The Scottish Border

Headed south this morning, and stopped at the charming town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders district for a bit of a walk around. It's billed as the prettiest town in the borders, having a small town square ringed with lots of cafes and coffee shops.

Then on to the Jedburgh. Went to the 17th century house lived in by Mary Queen of Scots during her reign. It must have been a confusing time - her four ladies-in-waiting were all named Mary. The house is fairly small, so apparently the court, servants and retinue took over lots of the houses in the town. The locals must have been overjoyed.

The Jedburgh Abbey was also on the list to visit, though you couldn't get inside due to the state of the building. Consoled ourselves with morning tea in one of the many coffee shops. Interestingly, they are doing a one year pilot to make free public wi-fi access available in all of the town car parks, which is an interesting concept, but we both made use of it so it isn't being wasted.

Finally reached the last border of the trip, and it was rather frenetic with every bus, car and truck pulling over. There was a lone Scottish piper playing a welcome to Scotland, probably freezing to death in the process, and a whole busload of Japanese tourists wanting to be photographed one by one with him. Curiously there was nobody welcoming us to England.

Reached Newcastle at lunchtime, checked in, then walked the mile into town, had some lunch, and went on an explore. Saw lots of the town - Newcastle United football ground; the really tall statue to Charles Earl Grey; Grainger Market; lots of cathedrals; the old city wall, Black Gate, and Castle Keep; 6 bridges across the Tyne River including a small version of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; and Bessie Surtee's house (an original 17th century house still standing).

Had a late afternoon rest, then walked up the street for a huge turkish meal, half of which we brought back untouched in a doggy bag for tomorrow night.