Away from home for the holidays...

Despite being miles away from all our friends and family, Mike and I managed to have a great Christmas celebration!! True to form, we ate and drank ourselves full, in a fairly cyclical fashion, through the entirety of the four day weekend. After Mike left work early on Christmas Eve day, we enjoyed some celebratory Christmas pints at a couple local Islington pubs. Watching last minute crazed shoppers, scurry in for a quick drink before heading back to the streets, proved to be wonderfully entertaining. The people at the bars slowly dwindled as Christmas Eve day approached its actual eve and Mike and I headed back to our flat for our Swedish Christmas Smorgasbord.

After far too much salmon, cheese, meatballs and more, we headed to the balcony to get some fresh air and aid our digestion. What was supposed to be a quick breath of air, turned into a mini celebration with music and a spectacular view of the city (if you stood on the bench and looked over the roof.) Our drinking and eating adventure that began that afternoon, carried through to the wee hours of the night.

The next morning we set out on a four hour long walk, all over the city, to experience the peacefulness (and emptiness) of London on Christmas. Stopping in Hyde Park, we discovered one of the most traveled parts of downtown London to be practically deserted. After our legs were tired and our bodies were cold, we found ourselves back in Islington drinking cocktails and preparing our Christmas feast.

On Boxing Day we went to Hampstead to check out Heath Park. Located just minutes outside the city, the skyline of downtown London could easily be seen over the grassy hills of Hampstead. The whole day was cold but sunny, and overall, absolutely wonderful! Saturday we went to Windsor Castle, which was elegantly stunning and far bigger than either of us expected. To cap off, what appeared to be an endless weekend, on Sunday night we watched the Pats game. Like true Americans, we had a table spread of Buffalo wings, pizza, and garlic bread, and we sat back with our feet up, feeling not too far from home.

Well, I am heading out shortly to go meet my parents, who arrived in London about an hour ago. I am fairly certain with them here on holiday, our lifestyle of over-indulgence is destined to continue for at least one more week....

And so it begins...

It's been just over a month since we arrived in London and began settling in to our new city- creating new routines, adjusting to the sounds of British accents and UK hustle and bustle, and adapting to a new urban experience overall. After spending the first month in corporate housing, where we were spoiled with maid services and flat screen TV's, we moved into our new, more permanent apartment last Monday.

Our new place is quaint and cozy, if cozy means tiny, and yet truly wonderful. Situated in a neighborhood called Islington, and just two blocks from the closest Tube station, the location is ideal. Despite the intricate feeling of the new flat, the large and private outdoor roof deck balcony more than makes up for the close knit insides. Overlooking very typical London townhouses, the fourth floor outdoor seating will be unbeatable in the nicer weather. There are pubs and restaurants all around us and we intend to try them all......

Currently working part time as a horse back riding tour guide/instructor in Hyde Park, I have heaps of time to check out museums, people watch at cafes and learn my way around London! Mike's job is going well and only a short commute on the Tube from our new home. We are both looking forward to him having a couple days off for Xmas and New Years celebrations!!

My parents, got to love 'em, booked their plane tickets to come visit less than one week after we left home. Just three days after Christmas, Mike and I will have our first visitors. Although excited for our own Christmas celebration together, it will be nice to have family here, too!

So all in all, life is good!! We've been seeing new things, drinking new beers and in general, taking advantage of our new life in London!

We wish you all the best for the holidays (eat, drink and be merry!) and please be in touch.

Cheers!