A Blog Evolved

Bonjour mes amis,

The great thing about using blogger is that I can use Google Analytics to see that I have some readers across the globe (thanks!), but alas this gift is a double edged sword. With great power has come great responsibility and having noticed that my readership plateaued a few weeks ago and has started to decline steadily since I think it is about time I freshened things up. Please don't get me wrong, I am not changing things because I don't like my regular devoted readers, but I think I can focus my energy to produce something that is perhaps more interesting to read or at least less scattered in its approach. As much as I want to motivate and inspire others to live in the moment and experience new things I think it is important that my blogging style develops over time so you keep coming back and others join our virtual family.

So, welcome to Haggy's World - A Blog Evolved. Posts will have some main themes going through them so you can always know what you are going to get from me; a social status update, travel reports, recipes, hockey and of course the jewel in the blogging crown Have You Heard What Haggy's Heard?!

Status Update

Not to disappoint anyone I will still be giving brief updates about my social life, but only the fun parts. No-one really wants to know that I have spent a large chunk of time wrapped under a duvet on the sofa trying to keep warm as I watch hours on end of The Food Network and crime dramas on TV. Oh no, that would just be to life like! Instead I will share with you nuggets of joy from the times I have spent out and about in this big wide world of ours.

On Friday, I went out to celebrate someone's birthday. He was turning 23! I had to say that because usually I am the young one around colleagues and the like, but hearing this made me think I am on that slipperty slope to mid-life! Argh early crisis coming on, although I think my 30 by 30 list (to be shared soon) will prevent this, or it may just fuel it. Anyway, after putting the world to rights with some work peeps at The Alum House (see previous blog for this place) I made my way out to The Gate in Newcastle. First off I met everyone in Players. This place was dead as a dodo and seemed to attract strange stag and hen parties. I say strange I mean groups of people old enough to know better! The place itself is weird because they have a dance podium where staff will occassionally get up and dance. The only thing is they are not particularly good and definitely don't look like dancers if you know what I mean?! It cause real shock and awe at times. After supping on a couple of Desperados and we moved on to Brew Dog. Brew Dog is a Scottish beer company which as well as producing some fine beers hit fame for creating the strongest beer in the world called 'Sink the Bismark'. Of course we had to try it and it tasted like cherries and treacle but burnt the nostrils! For the rest of the evening I nursed my way through a fruity, hoppy pint of Vagabond Pilsner and then a pint of Punk IPA. Conversation oddly switched to Disney films, but I had no problem with this! As closing time approached I left the birthday boy happily heading off to Pop World to dance the night away.

I, however, decided against this and went to City Takeaway and ordered myself a Mexican pizza with extra lashings of super hot chilli sauce. It was good, burning hot but good. I heard City Takeaway was meant to be the best, but although it was quick and hit the spot I have had better pizzas after a night out - maybe because it was alcohol fuelled? Anyway, whilst I was there around many a drunkard I was reminded of the City Wok in South Park for no reason other than it has City in the name. I love South Park and thought I would share a clip about City Wok with you.

Haggy's Hols

As you know by now I travel a fair bit, mainly because my better half lives away, but it has been a great excuse to finally get out and visit new places. So, I thought I would dedicate this section to actual holidays, vacation plans and dream destinations. Each week I will present to you something I have done or will be doing in the very near future and bask in your jealous stares!

This week I have been preparing to go away to see Vic in Spain. The last time I saw her was Brighton so I am looking forward to an equally fun packed adventure, but with the added satisfaction that I will be somewhere much warmer even if the sun is not out yet. I don't know about you, but I am ready to welcome in those little April showers because it means a break from this bitter cold.

Instead of going to Sevilla like normal we thought we would go to a hotel somewhere else and take in a bit more of Spain's south coast. We have booked up a hotel near a place called Almunecar, which approximately and hour east of Malaga. Vic tells me good things about this place as she hears it is a laid back town with a good tapas culture. We shall see because I plan on eating plenty of seafood and chorizo and washing it all down with some local wine and/or beer (tbc). Next week I will report back.

Food Glorious Food

This is a new section and within it I thought I would share with you some of my food experiences. I love cooking and food in general, but you probably know that by now. So, I want to pass on some culinary delights to you through my blog. This section will also be where I share with you my experiences of restaurants not only in the UK, but around the world as I go on my travels.

This week has been a quite week for eating out. Instead, I spent some of my time planning my meals for week. Mock all you like but I try to budget myself at the market and in supermarkets otherwise I will come home broke and laden with too much food for little ol' me. I have grown a healthy addiction to chillies. I cannot get enough of the fiery little beasts, seeds and all! So, a lot of my meals this week revolved around spice, but I would like to share with you two real gems.

Firstly, and possibly my favourite meal of all time, Larb Gai (or as BBC Good Food call it Thai Minced Chicken Salad). It may seem insubstantial on first assessment, but it is surprisingly filling and packed full of healthy goodness. Great on a cold day to warm you up with a spicy kick and great on a hot day to chill out with a salad this dish is really an anytime meal. Quick and easy to prepare it captures all that is great about thai cooking and slaps it on your plate. Please do check it out. Click here for the recipe.

Next up is Japanese Chicken Curry. I made this for the first time this week after finally buying some miso paste. In miso paste I have a new go to ingredient. It offers spice but also an earthiness that is unlike anything I have ever had before. Anyway I was really proud of myself when I knocked up this meal and it really delivered in the flavour department. You can get miso from any good Chinese market so there is no excuse for not trying this simple, but ever so tasty curry. Click here for recipe.

Haggy's Hockey Corner

The hockey games are coming in thick and fast at the moment. This week I returned to action with my League team, The Comets. We were up against the also undefeated Northumbria Sharks, but knew a win would push us back towards our rightful place at the top of the table after being usurped by Supernovas because they have played more games. Sharks came in to the game missing a few key players, but had enough talent to give us a stern test. The game itself was feisty with many of the team picking up war wounds along the way. Throughout the game I felt that we were in control and although well organised the Sharks often little going forward. They were hard to break down but one break out shift took the game away from the Sharks in the third period. I ended up getting the game winner in a 4-1 victory. Of course I celebrated in the customary manner - The Archer. It was a solid performance by all but in reflection we were not on the top of our game and should be blowing understrength teams away. You often hear it said when a team struggles but gets victories that it is the true mark of champions, so hopefully that is what we are doing rather than starting a slump. Time will tell as The Stars await next week.

Picture courtesy of Paul Lynch Photography - not sure about the photoshop spray tan!

Also with Nationals fast approaching we have stepped up our training. We have started doing sprint drills and I am working with Coach Cree to pull together a flawless breakout designed for large rinks. Next on the agenda is a fitness bootcamp, but we might need the weather to improve slightly before we freeze in Saltwell park! If you are in need to equipment let me point you in the direction of Community Resources Hub where you can loan great equipment for £1! In a struggling economy you can't say fairer than that!

Have You Heard What Haggy's Heard

Story of the week - In the world of Formula 1 we saw a controversial Malaysian Grand Prix create a story that is going to run for about 3 weeks until the lights change for the next race. Sebastian Vettel disobeyed "Multi 21" and overtook team mate and race leader Mark Webber to take the victory from his grasp. I for one found this made the race interesting and after years of watching Ferrari suck the life out of the closing stages of a race I am glad someone mixed it up and showed they want to win more than anything. I guess that's what has made Vettel the champ time and again. Meanwhile Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg played nice to bring home Lewis' first podium of the year.

Song of the week - This week I want to share a song with you that I heard on Radio 1 in the car this week. The track is reminiscent of some of MGMT and The Kooks early stuff. Its not my usual kind of track, but it has an infectious melody and gets me dancing along fairly easily.Without further ado let me introduce you to The 1975s and their new single "Chocolate"

Quote of the week - This award goes to Amanda for her sheer naivety around adrenaline hockey players with the misconstrued remark (for the easily offended look away now) "Is it even possible to get sweaty lips?"

TV of the week - This week I have been obsessing over Paul Hollywood's Bread, which accompanies his popular new book. Basically, Mr Hollwood takes you through 3 bread recipes a week and passes on some handy hints and tips about baking as well as offering up some yummy looking meals. I heartily encourage you to check it out and feel inspired to do something that is not only rewarding, but cheap and very very tasty!

Film of the week - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Following in the footsteps of the sequels before it Ghost Protocol ultimately tries hard and offers up a couple of good action scenes, but the genius of The Bourne Trilogy looms over this genre now and unfortunately Ghost Protocol fails like many others before it. An easy watch but nothing earth shattering 3/5.

I hope you like the new look blog. Let me know what you think.

Haggy

Size matters!

Hi friends,

So it seems that the issue of length has caused somewhat of a debate amongst some of my readers. Whilst some agree with my mum that it can verge on the long side others suggested that last week's entry was a tad short. I guess I will never get it right, but so long as you know I will always try to keep it fresh and entertaining and if it is a super special long edition I will warn you to settle in for the night with a cup of hot chocolate. So, without further ado here is an offering of moderate length. Please enjoy it, pass it on and comment to your heart's content.

Undefeated

After last week's motivational pump up session I decided to give additional priority to a film on my Love Film rental list - Undefeated. This is a real life documentary about a high school American Football team and the people involved in it. From a coach who gives up his life to volunteer for the team to a superstar in the making and from a troubled youth looking to turn his life around to a young man who impresses those around him so much that one kindly millionaire decides to pay for his tuition this film is full of feel good moments. I sat watching this documentary in amazement because so many of the stories that modern American Football films have made us believe and fictional actually happen to real people. What makes this film even more enjoyable is that there is no corny crescendo where someone catches the game winning touchdown in the dying seconds, but instead you are left rooting for real people to make something from their lives and really appreciating the efforts of the coaching staff and the impact they have had on so many young men's lives over the seasons. A really interesting watch with a heart-warming message and well worth a view if you see it anywhere.

Friday night delight

After a generally pants week at work I was overjoyed to be asked for a curry and a drink with some friends from work. Having now moved offices to South Shields I have a plethora of curry houses on my doorstep and we opted for Tandoori International. I had heard good things about this place and it really did not let me down. Not only was the food great but it was amazing value for money. They do various 3 course deals for either £7, £8 or £9 where you can choose from a wide array of starters and mains they get either a coffee or ice cream for pud. Simply put it was amazing and I would most certainly recommend it to others!

After the curry we headed off to the Alum House, a real ale pub on the banks of the Tyne. I have been here before and love the place. It is always relaxed and they have some great ales on tap. The atmosphere is busy, but you can hear yourself think and there is always somewhere to perch even though it is a small place. I am especially looking forward to the Summer months when the beer garden will come into its own. I can see the hours being wiled away after a stressful day of work here looking out to the river. Unfortunately I was driving so could only enjoy a half and enjoy the company. It was a fun night filled with disturbing stories of wearing sunglasses on body parts which don't usually see the sun, the trials and tribulations of using a toilet in a bungalow with poor drainage and what drinking Guinness can do to your insides! Thanks Andy Marsh (@billquaymag) for continuing to tell stories of shock and awe!

From initially thinking I would just stay out for a meal and then go home because I was driving I found myself staying out until after 11. Sometimes those nights are the best! In all honesty as the night developed anywhere seemed more of an attractive option than going home to a lonely, cold flat...brr!

Ouseburn

After a morning of shopping in Grainger Market for my week's food (I love Grainger Market and it will get its own blog one day) I headed off to meet Justin and Leigh who had just spent £50 on posting wedding invites. These weddings are expensive things! We had intended to head to Pitcher and Piano on the Quayside to enjoy the view and reclaim my free pint offer, but it is being renovated so we had to change our plans and headed off to Ouseburn. What a cracking idea that turned out to be!

After enjoying a cheeky pint of thirst-quenching and glorious fruity Weston's Perry and a baked potato at The Cluny we explored the delights of Ouseburn Farm. Now I love any animals and am a proud frequent visitor of Pets' Corner in Jesmond Dene, but Ouseburn Farm has really stepped its game up. We fed the goats, stared at a sleepy pig, petted the mini-horses and laughed at a rabbit called Dirk. The highlight of the visit was the glee on Justin's face after he helped the tortoise that had managed to get itself stuck on a ridge in its enclosure..silly thing!

The curse of Will

After that we headed off to our friend Will's new house to watch England try and capture the elusive Grand Slam. It was always going to be a tough game against a resurgent Wales team, but England made them look good with handling errors galore and were eventually brushed aside with ease. What happened to the team that beat the All Blacks with such vigour and confidence? Here's hoping this is a lesson learnt and we can recapture some momentum in the future tests.

To heal our woes and raise our spirits we thought we would watch a bit of ice hockey. There were some early face offs so that meant acceptable viewing hours in the UK for once. First we switched to my team, the mighty New York Rangers. We were playing the Pittsburgh Penguins who were on a roll of 8 straight wins going in to the game and we were holding them to a tight 1-0 game. That was until we tuned in! Within 1 minute my boys were 3-0 down we thought it best to change channel to avoid further disappointment. So, we switched to a friends team, the Colorado Avalanche. They proceeded to go 4-0 down very quickly. It was only after we switched off did they manage to make the score more respectable but ultimately losing 6-4.

I don't think there is any other way to say it but Will's new house is well and truly cursed and I will never watch my Rangers play there again to avoid jinxing them further! Sorry Will. I will however watch rival teams play in the hope I curse them instead (it's worth a try surely)!

On your bike

With the Summer fast approaching its about time I got back out into the wilderness and started taking in the brave new world we live in. Hopefully the sun will just catch up and make this an pleasurable experience! Anyway, I thought what better way to do this than fix up my trusty bike and start riding. Having spent an hour or so lubing myself up with bike grease trying to fix a faulty break I finally realised that the cable itself had rusted and needed replacing. So I stuffed my bike in the back of the car (it was a tight fit) and off to the repair shop I went. A painless couple of hours later I was back on the road with two working brakes and a big grin on my face.

What better way to celebrate the return of my bike than to ride my bike to hockey training on Sunday. A good idea I hear you say and yes I would tend to agree, but I must have looked a real sight riding along with my hockey stick in jousting position going over the Tyne Bridge. As you probably have guessed by now I have very little shame, so will be doing the same again next week and revelling in the funny looks I will no doubt get. I will get a picture for next week's issue, but for now you will just have to do with this one of me dressed as a tiger supporting Ed to get to the top of Mont Ventoux last year!

In the future I have much more 'normal' plans of riding out to the coast to enjoy a coffee on the beach one day, so watch this space...

The Road To The Nationals

This week I have been told about another imminent ball hockey tournament and this time it is the biggy...the nationals! That means team from all over the country playing games of 5 vs 5 on a big court to take home the trophy and ultimate bragging rights for the year. I am super excited about it and hopefully, we can go one step further than we did at the Fantastic Fours (see previous blogs), make the final and win the cup.

The tournament will be played in Sheffield at Queens Road Rink at a date yet to be determined, but likely May. Queens Road was formerly an ice rink and so has the same proportions and is a big step up from the size of the leisure centres we usually playing in as part of the Northern Conference games. In preparation for this I have set out on an epic quest to regain my fitness and work myself harder than I ever have for a hockey tournament. I don't want to let myself or my team down so will be going hard and then probably going home to curl up in a ball! So a schedule of cardio enhancing runs and rides and muscle burning crunches and press ups awaits. Wish me luck!

Whilst I am at it I sincerely encourage you to check out my superstar linemate James 'Leafy' Dixon's blog about his involvement in Team GB's upcoming trip to compete in the Ball Hockey World Championships. I have added his blog link on the right so you can always find it with one simple click. They boy done good and he deserves success for all the effort he is putting in. If you fancy giving him some encouragement he is also on Twitter @dixon10

Have You Heard What Hagg's Heard?

This edition of Have You Heard goes back to the old style of having no specific theme. This is mainly because I can't think of one to tie together some of the funny things I have seen and heard this week.

There is one story in particular I want to share with you. The sister of my lovely girlfriend has become an unwilling celebrity in what can only be described as a hilarious breach of her rights! After being stopped by a photographer of the local paper she was asked if she would have her picture taken for "stock" photos. Now my experience of a stock photo is a photo that gets put into a leaflet when an image is required to fill space. Clearly, my understanding of stock photographs is somewhat skewed because she has become the face of an advertising campaign appearing on buses and advertising hoardings around the local area. What makes this worse is she has not been offered a single penny for her modelling talents! The scandal of it all and the shock when she discovered what had happened just makes me smile.

Quotes of the week

• "I had to use the spatula" - Andy's grim account of emergency toilet utensils
• "Shucks I done helped that turtle good, hic!" said in yokel accent - Leigh and myself teasing Justin about his heroics
• "A-Deep friiieeeed" - me describing how you can make most things taste better

Peas and Love
Haggy

These Times Are A Changing

Hi Friends!

It's that time of the week again, you know time to find out what Hagg's been up to. This week my Mum insinuated that my blog post have become too long and drawn out. I guess they have, but I have had so much to tell you about. From now on though I will try to be more selective in my stories. So this one is dedicated to you Mum! I guess you could call it a bit of belated Mother's Day gift, not a very good one, but still...

Moving On

This week at work I was told I would be moving office next week and pretty much handed a box. It has all been very last minute. It was only last week that it was rumoured that the company was thinking of moving some services to different locations so it seems decisions have been made very quickly. I am yet to be convinced if this move is going to be a beneficial thing, but it has actually helped clear my desk of lots of little jobs I haven't quite got round to. I am also looking forward to seeing the new place and moving from an open plan office to a smaller premises where I can finally get some peace and quiet and actually crack on with some serious work. On the other hand I am going to miss all the people that have brightened up my day over the past few years. It is a real end of an era, but hopefully it's onwards and upwards from here. That's not to say that I haven't made the most of the carnage around me all week and enjoyed the whole moving process.

I think I actually could have fit in the box with the lid down, but it all seemed a bit like the MI5 suitcase fiasco so I decided against trying it! Trust me my family don't want to hear stories that I was into all that and let me make it clear that I'm really not!

Saturday Night Feasting

On Saturday night, after sending a morning perusing the markets with Leigh, I went for dinner with Leigh and Justin and the excitable little rascal that is Ollie the dog. I had a fantastic night with some great food and drink. We noshed down on some butternut squash gnocchi which Leigh made from scratch and chatted over a glass of the outstanding Porcupine Ridge Syrah. Luckily for both you and me Leigh has already blogged about this dish and put the recipe on her blog (link at the side). It tasted great and I am always grateful when someone goes through the pain-stacking process of cooking stuff from scratch although Leigh and Justin's Friday night pizza night sounds just as amazing!

A special shout out needs to go to a truly inovative and decadent dessert - strawberry and chocolate nachos! Equal measures tasty to messy and a proper crowd pleaser.

Crazy Canadian Games

After dinner we settled in to play a few board games. Now don't snooze off now, when I say board games I don't mean your standard Monopoly or Cluedo. Oh no no these were some seriously out there board games. I really have no clue where they come from, but if you ever see one in the shop please don't walk on by. Instead go and buy one for guaranteed laughs and hours of fun!

• Chairs - This is essentially a stacking game like Jenga. However, unlike Jenga this game is much more difficult as the chairs are all different shapes and styles and this makes for more tumbles and heckling that goes along with failure. I am sure a couple of glasses of wine didn't help either!

• Quelf - This game is unlike any other and before you ask I have no idea why it is called Quelf. I really don't know how to describe apart from it being a turn based game where you are given tasks and dares for each move you make. Each is more weird and wacky than the next and generally involves you making a fool out of yourself from start to finish. Put it this way by the end of the game (which I lost) I had become a celebrity paparazzi, covered myself in tin foil and then rode an imaginary ostrich whilst giving a soliloquy. Truly bizarre but utterly entertaining!

Have You Heard What Haggy's Heard?

So, this week at work I have been learning about what it means to be a motivational leader. As part of this they showed some video clips that got me pumped up and I thought maybe I should pass on this feeling. So this week's have you heard what Haggy's heard is dedicated to life's great motivators and is full of videos and music that inspire me.

• Food For Thought - Before watching any video or trying to motivate yourself, watch this video and ask a question of yourself - What do you want to do?
• Eric Thomas - I only learnt about 'The Hip Hop Preacher' this week, but Eric Thomas has been giving motivational talks for years. Mr Thomas came from nothing when he was homeless to become an NFL star. I don't know about you, but if someone goes through that in life I am willing to listen and boy can he motivate. Here is one of his seminars Seminar Link. For all you sport heads out there here is Eric Thomas talking over someone killing it in pre-season training - Video Link
• TED.com - This website is incredible. I was told about it by a random stranger in a pub in London. Odd I know, but it is packed full of amazing speeches not just those that can inspire, but those that can educate, those that can enlighten and those that can make you smile. Their motto is "Ideas Worth Spreading" and I agree so please go check it out.
• Never Let Me Down - There's a lot of music out there that can lift my mood and motivate me, but this song never fails to pump me up. Sit back close your eyes and listen to the music. I challenge you not to feel lifted!
• Herb Brooks - The man who changed the face of hockey and led the USA ice hockey team to glory over an all-dominating Soviet team in 1980. This speech comes from the film Miracle. Enjoy and remember great moments are borne from great opportunity.
• Any Given Sunday - This needs no introduction but I couldn't put inspirational videos up without including this!

So friends heed the words of these inspirational snippets and use them to motivate you each and every day this week. Sometimes life can give you a kick in the nuts, but remember you are great and you can do anything you set your mind to! Go forth and achieve greatness in everything you do.

I hope that was short enough Mum!!!

Peas and love
Haggy

Brighton antics

Hi friends!

According to Jose Mourinho the whole world will stand still tonight as it waits with bated breath to see the outcome of the Manchester United vs Real Madrid Champions League tie. It seems like the world of social media agrees and my newsfeed is top to toe in football talk. Rather join in the inevitable discussion about just how good Cristiano Ronaldo is or just how over-rated Wayne Rooney is I thought I would spend my evening watching the match and updating you all on just what I have been up to this week. It has been a really enjoyable week and I have plenty a tale and restaurant review to share with you! I hope you enjoy this edition and I whole heartedly encourage you to share this blog with others who may find this an interesting read. All pics are my own by the way so forgive the lighting on a couple because they are just phone shots in a dark restaurant....enjoy!

R&R

This week I escaped the humdrum world of my 9-5 job and took advantage of the joy that is my flexitime system at work. I had managed to amass over 15 hours so took Thursday and Friday off. It was a holiday I had been looking forward to for some time, not only because I needed a break from my slump at work, but mainly because I got to be re-united with my long lost lover from Seville. Let me tell you 8 weeks is too long to be away from the one you love and I personally will never be subjecting myself to it again!

So, I packed up a bag (complete with wine and chocolate as a little welcome back present) and headed in the general direction of the South. A weekend in Brighton was calling my name and I had booked to stay in a  self-catering flat through Airbnb. I have never been a big fan of hotels because they are often lifeless and lack that little bit of personality to make you feel special. I came across Airbnb a while ago and would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting to visit somewhere for less than a hotel and still enjoy the privacy that hostels don't provide. Essentially Airbnb is a room renting service where people offer up their homes for you to stay in for short periods of time. You often are right in the middle of the action and surrounded by locals.

Not A Great Start

As much as I recommend Airbnb (and I really do) this particular trip did not go so well! The night before my trip I did everything I could to get in touch with my host, but with no luck. I thought it was just a blip and they were either sleeping or busy. I would try again in the morning. I did just that but with no luck whatsoever and it was only upon my eventual arrival in Brighton that it hit home that I would need to start looking for alternate accommodation. The kind folk at Airbnb arranged a refund immediately and even gave me a discount for a future booking by ways of an apology. Given the multitude of hotels in Brighton I was not overly concerned about this hiccup and was more eager to get on with enjoying myself than being angry.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology I was able to find a hotel online and after a cheeky little call direct to the hotel I had managed to get an extra discounted rate that included breakfast and ended up spending less money that I originally had. Not bad I say! Ultimately I stayed in George IV Hotel and it was a bit of a lifesaver because it prevented me sleeping in the backseat of my Peugeot! It was in a great location central to town and as you stepped out the front door of the place you had a clear view to the sea...just what the doctor ordered!

Date night one

Wahey! I got to spend some quality time with my better half! None of that long distance thing, no Skype and no delays in conversation. It was fantastic to be able to spend some one on one time with Vic again and life always feel so much better when she is around. I is just a shame I have to wait a few weeks until life feels that good again.

Anyway enough of the soppy stuff. That evening we went out for a meal. It had been a long day and after having making the most of an email offer for a free drink at Pitcher and Piano (all you have to do is sign up to the newsletter for monthly deals) we just wanted something quick but tasty. Lucky for us we had a wide variety of restaurants offering cuisine from all over the world right one our doorstep. We opted for sushi and what a wise move it would prove to be.

It was long after the evening rush as we entered Sushi Garden, but were welcomed with a smile and very attentive service. Fair enough there was only one group left in the restaurant when we arrived, but you really got the impression you would have received the same welcome at the peak of the evening rush.

We had a quick read of the extensive menu and pretty quickly decided upon a tasting platter and some tempura prawns. I mean it would be wrong not to want to taste a bit of everything wouldn't it?! A mere moments later we were greeted by a platter that looked like a fan loaded with enticing looking items, such as tuna, squid, eel and octopus. Each item brought with it a different texture and taste. The octopus was ever so slightly spiced and the tuna was so fresh and tasty it just melted in the mouth. In all honesty there was not one item that let this meal down and it was delivered with style, experience and seriously enviable skills. This was all accompanied by spicy hot wasabi and glorious thin picked ginger. This really helped bring out the complexity of the simple ingredients in front of us. I also think the Tsingtao lager may have helped!

This was possibly the best sushi I have eaten in my life, in fact it was! It was fresh and perfectly delicate. The simple flavours were gently balanced and everything was in proportion. Mouthful after mouthful I was treated to explosions of sheer food bliss and could have easily gorged myself for hours on end on delicious sushi treats. There are those occasions in life when you stumble upon a jewel of a restaurant and I really think the Sushi Garden is just that. Great value, great service and most of all absolutely amazing food. If you are ever in Brighton please do go check it out, you will not be disappointed or my name is not Hagg!

A Good Night's Sleep

After that cracking meal out it was time to retire to bed. We had both been travelling for the majority of the day and had worn us both out. We returned to a warm and cosy room and nodded off pretty much straight away content in the knowledge that we were back together again and that a weekend full of fun things and relaxation lay ahead of us.

I guess now may be as good a time as any to tell you about the hotel and give it a mini review. I would say my experiences may be slightly shrouded by the fact the saved any accommodation woes at the last minute.

• Room - The room was basic and a little bit dated if anything. It was clean and tidy but nothing to really write home about and I always find carpets in a bathroom a bit disturbing, especially having seen the state of men's toilets in pubs and knowing how many people have zero aim!
• Location - The real selling point of this hotel is its location. A few strides from the beach one way and even less distance to shops and restaurants galore the other. The George IV Hotel offered a perfect base for adventures. There was a car park to the front and for some reason I managed to avoid extortionate Brighton parking fees as the gates were broken and it was free all weekend! Score one me!
• Price - Like I say this hotel worked out less than I originally paid. I stayed 3 nights and got a 15% discount working out at a grand total of £212.50 for bed and breakfast. This is pretty good value for money in Brighton where you can find yourself paying London prices quite easily. I definitely recommend chancing your arm by ringing a hotel direct too and negotiating a deal!
• Experience - Check in was easy and quick and the staff were friendly enough. You were left to get on with it from there and perhaps some interest in the reason for our stay or suggestions of things to do would not have gone amiss.

Overall the hotel was decent, nothing more, nothing less. It saved my bacon, but ordinarily I might have been a bit disappointed by it, but its location was perfection itself. The highlight of the stay was undoubtedly my day one breakfast - grilled halloumi on a breakfast muffin with rocket....nom nom nom!

Friday Funtimes

Waking up on Friday refreshed and full of hope for a fantastic day ahead I let Vic into the secret I had been keeping, I had booked a couples massage for later that day. It was hopefully going to make up for missing Valentine's Day together and renew our energy levels that seven and a half weeks of non-stop work had drained out of us! However, Vic did have the energy to get in some shopping before we had to go to the massage parlour.

Seeing Vic hit the shops anyone would think that Spain does not have shops, trust it does! Anyway we spent a couple of hours looking around a few shops and buying a couple of items. Although I generally like going shopping I just couldn't seem to get into it like normal and found myself getting distracted by fashion disasters and outrageous clothes. One particular cat dress still scares the life out of me and I have no comprehension as to why anyone would ever think buying it is a good idea. Check out the picture below and try explaining to me why anyone would want this in their wardrobe!

Shopping done it was off to Little Jasmine for our massage. I had got an hour treatment for 2 for £80 so a really good deal. I have had massages before that have frankly left me wondering what the big deal is and even left me in more pain than before I entered the treatment room, but honestly this was nothing like it. The staff were genuinely masters at their art and I knew as soon as the hot towel hit my feet that this was going to be an amazing experience and I just let myself relax as the masseuse went to work on my knotted body.

Now this was no normal massage and before you get started it was not one of those happy ending ones either! Keep your minds out the gutter please. No, this was a thai oil massage designed to work out the aches and pains of life with a mixture of fast and slow movements with different amounts of pressure. When the masseuse found a knot she applied perfect amounts of pressure to soothe the muscle and release the pent up tension. This was particularly relevant for me and my shoulders from weeks of hockey playing and having been stuck driving the length of the country the day before. I actually think there was a point where like the Massage Ninja she was my masseuse jumped up on the table and dropped an elbow on a particularly knotted muscle. Whatever she did it did the trick and I slipped into a state of relaxation I rarely feel and spent the next hour in and out of a massage induced comatose. When she was done I felt rejuvenated  but oddly in need of a nap. All in all it was a fantastic experience and definitely needed.

Date Night Two

After our day of relaxation I had booked us a table at Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant and thought we should have a few cocktails before we headed on down. So, we headed to the local cocktail bar, KOBA, to enjoy their happy hour deals. I am a bit of a cocktail fiend and think I can make a pretty decent Mojito or Cosmo, so I was a little bit disappointed in the standard of the cocktails presented to us. I don't quite know what to say, but it was like the bar staff did not put enough love into each drink. As a result we were left with cocktails that lacked that spark and lacked the finesse you begin to expect from a specialist cocktail bar these days. To be honest we returned later that night and I was much more impressed by the precision of the drinks so it might just have been a dodgy bartender crumbling under the pressure of a happy hour deal, but I reckon I could do a better job of it!

I wasn't about to get caught up in that though because I had a real treat ahead of me - a meal out with Vic in Jamie's Italian. Now as you know I am a bit of a foodie and I have to be honest I love Jamie Oliver's approach to food in keeping in pimping up the classics, using quality ingredients and making dining a memorable experience. Jamie's Italian really does not fail to deliver on all 3 of these.

As we walked in we were welcomed by a hostess in a kind a chilled bar area and subsequently shown to our table. We were sat upstairs, but as we walked through I could smell bread baking and there was a real hustle and bustle about the place making it feel like a market place, full of life and tasty prospects. The restaurant was huge with every table full. I really don't know how the kitchen cope in there, but they really do and do it well.

We started out with a peach bellini, it would be rude not to and thanks to me signing up to be a member of Jamie's Gold Members newsletter we were also given some free food. This was a perfect start to a fantastic meal. Quickly our free appetiser of prosciutto appeared at the table with a drizzle of olive oil. The meat was delicate and melted in the mouth and the olive oil really brought an extra dimension to the dish. Not bad for free either!

Next up we opted for a shared fish plank and a bread medley. Both were sensational. The bread fresh bread was warm and soft and covered in rosemary and garlic in equal measures, truly delish. The fish plank is a genuine Jamie dish. Presented on an elongated chopping board perched on top of two cans of chopped tomatoes it is that shabby chic style that Jamie has become renowned for. It was not even a case of style over substance with mackerel pate and fried fish delivering a taste of the ocean, but for me the stewed clams really stood out with their slightly spiced broth, just yum.

Next up was mains. I was disappointed that they had sold out of the lamb ravioli special, but to be fair I can see why it sounded ace. I ended up opting for a rabbit tagliolini and Vic went for a squid ink spaghetti with scallops. Both were spot on and the rabbit was a delight. It's rich and game flavour of the rabbit was complimented by a simple sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. As the Italians would say 'bellissimo'. Vic's meal also delivered a fresh scallop punch, but I will be honest I didn't get much of a look in!

Dessert was where it is at in any Italian restaurant if you ask me. I love me an Affogatto if I am being simple, but I thought I would be different for once and chose the rich and delicious brownies that came loaded with amaretti biscuits and fresh raspberries. However, Vic's chocolate pot was really the star of the show. Not only was it huge, but it was gloriously chocolatey and was topped with a orange mascapone that really cut through the sweetness of the chocolate. I was seriously jealous and that is impressive because my brownies rocked!

In addition to receiving free food earlier on in the meal my Gold Membership also entitled me to £10 off the bill, so it was great value. We had 3 courses, wine and cocktails for £60! Now you don't get that standard of food for that price in many places. Overall this was a fantastic experience and I just wish there was one in Newcastle. Coming to think of it that makes 2 franchises I need to enquire about for Newcastle now. Both Jamie's Italian and Le Bistrot Pierre would make great additions to the Geordie foodscene. I wonder how much it would be to own one of these places because it is seriously tempting. Hmm...

Walkies!!!

On Saturday morning Vic disappeared off to Starbucks (other coffee chains available but none serve a killer Egg Nog Latte at Christmas) to meet an friend for a catch up so I decided to walk along to Brighton Marina from the town centre. It was a fairly long walk and I had high hopes for the marina because I like me a boat and there's something about a marina that makes me expect a tonne of well to do folks and bright sunshine. Maybe I have been spoilt by foreign holidays and watching the F1 at Monaco all these years, but Brighton Marina was a real let down. Maybe it was just the weather though.

The boats themselves were impressive, but the surroundings left a lot to be desired. It is clear that a lot of time, money and effort has gone in to regenerating the area, but it feels a bit cold and corporate without a sense of individual character. Chains of restaurants and a cinema have shot up from the concrete surroundings to bring a new sense of life, but the approach to the marina just fills you with disappointment. Maybe it is the graffiti laden walls or the lifeless approach through a car park, but it really did not set the blood flowing.

The walk back to town was the best part of the walk where I found myself unwittingly watch someone get naked on the beach even though it was freezing only to realise I had stumbled upon a nudist section of the beach! I carried along the route of the old mini train track with looked sad and in need of some love but reminisced about younger years of miniature trains in parks and the joy they brought. Oh to be young again! Although saying that I like what I have now.

That afternoon we relived one of Vic's childhood memories and took a trip up Devil's Dyke for a surprisingly good pub lunch. There are various stories about Devil's Dyke, but essentially there is some mumbo jumbo suggesting the Devil was trying to cause some havoc and created a big scar in the land. I can see why the surrounding area is good for hikers as it is relatively unblemished, but other than the views, which have no specific points of interest, there is not much going on. Like I say the pub was good! 

Birthday Drinks

After returning home and having a brief power nap we were ready and raring to go out again. It is all about making the most of every minute we have when we are together. So we set off for a Thai meal at Siam Siam as Vic was craving the thai flavours that are just not available in Spain. It was a decent meal providing the hit of spice we were both after, but not really outstanding in my opinion. 

After that it was off to a bar for shots and rum and cokes to celebrate the birthday of one of Vic's cousins. We caught up with the group after some pre-drinks and had a good time a had a good catch up with the birthday girl. We spoke about homemade birthday cakes and watched a group of rugby lads try their best to impress the girls and pretty much failing miserably as it descended into rowdy shouting and group singing! I also spent a bit of time talking to Vic's other cousin about her thesis on educational psychology about the transition between college and university and will make sure I share her findings when she publishes them as it sounds very interesting indeed.

I don't know what it is about Brighton whether it is the gay scene or what but everywhere we went we were followed by 90s music. It may be something to do with the whole reunion tour going on at the moment, but there is something disturbing about it. It is like taking a step back in time and I don't like it because it makes me feel old! I mean I am only 26 I shouldn't feel like this. I do fear for the music industry though as shows like X Factor have really sucked the art out of the industry and left us with commercial entities vying to be the next teenage crush or artist who can sign a catchy hook rather than actually signing about anything of importance. I suppose that is a slightly hypocritical comment from me at times, but I would much rather genuine artists be given the props they deserve rather than being in the minority and overlooked to easily. 

After a brief night cap in another bar we headed home and off to bed for a brief sleep before having to get up and head out. Ultimately I had very little sleep and had to be up early to take Vic to the airport. It was a great weekend but left me sleeping away my Sunday ahead of a return to working life reality on Monday. This really was an example of living for the weekend, even if it was an extended one!

Have You Heard What Haggy's Heard?

This week I haven't heard much, but there are some quirky little things I want to share with you that will make you smile. I hope you enjoy them because it is the little things in life that keep you smiling so open your eyes and appreciate what is going on around you.


Inspirational basketball video - click the link to see a really genuine display of sportsmanship. If you have seen it I apologise because I know it has been everywhere but it is a fine example of how you can make a difference to someone's life.
I saw a funny hotel in Brighton called Hotel Schmotel. It takes no further explanation, but I laughed at the name and it deserves a mention.

Jamie Oliver says that 30,000 napkins go missing from his restaurants each month. Now whilst I am not surprised because it is a decent little memento of a good experience the napkins are not all that special. Also it is disappointing to see him try and make a profit from out habits by selling packs of 2 for £12. Read more here

And finally, "We're going to need a bigger boat"

Sorry that this was a long blog, but I had a great break and experienced a lot that I thought you should know about. I hope you have enjoyed it and this week's food for thought is that when you find that person that makes the world seem that bit brighter you should do everything in your power to make sure you bring light to their world too. Keep them in your life and enjoy each other's company as much as you can, making the most of the little things as they cost nothing and will stay with you forever. Trust me when you don't have the opportunity to do this every day you will miss it.

Next week's blog will likely involve an update on my man flu, University Ice Hockey, spring cleaning and hopefully experiences of a walk in the sun by the Quayside. If anyone cares to join me on any of these adventures just comment and we will see what we can do.

Peas and love, see you next week.
Haggy