It's about that time here in London when you're lucky if the weather is in the upper forties. Or when you walk outside around 4 PM and swear its at least 8 because it's so dark. Is this how it is in this northern part of the world? Rain has come to be a customary norm... And as much as I loved it before, I have truly learned to appreciate the San Diego sun. Nonetheless, it really feels like Fall/Winter. I absolutely love the chilling air as I walk down the Christmas lit alleys of Oxford St. after work. With a good coat, boots, and scarf - it's manageable. One thing however, that I have grown to not have so much patience for is the constant crowd that never seems to fade - no matter what time. London is full of people. And maybe now, that I'm not so much of a tourist here... I notice, and care. OPEN SPACE people, please! It's a little weird, to be so Christmas festive this early in November. I used to Thanksgiving... And then AFTER that having all the Christmas stuff come out. But then again, who cares. I love this time of year... I just wished that with all the festive things coming out, that it FELT more like it. It's weird to be so far away this time of year. Thanksgiving is this week and it's my first one in 20 years away from family. It's a little odd... But as I get older, it was bound to happen at least one year right? Being away, while the entirty of my large family gets together... Hmm... I'm not going to lie, I love it here in London. But in 3 weeks time, when I have to leave, it will definitely be due season. I'll be ready. 6 months is a LONG time. It's been absolutely fantastic! But as the holiday season sneaks up to take me by surprise... As I become more and more eager to see my family and friends... I will be ready to go home on that December morning.
Aside from that, I want to add that I've been plugging into one Hillsong's young adults connect groups. It has been such a blessing, and without a doubt, much needed!
Okay, so Edinburgh. And seriously, even if I did spend a weekend there, I still have issues saying it. I have also come to the conclusion that British accents are overrated, and I absolutely LOVE the way Scottish people talk. Their accent has such a musical ring to it! This trip has been by far my favorite! I liked the city so much more than the others I've been to. There's just something about the feel to it. We were in weather that was in the low 30's... windchills and everything! But even with the fact that we were undoubtedly FREEZING- it was such a great time! We explored Edinburgh Castle for the first part of the morning and then roamed around the streets on the Royal Mile and Princess Street. Had some coffee, of course, and walked through the shops full of plaid scarves, kilts, and an assortment of different souvies. I treated myself to some Scottish cashemere, which is absolutely amazing! Although we did see a little bit of the stereotypical Scottishmen in kilts with bagpipes, I was disappointed that we didn't see more. I guess it goes to show how modernization of a city can cause it to lose it essence. That, or make one completely mre appreicative of its growing absence. But maybe you get more of the traditional when you step outside of the big city. All in all, Scotland, in all of its cold and chill, was a great trip and my favorite by far!
With love from London,
Carla
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