Thailand on a shoestring - Northern Thailand & Hill tribe Trek

As part of my travels to the land down under, Thailand was on the list. The Gadventures trip "Thailand on a shoestring" stood out to me, with 16 days of travel from Bangkok to the north, Chiang Mai, a hill tribe trek, then down to the islands in the south with a group of no more than 16 people.

Arriving in Bangkok was a little intimidating, after heavy travel I just wanted my bed so stuck to the hotel restaurant rather than exploring. All the Thailand Gadventures trips start from the Bangkok Centre Hotel, located close to the main train station. The hotel was more than I expected with reasonably priced food, clean, decent sized rooms, a pool and free wifi.

Can't beat a bit of meat - Reds True BBQ, Leeds

Reds True BBQ popped up in Leeds at the beginning of 2012 providing a giant slab of meat on the doorstep of Call Lane, right in the city centre.

A haven for meat lovers, their slogan "low and slow" gives an idea of just how you're getting your meat. Having started working in Leeds again this spring, I was drawn to Red's after Channel 4's Sunday Brunch Chef Simon Rimmer said he was heading their for a meeting and asked for recommendations on Twitter.

Dance 'til the cows come home - Farm Fest 2013

26 - 27 July 2013 saw the return of Farm Festival in Somerset which started 8 years ago with a group of friends bringing people together for a great time. Focusing on what they wanted out of a festival rather than media hype and high ticket prices, Farm Festival has grown from a few friends on a farm to an amazing 4500 people this year.

Ariba! Ariba! Mexican street food... in the centre of Leeds

Three months off... tres naughty!

However lots of coming posts full of delicious treats and feasts for the eyes, from restaurants, to bars to festivals with plenty of recommendations in various different cities.

Having shuffled back over to the epicentre of West Yorkshire to a new job in Leeds, I arrived at the same time as the new Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre (how convenient).

I'm swiftly working my way round all the brand new eateries and cocktail caves but after a lovely few weeks of actual Summer sunshine headed to Cielo Blanco, a Mexican restaurant on the top floor of the centre.

Mrs Atha's - lots of Leeds love for my new local

As many may know I'm partial to a spot of tea or coffee and cake every now and again... ok more than now and again.

Having recently joined a super cool (I realise this sounds cheesy) company in Leeds four weeks ago, my commute has changed from Sheffield to my old stomping ground in Leeds.

I'm not 100% how I came across Mrs Atha's but I'm certainly glad I did. The decor is semi industrial with my favourite interior elements of a brick wall or three, high ceilings and metal beams.

Started makin' trouble in my Neighbourhood - bringing New York to Manchester.

Whilst over in Manchester for the Jessie Ware gig, I took the opportunity to have lunch with my very good friend. We've been to cute and kitsch cafe come restaurants like Home Sweet Home/Jack Spratts/Common and loved them, but wanted to check out somewhere different.

My friend recommended Oast House or Neighbourhood in Spinningfields. It was a toughy when I'd checked out both of the menus but we went for Neighbourhood, mainly because I saw Lobster on the menu! (Next time Oast House!)

Fresh Lobsters at Neighbourhood

This... is.... happening!

There are only a small amount of words to this post, but the balance is paid, the line up is out and GLASTONBURY 2013 is happening!

More on this come July 2013, feel the excitement!