Have just had a lovely day wandering around the Geordie town of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The sun was out and all the locals were taking their clothes off at a great rate of knots. We came by train from London, fast as, and an excellent trip. Staying at the Hotel du Vin, doesn't sound too 'Northern England' but it's housed inside the shipbuilding area of the city, which is where the hotel's theme comes from. Tres maritime!
We are overlooking the river and its many bridges (seven of them) - bit of a spin out looking to the Tyne bridge which is a miniature Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was designed by the same engineer, in a Lilliputian kind of way has a Sydney feel if you spy it through the terrace houses - are we in The Rocks.
Opposite the hotel on the bank of the river that is the Gateshead side is a magnificent building - The Baltic, a grain silo turned into a beautiful space for exhibitions and all forms of fresh, new creative, artistic endeavour. Along from The Baltic is a mighty silver slug - that's what the locals call it. 'The Sage' is a vast entertainment complex that reflects the river and the city.
Newcastle has been a pleasant surprise, it is a vigorous city and sweet to the eye. There is a variety of architecture that goes back to the Roman occupation - those Romans knew a good bit of real estate when they saw it.
Off to Edinburgh tomorrow . . .what a hoot!
