Christmas and New Years re-cap

Well, my first Christmas and new years overseas is now behind me. And what great times they were.

Christmas got off to a good start on Christmas eve. I went to a friends c'mas party at a bar in the city. But due to the trains being shut down and fear of falling asleep on the tube again I had to leave while the hours were large.

C'mas day was started by a friend (1 of 4) coming over for breakfast. We had a good ol' English breakfast, but it turned more into a brunch. So by the time we switched to his place for lunch it was after 12. But a late lunch of NZ roast lamb with roasties and the classic cauliflower cheese was well received. Topped off with a late afternoon / early evening C'mas pudding and custard.

We moved onto a house party in the area, that had we not known each other possibly would have ended up at in different ways anyway. So more celebrations were in order with fellow expats. But before we became too lethargic it was off to a bar/ dingy club/ common Kiwi and Aussie hot spot. To dance the night away. So all in all a very fun night.

The days in between c'mas and leaving for my New Years trip seemed to pass fairly quickly and uneventfully. My goals of continuing running were dashed by the icy weather, or maybe that was just an excuse!

After a long 10 hour bus trip I arrived with 30 other fresh faces to see 2010 in with. Ironically 95% were either Kiwi or Aussie. On the 31st we braved the cold and at times snow to cycle around the area. Which while it wasn't too bad I'm sure must be more enjoyable in the summer! also a bit more scenic. But we were all relieved to make it to the covered boat for a canal cruise, which revealed some good views of the strange angles of the buildings!. Which have sunk in different directions due to the pile foundations rotting.

The new years party in one of Amsterdam's many squares was a blast. I don't know what the singers were saying but the music was great!

My mother has always told me that 'what ever you do on the first day of the year, you will do for the rest'. Well I hope that's true as I spent time exploring a new city and taking photos. It was planned for the group to visit the Anne Frank house, but because this was one of 2 museums open on new years day the line was massive. The guide gave an estimate of 1.5 hours wait. So I decided to check out the city. However my trip was a little longer and the wait was shorter so I didn't get to go to Annes house this time. But that meant time for another museum, of which Amsterdam has many. I'm surprised there isn't a museum for museums there.

Our last evening in Amsterdam was spent watching an improv show, which I felt was fairly average slow and dry compared to the shows that I have seen in Wellington.

But before to long it was back on the bus for London. Another trip to Europe and another city ticked off the list. Hopefully 2010 brings many more opportunity's to see more!!!

But for now its back into the working world tomorrow. Which will be a bit of a shock after over 3 weeks of the relaxed life!! But also good to get money again!