Manchester Christmas Markets

On Thursday I got the train into Manchester (very early in the morning :-( ...) to work with a collaborator for the morning. We ended up in a small cafe near Oxford Road station for the morning, working and planning. But my train wasn't until 4pm so I ended up wondering around the Manchester  Christmas markets for some time.

Markets

They had the (in my opinion slightly creepy) Santa on the roof again.

Creepy Santa

The best things about any Christmas market is alway the food and drink! I had a very nice lunch of  hot dog (they made me my own GF one specially!) and garlic mushrooms. Though the mushrooms were called "Navy Mushrooms". There is no way they would serve those on a ship in a close space; there was too much garlic for me (and that takes a lot!).  The people on the train on the way home did not like me!

Giant cupcakes

I also had a nice glass of mulled apple wine.

Wine!

Little figures (not sure of what exactly)

I liked some of the gifts stuff but I have all my presents sorted out. I did buy some sausages though! They are really good! I ended up with a mixed bag of 7 different sorts, including one which I used to buy all the time when I lived in France and practically lived on it! Very happy.

Baubles

Reindeer whistles (You blow through their bum!)

The markets are very pretty. But I have to admit I do prefer the Birmingham ones, mainly because they have winter Pimms! I only went around the area by the town hall. The same stalls repeat in each of the sections it seems so there isn't much point.

On top of the pub

Cooking

Unfortunately and unsurprisingly it rained so I didn't stay very long. (It is North England after all.) But I did manage to go when there weren't many crowds (possibly the time of day, and the weather).

Rainy markets.

I escaped into the town hall for a bit where they had stalls selling clothes and jewelry. The only I saw was some lovely masks. (But it would be tricky to get the back to the States and I am trying to not buy things - I have to move everything in 6 months; the less the better!)

Town hall

Masks

I fond you really can't spend 3 hours around the markets so found a cafe with WIFI for a coffee for an hour before getting the (packed) train home.

Decorating the tree

On Tuesday night, me and mom put up our Christmas trees (with a bit of technical help from dad). It's a tradition for us to decorate the tree together and I missed it a lot last year.

They brought in Sunday but it needed to dry out a bit. When they went, there wasn't a lot of choice so we ended up with a much bigger tree than usual!

Gigantic tree

 Dad had to cut some off the top and bottom so it would stand up in the living room.

Tree surgery

Bare but upright tree

Then me and mom decorated. She wanted to go a little more color coordinated I think but I refused. I prefer more cheerful to color coordinated. Though we might have to change some of the lights around as there is a bare patch.

Fairy!

Final tree

We also have a small artificial one in the porch which has all our decoration we made as kids (that have survived this long!).

Porch tree

Another fairy

 I am glad we still have a real tree in the house. The smell is amazing and always makes it feel like Christmas.

Door "wreath"

Lights

Mom and I spent the rest of the night drinking wine and putting the world to rights while dad was out.

Preston Christmas trip

On Saturday I went up to Preston for the night to meet up with my friends from the Studio. After getting the train up, I went for a meal at the Continental pub with a large group from dancing. The meal was very nice and it was great catching up with people I haven't spoken to for nearly a year.

Tricia and Katherine, my amazing (and crazy) friends. 

Getting flowers.

I stayed overnight with Katherine and Philip, so after the meal we went back and opened a bottle of prosecco and chatted. Katherine hadn't had that much to drink. She just a bit crazy but I love her for it!

Wrapped up.

Nearly fell down the stairs when I opened the bathroom door to see this!

 On Sunday morning, after a lie in, we went to explore the Preston Christmas markets. They were ... well it's Preston so a bit disappointing. There were a few stalls, an iceskating rink, and food places. And being Preston, it was of course raining.

Skating rink 

Little ones got skating penguins to help them - so cute. 

Wet and a bit empty.

Beer hall.

 Some of the stalls had some nice things. I only brought some cheese (I do miss good sharp English cheese).

Gel based plants 

Super giant sausage roll!

Cookie monster cupcakes!

Philip had to go back tot he house to find my ring, which I had missed placed. Thankfully he found it (such a sweetie for going back and looking!).
Due to the rain we ended up eating in a cafe before Katherine dropped me off at the train station. On the train, I got a table seat but then a drunk guy, clutching his can of gin & tonic, sat opposite and proceeded to snore loudly! Thankfully he only stayed on the train for 2 stops!  Now time for a lamb roast for dinner. I love being home!

Mini Christmas

On Wednesday evening, I went out to dinner with Steve and Eva (as I had no food!), and then back to mine for a mini Christmas. They seemed to really like their gifts. :-)

Steve losing his gift to Eva.

Playing

Dressing up dolls.

Opening presents.

On Thursday I started the trip to the UK for Christmas. The fight to Chicago was fine and I managed to find my favorite sushi place in Chicago airport to eat lunch. :-) The flight to Newark (I had a few plane changes) was fun as I was sitting next to 2 women, a retired teacher from New Jersey and a Chinese lady my age. We spent the time chatting and even exchanged email addresses. However the flight was delayed and I ended up making my closest connection yet. Luckily the gate was next to the one I arrived at so I ran straight across and onto the next plane. :-) And I had the seat next to me free! Score!

I arrived in Birmingham early Friday morning and then after a quick shower went shopping with mom. As I slept maybe 2-3 hours on the planes, I didn't last very long! On the night mom and dad went out. So I got an Indian in (so good!) and was in bed by 9pm!

Christmas wine party

This Saturday night I held my Christmas win party. I spent all day tidying and cleaning the apartment, which was not a lot of fun!
About 15 showed and it was a good night, though I forgot to take many photos - I was to busy talking! Most of my wine group were there, some others from work, and some other friends.

The red wines

I made a bread and butter pudding desert and my penguins were a big hit (some took a few home with them). (If you want to make these, tip: buy pre-pitted large olives!)

Penguins.

The only problem was people did not drink enough wine! We barely made a dent on my collection.
:-(
I have spent today sorting things out and working. And starting my packing. I am sooooo excited about going home for Christmas! And I made mac and Cheese from scratch with the leftovers. Tasty!