Good times in Newcastle

Newcastle as you will be aware is the cultural and spiritual centre of the known universe. There is nowhere on the planet that can compare for a good night out.

For those of you who knew the old city a few years ago, you are in for a shock - the Quayside is now beautiful with the award winning Sage (shown to the left of the Millenium footbridge) as only one of a proliferation of music venues - I recently saw Magnum in the new Carling Academy venue (3000 standing plus 4 bars) then Rodrigo Y Gabriela who if unknown to you then google them immediately. They are an amazing guitar duo from Mexico who transcend musical and cultural barriers.

Anyway two nights ago we were motored up the A19 by David and Andrea heading for the Cluny pub (in Byker by the Ouseburn) where we met Dugald and Ruth and her boyfriend Aidan in a fabulous converted Lime works building. There we reclined on sofas drinking our peach beers and Erdinger hefe weiss bier before going through for the gig (man) to see Sonic Hearts (a Dexys type band from Liverpool) supporting Jacob Golden who as you are aware from previous postings is the current fave rave of the month with his album Revenge Songs - I supped on my bottle of chocolate beer - oh yes - only to be followed by a coconut beer!

This weekend we are up on the Tyne to try the new Barn Asia restaurant with my sister, which is near the Floataria centre - another must do experience in Newcastle.

Ruth is now esconced in her new house in West Jesmond - the professional cleaners had to be brought in and they (both men) said it was the second worst property they had ever cleaned! Ruth however is delighted with the fact that the previous residents left their TV with functioning Sky and Internet connection as well as a full stocked Kitchen!

Jonny is now having driving lessons (An ironically named "crash course") and his american embassy appointment is on 3rd August.

Debbie is on a sleepover with her ferrari owning friends!

James is currently into his (actually Dad`s!) radio controlled tank with rotating turret and elevating and firing gun!