A friend asked if i had any new year resolutions and i replied, none as i always break them anyway.

The list of things that never gets fulfilled. Going to the gym regularly, lose xx kgs in weight, learn a new skill etc. We all wish for new changes in the new year. That the list we write down will come true. 

If there’s anything i would wish for it’s just to be content with what i have and be happy. Oh throw in some health and happiness for family and close friends too  

October has always gone by with downfalls of rain and soggy wet leaves on the ground. So i must say i have been pleasantly surprised with the great Autumn weather we have been getting. The rich colours of autumn feasted my eyes making the commute to work all much more enjoyable.

I decided to whip out my camera during the weekend and went to the parks before the change of season.

Peel Park

University of Manchester area

Platt Fields Park

Actually, i really wanted to go to a safari park! But the zoo was nearer to us so off we went. Spent the entire day just exploring the zoo and cooing over the animals, too adorable! Just look at the baby elephants!

the elephants were the first we saw. got to see them real close too. actually, we were really lucky ’cause we got to see most of the animals including the tigers and lions up close.

The baby elephant always look like it’s smiling

Interesting fact we learned was that most of the female and male animals lives separately and only come together during mating season. The male elephant was isolated in this area and i was like telling lex, that’s so sad! living all by himself! But then!! The female elephants and the babies were all making their way towards him. Like a visit! *melts into a puddle

I think the zookeepers had just refilled their food supply hence the giraffes were all gathered at this spot.

i was so happy to see the giraffes so so close that we stayed there for quite some time haha!

sneaked in some self-taken picture time:)

There were too many people near the penguins so was slighly disappointed ’cause i do like the cute creatures.

Oh, there was an incident with the chimpanzees which i failed to take picture of. Or more like disgusted haha! We were just strolling past the chimpanzees when Lex noticed a chimpanzee was facing away from the water stream so he said, oh i think he’s taking a dump. And the next thing, the chimpanzee grabbed the poo sticking out of him and ate it *horror face* HAHAHA there were two other couples near us who obviously witnessed it as well because the unison of “ewww” followed.

to erase the image of poo-eating-chimpanzee, here is some pretty tiger. HAHAHA, now i have the image stuck in my head!

again, there were so many people waiting to see the tiger at the platform. I didn’t feel like wrestling with children and risk being called a meanie so i reluctantly left. But Lex saw this tiger pacing about near the ground and i literally ran down the platform towards it so beautiful!

The too-adorable red pandas. I was really excited to see them because of an article in the DailyMail about the female red panda and the baby. Unfortunately the baby panda has been sent to another Zoo!

It was really hard to photograph them, i really need a better zoom lens!

we were looking at other animals when we heard this loud growling/roaring sound. the dinosaur exhibit was nearby so we thought it was just the automated dinosaur sound machine. but when we looking at the lions, this lioness was the culprit! her roar was whoa! can’t imagine, how loud the male lion could be!

There were other animals but the animals were less willing to be in the shots haha!

Now that the weather has suddenly gotten warmer, i feel as if summer is coming! *optimistic but then again, it’s UK we are talking about so better appreciate while the sunny spell last.

Kyotoya is located on Copson Street in Withington, just a few minutes away from the library. Lex said online reviews mentioned that the place was a little tatty but that never detered me away from trying good food! I am Asian afterall, the best food are usually hawker food by the road side (i kid you not)

I would describe the place as small and cosy. I forgot to take a picture of the restaurant. But click here for a view by Manchester Confidential.

I was starving by the time we arrived as we both just got off work. Which is good because we can order more food to try!

Salmon sashimi. The boyfriend found it good and fresh. However, I am usually more sensitive towards eating fishes because i grew up in a fish-related family business. I thought there was a slight mud taste to the fish but hey, dab more wasabi in soy sauce:)

Agedashi tofu. it was so good! just looking at the picture makes me want to eat it now!

Seafood Nabe. We have never tried nabe before so this was our first nabe It was pretty good since i have nothing to compare it with. 

Pork Katsu. I wanted the unagi-donburi because it’s one of my favourite Japanese food. But unfortunately there was no eel for the day. So, i opt for the pork katsu. The gravy was thicker and darker compared to most that i have tried but still good nonetheless.

Kyotoya Special – Spicy Seabass. The last dish we ordered. I really like this one best along with the agedashi tofu! The Sichuan peppercorn in the gravy addded the spicy and numbing taste to the fish. We were so full when we were finally finished the seabass.

We had japanese green tea with our meal and the total bill came up to just £35 which took us by surprise! Definitely coming back again, good food which is friendly to the wallet Also, Kyotoya does delivery service as well.

We were invited by a friend to to Hawes because he knew i have never been to the Yorkshire Dales! It was dark when we arrived so i couldn’t really see where and what i have got myself into.

But come morning, the view was so beautiful. It was cold and the air so crispy.

I am not much of a trekker, the boyfriend is. But wouldn’t mind coming back to trek around the countryside.

Other attraction in the area included Wensleydale Creamery that Wallace and Gromit loves We took a short tour there to see how cheese was made and of course, bought some cheese home.

Sidetracking, today’s weather is amazing! Blue skies and sun, ah bliss!

we always say we are star-crossed lovers seeing that each time i fly home, she’s either in Singapore and i have just surrendered my passport for visa application or something crops up and we just can’t meet!

Cass went down to see her too, us goofing about while waiting for Dino’s friend was trying out some sunnies!

Dino and i went about London for our favourite museum browsing. As she did the Natural History Museum the day before, we went to the V & A. Gah, love the museums in London!

so many things to see and so little time. Dino was so gutted she has so litle time here.

We had to finish off the V & A as soon as we can though we did took HOURS haha! We were to join her family for the tour in Globe Theatre London. Passed by St. Paul’s Cathedral! Tons of people despite the rain.

inside the Globe Theatre. there was a group of Maori actors on stage practising for their play so that was interesting. wasn’t too keen on it as i thought one should just go to Stratford Upon Avon to learn more about Shakespeare.

didn’t take much pictures ’cause of the rain. haha excuses really. i was just having a good time catching up with a good friend!

We have been blessed with great summer-like weather last week. It was such a lovely surprise and great welcome for all I am sure. Even for me, someone who dislike getting dark, I really enjoyed the warmth from the sunshine.

However, as we all expected from the typical British weather, it has gotten chillier. I was bundled up in preparation on Sunday morning as we were taking a day trip to the South Lakes. Was excited for the trip as I really needed a break badly. Been so stressed out, it’s not even funny at all.

Pictures below!

Anyone going to the Lake Districts should really go on the boat trip on the lake! I have been to different parts of the lakes but it was the first time I went on the boat. The weather was really good to us, sunny all the way!

Going to London to see the Brother this weekend so that’s exciting. Need to get more work done first! Nights, people!