Visit back to the UK

Before our holiday in Italy we had a lovely trip back to the UK visiting family and friends. It always brings a mix of emotions with all the 'Hellos' and 'Goodbyes'. The kids particularly love seeing their cousins and being 'spoilt' by their grandparents.

Flynn,  Paddington's Australian cousin enjoys London

Always lovely goin back to Ripley Castle

With Chris and Vicky, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Uncle Chrissy, Chris, Chris

Chris Ward came to visit on his way to the University of Tasmania. Sam took a shine to him and named him Uncle Chrissy, Chris, Chris very cute..

Return to the Toon (Newcastle Upon Tyne)

After a few days in Harrogate it was time to travel up to see my family in Newcastle. I bought a National Express coach ticket 27 pounds return. The coach had seen better days to put it mildly but it got me to Newcastle. Then a short walk down to the Quayside where my hotel was located.

The Waterside Hotel is an old fashioned pub hotel in the heart of Newcastle. The staff are friendly and the rooms clean and functional. I probably overpaid because I booked it on-line. I suspect you would get a better rate if you called them. The location however was fantastic my window directly overlooked the swing bridge. It was also a perfect location for running. I had three runs in three days. In Newcastle you can do large loops as there are long paths along the Tyne and lots of bridges to cross. I ran on both sides of the river to Dunston on the South Bank and Elswick on the North Bank. The river is returning to nature after  years of heavy industrial development that ended in the 1980’s.

On Saturday night I went out to Saint George’s Church in Jesmond and heard my niece Joanna sing in the Swing Bridge Singers choir. They had a wide repertoire of songs ranging from the Lion King to James Bond. Joanna sang well and did a duet of summertime with another singer. Later in the evening my nephew Jack also showed off his brilliant free style dancing.

Then on Saturday night I had a beer with my brother at the Crown Posada on Dean Street a fantastic pub a real blast from the past for both of us.  

Links

Waterside Hotel

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186394-d210720-Reviews-The_Waterside_Hotel-Newcastle_upon_Tyne_Tyne_and_Wear_England.html

Swing Bridge Singers

http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/swing-bridge-singers/

Chris

My brother Chris came for a visit on his way back from Tasmania. He had been in Hobart growing epithelial cells at the University of Tasmania. We took him to the Melbourne Now Exhibition at NGV and some street art in Melbourne. He is now on his way back to Newcastle Upon Tyne in the UK.

Late Birthday Cake!

Alex and Chris

No Exit, except by plane