Since Valentine's Weekend allowed the entire travel industry to increase flights and accommodations a few hundred pounds, we decided to stay somewhat local for our February trip. Since Brighton is just a short train ride from London, we headed down for some arcade fun and seaside walks. One of my dear friends from Michigan, Natalie (aka Natzaz) came to visit Bristol today. Natzaz recently graduated from University of Pittsburg and completed her degree through studying abroad in London last summer. Her #hashtag and blog throughout that adventure was #NatzazTakesLondon so naturally, our #hashtag for today was #NatzazTakesBristol!
Natzaz is in England for the week because she just had to come back! She's visiting some of her friends from Uni in Exeter, and was able to swing a day trip to come and see me while she was near. It was a wonderful opportunity to test my knowledge of Bristol and be the tour guide instead of the visitor, for a change! It was a beautiful day, and we walked throughout most of the city, by the Harbor, Cathedral, and the bridge! We even had a 3 hour long afternoon tea, just sitting and chatting. It was so fun! #Natzaz is a totally awesome lady, and is now taking part in the Disney College Program (!!!! I know, right?! !!!!) and is rocking it out in the hospitality sector. You can follow her adventures on the Instagram. I'll let you search for her yourself as I'm pretty sure you'll know her username already. Thanks for coming to visit, Natzaz! & for being such a fab photographer! (These photos were all taken by Natzaz, I snagged them for my blogging purposes because they're dozens of times better than the ones I took!) It's 2016!!! A fresh, new beginning... I love the feeling, don't you? It's like the start of another school year, except we start up where we left off just a few weeks ago... encouraged by a new mindset and plenty of energy & enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
We ended 2015 and said hello to 2016 out at a local club with members of Dayne's family, all out to see his cousin Jack's band, The Harrington's, play to ring in the New Year. I may have only known a handful of songs, but the energy was electric and the trio was totally entertaining! I was well impressed by them, as they were three 17 year olds performing like rockstars! It was a wonderful evening. Here's a midnight tradition that's a little different to what we do in America... At the end of the countdown, we usually go in for the hugs and kisses with those we love. Here in England, everyone got into a circle with those around them, crossed their arms over one another, swayed side to side and sang Auld Lang Syne together. THEN you break and give out hugs and kisses and yell "Yeehaw!" if you're from America... or if you're Paul... and you get on with the celebrations. I am looking forward to double the fun and adventure in 2016! Happy New Year! Love, Jacqui Incase any of you are planning to head across the pond in the next year... here is a list of some of the "must-do's" in Bristol for the year of 2016, compiled by the Bristol Post.
Christmas Eve in Yorkshire was filled with plenty of fun!
Dayne's family and I headed to Wentworth to go ice skating, visit with the farm animals (including some reindeer getting some last minute rest before their flight) and walking around the shops and gardens. We all wore different Christmas jumpers and had a great time visiting together. We saw a glorious sunset before heading home. The following morning we woke up and exchanged gifts with one another before heading to family nearby for more gift giving. After awhile, we all came back for a traditional Christmas dinner... turkey! There were plenty of crackers and we each took turns telling jokes and doing the charade that was inside. I managed to skype with my family a few times, too. We talked about the day and what's in store for 2016. Dayne and I demonstrated how a cracker works and I managed to take part in the White Elephant Exchange again, which is really entertaining. It is not always easy to be away from home, especially during the holidays, but Dayne and his family have welcomed me with open arms and I have really enjoyed being here to celebrate Christmas in England. I hope you all had a wonderful time with your family and friends this Christmas! I really wanted to get some kind of "Oktoberfest" celebration in during the month of October since I am so close to the festivities here in England. It was hard to schedule since I had class most weekends, but I managed to find Bierschenke, London's Authentic Munich Beer Hall, and booked a reservation for us on Halloween.
We had beers and brats and watched the Rugby World Cup Final before the band started to play. The food and beer/cider was all really good, though the platter had a lot for the two of us to share. It lasted us the entire game and we were plenty full by the time we left. I really thought we'd dress up in the traditional clothing since it's Halloween, but Dayne had to explain to me that everyone dresses up scary for Halloween here in England. It's not like costumes in America that could be anything (and I saw some REALLY good ones this year!) Part of me wonders if Dayne just didn't want to dress up... but the only people at Bierschenke in costume were the workers, and yes, they were all scary... covered in blood no matter what they were. I was glad we didn't show up in any costume. Afterwards we headed to a pub quiz that was Halloween theme and put on by one of Dayne's co-workers. The two of us on our own team unfortunately didn't win, but I'm sure if I ever attend a pub quiz again either of my siblings will be in attendance. I hope they'd be on my team! The only category I was good at were the songs! Football (soccer, in America) took over the televisions at Walkabout tonight, so Dayne and I headed across the street to The Commercial Rooms, a proper English pub owned by Wetherspoons. I love Wetherspoons pubs because the food is fantastic and the price is unbeatable. I had an assortment of proper English cuisine on my plate as part of their Sunday Club; Lamb & mint sauce, mash and gravy, peas and other assorted veg, Yorkshire Pudding (a first for me!), sausage (but not blood sausage), roast potatoes, and wine. It was great!
Saturday night, I went with Dayne, Adam, & Ben to have dinner and watch rugby at Will & Kate's house*. England was playing Wales for the Rugby World Cup, and all of the games are being held in London. Rugby is a big deal over here, but even more so in this situation, and when considering how close Bristol is to Wales.
It was my first attempt at watching a rugby match, so I asked a lot of questions prior to and during the game. I also had a few audible "oooh's" and "AHH's" while covering my face after a big hit. Unfortunately, England lost. but I am pleased to say that I now somewhat understand the game. It is very similar to American Football, and I now understand why American Football is often considered to be a far less aggressive/dangerous sport than Rugby. They both look rough to me. For those interested, I found a great infographic from the Miami Dolphins that explain some of the differences between American Football and Rugby. Check it out. Infographic: American Football Vs. Rugby *Will and Kate's house... yes, the Royals. I'm sorry I couldn't take pictures. ;-) Will makes a great pizza and I had a great conversation with Kate and her friend Lauren. Let's be honest, us girls just chatted and got to know each other during the first half of the rugby match. I hope to get to see them soon. **This is a unfortunately a joke. Will & Kate were definitely in London and attended the rugby match. It took me until we saw them on TV to realize we were at "Will and Kate's" house. I'll probably still refer to them as the Royals. |
Hiya!Jacq is a "Made in the Mitten" gal experiencing life & love across the pond. She enjoys the theatre, both onstage and off, traveling, & taking pictures. You might spot her on her way to class or enjoying a hazelnut latte. She hopes to soon find a good spot to do yoga in the city. Follow her adventures as she discovers her favorite places & spaces in Bristol, Bath & beyond! Topics
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