry.

For those who like to eat on their feet, this night market is most definitely the new hot spot in town.

Ravello in Italy

On Wednesday morning we grabbed the early morning flight to Naples, Italy.

But before I get carried away in showing you the town and it’s amazing views, I must tell you the reason why we’re here. 

On Friday, one of my very good friends gets married.
This trip has been planned since January so finally the girls…..and the boys of course, boarded a flight to the Amafli Coast. 

We had no idea what amazing views awaited us.

Our trip took us to Ravello about 30 minutes away from the Amalfi Coast.
Completely picturesque, this little village sits on top of a hill overlooking the breath taking coastline. 

I’d been to Sorrento many years ago but had completely forgotten just how beautiful Italy was. 

We checked in to a little bnb called 'Il Rosetto'. Small, cosy and basic….we didn’t need anything more.
The little room we stayed in actually had a lemon grove courtyard which was beautiful. 

Our evening was spent eating, drinking and mainly just catching with the girls and everyone's recent adventures.

Breakfast the next morning was extremely tasty. They brought out a huge array of croissants (every type you could image...freshly baked), bread and refreshing glasses of freshly squeezed orange and raspberry juice.

A few of our group decided to go to Pompeii for the day but looking for something a little more relaxing, we got the bus to Amalfi.

Amalfi unlike Ravello rather was busy.
Bustling with locals, mopeds and rather speedy buses,  we escaped onto one of the side streets where we went to explore the shops.

 Some of the gang (Chris, Kelly, Laura, Luke, Ian and I) exploring the streets of Amalfi. 

Shopping for Limoncello and strange coloured pasta.

I actually bought the green, pink and white pasta that's on the top basket on the left. 

Keen to explore as much as we could, we decided to get the boat to Positiano. Unfortunately we had just missed one but fortunately for us we came prepared with our bikini's and so relaxed on the beach until the next ferry arrived. 

We even managed to have a quick dip before it was time to go. 

The ferry didn't take long, about 40 minutes but I could not recommend this journey enough.

Forget the bus. This is the way to see the Amalfi coast at it's best.

Who wants to be stuck in a stuffy car when you can enjoy being on the water, looking at this view. 

I know where I'd rather be. 

We didn't stay for long in Positiano but we did find a little coffee bar that served amazing ice creams and if that wasn't enough just look at this view. 

I would have loved to have explore Positiano a bit more but I guess I'll have to save that for next time. 

V Festival Day 2

Yesterday I left you, somewhere on the main stage, dancing away to Bob Marley's band.
On Sunday morning, I grabbed us a coffee and some bacon sandwiches to help us start our day.

Sunday provided us with another great line up with performances from Train, Rizzle Kicks, Tinie Tempah, Jason Derulo, Chase and Status and Rita Ora. Not forgetting 'The Killers' who were head lining on the main stage.

After a spot of rain we made our way to the main stage to watch Train.

And by this point the sun was finally making it's way through the clouds.

We spent most of sunday, running from stage to stage, trying to see as many artists as possible.

Back at the MTV Stage, a huge crowd had gathered to watch Tinie Tempah.
I really don't think I can physically put into words how incredible the atmosphere here was. Everyone in the crowd seemed to move as one. Now I am not exactly Tinie's biggest fan but there is no denying how incredible a performer he is.
He had everyone in the palm of his hand during his set, the crowd moving like a wave rather than individuals.

The great thing about V or any festival is that you get to see so many artists (I know that's stating the obvious) but for anyone who thinks that festivals are expensive; just think about how many artists you can see and compare that to what they would charge for their individual concerts.
Doesn't seem too much anymore.

Back on the main stage, 'The Killers's wowed us with old classics like 'Somebody told me', 'Smile like you mean it' and 'Human' but I'm sure you know what everyone was really waiting for.

Just after the final song, the lights went down and slowly but surely the crowd started to cheer....'Brightside, Brightside.' Getting louder until finally the lights came up and Jimmy Carr was standing centre stage.
It wasn't until after that I realised, The Killers always have a special guest. This time,  Jimmy Carr took to the stage and introduced the song we had been waiting all night to hear.......'Mr Brightside'.

It was an amazing end to what has been one of the best weekends.
I think it's safe to say that my first festival was a success and what a great one to start with. I'm hooked to say the least and a couple of us are already planning where and what to do next year.

Of course, suggestions are always welcome.

V festival

At the start of the year I made some resolutions and rather than do the usual ‘give up this, give up that’ I decided to make the list a bit more of a ‘bucket list', filling it with things to do, adventures to be had and first experiences to enjoy. 

Going to a festival was on the top of my list and I finally got to tick that off when a few of us went to V Festival this summer.

We arrived early on the Friday and pitched our tents, making sure we had a good spot. After greeting our neighbours and having a few cheeky drinks we decided to explore.

I was surprised at how big V Festival was and how many little stalls, fairground rides and food carts there were. 

As there is no live music on the Friday evening, V hold a silent disco in one of the larger tents.

After partying in the Silent Disco tent till the early hours of the morning we retreated back to our tents for the night.

On Saturday morning we woke up a little worse for wear, grabbed a coffee and planned who we wanted to see that day.

We grabbed some food, a few beers and made our way into the arena.
Stopping off at the different fancy dress tents to try on some of their very silly hats.

 Dancing along to 'The Wailer's, Bob Marley's band.

On the Saturday we saw Pixie Lott, Kaiser Chiefs, Blondie, The Wailers, Justin Timberlake who I thought stole the show. He might not be everyone's cup of tea but boy did he put on a show.

More on the V Fest shenanigans tomorrow.