Scones

Home made scones are a simple English tea time treat and are usually accompanied with cream and jam. Depending on how you like your scones you can add dry fruits or just have them plain.

To make you will need:

• 225/8oz self raising flour
• pinch of salt 
• 55g/2oz butter
• 25g/10oz caster sugar
• 150ml/5fl oz milk 
• 1 egg beaten with a drop of milk to glaze

1. Heat the oven to 220oc/425F/Gas7 and lightly grease a baking sheet 

2. Mix together the flour and salt and rub in the butter until it begins to resemble bread crumbs

3. Next stir in the sugar and create a well in the middle of the flour and add in the milk mixing in from the edge into the centre until everything is combined 

4. On a clean surface add some flour and knead the dough lightly into a round ball and pat down lightly till about 2cm3/4 thick.

5. Using a cutter stamp out your scones and place on the baking tray to bake for 12-15mins until risen and golden 

Once ready leave on a wired rack to cool

Serve with some cream and jam

Thailand

Sawadika !!

As I mentioned in my last post I went on holiday this summer to Thailand and Malaysia then finally had a day stop over in Abu Dhabi. So yes it definitely has been a jammed packed summer and it feels weird being back in London having almost nothing to do. Unfortunately my phone got stolen in Malaysia and my laptop died in Amsterdam so I lost my pictures but I do have a few that hopefully capture my time away.

So first stop Thailand... wow it was one hell of a journey but worth it. I left Amsterdam on the night of the 13th June and arrived in Bangkok welcomed by the humid air in the late afternoon of the 14th June. Bangkok was a holiday with an experience! I tried so many new things while there, although the food was a hit and miss at times. We travelled around to most places in the notorious 'Tuk Tuk' which took us from A-Z in minutes. It was cheap, affordable and safe most times.. the only turn off was the various stops the drivers made in which we had to parade in stores looking like interested customers so they could get free tokens for petrol.

Tuk-Tuk

Now being an ethnic minority in Thailand, something which I had not understood the extent of until arriving, is that your exactly that... a 'minority' and immediately the centre stage of attention. Everyone either stares, wants to take a picture or calls you names freely ... Obama, Shakira, Beyonce just to name a few. One of my friends I travelled with lived in China for a year so she was pretty used to this and warned us that this was very usual.  So if your black like myself be prepared.

Food

 I  had some very tasty and some rather unusual dishes while in Thailand . I've been told that I have a belly of an ox and to be honest I can stomach 'almost' anything. One thing that is definitely a delicacy in Bangkok is bugs or scorpions or any other crawling thing they can find... there sold in most markets with pictures prohibited unless your willing to jump the wagon and have a go . So me and my friend decided to do exactly that and have a go. I must say the taste was absolutely horrid we were too scared to try the scorpions so we opted for the small bugs.. Was it worth it ? Yh why not .. would I do it again ? No lol but if you do happen to visit do try some, but have a drink ready at hand.

King Prawn Pad Thai

Green Curry

Soul Food - Chicken wings

Soul Food-  Rice and ribs - the ribs were so tender and fell nicely off the bone

Scorpions

Our facial expression says it all 

Places to visit

Temples

While in Thailand we predominantly stayed in Bangkok which is the capital city. This side of the holiday was therefore not a beach holiday but more what I'd like to call 'exploring Bangkok'. One of the key sites to visit in Bangkok is one of the many Buddhist temples.

Floating Market

Before arriving in Thailand I was very certain that I wanted to visit the floating market and I'm happy I did. The floating market in Thailand is a historical representation of how Thai people used to sell vegetables, fruit etc off small wooden boats. Today it remains largely as a tourist attraction where you can buy food, souvenirs  and explore Thailand by river.

Elephant trekking 

So when we arrived at the floating market we were sold a package that allowed us to go elephant trekking as well. At first I was excited because this was my first time ever going on an elephant or even being up so close. However, once we got on the elephant it became apparent that the elephants weren't treated very well and were forced to stay on track or were beaten with a weapon that sort of looked like an ax.. yes  I hear you say ouch.. The poor elephant screeched out each time and I felt bad that I was sitting on its back and forcing it to go through this. It was definitely an experience and I think I can live with having tried it once.

Sukhumvit

For a night out one of the places to definitely visit is Sukhumvit. Its full of shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs and reminded me of London's West end. We came here on two nights and did have a good time. Its perfect for a night out or just to shop. There are loads of one off boutiques with lovely items and at decent prices too.

Outside bar

khao san Road

If you happen to visit Bangkok one of the places I'll advice to visit is Khao san road also know as the 'oasis for backpackers'. If your looking for a cheap hotel there are loads on offer here! There are restaurants, bars and open markets to also visit great for souvenirs and authentic Thai products.

All in all I really enjoyed my stay in Thailand. A great experience for my first taste of Asia.