Christmas in Paris .. understated elegance but somehow underwhelming after London. Then again, Paris is beautiful without the decorations.
Christmas in paris ..
London Christmas .. a glimpse .. No 4
Tiffany .. Old Bond Street, London
Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No 3
Our Christmas Wreath .. SW3 London
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Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No 2
Christmas Windows … Cartier New Bond Street, London
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Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No1
Christmas in London .. the shop windows !!
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Liberty of London … Christmas windows 2014
I am spending far too much time reminiscing about this time last year in London … the Christmas windows, the shopping, the Christmas lights and catching up with friends !! I couldn’t help but take a peek at Liberty’s windows this year.
Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty excel with their window display and they simply must be seen to be believed. In Paris it is without doubt Hermes who win the prize.
They sparkle like jewels and are surrounded by crowds of admirers and adoring children, all rugged up against the winter chill.
All this is made that much more atmospheric with the shorter days … the evening closing in by around 3.30pm. This is the cue to head to somewhere smart like Claridges or Browns for High Tea or .. simply champagne.
This is without doubt my favourite time of year to be in London … they do Christmas like nowhere else and I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of London this time last year.
Christmas 2014 is the beach for us … and I can’t wait but am reminiscing !!
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Christmas week in london 2012
Regent Street in London is the benchmark for Christmas decorations as far as I am concerned … and the bar is always set extremely high !!! This is Christmas 2012 and it does not disappoint.
I love the way the smaller street around Regent and Oxford Street have their own theme … Sth Molton, Carnaby etc.
Oxford Street … what fun … and I haven’t even started on the ice skating in Hyde Park or at the Courtauld Gallery as yet.
Well that is London and we are here in Sydney. I am so looking forward to my week finalising Christmas shopping, catching up with friends for some Christmas cheer and reporting on just how festive Sydney is looking Christmas week … watch this space !!
Christmas Lights and Bells at St Mary’s Cathedral
The light show at St Mary’s Cathedral over the Christmas period was a delight for all to see…….particularly the weary shopper struggling with armfuls of shopping bags ……back to their vehicles parked in St Mary’s carpark.
It is always such a wonderful surprise……..and I never remember that it is on.
In fact I feel a little closer to St Mary’s since I heard a gorgeous interview onABC radio at the end of last year with one of the bell ringers in regard to the 25 year anniversary of the current peal of 12 bells.
This is the third peal of bells….the first to ring in 1844. I was fascinated to hear that the bells ring in a series of mathematical permutations or orders….decided by the ringing master each Sunday. Each person is assigned to a bell…..the task both physically and mentally challenging.
The bell ringers climb 126 stairs each Sunday and for a practice session mid week.The bells, all on the same level are in fact 2 floors above them which is a bonus given the noise level of the beautiful chiming bells. Shutters are open wide in the tower for all to hear.
One of the loveliest things to do amongst the madness of the Christmas rush is to wander into St Mary’s Cathedral to experience the peacefulness…… and the fragrance….. fresh Christmas trees line the aisle…. mingled with incense….and light a candle.
