Leeds

Jimmy had a business meeting in Leeds, as once a month all the managers of the Highlight and Bar Risas around England meet together to the company and how each place is doing etc. I had two days off in a row so decided to go with him as I'd never been up to that part of England before. Everyone said it was really nice so I was keen to go up and have a look around. The trip was about four/five hours so we set off around lunchtime on the Monday to get there for dinner time. Half way there I was totally stoked as we were passing through Nottingham, and we passed a sign to Sherwood Forest. I didn't know Robin Hood's home actually existed! I wonder if Robin Hood and his Merry Men could be seen gallovanting around amongst the trees?

Arriving in Leeds we had a bit of an issue finding where we were staying because everything is one way streets. Eventually, after a bit of outward frustration on Jimmy's part as the driver, we found our way and then changed quickly before heading out to get some dinner. We then met up with Niel, who is in the same role as Jimmy in the Leeds Highlight. He took us around the town to some different bars, one of them, Mojo, being our favourite. It was like a sort of Indie bar where the bar staff had that nerdy rock look like they should be in one of those bands from the nineties that were generally one hit wonders like Wheatus (I say Wheatus cause they're playing at our Highlight in a week or two - wasn't 'Teenage Dirtbag' their only song?) Jimmy liked it because the guys working there were the only ones who complimented his mustache, the rest of us had been giving him grief for it ever since he decided it looked good and started to grow one. Both Niel and Jimmy had to be up and at the meeting by nine the next day so we had a fairly early one. Was really good to see the nightlife in Leeds though, it is a really nice city.

I had a late check out on Tuesday so left the hotel around one and set off to explore Leeds. Got lost a few times but generally found my way again. I wandered for a while and then did some shopping, had lunch and bought a book to read in the park. It was a really nice relaxing day. Jimmy said he'd be finished the meeting around six so we'd meet back at the car and then maybe drive to York for the night but once he got back he said that everyone wanted to go out on the town so we decided to stay. We met up with Niel and about eight other managers plus the area manager Byron at this amazing buffet restaurant where we had dinner and a few drinks then proceeded on to a pub crawl around the town. We started with a number of different cocktail bars before hitting some more pub-like bars including the Walkabout which had just been renovated.
 One of the guys with us, Rob, was the rep for Wild Shots in England and was basically given the company credit card to show us a good time. We got along really well although at one point when he asked where I'd been before England and I said Canberra, he replied, "What's that?" I explained it was our capital city, to which he then replied, "Isn't it Melbourne?" Not only did he not know what the capital of Australia was, but had never actually heard of the place. I mean its not the most exciting city in Australia, but for someone who works mainly for Walkabout, which is an Australian chain of clubs, you'd think he'd atleast have HEARD of the capital of Australia. He even started googling in on his iphone because he didn't believe us. Anyways I gave him a lot of grief about it, as did Jimmy. Was a really good night though I had so much fun. Glad I decided to come on the trip!

The drive home wasn't too much fun, I actually slept most of the way but obviously Jimmy couldn't so he was exhausted when we got back. Had about an hour to get ready for work to face another Purple Wednesday. Here we go!