A Decade in the Toon: 10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years

Wow, ten years in Newcastle upon Tyne.  Who would have thought I’d still be here ten years after rocking up at the University in tears because I was leaving my friends and rubbish ex-boyfriend behind?  I must admit, it hasn’t all been plain sailing and I’ve considered leaving more than once, but somehow Newcastle just keeps me in its grasp.

Here, I learned how to live by myself; I managed shitty landlords and awful housemates; I gained some of the best friends and equally I lost a few; I got my first job; I travelled the world; I had my heart broken more than once and I met the love of my life.  All the while, Newcastle has provided a constant and reassuring backdrop.  Sure there have been changes (this is by no means a city that stands still) but the landmarks I have come to know and love as my adopted home have stayed the same.

So I wanted to take this opportunity, on my anniversary of a decade spent living in the North East, to tell you ten things I have learned while living here (and why it is so much more than Byker Grove and Greggs).

1. You’ve heard this before but I don’t care.  GEORDIES ARE SUPER FRIENDLY!
2. Drinks are cheap here.  Cheaper than you ever can imagine.  So cheap.
3. It doesn’t seem to rain that much.  Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Manchester.
4. Football is a religion.  I am an atheist.
5. There is a reason Newcastle is known as a party city (remember the cheap booze?)…
6. …but there are also some awesome things to do if you’re not boozing.
7. It’s a short drive / hop on the Metro to the beautiful coast – beach in summer, bring it!
8. There are loads of cool music venues – City Hall, Academy, Arena, Stadium of Light & more
9. South of the river is just as nice as North of the river – that’s why I live there now
10. Whenever I come over one of the many bridges back to the toon I feel like I’m coming home.

Do you live in the North East?  Have you been here?  Share your Newcastle love below!

♥ JH

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