Last weekend Thom and I headed to Maltby Street in SE1. Tucked away from the tourists of Borough, and far from the puppy mêlée at Broadway Market, it has a reputation as a place to make a food pilgrimage. It’s for serious foodies. Of course, that ruled us out as the target market, but we still enjoyed ducking in and out of the railway-arches-cum-food-warehouses.

There was all manner of things to buy: crumbly cheeses, oatcakes, beer made from New Zealand hops, and fresh shellfish – still wriggling about in their polystyrene coffins. My favourite was the Colombian drinking chocolate, shaved from solid bars, and stirred into warm milk. I also really liked the remanents of industry lying about too – stacks of wood, old radiators, and piles of tiles. It was certainly interesting, so if you’re game for a different Saturday morning scene, head south to Maltby Street.

While we’re waiting to move into our new flat, Thom and I have a sublet in Hackney. (Or Crackney, as I’d heard it called before I came to the UK, but I have only seen evidence of that once   late at night outside the Buddhist Centre.)

It’s not the most glamorous of areas, but what it’s got is pretty beaut. Lots of little cafes, pubs, galleries, and places to grab a classic East London fry-up. While there is a tiny glimpse of sun in the winter gloom, I love to be outdoors. My favourite places to walk include the Hackney City Farm, and the canal.

Y’know, it was the usual Saturday. Get up, make breakfast, visit a farm. Babes, pigs in the city. I love the cycle-take of a steer skull at the ranch. Next, meet the chubbiest squirrel in all of London. He was all puffed up, the size of a small cat!

Not far from the farm, Regents Canal winds through south Hackney. It’ so peaceful there, you forget you’re in the middle of a city. Until you hit Broadway Market, and the flotilla of canal boats. Lots of them have been converted into sweet little floating shops – a vintage store , a café, a bookshop. Lovely.

Right, off to go deal with Christmas madness. Only a week to go!

Some bonus photos from November. Things I learned: East London can be a vampire. Brussels is naught as boring as people say. But you need to wrap up warm.
November felt like a really busy, stressful month, but compared to December so far, it was a doddle.

October.

The changing leaves.
Finding the perfect snood.
Expired film.
Drinking wine with Hemi and Thom.
Carving my mini pumpkin.
Exploring my neighbourhood. (Discovering Vietnamese food!)
Cask ales and candlelight.
Bike rides on crisp mornings.

I have always wondered why some people are utterly in love with Autumn but it all makes sense in a colder climate.

Despite the calendar telling me it’s winter, I can’t quite believe it yet… There’s too much warm sunshine and colour everywhere. So what to do on a clear Sunday afternoon, with not much money and tummies full from breakfast galettes? The answer is walk, from the top of town to the bottom, from head to toe; peering in shiny windows packed with merchandise, and people watch, until the sun sets over the port.

I have been indulging in the convenience of my camera-phone of late. Food, animals, gigs – these are the things I seem to love the most.

Delicious cafe treats from Federal & Wolfe, the view from my new living room, coffee from Revel; a daily pleasure, a heart-stoppingly cute puppy.

A Spanish feast lovingly made by Thom, sunset on Cross Street, a building named Brooklyn in Auckland, a glittering Kelis at Splore City.

Valentine’s Day graffiti, The Ocean Floor playing outside in the heat of the night, Bitchin’ Bingo, Amber the butterfly & Niko the octopus.

My delightful family, fun, good food, and a sunny day with a warm breeze. All I ever wanted for Christmas… Wishing you the happiest of holidays my friends, however you may be spending them!

]]> http://www.codeforsomething.com/2010/12/photographic-evidence-christmas-2010/feed/ 2 http://www.codeforsomething.com/2010/12/chain-chain-chain/ http://www.codeforsomething.com/2010/12/chain-chain-chain/#comments Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:22:30 +0000 Amber http://www.codeforsomething.com/?p=12029

Chains on the brain… These three photos were taken consecutively on my camera.

On the way back from Wellington we headed west to Wanganui and spent a night at Monica’s Mum’s farm. The place is magic. After just a couple of hours there, waves of relaxation (and wine) were washing over me and I felt ‘wholesome’.

One of eight feathered friends, running free around the place.

Good work, hens.

Know your soil pH – these are base.

Sheep! And if a farm has sheep, it must need a… wool shed:

This one is not currently in use, but it has aspirations of becoming a bar and dance floor for a summer wedding. Cleaned out and smothered with fairy lights, I think it’s going to be gorgeous. (Monica has more photos of the wool shed.)

Monica and I packed up the car and headed down to Wellington last weekend. Driving down from Auckland is a lovely way to see the country, and the rewards are worth it. Fidel’s, Sweet Mother’s Kitchen, Mighty Mighty, Duke Carvell’s, San Francisco Bath House, Satay Kingdom…  It seemed like we were navigating the city according to our next calorie hit. Here’s a few photos:

The view from Mount Victoria! We had takeaway coffees and it was super windy.

An art laden alley in the CBD.

The wall of kisses. Every guest to this bedroom who has a pair of lips must contribute. My smooch is top centre-right.

D-Rad at SFBH – so much dancing. Download the new album here.

We had breakfast at Fidel’s – two days in a row!

Monica snapping some street art.

A calm spot on Oriental Parade, by the boatsheds.

On our way to Wanganui – bye Welly, you were great.