On to Northumberland

In all of our trips to the UK, we've never managed to visit Northumberland, but this time we're correcting that omission. We're staying in a town called Tynemouth. One might think it's pronounced like Plymouth (Pli-muth) but it's pronounced Tine-mouth, like the pie hole on your face. Northumberland is the land of the Geordies and the almost indecipherable Geordie accent. I bought a little book of Tyneside Readings written phonetically in Geordie. See if you can figure this one out:

"Aa'm not the sort o' person that gans aboot braggin' aboot bein' English. Cass Aa kin think o' nowt dafter than t' boast aboot summack that ye, yorsel, had nowt t' dee with. Neebody kin choose wheor the' waar born, nor whee the' hev for parents."

Now, not everyone here speaks with an accent that thick. Mostly it's the older people - yes, I know, people MY age. I discovered this when I went to the Tynemouth Market

which is open on Saturdays and Sundays and is where I bought my little book. The person I bought it from was having a chat with the vendor next to him and, I swear, I didn't catch one word of what they said. When he saw the book I was buying he laughed and wished me luck.

In case you didn't work it out, the paragraph above says "I'm not the sort of person that goes about bragging about being English, Cause I can think of nothing dafter than to boast about something that you, yourself, had nothing to do with. Nobody can choose where they were born, nor who they have for parents."

The market has the usual bric-a-brac and miscellany for sale.

There was a wonderful booth that sold old silverware and bone handled knives. I was sorely tempted, but managed to resist. Bruce bought me a present.

It's meant to hold your teabag. I'm sure that's why he bought it. Right?

There was a baker, Grain and Goodness, who made vegan pastries. I bought a couple of different ones and they were absolutely the best I've ever eaten. I'm planning to go back next Saturday!

We took a walk around Tynemouth center which has more restaurants and cafes than any little town I've ever seen. A couple of stores are tucked in here and there, but it's mostly food and bev spots. Lots of pubs! There's an old church that's been converted into a space for five or six restaurants. Bruce thought that was an appropriate use of a church.

I found a sign at the local chippie that amused me.

Not where he played, where he bought fish and chips.

Tynemouth is, obviously enough, at the mouth of the Tyne River which empties into the North Sea. The wind whipping off the sea chills you to the bone. Maybe that's why there are so many place to buy a beverage to warm you up.

The next day we were treated to slightly warmer temperatures and a bit of sun, so we walked toward North Shields. There's a memorial statue dedicated to all the fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

There's a gallery nearby that was designed to look as though the siding has been peeled back to reveal a lantern inside.

The wonderful walk along the seafront has signs that talk about the history of the area.

It leads to Tynemouth Priory and Castle which we had hoped to visit

but which is partially closed for refurbishment. This seems to be our luck, following on the heels of our "closed cathedral tour." There's a long sandy beach, but it's clearly meant for hardier souls than I.

Heading back into Tynemouth center, there's a lovely little park presided over by Queen Victoria.

Close to our flat is Northumberland Park.

From the road it looks like it's a pokey little thing, but looks are deceiving because the paths through twist and turn and lead to all sorts of wonderful spots.

There's a little stream

that winds its way to a little water feature with a cafe at the far end.

Within the park, in a little wooded area, is a pet cemetery which was opened in 1949.

Beloved pets were buried there as well as several dogs who were war heroes.

It's the sweetest spot and drove home the fact that though these stoic northerners had just been through a war and frowned on emotional displays, they still loved their wee pets.

Further on there's a gazebo,

and a medieval herb garden

guarded by fabulous lions

and bordered by a natural woven fence.

Just around the corner from that is a labyrinth which I followed, thinking deep thoughts throughout. Don't know if I found the answers to all of life's questions, but it was enjoyable.

Tynemouth is a nice little town and a good base for exploring further afield.