Newcastle 365 Weeks 29 & 30

By Jess Friedman

I don’t have time to write much of a preamble this week, so I’ll just say that the past two weeks have been a real double whopper. My feet STILL hurt. I’ll explain why later—after I’ve finished writing the 6,000 words I have due this week…

Until then, PICTURES:

Week 29

As a writer, Scrivener has been on my radar for years, but it wasn’t until this past summer that I downloaded a trial version. I loved it so much that when I bought a new computer for school, I opted to ignore Microsoft Word and bought this program instead. I use it for my novel, of course, but also find it incredibly useful for drafting papers for school. Scrivener is the writing world’s best kept secret. If you’re in the market for a word processor, give Scrivener a try.

Sibyl, a friend from Philmont who is currently student teaching in Germany, came to meet me in Newcastle during her Spring Break. I waited for her outside the international arrivals door at the airport—just to have her sneak up behind me after disembarking from a domestic flight from Heathrow… Hahaha!

The weather here on Easter was absolutely perfect, and everyone was out to enjoy it. After watching a session of General Conference, Sibyl and I went for a lovely walk through my favorite park. With trees and flowers budding all around us, it was the perfect way to reflect on the new birth afforded to all by the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. Happy Easter, everyone!

I am eternally jealous of my flatmates, who all have gorgeous views of the park behind our flat. When I’m stuck at my desk working on homework all day, this is what I get to look at.

Don’t tell my landlords, but I had a pet for a couple of days. Granted, he was a spider, and he wasn’t exactly friendly. But he wasn’t unfriendly either, and spent a whole week hanging out in my bathroom like a creeper. When the cleaning guy came, I snuck into the bathroom and told Reggie (the spider) to hide lest he get squashed by the well-meaning cleaning guy. He didn’t listen, but managed to hold his own against the cleaner. Cheeky little fellow.

When I was in sore need of a brain break, my dear friend Charlotte took me on a magical tour of her home town, Whitley Bay. We walked along the ocean and enjoyed the best ice cream I have ever had in my entire life–and that is not an exaggeration. The weather was all over the place that day. It’s gorgeous and sunny here, but 30 minutes prior, it was hailing, and 20 minutes later, it snowed. Whaaaat?!

Week 30

Yay! Our four-legged friends have returned to Leazes Park once more.

Our stake hosted the British Saints Choir and their amazing production of Rob Gardner’s “The Lamb of God.” It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy music about the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ. The solos by Martha and Peter were absolutely amazing, and I don’t think anyone in attendance could ever deny that we Mormons truly are Christians. Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Gospel, and everything we believe in is meant to help us build personal relationships with Him. I am ever so grateful for the Atonement of my Savior—and grateful for the opportunity to extend the spirit of Easter a little longer this year than normal.

After our Amsterdam Adventure, I took a ferry back to Newcastle. Here is the port in IJmuiden, with the ferry København waiting *waaaaaay* off in the distance.

Before heading off on a grand adventure to Amsterdam, Sibyl and I visited the newly reopened Castle Keep, the “new castle” that gives this city its name. It was great fun!

This is one of the 57 canals we saw during our 24 hour adventure in Amsterdam. Don’t worry—there are a LOT more pictures to come.

Jess Friedman

Jess is a Canadian-American who's always ready for the next adventure. She loves all things living, always has a million creative projects in progress, and polishes her nerd badge daily. She is passionate about strengthening families by empowering women to make space for things that bring them true and lasting joy. You can read more posts by Jess here.

2 Responses

Mom says:

April 14, 2015 at 1:30 AM

Since your blog doesn’t work right on my computer, I have to leave the comment here instead of on the photo. Is that a fiddle on the spider?!?!?!?

Reply
1. Jess says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 11:06 AM
  
  No, it’s not a Brown Recluse. They don’t have those here, thankfully–or any other deadly spider, for that matter. They have some that can cause painful bites, but none that will kill you.
  
  Reply

Newcastle 365 Weeks 29 & 30

Jess Friedman

Jess Friedman

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