I work as a kind of management consultant, and some months ago I was asked to carry out a strategic review of a particular function within an arms length body that provides BPO services to the NHS. The project lasted 2 or 3 months, and during that period I ended up using a variety of hotels to enable me to work up there three days a week, whilst spending the rest of the time working from my office at home.
Fast forward a month or two, and I was asked to take on a head of department role on an interim basis - initially we thought it would be for 3 months or so, but it's now looking like a minimum of a 6 month project. I talked to Bea about it and gave it a little thought, but work has been quite hard to find over the last year or so - thanks, Brexit - so I really couldn't turn it down. I did qualify my acceptance, though, by saying that the organisation would have to pay for an apartment for the duration of my stay.
They accepted quite readily, and I now find myself living for 4 days a week in a duplex penthouse on Quayside, previously occupied by none other than Alan Pardew. It's a fantastic base, but what I can't get over right now is what an amazing city Newcastle is. The architecture, the river, the bridges, the bars and restaurants, the people... I'm just loving it up there, and even seem to be coping with the regular travel to and from London (although I admit it's a bit tiring week in, week out).
Anyone else feel the same about this wonderful place? Also, does anyone else in the area fancy a bit of a GTG over a beer or three one (midweek, unfortunately) evening?
This is effectively my front garden, by the way...
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Bob's lovely photos in his personal Coronavirus thread have prompted me to update this one, with some more shots taken whilst I was based in Newcastle. Hope they'll brighten up another dull day of isolation.
Some from the city (a mixture of Sony compact camera and iPhone)...
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From a trip Bea and I took to Hadrian's Wall (camera)...
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These show the wall pathway...
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And a trip to Tynemouth and Whitley Bay (iPhone again)...
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