Tom had tests done at Newcastle Hospital this morning and felt unwell. Lindsay came to pick Rita and I up to go and see him. They dropped me off at St James Park where Brazil and New Zealand were playing soccer for the Olympic Games. I bought a souvenir t-shirt and soaked up the atmosphere outside the stadium. Used a free map of Newcastle for the Olympics to get around.
Bought a glasses case and calendar at the Newcastle Arts Centre. Found the Newcastle old wall and had lunch at The Settle Down Cafe, run by a South African. Walked a bit further and found the Castle Keep and the Tyne Bridge with the Olympics rings. Across the Millennium Bridge to the Baltic Exhibition Centre and a rest in the cafe. The souvenir shop got a beating.
Walked back towards the city and caught the Metro (train) to Four Lane Ends with a bunch of Brazil soccer fans. Amazed I found my way to Rita and Tom’s place from the station without a map. Rita was pacing the street hoping she would see me!
Tom is okay but needs to go for more tests. The doctors couldn’t really say what was wrong.
David took Rita and I to see their grandmother’s former house which is nearly the same as they remember it at 180 Edward Rd, Howdon. Also went to Tom Wilson’s place (which is where he grew up) and picked up a few more snippets of family history from him and sister, Ivy.
Very pleased with my half day out on my own and I didn’t get lost!
dotbyrne 