He's my cup of tea!

Standing tall in Newcastle upon Tyne is this statue of Charles, second Earl Grey, former Whig Prime Minister, responsible for the Reform Act 1832, and influential in banning slavery: an all round good egg, whose tea tinctured with bergamot is the only kind I drink (weak and black). We've had a fabulous day exploring a beautiful city.

The public transport Metro train is superb. Had a great visit to the Laing Art Gallery - I never realised Edward Lear produced such wonderful paintings; I was only aware of his funny illustrations to his daft limericks in his Book of Nonsense. More wonderful artworks included John Martin (one of my favourite English romantics, whose paintings remind me of Casper David Friedrich's style) and a tiny Turner. First, though, we enjoyed the special exhibition of illustrator Quentin Blake. Really thrilled to see lots of his original drawings.

We crossed the millennium bridge, visited the unusual Gateshead Sage building, and finished our day with a visit to what's left of the castle. Fab day - and so lucky with the sunshine and far fewer showers than we expected. (By the cringe, though, it's cold Oop Narth!)

Added a panorama shot as an Extra - a view from the millennium bridge.