Wey aye, man! Seriously, the Toon wasn't ready for me! Newcastle Upon Tyne is a far off place for me, the North East coast of England sounded like a plan. Promise this, I didn't want a typical Geordie Shore experience I was looking for something extra! Take the time to say your prayers because I'm not apologising for nothing! Hold that coach I'm on my way again Newcastle! Alreet?!
I don't know how you did to me Newcastle, from the first moment I saw the Tyne Bridge I was captivated! Nothing good comes easy so the six hour coach journey confirmed I made it to the Geordie Shore for all the right reasons! A certain Geordie pop icon was born in this city, can you guess who she is? No fog on the Tyne it was rather cloudy and cold! I was like hold up, I wasn't impressed by the signage on the bridge but I realised it was all in aid of the Great North Run. I had always had a burning desire to see Newcastle Upon Tyne, she's almost Scottish so the trip took some doing but it was worth it. From the first glance Newcastle presented itself as a former industrial powerhouse similar to her sisters, Sunderland and Middlesborough. Get into Newcastle! OK, I admit it I've been to Sydney, Australia where I saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge but this Geordie bridge happened to be the prototype that was taken to Australia! Let's not complicate this I admire both bridges, they're both sisters leave it at that!
I can always sense when a place has a buzzing atmosphere, from the second I stepped off my Megabus on to North East soil I had a great vibe from the Toon! Life expects us to be strong but Newcastle Upon Tyne is a busy lady, so it was on to the next one I was excited! You should be too?! I wasn't on any Byker Grove hype, spreading my wings I took some time to embrace the waters of the Quayside for it told a story of strength and toil. Industry is being replaced by alternative points of interest, the miners might have packed up but on the way through Sunderland I noticed some of the foundries had been transformed into museums. Newcastle looked just canny to me, I could mark off another amazing home city visited in England. The night was far off from that point so getting to know the daylight side of the Geordie Shore had to be done before things got crazy! Truth be told I did love eavesdropping on people's conversation for the Geordie talk had me instantly. You know I wasn't about to say auf wiedersehen pet!
Grey's Monument took me to the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne's city centre, definitely resembling Nelson's Column! Now a Grade I listed monument this pillar of strength was built in 1838 to acclaim the 2nd Earl Grey, Charles. A contrast of a city Newcastle showed itself to be, nevertheless I adored this central part of the city center. The stone buildings stood regal along the road leading to Grey's Monument, Newcastle just keep on serving! Quitting was out of the question, my early morning departure seemed a world away but I was willing and ready to soldier on. Loving life must be an official Geordie sport, the streets surrounding Newcastle's column showcased a maze of shops, restaurants and cafes. I wasn't feeling the 'Material Girl' vibe that weekend, I was on a severely tight budget so I saved my paper for the nights ahead. Fear not, Newcastle is a walkable city for sure I never got a chance to hop on the Newcastle Metro, oh the shade of it all! Love the Toon! Newcastle holds no pretense!
I have a fancy state of mind but I always travel basic, hotels are for haters so I have love for a hostel. Newcastle Backpackers has a winning formula, its affordable and possesses a central location. Choosing my bed in the bunk I felt comfortable at Newcastle Backpackers, I even got a cup of tea made for me! Westgate is the only way to experience Newcastle on a budget, don't judge because like most trips that I take I met some genuine people from the four corners of the world. I'm not saying this to make it sound good I'm just being real, leave your attitude at the door because this backpacking friendly hostel just wants you to enjoy England's North East city! Back to the Toon, I must admit that Newcastle has a compact Chinatown that served up a budget meal with a big budget taste. Choose The Gate for pre-drinks or the cinema? I watched the new Inbetweeners Movie. Just to lay it down Newcastle has a calm feel during the day, people just going about their business stress free, wait and see child! Go to Grey's!
