Meandering Snapdragon: Welcome to the Geordie Shore?

SO! The Geordie Shore. It was explained to me by my roommate (who you'll meet later in this post) to be quite similar to the Jersey Shore (oh how exciting). I guess the locals are referred to as "Geordies". I have resisted the urge to Google it because I just don't care. The weirdest thing, though, is it that three other people have mentioned this show to me in the last week... and it takes place in Newcastle. In fact I went to two of their "hangouts". Weren't my kind of places but to each their own.

On to Newcastle...

The North of England (and all of Scotland, really) is full of fantastic, helpful people. Note that for future travel - north is good. Arriving in Newcastle early on the 10th I was forcibly reminded that everyone is lazy on Sunday's and finally found a Starbucks that was open and blissfully warm. Northumbria is a breathtaking place but do not ever assume that you'll be warm after summer or before the sun is high in the sky. Burr.

I had an unexpected surprise while sipping my peppermint hot cocoa (my favorite seasonal drink!). There were a large number of men and women in uniform - RAF mostly - in and out and they were talking about lining up here or there. When I left Starbucks there was a crowd of people around the church of St. Thomas the Martyr; which was at the end of Northumberland Street (where I was sipping my cocoa!). I meandered on over and asked a man what was taking place. November 11 each year Britain has Remembrance Day, to reflect and remember those lost in the World Wars. Official Info here! While the actual holiday is the 11th, they celebrate on the Sunday closest.

I followed the marching troops around to Old Eldon Square and watched the entire memorial. It was quite wonderful and moving. So, despite my chilly, quiet beginning in Newcastle things were looking up.

The guys most people think of when "England" and "uniform" are used together. They led the procession behind two MP's on horseback; the pomp, circumstance, and musical talent of the memorial.

Army, British Armed Forces. You could tell who the newer recruits were because they often had trouble keeping their march in time! That or they were rhythmically challenged.

Church of St. Thomas the Martyr. Located right in the downtown area of Newcastle.

I stayed at Euro hostel, same as I did in Glasgow. They have a great set-up and if you are ever traveling in Europe I do recommend them. As long as you bear in mind that the dorm options are cheaper...just revert to a college sense of mind. There was one other girl in the room with me, Azita. She and I hit it off quite well and spent the evening in typical Newcastle fashion....drinking and bar hopping. To be honest that was the most typically "collegiate" party night I have EVER experienced. Not too sure its worth the money to bother again but she and I had such fun that it was entirely worth it....but I still refused to give in to any karaoke urges. The coolest thing about the night beyond making a new friend and enjoying drinks...? Meeting a lot of the Newcastle Falcons (the rugby team while the Newcastle football team is Newcastle United). They look like THIS. Azita and I met some of the first team and the academy players. I've never watched a full game of rugby but it was still cool to meet people (and have a drink with) those who have their own stadium. Seriously.

While this is, by no means, an overly flattering photo it is all I have from our night out as my valuables stayed locked in the hostel. Azita and I.

Since the UK doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, decorations and music jump immediately from Halloween to Christmas. If you have seen the movie ELF and you love it (because you can't not) you'll want to make a trip to Newcastle around the holidays someday. If you haven't seen ELF (watch it) you're not going to understand....but I'll try to help you. In the heart of the central area of Newcastle - Eldon Square and Northumberland Street - there is a store called Fenwick. Think Gimbell's, ELF lovers.

The interior is simply a department store but the kids and holiday sections are something to see...but the best part is the exterior. The first thing I heard (because you hear it before you see it) was uplifting, upbeat, make you want candy canes and snow, music coming from lots of speakers. Then you walk closer. There is a big lego Santa in the corner window...then you keep walking down Northumberland and think "gee, I wonder why all those kids and parents are queued up outside the side of a building..."
... Then you walk by. There are eight large display windows. All with large circular frames around them. This years theme is "Fairy Tale Forest" and they were unveiled on November 9th. The displays include: Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Sugar Plum Fairy, Jack Frost, Rapunzel, Snow White, and the Old Toymaker (I think its really just Santa in his workshop but I've been told differently). The first window seems to be a little girl reading a book of fairy tales. The music, by the way, plays all day so just stroll by if you need uplifting (but not if you want to pinch your pockets...Christmas has the side affect of spending too much).

Even has its sign out on the side, like Gimbell's! The main shopping area...

Here is a taste...

The first window, a girl on the woods reading a book of fairy tales.

Jack Frost ice skating. I really like the story of Jack Frost but it is sad that all of my photos have reflections on them! :(

My remaining time in Newcastle was spent walking about the small city sight-seeing and making friends wherever I went! Each time I sat down in a cafe for a drink and computer time (the wireless at Euro Hostels is really quite crappy) I found myself being talked to or beginning a conversation (shocking, I know). The thing I was looking forward to most was Hadrian's Wall....and of course when I got out there on my last morning there was no memory card in my camera :( So even though I have no pictures to show you, check this out - one day I'll do THIS! Hadrian's wall, of course, runs east to west across Northumbria and Cumbria, total of about 75 miles, and was built to enforce the borders of the Roman Empire.

In addition to a lot of shopping, Newcastle also boasts a fair amount of theaters. Naturally I gave into my urge to see Thor and I have to say it was entirely worth the 8 GBP!

Here are the rest of the Newcastle pictures: