Well it is almost 2 years since that depressing trip to the archives that made me realise my Russian wasn't good enough to continue with my research. I wish I could say my Russian is perfect now but it will still be a long slow process through the documents but the plan is to photograph as much as possible and take it back home to work through.
The trip down was uneventful. No missed connections in Edinburgh and a beautiful sunny day. Slightly duller in Leeds but dry at least. I went to check into the hotel first and as soon as I approached the desk the receptionist asked if I was with the Philosophical and Religious Studies Group. Obviously being a part of the Dept. of Divinity, History and Philosophy marks you out! I politely declined to be either philosophical or divine and checked in as the lone historical relic! It is the same hotel I stayed in before...nothing spectacular, but it is cheap! I guess that accounts for the large damp patch on the roof and wall with the accompanying growth of mould! It hasn't moved or tried to engage me in conversation so I am assuming it is harmless!
As I walked up to the University I noticed a German Christmas market in the centre. I will try to pop into it on the way home tomorrow. It looked festive but I can't guarantee its authentic Germanness yet. I will let you know....
It was good to be back in the archives. The staff are friendly and helpful and it is a nice, bright place to work. I ordered up my first two files and set to work. I managed to photograph the first file but the second is bigger and will need more time to sort through so I have left it for tomorrow. I had identified 8 files that I wanted to work through this week which doesn't seem like a lot but I was sure they would have a lot in them. Anyway, when Richard (archivist) brought out the boxes he very helpfully pointed out about a dozen more files that may actually be more inclusive of the information I am after....it is going to be a busy week!
I stopped off at Casa Mia, a restaurant I often go to when I am in Leeds. It still amazes me though that a woman dining alone creates such a stir. 'Yes, I want a table for one. No, I am not expecting anyone to join me.'
I had the spaghetti al frutti di mare, which was really good although there was ham in it which was slightly confusing. I wasn't aware that pigs were considered seafood. Maybe we are lumbered with land locked pigs in Scotland and they have swimming pigs in the Mediterranean!
I typed up some notes when I got back to the hotel and I am now enjoying a beer (served in a coffee mug) and some crisps before signing off for the night.
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