Cornelius

Cornelius is an Anglophile who loves to jet over to Merry Olde England as often as possible. While he seldom ventures out of London, on his most recent visit he took a long overdue trip to Newcastle to see a friend. Although getting there required departing from the somewhat unpleasant Kings Cross Station, the journey itself was uneventful and passed by quickly thanks to a trashy magazine, and before he knew it he had arrived in Newcastle.


Newcastle Central Station is conveniently located near some of the city’s main attractions, allowing Cornelius, who was much more interested in catching up with his friend than in sightseeing, to see landmarks such as the 12th century Castle without cutting into his gossip time. He also came across an elderly Queen Victoria in St. Nicholas Square, and not wanting to be rude took the time to say hello.


His weekend plans, not surprisingly, involved art; after a coffee Cornelius and his friend went to an opening at The Biscuit Factory, a commercial gallery that sells an assortment of ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography and other such things. He must admit he was not very impressed with what was on display, but he did very much enjoy the incredibly addictive Gougères, just one of the many treats being served. Not one to show restraint when in the face of temptation, Cornelius might just have had a few too many, something he more commonly associates with glasses of bubbly (the night was yet young, leaving plenty of time for that).


Finally managing to tear themselves away from the treats, Cornelius and his friend made their way to the Northumbrian countryside, where they would be spending the night. He took advantage of his surroundings by going on a long pre-dinner stroll, breathing in the fresh air and meeting the local residents. More importantly the exercise helped make room for his friend’s famous and also incredibly addictive savory bread pudding (cheese and leek), which they washed down with some bubbly. Perhaps not the healthiest of evenings, but Cornelius believes there is no such thing as too many cheesy carbohydrate delicacies.


The following day they headed back into Newcastle for an afternoon of shopping, followed by a drink at one of the city's many watering holes and an opening at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Cornelius was much more impressed with its exhibitions, which currently include Cornelia Parker’s Good Sound and John Cage’s Every Day is a Good Day. He actually took time to peruse the shows (something he frequently fails to do at openings), and enjoyed the great view of the city and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.


After getting his fill of culture it was time to socialize (something he does very well). Sadly there were no tasty nibbles on offer at the BALTIC, although he did get some bubbly, which always makes him a happy penguin.


The evening ended with more wine and treats at his friend’s parents’ home. He had a lovely time and most admired their collection of Egersund puffin jugs.


He considered trying to slip one into his bag but figured he then might not be invited back again. Guess he’ll just have to keep an eye out for them on eBay!