Home.

I loved traveling in 2014, but there really is nothing like flying home for Christmas. Upon my arrival at Gatwick airport on the 19th of December I was greeted by my Christmas jumper – wearing sister, a tearful Mother and the biggest hug from my Dad. To complete the idyllic scene there was a 10 ft tall Christmas tree in behind us and an M&S food shop was just meters away. At that very moment everything was perfect. The happy, festive mood continued throughout my two weeks at home and I was kept busy with theatre trips, beach walks, family gatherings and catch ups with friends.

I’m back in Spain now and ready to begin a new term of teaching. I’m excited for more adventures, picture-taking and blogging in 2015. I’ve also started writing for The Backpacker’s Almanac and you can read my first article here. Happy January!

Christmas in the capital

I used to think London was best in the summertime but this year I changed my mind. During my two weeks at home this December I spent five days in the capital seeing the Christmas lights, visiting galleries and generally enjoying the availability of restaurants serving anything other than jamón (living in Southern Spain takes it’s toll…)

At Christmastime there’s so much going on in the city. The winter festival on the Southbank involved a Christmas market, a festive train ride, and more mulled wine vendors than ever before. I also visited Somerset house, where the annual ice-skating rink was set up in the courtyard alongside the added delight of the Fortnum and Mason Christmas arcade. This new addition can only be described as a corridor of middle class ladies browsing lose-leaf tea and luxury biscuits to the accompaniment of gentle jazz. It was very festive and very British.

Unsurprisingly, Covent Garden was also beautifully decorated, it had a giant reindeer, giant candy canes and (yes, you guessed it) giant baubles.

The Christmas lights were fantastic as always. This year Carnaby street’s were in a funky head-phone formation, whilst Regent Street’s were promoting Night at the Museum 3 and involved large pictures of Ben Stiller’s face. I also enjoyed the noticeable difference in the friendliness of shop assistants, railway station staff and Londoners in general – Christmas spirit really exists! To top it all off, at the end of each of my visits I got to experience this view of the Thames on my walk back to Waterloo.

Until Christmas 2015, London.

A British Interlude

I’ve been at home for just over three weeks. It’s been wonderful to have a much-needed rest, catch up with my favourite people and organise the next part of my year abroad (which begins on tuesday!). I’ve spent a lot of time snuggled up with a cup of tea in front of the telly, but when I have made it out of my pyjamas I’ve done some fun activities. Here’s what I’ve been up to lately in pictures…

Summer in the city

So I’ve got a few weeks at home before I start my assistantship in Spain. While I’m here I intend to make the most of all things British; the food, the TV, the weather, the shops, my family and my friends. A great way to kick things off was a day in London.

I love cities. London is obviously one of my favourites and its great to find different things to do each time I go. Yesterday I explored the Sloane Square area with my family, stopping at the Saatchi gallery to see their latest exhibitions and the Good Life Eatery for a delicious lunch. For some beautiful city views we then headed to John Lewis of all places, for their rooftop garden. I’d highly recommend braving the busy Oxford Street department store to reach the peaceful sun-trap that lies at the top of the building (see pictures below for proof). Before catching the train home we walked along the Southbank. This year’s summer festival is based on Love and they have plenty of live events, fairground-style rides and food vendors to enjoy. Yesterday evening there was a dance-troupe performance which was brilliant, they also have film screenings all week (I am very tempted by sing-along Dirty Dancing) so a return visit may be necessary! London is definitely at it’s best during the summer months, and, after the sleepy towns of Durham and Roquebrune, the city buzz was a welcome change.