Cafe Nero, London

Its 9.30am. I took a cab from Crowne Plaza at 7.30am to Gatwick airport. I had a few things to settle at the airport so I figured there was no harm going early. Unfortunately, my barcode on my boarding pass was not accepted to go through security to the departure hall because "I was too early for my flight". That was what appeared on the screen when I seeked assistance from a staff. He had a good laugh too because that was the first time he saw that statement. He even asked his colleague, "Have you ever seen that before?" Lol

So here I am sitting at Cafe Nero with another cup of hot chocolate. I seem to detest the concept at most coffee shops in UK where the price to sit-in is always more expensive than take- aways. The price difference was always just 10p or 20p. Is it necessary?

Nevertheless, after having my first hot chocolate from Cafe Nero at Crawley yesterday, I must say it is quite good. I do not drink coffeee hence hot chocolate was the next best thing. I have tried plenty of hot chocolate drinks around UK. I can now say Pret A Manger and Cafe Nero do serve the best hot chocolate.

Yesterday I had Cafe Nero's hot chocolate and fruit scones. Pretty decent stuff, both of it. Always makes my day after a satisfying and tasty meal :)

Now finding things to kill time.

No laptop with me.

Just my iphone which I have to use wisely to try to save battery. Iphone battery does drain quickly! 

Euromillion

The Euromillion lottery ticket I bought after getting my results make me win 2.90pounds! That day was lucky indeed :)

Giggling Squid Thai Restaurant at Crawley

I took a train down to London Kings Cross and was bound for Crawley. Upon checking in into the Crowne Plaza, it was swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room time! I haven't done any of those in a year! It was not easy to do laps without goggles though. Two small kids ended up chatting and playin with me in the water. They did not want to leave the pool eventhough their mum was calling them lol I had to 'swim' the kids to their mum standing near the pool. Then I met them at the dressing room again and the little girl says:

"I have a joke for you"

What is it?

"What is pink and hot?"

Uhm I do not know. Is it you?

"No, its a pig!"

Why is the pig hot?

"Because its summer!!"

Lolxx

Dinner was at Giggling Squid, a tapas and Thai Restaurant. Crawley's High Street has these amazing row of restaurants. I love Giggling Squid's decoration! Its all wood from the flooring to the tables, the walls and the ceiling.

The tables were tastefully set up with cutleries and purple napkins. Looked good to me :)

The staff were real Thai people so imagine how authentic the service and food was :):)

Drinks we had

Jack and coke

Lemonade martini: tasted more like just lemonade.

Food we ordered:

STARTERS:

1. Crispy duck spring roll - Coming down to London I always craved for duck. The spring rolls were very good. It came with a side of hoisin sauce too.

2. Vegetable tempura - Lightly battered and deep fried brocolli, onions, sweet potato and something else. It tasted really delicious too.

Mains:

1. Morning glory - a vegetable

2. Coconut rice

3. Jasmine rice with Seafood Tomyam

4. Pad Thai

Food portion was pretty satisfying. From Trip Advisor, a reviewer wrote, "The best Thai food I have ever tasted." I couldn't agree more, at least in the UK!

It was a good day. It ended with a view of the sunset from my window.

Goodbye Glasgow - London bound :)

Finally

Finished with my mission in Glasgow.... 

:)

 Feels surreal!

Calls for some pizza and magnum ice cream AND a Euromillion lottery ticket!

Celtic Park and Emirates Arena

My friend and I took a one hour walk to Emirates Arena and Celtic Park. Both were located opposite each other. Both were mightily impressive. It felt like we were in another world where everything was just so gigantic and spacious unlike the cramp Central Glasgow.

It seemed crazy to walk one hour. Truthfully, before the day came, we were both torn between making the trip or not because it was a long journey. Alas, we did it with no regrets. Along the way we passed by Forge Retail Park and Forge shopping centre. It would not have been something we would have ever seen if it was not for us walking on foot! Forge Retail Park was the place to buy cheap branded clothes. There was also Poundworld there which sold more things than Poundland. Next shop was also having clearance. The downside to Next shop was that there were no dressing rooms and we were suppose to try it on at home and return it to the nearest Next shop if we didnt like it. 

Forge Shopping Centre reminded us of Sungei Wang or Summit USJ. We just walked through. Nothing much. There was an Asda there. 

Zzzz sleepy

Amore Pizzeria, Ingram Street, Glasgow

Another night out for pizzas and I only realised for the frst time that Ingram St had quite a number of Italian restaurants. How is it that we sometimes do not explore the interesting things located closest to us??

A quick walk through Ingram St and we settled for Amore Pizzeria. It was a warm and beautiful summer's night.

Interior of Amore was pretty and cozy! We were snapping photographs and the waiter jokingly said, "We charge for taking phtographs" and another one joined in saying, "Its true." That was how friendly the staff were :)

Comparing the pizza to Barolo Grill's one, I would still recommend Barolo's . For starters at Amore we had breaded mushroom which were quite plain tasting. I must say I preferred Aldi's breaded mushroom more.

For our mains, we ordered pizza margherita and pizza pepperoni.

 Amore's pizza had the thick crust which was tough to eat and the pizza was not nice already when it was cold. Furthermore, the pizzas was too salty for my friend and I. It was hard to finish it without downing with loads of water.

On the bright side, the pizzas were stonebaked and it was not oily. Besides that, the pizza portion was so big that I decided to not eat the crust!

We then shared a tiramisu for dessert.

Tiramisu was so good it made me feel very happy after eating it! Now I would recommend that!!

The bill came with lollipops. Tasted not good. Would have preferred a mint sweet.

The verdict: Starters and Pizza no. Will try other dishes next time. Dessert yes.