My train arrived in Newcastle Thursday evening and it was now time to find the Albatross hostel I had booked on Tuesday. The hostel was located at 51 Grainger Street which was a short distance from the train station. The most important aspect for every place I would stay was that it needed to be within walking distance of the train station for two reasons. First, it is easier to find and second, it was close to the train station so I could get back quickly the next day.

I had booked a six bed room since that was all that was available. However, when I checked in they said they did not have the same six bed room available for both nights. However, I could “downgrade” to an eight bed room (the same room for both nights) for £1 cheaper per night. I decided that was fine and took the eight bed room hoping that eight people would not actually be staying in the room.

My room was basically what I expected – a large room with four bunk beds. I took the bottom bunk furthest away from the windows. The original reason I chose to stay in a hostel was to meet other travelers and go out in Newcastle with them. However, when I arrived nobody was in the room. Since there was nothing to do in the room I decided to walk around Newcastle on my own.

I was in the mood for some Italian food so I ate at Portofino located at 12 Mosley Street. Since it was late it was one of the last restaurants still serving food.

Newcastle is one of the craziest towns I have been to in awhile. There were clubs and pubs around every corner and thousands of young adults walking everywhere. Either places were overcrowded or totally empty so after walking around for about an hour I walked back to my hostel to get some sleep.