Moli in the Knight…

So that’s it.  February is over.  The weather continued to be very wet and windy and sadly like January it was very boring for the most part.  I’ve really struggled to find anything to write about.  Its not like I went on holiday or attended a concert and could give you all a Moli review.  I got up, went to work and for the most part. Came straight back home again.  I’m actually boring myself as I write this so I can only apologise and hope that you’ve not turned off and surfed to another website. Talking about websites, I’ve started learning about coding and was given a link to a coding training website called www.codecademy.com.  I’m still at the early stages of my learning and I’m told a child could do it but I do feel like a monkey ringing a bell to get some food.  I get the bell to ring, some food drops but I really have no idea what I did to get my tasty treat.  I’m sure it will come to me…

One thing I did do this month was start learning to cook something new. I do love to cook and should really spend time doing it.  This month I learnt to cook a Chicken Madras Curry. I’m sure those who are still reading are all scoffing. “Oh, it’s easy” But I’ve never done it before.  I always end up at Aladin on Brick Lane, Dockmasters in E14 or ordering in a take away.  I started like most things in my day with searching Google for a recipe and soon discovered currytastic.com what claimed to be the best.  I bought the ingredients and tried to follow along.

Chicken Madras Curry

Chicken Madras Curry

  • 4 Chicken breasts, one per person
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 Onions, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2cm block of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped – Depends how much garlic you like. Personally I don’t like it to be over-powering
  • Sea salt and black pepper
  • 400g ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 300ml water
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 2–4 red Chillies, finely chopped – You can de-seed if you prefer, but this will make it not as spicy
  • 2 tsp ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp ground Turmeric
  • 1–3 tsp (or more!) hot Chilli powder, to taste – Adding more or less will vary the hotness
  • 6–8 Curry leaves
  • Juice of half a lemon or lime (you can use vinegar here instead, but not both)
  • Coriander leaves, to garnish

In the most part it was actually very easy to do, as its mostly just creating the sauce to the taste and heat level you require.  I eased off on the chili powder and chili’s putting in half the recommended amount, as I didn’t want to over do it. 

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Strangely I found it to be about right for me. Apart from putting too much water into it and too many tomato’s, which made it very runny,  it was one of the most fresh and tasty Curry’s I’ve eaten.  I now need to try it again and as I’ve read somewhere, practice makes perfect apparently.

 

I bumped into someone recently who lives not that far from me.  This in itself isn’t unusual but I’ve never seen him before and given what he drives, I rather think I would.  He pulled into a local car park driving the Knight 2000, AKA KITT from Knight Rider.  Come On!!!  This guy really drives this car about to go shopping instead of cuddling it every night and day. Surprisingly it only cost £12,000 in mint condition, which is something for a car build in 1982 and fully converted into the Universal Studio’s super car of the future. Awesome!!! 

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He was a very nice guy who even let me sit inside the ultimate car from my childhood.

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That made my day and may have just helped me get through February…

M

Moli does Crossrail…

Today I was allowed to visit one of the construction sites of Crossrail.

The Crossrail project is an underground tunnel stretching across London and connecting new and existing areas together for the first time and making journey times far shorter. At a cost of over £15bn, it’s a massive engineering project that should be ready for passenger use by 2018. As I’m living near a couple of the proposed stations I’ve been interested in the engineering, science, technology and some of the improved travel times, such as Custom House to Heathrow in 43 minutes which is much better than the current 74 minutes. I also think this will add great value to the area and do wonders for house prices.

Crossrail - North Woolwich

Crossrail

Crossrail - North Woolwich

Crossrail
The drill head that cut under the Thames, called Sophia, had just finished its job and was awaiting removal back to Germany to be dismantled. The size and depth of the site was truly awesome and the engineering team that escorted me around were very informative and knowledgeable. This certainly wasn’t on the tourist map and I doubt anyone will ever get the chance to go on site without an engineering qualification. Also, the Crossrail team were not travel guides but that didn’t stop them being very hospitable and friendly. A very different and interesting Sunday morning.

M

Moli goes to Tenerife …

I finally managed to navigate my way through the dismal month of January. On the whole I just lived as the month galloped passed me but normally that’s a boring experience. This year I decided to find some winter sun for the first time. I travelled to Tenerife with a friend for some well earned rest and relaxation. While waiting in the departure lounge at Gatwick airport I couldn’t help but notice that the majority of the group were geriatrics with walking sticks and wheelchairs. My first thought was, oh great. I’m on an OAP tour!!! I then had a realisation that I’m actually closer in age, attitude and walking ability to these people. Not only that, I could have a decent conversation…

Sandos San Blas Nature Resort & Golf

When I arrived at the Sandos San Blas Nature Resort I was pleased to find an all-inclusive 5 star paradise that catered to my every whim. As much food and drink as I could consume and a very comfy room with a Jacuzzi which I did make use of during my stay. With the inconvenience of a nut allergy, I’m always a little concerned about eating from a buffet as the chance of cross contamination is fairly high and my death from a reaction can interfere with my relaxation, as I’m sure you can imagine. The staffs at the resort were amazing and took my concern seriously, even changing the menu to nut free. This was absolutely fantastic and fairly dangerous as I ate far too much. Three times a day!!! I’ve never felt so stuffed. All I could do was sleep in the sun and relax. How terrible…

Moli

On the only poor weather day we had, I escaped the resort and ventured into the small town nearby that wasn’t much to write on home about but having been away from home for nearly 24 hours I was really missing a good old British cup of tea.

Moli

Its sad but the Spanish really can’t make a decent cup of tea. Lucky for me I discovered a British run tea room that served a decent cuppa… This was turning into the perfect trip. Good food, a tea room and sunshine. What more could I ask for? Maybe a few more days…

It was certainly the best January I’ve ever had and I’d certainly recommend it over a cold and miserable Britain.

M

Moli finds Gravity…

Every year I see a fair few films, which I cast my critical eye over.  Some of these films have been reviewed on Moliblog and mainly fall into two categories, either very good or bloody terrible.  Sometimes a film comes along that stands head and shoulders above that of other films, it sets a benchmark for others to follow and to be compared against.  Gravity sets a landmark in technological filmmaking history like 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), TRON (1982) The Matrix (1999) and Avatar (2009)

Gravity

The films is shot in IMAX and 3D and is the first film in my opinion that really makes full use of these formats.  From the first shot to the last, the imagery is mind blowing and the viewer finds themselves almost part of the action like no other film has done before.  The viewer is drawn into orbit and into the story of Dr Ryan Stone played by Sandra Bullock.

Gravity

Gravity

The action starts right away and doesn’t stop with the wow factor till the last beat. Bullock’s pulls out the performance of her career and despite the appearance of George Clooney, the film is Bullock’s to deliver and she does just that.  The director Alfonso Cuarón, allows the performers to shine without being overshadowed by the action and the revolutionary special effects that were specially invented for this film.

In addition to the story of being trapped in space and fighting for survival, is the subplot of a woman still grieving for her death of her child and facing her own death.  The two shots that develop this are Ryan floating inside a space station in a the fetal position, including umbilical cord and her eventual return to earth which looked very much like a re-birth.

Gravity

I can’t find fault with the film, except that it might only be viewable in the cinema with 3D and IMAX.  I will be very interested in seeing Gravity on the small screen and comparing my experience to the one I had on the big screen, which took my breath away. Go and see one of the best films I’ve seen for years before it leaves the cinema.  Fantastic film.  FIVE STARS…

M

Moli and the TARDIS…

Those that know me well are clear that I’ve been a Doctor Who fan since I was knee high to grass hopper. When I used to play with a friend at the tender age of 5 or 6 I would play The Doctor and she would be the companion. Lots of running around the house or down the street shouting, “Doctor!!!” and pretending that the hallway was the TARDIS. However the hallway was just a boring hallway and it wasn’t bigger on the inside, no matter how much imagination we had. We even had to make the Worp Worp sound ourselves.

So can you image the feeling I got today when I visited the BBC in Cardiff and opened the doors to the real TARDIS set.

Doctor Who - Cardiff

My face beamed with delight as the door opened and I was seeing the actual console room in front of me, all lit up. It was a dream come true.

Moli & Tardis

Moli & Tardis

Doctor Who - Cardiff

Doctor Who - Cardiff

Also the sheer size of it took my breath away. I was like a kid in a sweet shop and couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate my love of this show and the 50th Anniversary. I also decided to do some running down corridors for good measure…

Doctor Who - Cardiff

I even got to say hello to a Weeping Angel and a Dalek!!!

Doctor Who - Cardiff

Doctor Who - Cardiff

Doctor Who - Cardiff

Doctor Who - Cardiff

The 6-hour drive there and back was very tiring but for me it was well worth the once in a lifetime visit.

M

 

Moli goes to Barking in Essex…

Going to the theatre is something I wish Fleur and I did more but the cost of a ticket for a major West End play in London is around the same cost as a small pacific island, which results in me making some careful choices about what I go and see.  Having seen the cast list for Barking in Essex, which stars comic and movie actor Lee Evans, Keeley Hawes (Spooks, Ashes to Ashes) and legend Sheila Hancock I thought I was onto a real winner.  The three main characters are Chav criminals with the combined IQ of 6 and all the taste in home décor to go with it. 

Barking in Essex

The character of Albi, that you never see, is about to be released from prison and is looking forward to collecting the £3m he has hidden away, which his dear mother has been looking after for him. Unfortunately, she spent it all on for herself and the other members of the family. Panic ensues along with some very bad language and lots of people being shot.

Barking in Essex

Lee Evans great comic timing is exactly what you would expect from a stadium filling stand up comic but his character is sadly under used. Keeley Hawes looks amazing as ever but her casting is a little strange for the role of the gangster’s wife who has all the taste in clothes as a big brother contestant. However, she handles the role well and I’m sure I’ve actually met women like that.

Barking in Essex

The bad language was the difficult part to handle for me. Certainly hearing the word C**t said a few times for comic effect is shocking and funny. However, the use of the word was almost constant and in the end I found myself having C**t fatigue with the shock value failing to be funny or necessary to tell the story. The laughs weren’t constant but the jokes were good and on the whole I did enjoy the play. However, it’s not the sort of play I’d take my grandmother to see.

Barking in Essex - Signed

Lee Evans - Barking in Essex

Keeley Hawes - Barking in Essex

Afterwards I was lucky enough to meet the cast which was a nice end to a great evening.

M

Moli spots a missile and gets a pain in the arse…

It’s about time I got blogging again…

I’ve recently been struggling with terrible back pain having done the most extraordinary exercise of opening a blind at home.  Ever since my car crash in 2002 my spine has been fairly weak but when it goes ping I normally get better after a few days.  However the latest painful episode just doesn’t want to heal.  Walking has been difficult and the pain really takes my breath away. 

Lower Back Pain

I decided that I needed to do something different this time and paid top dollar for a Canary Wharf based osteopath that has been able to get me walking again but with some limited range of movement.  It just seems that since passing 40 my body is taking longer to heal.  Sadly the money runs out soon and I can’t afford to continue the plan much longer.  I really hope I don’t have a relapse and end up using a walking stick full time.  Once my treatment plan is completed I intend to start swimming in the local pool, which everyone tells me will help.  Painkillers do nothing for me; so I really hope I can get pain free and maybe one day, go for a run.  I’ll take a long walk as a compromise.

As a keen photographer I sometimes get asked to take pictures and a couple of weeks ago I was asked to take shots of some warships in Victoria Dock.  The British, Swedish and South Korean Navy’s were visiting for the DSEI event, which is a defence event at Excel London. 

DSEI 2013 Naval Exhibition

DSEI 2013 Naval Exhibition

DSEI 2013 Naval Exhibition

Misslies

The bridge that spans the dock was closed for security reasons as the event has attracted demonstrators.  The bridge was opened for my exclusive access and I managed to get some pictures that nobody else could take.  A real privilege seeing the state of the art ships up close, including some new missiles for sale.

Living in London you would imagine that I’ve seen most places in the town that I love but I’d never visited the Columbia Road flower market. 

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market

It is only a narrow street in London, E2 but it is full of great character and characters from the market stall sellers to the live music.  The short strip of road has over priced and in some cases questionable art for sale in the small shops that sit behind the stalls of flowers, trees and plants.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market

I loved the atmosphere and vibe and could have wandered around for longer but it just isn’t that big.  Having arrived early I missed out on having a drink and some food at the Royal Oak pub that sits nicely in the middle of the action.   I can’t wait to go back soon…

I think that catches up on the past month,

M

Moli meets Little Scarlet…

Most people who know me know that I love Ice cream.  My freezer is normally full of HäagenDazs with flavors like Cookies and Cream, Vanilla and Dulce de leche top of the list.   It’s fairly rare for me to find something new that impresses me but that’s what happened recently.

While driving through Tiptree in Essex, I decided to pop into Wilkin & Sons for some Little Scarlet jam. The poor crop of 2012 meant the jam was fairly hard to obtain and I only managed to get a couple of jars.  However, this year it was much better and finally I was introduced to Little Scarlet Ice cream. 

 

 

Wilkin & Sons Ltd Logo

I purchased a small pot and promptly opened it on a nearby bench.  The taste was amazing and so soft and creamy with generous hit of the Little Scarlet strawberries.  I was immediately hooked and had to have more but I had no way of getting some back home before it all melted.  I asked the nice lady in the store where such a delight might be obtained in London and I was told Waitrose.  Great I thought…

Waitrose Logo

Once I got back to London and popped into my local in Canary Wharf I was disappointed to discover that it wasn’t there.  I then decided to Tweet Waitrose and ask them how and when they can get me some.  They did reply but sadly after a few exchanges of Tweets it was never going to happen.  They didn’t do it and that was that… Then the lovely people at Tiptree joined the Twitter conversation and offered to help.  I dropped them a line in reply, repeating my request to get some Little Scarlet Ice Cream and asking where I could get some…

Little Scarlet

A day later I got a call from Simon at Tiptree offering to send me 4 tubs for free.  We agreed a delivery date and they currently sit in my freezer awaiting a Moli spoon attack. 

I’m certain that other people will like it, so come on Waitrose.  Bring it back to the freezer cabinet, your missing a trick not stocking this fantastic product.

 

Thank you so much Simon for the generous gift.

 

M