I'm a little bit country...

So, as we mentioned in our last post, this weekend we took a trip over to the English countryside to clear our minds from coursework deadlines, dissertation drafts, and the steady stream of rejections that goes hand in hand with the daunting application process. It was really nice to escape the hustle and bustle of London life, to the tranquil and quaint settings of British suburbia.

So what did we get up to in our mini get-away to the Cotswolds? Well, we experienced a "lantern parade"  (yes it's as wild as it sounds!) where the townsfolk design paper lanterns in all different shapes and sizes and walk down the cobble-stoned streets showing off their creations. We also enjoyed some fine mulled wine, "saucisson" (because the word "sausage" simply isn't sophisticated enough for the French), and chunky potato wedges all bought at the German Christmas market set up to coincide with the parade. Generally, we just took in the scenery that was particularly beautiful blanketed in a thin layer of snow, and relaxed, taking advantage of the rare comfort of a heated house and plenty of home cooked meals!

All in all, it was a great weekend away, but we're glad we're back in the City, and looking forward to heading home to the family in a few weeks for Christmas hols!

Brrrrr It’s Cold In Here……

To quote the cheerleaders in Bring It On, yes it is definitely getting very very “cold in here”. But aside from the fact that we can barely afford to heat the house and we have spent most nights in our freezing rooms coughing and spluttering our way through our sleep we have kind of enjoyed this snowy time in London. Yes it may be Baltic out there but we see that as no excuse not to come out and play. So during our morning off yesterday- due to the horrendous transport crisis!- we decided to wrap up warm (and we mean warm, we managed to pull on 4 jumpers each, 3 pairs of socks, and of course 2 pairs leggings underneath our fluffy trackies, not to mention Val’s phenomenal maxi puffa jacket) and venture from our duvet cocoons to the great white outdoors. Snow ball fights and making a snowman (who became a snowwoman due to her bountiful curves!) are definitely a must when you’re snowed in and braving this chilly weather. *As is drinking hot chocolate by the bucket load, having extra-long extra-hot showers and getting out the thermals Granny brought you in first year. Our advice is simple; in the day; you may play and at night; wrap up tight! 

Here are a few snaps of us enjoying the London snow yesterday morning:

Apologies for our interesting attire!

Also we are heading to the Cotswolds for the weekend so check back on Sunday to see what we got up to away from London, and whether we survived being outside our beloved capital...…

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland*!

As that magical time of the year draws nearer (yes, Christmas is only 1 month away people!), Londoners fall victim to all the Christmassy sights and sounds the city has to offer. One of our personal favs and a must for all students and non-students alike is the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!



The fair that just opened last weekend and will remain open until the 4th of January offers several unique and exciting attractions, including: London's largest open-air ice-skating rink, a giant ferris wheel, and a German food market. 


Tokens for the rides are a reasonable £2, but are only valid on the day of purchase, so make sure you don't buy more than you'll use! The giant ferris wheel, though it offered some fab views over London, really wasn't worth the price of £8!

The food at the fair was, as always - delicious! Treats ranged from typical German bratwurst and hotdogs, to waffles covered in cream, and gingerbread men. And of course, a trip to Winter Wonderland wouldn't be complete without some mulled wine and a sweet crêpe to keep you warm!


Enjoy!


* For more info, please visit: http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/