A Typical Day in Newcastle!

Today's a good day so I felt like writing a quick blog post.

After history class today (which I found slightly interesting?), I went to King's Gate (a new building dedicated to all sorts of student services) to pick up my sports membership paper so I can finally join the gym! On my way out, I got a free new Powerade energy drink and headed to the post office on Northumberland Street to mail some post cards. The street is always so so so busy at lunch time! It's on a bit of a slant so when you're at the beginning of the street looking down, it just looks like a huge mass of people! One thing to note.. there is no order with how people walk here. You'd think they might all walk on the left side of the street because that's how they drive, but nope. It's just random. So I dodged through the huge crowd of people and avoided about 10 people trying to hand me flyers about random things like saving tigers, getting a makeover, and tons and tons of night club promotions for the millions of clubs in Newcastle. There's also lots of people holding up huge posters and signs to advertise night clubs and stores (except the one about the fish pedicures!). 

So then I made my way towards the Charles Grey monument, and to my surprise there was festival/market going on! I REALLY REALLY wish I had my camera to show you all what was going on, but I'm going to have to tell you instead! There were a bunch of "booths" with people selling things such as fresh produce, pork roast, fudge, cider, clothes, hats and gloves, and lots of other stuff. There were also themed tents with people doing different things. There was man dressed up as a joker juggling, a lady dressed up in a colonial type outfit spinning wool into cloth, and a man dressed up spinning clay to make pots and other cool looking things. We went to Durham last weekend (which I still have to write about), and I think the same market I saw today was also set up in Durham when we went because I recognized a lot of the same "booths." It's really cool to be able to walk through Newcastle after class and see the excitement going on in the streets. 

After wandering through the festival/market thing, I went into Grainger Market, which is an inside market set up every morning and afternoon (except Sunday). It has a bunch of different shops in it. I bought some bananas and cheese there, and then headed to Tesco Express (small, cheaper grocery store outside of Grainger market) to buy some tomato sauce and juice. I love juice so I end up buying three liters of it at least twice a week. A good amount of my money is definitely going to be dedicated to buying juice here. Anyway, my hands were full by now so I started heading back to Marris House. I went through the festival again and the crowds of people and got to Newcastle's campus. And then I got another free Powerade energy drink as I walked past the Student Union. 

When I finally got back to my apartment, a package was waiting for me at my door! Thanks Mom, for the M&Ms and homemade cookies!!!!! You made my day! :) So I drank some orange juice, ate some carrots, and made a turkey and mozzarella toastie (what the Brits call toasted/melted sandwich). I am eating Mom, I promise! 

(Thanks, Mommy! I love you!)

Now I'm about to start doing some homework again. Since we don't have regular quizzes or assignments in my Biology classes, I have to do a lot of independent work so I don't die when finals come around. I'm also going to have a lot of essays to write soon. I went to the Walton Library (the medical library which is way closer to Marris House than the main Robinson library) yesterday to study, and I really liked it. Although, it doesn't compare to my home in the Newman study. 

My next five weekends are packed. 

The Hounds are going to the Lake District in Keswick this weekend. We're staying in a cabin sort of place (I think), and we're going canoeing & hiking and doing a high ropes course. It should be fun! 

I leave for EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND on October 21st! It's a Loyola-paid weekend trip, and I'm very excited because I hear the Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful. 

I'm going to a Katy Perry concert on Thursday, October 27th with my friend Julie. And I leave for CORK, IRELAND on October 28th (Halloween weekend) to visit my boyfriend TJ!

I'm going to PARIS, FRANCE on November 4th until November 6th. Even though I've already been to Paris, it is one of my most favorite cities so I'm very excited to go back! TJ is also coming along, so it will be a little more romantic this time (it will be our 5 month anniversary on the 5th) :)

And finally, I'm going to BARCELONA, SPAIN on November 11th until November 13th with all of my Loyola friends here in Newcastle! I'm really looking forward to seeing the coastal city and experiencing the culture.

I'm going to post a few pictures of Newcastle below that aren't from today, but they show places that I walked by today, and every day! I hope you enjoy!!!!

(King's Gate)

(between campus and Northumberland St.)

(one of the many entrances to the Eldon Square shopping center)

(Charles Grey monument area.. It was A LOT more crowded today with the festival!)

(one of the openings to Grainger Market)

(landmark building on campus.. I walk through those arches every day.)

So, I'm going to try and keep making blog posts. I still need to add one about my other weekend trips and about London. But I also have to keep up with my school work, which always comes first!

Talk to you soon! Cheerio! xxx