Keep calm and eat Chocolate.

Keep calm ‘panic’ and then carry on.   

To my lovely readers, most importantly to ‘me mum’ who has enriched herself in some England history via You-Tube.

Believe it or not I have visited Barter Books.  I am certain that I have not yet blogged about my trip to this fantastic dream land.  It has lattes and books, what else must I say. 

After reading a fellow bloggers rant about her love for Barter Books, it had become first on my ‘I want to do’ list.  That was in October sometime.  This wonderful wish came true around the Christmas holidays.  Although it came as a surprise, which made it even better!  

All respects go to, once again, Mr. Alecks (Daniel’s new name) for taking me.  He had planned a castle tour of Alnwick (pronounced annik).  This castle, among other things, was used in the Harry Potter movies.  I was really not that into going to see this castle, because frankly I cannot understand that enthusiasm about wizards.  I am also not that into castles.  I have become accustomed to seeing ruins all over Newcastle, even in our own neighbourhood! I do enjoy Mr. Alecks’ field-trips though, and that is why I jumped into the Volkswagen (Folks car, that’s for the German! Haha) and headed off!

To our sad surprise, the castle was not open for the winter season, so we visited the extremely touristy gift shop.  This of course was not a happy ending, until...  Mr. Alecks’ said, “I will take you to a famous book shop down the street, they have lovely lattes”.

I was almost speechless!  I think I also started to shake out of excitement.  “Ah...Dan this book shop, did it used to be a train station?” 

Well my loves, I should have taken more photos, but this is all I have of this lovely splendid place!  I do hope to re-visit again.  Perhaps the rest of them can go to the castle and leave me there with my non-fat vanilla spice latte with whip, and a book next to the fireplace.

And our adventure begins...

This toy train, out of commemoration for the old real train, circles around the entire book store.

Ryan, not looking as enthused as I was!

The infamous 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster in the back ground, as well as the train.

Mr. Alecks' photography skills

Yay!!!!!

I'm not too sure why this was there. It is a well, and there was actually water in it.  Ryan and I, as smarty pants we are assumed that is was for the dogs to drink.  As there was many there that day.

This 'Windsor' sign was right outside Barter Books.

You find flocks of shipe everywhere, especially between here and Scotishland.  'Shipe'  we have discovered, is the plural form for sheep.

The tree house at Alnwick Castle and Amy's long mane of ginger hair.

Part of the tree house

Amy's photo shoot

Mr. Alecks shaking the bridge frightening Ryan.

Ryan pretending not to look frightened about the bridge

Bum shot... Ryan, Amy, Mr. Alecks

 Until next time, keep fit and have fun!