Farewell to The Noughties

11th Dec 2009- Flair Christmas Do
I had a great time celebrating one of the most memorable Christmas parties in Europe with my colleagues. The company organized the party so that we can get together, have a nice chat while savoring the delicious three course dinner in a luxury mansion with disco and free flow of alcoholic drinks. It was no wonder almost none of my colleagues drove to the event as they were expecting to get drunk. As a matter of fact, cabs were arranged by our nice office manager to take us home! What a treat!

12th-23rd Dec 2009 – Countdown to the festive holidays
In the midst of our busy work schedule, we have tried to squeeze some time enjoying the London Christmas Lights at the city high streets namely Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Street. Additionally, the visits to the Christmas markets at the Oxford Street and South bank, the views of the white snow settling peacefully on the roofs and roads out of my office and train windows, getting presents from Secret Santa, the flickering Christmas tree on the below right corner of my PC, the visit to the ice skating rink ; all these have nonetheless brought up the festive mood deliberately and splendidly. We felt Christmassy! Woo hoo…

24th Dec 2009 – Christmas Home Party
A day after the start of my long holiday break, we went to A’s place in North London for a Christmas party. We met some of her friends and her bf’s friends. It was quite a cool gathering. A couple with their very even tempered baby caught my attention. The Americans who served the States came all the way to London for their baby birth. I reckon with their experiences in Algeria, somehow their appreciation of (family) life thriftiness and wisdom has left me with much thoughts and admiration.

25th Dec 2009 – A relaxing day
It’s Christmas day! Despite the many shutdowns of the shops,restaurants and businesses in London, the Christmas day was well spent while staying at home, cooking and watching good movies.

26th-27th Dec 2009 - Shopping
The bargains during the Boxing Day in London were surprisingly good. We went shopping for the whole day on the 26th but the day was just too short and we’ve decided to go for another day on the 27th. We have bought a dress, some Christmas presents and were still hunting for shoes. We’ll just have to leave that for another time. We then went to the Carol Service at the All Souls and met N & J. Although tired, we ended the day with much satisfaction.

28th Dec 2009 – Tango Duo & Landscape Photographer ’09
We went for a stroll at the South bank with the intention of watching the Tango Duo concert at the National Theatre. As the name clearly states Tango-Duo; it is a performance of the voice and piano ensemble of tango songs. The performance was led by the Columbian singer, Monica Acosta. Both the singer and pianist were really talented. The whole concert with the tango dancers below the stage was brilliant!

Prior and after the performance, we left to appreciate the stunning natural beauty and diversity of Britain's landscapes culminated through the spectacular photographs exhibited at the same venue. The annual Landscape Photograher of the Year 2009 Awards was simply splendid. Some of the photos were so good beyond words, continuously reminding us of our responsibilities as humankind to preserve these precious treasures. We left the National Theatre, feeling artistically contended.

29th Dec 2009 – Books and Food
We went to explore a new library near our place and borrow some good books for the holidays. Despite being caught in the heavy rain, we went to the Borough Market for some fresh vegetables and food to last us till this decade.

30th Dec 2009 – Muffins baking
I have made my very first attempt of baking muffins. The first round was the blackcurrant muffin, although we have actually googgled for the blackberry muffin recipe. The thing was that we did not have fresh blackberries or fresh grapes. We’d used blackcurrant jam instead.:) To our surprise, the muffins turned out good and guess what? We ended up with not only blackcurrant muffins but also banana and prune muffins; all slightly tailored to our own recipes and taste.:)

31st Dec 2009 – Ballet, Dumpling and Fireworks
We wanted to end the decade with good memories. I’ve booked us tickets to ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet in London. It was really good- delightful and fun. A definitely good entertainment for the holiday season and a different way of ending the decade.

After shopping for awhile, we went home to indulge ourselves with hot dumpling soup and peanut dessert; getting ourselves warmed up before the fireworks at the London Eye.

Half an a hour before the clock strike twelve, we headed to the Southbank, squeezed among the crowd to get a good spot for the final countdown.

3,2,1...Voila!!! Fireworks light up the skyline. People were singing, dancing, drinking, hugging, laughing and wishing each other a great new year. Out of the blue, for a few minutes, it was snowing . There was an air of excitement, perhaps also amazement. The atmosphere was pleasing and merry. A full moon lighten up the sky as we walked home, grinning happily. Ahhh, what a pleasant way to usher the new year!

Have a blessed 2010, everyone!!!