Cologne Christmas Markets.

One of Traveller's favourite parts of her recent holiday was the Christmas markets in Cologne.
Sometimes the lead up to Christmas can be so busy that T hardly has time to garner the Christmas spirit. Not so last year.

The Christmas markets in Cologne, Germany really made Traveller so excited for the festive season. There was glühwein to drink, fairy lights twinkling, pretty trinkets to buy and delicious food to eat {note roasting salmon below!}
The best part?
Traipsing around the markets with a dear friend who was both brilliant company and a shopping partner extraordinaire.{miss you, Co.}

A Merry Little Christmas.

We arrived home from Switzerland today.
We had a brilliant time!{and T's got the tobogganing bruises to prove it!-but more about that later!}
Here are a few more photos from our little London Christmas.
Our friend Dave, became quickly known as 'chef dave' as he went all out in preparing our Christmas feast!
He ordered us a 6 kilo goose and in the coming weekprepared all the trimmings!
Chef also made his own stock, a terrine with the giblets (amazing!)and a confit of goose leg on pureed pees for a starter!
We also had all the regular fare - brussel sprouts, roasted root vegetables and a lovely jus.
Ahh, if only we could eat like this everyday, right?
There was also dancing, pudding {flambeed}, presents and a little walk up to Primrose Hill.

A memorable evening which was very effectivein shaking off the Christmas blues {a dreaded infliciton caused by being miles away from home during the holidays}

Before we go...

...here's a little taste from our Christmas bash!

We had the loveliest time.

We ended up being full of goose, veggies and pie.
{and, a whole lot more!}

It was like our own little London family Christmas.

Now we are off to Switzerland and Traveller {and hubbie} can't wait!

Hopefully we can post a few photos while we are there, but you never know
so, if T doesn't get to say it closer to the day...

Merry Christmas!

Hope your holidays are filled with fun, family and friends!

It's all about pie.

Traveller was busy baking last night.

These are the pictures of her efforts - a delicious Apple and Blackberry Pie.

It's from a Jamie Oliver recipe that can be found here; T left out the ginger though and replaced it with cinnamon.

Yum!

Sweet Temptation.

Borough Market is heaven.

Well, if T designed heaven, this is precisely what it would look, smell and taste like.

There is a beautiful fusion between fresh fruit and veggies from local farmers and delicious gourmet treats from small businesses like Neal's Yard Dairy, The Ginger Pig, Monmouth Coffee and Brindisa Spanish Foods.

The question is not what to buy, but how much can T fit into her pint-sized London fridge?!

The most lovely part of today's visit was being able to purchase all sorts of delectable morsels for tomorrow's Christmas bash.

Traveller can't wait!

The most wonderful time of the year.

As snow falls outside, Traveller feels really excited!

She loves Christmas!

School finished yesterday, and while we were busy singing carols in the school chapel, snow began to fall. Being an aussie, Traveller hasn't ever sang 'Walking in a Winter Wonderland' and meant it. Well, yesterday she did; it was magical!

Upon arriving home, she found her new camera waiting for her!
Due to old camera's untimely demise, husband and T decided to buy a new edition for their upcoming trip to the Swiss Alps. Traveller has secretly (or not so secretly) wanted a new camera for what seems an age, so coming home to her new G11 was like Christmas had begun early.

Today she finished off some Christmas shopping and took her little G11 for its first outing. The Christmas lights are out on Oxford Street and they are absolutely beautiful, so T tried to capture them amongst the teeming crowds...

Tomorrow she is off to her favourite place in London: Borough Markets.
She and some friends are having Christmas early this year;
we are making a proper Christmas dinner and Traveller is in charge of procuring the fresh fruit and veg. She is also going to put her cooking abilities to the test by making an apple and blackberry pie. Yum!

Husband is in charge of eggnog and his test-run recipes have been amazing!

So while they have no tree and not many family members around them, Hubbie and Traveller are already enjoying their first Christmas overseas together.

May it be white, not-too-cold and very merry!

I'm dreaming of a ....

..... white Christmas.

The good news is that Traveller is going to experience her first cold, snowy Christmas!

T recently booked tickets for a five day trip to Switzerland!

T can't wait for all that this encompasses;
the wondrous white stuff, tobogganing, mulled wine, fireplaces, Christmas markets, the alps.

Any snowy Christmas tips?

{It has to be said that T does sometimes wish for a day on the beach in a bikini though. Mmmm... sun. Oh well, one day she will be back in the land of the constant sunshine.}


photo via flickr