h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

On Thursday night I discovered I had an email from a Canadian friend of mine, Carol, saying that she would be over from Azerbaijan Friday to Friday and perhaps we could meet up ("How far away is Leeds from London?"). After several more emails and a phone call it was sorted that she could get the train up from Oxford on Saturday and head down to London on Monday (today).

Our very own Amy the very kindly agreed to put us up at extremely short notice (I don't live in Leeds, but thought it would be a more interesting place for Carol to visit than Guisborough). Sadly I could not make it to Leeds until Saturday afternoon as I had to work at Sainsbury's in the morning (from 5am, but I won't harp on about it as several wagon drivers already beat me at the whole Four Yorkshiremen thing). Saturday mornings are always chaotic work and I was relieved to leave. As I went, soon after one o'clock, I mentally searched for a valedictory phrase that would give expression to my mixed emotions about the place, having worked there for just a couple of months. I think "Screw you guys, I'm going home," summed it up nicely.

My dad kindly gave me a lift to Darlington station, saving me the bother of getting a bus to Middlesbrough and a train to Darlo and consequently putting me an hour ahead of schedule, giving me plenty of time to buy an ivy plant and 300g of fizzy cola bottles at the Kirkgate market before returning to Leeds station to meet Carol, who was about 40 minutes later than I expected anyway.

A short ride later we were at the 's Nest, where we three enjoyed , , chips, Russian , Who and conversation before taking an early night.

Sounds good, is the ants nest all in good order?: No random resurchers towels left laying about?

No, I've got my towel this time, but that's really for the "Monday" episode when I write it.

*does a towel audit* I seem to have the right number of towels for a change .

We'l have to do another 'Leeds Radish' type meet some time

I don't think I'm up to anything more than the Bhaji this year... and impromptu visits by pink cats, of course.

Baggers, did the carpet shop down the road have a bagpuss in their shop window while you were here or were they inspired by your visit to change their display?

Yes, I pointed out the saggy, old cloth one to Carol. She says she's been and looked at this site, so I'd best be careful what I say about her.