Finally, Haltwhistle! This place really speaks to me: it is quite with that typical northern light, sweet and soft. The quality of the air is different and it is cold, very cold.
I am just outside the train station crossing the road with my heavy suitcase. Helen, a retired midwife, stops me asking informations where I come from. A cellist around here is rare to see. She is friendly and she is from Manchester. She has decided to move up here for its unique quality.
She recommended a few pubs and she added: “Tell them that Helen from Sycamore Street sent you there!”. Everybody knows each other.
It’s 5 o’clock and the shops are closing while everyone seems to be rushing home for supper. There is a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, even the time is different.
Haltwhistle is located in the centre of Britain, perfectly centered. It is close to the Sycamore Gap, next to Northumberland Park and the Hadrian’s wall. It must be a very special place.
Wherever I go there is reference to the Sycamore, a street named Sycamore Street, a house called the Sycamore house, Sycamore's silhouette in every shop or corner, private pictures hanging on the walls.
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