Category Archives: Culture

Belfast

As opposed to a day/evening in Belfast, we spent a couple of hours there yesterday morning.

A pub my second in command only saw from the outside.

So, while plans were a bit messed up, we kindof did still get to Belfast.

Rocket man

My second in command has been somewhat excited about this evening. She’d been looking forward to seeing the Rocket in the Discovery museum.

It’s been nice to do the history/culture thing, rather than spending the evening in bars.

Enough of that though, we’re now in our fourth bar.

Culture & coincidence

Yesterday we enjoyed more culture. My second in command had a conversation with a girl in Sloan’s the other day. Which resulted in us visiting Partick yesterday.

We quite liked Partick; we had our nails done and watched the Liverpool-Stoke match in the Deoch an Dorus.

We then had great curry.

Yesterday was also a day of coincidence; synchronicity even.

Yes, we saw the Shiverin Sheiks for the second time in two days.

Which might in itself not be unusual. But, in conversation with the front man, I was asked if I knew Ratty. That’s Ratty who runs the Mean Eyed Cat, the former owner of the Schooner anf previously manager of the Central and the Head of Steam.

Which was pretty spooky. Apparently, the band had played at the Schooner previously. They’re playing at the Sage this summer.

They’re well worth seeing.

Anyway, some pictures of cultural activities.

While in the 13th Note, we met up with some people who were also in Glasgow for the cancelled William McCarthy gig. We all went on to MacSorley’s to watch another band.

Sadly, we need to return to normality today.

Culture

While in Glasgow, for a cancelled gig, we took in some culture.

While we were initially disappointed that the gig was cancelled, we’d thought we may as well have a weekend away.

And the Shiverin Sheiks in MacSorley’s were pretty good last night.

I’d intended catching them at Glastonbury a few years ago, but it didn’t work out, so last night was a bonus.

Chimney

I had a pleasant day with gentlemen in Ouseburn yesterday. We began in Gateshead in Station East, crossing over the river to the Bridge Hotel. Then we called off at the Bridge Tavern and the Tyne Bar, before walking to the Cumberland Arms. And the Cluny, of course. And Arch 2. Afterwards, there were cabs back to town and the newly opened Newcastle Tap. 

Incapable of my usual, local nightcap, I retired early. 

Waking early this morning, I fitted the last piece of stove pipe, so I now have a working chimney. 

This afternoon, we’re off to Chase Park festival, which isn’what I’d really call a festival, and isn’t actually in Chase Park. This year, it’s just down the road in Saltwell Park. 

Zwei Bier bitte

And, so, I’ve learned enough German to:

– order two beers (or one, or three, or five)

– say I’m doing ok/good

– ask for directions to the toilet/station/bar

– excuse myself if I couldn’t find the toilet

– explain that I don’t understand a lot of German

– explain that I don’t actually understand any German. 

Verloren in brugge

Last year we had something of a mishap in Bruges. Our phones had proven to be an unreliable method of navigation, as did our joint sense of direction. 

An unplanned stopover was the result, although the experience was pleasant at the end of the day. 

We found a great hotel and, an essential, a nice local bar. So a return visit had to be made. 

It’s a local bar, so the beer was decent and cheap. But a trip away isn’t just about beer. 

Yes, there’s the architecture too. And table tops. 

Silent movies

This evening was something of an experiment. We went, with Karl and Michelle, to see Nosferatu at the heritage centre in Gateshead. I’d say town, which Gateshead is, but I’d generally refer to Newcastle as such. Even though it’s not a town. 

Anyway, we went to see a silent film in an old church. Which had a bar. A cheap bar. 

And it was great. Truly great. 

Of course, I couldn’t take a picture of the screen. That would have been wrong.

Wish I had though.