London, December 29, 2008

Stephanie: We met our friends David and Michelle in London for the day.

It was a miracle we got there as the trains completely shut down at 1pm with no sign of starting up again. But it was a Christmas miracle: we ended up hopping on a train that began moving and were only 15 minutes late.

We enjoyed walking around the National Gallery, then we went to dinner at a shady Chinese restaurant (that no one will take responsibility for choosing :). No one got sick, so that was good! The after dinner pub was much better! It was great to catch up with American friends.

New Year's Day

Stephanie: Russell had to work so Steph was on her own. The city ran a Free King Alfred's Bus day which included free bus tours on some of the old-fashioned coaches. I rode around town, enjoying the scenery and excitement.

Our English friend Tom was in Winchester with his family, so I joined them for dinner at Winchester's Prezzo.

New Year's Eve

Stephanie: The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market set up an outdoor ice rink so we went skating. I had a lot of fun. Russell accomplished his goals of not falling down and not "killing a kid." Great job, Russ!

That evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner party and games with some new friends in Winchester. I introduced the group to Blackberry Apple cobbler and my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that someone described as a "spicy biscuit." I got a kick out of that!

More Christmas

Stephanie: Christmas has been fun and relaxing. I went to four carol services to make the most out of the season!

On Christmas Eve we had a cream tea and went to see "The Day the Earth Stood Still" at The Screen, in Winchester. Not a good movie but a fun experience. The theatre is small and comfy. Right after the previews, they pause for an ice-cream break.

The Winchester Cathedral market was beautiful with hundreds of stalls selling food, crafts and gifts. I visited five times.

We cooked a lot for Christmas dinner. It was really fun but a challenge with such a small kitchen. We incorporated some English traditions like Christmas Crackers (the kind you pull apart and get a 'prize' inside), Sticky Toffee pudding, goose-fat roasties (roast potatoes) and Christmas pudding (not good but a must for a proper English Christmas).