Every now and then, I reminisce about the place I stayed the longest during my recent trip to Europe.

It was Leeds and yes, I miss the times I was there.

Although it’s not as mighty as London, Paris and Dublin, it gave me a sense of belonging. Being there makes me feel like home – even though it was just roughly a month.

Why Leeds for such a long time? Well, it’s because I stayed with my friends who were in their final year in Leeds University. By now, everyone has graduated.

When I was there, walking to and fro the city center is quite a normal daily routine.

During Winter, the sun rarely appear. But when it does, I’ll cherish the warm sun – unlike here in Malaysia, we curse it.

Anyway, to shop for clothing, we head to Primark.

The only thing I bought from there is a Winter jacket, nothing else.

Buying cloths over here in UK will definitely burn a deep hole in my pocket. I had to stick to my budget limit, unfortunately.

To buy groceries and household items, we shop at the Morrisons.

One of our favourite dining places is The Library.

Yeap it’s called “The Library” – but no one studies here! People fill up their tummy instead.

My favourite meal is definitely Fish and Chips, costing about ₤3 (RM15). It’s probably everyone’s favourite around here – wherever you go, confirm Fish and Chips is available.

Anyway, the day gets completely dark at 4pm everyday in UK – it happens during Winter.

One of the most remembered night was the outing to the German Christmas Night Market.

There, I dressed up like a Teletubby.

Cute or not?

Actually I’m not as fat as the photo okay – it’s because of the 3 inner layers of cloths and a thick Winter jacket!

Also, I got to taste probably the best German Sausage hotdog, topped with chili sauce and mayonnaise! Yummy!

On any other nights, my friends and I usually head home early.

Staying out during the night is a bad idea because it’d be super freezing cold out there! Imagine less than 0° Celsius!

This photo was taken right outside the house. It was a quick photo session – I looked fine right, but actually I was very cold!

And this is what we see every morning when we come out.

Snow, glorious snow! Lovely isn’t it?

One thing I miss about being there is having milkshake! There’s an outlet called “Shaky Jakes”.

Just look at the stash of chocolates they have! There’s a huge variety of choices and you can pick any flavour.

On my first try, I loved it. Loved it so much until I thought of starting a milkshake business in Malaysia!

And when I’m back in Malaysia, I tried making my own milkshake several times but all attempts failed! My dream of owning a milkshake biz has melted ever since.

Anyway, dining out is definitely an expensive thing to do while being in UK. Just image the amount spent when converted back to Malaysian Ringgit.

One of the ways to save is to cook at home.

The thing I realized is that my friends don’t only get a Degree in their respective courses in UK – they’re also getting a “Degree in Cooking” as well!

Don’t play play. Just look at the delicious home-cook food they (I also got help okay) prepared.

Can open a restaurant already hor?

But if that’s not enough, or getting hungry during midnight…

My friends and I can always satisfy our “mamak” needs by having a plate of Indo Mee with fried egg and a cup of Milo! Delicious right?

Anyway, like I said, all my friends in Leeds have graduated by now – everyone has left Leeds for good.

It was a great stay and I would like to thank them for their hospitality and providing me a free place to stay!

Thanks everyone!

Know what, one day I’m gonna visit Leeds again!