Christmas in England

At Christmas one of my closest buddies, Scott, arrived over from NZ (we've actually swapped countries so he's an Englander living in NZ) and I took a few days off work so we could head up North together. It was just after Scott's birthday so I bought him a bottle of bubbles which we enjoyed on the trip up. Was the best train trip I've had probably ever ;-} The train was pretty packed (I think some poor souls had to stand), but we were cosy with our seats, our plonk, and the gourmet picnic that Scott brought along.

The views up were amazing. The good old English countryside put on a grand show. There was a lot of frost around (it looked like snow to me) and the further north we head, the clearer the skies, and we copped a great sunset.

My first port of call was Scott's parents place in Chester Le Street. His dad met us at the train station and I think I almost pulled off a sober face! That night after a great feed (thanks Mr Henderson) we went to the local pub for a beer.

The next morning we went on a tour of Chester Le Street and Durham. Our first stop was the Angel of the North. It looked spectacular with the clear blue skies and the frost. I had a great time walking on the grass which was all crunchy as it was frozen but didn't quite work up the bravado to make frost angels. We then went to Lumley Castle. It's a grand old building and I'd love to stay there when I'm richer. Over the River Wear was the Durham County Cricket grounds. While I got my jollies trying to stand on the ice covering the puddles, Scott the pro photographer took some wicked shots. I tried to emulate him, but my little camera wasn't quite in the same league. Yes blame the tools.

Next we went on to Durham. I've been there before with my parents and its one of my favourite places in England. It was especially beautiful that day as the weather was so clear and the ground so white. We wandered around the historic city with its cobbled streets and tiny roads and on through the Cathedral. The Cathedral was very grand and is home to the shrine (or was that body?) of St Cuthbert. Durham has a lot of atmosphere and I'd like to spend more time there one day exploring the little streets and markets.

We had lunch at a local pub then the Hendersons dropped me off in Hartlepool to go visit my Nan. She lives by the marina so I took her for a spin in her wheelchair and walked around the yachts and the waterways. My Nan is a real goer, so we had to make a stop in the pub for a quick one before heading out to dinner with my dad's sister Sheri. It's always good catching up with Sheri as she seems to be the person that I look most like. Everyone is always saying how much we look alike.

After a very comfy night on the couch, I hopped on a series of buses and trains and made my way to the village Cherry Burton which is near Beverley. It was now Christmas Eve and I was there to spend some time with some of my mums family including my Grandmother, who at the grand age of 92 is still full of life and living independently. That night I went out for a drink with my U. Richard and A. Carol and then went for a walk around the village which was all lit up beautifully for Christmas. I tried to take photos but they just didn't do justice. This is my first Christmas (that I remember) that I've spent in the Northern Hemisphere, so it was weird to be wrapped up in winter coats and scarves and not wandering around in shorts and t-shirts. Unfortunately, the frost has all gone so my prospect of a white christmas was unlikely.

The next morning I got up early but Grandma is a big meany and made me eat breakfast before I was allowed to open my pressies. There was a big pile under our little tree and I'm a shocker at eating when there's something better to be doing. When I finally was allowed at them, I was very spoilt and it was all worthwhile. I also got to talk to my folks and my best mate Jo who were back at home enjoying christmas evening.

We went around to Richard and Carols for Christmas dinner (which in kiwi talk is lunch). Wanting to show off my cooking talents (of which I have very few) I offered to cook the ham, and surprise to all, it turned out very well if I do say myself. We were joined by my cousin Rob and it was an excellent meal. It's the first time I've appreciated Christmas dinner so fully, sitting in a cosy lounge with winter outside. After a great movie (King Kong) which managed to put Grandma to sleep, me and Rob headed over to his mums for a few drinks and further celebrations.

In all it was a great family Christmas and I think even I managed to put on a Chrissy Belly ;p-)

I stayed in Cherry Burton for a few more days before Scott picked me up to take me back to London to go celebrate New Years with the Chemical Brothers.

Was a damn fine Christmas in all.
s

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