LAL QUILA: Rusholme

Typical Manchunian foods comprise sausages, tea, coffee, breads, salads and the lot, quite different from what I am used to.But, as they say Indians or Indian culture is everywhere, it did not take me too long to find out about Rusholme and Cheetham Hill. In Cheetham Hill, mostly Indian supermarkets are present where at times we go and buy groceries, but in Rusholme Indian restaurants are present.What more, you can even get Indian sweets (mishti) here. Alright, let me start from the beginning. . . . . . . . 

RUSHOLME

Having got wet in the rain (not so willingly this time) I had caught a cold and was on a self proclaimed house arrest throughout New Year's Day. Thus, when I felt better (read recovered) on the First of Jan, we decided to go out for lunch to Rusholme. Rusholme can be reached via Piccadilly (Buses 42,43 mostly). Once in Rusholme, you get to choose from a wide variety of restaurants where you want to dine. I had already been here once before, so, we decided to try a different restaurant than from the last time. So, Lal Quila it was!

Now Lal Quila is a Hindi word which means Red Fort (which reminded me of the Red Fort, Delhi). This restaurant is best for non-vegetarians (although vegetarian dishes are also available) and for those who like spicy food. From Chicken Tandoor (Indian style of barbequed chicken) to Naan, Salads, Papad, Kebabs everything is available. So, if you want to relive Indian taste in Manchester this place is where you should come. 

INDIAN SWEETS

After lunch, we proceeded to buy some Indian Sweets from a nearby shop. On the way I saw an amazing Ice-Cream parlor called Gelatos. Yes I was suffering from a cold and had to restrict myself . . . . . but not for long! I plan to come here soon enough. Moving on to the Indian sweets, there were more varieties than you could count on your fingertips. From Rasgollas and  Gajar Ka Halwa to  Petha, Samosa, Nimkis and Kaju Barfi - everyting is available. It is possible to sit comfortably in the shops and try out some of the sweets or you can pack them up and take it home as well. 

Most important of all, this place is has highly ressonable rates of food throughout and thus I strongly recommend all my friends to visit this place once and get the feel of Indian Food. 

NORTHERN QUARTERS: OKLAHOMA

Northern Quarters is an amazing place in Manchester. It spans around a large area and hosts lots of pubs, cultural centres, shops and other little artistics places which I have not found out about yet. I have personally been to the Northern Quarters many times, but have not really explored the place a lot. However, on my first few visits to the place, on High Street , a certain shop has caught my attention. This shop is called the Oklahoma. The cute penguin welcoming its guest inside the shop is what intrigued me the most. after having crossed the shop on many occassions, I finally made up my mind one day to enter and check it out.

At first glance, the dimly lit light of the shop, which provided an impetus for the displayed lampshades to glow more brightly struck me. The shop has lots of gift items at reasonable prices that you can buy as souveniers. From lampshades to lights; cards to post cards; soft toys; trinkets and stoles; and many more items that would attract someone with an artistic taste.

I am personally neither attracted towards interior designing nor an I a great fan of art; but I could not stop myself from appreciating the shop. Right from its decor and ambience , to the quality of the stuff that it sells and customer service all appeased me to quite an extent. I even bought some really funky postcards to add to my ever expanding post card collections. I intend to go there again preferably before I leave so that I can get some cool stuffs for friends back home.

Oklahoma also has a cafe which I have never been to, but it is on my bucket list. I would definately post on the Cafe when I go there. If any of you want to visit Oklahoma, The details are below.

Where? : High Street, City Centre M4 1ES
When?: For Christmas the times have changed to incorporate longer hours. But mostly it is open on all day from around 9-10 AM to 6-8 PM.
Queries?: You can also get further information on Oklahoma by visiting their website at  http://www.oklahomacafe.co.uk/contact/

Signing off with a photograph of some of the items I purchased from there.

 

POSTCARDS THAT I BOUGHT

SIGHTS OF MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2015

Christmas in Manchester had begun last month with the Christmas Lights Switch On about which I had earlier written on http://goo.gl/obNri9. This post highlights some of the scenes that I managed to capture in the Christmas Markets. When I wrote my last post, the markets were just being put up, but now when I write, the markets are fully functioning and people manage to find some time off from their busy schedules to visit these markets. Saturday and Sunday sees an abundance of crowd in the City Council and other adjoining areas where these makeshift markets and temporary pubs have been put up. Come rain or hail, nothing dampens the christmas spirits among the people. The markets itself cover a huge area and one needs maps to navigate if they are new to the city (like me). This is what a Christmas Market map looks like.

MARKET MAP

Let me be very honest, I have not been able to cover all the places myself. But Manchester Arndale, Deansgate and City Council have been thoroughly covered by me (not once but twice). These markets are a sensual appeal to any onlooker. From myriad hues of red, green, silver, golden, white and  pink which adorn the chirstmas trees as decors; to little brown huts which act as stalls for these markets are all appeasing to the eye. In fact, if you choose to stand in any spot and smell the surroundings, a mixture of the smoky flavour of hot sausages, savoury flaours of rainbow coloured macaroons, mulled wine and german beer hits your senses. You can hear people advertising their products, buying and selling, children requesting their parents for a certain special christmas gift and various musical instruments being played in the background.

CITY COUNCIL MARKETS

Come evening and the lights are switched on. These lights give a special feeling to the Christmas Markets. The whole area is decorated with rows of lights wrapped beautifully around the hut sheds and trees. A bunch of hanging lights also dangle from the tree branches.

There are stalls selling various things in the markets. From Fudge to macaroons; from cakes and baked breads to cheese; from drinks to special pulled pork sandwiches and mini pancakes; from christmas trees and decors to gifting items- all are found in these markets.

FUR LAMA

ANYBODY WANTS PIXIE DUST??

SNOWY, THE SNOW WHITE REINDEER

FUDGE

SAY CHEESE. . . . 

ANYONE LOVES GARDENING?

SAUSAGES 

DREAM CATCHERS 

I have not been able to make a video of the markets, but I found this video which would give you a LIVE idea of these markets .

Every time I come to these Markets, I spot something which I had not seen the last time. With so many things happening at the same time and so many sights to capture, one or two visits are not sufficient enough for these markets. I would come back with another post sooner which would highlight other parts of the markets which have been yet undiscovered by me. 

Happy Christmas in Advance ! 

THE ARTISTIC HUES OF SALFORD

SALFORD MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

Salford Museum and Art Gallery was on my list for a very long time. Situated right beside one of the College campuses, it should have been the first place that I ever visited. But it was not so. I have seen that what is closer to us is probably the last place to be visited. Though this was not the last place to be visited per say, it was however after scheduling and rescheduling this visit for over two months that I finally got a chance to see it. Being an Art Gallery one must keep in mind that photography is restricted. Even though here, museums and galleries do not impose strict restrictions on taking photographs, my principles forbade me to take photographs inside the gallery. I have however attached photographs from the museum.

The museum is a beautifully conceptualised piece of art in itself. It is a street complete with lampposts, birds, shops and houses. The museum depicts an evening scene of a street in an era gone by. At the door everyone is welcomed with clothes of the bygone era which they can put on and click photographs of themselves. On entering the street you would be welcomed by a shoe makers shop on your left and a candy shop on your right. Going further in, the street houses a blacksmith shop, a bakery, some antiquely designed drawing rooms of the elite and middle class households, a jewllery shop, a print machine, a toy shop and carriages. This entire part has no restrictions on photography and I have managed to get quite a few captures from this area.

CANDY SHOP

TOY SHOP

AN INTERIOR OF A HOUSE

A BAKERY-ISH DECOR

A DINING ROOM

A SHOE-SHOP

Next is the Victorian Gallery which houses some beautiful oil paintings from the Victorian era. In fact, one particular painting caught my attention. It was of Peel Park just beside my University Campus. The painting was from a time when only the park existed and there was no sign of any houses nearby. The painting depicted the visit of the Queen and the Prince to Peel Park. The Victorian Gallery also housed many sculptures.

The North Gallery on the other hand had an exhibition going on.

To commemorate the centenary of the Great War, there was also an exhibition about the War. The life and times of people on the warfront and in households, hospitals etc. The postcards and messages the soldiers sent back home were also displayed. The places they lived in, the food they ate – all have vivid mentions in the exhibition. Lastly, there was a Wall of Remembrance where people wrote little messages in memory of their near and dear ones who served in the War.

The Salford Museum and Art Gallery also hosts a gift shop and a café in the ground floor where you can sit over a cup of coffee and admire the interiors, think about purchasing some art souvenirs or postcards, or simply have a conversation about art with like minded people.

This Museum and Art Gallery was indeed very beautiful. In fact they have started a project of digitising over 8000 photographs from yesteryears. These memories would have been lost if they were only in print; thus, the need to digitally document and restore them wherever necessary in order to remember the rich heritage and culture of the place was necessary. I was truly impressed by the Gallery on the whole but specially by the Museum. Maybe someday I would go back again and try to take some more photographs of the museum!

Signing off until next time !

A DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM

CITY COUNCIL COMES ALIVE WITH THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

7^th November 2015 saw a gathering of  thousands of people around Albert Square in the Manchester City Council to welcome the Season of Christmas by sharing the fun of lighting the Santa, followed by an amazing display of fireworks. My friends and I went there too and it was an experience worth remembering. I decided to walk up to the city council as it is not far from my apartment. Moreover I could peacefully take some snaps on the way (which I did).

LIGHTING UP THE STREETS

A DISPLAY ON THE STREETS

 When I reached the venue, Albert Square in the City Council there was a huge crowd (I had no idea that in some time the crowd would multiply even more). Everybody waited patiently in the queue to be let in. There was a stage built up where music was being played. The enter premise was being managed by professional event managers. After some time it started raining and quite heavily! While I waited for my friends I saw many umbrellas being blown away in the windy ambience. But the rain did not dampen the spirits of the people.

SANTA WAITING TO BE LIT UP

LIGHTS 

PEOPLE ENJOYING THEMSELVES

On the arrival of my friends, we realised we had almost two hours to kill before the lights were lit so we decided to take a little detour to grab a quick bite. When we arrived after our quick bite the crowd had multiplied to almost thousands of people. Everyone waited patiently for the lights. Children came with their parents and after waiting for a long time climbed onto the backs of their fathers. Friends were waiting for members of their gang to join them. But such was the crowd that they had to lift up umbrellas and glowing sparklers to indicate where they were in that multitude. Interestingly enough, there were many lights up at the same time and some poor fellows travelled from one indicator to the other in order to reunite with their friends.

KIDS CLIMBING ON THEIR PARENTS BACK

Exactly at 7:59:50 by the City Council Clock the countdown began 10….9…..5…..4….3…2….1 and the big Santa was lit up to all its glory. The fireworks which started then lasted for a good ten minutes. All around me cameras and mobile phones were recording the elegant display of fireworks.

LIGHTING UP THE BIG SANTA

FIREWORKS

FIREWORKS

LIGHTING UP THE SKY

 After the fireworks, the crowd started thinning out. But the festive season is far from over. This was the start of a month and a half long preparation for Christmas. The pubs had to work harder to serve many of those who came to witness the spectacular visual display and decided to stay back and have dinner. Christmas markets are being prepared which would open from the 14^th of November. These Christmas markets are world famous and I would definitely visit them and let you know how they are in the days to come.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE MAKING

VENUE AFTER THE LIGHTS WERE LIT 

TRAFFORD CENTRE: A SHOPPER’S PARADISE AND A CULINARY ROLLERCOASTER

Sundays are city exploring days for me. So, every Sunday (mostly every Sunday) I go out with my best friend (Canon 1100D) and try to explore a new corner of the city. One such adventure led me to the Trafford Centre, one of the famous shopping arenas of this city. Trafford Centre is well connected via bus to all parts of the city and most places have direct buses plying to this beautiful shopping arena.

ON MY WAY TO TRAFFORD CENTRE

VIEW OF THE CAR PARK FROM THE BALCONY

 Once you enter the Trafford centre, if you do not have a map to navigate your whereabouts, you would surely get lost. With most of the big brands having a shop there, you are bound to find ‘River Island’, ‘Debenhams’ , ‘Primark’ , ‘Calvin Klein’, ‘Fraser Hart’,’ Hotel chocolat.’ and many more,  all under one roof.  Children can have some fun in the opportunities available in LegoLand and SeaLand.

But the main attraction is the food court. The concept of constructing such a beautiful food court is very different from what I have ever seen in my life before. Though there are many places where Street food, Indian food, Italian food American food, Chinese and Thai specialities are found in the same place, it is indeed unique that the Trafford Centre food court has gone a step further and even managed to create an ambience which transports you right back to the type of food you are eating. Dragons and warrior men greet you on the way to the mini China Town and Thai food corner. American street food is mostly lined with rows of pub like buildings with the New Orleans Jazz band greeting you at the entrance. Apart from the food here, people are attracted to the ambience of the place and leave no opportunities to be clicked in their favourite ambience. The New Orleans Jazz band particularly attracts a lot of audience who prefer clicking selfies or groupfies with them.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND

ENTRANCE TO THE FOOD COURT 

CHINATOWN

 If you happen to look for low budget eateries like Subway, McDonalds and KFC do not be disheartened. Amidst this wide array of sophisticated restaurants and bars, our very own favourite food hubs are also present and guess where – on a ship. With so many different and unique options to choose from, your taste buds are bound to enjoy this culinary experience.

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE FOOD COURT

 If you are looking for some exciting ice-creams, snacks, juices or simply a cup of coffee to help yourselves to, then ‘360 Champagne and cocktails’, ‘Ambar’ ,’Boost Juice Bars’ , ‘Barburrito’, ‘Bradwell Ice Cream Carts’  and ‘Costa Coffee’ are ideal for you.

It would definitely take you a lot of time to see the Trafford Centre. Thus it is better to keep one entire day free to roam around the arena and indulge into the secret wishes of the shopaholic within you; and of course it would be a sin to not eat in the food courts here.

Signing off with some sights of Trafford Centre. . . . . 

 GATEWAY TO THE STAIRS

 STATUES 

FOUNTAINS

EGYPTIAN DECOR