Month-in-a-Minute

I'm starting a New Year's resolution a little early - which is to finish editing down all of the video footage that we've taken since we've been here.

To that end, I've finished the footage from September and October and posted them to my Picasa web album. Some of you have asked us what Chiswick, and our apartment, looks like. So, if you'd like to see, check out this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/benll64/MonthInAMinute

I've also added this link to the top right of the blog under "London Links"

Of course, the title is a big fat lie, as the videos are more like 5 minutes each. But it's catchy, so I'm keeping it! November and (maybe) December are on their way fairly soon.

Happy New Year's!

I Like Paris in the Springtime...

But in the winter it's really foggy and cold! We took a Christmas holiday to France last week and, despite the lousy weather, had a great time. We stayed with a French family in the suburbs of Paris, saw the sights, spent a day at Disneyland, and visited two little towns near the French-German border. We've got lots of photos to show you, so let's get started!

Can you spot the Eiffel Tower?

Our favorite bookstore in Paris.

Our gracious hostess, Elisabeth, daughter Cecile, and their no-fuss Christmas tree.

Heather finds the Moulin Rouge to be scandalous!

But she likes the Arc de Triomphe!

Ben is actually more scared by the French than the ride.

Speaking of scary - here's the French version of Captain Jack Sparrow. Hilarious.

We climbed the Eiffel Tower, where they number the steps for you. Whew! Almost 700 total.

The Christmas market in Strasbourg - lots of tasty food and handmade ornaments and gifts.

One day after getting back to London, we got to see a traditional performance of Handel's "Messiah" at the Royal Albert Hall. It was awesome - complete with a real harpsichord!

We're happy to be back "home" in Chiswick.

Christmas Traditions... ?

So, the trend of similar yet different holiday traditions continues this month. Only halfway through the Christmas season, we have come across several very British traditions - Christmas Crackers, yule logs, mince pies, mulled wine, etc.

However, what's most interesting are the British twists on traditions that are also observed in America. Allow me to share my two favorites:

#1 - Different carols. We went to a fun free concert at the Globe this week. It was called "A Concert for Winter" and featured a lot of local schools and community groups performing various seasonal songs from their native cultures. It was very diverse and a wonderful experience. Here's a picture:

At the end, we all sang "Jingle Bells." As we were singing, we realized that we weren't in sync with everyone around us. Looking at the printed program, we found out why. Here's the British version of the lyrics:

Ping that bell, ping that bell, ping it all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride on a bright red bus today!
Ping that bell, ping that bell, ping it all the way,
Oh what fun it is to jive on a Christmas holiday!

I guess it's sort of the "city folk" version, as buses are more common than a one-horse open sleigh around here. So - you should all try singing the British version this year.

#2 - Santa Claus is not who you think he is. Father Christmas. Papa Noel. Call him what you will, we all have the same idea of Santa, right? Lives at the North Pole, has a workshop, his elves help him out.

I'm assuming it's due to the rainy, not very snowy, climate here, but in London, when people take their kids to meet Santa, it's a very different experience. He lives at "Santa's Grotto" - a sort of happy cave - and instead of elves, he has - - - Pirates.

I'm not making this up. The ads for Santa's Grottos all over town say things like "prizes for best Pirate costume! Treasure hunts! Learn about pirate warfare tactics!" If you don't believe me, here is photographic proof:


We'll keep you posted on any other interesting variations we can find.

Packages!

Our families sent us some packages this past week. How nice and thoughtful of them! One came from Ben's mom and included some clothing we weren't able to pack when we came here, but now that the weather is colder, we really need it. It also included some nice Christmas presents, which we have decided not to open until Christmas (if we can hold out that long).
Much to our surprise, a second gift arrived the next day from Marianne - an array of Christmas ornaments including one fashioned after Mr. Wm. Shakespeare.
The package from my mom and sisters was full of things they thought we might be missing, since we've lived here almost 3 months now. As always, Mom was right on target, sending warm socks, blue tootsie rolls (they're the best), a paper "Christmas Tree", and Honey Nut Cheerios. Hooray. Can't go a year without those.
My sisters picked out Christmas presents (which remain wrapped) and Ang just had to send a huge NKOTB pin, readily available now thanks to their recent comeback. They also sent some fabulous artwork from my lovely niece, Ashley.

A good time was had by all. Ben relived missionary days when packages would come from the "outside world". I ate blue tootsie rolls and bundled up in my new/old warm clothes.

Thanks FAM! Love & miss ya!