How different can the North East be?

I have lived in a lot of places. I was born near Manchester before trekking the country in tow of my father's job to Northumberland, just outside of Bristol and Essex before setting off on travels of my own. University took me to Lancaster and Morecambe before post-university took me to the United States for a few months. There I called Sandusky, Ohio my home. I met the wide in Chelmsford and we spent some time there and in other parts of Essex before moving to the North East. We had always laid plans to live here one day and a series of events lead us to ask the question, "why not now?" And we moved.

The reason I tell you all of this is because I have experienced different attitudes in different parts of the country. Now, I'm not referring to 'attitude' as the negative embodiment of the way someone acts. I simply mean the outlook on life displayed by the different people of the country. If you have never been to the North East, then you may not have come across an attitude like it.

There isn't a single adjective that I can find to describe the way that the people of the North and particularly North East act and view themselves. I think I would throw in -

• Humorous
• Neighbourly
• Ruthless
• Pragmatic
• Down to earth

And I'm sure there will be more before this article is out. This can be a stark contrast to people from other parts of the country, or other parts of the world, that visit here for the first time.

Prepare yourself for this part of the world

The people here will treat you like one of their own, from the moment they meet you. This is just the way that they are. There are no outsiders, and all are welcome. A new visitor or resident is a sign to the people of the North East that they are living in a place that people want to visit or live in. Unlike some parts of the world where an outsider might be viewed with suspicion, you won't be here.

This means that they will ask you about your life. You will receive questions that might not rub anywhere else in the country, especially in London for instance. You can offer as much or as little information as you like, but be warned that you will get to know people in the North East. They will tell you their life - often in the finest detail. It's all part of the sharing community we have up here. Think about how much information you would like to know, multiply it by ten and you probably still won't come close to how much you will be given.

How different can it be?

This was a question I asked myself when I first moved up here. It is still part of the country that I have spent the vast majority of my life in, so how could it possibly be different? It is different in so many ways. The people are different, the scenery is different and the way of life is different. If you read back through my blog then you can see how the folk up here -

Drive differently

Dress differently

Talk differently

Eat at different times

It all adds up to a new experience. I am one of these people who believes that life should be a series of experiences. I think that doing the same thing day after day, week after week from one month to the next will send you around the bend. I think that doing different things, seeing different cultures and trying to expand your horizons is a necessary part of life. It is something that I am trying to instil in my children. The North East is an experience all of its own. If you are from another part of the country and have never experienced this part of the world then get yourself here. Don't expect the best weather or sights on the same scale as London. But do expect to be dazzled by the people and the place.

Be sure to visit Harrogate when in the North East

I have just been back to Harrogate for the second time this year and I can highly recommend it for anyone who wants to visit somewhere a little different. It is a quaint old place with the world famous Betty's Tea Rooms to spend an hour or so with a great cup of tea (no coffee for me, thanks) and the food of your choice. I recommend you get there early, as the later in the day it gets, the longer the queues. The cakes are great and the breakfasts are pretty special too. It is probably the jewel in the crown of Harrogate but by no means the only part of the town that you will want to spend time in when you visit Harrogate.

Harrogate shopping is relaxed and exclusive

The town is filled with some very nice shops, both national chains and local specialists. It makes for a good mix and is certainly a big difference to many town centres that are filled with low-end chain shops and little variety. There are some exclusive names such as Rigby & Peller and Kurt Geiger and this only adds to the feeling that you are shopping somewhere that has a bit of class. Be sure to bring plenty of cash with you to visit Harrogate and get the most from Harrogate shopping. One of the best things about Harrogate shopping is that there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere in the centre. There is plenty of parking, if you know where to look, and on a sunny day you can browse without the feeling that you have to rush off to get out.

Other places to eat in Harrogate

There are also a huge number of other places to eat in Harrogate besides Betty's Tea Rooms. Whether you want a quick bite, a longer lunch or a quality evening meal, Harrogate has all the options for you. There are several chain restaurants that all provide great quality food. Jamie's Italian is the one that featured on a prank on Saturday Night Takeaway with ant and Dec - but don't let that put you off.

You can choose from different cuisines at differing prices. There are so many places to eat that I recommend at least taking a look online before you go, so you get an idea of what you want. I personally am a fan of supporting local restaurants over the big chains, and Trip Advisor will give you the best. If, like us, you fill up on Betty's, then you might want to think about a picnic in one of the lovely green spaces of the city rather than a large lunch.

Things to do in Harrogate

If you are all shopped out and want something else to do, then you have plenty of choice in the town as well. The list of things to do in Harrogate is better explained on other sites, that have the space and time to list them all. We went to the Royal Pump Room Museum and learned about how the town grew up on the back of the quality of water it offered to people seeking health benefits. It was a spa town where people spent a holiday and drank plenty of the water drawn from deep within the earth. It was meant to help people feel better and gained a massive appeal in Victorian times.

The park near the Royal Pump Room Museum is another pleasant place to send time, or to even have a picnic. You can take a walk in the sunshine and feel as though you are a million miles away from a  town centre for a few minutes.

The town of Harrogate is a great place to visit and sample life at a slower pace. The best features are those that appeal to everyone - we went as a family of two adults and two kids and all enjoyed the day out. I recommend it if you are in and around the North East.

What happened in the North East in the General Election?

Those of you that stayed up overnight will probably be able to recall most of the results of the General Election we have been through as they came through the TV screens and into our overnight living rooms. The hung parliament wasn't thought possible at the start of the campaign, but here we are now with that exact situation. The picture across the UK was a mixed one, with results in many parts very different to what was expected even at this time yesterday. While the national picture looks uncertain, it is interesting to see what has happened across the North East. Here is a short guide to What happened in the North East in the General Election?

The disappearance of UKIP

The first thing to note is that UKIP has all but disappeared from the political landscape in the country. It's mandate was to press the government of the day to leave the EU. Now that has actually happened, it is almost impossible to see what they stand for and how they can reinvest themselves. Their leader Paul Nuttall has left the party after only a short time as leader and there is much debate over whether they will be there in a few months, let alone years.

This picture was mirrored in the North East where a relatively strong showing in 2015 and a heavy 'Leave' vote in the EU Referendum have seen people question the need to vote UKIP any more. As a result they saw a massive loss of vote and no chance of winning any seats in the region. The UKIP idea to appeal to working class voters disaffected by the Labour Party fell by the wayside as Jeremy Corbyn got stronger through the campaign and reconnected with the party's core vote.

Two party politics is back

For the first time in a long time, people tended to vote either Conservative or labour in their droves. As we have already discussed, UKIP haemorrhaged millions of votes and many of these went to Labour rather than the Tories. This was a surprise overall but in the North East this could have been predicted. people switched from Labour to UKIP over Brexit and the poor leadership of Ed Miliband. They were always likely to come back to Labour rather than jump to the Conservatives. this proved to be the case.

I don't think that two part politics is good for the country as a whole because it limits the choice, even when there is a wide margin of opinion and policy between the two main parties. The fact that the Lib Dems were pleased with 16 seats shows the low expectations they had coming into this poll. On the election map of the North East there is a lot of red and a smattering of blue.

What does the future hold?

It feels like we have come to a politics where people are more involved and more questioning. The claim that all you needed to do in the North East was wear a red rosette to be elected has been challenged and this must be a good thing. The country needs to elect people that will look after the best interests of their constituents. Scrutinising the candidates gives a better reflection of this than just voting the same way as your parents. We may see all of this again soon with another election a distinct possibility in the next year...

Check out the graphs and maps on the BBC website that break down the vote so you can see how this unfolded.

We have sunshine! Grab it while it lasts

The North East of England isn't noted for its fine weather. The weather isn't as bad as people make out, but there certainly isn't enough sunshine on average. Like much of the country, the North East is bathed in sunshine today. The fact that we have a lot of sun, almost nothing in the way of clouds and no cold breeze off the North Sea makes a pleasant change. The world is a much better place when it is like this. But the forecast is for thunderstorms tomorrow and then drizzle over the rest of the weekend - typical for a Bank Holiday weekend.

The North East is placed where the cold of the Arctic Air hits us first and hits us hard. We are the last place in England to get the end of Winter and the last to see the start of Summer. We are at the end of the queue when it comes to phenomena like the one we are currently having - warm air being dragged up from the Mediterranean. So it is little wonder that people in this part of the world have hardened to the cold and bask in the slightest amount of sunshine.

All it takes is some sun, not any heat in particular, to get people in their shorts, walking around instead of driving and getting the barbecue on. And I like that. People that embrace all that they are given are always alright in my book. The fact that British like a moan about anything and everything hasn't escaped this part o the country, but the moans are one thing, while the activity is another. You see people interact with the great outdoors here in a way that I haven't experienced in others parts of the country when I have lived or travelled there. They get out to walk the dog, get on a bike or go for a run in the rain, the sleet, the wind and the snow. I suppose if you have no choice bit to deal with the elements then you find a way to get on with it.

I have just been writing a book for someone that practices cold exposure as part of his life. This means a cold shower in the morning, a regular dip into an icy lake and a general connection to the cold. He grew up in the Ukraine and it was rare that they had hot water, so the cold exposure that he uses now in adult life I suppose comes naturally to him. I can see parallels to this life and the people of the North East.

We know that the cold is just around the corner. The warmth that we are feeling today won't last forever so the people around here drain as much as they can from it. The beer gardens will be filled until closing time and the air will be thick with the smell of half-cooked burgers and chicken that is dangerous to eat. Mixed with a few beers, there will be a lot of upset bellies in the morning, but it will all be worthwhile!

Does Sunderland sit in the shadow of Newcastle?

Having lived in the North East for some time a strange phenomenon happens whenever you meet a certain type of person. This person looks down on the rest of the North East like they are the poor relation. They feel superior and act as though the rest of the world want to be one of their select bunch. What has made them like this?

• Is it the fact that they have achieved great things in their life?
• Does it stem from owning riches beyond the imagination of others?
• Have they been chosen by a higher power to be 'better' than everyone else?

No. The people that I refer to are people from Newcastle. They feel that the accident of being born in or near the city suddenly elevates them above the rest of the people that live in this part of the country, and probably the rest of the world too. You can feel it when you walk through the city. You can hear it in conversation. You know it from the way they support their football team. They feel that being part of the city of Newcastle makes them something that everyone else aspires to.

Now I like Newcastle. The city is a great place to spend time, do some shopping and get some amazing food and drink. It has some museums that deserve greater exposure, nightlife that is lively and entertaining to a point and a history that is something to be proud of. But not for one second do I, nor anyone else I know, want to be a Geordie.

There is a city just down the road that has as much history and things to do as Newcastle but doesn't quite get the same exposure. Sunderland has a city centre that could do with a little investment, but it has a great deal that Newcastle cannot offer. The museums stand up to its neighbour and the fact that you can visit the beach from Sunderland is a bonus that the bigger city cannot compete with.

Sunderland is seen as the poor neighbour, and looks like to stands in the shadow of Newcastle but that isn't necessarily the case. House prices may be higher in Newcastle, but Sunderland has the draw of jobs with the Nissan factory on it's doorstep. If only for another couple of weeks, Sunderland can boast a football team in a higher league. Take the small wins while you can.

Nationally, there is a lot more awareness and exposure for Newcastle than there is for Sunderland. People think about stag parties and hen do's, they think about Newcastle races and some sightseeing in the city. It has an airport, the rest of the North East is constantly told. It is a growing city that has managed its image well and developed into a destination. Maybe Sunderland is on the same path. As I said earlier, the city centre needs a lot of attention. It looks drab and doesn't attract the higher end shops that would allow it compete with the city up the road.

I think that there is a lot to do in both cities, but the way that Newcastle has grown sees it attract more investment and attention at the moment. Who knows what the future will bring?

The Word in South Shields is a great new place to visit in North East England

I'm a big supporter of the North East of England and I believe that it is a great place to live and work. I have spent the last few years living here, but have had a link to this part of the world all my life through my family. Last week I visited the The Word - The National Centre for the Written Word in South Shields. It is a relatively new museum that does what it says on the tin. It shows off the beauty of the written word in a beautiful building close to the banks of the River Tyne. It is setting up at the moment in terms of establishing, but has already got some really interesting things gong on.

They have an exhibition of Sir Ridley Scott's work, which is worthwhile for any film buff. I highly recommend it as a location to visit when in the North East. Keep an eye on the different events happening at The Word because there is a lot going on.

I am going there on Friday 5th May for a talk from David Baldacci about his writing and I hope to pick up some ideas for my latest novel, which is in the pipeline at the moment. I can't decide whether to place a lot of the next book in a North East city, and I hope that listening to David will give me inspiration on this decision. I write s lot for myself and others and want to use my writing to entertain others as time does on. I have always written but now I am writing professionally for me and for other people in terms of ghost writing work for them or helping business to get their content marketing just right.

The novel I am writing at the moment will be my second, with the first now published for a full week. It is called David's Goliath: If you found a book that told the story of your life, would you read on? and is selling quite well so far in paperback and Kindle edition. I believe in supporting business in the North East and I'd like to think that people would want to read this because it is from a local author. David's Goliath isn't based in the North East, but it draws influence from my life here.

Writing is a big part of my life and I want to incorporate this part of the world in what I do. The more that I can promote the North East as a place to visit to my readers across the world, the more it will benefit us all.

So go and check out The Word to see what it is all about, if you haven't already been. Entry is free and you can see the work of Sir Ridley Scott in a different light. Who knows, one day my work may be there too!

The Northumberland Coast is a stunning place to visit

As the weather gets better it's time to get outside again. Although a bit of wind and rain doesn't stop people in the North East from leaving the house, it feels so much better with a bit of sunshine on your face. This weekend saw some great Spring weather so we decided to venture out of the house and take a look up the Northumberland coast on Sunday for a look. We aren't North East England natives but we have visited quite a large part of this part of the world since moving here a few years ago. Quite frankly the coast in Durham is disappointing so we take a look at further North and South for our seaside fix. Northumberland is a bit of a risk at this time of year but was one we were willing to take. The wind off the North Sea can be extremely cold at any time but it wasn't really present this weekend, so we were able to make the most of the sunshine on offer.

And we were rewarded. We went through the Tyne Tunnel and spent time at Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Blyth. The latter two haven't got the best of reputations but I found all three to be most pleasant. There was a park in Blyth where was sat outside and had a Sunday lunch. The atmosphere, the weather and the food were all great. I highly recommend a visit. If you want to get to this part of the world then it can feel like somewhere that is nowhere. But that really is the attraction. The scenery is stunning and the coast is plentiful.

One thing that does strike you about North East England if you visit here from outer space is the clothing. I've already mentioned the fact that they rarely wear a coat even in the deepest midwinter. Well for the rest of the year, the slightest hint of sunshine prompts the people up here to get into their summer gear. We saw men swimming in the sea, kids walking round in trunks and women uncovering huge swathes of flesh in response to a little sunshine and temperatures of around 12 degrees. Don't get me wrong, the weather was lovely, especially in the sun, but bikini weather it certainly was not.

So don't be surprised if you arrive here to see little in the way of clothing between now and autumn. There's even less worn to go out at night sometimes. It's a place that embraces the slightest change in temperature. The North East is somewhere that tries to make the most of whatever life throws its way, and I for one applaud that attitude.

Improvements are under way in Bishop Auckland, especially at Auckland Castle

If you have been to Bishop Auckland recently then you will have seen a lot of disruption. The Market Place has seen a lot of work and quite frankly, that is nothing compared to the plans that they have for the area. Bishop Auckland is changing face. and it might be a good time for investors to take a look. But to see where this fits in the present day, it is worth a look at the history behind the city. Don't worry, I'll keep it brief.

With it's strategic position near to the River Wear and River Gaunless, Bishop Auckland has long been a market town. Standing for centuries, it gained greater significance with the building of Auckland Castle. This was thought to have been first built in 1183 and was the seat of the Bishops of Durham until recently.

The area is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance. Auckland Castle is no longer the home of the Bishop of Durham (he has moved closer to home) and as such is becoming a tourist destination. This is obviously good for the North East. With the work going on at Durham Cathedral, this makes the area a more attractive place to visit. Having recently visited both Lincoln and Chester and seen the tourist draw from their cathedrals, I think that Durham City and the surrounding area has been missing a trick for some time now.

Bishop Auckland was a place I visited to browse a few shops when I was in the North East in my younger days. It was always an 'OK' place to visit but never any better than that. The last few years in particular have seen it go downhill rapidly. The out of town shopping area at St. Helen Auckland has drawn away most of the bigger chains from the High Street and it is now  place you go to if you want to count empty shops. I'm not saying that it fares any worse than any other town but it does look dreadful.

With the renovation taking place now, the future for Bishop Auckland can only look brighter. Auckland Castle in at the centre of all this renovation and improvement. It will be much more vibrant and I for one hope that it brings some big retailers and restaurants chains back to the town centre to do business. You can take a look at the different plans that are happening now here -

A walled garden and restaurant

A welcome building

A new art gallery

For the investor this looks like it might provide a great opportunity. With the top end of Newgate Street and the Market Place being filled with more visitors, the demand for units will almost certainly increase as will the demand for accommodation. The savvy investor might want to look at Bishop Auckland as the place to invest their money. Prices could rise, rents could be easy to come by.

Whatever the future holds for Bishop Auckland, I hope it is better than the present. There are few reasons to visit the main street and then little to keep you there if you do decide to take a trip. With some outstanding development on the way I hope that the money spent returns the town to its more vibrant past.

The language in the North East is loud and constant

The language in the North East of England is as colourful and vibrant of the different dialects of the United Kingdom. Certain phrases can be inpenitrable when you first arrive but they grow on you and many have a certain charm. I'll take at individual phrases in another later blog as it's the communication that interests me in this edition. It may seem strange to split the two but there are two distinct things happening here. Language itself has many different facets and the part of language that uses no words is often quoted as carrying the majority of the communication message.

Upon moving to the North East of England, for the first few months my family and I thought that there were far more arguments here than in other parts of the UK. Raised voices and what sounded from a distance as aggressive conversations had me believing that people were often at each other's throats. If you add to this either minimal body language or quite animated body language then you'll probably believe that there's trouble brewing. North East inhabitants tend to have one or the other of these traits - either wildly gesticulating as they are talking or talking loudly with no real body language and both can have quite a disconcerting effect on the uninitiated.

It takes a little while to get used to the volume of life here. People shouting across the street at each other would pass as trouble brewing in many parts of the country but it's usually a friendly gesture here. Starting a sentence or conversation with a loud "Now...." seems odd to most of us but is actually commonplace in North East parlance. And volume is here in cafés, shopping centres, restaurants, pubs, the streets and homes. Communication happens at high speed and high volume and it all adds to the vibrancy of this part of the world.

You don't have to be afraid of the way that people speak. If you think that there is an argument going on then wait a few seconds to see what is being spoken about. I will bet you that it isn't an argument at all but just two people speaking in their normal voice.

And it isn't just the way that people communicate but the words that they use that will catch you off guard if you are not from this part of the world. If you thought you knew English then spend a little time in the North East and you will find a whole new vocabulary that you had no idea existed. In fact there are dictionaries available that will help you navigate ordinary daily conversations that you might have.

Three phrases in particular have really go me and I'll give you a quick run-through of these here.

"It's hoying it down"

This actually means that it is raining heavily. I love this phrase as it captures the insensitivity of the rain shower for me. I like to use this as often as I can. Even when it isn't raining.

The word "hoy" can also mean to throw, as in the phrase "hoy me that pencil" so you can start to seethe origins of the phrase.

"Ket"

This is a word used to mean sweets or candy. Ket is the general phrase that covers all of the sweet things that kids shouldn't be eating.

"Boils my piss"

I love and hate this phrase in equal measure. It means to make someone very angry. If you have done something to upset someone in the North East then you could be said to "boil their piss."

I love the anger that goes with this but I also have the image in my head that makes me dislike the phrase too. I most often hear it from working class people and I've never had the inclination to research if it is used in other parts of the country. I'd love to hear from you if it is.

A trip back to the South East reminds me what the North East is all about

I've just come back from a trip down South over Christmas and some parts of living in the North East have really come home when I spent 10 days away. I have lived in various parts of England and spent a lot of my time living in the South East. I don't know whether it is as I have got older or whether the place has changed but the way of life in and near London really got to me during a ten day stay.

Traffic

I have written before about traffic in the North East and the way that people drive before but the difference becomes even more startling the longer I live here. The drivers in the South East are only interested in getting on their way, whether this means driving in the wrong lane, cutting you up or almost causing a crash makes no difference. As long as they can shave a few seconds off their journey then you are inconsequential.

So people spend so much of their time in the wrong lane because they think it will get them there faster. I saw people cross four lanes of traffic from the wrong lane to the one they wanted because they saw the chance to cut under 2 or 3 cars.Added to the traffic was the fact that it was Christmas and everyone faced this time of festive cheer with a cutthroat attitude of "I'm getting there before you." It was heaven!

The main problem that causes all of the other issues on the roads in the South East is the amount of traffic. In the North East I can drive 20 miles in 20 minutes on a regular basis, no matter what the road or the time of day. In the South East you struggle to do this on a motorway (especially the M25) and this creates a tension in every driver on the road. People know it is going to be hell so the prepare for the worst in their mind. Drivers turn into racers.

People

I have actually seen the people in the South East go in the opposite direction of the traffic. There are fewer people walking and it reminds me in many ways of visits to the United States where people use their car to travel short distances,. The first time I went to Las Vegas I walked along The Strip and the only others I saw walking were Brits.You can walk for a few miles in the South East and not see people until you arrive at a coffee shop or a pub. It's becoming a lost art and it only adds to the problems on the road.

I walked from where I was staying to the local town one day, around a mile and a half and saw nobody outside of their vehicles or homes. I made the similar journey on the way back from the train station one night and again was the only one that didn't choose a taxi.

It will improve health and traffic in one go!

Prices

I am known in my family for the way that I analyse the price of something before making a purchase. I like to have value for money and often I would rather do without than pay what I consider to be over the odds.

Again this may be because it was close to Christmas, but it felt as though the price of absolutely everything in the South East was over the odds and far away. It cost me less for me and the kids to watch a Premier League match when we got home than it did to watch a League 1 match in the South East. The various Santa's Grottoes that I saw were charging between £10 and £15 for a few brief moments with the big man himself. Even after using the discount given by the meerkat off the telly I had to pay nearly £30 for 4 of us (2 adults and 2 kids) to watch the new Star Wars film..

It feels as though everyone wants their cut of your income. It is hard work trying to find value in the South East so I generally went with the flow and knew that I would have to tighten my belt when I got back home in January. So expect to see blogs in the near future to show you how to have a great time in the North East without spending any money!