Newcastle for the day

My brother is a massive soccer (football?) fan, specifically of Newcastle, and so when we found out that they were playing only an hour away by train, we had to head up for a game. The train station was right around the corner from our hotel and we arrived there about an hour early due to mum being super organised and worried about missing the train. No worries, we grabbed a hot chocolate (a flat white for mum and dad, once we explained what it was to the waiter) and waited around until it was time for the train.

It didn't take long to reach Newcastle and if I lived in York, I would make sure that I visited it quite often (as it is, I'd love to head back there). We were a bit early for the game and so visiting Primark was first on our agenda. Primark is a massive store with incredibly cheap clothing (the quality is questionable, but for fashionable pieces that you only want for the season it's perfect). We grabbed Christmas jumpers and then got lunch, before getting incredibly lost in the shopping centre on our way back to the stadium.

Visiting a soccer (football) stadium in England was completely different to what an AFL game is like in Perth. There was a large crowd near one of the doors and we asked security what was going on - they said they were waiting for Everton, the opposing team, to show up. We stood around to see what would happen because in Australia there would probably be a bit of booing and jeering - absolutely none of that here! It was a bit eerie actually because the Newcastle fans literally just stood there watching the team enter the stadium.

When we entered the stadium, we realised we had an indoor area with a bar and food (carpeted and all). We then had to out a door, up about 15 stairs and we were at our seats. Perfect! No alcohol is allowed into the seats at these games and the difference it made in the crowd was amazing. A lot less rough, and no beer being spilt down the back of your seat!

I can't speak much for the game because I have no idea about sport however Newcastle won 3v2 (so it was a bit of a nail biting match) and it was really fun to watch. I didn't realise how intricate the footwork in soccer was, so it definitely made it enjoyable to watch. 2 members of the Newcastle club were killed in MH17 and at the 17 minute mark of every game this season, the entire stadium (including opposition supporters) has stood for a minute to clap. It was such a beautiful way to remember a devastating event.

After the game we got dinner (everywhere was shut so we ended up at the railway cafe) before taking the train home. An early night in (enjoying the free wifi) and an incredibly comfortable bed.