Catching up – I’ve signed a tenancy agreement for the house in Saltaire, purchased a bed and washer/dryer, and will move in mid-October.

Everyone I’ve met in the village and surrounding areas has been very nice. The young Turkish man who manages my favorite restaurant in the village will help me hang pictures. He tells me to just ask him and if he can’t help, he’ll find someone who can. The letting agent (rental agent to you Yanks) will change the plug on the one electrical item I’m bringing. I’ve also found a local private hire driver so I can cut down on Uber use. He gets to keep all the fees, so it’s less expensive and a win-win. Plus he has a big passenger van with fold-down seats, so can hopefully fit the furniture I plan to buy from thrift stores. These people all VOLUNTEER their assistance. They might be Tennesseans at heart.

Questions and notes about the differences between the UK and U.S.:

1. Why doesn’t anyone provide a washcloth? Airbnb or hotel – none provided.
2. Why can’t I buy sheets in sets? If you don’t use a duvet (too hot for me), you can get fitted sheets but not top sheets.
3. You can buy wonky fruit here. I bought a bag of frozen fruit that contains irregular shaped berries that are perfectly fine for topping my cereal. A 12 ounce bag for approximately $1.50.
4. So far I haven’t seen conditioner, only shampoo.
5. My current temporary apartment has switches to turn on/off small appliances. They remain plugged in, but you turn off the current when not in use. Very nice feature.

The countryside is beautiful and I love the old buildings that are still in use. Pics from my canal ride and Harrogate (current temporary location).