Lat February, I booked 4 days B&B in Whitley Bay...on a whim...don't ask.
I had just been listening to Dire Straits Tunnel Of Love and thought 'Why not?'
Looked online and found a very accomodating couple who were closed for winter but invited me and arranged to pick me up from the Metro. I had a truly fabulous time. Train, ferry, Metro, the couple even arranged for a friend who had a bike shop in the town to lend me a bicycle which they brought to the Metro (as per my request) took my backpack and gave me instructions on getting to their home.
It was like being with family...only better. They actually took me to the theatre on one night. In the evenings we played board or card games and I'd make tea and get more coal for the fire. It really was surreal.
I toured the lighthouse and the lifeboat crew gave me a showround after I met one of them in a pub.
Of course, the Spanish City isn't what it was but I stood and played the song through my earphones whilst enjoying the view.
Precious memories. Fabulous people.