Last month I had a chance to visit
Newscastle on a two-day work trip. For you Americans who still follow this
blog, “Geordie” is a reference for people from the Tyneside metropolitan area
of Northeast England. They have a distinct regional accent and a proud
heritage, best known for Newcastle Brown Ale, Cheryl Cole, and the Great North
Run.
We arrived in the early evening with
the sunshine greeting. My colleagues and I made our way to the stylish Sandman
Hotel, just opposite of the iconic St. James Park, home of Newcastle Football
Club. As a nod to its famous neighbour, the hotel was decorated with old
historic photos of the stadium as well as Newcastle, blending the historic and
modern in a chic fashion. Being such a glorious evening, we met our gracious
hosts who took us on an architectural tour of the city centre and along the
Quayside for view of The Sage Music Centre, and finally to the spectacular
Milleninum Bridge, a pedestrian path connecting Newcastle and Gateshead. On the
tour, we learned that the Kittiwakes, a protected bird, is pretty much free to
nest anywhere in Newcastle City Centre. They are everywhere!
On final destination was the BALTIC
Centre for Contemporary Arts, previously a flour mill and now a modern art
museum with fine views over the Tyne River. We had an enjoyable meal at Six
Rooftop Restaurant where the food are locally sourced from the North Sea and
the surrounding areas, and the beer menu consisted of only local microbrew. It
was a great evening and good conversations on cities, urban innovation,
electric vehicles, World Cup, and Tour de France.
Being so far north I didn’t expect
the sun to rise so early at 4am – blackout shades was something they did not
have at the hotel. But as I am training for a half marathon in September (yes,
after a seven year hiatus from running) and it was a beautiful morning, I decided
to go for a 4 mile run along the Quay. Then it was a long day of meetings,
meetings, and more meetings.
It was then on to the Free Trade Inn,
a beloved historic pub along the river with an impressive list of local craft
ales. Our final evening was spent at the
Blackfair, another historic Newcastle landmark founded in 1239 by Dominican
Monks.
It is true what they say about
Northernerss, they are truly a friendly lot. I enjoyed my brief stay up north
and next time I’ll be sure visit Northumberland National Park and that
impressive Durham Cathedral. Until next time.
