Blogs from Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 2

The day dawned with great promise with a clear sky although this didn’t last long and cloud soon appeared and covered out the sun again. Such has been our experience of most of the week we have been in the UK.However we need to remember that this is now autumn and the days of the short British summer have passed. The temperature though was a bit warmer than it had been and there is now an absence of any breeze which will take out the wind chill factor when we are outside. Janet and Stella joined us for breakfast again before Rhona called around to take us to Pudsey station for the short train ride into Leeds while she then went on to take Janet and Stella to the airport as they were due to return ... read more

Set off today bright and early to have a chance to briefly explore Llanludno before leaving on the train. Walked its Grand Promenade along the Irish Sea - back in the 19th century, this town was basically built for wealthy Victorians to spend a couple days by the beach. Probably one of the first true notions of modern travel as a form of leisure. Then, because the train schedule was messed up, I took a taxi to Conwy with a very nice older woman. Neil Diamond was on the radio and it made me laugh. Conwy is only about a ten minute drive, and I think is probably the most beautiful town in Northern Wales. This whole region is dotted with castles from when Edward I conquered the Welsh in the 13th century (that's why, to ... read more

The sun came out the wind blew strongly from the south and the rain stayed away as we walked from the Bewley's Hotel into the heart of Leeds, with a stop at a Starbucks for breakfast. Leeds is a very busy and one would say one of the neater cities we have been to in the UK. The population is very mixed multicultural and their shops range from the low cost to the exclusive. We saw $10 watches and one over $25,000. The new Trinity Leeds has many many pluses, but may also be the cause of some stores in other parts of the city centre closing. There are quite a few lanes and "mini malls" with their own features. There are also many "civic" buildings such as the Town Hall, Museum (closed on Mondays), Art ... read more

Thursday, August 23, 2012 Arrival in London on time and the correct day. Unlike the last time I flew from Bangkok with Harrison and somehow managed to miss the plane, arriving a day late. Our friend, Ian (Wheels) was waiting to Whisk us to Woking. On getting to Casa Wheeler, we are treated to a wonderful dinner and along with a few glasses of wine it makes for an evening of memories and catch-up. Unfortunately, both I and Caroline are wasted and I hit the rack earlier than we should and I for one am awake at 5.00am. On getting up, the table is set and there are lots of goodies for breakfast. I'd like to give this place **** and recommend it to all of my friends! Wheels has a free day and we drive ... read more

June 24th: Wishes DO come true! The weather is gorgeous today and I've been all around Leeds. It has been a day of smells, that lovely post rain smell.... to sort of quote Outkast it's just "so fresh, so clean" being that Leeds is a University city there is also the smell of Saturday night's vomit congealing on the footpath, but being a SUNNY Sunday there is also the welcome aroma of BBQ, hmmm. Got the Newcastle to Edinburgh train booked at Leeds Station and wandered off to ramble around Leeds Uni, Hyde Park, Meanwood park and my old 'hood'. I've been seeing a good bit of that 'northern hospitality' people being happy to stop and converse with me even though they don't know me. I wandered back into town, taking more photos than most Leeds ... read more