Greetings all,
Bit of an update while I've got the chance. Everyone else is hungover after a night in the hostel in Barcelona, so early morning on the bunk-bed is probably the best time to update.
Monday: First of all - Sheffield. Have to say, I really love the place. It's kinda old but it's got a lot of character. The trip there was relatively painless -- trains are such a brilliant way to travel. You get the comfort but you can also observe the countryside. Traveling from London to Sheffield reinforced my opinion that the NZ and UK countryside are almost identical at times.
So got to Sheffield, caught up with Ian and met his girlfriend, flatmate and other friends. Really friendly bunch and we visited the city centre -- much like any other centre, really. Lots of shops, lots of young delinquents shouting loudly and the odd weirdo who appears to be holding conversation with an invisible person.
Went to a few bars on the Monday night and met a couple of Ian's friends Jamie and Bec. Grabbed a kebab on the way home and played some Xbox 360.
Tuesday: Drove to Leeds in Will's (Ian's best mate) car that doesn't have any suspension. Leeds is pretty industrial but not as rubbish as people have made it out to be. The boys went in to buy some ties for Will's wedding in a few weeks and I took the opportunity to buy some jeans. Got two great pairs for 50 quid. Had a look around Leeds city centre. Quite nice, but nothing to write a blog about (!)
Tuesday evening was about planning our trip to Spain. Bit of a last minute rush getting train tickets and getting a hostel booked but it was done in the end.
All in all, Sheffield was really, good a nice change of pace from London where everyone is tense. Really helps that I new some English people who took me to pubs and places that wouldn't appear in a guidebook. Top stuff.
Pretty boring entry this one, but no ones forcing you to read it!
Jono
