Well, we're back from a great weekend in Newcastle, where we stayed at the Hilton to celebrate our anniversary- I left the accomodation up to Geoff which paid off- he booked us into an executive suite, which was great, and gave us access to the executive lounge, with free drinks, breakfast (not in that order), afternoon tea and canapes in the evenings, which spared us alot of cash when we went out!

Here's the Hilton, right on the river, and the view from the lounge.

Walking across the green bridge we came upon this rooftop garden! It was so close to the bridge it must have been incredibly loud out there but the view would have been great!!

Newcastle is a fantastic city! I wouldn't have thought, but the architecture is a crazy mix of medieval, tudor, georgian and modern, done very well. There were all these little pathways through the city which then led onto art installations. It was amazing!

We came upon this old hospital, probably for people who couldn't pay- it was closed when we were there so didn't find out too much about it; although for those of you who know my aunt Patsy you will be laughing as much as I was when you read the name....

We went to the Baltic, which is a contemporary art space, and saw some wonderful art including one installation by Steve McQueen.

The Baltic is just on the Quayside by the Millenium Bridge, which is beautful in the day and at night. Here's another art gallery, and if you look closely you'll see the paving on the ground butt up against the building as if it was carpet; the benches looked as if they were cut and folded up- beautiful! And right across from it the little building tucked away was dated 1600's and was the lying in hospital for married women. We will have to read more of the history of this place- all these treasures!!

And to top it all, the day we get back, John and Sharon stop in on their way home from Greece and we scored this- the best baklava I have had in years!! Look, Renee!!!!