It has been a little over 2 weeks in Newcastle and I am absolutely loving it! The city completely exceeded my expectations, there is shopping, night-life, coffee shops, you name it we got it. Not to mention the weather has been lovely with more sunny days than not. But, before I go any further, let me just say that if I leave you with one thing today it is BEANS AND TOAST. Where has this combination been all my life? It has been a truly life changing discovery to say the least.
In my spare time, when I haven’t been eating beans and toast, I have been exploring all around Newcastle. First on my agenda was to find my go to coffee shop. I love to have a cafe for studying and enjoying my most necessary dose of caffeine. Thus far, my favourite has been The Journey. It has everything you would want out of a coffee shop: convenient location, instagram worthy decor, smooth coffee, and delicious food (I would highly recommend the banana bread). The kicker is the pup wandering around the cafe. He will pose for a picture if you ask nicely however, he is also easily distracted so you must act quickly. That being said, if you The Journey just isn’t your scene or for some odd reason you don’t like dogs there are plenty of other options around for you to explore.
The next item on my Newcastle agenda was to find a grocery store. I am a self proclaimed foodie and actually enjoy grocery shopping so this was quite important. Since I am car-less over here it had to be within walking distance and carry a good variety of food. Lucky for me I stumbled across Waitrose. It is a short walk from campus and carries all the staples in addition to having some great deals on healthy plant based options. Right now they have Turmeric-Ginger Shots 3 for £4, do your immune system a favour and pick a couple of these up.
In addition, to grocery shopping I have done my fair share of actual shopping and once again I have not been disappointed.
Eldon Square is a shopper's dream!
At the moment I am trying to hold off until the student shopping extravaganza Oct. 2 but, no promises you won’t see me walking down Northumberland this weekend with bags in both hands.
That being said you will definitely see me back at the Quayside Market. Every Sunday from 9 AM- 4 PM you can explore a multitude of vendors selling everything from produce to handcrafted goods. While you are there head over to the other side of the river to grab a bite from Hawker Market, it is a unique “container community” with food vendors in an environment you have to experience. Come hungry!
As I said, I have fallen in love with my new home and am excited for what this year will bring. Newcastle upon Tyne seems to be the perfect combination of everything you could want from a city. Just like beans and toast.
