Last time in Leeds

It probably won't be my last time in Leeds, but it was Thought Bubble's. Actually, I'm not sure about that... but by the time I returned to the festival in 2019, it moved to Harrogate. But what a way to go! We had so much fun in Leeds on this trip!  

I seemed to make the sales woman's day at the Doc Marten store with my insecurities, or defying the stereotype of an American abroad. But after the festival, Greg, Christophe, Dom and I all had a night of hilarity at the Viaduct Show bar. 

To provide some contrast between the fun time in Leeds and the fun time we had in Cardiff, the train ride provided some perspective. Due to it being the end of term for universities, and a few cancellations, the trains were standing room only, despite the fact we had reserved seats.

People watching en route to and around Leeds

 It wasn't that long ago, I guess. But everything is relative.

Lots of amazing people watching between the airports, the local, and the comic con!

And Xavier got his dig in about my hair, too.

EAT DRINK BOWL

Last night in Leeds, at Pieminister again, I remembered we had yet to bowl in England! So our friends at the restaurant directed us to Roxy Lanes. A short walk away and lanes available for us.

It was an amazing night (for me). Usually Xavier and I would be neck and neck in the high 60s, maybe 70s. but for me to make #6 in the Roxy Lanes high scores of November—WOW.

Cute patrons, cute manager, and nice bums everywhere made this Sunday night memorable.

Here's the recap of bowling with Xavier:

• US: Somerville MA (twice)
• Canada: Montreal
• Belgium: Brussels
• Scotland: Edinborough
• Germany: Munich
• England: Leeds 

Though I've mostly seen Xavier in France, it's odd we've yet to bowl there! 

Otherwise, we missed bowling in Austria and Italy...but I think that's it. Angry about Vienna...but I was in no shape to bowl in Italy.

Lovely Leeds

I am sure there are some Leeds haters out there, but do not dare count me among them!

It has the rep of being a nasty, awful, industrial city. It might very well be, but I guess I'm used to a lot worse.

Two hours to London by train, a charming and walkable city center, with few coffee houses but pubs that begin filling up at 2 in the afternoon, I thought this place was great.

Everyone was just a bit more friendly than in London, and of course, everyone cute was cuter as soon as they said anything.

Typically at a comic con, you're pretty locked in to up early, find something to eat, be at the table all day, find something to eat and drink, the end. But not having a table allowed me some wandering/tourist time.

Wandering around the flooded river walk, learning about the city from a local, seeing the little German Christmas market, and of course, pie at the Pie Minister. Way better than Piemaker in Edinburough... food was better and they served beer (plus I loved the little bird logo). Sure, it's a small UK chain, so not quite local color (but as Ian said in London, "everything is a chain these days.")...but that give me hope that there will be a Pie Minister Somerville someday.

Owl souveniers everywhere, and I love owls. Maybe I will Instagram all my vintage mid century modern brass owls. Turns out the owl is a symbol of Leeds, with city hall adorned with owl statuary too.

Excited to visit Leeds again (presumably next year for Thought Bubble!)!

Thought Bubble

When Monica got a half table for the UK's comics festival, I thought, "Hey!—that sounds like fun; I will try to get a table, too."

But I missed the deadline, I was kindly told. When I inquired about a waitlist, I was kindly ignored.

Greg, Xavier, and I were posse'd in to help Monica set up her table, when her con neighbor asked her if she wanted to buy the half table between them—apparently some friend bailed. 

Monica passed, but I asked, "How much are you asking for the space?" The reply I heard was, "350 pounds." So I passed as I didn't have many leftover books from the signing at Gosh!

We went about our merry way, and I spoke with many creators and looked at many fun and amazing books. 

Chatting with Monica later, she corrected me: they were only asking 50 pounds. If I had heard that correctly first thing in the morning, I'd have bought the table and sold some wares.

Fine as it was, since I got to talk to so many people.

Including my new comics pal Timothy Winchester, creator of People I Know. My favorite character is the piece of toast, not so much for what it says, but just the fact that it's a piece of toast. That slays me. I drew some of the cast in my sketchbook. Enjoy, and go enjoy his webcomic!

Oh—have to throw one negative thing in there: in the main room, the ceiling and walls were black, and I found it really oppressive, like the ceiling was crushing me. Otherwise, I'm a fan of Thought Bubble.

TO LET/TOILET

Transferring from London to Leeds by bus was an experience to be had for 3 pounds. It wasn't awful...but MegaBus is the same every where. Immediately on arrival and throughout our stay, I was amused by the numerous "TO LET" signs. Many used a font similar to Impact, which created a visual suggestion (to me) that the signs read "TOILET." Also amusing to me were all the slogans in quotes, leading me to question, "who said this originally? whom is the sign quoting?"

Our budget hotel was clean and pretty nice for a budget hotel. But when white bedding is met by red wine, action must be taken. Fortunately, Monica's quick thinking saved the day and by the next night, the stain was gone and the bedding was dry!

Lads of Leeds