Newcastle...living on a faultline
When I arrived in Newcastle in Nov. 2004, it was not love at first sight. The weather was dull and rainy, and I suffered from a "little" hangover (had some beers the evening before in Sydney). I'm always curious when I get to a new city. So after checking in at the Newcastle Backpackers, I walked down to the centre of Newcastle in order to get an impression of my new habitat. I walked down Hunter Street and my mood was getting worse and worse. The houses were ugly, shops were partly abandoned and their windows were ripped. Everywhere was graffiti. No flair at all. I was sure that I will never ever stay here. When I came back to the backpackers, I read in the 'lonely planet' that in 1989, Newcastle was badly shaken by Australia's most destructive earthquake. 13 people died at that time. The insurance paid nothing, so the shop owners went to the suburbs. Moreover, Newcastle was called 'the Hell of New South Wales' because England's most notorious criminals were brought here. Well, as you can see, I'm still here. Australia's sun makes every city nice. I like the Aussies. They are very friendly and laid-back. I'm enjoying the easy-going surf culture and the cutting-edge live music scene. Every weekend the bars are crowded with local Aussies and international students from all over the world. From young to old and most of them are drunk. I'm sure now, Newcastle is a good place to stay! You have just to ignore the fact that you are sitting with your ass on a faultline.
Newcastle City
Newcastle Beach
Nobby's Head
Sunrise at Nobby's Head
Newcastle City
Newcastle Beach
Nobby's Head
Sunrise at Nobby's Head
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