Independent Traveller & Leeds Mini Break

So, on Friday Tom did his first bit of independent travel. He got the bus from Ingleton to Settle with an overnight bag as he was staying with Grannie and Grandpa for two nights.  He was completely up for it, barely looked back at us and was more than happy getting his ticket, finding a seat etc.  We (of course) were more nervous and were happy to get the call from Grandpa saying he had arrived safe and well.  He was supposed to walk to Grannie and Grandpa's house by himself as well, but we think Grandpa couldn't help himself and met him at the bus stop.  He was super excited to have done it.

Problem we have is that Tom doesn't have a phone, we don't really want him to have one yet (the whole social media thing is very scary and anyway, he's never wanted one).  However, there are very very few public phones these days, so if something did go wrong, how would he contact us?  I'm guessing we will have to get him a phone sooner rather than later...

Matt and I of course took advantage of Tom being away to have a little city break.  We did a quick scan of hotel prices and settled on Leeds - got a room at Malmaison for £65!  As soon as we knew Tom had arrived safe and well we hopped on a train.  This was going to be a eating and drinking break (neither of us are good shoppers).  First stop was little Bao Boy for lunch - lovely buns filled with asian spiced meats and tofu with loads of siracha.  Got the lips tingling, was super tasty.

We then went off to do our chores - post office for Matt, Bravissimo for me.  Then an attempt to do some sales shopping - lasted all of half an hour, bought a new vacuum cleaner (we are sooooo middle aged!), then a quick drink (pot of tea!) and then a return to the hotel for a relax before heading out on the town for the night.  We were determined to try somewhere new this time, and decided on Jamaican - never been to a carrabean restaurant before.  On the way we stopped off at Bundobust for a quick tipple.  It was mega busy, but we found space and enjoyed some rather nice craft beers.  Got talking to a couple with a small baby - only turned out to be the owner of the chain!  He was on his way home, but as he left he ordered us some more beer - result!

WE then went in search of a light festival near the town hall - was supposed to be happening until 4th January - we searched and searched for it - but couldn't find it so headed to Turtle Bay for our carrabean feast.  We sort of went mad! Had starter, main course and cocktails throughout!  Matt had goat curry and I had brown chicken stew with plantain.  Was all very very tasty - think I would like to visit the area now - pretty sure I will love the food.

We ate so much that the cocktails didn't really affect us.  We walked slowly home and then lay on the bed with our bellies aching with the food inside - why do we never learn?!

We had a better sleep than we thought we would considering the volume of food and drink consumed.  After having a lovely lie in, we struggled up, checked out and headed to a pub up the road which we noticed did a cheap breakfast (breakfast at Malmaison was over £20 per head!)  Matt had a double sausage and egg muffin for £5 and I had avocado and poached egg etc for £3.50 - delicious and an absolute bargain.

We then attempted some shopping for a bit, and then decided to get the earlier train home.  Although it was Saturday, it didn't feel as such.  Matt decided to catch up on some work, so I tempered some chocolate as I have nothing in the shop at the moment and am therefore probably missing out on sales.