Image taken on 2009-02-19 13:40:04 by Kevin H..

Image taken on 2008-05-30 08:17:17 by ~PhotograTree~.

Newcastle is often referred to as Newcastle upon the Tyne and situated
in Northern England. Newcastle’s climate is moderate, making it an
ideal place to visit any time of year. Established in the Roman Era by
the Emperor Hadrian and formerly named Pons, Aelius, Newcastle upon the
Tyne is a place rich with historical sites to see and recreational
activities to engage in. Whether you are seeking fine dining or
interesting activities to enjoy, there is no finer place to visit that
Newcastle.

Places of interest:

The cultural enthusiast will find no end to the historical sites of
interest situated in Newcastle. One of England’s most incredible
cities, tourists find themselves longing to return to Newcastle time
and time again. Not only is Newcastle full of exciting sites to see, it
is conveniently situated near many of England’s popular cities and
attractions. Nearby cities surrounding Newcastle includes Bath,
Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Nottingham,
Oxford, and York. Further, tourists will find Newcastle filled with
galleries, museums and historical sites to visit during their stay.

ALDERMANS FENWICKS HOUSE: located at 98 Pilgrim Street, is a
historical mercantile town house in the North of England. Its origins
are found in the medieval era and prove completely entertaining for the
history enthusiast. The Aldermans Fenwicks House is open during regular
office hours and tourist can book night time tours if they call in
advance.

BESSIE SURTEES HOUSE: situated at 41-44 Sandhill in Newcastle is
open to tourists all year round and were originally the homes of
wealthy merchants. Existing since the 17th century, the Bessie Surtees
House currently stands as the as the site for the North East Regional
Office of English Heritage.

DISCOVERY MUSEUM: the Discovery museum at Blandford Square is
situated near the Central station, so transportation is available. This
museum offers free entrance and shares with tourists England’s rich
maritime history in addition to its scientific and technological
advances.

MILITARY VEHICLE MUSEUM: found at the Exhibition Park Pavilion,
just off of Claremont Road, holds well over 50 wartime vehicles, from
WWII and after, as well as antique bicycles, armour, and historical
documents on exhibit.

MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES: located at The Quadrangle, just off of Kings
Walk in Newcastle, has a number collections, including collections from
the Palaeolithic period through the 1600′s. Entry into the Museum of
Antiquities is free for both children and adults.

BROWN’S ART GALLERY: Browns Art Gallery at 15 Acorn Road, Jesmond,
is filled with gorgeous paintings and pottery, sure to please any
tourist. The gallery holds limited editions and offers a picture
framing service to the public.

Things to do:

Along with all the terrific historical sites, museums and galleries to
visit, tourists will find that Newcastle is chockfull of recreational
activities. From theatres to comedy clubs, from cinemas to casinos,
tourists travelling thorough Newcastle are bound to find many enjoyable
recreational pursuits.

BUDDLE ARTS CENTRE: Buddles Art Centre at 258B Station Road,
Wallsend, was established in 1981. Tourists will find a number of
events, workshops, and exhibits being hosted at the theatre and should
call for a schedule before visiting. The Buddle Arts Centre is open
during the hours of their events and other offerings.

THEATRE ROYAL: Theatre Royal at Grey Street, is the perfect stop
for all fans of Shakespeare as the theatre frequently hosts the Royal
Shakespeare Company.

THE HYENA CAFÉ: is located at Leazes Arcade, Leazes Lane,
Haymarket in Newcastle, and tourists will find that this comedy club is
loaded with visitors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you’re
looking for some comic relief while staying in Newcastle, the Hyena
Café is the place to be.

ODEON: located at The Gate Complex, Newgate Street in Newcastle is
an excellent site to stop in and catch your favourite film.

THE SIDE CINEMA: is located at 5 – 9 The Side, Next to Side
Café in Newcastle and is open from Tuesday until Saturday from
11 am to 5 pm.

ASPERS CASINO: is located at The Gate, Newgate Street in Newcastle,
and is a Las Vegas style casino and bar that consists of well over
40,000 square feet of gambling entertainment.

Food & Drink:

After a fun filled day of site seeing and enjoying your favourite
recreational activities, you are bound to stir up an appetite. Not to
worry, Newcastle is filled with fantastic dining locations and you’ll
have no trouble pleasing your palate.

KUBLAI KHAN: 22 The Side in Newcastle, is a Mongolian Restaurant
offers visitors a banquet. No reservations are required, so the Kublai
Khan is an excellent choice if you’re looking to simply walk into a
location and grab an excellent bite to eat.

CHIQUITOS: Chiquitos is located at Warner Brothers Complex in
Newcastle and serves Mexican delights. Just opposite the Manors Metro
station, Chiquitos serves salsa, nachos, salads, chilli, enchiladas,
fajitas, and chimmichangas.

HOT BOX CAFÉ: located at St Mary’s Place in Newcastle,
offers some of your favourites from burgers and fries to kebabs and
pizza. The Hot Box Café is an excellent place to visit if you’re
looking for fresh, cooked to order dining.

BIMBI’S: located on Nelson Street, is one of the best fish and
chips locations in Newcastle. Offering an array of fish entrees, and a
variety of pies for dessert, BIMBI’s serves your craving for seafood
while visiting Newcastle.

NEWCASTLE PIZZA BEACH: is situated on the waterfront, and serves as
a fantastic place to grab a slice of pizza while on the water.

Newcastle Hotels & Accommodation:

Newcastle offers visitors a number of different accommodations to
choose from. With over 25 gorgeous hotels to choose from finding a
place to stay in Newcastle is a breeze. What’s more, every hotel offers
its visitors and array of amenities to make their visit both enjoyable
and memorable.

Percy Arms Hotel

Express by Holiday Inn Newcastle Metro Centre

Holiday Inn Newcastle

Copthorne Hotel Newcastle

Waterside Hotel

Royal Station Hotel.

The Vermont Hotel

Hadrian Lodge Hotel

Cairn Hotel

Whites Hotel

Entertainment

There is no question that tourists can easily find entertainment in
Newcastle. When not touring historical sites or engaging in
recreational pursuits, visitors to Newcastle will find that the
nightlife in Newcastle is equally inviting. Casinos, bars and
nightclubs are readily open and accessible in Newcastle and visitors
will never be without something to do in this fine English city.

Newcastle: it’s one of the most splendid places in England. Fine
dining, entertainment and a rich history make Newcastle particularly
inviting to tourists and visitors return every year to enjoy all that
Newcastle has to offer.

My sincere apology goes out to all the intelligent women in this world for my article title as well as for what I’m about to say, but my problem is that I’ve been completely unable to find you. Where are you??? After many years of trying every idea in my extremely creative repertoire, I’ve failed to find even one truly intelligent woman. Now I can’t stand hip hop music (gansta garbage) but my experience with women over the last 10 years has gradually forced me to agree with the writers that bitch is a fairly appropriate term for modern day women. The word pampering comes from the women themselves. It’s what they say they want. It’s their concept of being treated well and the proof is in the countless number of businesses that have flourished by catering to their slavish desires. There must be at least 2 or 3 nail salons on every busy block of every town and city in the United States. 50 years ago, there wasn’t a woman alive who would even consider having her toenails cut by another woman in full view of the public where she can be seen through the store front window.

Here’s a quote from the Oprah Magazine: “Could you use a little pampering this holiday season? Behold a harvest of luxurious beauty treats.” Yecccch! And then “When was your last long soak in the tub? And just how old is that loofah in your shower?” I don’t even want to think about that because I buy a new loofah every week, don’t I? For the past four years in St. Louis, the Women’s Support and Community Services Program has hosted a monthly Day of Pampering that has been extremely successful because women are able to get massages, pedicures, and facials from other women who donate their time and skills to help them feel pampered. It’s a cabal. If I never hear the words “girls night out” again it will be too soon for me! And from the United Kingdom comes this hot press release entitled Women Pamper Themselves: “Sales of bubble bath, face masks, massage oils and other female pampering products have more than trebled, suggesting that women in the UK are more concerned with making themselves feel loved and pampered than relying on the men in their lives. This steep rise in sales of indulgent beauty treats highlights the trend that women are ditching their men for their girlfriends!” Now what are all the sincere and desperate men supposed to do about a thing like that?

There’s a big difference between intelligence and wisdom. I don’t expect to find more than a handful of people in this world who possess true wisdom so I was nauseated to discover an organization called the Women of Wisdom Foundation who have a Sacred Pampering Day for Women, and I quote: “Women enter a healing temple and can sample a diverse selection of products and services from a variety of experts in the art of pampering women.” I can imagine Mother Mary up there somewhere being stunned by this spectacle of desecration in a thing somebody has the nerve to call a temple!

Here’s another press release from Naperville, Illinois, entitled Spa Girl Parties, Inc. – Pampering Women Across the Country 100 Times Over: “Welcome to the fabulously fun and pampered world of Spa Girl Parties where we cater to your need for pampering and your appetite to shop till you drop.” Need I say more? Is anybody gagging with a spoon yet? Next, a hot wire flashes from the Columbia University News Service: “Wilderness adventures now come with up-scale pampering. Your wilderness experience includes soft beds, fancy food and relaxation. This year’s menu includes a cheese and fruit tray, artichokes, chips with Mexican dip and salsa for appetizers; a mixed grill of pork tenderloin and duck, halibut and filet mignon for the main course; and apple pie, cobbler or tiramisu for dessert – all cooked in Dutch ovens.” Quite obviously, camping will never be the same. Modern day women have brought an entirely new meaning to the concept of “roughing it”.

And finally, what about waxing? Good Lord, even a queen bee doesn’t want to be waxed. This mysterious modern phenomenon is purported to be “the best way to get a smooth and shiny look around the bikini line. It removes everything in your nether regions, leaving you completely smooth everywhere under your underwear and you’ll never have to worry about escaping tendrils again.” Oh, I’m SO glad to hear that because those escaping tendrils had completely escaped my notice. And I notice everything when I’m down there! As a person who is inclined to notice things, it does not escape my superior power of observation that this entire article could easily be classified as a rant. However, even though the concept of men’s rights has been whittled down to a short paragraph, it still includes the right to complain.

My sincere apology goes out to all the intelligent women in this world for my article title as well as for what I’m about to say, but my problem is that I’ve been completely unable to find you. Where are you??? After many years of trying every idea in my extremely creative repertoire, I’ve failed to find even one truly intelligent woman. Now I can’t stand hip hop music (gansta garbage) but my experience with women over the last 10 years has gradually forced me to agree with the writers that bitch is a fairly appropriate term for modern day women. The word pampering comes from the women themselves. It’s what they say they want. It’s their concept of being treated well and the proof is in the countless number of businesses that have flourished by catering to their slavish desires. There must be at least 2 or 3 nail salons on every busy block of every town and city in the United States. 50 years ago, there wasn’t a woman alive who would even consider having her toenails cut by another woman in full view of the public where she can be seen through the store front window.

Here’s a quote from the Oprah Magazine: “Could you use a little pampering this holiday season? Behold a harvest of luxurious beauty treats.” Yecccch! And then “When was your last long soak in the tub? And just how old is that loofah in your shower?” I don’t even want to think about that because I buy a new loofah every week, don’t I? For the past four years in St. Louis, the Women’s Support and Community Services Program has hosted a monthly Day of Pampering that has been extremely successful because women are able to get massages, pedicures, and facials from other women who donate their time and skills to help them feel pampered. It’s a cabal. If I never hear the words “girls night out” again it will be too soon for me! And from the United Kingdom comes this hot press release entitled Women Pamper Themselves: “Sales of bubble bath, face masks, massage oils and other female pampering products have more than trebled, suggesting that women in the UK are more concerned with making themselves feel loved and pampered than relying on the men in their lives. This steep rise in sales of indulgent beauty treats highlights the trend that women are ditching their men for their girlfriends!” Now what are all the sincere and desperate men supposed to do about a thing like that?

There’s a big difference between intelligence and wisdom. I don’t expect to find more than a handful of people in this world who possess true wisdom so I was nauseated to discover an organization called the Women of Wisdom Foundation who have a Sacred Pampering Day for Women, and I quote: “Women enter a healing temple and can sample a diverse selection of products and services from a variety of experts in the art of pampering women.” I can imagine Mother Mary up there somewhere being stunned by this spectacle of desecration in a thing somebody has the nerve to call a temple!

Here’s another press release from Naperville, Illinois, entitled Spa Girl Parties, Inc. – Pampering Women Across the Country 100 Times Over: “Welcome to the fabulously fun and pampered world of Spa Girl Parties where we cater to your need for pampering and your appetite to shop till you drop.” Need I say more? Is anybody gagging with a spoon yet? Next, a hot wire flashes from the Columbia University News Service: “Wilderness adventures now come with up-scale pampering. Your wilderness experience includes soft beds, fancy food and relaxation. This year’s menu includes a cheese and fruit tray, artichokes, chips with Mexican dip and salsa for appetizers; a mixed grill of pork tenderloin and duck, halibut and filet mignon for the main course; and apple pie, cobbler or tiramisu for dessert – all cooked in Dutch ovens.” Quite obviously, camping will never be the same. Modern day women have brought an entirely new meaning to the concept of “roughing it”.

And finally, what about waxing? Good Lord, even a queen bee doesn’t want to be waxed. This mysterious modern phenomenon is purported to be “the best way to get a smooth and shiny look around the bikini line. It removes everything in your nether regions, leaving you completely smooth everywhere under your underwear and you’ll never have to worry about escaping tendrils again.” Oh, I’m SO glad to hear that because those escaping tendrils had completely escaped my notice. And I notice everything when I’m down there! As a person who is inclined to notice things, it does not escape my superior power of observation that this entire article could easily be classified as a rant. However, even though the concept of men’s rights has been whittled down to a short paragraph, it still includes the right to complain.

Image taken on 2008-06-10 16:34:37 by jennecy.

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. This feast was created by the pope to promote Christianity and remove pagan festivals celebrated at the winter solstice.

During the IVth century, the pope decided to bring the Christmas day on December 25th.

Christmas has always been represented by religious ceremonies and gifts and greetings exchange.

Here are some Christmas symbols:

* The Advent consists of a burning candle each Sunday four weeks before Christmas; which symbolize the rebirth of light after the winter solstice.

* The December 24th Christmas Mass; which celebrates the birth of Jesus.

* The Christmas Crib; which symbolizes the birth of Jesus in Christian homes.

* The Christmas tree, a symbol from the pagan celebration and representing life.

* The Yule log; which represents the log that we put in the fireplace to warm up on Christmas Eve.

* Santa Claus, an American creation, inspired by the Christian Saint Nicholas (celebrated in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Alsace. This character wears a luxurious red cape, he has a long white beard and wears a red miter, he also holds a golden crosier. Saint Nicholas rewards good children while his companion Père Fouettard/Black Pete punishes nasty children) and the elf Yule Goat, celebrated in Scandinavian countries.

Over the centuries, Christmas has evolved and Christmas Eve with our family, replaced the religious ceremonies.

The gift exchange: luxurious for the rich people and useful – sometimes only one orange – for the poor people, has been replaced by the modern marketing. People not only buys gifts but also spend lots of money in decoration items, food, drink…

The secularization of our society removed the true meaning of Christmas Time; which is, obviously, becoming a pagan feast.

Here are some countries which celebrate Christmas:

Belgium:
We have a festival especially dedicated to children; which is Saint Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) on December 6th. The Great Patron of Schoolboys, who is supposed to bring candies in their shoes, brings in fact toys by the thousands to our children.

In Belgium, Christmas is rather reserved for adults: the streets are decorated and illuminated, we decorate our houses, windows, gardens, Christmas trees. Belgium seems to forget that it is a Catholic country and closes more and more churches, therefore, the Midnight Mass on December 24th usually happens at 6 or 8 PM. We then eat with our family and at 12 PM we exchange our gifts. Children usually receive a book or some clothes.

Christmas Day has little meaning but practicing Catholic go to church. Belgian people visit their family on January 1st. In the Belgian Ardens, people celebrate December 31st and not Christmas.

France:
Christmas is dedicated to children. The streets and the houses are decorated several weeks in advance. French people have lots of Christmas customs: Christmas Markets, the Christmas tree, the Christmas Dinner, Père Noël, Christmas gifts, stories, songs, Christmas turkey, The Christmas Crib, the Yule Log, and so on. In Alsace, however, Saint Nicholas predominates on Santa Claus.

The Netherlands:
They organize their St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) festival: the old bearded man traveling by boat and accompanied by many black aids, who distributes gifts to good children. Dutch people reserve the big gifts for Christmas Time because they profit for some great bargains after Sinter Klaas.

Germany:
Christmas in Germany lasts two days. On December 26th they visit their family and their friends. Christ-Kind offers gifts to the children on December 24th families and friends. Germany has also a Saint Nicholas festival on December 6th.

Great Britain:
Christmas is celebrated in England with enthusiasm. Children sing “Christmas Carols” in the streets, they eat the famous “Christmas Pudding” at the end the Christmas Dinner. In England, Santa Claus fills the English children socks with gifts. British people also exchange greeting cards; which are a British creation.

Spain:
If Santa Claus has little importance in Spain (Magi distribute gifts to children on January 6th), Spanish people decorate the streets with lights during the month of December. The windows of the shops are filled with lots of gifts and Spanish celebrate the Christmas Evening with their family.

Portugal:
Christmas Eve is a holiday. The Portuguese attend the Christmas Midnight Mass; which is the “Missa Do Galo.” If there is no Christmas tree in Portugal, there is nevertheless a “Wooden Christmas”.

Italy:
Christmas lasts three days, from December 24th till 26th. However, Christmas traditions vary from one region to another one and, depending on the region it is Babo Natale (Father Christmas) or the “Gesu Bambino” (Little Jesus) who brings gifts on December 25th. The Italian Christmas dessert is “Panettone”.

Scandinavian Countries:
During the Christmas Dinner, Scandinavian people reserve a place for the souls of the deceased members of their family. Once they finish to eat, they read the bible. The whole family is singing Christmas songs and dance around the Christmas tree.

Other European countries:
In Romania, on December 24th, there is a Christmas candle burning until the morning of December 25th. In Russia, Christmas Day happens on January 7th, according to the Orthodox calendar. In Greece the Christmas period begins on Christmas Eve and ends at the Epiphany. Christmas is less important than Easter.

USA:
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus is coming to announce the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. American people love to celebrate Christmas and set up a decorated Christmas in their home. Children hang empty stocks empty on the fireplace and on the Christmas morning they find them filled with candy and small toys.

Canada:
Houses, shops and streets are decorated with lights. Canadian people decorate their house with a Christmas tree, a Christmas wrap, a Christmas Crib… After the “Midnight Mass” people have a Christmas Eve with their family. Turkey and the Christmas log are the essential ingredients of a Canadian Christmas Dinner. They send greeting cards to their friends and family who live far away.

South America:
Peruvian people have Christmas parties but also learn to live better on christmas time. Their Christmas season lasts a full week. Mexican people celebrate Christmas with Las Posadas (pilgrimages representing the path by the Mary and Joseph). They celebrate the last Posada on the Christmas morning and then start the Christmas dinner. I Guatemala, immigrants have imported their German customs and the Christmas tree is essential but the Christmas gifts are reserved to the children. Gift exchange for adults is on January 1st.

Australia:
Christmas happens during the summertime, so Australian people celebrate Christmas at the beach. People eat cold turkey and pudding.

New Zealand:
If there are few decorations, New Zealand people organize Christmas parades and people sing in the parks. They also organize their famous “Christmas barbecue”.

Japan:
Christmas is merely commercial significance in Japan. This festival represents Saint Nicholas and it is an opportunity to offer gifts to small children.

China:
If Christmas Day is not a holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Chinese cities. This festival was imported into this country by foreign missionaries. For the Chinese people who celebrate it, Christmas is a religious event.

There are no set formulas for choosing the right wine for that special meal, event or person. In fact people have their own partialities when it comes to wine preferences. We have listed a few suggestions below to help you pick the right wine for the right moment or special meal. We hope it gives you some helpful insights to serving wines that should please any palate.

1. The Whites:When your guests first arrive and are enjoying the appetizers a white wine is always the perfect choice. They are commonly lighter and drier and leave the palate fresh for the main entree’. Some of the whites such as the Chardonnay can also be introduced during a rich dinner such as “Coq a Vin”, with its beautiful creamy wine sauce. Another suggestion is the Sauvignon Blanc that is excellent served with a first course salad or shrimp cocktail or even a plate of delicate fish.

When toasting that special event in your life or the life of a loved one the whites are a perfect choice. The more common toasting wine for weddings and anniversaries is of course the more elegant choice of Champagne.

2. The Reds: Now you are ready to serve that special dish you have worked on all day and planned especially for your dearest friends you must choose just the right wine. This is when you go for the full bodied red. One of the most popular is a Merlot. Being a lighter red but still full bodied it is perfect for sautéed chicken, grilled pork or roasted lamb.

The Pinot Noir, while not as commonly served as a Merlot or Cabernet, is a unique blend of plum, vanilla and blackberry. Oregon produces Pinot Noir where the blackberries grow wild and are sweet and juicy. This wine will certainly be a hit.

When hosting a spicy Mexican meal the Shiraz is a perfect compliment with its peppery flavor that brings out the spiciness of your enchilada suiza or chili verde.

Italian food with its hearty and robust tomato sauces requires a Chianti. A Chianti can range in price and quality. You may be able to find one that is rather inexpensive but the quality is perfect for you.

A robust Burgundy would be the red to choose for a fine standing rib roast or delicate filet mignon.

As you can see from the suggestions above you may wish to have both a white wine and a red wine on hand when hosting a dinner. Some guests will most likely pick the wine they prefer and stay with that choice for the entire evening. Another may choose a white for the start of the evening and finish with a red. So always be prepared.

If you are a true wine connoisseur you may want to experiment with your own creations. Producing your own wine at home can be quite rewarding. You can make a variety of fruit wines that would actually be a great addition with most desserts. If you would like to learn more about wine making please visit fruit wine making at http://fruitwinemaking.net/

Image taken on 2006-02-19 08:24:13 by basykes.

Image taken on 2005-12-20 15:44:48 by wynlok.