The New Newport News News 146:  Leeds Day 2 edition

The day began with a lavish tea for 4 Buckitts: Andrew and Carol each had a classic, Theresa had Caribbean and Zoe had seafood.  [Ron opted out, but joined them at table]

The 3 youngest then went about a full day of shopping in the various arcades around town.  Leeds is full of both new and historic buildings that have been turned into shopping arcades, from high end to flea market end.  Carol’s agenda for the day was rest and journaling / art.  Ron was up for shopping, but not at the pace that the young ‘uns went at.  So, at a leisurely pace, the old folks went from upscale arcade latte [at The Victorian Quarter] where there were no public restrooms!  Strangely, there were young women cosplaying Alice in Wonderland. 

Apparently, there was a Lewis Carroll festival underway all over town; each arcade had a display and activities.

Crossing the street to Victoria Gate, where there were restrooms, they took the pause that refreshes.  This mall was still too rich for their taste.  So, they downgraded to Kirkgate Arcade and it was just right.  Carol found a table to occupy, within paces of diet cokes, while Ron shopped around; he bought a small suitcase for us to check on the return flight with our purchases.  The food court where Carol camped out featured a large children’s play area, with an obstacle course, Lego tables and nearby restrooms.  There was paid adult supervision for the obstacle course and a jolly time was had by many children and by Carol watching said children.

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All the Buckitts convened at The Corn Exchange Arcade, formerly a commodities market in the Victorian age, now full of delightful shops.  Carol again found a table to camp out and the others spread out to see how much money they could spend in a short time before closing.  Zoe’s grandma finally got up long enough to buy a fabulous jumpsuit for the teen and then returned to drinking diet coke.

This was our hottest day in Britain and we stayed indoors.  The Brits however sun-starved as they are, were soaking up every last ray and happily burning their skin.

The five famished family made it to Pizza Pilgrim for a delicious supper and thence to pack for leaving Leeds.

During the night, the temperatures dropped and the morning was cool.