Here, There and Everywere

 It was such a treat to wake up in my own little apartment instead of a hotel. Here’s the front steps. 

After unpacking completely I reassessed my food plans for the month, which are complicated by the lack of a freezer or a microwave. Hmmm. I shelved the problem for later. On reflection, I think the stress yesterday was a result of the continuous problem solving that is part and parcel of a trip - how do I get from A to B, where can I do laundry,  how does the washer/dryer combo work, where can I buy food etc etc. Every single thing needs a decision. In any event, I’m feeling much better today although we did get a parking ticket for our transgression last night.

I headed out to spend the morning at Harwood House, a gorgeous manor house that was the home of Princess Mary after her marriage. It turns out it was also used as a film site for Victoria (one of my absolute favourite shows), and the Downton Abby movie. It’s hard to describe how peaceful it was walking around the grounds in the cold. The gravel crunched underfoot and the birds were out but there was nothing else - no car noises, no people talking, just peace. The self guided house tour was interesting, and there was a guide in every room keen to chat and tell stories.

I stopped for cake (Passionfruit & Prosecco sponge) and a pot of tea on the terrace and then explored the little church on the estate before heading back to Leeds. 

I wandered the streets around the apartment in the afternoon. There are lots of shops and restaurants, some gorgeous heritage malls and a lot of buskers and food stalls. It was very busy and vibrant - such a contrast to all the lockdown at home. I tried the corn kernels in a cup with butter and flavoured salt. Pretty good but not up to the standard of the corn on a stick at the Rocks market. Im not sure why it is “Hollywood” sweet corn. The stall next to this guy, with the exact same setup said “Asian” sweet corn. I was tempted to get one of those to compare.