Hello there, I hope you are all having an enjoyable weekend.

I have arrived in Leeds UK, my home town for a short break. Each time I come back it’s good to see the regeneration of the city centre. The influx of shops, boutiques, multi-cuisine restaurants and other businesses is lovely to see.

I remember Leeds for the ad hoc entertainment sessions that would be held in the Albion Street area. There could be solo singing artists, live bands, dance troupes and sporting challenges.

One of the main things I am fond of Leeds for is the friendliness of most  Leeds people. They are easy to approach, helpful and when you get into a conversation you feel like you have known them for years!  They are so down to earth, direct with the Yorkshire twang and like to connect with people. I had literally got off the plane, dropped my suitcase down and set on my way for some retail therapy Leeds style.

In each shop I visited, total strangers kindly offered their advice, offered suggestions with a smile, told me about their family, work and money concerns. Now some of the discussions would not have been out of place on Oprah’s show or dare I say Jeremy Kyle”s show.  At the end of it all we were full of laughter and my bags delightfully full with clothes that fit well. Very hard to find clothes that are well made and fit well in the Middle East.

This is only day one of my Yorkshire retreat if you like. So a big thank you to those lovely people I met. You all work so hard, are doing  your best and the Yorkshire determination and spirit filled the air with positivity and humour. I’m looking forward to the next few days; hello Leeds!