KING'S SPEECH

I finally saw one of the most-talked about films of the year- The King's Speech. I read about all the hype and heard all the yapping by movie boffs. This made me curious to see if the film lived up to the superlative labels such "most amazing spectacular film ever made in the history of man/womankind." (OK, I made that bit up!).

Well, it did not disappoint as it was a mind-blowing, riveting, cinematic masterpiece which was emotional at times. Have to admit that I needed a hankie during some tear jerking scenes.

Colin Firth was first class as the stammering reluctant King George VI who has therapy to overcome his speech impediment. In fact ALL the actors gave five star performances.

Definitely worth the £9 cinema ticket.

FISH

Over a hundred fish swim around a tank before feeding on their latest snack- a pair of feet. No, this is not a David Attenborough documentary gone wrong but the latest pampering craze to swamp health and beauty spas. My friend Jem was telling me that she went to try this treatment which involved dunking her feet in a tank filled with Garra rufa fish which nibbled away dead skin. She said that it was a "lovely sensation" and was so pleased with the result- baby soft feet. She suffered from rough skin on her feet. But the fishes had a nibbled away enough skin leaving it flawless.
I was tempted to nip down to the nearest spa for this type of feet pedicure until I heard that environment chiefs were carping on (boom! boom!) about possible health hazards.
The Health Protection Agency have said that it could spread infections through open wounds. Some US states have banned it because of 'elf and safety fears.
Fish spa pedicures sees the same fish clean the skin of multiple customers. I guess I'll hold on to my pennies until more evidence is uncovered. After all, fancy entering a fish spa having dry, chapped feet and leaving with an infection- yuck!!

BIG SOCIETY

A world where post offices, libraries and transport services would run like a well-oiled machine, lovingly tendered by charities and voluntary groups may seem like a pipe dream. But if Dave Cameron got his way it could be a reality. The Big Society has been hailed by Dave as "a big advance for people power". But the question is, will this utopian idea work? While the economy slowly recovers from an almighty battering beyond recognition, the Big Society would evolve and take shape.

The concept would see the Government allow dormant bank and building societies enable charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups run public services. All courtesy of the Big Society Bank.

Other initiatives would involve a whip round (well in the grandest sense) to buy a pub, volunteers being in charge running museums and the transfer of power to residentsover council spending.

Plenty of people (including moi) would love to give up more of their time to volunteer and help out worthy causes. But like countless others, I face the worry of making enough to pay endless food and household bills, not forgetting keeping a lid on debt.

Some souls would cry- "for goodness sake, people are just too selfish to volunteer. They need to stop moaning and get off their lazy bums." But they forget the old adage: "time is money, money is time."

Hundreds of libraries face closure due to cuts. This is a shame really as having the luxury of borrowing a pile of books should be accessible to all. I have just fallen back in love with reading and have 2 books on the go. Eat, Pray, Love was the Monday morning commute book of choice. Gosh, reading it makes me so inspired to read more, definately write more and to travel to far flung places. I guess a girl could dream I suppose at the mo. I would really be sad if the libraries in my neck of the woods closed. They are so convenient and have an impressive haul of books.

Anyway, back on the concept of the Big Society, more volunteers is a nice idea but there is the matter of public funds being squeezed. Where is the money going to come from? Pretty much every charity needs experts and guess what, they are in fact PAID!

Mum told me on the phone yesterday, that the idea of volunteers at the mo as people are trying to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads. And another thing, she said was jobless people do not want to volunteer, they just want a job and get paid. And she also believed that how can the Big Society work at the same time the Government is "robbing Peter to pay Paul". Amen.

UNISON general secretary David Prentis summed it up nicely. He told the BBC that volunteers are being used as a cut price alternative to the provision of government services. But time will tell if the Big Society is a fudge for making cuts left, right, centre, top, middle and bottom.

VOLCANIC ASH CLOUD

The overhanging information board at White City flashed: "If you are travelling to Heathrow please ensure that you check your flights which is subject to delay/cancellation."



"Hmmm, air cabin crew going on strike again?" I wondered. Wrong. It turns out that a volcano had began to erupt, sending big plumes of ash in to the sky.



If the debris flows in to the engine of a passing plane, it would cause it to malfunction. When that happens at a zillion thousand feet, the fallout (excuse the pun) would be disastrous.



Thankfully, Air traffic control did the sensible thing and banned all flights leaving UK airports.



However, it never ceases to amaze me on the level of stupidity of people who thought the airlines "were over-reacting.



One fool said: "I can't see anything when I look up in to the sky. I can't see what the fuss is about."



On that bombshell, as long as they can get home, then the airline will most probably fly them and their passengers to death. Wonders never cease, eh.







QUOTE OF THE DAY:



During the time of early sea voyages, sailors were scared of whales as they thought the animals were sea monsters.



(Courtesy of the Maritime Museum, Greenwich).

VALENCIENNES

If you are looking for a city break and do not want the hustle and bustle normally associated with many other destinations, then Valenciennes may be the place for you.
Located in the heart of Europe, a mere 1 hr 40 minutes from Calais, it is teeming with arts and heritage. Unsurprisingly, Valenciennes has been dubbed the “Athens of the North”.
The Nord-Pas de Calais has created the concept of a regional capital of culture as a biennial event. The city hopes to be named as the first region to be awarded this accolade.
It is hoped to provide a welcome boost and a springboard to becoming as famous as neighbouring Lille.


Our group travelled on P & O Ferries from Dover and when we arrived in Calais we drove for an hour and a half to Valenciennes.
An English speaking guide introduced himself before we were taken on a guided tour, pointing out the most interesting sights.
In recent years, Valenciennes has been renovated but it has lost none of its unique charming character.

The new town centre has been transformed into a large square to provide a bigger pedestrian area and tramway. Many of the streets are dotted with people without being overrun. There are rolling hills and many houses have retained their 14th to 15th century origins with sliding shutters in front of the windows.

After the city tour, we were taken to Le Grand Duc (www.legrandduc.fr), our hotel accommodation for the first night of our stay. Set in landscaped grounds, Le Grand Duc was built as an early 19th century mansion. I was astonished by the luxury accommodation that oozes tranquillity and comfort. The only one of its kind in the north, its owner Phillipe Collet summed up the site in a few simple words: “We are not a hotel but you can stay here. We are not a restaurant but you can eat here.”
Not only is Collet an artist, he is a talented chef who served up a delicious feast.
Each room has its own design as Collet has added his own personal touch to the Victorian guesthouse. It is a vibrant mix of the modern and the olde worlde with furniture reminiscent of Ikea, wacky paintings and sculptures.
With a comfortable bed, shower, desk and television, all the rooms have all the mod cons a guest could need.
After breakfast on the following day, we were taken to The Grand Hotel (www.grand-hotel-de-valenciennes.fr), which is a stone’s throw from Valenciennes station.
It was reminiscent of a cruise liner from the early 1900s with green pillars, a spherical ceiling and low draped curtains. The brasserie had a good selection of foods but the choice of food doesn’t stop the stop there, as the restaurant offers a truly gastronomic experience.
For those who love their food, restaurants in Valenciennes offer a variety of local specialities such as lucullus (smoked tongue and foie gras), gateau Carpeaux with chestnuts and sottises de Valenciennes a la menthe (confectionary).
When we arrived, we had to don a chef hat for a cooking lesson in the hotel kitchen. We were shown how to create how to create Gateaux, a tart made with brioche dough and creamed doughnuts. I’m not going to give Nigella a run for her money but nevertheless I had great fun making the dish.
For lunch, it was a delicious three course meal including the dessert we made. The hospitality was warm with staff providing service with a smile.
If you are in Valenciennes and fancy a splash of culture then head down to the Matisse museum in Le Cateau Cambresis. Our group was taken to Le Cateau Cambresis, which has a collection dedicated to one of the region’s favourite sons.
Housed in a small 17th century chateau, the museum also display works by Herbin, Genevieve Classe and others.
On the second night of our trip, we had dinner and stayed overnight at L’Hostelliere/L’Hotel du Chateau D’Aubry (www.chateau-aubry.com). The 12th century moated castle is set in stunning woodland and is the perfect haven of serenity and calm. Long corridors are adorned with classic Victorian paintings, low hanging chandeliers can be found in the dining room and the walls are awash with pastel colours. The trees in the garden act as a buffer zone to the lake, creating a lush green look.
On the final day of the trip, we checked out of the castle and paid a visit to the Pharaoh exhibition at the Valenciennes Fine arts museum. The exhibition retraces the central role of the Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt and boasts 248 artworks.
We had an early lunch at the Auberge du Bon Fermier (www.bonfermier.com) before catching our ferry back to Britain.
I was wowed by the treasures of Valenciennes such as its rich cultural heritage and delicious culinary delights.

ESSENTIALS:
Getting there:
P& O Ferries have 25 crossings a day from Dover to Calais. Return fares are from £50. For information, quotes and to make a booking visit www.POferries.com or call 08705 20 20 20.
Nearest airport is Lille, (+33 (0) 8 91 67 32 10, www.lilleaeroport.fr).
High speed rail connection operates between Lille and St Pancras International (www.eurostar.com, 08705 186 186) with fares beginning at £55.
Where to stay:
Le Grand Duc (+33 (0) 3 27 46 40 30, www.legrandduc.fr, contact@legrandduc.fr).
Rooms cost from £60 per night.
Le Grand Hotel (+33 (0) 327 463 201, www.grand-hotel-de-valenciennes.fr, grandhotel.val@wanadoo.fr).
Rooms cost from 80 euro’s/ £110 per night CHECK PRICE IN POUNDS, breakfast is £6.
L’Hotel du Chateau d’Aubry (+33 (0) 3 27 21 88 88, www.chateau-aubry.com, chateau.aubry@wanadoo.fr).
Rooms cost from £38 per night.
ACTIVITIES:
For culture, browse around the castles, museums and churches
The Matisse museum is housed in Le Cateau Cambresis (+33 (0) 3 27 84 64 50, museematisse@cg59.fr, www.cg59.fr). To make a group reservation, call (0) 3 27 84 64 64.
Call (0) 33 3 27 22 46, visit http://www.hordpasaecalais.fr/, www.capitaleregionaledelaculture.com for information on the Fine Arts Museum Valenciennes
With its forests and meadows, the Scorpe and Escaut countryside is the ideal location for relaxation and sports. There are large lakes offering a wide range of water sports facilities.
Made up of a mosaic of countryside and four magnificent forests, it offers beautiful trails for walkers, hikers and nature lovers.

VANCHA GHAR...

Vietnamese restaurant Vancha Ghar offers its visitors an open air setting bathed in candlelight, ambient music and a menu packed with various dishes and tasty treats.

The menu is filled with Nepalese dishes that use similar spices to Indian cuisine. All are individually prepared and slowly cooked to retain its flavour. Wines are carefully chosen to complement each dish.

Owner Ramnath Maharjan, said: “We strive to keep our guests happy which is one of the most important things in Nepalese culture. If everything is up to standard, then they will keep returning to enjoy the Nepalese experience.”

For the starter, I sampled the momo (dumplings). The little parcels of parcels of pastry are filled with marinated lamb or spicy vegetables for vegetarian diners.

Other highlights are chuela (delicious roasted lamb pieces marinated with garlic, spices, mustard oil and methi seed).

Another delectable starter is Dhuwadar salmon (marinated with yoghurt, dill, mustard and green chilli and served with a mixed leaf salad).

Famed Nepalese dish Sherpa lamb is available as a main. The dish is marinated and slow cooked on the bone with onion, tomato and rounded off with timoor- a mysterious pepper-like spice.

Another popular choice is Tawa Jhinge, a spicy king prawn curry with tomato peppers and mustard seeds.

Prices are reasonable with starters ranging from £3.95 with the average price of a main being £7.95.

The restaurant is open seven days a week between 5.30 pm to 11pm.

Opening times for lunch are 12 noon and 2.30pm.

Home delivery is free for orders over £10.

Vancha Ghar
41 The Broadway
Tolworth
Surrey
KT6 7DJ
Tel/Fax: 020 839 9 3122

HOUNSLOW BRASSERIE REVIEW...

Hounslow brasserie is only a stones throw from the town centre and promises to offer a combination of dishes to suit the most discerning lover of Indian cuisine.

The restaurant in Spring Grove Road specialises in Kerala cuisine from the south western tip of Indian. The menu offers a line up of dishes which are enriched with exotic fruits, vegetables, seafood which are garnished with distinctive aroma and spices.

Owner and chef known as Ram said that South Indian curries contain small amounts on sunflower oil, without artificial colouring and additives. Frozen meat is banned as fresh vegetables are used and each dish individually prepared for each customer.

For the starter, I chose Masala Dosa. The popular pancake delicacy is filled is potato masala was served with sambar and chutneys. The sambar is a mild curry with lentils and keralin vegetables which is cooked with taramind juice. It was a delicious dish which was free from grease or oil.

I decided to play it safe for the main course and selected chicken karumba, otherwise known as chicken korma. The mild creamy sauce was filled with chunky chicken cubes and oozed with flavour. The basmati rice was subtle as it was not overloaded with cocunut. Also in the mix was green curry leaves which are said to aid digestion.

As well the karumba, I picked the kerala paratha (naan bread) and I was pleasantly surprised by the buttery taste.

To round off my meal, I choose the Fiorentina ice cream. The tasty treat is vanilla ice cream, mixed with chocolate sauce and topped with a couple of ameretto biscuits. Avial is a highly recommended dish cooked with assorted Keralian vegetables, coconut spices and yoghurt. Biryanies is a Malabar legacy which is basmati rice mixed with a special selection of masala, served with vegetables.

Another mouth watering dish comes in the form of Grassey which is yellow pumpkin, cooked with black eyed beans and garnished with fried onions.

Traditional Southern Indian deserts on the menu include banana fritters (fried plantain in a sweet batter served with ice cream) and Gulab Jaman (made with milk powder, semolina before being doused in sugar syrup).

Starters are priced from £1.95 with main dishes ranging from £6.95 to £9.95.

The opening hours are between 12 noon and 3pm, then from 6pm and 11pm Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturdays, the opening hours are the same but the closing time is 12 midnight. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the 54 tabled restaurant is very busy and pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

A lunch pack is available between 11am and 3pm with the earliest bookings taken at 10.45am and 2.30pm at the very latest. Each pack, which is priced at £4.99, contains 1 vegetable dish, a bread portion and curry.

A fish or lamb dish is the alternative within the non vegetarian pack.

Home deliveries are available and orders must be £10 or above.

If you are after an Indian restaurant that offers a cuisine with a difference and friendly staff, then head down to Hounslow Brasserie for that special meal or lunch while on the run.

Hounslow Brasserie

47-49 Spring Grove Rd

Hounslow

TW3 4BD

Tel: 020 8570 5585/020 5870 5093

Email: Cochistourism@yahoo.co.uk (For suggestions, comments and to make reservations).