Chinese Warrior Lanterns #donlanplaces

In the quad at Old College there is an exhibition of Chinese Warrior Lanterns.
They are on display to celebrate Chinese New Year and were originally displayed at the 2008 Olympics.
We went to visit them on Saturday afternoon before they were lit up and it was possible to get a good view of the whole army.
Later we went when they were lit up and it was possible to get up close but too many people to get a whole view. They look very impressive. They are on display until 7th February.
Link below for more details.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2014/warrior-lanterns-100114

New Year Resolutions 2014

Every year I make new year resolutions which vary from definite 'to dos' to wishful thinking - this year they are not strict guidelines or targets, just general things to try and do or think about. I will make an action plan for work stuff and maybe a 'to do' list for life stuff but for now, this is it:


New Year Resolutions 2014

Don't worry unless it's actually a life / death scenario
Keep things in perspective - stand back
There doesn't have to be a solution for everything, you don't have to find it and you don't have to own it.
Look out for opportunities and go with them
Continue to have a backup plan
Be more organised - have a work plan
Busyness is not necessarily cool
Technology is cool - exciting and interesting
Network and build relationships where possible
Communicate with those who want to - don't worry about those who don't

Walk more
Read more
Sleep more
Take time to be at places
Continue to take a photo a day
Eat less unsuitable stuff
Continue to eat tea and cake when necessary

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Plus the holstee manifesto

Winter Carnival Parade and Fireworks #donlanplaces

On New Years Eve there is a winter carnival parade and fireworks in Newcastle. It starts at Grey's Monument and ends at the Civic Centre. We have been to it for the last 5 years and each year it gets busier. But it is worth going to and the fireworks are excellent.

























































After the fireworks we went for a drink in a bar near the Theatre Royal and then headed home.
We stopped briefly in Gateshead to see the Millenium bridge and the Sage.

Sedgefield Races

Today, Boxing Day, we went to the races at Sedgefield race course. It's a good thing to do on Boxing Day as we're ready for a change of scene after a few days of Christmas food and activities and a good walk. It is usually very cold there in the winter and today was no exception. It was misty as we walked up there and the sun was trying very hard to break through.



Luckily when we got there it did brighten and the sun was shining.



We went in the course side rather than the grandstand side which I like better as it is less crowded but you don't get many facilities (just the hut which has toilets and drinks - it used to be the 'smoky hut' before smoking was banned which was good at keeping other smells at bay). I put my bets on online rather than with the bookies. We didn't win but it was a good afternoon with a great atmosphere.

Edinburgh Christmas Lights

Edinburgh Christmas Lights
Princes Street Gardens

Barter Books, Alnwick

Barter Books is a brilliant second hand bookshop in Alnwick. It's in the old station and is fantastic. There are lots of books, miniature railway, open fires, places to sit, a cafe in the waiting room. Quirkiness and efficient friendly service. I bought to penguin 40s crime books. It's well worth a visit.









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Illuminate York

Light Festival at York
York Minster - it was impressive seeing the Minster without seats (pews). It is a vast space and a very intricate building compared with Durham. Much more detailed and elaborate. Not sure about the graffiti art work. Good to see the stained glass restoration work.















Liked the All Hallows' candles.




Clifford's Tower















Viking Stories
Museum Gardens