You Don't Take Coal to Newcastle

10 january 2010

During our last week of holiday time...after meeting a client deadline we decided to take a well earned break. With no plans, a tent, a cake and a bag packed we decided to hit the road! We called some friends, and my brother to check all were about and went visiting, leaving the city behind for who knew how long.

First stop was about 1.5 hr up the road to see some friends and their little one by the lake, enjoy their view for the last time (they're moving very soon), and indulge in an early dinner and cake. It was great catch up time but it always goes too fast and we had to keep moving. It was almost dark and now raining... camping was not looking good.

Next stop, another 1hr, was my brother's house in Newcastle. Named after England's famous coal port, Newcastle is also known as for it's steel, hence the nickname 'Steel city', however the steel works have since shut down. Still it's Australia's second oldest town, so lots of history remains, including forts, swimming holes and shipwrecks! Newcastle is a place which I strangely hold close to my heart for many reasons: I lived, studied and worked up there for four years... a time where I learned about design and life in a grungy looking town by the sea. Let me show you a little...

So after leaving my brother's place, we decided camping just wasn't happening. Instead we splashed out on a nice hotel for the night - a room with a view - the main reason being that, well, Chris kinda hates Newcastle, which is my fault. Let me explain... the first time I took Chris to see "Newie", I told him about the beautiful beaches, cafe lined streets, cool bars and a laid back lifestyle. What did I show him? Rough pubs, shady areas, and his first prostitute sighting on my scenic drive to the beach. He's never really recovered from these images, and me wanting us to relocate up there...well ain't going to happen yet. However I am persistent and Chris isn't narrow minded so I got him to take another look.

Our 'harbour view' room was nice, and although we arrived late, and Chris was worried about our car being nicked... we finally exhaled from a busy Christmas period and had a laugh over a late night cup of tea. The morning was unfortunately overcast, but dry so I took a quick picture of the 'harbour view' before we left for breakfast (I never eat at the hotel).



For breakfast we went to downtown Darby Street, a street known for it's food and cool little shops. I used to have a favourite cafe, but it's been years so we tried "The Kitchen". I had a craving for porridge and although mid summer, it was a fairly mild morning so why not? The waitress talked me into trying the semolina porridge with mixed berries. I enjoyed it very much, however it was strangely too smooth!

After a wander round the funky little shops, and a scout through the second hand bookshop I took Chris to see the beach via the lush King Edward Park. No one was about, it was very relaxing, but very warm... the sun was finally out. Heading towards the sea we took a peek down at the 'Bogie Hole', the water temperature was sharp, so we didn't feel too bad about not jumping in and instead continued the tour.

We caught up again with my brother for a late lunch, more old book shops and then headed to nearby Stockton to try and find a camp spot... unluckily for us everywhere was full and free camping isn't really an option there! Instead we made the most of the late afternoon sun with a long beach walk, shell collecting and a walk up the break-wall to check out the historic shipwrecks and local fishermen's catches... (one guy was pulling in a huge fish as we passed).



As the sun set, we made the regrettable decision to head back to the city, but not before we ate dinner! I had a flashback of an awesome Chinese place I used to go to near where I once lived, and Chris being a fan of Chinese food, it was right up his alley and still as tasty as I remembered.

In conclusion, although we didn't go camping, or stay away for as long as hoped, I think Chris may have seen a brighter, more promising side to 'Newie'. For all those visiting, I hope you enjoy it, or at least stop for a coffee and a beach walk.

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