Happy Holidays!

What comes to mind when you think about Christmas? For many it's family, religious traditions, and all the foods that make Christmas delictable (and that make you gain "holiday weight"). I wasn't able to come home for Christmas this year so I was unsure what this holiday season held in store. Some of you may remember Lacy, my best friend from England. Her family lived in NC for a year while we were in highschool. Lacy and I met up over the summer and when they found out I was in Europe for Christmas they so kindly, invited me to spend Christmas with them this year! If I couldn't be at home for Christmas, I couldn't have picked a more perfect place to be. Lacy's family opened up their holiday with arms wide open immersing me in every part of an English Christmas. I'm quickly discovering I'm in love with falling in love; with other cultures. Prior to the trip I was so excited to go into London I did not even realize how much more of England would be so enthralling. My trip began with a holiday party (soiree) that was an absolute blast! Last minute Christmas shopping began along with getting to know the small town of Guildford, my home for the next three weeks. After the snow began to clear and trains opened up we headed to London to see Lizzie, Ben, and the Eye. London was truly astounding with lots of hustle, bustle and Christmas energy. Our next big stop was to the Hampton Court Palace which is undescribable, so I'll include a picture. I still have that fairy tale mentality and all I could think about were the past kings and the gardens; I wonder what it would be like to be a princess? Christmas day quickly came and I felt right at home in all the festivities. The Christmas feast had similiarities and differences. The traditional Christmas pudding wasn't my personal favorite but it was entertaining watching it catch on fire! A tradition where you slightly drizzle a liquor over the cake filled pudding and then light a match over it! Boxing day, the day after Christmas was spent with Pete (Lacy's boyfriend) and his family. Nothing could have been sweeter than Pete and his family who didn't even know me inviting me to spend this holiday with them. The following week we headed to Breighton to see the beaches of England. One of the things I like most about Europe is how individual it is, while there are the few chains the majority of stores and restaurants are independent. This is what gave Breighton its flare and individuality! As New Years creeped on us we found ourselves celebrating fiesta style at a Mexcian restaurant! 2011 welcomes you with  fresh starts, new beginnings, and a year full of possibilities! Next we made our way to Windsor an adorable town complete with another castle for the queen to stay at upon her request, what is she royalty? England's music venue leaves little to be desired with lots of variety in genre as well as much live music you can handle! Check out the Fubars for a sample! Unfortunately, if I tried to document all the memories and laughs I had in England I would be writing a novel. Great scenery and even better company made my holiday season more than I could have imagined!