I had a totally wonderful dinner with my friend Fiona who lives about 30 minutes from Leeds. Fiona and Simon, and their delightful girls, live in the small village of Otley. Cobbled streets, four story Georgian houses and pubs covered in ivy reminded me that I was in England. The Chevons behind and the moors in front reminded me that I was in Yorkshire. They cooked a seriously great meal and it was just so lovely to sit in someone’s kitchen. Fiona had stayed with me in Bendigo so it felt rather fitting to now spend time in her kitchen. The wonderful stone flags on the floor in front of the Aga type cooker, and the great night sitting around the country style table, was a welcome reprieve from restaurants and hotels. Poor Simon, Fiona and I didn’t draw breath for the first hour.
I found my way back to the Leeds hotel with reasonable ease with a list of where to go the next day on the way South. With the GPS set, the first stop was the home of the Bronte’s. A gorgeous, picture perfect steep village. The walk up, and the moors behind, provided the perfect backdrop to the four Bronte’s amazing literary prowess – well climbing those hills would give one plenty of thinking time and stories of Heathcliff surely would take your mind off the puffing as you trooped up the cobblestone hill.
The Parsonage was unbelievably gorgeous. The tiny furniture reminded me of how damn mammoth we must seem to the ghosts hiding in the corners. I did have to bob my head a few times. I often think houses have feelings deep within their walls and this one just had the most peaceful feeling. I really could picture the girls sitting sharing their stories in the tiny living room by the glow of candlelight.
From the Brontes to Salt Mill. My friend Fiona thought I would love the art of David Hockney. She met my girls (Juno and Hebes that is) in Bendigo and thought I would rather like the galleries of a fellow daschund lover. In true Peter Alexander style the touches of daxies were everywhere. Salt Mills is amazing and across each floor were the most tasteful galleries. Amazing Danish designers – Oh the chairs I would have easily packed a whole container and shipped home.
I wandered around the homewares and had great lunch in the Salt Mills diner – with the theme of daschunds I expected hot dogs (and I think they were on the menu) but had gorgeous lunch. I stood for ages trying to figure out whether I could fit in one of David’s prints – I really couldn’t resist and thought I can always post it home. It fitted perfectly in the suitcase so Hebe and Juno asleep on an English armchair are coming home with me.
Sleeping under the stars 