e2 #289

Living Food Travel Style What’s On

Fresh

20

25.09.2015

Editor Rashina Gajjar

Deputy Editor Amber Roberts

Online Editor Will Soer

rgajjar@epigram.org.uk

aroberts@epigram.org.uk

wilso@epigram.org.uk

@e2living

Epigram Living Section 2015/16

The Gatsby Guide to Freshers The Great Gatsby begins with its narrator, Nick Carraway, explaining his mantra of reserving all judgements, a decision that allows him to befriend men who eventually reveal themselves to be either racist adulterers or - as with the book’s eponymous hero - admirable dreamers. Nick understands that everyone hasn’t come from the same background as him, so it’s best not to allow rumours and comments to put him off friendship, even if - as is the case with Tom Buchanan - they may end up confirming his suspicions.

During your first term at Bristol, I would recommend you follow suit. This University is full of people who will strike you as bizarre within the first minute of conversation - especially if you didn’t go to a 30k per year school [see Ed’s article].

The biggest mistake you can make is to write people off as potential friends based on the dumb shit they say. Remember that for a lot of people, this will be the first time they’re socialising outside of the place where they grew up and so it might take a bit of time for them to readjust and understand what sounds offensive or stupid, especially with the added factors of social pressure and alcohol. You never know who will turn out to be a Gatsby or a Buchanan.

All of the quotes below were said to myself or other Epigram Living team members as Freshers, by people who looked like dickheads as a result. Do try and avoid saying this kind of stuff, because unless you’re a Republican presidency candidate, saying things that blatantly flag you up as a dick won’t get you very far. But remember when you hear stuff like this, that at some point you probably sounded like a dick to someone too. And you’re not a dick, are you?

‘Oy you, do you know any girls? Get them to come here, we need some b****es’

I initially gave this wannabe-Wolf-of-Park-Street a second chance, until seeing him click his fingers in a student barmaid’s face, combined with another charming ‘Oy You!’

‘You look like a f***ing tranny’

After this was shouted repeatedly at Living Editor Rashina Gajjar’s - incidentally gay - friend, she punched said shouter in the face, whilst dressed as smurfette. She’s a hero of mine.

‘gurrrl you luk gud wen you bak that ass up, you a FINE mutha***** wen you bak that assss upppp’ repeat x2

‘Are you from a private school?

Oh thank god’

Deputy Editor Amber Roberts hasn’t seen this person in a long time…

‘We were so glad to see you with that girl; we were worried you were bi’

Full disclosure: this one was actually said by me (Online Editor Will Soer)… My friend Lian has come to understand that I’m not a misogynist, but actually just a big fan of Drake who can’t always handle his drink.

I’m now friends with the 21st century Dalai Larma who said this, having tutored him in gay sensitivity and what ‘bi’ actually entails.

‘Which school did you go to?’

With thousands of Freshers pouring into Bristol there will be innumerable introductions going on in corridors, kitchens and cafes around the university. This means endless hours of small talk, chit-chat and people actually talking to strangers on the bus. But beneath this veneer of friendliness a desperate game is being played, as everyone stakes their claim to be interesting enough to be worthy of friendship.

For many it may be finding that person who shares a love of Chelsea or Made in Chelsea. For others the bond might be forged over Darjeeling tea, prayer flags and bangles, as Gap Year stories flow into the night. But, there will be those whose

entry level question is the most basic and boring of all, ‘Which school did you go to?’

There are some who might ask it straight away in a desperate bid to make conversation (perhaps they’ve been at an all-boys school their whole life and do not really know how to talk to girls). But then there are those who ask straight up because they really want to know. And let’s be honest, it’s not because they are interested in where you are from – how hard is it to ask ‘Where are you from?’ – it is because they are interested in who you know.

What’s wrong with all that? Surely, it makes sense to try and find something in common with these new flatmates. Yet the question of ‘Which school did you go to’, followed by a dismissive cold shoulder if the wrong answer is given (something I have seen many times) is just so narrow, short sighted and exclusive.

You may not even mean to be malicious in asking this question, but before you reach, not very far into your imagination and come up with it, think about what it can actually be interpreted as. In immediately assessing where someone went to school and basing your social circles on background rather than character you are showing the very worst kind of snobbery. Whether unwittingly or not so unwittingly, you would be dismissing well over half the student body as being unworthy of your friendship and familiarity.

Wikimedia: 7127267791

There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying best mates with the people you were with at school and keeping up with schoolmates who are at your university. And yes, the undeniably daunting move from the small world of school to university makes it tempting to try and surround yourself with the same sort of people you spent your schooldays with. But in your first few days, do try to step away from school, grow up a little and come up with a more interesting opening line than ‘Which school did you go to?’ University is an amazing opportunity to meet and live with an incredibly broad range of people. In your first week here, do you really want to rule out all unfamiliar faces and spend your days with that same narrow group you’ve spent your life with so far?

Article written by Ed Henderson-Howat

25.09.2015

21

An Open Letter to the Anxious Dear Fresher, How are you feeling? Nervous? Yeah… Me too.

There’s no shame in feeling somewhat on-edge about starting this new chapter of your life; it’s perfectly usual for new students, whether they admit it or not, to fear the unknown.

Florian Klauer

For me, moving to Bristol meant returning to studies after working fulltime at Starbucks for a year.

I was deeply concerned about coping with my return to education, my head filled with thoughts such as ‘Am I still capable of writing essays?’ and ‘Coffee is all I know now!’ I had never lived in a city other than Brighton before and despite having practised living alone as a lodger, I was upset about having to pack my bags and move 167 miles away from my younger brother. This stuff is tricky, but the sense of independence and self-sufficiency you’ll gain, along with plenty of new friends, from stepping out of your comfort zone is so gratifying - realising your inner confidence will enable you to overcome all sorts of challenges later on. And don’t underestimate how fast time flies; you’ll be home for Christmas before you know it.

If you consider yourself ‘more anxious than most’ about starting university - the social aspect of student life might seem just as daunting as the workload - then we’ve got something in common.

I’m not a fresher, but I might as well be; I’m just about to recommence my second year of study after suspending my studies in November 2014 after suffering a mental breakdown. It wasn’t that I couldn’t cope with the pressure of my degree course, but I couldn’t cope with the depressive thoughts and PTSDlike symptoms that triggered my episodes of compulsive overeating (heavy… But bear with me).

This year I’ve remained in Bristol whilst coming to terms with the mental health issues I’ve indubitably adopted - mainly due to traumatic events I suffered as a youth, rather than as a student. I sought professional support from counsellors at Off The Record Bristol, built a strong support network of friends and family, blogged online to raise awareness of my conditions and contacted members of the UoB Mental Health Society, with whom I discussed ways in which we could help other struggling students in future.

Because I sought it out, upon returning to Bristol I’ll be in receipt of valuable study-related support (e.g. from the Student Counselling Service, the Disability Services and my subject departments). There are plenty of sympathetic people working at UoB who want to help struggling students even if it isn’t obvious who and how right away. If your ‘busy mind’ ever gets in the way of your ability to study, don’t be afraid to ask for help – please don’t let yourself ‘fall through the system’ like I did last year.

The thought of returning to lectures is daunting to me, as I’m sure ‘beginning lectures’ feels to you. I believe that one of the worst things you can do is to not look forward to your future; everyone feels a bit lost and pessimistic about life sometimes but that state of mind should always be a wake up call. I’m severely anxious, but I can still discern things about this academic year that I’m looking forward to. I’m particularly eager to start a new project in Durdham Hall (where I live); an extension

Auntie Amber

We’ve all heard Vanilla Ice’s If there was a problem, yo I’ll solve it, and that just about sumarises our new weekly section. Got a problem? Feeling lovelorn and upset? Need a helping hand but all your friends too busy living it up in Lounge? Talk to Auntie Amber! Auntie Amber is Living’s answer to all your life’s problems; whether it’s sex & relationships, university life, clubbin’, pubbin’, or actual work, come to Auntie A for some good advice! We promise she won’t let you down. Email aroberts.epigram@gmail.com for some miracle answers - we promise to reply to every query! (You can write in anonymously if you want to avoid a scandall...)

N.B. We can’t guarantee that all responses will be written by Amber herself. Although she would love to handle your queries single handedly, she is simply too busy dyeing her hair and pontificating about Kierkegaard. However, team EpiLiving has it covered.

of the Mental Health Society’s activity, ‘PositiviTea’. Whether you’ll be living in Durdham Hall or not, all anxious students are very welcome to join the Mental Health Society through the Bristol Students Union webpage and attend their weekly PositiviTea and Coffee Mornings. These events are aimed at students looking for empathetic company when it comes to mental illness.

Attendees discuss a variety of topics - from Bake Off to meditation techniques - in a friendly and supportive environment.

As a final note, please don’t anticipate a rubbish time at uni, just because you’re not enthused by what you’ve already heard about Bristol’s club scene. Instead, try and look forward to attending social events in your hall, inter-flat pyjama parties, watching films for discount prices in Henleaze’s teeny cinema, joining a society or three, local pub quizzes, baking on rainy Wednesday afternoons, taking selfies at the Suspension Bridge, the wafting scent of roasted chestnuts in the town centre throughout December… Whether you’re bright and bubbly or a lifelong introvert, Bristol offers something to put a smile on every student’s face, trust me.

All the best for year one, Molly Rose Fish

Crush of the week: Ruby Rose

Florian Klauer

Wikimedia

Our crush of the week is Ruby Rose! Many of you, boys and girls, have been crushing on her all summer, but we’re still not over it. Whether it’s cos of her naked scenes as Stella in our favourite programme ‘Orange is the New Black’ or her music video ‘Break Free’, she champions androgynous cool. She’s got so much sass, is stupidly good looking and a fucking great role model for any young lesbians or women in general. Not only does she act, but she creates music and DJs. Her Australian accent is also quite fit- we salute you Ruby.

- Amber Roberts

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25.09.2015

How (not) to manage your finances this term...

With the first term of university comes freshers excitement, excessive doses of free pizza, a few more doses of alcohol, and some ferocious (questionable) shapethrowing on shoe-stoppingly sticky dance floors. All pretty exciting. However, one often overlooked aspect of first term is how tremendously difficult it renders the task of managing money.

It has long been my theory that first term - whether you’re a fresher this year or not - is one of the most money burning terms of all time, often making it impossible for you to approach any nearby cashpoint without the terrible feeling that your bank account may have already auto-combusted from over activity.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most likely one is that over the first few weeks of Bristol livin’, you spent far too much money on partying, food, drunken Donervans, and a whole variety of ‘home’ things from Ikea that you will never need.

Having splashed my fair share of dollar on living lavishly - and foolishly - in Bristol, here are a few noteworthy things to avoid this term: Getting into a cab without enough cash for a cab This is a tricky one, because a lot of cabs take cards. But if, by some unfortunate ill, you happen to clamber into a ‘cash only’ cab, let the user beware. The last time this happened to me, I tried to re-negotiate the fare to match my low cash levels - worth a shot, let’s be real.

Unfortunately, my unimpressed cab driver immediately drove me right back to a cashpoint in the centre and demanded that I pay the full fare, before leaving me stranded. I then had to get another taxi back home, costing me the price of what could have been a lovely, leisurely drink at Hausbar.

Buying things that are worth your rent

This one happened on my year abroad, when I was required to purchase a suit for an international trip. Worried by the prospect of finding gorgeous trousers (I feel about trousers as a normal human being would feel about Katie Hopkins), I entered a boutiquey shop to answer my problems, only to be told at the checkout that my purchase amounted to over 800 euros. Somehow, I found the grit (and stupidity) to pay, but it’s a choice I’ve come to regret, with time and perspective.

Going for cocktails three times a week/excessive drinking During second year, I developed the unfortunate - yet extremely satisfactory - habit of taking myself out on cocktail dates to various speakeasy bars around Bristol. Although this, in itself, was largely a fun and fulfilling pastime, the regularity with which I took to it was far from sustainable.

Do take time to discover the elusive and exciting cocktail bars that make up our well loved city. Do not do so a few times a week. You will eventually clamber back with hazy vision and equally hazy cocktail-mates in such a drunken torpor that you fall backwards down the stairs onto said cocktail-mates. Not a good way to go.

Spending excessive amounts on products While working with the popular bath & body brand Molton Brown, I was suddenly taken by an urge to use my staff discount as an incentive to spend over £200 on Molton Brown bath and body products. Despite the (clear) advantage of smelling like a well kept 50 year old woman for the rest of the year, this choice was not the best, and simply added to my list of horrendous faux pas in the area of financial decisions.

Paying people to take you to Donervans. The over consumption of Donervans in general I once bribed a flatmate with biscuits to take me to Donervans, stone cold sober. Now a happily reformed Donervanaholic, I completely understand the impact and gravity of that embarrassing sequence of events. I got desperate, and suddenly I was traipsing down to the triangle in my pyjamas flashing cash at the Donerpeople for an extra everything dose of cheesy chips. Don’t do it. A caprese costs only pounds to make, and the biscuits could have been useful in the long term - to bribe flatmates to open your tins for you, for example.

Ervins Strauhmanis

‘Whose mouldy saucepan is this?’, ‘We’ve run out of toilet paper, washing up liquid, bin bags…everything’ and ‘For god’s sake can we turn the heating on, I can see my breath’.

These are just a few of the exasperated comments that I’ve heard uttered multiple times during my time at university and would bet my loan on hearing again.

Student housing is a difficult arrangement even when you have chosen who you are living with - and arguably more so in halls when you haven’t! You’re bound to run into awkward or downright horrible situations at least once over your time at Bristol. It’s a tad ironic that one of the things I was most looking forward to about university, meeting and living with a vast variety of people, has brought the most extreme highs and lows during my student life.

Whilst I really enjoyed freshers, there’s nothing quite like sound of house music at 3am when your neighbour forgets to turn their pre-drinks music off, or trying to overcome the obstacle course your shared kitchen has become after a particularly heavy night you weren’t involved in. Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to complain; I was probably just as bad.

I locked myself out of my room and ran slightly riot at times after nights out and even decided it would be a good idea to eat a particularly smelly bowl of crab in a friend’s room, a smell which lingered for days and has not quite been forgiven. No one’s perfect, not even you. I guess that’s why living with your friends is such a baptism of fire.

Despite all this, I’ve loved communal living. Nothing beats snuggling up in your duvet with your friends or sharing a hangover cup of tea in the kitchen You just have to bear in mind that regardless of the images you may have been sold before university, not everything will always go swimmingly. Preparing for the roller-coaster of emotions is the only way to survive.

In particular, arguments are bound to happen. Unlike at school when you can escape your fights by retreating home, your friends surround you at university, with an intensifying effect. In my house it was the issue, rather stereotypically, of mess. I’ll admit that my room most commonly resembles a bombsite but when it comes to communal spaces I like to think that I tidy away my dinner plates and try not to ignore an overflowing bin too often if I can help it.

All in all, first term can really weigh on your bank. I, for one, have clearly made brash and illadvised decisions that left me unable to even afford a consolation drink (the lowest of low).

However, with a bit of restraint, your feet firmly rooted on the ground, and a few sensible friends, you can get through this perilous time. I know this, as surely as I know that it will probably rain tomorrow. In the interest of sharing, however, do let us know any stories about all the stupid things you’ve done with your money. We will sympathise, I promise.

Article written by Rashina Gajjar

Student housing: Heaven or Hell?

In second year, I lived in a house of 12... We were probably expecting a busy, but fairly clean residence to enjoy just out of halls. What we got instead was a shower that leaked through the ceiling, corridors cluttered with unclaimed belongings and kitchen so chaotic that our first advice for guests was to always, and I mean always, wear shoes. When the mess got particularly bad there would usually be a slightly passive aggressive altercation on whatsapp, a group cleaning effort and in two days’ time the mess would reappear.

Looking back, I’d like to assign blame for this year long health hazard to ‘unidentified’ messy people. What I’m suggesting by this, is that in student housing, especially one of our size, it’s often difficult to actually single out one individual who makes all the mess; who hasn’t forgotten to clean something up or left belongings around the house before? What causes the problem is that all together this little mess becomes one huge landfill of problems. Everyone I’ve spoken to about student living at university has undoubtedly expressed frustration about untidy housemates in the past.

In hindsight, my mother’s advice of organising a cleaning rota looks inviting, and I wish we had ensured someone was always in charge of buying more toilet roll before, as my housemate affectionately called it, code brown! You’d be surprised how much agro it saves. I mean, who wants to almost lose a beautiful friendship over who leaves a bowl in the sink too long?

Article written by Becki Murray

23

Welcome to the all new Food section of E2. The place to go for student friendly recipes and advice to please your tastebuds and your bank account!

Follow us at: epigram_eats_out

4 Student Bloggers you should be following right now

Top pick: Pippa Coles Cooks

Healthy Lily Bee

Stripped back cooking on a student budget. Pippa Cole, a second year French and Italian student, blogs the fun and failures of a food obsessed student.

Having spent three months in Italy, Pippa is used to food being the daily priority.

However, now that she’s back at university, she has had to embrace the brilliant challenge of keeping that passion alive in the cramped kitchens of student accommodation. If she can make marvellous food in these conditions, then so can you!

Take a peek at her blog for upcoming recipes, anecdotes and tips on what equipment you really need to be able to cook at university. Yes, that three tiered steamer really can stay at home.

The team at Epigram have fallen in love with this blog. Lily Canetty-Clarke is a third year Psychology student, who really knows her stuff. Her focus is mainly super healthy and cheap student meals, but a tight budget won’t stop her from getting creative in the kitchen.

She suffers from a nut allergy, and almost as a result follows a dairy-free veggie diet, this means that she’s really conscious of all her ingredients and their sources. Lily shows us that good and organic food isn’t just for the rich and famous!

Living off Caffeine and Glitter A lot of food blogs can be easily categorised: health foods, budget meals or even student cooking tips. But Jordan Kelly-Linden’s blog isn’t quite so simple! As the name suggests, there’s caffeine, glitter and everything inbetween. Follow Jordan, a third year English and Classical studies student, on her travels, share her Uni cooking attempts and feel jealous as she tries a host of drool-inducing restaurant meals!

The Loopy Ways Issy Montgomery, a third year Archeology and Anthropology student, takes everyday ingredients and makes then into something special. She loves simple food with a twist, and her blog is all about eating well on a student budget. Everything she makes looks good, tastes good and is designed to make you feel good. So if you’re already starting to feel a spot of the winter blues, aka freshers’ flu, head over to her blog for a little pick me up. Her BerryCherry Breakfast Smoothie is bound to set you right back on your feet again.

Stir Fried Noodles with vegetables

A really simple recipe to kick-start the academic year! What I love about this dish is that you can just throw everything together in a big pan (or wok for the more adventurous wilko shoppers), making it perfect for a welcome (back) to Bristol meal.

1. Prepare all your vegetables by cutting them into rough slices.

2. Heat a saucepan of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook them for about four minutes, stirring every so often to separate them before draining.

3. Heat up the pan and then add 2 tbsp of oil, ensuring that the pan is hot enough to make this sizzle. Toss in the noodles and allow to brown slightly, using a wooden spoon to make sure they do not stick to the bottom.

4. Add the vegetables and mix together with the noodles. Then, when they are well combined add some more oil, then the soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce.

5. Stir thoroughly again and then serve.

Becki Murray

24 It’s that time of the year again; September. We’re back in Bristol and faced with the impeding doom of sitting in a lecture theatre once more.

Unfortunately, this entails having to venture out of the house without the contents of our fridge in tow. How do you temper those 11 am stomach growls or that ‘my fuel is running low’ 4pm slump? With a hole to fill for at least an hour or two, a mere apple or satsuma isn’t going to make the cut. But there again, a Dairy Milk or packet of crisps won’t bode well for the flares and crop tops which will undoubtedly be appearing in Motion and Lakota very soon. With hours experience standing in supermarket snack aisles searching, and (eventually) selecting, this list might just provide some food for thought and take the edge of tomorrow’s 11am struggle. Isabelle Fernandes

Munchy Seeds

Nairns Oatcakes

£2.20-80 for a tub, 69p for sachet

Between 99p-£1.80 per box

Proper Corn

75p for 20g, £1.59 for 90g Trying to resist that crisp craving? Look no further. With Lightly Salted, Sour Cream and Black Pepper or Worcester Sauce and Sundried Tomato flavours available, these prove themselves a more virtuous yet equally indulgent alternative to Walkers. Sold in sharing bags for the generous hearted (or very hungry), and regular crisp packet sizes, Proper corn caters for all. The Sweet Coconut and Vanilla assortment will satisfy the sweet toothed however, if it’s just ‘one of those days’, there’s always Sweet and Salty for the indecisive to fall back on, (so long as they don’t literally fall on the bag itself!).

Kallo Rice cakes

£1.29-39 for savoury, £1.69 for chocolate or yogurt coated

Dr Karg Organic Crisp Bread £2.09 per pack

These crisp breads are a savoury taste explosion. The cheese and pumpkin seed varities usually appear on supermarket shelves and it’s aa good thing to. These deliciously crunchy and heartily filling snacks should not go unmentioned.

Eat Natural Bars £1.99 for a box of 3

These lovely little bars of popped rice, fruit and nuts are a happy medium between that extremely virtuous Nakd bar and less good willed Kellogg’s Rice Crispy Bar. If it’s white chocolate that you miss the most, the yogurtcoated versions should satisfy you. You won’t be short for choice of flavours, almonds, brazils, apricot and dark chocolate are all up for grabs and a hint of coconut is often thrown in too. No added nasties, this easily portable snack, although not cheap, is definitely cheerful.

Nature Valley Bars

These are rice cakes made sexy. It was the luxurious array of chocolate covering that first sold these to me as being so much more than your average, flavourless rice cake. Kallo Kids mini milk chocolate rice cakes make for a fantastic lunchbox filler whilst dark chocolate or yogurt and muesli may be more appreciated in a student house. Savoury options from low fat to Fairtrade sesame and buckwheat rice may come closer to the needs of those craving crisps.

Again, avoid sitting or stamping on your bag and speaking from experience, a plastic clip to seal the packet is a good idea- believe me, a stale 4pm pick me up is bitterly disappointing.

£2.39 for a box of 5

Nutritious and delicious, the Nature Valley bar is a classic appealing to old and young alike. The classic oats and honey really is what it says on the wrapper of each individually wrapped bar (delightfully containing two biscuits in each).

Here is an, (arguably more filling), but still sweet alternative to a chocolate bar sorted. If you want to look for flavours further afield, Nature Valley have it covered. These very reasonably priced 5 pack boxes now also range between Oats and Chocolate, Canadian Maple Syrup and Oats and Berries.

Epigram/ Becki Murray

Think of this box of hearty goodness as an investment. From cheese to plain, organic to gluten free or chocolate chip to oats and fruit in biscuit form, Nairns have you’re 11am sweet craving or 4pm savoury sensation sorted. I’m not advocating lugging a cardboard box of oatcakes around all day because inside, these are conveniently wrapped in packets of 6. Being oat based, these are wholesome, fibrous and release energy slowly so will see you through. If you have a fridge to hand, they go down a treat with a pot of humus but even without they’ll hit the spot so long as you mind you don’t crumble them in your bag before you get to them!

If the funny looking birds (and one rogue zebra) on the packaging don’t sell these, the taste should do it.

Granted, these are not the most easily consumable snack.

Munching often results in an unglamorous combination of eating fistfuls from my palm or, (on a hungry day), upending the tub into my mouth, (one clever soul did suggest a spoon). That said, upon discovery that most of the flavours (omega sprinkles, honey, chilli and choccy apricot and ginger) are now sold in sachets, I can only assume that I wasn’t the only one who found eating from the tub challenging . Although the tub does give you a good facility to pop the lid on and return to, (or refill), this delightful snack, the sachet can save you up to £1.70 and is a fantastic excuse to down the lot at once.

Bounce Balls £2.00 per ball

Whether it’s a protein hit, blast, bliss, bomb, boost or ball, once this is down you it should have you bouncing back from dreary hunger. With no artificial anything’s, no gluten or wheat and no added sugar, if you’re a fan of nuts these delightfully packaged little balls can be the fantastic pick me up (although judging by the price maybe a treat opposed to a tradition).

Dried Fruit From £1.00

A throw back to childhood when eating dried fruit was given as a more exciting alternative to the fresh stuff. Regardless of whether you were appeased or traumatised by this experience, one of the biggest perks about dried fruit is that it is hardly an innovative concept so it is easy to get hold of. Mango is my personal favourite but dried apple, figs, apricots and banana also feature in the ‘Love Life’ section of most supermarkets at reasonable prices.

Nakd Bars

£2.75 for a pack of 4 The kale of the snack aisle and what they say on the tin, ‘simply yummy wholefood smooshed together’. You really can’t do better on the marketing front than Nakd; these ‘gluten, wheat and dairy free’, ‘nourishing’ fruit and nut bars have ‘no added sugar or syrups’. They’re certainly an acquired taste, the marmite of the cereal bar; but, if you’re a lover then there are plenty (and ever increasing) flavours to choose from. Not in the same price bracket as your average digestive but these are very bag friendly, no crumbly or melted mess will be found. Vegan or a carnivore, if you’re in on the ever-impending wholefood revolution, go nakd because ‘ Nature is nice right?’

Epiview: Ameoba

Sarah Newey Editor

Marks out of 5: were delicious. I don’t normally love rum based drinks, but this combination of the spirit alongside ginger, lychee juice, lime juice and lemongrass cordial worked incredibly well.

The cocktails were also very alcoholic. Maybe too alcoholic in hindsight. While we didn’t diverge from our asian inspired daiquiris, the Aviation and Tim Collins cocktails we spied across the bar are on my bucket list for the next visit.

Both are, however, gin based drinks - which my flatmate avoids at all costs after a certain night out.

Overall, we both came away from Ameoba having enjoyed ourselves - and a little tipsy. It’s a bar that should definitely be on your list, although maybe visiting on a Thursday or Friday when it’s likely to be a little busier would make it an even better destination.

Epigram/ Sarah Newey

Nestled away in the heart of Clifton Village, Ameoba is the perfect place for a quiet drink and good catch up.

On Tuesday, I made the most of the two cocktails for £9.50 deal, which is on offer every evening before 9pm. The bar didn’t really get going until a little later - which made for a slightly awkward first encounter with the barman, Simon, but at least it meant we could pick his brain about the cocktails on offer. He clearly knew his way around a bar.

Ameoba has a cosy, almost turkish, atmosphere. With a deep red ceiling, patterned cushions and an array of candles, it’s the perfect place to chill - or even for a first date location.

The only problem with the deal is that both the cocktails need to be the same, but to protect our wallets my flatmate and I were happy to make the sacrifice. In fact, the Thai Daiquiris we had

25

Editor Camilla Gash

Deputy Editor Ella Ennos-Dann

Online Editor Annabel Lindsay

cgash@epigram.org.uk

eennosdann@epigram.org.uk

alindsay@epigram.org.uk

@e2travel

@epigram_travel

25.09.2015

Epigram Travel Section 2015/16

MEET THE NEW TRAVEL TEAM... la

la

I’m a fourth year French student who spent the summer working at Disneyworld, Florida, before hotfooting it back to Europe to work as a lectrice at France’s top business school for my year abroad. I’ve previously lived in Ghana, Sri Lanka, Cyprus and Belgium and this year I was lucky enough to fit in trips to Copenhagen, Cologne, Seville, Barcelona, Brussels, Amsterdam and Prague (thank you France for your generous holiday allowance!)

Favourite City: I was a sceptic at first, but Paris slightly stole my heart this year. I also loved living in Colombo, Sri Lanka as a teenager as it’s such a vibrant, colourful city… and tuk tuks are without doubt THE best way to get around.

Favourite Cuisine: Mexican, no question. Bring me a margarita and a plate of nachos and I am a very happy camper.

Favourite Bristol Spot: Anywhere with a good view. On a clear, sunny day: Brandon Hill Park and the slightly Vertigoinducing Cabot Tower.

I am a final year law student but I’m actually going into my fourth year as I extended my course to spend a year studying abroad in Japan. I attended Kyushu University and also took the opportunity to travel around Asia. I managed to squeeze in visits to 10 countries: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines and Singapore.

Favourite City: Busan in South Korea. It’s the perfect mix of tradition and modernisation with city, sea and countryside! Plus it’s amazing for shopping and eating out – two of my favourite pastimes.

Favourite Cuisine: I am a real foodie and LOVE all food so picking one cuisine is difficult. I may be biased since I’m missing it so much but Japanese food is awesome!

Favourite Bristol Spot: Down by the Harbourside— there are loads of great bars, often markets and festivals, and there’s always a good vibe. It’s also very nostalgic for me as I lived around there in my first year!

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I am a fourth year French and Spanish student and therefore, like the other girls, I have just returned from my year abroad. I spent half the year working as a travel agent in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and travelling around the continent when I finished my internship. I was lucky enough to go to Brazil, (spending New Year on Copacabana beach), travel around Patagonia and at the end of my trip, climb up to the Torres del Paine in Chile. The other half of the year, I was a radio presenter in Nantes, a city in the west of France, just two hours on the train from Paris.

Favourite City: Rio. It has the complete package: beaches, shops, nightlife, restaurants, mountains, caipirihnas (and of course, the accent is insane!)

Favourite Cuisine: Asian (all Asian, I can’t pick one).

Favourite Bristol Spot: The White Lion on a sunny day - you can’t beat it!

Dark discoveries in the Dodecanese Annabel Lindsay discusses how the paradisiac islands of the Dodecanese are changing as a result of of the recent economic and migrant crises. She reveals a darker side to this idyllic setting.

Will Smyth

diminished. The farmers told us of blistering winds throughout winter and having to spend months apart from their wives and children, who travel to the bigger island of Patmos for schooling.

The reputation of the Dodecanese precedes them, however in just two weeks I was able to see some of the unpleasant realities facing island life. But don’t let this be a reason not to go - it was one of the most interesting, varied and at times moving holidays that I have ever been on.

Annabel Lindsay

- TRAVELGRAM Burano houses, photo by Camilla Gash @summerisntover

The Dodecanese are a cluster of beautiful islands located in the southeastern corner of Greece, just a stone’s throw from Turkey. The name Dodekánisa means 12 islands in Greek, however, as we discovered there are hundreds of smaller islands in the area, of which an additional 14 are inhabited.

Rhodes, the capital, was the first stop on our Aegean adventure. Despite the abundant tourist infrastructure, it has retained some authenticity.

However, you would have to look far beyond the hordes of ‘tat’ shops that have ever so slightly tainted what is an incredibly impressive Old Town, with its medieval walls and cobble-stoned streets. It has become the backdrop to an unending maze of fake handbags and persistent salesmen.

We decided to rent a car and escape the English-speaking bubble our resort had trapped us in. People had said to me before I left ‘you’re going to Greece at the best time’ and this turned out to be true; Greece certainly seemed cheaper than it used to be (and fortunately the ATMs were working). As we drove through more remote parts of the islands, the signs of an economic crisis started to unfold. With unfinished houses and hotels scattered around the island, I got a real sense that those not involved in the tourist industry were seriously struggling. Added to that, we wondered how even those actually in the industry could survive from so few tourists coming in the winter.

After a week in Rhodes we got the aptly named ‘Superfast ferry’ over to the second biggest island, Kos. Having watched and read the news I was well aware of the fact that Kos had become one of the migrant stop off points

linking Turkey to mainland Greece. However, nothing could quite prepare me for seeing first-hand the sheer number of refugees camped out on the pavements.

According to our taxi driver, Kos is starting to crumble under the strain of this enormous increase to the Koan population. The harrowing reality is that only those who managed to reach Kos with their funds intact could board a ferry to Athens and the rest were left to wait in tents (which were being sold by a few enterprising Greeks) on the side of the road with limited food and water supplies and almost zero hygiene facilities.

Although foreign aid is coming in from all over Europe, the Greek economy is only just beginning to repair itself, so this huge wave of refugees is proving to be a severe setback to economic growth. Our taxi driver told us how tourism was really beginning to suffer; hotels were receiving last minute cancellations, and this was having a knock on effect on shops and restaurants.

Nevertheless, when we crossed the island to a rather Magaluf-like town called Kardamena, there were still plenty of holidaymakers that seemed to be keeping the tourist trade afloat. In the summer months, thousands of burnt, boozy Brits congregate in the town of Kardamena, drawn by the offer of cheap fish bowls. In spite of this, the most shocking and depressing thing was this juxtaposition between the two sides of the island. At least in Magaluf, punters can drink themselves unconscious without the knowledge that just a half-hour drive away, there are hundreds of homeless Syrians.

The final part of our trip revealed a very different side of the Dodecanese. We were lucky enough to visit some of the smaller islands, which are only reachable by boat.

My favourites were the most basic and inaccessible: Levitha is a tiny island inhabited by one farming family and their many goats (which were sadly on the dinner menu at the taverna). It was incredibly impressive and inspiring to meet these self-sustaining families (we met another two on the nearby island of Marathi). However, when they explained the harsh realities of living in such seclusion, the romance of living on a desert island

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A search for identity: Rio’s two worlds finally come face to face

Louis Graham

In anticipation of the World Cup and upcoming Olympic Games, the powers that be in Rio de Janeiro decided to embark on a bold process of pacifying many of the city’s hillside favelas. The densely populated communities, which seem to sprawl endlessly into the Rio mountainside, formed when slavery was abolished and the newly free migrated to the city in search of work.

Theseunofficialsettlementsstillexist:strongcommunitytiesexist here as families have been living in the same tight, chaotic streets for generations. Planning permission is a non-entity: electricity, water and other utilities seem to have been added on an ad-hoc basis which means shortages are frequent. Expect to be awoken by shouts and the angry beeping of car horns whenever two drivers are involved in a standoff on the community’s main road - which is, at a push, wide enough for just one vehicle. Traffic both up and down the hill is at a standstill as one car mounts the pavement, the seemingly impossible being achieved as somehow the cars start to pass one another. Nothing should work in these improvised settlements, yet it does, and it adds to the charm of the place.

The nooks and crannies of the favela, however, also account for the proliferation of crime in some of the communities.

The narrow streets and frequent traffic jams mean it is very difficult to access the upper regions of the favela, and therefore they’re almost impossible to police. Gangs, funded by the drug trade, started to take control of the communities. Rival groups wanting to gain the territory and ergo the profit would often declare war upon one another, transforming the intricate maze of streets into a battleground the police dare not enter.

Rafael, my neighbour while I was living in Vidigal— a favela

perched above Ipanema beach in Rio’s Zona Sul— told me that before pacification a crowd would often form at the foot of the hill while a conflict was taking place. The communities themselves were not without law, justice being dealt out by the gang in charge at the time, who settled disputes amongst residents without resorting to police interference. This was the state of life: two different worlds within the same city. The Government decided to cross the barrier when Brazil was awarded the World Cup; the prospect of increased revenue from tourism was the catalyst needed to change the status quo.

And so it began. BOPE, a highly trained division of the military police, would first drive the gangs from the favela before another unit, the UPP would take over. The UPP would attempt to provide social care and encourage dialogue with the local community while keeping law and order. The first favela was pacified in 2008 and as of today there are over 38 UPP units set up throughout the city.

The expulsion of the gangs heralded an influx of tourism, travellers who before would have only visited the postcard sites of Rio –Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf mountain and Copacabana beach— now had an opportunity to undertake tours or stay in hotels that were opening up in the newly safe communities.

Through tourism, first contact between the two worlds had been established; the asphalt and the mountains were reconnecting.

I lived in Vidgial for three months on my year abroad. It was a cheap place to live, especially compared to the expensive districts which line the beachfront. The opening of the favelas to outsiders means that property is suddenly available for purchase. House prices are skyrocketing in the more glamorous, seafront favelas

due to many foreigners (myself included) choosing to live in these affordable districts. Families who have perhaps lived within a community for many years are now tempted by the great profits they can make by selling their homes to wealthy foreigners. The cloud of gentrification looms large over many of the communities.

The new faces are perhaps depleting the spirit a place gathers from long standing neighbourly bonds and a shared history.

With over 350,000 estimated visitors for next summer’s Olympics, an increase in tourist-friendly areas is undeniably good for business: both the state and the public should profit from the Games. The impact of the World Cup, however, was expected to bring similar progress. Instead, we witnessed a series of protests over the tournament and no discernible improvements of the people’s quality of life. Public transport, for example, became more expensive, a move which made life more difficult for those living around or below the poverty line. The great modernisation process supposedly ushered in by the World cup and the Games is bringing in many financial benefits, yet the gap between rich and poor appears to be growing.

The ideal of a unified city, in which the two spheres of old Rio are allowed to merge, is admirable. It is important, however, that this union does not diminish the favela’s unique identity. Care needs to be taken to maintain the long-standing sense of community: it would be a terrible shame if these vibrant environments were to become soulless entities for tourism. Caution is necessary to ensure that identity is retained, even if it means taking to resisting some of the measures invoked by the state in the name of modernisation.

Will Samson

Yearning for the Syria of Yesteryear earth itself seemed to utter whispers of the grand epochs of human history: from the decadent zeniths of the Assyrian, Byzantine and Islamic Empires to modern day uprisings.

The desert monasteries soon left us longing for the coastline, with its familiar cool sea breeze. Latakia’s liberal attitudes and relaxed pace of life proved a welcome antithesis to the conservatism of Deir ez-Zur, just a stone’s throw from

the Iraqi border. The Mediterranean waters drew us to bathe; to relax and reflect on a period of wonder, to re-live moments and memories, and to treasure chance encounters and that quintessentially Syrian hospitality we would never forget.

Steve Gibbs

Steve Gibbs

I wish to lament the Syria of some years past. A Syria which is but a faded memory, strangely intangible and curiously distant, shrouded by the horrors of recent years. A Syria of which its people were once proud and spoke fondly. A Syria of smiles.

It was five years past and, leaving Beirut in a shared taxi, with visa in hand and just a backpack of belongings, I was voyaging east. Following in the footsteps of Saint Paul of biblical accolade, I was on the ancient road to Damascus.

A scenic journey along the narrow, winding desert road led eventually to the sprawls of civilisation. Wandering the labyrinthine city, I was bewitched by storytellers and souqs. Bustling markets beneath emblazoned stone arches opened to mosques, madrassas, minarets and millennia-old cobblestone streets. A sensory smorgasbord of spices and soaps, hanging meats and household wares: the bustle and beauty of a city engaged and alive. Jewish, Christian and Muslim quarters alike; houses built upon shops, built upon history, built upon antiquity. A city seemingly as old as life itself!

Nearby, an inconspicuous alley narrowed to a cramped doorway, opening to a majestic hotel courtyard. The symmetrically tiled turquoise mosaics centred about a stately orange tree; the scent of shisha and familiar discourse of Middle-Eastern politics filled the air. This was the Middle East I lived for!

Over delectable cuisine, we talked of castles and citadels, beaches and baklava. Hungry for more, we took rattling buses to the cardinal points of civilisation. From the delights of one of the world’s finest castles, to the scattered subtleties of dilapidated desert cities, we were captivated by architecture spanning millennia of history. We surveyed amphitheatres and arches, the iconic ruins of Palmyra, Bosra, and the great fortress of Saladin. Rising out of the desert floor and flanked by living oases, numinous temples stood eerily in the wind, ghosts of their former selves. The very

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The best of Paris’ healthy hotspots 1) Le Potager du Marais This place is just amazing. I’ve brought so many of my non-veggie friends here and they’ve all absolutely loved it. I came here for lunch on my 21st and tucked into the pink lentil, seaweed and crushed hazelnut cassoulet and the warm berry crumble made with chestnut flour- both are just out of this world and bursting with flavour. I vow to go back and try everything on the menu: for me no trip to Paris will ever be complete without a visit here.

2) Le Poutch One of the best new cafés to open up by the Canal St Martin, Le Poutch serves up the freshest salads, soups and sweet treats in the city. It combines warm service with a lovely, chilled vibe. Not to mention they have almond milk! What more could you want? Their menu changes weekly, but if you only go for one thing it’s got to be the gluten free chocolate fondant slice- my oh my, it is absolute heaven. The reason it’s not pictured is because it’s usually wolfed down before I even have time to take a snap!

3) Bob’s Juice Bar For about 6 months straight this was my go to post-yoga haunt every Wednesday morning. It actually happens to be right next door to Le Poutch! Just perfect.I’d recommend their soups and salads which change dailythe tomato & cashew soup combo is up there with the best of them. They also have some of the friendliest staff on hand to help you choose your potion… I could go on and on, but I think a recommendation from Vogue should be enough to get you involved.

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6) Café Kitsuné During Fashion Week you’ll be sure to spot models and fashionistas alike stopping by Kitsuné for their daily caffeine fix. If coffee’s not really your cup of tea, then let me introduce to you to the dream that is matcha: a totally natural, powdered form of green tea. Unlike regular green tea, with matcha you’re actually taking in the nutritional benefits of the whole green tea leaf, meaning you get the most amazing energy boost without those all too familiar post-coffee jitters! My love for matcha in any shape or form knows no bounds, so imagine the sparkle in my eyes when I discovered you could get authentic, Japanese matcha lattes in Paris. The traditional matcha latte is amazing, but the matcha hot chocolate and matcha cookies are also definite winners..

Healthy treats: 1+2 Le Potager du Marais, 3+4 Le Pain Quotidien, 5 Marcel, 6 Café Kitsuné Aish Shah 4) Le Pain Quotidien Words cannot describe my love for LPQ.I had one round the corner from my flat in Montmartre, and what began as a Sunday brunch spot bloomed into a full-on daily love affair. I’m sure you’ve heard of Le Pain- healthy, delicious and just plain amazing. All of their tartines can be served on fresh gluten free toast, and the ingredient combos of their soups, salads and frittatas are the best. I present you with possibly the most incredible thing I’ve eaten in a long time and still dream about: organic ricotta and grilled apricot on seedy gluten free toast with a sprinkle of raw granola and a drizzle of honey. Need I say more?

5) Marcel I discovered this little gem when I was flat hunting on a warm summer’s day back in September with my mum.

Having had no luck, we were drained and in massive need of a pick me up- it’s safe to say Marcel delivered on every level. A true foodie experience is how this place can be summed up. The saffron basmati rice and lentil curry are beautifully authentic but it’s the malay kofta that stole my heart. It’s essentially the veggie version of meatballs, served up in a mouth-watering coconut soup.

Sat right along the Canal St Martin, it boasts the perfect location for a chilled lunch or dinner with loved ones

7) Sol Semilla This last one’s for all my hardcore superfood lovers. The smell alone walking into this place will already have you in a daze. Then prepare to totally pass out once you see the menu. It’s every health nut’s dream, with juices galore, a dish of the day loaded with veggies and pulses, soups with broths containing maca and cat’s claw and incredible desserts. Completely crazy, completely amazing. If you love your cacao and spirulina, this is hands down the best haunt to check out. Did I mention it’s totally gluten free and vegan?

Aish Shah .

Ella Ennos-Dann

Japan: The beauty of culture shock I’d be lying if I said moving to Japan was easy. I arrived at what would be my new accommodation around midnight (after 19 hours of travelling) only to be faced with a stack of paper work, most of which was in Japanese, and all of which I had to fill out before I could go to bed.

At the time, I didn’t speak a word of Japanese and from this moment onwards, I knew I would struggle. I’d never been in a situation where I couldn’t communicate with those around me. I felt lost. I couldn’t go to the shop by myself and even the toilets confused me!

Japan is culturally rich with strong traditional values present in everyday life. For example, there are 5 different types of bowing depending on the situation and numerous levels of formality you must use when speaking to those older or more senior than you.

Women are still expected to stay at home with the children and are frequently subject to sexism in the work place, whilst foreigners are considered outsiders, never able to fully integrate. I found that generally Japanese people are incredibly kind and polite, albeit a little shy, so these seemingly backward customs came as a real shock to me and even now I struggle to accept them.

But whilst my initial fears had got me wanting to jump on the next plane home, this culture shock was the driving force behind me fully immersing myself into my year abroad and I was quick to

discover the true beauty of Japan and what lies beneath their weird but wonderful ways of life.

I kept busy by learning Japanese and taking trips across the country. I saw volcanoes, castles, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, plus so much more and, most importantly, I made life-long Japanese friends (as well as friends from all over the world).

I also sang A LOT of karaoke! Japan really does have it all: from the northern-most island of Hokkaido, famous for its skiing and snow festival, to the big city lights of Tokyo, to the Southern islands of Okinawa with their tropical climate, white sandy beaches and arguably some of the best diving spots in the world.

Whilst I inevitably missed marmite, cheddar cheese and Cadbury’s dairy milk, I cannot speak highly enough of Japanese food. It is delicious and there is so much more to it than raw fish and rice. Fukuoka, the city I was living in, is famous for its ramen— Tonkotsu Ramen— and this was probably my favourite dish of them all. Wagamama’s will never be the same again for me. People are often surprised when I tell them I ate out at least 4 times a week because of a stereotype that Japan is expensive. In fact, I could get a whole meal usually for under a fiver and many restaurants offer all you can eat and drink for as little as £10!

The huge contrasts between Japan and England are no

However, these were also the reason for me falling in love with Japan as much as I did. Whilst I don’t think I’d choose to spend my whole life living there, I know it’s place I will return to time and time again.

Ella Ennos-Dann

Have you been somewhere exciting this summer?

Have you just returned from your year abroad?

Is there a city that you’ve fallen in love with?

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Miley Cyrus is a style icon, but is she a trend setter?

The VMAs was previously an event to celebrate new and established artists alike. A few weeks ago though, it became a showcase of Miley Cyrus’s bizarre outfits. With Melissa Rivers recently declaring her ‘a gift’ to fashion, Miley’s place as a style icon appears obvious.

When I sat down to watch the 2015 VMA’s, which she hosted, I was prepared for a barrage of nipple showing, barely crotch covering, and honestly uncomfortable looking ensembles. My granny on the other hand was not; Miley’s style was something I’d neglected to mention. Granny, instead of being shocked, simply shrugged and announced it ‘was nothing she hadn’t seen before’. Whether or not she was referring to Miley’s outfits or rather her slightly showing parts I don’t really want to know, but thinking about Miley as a style icon she made a good point; are her outfits really groundbreaking?

The singer does however push the boundaries of fashion and personally I understand her title as a style icon. The problem is that she is not a ‘trend setter’ and these two phrases are usually seen as one and the same. Miley takes inspiration from old trends and adds her own twist, which is more than acceptable, but really is nothing new. She’ll join the long list of celebrities like Jones, Madonna, Lady Gaga, dating all the way back to the most classic of stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, who did inspire people and trends but by no means invented them.

Instagram, @MileyCyrus

Legendary diva Grace Jones recently brought my attention to this debate. The singer, whose autobiography, I’ll Never Write my Memoirs, was released on the 24th September, stated that ‘new’ trends don’t exist anymore, instead current style icons are simply emulating those of the past. The star calls out the likes of Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, remarking, “Rihanna… she does the body painting thing I did with Keith Haring, but where he painted directly on my body, she wears a painted bodysuit’. While this public criticism of such big names may have been a slight publicity stunt to promote her new book- not that I’m judging- the 67 year old makes a good case.

outs throughout. In fact, the actual dress was minimal, essentially Miley wore some fabric over her bits (which is a start) and paired it with knee high white boots. Even this outlandish look instantly screamed 1960s, the white mini dress and thigh high go-go-boots looking like something the star could have pinched from Nancy Sinatra’s wardrobe. Actually, 60s trends were everywhere. Miley’s clear plastic dress with strategically placed coloured discs admittedly did made me think of smarties but with the go-go-boots again and the same mini dress shape there is an air of 60s around the look.

Let’s take Miley’s VMA outfits as some examples. So Miley in her silver leotard with sparkling silver jacket instantly reminded me of Olivia Newton-John in her Physical video, or of an extra from Eric Prydz’s 2004 hit Call on Me. Nothing that shocking or new. Nothing you wouldn’t see on TV in the 80s, never mind thirty years later. Miley’ simply added some Kate Moss with the oversized sparkling coat. Another of the star’s looks was an eye catching Versace dress, complete with pom poms round the hem and large cut

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25.09.2015

To top knot or not

Exclusive review from New York Couture Fashion Week Maddy Streets, previous Epigram Style editor, interviews Dominican designer Jorge Diep, and reveals that high fashion is rising above industry stereotypes

The excitement in the room was tangible.

Photographers adjusted their lenses and took test shots.

Fashion insiders strutted to the front row. A cluster of women descended on their seats, loudly admiring the luminescent runway. As the pulsing music began to beat louder and louder, opportunists jumped up onto the stage and posed for photos, able to pretend the crowd was here for them. Then the music reached its crescendo, the lights dimmed and the crowd fell quiet.

Couture Fashion Week was in session.

Running over three days, 11th-13th September, and based at the Crowne Plaza Times Square hotel, the event hosted eight shows, 22 designers and over fourteen musical acts. Between them, they represented twelve countries. Haute couture is understood to be one of the highest forms of fashion, requiring hand-construction and custom-fitted clothing. Yet Couture Week also proves to be one of the most democratic events of fashion week.

It is not just a space for beautiful clothes, but a platform that enables more people to get close to the glamour of fashion. The clothes may be high-end, but there is no snobbery or superiority amongst this crowd. While there were the expected handful of A-list clients and journalists, there were also a significant number of tickets sold online to the general public.

This particular showcase, at 6pm on Sunday 13th September, saw the designs of Lourdes Atencio and Jorge Diep, both collaborations between the USA and the Dominican Republic. Staged against the sultry rhythms of singer Vanessa Cruz, the dresses were an explosion of colour and sexiness; a real merging of cultures. As Marlon Hiraldo, part of the design team behind Jorge Diep, said afterwards, ‘we have American people and Latin people. So we wanted to mix it together, as we are all brothers and in the same country now. It’s interesting that everyone has a little bit of everything.’

This cross-section of identities was particularly demonstrated through the combination of bright, shiny materials and the sleek, modern silhouettes that are so

often associated with the New York woman. Featuring a lot of short, form-fitted dresses and some skin-tight trousers, there was nowhere to hide in these clothes.

Intricate embroidery and foil-work decorated the bodices of most looks and there was a repeated use of teal and pink amongst the blacks and whites.

The collection’s main goal? ‘We want women to feel comfortable and sexy with their body and we want to embrace powerful women,’ said Hiraldo. In a world where fashion is repeatedly criticized for inspiring the opposite, it was refreshing to see such body-positive approaches to clothing in an industry-recognized event – even if the designs’ body-conscious properties may inspire fear instead of confidence in some shoppers . Rather than aiming for a production line of glossy, homogenous women (another criticism of the industry) the designs are aimed at ‘women with more personality, who aren’t afraid.’

After the show, the models came out into the lobby and mixed with the public, yet another refreshing change. A trio took selfies in the corner before gushing over each other’s outfits, a reminder that they are, at heart, just young girls. One model enthusiastically embraced her mother and dragged her into a few photos. Her mother, Kristina Barkey, 52, New Jersey, later explained, ‘I told her she could do whatever she wanted with modelling, as long as it didn’t interrupt with college. She moved to London and fell in love with international travel.’ A proud smile lit her face. ‘She’s up at grad school right now, at Harvard doing International Relations.’ In this way, she’s also doing her bit to thwart industry expectations.

Couture Fashion Week, despite its high fashion roots, doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of the rest of New York Fashion Week. Instead, ordinary mothers and daughters stand side by side with stylists and editors, united in their love of design. Here, it is not only the fashions that are innovative, but the attitudes.

Instagram,@manbunmonday

Facebook, Jorge Diep

‘PENIS BUN!!’ is what I have to repress myself from screaming every time I walk past the infuriating hipster donning a top knot. Because, ultimately, that is all that the male top knot is: a tiny phallus flopped over the top of the head.

The style (not that it dignifies such a noun) can find its origins from the heads of sportsmen. Hardly a new phenomenon, you may say. However, in this instance, those sportsmen are Japanese sumo wrestlers. I mean, who takes style inspiration from sumo wrestlers? That’s like taking relationship advice from Russell Brand.

Shockingly though, there remains a petrifying proportion of the population who seem to find this look aesthetically pleasing. I have nothing against men with long hair. Quite the opposite: luscious locks create the look of bohemian abandonment; of a laissezfaire attitude; and a ‘je-ne-sais-quoi’.

A flowing mane has been flaunted by an array of male icons. From Chris Hemsworth and Lord Byron to Jack Sparrow and Dumbledore.These are men of power; of flare; and of action.

They are rockers, film stars and heroes.

Top knots, however, create the look of the stump that protrudes out of the bottoms of dogs who have had their tails docked. Its wearers consist of Joey Essex, the Manc adolescents from Gogglebox, and the child-men from Made in Chelsea.

The comedy duo, Nic and Gareth, otherwise known as the “drive-by-barbers” have a solution

to this endemic: simply driving up to the offender, slicing off the slimy anchovy and driving away again. Gentlemen, I applaud you!

I will, from now on, be following their lead and going nowhere without a pair of scissors to snip off the top knots of all those around me and I heartily encourage you all to do the same.

Sophie Cook Style Writer

Top image: Instagram,@ manbunmonday

Editor Ben Duncan-Duggal whatson@epigram.org.uk

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25.09.2015

From the humble beginnings of a Motion night as Tokyo Dub to the fully-fledged festival of Tokyo World in the space of a few short years, the growth of the Tokyo franchise has been mightily impressive. And this increase shows no signs of stopping, with two new stages being added to the festival’s Eastville Park home - having graduated from the smaller Castle Park base last year. The line-up is as strong as ever, with Roots Manuva playing a rare set at the top of the bill, backed up by Bristol favourites David Rodigan and Mike Skinner and a whole host of acts representing Bristol’s roots in dub, reggae, techno and beyond.

Elsewhere

Flickr:David McKelvy

Flickr: Do512

Flickr: villunderlondon

Leon Bridges - Thelka: 26.09

Gengahr - Exhange: 07.10

If you’re not quite capable of the dub/reggae/ dancehall infused 12 hours that is Tokyo World, fear not - Thekla has your back. The esteemed vessel offers a gentler alternative in the form of soul-man Leon Bridges, who has crooned his way into the critical good books with this year’s impressive debut Coming Home. Sonically, it isn’t ground-breaking stuff; Bridges’ music harks firmly back to the 1960s, channelling legends Sam Cooke and Otis Redding into 10 gorgeously nostalgic album cuts. Far from feeling out of touch though, the tracks have been rapturously lapped up on his recent tour, and will no doubt continue to when he arrives in Bristol.

The Pokédex entry for Gengar reads that ‘the leer that floats in the darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting its curse on people.’ The band who (almost) share a name with the malevolent purple Pokémon also share its delight in beguiling their subject, though their methods do differ somewhat. Gengahr (with an h) are a dream-pop outfit, with the emphasis firmly on the pop, landing somewhere between DIIV and Currents-era Tame Impala. Emerging with a slew of other 2015 buzzbands like Spring King, the London band delivered on the hype with an extraordinary debut A Dream Outside, which arrived just in time to woozily and perfectly soundtrack one of the best summers of this writer’s life.

The Crucible: 07-08.10 You’ll no doubt know Arthur Miller as that bloke who wrote Death of a Salesman, the compulsory text on OCR’s GCSE English course, and the swan-song of many a teenager’s affinity with the written word. His slightly lesser known work, however, is also pretty good. Check out The Crucible, a bewitching play which returns to the site of its 1954 premier at the Old Vic. Tom Morris directs what is to be a hugely exciting rework of the classic play.

Flickr: *annalisa*bruno*photographer*london*amsterd

Pick of the Week: Tokyo World 26. 09. 2015

Welcome AND welcome back

t o Bris t ol!

For this year we are your elected

officers and we're here to support you throughout your time at

University. We’ve got an incredible year ahead.

Our next step is to elect almost 700 reps who’ll be looking out for all students over the next year in every area of our University life: from our courses to our sports clubs. We’ll be organising hundreds of events: from diversity and equality events, to volunteering events, to parties. We’ll be supporting our 300 (plus) societies and sports clubs and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in any activity they like.

Remember that we’re here for you, so feel free to get in touch. Here’s to an awesome year!

- Your Student Officers.

Places in Bristol you didn’t know you could use your NUS card Rileys There’s a Rileys close to campus on the Triangle where you can get 50% off pool and snooker on Tuesdays and Sundays with NUS extra.

The Gym Get fit for less with no joining fee for The Gym Bristol.

Bristol Zoo Bristol Zoo has a cheaper concession rate that you can get with an NUS card.

At-Bristol One of the UK’s leading science and discovery centres, At-Bristol has exhibitions on everything from brains to animations. Concession rates are available to NUS card holders.

Mimmo Gentlemen: Located in the Galleries in the city centre. NUS cardholders get a 10% discount Monday – Friday.

Lien Beauty: Lien Beauty operates from Hush salon right in the heart of Bristol city centre. Show your NUS card to get a 50% discount on nail services and a £5 discount on spray tans and threading.

Undercover Rock Rock climbing inside an old church tower? Yes please. Well, you can do that right here in Bristol at Undercover Rock. They have concessionary Elite Memberships that are only available to students holding an NUS Extra Card.

You can get your NUS Extra card at: shop.bristolsu.org.uk

BALLOON

Bristol Rugby Bristol Rugby is based at Ashton Gate Stadium. You can get your sports fix for less as they sell cheaper concession tickets with an NUS card.

Hairdressing/ beauty There are plenty of hairdressers around the city that offer discounts to NUS cardholders. Here are a few: SK109: Located on Coldharbour Road, just north of Redland. 10% student discount with an NUS card.

BIKE

Balloon Bikes is a bike hire scheme for University of Bristol students.

You can hire a new bicycle from just £50 a year!

Find out more: bristolsu.org.uk/balloon-bikes

Introducing your new student officers.

What could you do?

We will soon be electing some of the students who are going to lead and represent us for the next year. If you know someone who you would trust to represent you, or would like to be a rep yourself, you can nominate candidates at bristolsu.org.uk/elections. You will also be able to view a full list of the roles available.

But WHY, you ask, should I want to be a rep? Well, apart from the fact that it’s a lot of fun, this letter from Tom Phipps is a good start…

An open letter to Bristol students new and old

Tom Phipps, Union Affairs Officer

From your Union Affairs Officer, Tom Phipps

Life as a student is about many things: studying, partying, meeting new people and trying new things. You learn a lot about yourself in your first few years of independence: everything from how much pizza your body can realistically contain, to how many words you can write in an hour. For a lot of people, this is also the time that they start to develop their political voice.

Laura Ho, Postgraduate Education Officer

Jamie Cross, Equality, Liberation & Access Officer

Students sometimes seem to have a reputation as lazy layabouts who spend most of their time avoiding going to lectures and having very little interaction with the rest of society. But actually, students have always been at the forefront of change in wider society, whether that is being at the forefront of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa (our old SU bar used to be called the Mandela Bar!) or campaigning against racism and homophobia in the country long before it was mainstream opinion.

Sarah Redrup, Student Living Officer

Bristol is a progressive city, and the students’ union is no different. In 1967 students protested against aristocracy in university management with a sit-in.

In 1980 a group of students blocked a train carrying nuclear waste as an antinuclear protest. More recently, students through the SU have campaigned against the trebling of tuition fees, in favour of equal marriage and are currently campaigning against cuts to maintenance grants.

Ahead of this year’s general election, The Guardian rated Bristol students as being among the top ten most powerful in the country.

Steph Harris, Sport & Student Development Officer

So when you are running from event to event during welcome week, or looking over your reading list for the coming year, or hanging your IKEA fairy lights, remember that other part of student life: the long standing student tradition of working together towards something better. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.

Be part of the work of the students union, and stand to be a student rep, visit bristolsu.org.uk/elections.

Max Austin Undergraduate Education Officer

Saturday 26. Apocalypse A star studded line-up of world renowned DJs, supported by an array of Bristolian talent. Is this the end of the world as we know it?

Monday 28. Get Active Kickboxercise Come along to our Kickboxercise classes every Monday 4:30 - 5:30pm and learn something new. Free with a sports pass, £2 without.

Thursday 1. Volunteering Fair Meet over 40 volunteering projects and find your next challenge. This event is free to attend.

Friday 2. Get Active Indoor Football Sign up to our Indoor Football sessions: Every Friday 3:30 - 5pm – Spaces are limited!

october

september

WHAT'S ON Tuesday 29. Fit & Fabulous Zumba Every Tuesday at Churchill Halls we have ZUMBA, 6 - 7pm, open to all Fit and Fab members. #GetFitWithZumba

FEATURED EVENT

15 October: Fink We’re excited to invite to the Anson Rooms a band whose operatic live performance style is famous the world over.

3 October. Our Heroes: celebrating Black History Month.

A day of celebration, as part of Black History Month. Featuring St. Paul’s carnival, live music, authentic Caribbean food and more.

For more information on all upcoming events see bristolsu.org.uk/events

Putting on the best student events since 2015 This year’s programme

Monday The Big Fat Bristol SU Pub Quiz Tuesday Tuesday Takeover, with a different student group entertaining you every week Wednesday Compete sports night, in collaboration with Bunker Thursday Monthly open mic night, last Thursday of every month Friday Karaoke Saturday Burst Radio presents, live streaming the best student DJs Sunday Sunday brunch, helping you recover at the end of the week!

BURSTRADIO.ORG.UK INFORMATION TALKS: 28/9/15, Odlum Room Union, 7-8pm 29/9/15, Odlum Room Union, 7-8pm

@

Students

@

Students

Opportunities available in presenting, podcasts, news, music and production.

SHOW APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!