Durham, England
Coldplay is in a word, phenomenal. The concert was amazing, the best I've ever seen. The lights, confetti cannons, and remote controlled light up bracelets were fun, but nothing compared to the music of the boys. They are truly a talented bunch of lads. The set list included the following: opened by Mylo Xyloto leading into Hurts Like Heaven, Yellow, Up In Flames, In My Place, Lost!, Charlie Brown, The Scientist, Don't Let It Break Your Heart, Violet Hill, Us Against The World, Politik, Paradise (I almost cried), God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, Viva La Vida, Clocks (almost teared up again), Fix You (definitely shed a tear), and then closed with M.M.I.X. and Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall. Such an excellent show, and I will definitely be seeing them again, if not on their tour through Canada next summer.
After a short sleep (aka 3 and a half hours), I packed up my gear, hung around Starbucks for a bit, then headed to the airport. A couple security checks and short lights later, I arrived in Newcastle, England to find my cousin Patricia and her family waiting for me. Since I was unable to make it home for Christmas this year, I decided to look up some family on this side of the ocean. We drove to their hometown of Durham, and they pointed out the Durham Cathedral on the hill, lit up in the night. The last couple of days were spent hanging out, grocery shopping, talking with Ryan (Patricia's youngest son), music sharing with Luis (Patricia's oldest son), and exploring the cathedral and Durham town centre with Patricia and her husband Alvaro. So far it's been such an excellent time, and I love this town! The castle and cathedral were used as sets in the early Harry Potter movies, and they date back to around 1000 AD, the castle being slightly younger.
I have experienced British Christmas weather (that being rain), heard countless ghost stories and history of the surrounding area from Patricia and Alvaro, and I am soaking everything in like a sponge. Which is a good thing considering all the history and rain in this area. Tomorrow (Christmas Eve in case you didn't know ;) ), we are opening presents in the evening, and Christmas day we will go to church in the morning and spend most of the rest of the day at a neighbour's home. Doreen and Gordon are like the adoptive grandparents for this family. I met them yesterday, and am looking forward to spending time with them on Christmas. Gordon is into history as well, so I imagine Alvaro, Gordon, and myself will be talking about medieval history over dinner for a long while.
Christmas is shaping up and despite the fact that I'm not at home, I am thoroughly enjoying my Christmas in England. I feel a part of this family already, and they are taking good care of me. It's been nice to get to know family that I have not really met before. Currently we are watching the Lord of the Rings together, and having a generally good time.
Much love and Merry Christmas!
Mickeelie
After a short sleep (aka 3 and a half hours), I packed up my gear, hung around Starbucks for a bit, then headed to the airport. A couple security checks and short lights later, I arrived in Newcastle, England to find my cousin Patricia and her family waiting for me. Since I was unable to make it home for Christmas this year, I decided to look up some family on this side of the ocean. We drove to their hometown of Durham, and they pointed out the Durham Cathedral on the hill, lit up in the night. The last couple of days were spent hanging out, grocery shopping, talking with Ryan (Patricia's youngest son), music sharing with Luis (Patricia's oldest son), and exploring the cathedral and Durham town centre with Patricia and her husband Alvaro. So far it's been such an excellent time, and I love this town! The castle and cathedral were used as sets in the early Harry Potter movies, and they date back to around 1000 AD, the castle being slightly younger.
I have experienced British Christmas weather (that being rain), heard countless ghost stories and history of the surrounding area from Patricia and Alvaro, and I am soaking everything in like a sponge. Which is a good thing considering all the history and rain in this area. Tomorrow (Christmas Eve in case you didn't know ;) ), we are opening presents in the evening, and Christmas day we will go to church in the morning and spend most of the rest of the day at a neighbour's home. Doreen and Gordon are like the adoptive grandparents for this family. I met them yesterday, and am looking forward to spending time with them on Christmas. Gordon is into history as well, so I imagine Alvaro, Gordon, and myself will be talking about medieval history over dinner for a long while.
Christmas is shaping up and despite the fact that I'm not at home, I am thoroughly enjoying my Christmas in England. I feel a part of this family already, and they are taking good care of me. It's been nice to get to know family that I have not really met before. Currently we are watching the Lord of the Rings together, and having a generally good time.
Much love and Merry Christmas!
Mickeelie
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