I’ve made it up to Alison’s in Newcastle! It took me six hours on a bus from London – almost missed the bus actually, had to sprint from Victoria Station to the coach stop. With my backpack, mind you. I don’t think my legs will ever forgive me. I spent six hours with a screaming baby in front of me and a small child behind kicking my chair, so all in all it wasn’t the best bus ride I’ve ever had.
But it was so good to see Alison again! She lives just outside of Newcastle with seven other girls. They’re all so lovely, very much making the house like a home away from home. Although I did get asked by one of the girls if all Australian’s speak English. Didn’t quite know what to say to that one…
Today Alison and I went horse riding right up North near the Scottish border. Didn’t actually get to go into Scotland like I’d hoped but I think I might go up to Edinburgh one day next week so I’ll get to see it. We were close enough on the ride today to get a general idea of it anyway.
The ride was quite fun but I don’t think I have ever ridden such a disobedient and moody horse. Her name was Piper, and every single other horse that came within a metre of her she’d bite, and he would randomly veer off the path to go eat. We were riding through farmers fields, which was absolutely beautiful, but there was this one corner in one of the fields that Piper just didn’t like, so she’d spring around and gallop off in the opposite direction. He actually did it three times before one of the people from the riding school came to help. I mean I was fine, I’ve had so much worse, but their safety standards seem to be very low. If it was someone less experienced it could have ended so badly… But ah well. I made it out alive. Was actually quite a fun ride, although it was absolutely flogging down rain – well, by English standards, anyway. It was nothing compared to what we’ve gotten in Australia. But we came back absolutely soaking anyway.
Then tonight – well last night I guess, it’s currently four in the morning – the house took me out clubbing in Newcastle – so much fun! Wednesday is students night so basically everything is half price – cabs, drinks, cover charges – best night out I’ve had in a long time. Music was akin to that of the Bank so it was a little mediocre at times but so much better if you mock it and sing really loudly and really badly to annoy everyone. Brilliant night (: Plan on sleeping late tomorrow (today?) and going off to explore Newcastle in the afternoon and tomorrow night. Shall be fun (:
