Newcastle/Australia

March 9, 2024 Newcastle

A shuttle bus took me from the ship to the Newcastle Museum. There was also the tourist information office where I got a map of the city.

I followed the recommendation to hike along the coast. The path took me to the Old Newcastle Train Station. An artists' and craftsmen's market took place in front of the beautifully restored building. But there was only one stand that was interesting to me. It offered chili and ginger honey. I was allowed to try both and bought the delicious chili honey. I looked around a bookstore in the old train station building.

Afterwards I moved away from the sea and walked through the streets. Many shops sold organic products, there were several breweries, a sports bar where you could throw axes, convenience stores, pharmacies and a discount drugstore. For the latter, I replenished my supply of sunscreen and also bought a tried and tested insect spray. I hadn't encountered any mosquitoes yet, but that could still happen.

By now I really wanted a beer. Unfortunately the pub I was targeting was still closed. But I was now near the Newcastle Museum again and decided to check it out.

The general part of the museum is about the history of the city. Coal mining and steel production take up a large part. I arrived just in time for a demonstration where steel casting was demonstrated using light and sound effects.

Later I went to the pub and enjoyed a beer. I then studied the menus of various restaurants. These were quite un-original. Nobody offered ostrich, kangaroo or crocodile steaks. A little disappointed, I was driven back to the ship and had a small late lunch there.

For me the day ended with dinner.

What bothered me about my excursion today: Whenever I saw a dog, I thought of my friend's poisoned dogs and tears welled up in my eyes. And there are a lot of dogs in Newcastle. I even saw a corgi and a basset hound whose long ears kept touching the ground.