Now living in Jesmond, I am a short walk from her old house near the Dene, which itself has changed, with modern extensions and a brand-new front garden. Setting aside the new homeowners probable concern that I had mistaken Lindisfarne Road with Notting Hill, the two pictures convey different times altogether. The film photo is blurry and dull as opposed to the clear and saturated iPhone photo. Nevertheless, the jumper I wear is one of my mums from the eighties so maybe not so different as first appearances show.
Though years have passed and times have changed, we both have in common the love of a beautiful city full of life.
It is a comfort to me knowing I am constantly walking in my mum's footsteps and having something in common that is special to us. Moving to a vast, unfamiliar city like Newcastle was daunting, but with a Geordie in my back pocket, I felt more content.
wherever I end up, I know there is always a home for me in Newcastle...
I found myself going to the same places my mum went to on a Friday night in the late eighties. One of the first pubs I visited was The Five Swans near campus (previously Luckies) which was years ago frequented by my mum. Everywhere new I visited came with a nostalgic tale from her childhood and I slowly built up a map of not only my experiences, but also hers.
Newcastle for me and her alike has introduced us to so many inspiring people. Friends we will carry with us for the rest of our lives, educators who have inspired us to pursue our passions, and a never-failing community of people who stand up for what they believe in. Now in my final year at Newcastle University, I am looking towards the rest of my life - where I am going to live, find a job, settle down. I do not know where life will take me yet, but wherever I end up, I know there is always a home for me in Newcastle, as there has always been for her.