When I got up in the morning and looked out of the window I noticed that the weather had changed to rain. After breakfast, equipped with raincoat and umbrella, I left the hotel and set off towards Grey Street to see the monument. Luckily on this occasion the scaffolding had gone so I could enjoy the view properly. I didn’t take any photos though because it was raining too much.
When I turned the corner into Central Arcade I realised the scaffolding hadn’t gone, it had just moved around the corner! After visiting the arcade Mr C and I made our way back towards the Castle Keep via the Vampire Rabbit and Amen Corner. The Castle Keep was very interesting and there were some spectacular views from the rooftop. However during the walk to the keep, I had somehow managed to get one of my trouser legs soaked. This meant that after the tour of the keep I had to go back to the hotel to change before having lunch in the Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas. The Cathedral’s tea shop does very nice cherry scones and the young man who served me tried very hard to tempt me into having two. I managed to resist the temptation!!
After lunch Mr C and I went back to the hotel where we had arranged to meet JD in its newly refurbished reception area . He came bearing ‘mini’ gifts (thank you JD 
). We again set out into the rain to the Side Gallery which was displaying old photographs of Newcastle. They rather reminded me of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe’s work.
Afterwards, we walked to the Laing Art Gallery which contains some interesting art. JD got talking to the curator and asked her about two pieces of art that used to be on display in the gallery but she couldn’t immediately recall them. She must have been intrigued because, even though she was busy with a large group, she later caught up with us whilst we were enjoying a cup of tea and produced a catalogue of all of the artwork that is in the possession of Tyne & Wear’s galleries. JD found the two paintings listed in the catalogue, which delighted the curator. She mentioned that by prior arrangement they could be brought out of storage and viewed.
When we left the gallery, Mr C and I parted ways with JD after which I got a bit carried away in Waterstones, ending up with three books and some ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ mini-bookmarks!!
In the evening we dined in a nice Italian restaurant after which we returned to the hotel lounge for a nightcap before retiring for the evening.
I think you have a charmed life to begin with-or you make it sound so whimsical and charming.
In any event, writing about architecture and other landmarks, and especially in conjunction with your holidays and days out, is your forte, Cherie. You have that rare ability to take the person with you.
Have you considered writing for traveloques?
I think it would be fair to say that I try to make the best of life. So that means I always try to see the best in people and situations. In the words of Monty Python…. ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’
Thank you for your kind words, I am glad that my posts transport you virtually to the fun times I have had
I have had articles published in my work magazines (and websites), but I haven’t sent anything to other publications.
I think you’d be a success if you did, Cherie,especially with your accompanying photos. May be quiet lucrative and may include some free travel.
I like the thought of free travel
You forgot to mention the ‘Blue Carpet’ (and Mr C’s droll comments)
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186394-d213816-Reviews-The_Blue_Carpet-Newcastle_upon_Tyne_Tyne_and_Wear_England.html
I hadn’t forgotten about the ‘Blue Carpet’ episode
I just couldn’t think of how to write that part of the day so it could be understood by people who weren’t there on the day
Maybe I should challenge you to write about that part of the day
I do have some photos to accompany the post 
Grey Street definitely looked greyer on that day!
It was a very grey day!
Thanks vrery much for this — a trip down memory lane. It’s about 45 years since I was last in Newcastle, so good to read your blog and see your pics. We did drive through in 2005, but didn’t stop.
I am glad you are enjoying the virtual visit. I am rather fond of Newcastle
Rain or shine, you (and I!) do get around, Cherry. I love going along with you.
We do like to get out and about and share our days with others
sounds like enjoyable time spent. i really like the architecture of that building
It is a fine bit of architecture isn’t it?
after which I got a bit carried away in Waterstones
Bless you.
Books always have that effect on me
Fascinating post but sorry the weather wasn’t great for you. I’m pleased you ventured up the Castle Keep for the views. I took a similar picture to your second one last saturday but unfortunately it was too busy due to the pre great north run events so a lot of Open Doors venues were closed in that area. I had a recommendation about a breakfast cafe in the street to the left called Quay Ingredient. Unfortunately it was quite small & consequently full, I’ll try again on another saturday morning visit.
Just wondering which Italian restaurant you you visited.
It wasn’t very busy on that day due to the rain. No doubt I will go back again and try to catch it on a better day.
The Italian restaurant was Sabatini’s.
Sabatini’s is nice, been in there loads of times, probably 1 of my top 5 in the city. Unfortunately due to its popularity & when I was last there with a friend at the beginning of August, they seemed to want to hurry us a bit in between courses as there were people waiting for next sitting.
They did try to rush us with our desert option, but the got a bit busy so forgot about us after they left the menu on the table
What are your other favourite restaurants? I have sure to visit again before too long
Great pictures, your pictures turned out very well, in spite of the weather.
Love the bottom picture, great bridge and the building together.
Thank you
I only took a few, I didn’t want to get my camera too wet.