Christmas party season is in full swing

Patrick on Oxford Street
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This weekend was great.  Actually, in all honestly, this has probably been the best weekend I've had since joining Patrick in London...with the exception of our engagement weekend, of course.

Saturday evening an old friend of mine from Calgary, Erik, invited me to his house for a pre-Christmas get together.  This was the first time I've seen Erik since arriving in London and it was really nice to see him and meet his partner.  All of his friends at the party were really welcoming and mostly ex-pats so very interested in making new friends.  While at the party, I met another couple from Calgary.  Unfortunately they are leaving London on January 6 after three years, but we discovered that I went to school with their flatmate and we are going to all hang out before they leave.  Patrick came to the party after work and I got to introduce him to these people, so it was nice that we all got to meet - with his work, that so rarely happens.  I am so relieved to finally be making friends.

Finally London is starting to feel like home

Sunday was Patrick's work party and it was a really good time.  The party was hosted at the restaurant and was very nice.  We began with champagne in the bar and then were seated for a lovely four course meal.  The people he works with are, for the most part, friendly and fun.  After the party, we went to a pub with a large group of his workmates.  After about an hour at the pub we decided to take off and go see the Christmas lights.  Another couple was also keen to leave, so the four of us left together and went for dinner at a Chinese restaurant.  The best part of the entire day was actually meeting this couple - a Brit and an Australia girl, both chefs, but only he works with Patrick.  Anyhow, they are extremely nice and friendly and we have already made plans to hang out after the holidays.

This was a really great weekend for me.  Finally London is starting to feel like home.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet all these different people, but up until now it has been really difficult.