Getting Online

Land in Manchester, jump on a train, jump in a car and jump into a shower. What's the next priority for these some what weary travelers ?

1) Getting online.
2) Getting a cask beer.

A quick bus ride in to the center of sheffield and I'm struck immediately by a couple of things (it's about 8 or 9 degrees and sunny). Firstly, everyone here walks SO slowly, getting around the center of town is like sliding through molasses, perhaps I just walk fast ? The second thing is, why oh why girls do you think that tiny denim hot pants are a good idea ? It's not like they are flattering on your white, slightly fat and dimpled british legs and it's bloody cold out ! I'm sure all the blokes in their 'trainers' and baggy tracksuits (the young male uniform here) were impressed though.

Mission 1 - Get Online: A quick trip to the O2 store, 2 local mobile sims, one local mobile broadband card and we're done. Their rates over here wipe the floor with what we get in AU. 3GB per month for £15 on the 3G stick and £10 per month for unlimited internet on our phones. The only annoyance I've discovered so far is their online top up site doesn't take VISA cards with foreign addresses. Have to try the call up service.

Mission 2 - Get 'real' Beer: Abbots Ale, only in a chain Green King pub but it really is the way beer is ment to be. A stella later in the day with Pizza really didn't compare.