Today A went home and I caught the perfect day to stay in and write this - it's pouring dogs and cats. It's so wet outside that you are soaked within seconds and it's so warm. Not really a weather to make you feel a lot like Christmas, but I am in festive mood nevertheless.
I bought most of my presents so far (and, no, normally I am not that early, but as everyone wants something from Britain, I have to buy all my presents before I head home in a week) which makes me all excited about Christmas. I don't know what kind of people you are but I am more excited about other people unwrapping my presents than me getting presents. It's just such a wonderful moment when they beam and are genuinely grateful and happy (well, at least when you managed to pick the right thing). There is also another reason why I am very happy at the moment; yesterday I wrote the 100th page of my book (A4, you see) and I feel it's really progressing well (I am talking about my horror book now). It's odd, I always work on one big project and one sub-project which simply has the task to distract me from writing the massive piece. However, my sub-project has sneakily managed to become my main project now, but, hey, as long as I am writing and progressing, it's ok. Don't you think? On Saturday, I visited Richmond by recommendation of my host. Apparently, it's a very popular city and people travel there to see it. It's definitely an old town, having been founded in the 16th century and the core centre is really nice. When strolling through the town, I encountered something funny, namely umpteen people dressed up as Santa Clauses on bikes, preparing for a bike race(Photo 1) I tried to find out what this was all about, but wasn't too successful (partly because I got bored after five minutes and gave up. I probably wouldn't make a good journalist). Anyway, I watched these Santas race through the town, which was very entertaining. But I also found this wrapped in house in Richmond, which I thought was lovely and so I took a photo. (Photo 2). Richmond definitely is worth a visit; however, in spring it might be even more beautiful when you can visit Richmond Park and stroll around there. My favourite city at the moment is Kingston-upon-Thames. It's big enough to feature all the shops like Primark, H&M, etc. It has Bentall's, a cinema and still a lovely, old town atmosphere. The Christmas decoration is great, too, and if you recall, I wrote something about this marquee Christmas market a couple of days ago. The great thing about this marquee is that you can shop but don't have to freeze (as if you would, we're literally talking 15 degrees here at the moment...like, I-am-only-wearing-a-jumper-and-am-still-sweating-like-a-pig warm). But I have talked enough about the marquee and my special relationship with it, so I proceed to Sunday, when I went to London. London around Christmas is beautiful and mad. There are thousands of people who try to get their Christmas shopping done and the air is saturated with sweat, perfume and traffic gases. There is a constant pushing and getting pushed and if you're in a hurry, you'd better avoid London. I told you already about the Coningsby Gallery and HP exhibition, but also promised more pics, so here I go (Photos 3/4/5/6/7). I stayed in London long enough to see the Christmas lights at night and especially the decoration in Carnaby Street area are fantastic. Especially because this area feels like a little town itself and you feel like entering a magical, remote place compared to hustling and bustling Oxford Street. It's just beautiful with all the old houses and smaller shops. Regent Street's decoration is a bit industrial, I think, as it consists of metal semi-circles and wheels. I wouldn't say it doesn't look nice but I prefer the big pink Christmas bauble nevertheless. Here a last food recommendation to end my report with Monday night: Yesterday I ate at a pub called Barmy Arms at the Embankment of Twickenham. We had a table overlooking the river and the food was truly delicious, so if you fancy a good bite and a lovely atmosphere, go there and eat. It's not too expensive and the people are really nice and friendly.
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AuthorIn September 2015 I started a new chapter of my life by moving (temporarily or permanently, not yet decided) to England where I work and socialise now. Archives
December 2017
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