A weekend away to Oldham, Manchester
One of my favourite things to do, when discovering a new place is to try the local spots for food and drinks. Oldham isn't any different, in fact, this small area of Greater Manchester can offer you a wide range of entertainment if you are visiting just for the weekend. A lot of places to sit down and break from the unusually strong sun for the city and if you are more of action type of person.
This is my second time visiting Manchester area but this time it was more about having fun outdoors and experiencing the Northern heat (not what I expected really). Also, the journey time takes most of my energy anyway. The average duration between Southampton and Manchester on the motorway is around 4 hours and 30 minutes. I am being generous as this depends on the traffic and Along with two of my South African friends, I had the opportunity to wander around some fantastic places and here are the previews as well.
Saturday, 30th June
After a delicious braai (the Afrikaans word for Barbeque) last night and some sleep, we headed out for the local lake, which includes an activity centre and various mini shops and dining places you can enjoy with or without your friends. Still feeling somewhat food from last night, I was very keen on tasting some of the delicious meals this area had to offer and after some well spent time on the beach, we were on our way to feed our growing appetite.
From the shades of Hollingworth Lake
On another note, parking is a big problem in this part of the city, especially if the weather is this good and you are heading to find a space in such a social area. Nevertheless, my friend Monica, who lives around, has already looked at the possible options and not long after we took a parking ticket.
A street view in Littleborough, Rochdale
The choice of the place wasn't difficult at all - we wanted something in the shade with a view over the lake and freshly prepared food. The Olive and Pickle's food menu was tasty and very affordable for where it's located. Just to clarify, while at it, I love photographing food and being able to go on such journeys allows me to explore my creative side with my phone in hand. Don't forget that creativity is a state of mind, not what gear you have with you. Plus, being such a 'Come Dine with Me' fan, I am always looking for the next big recipe I can use to lure my friends over. Don't be afraid to try new things - this is the fun part of being able to learn and test new ideas.
Chicken bites with halloumi fries with coleslaw and fresh salad
A quick meal and we are out again. Fed and ready for a snooze, we had to get going or our day would have been much shorter. The most logical move was to go for a walk somewhere where we haven't been before - the Tandle Hill park. As with any other open space this weekend, the park was full of people trying to enjoy the sun with few ball games and snacks. Exploring the forest nearby was so refreshing as it allows me to escape from the city life and find more time for myself. The rest of the day was quality conversations and afternoon sleeps! Glad I can do that every now and then as it really helps me catch on my Z's and feel more energetic.
Tandle Hill view
Sunday, 1st July
The weekend pas very quickly but it was the right thing to do and I cannot say how much it made me smile. Our host Monica made the most incredible lunch for us before we had to get back on the road. If you haven't tried South African food, don't miss the chance if you ever get to. Freshly home-made food prepared and served with such hospitality. Look at that yummy portion!
Monica's home-made lunch
Doing these little breaks is so important when it comes to creativity and most importantly to be able to feel happy with yourself. As a photographer, I need to feel inspired in order to keep doing the work I do with so much love and energy. It is essential that I let every little thing help me. Inspiration and ideas come from everything and anything... As a person, I am always looking for something to change my life and let me look through a different perspective: experiences and people are the two main categories.
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