Juxtaposition.

We rarely go into Bradford city centre unless going to the theatre or IMAX, but today we took the bus to collect a book I ordered last week from Waterstones. (More of that later maybe - thanks Paula for the blip prompt)

There are few buildings of merit left in the city centre but the very best, for me, are the two we saw today, the Wool Exchange which now houses the Waterstones bookstore and cafe. We had a coffee looking down into the store and up to the wonderful roof space. It was a bit chilly but it is a big space to heat.

To get there we crossed the City Park in Centenary Square. I haven't seen a wheel there before though I have seen it on blips (Sgwarnog) and it is a treat to see the City Hall without scaffolding after many years of renovation. This is without doubt Bradford's jewel. Modelled on the bell tower in Florence.

My blip is of the shapes created by the City Hall tower, the wheel and the rather splendid lights. It like the juxtaposition of them, shame it wasn't against a blue sky.

A bit of a grey day but most of the snow is gone so it was a nice morning out. We finished up by going into The Broadway shopping centre. The newest bit of the city centre. Just another shopping mall but I needed to take some things back to M&S. I took the opportunity to go into Debenhams too. A shop that used to be at the other end of town. It took over the magnificent Busby's store which mysteriously burnt down when Debenhams no longer wanted it.

Whatever I feel about the shopping centre I was pleased to see it was busy which can only be a good thing. Pretty sure the former shopping area of Darley Street wouldn't be now.

Returned by bus via Bingley where we discovered our village bus no longer leaves from the railway station. Had to sprint across two main roads to catch it. Life is a great adventure.