We have been up in the North of England for the last 4 days and it has been a completely different pace from the 4 days in London. I've eaten a lot of good Northern food and spent time with Kristen's family here.

The night we arrived in Newcastle, Andrea and Martin came over with their kids for dinner, which was roast chicken thighs with little sausages and prosciutto. The next day the soccer was on and the family came over to Stephen and Suzanne's to watch Newcastle United thrash Arsenal 1-0. They served up some amazing snack food, including cold pork pies, which are tastier than they sound.

Yesterday we caught the undergroundy-over-rivery train to the city to do some shopping. We didn't buy much, but did check out the beautiful town centre and the river Tyne. There are beautiful old buildings here which don't warrant a mention by British standards, but if they were back home would be major tourist attractions. Anyway, we crossed the Tyne on the Millenium Bridge and went to the art gallery in the Baltic. A short way along the quayside is the Sage, which is shaped like a giant silver and glass slug. A little out of place, but still incredible.

Today we caught a bus down to Durham and headed for the cathedral which is a major landmark that can be seen from the train on the way up. Up close, it is breathtaking. I have to say, since I've now seen a couple, the St Paul's cathedral was more initially stunning to me, but did not have the same feeling of extreme age that this place has. Durham cathedral was built in 1093 and it just hangs out there, older than anything I've ever seen. The castle next door is pretty and I got a good look at that and the rest of Durham from the top tower of the cathedral. It was bloody cold too.

I would like to point out at this point the lack of photos. I have plenty waiting for upload, but I don't seem to be able to until I get a stable wi-fi connection. So, maybe tomorrow there will be an update with pictures.