Holiday Week 1: Tuesday: Manchester

Managed 10 hours sleep in the softest of beds ever, then dozed while listening to a recording of Dowsing for Sound - sounding awesome! Had an amazing shower (made amazing simply by the fact that I could a: stand up in it, and b: I wasn't in a rush).

Wandered into Manchester Central (15min walk) for breakfast about 11am.

I think Next are trying to get more men wearing pink. Most of their display suits etc have a pink shirt, and any pack of underwear that isn't 5 variations of tartan have got at least one bright pink in them. Pink boxers? No chance, I'm not man enough!

I have yet again proved I shouldn't be allowed near shops on my own. There I was looking for a nice green space for a pint and some reading, and BANG, smacked in the face by a monster shopping centre. My will power failed me, and as well as the Miss Millie's Cookie Monster, I was also assaulted by the Millets monster, the Slush Puppy monster (lemon & lime, rarrrrrr), and then the end of level boss - Argos :-(

Had a between-level-pause for lunch, while the C64 tape loaded level 2, then launch back in at a run. Deansgate brought out all the nasties to stop me this time, 7 outdoor shops on the same street! Unfortunately, the funkiness of their stock and my inner Millets Geek prevailed and I yet again succumbed to the temptations within.

Among other things, I ended up with a Tilley hat - indestructible, and half price on a new one if (when) I lose it! I also managed to get 10% off everything due to it. Plus my (here-to unknown- dead-and-buried) inner chav rebelled and got a Berghaus cap (outdoor-geeky-chav). I shall henceforth be known as 'Col 2 Hats' - well, until I lose them.

Bonus points were received for surviving the Brun Erdinger - heavier than my 3 man tent! But followed up nicely with a few pints of Kopperberg. Mmmm mmm mmmmmm.

Dinner comprised of an amazing steak an mash at the 'Grill on New York Street', which was totally the tastiest thing I've eaten in sooo long. So good in fact, that I followed it with a chocolate fondant (mmmm chocolate) an a cup of camomile and citrus tea, which sent me straight to sleep for another 10hr night nap.

Tomorrow, I have to complete the level by acquiring some toe socks (5 digit styley).