Christmas & New Years in London!

The busy London streets a few days before Christmas.
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I arrived in London and caught up with one of my tour mates. We had a splendid time. We toured around the BUSY London streets for an afternoon,then we managed to get amazing tickets to the Phantom of the Opera musical. It was neat to see the show in the place it first premiered 20 years ago. The show was fabulous. We had fantastic seats about in the 9th row from the stage. And, the set, performers, and the surprising crashing chandelier were so neat to see. I am just glad I don't live here permanently as I would be broke from seeing all of London's musicals - over 50 in total.

Helen being a tree on popular Oxford Street.
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After 2 nights at Helen's flat - I caught up with Martin, Barbara, and Richard Scantlebury (my so-called adopted English Christmas family) and we took in a Saturday English Premier League Football match between 2 London teams. It was great to see the game, we had terrific seats at one end of the field with the home team's rowdy fans. Although the score ended up goal-less by both teams - it was really exciting as there was terrific goal keeping, as well as end to end action for the game. The fans were hilarious too. Not probably an area to take young children to (unless you want to enhance their vocabulary!) But, the chants were great...mostly bashing players, refs, and the other team. One cheer even included chanting 'cheerio' to an opposing team member that got kicked out of the game. And the game, which was played outside, was quite tolerable too - considering it is the end of December (and would be virtually impossible to do back home at this time of year!). There were over 22,000 people there which is a lot - but compared to the bigger London clubs - they can get between 60-70,000 people at home matches.

A toast to our fellow Contiki friends - wine and cheese!
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Christmas was quite nice here in London. Board games, home made fires, great food, and endless amounts of chocolate. I even helped make Christmas cookies on Christmas Eve. It was nice to partake in a different family's Christmas traditions. It is neat to see that most families are quite the same - attending mass, gathering with friends and family, stuffing our bellies full of yummy food, and of course eating lots of treats. I have noticed that most English Christmas treats are breads with raisins or berries. Mostly like fruitcakes back home. It was quite different to actually eat the cake that you often see back home. But, it was virtually impossible to avoid over here. I was also spoiled this year as well - as my English relatives bought me a few lovely gifts (including an English football team scarf!). I also received some packages from home. My mother must have 'forgotten' about my limited bag space, or otherwise is concerned that I have been cold for the past 4 months away from home - so she stocked me up on some shirts and pants. Unfortunately - those clothing items will be well traveled - as I will ship them home soon to be reunited with them upon my return - as I figure a wool sweater may be unnecessary in the Australian Outback. I also received some letters from friends back home which was an unexpected surprise. The Scantleburys dog did get to one of the packages first - but I had half a card - so I got the gist of the note. I honestly had more unwrapping of gifts than their entire family - as it seems that only a few gifts are given - as opposed to our truckloads back home (so it seems at times!). It was different to have a considerably warm Christmas without snow, greenish grass, and some green shrubbery. I would imagine Vancouver having a similar Christmas - cloudy, damp, but green.

Saying our goodbyes at Helen's flat!
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I managed to call my Germain family on Boxing Day and catch up with various relatives at our annual gathering. A lot louder than the Christmas I had in London - but we also have between 20-30 odd people too. Sounds like everyone is doing well, missing me terribly - ;) and keeping busy back home. Milestone birthdays, expected babies, moving away from home, University, some relatives had become ill, others were going on vacation...life keeps ticking when you are away which is bittersweet I guess. You sort of feel out of the loop at times too.

On our way to the big Phantom of the Opera show.
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We ventured up to Northern England on Boxing Day to visit my great Auntie Agnes (Barbara's mom and my Grandma Betty's sister). It was about a 5 hour drive - where 5 of us were squished into an English car. Also, 4 people had extremely long legs (and I was not included in this bunch!). It was nice to see Agnes again and we all had a few good walks there (including one along the coastline), a games night, and of course some good eats.

After we got back to the Scantlebury's house for a few days. I had the chance to catch up on the blog. And, Martin took me to Stonehenge which is located just over an hours drive away. It was really cool to see up close. But, the area is roped off so you can't actually go and touch the stones. The weather was well, English to say the least. Rainy and windy. You didn't really have time to admire the cool ancient formation when you were getting drenched from the rain.

Her Majesty's Theatre - where the performance has been held for 20 years.
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On New Year's Eve I left my adopted English family and headed to London to catch up again with my friend Helen. It was sad to leave the Scantlebury's as they had been so good to me over the holidays - but I hope we will catch up in future years if they hop across the pond to Canada or when I return to Europe  (because I know I definitely will!). New Years was pretty low key. Helen, her boyfriend Darrell, and I headed out for a nice London dinner (which cost me a Canadian arm and a leg - but you live only once right?). It was at a nice mediterranean restaurant near their centrally located flat. Dinner took awhile as it is a super busy night. We walked to where the fireworks were being set off near the London Eye and river. It was packed. And, unfortunately we didn't know that the Police barricade of many areas to access good viewing locations due to the thousands of people in the area. We did see the fireworks, but our view was blocked a bit by a few buildings. The show was big and lasted about 10 minutes. I honestly expected longer for London - but I know it is expensive to put on big shows! So, I decided to check out the fireworks online to see what we missed...it looks amazing. Check out the link if you interested. Wow...I am kicking myself for not going down earlier! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8lq-4UDFHg

Picture of one of the big dance sequences.
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On New Year's Day I headed east of London to catch up with another set of English relatives for a few days. Jim and Jean. I had met them in October and figured I would pay them a visit before I left the UK. Sounds like they had a nice Christmas as well.