A Fond Farewell to London at Christmastime

I can't believe its finally here...time to head back across the pond...for good. My cousin said that this is the end of an epic chapter of our lives, and I couldn't have quoined the term better!

I'm somewhat sad to go, but to be honest, I believe we've made the best possible experience with our time here in UK (and Europe) and it was the best decision we ever made. We are also very excited to start new adventures in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond when we return to T.O.

But for now, I thought I would share some pictures and final observations of London with you. London at Christmastime is really pretty. I don't think it has the grandeur of New York, but in a simpler manner, it works.
First off, the picture above is from a window in Selfridges. Basically its a drunk santa surrounded by vodka bottles and wine glasses. They are so open about drinking here. Bet you'd never find THAT kind of window at Macy's! ha ha!
I personally liked the one above. They actually constructed a tube car in the window that opened and closed with santa inside. Brilliant. Loved it! There were many more, but these 2 were the best and most typified London.
There were a number of German Christmas markets around town (and in pretty much every European city including Bruges, Belfast, Edinburgh, Prague, Vienna, etc). Its the quintessential European Christmas to have a Christmas market in your main square. They serve mulled wine, German sausages, gingerbread, and crepes, and typically sell wooden toys for gifts. I will definitely miss the markets next Christmas...unless Toronto suddenly picked up the tradition when we've been over here!
And lastly, while its no Rockefeller tree, Trafalgar Square was quite festive with a tall pine tree (albeit a little thin) and lovely carollers to ring in the Christmas spirit.

So, without further ado, let me end this post with final observations, and some things I'll miss...

Observations and Misses:

They aren't very religious about Christmas here. Instead of saying 'Merry Christmas', 'Happy Christmas' is most popular, which I guess in itself doesn't make it less religious than NA, BUT, there are many satirical songs (such as 'Christmas my Arse'), and they even have a very slang term for Christmas called 'Crimbo'. This latter term is only used in certain company and not on tv commercials but it's still very non-PC.

I will miss the fashion. Anything goes here, so you never feel out of place - from big belts, to big necklaces, to skirts with tights and uggs... Plus, it made for very entertaining people watching!

I will miss the TV commercials. They are hilarious, and a bit more risque than we would have at home. I won't miss the plethora of bad reality tv though (think getting up close and personal with people's embarrassing body image issues).

It goes without saying that I will miss the travel and exploration opportunities. We loved that we could get in a car, and explore anywhere in the UK, and each place (from Southhampton, to Bath to York to Cardiff to Edinburgh) has an old-world feel to it, cobblestone and wood/thatch homes, and lots of castles! Also, being 1-2 hours away from anywhere in Europe at cheap flight prices can't be beat!

I will miss working at London Bridge. An old part of the city in its own right, with cobblestone pedestrian streets, the thames walks, the pubs galore, and the fun people I worked with.

I think this list could be pretty endless and I'm sure I'll add to it, but for now I have to help Syd finish packing before going out for our last night of drinks in Canary Wharf.

Farewell London. We love you!